News and Deals from Mantra Resorts

Here is a summary of what's news and the hottest deals around Australia from Mantra Hotels, Resorts and Apartments.


What’s new at Mantra

CENTRAL COAST, NSW
PAR EXCELLENCE: Mantra Kooindah Waters Golf Resort & Spa has enhanced its position as one of Australia’s most sought after leisure escapes with the Central Coast property being ranked the seventh best play and stay facility nationally, and best in NSW, by the 2010 Golf Course Guide. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Mantra Kooindah Waters offers an ideal location for a golfing getaway, family holiday or relaxing break. The resort also features Karinyas Restaurant & Bar, Endota day spa, indoor heated lap pool, outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium, tennis facilities and a children’s playground. In June this year its championship 18 hole golf course was honoured by another respected sports publication Golf Australia. The 6,083m layout, which was designed by leading architect Ross Watson and tour star Craig Parry, finished 22nd in the publication’s list of Australia’s top 30 residential courses. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

GOLD COAST, QLD
ALL THE PAMPERING UNDER THE SUN: Leading Surfers Paradise resort, Mantra Sun City, has taken relaxation to a higher orbit with the opening of a decadent new day spa. Holidaymakers can now splash out on the ultimate in Gold Coast indulgence with leading massage and beauty company Calmertherapies opening its doors at the property. Adding an extra dimension for guests looking to be pampered in paradise, the day spa offers a tempting range of body treatments and pamper packages to soothe the mind, body and soul. Located in the resort lobby, the day spa offers rejuvenating deep tissue, relaxation, pregnancy and hot stone massages plus a choice of cleansing facials. Full body scrubs, deluxe pedicures and manicures, Mother’s Rewards and Men’s Treats is just a small example of what is waiting to be enjoyed, all in a serene and soothing setting. Open for appointments seven days a week by phoning 55 846025 or extension #6025 for resort guests, the day spa has treatments starting from just $75. Offering an idyllic haven to rejuvenate in privacy and contemporary comfort, Mantra Sun City is the perfect choice for couples and families alike. For bookings or further information call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

CANBERRA, ACT
HANG WITH MANTRA FOR THE MASTERPIECES FROM PARIS: Holidaymakers can escape to the national capital, see Masterpieces from Paris and hang in stylish comfort with Mantra on this awesome art lover’s escape. Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne and beyond, hailed as one of the most exceptional art events to be held in Australia, can be seen in Canberra only at the National Gallery of Australia from 4 December 2009 to 5 April 2010. Visitors will encounter van Gogh’s Bedroom at Aries 1889, Gauguin’s Tahitian women 1891, Cezanne’s beloved Mount Saint-Victoire c 1890 and many other examples by Post Impressionist painters in this once in a lifetime event. As a proud sponsor of the National Gallery of Australia, Mantra on Northbourne has packages from just $199* per room per night including accommodation in a Hotel Room, buffet breakfast for two and two tickets to the Masterpieces from Paris Exhibition. Perfectly located in the CBD with shopping and nightlife at your doorstep, Mantra on Northbourne offers apartment style accommodation combined with the facilities of a 4 star hotel. For bookings or further information call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

MELBOURNE, VIC
NEW GM FOR MANTRA ON PARK: Experienced hospitality professional Scott Horn has been appointed the general manager of Melbourne property Mantra on the Park, moving from Tropical North Queensland where he was general manager for Mantra Esplanade, Cairns. Prior to joining Mantra Group, Scott held senior operational roles in Cairns with Mirvac and Accor.

LORNE, VIC
ERSKINE BRANCHES OUT WITH NEW BOSS: Jeffrey Branch has been appointed general manager of Mantra Erskine Beach Resort, Lorne. Most recently Jeffrey has been managing his own Vanuatu property and has also worked with Mirvac as General Manager of Citigate Sebel The Entrance, Sea Temple Palm Cove and Sebel Vanuatu.

