Friday, December 18, 2015

Fun Skiing Family Holiday in Korea

Experience a world of exciting winter leisure activities. Feel the thrilling speed and freedom of skiing. Take skiing and snowboarding lessons. Enjoy exciting performances and cultural events. Be awed by the magnificent snowscapes and unique resort experiences. Discover the special world of winter festivals in Korea.

 

Gangwon-do, Korea’s winter sports capital

Situated in the central eastern part of the Korean Peninsula, Gangwon-do is where the Taebaek Mountains pass through from the north to south, with lush mountains and pristine rivers surrounding 18 beautiful ski areas. To the east lies the azure blue water of the East Sea, and along the Taebaek Mountains lie the Seoraksan National Park with its impressive rocks and breathtaking views; the Odaesan National Park with its over 100 years old Korean fir trees and the Chiaksan National Park with its breathtaking snowscape.

Most ski resorts in Korea are located in the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do, often referred to as a winter sports capital. Dressed in pure white snow and boasting spectacular views, these magnificent mountains are an ideal place to enjoy the romantic winter atmosphere and experience thrilling skiing.



Pyeongchang, a county in Gangwon-do province, is home to world-class resorts including the Alpensia Resort, the YongPyong Resort and the Bokwang Phoenix Park, all of which have been chosen as venues for various events at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

 

GO-GO Ski Festival

The Go-Go Ski Festival is held four times between December to February at the High1 Resort. With high-quality snow and outstanding slope course, High1 Resort is one of Korea’s leading ski slopes with 17 slopes including 4.2km beginner slope. The resort features 403 rooms, two ski houses, two resting area, an observatory at the top of the mountain and a golf course.

 

The Go-Go Ski Festival offers fun and exciting winter experiences including skiing and snowboarding lessons taught by exert instructors, amateur ski competitions, snowboard competitions, and sledding competitions, while featuring some evening events like Korean traditional dance and modern performances. The upcoming sessions of the Go-Go Ski Festival are scheduled from 17 to 20 January, 31 January to 03 February, and 16 to 19 February 2016.

 

Fun Ski Festival

The Fun Ski Festival is held between mid December to early March at the YongPyong Resort, the birthplace of Korean Winter Sports and a well-known host of international competitions. The YongPyong Resort is equipped with outstanding facilities including 28 slopes and 14 lift facilities as well as a golf club, waterpark, and accommodation, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing holiday in a natural setting.



The Fun Ski Festival offers a memorable experience to participants with its exciting skiing and snow programs that cannot be found in other ski tour packages. From skiing and snowboarding lessons to skiing competitions and award ceremonies, from cultural performances and recreational activities to exotic local cuisine, the Fun Ski Festival is truly a festive experience. The upcoming sessions of the Fun Ski Festival are scheduled for 10 to 13 January, 24 to 27 January, 21 to 24 February, and 02 to 05 March 2016.

 

Ice & Snow World Festival

Experience the Ice & Snow World Festival, a fantasy world made of ice and snow from 23 December 2015 to 28 February 2016 at Alpensia, a year-round tourist resort featuring European accommodation, a 45-hole golf course, convention centre, waterpark and more. Its slopes boast high-quality snow, allowing visitors to enjoy thrilling rides. With a ski-tower, monorail, and cross-country facilities, it offers an ideal environment for leisure sports. Enjoy the wide range of activities, the diverse entertainment, the exotic cuisine and the chic shopping!

 

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

The Taebaeksan Snow Festival offers a true winter experience. It features exquisite snow and ice sculptures, a Snowman Festival, snow sledding and a number of performances with the beautiful snow-covered Taebaeksan Mountain in the backdrop.



The festival will be held from 22 to 31January 2016 at the Taebaeksan Provincial Park, Jungang-ro Street of Taebaek-si and Hwangji Pond.

Plan you Korea visit today. Don’t miss out on the amazing winter thrills!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Experience Melbourne & Beyond

Cosmopolitan, elegant, creative and chic, Melbourne has a passionate soul and welcoming heart that makes every stay a truly memorable experience. Also discover beautiful coastlines along the Great Ocean Road, the sweeping vineyards of the Yarra Valley, the tranquil beauty of Phillip Island, the gold trail in Ballarat, the old gold mining town of Sovereign Hill and picturesque Mornington Peninsula all within an easy drive from Melbourne.

