Add a touch of luxury to your Australian experience

With the cost of international travel at an all-time high, it is the perfect time to enjoy the vast array of luxury resorts available right here in Australia and what could be more convenient than sending your luggage ahead of you, to your luxury hotel, spa or golf resort. 

Australia boasts some of the most beautiful destinations to be found in the world, but travelling to these destinations also involves the usual issues that travelling with luggage often involves. Avoiding all the queues disruption and luggage issues should therefore be a priority when the aim of the holiday is to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the best Australia has to offer. 

Whatever the destination it is now more likely than ever, travellers will be charged extra for checked-in luggage. Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Tiger have all introduced checked-in luggage fees and if travelling with golf clubs, surfboards, bikes or other sporting equipment there is the increasing likelihood of excess luggage charges being applied. 

If the traveller has no option but to pay extra for luggage, why not pay that bit extra and enjoy all the benefits that Personal Porter's luggage delivery service provides. Convenience and a touch of luxury to ensure that the journey to and from the resort is as enjoyable as possible and free of incident.  

"Improving the journey experience to and from the destination should not be underestimated. When it takes 10 hours to travel from Sydney to Cable Beach for example, travel agents and resorts should be ensuring that their customers arrive with a smile on their face ." said James Garrod, Marketing Director of Personal Porter, "Struggling with heavy luggage or having it delayed or even being lost, does promote a relaxing start to a holiday and certainly not conducive to a smile". 

A recent comment from Caroline Wilkie of the Tourism & Transport Forum asked "we have to come up with a way to give domestic destinations the same appeal [when compared to overseas travel]". 

"I believe Personal Porter may help contribute to the solution Caroline is looking for" added Garrod 

With luggage taking as little as 24 hours from pick-up to delivery and prices starting from just $78, Personal Porter provides the simplest and easiest method to ensure guests arrive at their destination having avoided all the inconvenience of queues, baggage carousels and mishandled luggage. 

Hotels, resorts, travel agents and golf courses amongst others, all have an opportunity to offer the service and be rewarded for their efforts with commission on the service. All that is required is a simply link on their website, so that their customers can be directed to the service and bookings automatically tracked and commissions paid. 

Personal Porter™ provides an online and seamless global door-to-door luggage delivery service, offering travellers an alternative to checking-in luggage, by picking up their luggage at their home or office and delivering it to their final destination wherever in the world they are located. The company offers flexible luggage options, preferred pick-up windows, pro-active luggage management and with operations in both Australia and the UK, provides unrivalled coverage, customer service and 24/7 support. 

For more information on Personal Porter™, please visit www.personalporter.com

Hunter Valley's finest food & wine showcased on the shores of Balmoral this November

The Hunter Valley Wine Industry will bring a taste of the Hunter Valley to Sydney on Sunday 2^nd November with the hugely popular Hunter Uncorked at Balmoral event back for the second year. More than 25 Hunter Valley wineries and premium restaurants along with producers, day spas and golf courses will be on hand to provide the people of Sydney the perfect Hunter Valley experience.

The event will be hosted by the Hunter Valley winemaking family at Balmoral Esplanade from 11am to 5pm with more than 5,000 people expected to relax by the sea as they wine and dine on the Hunter Valley's finest food and wine.

Rowena Hawkins, General Manager of Business Development for Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association says, "Hunter Uncorked at Balmoral is a fantastic opportunity to introduce Sydneysiders to our family of Hunter Valley wines.  Guests will be able to indulge in the tastes of the region and meet the faces behind the wines.   The winemaking families will all be on hand to discuss their wines and the rich winemaking history of the Hunter Valley."

The spectacular outdoor event will showcase the generations of winemaking in the region with historic family wine companies McWilliams Mt Pleasant, Tulloch Wines and Tyrrell's, dynamic family companies Glandore Estate and Scarborough Wine Co and awarded companies to include Tower Estate and Brokenwood Wines.  Wineries will offer their latest releases through to museum treasures and will include Hunter Valley Wine Show winning wines. This will be a great chance for Sydneysiders to treat themselves to a glass and a case or two of the hottest wines from this year's celebrated producers.

Renowned Hunter Valley restaurants such as The Cellar and Rock will also be showcasing local produce with mouth watering dishes giving visitors the ultimate culinary experience.

