Therese Bruning, Thai's Blogger of the Month

 

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Australia Welcomes Back Thomas & Friends for Summer Fun

Holidaying from the Island of Sodor, the famous blue tank engine rolls into town for Australia's biggest Thomas and Friends event, Day out with Thomas 2012 at The Workshops Rail Museum from 26 December to 29 January 2012.

While on their summer holiday Down Under, Thomas and his friends Edward, Donald, Douglas, Lady, plus Annie & Clarabel can be found throughout the Museum.

Just as famous as Thomas and known for his firm but friendly manner, The Fat Controller is looking forward to meeting fans and telling stories of the cheeky but Really Useful Engine.

Director of The Workshops Rail Museum Andrew Moritz said the Museum is happy to host the summer event that brings smiles to many excitable youngsters.

"We're delighted to welcome back familiar faces and the next generation of Thomas fans to enjoy the summer holidays with the lovable engine," said Mr Moritz.

"Parents and their Thomas enthusiasts can enjoy various Thomas activities and the new movie, Day of the Diesels, in air conditioned comfort."

Young engineers can let off some steam with hands-on activities in the Thomas Play Pit such as designing a Thomas track and getting creative at the Thomas Creation Station.

To add to the summer fun, the event also features a miniature train ride and bouncy castle, tickets cost $3 per person and are purchased after entry to the Museum.

Much bigger than the Tidmouth sheds on the Island of Sodor, tour the real railway Workshops and see firsthand the restoration and maintenance of powerful steam locomotives. Enclosed footwear is required for the tours and they leave at regular intervals throughout the day.


The Workshops Rail Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and is winner of Australian and Queensland Tourism Awards for Heritage and Cultural Tourism.

For further information and ticket prices, phone (07) 3432 5100 or visit www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au.

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Festive fun for all the family and special sleepover rates this Christmas day at The Langham, Melbourne

This Christmas Day, The Langham, Melbourne is a wonderful place to eat, sleep and be merry. Sure to delight adults and little ones alike, The Langham's magical Christmas Day lunch in the Clarendon Ballroom includes a separate 'Kids Only' room full of festive treats and games that will keep the children occupied for hours. For the ultimate in Christmas indulgence, guests that enjoy Christmas in the Ballroom can extend the festivities with a celebratory rate on a stylish Christmas night sleepover.

Adults can enjoy a Christmas luncheon of delicious cuisines, live band, dance floor, and beverage package whilst children will delight in the dedicated kids' room with a mini buffet, featuring an array of hot dogs, chicken nuggets, fairy bread and a slushy machine. The private kids' room also includes pinball games, Sony Playstations, roving entertainers, magicians and even a visit from Santa!

The Langham, Melbourne's Christmas Lunch in the Clarendon Ballroom is priced at $250 for adults and $130 for children with shared tables of 12.

To ensure your Christmas day last longer, special Festive sleepover rates are available for all of The Langham's luxurious room categories for 24th and 25th December for guests enjoying Christmas Lunch in the Ballroom.

Classic Room from $210
Grand Classic Room from $240
River View Room from $255
Upgrade to include breakfast in Melba from $30pp

Situated in the exclusive riverside Southbank precinct and offering stunning views of the Melbourne city skyline, the Yarra River and Federation Square, The Langham, Melbourne offers a luxurious and timeless inner-city experience.

The 25-floor hotel has 387 luxuriously appointed rooms including 45 executive club rooms and 11 suites, attended to by the hotel's signature Service Stylists, who are there to fulfill guests' every need. The hotel's indulgent suites also offer the services of personal butlers, famed for their legendary 'service with poise' and enchanting hospitality.

The Langham, Melbourne was voted the top hotel in Melbourne in the region of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in Travel & Leisure USA World's 500 Best Hotels List for both 2011 and 2010 and is placed amongst the Top 20 Hotels in the Oceania region in the Condé Nast Traveler US Readers Choice Awards 2010.