From thrilling world class events and renowned architecture, to café-lined streetscapes and verdant parklands, there’s always something new and magical to discover in Melbourne. Victoria's capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Known as the capital of fashion and coffee, the home of art and culture, and the sports hub of Australia, there is little that Melbourne doesn’t do well.



Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia's best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Visit the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium with the 360 degree Oceanarium that houses giant sharks and stingrays; the Eureka Skydeck 88 with its awe inspiring views of Melbourne; and the Melbourne Cricket Ground with its famous Long Room and the MCC Museum. Experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over Melbourne at sunrise as you watch the city waking gently and transforming into a bustling metropolis.



Melbourne is a natural starting and finishing point for your self-drive journey through some of Victoria's unique, enchanting and varied landscapes. Experience the romance and exhilaration of a drive down the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives boasting of a breathtaking stretch of astonishing seascapes, magical forest and sprawling farmlands. Take in highlights like the spectacular Otway Ranges, famous Bells Beach, the dramatic rock formation of the Twelve Apostles on the Shipwreck Coast, and the excitement and heritage of the gold rush in Ballarat.



Capture the awe-inspiring splendour of the iconic Twelve Apostles with its majestic limestone stacks rising up out of the ocean on a scenic helicopter flight or from a boardwalk for easy walking and great views. Embark on an enthralling journey of discovery, tragedy, illusion and intrigue as you experience SHIPWRECKED!, a sound and light show that brings to life the tale of the Loch Ard, wrecked in 1878.



Experience the gold fever that gripped Australia in the 1850’s at the Ballarat Goldfields. Pan for real gold in the creek at Sovereign Hill, an outdoor living museum that re-creates the days of the goldfields. See blacksmiths at work, visit the Gold Museum adjacent, dress up in Victorian costume, ride in a horse drawn carriage and be entertained by the street performers in this replica of an old gold-mining town. Spend a while at the Ballarat Wildlife Park where you can pet the koalas, wombats and wear a huge Boa snake around your neck.



From world famous wines to fabulously fresh food and breathtaking scenery, the hills of Yarra Valley are a charming experience. The birthplace of Australian winemaking, the Yarra Valley is studded with more than 50 vineyards and a host of stylish cellar doors and restaurants.



Visit Healesville Sanctuary which showcases over 200 species of Australian wildlife.



The Puffing Billy Steam Railway, Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world operating since 1900, winds through the beautiful Dandenongs and offers a unique travel and dining experience.



Just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is renowned for its penguin parade, wildlife, surf beaches and motorcycle racing. Each night at sunset see the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows at Summerland Beach. Tour the Grand Prix circuit - home to the Australian Moto GP. At Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolates, see a chocolate waterfall or create your own chocolate bar!



Drive along the coastline with cliff top mansions, Mediterranean jewel-like bays, rugged surf beaches and lush bushland to discover the picturesque Mornington Peninsula region.

Melbourne and the rest of Victoria offers you the best of Australia’s natural attractions, coastal scenery, history and heritage – all in a flexible, compact touring package.

One of Asia’s Most Anticipated Hotels – The South Beach

Developed to strike that perfect balance between work and play, The South Beach is a destination in itself. Designed to create a H.I.P. environment – Highly Individualised People and Places – the Hotel of Design invites guests to explore their imagination and leave the ordinary behind.

The South Beach is a Luxury & Lifestyle H.I.P. hotel featuring 654 Showcase Guest Rooms and Suites, an all-day dining restaurant, three vibrant bars, two sky gardens, two infinity swimming pools and a gym. There are 43 Imaginative Social Spaces, which together offers a unique destination within the thriving Civic District.

Hotel of Design

A roster of leading lights in the design world have collaborated on this exciting project, that includes architecture by Foster+Partners and global design firm Aedas, interiors by Philippe Starck and installations by artists Lee Lee Nam and Soh Ee Shaun.