Hunter Uncorked is free to enter; visitors can purchase a souvenir wine glass for $7 which will be their key to the participating wineries and activities.  Wine will be available for purchase by the glass or by the bottle and restaurant meals will be on offer at $15 per plate, with coffee and treats on hand for those with a sweet tooth.  Those purchasing a glass of wine will automatically go into a draw to win a Hunter Valley Wine Country Experience.

Clothed tables and chairs will be available for ultimate comfort; there will also be grassed lawns for those wanting a relaxing picnic experience. Kid's activities such as face painting are also planned for the day.  In addition, for ease of parking, a free shuttle service will run throughout the day from Spit Junction to the event.

Hunter Uncorked Balmoral is the closing event of the Mosman Festival which is a 10 day program of exciting activities and events taking place from the 24^th October until 2^nd November.

For full event details go to www.uncorked.hvva.com.au

A Move Upscale Sees Club Med Enter A New Era Of Success

Club Med's chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Henri Giscard d'Estaing was in Sydney on Monday night to update the market on a significant programme of refurbishment underway in Asia Pacific. Since 2004 over $US51 million has been allocated to renovate Club Med resorts in Asia Pacific alone.

Since taking the reins of Club Med in 2002, Mr Giscard d'Estaing has led Club Med in an extensive renovation programme. In just the past two years Club Med has launched or re-opened ten resorts around the world, renovated six properties and closed five as part of its bid to appeal to a more sophisticated travel market. Mr Giscard d'Estaing says, "We are targeting families and couples who want upscale, all-inclusive and multicultural holidays and aiming to provide a broad range of choice to suit a variety of tastes."

The move to appeal to sophisticated travellers has motivated the creation of a new range of refined properties with a '5 Trident' rating. Closest to Australia, just eight hours from Perth, Club Med has built a $US75 million dollar resort on the west coast of Mauritius, Club Med La Plantation d'Albion. In Marrakech Morocco, Club Med Le Riad also boasts the '5-Trident' standard and this year Club Med will upgrade the unique 187 metre sailing ship Club Med 2 making it the third '5 –Trident' experience.

The '4-Trident' Club Med Bali in Nusa Dua will also open in December this year after a significant refurbishment adding a wider variety of room choices including lavish suites, an extensive Mandara spa with 12 treatment rooms, two Turkish Hammams and two saunas and new common areas. Just 55 minutes off the coast of Singapore, Club Med Bintan Island has undergone a $US6.5 Million refurbishment and will be launched in September this year. In recent years the forward thinking company has also refurbished its ski resort in Sahoro Japan, created a 1000 square metre Mini Club Med for children within Club Med Phuket and added 75 luxurious over water bungalows to Club Med Kani in the Maldives.

One of the world's largest ski operators, Club Med has also refurbished nine ski resorts in the last three years in a bid to offer Australians the best value for money, sophisticated ski experience in Europe and Japan's the most popular ski fields of Europe and Japan. Close to Australia, Club Med Sahoro was relaunched in November 2007 and offers all-inclusive ski and snowboarding holidays for the whole family.

Appealing to a more upscale market represents an exciting new chapter for this iconic brand which has become a household name in Australia since the first office opened in Sydney in 1975 offering exotic holidays to New Caledonia and Tahiti. Since then, over half a million Australians have visited one of 80 Club Med resorts around the world.

The new signature "Club Med - Where Happiness Means the World" maintains the company's long held conviction that by removing financial and social constraints, Club Med's all–inclusive holidays offer guests the freedom to enjoy whatever makes them happy; whether that is relaxing, socialising, participating in sports or discovering new cultures.

This theme of happiness has been core to Club Med's offering since its post war origins when French water-polo player Gerard Blitz offered holidays to his tent city in Andalucía, saying 'the time to be happy is now and the place to be happy is here.' The offer of a carefree exotic holiday attracted 2,300 people in the first summer of 1950 and strong demand meant more than 10,000 people were turned away. Continuing popularity of the concept meant rapid expansion for the altruistic Club which developed from a non-profit organisation to become publicly listed in 1967 and eventually one of the world's largest resort operators.

The promise of happiness has persisted throughout 58 years of adaptation and pioneering change and undoubtedly contributed to Club Med's enduring popularity. Over the years Club Med continued to innovate to attract guests. Ski, sun resorts as well as cruise ships were opened, the popular kid's club concept was created and an exclusive internal currency was introduced in the form of a beaded necklace. Club Med's latest great innovation is Club Med Passworld (now available at Cherating Beach and other selected resorts). Passworld is an innovative space where teens can mix music, make videos, participate in jewellery making or just hang out in a relaxed but safe environment.

