Jeju Island, Korea: A Nature Lover's Paradise

Jeju Island off the southern coast of Korea is a nature lover’s paradise offering spectacular natural wonders like volcanic craters, impressive lava tubes, waterfalls that fall straight to the ocean and great hiking trails on Korea’s highest mountain, Hallasan.

Blessed with spectacles of nature created by volcanic eruptions, the entire island and its lava tubes were designated as World Natural Heritages by UNESCO in June 2007.
The lava landscape, blending odd-shaped rocks and caves, ponds, volcanic humps and craters, dry lands and great fields of grass is dotted with diverse and rare floral and fauna species.

Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong) is a dramatic volcanic crater which rises majestically from the ocean. Visitors to the island climb to the peak to enjoy the spectacular sunrise view from the top of a huge bowl-shaped crater set against a background of crystal clear seas. You may be lucky to also see the famous Jeju women divers (haenyo) who often collect seafood in the seas around here.

See the lava wonders of Manganggul cave, the largest lava tube in Asia. It is an immense natural conduit formed by the lava which flowed through to the coast some 200,000-300,000 thousand years ago. Its around 5 metres in width and 7.4 km in length. Visitors can enjoy the stalactites, lava pillars, lava shelves and swirling walls along its length.

Mt. Hallasan, the extinct volcano that rises to 1,950 metres in the centre of the island has a crater at its top. Mt. Hallasan is home to more than 1,800 species of plants, nearly half of the 4,000 species found in the whole country. There are several enjoyable walking trails from around 2-5 hours in duration where hikers can enjoy the amazing views down to the coast.

A new brochure detailing Jeju’s volcanic craters and lava tubes as well as an excellent walking guide to the pathways along the beautiful coastline around Jungmun Resort have recently been released. Request your free copy by email today and explore Jeju Island’s natural wonders very soon.

Drive for Cash at Millbrook this Labour Weekend

Queenstown's five-star Millbrook Resort is inviting keen golfers to 'give it their best shot' to win NZ$100,000 cash this Labour Weekend.

The competition is part of celebrations for the launch of the new Millbrook Driving Range, where Millbrook members and visiting golfers can test their skills at the range and the resort’s ‘challenging’ 13th hole to walk away with a cool NZ$100,000 cash in hand.

The competition will start on the afternoon of Saturday October 24 with a closest to the pin competition at the range. The new driving range is housed in a restored original high country woolshed near the entrance to the resort and is a unique place to learn, practice and improve in a stunning environment.

The range features a coaching clinic classroom for a new golf academy that features technological teaching equipment including a Vector Launch Monitor, SAM Putt Lab, video analysis equipment, automated ball dispenser and infrared heaters. The equipment is the same as that used by many top golf equipment manufacturers and PGA TOUR professionals.

Immediately following the public qualifying drives, at 4pm on Saturday the top 50 qualifiers will compete for the big cash prize. Anyone who scores a hole-in-one at the par-3 13th hole will win the cash. The money will go into a prize pool in the unlikely event of there being more than one winner.

The challenging, 176m 13th is one of Millbrook’s signature holes, with panoramic views towards the Remarkables and Gibbston Valley. Driving from an elevated tee with Coronet Peak as the backdrop, players must avoid three strategically placed bunkers and a large ‘inviting’ pond to reach an undulating green.

Millbrook Director of Sales and Marketing Kim Carpenter said anyone could qualify and take a shot at the cash prize.

“We’re delighted to be opening the new driving range and providing the opportunity to win the grand prize. A hole-in-one is the holy grail of any round, but thanks to our Labour weekend challenge the winner could be paying for more than a few drinks in the bar afterwards,” he said.

“The odds are relatively long but it’s certainly not impossible, and probably more likely than a win on the Lotto. There have been 11 holes-in-one on the 13th recorded on the prize board in our club house over the past 15 years.

