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From the breezy wooden decks of The Summerhouse, you'd be forgiven for feeling a whole world away from the bustling urban scene of Byron Bay's tourist-laden streets.
Perched on a hill between Byron Bay and the refreshingly cute inland town of Bangalow, The Summerhouse brings its guests the best of both worlds. Whilst the sweeping coastal views to the far north and south of Byron Bay are beautiful from this peaceful perch afar, it's also stunningly deceiving, for just a five minute drive will steer you into the thick of it.
Common luxuries
The main attraction at The Summerhouse lies at its heart. An impeccable central common area provides guests access to kitchen facilities and a large indoor dining area, opening out onto an expansive verandah and wooden decks by the salt water pool. With 180 degree views from the pool's edge that stretch out over green properties to the coast, it's not much less from inside as the glass bifold doors are left wide open most of the day in good weather. The entire house is energised by the breeze wafting through and it's oh so easy to linger about here for hours with those daybeds calling. Don't miss a poolside sunset - it's truly mesmerising.
The rooms
Each pure and elegant in style, the well-appointed rooms perfectly complement the common area, with the same Moroccan-inspired finishing touch. Peaceful and bright, all rooms feature fantastic views of the ocean coastline and Byron Bay Lighthouse, as well as private en suites, a large flat screen TV/DVD/CD and climate control.
The rooms differ slightly in terms of space and facilities. The Premium Room is the largest with a his'n'hers spa bath and shower. The Superior Room is second largest with a spa bath ensuite, whilst the Luxury Room features purely an ensuite. All though, boast a private balcony and king size beds.
The poolside Deluxe Room is queen size, whilst the Studio is the smallest option, a petite but charming option for short stays. Two couples or a small family can be catered to in the Apartment, which sleeps up to four guests (two on a sofa bed). This room also includes a versatile kitchenette and spa bathroom.
Pampering services
Not only is it possible to book a massage or facial during your stay, but start the day pampered with breakfast cooked to perfection by an onsite breakfast chef. With high-quality continental offerings, including Gluten Free options, you can also choose from pancakes, fresh free range eggs, bacon, smoked salmon, fresh cappuccinos and a selection of teas.
Local grooves
Whilst Byron Bay itself offers a plentiful mix of breezy bars, utopian restaurants and shops to fit out your summer wardrobe, the true beauty lies in the region as a whole. Explore the many beaches surrounding Byron, including hidden spots like King's Beach and Bray's Beach, where you may even find one all to yourself. Considering you're half way there, don't miss cute little Bangalow. If you're able to venture a little further, head inland to discover green rolling pastures, rainforests and waterfalls. And then there's Nimbin, which has more to it than its seedy past may pose. Check out the candle-making factory, chuckle at the drug-inspired shop names, and be sure to tackle a mean satay tofu burger.
Coopers Shoot Road 9, Byron Bay, Australia
Contact tel: +61 (0)2 6685 3090,
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Perfectly perched on the brilliant white shores of Watego’s Beach, a pastel pink establishment somewhat reminiscent of Cycladic Greece rises above the backpacker culture ingrained into Byron Bay to offer a piece of divine opulence that only Rae’s on Watego’s can. The pinkish hues hint at the kind of experience you’ll discover. Romance is not hard to come by. Waves pound the shores at your doorstep, an extravagant, mood-lit interior will no doubt set the tone, and a treatment at thein-house spa, rated top 50 in the world, will bring you to exist in every mesmerising moment of your stay, all senses tuned.
Luxury and location merge together effortlessly. Removed from the bustling centre of Byron Bay, peaceful and scenic Watego's Beach lies at your doorstep, whilst the decadent pool inside brings with it further seclusion from the outside world. With only seven rooms throughout the classic Mediterranean and Moroccan styled villa, guest privacy and attentive service is guaranteed.
Luring the likes of Paris Hilton, Elle Macpherson and The Rolling Stones, Rae's on Watego's is one blissful escape that, for the rest of us, is never out of reach for that special weekend away.
