Qantas Best Dinner in the World with the Best Chefs of the World

The Noosa International Food & Wine Festival is proud to announce an unparalleled line-up of global and Australian culinary stars for its second annual Qantas "Best Dinner in the World". Seven illustrious chefs all drawn from the prestigious S.Pellegrino World's Best Restaurant List will each prepare one course of the degustation dinner, to be held at berardo's restaurant & bar on Sunday 20 May.

Mark Best – Three hatted chef and owner of fine dining Marque Restaurant in Sydney
Fergus Henderson – Leader of the 'nose to tail' dining movement and owner of the renowned St John Bar & Restaurant in London
Alvin Leung – China's "demon chef", leader of Extreme Chinese Cuisine and man behind Bo Innovation restaurant in Hong Kong
Davide Scabin – Italy's famed hyper creative molecular gastronomer from restaurant Combal.Zero, Turin
Ben Shewry – Australia's hottest foraging chef of the moment from The Age Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year, Attica in Melbourne
David Thompson – Regarded as the world's most comprehensive authority on Thai food and the name behind London's Nahm Restaurant
Seiji Yamamoto – Chef pushing the boundaries of Japanese cuisine, from Nihonryori RyuGin in Tokyo

Premium Australian and old-world wines for each course will be chosen by internationally renowned Lisa Perotti-Brown, Master of Wine and Asian wine correspondent for leading U.S. wine advocate, Robert Parker's famed newsletter eRobertParker.com.

The 'Best Dinner in the World' was launched with the support of Qantas, at the 2011 Festival and was a sellout success.  With the world's best chefs on offer for 2012, it will again be a feature event for the Festival, focusing the world's attention on Noosa and Australia as a spectacular destination with a bounty of incredible produce.

Two hundred of the world's most prominent chefs, winemakers, media and food personalities will descend upon one of Australia's most magical settings, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast for the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival from 17-20 May 2012. Tickets for the Festival and the Qantas Best Dinner in the World will go on sale early January 2012.

Watch this space as more entertainment, international and Australian names for the festival are announced: http://www.facebook.com/NoosaFoodWineFestival

Or for further information on the Festival check out: www.noosafoodandwine.com.au  

Relax with a Peppers yoga escape by the sea

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa at Kingscliff in Northern New South Wales has just announced their schedule of weekend yoga retreats for 2012, offering guests four unique opportunities to relax with a rejuvenating weekend of self discovery for the health conscious.
 
The seasonal yoga retreats, which have been designed for beginners through to experienced practitioners and combine soothing yoga, wholesome cuisine and a The Golden Door Spa experience, will take place on 17-19 February, 18-20 May, 20-22 July and 12-14 October.

Hosted by YOGA TV host, Kris McIntyre, each weekend will vary to suit the changing needs of the seasons according to Ryoho (a form of yoga therapy combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian based healing arts of China and Japan) and a new Mother and Daughter yoga retreat will be held in May.

17-19 February: good digestion, weight loss, improving energy levels and kicking sugar cravings

18-20 May (Mother & Daughter Retreat): women's health, sugar cravings, stress release and core strength
20-22 July: lower back strength, stress release and sexual energy

12-14 October: power and strength, upper back release, blood pressure and circulation and happy hearts

Kris said the weekend yoga retreats, which are now in their third year, are attracting many repeat guests who return season after season.

"My aim was to create a yoga escape that is approachable, both financially and in terms of accessibility of the program - something that sits between the existing offerings of intense, strict and often expensive health retreats and, at the other end of the scale, the more hippie, bunk-style intense yoga camps which aren't for everyone," Kris said.

"The weekend yoga escape at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa isn't a yoga 'boot camp' and we don't have any 'rules'… we instead provide a platform for attendees to get as much as they want out of the weekend." 

Priced from $557* per person twin share, the all-inclusive escape includes two nights accommodation, full buffet breakfast daily, five yoga classes with yoga teacher Kris McIntyre, a yoga mat and DVD, workshops and Zumba hosted by The Golden Door, a 50 minute spa treatment at The Golden Door Spa, wholesome meals including lunch supper on Friday and lunch and dinner on Saturday inspired by The Golden Door cook book and prepared by Peppers Salt Resort & Spa's onsite restaurant Season, full use of resort leisure facilities, unlimited in-room movies and more.