The hotel's chic Aria Bar & Lounge and interactive Melba restaurant offer guests exciting and sophisticated dining options, including a buffet with live cooking stations, and elegant and indulgent Afternoon Tea. Extensive conference and meeting facilities are offered by the hotel and the five-star property is home to the highly acclaimed, luxury Chuan Spa.  Chuan Spa was voted Favourite Hotel Spa: Australasia & the South Pacific at the Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers' Spa Awards 2011 and offers treatments founded on Traditional Chinese Medicine and adjoins the sun terrace, pool and hotel's Health Club.  

Find out more about enchanting experiences at The Langham, Melbourne and make a reservation by visiting langhamhotels.com. 



GET MORE WITH CRUISECO’S AZAMARA FLY, CRUISE & STAY DEALS

CRUISECO has 10-nights aboard the luxury mid-size Azamara Quest from Barcelona to Corsica, Italy, France and back to Barcelona on October 6 2012.

Priced from just $4,060pp twin-share, the package includes Earlybird return airfare and taxes from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide (deduct $50pp ex Perth), a deluxe pre-cruise hotel stay and another post-cruise hotel stay with breakfasts.

It also has 11-nights on sister-ship Azamara Journey from Paris (Rouen) to England, Ireland, France, Belgium and finally Amsterdam on May 6 2012 from a low $4485pp twin-share, again with Earlybird return airfare and taxes from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, two-nights deluxe pre-cruise stay in Paris with breakfasts and one-night deluxe post-cruise stay in Amsterdam with breakfast.

Both these vessels carry under-700 passenger vessels and include boutique wines with onboard lunches and dinners, onboard gratuities, port charges, fees and taxes.

Cruiseco also has fourteen other fly, cruise and stay packages with Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey in 2012 in the Mediterranean, UK and Northern Europe, North Africa and from Suez to Mumbai.

For fully detailed itineraries and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist travel agent, go to www.cruising.com.au. 


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Both vessels are able to access more-intimate destinations than larger ships, have onboard "Destination Experts" who give talks and advice on ports of call, and guests are encouraged to embrace local cultures, music, dance, art, history, and activities such as biking, golf, walking or hiking.

Thailand PLUS Promotion. Save.

THAILAND PLUS Sale...Book by 29 Feb'12, Travel 01 Jan-20 Jun'12... Book a special fare to Thailand, Indochina or Myanmar with Bangkok from $852*, Phuket $862*, Hanoi 928*, Vientiane $922* and more...     More>> or take two holidays in one with a THAILAND PLUS fare to Europe, Jo'burg or LA and include a side-trip return in Thailand.  Fares to Madrid from $2,019*, Jo'burg from $2,068* and more...         More>> PLUS both fare promotions allow Child Discounts up to 15 years...

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Have you visited Thai Travellers Tales?

Have you visited Travellers' Tales? It's a forum for travellers to share experiences from across the THAI network. We'd love to hear your tale or get your feedback on the blogs posted.   Meet some of our bloggers below... Read the Blog >>
Diane Kim finds greener grass near Stockholm... More >> Suzi Bowles stops for a Bangkok shop.. More >> Thea Easterby finds war remnants in Vietnam... More >> Kerrin Trenorden faces her fear in Bangkok... More >>

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USA CAR RENTAL EARLYBIRD SALE – FROM JUST $37* A DAY

DRIVEAWAY Holidays has big savings on Earlybird Deals for those planning a self-drive holiday in the USA in 2012, with prices from just $37* a day if booked and paid by December 31 this year.

These exclusive prices for 2012 include from $37 per day in Florida, $38 per day in California, Arizona and Nevada, $60 per day in New York and just $40 per day throughout the rest of the USA – and based on 7-days rental of an economy-size vehicle during the low seasons of 01 January to 27 June and 17 August to 13 December 2012*.

As well, Driveaway Holidays has a bonus of no extra cost for an additional driver with rentals in California, while they also have no one-way fees for vehicles driven between California, Arizona and Nevada, or within Florida.

Vehicles must be booked and paid for by December 31 2011 to enjoy these rates.

*Prices are correct as of 8 Dec 2011 and are subject to currency fluctuations and change without notice. Daily rates are higher for shorter durations than 7-day bookings and a seasonal surcharge applies for collections outside of low season. All Earlybird Deals are subject to availability with selected suppliers on selected models. Further conditions apply.