A key feature of The South Beach is its emphasis on ecological design. The hotel's most striking feature is an elegant wave-like aluminium and steel canopy that rises and dips over the heritage buildings and links them with two soaring towers.

Apart from integrating the isolated buildings into a seamless whole, the louvered canopy draws in natural light and provides shade against the sun and rain. This brilliant Hotel of Design is embellished and adorned from within - through the use of state-of-the-art technology, and the ingenious designs of Philippe Starck and other acclaimed artists, ensuring a one of a kind, multi-sensory experience for every hotel guest. The South Beach is a curated combination of architectural engineering, state-of-the-art hybrid technology and inspiring interior design & décor.

Imaginative Social Spaces

43 Imaginative Social Spaces span across the grounds of The South Beach where one can gather to socialise, or be alone. Regardless of their mood, guests are provided with a multidimensional experience where they can take in the atmosphere, culture and lifestyle of the hotel.



Guests can take a breather at one of the two Sky Gardens with its Infinity Swimming Pools and sunken chairs – have generous drinks with great bites at Ebb6, located at the roof of Padang Terrace.

Alternately, they can head up to Flow18, the highest point of The South Beach, to work up a sweat at its state-of-the-art Fitness Centre. With a poolside bar offering food and beverage.  A great place to experience wellness and serenity, while taking in the stunning panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline.

Showcase Guest Rooms

A sanctuary of innovation and intuition awaits you in our Showcase Guest Rooms. Be pampered and indulge in our stylishly, well-appointed rooms that are tastefully furnished to satisfy any whim or fancy.



With floor-to-ceiling windowed alcoves that overlook Singapore’s iconic skyline, The South Beach’s rooms are a fine showcase of substance and style.

Mood, Food & Drink

Be it a romantic dinner, a meal to talk business over or celebratory drinks, The South Beach Food & Drink establishments has something for everyone and every need.



All Day Hotel Dining (ADHD), located within the hotel, one floor below the hotel lobby sits features a diverse range of international cuisine with familiar favourites from breakfast through to dinner. Its three vibrant bars – Court Martial Bar, LAUGH and PREFIX - will offer artisanal spirits alongside delicious and enticing small plates available all through the day.



The hotel is part of South Beach mega mixed-use development which also comprises offices, residences, retail space and a private club. The development seamlessly integrates heritage sites – three army blocks and the famous Non-Commissioned Officers Club – with two new tower blocks. The hotel is located in one of the towers along with 190 luxury apartments.

The South Beach has already become an iconic landmark, a new addition to the already impressive Singapore skyline. Come, be inspired at The South Beach.

Opening Special Just For You, Stay 3nights and Pay for 2: 




Indulge in our Showcase Me (Deluxe) guestrooms that are tastefully furnished in cool and natural colours, with floor-to-ceiling windowed alcoves that overlook the Lion City’s iconic skyline. One-way airport transfer, a welcome drink, local calls, minibar and high speed Wi-Fi access comes included.
*Terms and Conditions apply.

"Be There! Do That!" Bespoke French Experiences

France invites you to indulge in a plethora of bespoke  experiences that promise a memorable holiday. From family sojourns to adventure holidays with friends, from creating a perfect getaway with that special someone or simply indulging in a luxuriously elegant escapade or following a wine trail, many temptations entice you to plan a "Be There! Do That!" rendezvous with France!

Family Fun in France:

Start your fam-cation with the Chocolate Museum in Paris or pose with your favourite celebrities at the Grévin Wax Museum. A variety of amusement parks promise entertainment unlimited. While Disneyland Paris offers you amusing times with Mickey, Minnie, Parc Asterix invites you for a fun adventure with the lovable Gauls - Asterix , Obelix and their coterie! 



Go to Angers in the Loire Valley for a medieval encounter at Le Puy du Fou – one of France’s most famous theme parks or enjoy a bit of sci-fi in Nantes in Pays de la Loire. Enjoy an outing at the Aeroscopia aviation museum or spatial encounters at the Cité de l' Espace in Toulouse in the Midi Pyrénées.