“We expect to be busy over the public holiday with members from all around the country in town to play in the season opening Spring Cup, but the good thing about this competition is that anyone can have a crack. We’d love someone to win the cash – maybe it could buy a new set of clubs or even a deposit on one of Millbrook’s gorgeous lifestyle sections!”

At the qualifying day on Saturday golfers will be asked to part with $1 to have their 'hit'. All monies raised will go to the Wakatipu Trails Trust.

Ski Bums Apply Within

It turns out that in Canada there are fewer openings for full-time heli-guides than there are applicants, so for the enterprising ski or snowboarding enthusiast who wants to eat, sleep and breathe the mountain, the list of potential jobs is long (snow maker, cat driver, lift operator, cafeteria chump…) but not necessarily distinguished.

That is, unless you are the all-expenses paid Snow Bum at British Columbia’s Sun Peaks Resort or the Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum in BC’s legendary Rocky Mountains.

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. British Columbia, home of some of the best skiing and snowboarding terrain on the planet, is offering not one but two mind-blowing opportunities to be a ski bum for three months in BC this northern winter, and is calling for applicants.

OPPORTUNITY A:
Sun Peaks, BC’s second-largest ski area (where the Austrian Olympic ski team train), has launched I Want To Be The Snow Bum, a chance for snow lovers to win an all-inclusive stay in BC’s interior mountains for the 2009/2010 Winter Season. The Snow Bum will spend three months decked out in new outerwear and equipment skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, even dogsledding, and finding ways to spend food vouchers and flash his/her VIP and backstage passes to all resort events and functions—all whilst sleeping at the finest hotels in the area, of course.

• Who need apply: Anyone 19+ years of age
• Skills required: Intermediate snowboarding or skiing skills
• The fine print: The winner will be expected to brag—er, blog to the world about their “job” through a variety of social media outlets (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, and the official Snow Bum blog site)
• How to apply: A 60-second video is all it takes. Visit www.snowbumcanada.com before 15 November


OPPORTUNITY B:
The dream continues in BC’s Kootenay Rockies region with The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest. No agenda, no job, just snow, mountains, alpine lodging, and a road that links seven resorts, the highest concentration of snowcat and heli operations anywhere, endless glaciers, peaks, tree stashes and bowls all together. You’ll even be given a vehicle and petrol to get you around it all. This contest is global, but if an Australian become the Ultimate Ski Bum, s/he can take a mate to join in the fun for 10 days skiing or boarding at Panorama Mountain Village.*

• Who need apply: Anyone 19+ years of age
• Skills required: Must have valid drivers license
• The fine print: No fine print. Seriously, how cool is this opportunity?
• How to apply: An up-to 90-second video is all it takes. Visit www.powderhighway.com before 22 November

* “Take a mate” deal valid for Australian residents only who enter a youtube.com video that mentions Ski Tours Canada will be eligible to win. Applicants must enter the competition via www.skitourscanada.com.


For more information on travelling to BC visit www.BritishColumbia.travel.

Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Fireworks – Legend!

Luxury cruise ship Legend of the Seas will sail three hours late for a 5-night Asian cruise out of Hong Kong next February, but passengers certainly won’t be complaining: it’s a deliberate delay so they can witness Hong Kong’s spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations around Victoria Harbour.

Originally scheduled to sail at 6pm on February 15 2010 for a day at sea, a day each in Taipei and Hualien in Taiwan and another day at sea before returning to Hong Kong, Legend of the Seas will now sail at 9pm so passengers can enjoy the fireworks from the deck or their private balconies.

A 7-night package through ecruising.travel includes return air and taxes from Sydney, a night pre-cruise and another post-cruise at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, 5-nights aboard Legend of the Seas with all meals, entertainment and a range of activities from a miniature golf course to a rock-climbing wall, a casino and spa.

