Dec 11, 2018 | News
ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association, has named WA as one of the 12 destinations to watch as part of its 2019 Trends report.
The destinations to watch are independently selected by ABTA’s experts and inclusion is based on a range of factors such as new flight routes, major events and celebrations, and areas that are experiencing a revival. The 2019 Trends report cited the introduction of the Qantas non-stop flight from London to Perth, recent developments in Perth, the bohemian charm of Fremantle, the state’s dramatic coastline and its outstanding natural attractions such as Ningaloo Reef and the Bungle Bungle Range as reasons for WA’s inclusion. WA was the only Australian destination to be included on the list.
This comes off the back of Perth recently being named by National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top places to visit for 2019.
Download the full report here.
Dec 11, 2018 | News
Western Australian produce 1.8km out to sea in one of only six Underwater Observatories in the world.
Visitors can descend eight metres beneath the oceans’ surface to view the 300 individual marine species in their natural habitat through viewing windows at various levels. A six-course premium degustation is on offer, by chef Tim Whitty, featuring local seasonal produce including scallops, whiting, marron, wagyu beef, rock lobster, duck.
All courses are paired with award winning Margaret River wines from Voyager Estate.
Launched September 2018.
For more ibnformation, click Here!
Nov 29, 2018 | News
The Haad Tien Beach Resort, the luxury boutique resort in Koh Tao, has been recognised as one of Asia’s most desirable beach resorts after winning two highly prestigious international awards.
The blissful beachfront retreat, which is nestled on the southern tip of Koh Tao, has been named as the best “Luxury Beach Resort” in South East Asia at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2018. It also won the title of Asia’s “Best Beach Resort” in the 2019 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
These are two of the most important awards in the global hospitality industry, celebrating the world’s finest hotels and resorts.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards were presented at a glittering gala ceremony in Bali on 10th November 2018, which was attended by 360 guests from around the world. Now in their 12th year, the World Luxury Hotel Awards are voted for by more than 300,000 international travelers each year.
Created by the world’s leading luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, the 2019 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence honoured just 80 of the most spectacular hotels and resorts all across the globe.
“We are absolutely thrilled to achieve these two wonderful awards, which reaffirm The Haad Tien Beach Resort’s position as one of the world’s top beach resorts,” said Jom Salakshana, owner of The Haad Tien Beach Resort. “As a family-owned boutique resort, we are incredibly proud of these titles. To compete and win against so many large-scale, internationally-branded resorts is a truly outstanding achievement.
“I would like to dedicate these awards to our entire resort team, who work tirelessly every day to create magical and memorable experiences for all our guests. Our team develops close bonds with our guests, so it is no coincidence that we have many repeat visitors. I look forward to welcoming many new and returning guests to The Haad Tien Beach Resort as a result of these awards.”
Nestled on the southern tip of Koh Tao and featuring a 380-metre stretch of pristine beachfront, The Haad Tien Beach Resort is an enchanting tropical island retreat. Guests can choose from 74 spacious rooms and 70 stunning villas, including options with private infinity pools.
A full selection of guest facilities includes the sublime Tien Spa, a sparkling swimming pool, a cool beach bar and a choice of two restaurants: inSea Bar & Grill, which overlooks the glistening Gulf of Thailand, and Capri, an authentic Italian ristorante. Koh Tao is famously one of the world’s best diving destinations and the resort’s PADI-certified Reef Dive Centre enables guests to explore the incredible underwater world.
To learn more information about The Haad Tien Beach Resort or to book your stay at this award-winning destination, please visit www.haadtien.com or call +66 (0) 2 261 3210.
Nov 27, 2018 | News
With picture perfect weather and summer on our doorstep, there’s lots of exciting new experiences, restaurants and events in Noosa! Below is just a taste of what to expect on your visit to Noosa:
- The 2019 Noosa Food & Wine Festival will run fromThursday 16 – Sunday 19 May. For the latest updates and ticket pre-sales, please subscribe Here!
- Re-opening of Makepeace Island – Richard Branson’s private island sanctuary Makepeace Island has just re-opened after a grand refurbishment. Situated in the Noosa River, the small heart shaped island is available for exclusive use, can sleep up to 22 people and is the perfect getaway for family holidays and special occasions. For more information, click Here!
- Mary Valley Rattler – Returning to the tracks after a full restoration, the historic steam train offers journeys through stunning countryside, stopping at quaint local towns along the way. The train runs Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday’s offering different seating options, including exclusive booths and wine and cheese platter packages. There is a new purpose built station housing a café serving daily morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea using local produce as well as a train enthusiasts museum. The café or steam train can be booked for groups, functions or private charters with full catering. For more information, click Here!
- Noosa Chocolate Factory – A brand new Noosa Chocolate Factory store has opened in Noosa to the public. Traditionally the chocolates have been made in Noosaville and sent to the Brisbane retail store but Noosa finally has it’s own space! There are also expansion plans that will include a larger store, viewing area and factory tours, to be open by May 2019. For more information, click Here!
