Austravel

Following the success of Simon Reeve’s Indian Ocean series in 2012, last night saw the start of the stunning new series ‘Australia with Simon Reeve’. 

The latest series sees adventurer Reeve take a journey across Australia to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, extraordinary people and exotic wildlife. Offering a unique insight into life in Australia, Simon last night explored the Red Centre and next week will travel down through the South of Australia and finish in the final episode in Perth on the West coast.  Each explores three unique destinations to which Austravel, the leading Australasia specialist, offers an exquisite range of holidays.

Last night, the programme saw Simon’s journey begin in the Northern Territory at the magnificent Red Centre, the baking heart of the continent. Named after the fiery coloured sands of the arid Outback desert and home to the famous Ayers Rock, the breathtaking landscape holds a wealth of wildlife including dingoes, wallabies and emus. Simon discovered how a million camels are threatening Australia’s fragile desert ecosystem as they eat their way through the outback and he joined an Aussie rancher on a thrilling off road ride to round up some of the unlikely trouble makers.

For those who have been inspired seeing this truly unique part of Australia on last night’s programme, Austravel has a five night holiday to the Red Centre in the Northern Territory from £1,699 per person. The holiday includes return flights from London Heathrow with Qantas, five nights accommodation at the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, a Sounds of Silence dinner (enjoy a BBQ of Australian delicacies and wines as the sun sets over Kata Tjuta, before a night of stargazing with a resident astronomer) and an Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon tour, based on departures September 2013.

The second episode, which is to be broadcast this coming Sunday, sees Simon head first to the famous wineries of South Australia where he learns the art of wine tasting with a legendary winemaker. He then goes on to learn about the impact of large scale agriculture on the driest inhabited continent on Earth as he visits Australia’s longest river, the Murray. The second part of the series ends with Simon heading to the stunning South coast, the fishing capital of Australia, where he dives with critically endangered Southern blue fin tuna.

South Australia is home to brilliant white beaches and world famous wineries and its elegant city Adelaide is the perfect base from which to explore the area. Austravel has a four day ‘Adelaide and Beyond’ package from £1,149 per person, which includes three nights accommodation at the Mercure Grosvenor, a Barossa Wine Tour, a River Murray Highlights Tour and return flights from London Heathrow with Singapore Airlines, based on departures October 2013.

In the final instalment, Simon heads west on the extraordinary Indian Pacific railway to the city of Perth. Named after the two great oceans it joins, the train takes Steve through the Nullarbor Plain, past Kalgoorlie and through Western Australia’s expansive wheat belt and the scenic Avon Valley before arriving in Perth. En route, he learns about Western Australia’s 21st-century gold rush, part of the country’s huge resource boom which is making it one of the richest places on Earth.  A truly unique way of viewing the country, Austravel has a two night journey on the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Perth which starts from £1,159 per person on Gold Class service, which includes a 25% early booking saving.

In Perth, a modern port city which is home to a large British community, Steve meets a former bin man from Hull who emigrated to Australia from Britain to follow his dream of a better lifestyle. For the opportunity to take in the picturesque city, Austravel has a four day ‘Perth & Beyond’ package from £1,069 per person. The holiday includes three nights accommodation at the 4 star Seashells Mandurah, a one-day Perth, Freemantle and Swan Valley tour and return flights from London Gatwick with Emirates, based on October 2013 departures.

With over 35 years of specialism in Australasia, Austravel is the leading specialist to this stunning country and has a comprehensive collection of holidays which can be individually tailored to combine any aspect of the country’s stunning landscapes and culture. Its expertise in this area is unparalleled and if it is a taste of ‘Australia With Simon Reeve’ you are seeking, then it is worth taking a look at Austravel or call 0800 988 4834.   

Episode Two of BBC Two’s ‘Australia With Simon Reeve’ will be broadcast on Sunday 26 May at 21:00.

Sofitel Hotels

Take a trip. Escape. Go and visit somewhere new and see if Sofitel are there… Give in to that irresistible wanderlust. Discovering and staying in the most exceptional hotels in the world has become the modern-day Graal, a game, a quest… 

Surround yourself in luxury with courteous service, exceptional guest rooms & outstanding cuisine.  Relax, knowing your every need will be taken off and experience the real world meaning of the saying ” The Love is in the Details“…

 
Magnifique Romance - Enjoy magical moments in magnificent places around the world. Share special time together, savour intimate dinners, take sunset strolls & moonlit walks.