And ecruising.travel will throw in for free return Airport Express bus travel airport/hotel/airport, Hong Kong Peak Tram Pass, Discover Hong with the 360 Cable Car Experience and a 24-hour MTR Pass valued at a total of HK364 (approx AU$60) if the package is booked by

Package fly, cruise and stay prices start from just $2699pp twin-share; for full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

FURTHER SHIPBOARD DETAILS: Legend of the Seas offers a formal dining room or a casual café with buffet meals, both venues having glass walls for amazingly spectacular sea or coastline views.

There’s also a range of bars and lounges, indoor/outdoor pool in a Solarium with sliding roof, a separate outdoor pool with four whirlpools, rock-climbing wall, 9-hole miniature golf course, a shopping gallery, youth facilities, day spa and fitness centre, a casino and an art gallery, art auctions and wine tastings.

The Westin Melbourne Welcomes Celebrity Chef Ben O'Donoghue

Acclaimed chef Ben O’Donoghue will take over the reigns at The Westin Melbourne’s award winning Allegro Restaurant in November. Over four days, Ben will showcase his unique and casual cooking style with a specially designed menu guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds.

Starting Wednesday November 18 through to Saturday November 21, visitors to Allegro will be able to acquaint themselves with quintessential elements of the Australian eating experience. Ben’s exclusive four course dinner menu unites exotic flavours with a home style twist for just $85 per person. Allegro’s open kitchen will provide a window into the world of an acclaimed chef and offer an insight into the creation of every dish.

Those searching for the ultimate dining experience are invited to join Ben in an indulgent five course degustation dinner on Saturday evening which promises to be a spectacular collaboration of taste sensations. Amongst the ambience of the elegant Wine Room, guests will dine on fare such as succulent char-grilled king prawn, wasabi vinaigrette, mango and watermelon salad as well as chilled avocado soup with scallop and salmon caviar. Accompanied by Voyager wines from Western Australia, it is an epicurean experience not to be missed. At evening’s end, all in attendance will receive a signed copy of Ben’s latest book ‘Ben’s Barbecue.’ Tickets are $250 per person and places are strictly limited. All profits raised from this special event will be donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation to assist their work with seriously ill children.

Allegro Restaurant serves dinner between 6.00 - 10.30pm daily. Bookings are essential. For reservations call Allegro direct on +61 3 9635 2200 or email allegro@westin.com

Allegro Restaurant is located on Level 1 of The Westin Melbourne at 205 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. For more information or to view the menu, visit http://www.westin.com.au/melbourne/dining-events.html


About Allegro Restaurant
The Westin Melbourne’s award winning Allegro Restaurant offers informal yet stylish dining. Featuring open kitchens, a highlight of Allegro is dining alfresco on the terrace amongst the tree tops of cosmopolitan Collins Street. The hotel’s Executive Chef regularly changes menus to showcase the best of fresh, local produce, all matched with an extensive wine list. Allegro’s signature “Platter Dining” has ensured the restaurant is popular for corporate lunches and pre-theatre dining.

About Ben O’Donoghue
Ben O’Donoghue is a familiar face on Australian television screens thanks to his popular series, Surfing the Menu. 38-year-old Ben has been a chef for 20 years and food is one of his main passions, along with surfing. Having worked at top Australian restaurants such as Jessica’s in Perth and Sydney’s Tribeca and Goodfellas restaurants, Ben went travelling and found himself in London at 26 years of age. For four years he worked at The River Café and then joined his mate Jamie Oliver at the exclusive Monte's Club as head chef.

Since moving back home Ben has been busy filming four series of the internationally acclaimed food and travel program, Surfing the Menu, a journey to source and cook with the finest, freshest ingredients from all over Australia and New Zealand. He was the food judge for LifeStyle FOOD’s Great BBQ Challenge series; and has also appeared on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and Planet Food. Ben was also a star on Channel 10's successful Masterchef series.

