CHECK IN WITH PAT RAFTER AND WIN WITH MANTRA HOTELS

Mantra Hotels have served up a winner for guests who can now get up close with Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter - not quite with the man himself, but with life-size cut outs of the new Mantra ambassador appearing in hotel lobbies across Australia as part of the new 'Check Out My Check in' competition.

A holiday snap with Pat and check in uploaded to Facebook could win guests a weekly $200 gift card spot prize drawn at random with a $1000 gift card being awarded at the end of the 12 week competition to the check-in photo with the most votes. The competition has been launched just in time for school holidays where a host of Mantra properties across Australia will welcome families looking to take the Great Australian Holiday.

The life-size cut out of Pat in leisure mode ready for the beach will feature in holiday destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Northern New South Wales but business travellers can also take part with a 'corporate-style Pat' taking up residence in the lobbies of CBD hotels located in all capital cities.

A dedicated app has been set up for iPhone and Android users who will receive full details of the app download and competition when they make a booking with Mantra hotels and resorts. Full details are also available at Mantra front desks on check in.

Take advantage of Pat's Mates Rates and get snapping for your chance to win!  Here's a 'snapshot' of what's on offer, available for booking at www.mantra.com.au:

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

SURFERS PARADISE AND BROADBEACH
Mantra Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise – From $176* per night in a 1 Bedroom Spa Apartment. Valid for travel until 31/03/12. Three night minimum stay.
Mantra Broadbeach on the Park, Broadbeach – From $150* per night in a 1 Bedroom Apartment. Valid for travel until 31/03/12. Three night minimum stay.

SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND

MOOLOOABA: The holiday haven of Mooloolaba is one of the most popular places to stay on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, promising beautiful beaches and surrounding hinterland, vibrant shopping and a wide variety of dining, and many popular tourist attractions within a short drive, from Underwater World and Australia Zoo through to the unique Eumundi Markets.
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach – From $198* per night in a Hotel Room. Plus stay three nights and only pay for two. Valid for travel until 31/03/12. Three night minimum stay.

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

CBD: A world class city of culture, beauty, shopping, dining and entertainment to make any break away memorable for all the right reasons, Brisbane has it all with a sub-tropical climate that makes the southern cities jealous.
Mantra South Bank – From $171* per night in a Hotel Room including breakfast for two at Stone Restaurant. For Friday–Sunday stays only. Valid for travel until 31/03/12. Two night minimum stay.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

METRO: Cosmopolitan Sydney not only boasts world-class dining and shopping but is also surrounded by iconic beaches, World Heritage areas, lush hinterland and acclaimed wine regions.
Mantra 2 Bond Street – From $250* per night in an Executive Studio. Valid for travel until 31/03/12 for Thursday/Friday and Sunday/Monday/nights. Two night minimum stay applies.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VICTORIA
LORNE: Nestled into Victoria's most scenic touring route with picture-postcard natural attractions along the coastline, not to mention world-famous surf breaks such as Bells Beach nearby, all easily accessible via the Great Ocean Road.

Mantra Erskine Beach Resort – From $179* per night in a Heritage Room. Plus stay three nights and only pay for two. Valid for travel until 31/03/12. Three night minimum stay.

*Full Terms & Conditions at www.mantra.com.au – competition closes 24 November 2011

Matakauri Lodge + Minaret Station announce Alpine & High Country Adventure Package

Exploration, adventure & authenticity "two ways" in South Island, New Zealand
 
QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND, SEPTEMBER 4, 2011- A pair of New Zealand's most spectacular and unique luxury lodges, Matakauri Lodge and Minaret Station have joined together to offer the ultimate year-round South Island adventure- four amazing days and nights filled with inspired and contrasting experiences across two stunning settings, each offering their own richly rewarding exploration and sense of place.
 
First stop on the Alpine & High Country Adventure is Minaret Station – a luxury "tented" lodge in the remote New Zealand wilderness, set in a spectacularly picturesque glacial valley beneath the jagged peaks of New Zealand's Southern Alps and accessible only by helicopter!
 
Set in classic "Lord of the Rings" territory at an elevation of some 915 metres, the vistas experienced at Minaret Station are simply breathtaking and make for a quintessential New Zealand High Country experience.
 