BRISBANE, QLD
QUEEN HAS A NEW KING: Ian Herbst has taken the position of general manager of Brisbane property Mantra on Queen replacing Michael Harrison who has left to pursue other challenges. Ian brings strong corporate CBD hotel experience to the position having previously worked as a manager for Royal on the Park. Well respected within the Mantra Group, he also been general manager of Peppers Coral Coast, Airlie Beach, and Mantra Amphora, Cairns.

SUNSHINE COAST, QLD
BRILL APPOINTMENT: Experienced resort manager David Brill has been appointed area manager of Mantra Group’s Mooloolaba region where he will be responsible for Mantra Mooloolaba, Mantra Sirocco, Mantra Zanzibar, BreakFree Alex Beach and BreakFree Seamark.

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
MANTRA BOLSTERS TNQ TEAM: Mantra bolsters its Tropical North Queensland team with the appointments of experienced hospitality professionals Gaye Coughlan to general manager of Mantra Esplanade, Cairns and Austin Robinson to general manager of Mantra PortSea, Port Douglas. Both bring outstanding backgrounds in property management to their respective positions with Gaye previously holding senior roles with Oaks Group and Club Crocodile while Austin has worked for Novotel and other leading 4-to-5 star hotels in both the leisure and corporate sectors.

Hot Deals

BYRON BAY, NSW
CHILL OUT AT CASUARINA THIS CHRISTMAS: Casuarina Lodge, in the lush Byron Bay hinterland, is the idyllic choice for a soothing Christmas escape. Holidaymakers can beat the heat in a cool rainforest setting and save this summer, with the Mantra-managed retreat offering sizzling deals through December and January. For example from Sundays through to Thursdays, guests can enjoy the comforts of an upmarket suite with ensuite and queen bed from $190* per unit per night including continental breakfast. On Friday and Saturday nights, the rate is $333* per unit per night with continental breakfast. Offering a just 18 Rainforest Suites, Casuarina Lodge is the ideal getaway to relax and be pampered with the promise of privacy and seclusion whilst still being able to enjoy the distinctive beach atmosphere and lifestyle of nearby Byron Bay. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

SUNSHINE COAST, QLD
MANTRA LAUNCHES MATES RATES FOR COAST LOCALS: Mantra is looking after its mates on the Sunshine Coast with a range of sizzling specials allowing locals to experience the best of what the rest of Australia comes to enjoy with a relaxing holiday at home. Put your feet up and let the resort experts take care of you on these money-saving breaks in your own backyard valid Sundays to Thursdays to 24 December 2009. In Mooloolaba locals only rates start from $127* per night for a one bedroom apartment at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach; $182* per night for a two bedroom apartment at Mantra Zanzibar and $206* per night for a two bedroom apartment at Mantra Sirocco. Call 13 15 17 and mention the Locals Mid Week campaign. Proof of residency will be required on check in.

GOLD COAST, QLD
BROAD SUMMER VALUE: Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Broadbeach marries the traditional beach holiday experience with a trendy, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Ride the waves by morning and the monorail by night to the glamour and excitement of the casino. High fashion shops, a selection of great restaurants, fine al-fresco dining, dazzling entertainment or lazy days doing nothing at all are all part of the Broadbeach experience. And summer brings hot value with Mantra offering three nights for the price of two at leading resorts Mantra Phoenician, where one bedroom apartments start from $187* per room per night and Mantra Bel Air where one bedroom apartments start from $165* per room per night. The stay three nights, pay two offer is valid for sale until December 18 and for travel to December 24, 2009. Call 1300 987 611 or visit www.mantrasummer.com.au

