Big Cat Safari with &Beyond from $2672

Discover Africa's big cats on a six day adventure for three to eight people. Choose to spend two nights at historic &Beyond Kirkman's Kamp in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, famed for its leopard encounters, or indulge in two nights at &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve. Sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, Ngala is renowned for regular sightings of the Big Five, including large lion prides. Finish with three nights at one of four safari lodges at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, known for magnificent cheetah viewing.

Exceptional leopard sightings in the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Incredible wildlife density at &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with the famed Kruger National Park

Up close and personal encounters with the elusive cheetah at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

Priced from $AUD2672 and includes 5 nights accommodation, all meals, house alcohol and beverages, and game drives.

Validity: ?From: 15 November 2012 ?To: 31 December 2013

More information www.andbeyond.com

End of financial year specials at Oaks Hotels & Resorts

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The end of financial year is imminent, promising an attractive tax refund for many. So what better way to spend your savings than by spoiling yourself with a well-deserved mid-year getaway to a new or favourite holiday destination?

With this in mind, Aussie favourite Oaks Hotels & Resorts is offering a selection of incredible end of financial year specials 

across the board in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and New Zealand!

Melbourne, VICTORIA

Oaks on William

The brand new Oaks on William, set to open its doors to travellers from 8 July, fuses sophisticated accommodation with deluxe leisure and business facilities and an enviable city location. Be one of the first to stay at this 4.5 star hotel, with opening rates starting at as a little as $139 per night (minimum two night stay) for a sleek studio apartment featuring a king bed, full kitchen facilities and a private balcony. With popular Melbourne attractions like Victoria Market, Melbourne Zoo and Etihad Stadium within a stone’s throw, this property lends itself to all types of stays.

Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Oaks iStay Precinct

It’s all about location, location, location at the stylish Oaks iStay Precinct – situated in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. Close to a myriad of popular dining, entertainment, shopping and tourism attractions as well as having the business district on its doorstep, Oaks iStay Precinct offers a range of contemporary, self-contained apartments suitable to all types of travellers; with an onsite heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room also a welcomed luxury. Stay in a one-bedroom apartment, featuring modern kitchen, full laundry and private balcony, from just $119 per night (minimum two night stay). 

Sunshine and Gold Coast, QUEENSLAND

Oaks Seaforth and Oaks Calypso Plaza

If a Sunshine Coast escape is on your mid-year wish list, choose Oaks Seaforth in the family-friendly seaside township of Alexandra Headland; just minutes from Mooloolaba, Underwater World, patrolled beaches and acres of green parks. From just $99 per night (minimum two night stay), relax in the comfort of a one-bedroom apartment or two-bedroom apartment from $149 per night (Sunday – Thursday) and $169 per night (Friday – Saturday). Similarly, Oaks Calypso Plaza on the Gold Coast is offering the same rates for winter travellers, boasting a supreme beachside position, stunning lagoon-style heated swimming pool complete with waterslides, children’s wading pool, spa, sauna, games room and large gymnasium.

Queenstown, NEW ZEALAND

Oaks Shores

A firm Queenstown favourite, Oaks Shores promises a stunning waterfront location, lake views, sauna, fully equipped gym and popular onsite restaurant. With a handful of world class ski fields within close proximity, snow enthusiasts can stay in a hotel room from as little as $119 per night (minimum two night stay), complete with underfloor heating and LCD flat screen television, or upgrade to a two bedroom courtyard apartment from $299 per night with chic furnishings, self-contained kitchenette and courtyard views.

Terms & Conditions apply, subject to availability and must book between 25 June and 1 July 2013. Travel between 25 June and 30 September 2013 or 8 July – 30 September 2013 for Oaks on William; black-out dates may apply. For more information and bookings see http://www.oakshotelsresorts.com.

Silversea Cruises Announces World Cruise 2015

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Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has opened the books on its World Cruise 2015.

This grandest of travel adventures will commence on 5 January 2015, when the elegant, all-suite Silver Whisper is set to embark on a 115-day epic voyage, encircling the world and embracing the cultures of five continents, 30 countries and 50 unique destinations.

Departing Los Angeles with no more than 382 guests on board, Silver Whisper will sail the warm waters of the South Pacific to explore the idyllic isles of French Polynesia, then head west to Australia, and north to the South China Sea. From there, the journey continues to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles. Silver Whisper then traces a course to some of Africa's most intriguing destinations, including Mombasa, Zanzibar, Cape Town, Walvis Bay and Dakar. 

