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New ‘game-changing’ Maldives resort hosts social media weekend

With millennials owning social media for their travel inspiration, newly-opened party island, Kandima Maldives, decided to enlist savvy social media influencers from around the globe, including Australia, to showcase their unique island destination across a dedicated weekend – the first ever social media weekend to be held in the Maldives.

#KandimaInstaWeekend featured a program of back-to-back Insta-worthy activities for the group that included Aussie founder of @InteriorSelfie, Brooke Chamberlain, TV Reality stars Montana Brown and Georgia Harrison from the recent UK TV show Love Island, UK music artist and Beauty Blogger CC Clarke and Singaporean actress Dawn Yeoh.

The new resort says it’s a ‘game-changer’, embodying ‘… all the positive values of the Maldives, whilst adding its own innovative, vibrant and playful style.’ Kandima boasts 10 bars and restaurants, a beachfront yoga studio, a lakeside art studio and even a marine biology school.

The guests arrived by private seaplane and were given a map of the most Instagrammable spots around the Island and got to know each other over sunset cocktails in Kandima’s Honeymoon Aqua Villa.

Aerial Kandima Maldives

“Social media is the perfect platform to showcase what differentiates Kandima from other resorts in the Maldives,” says Resort Manager, Jez Nordkamp.

“Australia is a huge focus for us at Kandima, Traditionally Australians view the Maldives as a place only for honeymooners but here at Kandima we are changing all of that. We’re an island (desti)nation for everyone. We love to party, but also chill and take in the beauty of the Maldives. We host pool parties with international DJs and also have the largest Kids’ Club in the country called Kandiland, so it’s perfect for groups of friends or families.

“The #KandimaInstaweekend program captured the essence of Kandima’s fun, social and playful spirit and showcased the abundance of activities we have for guests here on the island.”

23/10/2017

Africa Africa Family Featured Hotels & Resorts Other Photo Galleries Resources Weddings

Just launched – exclusive buy outs on luxury private island off Mozambique

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort has just launched Naturally Exclusive, a rare opportunity to enjoy the tropical paradise with a hand-picked selection of friends and loved ones – for a holiday or special celebration.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

Nestled on the Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique, the African island hideaway measures just one kilometre long and 300 metres wide. Innately intimate, the paradise island boasts lush vegetation, which frames the softest of white powdery sands and azure waves that blend seamlessly into the horizon. The Quirimbas Archipelago is a dazzling string of island jewels off Mozambique’s northern coast, part of the Quirimbas National Park, renowned for its immaculate coral reefs, and whale, dolphin and dugong populations, as well as mangrove-covered colonial-era ruins.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

With the island at the heart of a nature reserve, every care has been taken to respect the environment. Resort buildings are designed to harmonise with the environment and use sustainable natural materials used wherever possible. Recycling and conservation efforts ensure visitors leave nothing behind but footprints on pristine beaches.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

The island accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 luxury villas, each with its own private plunge pool boasting endless views of the ocean. Soak up the African sun on a selection of picturesque beaches, private villa pools or at the oceanfront resort pool.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

Personal chefs will be on hand to create breakfast, lunch and dinner menus from Mozambique’s bold flavours, European classics that hail from colonial Portugal, the finest global fare, and flame grilled ocean treasures.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

Team Members will be on hand to take care of every desire, with activities and amenities personally-tailored to individual guests and to the group.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is conveniently accessible with a 45-minute private helicopter transfer from Mozambique’s Pemba International Airport, reached with a comfortable three-hour flight from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

The Anantara Medjumbe Naturally Exclusive opportunity costs $12,900 per night, for a minimum three-night booking, including accommodation for 24 guests in 12 private luxury villas, full board dining created by personal chefs, and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, house wines, beers and spirits. Guests also enjoy a sunset dhow cruise and dhow sailing lessons, as well as a selection of non-motorised water sport activities.

Anantara Medjumbe Island

For more information about Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort’s Naturally Exclusive offer CLICK HERE

Anantara Medjumbe Island Mozambique

06/10/2017

Asia Asia Attractions Brochures Dive Family Featured Hotels & Resorts News Weddings

Ayana to open first 5-star resort in Flores, Indonesia

Just a one-hour flight from Bali, in West Flores, lies the scenic oasis of Labuan Bajo, considered the ‘launching point’ for impressive trips to the home of the famous Komodo Dragon; the world’s largest species of lizard with a population of around 5,700. These spectacular creatures, known for their deadly bite and speed of around 30km per hour, cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach will open in summer 2018 with 12 suites and 189 premium guest rooms. Inspired by light, comfort and open living, each contemporary room features a flawless ocean view with large windows to capture the golden glows of tropical sunset’s setting behind the distinctive Kukusan Island.