Delight in the luminous glow of Paris or Bangkok, explore the history of Rome or Budapest, bask in the legends of Aswan or Hanoi, thrill to the excitement of Shanghai or New York, relax near soothing lagoons in Bora Bora or Mauritius, marvel at the sight & sounds of Marrakech or London.  discover Sofitel Magnifique hotels. Experience “Art de vivre” and exceptional service… the perfect setting for romantic memories that will last forever whether you travel abroad or say close to home.  Discover Magnifique Romance & enjoy:

        Luxurious comfort in elegantly styled accommodation, your perfect setting for romance
        A bottle of champagne on ice delivered to sip any time you wish once during your stay
        A romantic gift of chocolates or flowers upon arrival for your shared pleasure
        A wonderful breakfast served in your room every morning
        The luxury of time with a late check out until 4pm subject to availability

Magnifique Family -  Among the spellbinding shops of Rome you find a princess dress that fits like a charm.  Like kings in a castle, you view England’s capital from atop the London Eye.  In Paris, you retake Quasimodo’s footsteps at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. In Fez, you discover the ancient mysteries of One Thousand and One Nights or you hunt for treasure month the pyramids in Cairo.

Fairy tales can come true, just imagine.  Then make it real.  Choose a destination at the world’s most enchanting hotels and get ready to create indelible memories.  It’s time to make a little magic together with your Magnifique Family…

        A discount of 50% off the cost of your children’s room when you reserve two rooms
        The charm of your elegantly accommodations
        Complimentary breakfast for your children, enchantingly delicious
        A late check-out until 4:00pm (when available) to make your Fairy Tale last… until next time

Magnifique Escape - Any month of the year, head for an inviting resort to relax & unwind with an unforgettable luxury travel experience to the destination of your choice in Morocco, Egypt, Mauritius, Fiji.  Imagine the caressingly gentle pace of a private island beside Bora Bora or the sweeping beaches of Australia’s Gold coast. How about the vibrant energy of Los Cardales in Argentina or the mystique of Bangkok, Hanoi or Saigon.

        Enjoy 2 free nights when your stay for 7 nights
        Access to the hotel’s elegant spa for relaxation & rejuvenation.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is an award winning and distinctive group of deluxe hotels, combining renowned Swiss hospitality with contemporary design, personalized service, charm and efficiency.

Located in popular getaway destinations and city centers, the hotels provide access to business and shopping districts. The group’s Swiss heritage ensures organizational competence, attention to detail, safety and superior guest experiences.

Summer is quickly approaching and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is kicking off the season with a 20% discount.

The Seasonal Saver offers us 20% off the best available rate at any property worldwide when staying two nights or more. The Seasonal Saver is available at all 31 of the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts worldwide. It is valid from May 31st to September 1st and bookable from May 16th.

This package also includes a complimentary signature cocktail for us upon arrival and don’t forget to enjoy 15% off Swissôtel’s pillows, duvets, mattress toppers, bed linen and bathrobes at Swissôtel’s online shop.

Austravel

Austravel, the leading Australasia specialist, has launched a range of savings on both international and domestic Australia flights. When we book to travel between now and 30 November, we can take advantage of a number fantastic flight offers, including free internal flights in Australia and to the Malaysian islands.

In conjunction with Etihad, Austravel is offering flights to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane from just £799 per person return and free internal flights* on Australia holidays. In Malaysia, free domestic flights** are also being offered in line with Malaysia Airlines. The offers allow for affordable tailor-made multi-centre trips, when booking international flights through Austravel.

Whether it’s a twin break to visit the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne or Brisbane and Cairns, or a multi-centre holiday combining a busy city with exploring the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef or relaxing on Hamilton Island, the free internal flight offer means Austravel customers have the opportunity to create a dream holiday to Australia.

Using its extensive expertise and passion for Australasia, the specialist has put together a selection of some of its best offers, starting from just £1,089 per person, which take advantage of the free internal flights and Etihad savings.