Non-residential packages are available from $407* per person including all yoga classes, mat, The Golden Door Spa treatment, one dinner and two lunches.

When guests aren't striking a pose, they can step out into nature and enjoy a network of beachside walking and bicycle tracks, unspoilt surf beaches, the resort's large tropical beach lagoon pool, or head to The Golden Door Spa for a wide range of soul soothing spa treatments.

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa is located just 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, 60 minutes from Ballina Airport and less than 90 minutes drive from Brisbane.

For bookings call Jolene Napper at Conferences and Events at Salt on 02 6670 5027 or email jolene.napper@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au.

* Subject to availability.
 

ABOUT KRIS MCINYRE

Kris McIntyre is a Ryoho yoga therapist and writer and is best-known as the host of Australia's YOGA TV, which has been syndicated around the world. She has studied Ryoho therapy and Zen Shiatsu with renowned teachers, Andzej Gospodarczyk and Lisa Foster. Combining traditional Indian Hatha yoga with the principles of Yin and Yang, the Five Element Theory and the healing arts of China and Japan, Ryoho shifts in focus with each season. In addressing specific conditions through yoga and food advise, it is also efficient and effective in dealing with conditions ranging from back and neck pain to women's health issues, weight control, joint problems, stress, anxiety, respiratory and circulatory problems. Kris' teaching style is firmly rooted in being strongly connected to the 'real world' and stresses of normal everyday people off the yoga mat. In her 'day job', Kris is an editor and writer for strategic design and communications agency, Generation Alliance. As a freelance travel and wellness writer, she is a founding editor and contributor to holidaygoddess.com and has also written for publications including body+soul (News Limited), marie claire Australia, Australian Yoga Journal, Spa Life and dumbo feather magazine. She's also been a co-author and contributor to two books: Yoga for Switched in Living (Pan McMillian, 2002) and the Holiday Goddess Handbag Guide to London, Rome, Paris and New York.

ABOUT PEPPERS RETREATS, RESORTS & HOTELS

Peppers is Mantra Group's luxury level brand of accommodation. There are 26 Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels in Australia and New Zealand in regional areas, resort destinations and metropolitan locations with the first Peppers in Fiji due to open in 2012.  All offer a level of boutique style and quality to meet the expectations of the most discerning traveller. www.peppers.com.au

UNIQUE INDIA HOLIDAY INCLUDES CAMEL RACES, DANCING HORSES AND SUNRISE AT THE TAJ

HOLIDAY Specialists has a genuinely out-of-the-ordinary very-small-group travel experience to India in November 2012 that will include not only luxury hotels and sightseeing in Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaislamer and Agra, but the colourful and highly-unusual Pushkar Camel Fair – one of the world's largest tribal gatherings with events ranging from camel racing and horse dancing, to musical performances and seldom-seen cultural programs.

Limited to just sixteen guests this exclusive package also includes an Australian escort, pre-departure Cocktail Party in Sydney, a Welcome Dinner in Delhi, a Gala Dinner at Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur, a Farewell dinner in Agra and a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, and a 2-night stay in deluxe tents in the heart of the Pushkar Fair Grounds.

There'll also be 2-nights at the Dera Sand Dune Retreat in Jamba in the Rajasthan Desert, the world's first resort built on a sand dune.

The 16-day luxury package is priced from $5,897pp twin-share including return air and taxes from Sydney. For full details call Holiday Specialists on 1300 783 852 or visit www.holidayspecialists.com.au

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The annual 5-day Pushkar Camel Fair attracts up to 300,000 tourists and tribes people, with 20,000 camels, cattle and horses brought in to participate in races, camel and horse dances, camel decorating, traditional tribal games and cultural programs from dancing to turban tying.

Thousands of those attending also bathe in Pushkar Lake during the full moon that coincides with the Fair – believing that bathing during the full moon will release them of their sins.

NOVOTEL FAMILY FUN PACKAGE LETS YOU CONTROL THE ACTION

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach has devised the perfect summer escape for families, with a Jamberoo Family Fun Package that includes overnight accommodation for two adults and two children, full buffet breakfast for everyone, a family pass to Jamberoo Action Park, a family munchies pack, car parking and late check-out all from just $399 per room per night.

