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Feel on top of the Word with a 45 minute walk in the Sky, on the skywalk tour, Sydney Tower Eye.
Watching the lights turn on over the city of Sydney with a sunset Skywalk tour at Sydney Tower, aka Sydney’s iconic Centrepoint, is exactly how to feel on top of the world; because you are!
Smack-bang in the middle of Sydney city is an historic tower called Sydney tower (often referred to as Centrepoint) where tourists and locals dine at sky levels as the building and view rotate 360 degrees. For those not hungry and slightly more brave, there’s a sky high tour on the very outskirts of the building. Forget vertigo, this amazing view is worth 45 minutes of any height fear!
ON ARRIVAL
On arrival you will check-in with friendly staff, and follow directions to take the lift. Not just any lift. It’s a tiny spacecraft vessel! As you realize the elevator is taking a little longer than normal, your ears will pop with the altitude. How high are you? Well, upon exit you can see for yourself, as 360 degrees of floor to ceiling glass window in the observation deck shows off the city of Sydney in all it’s glory. Sydney Tower escorts will direct you from here; first a breathaliser to test your alcohol limits, I’m guessing so you don’t drunkenly stumble, fall and dangle over the edge at any time, (!) then change into the signature blue wind protective clothing. Designed to catch any falling items from your own clothing underneath, the sexy attire may have you wanting to perfect those long lost 80’s hammertime dance moves, however you will definitely feel protected from the wind.
THE WALKOUT
Next, strap on the harness which attaches to a rail stretching along your walking path around the building. A friendly tour guide gives instruction and information along the way. Music blares as the special roller door rises. Revealed, is a staircase to pull your harness along, which makes a loud clanking noise to get the adrenalin pumping, while walking in single file with your group. Anyone a little nervous of heights will walk at the front and rear of the group, closest to the tour guides - who seemed to be experts at taking the mind off any worry with jokes and funny anecdotes. PHEW!
NOW YOU'RE WALKING IN THE SKY
The pathway wraps 360 degrees around the outskirts of centrepoint Sydney Tower, so stepping out to this view will kind of take your breath away. You are now standing on Sydney's tallest free-standing structure, at a height double the Sydney Harbour bridge, overlooking the entire city of Sydney at a birds eye view. You are standing above all the highrise buildings, looking down and through them via a transparent glass foothpath - people and cars below become like ants. If you’re lucky enough to book in for a sunset tour, the ambience is striking. As the city lights turn on, sun sets, and the world is an amazing place. Your tour guide points out viewing hotspots like the purple water haze of lavender bay, Hyde park’s fountain donated from the French, next to Australia’s largest cathedral illuminated in magnificent tungsten lighting, and the western suburbs as far out as the Olympic stadium and airport. This view is nothing short of amazing.
RECOMMENDED: To those who love a magnificent view, and are too afraid of Sydney's bridgeclimb, this is the tour for you. With my vertigo I found this tour has a safe sense of security, and enjoyed hearing interesting facts on the city.
RECOMMENDED: To those who love a magnificent view, and are too afraid of Sydney's bridgeclimb, this is the tour for you. With my vertigo I found this tour has a safe sense of security, and enjoyed hearing interesting facts on the city.
FINDING THE ENTRANCE:
First find the Westfield shopping mall entrance on the city’s busy Market St. Here, opposite David Jones. Here, there’s a lift to the left, take this to level 5. Turn left for Sydney Tower, which is right next door to Madame Tussauds.
DEETS
Tel: +61 2 9333 9222
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pricing:
From the suburban Brisbane street, Spicers Balfour Hotel evokes a tinge of mystery with its modern, bold design sprouting a distinctly Queenslander-style wraparound verandah. Swathed in moody indigo hues that shimmer beneath the lights by night, one can’t help but wonder what’s inside.
