Seven Nights of Savings at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa Samoa

Save 30% at Samoa's premiere luxury resort, Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, with their amazing stay seven nights but pay only five nights. Priced from only $869 per person and featuring a range of great inclusions this deal at the untouched beachfront paradise that is Sinalei, is just too good to pass by.

The seven night deal includes accommodation in a Garden View Fale, return airport transfers, afternoon tea daily, free use of the resorts tennis courts, free use of the resorts Golf course and free use of all non-motorised water sports including kayaking and snorkelling equipment and is valid for sale until 17 February 2012 or until sold out and valid for travel from 01 Feb – 31 Mar 12 & 17 Apr – 27 Jun 12, 2012

Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa is surrounded by lush vibrant tropical gardens, white sandy beaches and the irresistible beauty of nature. It is an absolute utopia for couples and honeymooners and is a unique and inspiring destination where hospitality is bound with warm happy smiles.

Sinalei offers guests the complete package in the upmost intimacy and style. With 29 luxurious accommodation Fales, two magnificent dining options, an array of activities and excursions, the choice between a fresh water lagoon pool or the blue pacific ocean to relax by, there is always something for guests to do and experience.

For the ultimate in any resort stay, Sinalei also boosts a stunning beach front Serenity Spa offering a wide range of pampering treatments in three exquisite treatment Fales. This uniquely simple open-air spa has every facility for the ultimate relaxing break in totally private surrounds.

Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa's seven night package starts from only $869 per person and includes seven nights' accommodation in a Garden Fale, return airport transfers, afternoon tea daily, use of the tennis courts and golf course and free use of all non-motorised water sports.

For bookings Contact: Travelscene, T: 13 TRAVEL and quote "Booking code: SIN7for5" or visit:  www.travelscene.net.au

Free skiing for kids earlybird snow holidays

Skimax, a specialist snow holiday operator, has released their 2012 New Zealand, Australia and South America ski brochure packed with well-priced options to the more popular snow-covered resorts in the southern hemisphere.

This winter there's no excuse for not taking a family ski holiday. Methven is welcoming kids and their families with a new 'Methven Kids 4 Free' deal for winter 2012.

Every child 10 years & under receives FREE skiing at Mt Hutt, FREE travel, FREE accommodation and FREE meals when accompanied by a paying adult.

Free travel includes Christchurch to Methven return airport transfers and travel on the daily Mt Hutt ski bus. Selected accommodation providers in Methven will offer free stays for 10 & unders sharing a room with their parents, using existing bedding.

Another earlybird New Zealand option, that includes a free night and one days free car hire, is a seven-night twin share package at the Wanaka Hotel from $539 per person. Also included in this well-priced Kiwi snow adventure is seven days car hire and a three-day ski lift pass valid at Cardrona and the iconic Treble Cone. 

For those who prefer an on-snow holiday in an Australian Alpine Resort, Skimax has a five-night twin share package to Mt Hotham in the heart of the Victorian Alps.

The cost is from $739 and includes five nights in a self-contained apartment and a five-day Hotham Ski Pass.

These are just a couple of suggestions amongst an extensive line-up of Earlybird specials created by the very experienced team at Skimax.

The team can tailor-make the perfect holiday to any New Zealand, Australian or South American alpine resort. Skimax Holidays can also assist in obtaining the best airfares to the key gateway airports in New Zealand's North and South Island.  

For more information contact Skimax 1300 136 997 or visit www.skimax.com.au. Conditions apply.

Surf City Sydney Film Festival

Come on a surf safari in celluloid and discover epic film journeys – from Puberty Blues to Bra boys. Join surfers, filmmakers and cultural commentators to explore the making of these classics.

Gidget (1959) and Blue Hawaii (1961)
11 February | Nell Schofield; actor, TV presenter and producer | Jaimie and Aspasia Leonarder; Mu Meson film archive |



Gidget is one of the quintessential and original surf movies. It follows the story of Francis who has a run in with some surfers while swimming one day and becomes drawn to the sport, as well as the surfers. Blue Hawaii, an Elvis classic, is the first of three movies that he shot in Hawaii. It is a fun musical that follows Chad Gates as he returns to the surfing culture of Hawaii after serving in the army.