Located right on the beach and just over an hour south of Sydney, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach boasts excellent leisure facilities including a pool, spa and sauna, day spa, restaurant and two bars plus a fully equipped gym. During school holidays the Novotel runs a Kids Club that offers a range of activities to keep the young ones amused. Children can enjoy dinner, games, movies and arts and crafts every night during the NSW school holidays (excluding Christmas and New Year's Eve), while their parents relax.

Jamberoo Action Park is the largest theme park in NSW and offers a day of thrills and spills for the whole family including the exciting Taipan giant water ride for the dare-devils, Outback Bay, Billabong Beach, mountain toboggans, a 300m chairlift and the Jamberoo Express train plus mini-golf, water slides, go-karts and much more.

Wollongong and the Illawarra region provide plenty of activities for families including surf lessons, snorkeling, white water canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, horse riding and more. A trip to Robertson on the Cockatoo Run steam train is also a popular day out, while for the more adventurous, a tandem sky dive will deliver you to the doorstep of the Novotel, landing right on the beach in front. Other attractions including endless bushwalking trails and scenic picnic spots, the Nan Tien Temple and historic Mount Kembla Village, mean families will never be bored.

For bookings phone (02) 4224 3111 or go to www.novotelnorthbeach.com.au

New Brazil Expedition Traverses Worlds Largest Wetlands / Rainforest

Wildlife viewing specialist Wild Planet Adventures will take clients to Brazil's little-visited Taiama Ecological Reserve in the Pantanal, the world's largest wetlands, on its 15-day "On the Jaguar's Trail; >From the Pantanal to the Amazon" wildlife safaris from June through October 2012. This region harbor's the highest density of jaguars in the world. See:

http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/324/1207/

The program is $6,698 per person (flights not included), for expeditions scheduled June 10-24, July 8-22, Aug. 3-17, Sept. 2-16 and Sept 30-Oct 14, 2012. (For an additional $299, a minimum of two guests can go at a date of their own choosing.)  The experience is also available in a shortened 11-day itinerary starting at $4,998 (flights not included).

"We see on average 1.5 jaguars per day and sometimes as many as seven," said Wild Planet Adventures' founder and owner Josh Cohen. "Jaguars frequently hunt caimans along the riverbanks and are often seen at very close range for extended periods. Access to this sanctuary is by boat, which also allows intimate encounters with giant river otters that routinely approach within three feet of the boat, craning their necks in curiosity and snorting loud welcome calls."

Cohen notes that Giant anteaters, tapir, puma and capybara are among 200 species of mammals densely concentrated here. There are 700 species of birds such as the Hyacinth macaw, and such rare reptiles as Anaconda that are tracked by boat.

This new itinerary executed by jeep, on foot, horseback and by boat showcases three distinct ecosystems spanning the Pantanal's wetlands to the Amazon's rainforests, both the largest in the world.

This program begins and ends in Rio de Janeiro. Overnights at private reserves include an authentic Brazilian cowboy experience in the Pantanal where guests visit a working cattle ranch on 8,500 hectares of wetlands, savannah and forest.

In the Amazon guests visit a remote eco-lodge built with sustainable practices on a private rainforest reserve of over 46 square miles of varied forest cover, lakes and micro habitats, supporting 600 species of birds and diverse neo-tropical wildlife.

 "Exclusive excursions have been arranged to see some of the region's exceptionally rare primate species, including the tiny endemic Emilia's Marmoset. The lodge's private location adjacent to Amazon-Cristalino Reserve near the confluence of white and black rivers offers a rich diversity of topography, trees, orchids and bromeliads, terrestrial mammals, monkeys, bats, birds, reptiles and fish, butterflies and other insects," Cohen states.

After the expedition there are possible trip extensions to Iguassu Falls, the UNESCO World Heritage Site bordering Brazil and Argentina as well as Amazon and Rio Negro river cruises to the "Meeting of the Waters" and Anavilhanas National Park where pink river dolphins play.

About Wild Planet Adventures

The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company's comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals' seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.

Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with nature with local culture.

