Luxe cruising company Silversea has announced dates for Antarctic sailings. From November 2009 the newly commissioned Prince Albert II will make eight 11-day voyages to the white continent. There will also be three 17-day expeditions. Cruise-only fares start from about $9800 per person (double occupancy) per suite, and $13,600 for the 17-day sailings. 1300 306 872, silversea.com.
With its Historical Grandeur Package, Melbourne's Italian-style Grand Hotel is offering overnight accommodation in a deluxe suite, hot plated breakfast and three-course 1880s-themed dinner (food only) for 2 in the property's RAB restaurant, and a guided walk around the best of Gold Era Melbourne architecture for $459 per couple through 30 June 2009. For bookings, information and blackout dates, contact 1 300 361 455 or email grandhotelmelbourne@accor.com.
P&O Cruises World Voyages is offering Gourmet Traveller readers an exclusive deal on a 19-night cruise onboard the luxury Oriana from San Francisco to Sydney (27 January and 16 February 2009), with the option of a fine dining experience in Gary Rhodes' restaurant, Oriana Rhodes, as you take in the sights of Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand on this trans-Pacific voyage. Oriana’s visit to Australia follows a two-year multi-million dollar refit — including cabin refurbishments, with the introduction of eight-inch thick Slumberland mattresses and Egyptian cotton bed linen in all cabins. The price: $2499 per person, twin share, subject to availability (regular price $4295) plus a free upgrade to an outside cabin. To take advantage of this exclusive deal, call 13 24 28 and quote RBA Gourmet Traveller on booking.
New Zealand's Commonage Villas Queenstown Spa Indulgence Package includes 5 nights' accommodation, full continental breakfast pantry, complimentary private chef for an intimate dinner on your balcony, one 180-minute spa treatment for two in a private room at Le Spa Sofitel, and a bottle of Central Otago wine on arrival for NZ$5895/A$4951 per couple (NZ$1775/A$1500 per extra couple). The package is available through 31 March 2009 (blackout dates: 20 December 2008 to 12 January 2009). Save an extra 20 per cent by booking through their website, www.commonagevillas.com.
We reckon it’s safe to say the vistas from The Peninsula’s harbour-view suites are among the world’s best. And now’s the perfect time to pay a visit to the iconic property as it gets set to celebrate its 80th anniversary in December with a series of special offers. Our pick of the bunch is the Celebrate 80 Exceptional Years package, which includes a stay in a Grand Deluxe Kowloon View Room; Rolls-Royce airport transfers; a culinary journey dinner or a Gaddi’s Classics lunch or dinner for two; one $40 Peninsula Spa by ESPA gift certificate and an exclusive 80th anniversary gift per person. Prices start at $900 per room until 31 December. To book or for more info, call +852 2926 2888 or visit peninsula.com.
Here’s the perfect opportunity to find out why Qualia on the Great Barrier Reef was voted by our panel of experts Best New Accommodation in our second annual Travel Awards. The swish newcomer is offering Gourmet readers a special Pamper Package, including a 60-minute Swedish massage at the exclusive Spa Qualia, a yoga session, an on-island chauffeur service, welcome bottle of Champagne and much more. Package rates in the beautiful Windward Pavilions with their own private plunge pools are $1870 per night; $1620 per night in the Leeward Pavilions and $3270 per night in the Beach House (all based on twin share, minimum two-night stay). Quote “AGT package”. www.qualia.com.au.
Live the high life — complete with butler and drawn bath service, French champagne and cheese selection and a romantic dinner for two in your suite's private dining room — with the Sofitel Melbourne's Imperial Suite Package. The price: $3700 per couple per night. Call (03) 9653 0000 or email H1902-re01@accor.com for more information or to book.
Qualia resort's new all-inclusive package includes two nights' in a Windward Pavilion (complete with private plunge pool and views of the Whitsundays), meals, non-alcoholic beverages, VIP chauffeur service around the island, use of a two-seater golf buggy and non-motorised watercraft, and VIP return transfers to/from Hamilton Island Airport or the marina. The price: $1702 per person, twin share, land only, until 31 March, 2009 (excluding 19 December, 2008 to January 5, 2009). Visit www.creativeholidays.com for details.
Stay four nights or more in one of the overwater bungalows at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and you'll receive free daily continental breakfast, two-course lunches and three-course dinners for two (a la carte, drinks excluded). Talpacific is offering a five-night package for $5029 ex Sydney, $5199 ex Brisbane and Melbourne including return economy airfare on Air Tahiti Nui and one night in Papeete for travel 1 April to 21 December, 2008. Bookings at 1 300 665 737.
Peppers Balé Salt resort in Kingscliff, NSW is offering readers an exclusive package including overnight accommodation for 2 in a Balé suite, full buffet breakfast, a light lunch in the Lobby Bar (excluding beverages), a two course dinner in Roughie's Restaurant (excluding beverages), a 30 minute spa treatment at the Golden Door spa, unlimited movies and internet and return transfers from Gold Coast Airport. The price: $888 per night per couple, valid until 20 December, 2008. To receive the Gourmet Traveller Ultimate Indulgence Package, call 02 6674 7777 or email balesalt@peppers.com.au.
Cruise Express is offering a half-price deal on two legs of the Queen Mary 2's return trip to Australia. Cabins on the Sydney to Singapore 16-night sailing (departing 26 February, 2009) are $3,819 per person, twin share while berths on the 25-night trip from Santiago, Chile to Sydney (departing 31 January, 2009) are $6,629 per person, twin share. Book through Cruise Express at 1300 766 537.
The Langham, Melbourne has added a new package to its fairytale-themed Enchanted Experience program. Book the Rapunzel, Let Down Your Hair package and you'll get two nights' accommodation in a Club Classic twin room, breakfast for two in the club lounge, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks and hors d'oeurves, a mani-pedi and one hour massage at Chuan Spa, a Hidden Secrets Boutique Experience and access to the health club and wellness centre. From $1170, twin share through 31 December, 2008 (must be booked at least two weeks in advance). For more information, call 1800 858 662 or email mel.resv@langhamhotels.com.
Live it up for three days, two nights at The Spire Queenstown and you'll get 2 nights' accommodation in a suite; a 'Bubbly Breakfast', an a la carte breakfast and a six course chef's tasting menu with wine matches at Inspire restaurant; a tour of several local wineries; lunch at the Winehouse & Kitchen; a 3-wine gift pack; an in-room one hour massage and more. From $1,276 per person through 31 March, 2009 (except 24 December to 6 January, 2009). For more info, or to book, visit www.selecthotels.com, email res@selecthotels.com, or call 1300 368 925.