With international travel currently more expensive than domestic short-haul breaks, the opening last month of The Plantation Resort at Rainbow Beach could not have come at a better time.

General Manager, Joy Cartwright said that, recognising the tightening financial situation, the 5 star resort had put together some amazing offers and promotions to bring an affordable break within everyone’s reach and bring back the great Australian summer holiday.

“We’ve done very well over Christmas and have found that the South East Queensland drive market has been the source of the majority of our bookings to Rainbow Beach, an easy three hour drive north of Brisbane also serviced by the local airport,” she continued.

“With belts a little tighter this summer, we have found that holiday-makers are still travelling, but are being more selective and happy to choose self-catered apartments instead of hotel rooms particularly for a family holiday experience to relax and unwind,” said Cartwright.

The Plantation Resort is a stylish, modern and sophisticated resort which features a natural colour palette and marble finishes. A choice of one, two & three bedroom apartments and luxury beachfront suites & penthouses are available.

Resort facilities include a swimming pool and spa, a variety of dining options including the Rainbow Beach Hotel, and soon to be opened Day Spa and boutique retail shopping plaza.

“The Plantation Resort offers a multitude of activities to fill your time including day trips to Fraser Island or other spectacular nature tours, fishing and four wheel drive trips offering a scope of holiday experiences that is hard to beat,” Cartwright continued.

NEW Holiday Deals are now on offer with all holiday-makers entitled to receive a FREE Holiday Voucher book loaded with discount offers from The Plantation Resort and supporting local businesses.
Stay and Play Local Rates start at AUD$240.00p.n. for a 1 bedroom apartment from AUD$270.00 p.n. for a 2 bedroom apartment and rates from AUD$330.00p.n. for a 3 bedroom apartment.

Toll Free 1800 556 423 or 07 5486 8706, or visit www.theplantationatrainbow.com.au

MGallery is a collection of upscale hotels that are remarkable in their personality. Selected to offer each guest an original experience thanks to their distinctive features, they come to life with an upscale service offer and bespoke products. Designed for a broad range of individual guests in activity –center and city center destinations, MGallery will seduce both business travelers looking for tailor-made services and tourists eager to experience authentic venues and moments. The MGallery collection of hotels thus reinforces the consistency of Accor’s portfolio in the upscale non standardized segment. As of Q3 2008, the MGallery network comprises 8 hotels and will grow to over 40 establishments in Europe, Middle-East, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America by end 2010.

Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:
- Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;
- Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and loyalty, and expense management

qualia, pronounced “kwaleea” and meaning a collection of sensory experiences, previously opened 27 Windward pavilions in October of last year, each with a private plunge pool on the expansive deck.

The elegant Beach House with a full length pool, extensive entertaining area and an additional guest pavilion also opened at that time.

The final stage includes an additional 33 Leeward pavilions, bringing the total to 60 Pavilions. The Leewards all have west facing views to capture the beautiful island sunsets.

These new pavilions echo the existing and distinctively Australian style of the resort, designed by local architect Chris Beckingham, including the natural stone and timber work which has been receiving high marks from the resort’s guests.

In addition the helipad has opened for guests wanting to arrive directly to the resort by air or to take advantage of the numerous pursuits developed especially for qualia guests to explore the Great Barrier Reef and, the Whitsundays from up high.

The qualia boutique also recently opened with a beautiful array of accessories and clothing featuring labels Kenzo, Just Cavalli, Marc Cain, Camilla Franks, Bali and qualia ambassador, Collette Dinnigan.

During its first year, qualia has become known for its one of a kind “Sensory Experience Weekends”. This began with a Masterclass from renowned international dessert and chocolate chef, Oriol Balaguer from Spain. The tradition continued recently when the Australian Ballet staged a spectacular outdoor performance of Wa at qualia. Wa was one of the pieces featured in the 2008 BodyTorque series. Paspaley also featured as a partner for the weekend and hosted a brunch with their leading designer who showcased their new Ribbon collection.

qualia’s food and beverage has been a centrepiece of the resort. Guests enjoy the degustation and a la carte dinners and seafood barbecues which take full advantage of Queensland’s finest local produce. Meals are served in qualia’s two restaurants, Pebble Beach, a casual beachside dining environment for lunch and the Long Pavilion, a more elegant space for breakfast and dinner. Both restaurants offer impressive Coral Sea views.

Spa qualia also opened last October and has been a huge success, with guests booking the two signature treatments, each using Anoint aromatherapy oils developed in Australia. These have been complemented by a range of organic European treatments. The spa, which has four single treatment rooms and two couples rooms including Roman baths; a Swiss shower; steam room and a yoga and meditation pavilion is located at the pinnacle of the resort. It offers guests a whole mind, body experience focused on total wellbeing and pampering.

Since opening, qualia has become a popular short break stay for Australians, many of them returning time and again to enjoy the peace and solitude offered by the world-class resort which welcomes guests 18 years and over. Only two to three hours flight time from Australia’s major east coast cities, qualia is an easy to access getaway.

This has also made it a popular stopover destination for international tourists predominantly from North America and Europe who are delighted by the distinctively Australian nature of the resort and eager to visit the iconic Great Barrier Reef and nearby Whitehaven Beach.

qualia has been lauded by the Australian tourism industry for adding much needed product to the luxury accommodation market. Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes commented that “qualia has set a new benchmark in world class luxury products. The opening of the final stage of the resort is great news for Queensland and for Australia and will help us maintain this country’s competitive position in the international marketplace.”

In recognition of the high standards found at qualia, the resort has recently been awarded best New Tourism Development at the 2008 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, Best New Accommodation by Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine and shared a win for the “Best Resort” category at the HM Magazine Awards. It also featured in the “It List” of the 30 best new hotels around the globe in Travel and Leisure magazine, USA. Conde Nast Traveler in the UK selected qualia as the only Australian property to put on their Hot List. qualia also made the hot list for the same publication in the USA.

qualia’s pavilions can be booked for a two-night minimum. The rate for the Leeward Pavilions is AUD$1450 per night and the Windward Pavilions is AUD$1700 per night twin share. The Beach House is AUD$3100 per night. These rates include all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, non-motorised watersports and the use of a private electric two seater golf buggy throughout the stay. Prices are valid until March 2009 and exclude festive seasons.

For further information:

Booking website: www.qualia.com.au

The awards were presented in a gala ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday November 14.

Located in a spectacular setting, 300km west of Cairns in Queensland, Wrotham Park Lodge encompasses the spirit of the Australian outback combined with a unique, luxury resort experience.

Anna Guillan, Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing Voyages Hotels & Resorts, said: “This is fantastic recognition for Wrotham Park Lodge and is testament to the hard work and outstanding service delivered by the team.

“Wrotham Park Lodge is the epitome of Australian outback luxury offering guests an authentic outback experience in style in a breathtaking remote station location.”

“In addition to this great accolade, we’re confident Baz Luhrmann’s latest blockbuster Australia will be further encouragement to entice holidaymakers to sample their own outback adventure and saddle up in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman – and where better to do this than Wrotham?”

At Wrotham Park Lodge, 10 luxury stockmen’s ‘Quarters’ perch along the rim of the Mitchell River allowing guests to relax in comfort following a day’s horse-riding, mustering, quad-biking or fishing – to name just a few of the activities. At the main Lodge, guests can cool off in the pool, enjoy reading about local history in the cool comforts of the library and sip on a Pinot Noir whilst dining on world-renowned ‘1824’ premium grade beef.

A new interactive mustering tour was introduced this season, enabling guests to get a real feel for cattle station life and the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback. Encompassing 600,000 hectares of land with around 70,000 head of cattle, mustering takes place on Wrotham Park Station from mid-May to mid-September every year. Departing in the morning, guests are taken to the centre of the mustering action on the station.

Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle added: “With all the comforts of a spectacular luxury resort set on a working cattle station, Voyages Wrotham Park Lodge has assured guests of a truly unique experience and is a worthy recipient of this award.”

Wrotham Park Lodge will now progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Melbourne on 27 February 2009.

Opening first in Bali followed by Thailand, India and beyond, all Karma Resorts will house a Karma Spa wellness facility. The distinction? Treatments will be more like soulful encounters than your average rubdown. Karma Bodyworker’s, for instance, are being trained by local healers and will receive up to Level 2 Reiki initiation. Karma’s commitment to local and sustainable ingredients will be revealed through a boutique collection of spa products reflecting each of Karma’s destinations around the globe. Most significantly, by the third quarter of 2009, every Karma Spa will be a chemical-free environment inclusive of organic linens & uniforms, amenities and cleaning fluids.

“Karma Spas represents the entire wellness sector of Karma Resorts worldwide,” says John Spence, Chairman of Karma Resorts. “We combine all that one would expect to find at a top 5 star Asian spa, along with many things one would not; such as health and fitness programs led by international sports people, star make-up artists to celebrity healers. Our focus is to deliver holistic and transformative experiences to our guests.”

Opening this December, Karma Spa at Karma Kandara in Bali, is a cluster of cliff hanging Spa Shacks and Healing Huts overlooking the Indian ocean. Its centerpiece, an infrared glass-walled sauna, built on the edge of the cliff will make the ultimate hangover cure. Come sundown, core strength yoga sessions will be offered at the roof top Temple Lounge. Alternatively, guests can splurge on world-class oxygen facials. In keeping with its laid-back ‘Bali meets Mykonos’ atmosphere, guests have the opportunity to indulge in the epic ‘Karma Rubdown’ in beach cabanas. Experiences include sessions by Reiki masters while by night, regenerate in a warmed saltwater sanctuary under a star-filled sky.

Karma Spa has also partnered with well-known London men’s lifestyle salon Gentlemen’s Tonic (www.gentlemenstonic.com) to open South East Asia’s first male dedicated grooming emporium. Originally founded in the heart of Mayfair, London, Gentlemen’s Tonic is a unique establishment affording the modern man a traditional barbershop and a variety of grooming and lifestyle services. With an understated, self-confident philosophy, each visit will be an opportunity for clients to experience the highest level of dedicated care and attention. Gentlemen’s Tonic will be located within the grounds of Karma Resorts, Jimbaran Bay in Bali and is expected to open in early 2009.

Retreats are also integral to Karma Spas. Launching on December 1st is Karma Kandara’s 4-night/5 day ‘Martini & Manicure Retreats’ tailored to those who seek a getaway with a group of girlfriends or someone special that is both healthy and decadent. Sleep in luxurious pool villa accommodations and embark on five lush days of spa therapies, sculpting work-out sessions, rejuvenating breakfasts and detox juices, combined with in-villa martini spa nights and pure pampering. Yoga & Pilates sessions are held at 11am, allowing for sleep-ins and there is plenty of time to relax, shop and experience the beauty of Bali.

Destination Spa of the Year: Holistic Spa, Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand
Urban Spa of the Year: The Oriental Spa, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand
Day Spa of the Year: Tamarind Springs, Koh Samui, Thailand
New Spa of the Year: Spa Village Resort, Tembok Bali, Indonesia
Spa for Men of the Year: The Mandarin Barber, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Spa Retreat of the Year: The Farm, The Philippines
Eco-Spas of the Year: Six Senses Resorts & Spas
Socially Responsible Spa of the Year: The Shinta Mani Spa, Shinta Mani Hotel and Institute of Hospitality, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Medi-Spa of the Year: TRIA Integrative Wellness, Bangkok, Thailand
Asian Spa Capital of the Year: Bali, Indonesia
Spa Association of the Year: Australasian Spa Association
Spa Event of the Year: Cosmoprof Asia 2007, Hong Kong
Spa Personality of the Year: Catherine Feliciano-Chon, CatchOn & Company, Hong Kong
In-Spa Training of the Year: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Spa Academy of the Year: Frederique Academy, Hong Kong
Spa Design of the Year: The Barai, Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin, Thailand
Spa Treatment of the Year: Himalayan Tsangpo Ritual – CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Holistic Treatment of the Year: Inner Flow Therapy, The Dheva Spa, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Men’s Spa Treatment of the Year: ‘Cheers to Beers’ Therapy, Sense of Touch, Hong Kong
Spa’s Therapist Team of the Year: Jari Menari, Bali, Indonesia
Spa Product of the Year: Comfort Zone
Anti-Ageing Product of the Year: Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream, Elemis
Natural Products of the Year: Aromatherapy Associates
Men’s Product of the Year: Optimale Refreshing Eye Contour Care by Payot Homme
Spa Cuisine of the Year: Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand
Spa Marketing of the Year: Pevonia

TERMS + CONDITIONS
• Offer is valid for stays booked by 31 January 2009 and consumed by 31 March 2009.
• The minimum of consecutive 2-night stay is required.
• Package includes daily buffet breakfast and 3 pm late checkout.
• Late checkout is subject to availability.
• Rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and availability at time of reservation and do not include additional per room, per night charges that may be imposed or state/local taxes.
• A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates.
• Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
• Offer not applicable to groups
• Not to be combined with other offers or promotions and subject to change.
• Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors.
• Void where prohibited by law.
• Starwood reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time.
Rate starts from USD 165+++ exclusive of 10% government tax, 5% service charge, and 2% accommodation tax per room per night for Superior room from now until 31 March 2009.

Le Méridien Angkor combines elements of traditional Khmer creativity with chic contemporary décor. The refined and thoroughly modern guestrooms are rich in timbers and hand woven silks, creating a pleasurable environment in which to relax. Just moments from the magnificent Angkor, the hotel occupies an inspiring setting and allows for convenient sunrise or sunset excursions to the ancient monuments. Siem Reap International Airport is only 14 kilometres away.
Voted Cambodia’s Leading hotel and Spa at World Travel Award 2007 and 2008

Be sure to check out littlenomads.com for the best ways to book your luxury accommodation

KA’UPULEHU-KONA, HAWAI’I – Let the love butler plan your escape for some passion in paradise at the Big Island’s only AAA Five Diamond “lava love nest” – the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. A new romance package captures the resort’s most unique romantic amenities and services, while the love butler can help plan additional options to create your own personal memories to last a lifetime.

The new “Lava Love Nest” romance package includes:
* Ocean view accommodations
* Fragrant lei that put you in the mood for more
* A choice of daily breakfast oceanfront for two at Pahu i’a or in the privacy of your guestroom
* A love basket delivered before sunset complete with a bottle of wine; Big Island Goat Cheese; island-made lavosh; seasonal fresh island fruit; candles and a map of romantic spots to sit under the stars
* A 50-minute couples massage at Hualalai Spa
* A sinful dark lava chocolate cake paired with a deep red wine selected by your love butler
* A digital photo frame where you can save your memories

The “love butler” will contact you prior to your arrival to recommend other escapades that you can add to your package – such as the most romantic table at Pahu i’a or Beach Tree Bar & Grill; a romantic dinner on the beach for two with solo hula dancer; hundreds of orchids scattered in your room; the unexpected vow renewal; or even an underwater surprise proposal at King’s Pond. The possibilities are endless – much like your love.

The package rate starts at $825 per night for golf ocean view accommodations. If love has no $$$ boundaries, we suggest Bungalow 33 – a premium ocean view suite sits at the edge of a natural fishpond for added seclusion and romance, starting at $3,800 per night. The package is subject to availability, taxes, and deposit/cancellation policies, which are subject to change without notice. Package rates for other room and suite categories are also available and a five-night minimum stay is required. Reservations can be made by calling (808) 325-8000, toll free at (888) 340-5662 or through your travel professional.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is part of the master-planned 865-acre Hualalai Resort located on one-half mile of sandy beach on the Island of Hawai’i. The 243-room hotel comprises 36 low-rise ocean view bungalows and was named “#1 Resort in Hawai’i for Service” by Travel + Leisure and “#1 Resort in the World” by Zagat. The resort also received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for the tenth consecutive year.

Small Children used to be a problem according John Spence of Karma resorts in Bali and Thailand. He discovered this when he started to take his kids to five star resorts. “It was clear that other guests did not welcome the kids”.  So Spence went about to solve this problem by launching his own range of child friendly resorts in Bali and Thailand called Karma Resorts. They are now forming part of a global trend co-inciding with the international trend of baby vogue.

For more ideas and great ideas for travelling with the family littlenomads.com

The funky new hotel in downtown Christchurch boasts a unique alarm clock system, which gently wakes the slumbering guest with a combination of lights, music and vision. It starts with the over-bed light, which gently increases in brightness, mimicking a natural sunrise, until the alarm clock cues the flatscreen television to beam out vision of New Zealand mountains and soothing music.

To my amusement, I woke about five minutes before my 6.30am alarm with the wonderful sensation of sun streaming through the windows only to find it was still pitch black outside.

The groovy new Hotel So offers rooms from $69 a night, but be warned, they are very small, but very functional. The developers say their research shows travellers don’t want excess space, so they have instead put emphasis on buying in the most comfortable beds, crafting the best shower experience and being environmentally friendly.

Rise and shine in modern way | NEWS.com.au