Undoubtedly one of the world's unique opportunities,  a stay on this private 20,000 hectare working sheep, cattle and deer property offers a level of comfort and style not usually associated with a remote country landscape. Think " tented luxury " as plush and spacious tented suites come exquisitely furnished with comfy king beds with fine linens, soft sheepskin flooring, full en-suites with double vanity, endless hot showers in fresh mountain water and private decks with hot tubs. Suffice to say no creature comforts are sacrificed.
 
The active options at both lodges operate on a "choose your own adventure" style, with a range of options suited to each location and season.
 
In winter, Minaret Station guests might choose to enjoy exhilarating heli-skiing in this pristine and breathtaking "high country" setting, while in warmer months, fabulous hikes in spectacular country might be the order of the day, stopping for gourmet picnics and taking in the mesmerising views, or "heli-biking" with guests being flown into a valley for an adventurous trail ride into lush farmland below.



On day three a mid-morning helicopter transfer sees the setting shift to fabulous South Island playground of Queenstown  and the ultimate "alpine" hideaway – Matakauri Lodge – home base for yet two more richly rewarding days.
 
Nestled in one of the world's most serenely beautiful landscape settings, the multi award-winning Matakauri Lodge is located just 7 minutes from the heart of Queenstown and all its attractions, yet its private setting renders it seemingly a world away, positioned as it is on the edge of Lake Wakatipu with gob-smacking views of the Remarkables. 
 
Since opening in late 2010 Matakauri Lodge has garnered a string of international awards including being named on the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 2011 HOT LIST, and one of the "101 Best Hotels in the World" by Tatler Magazine.  Travel + Leisure Magazine listed it on its prestigious GOLD LIST 2011.
 
With luxury accommodation in gorgeous suites with private terraces gazing at the lake and mountain vistas, Matakauri Lodge offers guests complete relaxation paired with days spent enjoying New Zealand's adventure capital. 
 
From tasting wine at Mount Edward Winery in the Gibbston Valley, enjoying the vast range of outdoor offerings, or simply enjoying the shopping and dining options in Queenstown, Alpine & High Country guests will experience adventure, exploration, food, wine, and fun alongside luxurious suite accommodation and the exclusivity of staying at one of the world's top hideaways.
 
Just eleven luxurious suites all designed by the acclaimed interior designer Virginia Fisher, plus a super stylish and spacious main lodge with plenty of dining and living areas for relaxing in make MATAKAURI LODGE an enchanting alpine getaway. Fabulous food from Chef Dale Gartland and a luxury spa are all part of the mix at New Zealand's newest luxury lodge– MATAKAURI LODGE.
 
Four special nights at two stunning lodge locations – Minaret Station + Matakauri Lodge – this truly is the best of both worlds, and the ultimate unique South Island experience!
 
The Alpine & High Country Package is priced according to season and starts from NZ$6,420.00* per person/double occupancy (excluding GST) in Winter and from NZ$6,840.00* per person/double occupancy (excluding GST) in Summer, inclusions in the package are listed below. A range of extra activities, varying according to season and priced separately, may be added. See website for full listing and details.
 
The package includes:
 
Two nights staying at Minaret Station in a Tented Suite with return scenic helicopter transfers from Queenstown airport, full breakfast, lunch (lodge or picnic), pre dinner drinks with canapés, gourmet dinner, all beverages (excepting items from the reserve cellar list which bear an additional charge), services of a guide for private touring of the high country station and secure storage of surplus personal luggage for duration of your stay at the tented lodge.
 
Two nights staying at Matakauri Lodge in a Deluxe Suite with return private ground transfers from Queenstown Airport, an exclusive tour of Mount Edward Winery in Gibbston Valley including lunch with the winemaker and return ground transfers, daily pre dinner drinks and canapés, gourmet dinner, full breakfast and complimentary non alcoholic mini-bar.
 
*Rates quoted in NZ dollars, per person and exclusive of the applicable 15% Govt. Goods & Services Tax. A holiday season surcharge also applies over Christmas period – see website for full details and booking conditions.
 
To book the Alpine & High Country Package contact Matakauri Lodge phone +64 3 441 1008, emailreservations@matakaurilodge.com or visit www.matakaurilodge.com or www.minaretstation.com.
 
 

Fly All Blacks - Crazy About Rugby

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Gorgeous pristine Three Hummock Island Tasmania

Three Hummock Island, sitting just off the coast of North West Tasmania is a magical place of granite coastlines, protected coves, sweeping beaches and surprising diversity.

