Seabreeze Resort wins ultimate prize at STA Awards

The luxurious, adults only, Seabreeze Resort, Samoa proved the ultimate winner at the Inaugural Samoa Tourism Excellence Awards, held recently at Taumeasina Resort, Samoa, taking home the top and most sought after award, the ‘National Tourism Excellence Award’ and ‘Best Accommodation’.

Nominated in five categories, Seabreeze Resort was truly the star of the evening, which celebrated the outstanding performances of those who have made exceptional contributions to Samoa’s Tourism Industry within the past 12 months.

The Samoa Tourism Excellence Awards were judged by visitors who were surveyed throughout the year and the Tourism Standards Committee which conducted inspections during 2016.

According to Wendy Booth, owner of Seabreeze Resort, “to win the most prestigious award at the first ever Samoa Tourism Excellence Awards is a privilege and we are honoured to be recognised as the best in Samoa, especially considering the tough competition we were up against in both categories.”

“This award means so much to us and our staff are overjoyed. With a philosophy of ‘the harder you work the luckier you get’, my husband Chris and I dedicate these awards to our committed and skilled staff who make this all possible.” Says Wendy.

“The last eleven years have been so rewarding, seeing a dream to create a utopia for couples in an untouched Island paradise come true. With our high expectations and our likeminded staff determined to exceed our guest’s expectations, seeing guests wave goodbye with tears in their eyes is our greatest reward, but being acknowledged at this level, especially in our home country is just an amazing achievement.” Continues Wendy.

These two awards have capped off an amazing four years for Seabreeze Resort who have taken out an avalanche of awards on worldwide levels including winning ‘Leading Hotel in Samoa’ at the World Travel Awards for the past four years (2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013) and being recognised as the number one hotel in Upolo on tripadvisor.com and ranked 11 out of 25 for the Top 25 small hotels in the South Pacific in the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice™ awards. Also in 2016 and 2014 Seabreeze was voted 9th in the Top 25 resorts in the South Pacific for Romance in the Travellers' Choice Awards and in 2014 and 2013 Seabreeze was named as Tripadvisors "Travellers’ Choice® winner and voted on Trip Advisor as one of the TOP 10 resorts in the South Pacific for "Romance & Value”.

Seabreeze also has an outstanding reputation for its amazing food and service. A constant entrant in the prestigious New Zealand Restaurant Challenge, Seabreeze won the challenge in 2014 and 2012, in 2015 won the “Best Atmosphere and Service and in 2016 won ‘Best Service’.

Seabreeze Resort is the ultimate in boutique luxury, gently nestled into a private secluded bay on Samoa's famous south east coast of Upolu.

The first "Genuine Adults Only" resort in Samoa for guests 18 years and over, Seabreeze provides the ideal romantic getaway for honeymooners and couples or those seeking luxury and intimacy.
Seabreeze has 11 air-conditioned villas including the ultimate Honeymoon Point House with its private plunge pool. All villas have ocean, lagoon or reef views, designed to provide guests with a sense of relaxation and tranquillity. All villas receive a nightly turndown service and feature a complimentary mini bar that is re-stocked daily and features a selection of white or red wines, beer, soft drink and nibbles.

With quality, innovative cuisine and outstanding customer service paramount, Seabreeze Resort offers three dining options including the a la carte Waterfront Bar & Restaurant situated right on the water with unsurpassed lagoon and reef views, Cbreeza Pizzeria and Paulini’s Pool Bar.

From the time guests wake there is always something to experience at Seabreeze Resort. Relax by the infinity pool while enjoying cocktails, laze on the beach or take a dip within the protection of the pristine lagoon. Enjoy the use of complimentary glass bottom Kayaks and snorkelling equipment to view the beautiful coral and marine life or venture outside the resort for surfing, charter fishing, trekking, golf, visit a nearby beach, or walk to the famous To Sua Trench with blow holes and a cave pool.

Seabreeze Resort has a recipe for relaxation, “when hungry you eat, when thirsty you drink, when tired you sleep and be pampered at every opportunity”. With this motto in mind, guests can be treated to a range of totally indulgent and nurturing massages and facials. With the focus on natural, age old techniques handed down through generations, guests will experience treatments unique to Seabreeze.

Romance is intrinsic to the spirit of the resort, so there is no better place to celebrate a wedding, honeymoon or special anniversary than at Seabreeze. Offering wedding programs from the simplest to the most elaborate of occasions, an experienced wedding coordinator will tailor a ceremony that not only meets individual needs but surpasses their expectations.

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Textile theme tour of Peru

“The skill of Peruvian weavers has confronted experts for centuries.”



Join Valerie Kirk on this fully escorted program and experience the textiles of the people of the Andes.