Originally a Queenslander house built in 1901, a three-year long overhaul transformed the building into a suave yet welcoming boutique hotel far from its airy timber origins. The newest addition to the luxury Spicers brand, it’s the only inner-city residence, yet still captures the same intimate escape. Stepping into the lobby and wandering upstairs to reception, the blues that captured me were met by chirpy purple tones, a sparkly chandelier suspended over the counter.
Although the feel is now more European than Queenslander, a few telltale signs hint at its 110-year heritage. A replica of the original front door leads onto the verandah, original mouldings and trims feature in the common area along with revamped exposed beams overhead, and leadlights have been switched around to create an interesting mix combined with the dramatic furnishings.
Standing at the reception counter, a wooden chessboard over to my left caught my attention, perched in the common lounge area by a congregation of velvety chairs, sidelined by a tall, dark bookcase offering anything from fiction to art history reads. My host, friendly and without the stiff smile, then showed me to my room down the dimmed hallway lined with colourful artworks by leading Australian artists.
Rooftop bar
After a poke around my room – comfortable yet stylish – to the sound of the smooth jazz radio beats left on for my arrival, I ditched my bags and head upstairs having arrived in perfect time for canapés at the rooftop bar, served daily between six and seven o'clock.
From cocktails to cognacs, liqueurs, beers, wines, port and vintage champagnes, the high-end class of the hotel is represented in the bar list. But there are plenty of options still priced at the same you’d find anywhere down the road in hip and happening New Farm. Whilst the small outdoor bar area would have been tempting if there were stars, I instead found refuge from the drizzly weather inside by the bi-fold windows.
Looking over and between the local tin rooftops and sturdy Jacaranda trees, the Story Bridge dominated the night skyline in front of the city, its peaks lit in lines of blue lights. Whether it was the view or the smooth latin beats that soon switched into jazz – amplified by the wondrous and free Friday night feel – my crisp drop of sauvignon blanc glided down ever-so-smoothly.
The rooms
After heading out and about until nearly midnight, returning to a warm towel rack was the deal-breaker that landed me in a hot bubble bath. Of the nine rooms, four have baths and deep ones at that, which are spread across the room types. The four Executive Rooms on the central level are great for short stays, whilst the one-off Terrace Suite boasts a well-sized private slice of the verandah overlooking the front garden.
On the bottom level, as well as a small room with some exercise equipment for guests, the Courtyard Rooms offer a little extra breathing space with a small courtyard lined by green bamboo plants. Bold and sleek inside, unique furniture pieces complete the style whilst laptop workstations come in surprisingly handy. And the LCD TV provided perfect Will and Kate royal wedding replay screening.
Local grooves
Located on the cusp of the city, in trendy New Farm, here you reap the benefits of being close to the city but without the sounds of traffic whirring below. Walk out the front and turn right, pace 300 metres, and you’ll discover a grassy cliff-top park with one of Brisbane’s quietest and nicest views down over the winding Brisbane River, through the Story Bridge and to the city. Otherwise turn left, pace 100m, and find yourself standing on Brunswick Street amongst the plethora of quality cafes, restaurants and bars. Try restaurants Ortiga, Dell’Ugo or Anise.
Room packages are inclusive of continental and à la carte breakfast, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the verandah speckled with rays. Also open to the public by reservation, chef Tyson Buchanan offers a great selection to start the day – from exotic jams and granola to French toast brioche and eggs how you like.
Asking the host for her opinion, I went with her favourite, Eggs Benedict, to accompany my cappuccino and freshly made pear, pineapple and ginger juice. Upon placing my reservation, Spicers Balfour confirmed any special dietary requirements, so my breakfast came perfectly on gluten-free bread as well.
With a flick of the paper and a gaze over the quiet street, it was time to pack my bags and say goodbye. This special spot may be more European than Queenslander these days, but the homely feel still lingers.
Hearty breakfasts
Room packages are inclusive of continental and à la carte breakfast, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the verandah speckled with rays. Also open to the public by reservation, chef Tyson Buchanan offers a great selection to start the day – from exotic jams and granola to French toast brioche and eggs how you like.
