Engage your senses in Tasmania
Compass Hut is a self-contained, off-grid, tiny house, 10 minutes from Devonport, on the north-west coast of Tasmania. The design draws inspiration from Scandinavian architecture as well as 'phenomenology', architecture that engages the five senses. The timber hut accommodates two people and has a double-bed sleeping area, kitchenette and bathroom, including a composting toilet. Outside, the hut is on an organic farm and has its own private access and self check-in instructions. Guests are invited to pick herbs, vegetables and fruit from the garden during their visit, as well as focus on their own health and well-being through connecting with nature.
Visit www.compasshut.com.au
Save at Falls Creek
Guests who stay in a two- or three-bedroom apartment, suite or penthouse within the Falls Creek Country Club will be offered a significant saving on any of their wining and dining whilst they are guests at this well located complex. For example, a restaurant voucher equivalent to 10 per cent of the value of their accommodation between July 21-26 could work out to be as much as $500. Plus, there is also 10 per cent off the regular apartment tariff. The property is located within Falls Creek Alpine Resort and its many attributes include drive in/drive out, and ski in/ski out. Guests have access to a complimentary heated pool, spa and sauna, and the in-house restaurant.
Phone (03) 5758 3391 or visit www.fallscreekcountryclub.com.au.
Chamber music on the reef
There are many reasons why the annual Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) in Townsville is a must-attend event on every classical music-lover's bucket list. The dozens of exceptional musicians who perform more than 33 concerts over 10 days, and the tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef that play host to breathtaking concert events are a start. This year's AFCM runs from Friday July 26 to Sunday August 4 and offers festivalgoers the opportunity to experience three magical events on Magnetic Island and Orpheus Island. On Tuesday July 30, for instance, guests will travel by boat to Orpheus Island (whale-watching along the way) for the Orpheus Island Concert, featuring music by international artists Wu Man, Rachael Clegg, Roberto Carrillo-Garcia, Martin Kuuskmann, and Australian flautist Sally Walker. This is a rare opportunity to explore the remote end of the island and take a dip in the water before settling down on the beach to enjoy the one-hour concert, with catering, wine and a beautiful sunset included on the return journey.
Visit www.afcm.com.au.
Deals for Perth's International Film Festival
Sage Hotel West Perth is the official accommodation partner of the Perth International Film Festival which will take place from 4-17 July and bring with it 144 films, an array of family-friendly screenings, panels, workshops and some big names. As part of the partnership, Sage Hotel West Perth will play host to a number of stars, directors and film buffs over the two-week festival. From 4-17 July, Sage Hotel West Perth is offering a special Reveal package, which includes overnight accommodation with breakfast for two, a bottle of wine on arrival and late check out, priced from $145 per night. The hotel's Julio's restaurant is offering a pre-film dining special, with guests who present their festival ticket being offered a free glass of beer, wine or soft drink with their meal.
Visit www.sagewestperth.com
Next year's tours at this year's prices
Reservations are now open for many of UTracks 2020 European departures. All its self-guided Spanish and Portuguese Camino journeys and Italy's Francigena Way and St Francis Way trips are available at the 2019 rates if booked within this financial year. "Our book-now-and-travel-next-year offer is an opportunity for dedicated travellers to beat a likely price increase in 2020 and be top of the queue for first choice of accommodation," said UTracks General Manager, Kate Baker. The 10-day self-guided 'Francigena Way: Orvieto to Rome', for instance, is priced from $1590 per person twin-share. The Via Francigena pilgrim route, also known as The Italian Camino or Francigena Way, dates back to the eleventh century and has been recently revived. This itinerary visits hilltop villages, vineyards, abbeys and Etruscan countryside on the way to the Eternal City of Rome.
Visit www.utracks.com.
New look for Tahitian bungalows
The luxury overwater bungalows of Tahiti's Ia Ora Beach Resort by Sofitel have reopened following a complete rejuvenation project. Each of the resort's 12 overwater bungalows is the epitome of a Tahitian getaway, having received a stylish makeover incorporating a chic soft neutral palate, and natural materials throughout, all working harmoniously to complement the iconic water views. The floors feature a glass panel allowing guests to admire the underwater flora and multi-coloured fish passing by in the Punaauia Lagoon. Each bungalow is equipped with a king-size bed, a sofa bed and can accommodate two adults and one child under 12 years of age. Most importantly, each bungalow features a private terrace complete with deckchairs to take in the breathtaking Tahiti sunsets. The resort is a 15-minute drive from Faa'a International Airport and a 30-minute drive from Papeete Ferry Terminal.
Visit www.accorhotels.com