Recognised as a unique and spectacular region for ancient ruins, beautiful mountains, former civilisations and hospitable people, Peru is also justifiably known for its textiles. Ancient examples are so complicated modern experts can’t replicate them. Today, weavers follow traditional skills and impress anyone with an interest in textiles and other crafts.

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World Degustation Day: The Hydro Majestic serves global dining palette

Traditional dishes from exotic global locations infused with local flavours served by staff from around the world: the Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains represents the modern face and cuisine of Australia – as it has for more than a century.

The original Blue Mountains party palace will celebrate its history of cultural diversity during the Australia Day week with a World Degustation Day feast on Friday, January 27.

The Hydro Majestic Wintergarden Restaurant

Escarpment Group general manager Ralf Bruegger said: ``The Hydro Majestic has always embraced cultural diversity, not because its first owner Mark Foy was politically correct but because he genuinely loved people of all races, their culture, art and food – just as we do today.

``In fact, what is seen as progressive, even outrageous today, has always been normal at the Hydro Majestic. I mean, what was normal for a man who liked to dress in his wife’s clothing and held cross-dressing parties for his friends?’’

With the means to satisfy his every whim, the well-travelled Foy had the famous hotel dome pre-fabricated in Chicago and shipped to Australia. Dr George Baur of the Shoeneck health spa in Switzerland was hired to devise and supervise a program of diets and weird and wonderful treatments. Turkish coffee at the Hydro Majestic was served by Turkish waiters, Chinese tea by Chinese waiters.

Fascinated by all things Asian, Foy employed many Chinese workers disillusioned with the lack of fortune in the Bathurst goldfields who had found themselves stranded in the Blue Mountains with no money to return to Sydney.

One was Louie Goh Mong, nicknamed ``Charlie’’, who worked as a cook at Foy’s Sydney home and managing the mayhem at the Hydro Majestic for 35 years.

Today, staff from 15 language groups work at the Hydro Majestic including English, French, Canadian, Russian, Chinese (all dialects), Portuguese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Italian, Indonesian, Thai and more. Mr Bruegger is German and head chef Mate Herceg has a Croatian background.

``People visit the Hydro Majestic from all over the world and we must understand and accommodate their cultural needs,’’ Mr Bruegger said. ``In an internationally renowned destination such as the Blue Mountains it is expected of us and certainly received by our guests in all other mature tourism regions of the world.’’

Guests at the World Degustation Day banquet will be treated to global gastronomy through a decadent five-course food safari featuring flavours from all seven continents on Earth infused with the distinctive tastes of the Greater Blue Mountains and NSW Central West.

``We’ll also have a dish that’s quintessentially Aussie, because after all that’s our shared experience and we all love being here in this fantastic country of opportunity and diversity,’’ Mr Bruegger said.

The multicultural feast at the grandest of the grand hotels in the Blue Mountains will be designed and prepared by chefs from various cultural backgrounds with experience at internationally-recognised restaurants around the world including Michelin star restaurant-trained sous chef Max Vloet.

Guests can fully immerse themselves in the sumptuous theme with the dramatic colours and sensual textures of the hotel, the unrivalled views over a jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape set to the dulcet tones of African-Australian jazz songstress Evelyn Duprai.

World Degustation Day will be held at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm on Friday, January 27. Cost: $125pp includes five-course dinner, beverages and entertainment. Bookings: hydromajestic.com.au or (02) 4782 6885.

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The Melbourne Limited - Rail and Sail - featuring James Craig harbour cruise and heritage rail journey from Sydney to Melbourne

Relive the glamour days of travel with our unique 5-day Rail and Sail adventure between Melbourne and Sydney next April.

From Melbourne, you’ll sail in luxurious style to Sydney for two nights aboard the mighty Golden Princess. After sailing into the spectacular harbour city, you’ll stay at Sydney’s elegant Grace Hotel for two nights, with time to explore the world-famous sights. You'll also join us on a morning harbour cruise on the historic, 1872 built, 3-masted tall ship, James Craig.

Then it’s ‘all aboard’ the heritage Melbourne Limited from Sydney’s Central Station. We’ve chartered the whole train so relax in the stunning seating, lounge and compartment cars as you head south through the beautiful Southern Highlands with a short stop in Gouburn. Morning and afternoon tea are included onboard as is lunch during a stop at Junee. After crossing the border into Victoria, you’ll change trains at Seymour and board the prestigious and famous Spirit of Progress. A light dinner will be served in the ‘Murray’ dining car as you approach your journey’s end in Melbourne.

A rare, unique and totally exclusive experience. We invite you to join us for The Melbourne Limited.