MELBOURNE, VIC
BIG CITY SAVINGS: Explore Melbourne in style, based at a premium Mantra property, on these money saving city specials from the leading hotel operator valid for sale and travel from December 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010. Mantra on Little Bourke has rooms from just $159* per room per night. Mantra on the Park and Mantra Southbank have rates from $169* per room per night. Guests can also enjoy the comforts of Mantra on Jolimont from a low $129* per room per night, Mantra on Russell from just $164* per room per night or Mantra on Exhibition from only $149* per room per night. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS, TNQ
POCKET-FRIENDLY PORT: The seaside village of Port Douglas offers an oasis of relaxation in Queensland’s Tropical North where the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest are within easy reach. Secluded beaches, fine restaurants, boutique shopping and endless sight seeing opportunities, combined with a unique ambience, make Port Douglas the perfect place for a well-earned holiday. Now is the ideal time to pack your bags for Port, where resort operator Mantra is offering four nights for the price of three at beautiful Mantra Aqueous on Port. Guests booking four nights in hotel room with spa from $180* per room per night will only pay for three nights on this summer special valid for sale and travel to March 31, 2010. Just 200m from Four Mile Beach, Mantra Aqueous on Port features four lagoon pools, barbecue facilities and indulgent balcony Jacuzzis in every apartment. Call 1300 987 611 or visit www.mantrasummer.com.au

CENTRAL COAST, NSW
GET ALONG TO ETTALONG: Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mantra Ettalong Beach is the ideal destination to refresh the mind, body and soul on NSW’s scenic Central Coast. The premium beachfront resort is perfectly designed to enhance the calming nature of surrounding waters to provide the ultimate seaside escape. Summer is the ideal time to splash out on a well earned holiday to this fabulous property where rates start from a low $178* per room per night for a studio suite with hinterland view, valid for travel to December 23, 2009. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, the resort is just a short stroll from the centre of town and enjoys a host of great facilities including on site Jhalu Day Spa & Fitness Centre plus heated swimming pool and whirlpool spa overlooking beautiful Broken Bay. To book, visit www.mantrasummer.com.au.

*Conditions, minimum stays and block out periods apply. Subject to change and availability.

ACCESS ALL AREAS AS IBIS KING ST WHARF LAUNCHES FREE WIFI - FOR ALL GUESTS, AT ALL TIMES

Ibis King St Wharf, which opened just one year ago, is about to offer what many five-star hotels still do not – free WIFI access across the lobby and all rooms, for all guests at all times and without any hidden conditions. With room rates from as little as $139 per night and one of the best locations in Sydney, it is no surprise that the 91-room hotel has made it into the top ten business hotels in Sydney as listed on Tripadvisor, just behind The Observatory (as at 9th November 2009).

"Ibis hotels have a brand promise of being 'hotels the way you like them' and our guests have overwhelmingly told us that what they would like is free WI-FI access, so that is what we are going to deliver," said General Manager Benjamin Krieg. "Our little 3.5-star hotel is doing what some of the long-established five-stars still don't and giving our guests free WIFI throughout the hotel.

"While we have extremely high guest satisfaction rates at Ibis King Street Wharf, the one thing that came up again and again in guest feedback was the lack of WIFI access so I immediately set out to change this," he said. "It's all part of our promise to listen to what our customers want and provide it affordably."

As business travelers can attest, it can be frustrating when hotels offer free WIFI in lobbies only, or in rooms but only with a password or only for guests who belong to loyalty programs. Benjamin Krieg promises there are no hidden charges or conditions to his WIFI delivery – it's simple, clean and affordable just like the Ibis brand itself.

"Ibis King St Wharf is very much a hotel for today with its funky, modern design and affordability, so it was imperative we offered what today's traveler wants and needs – the ability to download files, connect with the world and check their emails simply from their room, without any hassle or extra costs."

Ibis King St Wharf is located in the heart of one of Sydney's most vibrant locations, just a short walk from the CBD, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World and all the attractions of Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay.

The Ibis brand is at the forefront of affordable accommodation, offering contemporary rooms in key locations at prices that have revolutionised economy hotels. Ibis guarantees friendly, helpful staff available 24/7; comfortable rooms; modern services; and amenities that make your stay more enjoyable – at the best possible price.

Ibis King St Wharf is part of a global network of more than 800 Ibis hotels in over 40 countries.

