Facebook Important Relationship Tool for Byron Bay Resort

The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is one of Australia's first resorts to launch its own Facebook page and the results have been instant.

Now also linked to its Twitter account, The Byron at Byron Facebook page gives consumers and media instant updates on resort news as well as first access to events and specials.

"Facebook allows us to communicate with our guests and potential guests on their terms" says Holly Galbraith, Director of Marketing for The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa. "It's quite personal as guests share comments or stories from their stay here. The online community really helps us to keep on top of our guests' experiences and needs.

"I think many businesses are scared to enter these 'uncontrollable' marketing spaces, but if your product is transparent and you want the truth from your customers there is so much to be gained. The Byron at Byron's philosophy is very much about personal care and attention to detail so receiving feedback is vital. Guests may not call reception or walk up to the front desk to provide a compliment or make a suggestion, but they will do it online."

There are over seven million Facebook users in Australia, with 25 – 34 year olds accounting for the largest segment. The 35 years + segment is the fastest growing, accounting for 30.4% of Australia's Facebook population. With its links to blogs and online accommodation reviews, more and more consumers are using Facebook to research their travel options.

"Whether it's their honeymoon, babymoon or time out for health reasons our guests' stays are meaningful. Many of our guests become very connected to this resort and online tools such as Facebook helps us to further our relationships with them. We were one of the first resorts to have a direct feed from trip advisor to our own website and that was launched eighteen months ago".

To keep up to date with events, news and specials become a fan of The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa on Facebook or follow on Twitter http://twitter.com/hollygalbraith

Peppers Calstock Valentine’s Day package will send hearts a-flutter

When it comes to an intimate weekend away, it doesn't get any more romantic than Peppers Calstock, located outside the riverside town of Deloraine in north-west Tasmania.

With only seven guest rooms and two suites, the retreat is perfect for couples seeking an intimate escape this Valentine's Day.

Surprise your loved one with a package that is 'two perfect'. Starting from $450* per couple per night, couples will enjoy overnight accommodation, full breakfast, a special set three-course dinner, a glass of sparkling wine, canapés and chocolates.

Tucked away in one of the most unspoilt corners of Tasmania, Peppers Calstock is a historic Georgian mansion offering elegant boutique accommodation and boasting exceptional facilities and services.

For bookings phone 03 6362 2642 or visit www.peppers.com.au/calstock.

*Subject to availability. Valid for travel 12-15 February 2010.

Out Of This World - Aurora Expeditions Plan Antarctic Meteorite Collection

Aurora Expeditions is offering adventurers the opportunity to travel back in time and assist in the collection of an incredibly rare 5 kilogram meteorite on its upcoming Weddell Sea voyage to Antarctica this month.

Aurora Expeditions expert palaeontologist, Paul Willis, will be returning to the site where he miraculously discovered the meteorite on his last voyage to Seymour Island in 2008. On this occasion the expedition will bring the precious meteorite back to Australia.

Seymour Island is recognised as the best place in the world to observe what’s known as the K/T Boundary, the geological ‘line in the ground’ where the dinosaurs died some 65 million years ago. Parts of the island are carpeted with fossils from the floors of ancient seas showing a land where dinosaurs ruled and forests connected continents.

Paul Willis, renowned palaeontologist, geologist and ABC science presenter, made the incredible discovery on an Aurora Expeditions voyage in 2008. “We were looking for fossils on Seymour when I spied a grapefruit-size rock that was completely different to everything around it. I knew almost straight away what it was because it looked so unusual and because meteorites are relatively easy to find in Antarctica (there is no soil or vegetation covering them up). It was a fascinating specimen and, to my mind, one that ought to be collected and preserved for prosperity.”

Paul did not have the permits required to collect the meteorite, so he carefully photographed it and recorded its exact position. On his return to Australia, a meteorite expert at the Western Australian Museum confirmed that it was potentially of huge scientific interest and the long-awaited collection of this phenomenal meteorite will be taking place this month.