The unconventional design will allow guests to check-in from the 11th floor lobby, and access their room by descending towards the sandy shores. The resort will also feature a rooftop wedding and function suite accommodating circa 200 guests, with an ocean view terrace.

In addition to the new resort, and in making full use of the extensive private pier, AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach will also be launching a 54 meter long and 11 meter wide, 9-bedroom phinisi ship. The luxurious ship will take guests, either by full charter or bookable by bedroom, around the island for short explorations of approximately 2 or 3-nights per trip.

The ship will also make a distinguished wedding venue. Named AYANA Lako di’a, meaning “Safe Journey” in local language, will be of the finest design with lounge and dive decks to suit the mood. Guests can island hop or participate in world-famous aqua activities including diving, snorkeling and trawling via AYANA Lako di’a, or join a daytrip on the Hotel’s catamaran or power boat.

In keeping with AYANA’s philosophy of being a supportive and contributing member of society, the resort will be actively raising funds to support Komodo National Park. Support will go towards developing facilities and enhancing the safety and training of Komodo Rangers.

View digital brochure here

05/10/2017

Daily News Family Pacific Resources Tips, quizzes, guides, snippets

Outrigger Fiji tempts kids with new spa and beauty treatments

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s Bebe Spa Sanctuary and Wavelengths Hair Salon have introduced dedicated children’s services and spa treatments that range from manicures and pedicures to nail art, henna tattoos and hair braiding at Wavelengths; and from massages and body wraps to facials at Bebe Spa Sanctuary* (*for kids over 12 when accompanied by an adult).

Prices start from FJD$5.00 per nail art up to FJ$25.00 for a Braiding up-style or Princess Mani at Wavelengths, while Bebe Spa Sanctuary offers the full suite of spa treatments including the Bebe Vakaviti Signature Massage, the Fijian Bobo Massage and Balinese massage as well as the full menu of facial and body wrap treatments.

A team of 24 therapists delivers more than 900 treatments every month with Bebe Spa Sanctuary acknowledged as one of the leading spas in the South Pacific.

29/09/2017

Australia Australia Daily News Eco/Sustainable Family Hotels & Resorts News Other Resources

Green light for Pinky’s Eco Retreat & glamping on Rottnest Island

Pinky’s Eco Retreat will open on Rottnest Island (just offshore from Perth, Western Australia) in late 2018 following the granting of conditional approval for the world-class beachside eco tent resort by the Rottnest Island Authority Board. Pinky’s will be the first new accommodation to be built on the island in 30 years.

Nestled behind the dunes of Pinky Beach and a few steps away from popular snorkelling beach The Basin, the Retreat will retain Rottnest’s laid-back West Australian character in a series of 86 low impact eco tents of varying sizes and styles and a Beach Club, interconnected by raised walkways throughout, and accessible to all Rottnest visitors. Pinky’s will appeal to both groups and couples and all budgets providing a range of eco tents from luxury ‘glamping’ to affordable family accommodation. Prices will start from approximately $100 per night.

Each eco-tent will include an ensuite bathroom with outdoor shower, bath, lounge area, comfortable pillow-topped double bed or two single beds, plus private outdoor entertaining area with day bed and comfortable seating. Tea, coffee and fridge facilities will be included.

Interiors will reflect the Australian coastal setting using high quality materials including eco-engineered timber floors, raw linens, and weathered stone and wood. Overhead fans will cool the tents in place of air conditioning. Secure bike port facilities will be available with each tent.

Artist’s impression – eco tent @ Pinky’s Eco Retreat

“Pinky’s Eco Retreat has been two years in the planning so now having approval to turn our vision into a reality is extremely exciting,” said Baileys Group Director Guy Bailey.

“Each member of the Baileys Group has been visiting Rotto since childhood and we all have strong connections to the island. To be able to deliver a new style of accommodation to the Island for locals and interstate and international visitors will be hugely satisfying.”