Asking the host for her opinion, I went with her favourite, Eggs Benedict, to accompany my cappuccino and freshly made pear, pineapple and ginger juice. Upon placing my reservation, Spicers Balfour confirmed any special dietary requirements, so my breakfast came perfectly on gluten-free bread as well.
With a flick of the paper and a gaze over the quiet street, it was time to pack my bags and say goodbye. This special spot may be more European than Queenslander these days, but the homely feel still lingers.
Guest book peek
There are no ‘good’s or even ‘great’s scribbled in here, it’s more like ‘wonderful’, ‘amazing’ and ‘fabulous’, as well as ‘homely’ and ‘welcoming’.
Set on three acres in the majestic Port Stephens, at the south-east edge of Tomaree National Park, The Batch is a charming bed and breakfast perfect for a weekend getaway for two. Nestled at the end of a quiet street, but off a busy main road, this warm home-style oasis lies almost hidden amongst the array of activity in the port, radiating a sense of old-world charm and seclusion.
Boasting beautifully manicured gardens, a salt-chlorinated pool and backing onto a block of bush land, geese and ducks wander about, you may spot a koala or two clinging to trees nearby, and the proud resident peacock often loves to show off his exotic fan of colourful, metallic-fringed feathers.
The Donga
The standout choice would have to be The Donga, perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s your answer to a private ‘adults only’ flee from everyday life. Nestled in its own garden at the back of the property away from the main house, The Donga features its own jacuzzi, an outdoor shower for starry night-sky views, and a fully self-contained bush kitchen including cook top, microwave, fridge and BBQ facilities.
Also boasting an air-conditioned queen-size bedroom and expansive wooden decks to relax on, you could easily hide away for days, if you please, without ever leaving. The flat screen TV and DVD player may be tempting, but the nature at your doorstep is so much more inviting. Relax on the deck at night, bubbly in hand, and hear the surf pounding the shores in the distance.
Grevillea Room & Upstairs Wing
Back at The Batch, the expansive two-level cedar house, there are two other cosy accommodation options. The Grevillea room, on the bottom level, is ideal for nature lovers with direct access onto the verandah.
The Upstairs Wing offers two rooms, a queen-size master bedroom and a single bedroom (an additional room can be used as another single or for storage). Spread over two levels, downstairs has its own lounge/dining room with enclosed verandah and a private entrance.
Recommendation: whilst all options are great – indulge, go for The Donga!
Robert Connell Close, One Mile Beach 5, Anna Bay, Australia
Contact tel: +61 2 4981 9918, fax: +61 2 4981 9874, e-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Every traveller knows a good book is an essential packing item – your key to surviving those dragged out stopovers, the perfect way to steal some quiet ‘me’ time and the most transportable source of research for your destination. Problem is, in some places it just doesn’t seem fitting to whip out your trusty earmarked friend and absorb yourself in the pages. Here’s a list of Brisbane’s best book cafes, where reading is the norm and bookshelves grace the walls for further browsing.
Riverbend Books & Teahouse Bulimba, 193 Oxford Street
For a teahouse and a bookstore, you’ll be surprised to hear it’s also BYO wine at Riverbend. Perched on the front deck of a lovely renovated ‘Queenslander’ style house, the atmosphere is relaxed and chatty. Fronting onto Oxford Street, Bulimba’s main strip of shops and cafes, the leafy trees provide a shield of privacy so you can sip your brew and have a casual bite to eat before wandering inside to browse the shelves. The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including a chicken, orange and macadamia nut salad with rocket and blue cheese dressing. Check the website to see if you’re around in time for an event, with writers, illustrators, chefs and others regularly dropping by. Open: 7.30am-5pm daily (bookshop open a bit later). Dinner available Thursday to Saturday, bookings highly recommended.