The voyage concludes with a leisurely Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale, highlighted by stopovers in the sunny Caribbean islands of St. Lucia, St. Bart's and Puerto Rico.

World Cruise 2015 offers travellers the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in local culture with late-night departures in eight ports, plus overnight calls in Papeete, Sydney, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, Mombasa, and Cape Town.

"This exceptional voyage has been crafted to appeal to luxury travel's most discerning clientele," said Karen Christensen, Silversea’s General Manager and Director Sales and Marketing Australasia. "Our World Cruise guests will visit the most exotic places and fascinating cultures on Earth -- all while enjoying the pampering luxury of Silver Whisper."

Silversea is offering guests the option to extend their World Cruise by adding a pre-cruise Panama Canal voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles (17 days), or continue on board from Fort Lauderdale to New York (3 days) or Southampton (15 days).

A Host of Added-Value Amenities

Full World Cruise guests will enjoy a variety of special amenities, including a gala Bon Voyage reception, dinner and overnight stay at a luxury hotel, baggage valet service, transfers (between home, airport, and Silver Whisper), a US$4,000 onboard spending credit (per suite), complimentary laundry service, Internet package and commemorative gifts.

For guests sailing the full 115 days, there will also be two complimentary Silversea Experiences, including one in Walvis Bay, offering the rare opportunity to dine under the stars in the Namib Desert, plus three exclusive complimentary World Cruise shoreside events. These include an elegant cocktail reception and evening performance at Sydney Opera House, and a scenic journey by vintage train in Sri Lanka to explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, renowned for its conservancy work. Plus, guests will be treated to a tour of Cape Town's magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, followed by a visit to the historic Résidence de France for a sumptuous lunch set in its beautiful garden, with Table Mountain providing a stunning backdrop.

Guests will also have the chance to meet and mingle with distinguished destination experts, academics, journalists, diplomats and other specialists. Local entertainment, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and regional specialties will provide further immersion in each global destination.

Fares for World Cruise 2015 start at AU$56,950 per person, based on double occupancy.

Click here to view the complete itinerary or visit Silversea.com/worldcruise2015.

For more information contact your preferred Travel Professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com

Woobar Presents Girls Night Out & Boys Gone Wild W Bangkok

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WOOBAR
Wednesday Night with Girls Night Out

W Bangkok, the innovator and leader in style, fashion, music and design, calls out for hips girls to party at “Girls Night Out” every Wednesday from 19.00 – 22.00 hrs. at WOOBAR. Get free first glass of Bubble (Sparking wine) on us and the second just only THB 100 (net). The offer is valid from now until 30 September 2013.

Thursday Night with Boys Gone Wild

Bangkok – 19 June 2013 - W Bangkok is treating the party boys with latest promotion “BOYS GONE WILD” at WOOBAR – the hotel’s signature bar – every Thursday from 19.00 – 22.00 hrs., from now on until September 30, 2013.

“Boys Gone Wild’ will become the boys’ new Thursday. Offering the unique “wow” experiences, Bangkok’s best spinners are set to put on “music battles” by the likes of Madonna vs Beyoncé, Kylie Minoque vs Aretha Franklin and many more. Enjoy the special cocktail exclusive for “Boys Gone Wild” party – Unlimited Red Summer (Sangria drink) – at THB 600 net/ person.

For more information and reservation, call 02-344 4000. For W Bangkok’s 24/7 updates, go to www.facebook.com/wbangkok or www.whotelbangkok.com.

Hidden Gems Unveiled in the city Bangkok

Opened on December 7, 2012, W Bangkok introduces a cutting-edge design concept to North Sathorn Road. The hotel combines a 31-floor modern glass tower with a century-old, European-inspired heritage building. Set in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling commercial district with direct access to the city’s elevated rail system, W Bangkok is Thailand’s first urban W Hotel, following W Retreat Koh Samui, the first destination in Thailand to introduce the W Brand’s iconic, hip concept.

W Hotels draws its inspiration from the dynamic energy of its birthplace in New York, and Bangkok, a true 24/7 city - the perfect complement to the W lifestyle. The design and offerings of W Bangkok embody the capital’s fusion of past and present to create a shimmering new scene. Interiors mirror the secrecy of the city’s obscure alleyways and the evocative twists and turns of its corridors, while evoking spirits of the past and evoking the city’s captivating collision of modern skyscrapers, ancient temples and shimmering bijous.

Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach: Now Open

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On the 17th June, Bondi's hottest new address, Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach, located on Hall St, opened its doors to welcome guests. Packed with convenient features and oozing seaside cool, guests can book online at adinahotels.com.au to be amongst the first to experience Toga's brand new apartment hotel.

Toga Hotels are offering an opening special at Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach where guests can save 20% off the apartment hotel's best available daily rates. Rachel Argaman, CEO of Toga Hotels, said: "We are excited to unveil stage one of the Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach development at one of Australia's most iconic locations. This area has been the number one requested location from our guests for many years and we are delighted to finally be able to provide it."

"A new retail precinct opening as part of the Hotel in September 2013 will feature a selection of gourmet providores. Set amongst a diverse mecca of vibrant restaurants and trendy shops, the commanding position of the apartment hotel allows guests to soak up all the glamour and lifestyle that Bondi offers."

An ideal accommodation solution for a night, weekend away, or a longer stay - Adina Bondi Beach is the perfect choice for a getaway, a stay-cation or for those doing business locally. Adina Bondi Beach will enable guests to enjoy the area, whatever the season.

Adina Apartment Hotels' stylish design will impress both inside and outside. Adina Bondi Beach embodies simplistic elegance taking design cues from the general locale, the heritage of Hall Street, and local artists. Paying homage to the Aboriginal meaning of Bondi (water breaking over rocks or noise of water breaking over rocks) the hotel's interiors favour earthy tones to complement its beachside surrounds. Beautiful artwork, timber features, a pastel colour palette and exposed sandstone feature-walls have been specifically selected to create a calming space.

Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach comes with all of the features Adina guests have come to know and love including; studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments, stylish interiors, enough space to make yourself comfortable, full hotel service, and premium lifestyle facilities including: a pool, gym and outdoor space right in the heart of Bondi.

To book, or for more information about Adina Apartment Hotels visit: adinahotels.com.au *Opening special rate (up to 20% off) is available in a studio room. Subject to availability. Conditions apply and blackout dates apply. Available to book from 1/5/2013 until 31/8/2013 for stays from 17/6/2013 until 31/8/2013.

About Toga HotelsToga Hotels is a leading accommodation provider, responsible for 56 hotels across Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Toga Hotels' brands include: Adina Apartment Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Medina Serviced Apartments. That equates to over 6,700 apartments and hotel rooms which vary in price, location and design in order to meet a range of different accommodation needs.Toga Hotels has an exciting growth pipeline of new hotels.

Coming soon are: Adina Apartment Hotel Mascot, Adina Apartment Hotel Royal Randwick Racecourse, Travelodge Mariners Tuggerah and Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre Marysville.

For more information about Toga Hotels visit: www.togahotels.com

Yarra Valley Lodge - Celebrating all that the Yarra Valley has to offer

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As one of the Yarra Valley’s leading and largest hotels, Yarra Valley Lodge has thrown open its doors to the many local providores, wineries and breweries in the area to become a showcase for the best products that the region has to offer.

Located less than an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is considered to be the home of Victoria’s leading wineries, microbreweries, cellar doors, restaurants, artisan bakers, chocolatiers and other gourmet producers.

Yarra Valley Lodge’s General Manager Anthony LoGiusto says that he and his chefs have been on a mission for the past six months to hand-select the best and freshest products from the Yarra Valley and surrounding regions.

“It has been a great experience discovering the array of quality produce available on our doorstep.  The team has embraced this direction to feature local suppliers wherever possible and we are now being approached by Yarra Valley businesses on a weekly basis to explore opportunities for them to get on board.

“As we’re located at the start of the Yarra Valley, with vineyards, cafes, restaurants and farmers’ markets all within close proximity, our hotel is perfectly suited to couples with a love of food and wine, who love dining out and visiting cellar doors.

“And for those guests who don’t want to leave the comfort of the hotel, they can simply relax in our surrounds and sample a wide range of products from the area,” he says.

Bella Restaurant

Yarra Valley Lodge’s Bella Restaurant is a showcase for the abundance of fresh regional produce, sourced directly from renowned farmers in the region as well as boutique and little known suppliers.

From tender beef fillets from the Little Creek Cattle Company or zucchini flowers and heirloom tomatoes from the Yarra Valley Gourmet Greenhouse, Bella Restaurant’s chefs ensure that only the finest and freshest ingredients are used in every dish.

Head Chef Anthony Iscaro learnt his craft in and around the Yarra Valley, and prides his kitchen team on preparing almost everything from scratch.