Three Hummock Island has one of the purest environments on the planet. Crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, inland lakes and forests remain largely untouched.


Three Hummock Island has two accommodation options, the recently renovated Homestead which sleeps up to 14 people and the Guest cottage sleeping four people with the same ocean views as the Homestead.

The Homestead has a fully equipped kitchen and two new bathrooms. Unwind after a day's beach-combing or fishing or kayaking in the living room with its fire, TV and DVD player. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets on the large deck area overlooking the beach while you prepare the day's catch on the BBQ and utilising the fresh produce from the extensive kitchen garden.

Activities on the Island include: bird watching, fishing, snorkelling, swimming, diving, beach-combing.  John and Beverley, the Island's full-time caretakers would be more than happy to assist you with pointing out the best fishing spots, taking you to see the fairy penguins at dusk and cooking fresh cakes and breads for your arrival.

Twenty kilometres away a Baseline Air Pollution Station consistently measures the air as the cleanest in the world.

http://www.threehummockisland.com.au/home/Home.html

Peppers and Mantra Christmas Party Packages

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Start feeling festive with Christmas party packages

If you think your chances of finding a holiday inside your cracker at this year's work Christmas party are pretty slim, you're probably right.

So Peppers and Mantra have devised the perfect way to combine that much-needed getaway with the annual Christmas shindig, offering a range of spectacular Christmas party packages throughout Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

Whether it's the appeal of Tropical North Queensland's relaxed ambience and stunning natural attractions, or the Gold Coast's promise of excitement and fun that wins you over, Peppers and Mantra can give the gift of a very merry Christmas party for you and your hard-working colleagues to celebrate another year over with.

Celebrate in style with Peppers packages that deliver a commitment to divine cuisine and wine, stylish accommodation options and idyllic location choices, or be the life of the party with Mantra's packages that let you dance the night away with everything organised for you, including fine food and wine.

Start feeling festive with the following Christmas party packages...

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
PEPPERS BEACH CLUB & SPA, PALM COVE: Enjoy a gourmet seafood buffet or an alternate drop three-course set menu with four-hour standard beverage package and complimentary sole use venue hire with festive season table decorations, from $130* per person. Stay in a Lagoon Spa Room from $189* per night including buffet breakfast for two plus for every 10 rooms booked receive one Lagoon Spa Room complimentary. If booked for any day other than Saturday, receive 10% discount on the above food and beverage package price plus a complimentary festive cocktail on arrival for all guests. Call 07 4059 9275 or email vanessa.pope@peppers.com.au.
*Book by 01/12/11 for functions held prior to 31/01/12. Valid for 30 or more guests.

PEPPERS BEACH CLUB, PORT DOUGLAS: Share generous platters for entree and dessert, served with an alternate drop main course. Celebrate in either a private function room or at Sublime Bar & Grill overlooking the beautiful lagoon pool. From $85* per person including a complimentary glass of Sparkling Wine on arrival. Stay in a Spa Suite from $266* per night, including continental breakfast daily for bookings of eight or more rooms. For every 10 rooms booked, receive one complimentary Spa Suite. Call 07 4087 1000 or email portdouglas.events@peppers.com.
*Book by 30/11/11 for functions held prior to 31/01/12. Min of 8 pax and max of 40 pax applies to Christmas dinner.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, QUEENSLAND
PEPPERS BLUE ON BLUE RESORT, MAGNETIC ISLAND: Choose from the stylish function room, The Indigo Room, or signature restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar, offering sensational water views. Talk to our Event Coordinator about our festive buffet from $59* per person or $105* per person including three-hour beverage package, or three-course alternate drop from $69* per person or $115* per person including three-hour beverage package. Book before 15/10/11 and receive an extra complimentary half-hour pre-dinner drinks package with a platter of cocktail snacks for groups of 40 pax or more. Single share Hotel Rooms are from $167* per night including return ferry transfer and cooked tropical buffet breakfast for one adult. Call 07 4758 2407 or email events.blueonblue@peppers.com.au.
*Book by 01/12/11 for functions held prior to 24/12/11. Minimum 40 pax applies for bookings in Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar and minimum 20 pax applies for bookings in The Indigo Room.