For more details contact DriveAway Holidays on 1300 723 972 or visit www.driveaway.com.au

Latest news and deals from Peppers

NEWS:

NEW ZEALAND

PEPPERS LAUNCHES MARTINBOROUGH ESTATE: Peppers has expanded its New Zealand network with the launch of an exclusive country estate in the heart of Martinborough wine region. Located just minutes from charming Martinborough Village and one hour's drive from Wellington, Peppers Parehua Country Estate features a range of luxurious accommodation options with 30 exclusive suites and villas or garden and lakeside cottages. To celebrate the launch of Peppers Parehua Country Estate, opening rates staying in an exclusive Winemakers Cottage start from NZ$300* per night including continental breakfast for two people. Valid until 31 March, 2012.  Visit www.peppers.co.nz for bookings and further information.

DYNAMIC DUO: Peppers on the Point, Rotorua welcomes new Sous Chef Ben Westwood to the kitchen alongside Head Chef Mirai Sato. Chef Westwood's extensive experience in classic French cuisine combined with Chef Sato's specialty for Japanese cooking and passion for the earthy flavours of game is taking the menu in exciting new directions. Guests at the luxurious lodge can enjoy first-class cuisine accompanied by the finest of New Zealand and international wines, set within a spectacular setting for breakfast or dinner for guests, as well as lunch by prior appointment. Peppers on the Point also accepts reservations for casual diners. To book phone +64 7 348 4868.

TWEED COAST, NEW SOUTH WALES

FRESH FACE: The renowned Season restaurant at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa at Kingscliff has welcomed a new restaurant manager. Michelle Fuller joins Season as the acclaimed establishment celebrates its first birthday, and is looking forward to sharing her passion and food and beverage experience with the team. Beginning her hospitality career 17 years ago after studying Cooks Training at Camosun College in Canada, Michelle's managerial abilities have taken her to many locations including Vancouver Canada, Sydney and the Gold Coast. With a Diploma of Human Resources Management under her belt, Michelle has also found herself managing within many five star hotels, including the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, Palazzo Versace Hotel and Sheraton Resort & Spa.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, NEW SOUTH WALES

INTERNATIONAL CHEF: Peppers Manor House has a new addition to the Katers Restaurant kitchen – Executive Chef Twan Wijers. Born in Holland, Chef Wijers progressed in his career to work around the great restaurants of The Netherlands, before travelling and working throughout Australia, the South Pacific, South East Asia and New Zealand, where he worked at the world renowned Huka Lodge for five years as Executive Chef. He then moved to Australia to take on the challenge for four years as Executive Chef at Hamilton Island's five-star Beach Club resort. Having cooked for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and royalty, Chef Wijers will now bring his talents to the tables at Katers.

HOT DEALS:

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND & NORTHERN NSW

A COUPLE'S CHRISTMAS: Looking for a laid back Christmas? Peppers luxury resorts in Port Douglas and Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast will literally have you lying back and enjoying Christmas Day from your exclusive pool side daybed with a three course festive lunch and sparkling wine served by your own dedicated waiter throughout the day. The 'Christmas in a daybed' package offered by Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas and Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff also includes overnight accommodation on either Christmas Eve or Christmas night with breakfast for two for just $500 per couple. Couples will revel in the indulgence of dipping in and out of the stunning lagoon pools between courses and feasting on a showcase of tropical fruits, seafood tapas lunch, chocolate covered macadamias and other festive goodies. And when that inevitable Christmas afternoon nap beckons, a superb Spa Suite at Peppers Beach Club or One Bedroom Suite at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa awaits.  For bookings call Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas on 07 4087 1000 or Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff on 02 6674 7777.  

