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Byron Bay on Australia's noth coast of NSW is considered the country's yoga capital due to the the many yogi's who flock to the area seeking sun, surf, health and like minded people. Incorporating yoga into your own holiday will rejuvenate your soul, and Bikram yoga is worth looking into. It's a hard, sweaty class, but the health benfits are numerous and the after glow is guaranteed, as is the happiness that comes with having successfully lasted a 90 minute workout.
The Byron holiday package includes unlimited yoga classes for one or two weeks, with option of three classes a day. There is plenty of accommodation nearby which you'll need to arrange yourself. The studio resides opposite a beach (in summer a swim after class will be your life saver.) Byron Bay is one of Australia's most holistic destinations for the health conscious traveller. Aura and psychic readings, massage, organic foods and naturopaths are in abundance and all part of a chic hippy culture. The town is full of trendy cafes, outdoor pubs and activities like surf lessons, and kayaking. Whale watching whilst on a bushwalk up to the lighthouse is not to be missed.
Located in Marina Mirage on Australia's famed Gold Coast, the world's first luxe designer hotel from fashion label Versace is the five-star award winning Palazzo Versace Hotel. Entering the hotel foyer, weekend high-tea diners are seated under giant chandeliers, sipping tea from signature Versace print teacups. This is indeed a fancy affair..
Glancing around the hotel it is impossible not to recognize Versace's signature design everywhere, right down to the smallest of details. Some people call this trademark décor over the top or tacky, some call it sublime high fashion. Either way, the fine decor unmistakably a Versace hotel and I feel at the height of fashion simply standing in the foyer.
Surrounded by a renaissance splendour of Italian classical design and architecture, the avant guarde hotel prides itself on extravagance and over-the-top attention to detail. Marble floors have been imported from Benedictine monks in Italy, all china and cutlery imported from Europe for example a chandelier from Milan's state library hangs over the very opulent foyer. The hotel also boasts the second largest pebble mosaic in the world, which definitely makes for an impressive driveway.
Guests can expect rooms to be adorned with Donatella Versace's signature furniture and accessories. Fashion photographs decorating the walls are a who's-who of the fashion world. And as for the bathroom, treats are first class including complementary cosmetics and perfumes, slippers and then for sleeping there's a pillow menu for guests to choose from. How luxurious!
Around the outdoor lagoon pool, a ‘water salon' has been created where custom made Versace cabanas and daybeds are adorned with Versace cushions and guests can relax and sip French champagne in the privacy of their own cabana.
With a luxurious spa, mouthwatering restaurant and a white sandy beach imported from nearby Surfers Paradise, a stay at the Versace Palazzo is as good as it gets in luxury on Australia's Gold Coast.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is a winter warming paradise in Australia’s Blue Mountains. The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat in the Blue Mountains is a wonderfully heart-warming city break during Sydney's cold winter months.
Although a wonderful site in it's own right, the monotony of Sydney's grey buildings against dull winter skies can motivate you to head off for a weekend - perhaps into the picturesque Australian country-side; such as a quick two-hour drive to The Blue Mountains where The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is located.
Relax in the scenic landscape of Australian gum-trees, mountains and valleys, fresh crisp air, and chill-axed arty people. Yes - this is the home of many creative folk - musicians and craftsman, woodcarvers, candle-makers and bakers, who show off their wares in shops and markets dotted in towns around the mountainsides. Australian painter, Norman Lindsay, made the area famous when he based his studio and home in The Blue Mountains - watch the DVD called Sirens starring a young Hugh Grant, Elle Macpherson & Portia Di Rossi for an insight into the local artists inspirations.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat embraces the surrounding countryside into the Hotel's décor and lifestyle. Reminiscent of an English cliff-side manor, the hotel is situated at the peak of a mountain. Gorgeous floral drapes frame enormous windows with views of an entire town and valley; where the three-sisters rock formation live. In what seems like two seconds, you can drive to the Three Sisters rock formation, which should really be classified as the eighth wonder of the world!