WHITSUNDAYS, QUEENSLAND
PEPPERS CORAL COAST RESORT, AIRLIE BEACH: Savour the superb flavours, personal service and stunning majestic views over the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday islands at Peppers Coral Coast Resort where our Events Team will create an indulgent selection of irresistible dishes matched with the unsurpassable nautical location. For a limited time, for every 10 guests or more booked, the organiser receives a meal free. For every 30 guests or more booked, the organiser receives one free night's accommodation plus dinner. Receive a bonus lucky door prize for your function valued from $100 to $500. Stay in a One Bedroom Apartment from $245* per night including hot plated breakfast for one adult. Party packages can be tailored, starting from $55* per guest, including personal party planner. Call 07 4962 5100 or email sandi.holman@peppers.com.au.
*Book by 30/09/11 for functions held prior to 31/01/12.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
MANTRA LEGENDS HOTEL and Q1 RESORT & SPA, SURFERS PARADISE: Dance and dine at your end of year function from intimate to grand amidst the buzz of spectacular Surfers Paradise at either of these two stylish Mantra properties. Choose cocktail at $69* per person, buffet dinner at $79* per person or a three-course dinner at $79* per person with a Santa sack full of extras in your Christmas party package including venue hire, stage, dance floor, lectern and microphone, decorations, a DJ for four hours and lucky door prize. Beverage packages from $22* per person, or minimum spend of $1000*. Plus double the fun with a theme of Australiana/beach, traditional white Christmas or roaring 20s, complete with decorations. Top it all off with a discounted accommodation package for the ultimate night to remember. Call 07 5588 7878 or email events@legendshotel.com.au or events@q1.com.au

TWEED COAST, NEW SOUTH WALES
MANTRA ON SALT BEACH, KINGSCLIFF: Celebrate by the seaside at the trendy Salt Village with Mantra party packages. Get festive on Mantra's pool deck for $120* per adult and $60* per child aged 4 to 12 years, including a Christmas buffet dinner, three and a half hour beverage package, venue hire, and a 'Very Beachy Christmas' theme complete with bon bons, for a minimum of 30 adults. Or Mantra's Plantation Room comes for $130* per adult and $65* per child aged 4 to 12 years, with three alternate drop courses, four hour beverage package, room hire, red and gold theme, bon bons and a dance floor with DJ provided, for a minimum of 60 adults. Stay the night for convenience in a stylish Hotel Room with breakfast included, from $167*. Call 13 15 17 or visit mantra.com.au.
*Bookings valid between 01/11/11 and 24/12/11.

PEPPERS SALT RESORT & SPA, KINGSCLIFF: The holiday haven of Salt awaits with a spectacular christmas party package on offer poolside at this popular resort's lovely lagoon pool. For $130* per adult and $65* for children, dine on a buffet dinner with a three and a half hour premium beverage package, venue hire, winter wonderland theme and bon bons for a minimum of 30 adults. Or move to the groove in the Peppers ballroom for $140* per adult and $70* per child aged 4 to 12 years, with a four hour premium beverage package, room hire, red and gold theme, bon bons, DJ and dance floor for a minimum of 60 adults. Then rest and relax in your Resort Room from $176* with breakfast, or from $265* in a 1 Bedroom at the adjacent Peppers Balé Salt resort with breakfast. Call 1300 987 600 or visit peppers.com.au.
*Bookings valid between 01/11/11 and 24/12/11.

*Conditions apply. For new bookings only. Subject to availability.


www.mantragroup.com.au

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF TILLY DEVINE AND DISCOVER SYDNEY'S GOLDEN MILE

Chelsie Preston Crayford plays Tilly Devine in the new TV series of Underbelly

'Razor sharp' tours of mobsters, murders and mysteries uncover city's secrets

The Underbelly TV series has put the spotlight firmly on one of Sydney's most vibrant and colourful areas and to celebrate the fourth installment of the franchise, the Mercure Potts Point is offering a special 'Crimes and Passions' package that includes overnight accommodation in a harbour view room, buffet breakfast for two, late check-out and a guided exploration with Bounce Walking Tours through the 'Underbelly' of Kings Cross – all for just $259 per night.

This fascinating tour takes you through the colourful history of Kings Cross with its mobsters, murders and mysteries as you follow in the footsteps of notorious criminals, prostitutes and crooked cops. With the Underbelly series currently screening, the tour is a great opportunity to hear the real stories behind characters such as Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh, stand on the site of unsolved mysteries, uncover the secrets of the sly grog and razor gangs and visit the original bar that started the Ibrahim empire.