Of Adrenalin Rushes and the Great Outdoors:

Take hot air balloon rides over the verdant vineyards of the Loire Valley, Champagne and Burgundy or go golfing in alpine Chamonix Mont-Blanc or picturesque Evian. Hike through Lourdes and the majestic Cirque de Gavarnie in the Midi-Pyrénées. Avid surfers are sure to find their calling in chic Biarritz in Aquitaine which is a veritable mecca for surfers.



Provence invites you for a white-water rafting expedition in the spectacular Gorges du Verdon. Do visit Castellane for exciting rafting, canyoning and kayaking possibilities. Head to Nice, Cannes or St Tropez in the South for sailing expedition with friends.



Discover unspoilt islands, rugged coastlines and fine beaches as your sailboat takes you around this celebrated playground of the rich and the famous!

Spirited Encounters:

The wine-growing region of Bordeaux-Aquitaine invites you to try some of its celebrity reds originating from Saint Emilion, Médoc and Margaux. Burgundy offers its delectable reds such as Chambertin, Vougeot and Nuits Saint Georges and its fruity white Chablis.



The lure of the white brings you to Alsace that acquaints you with the famous Riesling, Pinot Blanc and the Sylvaner. More white wine can be savoured in the Loire Valley famous for its Muscadet, a very famous dry white wine with intoxicating flavours of white flowers, citrus and anise. If in the South, do try Provence's summery rosé and  finally raise a toast to the effervescent bubbly in Champagne!

A French Serenade:

Choose from serenading your loved one on a cruise on the Seine with a romantic meal or locking your love on the Pont des Arts - Paris' famous bridge dedicated to romantics. Add a little bit of fun under the sun with escapades to chic seaside resorts such as Deauville-located in Normandy and La Baule-in the Pays de la Loire that promise you endless walks on the beaches and rejuvenating wellness cures. 



Soak up the sun in Nice or  take on indulgent strolls along the Promenade des Anglais. Head to medieval Carcassonne for a leisurely intimate cruise on the Canal du Midi or plan an intimate retreat in picturesque Annecy with the French Alps as a backdrop!

Exquisite Indulgences:

Live like royals in any of Paris’s Palace Hotels with retail therapy indulgences in upscale Parisian districts. Plan exquisite alpine retreats to Courchevel that tempts you with its collection of Michelin-starred restaurants or enjoy well-being options at Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Enjoy the charmed life of the rich and the famous at the elegant seaside resorts of the South with helicopter rides offering panoramic views of the Cote d'Azur or enjoy a château stay in the Loire Valley famous for its vineyards and exquisite collection of châteaux. 



Plan an intoxicating combination of wine and well-being with a stay at the elegant Les Sources de Caudalie, an exclusive vinotherapy spa resort located 40 kms from Bordeaux and in the heart of a vineyard. Indulge in their signature wellness cures that involve the use of grape and promise invigorating experiences!

For more on bespoke "Be There! Do That!" Experiences in France, log onto: www.france.fr.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Gardens by the Bay

 “Top 10 Indoor Gardens of the World”

Featuring more than 1 million plants from more than 5,000 species.


Flower Dome & Cloud Forest

Awarded by Guinness World Record, the World’s Largest Glass Greenhouse – Flower Dome houses unique plants from 5 continents – Asia, Europe, Africa, America and Australia. The wide array of plants are featured in replicated cool and dry Mediterranean climate and semi-arid subtropical regions of the world in 9 different gardens – Baobabs and Bottle Trees, Succulent Garden, Australian Garden, South African Garden, South American Garden, California Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Olive Grove and Changing Flower Field Display. The vivid floral displays on the Flower Field are refreshed periodically to bring ever-changing horticultural experiences to visitors.


The Flower Dome sits alongside the 0.8-hectare Cloud Forest. A mysterious world veiled in mist, surrounded by over 60,000 plants and floral gems from the Tropical Montane regions. Be amazed as you come face-to-face with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 metres! Go on a trek behind the waterfall and enjoy the refreshing cool air and majestic views of the waterfall below. Descend through the surreal mist-veiled Cloud Walk and explore the 7 discovery zones – Cloud Walk, Lost World, Waterfall View, Crystal Mountain, Earth Check, +5 Degrees and Secret Garden.