Ben writes a regular food column ‘Ben’s Basics’ for Olive Magazine in the UK as well as a regular column for Delicious Magazine in Australia. He is the author of the recently released book Ben’s Barbecue, published by Hardie Grant in August 2009. Visit http://www.benodonoghue.com/ for more information.

Vibe Hotels & Max Brenner Offer an Indulgent Break

Calling all chocolate lovers! Vibe Hotels has teamed up with Max Brenner to offer an indulgent new package called “Max Brenner Chocolate Indulgence @ Vibe”.

The “Max Brenner Chocolate Indulgence @ Vibe” package includes overnight accommodation in a stylish Vibe room, full buffet breakfast for two and a Max Brenner BODY gift pack created exclusively for Vibe Hotels. The gift pack includes caramelised pecans rolled in rich praline and find cocoa powder, an embroidered face towel and Ivory Coast cocoa butter bubble bath – a decadent chocolate experience with prices starting from just $175 a night!

Max Brenner has recently introduced his new BODY range which is dedicated to making you look and feel deliciously beautiful, offering beauty lovers with a weakness for chocolate a whole new indulging chocolate experience. Created from pure cocoa butter and rare confectionery ingredients, Max Brenner’s decadent Spa Collection nourishes and enriches the skin whilst helping to improve its elasticity and serving as a source of antioxidants.

Vibe Hotels are the fresh alternative to traditional hotels, reflecting a cosmopolitan atmosphere located in Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and on the Gold Coast. Every aspect of Vibe Hotels has been designed to mirror a great lifestyle – the rooms are stylish, the food in the Curve Cafés and Bars is delicious and the locations provide easy access to the best that each city has to offer.

Indulge your chocolate fantasy at:

Vibe Hotel Gold Coast from $179 - Overlooking a picturesque sweep of the Nerang River on one side and the sparkling ocean on the other, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast adds all things stylish and chic to Surfers Paradise.

Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne from $199 - Built in 1929, this art-deco hotel is sure to impress. Located opposite Southern Cross Station and just a short walk from the Telstra Dome, guests will enjoy the convenience of having Melbourne at their fingertips.

Vibe Hotel Rushcutters, Sydney from $189 - Overlooking Rushcutters Bay Park and the Cruising Yacht Club (CYC) Marina, Vibe Hotel Rushcutters is close to Sydney’s most stylish shopping and nightlife precincts; Double Bay, Paddington and Woollahra.

Vibe Hotel North Sydney from $199 - Located on Alfred Street opposite Milsons Point Railway Station, guests can enjoy stunning views of Lavender Bay or Sydney Harbour or simply take a stroll over the Harbour Bridge!

Vibe Hotel Sydney from $189 - Situated just minutes from Oxford Street, Sydney’s CBD and the theatre district, guests are perfectly positioned to explore some of Sydney’s most vibrant bars, restaurants and cafes.

Vibe Hotel Carlton, Melbourne from $179 - With a "new millennium" feel mixed with a sixties retro flavour, Vibe Hotel Carlton is close to Lygon and Brunswick Streets where the city’s famous café culture was born.

Vibe Hotel Darwin from $175 - Situated on the Darwin Waterfront in Darwin’s hottest new precinct, Vibe Hotel Darwin offers guests some of the best views in town, with great restaurants and shopping on your doorstep.

*Prices vary per hotel, packages are subject to availability and exclude peak periods and are valid until 31 March 2010. One gift pack per stay.

Book online @ www.vibehotels.com.au or call 13 VIBE.

A Curious Blend of Old and New, Turkey Combines Simplicity and Sophistication

Diversity is the word for this dazzling destination where the ruins of ancient civilisations mix with vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan shopping and modern marinas. And now holidaymakers looking for the ultimate Turkish experience can discover towns untouched by tourism and beautiful bays still only accessible by boat as part of a Sunsail sailing flotilla.