Puberty Blues (1971)
18 February | Paul Byrnes; Sydney Morning Herald film critic and senior curator for Australian Screen Online | Paul Clarke; director and producer of Bombora | Rebecca Olive; academic and surfing blogger |



Puberty Blues is a cult-classic that follows the lives of a group of Aussie teenage girls as they grow up on the beach and hanging out with the local surfer boys.

Heaven (1997), Hell (2009) and Bra Boys (2007)
25 February | Nell Schofield; actor, TV presenter and producer | Macario De Souza; director of Bra Boys |



These surf flicks are experimental and controversial. Hear Nell Schofield talk about her movie Hell which was created in response to Tracey Moffatt's art film Heaven, which compiles footage of male surfers posing, surfing, dressing and undressing on Australian beaches. Bra Boys tells the story of the notorious Maroubra surf-gang. The film looks at their success as big wave surfers as well as other aspects of their sometimes turbulent lives within surfing culture and Sydney society.

Festival ticket

The festival ticket gets you into all THREE sessions for the price of two



Museum of Sydney
Saturdays 11, 18 & 25 February
1pm - 4pm

Per session: General $30 | Conc/member $25| Festival ticket: general only $60 |
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Valentine's Day travel options from Roomorama

With Valentine's Day fast approaching you may be interested in Roomorama

Roomorama is great for those last minute weekend bookings, as well as longer international trips. With many properties being 30-40% cheaper than hotels, Roomorama offers cost savings, more space, privacy and an authentic travel experience.

Travellers wanting to explore a variety of romantic holiday destinations can also jump onto the website and select the 'Romantic' theme, which gives users the opportunity to discover destination options they perhaps hadn't considered before. Everyone thinks of Paris and Venice as cities of love but did you know that Melbourne, with its historic arcades, quaint laneways and lush gardens is also a destination for romance? www.roomorama.com/themes/romantic

See our site for examples of available accommodation in some of Australia's most romantic destinations.

Where for art thou Romeo and Juliet?

Star crossed lovers with the romantic monikers of Romeo and Juliet will be much luckier than their Shakespearian counterparts at Vibe Hotels this Valentine's Day, scoring free overnight accommodation in a vibe-rant guest room! All you and your one true love have to do is present proof of your first names upon check-in to be eligible.

Vibe Hotels is giving away complimentary accommodation on Valentine's Day if you and your starry-eyed lover truly are named Romeo and Juliet.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet.

Star crossed lovers with the romantic monikers of Romeo and Juliet will be much luckier than their Shakespearian counterparts at Vibe Hotels this Valentine's Day, scoring free overnight accommodation in a vibe-rant guest room! All you and your one true love have to do is present proof of your first names upon check-in to be eligible.*

This is just one of the romantic overtures Vibe is offering guests throughout "Lovers' Month" this February across seven sexy locations. Those with less romantic names need not worry about being left on the shelf, romantic accommodation packages start from $159* and dreamy dining offers will make your better half swoon.

Rachel Argaman, CEO of Vibe Hotels, said: "Vibe Hotels have been struck by Cupid's arrow! If any couple embodies romance by sharing names with the most romantic couple in history, Romeo and Juliet, we think they deserve a little extra love from us. Plus, Vibe Hotels are making Valentine's Day extra special for each and every one of our guests with 'Lovers' Month' offers this February because guests are at the heart of everything we do."

For more details about free accommodation for Romeo and Juliet couples and "Lovers' Month": vibehotels.com.au or call 13 VIBE (8423).

*Offer available for overnight accommodation for two adults in a guest room on 14/2/2012 only. One guest's first name must be Romeo and the other guest's first name Juliet. Legal proof of names must be provided to Reception upon check-in.

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What Women Want

Have you ever wished you could dine alongside royalty in elegance? Then why not dine in style during the most romantic month of the year.

It's time to book now for Valentine's day, so why not tread the new 'red carpet' at the very regal "Royal on the Park Hotel", where trip advisor raters have moved the Walnut paneled restaurant into the top three in Brisbane.

The Walnut Restaurant and Bar's romantic interludes Feb 14th Valentine's day at Royal on the Park, including complimentary rose for your sweetheart, and a glass of Moet! plus free parking for diners for $79.00 per person. With the elegant feel of the recently update restaurant, and crystal chandeliers a sparkling you can expect something special. You are treated to a 3 course menu featuring entrees of Raspberry cured ocean trout, Braised rabbit, or Baby beet goat's cheese risotto. The main course features Milly Hill rack of lamb, galantine of Moya Valley chicken or Northern Territory barramundi. This is rounded off divinely with a White and dark chocolate heart to share.

