By John Rozentals.
Accor: investing in the resurgence of the travel and service industries.
Accor has begun reopening some of the hotels that temporarily closed in response to the covid-19 pandemic.
With restrictions now easing across many destinations, Accor is investing in the resurgence of the travel and service industries and economic recovery in the communities where it operates.
ALL — Accor Live Limitless, the lifestyle companion that integrates rewards, services and experiences throughout the Accor portfolio of brands, has introduced a new global campaign: Reignite the Love of Travel.
Visit www.accor.com.
Wildlife aplenty: just don’t touch. Image: Jerry Anderson.
Adventure Canada’s 2021 expedition cruises to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland and Newfoundland showcase the region’s icebergs, dramatic fjords, stunning glaciers, polar bears, seabirds and whales, and on some cruises the single supplement has been waived in selected cabin categories, saving solo travellers thousands of dollars.
A 15 per cent saving is available for bookings made by October 31.
The company’s ‘High Arctic Explorer’, for instance, begins with a night of free accommodation in Ottawa.
Guests then fly to Resolute in the high Arctic for an 11-night cruise to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
Highlights include Lancaster Sound and its abundance of marine wildlife, with migrating whales and the majestic polar bear, as well as hiking on Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth.
The 12-night package is priced from US$14,475 per person twin-share — a saving of US$4230 per couple.
All packages include Canadian domestic flights as per the itinerary, zodiac excursions, all shipboard meals and the onboard expertise of a team of local experts in the region.
Phone 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au.
Como’s Cocoa Island resort: part of the Shambhala By My Side network.
Como Shambhala, one of the leading holistic wellness brands, has launched at-home wellness programs and personal consultations through a digital wellness companion, Como Shambhala By My Side.
Shambhala By My Side brings together the holistic expertise honed at Como’s Shambhala Urban Escape in Singapore and wellness locations around the world.
Originally conceived for Shambhala’s ‘Urban-Escape’ guests in Singapore, Shambhala By My Side offers a comprehensive range of experiences led by a panel of specialists in video tutorials that can be accessed via a smartphone or a laptop from anywhere in the world.
Visit www.csue.comoshambhala.com.
Japan: a mecca for flower lovers.
Tokyo’s annual cherry-blossom season is a showstopper of a natural event, but if you can’t make it for late March next year do not fret, Tokyo has a bloom for all seasons.
The Japanese attach much significance to the changing seasons and honouring the flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Sighting bountiful blooms of hydrangea, for instance, generally means the rainy season has arrived and these blooms certainly brighten up a grey day.
There are plenty of hydrangea festivals in June and July in Tokyo.
The highlight viewing spots include Asukayama Park near Oji Station, where over 1000 plants can be seen, and Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo-ku where a festival is held from early to mid-June.
Visit www.japan.travel/en/au.
Perfect place for a break or a picnic: North Stradboke Island.
Feeling the need to get out and about? Go on a road trip, stretch your legs on a walk or hike, get some fresh air, support local and explore the best of Brisbane within 150 kilometres of the city.
Whether people want to get back to nature, go for a picnic, undertake a bit of shopping, browse markets, seek out glorious local produce and food or simply get active, Greater Brisbane has tourists covered.
Spend a day, for instance, on glorious North Stradbroke Island or beautiful Bribie Island.
Visit www.visitbrisbane.com.au.
Eating up the countryside: heritage rail motor 621/721.
Strong demand for heritage rail journeys has led to the launch of a second, four-day heritage train journey to the NSW Riverina this October.
This bespoke journey will allow food-and-wine lovers to meet the farmers, winemakers, chefs, gardeners and producers that make the Riverina one of Australia’s leading culinary destinations.
The gleaming, privately chartered, heritage rail motor 621/721 will depart Sydney, and enroute to Griffith guests will stop for lunch at the historic and now disused Cootamundra West Railway Station and for afternoon tea at the beautiful, Federation-era Ariah Park Hotel.
During the trip guests can visit the driver’s cab to see how the train operates.
Including private rail travel, three nights’ accommodation in Griffith, meals and daily sightseeing, the four-day ‘Taste Riverina Food and Wine Adventure’ to Griffith is available from $1990 per person twin-share, and $2190 for solo travellers.
Phone 1300 766 537 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au
Hermes Estate Luxury Retreat: guests hire the entire estate.
Arriving at the Hermes Estate Luxury Retreat, visitors instantly feel a sense of calm.
The five-acre property, adjoining the pristine Never Never River in the sleepy town of Gleniffer, next to Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour, is a very private hotel that has everything guests need for ‘reopulence’.
Guests hire the entire estate and all attention is on them, including a welcome from the property’s butler and concierge and the complimentary Dom Perignon.
They will enjoy the wide-open spaces, views of the Dorrigo National Park Mountains, and greenery as far as the eye can see with fresh flowers in abundance. With a French-inspired décor, the distinctly decorated earth-tones and gilded interiors are complete with Russian artist Ladovsky’s pieces adorning the walls.
The exclusive two-bedroom villa has a full-size granite kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and houses a high-end coffee machine and private fridge.
A private spa studio with a memory foam therapy bed is poised and ready for guests to enjoy their choice of a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure.
Visit www.hermesestate.com.
Abode Murrumbateman: relaxed warmth.
Abode Murrumbateman has launched three new guest packages to mark the return of NSW travel.
The property is situated just outside of Canberra and is a good regional getaway for those embarking on their first trip away as restrictions ease.
Making the most of the hotel’s picturesque location, the newly launched packages place highly acclaimed wineries right at guests’ fingertips.
Featuring dine-in experiences at renowned local venues, Four Winds Vineyard and Shaw Vineyard Estate, Abode Murrumbateman has introduced the ‘Weekend Winery Package’, ‘Weekend Winery Family Package’, and ‘Wine and Dine Package’.
The ‘Weekend Winery’ and ‘Weekend Winery Family Packages’ offer a bottle of local wine in-room on arrival, a woodfired pizza and wine lunch at Four Winds Vineyard, complimentary breakfast, free parking and late check-out.
The ‘Wine and Dine Package’ offers similar inclusions, but with a little touch of luxury, including a four-course set menu for two at Olleyville restaurant at Shaw Vineyard Estate.
Visit abodehotels.com.au.
Paperbark Camp: enjoy the cool evenings.
Claimed as Australia’s first ‘glamping’ retreat, Paperbark Camp, at Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast has reopened with a 30 per cent discount for ‘Winter Escape’ weekends that will allow luxury campers to enjoy hot chocolate, marshmallows and warming liqueurs around the campfire as well as hearty gourmet meals in the camp’s restaurant.
Paperbark Camp’s winter special is available until August 29 and offers a 30 per cent saving on two nights’ weekend accommodation in one of Paperbark’s elevated, luxurious glamping tents and dinner and breakfast in the camp’s Gunyah Restaurant, nestled amongst the treetops.
Boasting open campfires, luxury bedding, contemporary furnishings, free-standing bath tubs and hot showers overlooking the bush, which is home to kangaroos, possums and colourful birdlife, Paperbark Camp is ideal for a winter getaway.
Located a five-minute drive from the blue-sapphire waters and chalk-white beaches of Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp is also a hub for adventure and relaxation, with several scenic walking trails and kangaroos nearby and whales and dolphins frolicking in surrounding waters.
Including a saving of 30 per cent, the ‘Winter Escape’ package is available from $995 per couple.
Nestled in bushland at Jervis Bay, and offering a blend of sophistication and simplicity, Paperbark Camp opened in 1999.
Visit www.paperbarkcamp.com.au or phone 02 4441 6066.
Dining on the deck at Montville, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast: Secrets on the Lake.
With restrictions eased in Queensland, Visit Sunshine Coast is inviting travellers to escape the crowds and plan an ultimate Sunshine Coast holiday.
From luxury food and wine escapes in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to winter whale-watching and days on the beach, there’s no better time to explore all the region has to offer.
Many parks, attractions, tours and dining options are operational already, including Sea Life Sunshine Coast and Ride on Mary, with others opening progressively, such as Bellingham Maze and Coolum Surf Club.
Visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com.
NOTE: Potential travellers should check the status of individual events and establishments with regard to the coronavirus outbreak.
