The Capital and Levin Hotels Launch Guaranteed Australian Dollar Deals

Begin your European adventure in style with The Capital and The Levin’s guaranteed Australian dollar three-night deals.

THE CAPITAL, one London’s last family owned and run 5 star boutique hotels, is located in the heart of Knightsbridge. From the moment you walk in the door, you are immersed in a world of classic British interiors, warm hospitality and real comfort.  The envious location of being on a quiet street between Harrods and Harvey Nichols makes The Capital the perfect base for exploring London’s cultural and historical attractions.

The three-night ‘Australian Dollar’ deal, starting from $1199, includes:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Full English breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at The Capital Restaurant
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

 Rate excludes VAT, currently at 20% and a 5% discretionary service charge.

THE LEVIN, a contemporary 12 bedroom townhouse and Small Luxury Hotel of the World property that neighbours The Capital, is the world’s closest hotel to Harrod’s. A stone’s throw from Harvey Nicholls and a short walk from Picadilly and Buckingham Palace, The Levin is a cosmopolitan crash pad for the young and young at heart.

The three-night ‘Australian Dollar’ deal, starting from $999, includes:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Continental breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at Le Metro
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

 Rate excludes VAT, currently at 20% and a 5% discretionary service charge.

For further information or to book your Guaranteed Australian Dollar deal, please visit www.capitalhotel.co.uk and www.thelevinhotel.co.uk

The Capital is one of London’s last 5 star family-owned boutique hotels and The Levin, fondly known as ‘the world’s closest hotel to Harrod’s’ is a beautiful contemporary 12 bedroom townhouse. Both properties are located side by side in Knightsbridge at the heart of London.

The Unique Tourism Collection Director Jonica Paramor says, “We are really looking forward to raising the profile of these two exceptional hotels in the lead up to the royal wedding and the London Olympics. The hotels traditionally have around 30 per cent Australia occupancy so they have an established client base Australia. We will be working with agents and media to ensure that Australian travellers reap the extraordinary benefits offered to them by the hotels’ owners, David and Lynne Levin.”

To launch their representation in the Australian market, the Levins (as no mention before of the family name this will not make sense?_ are offering the following Guaranteed Australian Dollar Deals:

Three nights at The Capital starting from $1199:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Full English breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at The Capital Restaurant
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

Three nights at The Levin starting from $999:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Continental breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at Le Metro
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

All rates exclude VAT, currently at 20% and a 5% discretionary service charge.

For further information or to book your Guaranteed Australian Dollar deal, please visit www.capitalhotel.co.uk and www.thelevinhotel.co.uk

The Sareeraya in Koh Samui, Thailand, is offering six nights for the price of four from 1 May – 30 June and 1 Nov – 15 Dec.

This outstanding offer is based on twin share and includes accommodation in a 1^st ( featuring direct pool access), 2^nd or 3^rd (Sea View) floor Sareeraya Suite and breakfast daily for just AUD $1,370. Private vehicle transfers are available for an additional cost. *Terms and conditions apply.

The Sareeraya is situated beachside towards the northern, quieter end of Samui’s most beautiful soft white sand beach. It is conveniently located for Samui Airport transfers and offers easy access to Chaweng’s nightlife, restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions. For further information, please visit www.sareeraya.com

To book, contact Jenny LaBarbera at Island Escapes on (03) 9809 8777

• A minimum deposit of $150 per adult is required at time of reservation. All deposits are non refundable. All prices quoted are current but are subject to change without notice and also to availability. All prices quoted are valid for 7 days only, and unless otherwise specified, NO reservations are being held on your behalf. Cancellation fees may be up to 100%, therefore travel insurance is strongly recommended. Prices are in AUD$, gross & are valid for the mentioned dates. All prices include the current government taxes however should a tax increase occur, the above price will be amended accordingly.

Start the day with a freshly prepared breakfast served in your private garden, or if you prefer, under the hanging roots of an ancient Ficus tree, and then wander down to the beach for a soothing 90-minute Royal Oriental Massage under a sea almond tree on the beach.

Is all that pampering making you hungry? Not to worry; your personal Chef will join you on the sand to spoil you with a Thai dining experience before you set off for a sunset cruises around Pakarang Bay on the Sarojin’s private yacht, the Lady Sarojin. Sip freshly made cocktails while you relax into the evening.

By now, you’re getting used to living the high life but the real ‘wow’ factor is still to come; an elephant trek through the jungle en route to a five-course gourmet banquet served at the foot of a cascading waterfall. Share an unforgettable private dinner heightened by the glow of 500 glimmering candles. Go for a midnight swim and then your chauffeur will drive you home in luxury.