Departs: April 19, 2017 - 5 days
Strictly limited space available
From $1,990* pp twin share | $2,490* solo fare

MORE DETAILS

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Europe’s summer season aboard the brand new Silversea flagship, Silver Muse

Enjoy Europe's incredible summer season aboard the brand new Silversea flagship, Silver Muse

From the spectacular natural wonders of Europe, to the breathtaking summer ambiances of the Grecian shores, ignite the peak summer season of the Mediterranean, aboard Silversea's new flagship, Silver Muse.  Silver Muse, is set to redefine ocean travel and enhance small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations.  

Examples of Silver Muse's unmissable voyages:

V6712 – Temples of the Gods: Departing Piraeus (Athens), Greece, on 15 July 2017, guests aboard this 12-day voyage can experience one of the most extraordinary islands in the Aegean, Santorini, and feel encapsulated by the rich history and culture of Palermo, in Sicily.  Guests aboard Silver Muse will also have the incredible opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sounds of four soloists from the Accademia Teatro alla Scala, who will perform the evocative librettos from the world's most magical operas on two occasions.  Fares start from AU$11,450 per person – in a Classic Veranda Suite, based on double occupancy.

V6713 – Minarets and Gondolas: Sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, to Venice, Italy, on 27 July 2017, this 12-day voyage enables guests to explore the ornate palaces and museums of Malta, enjoy the sun-drenched shores of Greece, and discover the large rampart and superb fortress towers that surround the tiny harbour of Dubrovnik.   Fares start from AU$11,450 per person – in a Classic Veranda Suite, based on double occupancy.

FEATURED EXCLUSIVE OFFERS:

Early Booking Bonus: Save 10% if you book and pay in full by 30 December 2016.

Enjoy Savings on Mediterranean Voyages: Book now and enjoy AU$1,600 savings per suite* on above voyages.

Click here for all Silversea Exclusive offers

Silversea fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary onboard champagne, wines and spirits; and one hour of complimentary WiFi per day for each guest and unlimited WiFi for the ship's top suites (Medallion and higher categories) and all gratuities.

These voyages are subject to availability.  Terms and conditions apply.  For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com.

*Applicable only for double occupancy suites. Single-occupancy suites will receive savings of AU$800.

 

Luxury Valentines at Sarojin

The Sarojin is inviting couples to enjoy a romantic journey to this acclaimed resort in Khao Lak, Thailand for a memorable time away together during the month of Valentine in February 2017.

This stunning and popular holiday hot-spot for Australians is presenting a 3-night Luxury Valentine offer for couples including beautifully appointed residence or suite accommodation and special resort experiences.

The Luxury Valentine is valid 1 – 28 February 2017 and is inclusive of a 15% discount.

Rates are from THB 77,646 (approx. AUD 2985) for 3 nights in a Garden Residence for 2 persons sharing inclusive of a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine – served all day, a bottle of sparkling wine and flowers in room on arrival, one 90-minute Royal Oriental (aroma) body massage for each person, a romantic private dinner 'just for 2' beneath a candlelit jungle waterfall, spirit lantern release from the beach, last night romantic turndown service, return private transfer from/to Phuket International Airport with complimentary Wi-Fi, cold beers and soft drinks served and all taxes.

Couples may wish to upgrade to a luxurious Spa Suite and enjoy an additional 3 hours of Thai or Royal Oriental body massage per room, perhaps to be taken as 3 x 60-minutes or 2 x 90 minutes.

On one evening, couples will be carried by private limousine to a hidden location to continue their journey guided along a candlelit jungle path to a clearing opening up to a magnificent waterfall.

Wonderland will beckon with hundreds of candles glowing softly and romantically, encircling the natural theatre and creating the most magical of settings.

Every drop from the waterfall will be seemingly dancing as a private table awaits with a personal Chef to create the desired dishes for an incredible meal.

By day, a 90-minute Royal Oriental Aroma Massage for the couple at the resort's acclaimed Pathways Spa will include a luxurious blend of traditional Thai yoga and a herbal aroma massage.

This deeply therapeutic treatment is perfect to relax the body and boost the psyche. Designed to rejuvenate the body and the mind, the massage with oils, will take couples to another dimension of relaxation.

The couple will also be invited to participate in an amazing Spirit Lantern ceremony on the resort beach during their stay.

The Sarojin is beautifully set on an 11 kilometre stretch of secluded white sand beach in Khao Lak, just a 55-minute drive north of Phuket Airport, and is surrounded by five spectacular national parks and the world-famous dive sites of the Similan and Surin Islands.

Designed in a contemporary Asian style, the five-star resort's 56 deluxe residences and suites are nestled within 10 acres of tropical grounds leading directly onto the beachfront.

Each features a private garden and 'sala' sundeck, couples' baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat.