Although I was slightly distracted during my visit (by the cold weather and the melting hot chocolate in a nearby chocolate gallery), I was still struck by the amazing natural beauty of the area. I arrived to low clouds floating just above a green tree-lined valley with the three rocks (sisters molded in time, according to indigenous stories) rising stoically above. When the fluffy white clouds beckoned me I strolled to a viewing platform and watched them swirling below.
It is this breathtaking view you'll see in the distance whilst enjoying breakfast at The Mountain Heritage Hotel. The health conscious can sip a detoxing herbal tea and feast on satisfying Bircher muesli, while guests who prefer a traditional brekkie can stick with a full continental buffet breakfast with coffee, juices, bacon, eggs and mushrooms galore. Relax and read your newspaper with fellow guests or head to the country-themed sitting rooms, with open-log fire and winter Christmas decorations for Christmas in July.
Hotel décor is country style. Flora and fauna paintings adorn walls, floral drapes frame frosty windows, and low-lit lamps create a calming ambience. Spacious rooms exude a homely feel with open fireplace and luxe lounge sofa, and also comprise reverse air-conditioning, full-length mirror and flatscreen TV with DVD. The bathroom is conveniently stocked and features a deluxe spa bath.
Yulefest
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is credited with bringing Yulefest, a traditional celebration of Christmas in July to Australia, so you could rightly expect a song and dance about this! Well, a few songs at least, for the hotel boasts a feast and carols, with visit from a present-laden Santa as part of the Yulefest Celebrations and Dinner Experience. A delicious five course meal including turkey and trimmings, mulled wine and bon-bons, piano serenade, cabaret show and glass of good dessert port is why guests keep returning.
Spa Sublime
On the grounds to the hotel, but a separate entity, Spa Sublime offers massage, facial and hot-stone therapy to complete your rejuvenating weekend. Working with Australian Indigenous products to complement your surroundings and create heaven-in-a-room for your spa treatment, Spa Sublime is only 90 minutes away to total serenity. Try the calming hot-stone massage, where a trained masseuse utilizes the temperatures of warm stones smoothed over your aching muscles. Great if you've spent the day bush trekking!
Nearby
Nearby cafés and eateries are a-plenty. Visit The Common Ground Café for a unique and healthy dining experience. The Common Ground is a community project, co-op style eatery, serving healthy organic and gluten free foods. The interior is just like a giant tree house - this craftsmanship is not to be missed!
Services swimming pool, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, air-conditioning
Gibraltar Country Club Hotel and Spa in Australia's Southern Highlandsis a stylishly modern Sydney city escape, set amongst rolling greenery, sunlit lakes and lush pines. Of (golf) course - It also happens to be a golfers paradise!
Gibraltar Country Club Hotel & Spa is located in Bowral - an antique town, filled with arty people and scenic views. Annual flower shows bring yearly visitors to what is considered one of the prettiest café and garden communities in Australia. Gibraltar Country Club Hotel & Spa, easy to find, is enormous on sight. Perched majestically on a beautiful golf field, it's easy to see why not only golfers are attracted to weekends away here.
Quite modernly styled, Gibraltar Country Club Hotel & Spa has only recently opened - meaning everything in the vicinity is new and shiny. Friendly staff greet you at reception with a guided tour of the grounds. Adorning the walls is a collection of mostly Australian themed etchings, paintings and drawings - hand selected by the hotel owner. An owner, who clearly has design taste, for he played a large role in the entire hotel décor. Simple stylish elegance and comfort are designed into your stay. Spacious rooms face directly out to the golf course landscape, with artwork, heavenly bed, large deluxe spa bath, flat screen TV and all the typical modern trimmings highlighting your happiness.
Restaurant and bar
In-room dining is available, or dine at the Gibraltar Grill, where a perfectly cooked succulent steak awaits - if you choose, from the grill. Meet the locals at Harvey's Bar on weekends.
The Gym
New equipment is decked out in the gym, including exercise bike, treadmill and weights. Rolled towels and reclining lounge give that added hotel glamour, and an indoor heated pool is perfect if you've spent the day on the course. What a great way to unwind!
Weddings & Business trips
Enormously high ceilinged conference rooms are available for functions and weddings, if your trip is for this reason - you are in for a treat. All function rooms look out over the magnificent golfing grounds. Sip your tea, and watch the sun catch light from the duck's favorite lake, while your meetings are underway.
