New York, New York!

Affinia Dumont

Affinia Manhattan

Affinia Shelburne

Bright lights, big city styling in New York? If you're headed to the Big Apple soon: 1. We're jealous. And 2: There's two fabulous deals to be had right here!

Affinia Hotels is encouraging its global neighbours from the Land of Oz to explore New York, one of the most exciting cities in the world, with an exclusive offer. Guests who book seven nights will receive the eighth night free at five boutique Manhattan hotels where nightly rates start at just USD$189.

Hard not to appreciate Affinia hotels ideal Manhattan locations: Affinia Manhattan (across from Madison Square Garden), Affinia 50 (near Rockefeller Center), Affinia Gardens (four blocks from Central Park), and Affinia Shelburne and Affinia Dumont (both centrally-located in Murray Hill). 

This special Australian offer must be booked by 31 May 2012 for travel through 31 December  2012^*.  For more information and to make a booking, visit www.affinia.com/AUSSIE or call 1800 174962 and mention promotional code AUSSIE.  

And here's one for the foodies out there: 

Coming on the heels of Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and celebrity Chef David Burke’s visit to Australia, Denihan Hospitality Group is unveiling a “Dine & Dish” experience at two of the city's finest hotels - The Benjamin and the very stylish The James hotels -  that gives Australian travellers an opportunity to get a New York City experience like no other. 

The National at The Benjamin

The Benjamin

The James

The Sky Lobby at the James

The highlight of the getaway is a personal dining experience with the executive chefs at the respective hotel restaurants: Paul Corsentino at The National, and Chris Shea of David Burke Kitchen. Foodies will get to “dish” with the chefs about the meal at hand and get opinions on must-see attractions and must-try activities and eateries in the neighbourhood. 

Culinary aficionados will have mouths watering not only over the cuisine at the highly acclaimed restaurants, but at the chance to interact and chat with the restaurants’ executive chef throughout the course of the meal.  If they happen to dine at a time with Zakarian and Burke are in house they will get the added bonus of rubbing elbows with them as well.
 

The experience also includes a behind-the-burners tour of the kitchen (arranged during non-meal hours), and an autographed cookbook by Zakarian or Burke (depending on dining venue). 

This custom experience is priced per room, double occupancy, from USD$1150 at The Benjamin, USD$1300 at The James New York and includes:

·         Three-nights’ accommodations (additional nights are available)

·         Interactive dinner for two with the executive chef

·         Breakfast for two each morning in room or in the restaurant

·         Autographed cookbook

·         Kitchen tour

·         List of Iron Chef Zakarian or Chef Burke’s personal New York City hotspots.

Head to the website or call 1800 174962 and mention promotional code DISH.

A day of silence in Bali - Nyepi falls on Friday March 23rd

If you are planning on being in Bali on March 23rd, don' be surprised to find it a ghost island. For a total of 24 hours you won't see any locals on the streets, you won't leave the confines of your hotel or villa (nope, no shopping for you!). You won't hear any noise, and you certainly won't be landing or flying out of the airport that day! Friday March 23rd this year is Nyepi day  – the day for meditation and absolute silence in Bali - and the one day of the year when the entire island of Bali is closed for 24 hours to all traffic, including air traffic. On this day, no one is allowed on the streets and on the beach, including tourists.

In keeping with the strict traditions of the holy day, Bali grinds to an absolute halt from 6:00 a.m. on the Friday until Saturday, March 24, 2012.

On the eve of Nyepi, celebrations are held when floats of huge colourful paper demons are paraded through the streets of cities, carried to the beach and torched, making a bright bonfire. Each one then quietly retreats to their respective homes to spend the entire day in silent reflection, free from any noise. Homes may also not have any open fires, nor any lights lit at night.

While this may sound eerie, in fact, those that have gone through this absolute quietness of a whole island find it a most exhilarating experience.

Craig Gibbons Marketing Manager for the Visit Indonesia Tourism Office in Australia says 'Nyepi is a truly wonderful and peaceful time to visit Bali but we do ask that all Australian tourists respect this very sacred day in the Balinese Hindu calendar by remaining within their hotel grounds for the respective period'.

So, if you're on the island, please pay respect for the 24 hours of Nyepi, be observant of tradition, and enjoy the rare opportunity to soak up absolute, complete silence and retreat. You may just find yourself tuning in to a level of relaxation not experienced before. 

Experience 'La Dolce Vita' with an Italian River Cruise in 2013

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will add another extraordinary river cruise destination to their collection of itineraries: Italy, the Po River, and the Venice Lagoon. The 13-day Splendours of Italy itinerary combines a 7-night river cruise along the Po River and the Venice Lagoon with a 2-night land stay in Florence and 3-nights in Rome.  

What a stunning way to explore the region's art, architecture, music, cuisine, landscapes, culture, religious and political history - you get to experience the 'must see' sights in the iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, and have the opportunity to venture off the beaten path, travelling to such places as Ravenna, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enchanting Verona―the home of literature's most famous lovers―Romeo and Juliet. 