Aurora Expedition’s passengers will be treated to a truly remarkable experience as they join Paul in the retrieval of this fallen star. As with all Aurora Expeditions voyages, daily shore excursions and explorations using inflatable Zodiacs provide access to the best wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities. A team of expert naturalists and staff will guide passengers through the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife that embody the Antarctic Peninsula.

Limited to a small group of 54 passengers, the 12 day Weddell Sea voyage departs on 25th January 2010 from Ushuaia in Argentina. Voyage prices start from US$6090, excluding flights.

What All Visitors Should Know When Considering a Trip to the Galapagos

Land-based vacation or a cruise? A Q&A from Santiago Dunn, President of Ecoventura, Leader in Sustainable & Responsible Travel in the Galapagos


The Galapagos, known for its wealth of highly visible living creatures, is also one of the most fragile and endangered ecosystems in the world. Following are questions many potential visitors ask, with answers from a leader in creating sustainable tourism programs for the region, Santiago Dunn, owner of Ecoventura, a private company that maintains a fleet of small, superior-class, expedition touring yachts.

Should I stay in a lodge or hotel and take day tours or select a multiple-night cruise?

Dunn: It’s less expensive to stay at a hotel and take coastal or inland day trips or hop between two or more island lodges; but your touring options will be limited to the central islands: Santa Fe, Daphne, Bachas, Floreana, Bartolome, San Cristobal and some nearby islands from Santa Cruz. It is difficult for a land tour to visit Isabela and impossible to visit Fernandina or Genovesa. Ironically, people will book a “land based” tour believing they will minimize sea sickness. Lodge-based guests, however, are more vulnerable to sea sickness as they are traveling between islands via a light fiberglass speed boat. On a week-long cruise you visit more islands. Plus, you usually have one morning activity and one afternoon activity – each day, usually at different locations, cruising at night so you wake up at a new island each sunrise.

Does the size of the ship matter?

Dunn: Boats in the Galapagos range in carrying capacity from 16-20 on the small range to a mid-large range of 48-100 passengers. There are over 80 registered tour boats transporting visitors throughout the islands. Large vessels that must anchor in deeper waters require more time getting passengers to and from shore excursions and back to their vessels. Guests on smaller ships have more time to be active on shore. Overall passenger capacity factors into the guide to guest ratio on land excursions. With a 16 passenger vessel you will usually have one guide for 16 passengers. On larger boats you will have several groups of 16 passengers per guide. A 20-passenger yacht has an advantage in offering a 1:10 guide to guest ratio. If prone to motion sickness, some people think a larger vessel is more secure; but the difference is marginal between a 90-foot boat and a 200-foot boat.

Do itineraries vary by vessel?

Dunn: Of course. But another consideration is that the companies licensed with the newest vessels such as the two-hull catamarans may also have the less desirable itineraries. Companies with vessels that have been around for 20+ years are grandfathered in with the most comprehensive itineraries available. This leads to an overall better quality experience.

How many days should a visitor spend in Galapagos?

Dunn: Perhaps the question should be rephrased to ask: How does a traveler get best value for the vacation dollar? Many companies offer traditional seven-night cruises with the option of three- or four-night cruise. The downside is that passengers on the full week itinerary must return to port in the middle of the cruise to pick-up and drop-off the shorter-stay passengers. This ultimately breaks up the continuity and spirit of camaraderie between the passengers on board. Of course if you are on a tight budget or limited in time a shorter trip can be a viable option.

Does a higher price tag on a cruise mean a better experience?

Dunn: Like the old song, isn’t it truly “a gift to be simple?” how important is luxury in a fragile ecosystem? You’ll probably spend most of the week in t-shirts, bathing suit and sandals. How sustainable are the Jacuzzis and monogrammed bathrobes? Galapagos is the type of place where nature and simplicity rule and less is often more. The high-end, ultra-soft, 16-passenger yachts and a handful of the larger luxury vessels charge $5,000 or more per person for a one week cruise. The budget-minded, larger capacity ships, half that. For 2010, Ecoventura’s rates are $3,225 to $3,925 per person with discounts for children age 7-17 on designated family departures, early bird booking discounts and other promotions.