The Kings Cross 'Golden Mile' literally stretches below the Mercure, but you will need to scratch the surface to uncover the street's notorious past as today the area has been gentrified with trendy restaurants, boutique wine bars and upmarket clubs creating a sophisticated setting for the modern traveller.

Having recently undergone a $30 million refurbishment, the Mercure Sydney Potts Point boasts funky, colourful décor and spacious rooms, many with spectacular views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, all within one train stop of Martin Place in the city.

This package is valid until 30th December 2011, subject to availability.

For bookings – call 02 9397 1777 or email reservations@mercuresydneypottspoint.com.au

3-Michelin Star Arpège with Chef Owner Alain Passard from Paris at The Sukhothai Bangkok

Alain Passard
3-Michelin Star Arpège from Paris
15-20 November 2011
Lunch and Dinner
At La Scala and Colonnade, The Sukhothai Bangkok



Alain Passard is the proud owner of 3 Michelin Stars and his restaurant Arpège located in Paris, France, continues to conduct new innovations in French cuisine that never fail to impress diners who are fortunate to experience any of his creations.

Born in France into a family of musicians, Alain's interest in cooking started at an early age while assisting his grandmother in the kitchen. He began his professional culinary career at the age of 14 working at Hôtellerie du Lion d'Or in Liffré under Michel Kéréver and his career has escalated ever since, eventually earning him the distinction of being the youngest chef to obtain 2 Michelin Stars, at the age of 26.

In 1986, Alain purchased the 3 Michelin Stars restaurant Archestrate from his former mentor, Alain Senderens, and renamed it Arpège. It took only a single year to earn its first star, then one year more to earn its second. In 1996, Arpège earned its third star from the Michelin Guide, which it has retained ever since.

Alain's cuisine resonates something so distinctive in itself, as his inspiration focuses on expressing the idea of mere land and sea by removing red meat from his menu completely and utilizing produce as one of the cores of his art. The Arpège is "home cooking" by Alain, a workshop where raw materials are vegetables, fish, poultry, herbs and spices. He captures the essence of each ingredient through eliminating unnecessary steps, to highlight the character of the products and harmonize their individual qualities into one dish. His dedication and success in opening new doors, as expressed in each of his creations, provides a memorable experience for everyone.

Alain and his chef team will be stationed at La Scala and Colonnade, The Sukhothai Bangkok, in the hotel's anniversary month during 15-20 November 2011 to celebrate our 20 Years of Excellence.

15 NovemberWine - Dinner at La Scala
16-19 November - Lunch and Dinner at La Scala
20 November - Sunday Brunch at Colonnade


Reservations essential!
For reservations, please call 66 (0) 2344 8888 or email: promotions@sukhothai.com.

Where in the World is Jeep Island?

This month saw Moreton Island undergo a top secret name change for the day to ‘Jeep Island’, in preparation for a feature media event for world famous off road vehicle manufacturer Jeep Chrysler.


The well-known car makers searched Australia for the ideal location to launch their top of the line Jeep Grand Cherokee and found it on South East Queensland’s local island getaway – Moreton Island.

At such close proximity to Brisbane, within 10 minutes by helicopter from a major international airport, but with every inch of adventure you could ask for in a 4WD destination, Moreton Island was the perfect spot to host a group of automotive and lifestyle media from across Australia to experience Jeep’s newly launched, state of the art vehicle.

According to the team at Jeep Australia, they could not have been happier with the choice of location for the event either:

“One of Australia’s hidden secrets, Moreton Island with its sandy tracks, beautiful open white beaches and incredible wildlife, provided the perfect back drop for the Jeep Grand Cherokee media event. We were honoured to have the island named after us, if only for a day.”

Media guests were flown by helicopter directly from Brisbane airport to the western beaches of Moreton Island into another world, with a luxury Bedouin tent awaiting their arrival for quick introductions to Jeep’s chief designer, Klaus Busse, flown in from Jeep headquarters in Detroit especially for the occasion.

It was a day of adventure for those lucky media guests able to take part, with each one invited to test out the new vehicles on a specially prepared circuit of some of Moreton Island’s most challenging sand tracks, with their local guide Roz Shaw, head of Moreton Island Adventures.