And hey, this is Italy .... food features big! Guests will also be introduced to Italy's distinctive culinary delights attending a pasta-making workshop in Bologna, the culinary capital of northern Italy. Throughout the journey, they'll also indulge in the culinary flavours of the region―from crispy Roman pizza to creamy Venetian gelato to hearty Chianti. Yum!

Couples wishing to travel to Italy with Uniworld during their inaugural season, will receive from $700 to $800 savings p/person by paying in full at the time of booking before June 30, 2012. From $6049 (p/person - twin share, excluding tax), Uniworld's new 13-day Splendours of Italy includes: 7-nights in a riverview stateroom onboard the luxurious River Countess; 2-nights in a deluxe hotel in Florence and 3-nights in a deluxe hotel in Rome. All meals onboard with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, fully guided excursions with local experts and all transfers on arrival and departure days, and throughout the program. The 8-day Venice & the Po River cruise only itinerary is priced from $3199 (p/person - twin share, excluding tax). 

womenstraveltips.com gives a nod to the 'Romance List'

A big thank you goes out to womenstraveltips.com for featuring the Holidays for Couples 'Romance List' on their blog - much appreciated ... and what a fantastic online resource for the savvy woman who loves to travel, and travel well. We enjoyed looking through the site over a cup of tea - some great travel tips and ideas to be found there. Check it out, and while you're at it you may also like wanderlustandlipstick.com.

A stylish new obsession at Sareeraya Villas & Suites - Koh Samui

OK so I'm a little bit obsessed with Thailand. I am in love with the people, the beaches, the crystal clear ocean, the food, the culture, the massages .... I could go on (and on, and on!). And as I am, as we speak, planning my next trip back there - and slotting in a visit to Koh Samui (a fave!) - this right here is where I want to stay: The Sareeraya Villas & Suites on Chaweng Beach. 

Sareeraya has that whole 'Oriental Chic' style going on, and it looks like the kind of place you could really find yourself chilling out in style! Chaweng is one of the busier strips of Koh Samui - this is where most of your best shopping is, and there's a definite bar culture - but don't let that sway you from Sarreraya if you're looking for something a little more quiet. This place has been designed as a real retreat, tucked away down one of the quieter spaces of Chaweng Beach. And the beach is stunning! Sunset walks along the sand would be the order of every day. Tropical island romance, anyone? ... 

Escape to your own seaside villa with private pool or one of the gorgeous suites with spacious terraces, enjoy intimate dining with a view of the stunning Gulf of Siam with fine wines and cocktails to wash it all down, and loose yourself in island time. And you've got the best of Samui right on your doorstep. Loving the look of this place!

Winter Romance Special Offer at New Zealand's Premier Lodges

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

A winter wonderland at Matakauri Lodge

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Take advantage of amazing value at Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and Matakauri Lodge this coming winter and discover why New Zealand is known to be so magical in the cooler months (let alone all year round!). To warm you up, these stunning properties have gotten together to offer guests a special offer that is exclusive to Australian residents*.        

The WINTER SPECIAL is in fact available all the way through from available 1 May - 30 September, 2012, and is all-inclusive. You get your suite accommodation, choice of a day of unlimited green fees (option not available at Matakauri Lodge) on world-class golf courses, or a 50-minute massage per person per night stayed, pre- dinner drinks and canapes, a 5-course tasting menu, full breakfast, complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar and use of lodge facilities for NZ$775.00 +15% GST per person/per night.  That's approximately $598.00 AUD at today's exchange. Not bad!

Book quickly to experience New Zealand's late summer weather in May, autumn colours in June, a cosy winter getaway in July and August enjoying roaring fires and local wines, nurturing spa time 

and perhaps skiing at Matakauri Lodge or sensational spring golf in September at Cape Kidnappers or Kauri Cliffs!             

To reserve please email The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, or Matakauri Lodge.

                 

W Retreat & Spa Bali is turning one! Time to party in Seminyak ...

W Retreat & Spa Bali is turning one - and after a full year in operation, there's no sign of this super cool, urban luxe beachside abode in the heart of Seminyak slowing down! Known for a trendy take on Bali glam and some seriously stylish nightlife and dining offerings (the perfect place for cocktails and mingling!), W Bali is all up for celebrations. And we love the sound of the "We're Turning One" package! For travel from now through to April 1st, 2012, W Bali invites guests to revel in the excitement with a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, daily breakfast in FIRE, complimentary airport transfers, late check-out and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their stay. So if you're heading to Bali, and you want in on the W Retreat & Spa Bali experience, get on the part program and book your stay! Rates in a Wonderful Garden Access retreat start from $389USD++ per night, per retreat (minimum 3 night stay). You not only get a fabulous room, you get the fabulous lifestyle too!