Hotel wrap: First-ever Aboriginal accommodation app, Six Senses opens in Bhutan, Karma Reef reopens + more!
Our hotel wrap might be a little less big and fat, but it’s still just as (if not more) hotel-y and wrap-y as ever.
Sage Hotel Ringwood is ringside for Spiegeltent 2019
Sage Hotel Ringwood is the Official Accommodation Sponsor of Melbourne’s much anticipated Ringwood Spiegeltent extravaganza, which rolls into town for seven days in April and promises a jam-packed line-up of entertainment, cabaret and comedy.
Fresh from celebrating its first birthday, Sage Hotel Ringwood will be home to a dazzling line up of pre-show animation, cocktails, pre-concert dinner options and a very special Spiegeltent accommodation package for the duration of the festival, which runs from 5-13 April.
As part of the partnership, Sage Hotel Ringwood is offering guests a special Spiegeltent rate of $199 per night for those wanting to experience the show and stay overnight from 5 – 13th April. As part of the package, guests will enjoy accommodation in a Deluxe King Room and breakfast for two.
Wilpena Pound Resort Designs First-ever Aboriginal Accommodation App
Wilpena Pound Resort has released an app for visitors to South Australia’s spectacular Flinders Ranges, a first for an Australian Indigenous accommodation business.
The Wilpena Pound Resort Guide is free and available on Google Play and in the App Store.
Fully developed in-house, the new app is a welcome to Indigenous Adnyamathanha Country and comprehensive, pocket-sized guide to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound Resort, Ikara Safari Camp and Wilpena Pound Campground.
The app includes tips on making the most of a stay in Adnyamathanha Country with an introduction to local Indigenous culture, history and stories, as well as maps for self-guided walks and drives, weather updates and useful resort information and contacts.
Six Senses Bhutan Opens in The Land of The Thunder Dragon
Located in the colorful Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan famous for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, Six Senses Bhutan celebrates its highly-anticipated arrival with the opening of its first three lodges in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. The lodges seamlessly combine the brand’s commitment to wellness, sustainability and out-of-the-ordinary experiences with the country’s rich culture, warm hospitality and omnipresent spirituality.
Comprised of five lodges spread over the west and central valleys of this remote Himalayan kingdom, Six Senses Bhutan offers guests a unique adventure with uplifting experiences at every turn. From sunrise meditations and holistic spa treatments to private astrology readings and butter lamp lighting ceremonies to incredible hikes and treks through pristine forests, the aim is to leave enriched and reconnected.
Each location has been thoughtfully designed to fully immerse travellers into the local culture. The lodges, which vary in style, showcase the diversity and special character of each valley. Offering sweeping views, the spacious interiors are framed by subtle references to Bhutanese architecture, seen in the simple lines of the natural timber furniture and the presence of locally-inspired touches, such as bukharis (traditional wood-burning stoves) and vegetable-dyed, antique-washed Himalayan rugs.
El Questro Opens Kimberley Season with Special Deals
Celebrating the start of the Kimberley visitors’ season, El Questro has released special opening offers across its Homestead, Station and Emma Gorge lodgings with extras for everyone, bonus nights and savings on bookings made before April 30* for stays in 2019.
Perched high on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge, El Questro Homestead is the ultimate in Kimberley luxury, a relaxed retreat with just nine guest rooms and welcoming children over 15 years, ensuring an intimate and refined escape.
Generously inclusive rates feature all dining, premium beverages, exclusive use of the Zebedee thermal springs and a Chamberlain cruise, guided gorge walks and boat tours. Guests who book a four-night getaway on the opening offer can enjoy a 15 per cent discount and a complimentary helicopter ride for two to the remote Miri Miri Falls. The offer is valid for stays at El Questro Homestead until October 26, 2019.
Indigenous Artists-in-Residence at Longitude 131°
Baillie Lodges has announced a series of artists-in-residence visits planned for 2019 as part of its growing, mutually-beneficial relationship with the indigenous community at Ernabella in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.
The Ernabella artists-in-residence program sees some of the community’s artists come to Longitude 131° for a few days at time, setting up an open studio in the Dune House and painting with views out to Uluru. Guests at Longitude 131° have the rare chance to see the artists creating beautiful artworks and chat to them about the process and their inspiration.
Planned dates* for artists-in-residence visits in 2019 are:
- March 25-30
- May 19-25
- July 22-27
- October 6-12.
Karma Reef, Gili Meno Grand Reopening – Opening rates with 25 per cent off
Karma Reef, a resort nestled on the peaceful island paradise of Gili Meno, is offering special rates with 25 per cent off for March and April to celebrate its grand reopening and we thought this would be of interest to you and your readers.
In its reopening, the resort, which has been undergoing renovations since the earthquake that struck Lombok in August last year, is set to open Karma Beach Gili Meno, the sister of the famous beach club Karma Beach Bali at Karma Kandara.
For more information and bookings, please go to https://karmagroup.com/karma-reef-reopening/
Atlantis, the Palm unveils newly redesigned Imperial Club offering
Atlantis, The Palm, is raising the bar of its luxury offering with the relaunch of its Imperial Club service including a brand new 3,091sqm lounge.
Guests of the iconic destination resort can enjoy additional comfort and convenience, as well as multiple exclusive benefits and perks. The relaunch of the service is part of Atlantis, The Palm’s constant commitment to enhancing guests’ experiences at the five-star resort.
Search commences for one lucky Aussie to enjoy the ultimate hotel takeover
Fancy a hotel where you can wander around like you own the place? Somewhere you can wear your pyjamas from bed to the bar with no funny looks? Wish you had a place to invite your 50 besties for the ultimate sleepover… or your far-flung family members for the best reunion ever?
Leading hotel group, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, is looking for one lucky traveller to win the ultimate getaway: an entire hotel for the weekend, with up to 50 friends along for the ride.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is valued at over $13,000 and entrants can choose from five hotels spanning urban, coastal and regional destinations:
- Hotel Harry, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, Sydney (NSW)
- Clarion Hotel Townsville (QLD)
- Comfort Inn The International, Apollo Bay (VIC)
- Econo Lodge Mildura (VIC)
- Quality Suites Alexander Inn, Auckland (NZ)
Upon check-in, the lucky winner and up to 50 guests will enjoy exclusive use of their chosen hotel for an entire
weekend – with not a single other hotel guest in sight – and receive an $800 VISA gift card in addition.
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!