The new Club Med brand recognises the evolution of the Australian consumer and makes a significant departure from the grass huts and beaded necklaces so popular in the 1980s. "Club Med targets families and couples who want an upscale holiday as well as a friendly environment where they can relax and enjoy interacting with the hotel staff and other guests," said Mr Giscard d'Estaing.

Club Med's new level of refinement combined with its enduring friendly spirit make it, now more then ever, a place where sophistication meets fun.

For full booking details please call Club Med on (aus only) 1800 258 263 or for more information visit www.clubmed.com.au

Langham Hotels International Announces Exciting Property Developments

In an enchanted evening at Sydney's Queen Victoria Building last night, Langham Hotels International announced a host of exciting new developments as highlighted below.

LANGHAM PROPERTIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION


The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai, China

Langham Hotels International's (LHI) first boutique hotel – The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai is on schedule to open at the end of 2008. This is LHI's fourth new hotel announcement in China, which also marks the start of the group's new boutique hotel line under The Langham brand.

The Langham Yangtze Boutique is located in the heart of Shanghai's central business district, a stone's throw from The People's Square and adjacent to Nanjing Road. It is a small luxury hotel originally designed as an iconic masterpiece of art deco and neo-classic architecture by renowned architect Li Pan in the 1930s, and was once named "The Third Largest Hotel in the Far East".


Langham Place Hotel Beijing, China

Langham Hotels International's first Langham Place Hotel in China, in the country's capital, Beijing, is on schedule to open in spring 2009, marking a significant first step for Langham Hotels International's development in China and a milestone for the group's expansion in the region.

Langham Place, Beijing is located in Chao Yang District, the prime business district in Beijing, close to Chang An Avenue and the foreign embassy district. The Hotel forms a part of the Chao Yang Plaza, a large-scale signature project including two complexes – South and North – with a total surface area of 400,000 square metres developed by Union Land.


Langham Place Miora Resort + Spa, Kalim Bay, Phuket

Langham Hotels International has signed a management contract for an all-villa boutique resort at Kalim Bay in Phuket, Thailand overlooking the Andaman Sea. The latest addition to the growing Langham portfolio will be the first boutique resort managed by an international 5-star brand in Phuket. It also puts the luxury hotel operator on track to operate at least five properties in Thailand within five years.

Scheduled to open in early 2010, Langham Place Miora Resort + Spa, Kalim Bay, Phuket will comprise of 78 stunning villas including penthouses set on a hilltop location overlooking Kalim Bay, Phuket.


NEWLY ACQUIRED LANGHAM PROPERTIES

Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport, China

Strategically located adjacent to the new Terminal 3 of Beijing's only international airport, the five-star Langham Place hotel will promise a revolutionary luxury airport hotel experience to world travellers and business guests.

The new Langham Place Hotel will open its doors to meet the market's robust demand for luxury hotels. As the political, cultural and economic capital of China, Beijing has long been the magnet for business and leisure travellers.


Langham Place Vineyard Resort + Spa, Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand

Langham Hotels International (LHI) has signed a new management agreement, taking Langham Place, a sister brand of The Langham, outside Asia for the first time. The luxury hotel operator will manage the five-star boutique Vineyard Resort + Spa on behalf of Isola Estate on Waiheke Island. The exclusive enclave is 30 minutes off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, and will open in 2010.

The resort will nestle amongst the 26 award-winning vineyards of Waiheke Island, including its own, to offer a paradise for travellers and conference planners seeking a fine gastronomic and premium wine experiences.

Edgewater Resort & Spa opens 3 Bedroom Villas

The Cook Islands largest resort The Edgewater Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the opening of its brand new 3bedroom villas. The new villas are the ideal accommodation option for families or for friends travelling together with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen … your island home away from home.

Fitted with full self catering facilities including dishwasher & washing machine, these very spacious 3 bedroom houses offer all the modern comforts of home. The villas boast two bathrooms, a large covered verandah and carport, satellite TV with in-house movie channels and telephone with IDD service. With two queen rooms and one twin, each villa accommodates up to six people.

Set in their own village style environment, you can enjoy the privacy of the villas whilst still being able to enjoy all the on-site facilities & activities offered by an international resort.

