Hamilton Island & Reefsleep Experience

1 APRIL 2012 - 31 MARCH 2013

Hamilton Island and Fantasea Adventure Cruising introduce the unique opportunity of an unforgettable overnight stay at the Great Barrier Reef aboard the exclusive Reefsleep experience, accompanied by one nights accommodation on Hamilton Island pre and post the Reefsleep experience. 

Fantasea Reefworld is a specially designed floating adventure platform at Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from the mainland. Reefworld is home to Reefsleep, an experience like no other. Guests from all corners of the world have taken the once in a lifetime Reefsleep opportunity, spending the night at Reefworld to enjoy the unique solitude, intimacy and tranquillity of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Room type

3 night package*

(per person twin share)
 

Hamilton Island

extra night rate

(per person twin share)
 

Palm Bungalow

$970

$160
 

Reef View Hotel – Garden View room

$1,000

$175

 Reef View Hotel – Coral Sea View room

$1,070

$210

 Beach Club

$1,220

$285


*3 night package includes first night on Hamilton Island, second night on Reefsleep, and third night Hamilton Island.

Prices are per person based on 2 adults. Operates daily except on Mondays (Reefsleep is not available on Tuesday evenings). 

RATE INCLUSIONS

Reefsleep inclusions:
 

Two full days and one nights accommodation in a King Room aboard Reefworld.

Return transfers ex Hamilton Island on Fantasea’s high speed catamaran.

Personalised service by a Reefsleep host.
 

Sunset drinks, alfresco dinner with wine, two buffet lunches, one full breakfast, morning & afternoon teas.

One scuba dive or guided snorkelling tour per person, as well as exclusive time to explore the reef and use of Reefworld pontoon facilities including underwater viewing chamber, semi-submersible, showers, snorkelling equipment and reef appreciation talks.

Hamilton Island inclusions:

• 2 nights accommodation (one night pre/one night post the Reefworld experience)
• Full buffet breakfast daily
• Return Hamilton Island airport/marina to hotel transfers
• Use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment
• Unlimited use of the scheduled ‘Island Shuttle’ service
• Use of gym, spa, sauna, tennis and squash courts

Additional Beach Club inclusions:

• A la carte breakfast in the Beach Club Restaurant daily
• VIP return Hamilton Island airport/marina to Beach Club transfers
• VIP chauffeur service for duration of stay
• Exclusive use of the Beach Club lounge and infinity pool

Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability, bookings are on a ‘request’ basis only and not confirmed until confirmation number received from Hamilton Island Holidays. Reefsleep is not available on Tuesday
evenings. Rates for Bunk Rooms are available upon request. Reference must be made to ‘Hamilton Island Reefsleep’ Package at time of booking. Rates listed are retail (sell) rates per person, they are based on twin
share accommodation in a king room and quoted in AUD. Extra person rates apply on application. Minimum 3 night stay. Airfares not included. Offer valid for travel as specified above and subject to availability.
Blackout dates apply. Offer not available for Hamilton Island Holiday Homes. Offer cannot be booked in conjunction with any other offer. Beach Club does not cater for guests under 18 years of age.

Akaryn And akyra Resorts Launch Performing Enhancing Luxury Packages For Samui Triathlon

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – Bring your 'A game' to the Samui Triathlon 2012 with special triathlon packages from Koh Samui's most stylish and talked-about new boutique resorts, AKARYN Samui at stunning Hanuman Bay and akyra Chura Samui in a serene corner of action-packed Chaweng Beach.

Settle back into AKARYN Samui's intuitive luxury and radiant warmth. There is no better way to prepare for the big race than with all your needs anticipated and full race-day support provided. For high resolution image, click here.

AKARYN Samui, which launches this month, is offering an "Intuitive Luxury for Athletes Package" including hi-carb meals, race-day and equipment transfers, complimentary massage and more.

At akyra Chura Samui, athletes' meals with high carbs and healthy fish from its Barracuda Beach and Suikin restaurants are the highlight of its "Triple Passions Package'' package, with transfers and assistance for triathletes also provided. Both resorts also will be delighted to provide post-race pampering at exclusive SPA IV for weary road warriors.