As part of the Pinky’s Eco Retreat development, Baileys Group will improve public access to both Pinky Beach and The Basin via new raised walkways, and increase publicly-accessible open space. Substantial work will be done to stabilise and revegetate existing degraded sand dunes. There will be no fencing, and raised walkways will protect the landscape and allow native fauna to continue to roam freely.

An open air informal contemporary Beach Club restaurant and bar for guests and beachgoers will be a feature of Pinky’s Eco Retreat. It will provide the first food and beverage outlet between the Settlement and Geordie Bay and will include take away options for people touring around the island. There will also be public showers and bathrooms.

To find out more, sign up for e-news to get updates on timing and booking availability visit Pinky’s.

27/09/2017

Adventure Daily News Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings Family Other

Earlybirds on 2018 UTracks active Europe holidays

UTracks is offering savings of up to 10% per person across a selection of its 2018 walking and cycling holidays, including guided and self-guided trips.

The offer entitles travellers to save 10% per person on trips priced under $2000 per person, and 5% per person on trips over $2000 per person, valid for new bookings made between 25 September and 20 October 2017.*

*See Terms & Conditions

21/09/2017

Eco/Sustainable Family Featured Industry News - General Share your photos and stories Today's News Voluntourism

TTC ceo and his family ‘treadright’ on Kenyan ‘ME to WE’ trip

Last September, The Travel Corporation (TTC) and its Treadright Foundation launched a global partnership with ME to WE, offering immersive volunteer trips supported by seven TTC brands including Adventure World, Contiki Holidays, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

Each ME to WE Trip takes place in a community where ME to WE’s renowned charitable partner puts its 20-year history of holistic, sustainable development to work through its WE Villages program. What makes ME to WE Trips even more world changing is that half of ME to WE’s net profits are donated to its charitable partner — helping travellers make an even bigger impact on the communities they visit. The other half is reinvested to grow the enterprise and its social mission.

Kenya, TTC and ME to WE

Designed for guests of all ages, ME to WE immersive volunteer trips are the ideal experience to add before or after a holiday in Ecuador, India and Kenya with any of the TTC holiday brands. In fact, TTC CEO Brett Tollman has recently returned from completing a ME to WE purpose-driven trip to Kenya with his family and says it was a privilege to have been on such an incredible trip and sharing the experience with his wife and family made it even more meaningful.

“It was a week of learning, exploration, observation and participation. We also got an in-depth view of the social change they have brought to the communities in the Maasai Mara over the past 20 years. They have built schools and clean water wells, provided the first hospital and ambulance service, built farms, helped empower women and are now in the midst of building a college.”

Tollman says seeing the impact ME to WE has made firsthand in Kenya makes him more committed than ever to ensure TTC helps them to grow so ME to WE can continue to do the important work they are doing.

“We were all blown away – it is a truly sustainable community model they have built, which as they say is all about ‘giving a hand up, not a hand out’ to the people in the communities they are involved with. This entire region of Kenya has been lifted out of despair, and the hope and excitement is palpable.”

For more on Brett’s Kenya experience CLICK HERE

Left: Craig Kielburger (ME to WE Founder) and TTC CEO Brett Tollman (middle) with his family in Kenya

25/08/2017

Daily News Event & Famil photos Family Ski TravelManagers News

TravelManagers on exclusive Club Med ski resort famil in France

Seven personal travel managers (PTMs) took part in a TravelManagers exclusive famil to Club Med Valmorel in France recently, hosted by Luke Skarbek, Club Med’s Business Development Manager for NSW & ACT, and accompanied by Donna Jones, who is Malaysian Airlines’ Sales Executive for WA.

Valmorel is one of the lesser-known French ski resort towns, located just 40km from Albertville (home of the 1992 Winter Olympics). There are over 150km of trails to choose from, most of which are pitched at the intermediate skier, making it an ideal, family-friendly location for a Club Med resort.

PTMs at Club Med Valmorel

“The location is stunning,” said Sue Kuti, representative for Randwick NSW, “… and it’s easy for all age groups to have a great time. You have direct access to the ski field from the resort and you can pop back for lunch whenever you fancy.

“Ski lessons and equipment are included so the kids could spend the morning learning to ski before heading back to the resort for a yummy lunch and then enjoy the on-site facilities such as the all-weather ice-skating rink, the swimming pool and the Jacuzzi in the afternoon. There’s even a free shuttle that runs into the Valmorel village if you want to do a little exploring or shopping.”

