Hope you find the reviews you want, if not, contact us to get more help
A champagne flight on the Singapore Flyer is a highly glamorous way to experience a most popular tourist activity and landmark - which is the world's largest observation wheel. Singapore Flyer gives a bird's eye view of the lion city, best experienced with an evening under the stars on a sky dining flight to see a city lit up in lights!
Located in Marina Bay, purposely surrounded by water for feng shui benefits, the wheel stands larger than the London Eye. The Singapore Flyer is within walking distance from most hotels, which you will see well from the air, and probably be able to point out your hotel! Upon arrival you'll notice an airport theme with signs to the ‘check-in,' ‘VIPs lounge' or ‘baggage depot.' Before boarding your flight a tunnel guides you to a large blue screen where photographers snap away for photos to be super imposed against a shot of the wheel. The cabin is moving as you step onboard, but there's no rush - it's slow enough to make boarding effortless. Inside and on a complete rotation you will gaze through UV protected glass across the island to see rows of skyscrapers, ocean's abundant boats and mountains in the distance then have you back on ground within half and hour. You will literally view birds gliding at your eye level.
Don an audio headset to learn about the interesting Feng Shui culture of Singapore, and existing Chi benefits of the Wheel's construction. An audio history of how Singapore came to be makes for intriguing stories.
Special cabins are available - decked out elegantly for affairs to impress and can be booked privately. Fitting a max of 28 people, business meetings are held in these cabins, (I would sign on that dotted line!) or private evening meals as the sunsets with butler on hand. Also popular are birthday parties, or an intimate marriage proposal when the cabin reaches the top. I have to say, when the annual F1 is on, this would be the million-dollar view, the F1 track circles directly under the flyer.
On my flight, I was worried about vertigo as the Singapore Flyer appears so high from the ground. I can now calm the minds of others to say - yes the cabins are constructed of glass to make you very aware of the height, but the wheel rotates slowly enough that you feel like you're in a tall (42 stories to be exact) secure building. Plus there are seats in the middle so if vertigo is a problem you can remain calmly in the centre, away from the edge, which shows a view of directly underneath you. My chilled flute of Moet & Chandon with complementary strawberries and fine chocolates added a glittering touch of luxury to the flight. There's also the Signature cocktail VIPs flight to enjoy if champagne is not to your taste.
After the flight you disembark by stepping to the grounded platform (at the same pace as walking off an elevator) then walk through a large tourist shop, (unfortunately not duty free) displaying many ideas for gifts to take to those at home who didn't get to go on the flyer. They missed out!
I'd recommend this to tourists of all ages, and anyone looking for a different approach to a business meeting; a trip to Singapore is not complete without.
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 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,
BOOK NOW
You haven’t truly been to the Blue Mountains unless you’ve viewed the spectacular landscape sights from a cable car at Scenic World. Or ridden in Scenic World’s steep rainforest railway; descending from the top of a rocky mountainside down a slow drop to the bottom of thick lush rainforest.
The Blue Mountains are a short two-hour drive from the city of Sydney, and well worth the day trip. Famous for the rock formations known as The Three Sisters, the Blue Mountains are also a great place to go for fresh air, relaxation, and especially winter festivals. The arty, crafty villages will charm your thermal socks off, and are all close to each other atop the mountain area making a village-hopping drive-by very easy.
You’ll find Scenic World well signposted with lots of parking. Scenic World is mainly a divine walking track looping through forest with a ‘choose your own adventure’ option on which path you take. Everyone will start off at the check-in. Take the steep railway to the bottom of the rainforest, and then pick a path to walk around the lush raised walking tracks through tall trees and flowing creeks. There’s a cable car to take from one side of the rocks, over the rainforest to the other, in super close view of the tumbling waterfall and three sisters.
The best way to experience Scenic World is with a guided tour. My tour guide was Murray, who grew up in the Blue Mountains, and whose grandfather was an original Scenic World railway engineer driver. Murray tells interesting stories of the land’s history of the great coal mining days, points out the tools & machinery left behind so camouflaged I wouldn’t spot it, and describe interesting facts about the fauna and flora which you will walk through. A tour guide is also brilliant because instead of iphone-googling for answers to all your hundreds of questions that pop to mind like ‘how can you tell how many billion years old that dicksonia Antarctica fern really is?’ Murray will tell you – count the rings. Murray even holds the talk on Carnivorous plants. Kids love it. I’ve seen Little Shop of Horrors - think I would too!