Rates start from NZ$630 per night for the 3 Bedroom Garden Villas and NZ$825per night for the 3 Bedroom Beachfront Villas, per night inclusive of tax.

For bookings contact stay@edgewater.co.ck or visit the resort website at www.edgewater.co.ck.

• The Edgewater Resort & Spa is represented in Australia and New Zealand by Tanggos.

• The Edgewater Resort & Spa is located on the west Coast of Rarotonga, nestled amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens, overlooking a beautiful white sand beach and the deep blue lagoon – a perfect place for an island getaway. With a range of accommodation options and a wealth of activities Edgewater Resort & Spa offers holiday escapes for all budgets.

Beyond the Adrenaline Rush: Rethinking Traditional Adventure Travel Marketing For Gen Y

New report reveals GenY adventure travel behavior trends, recommends marketing strategies to reach a fast-growing travel segment

With an annual growth rate of 3.5%, Generation Y represents the fastest-growing demographic segment in the travel industry today. A new research report released by Xola Consulting, Inc. indicates this group demands authentic travel experiences rich in cultural exchange and environmental immersion much the same as Baby Boomers. The findings indicate a significant opportunity for adventure travel tour operators to market to Gen Y, and offer destinations and tour operators a new way to perceive this market. If you thought Gen Y was only interested in the adrenaline rush when it comes to adventure travel, think again.

While GenY adventure travelers share a similar desire as their parents in the Baby Boomer generation to learn, connect, and engage with the world, their approach for achieving those goals is very different. Adventure travel tour operators and destinations may need to reconsider their trip offerings and marketing strategies to reach this group effectively.

A substantial body of research covers youth travel, backpackers, adventure travel and Generation Y as a whole, but there has been no focused effort to examine how marketing messages and products might be shaped to best attract this group specifically for the adventure travel industry.

With the support of the George Washington University International Institute for Tourism Studies (www.gwu.edu/iits), Xola consultant Natasha Martin surveyed North American and Western European GenY travelers, and conducted a literature review of youth travel, backpacking, Generation Y, and adventure travel. The resulting report, “WhatUp World? Marketing Adventure Travel for Gen Y,” offers insights to the attitudes, preferences, and lifestyles of Gen Y adventure travelers, and recommends marketing strategies – including brand positioning, messaging, and media relations - for reaching this important and growing market.

"Marketers aiming to reach GenY adventure travelers must recognize that the travel habits of this group are by no means homogeneous,” said Natasha Martin, lead consultant on the study. “Given the variation, marketing messages must consistently focus on micro-specialization, and endeavor to speak simply and specifically about destinations and activities.”

The report's findings about GenY adventure travelers indicate that:

- 82% choose destination before deciding budget, and 74% research trips on the Internet
- They tend to stay at destinations longer and travel deeper than other travel segments,resulting in expenditures that can have great impact in destinations
- They travel with a purpose – to explore and engage with other cultures
- 50% include cultural experiences in their definition of “adventure;” they travel to develop a deeper understanding of their personal or cultural heritage
- 82% have college degrees or higher
- They are well-read and have a holistic view of the world, making them comfortable in seeking out destinations and adventure travel opportunities outside of the traditional mainstream

The Executive Summary from “WhatUp World? Marketing Adventure Travel for Gen Y” is available for free download at www.xolaconsulting.com/research-php. Please contact Christina Heyniger at christina@xolaconsulting.com or +1 202-297-2206 for a full copy of the report. Other groundbreaking reports related to the adventure space are available at www.xolaconsulting.com.

About Xola Consulting

Xola Consulting, Inc. (www.xolaconsulting.com) specializes in consulting and research services for the adventure tourism industry, providing expertise to both entrepreneurial adventure tour operators and government tourism boards and destination management organizations. Xola also publishes Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com), an online newsletter and website providing information to adventure travelers about the best sustainable adventure travel destinations and trips.

World’s most premium adventure race to be held in Tasmania

Described as the ‘world’s most premium adventure race’ details of the 2008 Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge were announced at an exclusive dinner held recently in Melbourne.

The Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge was created by Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber in 2003 and is a multi-discipline teams based event involving running/trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and a number of mystery disciplines. The Challenge has received great reviews in the world of multi-sport as well as having raised about $1 million for Webber’s partnered charities since 2003.

Webber said the Challenge has been described as a ‘pro-am style adventure race’ catering for fit celebrities and corporate teams to elite athletes from varying sporting backgrounds and from all over the world.

