Tropical Romance at The Reef House Boutique Resort & Spa - Palm Cove, Queensland

Talk about making the most of the tropical Winter sun! Shake off the chill and head north to beautiful Palm Cove on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and you're in for sun soaked days and temps averaging 25 degrees this winter! And this is where we would like to check ourselves in to: The Reef House Boutique Resort & Spa! Set right on the beachside surrounds of Palm Cove's William Esplanade, the Reef House has been designed for the utmost privacy and an intimate, romantic ambience that couples will really love. 

We like the sound of the Brigadier Beachfront Spa Suites which feature a magnificent private spa (complete with a view of the beach!) and the unexpected luxury of a hanging couples swing on your own verandah or patio - a perfect place to watch the sunset over the Coral Sea. Private access to the Brigadiers Lounge and guest honesty bar is also available with daily invitation to complimentary Brigadier Lounge punch at twilight hour - an ideal way to end a day of long walks on the sand, swimming and lazing about in style (exhausting, right?!). 

And if life just gets too much and you can't bear another cocktail, head straight to the on site day spa and indulge in a range of therapeutic treatments which fuse ancient therapies from the ‘Dreamtime’ using the uniquely Australian Li’Tya Spa Care range that is exclusive to The Reef House Spa in Palm Cove. Bliss ... so, is it time for a tropical North Queensland holiday yet? We think so!

Tropical escapism in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef

After undergoing a recent upgrade, Orpheus, set in the heart of one the world's natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, is reopening its doors on 3 March 2012 to offer guests the ultimate in tropical escapism.

Just 80 kilometres north of Townsville (25 minute scenic flight), the tranquil island stretches across 11 kilometres of immaculate turquoise coastline, and comprises of a pristine National Park and surrounding World Heritage listed Marine Park. The fringing reef surrounding Orpheus is one of the Great Barrier Reef's most spectacular and diverse and unlike other island resorts, guests aren't required to travel offshore to experience it. It's not uncommon for guests to swim alongside Green Turtles, Manta Rays and Humpback Whales. Imagine that ... absolute magic!

Accommodating just 34 indulged guests at any one time, Orpheus offers absolute seclusion and serenity. The resort is nestled in the sheltered Hazard Bay on the western side of the island, and laid out without fanfare along a ribbon of serene beach. A range of rooms, suites and villas combine tropical sanctuary with a contemporary minimalist aesthetic. And there's also a main pavilion bar and restaurant, and an inviting infinity pool that overlooks the Coral Sea.

Take a fishing trip where the day's catch is grilled on an open fire of a nearby cove; join an indigenous-led tour of the culturally-rich neighbouring islands; or taking a dinghy and chef-prepared gourmet picnic hamper and go exploring the many pristine bays and reefs that fringe Orpheus.

Perfect as a holiday destination, a picturesque wedding setting, or booked in its entirety for exclusive use, Orpheus is a rare island of exceptional beauty ... and so close to home, right here on our doorstep!

Prices start from $1,400 (twin-share) per night, which includes all meals, house wine and beers, and unlimited use of sea equipment. Flight time is approximately 3 hours from Sydney, 3.5 hours from Melbourne and 2.5 hours from Brisbane.

Hamilton Island heats up in 2012

We here at Holidays for Couples NEVER need an excuse to get ourselves north to the warm balmy tropics, and Hamilton Island rates as a favourite destination! And with a year round events calender that offers us everything from world-class cultural encounters and fabulous natural attractions, island hoppers have 12 defining reasons to visit the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in 2012:

JANUARY - Learn a new skill, with over 60 activities to choose
FEBRUARY - Fall in love with some romance on the reef
MARCH - Spring clean the body with a spa treatment
APRIL - Be reef-freshed with a Reefsleep experience
MAY - On your marks for the Hilly Half Marathon
JUNE - Make a splash with Australia's largest outrigger event, the Hamilton Island Cup
JULY - Indulge in the culinary delights of the Great Barrier Feast
AUGUST - Mingle with celebrities and sailors at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
SEPTEMBER - Migrate south for whale watching in the Whitsundays
OCTOBER - Tee off for a round of golf in the sunshine
NOVEMBER - Enjoy an intimate audience with the Australian Ballet
DECEMBER - Be enthralled by the excitement of the SB3 World Championships.

Check out these fab events and discover more about a dream Hamilton Island holiday experience here. What are you waiting for? Pack your sarong and book that ticket!

Romance on the Reef at qualia this Valentines Day

It's never too early to start planning a extra special, romantic surprise for Valentine's Day. We heard about this amazing offer from the stunning qualia on Hamilton Island and simply had to share it with you - could there be a more spectacular location to make romantic memories together then right here, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world - sun-drenched Hamilton Island, on the Great Barrier Reef?! 

qualia resort has announced a special Valentine's package - and, whether it's used as a surprise mid-summer getaway, or given as a gift on 14 February that can be used year-round, the trip is sure to provide a welcome romantic retreat.

qualia, (pronounced kwah-lee ah) recently included in the UK Condé Nast Traveller Gold List, is located on the secluded northern-most point of Hamilton Island.  This stunningly beautiful luxury resort features 60 elegant one bedroom pavilions and a Beach house with postcard views of the blue green waters of the Coral Sea in the Whitsunday Islands.