Peter Carmichael, representative for Mereweather NSW, was also very taken with the family-friendly nature of both Valmorel and the Club Med ski concept: in fact he’s already planning to take his own family on a Club Med ski holiday in January 2019.

Peter Carmichael

“The resort is truly inter-generational and caters to all travellers. A huge plus is that their kids’ centre caters for children aged from three months all the way up to seventeen years, which allows everyone in the family a great holiday experience in the snow.

“I was blown away by the total product that Club Med offer at Valmorel – certainly it would impress any level of skier. Spring skiing every day, on warm sunny days amid magnificent mountain scenery, combined with great company and a fantastic food selection at the resort: it all made for a highly memorable trip.”

Although Club Med Valmorel is located just two hours’ drive from both Lyon and Geneva, Jeremy Ferguson, representative for Brunswick West VIC, says the group learned the hard way that this was the best way to reach the resort.

“We flew into London and then travelled by train and bus via Paris to the resort, which took all day. But on the upside, travelling through the French countryside, seeing all the villages and churches along the way, was a highly memorable experience, and the Alps themselves were fantastic.”

Kuti agrees, adding that the group’s firsthand experience with travel options will be invaluable when it comes to best advising clients.

“I would probably recommend that my clients incorporate a stay at Club Med Valmorel into part of a larger holiday. That way they could spend time in London, Paris and Geneva along the way, and break the journey into bite-size chunks.

“If they are short of time or they are just doing the ski thing then I will know to recommend flying into Lyon or Geneva.”

TOP IMAGE: PTMs Hiten Shah, Sue Kuti, Jeremy Ferguson and Alma Araullo at Club Med Valmorel

TravelManagers’ exclusive ski famil was hosted by Club Med’s Luke Skarbek

24/08/2017

Daily News Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings Family Middle East

Only until Friday – book luxury family deal at Atlantis The Palm Dubai

Bon Voyage is offering a luxury Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, deal for families (2 adults and 2 children) including four nights’ accommodation in an Ocean Deluxe Room and two meals a day for $1,899 when booked by 7pm AEST this Friday 25 August, 2017.

The company says the deal represents 57% off the standard price of $4,505. Inclusions cover daily breakfast and dinner, complimentary cocktails, Ultimate Snorkel sessions, unlimited access to Aquaventure Waterpark & Aquarium, 50% off lunches at a selection of 11 restaurants on site and more.

23/08/2017

Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings Family Featured Other cruises

Kids cruise, eat and play free in Fiji with special deal

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is offering families savings of up to AUD$4668 (for a family of four) on all three, four, seven and eleven-night Yasawa Island and Northern Discovery Fiji cruises, on sale until 1 October 2017 and valid for travel until 31 March 2018.

Onboard the 120 passenger MV Reef Endeavour is a range of family accommodation – from family Porthole cabins that sleep four to interconnecting Ocean family staterooms.

Early Booking Savers (EBS) fares in a family cabin for two adults and two children (5-17yrs) start from AUD$2392 for the three-night cruise (save $3668); from AUD$3192 for the four-night cruise (save $1696); from AUD$5024 for the seven-night cruise (save $2830); and from AUD$8776 for the eleven-night cruise (save $4668).

All fares include shipboard accommodation, all meals, guided village, school and island tours, snorkelling and glass bottom boat excursions, daily island stopovers and water activities, hikes and Kayak safaris, on board entertainment, kids club (5-9 yrs), onboard Wi-Fi at anchor, 24-hour self-service tea and coffee bar, post cruise transfers to Nadi and Denarau hotels and Nadi airport and use of the ship’s facilities including a swimming pool, spa, mini gym, sun deck, cocktail bar and library.

Kids in Jaccuzzi on Reef Endeavour

01/08/2017

Attractions Daily News Family Industry News - General Music and entertainment Resources

New ‘extraordinary’ experiences just announced for Disney around the world

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts took the opportunity of the D23 Expo 2017, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Los Angeles over the weekend (14-16 July), to announce an ‘extraordinary line-up of experiences’ coming to Disney Parks around the globe.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek welcomed nearly 7,000 fans as he unveiled more than a dozen new experiences coming to Disney parks and resorts, and offered a sneak peek at the much-anticipated projects in development. Several Imagineers joined the presentation by providing details of the creativity, imagination and innovation in development around the world. Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter also shared his enthusiasm for plans to include a larger Pixar presence at Disneyland Resort.