A distinguishing feature of the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge is that everything is taken care of for competitors. Those who have had any experience with adventure racing will know, competitors drop where they are to catch a few minutes sleep and eat pre-packaged foods throughout the 24-48hr race.

While a day of racing in the Challenge is tough, everything is provided for competitor; from a comfortable camp village to chef prepared gourmet foods, sports supplements, masseurs, use of brand new equipment including Giant mountain bikes and an end of event party for competitors to unwind and celebrate their achievements with friends and family.

“The Challenge has provided teams with an amazing team building experience and a huge sense of accomplishment. Some competitors start out, particularly within the corporate teams, questioning whether it’s within their capabilities. You can see the sense of achievement on their faces as they cross the finish line.”

“It’s amazing to see what people can achieve when they put their mind to it. For many of our past competitors the focus of the feedback we get is about how stunning Tassie is. We get to see wilderness areas, rugged coastlines and mountain ranges as we’re slogging it out on the course.”

“Competitors get to meet some great elite athletes and personalities who share the experience of the Challenge with them over the five days which is pretty special and unique.”

Despite spending almost 200 days away from home during the manic Formula One season, Australian F1 driver Mark Webber only gets home to Australia from his UK base twice a year, the second to compete in the Challenge. The Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge is a calendar highlight for Webber and forms part his stringent fitness program which mixes his love of the outdoors with running, paddling, mountain and road cycling. Webber has competed in each Pure Tasmania Challenge and is a certain starter for the 2008 Challenge.

Unveiling a Challenging course across Pure Tasmania

Unveiling details of the 2008 Challenge, Webber said this year’s course will begin on Wednesday 19 November at Cradle Mountain Chateau in Tasmania’s northern gateway to Cradle Mountain’s pristine wilderness. Competitors will race their way across the State before finishing five days later in Hobart on Sunday 23 November. The event will take in over 250km of some of the most breathtaking but rugged terrain in the world. Kayaking, trekking and mountain biking is the competitors only mode of transport.

Organisers are expecting a strong contingent of internationals to make the trip down under to compete in one of the three categories of entry including representatives from Asia, New Zealand and Europe. High profile Singaporean competitors are expected to return after a good showing in last year’s Challenge, as well as a possible defence of their title from the Kiwi world champion Richard Ussher and his wife Elina. Telstra are also very keen to defend their claim as the best corporate adventure racing team in Australia.

Teams are encouraged to fundraise to support the Mark Webber Challenge foundation which assists both the Leukaemia Foundation and the Save the Tassie Devil Appeal.

Newly appointed Leukaemia Foundation General Manager Stephanie Hechenberger said: “I’ve been watching the Challenge grow as an event and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Challenge in the coming months. With the event having raised over $200,000 in 2007 already, we can tell you this money will make a huge difference for those families and individuals requiring treatments interstate by providing comfortable accommodation and travel options for them.”

For full detail on the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge go to www.markwebberchallenge.com

Past Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge competitors include:

James Tomkins Five-time Olympic rower (part of the awesome foursome)

Michael Klim Former Olympic and Commonwealth swimming champion

Tatiana Grigorieva Former Olympic and Commonwealth pole vault champion

Richard Ussher Current World Champion adventure racer (NZ)

Tiffany Cherry ESPN Sports Reporter

Jason Richardson SEN personality, 1993 Stawell Gift winner

Greg Rust Network Ten F1 reporter, host of RPM

Mike McKay Former Olympic and Commonwealth rower (part of the awesome foursome)

Dee Cafari Yachted solo around the world (UK)

Matt White Pro cyclist

Brett Aitken Olympic cyclist

Shane Kelly Olympic cyclist

Pat Rafter Former Tennis great and US Open Champion

James Cracknell Olympic rowing champion (UK)

Alex Waters British F3 star (UK)

Steve Waugh Former Australian cricketer

Alvin Lim/Esther Tan winners of the 2007 Ace Adventure race in Singapore

Chris Wootton driver in the Formula BMW Asia series (Australian)

Corporate teams have included:

Cadbury Schweppes, Telstra, Virgin Blue, Lonely Planet, Europcar, Foster’s Group, Hydro Tasmania, Tassal, Royal Bank of Scotland, X Tech, Spinvox, Aurora Tasmania, Deutsche Bank,

WIN a Trip to Thailand : Calling All Shoppers and Fashionistas

THAI, Dream Hotel Bangkok, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Sretsis invite you to try and win a shopping experience of a lifetime. See Thailand's fashion capital through the eyes of the fashion experts 'Sretsis.' To win this fantastic prize, consumers must answer the questions below and also tell us in 25 words or less why they should to Bangkok.