Day Spa
The hotel spa is appropriately named The Bowral Day Spa. Appropriate that is, because you will want to spend all day here. Walking into a low-lit lounge to fill in your information-form and sip detoxing tea, your therapist soon escorts you to a personal room for changing. It's the little details like a soft lux dressing gown and slippers which make such a difference! Treatments compliment natural surroundings by embracing ancient indigenous techniques and products, as inspired in the Australian LI'TYA range. LI'TYA uses mud powders, local infused oils like lemon myrtle or bush rose. Serenading your senses are ancient indigenous chants set to modern beats and piano sounds. At your choice, treatment will begin with a welcoming smoking ceremony from Australian bush barks. I tried the hot stone massage on my visit. Stones from the west of Australia's land have been hand crafted, and are heated to 38 degrees before the therapists glides them over my body, kneading away any tension and inducing a relaxed state of mind. Pure Bliss!
Nearby
Vineyards
The Southern Highlands region, being one of Australia's most picturesque tourist destinations, wouldn't be complete without quintessential romantic vineyards scattered throughout. I visited the Centennial Vineyards for a spot of wine tasting, with afternoon lunch at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant. A dessert wine aptly named 2009 Autumn Late Harvest Chardonnay, (which yes, I selected because of my namesake!) won numerous awards and accidently found itself purchased by me for later consumption! Well, who could resist sweet wine offering a beautifully balanced palette of white peach, nectarine, and subtle caramel/vanilla aromas!
The Centennial Vineyards Restaurant offers European barn style elegance; with high beams, antique farming equipment and wagon wheel props embedded in the decor to create an amazingly charismatic ambience. Dine on fine delicacies, I recommend The signature Highland tasting platter, as you glance out a window showing baby lambs and sheep roaming sunlit vineyards.
Illawarra Flyover
Imagine walking through the tallest of age-old trees at extraordinary heights!The Illawarra Flyover is a 45-minute walking track raised up in the air, set inside a beautiful tropical rainforest stretch. First take a peaceful stroll through the flora and fauna at land height, soaking in nature. Then embrace your innerCrouching Tiger Hidden Dragon for the ascent into the air. If you love views, climb the central tower to experience a magnificent sight of rolling green hills and leafy green forest, which stretches out to the distant ocean. Not for those who experience vertigo, as sometimes the footpath moves with the breeze...however all the more fun for the slight thrill-seekers among us!
Getting there:
The Southern Highlands are an easy hour and a half away from Sydney city; unless you're travelling at peak ‘weekend escape time' being 6pm Friday night, in which case definitely include traffic time in your itinerary. Or opt for the easy 2-hour train rides which stops in the heart of Bowral town.
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, room service, business services, internet access, golf course, tennis courts, air-conditioning
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The Marriott hotel’s Lattouf hair and day spa, on Australia’s sparklingGold Coast in Queensland, combines an intoxicating infusion of the senses in order to create a perfect signature candle therapy massage. The Marriott hotel’s Lattouf hair and day spa is where amazing aromas, serene sounds and magical massage become like art.
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Marriott hotel sits on a glistening canal. If you arrive early, you might perch on a comfortable outdoor sofa to enjoy a moment of recreated tropical paradise within a city of sun. Or perhaps, seat yourself inside and soak in the elegance with air-chilled interiors. Lattouf Spa is located on the level 1, accessed only by lift, along with a state of the art gymnasium. The spa offers an abundance of hair indulgences and relaxing spa treatments, plus Jacuzzi, steam-room and sauna within a lovely five-star setting.
Antique wooden doors and burning candles frame Lattouf’s spa entrance, to immediately induce in guests a sublime relaxation state within the beauty den. On arrival, friendly staff will seat you, offer a soothing tea such as peppermint and liquorice, take your details, and escort you to a candle filled oasis treatment room - or into the modern hair salon, depending on the booking.