“We were so thrilled to be able to host this Jeep event, it was such a great way to showcase our island, and with many of the guests here for the very first time, they were just blown away by how wild and beautiful it is and all so close to Brisbane.”

And to captalise on their great location, Jeep Australia are also offering Jeep owners and enthusiasts across the country the chance to get themselves and their Jeep to Moreton Island too, with a competition running on www.jeepescape.com.au until the 18th September.

For more information on Moreton Island, timetables for the MiCat ferry and bookings, please visit www.moretonislandadventures.com.au or join the Moreton Island Adventures facebook.

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Race in for Winning Gold Coast 600 Accommodation Deals

If you're still racing to find fantastic accommodation for the Gold Coast's adrenaline-charged Armour All Gold Coast 600, Mantra and BreakFree can deliver some winning deals.

From October 21 to 23, the famous holiday strip will overheat with the annual V8 Supercar Championship Series where visitors will experience life in the fast lane with international motor racing and a bevy of off-track entertainment.

Not only is this year's race bound to entertain during the day with a high speed street circuit, but race enthusiasts can celebrate each night with the 600 Sounds music festival held over two nights at the Broadwater Parklands entertainment precinct, featuring such headline acts as Bliss N Esso and Simple Minds.

Mantra and BreakFree have a selection of comfortable and well-located hotels and resorts around town bound to make your stay during the race all the more memorable.

For example, Mantra Circle on Cavill, located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, has spacious One Bedroom Apartments from $176* per room per night.

The star of the Gold Coast skyline, Q1 Resort & Spa in Surfers Paradise, is offering rates for One Bedroom Apartment with breakfast for two from 285* per night.

Or stay right in the Gold Coast 600 precinct at Mantra Sun City in a One Bedroom Apartment from $332* per night, Two Bedroom Apartment from $623* or Three Bedroom Apartment from $827* per night.

BreakFree properties close to the action are also offering great deals, including BreakFree Moroccan, just metres from Surfers Paradise Beach and the vibrant atmosphere of Cavill Avenue, which has One Bedroom Apartments from $150* per night through to Two Bedroom Deluxe Apartments from $210* per night.

BreakFree Peninsula, in Surfers Paradise directly opposite the beach, has One Bedroom Apartments available from $210* per night and Two Bedroom Apartments from $225* per night.

With such great value accommodation on offer, and three-day Gold Coast 600 passes available from $130 online at goldcoast600.com.au, there's no excuse to miss the waving of the chequered flag.

For Mantra accommodation bookings, including Mantra Circle on Cavill, Q1 Resort & Spa and Mantra Sun City, call 13 15 17 or visit mantra.com.au.

For BreakFree bookings, including BreakFree Moroccan and BreakFree Peninsula, call 132 007 or visit breakfree.com.au
*Subject to availability. Valid for travel 21/10/11-25/10/11. Minimum night stays apply.

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SEADREAM AND CHAMPAGNE TO WELCOME 2012 IN THE CARIBBEAN

SEADREAM Yacht Club has a unique way to ring-in 2012, with both its mega motor-cruisers, SeaDream I and SeaDream II anchored amid the yachts of billionaires, super-models and Hollywood's who's-who in one of the Caribbean's liveliest fun-spots, Gustavia Harbour in St Barts.

Also known as St Barths, this French island offers a unique vibe of laid-back-Caribbean meets chic French Riviera, with spectacular beaches, great shopping, fine dining and a colourful nightlife.

And it's expected some 100-plus luxury yachts will be at anchor there, many hosting star-studded private New Year's Eve concerts and parties, while ashore there'll be a massive fireworks display on the stroke of midnight.

SeaDream I will be celebrating with Champagne in St Barts on December 31 and January 1 as part of a 7-night sailing from San Juan on December 30 for St Barts, Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, St John and back to St Juan; SeaDream II sails 7-nights on December 30 from St Thomas for St Barts, Saba, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Norman Island, Jost van Dyke and San Juan.

Prices start from US$5891pp twin-share (SeaDream I) and from US$5091pp twin-share (SeaDream II) inclusive of all 5-star gourmet dining with wines at lunch and dinner, drinks from the open bars throughout, nightly Cocktail Parties, use of the 30-course golf simulator, power and sail water-sports,  onboard gratuities, and port charges and taxes. Air fares are additional.

SeaDream urges quick bookings as these Caribbean New Year's Eve sailing are highly popular. For details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com