Flotillas are the ultimate in social sailing, where you sail your own boat under the watchful guidance of a Lead Crew - including a qualified skipper, a hostess and an engineer – along with about 10 other boats. All holidaymakers have to do is relax and discover this amazing country including experiencing delicious, exotic cuisine, meeting friendly locals and uncovering hidden treasures in an Aladdin’s cave of bazaars selling spices, silver trinkets and carpets.

“Flotilla holidays appeal to all ages and we find that once people have experienced them, they come back again and again,” said Sunsail Yacht Charter’s marketing manager Kim Lehmann. “Our cruising area encompasses some of the most stunning sailing grounds that southern Turkey has to offer. Blessed by sunshine and good winds, you’re almost guaranteed great sailing on moderate seas."

“There is always plenty of free time to explore on your own and then meet your fellow sailors and lead crew at agreed destinations for barbecues, cocktail parties and picnics. And on family flotillas there is an activities coordinator especially for the kids.”

Sunsail Yacht Charters invented the flotilla sailing holiday in 1974 and continues to lead the way with these fun-filled social sailing adventures around the world.

Turkey is less expensive than most Mediterranean destinations and few others possess such a wealth of culture, history and intrigue.

Special offer: For a limited time only, receive a free ‘Nibbles & Drinks’ package* for your first night on board, when you book any Turkish flotilla for the 2010 sailing season (best times May to October). In addition, holidaymakers who book six months in advance can take advantage of Sunsail’s special five per cent Advance Booking Discount.
* Applies to new bookings only.

Surfrider To Host Beach-Benefit Bash - All Welcome for a Night of Music, Films, Comedy, Prizes & Surfing

nspired by the pithy “we all use the same ocean” axiom, Surfrider Foundation’s Northern Beaches has concocted a fundraising event that includes music, films, comedy and awesome raffle gear that anyone who hits the beach won’t want to miss. The festivities kick off at the modern, seaside Manly Wharf Hotel, October 29, from 6pm.

Surf expressionist Ozzie Wright’s Goons of Doom will headline the event, movies by legendary filmmaker Tim Bonython will be on show, and noted personalities and surfing icons will be mingling about. Surfrider has even cooked up a surprise famous local comedian to emcee the evening.

Silent Auction items (bring your wallets!) include:
• Surf trip to the Maldives (courtesy Line Up Dee Why, valued at $4,500)
• Surf trip to Tasmania (courtesy Southern Ocean Adventures, valued at $2,000)
• Balsa Custom Surfboard Kit (courtesy Riley, valued at $700)

“Most of us live on the Northern Beaches because we love the beach and all it has to offer, so it’s good to see local people giving back, wanting to preserve our greatest local natural assets—our beaches,” said Manly MP Mike Baird.

The cost of entry is only $25, which, on top of several nights’ worth of entertainment packed into one, also includes a complimentary beverage, canapés, and a squeaky clean conscience. Surfrider Memberships, usually $45, will be on offer for $10.

All proceeds will benefit Surfrider Foundation Australia, the non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Australia’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through CARE: Conservation, Activism, Research and Education.

Awesome sponsors and donators of raffle prizes and assistance are: Aloha Manly, Coastalwatch, Dripping Wet Manly, EcoDepot, FCS, Line Up Dee Why, Mambo, RealSurf, Riley Classic Balsa Surfboards, Rip Curl, Skater HQ Manly, Southern Ocean Adventures, Sprout Daily, Surf Stitch, Sydney North Surf School, The Green Groper Narrabeen, Travmedia, Whitewater Restaurant Manly, Wicks Surf Collaroy, Wind Surf and Snow Long Reef, Your Food Coach.

IN BRIEF:
• Manly Wharf Hotel (take the Manly ferry from Circular Quay)
• Thursday October 29, 2009 from 6pm
• $25 (all proceeds go to the Surfrider Foundation Australia)
• BUY TICKETS: www.surfrider.org.au

Murray Princess, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island Combo

Enjoy the best of South Australia with this fantastic cruise and land package from Captain Cook Cruises. Enjoy three or four nights cruising the spectacular Murray River aboard its only paddlewheeler, the Murray Princess, one night in Adelaide and two full days on Kangaroo Island.