SPENDLESS SUMMER: Escape to Peppers Beach Club & Spa at Palm Cove before the end of April and enjoy three nights for the price of two from just $290* per night in a Lagoon Spa Room, from $390* per night in a One Bedroom Lagoon Suite and from $490* per night in a Two Bedroom Lagoon Suite. Reconnect as a family, indulge in a spa treatment at the on-site Salt Beauty & Spa, enjoy a gourmet beach picnic or dine at the resort's Lime & Pepper restaurant where kids 12 years and under eat for free (complimentary kids meal for each adult meal purchased). Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

FESTIVE FEAST: This Christmas, celebrate with a gourmet dining experience at Peppers Beach Club & Spa at Palm Cove. Let Lime & Pepper restaurant spoil you on Christmas Day with a sumptuous three-course lunch menu for $125 per adult or indulge in a little bit of everything at the resort's Christmas seafood buffet lunch in their Coral & Rainforest Rooms for $145 per adult and $75 for children aged 4-12 years (children under 4 dine free). For a New Years Eve celebration to remember, the luxury resort is also offering a divine five-course degustation dinner menu at Lime & Pepper for $125 per adult and $30 for kids. Bookings are essential. Call 07 4059 9200 or email palmcove@peppers.com.au

WHITSUNDAYS, QUEENSLAND

SUMPTUOUS SIGHTS: Dine together daily on a tasty breakfast adjacent to a stunning wet-edge pool with views overlooking the magnificent Whitsundays this summer when you wake up to the comfort and style of Peppers Coral Coast Resort, perched on the hillside at Airlie Beach. Escape for four nights for the price of three from $248* per night in a 1 Bedroom Apartment. Valid for travel until March 31, 2012. Block-out dates apply. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

HOLIDAY HAVEN: Experience the allure of one of Australia's most beautiful holiday destinations, just a short ferry ride from Townsville. Stay a minimum of two nights at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort and save 20%. Priced from $143* per night in a Hotel Room including a delicious daily breakfast for two daily. Valid to March 31, 2012. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

FOOD & WINE ESCAPE: Broadbeach will host the Food and Wine Expo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre from January 20-22 with over 100 exhibitors eager to please the palette. From gourmet food to exquisite wines, it's all just a short stroll away from Peppers Broadbeach where you can relax and unwind in stylish surrounds with top class facilities. Priced from $318* per night in One Bedroom Suite (minimum 2 night stay) including in-room movies, internet, on-site parking and daily servicing. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

TWEED COAST, NEW SOUTH WALES

SEASON AT SALT: Peppers Salt Resort & Spa's acclaimed Season restaurant at Salt Village in Kingscliff is celebrating four seasons of success throughout December. Until December 24, excluding Saturdays, guests can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with a two course dinner for $39* per person or three courses for $49* per person, or share six tapas plates for $30* per couple. Plus $10* cocktails for the entire month of December. Just one year old, Season appeared on the top-rating MasterChef television series in May this year, featuring a Reward Lunch and masterclass hosted by Executive Chef Reuben Radonich. Stay overnight in a Resort Room at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa's from $225* per night including buffet breakfast at Season for two, unlimited in-room movies and internet access. Call 02 6674 7766 or email season@peppers.com.au.

PORT STEPHENS, NEW SOUTH WALES

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Peppers Anchorage has it all for the family to enjoy, from the magnificent ocean views to the spectacular natural wonders. Stay from $215* per night in an Anchorage Room with breakfast daily, and to help the family budget, these summer holidays the kids stay and eat for free from January 8 to 28. Minimum night stays apply on weekends. Valid for sale until 28/01/12. Maximum two children per room, applies to children 12 years and under. One child dines for free off the children's menu with each full paying adult in Merretts Restaurant or the all day dining menu – excludes room service.  Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au. 

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, NEW SOUTH WALES

SAVOUR SUMMER FLAVOURS: Let your tastebuds celebrate the holidays too at Peppers Craigieburn where Montforts Dining Room Executive Chef Warrick Brook has introduced a new menu allowing guests to savour the tastes of summer delights, all the while overlooking the picturesque garden estate and golf course at this charming retreat. Book the Dash Away Dinner package from $299* per room per night and enjoy a two course dinner (excluding drinks) in Montfort's Dining Room, overnight accommodation in an Elms Wing or Terrace Wing Room and full country style buffet breakfast for two. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au. 

