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Thursday 28 January 2016

2016 ‘Rode to Everest’ adventure at 2015 prices




May and September, 2016 – Save US$500 and no solo rider supplements

Book by March 31, 2016

Australians can ride the world’s oldest motorcycle brand among its tallest peaks this year, with motorbike tour operator, Nomadic Knights, offering two 2016 trips to Mt Everest at 2015 prices if booked by March 31, 2016.

The two-week ‘Rode to Everest’ adventures through the mystical land of Tibet to Everest Base Camp leave Kathmandu in May and September, 2016, promising one of the most spectacular road trips on Earth.

Leaving the Nepalese capital on May 14 and September 10 this year, the guided, 14-day tour climbs north to the endless, high-altitude deserts, snow-capped peaks, deep gorges and high, prayer flag-draped passes of Tibet.

The 1965km-long, round-trip route will see adrenalin-seekers ride classic 500cc Royal Enfield Bullets across hundreds of switchbacks and past glaciers and turquoise lakes, with the sky-piercing, Himalayan mountains accompanying them the whole way. Established in 1893 and made in India, the legendary Royal Enfield brand of motorcycles is the oldest motorbike design in history.

In Tibet, riders will visit the fabled city of Lhasa and the imposing edifice of Pothala Palace – the spiritual home of the exiled Dalai Lama. Guests will stay in the high altitude Rongbuk Monastery and visit the nearby, 5200m-high Everest Base Camp in Tibet which provides the closest vehicle access to the world’s highest mountain.



According to Nomadic Knights founder and managing Director, Alex Pirie, the Road to Everest tour offers a life-changing experience.

“This is one of the most amazing and enlightening road trips any motorcyclist can take, with Tibet overloading the senses every hour of the day,” said Alex who personally guides each of Nomadic Knight’s 10 motorbike tours in India, Nepal, Tibet and India each year. “Tibetan Buddhists are the most compassionate and gentle people I know despite their life of struggles so, coupled with the incredible adventure, this tour offers many highs - spiritually, culturally and literally!”

Staying in guesthouses, lodges and Buddhist monasteries, the two ‘Rode to Everest’ tours this year are available at 2015 prices – US$4980 for riders – and US$4480 for pillion riders, if booked by March 31, 2016. These special fares represent savings of US$500 for riders and pillions.

Fares include accommodation, bike hire, fuel, breakfasts, dinners and also medical, mechanical and logistical support throughout the trip. Riders travelling solo can share accommodation with other single riders without any solo traveller supplement. The tour is suitable for competent motorcyclists. Tours and fares are subject to availability and conditions apply. Flights to Nepal are extra.

Born and raised in Scotland, Alex Pirie moved to India in 2008 where he met his Indian wife and founded Nomadic Knights, combining his passion for bikes, mechanics, adventure and India. Since then, Alex has ridden more than 200,000km onboard a Royal Enfield Bullet. Nomadic Knights attracts adventurers from around the world, with Australia and the UK the key markets.

Details and bookings are at www.nomadicknights.com .

Monday 25 January 2016

Six Senses Con Dao Invites Experts in Holistic Healing 2016



Six Senses Con Dao Invites Experts in Holistic Healing 2016

Visiting Practitioner Calendar Supports On-Site Wellness Program

Six Senses Con Dao has rolled out its wellness calendar for 2016, accented by invited holistic experts. The program supports the extensive offering of signature spa treatments and the three yogic programs: discover Yoga; Yogic detox; Yogic sleep.

This isn't the first year invited practitioners have enhanced the wellness collection at the resort. An annual occurrence, those selected for this year's program all have one commonality: results-driven treatments. "We've chosen to work with practitioners who best understand our guests' travel and health opportunities, whether they be emotional or physical," says Spa Manager Fadi Haddad. "Some of the practitioners, like Marty (Martin Fildes) are returning due to exceptional guest testimonial. Others, such as Nimisha Rattan, are new to Six Senses Con Dao, but are tried and tested in the Six Senses Spas portfolio. What each of them bring to our guests – and hosts alike – is a deep connection to wellness and holistic healing that is pervasive across every touch point of interaction."

Konrad Langewand is a physiotherapist from Germany. After his examination as physiotherapist he started to work as well as massage therapist and sports physiotherapist. During his 10 years in the spa and health industry he continued his education, learning and building up his knowledge about different massage treatments in courses all over the world. Konrad's specialties are deep tissue massages and therapeutic back treatments. Konrad is also the perfect guy for your fitness needs. He is TRX® certified; trained in back pain prevention programs and teaches the Wat Pho style of Ruesi Dutton (Thai Yoga). When not at work you find him training Cross fit and Olympic lifting in the very early morning. His fitness training and massage therapies are available February 1 to 21, 2016.

Sandra Laznik graduated at University of Sport Science in Slovenia. Besides becoming a professor of sport education, she possesses a license for a swimming, fitness and aerobic instruction. She upgraded her knowledge with TRX® suspension trainer and Gliding® course, completed a training in sports and classical massage and is a passionate certified (200 RYS) Yoga teacher. For more than seven years she has been working in top fitness and wellness studios as a personal and group course trainer, cooperating with the most well-known health experts from Slovenia. She is a founder of a spa program named Sauna Yoga that has been launched in the biggest water park in Slovenia. For a Slovenian surf school she created the project Surf & Yoga , enriched it with professional articles and videos, moved to Portugal and taught surf Yoga on the beach. She offers fitness training, Yoga, active meditation and sports massage throughout the month of March, 2016. Her holistic expertise is perfectly poised to add to the resort's annual plans of celebration on International Women's Day (March 8), Earth Hour (March 19) and World Water Day (March 22, 2016).

Nimisha Rattan- Nimisha is a Holistic Healer and works with a passion to heal guests with her energies. She qualifies in Yoga, Ayurveda and Energy Healings and provides life transforming techniques during her sessions. Her prime concern is "self-healing through self-awareness". She has guided people to experience physical healing, emotional freedom, mental expansion and a higher state of consciousness through her presence and holistic touch. She designs programs that help to restore balance and accelerate healing within the body and mind to its optimum level. Guests can experience her endorsed Ayurvedic massages, chakra balancing or Reiki while in residence from April 1 to May 15, 2016 and again from December 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017. Expect to see highlighted sessions from Nimisha on Earth Day (April 22) and during the resort's peak festive season (December 22, 2016 to January 3, 2017).

Martin (Marty) Fildes' specialty is Reiki (energy healing) together with chakra balancing which he uses for stress management, weight loss, issues with addiction and to help guests achieve general well-being. Marty is a Reiki Master with over 20 years' experience in practicing and over 10 years qualified as Master. He also specialises in guided meditation and Reflexology, during which he blends in Reiki to create a unique experience. He studied extensively in Japan, UK and India and says he is happiest when he heals people. His chakra balancing and reiki is available for the month of August, 2016.

Isabella dos Santos is a technically skilled wellness professional with over 25 years of experience, ranging from the traditional techniques of deep tissue and Swedish massage, through aqua wellness therapy, Yoga and NIA to the cutting-edge techniques of the energy work of Eric Pearl (The Reconnection), Access Consciousness by Gary M. Douglas and cupping, with a proven track record of transforming an ordinary wellness experience into an extraordinary one. Her massages and Deep Sleep treatment are available for the month of November, 2016 and make for a perfect add-on to the resort's Yogic sleep program.

The following summarises the practitioner schedule for Six Senses Spa Con Dao:

Konrad Langewand | February 1 to 21, 2016
Sandra Laznik | March 1 to 31, 2016
Nimisha Rattan | April 1 to May 15, 2016 and December 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017
Martin (Marty) Fildes | August 1 to 31, 2016
Isabella dos Santos | November 1 to 30, 2016

All visiting practitioners offer a private consultation at the spa and a weekly wellness activity, each with the resort's compliments. Six Senses Spa Con Dao is set with the dramatic backdrop of the Lo Voi Mountains and is surrounded by tropical gardens. It offers four indoor treatment rooms, three outdoor treatment salas, a Yoga and Meditation Pavilion, and Hammam treatment. Wellness treatments are led by the resort's resident wellness expert.


Tuesday 19 January 2016

Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji releases 20 per cent discount offer on five night stays




Fiji's unique all villa, luxury boutique offering, Nanuku Auberge Resort is offering a 20 per cent discount plus free return land transfers on all bookings of five nights or more made before 31 March 2016.

Valid for travel up until 31 March 2017*, the special offer comes complete with

all gourmet meals and a host of extras ranging from personal villa mama and Nanuku buddy, private nanny services, Wi-Fi and in-villa movies, all non-motorised water sports, a personal golf buggy, on resort and cultural activities and daily evening canapés.

Each of Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji's residences have been designed with huge air-conditioned living and entertaining areas, luxurious en suites complete with spa baths, private yoga bures, plunge pools, media rooms, expansive decks and outdoor living rooms, private landscaped gardens and daybeds.

The resort also offers guests a dedicated spa, yoga classes and resident fitness instructor and for families one of the best organised children's programs in Fiji with free access to the resort's 'Lai Lai' adventure club and bure and a wide range of age appropriate, environmentally oriented activities for older children.

*Conditions apply. The 20 per cent discount is valid for all bookings made up to 31 March 2016.

Black-out period is from 01-29 April 2016,  20 June – 15 July 2016, 10 September – 09 October 2016, 20 December 2016  – 21 January 2017.

For terms, conditions and more information call toll free on 1800 791501, email nan.reservations@aubergeresorts.com or visit http://nanuku.aubergeresorts.com.

W:        http://nanuku.aubergeresorts.com

F:         www.facebook.com/Nanuku-Auberge-Resort

Tuesday 12 January 2016

Free European City Stays Among Avalon's New Year Specials




Avalon Waterways has kicked off 2016 with a celebratory range of New Year specials, including free Monograms city stays in Europe and savings of up to $1690 per couple on some of its most popular river cruise itineraries.

Available for bookings until April 8, 2016, the specials give travellers a choice between cash savings or the opportunity to extend their holiday in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, London or Rome:

·        Free Monograms City Stay – Receive a free four-day Monograms city stay package with dozens of select 2016 departures. Choose from a range of different European cities and six cruise itineraries, priced from $3303* per person twin share for an eight-day cruise on the Seine, Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches.

·        Save $1690 per couple – Book select 2016 European river cruise departures and save $1690 per couple.  Choose from dozens of departures and more than 20 different itineraries on rivers including the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Seine.  Prices start from $2684* per person twin share for the eight-day Essential Holland & Belgium.

Monograms city stay packages offer all the freedom of independent travel but with a dedicated host to help with additional arrangements and advice. They include pre-arranged accommodation and sight-seeing, but still allow travellers the freedom to explore on their own.

Four-day Monograms packages include three nights' superior hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts, the services of a local host at the hotel and VIP sightseeing with local guides.  More than a dozen different destinations across Europe are available to choose from.

Avalon Waterways operates the most modern fleet of river cruise ships in Europe, with an average age of just over three years.  Its revolutionary Suite Ship design offers 30 per cent more cabin space than the industry average, with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that can be opened to turn its suites into open-air balconies.

For full details and bookings see licensed travel agents, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au or phone 1300 230 234.


*Prices include discount, subject to availability and conditions. Available for bookings until April 8, 2016, or until sold out. Offers cannot be combined except with 5% Journeys Club discount.






Friday 8 January 2016

Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of India



Cruiseco, the leading provider of worldwide cruising options in Australia and New Zealand, invites guests to experience the mesmerising sights, enchanting sounds and tantalising flavours of India with its new exclusive Authentic Asia India itinerary. Departing in February and March 2016, Authentic Asia India now includes ports of call in Barangar, Katwa, Mayapur, Shantipur and Chadernagore.

Guests can choose to enjoy either a 10 night Authentic Asia India ‘cruise only’ package, sailing aboard the intimately luxurious RV Ganges Voyager, or join a 26 night holiday, beginning with a 16 night land tour with stays in some of India’s most exquisite 5-star hotels, followed by a 10 night cruise.

Amber Wilson, International Marketing Manager at Cruiseco says:

“Authentic Asia India takes guests on a magical journey through the beautiful countryside, traditional towns, and into the rich culture and homeland of the Bengalis, offering guests an opportunity of a lifetime to experience the delightfully intriguing wonders of this spectacular destination.”

Itinerary options and departure dates include:

· ‘Fly, Cruise and Tour’ package prices start from AU$17,074 per person, based on twin occupancy in a Signature Stateroom. This option departs Mumbai on 28 February 2016 and includes 16 nights in luxury 5-star accommodation, followed by a 10 night voyage roundtrip river cruise from Kolkata. Guests that select this option can now enjoy a bonus complimentary dinner at Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, located in Jodhpur, Rajashan, valued at AU$400 per person.

· ‘Fly and Cruise’ package prices start from AU$4,340 per person, based on twin occupancy in a Signature Stateroom. This option departs Kolkata on 15 March 2016 for a 10 night roundtrip luxury river cruise and includes return economy class airfares from Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth) to Kolkata.

· ‘Cruise only’ package prices start from AU$2,990 per person, based on twin occupancy in a Signature Stateroom which includes a 10 night roundtrip luxury river cruise departing Kolkata on 15 March 2016.

“From February to March is amongst the best time of year to visit India, with warm days turning into cool nights, allowing guests to simply enjoy this beautiful region. With the departure dates fast approaching and only 56 guests accommodated on Cruiseco’s Authentic Asia India, I urge guests to book now to secure their place on these exclusive holiday package,” adds Wilson.

Prices for Cruiseco’s Authentic Asia India 10 night luxury cruise include: spectacular sightseeing stops in every port; all meals whilst aboard RV Ganges Voyager; local beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, mineral water whilst onboard; house red and white wine with lunch and dinner; and onboard gratuities to dining room and cabin staff, as well as ashore to guides and drivers.

For additional itinerary options or to book whilst cabins are still available, visit www.cruising.com.au or call (02) 9492 8520.

Thursday 7 January 2016

January luxury ski apartment specials at Niseko Japan


rippingNiseko.jpg

SkiJapan.com has some limited availability at Alpen Ridge ski in ski out apartments in the heart of Niseko, a collection of the most popular interconnected ski areas on Japan's north island of Hokkaido.

There's 10% off peak season tariffs at the well located apartment complex. And even better news for snow enthusiasts is the Snow to Date (that's fallen since the ski lifts began spinning in early December) is over five metres at the higher elevations. Australian skiers and boarders are relishing Niseko's current quintessential powder snow and Rod White, SkiJapan.com's Niseko-based Snow Reporter said: "A healthy drop of Hokkaido Crystal in the last 24 hour period delivered another 16-20cms of top quality snow."

Last minute ALPEN RIDGE PEAK SEASON offer – 10% off plus free welcome gift!

Package price from $2,500 per person (six-share) includes seven nights accommodation in a three bedroom, two bathroom luxury apartment in Alpen Ridge located alongside one of the resort's key ski lifts. Also included is a six days all mountain ski lift pass ( including night skiing), return airport coach transfers from Chitose International Airport, meet & greet by SkiJapan.com's team at the airport on arrival and a Free welcome gift from Ridge Cafe.

For more details contact SkiJapan.com Tel 1300 137 411 or check out its websitewww.SkiJapan.com

Travel Ideas UK - out now





OUT NOW - the new bumper 2016 editions of Flight Centre Travel Ideas Family and Travel Ideas UK magazines.

In Flight Centres nationally across UK.

Book Your Travel with Wego