This unique competition is not to be missed by anyone with an eye for fashion and a taste for a shopping bargain. For lovers of shopping, fashion, sightseeing, nightlife, food, spa and beauty treatments, variety and a host of other holiday activities, Bangkok is the dream destination. For shoppers in particular, Bangkok offers everything from sepcialised boutiques with designer labels to department stores to local markets with traditional handicrafts, an enormous variety of fabrics with Thai silk a world-renowned speciality, handbags, shoes, jewellery and a host of other accessories plus homewares and soft furnishings so much more ... all there are waiting for a bargain-hunter. Apart from shopping, Bangkok has so many attractions and options for holiday-makers. It's unique cultural heritage is on display throughout the city through it's magnificent and ornate temples plus there's a host of sightseeing and exploring opportunities; an unimaginable choice of restaurants with a choice of international or local cuisine and a reputation for nightlife that has to be experienced to be believed. Bangkok is a city that never sleeps and has something for everyone at anytime of the day or night!


This amazing dream holiday includes:

§ Two return economy class tickets to travel with Thai Airways International from any one of THAI's 4 online Australian cities -Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth - to Bangkok

§ Private car transfers from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the hotel and return; plus a half day tour to visit Jim Thompson's Thai House and Suan Pakkard Palace (Jim Thompson is considered to be Thailand's "Silk King") - courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand

§ Three nights accommodation for two adults at (The 5 star fashion hotel) Dream Hotel Bangkok in one of the hotels luxurious Classic Suites including daily breakfast, two drink vouchers for use at the hotel's 'Flava Restaurant & Bar' ; free high speed broadband access and 15% discount for the first treatment at the hotel's 'Avatar Spa' (www.dreambkk.com)

§ Exclusive meeting the three charming sisters from the fashion label "Sretsis" : meet the faces behind the brand and enjoy two personally guided days with the girls for a behind the scenes look at one of Thailand's most successful designer labels, 'Sretsis' ; includes a visit to the "Sretsis" studio for a look at what goes on in the development of each season's collection and a sneak preview of their latest designs (www.sretsis.com).

To enter, participants have to log on to www.thaiairways.com.au and answer these three questions:


1. How many times a week does THAI fly between Australia and Bangkok?

2. Other than Bangkok, to which other leading fashion capital cities can you fly with THAI?

3. Where does the name "Sretsis" originate?

Plus tell us in 25 words or less why you should win this fantastic shopping holiday?


*Conditions apply. For full details, refer to the Terms and Conditions on-line before entering the competition.


More about "Sretsis"
"Sretsis" (sisters spelt backwards) was founded in 2002 by the three sisters, Pim (head designer), Kly (marketing/PR) and Matina Sukhahuta (jewellery), who continue to own and manage their designer label. The "Sretsis" logo (seen below) symbolises the bond between the three sisters. The label has become one of Thailand's hottest fashion exports, having gained an international reputation in Europe, the USA and now in Australia.

More about THAI:
THAI flies 40 times a week from Australia to over 70 destinations across five continents. Included on the network are most of the world's best known fashion capitals such as Milan, Paris, London and Los Angeles. Celebrating it's 48th anniversary in 2008, THAI has been introducing Australians to a unique Thai-style of service and hospitality since 1971 with daily connections from Thailand to the world, 'Smooth as Silk.' A fleet of modern Boeing 777 aircraft with all the latest in comfort and technology now operate daily between the east coast of Australia and Bangkok. To find out more about our inflight service and amenities, click on the 'About THAI' button on the home page of this website. Together with our Star Alliance partners, THAI has the whole world covered.

Log on to www.thaiairways.com.au for more information and to enter.

GET READY FOR SUMMER – SPRING CLEAN THE MIND AND BODY

Just as you Spring Clean your home, Solar Springs Health Retreat at Bundanoon in the NSW Southern Highlands between Sydney and Canberra, suggests you give yourself a 5-night Mind & Body Spring Clean as well, and is currently offering just such a deal with a saving of $160pp.

