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SALUTING THE ‘SPORT OF KINGS’ AT THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS POLO EVENT  

Royal Salute has expanded their World Polo Programme to become a sponsor of The 2012 Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo (Argentine Polo Open Championship), marking their commitment to the ‘Sport of Kings’ in polo today, and for the future. The Argentine Open is the world’s leading high-handicap tournament, which takes place in the picturesque borough of Palermo (Catedral del Polo) in Buenos Aires, between 17th November – 8th December.  Royal Salute will offer the discerning gentlemen a true luxurious experience paying homage to the patrons and players, the true kings of polo today.

This historic 40-goal event brings to life the ‘Kings’ of polo today by attracting the best players and patrons from around the globe, riding the very best horses and all wanting to win the prestigious title of ‘best polo team in the world’. Demonstrating unbelievable skill and sportsmanship from world class players, who will battle it out, in what is anticipated to be the most exciting final of the polo season.

Established as the oldest championship in the world and still remaining to draw an international crowd of over 20,000 people, Royal Salute is proud to be part of the 119th Argentine Polo Open Championship 2012.

Neil Macdonald, Global Brand Director for Royal Salute, commented: “As the world’s leading prestige Scotch whisky, we believe Royal Salute is the perfect partner for “the sport of kings” and through our new sponsorship of the Argentine Open we will bring this to life. The Royal Salute team is extremely excited to be a part of such a historic event in polo and look forward to becoming a permanent figure in the world of polo for the future.”

Royal Salute’s commitment to international polo is ever growing, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events across America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Royal Salute World Polo programme continues, with the 119 Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo December.

Heineken® celebrates being ‘140 years young’ with launch of spectacular social bottle installation at its iconic home

 Heineken® marks its 140-year anniversary by inviting people to be part of the celebration in a major light installation on the wall of its spiritual home, brought to life through social media. Created from 5,000 iconic Heineken bottles the LED-lit exhibit will stand tall outside the Heineken Experience in the centre of Amsterdam, December 7^th 2012 – January 3^rd 2013 as one of the Amsterdam Light Festival’s highlights.  As part of an open global party people are invited to share their own celebration messages through Facebook which will light up in a dynamic animated showcase, alongside bold images inspired by the brand’s iconic history.

Heineken 140 Year Celebration Spectacular In Amsterdam

The Australian Ballet’s incredible Pas de deux in Paradise will be performed at luxury resort qualia from 16 – 18 November 2012 (www.qualia.com.au/events/australia-ballet).
Marking the 50th anniversary of The Australian Ballet, 2012 is also the 5th anniversary of the internationally acclaimed arts company’s exclusive annual performances at qualia.
Principal Artists Adam Bull, Lana Jones and Amber Scott, and Senior Artist Rudy Hawkes, will be dancing excerpts from some of Ballet’s most loved works: After the Rain ©, Giselle, Manon and Stephen Baynes’ brand new Swan Lake, accompanied by Artistic Director David McAllister.
The Pas de Deux in Paradise weekend begins on the Friday evening with a welcome dinner at the Long Pavilion, prepared by qualia’s Executive Chef, Alastair Waddell.  A Q&A session during the mouth-watering meal is held with The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David McAllister and the dancers.
On Saturday morning, guests will be treated to an exclusive viewing of the dancers warming up at ‘Morning Barre’, prior to a simply stunning, pre-dinner performance. The stage will be set by the water’s edge at qualia’s Pebble Beach, and nothing else is needed as the breathtakingly beautiful Coral Sea and Whitsunday islands form the exquisite natural backdrop. The event is emceed by Getaway travel presenter and Pas de Deux in Paradise devotee, Catriona Rowntree.

The ballet works are;

Giselle; A stirring tale of innocent love, betrayal, madness, tragedy and redemption, Giselle is one of the ultimate romantic ballets. Rudy Hawkes and Lana Jones will begin the evening with the Act II pas de deux and solos.
Manon; Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon is a sumptuous treat. Based on the classic novel by Abbé Prévost, this tale of obsession, passion, greed and betrayal is a dancer favourite. Adam Bull and Amber Scott will delight audiences with the bedroom pas de deux.

After the Rain ©; A seamless marriage of music and movement, After the Rain© is an intimate portrayal of what contemporary ballet legend Christopher Wheeldon describes as “an unspoken love affair that is consummated only onstage”. A heartbreakingly tender pas de deux is the centrepiece of this work and will showcase the talents of Rudy Hawkes and Lana Jones.

Swan Lake; For the evening’s finale, Adam Bull and Amber Scott will perform the moving Act II pas de deux from Stephen Baynes’ Swan Lake. With the tropical Queensland water replacing Tchaikovsky’s frozen lake, