By Rama Gaind.
InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria.
Do not dream about having a holiday; go ahead and make a booking. Look at options in Western Australia seeking out Margaret River craft breweries, boutiques and wineries or discovering what Cairns has to offer being the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland. Perhaps, your sights are set on venturing overseas.
It may not be as easy as a toss-up between staying in a classic room in Victoria’s InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, a couple of nights with an indulgent city stay at the comfortable Crown Towers Sydney with a long list of VIP extras or staying at a five-star luxury resort in Thailand.
Nevertheless, start planning your personalised escape now and you could soon be waking up to the sea breeze and relaxed alfresco lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula, just one hour from Melbourne. Slow down at the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria. A harmonious blend of rich history with contemporary design has created a luxurious ocean side retreat. It’s like new life has been infused into a locally loved landmark. Unwind by the pool, then take the time to sample one of the seven dining destinations as the sun sets. You’re also well-placed to explore the region’s famous wineries and find your next favourite spot.
Experience the warmth of Australian hospitality at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, in Queensland. Prominently situated on the marina, laze by the pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens or adventure out to Cairns’ favourite attractions including local markets, waterfalls and World Heritage-listed rainforests and landmarks. This is one of the best bases for your tropical Queensland escape and, of course, make time to visit the Great Barrier Reef.
Anantara Uluwatu in Bali.
Head down to NSW for the perfect city stay-cation, with tourist attractions right on the doorstep at Crown Towers Sydney. Rising majestically above the bustling Barangaroo Precinct, this hotel offers comfort right in the heart of Sydney.
Alternatively, be one of the first to experience a new luxury hotel: The Porter House Hotel Sydney – MGallery – when it opens in July. It is nestled amongst the eclectic mix of heritage and modern buildings in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. You will find this hotel is in close proximity to many of Sydney’s attractions — Hyde Park, Australian Museum, Darling Harbour, Capitol Theatre — with rail links to the airport and Circular Quay.
Australia’s largest state with its longest coastline and sunniest capital city of Perth, Western Australia is a place to recharge your spirit — outdoors in the fresh air and wide-open spaces. It is time to disconnect from the everyday and the well-trodden, and reconnect with something untouched and a little wild in WA.
There’s an adventure waiting for everyone whether it’s a Margaret River Wine Tour for food lovers, a Perth escape, an epic Perth getaway that includes Rottnest Island or a trip that includes a cruise on the Nornalup Inlet and explorer tours of Perth and Fremantle.
Overseas destinations
Shangri-La The Marina in Cairns.
It’s time to start planning your next getaway to Singapore, and stay at one of the tallest hotels in Southeast Asia — Swissôtel The Stamford. Enjoy a few days in an upscale hotel that boasts a prime location amid world-class shopping, dining, entertainment and business opportunities. Be well located in the heart of Singapore with the City Hall Mass Rapid Transit train station and other major transportation modes at the doorstep. Embark on a voyage of epicurean and entertainment pleasures at Swissôtel’s 13 restaurants and bars, which includes the JAAN by Kirk Westaway, awarded two Michelin stars.
Head to Indonesia, and stay in a suite with ocean views at the Anantara Uluwatu Bali. This is where one discovers a slower pace of life on the southern tip, where the luxury resort unfolds on a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The retreat mesmerises with suites and villas cascading down the cliffside towards the famous Impossible Beach below where you can ride the waves. While away from the crowds, explore clifftop temples, hidden beaches and some of the world’s best surf breaks.
When in Thailand, discover Katathani Phuket Beach Resort that’s perfectly positioned across 850 metres of Kata Noi Beach, claimed to be the most beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters in Phuket. Sightseeing beckons, as well as, dining in a range of restaurants that offer Thai cuisine and western options.
Seek out special accommodation packages to be able to venture out on a journey of discovery and exploration.
DETAILS BOX
Book online with airlines and hotels or through a travel agent.