Unlike most temperate greenhouses which have a warm interior, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are climate-controlled in a sustainable, energy-efficient manner to provide a cool environment that brings forth the concept of perpetual spring in the tropics.

OCBC Skyway & Supertrees

At a height of 22 metres and surrounded by panoramic vistas of the Gardens and Marina Bay skyline, this 128-metre long aerial walkway is an experience not to be missed. During the day, a stroll along the OCBC Skyway presents glorious photo-taking opportunities to capture the scenic beauty of the surrounding flora.


As dusk falls, the captivating Marina Bay skyline emerges and the entire area comes alive nightly with the Garden Rhapsody – a free light and sound show at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.

Christmas Toyland floral display, Flower Dome

21 November 2015 to 5 January 2016, 9am to 9pm daily, conservatory charges apply.

A brand-new Christmas Toyland floral display blooms in the coolness of the Flower Dome. This year, toys reign supreme amidst yuletide floral favourites like the poinsettia, Christmas rose, winter heather and holly.


Towering over the enchanting floral display is the centerpiece of Christmas Toyland – an 11-metre-tall Christmas Pyramid decked with toys. This multi-tiered traditional German wooden carousel will transform into a ‘live’ stage, hosting a series of festive performances for the very first time in the Flower Field.

Christmas in a whole new light

28 November 2015 to 3 January 2016

Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair, Christmas Wonderland, returns to Gardens by the Bay with more dazzling Italian Luminarie light sculptures, a European-style Festive Market, and a brand-new Christmas Toyland floral display in the Flower Dome.


Lending a festive air to the Gardens, the picturesque Luminarie light sculptures, handmade using white-wood from the south of Italy, will nestle amidst the greenery within the Golden Garden, Supertree Grove, Dragonfly Bridge and Flower Dome.

In the heart of the Supertree Grove, a majestic 24-metre-wide Spalliera will frame the Cassa Armonica gazebo, providing a stunning and enchanting backdrop. The hugely popular Blizzard Time will also return this year to dazzle the young and old, as they revel in the joy of experiencing ‘snow’ in Singapore.

European-style Festive Market

28 November to 27 December 2015

The charming European-style Festive Market, similar to those in Cologne, London and Paris, returns to the Supertree Grove. Featuring wooden huts and specially-built restaurant units, visitors will be able to shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts and enjoy the wide range of international cuisine and wines from renowned food and beverage operators.


An ornate Spiegeltent, a century-old travelling ‘mirror tent’ from the Netherlands, will continue to set stage in the Gardens. Made of 1,000 pieces of wood, canvas, exquisitely decorated mirrors and stained glass, the enchanting tent promises a visual treat for visitors.

Hong Kong & Macau - Marvels of Asia

Hong Kong and Macau are fascinating destinations with intense energy and a unique mix of ancient and modern. Explore the ancient treasures and modern marvels of the exciting cities of vibrant Hong Kong and historic Macau.


Hong Kong: Your One Stop Shop



Hong Kong is located conveniently in the heart of Asia, making it the region’s most connected destination for everything. Half the world’s population is located within five hours of flying time, and it offers visa-free travel for visitors from over 170 countries. Hong Kong welcomes all Indian passport holders to stay for up to 14 days with no visa charges.

The city overwhelms you with its fascinating contrasts: the super-modern skyscrapers that sit alongside ancient temples, the juxtaposition of east and west architecture, culture and gastronomy – the strikingly different worlds that coexist and create a spectrum of experiences unlike any other city.

Hong Kong is a city of non-stop intensity that never sleeps and is full of energy.  A city with a past as long and colourful as Hong Kong’s is a haven for people who are looking to rejuvenate, relax and enjoy.


All year round, visitors flock to Hong Kong with events and festivals happening throughout the year. The Hong Kong Winter Fest that is just round the corner, where the X’mas spirit is at its highest with Christmas trees aglow amidst glittering skyscrapers and festive food followed by a spectacular New Year Countdown. The tram parties that go on long after the sun goes down along with the thrilling shopping experience during the winter sale at throw away prices, makes it a delightful destination for anyone to travel this winter. Just when the year would draw to a close, the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is the classic way to start the year off.