Extra Special offer- Dine and book your wedding with us and receive $200 off your wedding reception.

Accommodation Packages for our fabulous newly refurbished Executive suites, Luxury spa suites and Deluxe rooms are available priced from $309.00 per night, including 2 course dinner, bed and breakfast.

To make a reservation call (07) 3112 1650 or online at walnut@royalonthepark.com.au |http://www.royalonthepark.com.au/

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Markets celebrate Canberra's multicultural community on International Day

Markets celebrate Canberra's multicultural community on International Day

Join Canberra's award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets as it celebrates the capital's rich and diverse multicultural community at International Day, to be held on Sunday 18 March.

 "International Day is when we invite people to travel the world within the markets' surrounds, exploring the many cultures which call the nation's capital home," said Old Bus Depot Markets co-owner, Morna Whiting.

"Visitors can taste delicious multicultural foods and be thoroughly entertained by local music and dance groups performing traditional dances. It's also a great opportunity to buy meaningful gifts handcrafted in other countries," Ms Whiting continued.

Browsing the market stalls on International Day you'll find a real mix of items including Russian baboushka art, Ottoman jewellery, Italian hand painted ceramic plates, French provincial tablecloths, Indian block print textiles, Vietnamese lanterns, Burmese textiles, lapis jewellery from Afghanistan, Turkish porcelain and fabric, and Japanese kimonos and lanterns.

Visitors can watch many traditional dance performances throughout the day including Israeli folk dancing, a Mexican dance troupe, Indian Folk dancing, and performances by Argentine Tango and Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance.

"And of course, you'll leave the markets with satisfied tummies after tasting some amazing international cuisine from Spain, Laos, Ethiopia, France and Mexico," Ms Whiting concluded.

The Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. They are located at the Old Bus Depot, Kingston Foreshore, in Canberra. Entry is free.  For more information visit www.obdm.com.au

 

NINE COUNTRIES ON 26-NIGHT CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE FLY, CRUISE, COACH AND STAY

 CRUISECO has two extraordinary 26-night fly, cruise, coach and stay packages of nine Central and Eastern Europe countries in May and June of this year, on which you will simply sit back as someone else looks after all the arrangements for you.

They both include 3-night pre- and post-touring stays in Prague and Istanbul with local touring (and a scenic river cruise in Prague,) 14-nights cruising the River Danube between Passau in Germany and Giurgiu in Romania aboard the first-class river cruise ship River Beatrice that has been chartered by Cruiseco exclusively for 160 Australian guests, 9-nights escorted coach touring of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey on board Cruiseco's chartered "business class" Insight Vacations coaches with nightly stays in luxury hotels, and a total 26 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 25 dinners.

And to get you there Cruiseco are throwing-in free return air from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth*, with their package also including onshore excursions during the 14-night river cruise on River Beatrice, and all transfers, port charges and gratuities throughout.

The price for each of these two remarkable 26-night packages begins from $11,490pp twin-share; they can be taken either on May 24 this year from Prague to Istanbul, or on June 1 in the reverse direction.

*Cruiseco's fly-free offer is for a limited time and available only until their allocation is expired – for more details and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist travel agent, enquire soonest by going to www.cruising.com.au.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF REQUIRED: UNIWORLD'S River Beatrice has been named World's Best River Cruise Ship by Conde Nast Traveller magazine.

Fourth 'Suite Ship' to Join Avalon Waterways Fleet

Savings of $1000 per Couple with 2013 Preview Brochure

Avalon Waterways has announced a fourth luxury Suite Ship for its European fleet, along with savings of $1000 per couple to mark the early release of its 2013 preview brochure.

Avalon will introduce the 64-cabin Avalon Artistry II in April 2013, operating its popular eight-day Romantic Rhine itinerary between Amsterdam and Zürich.

It will follow the river cruise operator's introduction of Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary at a double christening in May this year, and last year's launch of the revolutionary new Avalon Panorama whose inaugural season was a sell-out success.