- Noosa’s coffee culture – Noosa has another new coffee roasterwith a brand new concept store and café. Flying West Coffee joins a long list of other Noosa specialty coffee roasters including Clandenstino Roasters, Little Cove Coffee, Padre Coffee, First Batch Coffee and Noosa Black Coffee. Most outlets offer Barista training courses and sell unique coffee tools and utensils.
- Noosa’s brewery scene – Noosa is home to five amazing craft breweries, with another two to be open by Christmas! Land & Sea Brewery opened in February this year and will add a gin distillery to open in December. Heads of Noosa and Boiling Pot will join the brewery scene, which you will be able to experience on a day tour with https://sunshinecoastcraftbeertours.com.au/
Nov 26, 2018 | News
Tangalooma’s whale watching cruise season has come to a close for 2018, with a total of 1086 humpback whales sighted, consisting of 815 adults, 212 juveniles and 59 calves.
Tangalooma’s whale watching cruise operates from June – October, offering whale sighting guarantee on Australia’s largest dedicated whale watching vessel and departs directly from Brisbane. All Tangalooma Whale watching cruises include: return scenic catamaran cruise across Moreton Bay Marine Park from Brisbane to Tangalooma, expert commentary by an Eco Ranger, light lunch and refreshments served on board, resort access pass allowing use of resort facilities including 2 swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Guests can also combine the Whale watching cruise with Tangalooma’s wild dolphin feeding programme which takes place at the Tangalooma Jetty every evening at sunset.
To read more about Tangalooma’s whale watching and dolphin feeding experiences click Here!
Nov 26, 2018 | News
Explore Central North Island is made up of 8 fantastic regions within Central North Island New Zealand, this month we take a look at what’s hot in the regions of Hawke’s Bay, Hamilton & Waikato, Ruapehu, and Taupo.
Gannet Safaris Overland Sunrise Tours www.gannetsafaris.co.nz/
The East Cape of New Zealand is the first in the world to see the sunrise each day. Enjoy a unique tour to Cape Kidnappers and watch the sun rise over the gannets. Travel in a 4 x 4 Range Rover (maximum 4 people) on an exclusive tour to this iconic site – the largest accessible mainland gannet colony in the world! Your personal tour will take you overland to the largest accessible gannet colony in the world through Cape Kidnappers Station which is approximately 2,500 hectares and a 200-hectare native bush sanctuary hosting introduced Kiwi and Tuatara with a predator proof fence running from coast to coast. On the sunrise tour a light breakfast is supplied with freshly brewed coffee
New Zealand’s only commercial tea plantation wins tops prize at global tea championships
Zealong Tea Estate in Hamilton, Waikato has won the top prize, in the pan-fired green category of the spring hot (loose leaf) contest at the Global Te Championships in Colorado, United States.
Last year, Zealong Tea Estate topped all their categories at the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, meaning this Waikato based Tea Estate is world-class and competing on the same level as tea from long-established traditional tea growing countries.
The award-winning, organic tea plantation is open to groups and FITs with stunning views across the plantation to enjoy a tasting and high tea, or the Discover Tea Experience Tour which includes The Tea Walk tour to learn about the history of tea in New Zealand and story of Zealong.
Waitomo Adventures New Day Spa and Centre Set to Open
Waitomo Adventures are set to open their brand-new centre and day spa in early December 2018. The centre which has been 12 years in the making will feature a day spa on the ground floor which will have massage and beauty therapy treatments, as well as floatation pods for visitors to relax and unwind after their caving activities or a relaxing alternative. Level two of three story building will house a café for those wanting to grab a bite to eat with raw and organic food options and will also be the departing point for their suite of caving experiences such as the iconic Lost World, 100m abseil. Lastly, level three will provide community and office space. This exciting development in Waitomo means visitors will have a greater choice of activities above and below the ground in Waitomo. www.waitomo.co.nz
Taupo wins Ironman 70.3 World Championships
Taupo is thrilled to have been successful in their bid to host the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2019. The event will see more than 18,000 athletes, supporters, sponsors and media from all over the world descend on the central north island town in November 2020 for what promises to be an exciting time for triathlon sport. “After 20 years of the Taupo community producing world class IRONMAN and 70.3 events, we have the ultimate reward being named the host of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in 2020”, states Race Director and Taupo Resident Wayne Reardon. “This is one of the most significant dates in the global triathlon calendar and is a coup for our sport in New Zealand to host such a pinnacle event”.
www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/ironman-70.3/world-championship
Chateau Tongariro
Surrounded by the sacred peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, Chateau Tongariro Hotel exudes a timeless elegance deeply rooted in New Zealand’s heritage. Occupying a prime spot in Tongariro National Park, the hotel honours the gracious gift of tribal land to the people of New Zealand in 1887. Iconic to all those that know it this hotel is definitely one for the bucket list.
Download the complete Visit Ruapehu product guide here: https://www.visitruapehu.com/media/3765/visit-ruapehu-trade-product-guide.pdf
