Langham Hotel – Celebrity Solstice – Phillip Island

Travel Briefs

John Crook

Snow in Summer-time

Snow holiday wholesaler Skimax is offering plenty of great packages for those looking to escape the hot summer months in Australia. It has included Korea in its annual line-up of Northern hemisphere ski and boarding holidays. The Koreans have long protested that their ski fields are the equal of anywhere in the world, and point to Yongpyong as one of the best resorts. The alpine resort, which will host numerous alpine skiing events at the 2018 Winter Olympics, has more than 25 kilometres of groomed slopes, 15 chairlifts, a 3.7 kilometre gondola (which incidentally is the longest in Asia) and a terrain park which ensures all levels of skiers and boarders are satisfied. The ski lifts even stay open until 10p.m. each day. There are also plenty of other resorts closer to the Korean capital of Seoul if your time is limited. A seven-day package staying at Greenpia Condominiums in an Ondol Room, plus a 6-day Yongpyong ski left ticket costs from $1,l 159 per person twin share. For more details, contact Skimax 1300 136 997 or at skimax.com.au

Australia’s Best Hotel

If you’d like to treat yourself or there’s someone you want to impress, it’s be hard to go wrong by booking a room at The Langham in Melbourne. It has just been named Australia’s best hotel by American travel bible, Travel + Leisure, in the 10th anniversary edition of its 500 world’s best Hotels. The rooms which apparently caught the judge’s eyes were the Club Terrace rooms. Seven exclusive rooms within the hotel were exquisitely redesigned to include 50 square metre outdoor terraces. Furnished with luxurious sun lounges and a matching outdoor dining set, the timeless terraces look out over Melbourne’s fabulous skyline. You can even hire a personal butler, who will look after your every need. You know what they say about someone who asks how much this all costs – you probably can’t afford it! But if you’d like to live the high life, visit langhamhotels.com to make your reservation.

Last minute Holiday Treat

School holidays are almost over in most states, but if you are all out of ideas, and the kids deserve a treat, then Phillip Island is offering some great last minute ideas for a summer escape. Phillip Island of course is home to the world famous penguin parade, and also the motorcycle GP.  Several accommodation providers have joined forces with some of the regions leading attractions to offer some great deals. Casablanca Phillip Island is a quiet self contained Bed and Breakfast at Cowes, and holidaymakers staying for 3 nights during January will receive a fourth night free. Prices for self-contained units start from$220 per night for 4 people. For all packages, and a full listing of attractions at Phillip Island, check www.visitphillipisland.com   or call 1300 366 422

Free Upgrades on new Superliner

While the Italian cruise disaster is still making news, it seems most travellers believe that lightning is unlikely to strike twice. Travel agents say cruises are still proving very popular, and Cruiseco is offering a real enticement for travellers to experience life on board one of the most stunning superliner’s ever to be based in Australasia. Book by February 29th this year for any of the eleven to thirty-five nights sailing on the 5-star Solstice, and you’ll be upgraded from an interior cabin to a balcony cabin at no extra cost. The 122,000 tonne ship can carry 2850 passengers and has ten restaurants, cafes, grills and speciality dining venues. That’s not to mention the nine bars and lounges, glass blowing studio (no kidding!), theatre, pools, casino and youth fun factory. An eleven night Tropical Queensland at Easter cruise sails Sydney-Sydney on March 28, 2013, and starts from $1650pp twin-share. For full itineraries and prices, go to www.cruising.com.au

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability.  This information is provided as a guide only. Check with your travel agency.   Block-out periods may apply.  

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