The rooms
Each individually styled and decidedly different, a fascinating mix of Italian marble, antique hand painted Javanese tiles and mosaic features exude a luxurious and almost erotic feel. Exquisite decor and hand-crafted furnishings, some particularly eye-catching, create a warm and inviting hub for couples to relax and indulge.
Choose between three penthouses featuring large sun-drenched balconies overlooking the ocean, three suites with either courtyards or garden terraces, and a spacious two-level villa opening out onto the swimming pool fringed with tropical gardens. Penthouse 2, 'Ocean View', will also comfortably accommodate two couples.
Across all room types, highlights include Moroccan arched doorways, a sunken spa bath, a marble fireplace, and an antique Balinese four-poster bed. Take a closer look and let Rae's on Watego's help select the perfect choice for you.
World-class spa
Rae's Spa is the ultimate in luxury pampering. Just the sight of its shimmering gold mosaic corridor invokes a sense of awe. Nestled by the poolside, whilst the spa is small, it's perfectly intimate, creating a peaceful sanctuary for healing. A small team of experienced therapists offer massage treatments, skin care therapies and body treatments, as well as a range of nurturing spa rituals.
One gets the feeling this is not about repeating the movements. Treatments are intuitive. And next thing you know your mind is empty and you feel like you're floating mid-air. Once you've felt these magical hands at work, you'll too understand why Rae's Spa is rated in the world's top 50.
A standout treatment from the spa menu is The Pink Orchid. Incorporating precious gemstones, chakra point therapy and acupressure, this is one facial you won't forget.
Seaside Dining
Open for lunch and dinner during the summer months, whilst some tables inside provide a little more shelter, the dining verandah no doubt has the best seats with just a small green patch of palm-filled parkland between you and the ocean.
The 60 seat alfresco restaurant delivers a deliciously varied seafood-based menu full of quality produce and fresh local ingredients. With impeccable service and presentation, you will remember not only the flavours that pass your lips at Rae's Fish Cafe.
The very same kitchen provides all room-service catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks from its all day dining menu. Choose to dine-in, order a nibble by the pool, or enjoy a meal from the comfort of your own exquisite room.
Menu highlights include the blackened fillet of yellowfin tuna with warm babaganoush and roast peppers, the barbecued lemongrass Moreton Bay bugs and the fresh seafood linguine in tomato, roast garlic and parsley salsa.
Local Lookouts
A trip to Byron Bay isn't complete without a visit to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, built in 1901. Whilst it's possible to drive to the top of the 94-metre cliff, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, the real beauty lies in making your way there slowly. The Cape Byron Walking Track begins back in town, at Main Beach.
If you'd like to cheat a little however, Rae's on Watego's is perfectly positioned along the track just twenty minutes from the lighthouse. So there are no excuses for skipping the views hundreds flock to see every day. From the top you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the whole township, mountains inland, the bay and out to sea.
Marine Parade 8, Byron Bay, Australia
Contact tel: +61(0)2 66 855 366, fax: +61(0)2 66 855 695, e-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Services spa, swimming pool, near beach, parking, hotel restaurant, room service, internet access, concierge
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Stepping into the Emporium Hotel, in Brisbane’s trendy Fortitude Valley, scenes from the infamous James Bond flicks come flashing back. It’s bold. It’s slick. It’s fancy. It oozes a smooth, sexy, mysterious vibe, from the front door to the cocktail bar and through to the luxurious studio suites. Touting a scheme of eye-grabbing reds, blacks and silvers throughout, up close one can see the designs are beautifully detailed.
Recently recognised for not only outstanding design and facilities, but exceptional guest service and attentive hospitality all round, the five-star Emporium Hotel is not a stranger to industry acclaim. For the third year running, it was awarded Best Boutique Hotel at the 2011 national HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, which recognises leading hotels across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
It’s the finishing touches that many hotels miss, which makes the Emporium Hotel so worthy of standing out from the crowd. From an immaculate, guest-friendly fit out to full-service concierge services and modern, high-tech facilities, the city-cusp location, top-notch dining options and lengthy pillow menu are just bonuses.
Other features: rooftop pool, sauna, gym, conference centre, function rooms, business facilities, valet parking, 24-hour reception, disabled access.