The triathlon starts at 7.25am on April 22, 2012 at Bophut Beach, just 10 minutes from AKARYN Samui's secluded beachfront setting at Hanuman Bay, between Chaweng and Choeng Mon beaches. It's also a short trip from akyra Chura Samui. Both resorts offer perfect peace and pristine surroundings plus cutting edge fitness centres for pre-race training and warm ups, meditation visualization and whatever else athletes need to get in the zone. Both also ensure athletes and their equipment will be transferred to the race starting area in plenty of time.

AKARYN Samui and akyra Chura Samui are both part of Thailand boutique hotel pioneer Anchalika Kijkanankorn's Akaryn Hospitality Management Services (AHMS) group, which also includes the renowned Aleenta resorts at Phang Nga, Phuket and Pranburi, near Hua Hin.

Ms Kijkanakorn said the special packages would give athletes an edge and help them achieve their peak performance. "My husband Stephane is an ironman and triathlete, so I understand how much preparation goes into these races and what a test of mind, body and spirit they are.

"AKARYN's Intuitive Luxury approach means we understand what athletes need and we will do everything we can to help them have the perfect race and set a personal best, no matter what their level. akyra Chura Samui is a younger and more active resort, all about discovering passions. I know how passionate triathletes are about their sport and I wish all competitors the best of luck. If there is anything else our team can do to assist, please don't hesitate to ask."

Discover your passion for triathlon at akyra Chura Samui, the perfect place to stay for those who race hard and play hard. Swim like a fish, run like the wind... then unwind at Barracuda Beach. For high resolution image, click here.

At AKARYN, special athletes' meals include an early race day energy breakfast created to deliver optimum performance, with eggs, pancakes, cereals, fruits, coffee, energy drinks and more served from 4am, and the day before, a high-carb breakfast and a special 3-course athletes' high-carb dinner at beachfront restaurant The Edge.

The Samui Triathlon race and registration area is only 10 minutes away from our resort and resort teams will also be happy to assist racers with the transfer of equipment from AKARYN and akyra to the race zone on April 21, 2012 for the bike check (2:00 to 5:00pm). Furthermore, there will also be a special morning transfer to bring all racers to the Samui Triathlon zone at 5:00am before the race.

AKARYN SAMUI "INTUITIVE LUXURY FOR ATHLETES PACKAGE"

Pool Suite: THB 5,200++
Pool Suite Sea View: THB 6,000++
Pool Villa: THB 6,600++
Special rates are subject to government taxes and service charge.

Special rates are available from 18-15 April only and are inclusive of gourmet breakfast with race day energy breakfast served from 4am and a three-course "high-carb dinner" on the evening of the event. Athletes and guests confirming their reservation before March 31 will also receive a complimentary 90-minute Swedish Sport Massage at Spa IV.

AKYRA CHURA SAMUI "TRIPLE PASSIONS PACKAGE"

Deluxe Room: THB3,000 ++
Grand Deluxe: THB3,300 ++
Grand Deluxe Seaview: THB3,600 ++
One Bedroom Suite: THB4,100 ++
One Bedroom Suite Seaview: THB 4,400 ++
Special rates are subject to government taxes and service charge.

Special rates are available from 18-15 April only and are inclusive of gourmet buffet breakfast and "To Go Breakfast" on the morning of the race. Pre-race dinner is available at Barracuda beach on Saturday April 21 with a full on carb-loaded menu for THB690++ per person including soft drinks, juice and water. After the event relax at our post race dinner at Barracuda beach, Sunday 22nd April 22 with our fish barbeque at THB599 ++ per person, along with our listed, special beverage promotions

For further information and high-resolution photography, please contact:

Paul Counihan
Director of Sales and Marketing
Akaryn Hospitality Management Services
Tel: +66 (0) 2514 8112
Mobile : +6689 969 8112
E-mail : paul@ahmshotels.com
Website: www.akaryn.com

Turn Left To Linger Longer At Aleenta With Long Stay Rates At Exclusive Beachfront Villas

Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort and Spa invites guests to stay a little bit longer or perhaps even move in forever, with the launch of exclusive long-stay rates for its stunning beachfront luxury villas.