This unique package to kick off the warmer months, is available from Sundays to Fridays from August 31 to November 28 and includes a full Physical Health Assessment, a Consultation with a Nutritionist or Naturopath, a Session with a Life Coach, Body Brush 'n' Wrap, a Detox Hydro Bath, Deluxe Skin Treatment or Men's Facial, and 8-to-10 meditation classes, talks and walks daily.

All meals are also included with menus well-balanced to provide adequate protein, healthy fats, whole grains and seasonal fruit and vegetables, and with vegetarian or other special diets also well-catered for – and if you like a glass of wine with dinner, this is available at optional cost.

The 5-night Mind & Body Spring Clean costs from $1340pp twin-share; for full details phone 1800 044 944 or check-out www.solarsprings.com

ADDITIONAL RETREAT INFORMATION: Solar Springs Health Retreat is 1.5 to 2-hours by road from Sydney and just a little more from Canberra.

It has a 25-metre heated indoor pool, cycling, tennis, archery, and bushwalking in the adjacent Morton National Park, with guests able to join-in as many – or a few if that's their choice – of the eight to ten daily activities.

AFRICA: The Cradle of Humanity

When people think of Africa, they think of the big five safari sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo, and rhino) or the big five tragedies of the continent (war, genocide, famine, political corruption, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic). But Africa encompasses much more than wildlife and warfare.

Africa is huge. It's four times the size of the United States. It's roughly 5,000 miles long and 4,600 miles wide. Africa makes up 20% of the earth's landmass.

"There's a whole continent beyond the cliché that appeals to luxury travelers and intrepid adventurers alike," says Andy Alpine, co-founder of Specialty Travel Index (SpecialtyTravel.com). "The photo safari is still a big draw, of course--where else in the world can you experience the sight of a lion stalking its prey or the magnificent wildebeest migration across Serengeti's endless plains? You could track wildlife in every country in Africa and still not get tired of it. But there is a rich cache of African experiences that many people don't discover until their second trip to Africa--and some may overlook it altogether."

Specialty Travel Index puts hundreds of African vacations from some of Africa's best outfitters in one easy to navigate web site. Travel agents and travelers can narrow down their choices by country and by type of trip with a couple clicks.

Here's a look at just a few of the dream-of-a-lifetime African travel experiences from different outfitters that can be found at www.specialtytravel.com and the magazine/directory Specialty Travel Index:

Ghana arts & Culture

Ghana is a kaleidoscope of arts. Palace Travel's seven day art and culture tour of Ghana gives collectors and culture buffs a unique and up-close cultural experience. Travelers visit a local casket making shop to see a collection of caskets carved in the shapes of various objects depicting traditional beliefs in life after death (the "Fantasy Coffins" of Teshie Nungua have been featured in National Geographic and galleries worldwide). They take drumming and dancing lessons on Kokrobrite Beach and learn to make fufu, ground nut soup, red red, and palava sauce in a Ghanian cooking workshop. Then its' on to the Ashanti craft villages--Pankrono, where potters create colorful hand-built vessels; Ahwiaa, known for royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls; Ntonso where artisans hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make adinkra textiles worn for funerals and other solemn occasions; and Bonwire where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms, in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. If your suitcase isn't stuffed with art by then, it will be after the Kumasi Central Market (also known as Kejetia Market), the largest open-air market in West Africa, where more than 10,000 vendors sell just about everything you could need or want - food, fabric, clothing, furniture, beauty products, and handmade crafts.

PALACE TRAVEL

Diving the Red Sea

The Red Sea, where the desert meets the ocean, is one of the planet's most fascinating natural sea environments. There are about 200 of coral types and over a thousand species of fish, more species than anybody of water its size. Many divers consider the Red Sea is the best diving in the world world. Lotus International's Deep Down in the Red Sea diving tour starts in Cairo and gives divers the chance to explore the Abou Dabab Reefs, Elephinstone Reef, Dolphin Reefs (3 dives with the dolphins), St. Johns, Marsa Alam, and West Abu Dabab. LOTUS INTERNATIONAL TOURS

Photographer's Safaris

There can't be an amateur or professional photographer alive that hasn't fantasized about the capturing a shot of lions cubs playing in the grass, a leopard in a tree, or a line of elephants. A professional photographer leads small (10 or fewer) photo-hungry groups on daily game hunts--at a photographers pace--in open vehicles and bushwalks through private game reserves and Kruger National Park. Photographers will spot game from above on an ultra light flight and take a boat through the world's third largest canyon for hippo and croc shots. In the evening, guests compare shots in the tree house style lodge. AFRICA WILD SAFARIS

