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Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Luxury Meets Mindfulness at Newly Opened Yoga and Equestrian Hudson Valley Resort, Old Stone Farm

Perched atop 236 sprawling acres of meadows, woodlands, horses grazing in paddocks, and ponds in Rhinebeck, NY, Old Stone Farm offers a luxurious escape from the daily chaos to a peaceful oasis.

The vision of its owner, Sherry Kahn, focuses on spiritual and physical nourishment with wellness workshops, yoga, farm-to-table cuisine, extensive nature trails, and 22 horses that are accessible to the guests.

The Hudson Valley retreat, which is ideal for a weekend, week, or extended stay, is less than two hours from New York City, providing an easy getaway by car or Amtrak. Founded by Sherry and Stu Kahn, the historic 200-year-old farm, has been restored and renovated to provide eco-conscious accommodations, all decorated by Sherry according to her taste.

The couple first acquired the property in 1998 and lovingly restored it. It consists of 20 buildings dating back to as early as 1759.

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Stu Kahn, a successful businessman, who passed away in 2012, dreamed of making Old Stone Farm a world-class meeting place for ‘influentials’ and invited guests dedicated to fostering positive social change through personal awakening and fellowship with peers.

“My lifelong passion for energy healing, yoga, physical wellness, and the intuitive arts, has formed the backbone of Old Stone Farm’s mission and the healing experience that we offer guests,” explains Sherry.

Old Stone Farm creates an environment that is conducive for personal reflection and transformation through spiritual development, deep education, entrepreneurship, and global change.

Creature Comforts in a Luxuriously Intimate and Rustic Barn
Stu’s Inn, a two-story historic barn, includes nine guest rooms and a two-room suite. Each room, named after the farm’s horses, has a private bathroom, queen size custom beds with organic mattresses and 300 thread count Frette sheets, plush robes and safes. Country antiques and original art in the rooms, all of which Sherry handpicked, make for a distinctive and stunning design.

The room rates include three gourmet meals, yoga classes, guided hikes, time with the horses and free Wi-Fi across the property. (The staff will gladly take devices if you would like to unplug and return them upon request). Pantries are located on each floor with an abundance of bottled still and sparkling water, a Keurig coffee machine, and healthy snacks for guests to help themselves to, all of which are complimentary.

Larger groups and those traveling with children and pets have the option of a four bedroom, three-bath guesthouse that can accommodate up to eight guests.

Nurturing the Spiritual, Physical, and Intellectual with Guided Classes
For those looking to focus on personal wellness, Old Stone Farm provides all of the tools and accommodations to navigate and guide you during your stay. The oldest structure on the property is the Hudson River yoga barn, built in 1759, and completely renovated down to the finest detail.

Soaring 36-foot ceilings and approximately 1,000 square feet of space the barn is an exceptional and luxurious environment to have an intimate yoga class or workshop. Light pours into the barn through the wall of windows that the owner restored from a local school. For evening gatherings, such as intimate weddings, the barn is lit by low voltage track lighting that makes for a soft, welcoming atmosphere while still remaining an eco-friendly alternative.

Old Stone Farm also offers spa treatments with an extremely talented and thorough on call staff. The 2,400 square foot spa includes three massage rooms, one wet room, two locker rooms and two cedar steam cabinets. The spa exudes rustic charm and has a comfortable seating area that the guests can relax before and after.

Nature Envelopes for a Relaxing Escape from Urban Chaos
There are numerous hiking trails on the property that span across ninety percent of the land, the remainder of which is dedicated woodlands. The exploration is endless for avid hikers or those who would like to just take a calm walk. Every weekend there are guided hikes with an abundance of wildlife, birds, and plants to discover on any given day.

The team at this Hudson Valley resort is constantly seeking out fulfilling and inspirational wellness workshops to hold during various weekends at the property. The workshops are an opportunity to use your time at the farm to seek a path towards mindful living. Using practices such as yoga, meditation, equine therapy, and other activities, teachers will guide you through discovery to help you reach a more conscious and centered state of being. A schedule of workshops can be found on http://www.OldStoneFarm.org.

A Tailored Menu to Guests’ Preferences
Before arriving, every guest is asked for any dietary preferences, restrictions, or anything else that the Executive Chef, Matt Gaines, should know about. Once Matt has collected all of the guests’ responses he thoughtfully caters the menu to best fit the individual and group.

Chef Matt sources all of the produce from local farms, allowing the growing seasons to influence the creation of the menu. The beef and poultry comes from humane neighboring farms, and are antibiotic and preservative free. The wellness cuisine is the primary concept behind all of the dishes but everything that is served is flavorfully vibrant and inventive.