Free WIFI will be offered to all guests at Ibis King Street Wharf from 15 December 2009.

For bookings phone the Ibis King Street Wharf direct on 1300 116 771.

About ibis

ibis, the worldwide economy hotels brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value: a well-designed and fully-equipped en-suite bedroom, major hotel services available 24/7 and a wide choice of on-site food and beverage options. The quality of the ibis standard has been recognised by the International Organization for Standardization certification ISO 9001 since 1997. ibis is also the world's first hotel chain to demonstrate its environmental commitment through securing the ISO 14001 certification, which has already been awarded to nearly one third of its hotels.

Established in 1974, ibis is the European leader and one of the first economy hotel chains in the world, with more than 90,000 rooms and 800 hotels in 40 countries, including 14 in Australia.

For additional information, please visit www.ibishotel.com

New Zealand's Huka Lodge Announces New Michelin Star Chef

Michelin star Executive Chef comes to Huka Lodge

It is with great pleasure Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand announces the appointment of Michel Louws to the role of Executive Chef.

Dutch-born Michel comes with a reputation for superb cuisine, originality and a proven passion for creating an exceptional dining experience for those fortunate enough to enjoy his dishes.

Following his formal training in The Netherlands Michel sought to combine new challenges and work experience with travel. This allowed Michel to experience first-hand the cuisines of many different cultures as well as providing opportunities to spend time in the kitchens of great restaurants back in The Netherlands. During holidays and leave Michel would be found hard at work at Librije (3 Michelin stars), Inter Scaldis (2 Michelin stars) and 1 Michelin star restaurants Le Cirque and Zusje.

In 2002 Michel was offered the role as Head Chef of a charming lakeside restaurant 't-Veerhuis, located in Wolphaartsdijk, Zeeland in The Netherlands. By 2007 the establishment rose to 1 Michelin star and was ranked highest runner up in Dutch Top 100 Restaurants. In the same year Michel was honoured by his peers as one of the most promising Top 10 Head Chefs of that year.

Michel leaves restaurant 't-Veerhuis after seven very successful years and comes to Huka Lodge looking for new challenges. He brings with him great experience at top international level and a well-deserved reputation for exquisite dishes displaying balance as well as imagination and superb flavour combinations.

Huka Lodge was recently awarded 19th place worldwide in a new Food & Wine Resort category by the prestigious Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report – so Michel is aware he has a reputation to maintain as well as enhance.

Treat Your Friends To Some Christmas Cheer at Cove Cafe

It’s the time of year when we all make time to catch up with our nearest and dearest family and friends, and it’s very important we choose somewhere special to celebrate the year that was.

From 1 – 24 December, Cove Cafe at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is serving up a full array of Christmas cheer for just $36 per person. Set within this luxurious five-star resort, this buffet style restaurant is the perfect place for you and your friends to relax and enjoy yourselves.

Indulge in all your favourite Christmas treats at the hot and cold cooking stations before making your way to the delectable dessert buffet.

Delicious dishes include Antipasto platters with Coppa Ham and Smoked Turkey with pickled onions, Cornichons, Kalamata Olives and Sundried Tomatoes; Pumpkin, spinach and mushroom frittata; Goulash style beef shanks with roasted trio capsicum; slow roasted Turkey breast with cranberry chutney and giblet gravy, and pan fried tarragon flavoured catch of the day.

Highlights adorning the dessert buffet over this period include traditional fruit cake, mince pies, Christmas pudding, and festive cookies.

So if you’re looking for that special pre-Christmas celebration, Cove Cafe is the spot.

You’ll need to book early to avoid disappointment and due to popular demand, bookings are essential by phoning 07 5501 9840.

For more information on Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, visit www.sanctuarycove.regency.hyatt.com.

Cruise Weekly: Ready ... on your Marquesas ... go!