A seven night holiday with Austravel taking in Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef starts from £1,149 per person, with a saving of up to £630 per couple. The price includes three nights at the four star Rendezvous Hotel in Brisbane, a day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island, free internal flights with Virgin Australia, four nights at the four star Blue lagoon in Trinity Beach and return flights from London Heathrow with Etihad, based on departures October 2013.

Austravel is offering a nine night twin centre holiday combining Sydney and the Gold Coast from £1,229 per person, with a saving of £560 per couple.  The holiday includes return flights from London Heathrow with Etihad, four nights at the four star Mercure Potts Point Hotel in Sydney, a Captain Cook Harbour Cruise, free internal flights with Virgin Australia and five nights at the four star The Vibe Hotel on the Gold Coast, based on departures November 2013.

For those keen to explore the south of the country, Austravel has a seven day holiday combining Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Tasmania, starting from just £1,089 per person with a saving of up to £535 per couple. The holiday includes return flights with Etihad from London Heathrow, three nights at the four star Citigate Hotel in Melbourne, a Great Ocean Road Day Tour, free internal flights with Virgin Australia, three nights at the four star Rydges Hotel in Hobart, Tasmania and four days car hire. Price based on departures June 2013.

For a week long twin-city trip Austravel has a seven day holiday combining Sydney and Melbourne from £1,159 per person, with a saving of £390 per couple. The holiday includes three nights at the three star Cambridge Hotel in Sydney, a Captain Cook Sydney Harbour Cruise, free internal flights with Virgin Australia, three nights at the four star Mercure Hotel, Melbourne and return flights with Etihad from London Heathrow. Priced based on departures November 2013.

Malaysian holidays offer the perfect escape and with free internal flights, it allows for the perfect opportunity to explore some of Malaysia’s stunning islands.  In conjunction with Malaysia Airlines, free domestic flights are being offered to Langkawi and Penang when booking international flights.

A nine night holiday combining Langkawi, Malaysia and Sydney starts from £1,659 per person. The holiday includes a free internal flight in Malaysia, two nights at the Berjaya Langkawi Resort & Spa, seven nights at the Cambridge Hotel in Sydney and return flights from London Heathrow with Malaysia Airlines. Price based on September 13 departures.

For more information on these packages and other great Australasia holidays contact its specialist travel advisors on 0800 988 4834 or visit www.austravel.com.

qualia Resort Hamilton Island

As North Americans prepare to hunker down for the winter, qualia Resort on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef is celebrating with special deals that are available exclusively for visitors from the U.S. and Canada for travel from February 1, 2013 through August 22, 2013.* 

Located on the same latitude in the southern hemisphere as Honolulu in the north with an enticing average of 81F temperatures year round, Hamilton Island is the main gateway for visiting the Great Barrier Reef.  With six accommodation and ten dining options along with a full complement of recreational activities including a new Yacht Club, Golf Club and two world-class spas, Hamilton Island offers something for every interest and budget.

Luxury Escape

Normally priced from $4,295 for four nights, this package will be available from $3,200 and include:

Ø  Four nights’ accommodation at the luxury qualia Resort in a Leeward Pavilion

Ø  A la carte breakfast at Long Pavilion or Pebble Beach restaurants

Ø  All non-alcoholic beverages at qualia

Ø  VIP return Hamilton Island Airport/Marina transfers

Ø  Use of a two-seater electric golf buggy

Ø  VIP chauffeur service around Hamilton Island

Ø  Use of non-motorized watercraft

Ø  Beach drop-offs to selected local beaches on surrounding islands

For accommodation in a Windward Pavilion, which also includes a private plunge pool, rates start at $5,000 instead of the normal rate of $6,715. For more information or to book, visit online. *Blackout dates include March 29-April 1, 2013 and May 13-14, 2013.

About qualia
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 and 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 a member of Relais & Châteaux and welcomes guests 16 years and over.

About Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is one of 74 tropical islands in the Coral Sea between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is on the same latitude in the southern hemisphere as Honolulu in the north with an average of 81F temperatures year round.  With more than six accommodation choices, 10 restaurants and varied water and beach activities, the Island makes the perfect launching pad for US travelers to enjoy Australia’s most spectacular beaches, explore the Great Barrier Reef and create an unforgettable vacation in tropical Australia.   Hamilton Island is easily accessible from major East Coast cities in Australia in less than three hours.  For more information about Hamilton Island, visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au