Archive

Etihad trip

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Hi Keren

I’m back and sorry about cancelling the car! My beloved INSISTED he wanted to pick me up so the chauffeur had to be ditched.  Now just wanted to give you some feedback, everything was excellent and I got to travel the Abu Dhabi London leg both ways on the brand new fancy super schmancy  Diamond First Class and it is amazing!  Everything was great, fast tracking through customs left right and centre, they could no do enough for me at the airport on all of the planes, would thoroughly recommend Etihad and it was worth the money and an excellent deal. Even the normally painful Heathrow part was quite tolerable after all the bowing and scraping.

Thanks again for making the organisation so smooth and here’s hoping Etihad continue with more good deals!

Tina

Stunning New Luxury Resort Taunovo Bay Resort & Spa, Fiji

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Stunning new luxury resort located down at the Coral Coast overlooking Beqa Lagoon lies Fiji’s new opulent five-star beach front resort living, Taunovo Bay Resort and Spa. Spanning three kilometres of Viti Levu’s most stunning white sand beaches, presents the most unique majestic and prestigious freehold beach front living in Fiji today.

Please find below a bit of information about Taunovo Bay Resort.

  • Located down at the Coral Coast (Pacific Harbour - good for golfers) about 2 hours away from Nadi
  • Luxury resort on the mainland … accommodation is residential villas
  • Currently there are 7x 4 bedroom villas .. soon to change to 10 .. 100% beach front .. it has 2 pools within 1 4 bedroom villa
  • If you take a 1 or 2 bedroom the 4 bedroom will be split into 2. If you take a “VILLA” you get the dining room, kitchen, lounge, media room, pool. If you get the “SUITE” you get your room and pool only.
  • Great for families. Kids program/nanny from 8am-6pm for kids under 12 yrs.
  • If you have 2 adults 1 kid the kid will get a free bed .. increased to 2 adults 2 kids you will have to take a 2 bedroom. At all times there is only allowed 2 adults in 1 room.
  • There is a beach bar, 1 restaurant (soon to be changed to 2), spa, private chef also available.
  • Seaplane also available from Nadi .. for 4 people cost is USD$1000 one way.

Current status …

  • There is soft construction going on but it will not affect your stay
  • 50% off opening sale
  • Only 1 a la carte restaurant available … there will soon be 2
  • Kids club not yet available - but kids programs still available

Extraordinary attention to detail defines the Taunovo Bay experience. Their friendly staff will cater to your desires and anticipate your individual needs. Enjoy the romance and luxury of your surroundings.

Liku Liku Lagoon Resort, Malolo Island , Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008

Liku Liku Lagoon Fiji Resort - what can I say about this resort, but wow, wow, wow!

Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a haven of subtle luxury and the first and only resort in Fiji with over-water bures. It is a unique and special place designed with integrity to cultural values, traditional designs and architecture, and is embraced by the renowned warmth of the Fijian people.

This is the perfect location to celebrate a wedding, honeymoon, renewal of vows or anniversary or even for anyone who wants to escape from their busy lives.

Just 16 miles away from Nadi Airport, the resort can be reached by fast catamaran, private speedboat, seaplane or helicopter - direct to the Resort’s own helipad.

Total of 45 bures/rooms all featuring: Air conditioning, ceiling fans, telephone, king-size bed, indoor & outdoor showers, spacious deck, music system, mini-bar on request, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator, complimentary Fiji Water and fresh baked cookies daily, iron & board, hairdryer, in-room safe, bath robes, beach towels, lounge area, Pure Fiji His & Her amenities, Likuliku Lei, complimentary Likuliku Sulu (sarong), evening turn-down service.

The culinary experience at this resort is amazing. There is a wide selection of dishes to choose from that has a touch of traditional Fijian to Oriental to Western flavours … they’re all splendid no matter what you choose on the menu. Meals are included as part of the rate and will is served in the signature restaurant “Fijiana” with daily-changing, mini-Dégustation menus.

Once you’re there you will not want to leave .. go and experience luxury close to home .. you will have no regrets.

Hayman Island, an Unforgettable Island Experience

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

I was invited on a weekend getaway to represent our company for outstanding sales in 2006 and joining a group of 8 more people. The whole weekend was a surprise so I wasn’t sure what I was up for … so I was very excited.