I enjoyed a Lattouf signature treatment; the pure Lattouf candle massage for intense hydration. A melon and fig infused candle was melted into oil, then expertly massaged and absorbed into my skin. While the candle aroma lingered, meditative soft tunes played on in background. Candle therapy works well for unwinding, with gliding elbows and kneeding hands on pressure points all the more smooth and sensual. Guests choose the candle scent to be burnt during massage. On offer are Lattouf exclusive aroma’s such as vanilla cinnamon and clove, or lemon and green tea, or Patchouli, aniseed, with ylang ylang – sounds like a hard decision? It is.
I recommend The Marriott Hotel Lattouf Hair & Spa to anyone seeking a spa which sparkles - a purely relaxing and indulgent day on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Contact tel: 1300 36 3737
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, near beach, parking, hotel restaurant, concierge, air-conditioning
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The Velo Project is a unique café and design space on the Sunshine Coast. Inspired by a desire to create, a graphic designer and costume designer have collaborated ideas, and the results are an ambient artistic hub with perfect coffee and gourmet food in the backstreets of Mooloolaba, The Velo Project café and design space.
Located on Careela street, a few alleys back from Moololaba’s famous main beach; the stroll to this enchanting gourmet eatery is worth every step. A new concept for the Sunshine Coast, The Velo Project combined design space and café have newly opened their doors in February 2012. Décor and design is completely compelling for a coffee moment or lunching or designing mood. Diners sit in an open-plan, al fresco setting amongst art and collectable which hold a lovely worldy and strongly retro Parisian influence. Old type-writers , 1920’s sketches, and retro sewing machines sit by modern artworks with an impressive attention to detail. Tables are grouped together to create a community and welcoming atmosphere. The Velo Project is the kind of place you could sit with your warm coffee and easily write a novel for a very long time.
The Velo Projects menu is elegantly written in the language of Francoise, and easy to interpret. Gourmet healthy meals are on offer, with tasty cakes and delicacies on display, and amazing coffee aromas serenade the senses. Organic produce is for sale in large fridges on the back walls, and throughout the café.
I recommend a visit to The Velo Project to anyone wanting to be inspired, enjoy a good coffee, write a novel, taste amazing food, work on designs, buy organic produce, write a song, design a houte couture outfit, sip a chilled drink, enjoy life and be free.
careela st 19, Mooloolaba QLD, Australia
Contact tel: 0754448693, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Dining at the Seven Sands Restaurant in The World Trade Club within Dubai's World Trade Centre is almost like dining in the sky. Raised 33 Floors above ground with glass window walls gives the best surround aerial view of the city and makes for a perfect wind down from a busy day. Take a glass of vino, enjoy a hearty steak and watch the sun set over the flat city into distant sand dunes.
Seven Sands cuisine is deliciously filling and rich in flavour. Meals arrive with large entree servings and balanced with small main courses, which is all you'll need to drown taste buds in each exquisite dish and feel satisfied at this fine establishment.
Recommended is the Pan seared Sea Bass on spinach, almond and broccoli risotto, topped with grapes and cherry tomato confit. I personally recommend the mouth watering Pappardelle al tartufo ravioli with mild pumpkin and parmesan veloute. And for dessert, any chocolate addicts will melt at the taste of Noir Grande Cru with 65% chocolate pudding; Grande Marnier infused liquid centre and tamarillo sorbet. Tastes as good as it sounds. The menu specialises in American steak grills, and if my non red meat choice for the evening is anything to go by, the steaks here would be delectable.
The eatery has only recently opened doors to the public; in 2008 dining was exclusive to World Trade Club Members, no exceptions. Intrigue in anything previously forbidden got my feet to the door, and I can report that satisfyingly, there still maintains a secret men's club feel to the place, so being a female, I feel like I'm in on some big man-secret when seated by the waiting bar. With masculine brown hues to the interior design, you can't help but want to sip a scotch and smoke a cigar in the separate bar lounge while waiting for guests to arrive, and glance up at the hanging moose head - no, that doesn't exist, but it really wouldn't feel out of place!
I'd suggest this dinner venue is great for anyone who might be intimidated by some of the younger, too-trendy eateries and fancy a delicious meal with surround city views and mature ambience. There's definitely an older crowd full of people winding down after a hard days work. Valet parking is available.