For further information or to book a reservation visit http://www.OldStoneFarm.org or call 845-876-3977. Rates, which include all three meals prepared by Chef Matt, start at $395 and run to $895. The two-room suite starts at $595 and run to $995. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom guesthouse starts at $995 and run to $1,295.

New First-Class River Cruise Tour From Beyond

RIVER cruising specialists Beyond Travel have introduced a new cruise tour from Budapest to Prague including a seven-night cruise along the Danube River aboard the first-class Amadeus fleet from only 
01 AMADEUS Elegant Budapest$3100 per person twin share.

Book before October 31 and receive up to $400 per couple in flexible Discover More Travel Credits which are valid for a year and can be used on any additional Beyond Travel product, such as airfares, hotel accommodation for pre and post cruise tour, additional sightseeing, European rail passes and more.

The cruise is aboard the modern Amadeus fleet featuring elegant restaurants, panoramic bars and comfortable deluxe cabins. It includes port visits to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau and Regensburg.

You will also have plenty of time to experience Prague with four nights in a centrally located first-class hotel to explore this beautiful and historic city. Also included is an afternoon Vltava River cruise, a Czech folklore performance with dinner, a full day excursion to Cesky Krummlov and a city tour of the Old Town and Prague Castle.

The 12-day package includes seven-nights accommodation in a river-view cabin, gourmet meals on the ship including quality wines with dinner and complimentary tea and coffee, comprehensive sightseeing tours en-route, four nights hotel accommodation in Prague with breakfast daily, sightseeing with a local guide and transportation in the Czech Republic, all port charges and local taxes and all transfers throughout the tour.

There are 14 guaranteed departures between April and October in 2015.

Experience a weekend of indulgence with InterContinental Melbourne

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is offering a range of uniquely Melbourne packages for locals and visitors to make the most of this winter season.


Those keen to explore Melbourne’s hidden cultural offerings will love InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto’s Insider Coffee Culture, offering guests a sensory coffee journey with a coffee connoisseur and educator. Those looking for a weekend of relaxation will enjoy Indulge Your Senses, giving visitors the opportunity to sample ingredients and create their own unique perfume fragrance.

Bookings via www.melbourne.intercontinental.com  | T: 1 800 669 562 or |E: icmelbourne@ihg.com 

Package details
Memorable Weekend Escapes
Create a memorable escape and immerse yourself in Melbourne's iconic culture. Located only a short stroll to many of Melbourne's best attractions and with easy tram access, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is the ideal base to explore Melbourne.
Package includes one night’s accommodation, full breakfast for two in Alluvial Restaurant, overnight valet car parking and a late checkout of 1pm, so that you can make the most of your time in Melbourne. Priced from $345 per room for two people.* 

Insider Coffee Culture
Abundant with hidden laneways and shoebox-sized cafes, Melbourne proudly stands as the coffee capital of Australia. Relax in luxury overnight accommodation on Collins St at the historic InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto hotel, and wake to a full buffet breakfast for two in Alluvial Restaurant before delving into an hour long sensory coffee journey with a St Ali Family coffee connoisseur and educator.
Package includes one night’s accommodation, return transfers to St Ali, an hour long sensory coffee journey, a coffee tasting plate on a reserved VIP table and a couple of extra surprises. Priced from $495 per room for two people.* 

Indulge Your Senses
Experience the luxury of creating your own perfume at Fleurage Perfume Atelier. Embark on a personal scent discovery as you sample ingredients, discover fragrances, and create your own custom fragrance tailored to your individual personal requirements.
This indulgent package includes overnight accommodation, full breakfast for two, tram access to and from the perfumery, and a 1pm late checkout. Priced from $673 per room for two people.* 

Memorable Moments
Enjoy a lavish weekend away with luxurious overnight accommodation in a Club King Room, a stylish and spacious guest room with Nespresso coffee machine and Agraria spa products. Immerse yourself in true relaxation with a couple’s treatment at East Day Spa, where you and your partner will enjoy a luxurious 1 hour relaxation massage and 15 minute foot ritual. Enjoy your weekend in luxury as you access the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge, with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés served daily.

The Memorable Moments package includes overnight accommodation in the Club King Room, breakfast for two at the Club InterContinental Lounge, a luxurious 1 hour relaxation massage and 15 minute foot ritual for two, and a 2pm late checkout. Priced from $635 per room for two people.*
*All rates subject to availability.

