Big Fat Hotel Wrap
Today’s Hotel Wrap is almost as exciting as having an open mini-bar. Just kidding, it’s nowhere near that exciting.
Come to Kakadu and celebrate the ‘Year of the Croc’ – world famous Crocodile Hotel announces 30th anniversary packages
The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru – or ‘The Croc’ as it is known locally – is celebrating its 30th anniversary in October and has designed a number of packages for lovers of the outback to celebrate the anniversary in style. The anniversary will involve a gala dinner on 26 October, with dinner and accommodation packages released for the event.
Often said to be “the only croc you want to end up inside”, the hotel’s unique design was selected because of the crocodile’s cultural significance to Kakadu’s Gagudju people and the great respect the crocodile commands in their past and present lives. Ginga, the giant crocodile, is a spirit ancestor of the Gagudju people.
Located in the township of Jabiru, The Croc’s debut in 1988 opened up the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to modern tourism, with the hotel launch building on the success of Crocodile Dundee (1986), which helped put Kakadu and its crocodiles on the international tourist map.
The hotel is built as a 250-metre long, 30-metre wide giant crocodile. The circular parking areas represent crocodile eggs; the hotel entrance is its gaping jaws with menacing teeth. Ventilation units are housed within the crocodile’s slatted yellow eyes, which glow red at night. The head section of the hotel incorporates reception, an expansive marble foyer – a cool green oasis – the Escarpment Restaurant and Bar, gift shop, internet kiosk and the renowned Ochre Aboriginal art gallery.
TFE Hotels partners with innovative start-up Leezair
TFE Hotels has joined forces with groundbreaking Australian tech start-up Leezair to help guests turn each hotel stay into an adventure they will remember for life – with activities such as swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo or touring Melbourne’s hidden bars.
Leezair is making waves in the travel industry with its innovative app and website, which make it easy to find and book memorable holiday activities, even while on the road. With almost 100,000 activities across the world, Leezair believes that adventure and experiences are what make life extraordinary.
TFE Hotels’ guests can now truly immerse themselves in their destination via an array of curated tours, day trips and events, all bookable without leaving the TFE Hotels website.
Leezair says that recent research on consumer booking behaviour shows that travellers often like to plan their holiday activities once they arrive at their destination. Leezair allows travellers to make last minute bookings in real time, securing their reservation and make payment in one easy process.
Westin set for Queensland debut with November opening in Brisbane
The highly anticipated The Westin Brisbane, part of Marriott International, will open its doors on 8 November 2018, revealing a unique urban retreat for the river city. The hotel is the first for the Westin brand in Queensland, and will bring a superior level of health and wellness offerings, four superb dining outlets and resort style facilities to the Brisbane CBD.
The Westin Brisbane has a prime location within walking distance of the Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street Pier, the Botanic Gardens and the South Bank Parklands and arts precinct, and offers 299 guest rooms, each with sweeping views of the city skyline. A Westin Club Lounge is also available to guests staying on designated club floors. Guests will enjoy signature Westin services and amenities, such as the world-renowned Heavenly Bed and invigorating Heavenly Bath experience.
In keeping with the Westin’s philosophy to incorporate natural surroundings into even the most urban of its developments, The Westin Brisbane showcases floor to ceiling windows throughout its various venues, creating an abundance of natural light and merging the outdoor surroundings with the interior decor.
Karma Spa at Karma Kandara launches several spa spaces around the flagship resort
Karma Spa at Karma Kandara is the brand’s flagship spa, redefining the concept of nourishing, healing and nurturing in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. The Spa is now expanding to offer several unique wellness spaces in settings that range from the sands of Karma Kandara’s private beach to a majestic cliff top overlooking the uninterrupted expanse of the Indian Ocean and we thought this would be of interest to you and your readers.
The Cliff Spa consists of traditional thatched-roof bales set into rugged limestone cliffs with 180-degree ocean views. A focus here is on the detox process with the centerpiece being the Cliff Sauna Experience, an open-air Infrared Detox Sauna and Soaking Pool. Down the newly renovated hill tram is Karma Beach, the resort’s private beach and location of the new Ocean ‘Segara’ Spa in an old reclaimed fisherman’s hut.
Guests can experience sea-infused cures, soothed by the sounds of lapping waves. At the nearby seaside Yoga Bale, guests can enjoy complimentary Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates sessions and learn Muay Thai Boxing, as well as Sunday Thai Massages in the open-air bale overlooking the ocean.
Baillie Lodges reveals new-look Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island’s most sought-after luxury accommodation Capella Lodge has reopened this week following a four-month, $4million refurbishment by Baillie Lodges.
The new-look Capella includes a refreshment for each of its nine luxury suites, with significant additions to the Makambo Loft and Catalina Suite. The Capella Spa has been reimagined in a loft setting overlooking the ocean, while additions in the main lodge include a teak-clad bar in a nod to the island’s seafaring heritage as well as new furniture and soft furnishings which together create a more contemporary Lord Howe feel.
With spectacular views of the island’s dramatic twin peaks Mount Gower and Lidgbird, the premium Makambo Loft now features extensive outdoor decks offering several lounging options, while a new heated plunge pool and private canopied daybed are ideal for relaxing in the afternoon breeze.
Best-suited to families or friends holidaying together, the Catalina Suite has a light and spacious loft addition, now offering two bedrooms and two bathrooms with flexible bedding. An expanded deck features new outdoor lounging and a generous hot tub. Meanwhile the Lagoon Lofts have extended outdoor decks with day beds and hot tubs for enjoying the island’s perpetual spring.
Akaryn Hotel Group reveals international expansion strategy for sustainability-driven boutique brand, Akyra
AKARYN Hotel Group, Thailand’s home-grown luxury boutique resort specialist, has unveiled plans for the significant expansion of akyra, its hip and sustainable lifestyle brand – including its first ever international hotels.
akyra currently operates four contemporary hotels and resorts in Thailand. These include akyra Manor Chiang Mai, a 30-suite luxury boutique hotel with outdoor hot tubs and a spectacular sky bar RISE, set in the city’s buzzing Nimmenhaemin district; akyra Beach Club Phuket, a stylish seafront lifestyle chill-out experience with 58 suites on Natai beach; and the 148-key akyra Thonglor Bangkok, a chic urban retreat in the Thai capital’s trendiest neighbourhood.
The most recent addition to the collection, akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok, opened in May 2018, providing 50 sleek and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a RISE rooftop bar and Siam Soul Café overlooking the bustling streets of Bangkok’s downtown business and entertainment district.
Friends Fur-ever Moonee Beach Doggy Date Night a barking success!
It was a dog’s life at Reflections Holiday Parks Moonee Beach this past weekend with the park’s inaugural ‘Doggy Date Night’ attracting over 100 visitors with their canine companions and raising more than $2,000 to support the RSPCA service at Coffs Harbour.
The community event, held on Saturday evening in conjunction with RSPCA NSW, raised a total of $2,196 after local business, Sawtell Kitchen Centre, generously matched monies raised. The local Rural Fire Service was also on hand with a sausage sizzle to raise funds for NSW Farmers doing it tough.
Park Manager Kelly Shaw said the community event received much positive feedback and plans were in the pipeline to make the popular initiative an annual event.
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!