Enjoy the colours of nature at their most vivid at Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort & Spa, where the most rewarding life of all is a long stay with us. For high resolution image, click here.

Aleenta's long-stay rates are available upon request for those who want to truly get away from it all. Imagine white sand between your toes and the soothing murmur of waves the instant you step outside your 1, 2, 3 or 4-bedroom contemporary luxury villa, from our Private Villa Collection.

The ultimate escape begins with one crucial direction: Turn left, and not right, out of Phuket International Airport and head over the bridge to Phang Nga if it is truly unspoiled beachfront luxury living you crave. Turn right, and you’ll be stuck with the rest of the crowd searching for some illusory paradise long since lost. Turn left … and your next stop is Aleenta's Natai Beach, just 20 minutes away, and our collection of some of Asia’s finest absolute beachfront luxury villas. This, truly, is paradise found.

The new jewel in the crown of our Private Villa Collection is Grand Villa Satis – a five bedroom, five bathroom private residence right on the beach with its own private swimming pool. This serene 450sqm compound with two 24-hour private butlers is the definitive statement in beachfront bliss and luxury with a conscience.

Grand Villa Satis offers a 17m x 7m swimming pool, private beachside sala, extensive lawn, stereo with interior and pool-side speakers, home entertainment room with 40-inch plasma screen, Satellite TV, DVD with extensive selection of DVDs, and Nintendo Wii and games, wide selection of children’s toys and board games, and individually adjusted air-conditioning for each room.

All of our villas available for long-stay include signature Aleenta touches like natural Cotton bathrobes and slippers, big luxury towels, 420 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, private terrace overlooking the ocean, and all-natural toiletries with essential oil extracts, designed exclusively for Aleenta.

Enjoy our renowned service, including your own private butler, Aleenta's signature 'Outside Living – In' approach to design and one of Thailand's most beautiful and pristine beaches – Natai Beach – as your own private playground. Live out your desert island fantasies for weeks at a time, or cocoon like a cossetted celebrity. Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child is just one of the luminaries who gets some 'me' time every year with a long-stay in pampered privacy at Aleenta.

Every villa in Aleenta's Private Collection offers all the five-star services and amenities you could desire, including complimentary in-villa sunset bar on arrival, private check-in at your villa, complimentary gourmet breakfast daily, private swimming pool, separate dining and kitchen areas, private chef, high-speed Wi-Fi access, daily newspaper delivery and complimentary airport transfers.

Imagine waking up to a pristine beach and serene sea each morning, all yours for a gentle stroll or perhaps a swim. A long stay with Aleenta is infinite bliss. For high resolution image, click here.

When you tire of splendid seclusion, the vibrant shopping and nightlife of Turtle Village is just minutes away. "Destinations reveal themselves to you over time and as one who has spent lots of time at Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga, I can wholeheartedly recommend the benefits of a long-stay break," said the resort's owner and founder, Anchalika Kijkanakorn.

"When you have two, three, four weeks or more to relax, that's when you really slow down and adjust to Aleenta time. A long-stay escape is the most rewarding life of all."

Prices start from THB26,000 a night with long term rates available.

Please call +66 2 514 8112 for more information, email us at reservations@aleenta.com, or skype us at Aleenta reservations.

For further information and high-resolution photography, please contact:

Anchalika Kijkanakorn
Managing Director
Akaryn Hospitality Management Services
Tel: +66 (0) 2514 8112
E-mail: anchalika@ahmshotels.com
E-mail: pa@ahmshotels.com

Website: www.aleenta.com

David Johnson

Managing Director

Delivering Asia Communications

Tel: +66 (0) 2246 1159

Mobile: +66 (8) 9170 9866

E-mail : dj@deliveringasia.com
Website: www.deliveringcommunications.com

Creative Travel Continue Their Award Winning Streak

On 29th February 2012, Creative Travel received TWO of the Indian travel industry’s highest honour – the National Tourism Awards as “India’s Best Tour Inbound Operator” in our category. These prestigious awards were presented to Creative Travel by the PRESIDENT OF INDIA.
 
