Big Fat Hotel Wrap
Cape Panwa Hotel recognised for Superior Service by TripAdvisor
Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence honouring the hotel’s consistently great reviews earned on TripAdvisor over the past year. The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
Glamping getaway at Thou Walla Sunset Retreat in Soldiers Point
Opened in April 2016, Thou Walla Sunset Retreat is a luxurious getaway set amidst the natural beauty of Soldier’s Point, in the holiday haven of Port Stephens on the NSW north coast. It’s one of the few locations on the eastern seaboard where the sun sets over the water, creating spectacular nightly sunsets over the bay.
Designed as a “couples retreat”, Thou Walla (pronounced ‘Dha Walla’) allows guests to get back to nature and enjoy all the advantages of camping without compromising on modern-day luxuries. If you are time poor and don’t have the equipment to create your own traditional camping experience, enjoy being in nature but don’t want to ‘rough it’, then Thou Walla Sunset Retreat is the perfect solution. There’s nothing more refreshing than waking up to birdsong and the sounds of the bush and stepping out straight into nature.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announces Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong will open in December 2016
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced today it will open its fourth hotel in Hong Kong on Kowloon’s vibrant waterfront. Offering sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline, the 545-room Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong is scheduled to open in December.
The 16-storey waterfront hotel is situated in the heart of Kowloon at Hung Hom Bay. The unique design of the building’s podium provides guests, meeting/event attendees and diners extraordinary outdoor and indoor space with spectacular views. Over 60 per cent of the guestrooms feature harbour views, with rooms ranging from 42 square metres for a Deluxe City View Room to 294 square metres for Kerry Hotel’s stunning rooftop suite.
Iconic Gold Coast Hinterland Resort re-opens after eight years
One of South East Queensland’s most renowned resorts located in the Gold Coast hinterland has re-opened its doors for the first time in eight years following an $8 million refurbishment under Wyndham Hotel Group’s rapidly expanding Ramada brand.
The newly rebranded Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley, formerly Kooralbyn Resort, is owned by Peter Huang of Yong Real Estate and JHC Holdings and will provide tourism and leisure facilities that appeal to a broad demographic, including the international market.
Located on 333 hectares of picturesque countryside in the Scenic Rim region, approximately 80km from the Gold Coast, the 102-room resort offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy from sky diving, mountain biking and water sports, to a health and wellness centre including a day spa and natural hot spring baths for relaxation.
Crowne Plaza Terrigal announced as a finalist in TAA Awards For Excellence
Crowne Plaza Terrigal has been listed as a finalist in 10 award categories in the 2016 Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards for Excellence (TAA).
The TAA Awards for Excellence are recognised as the most prestigious hospitality and tourism awards, honoring the achievement of excellence in a wide range of categories in the accommodation industry. Each year the competition gets tougher as the quality of the services and facilities continues to reach even higher standards throughout the accommodation sector.
New Westin Resort for Sunshine Coast best news for the region in 27 years
Starwood will launch a new five-star Westin hotel at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast in 2021 as part of a $1 billion mixed-use development planned by Japanese real estate giant Sekisui House.
The new 220-room Westin Coolum Resort will be developed on a 20 hectare site at Yaroomba Beach along David Low Way. The new resort will be less than 200 metres from the sea with direct access to the beach.
The new resort will contribute significantly to the Sunshine Coast’s business events sector, with 850 square metres of conference and events space. The resort will also offer four dining venues, a spa with six treatment rooms and extensive leisure facilities.
“The Westin Coolum Resort & Spa will be the first new build five star hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in 27 years, supporting tourism growth and providing significant employment opportunities to the community,” said Sean Hunt vice president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Pacific.
Holiday Park purchase complete
In an event at its newly refurbished Byron Bay property, Adelaide based Discovery Parks announced the completion of the final stages of the integration of the Aspen Parks properties into the Discovery Parks portfolio.
“The merger of the Aspen Parks into the Discovery portfolio creates one of Australia’s strongest holiday park groups”, said Discovery Parks CEO, Mr Grant Wilckens.
“The merger of the two business sees the Discovery portfolio grow to 60 quality parks across Australia – represented in every state and territory in some of Australia’s most beautiful and iconic holiday regions. In all our group provides more than 900 jobs across the country and contributes more than $211 million direct impact into the economy – the majority of that being in key regional centres. Our combined portfolios boast more than 2,500 cabins and nearly 5,000 caravan and camping sites across Australia. The Aspen group of properties are a good fit for the Discovery brand and for our customer base, now providing an even wider selection of great holiday choices and experiences”, he said.
Maldives Island co. launches Finolhu
A stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe, Finolhu, opened on June 17th 2016, and is a refreshing, retro-inspired burst of fun for the region, bringing toes-in-the-sand relaxation to fun-loving beach-erati alongside the best DJs, live acts and most fabulously chic parties in the Maldives.
Having shaken up the hospitality scene in the Maldives with the launch of Amilla Fushi, which into its second year is pulling in an elite cult following amongst the cognoscenti, the Small Maldives Island Co. are continuing to make waves with their second venture.
Voyages Ayers Rock Resort showcases Indigenous art and crafts
In the coming months, Ayers Rock Resort will feature a fascinating line-up of Indigenous Australian and Australian artists as part of its popular Artist-in-Residence program. Each month, the highly successful program features an artist and craftsperson to create art in situ at the Resort, as well as to exhibit and sell their work.
The line-up of artists for the rest of 2016 includes sought-after Indigenous artist Raymond Walters Japanangka, who will be in residence at Wintjiri Arts & Museum throughout September, and up and coming artists from the Indigenous art communities of Yuendumu and Utopia (1 July-31 August), and Ninuku (1-30 November).
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Finolhu Kerry Hotel Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley Thou Walla Sunset Retreat Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Westin ResortLatest News
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
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Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
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Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas has launched its latest International Red Tail sale, discounting more than 200,000 fares to Los Angeles, New York, Honolulu and other US destinations, plus Vancouver. The discounted seats are available to book either as a cash fare or as a reward seat using points. Thirty routes are on sale, including 10 for under $1,199 […]
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Boutique hotel Bannisters by the Sea has revealed a brand-new package for new mothers – Bannisters Mummymoon – right in time for Mother’s Day. Designed to nurture and rejuvenate new mothers, this luxurious escape prioritises postpartum self-care and wellbeing in a serene coastal setting. Reconnecting and Recharging: The two-night Mummymoon allows mums to reconnect with […]
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
There is nothing Bonza can do hold onto its aircraft, a court has heard today, with the embattled low-cost carrier standing staff down for ‘at least another week’. The hearing today was told the five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft Bonza uses to fly are not in the possession of the airlines after AIP Capital […]
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
APT Luxury Travel launches has launched its Asia Sale featuring 20 trips, with journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia as highlights, as well as opportunities to explore Japan, South Korea, India and Sri Lanka. It’s ‘Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong’ land and river cruise tour for example takes guests on an all-inclusive 11-day journey through Vietnam […]
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.
TAG’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO celebrates 25 years with anniversary dinner
CATO's putting on a fancy spread to celebrate 25 years as other 25 year olds celebrate their HECS debt being cut.
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Seabourn's doing a two for one deal. Kind of like a fast-food promo but its luxury cruising.
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Can't remember that Ponant contact you met at a networking event? Good chance they're included in this update.
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.