With its sense of calm and sophisticated, yet casual style, qualia offers a private and relaxing experience where couples can be as active or relaxed as they wish.  As the main gateway for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers a full complement of recreational activities including a new Yacht Club, Golf Club and two spas.  

One of the highlights of the package is a one and half hour helicopter trip to Whitehaven Beach where the couple is "dropped" off for a romantic picnic lunch on the 7km stretch of white silica sand beach.

Priced from $4,218 AUD per pavilion* (twin share), the 'Romance on the Reef' package includes:

• 3 nights accommodation at qualia resort
• A la carte breakfast, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at qualia
• Whitehaven Beach by helicopter including a picnic and sparkling wine
• VIP Return Hamilton Island airport/marina to hotel transfers
• VIP chauffeur service around Hamilton Island
• A two-seater electric golf buggy for use on the Island
• Use of non-motorised watercraft
• Beach drop-offs to selected local beaches and surrounding islands
• Sunset cruise on the Coral Sea on the "Atomic" - qualia's luxury power boat

*This package is not available as a bed and breakfast option. Prices are based on twin share. The 'from price' above is for a Leeward pavilion. Valid for travel: 1 Apr 2011 - 31 Mar 2012. Prices are in AUD. For new rates from 1 Apr 2012 onwards, please view their website for more details. Blackout dates: Festive Season: 22 Dec 2011 - 4 Jan 2012 inclusive.

For more information or to make reservations, visit the qualia website, or contact the Luxury Specialist team.

It's an island idyll as East Bedarra Island Resort re-opens!

East Bedarra Island Retreat was always a spectacular location for couples seeking romantic island seclusion in Far North Queensland. But now, after having undergone a complete facelift following the devastation of Cyclone Yasi, it's thrown the doors open to usher in a whole new era of holidays and honeymoon indulgence.

Imagine being deserted on a luxurious island where enchanting beauty meets unparalleled intimacy. When you stay in Bedarra Island, you're in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef's family group of islands, putting you smack bang in the middle of a tropical heaven! 

The new sprawling two-bedroom contemporary eco-villa is set in a picture-perfect scene, nestled under the canopy of coconut palms and luscious rainforest, and boasts a natural salt-water pool, expansive outdoor deck and ample nooks to entertain. A space designed with the most discerning of couples in mind, it provides every conceivable comfort from which to indulge in the beauty of the island. 

Views of the Reef and surrounding Timana Island, Dunk Island and Mission Beach in tropical north Queensland set the pace for long, languid days and balmy nights where you can loose yourselves in complete relaxation. 

With the warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef at your doorstep, your retreat at East Bedarra Island is the perfect opportunity to explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Swim and play in complete seclusion on one of the 2 private beaches, and make good use of the snorkeling equipment and the perfect launching pad that come with the package at East Bedarra Island Retreat. Or kick back and enjoy the quality comforts like LCD screen, Cable T.V, CD/DVD & Book Library, outdoor wood fire pizza oven, swinging love lounge and fully imported furniture from Milan in Italy. 

Gourmet food and beverage provisions that you desire can be specially arranged with the best local fresh seafood and produce available, for added satisfaction your food and beverage requirements are taken care of prior to your arrival to ensure you complete relaxation on your romantic island holiday. 

Which means all that you have to worry about is getting here, and melting in to island time. Regular flights are available to Cairns (CNS) and Townsville (TSV) from most major cities in Australia.

Spoil your senses this summer and indulge in this idyllic island destination with this fantastic package from East Bedarra Island Resort - enjoy a reduced rate of $880/night and a complimentary bottle of French champagne on arrival when you book a stay between February and March 2012. For more details head to the Holidays for Couples website.

Wine indulgence on the Great Barrier Reef

Throughout November Hayman will provide discerning diners with the unique opportunity to engage with food and wine professionals in an exclusive, private setting featuring four of Australia's leading wineries; Cape Mentelle, Majella, Bimbadgen and Kilikanoon.

Each weekend will play host to one of Australia's renowned wine regions, with Hayman showcasing the best regional food and wine from around the country making it the ultimate couples' escape. The weekend begins on a Friday with guests attending the Hayman General Manager's Cocktail Reception hosted by representatives from some of Australia's best wineries, followed by a three course dinner at signature Australian resort restaurant, Fontaine.

Throughout the day guests can enjoy a romantic Hayman's Signature Food and Wine Pairing Picnic for two, which is hosted by Hayman's very own Sommelier. Following the picnic guests are invited to experience an exclusive educational winetasting with each of the four winery's chief Winemaker, which allows them to take home a little expertise from someone in the know.

The weekend would not be complete without a dining experience at Hayman's legendary Chef's Table. Held in the heart of Hayman's renowned kitchens and hosted by the winery's representative, along with Hayman Chefs, guests will enjoy exquisite cuisine and will be treated to a tour of Hayman's world famous Chocolate Room and Wine Cellar.

Contact Hayman Reservations on 1800 075 175 or email for more details on how to get your place in a weekend wine indulgence ... in a tropical paradise no less!