Still consider Townsville
Peppers Blue on Blue Resort at Magnetic Island is open and operating business as usual as the region continues to strengthen after North Queensland’s recent flood. Situated on Magnetic Island, just off the Townsville coast, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort was fortunate to have only experienced minor cosmetic damage in and around the resort. Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is offering a ‘Tropical Escape’ package with hotel rooms starting from $145 per night (two-night minimum). This offer includes full breakfast daily, 10 per cent off dining at Boardwalk restaurant & bar, free wi-fi and in-room movies. Phone 1300 987 603 or visit www.mantrahotels.com.
Jazz by the bay
Stomp, bop, swing or sway your way down to Western Australia’s soulful South-West from May 31 to June 2 to experience a feast of live music entertainment for the seventh annual Jazz by the Bay festival in the coastal towns of Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River. Among the performers already lined up will be Australian-American vocalist-composer, Chris McNulty, who has been hailed by musicians, peers and critics as an artist with a unique vision, boundless creative energy and a distinctive style. Jazz trumpeter Ashlin Parker from New Orleans will experience his first Jazz by the Bay and his high-energy engaging performances will be sure to wow music fans. Caves Road Collective brewery, winery and distillery will become a swinging dance hall when Perth’s jazz, rhythm and blues performers, Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys, hit the boards and rock the room. Like the songmen from these eras, these gents are showmen and guests will be guaranteed an unforgettable night. The Concert on the Green, held on June 1-2 from 10am-4pm, will give the public two days of world-class musical performances for free. Visit www.jazzbythebay.com.au.
Check out the new Hayman Island
Hayman Island by InterContinental is offering an opening special valid for stays from July 1 to September 30. Cost is from $563 per room per night, including full buffet breakfast, with a minimum-stay requirement of three nights. Located on a pristine 400-hectare private island, the 166-room luxury resort has undergone a full, multi-million-dollar refurbishment to ensure guests will experience a truly immersive stay in one of the world’s most iconic destinations. The special deal is valid for sale until September 30 and bookings must be made at least a day in advance. Visit www.hayman.com.au.
Solution for solo females
Discover Portugal, Spain & Morocco Holidays has an escorted tour exclusively tailored for females wishing to travel solo along the fascinating path of the Camino. The eight-day ‘Solo Ladies Escorted Camino Last 100km’ package is valid for departure on August 29 and will take travellers on the final leg of the famous Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. At the end of the trip there will be a day tour to Finisterre. This single departure will be limited to 10 to 14 people in the group. Tour Leader is Discover Portugal, Spain & Morocco Holidays’ Roser Arjona, a passionate walker who loves the country. Born in Spain, she knows the area well and will be proud to share the beautiful locations along the way with the small group. The package is priced from $2995 per person and bookings made by March 30 will include a special bracelet from Santiago de Compostela. Phone (02) 8381 1161 or visit www.discovertvl.com.au.
See Greece without the crowds
Beyond Travel is offering discounts of up to $3350 per couple on a selection of deluxe mega-yacht cruises through the Aegean Sea, for select departures in the upcoming summer season in May, July and August. Experience a 12-day cruise tour package from $4995 per person twin-share, including four nights hotel accommodation, a Meteora and Athens tour, transfers and seven nights cruise accommodation, two meals a day, tea/coffee and mineral water throughout the day, use of fishing and snorkelling equipment, services of an experienced captain and crew, and port charges. The voyage is aboard the 21-cabin Harmony G which is large enough to have spacious social areas yet small enough for an intimate and relaxed atmosphere and is able to dock at smaller ports. The itinerary includes port visits to some of the lesser known Greek Islands, hidden gems such as the medieval Monemvasia on the east coast of the Peloponnese , Kea, Rethymnon, Hydra and Nafplion, as well as the famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Phone 1300 664 790 or visit www.cruise-croatia.com.au.
Let someone else plan your tour of Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun is considered to be one of the most peaceful countries in the world, but it’s still better to let someone else do all the planning, booking and guiding when you visit Japan. These are the main reasons why over-50s travellers like to visit Japan, according to Ken Osetroff, director of Toursgallery. “Most of our guests are not young and appreciate travelling in comfort,” said Ken Osetroff, director of Toursgallery. Toursgallery accepts only 12 to 15 guests per tour, with accommodation in spa resorts, top-quality western hotels and traditional ryokans. Visits to national parks and gardens, pottery kilns, craft and art museums, rural villages and even a private audience with a monk are all part of Toursgallery’s soft adventure programs. Toursgallery’s 20-day ‘Untouched Japan’ tour is priced from $11,480 per person twin-share. Phone 1300 307 317 or visit www.toursgallery.com.