Location: Port of Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas, French Polynesia

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If there ever was a perfect outpost as sanctuary for troubled artists, refuge for wayward seamen and magnet for restless adventurers, then the far flung islands of the Marquesas would have to be it. Sure, you can catch one of the easy flights from Tahiti and bum around, but for an authentic arrival, come as Cook, Porter and Melville did; aboard ship.

Unless your name is Packer, whose private ship is moored in Tahiti as you read this, you could not conduct a more thorough exploration of this dramatic, geologically youthful archipelago than with the Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime (CPTM) sailing year round with Aranui 3.
For the trivia-minded, this the location favoured by the disturbed French master, Paul Gauguin, and publicity-exhausted Belgian pop idol, Jacques Brel. Both, despite contrasting, if short, relations with the locals, also chose to be buried here.
As with all true adventure cruises, this is a voyage of discovery and learning. Each island port reveals a little more of this fascinating culture and its catastrophic demise. Although modern Marquesans enjoy comforts provided by their French colonial overlords, the 8000 'survivors' are the tail end of a prominent civilisation that numbered around 100,000 until the beginning of the 19th Century. Although freedom to practice (most) ancient arts and customs is restored, white man has a lot to answer for in the Marquesas.
The Aranui 3 is the CPTM's fifth vessel to ply this route, an exclusive freight/passenger operation that has grown from humble beginnings over 50 years. This newest vessel was built to a German design in Romania in 2003 and flies the French flag. GRT is 7000 tons and passenger capacity is 198 across four grades from fancy suites (14) with balcony, nine deluxe staterooms, 63 standard cabins and 18 berths in three dormitory-style rooms. Expect to spend your time mingling with worldly folks from all over. Our near-capacity complement consists of mainly Germans and French, with a scattering of Americans, Canadians, Brits and sundry EU countries. We are bankers and academics, builders and cab-drivers, flashpackers and corporate refugees. Average age is around 60, but under 50s should also be encouraged. It's a great opportunity to exercise your second language and swap tall tales with seasoned travellers. Friends are made easily in this eclectic human trail mix.
With any cruise like this you need personal versatility. The schedule will almost certainly be interrupted or altered en route due to the primary function of freight delivery. Difficult cargo and sea conditions will dictate time in port and shore activities offered. There's no point bleating “... but the brochure says ...!” because it warns you that [stuff] will happen and it does. You're in Polynesia and all that 'island time' means, but it's also extraordinarily remote and challenging. In my mind, none of this is sufficient reason not to go because the Marquesas are definitely one of the few remaining corners of the world worth every effort.
Book through a speciality cruise office such as Ultimate Cruising in Ultimo (Sydney) who have specific experience with these products. Discounts are sometimes offered and ask lots of questions. For further information, visit www.ultimatecruising.com.au

Cruise vessels on alert as four icebergs are spotted drifting towards New Zealand

At least four icebergs are bearing down on New Zealand, drifting only a few hundred kilometres off the South Island coast and moving closer by the day.

NZ National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research oceanographer Mike Williams said four icebergs up to 250m in length had been spotted by fishermen about 80km northwest of the Auckland Islands, 400 to 500km off the coast of New Zealand.

The mass of icebergs was first spotted about two weeks ago by Australian Antarctic Division researchers working on Macquarie Island. Satellite imagery showed the icebergs, were now tracking northeast towards the South Island at about 1 to 2km an hour, Mr Williams said.

Rodney Russ (pic left) expedition leader on the polar tourist ship “Spirit of Enderby” and an expert on Sub Antarctic New Zealand said this is the first time in almost 40 years of visiting this area that he has seen icebergs so far north.

"They currently appear to be moving north at about 1.25 kilometers per hour. It is possible that they might reach New Zealand intact - but they are showing signs of deteriorating and breaking up," he said.

"We first sighted them 10 miles off the eastern entrance to Carnley Harbour in the Auckland Islands. Weather and sea conditions at the time prevented a closer inspection but as conditions improved today and we were able to locate them and sail close by”.

"They had traveled 19 nautical miles to the north and they currently lie six miles east of Port Ross at 50 38'S, 166 25'E," he said.