Explore the Kalahari

Few parts of Africa can match the mystique of Botswana's Kalahari Desert. Its unique and striking environment, and its vastness and isolation, leaves a lasting impression on all visitors. In addition to exploring its fragile ecosystem, Travelers with Mountain Travel Sobek's Kalahari Desert private adventure can experience the cultural richness of the indigenous San (Bushman) people, who live in complete harmony with their environment. From Jack's Camp, an elegant, traditional East African–style camp (the best in the Kalahari!), you'll explore the saltpans on quad bikes, search for the elusive brown hyena, and take a walk with a Bushman and learn how the San people have survived for centuries in this harshly beautiful environment. MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK

Tracking Large Game on Foot in Big Five Territory

An environmentally-friendly tented camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Bateleur Eco Safaris is in the heart of Big 5 territory. Forming a part of the Greater Kruger National Park, all artificial barriers between the reserves have been removed, allowing the wildlife to roam free. Sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, antelope, and 350 bird species are common. Guides conduct daily bush walks, which teach guests to track large game on foot and provide a fascinating insight into animal behavior. To ensure an authentic wildlife experience, Bateleur Eco Safaris exposes guests to a variety of activities such as bushcraft and survival skills, bringing them closer to nature than ever before. BATELEUR ECO SAFARIS

Cradle of Voodoo

The Adventure Center offers a journey of extremes through some of Africa's less-visited countries: Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Traveling through three very different nations, travelers experience diverse cultures and traditional religions, amazing natural attractions, unique architectural styles, friendly people and vibrant local music. From the Gulf of Guinea to the remote nomadic lands in the north of Burkina Faso, travelers visit fetish markets and python temples, spend a night in a traditional stilt village, witness fire-dancing and mask ceremonies and explore the vast expanse of the Burkinabe Sahel. Sometimes, they are even granted an audience with King Maiga Belko at Arabinda. Adventure Center

Maasailand Safari

One of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime", this is the chance to explore the African savanna on foot with Maasai warriors, share stories with elders, discuss world issues of common concern, learn about wildlife conservation and animal husbandry, women's issues, rites of passage, and discover the fine arts of beading, traditional healing, music and dance, all from a base of specially built guest bungalows in the Maasai village of Merrushi. WILDLAND ADVENTURES

Birding in Egypt

Egypt is a bridge between continents offering migratory species the perfect route for their annual flights from Europe and Asia. A wide variety of Egyptian habitats ranging from high rugged mountains to desert and tropical style jungle along the Nile basin, give it a unique character plus the diversity needed to attract an extremely wide range of bird life-- over 430 species of birds are found in Egypt. Travel Egypt, in addition to Nile cruises classic Nile Valley tours, operates a tour during the anticipated peak of migrations to afford birders a vacation with the maximum chance to view and photograph the widest variety possible. Birders visit to important antiquity sites and oasis in both upper and lower Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula with its beautiful beaches, incredible undersea life, and bountiful collection of bird life. TRAVEL EGYPT

Spotting Gorilla and Chimps in Uganda

Uganda's longest operating Safari provider (operating since 1959), Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris, combines luxury tent camps with real beds, comfortable furniture, thick rugs, and fully stocked dining and bar tents (this isn't roughing it), with game viewing tin a private fleet of 4x4 Land cruisers. Lake Mburo Camp is set in a beautiful game park that has a wide range of Africa's wildlife; Bwindi Forest Camp is the base for mountain gorilla treks; and Kibale Forest Camp is the forested base for chimpanzee spotting. Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris

These, and many other African experiences (as well as a myriad of special interest and adventure travel adventures), can be found in Specialty Travel Index and on SpecialtyTravel.com

STI is easy to use, on the web site with the "Find Your Adventure" search mechanism indexing tours by both interest/activity (Yacht Charter, Wine Tours,) and destination (Costa Rica, France) and in the magazine using similar choices. Subscriptions to the magazine cost $10 per year (Canada $15; other foreign $25) for two issues: July (Fall/Winter) and January (Spring/Summer). Send orders to: info@specialtytravel.com or order online at www.specialtytravel.com.

Website: www.specialtytravel.com