There will always be a tiny bit of Hong Kong that you will carry along with you after your trip is over. This is one of the few cities that allow you to mix business and pleasure with a myriad of sightseeing, shopping, dining, arts and cultural attractions. 

Macau: Much more than Las Vegas of the East!



Macau, the only city which has a vibrant mix of Portuguese and Chinese culture is one place where you can soak in the interesting intercultural mix. With colonial buildings, urban squares, churches, museums & culinary customs, Macau has all ingredients for a perfect holiday. Lying on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, it is one of the Special Administrative Regions of China popularly known as The Vegas of the East. Blending East and West cultures into an entertainment, gaming and dining hub, Macau has tailor made itineraries for all types of travelers. 65km west of Hong Kong and just an hour by the ferry, you get to experience the duality Macau has to offer. The Visa on Arrival feature also makes it easy to hop into the city.


There is so much for a family to experience in Macau  - The City of Dreams brings the award winning US$250 million production show, – ‘The House of Dancing Water’. The storyline infuses elements of Chinese and global culture, which works as a metaphor for Macau. For adventure seekers, experience the thrill by bungee-jumping off the Macau Tower from 233m, you can also enjoying the view from its observation deck or try the sky walk. The Macau Grand Prix Museum houses best of cars and bikes & the 3D Art Museum at Sofitel with picture-perfect backdrops is perfect to click outstanding pictures. For animal lovers, Panda Pavilion houses two giant pandas Kai Kai and Xin Xin and for an educational insight, there is the Science Centre.


Loaded with excitement are the festivals that Macau hosts all around the year. Celebrate New Year the way it’s supposed to be celebrated; in style and witness the Macau, Latin City Symphony Parade on 6th December with fireworks, orchestras, flowers, amber glowing lights, dragon dances and fortune tellers. The Macau International Marathon, Macau Shopping Festival, LEGO, Grand Prix, Food and Music Festival also highlight the best of Macau.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Welcome to the World’s Largest Restaurant

Australia’s unspoilt landscapes offer an incredibly wide smorgasbord of fresh and tantalizing produce. But what really sets Australia apart is the place – stunning weather, sunshine, outstanding natural beauty and outdoor dining lifestyle means you can enjoy some of the world’s best food and wine in some of the world’s most stunning surroundings.

1.    Dining against spectacular backdrops, Sydney



Sydney is at the forefront of the global food and wine trend. It boasts a gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty, surrounded by some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants. Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House provide a stunning backdrop.


2.    Fish and Chips at Bondi beach, Sydney

Sydney beaches have many great cafés where dining by the sparkling ocean and having fish and chips is sheer delight. This quintessential Sydney destination is the perfect venue for a seafood fix.

3.    Coffee culture, Melbourne

One of Australia’s most artistic, fashionable and elegant destinations, Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars.


Wander the quirky web of over 180 tiny laneways and side streets, bursting with one-off fashion boutiques, art galleries and much more.

4.    Hot air balloon and champagne breakfast, Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is the perfect setting to experience the romance of a hot air balloon flight.


Victoria’s most beautiful wine producing region has a landscape of undulating green fields, manicured vineyards and stunning mountain ranges. Choose a romantic hot air balloon ride with a champagne breakfast to admire the awe of this Valley.

5.    Private island picnic, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsunday Islands of the Great Barrier Reef are famous for their luxurious offerings, including world-class food and wine experiences ranging from decadent beach dinners to chef prepared picnic baskets. Whitsunday Island; with its crystal clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of uninhabited White haven Beach, stretches over seven kilometres and offers breath-taking view – best experienced on a private helicopter flight.

6.    Oyster shucking, Tasmania

Freycinet Peninsula is a breath-taking scenic combination of pink granite mountains, white sand beaches and eucalypt forests, over a long stretch of pristine coastline.


Don a pair of waders and visit the Freycinet Marine Farm, a working oyster farm and sample fresh oysters from the bay with a glass of champagne.