The rooms
Each of the 102 deluxe studio suites is custom designed, both comfortable and stylish. There are five different room types – some with Brisbane city skyline views – as well as rooms specifically designed for those requiring disabled access. Nearly half of the rooms boast spa baths, whilst the Deluxe Corner Suite features two rooms across a generous 76-square metre floor space. All rooms are fitted with a marble kitchenette and stainless steel appliances, laundry facilities, and state of the art entertainment and technology, including a 106cm plasma TV, Foxtel and wireless internet. Interconnecting rooms are also available upon request.
The cocktail bar
The Emporium Hotel’s cocktail bar is a hit with Brisbane locals and travellers alike. Decked out with a collection of locally made, custom-designed pieces and antiques from exotic locations, the setting is ambient and classy. By day, drop by for a coffee and a sweet treat, then by night, be sure to try one of the many cocktails (though choosing can certainly be hard). Thursday through to Saturday night, a live jazz band gets its groove on for the crowd of stylish women and men.
Packages
The Emporium Hotel offers an impressive range of packages dubbed ‘Emporium Experiences’ that are well worth considering. For a birthday, business or romance, there’s a package to suit just about every occasion, whether its bubbly, roses or the morning newspaper that gets you excited.
Local grooves
Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is trendy and crisp, home to many boutiques, op-shops, top-notch restaurants, weekend markets, cool cafes, trendy bars, bopping clubs, and great arts and live-music venues. The Emporium Hotel is also situated within its own classy precint, The Emporium, which means a range of dining, bars and cafes, as well as a few boutiques and a bookshop are literally right on the doorstep.
Ann Street 1000, Fortitude Valley, Australia
Contact tel: +61 (0)7 3253 6999 OR 1300 883 611, fax: +61 (0)7 3253 6966, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, creche/listening service, room service, business services, internet access, wheelchair accessible, concierge, air-conditioning
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In the beautiful hinterland haven of Montville, tucked in behind the Sunshine Coast, sits a unique holiday house for you to call home. Considering it costs just a bit more than a cabin or hotel room in the area, there’s no need to forgo the creature comforts of real accommodation and the space that only a house can provide. Perfect for a family with kids, Seadrift Holiday House has wondrous views stretching all the way to the Sunshine Coast’s white, sandy beaches – with a great deck to kick back, relax, and soak it all up from.
Just a few minutes from the centre of Montville’s arty existence, and the great restaurants and local shops, this spacious house is spread out over two levels with lots of connecting rooms and spaces.
Seadrift – upstairs
The very spacious master bedroom has a queen bed, spa bath and pot-belly fireplace, as well as uninterrupted views all the way to the sea through floor-to-ceiling glass. The second bedroom is standard size with a double bed, and leads onto a third bedroom with two bunk beds for the kids. The separate upstairs bathroom also features a spa bath, and there’sa laundry with washing machine and dryer facilities.
Seadrift – downstairs
A spacious lounge downstairs boasts an open fireplace, perfect for the winter, and air-conditioning for the summer. Comfortably seating eight people, there’s also a TV and DVD player. Both the lounge and the adjacent dining room lead onto a large, partially-covered verandah looking out over the hinterlands and to the Sunshine Coast – a perfect spot to sit at the end of each day with a glass of wine. There’s also a BBQ and sun-bed, and two outdoor settings to enjoy. Also downstairs is a bathroom with toilet and shower, and a large open-plan kitchen equipped with cutlery, cooking utensils, dinnerware and a few basics. An extra bed is hidden beneath the stairs.
Local grooves
Montville is full of character for a small village-like town – or ‘area’ more like it – in the hilly hinterlands perched on the Blackall Range. Bursting with galleries, arts and crafts, boutiques, gift shops and cafes, life operates at a lovely, leisurely pace here. Montville is also close to the Kondalilla National Park, which boasts scenic walks and waterfalls, perfect for escaping into nature and possibly even a picnics and a freshwater swim. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk also passes through nearby for the keen walkers.
Balmoral Street , Montville , Australia
Contact tel: +61 (0)7 5478 5478 OR +61 (0)438 785 478, e-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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