Daydream Island Resort and Spa refurbishment
In the wake of substantial damage caused by recent Tropical Cyclone Debbie, the popular Whitsundays Resort has announced it will bring forward its planned refurbishment, originally scheduled for 2018.
The resort will now stay closed ahead of a continuing clean-up and the beginning of works later in 2017. Daydream Island Resort & Spa announced in January that they will spend more than $50 million on a significant refurbishment next year which will see major infrastructure upgrades including accommodation refurbishments as well as renovations to existing attractions and installation of new features which will transform Daydream into an upscale 4½ star world-class resort.
Mantra Hotel Sydney Airport opening June
Mantra Group is celebrating a milestone moment today as the construction of the new-build Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport exterior is completed.
The nine-level hotel – which now moves into its fitout phase – is on track to open in late June and will feature 136 contemporary guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, car parking, and an integrated lobby and reception space.
Mantra Group Area Manager for Sydney Neil McDonald said it’s been a hive of activity onsite over the past few months and it was an exciting moment to see the structure of the hotel completed.
Aurora Expeditions Launch Antarctica 2018/2019 Early Bird Savings
Leading expedition cruising specialists Aurora Expeditions have launched their 2018/2019 Antarctic program with an exclusive Early Bird Offer, giving travellers the chance to save up to 15 per cent across all newly-released itineraries when booked before 30 June 2017.
The first 40 passengers to book will also receive a $100 onboard credit to enjoy during their expedition. The new Antarctic program continues to cater for adventure-seekers and nature lovers, offering a range of 11- to 18-day voyages across various destinations including the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula, the wildlife oasis of South Georgia, the wild Weddell Sea and the historic Falkland Islands.
The program features 11 small-group expeditions aboard the 54-passenger vessel Polar Pioneer, all departing between November 2018 and March 2019.
Australia’s Biggest Balloon Launches in the Northern Territory
Alice Springs-based company Outback Ballooning has recently launched a new hot air balloon which offers capacity for 24 passengers plus pilot, making it currently the largest commercial hot air balloon operating in Australia and potentially the southern hemisphere.
The new balloon’s basket is divided into four separate passenger compartments plus one exclusively for the pilot and includes seating, with passengers able to be seated for both take-off and landing, as well as for the duration of the flight.
The new balloon was literally handmade by Cameron Balloons in Bristol, England which have manufactured over 12,000 balloons since the early 1970’s. Approximately 2,500 metres or more than 2.5 kilometres of fabric, sewn up by approximately 16 kilometres of thread, makes up the impressive balloon envelope.
Seoul Sky opens in the Korean capital
Seoul Sky, the world’s third highest observatory has opened in the Korean capital of Seoul on 2 April, 2017 making it the latest popular attraction in the city.
The observatory is located on the upper floors (117-123) of Seoul’s new and now tallest building, Lotte World Tower. Seoul Sky was designed with the concept of ‘The Beauty and Pride of Korea’.
Even before it’s opening, Seoul Sky broke three Guinness World Records. The sky deck on the 118th Floor will be the ‘world’s highest glass-floored observation deck’. The Sky Shuttle elevator has been recorded as both the fastest double-deck elevator with a speed of 500 metres per minute and the elevator covering the longest distance.
Commemorate ANZAC Day in Canberra
The nation’s capital is the perfect place to reflect upon what it means to be Australian. Before paying your respects at the Australian War Memorial on Anzac Day, spend a few days exploring Canberra’s hidden gems.
Anzac Day provides the perfect excuse to take a long weekend in Canberra and combine your commemorations with incredible food and wine, an outdoor adventure and a visit to some of our city’s beautiful museums and galleries.
Take in the sights with a walk around Lake Burley Griffin – an excellent opportunity to take in the changing autumn leaves – or go meandering through Canberra’s national attractions.
Canberra’s coffee champion retains title
While in our Nation’s Capital, Canberra’s purveyors of great coffee, ONA Coffee, have once again shone at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE), the largest coffee event in the country.
For the second consecutive year, ONA Coffee’s Head Trainer Hugh Kelly has been awarded the Australian Barista Championship title – an Australian first. Joining Hugh in his achievements is ONA’s Head Roaster Sam Corra, who has taken out the National Brewers’ Cup title.
The appointments of these titles will now see Kelly and Corra travel to Korea and Budapest respectively to represent Australia.
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Kerry Hotel Hong Kong opens 28 April
Set to open on 28 April along the shoreline of Hung Hom Bay on Victoria Harbour is Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong.
The new build, 16-storey hotel, is the first to open on the Kowloon waterfront since 1995 and will inspire lifestyle pursuits with its outdoor living spaces, distinctive dining options, business and meeting services, as well as family activities.
The fourth Hong Kong property of the luxury hotel group Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is centrally located with 546 rooms and will be the city’s first urban resort.
Latin American restaurants score big at ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’
Eight Latin American restaurants are amongst the world’s best, as revealed at last night’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.
Peru’s Lima stays the indisputable culinary capital of Latin America with three Lima restaurants – Central, Maido and Astrid y Gaston – featured on the top list.
Two Mexico City restaurants, Pujol and Quintonil, also made the list as well as São Paulo’s D.O.M. and Santiago de Chile’s Borago.
A new entrant to the top list is Argentina’s Tegui restaurant in Buenos Aires.
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