The Sarojin’s six-night “Royal Sensations” package starts from THB 146,200 (approximately AUS 4,716) for two people inclusive of all taxes and includes: six nights’ accommodation in a luxurious Garden Residence, a private spa and lunch on The Sarojin beach, an exclusive sunset cruise onboard the Lady Sarojin, a private candlelit jungle waterfall dinner by chauffeured elephant, all day à la carte breakfast with sparkling wine and private airport transfers to and from Phuket Airport with refreshments and cold towels served for two people.

Guests can enjoy additional benefits between 6^th March – 30^th April 2011 with great reductions on all room types at The Sarojin, as well as complimentary all-day à la carte breakfast with sparkling wine for two people. During these periods, rates for two persons inclusive of all taxes are as follows:

• Garden Residence: THB 12,200 / approximately AUD 393 (saving AUD 144 and 27% per night)
• Pool Residence: THB 16,900 / approximately AUD 545 (saving AUD 153 and 22% per night)
• Sarojin Suite: THB 18,100 / approximately AUD 583 (saving AUD 219 and 27% per night

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For further information on The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com.

The Sarojin is internationally renowned as one of the finest resort properties in Asia. Designed in a contemporary Asian style and beautifully set on an 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach in Khao Lak, just a 55 minute drive north of Phuket Airport, the five-star resort boasts 56 deluxe residences set within ten acres of grounds leading directly onto the beachfront. Each guest room features its own private garden and “sala” sundeck, couples’ baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat; while other complimentary facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre and mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards. Tranquility is guaranteed as no children under the age of 12 are permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

This is the third year in a row that the four-star Polynesian resort has made the grade but this is the first time the property has been granted Silver status.

Le Maitai General Manager Ms. Catherine Savatier says, “After being granted Bronze status for the past two years, we decided that with a concerted effort we could make the move to Silver. This was an intensive process that involved daily checks across all departments to meet the requirements of the Green Globe Benchmarking and Certification program. It wasn’t easy but it’s definitely worth it to achieve this level of globally recognised eco-accreditation.”

The criteria for the accreditation includes the stringent evaluation of areas such as:

• Water and energy consumption
• Garbage management
• Environmental preservation
• Staff commitment to sustainability practises
• Communication inside the hotel and with third parties
• Participation in local and community life

For further information about Le Maitai, please visit http://www.hotelmaitai.com/

For further information about Green Globe, the premier global certification for sustainability, please visit www.greenglobecertification.com

Southern Thailand’s premier cooking school has just launched a locavore foodie experience titled ‘Glimpses into Local Life’ wherein guests are invited to get their hands dirty and go foraging, fishing and harvesting with the Chef. 

The Sarojin Director Kate Kemp says, “Our guests are increasingly interested in experiencing a more authentic sense of real Thailand experience coupled with a more ‘hands on’ and educative experience, hence thought it would be fun to up the ante on our cooking classes and invite guests to ‘catch and gather’ ingredients for their desired dish as well as cooking it and enjoying dining in an extraordinary location. The Khao Lak and Phang Nga region is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood and produce that is grown here in the local community by farmers we have been supporting for years. This new program offers guests the chance to engage in the food process from ‘the wilds to the plate’ and, in addition to seeing where and how things are harvested, they also get the chance to interact with locals that have lived here for generations.”

During the Locavore Foodie Experience, guests will visit the following places:

• Baan Nam Kem
• A prawn farm
• A fish farm
• Swallow nest house
• Various fruit, vegetable and cashew nut farms – widely commercially grown in this area and often processed by hand using traditional farming methods.

Baan Nam Khem is located 20 minutes drive north of The Sarojin. This small coastal fishing village is the gateway to the endless waterways leading though spectacular untouched mangrove forest. The shallow inter-tidal reaches that characterise the mangrove wetlands offer refuge and nursery ground for juvenile fish, crabs, shrimps, and mollusks. Mangroves are also prime nesting and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species in Thailand. For instance, there are over 500 species of birds recorded in the mangrove areas. Additionally, crab-eating monkeys, monitor lizards, sea turtles, and mud skipper fish live in the mangrove wetland. Guests are taken line fishing onboard their own traditional longtail boat where snapper and grouper along with other local fish can be caught. With your fresh catch you continue up the Takuapa River for your Thai Cooking Class with chef by Takuapa Riverbank. Learn how to prepare your fresh catch for the plate and enjoy lunch safari style and a glass of wine in the great outdoors

The package also includes luxurious accommodation at The Sarojin in a Garden Residence, return transfers from Phuket International airport by luxury car with cold towels and refreshments served for 2 persons as well as all day al carte breakfast with sparkling wine served for 2 persons.