Are there ecological considerations to staying on land or taking a cruise?

Dunn: A cruise actually leaves a smaller ecological footprint because you are not contributing to the construction of hotels, bars, roads and restaurants on these fragile islands. The United Nations and the government of Ecuador have both recognized that growing land-based tourism is a threat to the islands and their delicate eco-systems. In the fall of 2008 Ecoventura launched the first hybrid-energy vessel in the Galapagos, the M/Y Eric. The installation of 40 solar panels and two wind turbines now provide enough power to replace approximately 18 percent of the energy previously produced by two diesel generators. We look for more of this “greening” to take place within the cruise industry.

About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the Galápagos cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.

In 2009 Ecoventura was the recipient of Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Award for Green Cruising and Conde Nast Traveler’s 15th Annual World Savers Award in the category of Cruise Lines.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2010 catalog please call 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com

Cupid’s Arrow Strikes Queensland Getaways

Looking for some romantic inspiration? Tourism Queensland has gathered up some romantic Valentine’s Day accommodation deals which should help cupid hit the mark.

Southern Downs Accommodation Creek Cottages, Ballandean
- $370 per couple including two nights accommodation (Friday, 12th & Saturday, 13th), local sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival, two course dinner and wine for two at Shiraz Restaurant, Ballandean. www.accommodationcreekcottages.com.au

Honeysuckle Cottages & The Rocks Restaurant, Stanthorpe
– $110 per person for Valentine’s night in a spa cottage including breakfast, dinner at The Rocks Sunday night and complimentary bottle of champagne. Two and three night packages also available. www.honeysucklecottages.com.au

Vineyard Cottages & Café, Ballandean
- $355 per couple includes accommodation in Queen Cottage with a double spa, breakfast in restaurant, a dozen red roses, and a three course candlelit dinner under the stars on Sunday evening. Two night package also available. www.vineyard-cottages.com.au

Coachman’s Inn and Rupert’s Bar & Grill, Warwick
- $299 per couple, “Be My Valentine” package. One night in a Queen Suite, bottle of wine on arrival, three course dinner for two with a complimentary glass of wine, cooked breakfast for two served in room on February 14, late checkout. Two night package also available. www.coachmans.com.au

Sunshine Coast Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville
- From $1,499 per couple including three night’s accommodation for the price of two, one hour Anise Day Spa Indulgence Massage for two, eight course Lovers Lunch, bottle of champagne on arrival, gourmet picnic hamper lunch and Spa Suite Bath Butler. www.spicersclovellyestate.com.au

Amore On Buderim
- $745 Romeo and Juliet package includes two nights in new Romanza Deluxe cabin, gourmet continental breakfasts, one hour in-cabin aromatherapy massage bottle of bubbly and chocolates. www.amoreonbuderim.com.au

Coral Beach Noosa Resort, Noosaville
– From $350. Stay two nights from 12-16 February and receive a bottle of champagne on arrival, enjoy late checkout and $50 dinner voucher to use at a local Noosaville restaurant. www.coralbeach.com.au

The Falls Rainforest Spa Cottages, Montville
- $750 per couple for three nights’ accommodation including complimentary Australian sparkling wine, chocolates and breakfast provisions. www.thefallscottages.com.au

BreakFree Grand Pacific, Caloundra
– Rejuvenation package from $184 per room per night. Includes accommodation in a one bedroom rooftop apartment, pamper pack and herbal teas. www.breakfree.com.au.