  

Room service menu

Yarra Valley Lodge’s in room dining menu changes seasonally and takes advantage of the freshest local ingredients.  The chefs work with any array of producers in the region to present some exciting options including plump local fruits, Yarra Valley Dairy organic natural yoghurt, slow baked Healesville rhubarb and hazelnut crumble, free range Coldstream eggs and hand-made Yarra Valley jams.

Mini Bar Menu

Yarra Valley Lodge’s in-room mini bar is designed to be a showcase of the best that the Yarra Valley has to offer and will continue to evolve as more products and producers are discovered.

With over 80 established wineries in the area, the hotel has carefully selected each bottle that features on the mini bar list. Each one fights for its place and as soon as one vintage finishes, it is replaced with another, providing an ever-changing line up of local wines, some of which are not available in restaurants or local bottle shops.

The Yarra Valley is also building a reputation for producing some great beers and ciders and the hotel rotates a selection from local producers such as Coldstream, White Rabbit, Buckley’s, Hargreave’s Hill, Kellybrook, Giverny, St Rohans and Napoleone.

In addition to the alcoholic beverages, delicious snacks from Yarra Valley Snackfoods, sweet treats from Yarra Valley Chocolate Company, freshly squeezed juices from Wild about Fruit and ‘Real Organic’ iced tea also feature on the menu.

Special accommodation packages

To celebrate the rebranding of the hotel back in February, Yarra Valley Lodge launched its now popular Yarra Valley Loves You Package.  From $189 per room, the package includes overnight accommodation, a chilled bottle of Yarra Valley’s favourite sparkling wine from Domaine Chandon on arrival and a tasty welcome gift, which changes every month.

Also, during the upcoming colder months, Yarra Valley Lodge presents its Winter Indulgence Package.  Here you can enjoy a weekend of dining and relaxation with overnight accommodation in a deluxe room, three course dinner in Bella Restaurant, a country-style breakfast the following morning, a $50 spa voucher to use toward a body or beauty treatment and a late check out of 12 noon, from just $369 per room.

For bookings and further information on Yarra Valley Lodge, please contact 03 9760 3333 or visit www.yarravalleylodge.com.




About Yarra Valley Lodge

Yarra Valley Lodge is a four star located at the start of the Yarra Valley and Features 96 spacious accommodation rooms and six spa suites with balconies, the award-winning hotel also features the dining delights of Bella Restaurant, the Lodge and Nicklaus Bars as well as 10 well-appointed function rooms.

There are also excellent leisure facilities on site including two championship 18-hole golf courses and their impressive clubhouse, and the Heritage Yarra Valley Day Spa offering a full range of body and beauty treatments.

About Austpac Hotels and Resorts

Austpac Hotels and Resorts is a boutique hotel management company that owns and operates three hotels in Australia including Yarra Valley Lodge and Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre in Victoria, and Man O’Ross in Tasmania.

Austpac was founded in 2012 to serve independent hoteliers, giving them access to all the power and services of a major international chain without the need to lose any of the identity, brand, history or customer relationships they have built up over time.

Plan your next getaway with Seawings

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Seawings, Dubai’s luxury seaplane tour operator, has teamed up with Jebel Ali Resorts & Hotels to offer its passengers complimentary hotel stay of up to 2 nights with every Dubai Silver tour.

Guests can choose between the idyllic Jebel Ali Beach hotel, the luxurious Palm Tree Court hotel and the newly opened Ocean View Hotel located on the bustling promenade, ‘The Walk’

Priced at AED 2,750 per couple and AED 3,999 per family (2 adults, 2 children up to the age of 12), Dubai Silver is a 40 minute seaplane tour across Dubai. It includes takeoff and landing on water and panoramic views of the city’s architectural marvels and stunning landscape followed by a stay at Dubai’s finest hotels.

Offering not only a stay at Dubai’s swanky hotels but also an unforgettable seaplane tour of the city, this package is ideal for those special weekend getaways you’re guaranteed to remember.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance and add value to our offerings for all our guests. With this offer, not only do our passengers experience the breathtaking seaplane tour, but they also stay in style and comfort," said Mithu Agarwal, Sales Manager - Seawings.

Offer is valid until 30 September 2013 only and not applicable during EID Holidays.

Lady Elliot Island has the picture-perfect escape

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Lady Elliot Island on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is offering the ultimate escape for 
photography buffs – the Foto Frenzy Workshop hosted by the acclaimed Darren Jew from July 19-23.