“On the heels of the many new and incredibly popular experiences that just debuted this year, the best is yet to come. We have ambitious plans for our parks and resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re investing in the guest experience like never before, and we’re doing it all in way that is only possible at Disney!”

From new lodging and transportation options that make getting around more fun, to original storytelling and immersive experiences based on guests’ favourites, Disney continues to provide unparalleled holiday destinations for guests across the globe in even more exciting ways than ever before.

IMMERSIVE THEME PARK EXPERIENCES & ATTRACTIONS

An Unprecedented First Look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Fans were elated to hear their Star Wars stories will come to life in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newly announced name for the Star Wars-themed lands. Chapek shared exciting new details and a glimpse inside the two anchor attractions, including one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance where guests will feel like they are inside a hangar bay on a Star Destroyer. Guests will also have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon, where each guest is critical to the mission’s success. Chapek also revealed many characters that guests will meet, including BB-8, Chewbacca, Rex and Kylo Ren. Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, with the first land debuting at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, then at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Model /Credit: Michael Cassis

Pixar Fun at the Happiest Place on Earth

In addition to announcing the US Summer 2018 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chapek was joined by Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter to unveil plans for Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park. The pier will take on a brand new look as more favourite Pixar characters and stories come to life, from The Incredibles, to Inside Out to even more Toy Story. Chapek also announced there is more Pixar in store during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort. Starting in 2018, this limited-time offering will include a new fireworks spectacular as well as special characters and entertainment moments.

As part of the celebration, the Pixar Play Parade will return to Disneyland Resort – this time at Disneyland Park and the fan favourite Paint the Night Parade will move to Disney California Adventure Park, one of Disney’s longest parade routes.

Timeless Transformation of Epcot Revealed

Looking ahead to the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, there are grand plans to complete the transformation that started with the debut of New Fantasyland in 2014. Chapek announced exciting plans across Epcot to realise the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, Ratatouille will be added in an all-new space in the France pavilion at World Showcase. Epcot will also see the addition of a brand new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular. Adjacent to Mission: Space will be a new restaurant that will invite guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.

More Thrills than Ever Planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom

Disney remains at the cutting edge of deeply immersive, creative storytelling that draws guests into new worlds, and it is a legacy that lives on in every new Disney Parks experience. The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With a new original story and lovable attraction theme song, this new state-of-the-art ride-through attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional experience.

Chapek also announced that the highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. A thrilling, Tron-themed attraction will be added in a new area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Additionally, a new live entertainment theatre coming to Main Street, U.S.A., based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City, will bring world-class entertainment to the world’s most popular park.

IMMERSIVE HOTEL CONCEPTS

Among the announcements were projects that infuse even more exciting experiences for resort hotel guests in ways that are only possible at Disney. To the delight of fans, Chapek confirmed ambitious plans to create the most experiential concept ever in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, it will be a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Adding to the immersive resort hotel slate, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will transport guests to the action-packed world of Super Heroes, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more. Guests will be able to explore the Marvel Universe through its comic art, films, Super Hero costumes and more, displayed in the style of a contemporary art gallery.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE – to Double the Size of its Fleet by 2023

Chapek surprised the crowd by announcing that Disney Cruise Line will add one more ship in its expansion to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level. Joining the other two new ships that were announced just last year, all three ships will be powered by one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, liquefied natural gas. When all three ships are completed by 2023, Disney Cruise Line will have nearly doubled the size of the fleet.

18/07/2017

Adventure Brochures Daily News Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings Eco/Sustainable Family Luxury News Other

Paul Gauguin Cruises debuts its 2018 brochure and ‘50% off’ special offer

Paul Gauguin Cruises has launched its 72-page 2018 Tahiti, French Polynesia, & the South Pacific brochure, featuring luxurious small ship voyages and currently offering savings of 50% off standard all-inclusive cruise fares on all 2018 voyages.

The colourful brochure takes a travel magazine approach, featuring rich destination content and beautiful imagery that celebrate Polynesian culture and introduce and educate audiences about Paul Gauguin Cruises and the voyages offered.