South East Queensland Country Vacy Hall Historic Guesthouse, Toowoomba
– Valentine’s Day Weekend Romance package from $330 per room for two nights bed and breakfast accommodation between February 12-16 including a bouquet of roses, bottle of chilled sparkling wine and a box of chocolates. www.vacyhall.com.au

Cloudlake Mountain Retreat, Ravensbourne
- $400 per couple for Valentine weekend with flowers, champagne and chocolates on arrival. www.cloudlake.com

Great Divide Motor Inn, Toowoomba
- $160 per couple for one night in a Queen Deluxe Spa suite with Lindt chocolates, a bottle of bubbly on arrival and ‘I love you’ balloons. Upgrade to a King Executive Spa Suite and pay $180. www.greatdivide.com.au

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights
- $800 for two adults including one night’s accommodation at four-and-a-half star Metro Hotel Ipswich International, bottle of wine on arrival, dinner for two Platform 9 Restaurant, City & Country Balloon Flight with Floating Images, champagne breakfast and commemorative flight certificate, balloon transfer if required. www.floatingimages.com.au

Townsville Sunferries Valentines Day Escape Package
- $195 per person including one night at Peppers’ Blue on Blue, return ferry transfers, two course meal for two at Peppers’ Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar, complimentary beverage on arrival, full buffet breakfast for two. www.sunferries.com.au

Hervey Bay
Akama Resort - $289 per couple per night. Book two nights’ accommodation over the Valentine’s Day weekend in a one bedroom apartment and enjoy chocolates and champagne on arrival, two relaxation massages, full cooked breakfast overlooking the marina one morning, heated pool and spa. www.akamaresort.com.au

Villa Cavour B&B, Point Vernon
- $180 per couple including one night’s accommodation over the Valentine’s weekend, a romantic candlelight dinner for two and a bottle of champagne. www.villacavour.com.au

Emeraldene Inn & Eco Lodge
- $290 per couple including two nights in a Deluxe Room, champagne on arrival and a choice of either a champagne sunset cruise with Blue Dolphin Cruises or a romantic one hour beach camel ride. www.emeraldene.com.au

Gold Coast
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
– Sensory Spa Escape from $695 per couple. Luxury overnight accommodation for two in an ocean view room, a bottle of chilled Moet, buffet breakfast for two at On3 poolside restaurant and a decadent two hour sensory couples treatment at Harbour Day Spa. www.sofitel.com

Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast
- $210 per person twin share Temptations for Two includes accommodation, sparkling wine, ice creams and temptations pack on arrival, buffet breakfast in Waves Restaurant for two adults daily. www.watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au

Brisbane Sofitel Brisbane
– Romance package from $305 includes accommodation in a superior room, room service breakfast for two, bottle of chilled French champagne, chocolates on arrival and afternoon check out. Tel: 07 3835 4444. www.sofitel.com

Last minute love shacks for Valentine's Day

Stunning views, stretches of sand and a bunch of romantic deals makes Queensland's Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast ideal destinations this Valentine's Day.

The tranquil haven of Hervey Bay makes it the ideal setting for a romantic Valentine's weekend away.

Mantra Hervey Bay is offering couples a complimentary upgrade from a One Bedroom Apartment to a One Bedroom Spa Apartment plus a bottle of sparkling wine, bath salts for the spa bath and chocolates from $154* per room per night.

Offering a selection of hotel rooms and suites, all with a northerly aspect providing picturesque views of the boat harbour and nearby islands, Mantra Hervey Bay is the region's only absolute marina-front property. Phone 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

For a dash of extra luxury, be pampered at Peppers Pier Resort, Hervey Bay, where who guests book a One Bedroom Suite will also enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine, chocolates, bath salts and use of bath robes from just $179* per room per night.

Peppers Pier Resort is situated on the esplanade opposite Urangan Beach and its famous pier and offers a landscaped lagoon swimming pool and lap pool plus the indulgent Spa Botanica. Phone 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

It's also not too late for couples to book beautiful accommodation on the Sunshine Coast this Valentine's Day, with fantastic rooms still available in the romantic hot spots of Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra.

A One Bedroom Apartment at BreakFree French Quarter, Noosa comes complete with sparkling wine and L'ERBOLARIO massage body oil from $179* per room per night (Sun-Thurs) and $209* per room per night (Fri-Sat).