Monday, 4 August 2014

Stay three fly free at Wild Bush Luxury’s Bamurru Plains, NT

image010Book a three night Ultimate Wilderness Experience at Bamurru Plains in the Northern Territory and enjoy free return scenic air transfers from Darwin to Bamurru when travelling in September or October, 2014.

The package includes three nights in a safari bungalow overlooking the tropical savannah, chef prepared bush-inspired meals, beverages from a comprehensive open bar and guided wilderness safaris daily with expert field guides.

$2,790 per person twin-share. This offer represents a savings of $1,100 per couple.

To book email info@bamurruplains.com or call 02 9571 6399 and quote 'Stay Three Fly Free'
www.wildbushluxury.com

Kids stay, eat and safari free at Bamurru Plains, NT

Book two nights on the Ultimate Wilderness Experience at Bamurru Plains and kids stay, eat and safari for free when travelling 20 September to 7 October, 2014.

For families looking for a true outback experience where their kids can learn about the stunning flood plains environment and wildlife from buffalo to crocodiles, Bamurru Plains offers experiences far removed from those learned in the classroom.

$1,860 per adult, twin-share for two nights of Ultimate Wilderness Experience. This offer represents a savings of $930 per child.

To book email info@bamurruplains.com or call 02 9571 6399 and quote 'Wild Bush Family'.

www.wildbushluxury.com
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Stay five pay four at Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef WA

Book the Ultimate Reef Escape or Ningaloo Chillout and stay five nights, pay for four when travelling in September 2014 or between 17 October and 30 November, 2014.

Humpback whales frolicking with their calves, incredible snorkelling on Ningaloo Reef and breathtaking landscapes of canyons and limestone ranges, Sal Salis offers a very special getaway.

Both packages include five nights' accommodation in a Wilderness Tent with private eco-friendly ensuite bathroom, chef-prepared meals and beverages, National Park entry fees and unlimited use of snorkel gear. The Ultimate Reef Escape also includes daily guided wilderness trips to explore the reef and the ancient gorges of the Cape Range.

Ningaloo Chill Out for $2,080 per adult, twin-share for five nights. This offer represents a savings of $520 per person.

The Ultimate Reef Escape for $2,252 per person for five nights. Represents a saving of $563 per person, twin-share.

To book the Ultimate Reef Escape or Ningaloo Chillout package call +61 2 9571 6399 and quote STAY5PAY4 or visitwww.wildbushluxury.com

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Uncovering Asia Sale Book select Swan Hellenic Asia Cruises by 31 August 2014 and SAVE!

UntitledSwan Hellenic have extended their Uncovering Asia Sale until 31 August 2014! Book select exotic Orient itineraries before 31 August 2014, and receive UP TO 25% OFF* the cruise fare per couple with our Uncovering Asia Sale!

Single Travellers will also be rewarded with No Single Supplement^ on select exotic Orient itineraries but they must be booked by 31 August 2014.

Uncover the mysteries of Asia aboard intimate Minerva as she explores the hidden treasures and seldom seen places of the exotic Orient. Be immersed in the destination with Swan Hellenic’s world renowned guest speakers, port lecture programmes and included shore excursions at every port, each one tailor-made for the inquisitive traveller. Guests' gratuities are also included whilst onboard, including tour guides and drivers.

Uncover Asia's treasures with only 350 like-minded explorers aboard intimate Minerva with these great offers, click here to download the Uncover Asia Savings flyer to find out more.

For bookings, brochures or more information please contact Discover the World on 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267) or email swanhellenic@discovertheworld.com.au.

Offer Extended - Kids Eat, Play and Cruise for Free

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji have extended their Kids Eat, Play and Cruise for Free deal on selected 3, 4 and 7 night cruises until 31 October, 2014 with travel between 01 November 2014 and 31 March 2015.

Fiji is not only a fun place for kids and relaxing for parents but Captain Cook Cruises small ship Reef Endeavour, also offers a fantastic cultural learning environment for families.

From visiting unspoilt Fijian villages and schools and getting to meet and know the local children to experiencing a Fijian church service and traditional village Sevusevu ceremony, Meke and Lovo feast, the ‘real’ Fiji is definitely discovered through truly heartwarming cultural experiences.

As well as being immersed in Fijian culture, kids will have hours of fun snorkelling over coral reefs, playing on white sandy beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters, and learning about marine life on a glass bottom boat ride or from the resident Marine Biologist and Cultural expert. Adults can have the extra thrill of diving in this spectacular underwater world.

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Families can also stay onboard and adults can enjoy being pampered at the ships Senikai Day Spa, or relaxing on the sun deck by the spa or pool while enjoying a cocktail, all while your children are being looked after for free.

Complimentary child minding is provided for children 5-10 years between the hours of 9.00am-12noon, 2.00pm -5.00pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm and a brand new kids program is being implemented for 5-10 year olds with some great fun Fijian inspired activities.

Child minding supervision is available in the swimming pool or spa, in the Reef Room where children can watch movies and play board games, onshore for beach activities and in passenger cabins. Nanny hire is compulsory for children under 5 years and included in the infant price for 10 hours day.

Captain Cook Cruises offers a range of family accommodation from family cabins that sleep four to inter-connecting family staterooms.

This amazing deal is valid for every child aged 5 – 17yrs travelling with an adult on selected 3, 4 and 7 night Yasawa Island Cruises and 7 night discovery cruises including Four Cultures Discovery Cruise and the Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise.

Early Booking Savers (EBS) fares start from AUD$981.60 per person twin share for the three-night cruise, from AUD$1316.80 per person twin share for the four-night cruise, and from AUD$2067.20 per person twin share for the seven-night cruise. Kids eat, play and cruise for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Prices include all meals on board, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, on board Wifi, entertainment, child minding for children 5-10 years and use of the ship's facilities including swimming pool, spa, pool bar, sun deck, sauna, cocktail bar, day spa and library.

Agents must quote “KIDFREE3” when making reservations.

For bookings contact your local travel agent or visit www.captaincook.com.fj

Friday, 1 August 2014

Outrigger Mauritius Launches 'Endless Sunshine' Promotion

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa has launched an "Endless Sunshine" promotion that gives up to 45% off best rates. The promotion is valid for stays until 30 September 2014 and requires a minimum two-night stay. The promotion includes daily breakfast for two.

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The special limited-period rates are EUR149 for a Deluxe Seaview King, EUR199 for a Deluxe Family Seaview Room, EUR179 for a Beach Front Club Room, EUR229 for a Beachfront Junior Suite, and EUR349 for a Beachfront Senior Suite. Rates include 15% tax.

Club and Suite bookings also enjoy the complimentary access to resort's Club and Club benefits.

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa opened in April this year and offers 181 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas in an immaculate 10-hectare absolute beachfront setting in the peaceful Bel Ombre nature reserve at the south of the island.

The property is already known for its high quality Creole Mauritian dishes, seafood and a selection of specialist choices such as Japanese, Indian, European and home-made desserts and pastries.

A large choice of water sport instruction is available for beginners to advanced levels.

To book the Endless Sunshine promotion, or for more information, email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.
com or call+230 623 5000. Or visit www.outriggermauritius.com.

So Cultural - Meet The Archibald Artists At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Sydney’s ‘hotel for the arts’, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has once again signed on as hotel sponsor of the often controversial and always exciting Archibald Exhibition for 2014, on now at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until the 28th of September.


As hotel partner, Sofitel is offering three exclusive Archibald experiences over the exhibition period for art lovers to enjoy, including a ‘So Cultural’ accommodation and ticket package, a dedicated Archibald High Tea offer, and a special Archibald Lunch reception in Sofitel’s grand ballroom for a rare opportunity to hear selected artists showcased as part of Archibald 2014 speak about their art and inspirations.

"So Cultural" Package
Sofitel has created an Archibald Experience accommodation package available from A$310 per couple/room, per night in Sydney. The offer includes a luxurious overnight stay, a buffet breakfast for two at the hotel’s Garden Court restaurant, and two tickets to see the Archibald exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The offer is available from now until the 28th of September 2014 (subject to availability). To book call 02 9228 9188e mail H3665@sofitel.com or for more information visithttp://www.sofitel.com/gb/booking/room-dates.shtml

Archibald High Tea Offer
Priced at $59 per person, the Archibald High Tea is available for a limited time from now until the 24th of August 2014 at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s Soiree Bar, located on the hotel’s lobby level. The offer includes High Tea, a glass of Taittinger champagne, and one ticket to the Archibald exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. To book contact the hotel on 02 9228 9188.

Archibald 2014 Luncheon
Sofitel will celebrate Australia’s most popular and prestigious art prize with a chance to meet the artists at the 2014 Archibald Prize Luncheon, on Wednesday the 20th of August from 12.30 to 2.00pm. Art Gallery of New South Wales director Michael Brand along with writer and presenter, Nell Schofield will host a conversation with some of this year’s key artists and their subjects, discussing the passion and controversy behind the nation’s favourite portrait exhibition over lunch in the Wentworth’s grand ballroom. The lineup includes artist Fiona Lowry (2014 Archibald winner); Anh Do; Mitch Cairns and Reg Richardson AM.