The "Spirit of Enderby" left the Auckland Islands on Wednesday (November 18) bound for Macquarie Island and fully expects to encounter more icebergs as they were seen by researchers, based on Macquarie Island, last week.

"The crew of the vessel has been put on special 'iceberg lookout' as these icebergs pose a significant risk to shipping. We have never had 'iceberg alerts' in the Sub Antarctic islands before. 'Iceberg lookouts' are a feature of our Antarctic voyages but have not been deemed necessary on a Sub Antarctic Expedition, but maybe that will have to change," he said.

Heritage Expeditions is a New Zealand award winning expedition travel company, which specializes in worldwide natural history small group expeditions for the discerning traveler to areas such as the Ross Sea, Antarctica, the Sub Antarctic Islands, subtropical Kermadec Islands, Pacific Odyssey and the Russian Far East.

RETRACE THE BEATLES' LONG AND WINDING ROADS AT NEW NOVOTEL LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE

Accor has launched an exciting, innovative Novotel in a prime location near Paradise Street in Liverpool, England. Style-led, with a design to appeal to business and leisure travellers alike, Novotel Liverpool Centre is a showcase for the latest Novotel developments.

Opening rates start from GBP85 per night (around AUD $154 at current exchange rates), with special two-day getaway packages available from GBP160 (around AUD$190 for two nights), inclusive of breakfast.

The Novotel is the ideal base for Australians visiting Liverpool, with its convenient location on Hanover Street, a stone's throw away from the thriving Paradise Street district of Liverpool, one of the largest ever urban revitalization projects in Europe. The Paradise Street Project was unveiled in 2008 and a year later had attracted over 22 million shoppers to a remarkably diverse range of boutiques, restaurants, bars and other attractions. 

For those who want to re-trace the Beatles' evolution in the rough and tough Liverpool of the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Novotel is perfectly located for organized and self-guided walks, with the Cavern Club and many other famous Beatles' landmarks less than 15 minutes walk from the hotel.

On arrival at Novotel Liverpool Centre, guests will be able to enjoy a seamless experience with the exclusive new self check-in and check out service.  Styled by Belgian interior designer Patrick Dumont, each of the 209 Novation rooms is designed to a high specification - fresh, spacious, beautifully considered bedrooms, complete with modern soft furnishings, bath and separate shower.  All rooms feature Novotel's latest in-room entertainment system.  Novotel Liverpool Centre is offering an all-inclusive, 24-hour package at only £12.99, which includes unlimited blockbuster movies and music on demand, hard-wired, high-speed internet access and connection for MP3 players.

Novotel Liverpool Centre also launches Eureka – a novel, all-inclusive meeting room set to revolutionise the meeting environment and encourage the free flow of creativity. The Eureka room features unconventional and flexible ergonomic furnishings combined with state-of-the-art technology tools to inspire fresh thinking.  Eureka also lets you enjoy the choice of an à la carte and / or buffet menu within the meeting space, another instance of Novotel's commitment to offering the guest flexible choices.  The hotel features a dedicated conference floor with nine conference rooms offering the innovative *Meeting@Novotel package which provides a customised service, contemporary and innovative facilities and an assigned co-ordinator to ensure the success of every business event.

Novotel Liverpool Centre also features Novotel's unique dining option - Elements - a popular food concept, which gives guests the ultimate in choice.  Elements also includes the very successful TV Dining – where single diners can sit in their own specially designed "pods" and relax and watch TV whilst they dine in the restaurant.

There are currently over 400 Novotel Hotels globally, with 32 hotels in the UK, including Novotel Liverpool Centre.  Accor Hospitality is one of the world's leading global hotel groups with over 4,000 hotels in 90 countries and provides accommodation to suit all budgets from the low-cost Etap hotel to the contemporary three and four-star Novotel and the more luxurious five-star Sofitel.

Bookings – (Australia) 1300 65 65 65 or www.novotel.com