Passengers will spend the first part of their trip cruising the beautiful Murray River and exploring the big river gorges, bio-diverse Murray riverlands, unique flora and fauna of the outback and experiencing exciting day trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter.

On-board passengers will enjoy outside cabin accommodation, all meals, the use of two spas, two saunas, a sun deck, two bars, two lounges, a single sitting dining saloon and great entertainment.

Following the cruise, a complimentary scenic coach will transfer passengers to the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide. Arriving at midday guests will enjoy one night’s accommodation and have all of Adelaide’s main tourist attractions including Rundle Mall, Skycity Casino, museums and art galleries at their feet.

A coach will then transfer guests the next morning to Cape Jervis where they will join the Sealink Ferry to Kangaroo Island.

Day one on Kangaroo Island will feature a Seal Bay Discovery Tour including a delicious lunch, followed by a Nocturnal Penguin Tour. After a busy day guests will then settle into their choice of overnight accommodation on the island.

On day two, guests will enjoy a Remarkably Wild tour that also includes lunch before returning to Penneshaw for the return ferry and coach to Adelaide. For a few dollars more guests can upgrade to the late afternoon flight from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide.

For people with a love of food and wine, they can do an optional full day Barossa Valley Tour when they disembark the cruise at Mannum and return to Adelaide at 5.30pm that day.

2010/11 prices for the five night package starts from $1469 per person, twin share and includes three nights on the Murray Princess, one night at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel and one night on Kangaroo Island. The six night package starts at only $1766 per person, twin share and includes four nights on the Murray Princess, one night at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel and one night on Kangaroo Island.

Prices are valid to 31 March 2011.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206-1111, Email: murray@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

The Lodge at Tarraleah

A spectacular award-winning Lodge on 300 acres in high country Tasmania, Australia. Gorgeous accommodation, of only nine rooms, fabulous dining options, extensive facilities and wildlife. World Heritage wilderness, world famous trout fishing, golf, endless activities, unique tours and pioneering history.

All bedrooms have custom made king or twin beds with silk doonas and mohair throws Tasmanian art work and occasional seating; oversize local marble bathrooms with heated floors, luxury amenities and contemporary baths. Inclusive of selected pre-dinner drinks, four course gourmet Tasmanian dinner, breakfast cooked to order, light signature lunch and Tasmanian wine tasting, use of the cliff-top hot tub, gym and squash court.

Terms & Conditions Apply: Special offer available only with bookings through Abercrombie & Kent. Travel Period - until 31 March 2010. Contact A&K for more information.

Abercrombie & Kent Exclusive

Book your stay at the Lodge at Tarraleah before 31 December 2009 to take advantage of these exclusive offers:

Stay 3 Pay 2 with A&K bonus wine credit $101 per couple per night.
Luxury Lodge Room $495 per person per night twin share. Book 3 nights and pay 2, saving $1293 per couple.
The Highlander Suite $595 per person per night twin share. Book 3 nights and pay 2, saving $1493 per couple.

Make Tarraleah Lodge yours for your next special celebration or luxury escape.
Enjoy exclusive sole use of the entire Lodge including lounge bar and cliff-top hot tubs. Your own personal chef is on hand to prepare all meals and serve you selected wines and spirits. A dedicated nature guide is ready to structure wildlife experiences to suit your personal interests. From $4000 per night for up to four rooms or eight guests. Additional Exclusive Use rooms $1000 per night. Any A&K Exclusive Use booking will receive use of the Highlander Suite as one of the (up to) four rooms.

Stay 3 Pay 2 also applies to Exclusive Use, saving you from $4000 up to $9000 depending on number of rooms used.