For a more information and a complimentary 2012 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.

qualia: Romance on the Reef

Situated in one of the most beautiful and romantic locations in the world, qualia resort (www.qualia.com.au) on sun-drenched Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef has announced a special Valentine's package. And, whether it's used as a surprise mid-summer getaway, or given as a gift on 14 February that can be used year-round, the trip is sure to provide a welcome romantic retreat.

qualia, (pronounced kwah-lee ah) recently included in the UK Condé Nast Traveller Gold List, is located on the secluded northern-most point of Hamilton Island. This stunningly beautiful luxury resort features 60 elegant one bedroom pavilions and a Beach house with postcard views of the blue green waters of the Coral Sea in the Whitsunday Islands.

With its sense of calm and sophisticated, yet casual style, qualia offers a private and relaxing experience where couples can be as active or relaxed as they wish. As the main gateway for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers a full complement of recreational activities including a new Yacht Club, Golf Club and two spas. It is an ideal escape for Valentine's Day or romantic escapes all year-round.

One of the highlights of the package is a one and half hour helicopter trip to Whitehaven Beach where the couple is "dropped" off for a romantic picnic lunch on the 7km stretch of white silica sand beach.

Priced from $4,218 AUD per pavilion* (twin share), the 'Romance on the Reef' package http://www.qualia.com.au/luxury-resort-accomodation/holiday-package-deals includes:

• 3 nights accommodation at qualia resort
• A la carte breakfast, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at qualia
• Whitehaven Beach by helicopter including a picnic and sparkling wine
• VIP Return Hamilton Island airport/marina to hotel transfers
• VIP chauffeur service around Hamilton Island
• A two-seater electric golf buggy for use on the Island
• Use of non-motorised watercraft
• Beach drop-offs to selected local beaches and surrounding islands
• Sunset cruise on the Coral Sea on the "Atomic" - qualia's luxury power boat

While at qualia, guests can also indulge in the offerings at Spa qualia. Particularly designed for couples is the Wine Lovers treatment. A chardonnay massage gives way to a vinothérapie body scrub that is followed by a detoxifying pinot noir body mask and burgundy bath that allows the couple to soak and purify their energy while sipping champagne. A moisturising treatment completes this romantic two and a half hour escape.

For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.qualia.com.au/luxury-resort-accomodation/holiday-package-deals, www.qualia.com.au or please contact the Luxury Specialist team by email: luxuryspecialist@hamiltonisland.com.au *This package is not available as a bed and breakfast option. Prices are based on twin share. The 'from price' above is for a Leeward pavilion. Valid for travel: 1 Apr 2011 - 31 Mar 2012. Prices are in AUD. For new rates from 1 Apr 2012 onwards, please view www.qualia.com.au. Blackout dates: Festive Season: 22 Dec 2011 - 4 Jan 2012 inclusive.

About qualia resort: www.qualia.com.auqualia, Australia's world class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, is located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northern-most point of Hamilton Island. qualia has 60 elegant one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set among eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue, green waters of the Whitsundays. Two superb restaurants and Spa qualia cater exclusively to guests of the resort. Hamilton Island can be accessed directly from all east coast international gateway cities in less than three hours. 'qualia' is deliberately spelled with a lower case 'q' as it is a reflection of the relaxed, understated nature of this property.


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Music Wine + Nosh in the Highlands

Joadja, one of the prettiest vineyards in the Highlands has just announced the first of their 2012 ‘Music in the Vines’ events on Saturday 28 January 2012 with one of Sydney’s top bands entertaining guests.

‘Seamless Sheamus & The Tullamore Dews’ will be playing a mixture of rock and Irish folk music. The Group includes guitarist & songwriter Jim Moginie formerly with Midnight Oil, Peter Mackie former bass player with The Cockroaches, Stephen Coburn mandolin and vocals – formerly with Mental As Anything and Evelyn Finnerty from County Cork – vocals and she’s a ‘dervish on the fiddle’ !

With a 1pm start, free entry & wine tastings guests can mingle in the parklike grounds, have a picnic, listen to the music & enjoy ‘made on site’ woodfired pizzas. There’ll also be food stalls with local products & produce for sale.