At the prestigious government venue Vigyan Bhawan (which is normally used for heads of state visits and government meetings), in a glittering award ceremony of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Creative Travel was honoured with two National Tourism Awards as “India’s Best Inbound Tour Operator” in our category a category in which we have won consistently since 1978.
 
The award was presented by the Hon. President of India, Mrs.Pratibha Patil, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai and Minister of State for Tourism, Mr.Sultan Ahmed were also on stage to present the awards to Creative Travel.
 
The National Tourism Award is a recognition of outstanding achievements of the Indian tourism industry stakeholders. This annual awards function inculcates a spirit of healthy competition in the industry to strive for excellence.
 
The Ministry of Tourism presents the National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel and tourism industry every year. These awards are presented to state Governments, hotels, heritage hotels, tour operators and individuals of other private organizations in recognition of their performances in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism. The selection of the awardees is made by a high powered Committee consisting of senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism and the travel trade representatives. 

For more information on Creative Travel, visit their website, or email rebecca@sandraleach.co.uk

From Opera House to Great Barrier Reef Brahimi Cooking up a Whitsunday Feast

February 2012: Hamilton Island’s first Great Barrier Feast event of 2012 (Friday 6th – Sunday 8th July) will see celebrated Australian chef, Guillaume Brahimi, of Guillaume at Bennelong restaurant, swap his Sydney Opera House residence for a Whitsunday kitchen. (www.hamiltonisland.com.au/feast) Launching the third year of the intimate Great Barrier Feast series, Brahimi joins an impressive Australian line up of acclaimed chefs that have taken the helm in previous years (read more). Held at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia, (www.qualia.com.au) the weekend will showcase the best Whitsundays and Australian haute cuisine with gourmands being treated to a once in a lifetime up close and personal weekend with leading culinary and wine experts. The weekend includes: Friday night welcome dinner: qualia‘s new executive chef, Alastair Waddell (read more), will present an opening night welcome dinner with wines paired and discussed by celebrated wine expert James Halliday. Saturday, master classes: two in-depth master classes will be offered with the guest chef leading up to Brahimi’s showpiece degustation dinner. Saturday night, showpiece dinner: held in qualia’s breathtaking Long Pavilion and presented by Brahimi. Throughout the weekend esteemed restaurant critic Simon Thomsen will emcee the event. Brahimi’s culinary prowess stems from his Parisian homeland where he worked at three-star Michelin restaurants, La Tour d'Argent and at Joel Robuchon’s Jamin, before emigrating to Australia. In late 2001, Brahimi took over the flagship restaurant at the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong, naming it Guillaume at Bennelong and meteoric accolades have followed. He also owns Bistro Guillaume at Southbank’s Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne. Honoured to launch this year’s Great Barrier Feast series, Brahimi said, “It is a real privilege to be able to celebrate the best of Australian cuisine in such a stunning location and swap my kitchen view of the Sydney Harbour for the Whitsundays Coral Sea. I’m also excited to work closely with Alastair since he was my Chef de Partie five years ago at my Melbourne restaurant Bistro Guillaume.” It’s fitting that qualia’s new executive chef, Alastair Waddell, will make his Great Barrier Feast debut with Guillaume, a previous mentor. At qualia, Waddell says his cuisine style is inspired by “the resort’s stunning island vistas and belief in creating menus that are light, fresh and healthy – always respecting the natural flavours and textures in the Whitsunday’s local produce.” Luxury accommodation packages: Guests can choose between the below accommodation packages for the gourmet weekend which includes the ‘Welcome’ and ‘Showpiece’ dinners and tickets to both master classes. Luxury resort of qualia, package prices start from AU$1,695 per person sharing Boutique Beach Club, packages are from AU$1290 per person sharing For groups up to eight people, stay at the new waterfront Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas, room only rates are from AU$1350  Tickets for both dinners, welcome and showpiece, are an additional AU$720 total per person. Package inclusions consist of: Two nights’ accommodation Breakfasts both days ‘Welcome Dinner’ by qualia Executive Chef, Alastair Waddell ‘Showpiece Dinner’ on Saturday night prepared by Guillaume Brahimi Tickets to both master classes VIP