The Big Fat Hotel Wrap
Much like Garfield, we hate Mondays. But one thing we hate more is trawling through the slog of emails to find out what’s new in the travel world.
Grab a coffee, close your inbox, and check up on all the latest hotel news, courtesy of your friends, Travel Weekly.
We know it’s a tough day to push through, and we’re all about keeping it short and sweet. Get amongst it.
qualia wins luxury titles
qualia, Hamilton Island’s world-class luxury resort, has once again been named Australian Lodge of the Year and Best Day Spa at the 2015 HM Awards.
qualia has a long-standing record of taking out the top spots at the annual HM Awards, and this year the judgment panel of the awards – a selection of travel writers, experts and practitioners – once again recognised qualia’s exceptional standards.
Hamilton Island CEO, Glenn Bourke, said it is gratifying to know the island’s jewel in the crown, qualia, continues to be recognised by industry and peers.
Minor expands into Dubai
Minor Hotel Group has announced a strategic partnership with Nakheel to co-invest and develop a 500-key AVANI hotel in Dubai, to open in 2018.
AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel will be located in Deira Islands, a unique waterfront entertainment, tourist and residential destination being developed in alignment with Dubai Vision 2020.
Comprising four islands situated adjacent to Dubai’s Deira district, with a total area of over 15.3 square kilometres, Deira Islands, master developed by Nakheel, will feature a variety of beachfront resorts, hotels and residential communities, a shopping mall, a waterfront night market and an impressive amphitheatre able to accommodate up to 30,000 people.
The AVANI hotel will be close to Dubai International Airport, with views of the Dubai skyline and across the Arabian Gulf.
TFE deals of the week
Put a spring into your step and get travelling to help diminish those leftover winter blues, with TFE Hotels’ latest sale, spanning to great locations across Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Get 30% off stays at Adina Apartment Hotels, Medina Apartment Hotels, Travelodge, Rendezvous Hotels, Vibe Hotels and TFE Hotels Collection when booked by October 9 2015.
Visit TFEhotels.com for details and available dates.
Outrigger dives deep
The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, which opened on August 1, and Best Dives Maldives, have announced a long-term partnership to provide all water-based activities and tours to guests.
Outrigger management chose to partner with Best Dives Maldives due to the company’s commitment to marine life education and conservation, which fits in with Outrigger Resorts’ global coral health and conservation program, OZONE (Outrigger’s zone).
Best Dives Maldives will function as the resort’s full-time activities and tour provider. It will be responsible for conducting an extensive range of snorkeling, scuba diving, water sports, island discoveries, fishing trips and cultural excursions to nearby islands.
Langham boasts GM of the year
Sonia Lefevre was named the prestigious title of 2015 Australian General Manager Of The Year at Friday night’s Sydney Town Hall Award Ceremony for The Annual HM Awards.
“I am privileged to be acknowledged as the General Manager of Sydney’s newest luxury hotel, The Langham, Sydney” General Manager, Sonia Lefevre commented.
“I’ve been enamoured by hotels from a young age, so it was a surreal moment on Friday night.”
2015 General Manager Of The Year comes after a string of success only months after doors opening last December.
This includes prestigious US Robb Report’s Top 100 Hotels In The World List which saw The Langham, Sydney as the only property featured for Australia and New Zealand. There was also a trifecta win at The 2015 Gourmet Traveller Awards earlier this year that included 2015 Hotel Of The Year and NSW Deluxe Hotel Of The Year awarded at last month’s TAA Awards.
Become a Best Western Rewards Point Millionaire
Best Western is giving one lucky member of its hotel loyalty program, Best Western Rewards the chance to win one million rewards points.
As part of the promotion, the hotel chain is also offering 300 instant win prizes for the next four weeks (until 8 October) including Best Western Travel Cards (a pre-loaded debit card that works like cash at any Best Western worldwide), Visa Universal Gift Cards and Best Western Rewards bonus points.
Entrants must register and enter their Best Western Rewards number online at bestwestern.com.au/points-millionaire to go into the competition draw. They’ll then be able to open one of three doors to see if they’re an instant winner.
The competition ends 8 October 2015 and is open to all Australian, New Zealand, Fijian and New Caledonian residents aged 18 years or over. Entrants must sign up for free to Best Western Rewards or be an existing cardholder to participate. Go to bestwestern.com.au/points-millionaire to sign up to Best Western Rewards and enter.
Book, pay and save at Ascott
The Ascott Limited in Australia (Ascott), is offering guests up to 15% off the Best Flexible Rate when bookings are made at least 30 days in advance by December 31 2015.
The earlier you book, the less you pay! Guests who book in advance will benefit from Ascott’s advance purchase promotion in Melbourne, Hobart and Perth.
The promotion is valid at all five Ascott properties in Australia – Citadines St Georges Terrace in Perth, Citadines on Bourke and Somerset on Elizabeth in Melbourne, and Somerset on the Pier and Somerset on Salamanca in Hobart.
For bookings and enquiries: Please call 1800 766 377 (Australia toll-free) or visit www.citadines.com or www.somerset.com.
Novotel Parramatta’s new look
Novotel Sydney Parramatta, one of Parramatta’s premier hotels located on Church Street has unveiled its new look restaurant which boasts a new name and new menu.
Formally Two Forks, the new 350 Restaurant and Lounge breaks away from the traditional hotel restaurant look and feel, and features new furniture and a new menu concept which includes a dedicated ‘design your own’ pizza menu, share plates and ‘big bites’, designed to appeal to locals as well as guests of the hotel.
Situated across the road from the Riverside Theatre and at the start of ‘Eat Street’, Parramatta’s restaurant district, guests are encouraged to enjoy the new, contemporary surrounds either pre-show or stay longer and enjoy the hospitality and seasonal food prepared by executive chef Kiki Kiki.
Signature dishes on the menu include the Grain Fed Angus Rib Eye served with potato gallete, cherry tomato and grilled mushroom, pork belly bites and a Bailey’s Brulee.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!