Nivea Haus day spa conveniently located in the UAE'S Dubai Mall, downtown Burj Dubai, is surprisingly elegant for what you'd expect from a brand synonymous with everyone's bathroom cabinet.
The age-old brand called Nivea usually brings to mind supermarket thoughts of reliable deodorant and good old tubs of moisturiser, not surprising when the trademark has been around since 1811 supplying just that. Now Nivea has opened three shiny new clinics, two in Germany, and one in Dubai - where I discovered what else they have to offer.
When Nivea products are all displayed together you realise it's actually quite a large range. The Haus combines a Hollywood style makeup counter, hair salon, relaxation centre and several analysis rooms. All these departments work exclusively with Nivea products - of course! To be honest, the Spa looks more like a modern glitzy space clinic than a supermarket aisle.
I visited to try the Nivea facial and makeover from resident experts, which ended a nice day of window-shopping in the surrounding mall. After a microscopic skin and hair analysis, products were recommended and chosen based on my individual skin type and I was treated to a facial which included everything a five star facial would; deep cleanse, exfoliation, extraction and then my favourite - the facial massage. Next was a makeover. A trained artist selected the best colours and powders for my face from a rainbow of colour options. Perhaps I wouldn't personally choose green eye shadow with my blue eyes, but it's nice to try another opinion every now and then.
In the Nivea Haus day spa it is too easy to forget you are being pampered with affordable products that are available down the road (anywhere.) Elegance all the way, I like it!
A facial at Dubai's Park Hyatt Spa in the UAE is what bliss truly means; relaxing, cleansing, soothing and rejuvenating.
The session is 90 minutes, or all day long if you'd like to arrive early and spend a full day relaxing spa style, which any treatment at The Park Hyatt Spa will let you do. This means you can lounge poolside in the sun or read a book under palm-tree shade, order a healthy salad for lunch and enjoy unlimited salt scrubs in the hot steam room. This experience can be such a tranquil day in beautiful surroundings that you might easily forget the treatment you came for! Never fear because the Spa will remember when it's time and they'll show you to your very own secluded oasis haven. This room is yours to relax in, complete with scented candles, massage table, an outdoor garden area to chill or take an outdoor shower, all for the next 90 minutes.
After selecting your choice of mood enhancing sounds, enjoy a warm flower foot soak while seated in the comfy outdoor lounge. A friendly skin specialist will closely examine your skin, give you advice for general care and then expertly begin the facial on the massage table. She will cleanse, exfoliate and do wonderful things to your face while you continue to unwind. Then out comes the electricity machine to blast your face with shock waves, and believe me it sounds worse than it really feels, promise!
Towards the end, you will be taken to heaven with a stimulating head massage. 90 minutes is a long time, but here you will want this luxury to never end, ever.
Results were seen immediately on my bad skin with the electricity waves, I would definitely recommend this treatment. And when you can take advantage of a full day at this most luxurious Spa, a facial here becomes one of the best in town for getting your money's worth.
Soft Touch Spa at The Kempinski Hotel has the best location for convenience; it's connected to Dubai's enormous Mall of the Emirates. This means after a day of exhausting wanderings through the millions of retail stores at the Mall, or snow fun and skiing slopes at Ski Dubai, you can easily unwind and relax with a rejuvenating facial or massage before even leaving the venue.
Walking into the hotel foyer of Kempinski Hotel foyer, almost directly opposite Ski Dubai, sit Dubai's elite guests who are in transit. You will take the lift up to Soft Touch Spa's secluded oasis. There is nothing to do but simply sit down and begin the unwinding process in the ‘peace room,' a haven complete with cozy beds and soothing music. Then you are escorted into a treatment room where scented candles set a tranquil mood.
I tried the blissful Ligne St Bath's facial. After an intense yet blissful cleansing, toning and moisturizing ritual using products from the luxurious St Barth's rage (made in the Caribbean and using 100% natural ingredients) I lay back to enjoy a heavenly hand massage to complete. Totally tropical pampering at it's very best!
There was a skip in my step as I left this spa feeling fabulous, blemish free and with skin that really did glow with health all week!
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