LAKE TEKAPO, NEW ZEALAND

ONE FREE NIGHT: Enjoy summer in New Zealand at Peppers Bluewater Resort, Lake Tekapo, where you can stay three nights but only pay for two, from $386* per night in a Two Bedroom Mountain View Villa. Set amongst the scenic mountains and glacial lake of the stunning Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort offers the perfect location to relax and unwind, or enjoy an action packed escape with hot springs, swimming, fishing, scenic walks up Mount John and alpine flights are all available. After your days of exploring are finished, you can relax and unwind overlooking stunning scenery while you enjoy dinner at the resorts on-site Rakinui restaurant. Valid until 31/03/2012. Call 03 6382 9900 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

ABOUT PEPPERS RETREATS, RESORTS & HOTELS

Peppers is Mantra Group's luxury level brand of accommodation. There are 26 Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels in Australia and New Zealand in regional areas, resort destinations and metropolitan locations with the first Peppers in Fiji due to open in 2012.  All offer a level of boutique style and quality to meet the expectations of the most discerning traveller. www.peppers.com.au

*Subject to availability. Block-out dates and minimum stays may apply.

Front Row Seats for Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with Captain Cook Cruises

Pre-start manoeuvres, 2010 Rolex Sydney Hobart / ROLEX

Bring your own delicious picnic lunch and be part of all the action of the 2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Monday 26th December on one of Captain Cook Cruises Race Picnic Cruises.

The Race Picnic Cruises will be held on Captain Cook Cruises premier fleet including the John Cadman and Captain Cook and Matilda vessels. Passengers will be able to follow the start of the race and watch as the Rolex fleet set sail out to Sydney heads while enjoying their own picnic lunch.

Passengers will receive one complimentary beer, wine or soft drink, live commentary and free tea and coffee. All additional beverages will be available for purchase onboard (no byo).

Race Picnic cruises are $79 for adults and $59 for children (5 -14 years) and depart from No 6 Jetty Circular Quay at 10.30am and return at 2.00pm.

For reservations and enquiries please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free on 1800 804 843, Int +61-2-9206 1111 or email: sydney@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Hot And Steamy North Queensland Valentine's Escape Packages from A$249 per couple, per night

The Pullman Reef Casino Hotel in Cairns is turning the heat up on romance a tropical escape tailor made for lovers this summer, or for those thinking ahead to Valentine's Day in February 2012.

Priced from A$249 per couple per night, Pullman's Romantic Escape includes overnight accommodation in a beautifully appointed Superior Room, complete with an indulgent spa bath to relax in.

For those who want to upgrade their experience, the hotel also has one exclusive 'Pullman Suite' available, priced from A$499 per couple per night.  The Pullman Suite is one of a kind with a beautiful elegant freestanding bath, perfect for long soaks and romance, king sized sleigh bed and separate sitting area complete with complimentary Nespresso coffee machine.

Every guests staying on Pullman's Romantic Escape package will receive a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival with chocolate-dipped strawberries, plus a delicious room service breakfast for two and a late check out at midday to prolong the five-star experience.

Pullman's Romantic Escape offer is available for sale and for stays now until 28 February 2012 (subject to availability). To book call the hotel direct on 07 4030 8888. Visit www.pullmanhotels.com

ABOUT THE HOTEL

The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is in the heart of Cairns, overlooking Trinity Inlet and packed with great dining and entertainment options including award winning restaurant, Tamarind. Each room has its own private garden balcony and spa bath, and there is a rooftop swimming pool, full gym, Cairns Wildlife Dome and the Reef Casino. The hotel is close to numerous shops and restaurants, close to the Great Barrier Reef Terminal and overlooks the majestic Trinity inlet.

The Pullman in Cairns recently won the Luxury Accommodation award at the recent Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards for 2011 and finalist in same category at Queensland Tourism Awards 2011.


PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO

35-41 Wharf Street
Cairns QLD 4870 Australia
Ph: +61 (0) 7 4030 8888
Fax: +61 (0) 7 4030 8777
www.pullmanhotels.com

Pullman is the upscale hotel brand of Accor. It was designed with the requirements of business women and men in mind. Located in the main regional and international cities, Pullman hotels provide an extensive range of tailored services, access to groundbreaking technologies and the "Co-Meeting" offer, a new approach to organising meetings, seminars and high-end incentives. At Pullman Hotels, business travellers can choose between being independent or relying on the staff available round the clock. By the end of 2011, the Pullman network will include 70 hotels across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. In time we anticipate a network of over 150 establishments around the world.