Our flight was up to Hamilton Island and that was all I knew. Once we arrived at the airport, we were then taken to the Hamilton Island Marina and there were 2 launches docked, there was one for Hayman Island and the other had no name on it so it was a bit of a mystery.

They took us over to the Hayman Island launch and I knew this trip was going to be something I’ve never experienced. Once we got on we were welcomed with drinks and the service started from there. The boat ride took about an hour and we finally arrived at our destination - Hayman Island. We were greeted by the management team at the jetty which was a really nice touch for the beginning of our trip.

We got checked-in into our Pool Deluxe Room’s which had magnificent views of the Hayman pool and partial views of the beach. The room was a comfortable size and I think the views made up for any small issues that you would notice.

We had the afternoon free to ourselves so we walked around the resort to do a quick inspection and get ourselves familiar with the facilities available. We then got an itinerary to advise what was organised for our weekend. That night we were invited to join the Chef’s Table for a unique experience that takes one behind the scenes for dinner in the kitchen. The Chef’s Table is held in one of the main kitchens on Hayman with the meal accompanied by Premier Australian and international wines from Hayman’s extensive cellar, which houses around 20,000 bottles of wine. The evening was a very memorable experience … and I suggest everyone try it if they get the chance during their stay.

After our breakfast at Azure Restaurant, our day of full pampering began where we went for a luxury boat ride sailing around the island sipping on French champagne and a massage/facial to complete the day. What a tough day we had  . The Spa Chakra team was unbelievable! They did a fantastic job which made me feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The spa offers Hayman guests an exclusive selection of personally-tailored beauty and well-being programs designed to restore wellness and balance.

It was time for us to leave which was such a shame cause I was just getting settled in and getting used to this luxury life. I would definitely return back to Hayman Island on a personal level so I can relax and unwind.

Evason Phuket Six Senses Spa,Thailand

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

I’ve just returned from my holiday to Malaysia with a quick stop-over in Phuket. It was quite a good combination with Phuket just being a hours flight from Kuala Lumpur.

The weather wasn’t too great in Phuket when I arrived but I tried to make the most of my time there and do as many things as I could. Nothing was going to stop me.

I went to visit the local temples, visited the shooting range which was very adventurous for a person like me and of course squeezed in some shopping and spa treatments.

Phuket has beautiful scenery and beaches and the markets were great. There is so much culture for you to see, observing the local people and how they live can be quite inspirational.

The place to be is Patong Beach, for many tourists you either like it or you don’t .. simple as that, personally I thought it was a great experience. There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from for the half the price or even less of what you can get back home. I dined at this lovely beach side restaurant that offered fresh seafood along Patong Beach. I would recommend their traditional dish … fresh green papaya salad topped with freshly grilled prawns ummm … with a fresh coconut juice and then you can work on the cocktails!

While in Phuket I would recommend everyone go see the lady-boy show “Simon Cabaret”. This is something not to be missed. The stage props to the acts were just fantastic … and they really do look like ladies … the transformation is just amazing. It was quite a fun night.

All the big chain hotels are centrally located along Patong Beach. Such as the Hilton, Holiday Inn, Dusit Laguna Resort and many more.

I personally got the opportunity to stay at the Evason Phuket Six Senses Spa. Its located about 40mins away from Phuket International Airport. The service is unbelievable! I felt like royalty with all the extra attention that I got to be honest with you. I got picked up in a flashy BMW private car transfer and they took me directly to the resort. I stayed in a Duplex Suite and had my own private plunge pool which also came with a 24hr private butler service to assist you with anything during your stay.

The Six Senses spa was such a good experience. You start to feel relaxed as soon as you step in the consultation room … I fell asleep after such a good session.

Luckily on one of the days the sun was out so I headed over to Bon Island. This is a private island/beach area that is used by guests staying at the Evason Phuket, it is a pleasurable and scenic 10min boat ride with a bar and private salas for you to use. On Bon Island there is also a honeymoon suite were honeymooners can hire for the night and have private use of the island. You will also received your own private butler and chef for the night who will cook up a very special dinner for you.