The Sarojin’s ‘Locavore Foodie Experience’ package starts from THB 102,400 which is approximately AUD $3,413 for 2 persons, inclusive of all taxes, and is available all year ‘round.

For further information on The Sarojin or to book one of the special promotional packages that are available from 6 March – 30 April 2011 and 1 May – 31 Oct 2011, please visit: www.sarojin.com

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About The Sarojin

‘World Luxury Hotel’ Award Winner 2007, 2009, 2010* at the World Luxury Hotel Awards; Winner of “Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel” 2008,2007, 2006 at World Travel Awards; Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2010, 2009,2008; “Overall Winner” at the Thailand Green Awards 2010; The Sarojin is internationally renowned as one of the finest resort properties in Asia. Designed in a contemporary Asian style and beautifully set on an 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach in Khao Lak, just a 55 minute drive north of Phuket Airport, the five-star resort boasts 56 deluxe residences set within ten acres of grounds leading directly onto the beachfront. Each guest room features its own private garden and ‘sala’ sundeck, couples’ baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat; while other complimentary facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre and mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards.

The Sarojin’s name is inspired by the mythical Lady Sarojin, the daughter of a prominent Thai nobleman who was regarded as the perfect host and whose household became famous for its hospitality. The Sarojin’s goal is to reflect this legacy by providing an experience that is reminiscent of staying at a friend’s private estate. The hotel’s team of personal guides delight in creating tailor made experiences, along with the elegant and inspired ‘Imagineer’ who offers the ultimate personal concierge service for hotel guests. Tranquillity is guaranteed as no children under the age of 12 are permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

*The World Luxury Hotel Awards are the most exclusive luxury hotel awards, setting the benchmark for world class facilities and service excellence. The Awards were established to recognise hotels that have taken the extra step and differentiated themselves from ‘good hotels’ to ‘exceptional hotels’.

Fly free and take a friend for only $99 (plus taxes)

Come and Explore the World of Norfolk and discover an untouched piece of paradise. The last best kept secret in the South Pacific is just over 2 hours from Australia. On Norfolk Island, you can be as laid back or as busy as you want to be – sea kayaking, bushwalking, diving, snorkelling, golf, visiting a winery, exploring the World Heritage listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale historic areas and dining out in great restaurants at an affordable price – the World of Norfolk will bring you back to earth.

Fly free on your own Self-Famil and take a partner or friend and experience Norfolk Island at your own pace. Norfolk Air is currently offering travel agents and industry members an FOC ticket (pay only taxes) and take a friend for only $99 (plus taxes). Over 10 accommodation options offering free nights and great discounts to agents are also available along with a variety of different tour options. The World of Norfolk is not what you expect so why not discover for yourself now!

Participants are required to complete a Self Famil report at the completion of their trip. It will also be considered as a first step in the process to becoming a Norfolk Island Specialist agent and a preferred retail partner to Norfolk Air and Norfolk Island Tourism.

Travel is valid on Norfolk Air (N5) flights only from 1 November 2010 to 31 July 2011 and subject to availability and excludes peak periods and school holidays. Valid from all N5 ports of departure.www.norfolkair.com Flights are only available to international travel agents and wholesale reservations staff. Flights are non-transferable and non-refundable.

To download the Norfolk Air reservation form, visit www.theworldofnorfolk.com.au/trades and email to The Unique Tourism Collection at sales@uniquetourism.com for processing. List of participating suppliers will be sent once application is approved. For all enquiries, call UTC on 02 9211 6590.

SpaFinder Reader’s Choice Awards are the most comprehensive consumer review of the global spa market available, with Spa’s chosen from the crème de la crème of spas on six continents and in 35 countries/regions to the top ten picks in 31 categories.

Sharing the accolades with Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa are spas from idyllic locations around the world including USA, Ireland, Costa Rico, Mexico, Indonesia and the Philippines. This award comes hot on the heels of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa taking out the 2010 Luxury Travel’s Gold List award for Best Luxury Eco Tourism and World’s Leading Eco Lodge at the prestigious World Travel Awards late 2009.

About SpaFinder:

SpaFinder USA is the largest Spa Marketing company in the world. For further information, please visit www.spafinder.com

About Daintree Ecolodge and Spa:

For further information, please visit www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa has released a SpaFinder package for $990 per person twin share including 3 nights Spa Bayan accommodation, Gourmet a la carte breakfast daily, Seafood Platter for Two, 3 Spa treatments, airport transfers and a River Cruise on sale till 15 November.

Media Enquiries and Images contact Unique Tourism Collection – 02 9211 6590

On offer for travel between 16 June and 31 August 2011, the reduced fares will offer a compelling opportunity to escape winter to a milder sub tropical paradise with dramatic scenery, fine dining, warm and welcoming cliff top cottage accommodation.