Clarence Corner Bookshop and Café Woolloongabba, 596 Stanley Street
Tucked away in a beautiful late-19th century building, Clarence Corner boasts an array of new and old books in all subjects and genres, including some out-of-print editions. A short walk from Southbank and the Goodwill Bridge, not many tourists would even know it exists. While the breakfast menu isn’t overly varied – banana bread, homemade vanilla bean granola and a variety of toppings on toast – the milk is organic and the breads good quality (sourdough and gluten free available), with a decent range of herbal teas. Depending on what day you drop by, you may catch a movie, musician or the clairvoyant who does readings on site. Open: 6.30am-2.30pm daily (breakfast ‘til 1.30pm).
Café Bouquiniste New Farm, 121 Merthyr Road
This café is small and cosy, but packed with cuteness. Bouquiniste is French for bookseller, but you’ll find art, cards and other random bits here as well – from pretty smelly soaps to vintage French postcards and even rubber stamps. The space is relaxed and inviting with an artsy and decorative interior and a few quirky, old-fashioned furniture pieces. It’s only small – tiny actually – but the shelves boast some interesting books to peek your nose into, and if you like what you see, buy. On the menu, choose from toasted sandwiches and savoury tarts, as well as some breakfast items, or else have some cake and sweets with a coffee, all at good prices. Open: 8am-5.30pm daily.
Coaldrake’s Bookshop Fortitude Valley, 1000 Ann Street
With an impressive range of books on offer, there’s also a pretty good range on the menu, including hearty breakfasts like the Big Brekky featuring scrambled eggs, tamarind chutney, Turkish toast, ham, grilled tomato and avocado. Opening out onto the pavement, Coaldrake’s is positioned in a corner of the Emporium complex. Over ten years old, it’s known for its outstanding range of literature, history, travel and children’s books, but houses a range of genres. A second store recently opened at The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, between Roma Street and Paddington. Open: 7am-5pm Mon-Fri; 7.30am-5pm Sat; 7.30am-4pm Sun.
Chess. Coffee. Chocolate. You’ll find it all at Café Checocho. Come by on the right night and you could be graced with some live jazz, blues or gypsy music too! Located in West End, the same chilled out vibe that infiltrates the suburb pulses here. There’s a treasure trove of second-hand books to purchase or read at your table, or else you could simply read the story collaged under your elbows. From images to photographs, each table is smothered in cut-outs depicting a different theme. And if you don’t play chess, there are plenty of other board games to choose from to play into the night. Both warm and cosy during winter, the gelato cabinet will keep you cool in summer. The menu offers a good selection, including pizzas, pastas, salads, burgers and risotto. Monday is raw food night. Open: Mon & Tues 11am-10pm; Wed & Thurs 7am-10pm; Fri & Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 7am-10pm.
Black Cat Books & Café Paddington, 179 Latrobe Terrace
Once the site of Mary Ryan's Paddington, this cafe now stands proudly independent and with a new name. The helpful and knowledgeable staff make finding the right book a breeze amongst a collection that’s varied. You’d be forgiven for walking out without seeing the café, but follow the smell of coffee downstairs and you’ll no doubt be impressed. There’s plenty of seating inside that looks out over the leafy yard, but if you’d rather be amongst the greens the multi-tiered decks that lead down to the gazebo are even better. The menu features ready-made treats like paninis, filo pastries, enchiladas, and sandwich rolls. For the sweet tooths, there’s also cake, biscuits, banana bread and fruit toast. Open: 9am-4pm Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm weekends.
Avid Reader West End, 193 Boundary Street
A local favourite, Avid Reader boasts a great team of staff who can point you in the right direction – they’re often writers themselves. With a large selection of books in all genres, there’s also an interesting assortment of nick-nacks, goodies and CDs to tempt you. Wander to the back of the store to find the little café nestled in the corner with walls dotted in artworks. Here you can fill up on toasted Turkish bread sandwiches, crisp salads with halloumi cheese, savoury tarts, soups, and mouth-watering gluten-free cakes and cupcakes. Breakfast muesli, fruit toast and smoothies feature too. Enquire at the counter or online to find out when the next in-store event is – you might catch a book launch or signing. Open: 8.30am-4pm daily.