Limited tickets are available for the two-course lunch, which includes wine and coffee. Tickets are priced at $105 per person or $95 per person for Art Gallery Society members. To book call 02 9225 1878.

The Archibald Prize for portraiture is one of Australia's oldest and most talked about art awards. Since its inception in 1921, the prize has been awarded to some of Australia's most important artists, including George Lambert, William Dobell, Brett Whiteley and John Olsen.

Sofitel Wentworth Sydney has been the official hotel partner of the Archibald Prize since 2005, and is an ongoing and proud supporter of the Art Gallery of New South Wales as – a partnership that reflects Sofitel’s spirit of l’art de vivre.  The hotel offers some of Sydney’s finest five-star facilities including Garden Court restaurant and the elite Club Sofitel concept, a “hotel within a hotel” providing guests with luxury extras, specialist services and exclusive access to a contemporary fifth-floor club.


Windstar Cruises Launches New Cruisetours, Including a Four-Day Myanmar Experience

Windstar is launching its first-ever series of Cruisetours, premiering in Asia and Arabia. For those wanting to extend their cruise vacation with a land experience, the Cruisetour collection allows guests to experience the wonders of the Far East without the stress of planning the travel.

Starting at $5,299 Cruisetours include: the cost of the cruise, flights to the Cruisetour city, accommodations in a luxury hotel, excursions with an expert guide in each new city, select meals, and transfers.
Guests who book by August 29, 2014 will receive up to a $1,000 airfare credit per person, free hotel and transfers on arrival, a complimentary exclusive Private Event on the voyage crafted solely for Windstar guests, and savings of up to 50% of the cruise fare.

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“We’ve applied our philosophy of exploring hidden harbors and secluded coves to our land experiences, handpicking the best excursions to taste the local culture,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “Our Cruisetours take care of all the logistics, so our guests can truly relax and enjoy the destination at hand in exclusive Windstar style, both on land and at sea.”
Singapore, the Malay Peninsula, & Myanmar Cruisetour
  • Cruisetour Experience: Travel to a world long closed to western eyes to enjoy the mystical beauty of Myanmar on this 4-day journey. Guests will visit Yangon and Bangan to explore one of the world’s most revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Bagan Archaeological Zone. Highlights include a trip to Phwar Saw Village where locals welcome participants into their homes and share cooking secrets, using the market’s fresh ingredients.
  • Cruise: Singapore & the Malay Peninsula, 10-day round trip voyage from Singapore
  • Hotels: 5-Star Sule Shangri-La and 5-star Bagan Lodge
  • Special Tip: For a limited time receive a free hot air balloon ride in Bagan.
Southeast Asia Unveiled & Angkor Wat Cruisetour
  • Cruisetour Experience: Journey to the ancient temples in Cambodia on this 3-day excursion. Guests will start in Siem Ream, with visits to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Tonle Sap Lake, and Les Artisans d’Angkor. Highlights include a traditional Cambodian feast with a cultural dance performance and a guided tour on board a small shaded vessel moving between floating homes and small fish farms.
  • Cruise: Southeast Asia Unveiled, a 10-day voyage from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Hotels: Le Meridien Angkor in Siem Reap and Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Special tip: The Angkor Wat Cruistour can be booked either pre- or post- cruise.
Wonders of Civilization Cruisetour
  • Cruisetour Experience: Explore the ancient city of Cairo on this 5-day excursion. Guests will leave the ship in Luxor before traveling to Cairo to tour the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the mysterious Sphinx. Local highlights include a tour of the Solar Boat, the ritual vessel believed to provide transport for the Pharoah’s soul to the afterlife, as well as a camel ride through the desert.
  • Cruise: Wonders of Arabia, a 6-day voyage from Athens to Safaga
  • Hotels: Hilton Luxor, and 5-Star Mena House Hotel in Giza
  • Special tip: Join Windstar CEO Hans Birkholz as he hosts this Wonders of Arabia voyage.

Europe flights from $1133 return


SKIDDOO YOUR WAY TO EUROPE WITH FLIGHTS FROM $1,150!

If it’s been a big year and you are looking to escape before the silly season starts, travel booking site Skiddoo.com.au makes it easy for you to skedaddle to Europe with some special deals flying with Etihad Airways.

• Return flights to Amsterdam from Brisbane from $1,151
• Fly Perth to London from $1,340 return
• Fares for return flights to Paris from Melbourne start from $1,155
• Have a Roman adventure with return fares from Sydney $1,133

The special deals are for new bookings made before 15 August 2014, for flights departing between 1O October to 10 December. Other terms and conditions apply. See www.skiddoo.com.au for more details.



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