Fares start from $184 plus taxes for travel between 16 June and 31 August.

The sale period ends 31 December 2010.

Jeff Murdoch, CEO, Norfolk Air, said: ” This major reduction on the standard lowest fares to beautiful Norfolk Island represents a terrific opportunity to have a wonderful holiday at unbeatable prices, and a great incentive to lock it in now. Many of the fabulous accommodation properties on the Island have also come to the party by offering great deals for the sale period.”

Prices start from:

• EX Melbourne – $240.00 one way plus taxes
• Ex Brisbane – $184.00 one way plus taxes
• Ex Sydney – $206.00 one way plus taxes
• Ex Newcastle – $206.00 one way  plus  taxes

For more information please contact your preferred Norfolk Island wholesaler or contact Norfolk Air Toll-free 1800-612960  or at www.norfolkair.com

One of Thailand’s finest resort properties, The Sarojin, has won the 2010 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the third consecutive year. This esteemed accolade was presented to The Sarojin’s signature restaurant, Ficus, in recognition of its devotion to wine, a well-chosen selection of quality wine producers and a thematic match to the restaurant’s food menu in both price and style.

The Sarojin makes a wonderful destination for those seeking relaxation, inspiration and an eclectic food and wine offering. The five-star property boasts two stylish restaurants, Ficus and Edge, which have received international acclaim from around the globe. Ficus is set in the spiritual heart of the resort amongst and beneath the canopy and hanging branches of an ancient age old ficus tree and overlooking the magnificent Lotus Pond; while the chic beachfront, Edge, is a popular choice thanks to its intimate setting on the shores of the shimmering Andaman Sea. Both restaurants serve a delectable range of Asian and contemporary Mediterranean dishes, freshly prepared by Executive Chef Jui and his team of innovative chefs.

For an even more intimate occasion, The Sarojin offers a unique variety of private dining settings – both in and out of the resort. Why not enjoy a candlelit dinner beneath an old sea almond tree or experience a dining delight by a beautiful jungle river, magical waterfall or on a secluded beach? Guests can choose their mode of transport to these romantic dining settings as they wish. Travel by luxury private car or by elephant are just some of the romantic and intimate options on offer. The limits really are guests’ imaginations.

Guests of the hotel can also enjoy The Sarojin’s eclectic wine cellar which features over 200 vintage wines from both the old and new worlds. This is complemented by the availability of 28 wines by the glass – meaning The Sarojin offers more per glass than any other hotel in Thailand. The Sarojin’s Wine Director, Sam Bonifant, shares his passion for wine with the resort’s British owners, Kate and Andrew Kemp, and is on hand to offer a unique insight into the diverse flavours of each wine.

The Sarojin’s status as a world-class gourmet paradise is further enhanced with the resort’s ability to create extraordinary culinary experiences ‘just for two’ in some of Thailand’s most spectacular settings. Offering the ultimate concierge service for guests, the Imagineer uses his in-depth knowledge of the local area in order to turn guests’ dining desires into reality. Guests can enjoy a romantic banquet on a secluded white sand beach, dine in style by a candlelit jungle waterfall, or even experience a gourmet safari-style breakfast in one of the five national parks bordering the property. In addition, The Sarojin can arrange authentic Thai cooking classes with Executive Chef Jui along the Takuapa River, as well as sea excursions on the Lady Sarojin private yacht, complete with champagne and oysters.

“We are honoured that our efforts to create an exceptional wine list has been recognised by the Wine Spectator Awards for the third consecutive year,” comments Kate Kemp, co-owner of The Sarojin. “We go to great lengths to hand-pick the finest quality wines to perfectly complement our restaurants’ à la carte cuisine; and it’s wonderful to receive such positive feedback from Wine Spectator and guests alike.”

Sam Bonifant, Wine Director at The Sarojin, adds: “Fine food and wine is at the heart of The Sarojin and we’re delighted to have once again received this prestigious accolade. We have some of best wines in the world together with an experienced and innovative team of chefs who ensure that our cuisine is as diverse as our wine menu.”

In celebration of this latest award win, The Sarojin is offering a Special Bonus Nights Offer from 1st November – 20th December 2010 giving couples the opportunity to enjoy free room nights at the multi-award winning 56 boutique residence. Guests who stay five nights in any of the resort’s luxurious residences will receive one additional night free; a stay of 10 nights will lead to an extra two nights free; while guests holidaying for 15 nights can enjoy a further three nights free. The Sarojin’s Special Bonus Nights Offer “stay 6 nights / pay 5 nights”  is valid from 1st November to 20th December 2010. Prices start from approximately AUD 500 per room per night and are based on two people sharing, inclusive of all taxes.