Visit the Brisbane TOURIST BOARD
Perched around the corner from Brunswick Street Mall in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley - overrun with partygoers by night and crammed with markets by day on weekends - Limes Rooftop Bar offers a chic escape from the chaos on the ground.
A fully open-air affair, there's a certain vibe that only stars can provide. With delectable cocktails and bites to eat on the menu, the events calendar is just as exciting.
Every Tuesday catch a movie screening under the stars. On Thursdays chill out to some Jazz, with free entry. Drop by on Fridays for knock off drinks, with bar specials and live acoustics followed by DJs. For more specials and a chilled out vibe, come back on Lazy Sundays. See the full lists of eventshere.
With the bar and all events open to both hotel guests and the public, many locals even confess they didn't even know about the Limes Rooftop Bar. Most however declare they'll probably come back.
Limes Hotel even offer a special rate for Limes Rooftop Bar guests at the end of the night - avoid the cab lines and steal a super special overnight rate of $99 for any available remaining rooms.
Constance Street 142, Brisbane, Australia
Contact tel: 0738529000, fax: 0738529099, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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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Set in a romantic boutique hotel on the shores of Byron Bay, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the exclusive in-house Spa at Rae's on Watego's for a golden lair discreetly nestled at the base of this pink 1960s establishment. With the arched wooden doors wide open and the gold mosaic corridor shimmering, it's hard to resist a closer look let alone eyeing off the spa menu. But once the doors are shut, and work is in progress, you'd have no idea it was even there.
Purveying the same sense of intimacy and privacy one comes to expect fromRae's on Watego's, offering an exclusive mix of three penthouses, two suites and a villa, you can relax assured of impeccable service and high-quality care. Featuring a Vichy room, steam room, and two treatment rooms that also open as a couples room, the space remains perfectly intimate, quiet and soothing. Far from simply actioning the movements, treatments are intuitive, engaging 100% of the therapist's attention. No phones ringing down the hall. No other therapists peeping their heads around the door.
Get the celebrity treatment
Offering massage treatments, skin care therapies, body treatments and nurturing spa rituals, the Spa menu comes celebrity-tested. With a long list of celebrity clients, the small team of therapists are of the highest calibre. Using La Gaia formulations with Naturaceuticals, a range scientifically devised and derived from nature, as well as the occasional product from Spanish line Germaine de Capuccini, quality and results collide.
From busy to bliss
Personally, I'm one of those clients who can only start to relax about ten minutes from the end, at which point I simultaneously begin to panic because I know the end is nigh. I think too much. Even if it's just about the lovely, sweet aromas filling the room, my mind races at any chance. But somehow in the hands of Marionne de Candia, known as a 'celebrity facialist' in the spa world, my brain lapsed into nothingness. All thoughts melted in 10 minutes flat, leaving my hyper-sensitive brain in a deep slumber that took nearly four hours to emerge from afterwards. This truly is a bliss unlike any other.
Standouts from the Spa menu
Spa ritual: Silver Rain
A stimulating body exfoliation and Vichy shower, accompanied by an aromatherapy massage.
Body treatment: The Golden Veil
Coated in a rich, golden algae blend and sealed in silken sheets, includes a body massage that stimulates the anti-ageing properties of this luxurious treatment.
Skin care: The Pink Orchid
Connecting head and heart, this opulent facial incorporates precious gemstones, charka point therapy and acupressure.
Extend the treat
With the Spa opening out onto the Rae's on Watego's pool and tropical gardens, and the hotel perched on a palm-fringed beachfront, the treatment doesn't have to end when you leave the treatment room. And being Byron Bay, where hippy and trendy merge, there are numerous organic and vegetarian delights to be found nearby to keep the goodness flowing.
Services facial, manicure, pedicure, body wraps, hot stone therapy, body scrub, reflexology, reikii, massage.
Contact tel: +61 (0)2 6685 5366, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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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