BreakFree French Quarter is situated less than 50m from the beach and right on Hastings Street and is a haven of privacy and fabulous resort facilities including a heated lagoon style pool with two spas, a sauna and licensed restaurant and bar right next door. Phone 132 007 or visit www.breakfree.com.au.

Couples will go head-over-heels for BreakFree Grand Pacific's Rejuvenation Package which includes overnight accommodation in a One Bedroom Rooftop Apartment, lip balm, exfoliating facial scrub, hand and nail cream, foot cream and foot gel plus a selection of herbal teas from $184* per room per night.

BreakFree Grand Pacific boasts sweeping views of the picturesque Pumicestone Passage features beautifully appointed apartments with private balconies, a heated lagoon style swimming pool set amongst lush tropical gardens, two spas, a sauna, gymnasium and more. Phone 132 007 or visit www.breakfree.com.au.

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is also 'two perfect' this Valentine's Day.

Featuring luxury beachfront suites with in-room spas, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is offering accommodation in a One Bedroom Ocean Apartment with a late midday checkout, selection of cheese and crackers, a bottle of wine and bath salts from just $151* per room per night (Sun-Thurs) and $208* per room per night (Fri-Sat). Phone 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

*Subject to availability. Valid for travel 1 to 28 February, 2010.

www.mantragroup.com.au

VIRGIN BLUE TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO CHRISTMAS AND COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS

Virgin Blue will celebrate 'Christmas in April' this year as the airline confirms its intention to commence non-stop services between Perth and Christmas and Cocos (Keeling Islands) with fares from as little as $464* one-way on the net.

The three weekly flights to Christmas Island are set for take-off on Thursday 1 April 2010 (no joke!) with services between Perth and Cocos Island commencing shortly after on Saturday 3 April.  Flights between Cocos Island and Christmas Island will also commence on 3 April.

Virgin Blue has committed one of its executive-style Embraer E-190 jets onto the new routes, an aircraft which has the capacity to carry 104 Guests on each sector, upload more freight and reduce the overall flying time to and from the mainland.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said Virgin Blue was pleased to have been awarded the contract to provide services to Christmas and the Cocos Island, boosting its domestic network to 30 Australian destinations.

"The secret is finally out! Being literally only a few hours from Perth, Christmas and Cocos Islands are hands down two of the best, unspoilt and truly unique island holiday destinations our region has to offer.  As with other markets we've entered we're confident our new services will further stimulate tourism to these most remarkable jewels in the Indian Ocean and also help to strengthen relations with the mainland."

"It's also great news for the people of Perth, who now have the option to fly domestically or internationally non-stop to 13 unique destinations on the Virgin Blue Airlines Group network," he added.

The World Heritage Listed Christmas Island, which is renowned for its red crab migration in October and November, is the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, boosting an incredible 35 endemic species and acting as a breeding station for over 80,000 tropical sea birds.  Surrounded by a narrow tropical reef which plunges into a bottomless abyss, Christmas Island is an oasis for marine life, teeming with hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, dolphins and majestic whale sharks.

The Cocos Islands is made up of two flat, low laying atolls and 27 coral islands surrounded by azure blue waters.  Offering a secluded, tranquil and uncomplicated holiday experience, Cocos Island is a true nature and water lover's paradise.  Be it snorkelling, diving, island hopping, reef walking or fishing, bike riding, beach combing, bird watching, or golf, the Cocos Islands has something for everyone.

While the new flights are within the Australian domestic network, all services to and from Australia will arrive into and depart from Perth International Airport.

* All fares are one way for flights booked on the internet or $15 more when booked by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak times. For Virgin Blue bookings log on to www.virginblue.com.au or phone our award winning Guest Contact Centre on 13 6789 or contact a travel agent.  Checked baggage charges apply to all Blue Saver and GO! Fares. Pre-pay $10 online for up to 23kgs of checked baggage per person one way flight, or pay $20 at the airport for the same allowance.