Known as the Home of the Manta Ray, Lady Elliot Island is a photographer’s paradise featuring dreamy island landscapes and exceptionally clear water with very high visibility.

Priced from $829* per person twin/triple share, the package includes four nights in an Eco Cabin with the option to say a fifth night free; photography workshop; return scenic flight;  full buffet breakfast and dinner daily; glass bottom boat and snorkel tour; a range of island activities and tours plus environmental management charge.

A great selection of accommodation upgrades and exciting dive add-ons are also available.

Guided by one of the world’s best nature, underwater and tourism photographers, the workshop focuses on land and underwater photography and includes photo walks, processing and printing, photo exhibition, equipment demonstrations and a photo competition with a chance to win major prizes.

Acting general manager for Tourism Fraser Coast, Robbie Cornelius, said the multi-award winning Australian photographer Darren Jew had captured some of the planet’s most amazing landscapes and wildlife from Antarctica to Zambia over his 30 year career.

“We are very excited that Darren is coming to one of the Fraser Coast’s jewels in the crown, Lady Elliot Island, in this unique opportunity for photography lovers,’’ Mr Cornelius said.

At Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can step off the beach and snorkel, swim or dive in a unique underwater world of brilliantly coloured marine life, or just simply relax and soak in the natural island atmosphere.

For bookings or further information call toll free reservations 1800 072 200; phone (07) 5536 3644 (CODE: FOTO FRENZY) or email reservations@ladyelliot.com.au 

*conditions apply, subject to change and availability

Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Europe

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Clients can celebrate Christmas in Paris and New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam on a special 12-day trip with youth travel operator Topdeck.

The Festive Escape departs 21 December from London travelling through Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium and including a Christmas lunch in Paris and visits to traditional Christmas markets from $1775* per person.

Enjoy a walking tour of Cologne and a glass of ‘Gluhwein’ hot mulled wine at its famous festive market, see Paris by night on a City Lights tour, take an optional Seine River cruise on Christmas Day, explore the spa town of Baden-Baden in the foothills of the picturesque Black Forest and visit Hohenzollern Castle.

The trip also features a driving tour of Berlin taking in its most famous sights like the Berlin Wall, a walk around Amsterdam’s Red Light District at night, New Year’s dinner and an optional canal cruise in Amsterdam and a visit to the beautiful medieval city of Brugge.

It includes accommodation with daily breakfast, four dinners, Christmas lunch, sightseeing tours of all major cities, English Channel ferry crossings, coach transport and services of a Topdeck trip leader and driver.

Contact Topdeck on 1300 886 332 or visit www.topdeck.travel.

*Terms & conditions apply.

"THE MAGIC & MYSTERY OF AMAZING THALAND" Photo Contest

TAT is pleased to announce the second TATNews Photo Contest, now being held through its official media website TATNews.org. All photographers, tourists, travelers, media, and anyone with a camera are cordially invited to participate. The theme of this new contest is "THE MAGIC & MYSTERY OF AMAZING THALAND."

The aim of the contest is for you to show the world what Amazing Thailand looks like to you - through the lens of your camera - and to share your incredible Thailand experiences with like-minded souls everywhere. Plus, you get the chance to win cash awards totaling USD2000 as well as having your images of Amazing Thailand shared globally by the TAT.

Contestants need simply register an account on www.tatnews.org and submit entries according to the rules stated on the website. The submission period is now open and will close on 2 August 2013; so get your pictures organized and select your favorite shots. You won't have to choose only one to submit however since you can enter as many images as you like, along with a caption in English for each photograph.

Three winners will be chosen. The 1st Place Winner will receive a cash prize of THB 30,000 (approximately $1,000 US), the First Runner-Up will receive THB 20,000 while the Second Runner-Up will receive THB 10,000 plus a Photo Contest Certificate for each.

Submissions will be judged by a team consisting of Thai media experts, editors, and photographers. The winners will be announced on TATNews.org on 7 August 2013, and the three lucky winners will also be notified via email the next day, 8 August 2013.

So look through your Thailand photographs now, or better yet, grab your camera and head to your favorite Thailand destinations to do some serious shooting. We want your original photographs that are exciting and inspirational, that tell a story or share an experience - in short, images that will motivate viewers to visit this spot and turn their own cameras to this and similar subjects.

For more information and further details, please go to TatNews.org/photo-contest-2 or contact photocontest@tatnews.org. We're looking forward to enjoying your best shots.


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