The brochure can be viewed online and showcases a variety of dream cruises, day-by-day itineraries, maps, highlights, and fares. The Gauguin experience, fleet distinctions, dining venues, private retreats, entertainment options, special occasions, activities, local culture, shore excursions, SCUBA diving and watersports options, pre- and post-cruise hotel programmes, deck plans, and sailing schedule are also highlighted.

New for 2018 is the 7-night Society Islands & Tahiti Iti itinerary, which starts and ends in Papeete and visits Huahine; Motu Mahana (off the coast of Taha’a; Bora Bora (overnight); Moorea; and Vairao, Tahiti Iti. Paul Gauguin Cruises is the only cruise line that sails to the unspoiled paradise of Tahiti Iti, which offers rugged cliffs, postcard-perfect waterfalls, stunning beaches, and the famous wave of Teahupo’o.

The Gauguin’s 2018 sailing schedule also features its signature voyages which showcase a host of exquisite islands with white-sand beaches, aqua lagoons, mist-laden mountains, and warm Polynesian culture.

Additionally in 2018, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) continues, providing two interactive, educational programmes to enrich guests’ experience on board. During the summer months and holiday season, Stewards of Nature is offered and invites children and teenagers ages 7 to 17, as well as their families, to discover and value nature through hands-on interactive learning. The Wildlife Discovery Series is an onboard lecture programme focusing on the environment and wildlife of our planet, presented by some of the world’s most fascinating conservationists, scientists, and oceanographers. Paul Gauguin Cruises is proud to collaborate with WCS in support of a healthy and sustainable planet.

18/07/2017

Asia Daily News Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings Family News

Laguna Phuket celebrates 30 years with 30% discount campaign

Laguna Phuket is celebrating 30 years with a resort-wide campaign: “30 years, 30% discount”, offering 30% off regular prices on rooms and leisure activities until 31 August, 2017, with the benefits extending across all of Laguna Phuket’s seven resorts:

Angsana Laguna Phuket
Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
Banyan Tree Phuket
Cassia Phuket
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort

Guests can also enjoy 30% off at Banyan Tree Spa and Angsana Spas, award-winning 18-hole Laguna Golf Phuket, on selected Laguna Tours excursions, Canal Shopping Villages and Banyan Tree Gallery and Angsana Galleries.

Bookings must be made by 31 August 2017. Quote Booking Code: LP30Anni to enjoy the discount.

10/07/2017

Events Family Featured Other Resources

Singapore’s 24th annual Food Festival kicks off in July

Do you have clients heading to Singapore for the school holidays? Do you have a foodie client who makes travel destination decisions based on culinary experiences?

Quite aside from every other exciting thing to do in Singapore, the Singapore Food Festival 2017 kicks off on 14 July and runs until 30 July – for its 24th year.

With the theme – “Savour Singapore in Every Bite” – this year’s festival features up to 20 gastronomic experiences that celebrate the country’s heritage and flavours, and honour the people who work passionately to keep local culinary traditions alive.

“Food is tied so closely to our identity of being Singaporean. One dish alone can tell stories of passions, struggles and of our heritage,” said Ms Ranita Sundramoorthy, Director of Attractions, Dining and Retail, Singapore Tourism Board.

“As the only event in Singapore dedicated to showcasing local food, we wanted to go to the core of what it means to be truly Singaporean and enable visitors to savour Singapore in every bite.”

STREAT – SFF 2017’s Signature Event

STREAT, STB’s anchor event for SFF 2017, is returning for its third year in 2017. This year, the highly-anticipated pop-up restaurant will be helmed by Peranakan chef Malcolm Lee of Michelin-starred restaurant Candlenut, and Wild Rocket’s chef Willin Low, who is widely recognised as the founder of Mod-Sin cuisine. Together, they will present contemporary interpretations of local classics, through a 3-course Mod-Sin and modern Peranakan Tok Panjang menu.

In addition, the pair will also work together to curate a selection of nine stalls, each helmed by young “hawkerpreneurs” and chefs, who will present a unique spin on quintessentially local dishes. Some of the participating vendors include New Ubin Seafood, Peranakan Khek and Whampoa Prawn Noodle. Visitors can also look forward to first-time collaborations at STREAT, such as between popular zi-char stall, Keng Eng Kee, and Good Chance Popiah, as well as between contemporary eateries, Taste Affair and The Masses.