Joadja’s latest wine releases – the 2011 Pinot Gris and the 2010 Cabernet Malbec will be launched and guests are invited to try this exceptional wine plus the full range of the Joadja brand – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the reds Cabernet Sangiovese, Reserve Malbec and the award winning liqueur Brambolini. This liqueur was used in the Highlands lunch dessert menu at the recent 100 Mile Challenge in Sydney.

www.joadjawinery.com.au



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Going Walkabout in Sydney

JOEYS WALKABOUT, a brand new tour operator, has launched unique walking tours in Sydney. Exploring the city and harbour foreshore like a local with a local, tourists can choose from a variety of weekly tours in either English or German language.

All tours originate and end within Sydney CBD and explore the inner city and harbour foreshore. Some tours are walking only, others include some form of public transport, especially ferry rides. Tour lengths vary from 2 to 4 hours and generally suit all ages.

Every Saturday (German) and Sunday (English) morning at 9am LAVENDER BAY ROCKS. This popular 4-hour tour includes a ferry ride, a walk around Lavender Bay from McMahons Point to Kirribilli and across the Harbour Bridge as well as a visit to the Pylon Lookout and concludes on Observatory Hill, the city's highest natural elevation. Tour commentary includes colonial, military, industrial and sporting history plus other interesting bits and pieces. Stunning city and harbour views and photo opportunities are of course included!

Sydney's colonial history can be explored four times per week at 3pm - Monday and Thursdays (German) as well as Fridays and Sundays (English) a 2-hour guided walk through HISTORIC HYDE PARK & MACQUARIE STREET highlights colonial history and the various beautiful monuments and buildings of the era.

Other tours are about to be launched soon, so stay tuned for further announcements.

For more detailed information go to

http://www.joeyswalkabout.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/joeyswalkabout http://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/tours/joeys-walkabout

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UNIQUE AEGEAN CRUISE HOLIDAY IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST PAUL

CRUISE Specialist Holidays has a rare opportunity to sail 8-nights aboard the world's Number One-rated boutique vessel, SeaDream II in the Aegean Sea and to trace the footsteps there of the Apostle St Paul whose letters from his missionary travels form a great part of the Bible's New Testament.

SeaDream II sails from Istanbul on June 30 2012 for Piraeus (Athens,) along the way visiting Dikili, Izmir, Kusadasi and Demre (for Myra) in Turkey, Rhodes (where St Paul lived) and Hydra in Greece. Optional tours to places where St Paul ministered to the people and established Christian churches include the sites of several of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelations, the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, and in Myra the 6th century church of St Nicholas (the original Santa Claus,) and many others.

The 8-night sailing is priced from US$6387pp twin-share including ocean-view stateroom accommodation, onboard meals, wines with lunch and dinner, open bars, use of the 30-course golf simulator, fitness centre, onboard gratuities, and port and govt charges and taxes. Daily land tours are additional.

Details from Cruise Specialist Holidays on 1 300 79 49 59; air is additional.

OTHER optional daily touring includes the great library of Pergamum, the Temple of Trajan built by Hadrian, Bergama's Red Basilica, the healing centre built to honour Asclepio (the God of Medicine,) the Temple of Artemis housing more than 1-thousand Lydian tombs, the Library of Ephesus built in 135 BC – and the amazing amphitheatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them in 57 AD to renounce their goddess Artemis and embrace the Christian faith… and guests can also immerse themselves in the crystal blue Aegean, the region's idyllic summer weather and almost-Hollywood sunsets.

SeaDream II has just 56-staterooms for a maximum 112-guests served by 95-crew.

Mantra Hits a Winner With World Tennis Challenge Accommodation Rates in Adelaide

Cheer on Mantra Hotel Ambassador Pat Rafter as he takes on tennis legends John McEnroe and Henri Leconte in Adelaide for the fourth World Tennis Challenge from January 10-12 and take 'advantage' of Mantra's great accommodation rates right in the heart of the action.

Located in the centre of Adelaide's vibrant CBD, Mantra on Frome is just a 20 minute stroll to Memorial Drive Tennis Centre. Rates start from $149* per night in a Studio Suite with one, two and three bedroom apartment options also available.

Another great option is Mantra Hindmarsh Square which has Studio accommodation from $159* per night. Mantra Hindmarsh Square is also located in Adelaide's thriving CBD making it perfect for guests also wanting to catch some off-court action while in town for the event.

For accommodation bookings call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

Pat will headline Team Australia at the three night international tennis event - tickets are available at www.ticketek.com.au.

*Subject to availability.

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