chauffeur service VIP return Hamilton Island Airport/Marina transfers and use of non-motorised watercraft  qualia packages also include the hire of a golf buggy. Guests must be 18 years or over to attend the Great Barrier Feast event.To book: go to www.hamiltonisland.com.au/feast Biographies: Guillaume Brahimi, Guillaume at Bennelong, Sydney, www.guillaumeatbennelong.com.au - Guillaume Brahimi was born in Paris, France on 11 August, 1967 and became an Australian citizen in 1994. Guillaume’s passion for cooking began at an early age. Following a two year apprenticeship at Aux Charpentiers, he accepted a position as Commis at the three-star Michelin restaurant, La Tour d'Argent, progressing during his three and a half years to Chef de Partie. During his four years with Robuchon, he progressed from Chef de Partie to Sous Chef and was ready to accept his next challenge – a move to the other side of the world, Australia. After investigating the restaurant market in Australia, Guillaume opened a small restaurant in Sydney called Pond. Within only six months of opening, Pond earned a record breaking Two Chef Hats and a 16/20 rating. After his meteoric success with Pond, he was approached by the owner of the prestigious Sydney restaurant, Bilsons at Circular Quay. He enthusiastically accepted this challenge and after two years was awarded Three Chef Hats, Best French Restaurant and an increased rating of 18/20. During this time he was also a finalist for two years in "Gourmet Traveller Magazine, Restaurant of the Year". In late 2001, he was awarded the prestigious and much sought after contract to take over the flagship restaurant at the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong. Guillaume worked with leading Australian architect, Dale Jones-Evans to refurbish this spectacular venue and opened the restaurant in November 2001 as Guillaume at Bennelong. By early 2002, the restaurant was named by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top 50 new restaurants in the world. Guillaume is also committed to various charities operating in Sydney. He is an active board member of The Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation and the Bestest Foundation. He has also hosted many charity events at his Restaurant, including the Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Silver Party for three consecutive years, and a fundraising event supporting Breast Cancer Research. Alastair Waddell, qualia, Hamilton Island, http://www.qualia.com.au - Alastair Waddell has been appointed executive chef at qualia. He previously held the position of sous chef for nearly three years under the tutelage of qualia’s former executive chef, Jane-Therese Mulry. Prior to qualia, Waddell was chef de partie at the 2 hatted Bistro Guillaume in Melbourne. Preceding his move to Australia, Waddell worked in his home town in Glasgow, Scotland with renowned chef, Paul Tamburrini. He held the position of sous chef at The Bistro, at One Devonshire Gardens hotel and the Georgian room in Cameron House, Loch Lomond. Both hotels were awarded the prestigious 3 AA Rosette rating. He’s passionate about the ‘nature cuisine’ movement led by Noma restaurant in Denmark and believes in giving the greatest respect to nature in his cooking, always using local produce when possible and recognising the importance of flavour, texture and presentation. At qualia, Waddell’s cuisine is inspired by the resort’s stunning island vistas, creating menus that are light, fresh and healthy. However, as a proud Scotsman, he has introduced black pudding to the menu which is now one of the resort’s most popular main courses. James Halliday, Wine critic and author, www.winecompanion.com.au - James’ career started in law, before moving into winemaking, writing and judging in the 1970s. Since establishing the wineries of Brokenwood and Coldstream Hills, Halliday has written over 60 books and been a significant contributor to others, including Oxford Companion to Wine and Hugh Johnson Pocket Guide. Many of his books have been translated into other languages, such as French, German and Japanese. He continues to write, judge and consult and has a weekly wine column for the Weekend Australian newspaper. He is often described as ‘Australia’s leading wine writer’. Simon Thomsen, Restaurant critic, www.simonthomsen.com - Simon is the restaurant critic for The Daily Telegraph in Sydney. His reviews appear in the taste.com.au food and wine section every Tuesday. He has written award-winning stories about food and travel for numerous publications, including The Weekend Australian Magazine. He’s worked as a restaurant critic for 15 years and spent the last six years as editor of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Simon hosts a weekly talkback slot about food on Sydney’s ABC 702 with Deb Cameron every Thursday at 10.45am. He has appeared on Masterchef, was a judge on Iron Chef Australia and featured in two SBS documentaries, High Steaks and Heat in the Kitchen.