Mantra’s flash freeze deal

All eyes will be on Melbourne’s temperature during winter as, when the mercury drops to five degrees Celsius anytime between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday, so will Mantra’s accommodation rates in coastal Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

Travellers simply need to sign up for Mantra’s Flash Freeze alerts at www.mantra.com.au/flashfreeze and, once the thermometer plummets and Mantra’s Flash Freeze is unlocked, they’ll have 24 hours to claim an additional 10% off Mantra’s already discounted Fly North and Save rates, which start from a low $119 per night (minimum three night stay – total cost $357)  in a Hotel Room at Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff.

Mantra’s Flash Freeze deal will flip winter on its head, giving those feeling the chill in our southern states a great deal to fly north for balmy weather, warm ocean temperatures and longer daylight hours.

The discounted rates will apply for selected dates at Mantra’s coastal resorts in Port Douglas, Cairns, Palm Cove, Airlie Beach, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, plus Kingscliff in Northern New South Wales. Conditions apply. Offer ends 2 September, 2016. Valid for travel until 31 March, 2017.

Taste Byron Bay

The Byron at Byron have again teamed up with Taste Byron Bay for the ultimate foodie weekend in September. Guests are able to join Terase Davidson, founder and Chef of Taste Byron Bay, for a unique insight into Byron Bay’s growing food culture. Byron Bay is fast becoming a food lover’s mecca, and for good reason! Bringing together the best of what the regions has to offer; visit farmers markets, local producers and the renowned Sample Festival, and enjoy a special cooking demonstration and lunch.

Inclusions are Complimentary upgrade to Superior Suite, Full buffet breakfast for two daily in The Restaurant, Food tour, Cooking demonstration, three course lunch and wine masterclass, Gift pack on arrival, Complimentary daily yoga at 8am, Complimentary daily bicycle hire, Complimentary Wifi.

Availability is 2 – 5 September 2016 only and prices are $2,200 twin share. Terms & Conditions apply.

Bookings at https://www.thebyronatbyron.com.au/special-accommodation-packages/taste-byron-bay/

AccorHotels partners with AITTC

AccorHotels is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement with the Australia India Travel & Tourism Council (AITTC) to further strengthen the opportunities for promoting tourism between Australia and India.

As part of the new partnership, AITTC will endorse AccorHotels market-leading Optimum Service Standards program for Indian visitation.

AITTC will facilitate a service training program to help AccorHotels staff better understand cultural practices and learn basic greetings so they can respectfully serve these guests. Training is expected to commence in Sydney and Brisbane this August and AITTC will issue hotels with a certificate of accreditation once completed.

AccorHotels launched its Optimum Service Standards for Indian visitation program to better cater to the specific cultural needs and growing numbers of Indian travellers to Australia and New Zealand. Accredited hotels have adopted services to meet the needs of this emerging travel market including the translation of hotel welcome kits, menus and business cards, Indian meals in the restaurant, Indian adaptor plugs, TV channels and newspapers to make guests travelling from India feel at home.

New Health & Wellness weekend retreats

With health, wellness and self-care increasingly top of mind, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery by Sofitel have designed a spectacular calendar of health and wellness weekend retreats set to energise and revitalise the mind, body and soul.

Join your hosts Jo Brischetto (champion trail runner) and Jill Day (internationally trained yoga instructor) for a wellness weekend retreat at the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and enjoy a range of meditation activities, relaxing yoga sessions and mindful hikes. Learn how to eliminate stress and create a sustainable balance between everyday life and peaceful living by cultivating healthy habits.

Mindfulness, visualisation and nutrition are at the core of the retreat program with seminar topics centered around breaking the ‘stress’ cycle and finding space, practicing Pranayama (art of breathing) and using the power of music to manage and release stress for better health and vitality.

Oaks Liberty Towers, Glenelg adds finishing touches to accommodation refurbishment

Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ South Australian property Oaks Liberty Towers has undertaken a significant refurbishment of its self-contained accommodation, investing $1 million into refreshing the resort’s collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments.

Located in the popular coastal suburb of Glenelg, just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, Oaks Liberty Towers is just steps from Glenelg Beach, Moseley Square and the vibrant seaside-dining precinct of Jetty Road, plus sister property Oaks Plaza Pier.

Nearing the final stages of completion, the transformative redevelopment will officially be unveiled in August after an eight-month refurbishment program, which has seen all guest rooms receive a stylish upgrade to reflect Oaks Liberty Towers’ idyllic waterside location overlooking the harbour, Marina Pier and grassy parklands.

The Johnson sets a new benchmark for design-inspired hotels

When the doors swing open and welcome guests to Art Series Hotel Group’s first Queensland property in mid-September, the completion of The Johnson will be a salute to two of Australia’s most important players in modern art and architecture – Michael Johnson for which it is named and Karl Langer, who meticulously designed the building in 1967.

Binding these two champions across two eras is their borrowed inspiration from nature, texture, and timelessness. With rhythmic grid work seen throughout the concrete structural frame of the heritage listed building, half a decade later, the same usage of hypnotic horizontal and vertical bars can be seen in Johnson’s works which will be permanently housed in the communal areas and 83 suites of the boutique hotel.

Austrian born Langer and Sydney residing Johnson are both indebted to their time spent in Queensland. With a 10-year period spent in Townsville, Johnson took a dramatic shift in his work owing to the subtropical climate he experienced. Similarly, Langer’s work in Brisbane led to his significant influence on the evolution of Queensland architecture and many momentous urban design projects such as the site for the Sydney Opera House.

Paradise Taveuni offering 50% off

Paradise Taveuni continues to woo Australian travellers following their complete rebuild earlier this year. The resort is looking better than ever with new vales, bures and and all the public facilities. The resort but be new, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is the family style hospitality that keeps bringing guests back and back.

Right now the resort is offering an incredible 50% off deal including all meals for guests travelling prior to 19 November 2016.

Paradise Taveuni offers the best for true divers…….but also for those who want to explore the real Fiji. That could be couples or families interacting with villagers or relaxing in hammock with a cocktail before a massage – it’s up to you to choose.