Designed with Australian travellers in mind, each of the Suite Ships offers two entire decks of all-suite accommodation and wall-to-wall panoramic windows that turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony.  They will join seven other Avalon ships in 2013 to form the most modern river cruise fleet in Europe.

Until June 30, 2012, Avalon Waterways is offering savings of $1000* per couple on select 2013 European river cruises, with more than a dozen different itineraries to choose from and 50 available departures.  Savings of $500* per couple are available on all other European cruises.

Avalon Waterways' new 2013 preview brochure is the first offered exclusively online as an e-brochure and allows readers to browse, search, share and print more than 20 different cruise itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Rhône and Seine rivers.

Other features of the preview brochure include Avalon's popular selection of Christmas cruises, as well as its exotic itineraries on the Nile, Yangtze and Mekong rivers and among the Galapagos Islands.

Under Avalon's special offer, cruises are available from $1459* per person twin share for the eight-day A Taste of the Danube between Vienna and Budapest.  Other discounted cruises include the 15-day Magnificent Europe between Amsterdam and Budapest (from $4383* per person twin share), the eight-day Romantic Rhine between Amsterdam and Zürich (from $1974* per person twin share) and the 11-day Burgundy and Provence (from $3053* per person twin share).

For full details and bookings see licensed travel agents, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au or phone 1300 230 234. To view and download the new Avalon Waterways 2013 preview brochure  click here or follow the links from the Avalon Waterways home page. 

*Prices subject to availability and conditions. Offer on sale to June 30, 2012, or until sold out.

Media information: Jon Murrie/Libby Moffet, MG Media Communications, 02 9904 0011.

Photo: Avalon Waterways' first Suit Ship, the Avalon Panorama

 

 

Escape to Thailand with fantastic packages from Amari

Suffering from post-holiday blues? With the new working year back in full swing, now is the perfect time to plan your next tropical getaway. Amari resorts in Koh Samui, Koh Chang and Bangkok are all serving up great value-for-money packages, so you can start planning an escape to Thailand without blowing your budget.   

The Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang is offering a five-night Super Saver package for two people, from $912* (29,990 THB). This package includes accommodation in a Superior Room, daily breakfast, one Thai set menu dinner and return airport transfers. To really help you leave behind the stresses of daily life, you'll also receive a 60 minute Unwind Massage per adult at Breeze Spa, a fruit basket and flowers on arrival, and 20% off food and drinks.  This package is valid for travel until 15 April 2012.

The Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang is set on the quiet Klong Prao Beach and offers 165 rooms and suites, all with views of either the sea to the west or the jungle-covered hills to the east, making it the perfect setting for couples looking for a getaway which is away from the crowds.  On Koh Chang visitors can enjoy elephant trekking in the jungle, kayaking in the Mangroves, visiting traditional fishing villages, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

Travellers looking to soak up the atmosphere of popular Koh Samui, will enjoy the Super Saver Relax Package, at Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui. This three-night package is available from $585* (19,214 THB) for two people, and includes complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Room, daily breakfast, return airport transfers, and 15% off spa treatments. This offer is valid until 15 April 2012.

Located at the quieter tip of Koh Samui's popular Chaweng Beach, Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui offers 187 Thai-style superior and deluxe rooms set either on the beach front or in tropical gardens, and provides the perfect setting for couples and families looking to relax on island time while also being near the thriving hub with beach sports, shops, bars and restaurants.

The Amari Watergate Bangkok is perfect for travellers looking to soak up the atmosphere of Thailand's cosmopolitan capital Bangkok on a stopover or as part of a Thai holiday. The Amari Watergate Bangkok is currently offering a three night Super Saver package for two people from $365* (12,000 THB), which includes three nights accommodation in a deluxe room, daily breakfast, a 500THB spa voucher, unlimited wi-fi access, late check-out, and 20% off food purchases. Guests wishing to extend their stay will also get 10% off internet rates for additional nights.  This offer is valid until 31 March 2012.

Located in a bustling shopping and commercial district, the Amari Watergate Bangkok combines 569 spacious guest rooms with superb restaurants and extensive meeting and recreational facilities.

Notes:

*Terms and conditions apply to each package. Packages are land only, and do not include flights. Prices based on twin-share and off conversion rate 1.00 AUD = 32.89 THB as of 01/02/2012, and rounded up to nearest dollar.

More information on current deals and offers available on: www.amari.com