Island-wide Culinary Events according to Foodie Profiles

This year’s festival also shines the spotlight on four different Foodie Profiles and the SFF events that exemplify them. The four profiles are: the Gutsy Gourmand who lives and breathes modern cuisine; the Traditional Taster who believes there’s nothing like old school fare; the Culture Craver who embraces all things local; and the Art Addict who appreciates creativity not just in food, but in art form as well.

Delicious foodie treats – Boon Tat Street

05/07/2017

Adventure Daily News Family News Other Resources Tips, quizzes, guides, snippets

ebikes in Europe are for everyone!

Active cycling holidays are growing in popularity for travellers of all ages and levels of fitness and UTracks is embracing the burgeoning active holiday trend for ebikes (electric bikes) in Europe, now offering this fun way to sightsee on 80% of its cycling itineraries.

A huge fan of ebikes, UTracks General Manager, Kate Baker, believes electric bikes make cycling holidays accessible to people of varying fitness, ages and experience levels.

“An ebike comes with an electric motor that adds a speed boost as you pedal, giving you a helping hand or push to get up and over hills and achieve longer distances.

“They can be ridden by almost anyone and are great for couples or families with differing degrees of ability or people who love the idea of a more demanding cycling route but are not sure whether they can physically complete it.

“As long as you recharge the battery, which can be easily done in a few hours or overnight, you can count on the e-bike to help you when going uphill, face headwinds, want to cover longer distances or simply take a break from hard pedalling”.

UTracks now has more than 100 cycling itineraries in Europe offering the ebike option.

Five of the most popular include:

Austria|Blue Danube Cycle (self-guided)

Follow the winding route of the Danube and discover the lively history of one of Europe’s most important rivers. Cross the fertile plains of the Wachau Valley, where vineyards climb the slopes to imposing medieval Benedictine monasteries, perched atop the hills between Melk and Krems. Wind past castle ruins and apricot orchards before reaching the capital of Austria, where you can take in a performance of the ‘Blue Danube’ waltz, the melody that evokes Vienna the world over.
Blue Danube Cycle departs April-October, from $1170 per person (plus ebike supplement*).

Italy|Backroads to Venice (self guided)

Starting from the mountains around Bolzano, pass the beauty of Lake Garda and wind through pretty meadows and orchards as you cycle past Venetian villas and through the historic Veneto region. Enjoy a wine tasting and taste exquisite Italian cheese while exploring the unique landscapes of the Venetian lagoon and taking in the architectural and cultural highlights of Trento, Verona, Vicenza, Padova and of course Venice. Backroads to Venice (8 days) departs March-October, from $1250 per person (plus ebike supplement).

Spain|Catalonia by Bike (self guided)

Experience the subtle landscapes and interesting villages on a gentle cycle through Catalonia, specially crafted for families. Pedal back into history, as you ride through Roman archways and Medieval squares. Visit two museums dedicated to the fabulous art of Dalí and discover the ancient history of Iberians and Romans who inhabited the area and, once out at the coast, you will enjoy sandy beaches, quiet coves and the beauty of the Mediterranean fishing villages. Catalonia by bike (8 days) departs March-October, from $1250 per person (plus ebike supplement).

Greece|Ionian Islands Bike & Boat (guided)

Off the west coast of Greece lie the idyllic Ionian Islands: the waters here are mirror-like and some of the clearest you will ever see. Taking in Corfu, Cephalonia, Lefkada, Paxoi and Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus, this interactive sailing and cycling adventure delves further into the interior and coastlines, exploring little known coves and impressive geological formations, secluded hideaways, ancient sites and untouched villages. Ionian Islands Bike and Sail (8 days) departs May-October, from $2390 per person (plus ebike supplement).

Croatia|Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast – Deluxe (guided)

This trip begins in Dubrovnik, the Adriatic’s stunningly intact walled city, and extends westerly into the Mediterranean, exploring the loosely connected islands of southern Dalmatia. Based on a comfortable boat, you will visit Hvar, Korcula and Mljet and discover the unique features of each island. Highlights include the wine making traditions of the Pelješac Peninsula, the medieval town of Hvar and the historic island of Vis occupied by the Greeks more than 2,000 years ago.
Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast – Deluxe (8 days) departs May-October, from $2090 per person (plus ebike supplement).

*Upgrading to an e-bike with UTracks costs from $130 per person. Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, equipment rental, experienced guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images.

16/06/2017

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