After spending a couple of nights at the Evason Phuket I headed over to spend a night at Amanpuri. Also about 40mins away from the Phuket International Airport but just heading in the opposite direction.

Amanpuri was very different to Evason Phuket. It is on a coconut plantation so it is quite a relaxed environment when you arrive. The room was beautiful and spacious, as you walk in there is a complimentary bowl of fruits on the side table with nice soft traditional Thai music playing in the background.

The views from the pavillions were breathtaking. The private villas are really great for families who want to get away and consists of 2 bedrooms with your own private chef and lap pool.

I walked down to the beach and the stairs were a bit much for me … I think I counted about 35 stairs :-) however well worth the walk, the private beach was beautiful. The current was a little strong so we couldn’t use the beach that day, what a shame as the water was so crystal clear.

It was time to pack up my bags and head home. I had such a fantastic time in Phuket and got to experience things I never would have back home and take with me many special memories.

Vomo Island

Monday, January 7th, 2008

comments from FirstClass client Vickie

Would recommend the Vomo destination to anyone.

The instant we arrived we felt welcomed. We were personally greeted by the managers Wayne & Toni-Maree with a fresh coconut to drink from, a frangipani lai and welcome song from local staff.

Loved the beach front access from the villa, the villa interior, villa air-conditioning, daily laundry service and the chef’s selection of food. It was always delicious and Marc’s (I think that is what the chef’s name was) themed events were adventurous with a Christmas dinner, lovo night (complete with local Fijian dance and song and Kava ceremony) and Fiji night with local produce.

The effort make to make the little ones have a special xmas away from home with a visit from Santa bearing gifts was tremendously thoughtful. And the villas all received a wonderful xmas surprise too from management and Staff of Vomo.

Any hiccups (e.g. faulty safe, wrong size plug for bath) during our stay were either fixed straight away or the following day.

Wayne and Toni-Maree including all the staff really made our holiday a wonderful experience.

After such an experience it was hard to adjust to the corporate feel of the Radisson; although it was still a nice experience. The littlies really liked the pool and water slide that were close to our room; very convenient. The rooms you organised for us were adjoining and beautifully fitted with the finest decor and lovely big beds. We also had dinner one night at the V experience restaurant in the Sofitel where the food again was absolutely competitive to anything that Sydney has to offer in the upmarket notch.

Spectacular Hayman Island

Monday, September 10th, 2007

Just got back. Hayman is spectacular.

We have 12 years industry experience and this venue is hands down one of the best in Australia. Service+++.

They even upgraded us for free for a couple of nights. The island is extremely Baby friendly, lots of families and understanding staff.

The bad comments on trip advisor can officially be stricken from the record. It is expensive once you are there but it is a private tropical island resort in the Whitsundays with probably somewhere around 300 million dollars worth of facility. Experiencing 300 million dollars costs a bit I guess…

Hayman is a true international. I have traveled extensively throughout the world and I know how far service extends. I seriously doubt many Australian resorts can top Hayman’s standards and consistency.

Royal Davui

Sunday, August 26th, 2007

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Our client Michelle Kiley says…

Best: Perfect location, set up/layout and service - the people running the resort were fantastic and the staff were brilliant - nothing was too much trouble - an amazing “family like”atmosphere. The Fijian people were the highlight. Wonderful food and wine No worst, although the diving equipment is suboptimal and for safety reasons this MUST be addressed.

Kuala Lumpur Shopping Paradise

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007

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What more can I say about Kuala Lumpur than SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING!!

This city is a girls dream …. beautiful shops from designer stores to small boutiquey stores. Departments stores with prices that can accommodate for everyone’s budget. There are night markets that are filled with fantastic bargains or even if you wanted to just stroll through the lanes for a taste of peoples lives trying to make a living. The amount of enthusiasm that the sales people have trying to all make a sale.

This city is not only about shops but also great siteseeing. The most spectacular view in Kuala Lumpur would be the Twin Towers. The Twins Towers would come close to being Paris’s Eiffel Tower but only that it is in Asia.

Kuala Lumpur would be a great stop-over for some just to break up your trip and fill in your luggage with great bargains. Literally bargains can be cheaper than chips.

For people who love to eat … there is a lot of flavour in Malaysian foods. Push your taste buds to the limit … add some spice to your life.