Other facilities include an attentive 'Imagineer'  who can create tailor-made experiences for guests and complimentary use of a fully equipped fitness centre, mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards. Tranquility is guaranteed as no children under the age of 10 are permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

The Sarojin continues to receive prestigious accolades including, in 2016, being featured in the Lux Hotel & Spa Awards, Spa Finder Wellness Travel Awards, World Luxury Spa Awards' Luxury Hideaway Spas, World Travel Awards' Asia's Leading Boutique Hotels, US Conde Nast Traveler's Top Resorts in Asia, UK Conde Nast Traveller's Readers' Travel Awards for Best Hotels Asia, Wine Spectator's Awards of Excellence, Thailand's Green Excellence Awards and Trip Advisor's 14 Extraordinary Pools.

For bookings contact www.sarojin.com or reservations@sarojin.com

 
 

Win a luxury $20,000 European River Cruise including flights

Evergreen Tours is giving away a 15 Day deluxe Splendours of Europe River Cruise for two valued at over $20,000, including flights*!

The lucky winner will enjoy the luxury of space in their Emerald Balcony Suite as they cruise the Rhine and Danube Rivers between Amsterdam and Budapest. There's daily guided touring to 15 cities, towns and villages, an onboard pool and cinema, complimentary bikes, and "You're Invited" to unique cultural events. 41 meals plus wine and beer are also included with your lunch and dinner while cruising.

Enter now for your chance to win! You'll also receive an exclusive $200pp** discount off your next Evergreen holiday.

Good luck!

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Azamara Club Cruises 2017 offers

Australians can treat their loved ones this Christmas to an all-inclusive, immersive cruise with Azamara Club Cruises in 2017, thanks to reduced fares and a new free upgrade deal from the boutique cruise company - available for two weeks only.

Guests will receive a Club Oceanview Stateroom for the price of a Club Interior Stateroom on Azamara’s local 2017 voyages when booked before 15 December 2016.

Included in this incredible offer is a 15-night voyage onboard the recently revitalised Azamara Journey, following her maiden arrival to Australia on 19 February 2017. Departing Sydney, guests will cruise to Melbourne, Port Arthur and Hobart for an overnight, before cruising to Milford Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Napier and Tauranga, where they spend another night before reaching their final port, Auckland. Book an Oceanview for the price of an Interior on this fascinating cruise from just AUD$3999 per person.

To make a booking or for further information visit www.azamaraclubcruises.com, phone 1800 754 500 or contact your local travel agent.

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Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice on sale

Cruises on Australia’s favourite ship* are selling fast, but there’s still time to bag an exotic South Pacific cruise on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice this summer, with fares priced from as low as AU$999 per person on a 7-night South Pacific Sailing, departing Sydney on 13 April 2017. Guests will discover the magic of Lifou in the Loyalty Islands and Noumea in New Caledonia and experience the best of modern luxury on Celebrity Solstice, with her superb dining, exquisite spa offerings and impeccable service.

Or, sun-chasers can board a 9-night South Pacific sailing on 25 March 2017 from just AU$1099 per person. Departing Sydney, the cruise calls at the exotic havens of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands before returning to Sydney.

For more information about Celebrity Cruises or to book a cruise, visit celebritycruises.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent.

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Royal Caribbean’s Local Wow Sale

Give the gift of a cruise holiday this Christmas, with Royal Caribbean’s Local Wow Sale, offering festive savings and upgrades on local sailings in 2017.

Guests who book selected 2017 local sailings between 3 December 2016 and 9 December 2016 will receive up to US$400 onboard credit per stateroom, as well as a massive 50% off the cruise fare of the second guest. They’ll also receive a Balcony Stateroom for the price of an Oceanview Stateroom, making a Royal Caribbean cruise the perfect family gift for savvy shoppers this Christmas.

Watch the family’s eyes light up as they unwrap an unforgettable 12-night South Pacific and New Zealand cruise on Australia’s newest, biggest and most modern ship, Ovation of the Seas, departing Sydney on 28 January 2017. Guests will be whisked to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and New Zealand, while enjoying a myriad of activities onboard including the IFly skydiving simulator, Flowrider surf simulator and the North Star viewing pod, which rises 90m above the ocean. The first guest will pay from just AUD$2849 while the second guest will pay $1409, receiving a balcony stateroom for the price of and US$400 onboard credit as part of the new offer.

Or, treat the family to a 10-night Explorer of the Seas cruise in their Christmas stockings. Departing

Sydney on 22 February 2017, guests call at Isle of Pines and Mare in New Caledonia and Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu, before returning to Sydney. Guest one will pay just AUD $1599, and the second guest just AUD $799, receiving a balcony stateroom for the price of and US$400 onboard credit as part of the Local Wow sale.

For further information or to book a Royal Caribbean cruise, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.

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