7.    Rainforest dining experience, Cairns

Hidden within the rainforest and surrounded by dramatic candelabras and flame torches, walking in through the gates feels like stepping into a magical world. Seated under a billowing canopy, an unprecedented experience unfolds for the visitor as the most exotic cuisines are served against the surreal shimmer of the moonlit sky. The inventive cuisine showcases Tropical North Queensland’s stunning produce served to perfection

8.    Barossa Valley, South Australia

With more than 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest - and the world’s finest wine producing regions. The Barossa Valley is renowned for its fresh seasonal produce, artisan food producers and award winning restaurants. You can learn to ‘Blend You Own Wine’ at Penfolds, the internationally renowned winery.

9.    Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Take a luxury four-wheel drive across the Island and enjoy barbecue and picnic meals in the open watching kangaroos hop.


Dining at Southern Ocean Lodge is both a dynamic delight for the senses and a true gastronomic journey of the ecological haven of Kangaroo Island.

10.    Sounds of Silence, Uluru, Northern Territory

Uluru speaks of timeless folklore, rich indigenous culture and great spirituality.


Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours with an unforgettable dining experience and an introduction to Aboriginal culture with a traditional dance performance.

JORDAN – A Land of Rich Treasures

From the teeming centre of urban Amman to the haunting starkness of Wadi Rum; from the majestic ruins of a bygone civilization in Petra to the timeless splendour of the Dead Sea; the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of rich treasures and stark contrasts. Experience its breath-taking sights, exquisite cuisine, unique activities and high standards of accommodation that inspire, motivate, and rejuvenate every visitor.



Rich and beautiful, Jordan has been coveted by just about every empire - from the Romans to the Byzantines, from the Ottomans to the British. Its capital city Amman combines modern living with ancient history. Situated on an area spanning nineteen hills, the city's elevation changes from 740 mts to 1400 mts.


At the very top of Amman's highest hill is the Citadel, a complex that is home to the National Archaeological Museum, the ruins of the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. The towering pillars, ruins and museum filled with antiquities, offer a fascinating peek into the history of the region.

A modern prosperous city, Amman has fabulous dining options, a lively nightlife with everything from cultural and theatrical events to traditional Arabic entertainment, and is a great place to shop for intricate gold and silver jewellery.


A New7World Wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage, the spectacular rose-red city of Petra is Jordan’s most valuable treasure. Hewn out of solid sandstone, its buildings are carefully excavated caves that were painstakingly carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab civilization who settled there more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important trading junction.


The entrance to Petra is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1 km in length, which is flanked on either side by soaring 80 mt high cliffs. On reaching the end of the Siq you catch your first glimpse of the famed Al-Khazneh or the Treasury. Used as the final sequence of the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this towering facade is the first of the many wonders that make up Petra. Various walks and climbs reveal hundreds of elaborate rock carved tombs, temple facades, funerary halls, and rock reliefs. High above, overlooking the valley is the gigantic 1st century Ad-Deir Monastery – a flight of 800 rock-cut steps takes you there.


The Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water, is the lowest point on the face of the earth. One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, the Dead Sea continues to entice visitors today as it did kings, emperors, traders and prophets in ancient times. The dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals in the water makes it so buoyant that it is impossible for you to sink.


The haunting, primeval starkness of the red-sand desert of Wadi Rum, with its maze of monolithic rockscapes that rise up from the desert floor to heights of 1750 mts, makes it a place of timeless beauty. Explore the canyons and water holes to discover 4000 year old rock drawings and the many other spectacular treasures this vast wilderness holds in store.


The ancient city of Jerash which is located 48 km north of Amman has an unbroken human history of over 6,500 years. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule and was one of the ten great Roman cities, the Decapolis League. Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, it is a fine example of the grand Greco-Roman architecture comprising Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, a colonnaded street, the Cathedral, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Artemis, North Theatre, South Theatre and the Jerash Archaeological Museum.

Check out the many hidden jewels of Jordan including Aqaba - the beautiful Red Sea holiday resort with its blue coral-filled waters that are ideal for snorkelling; Mount Nebo - the final resting place of Moses; and Madaba - the City of Mosaics.

Discover the mesmerising wonders and awe-inspiring treasures on memorable holiday of Jordan.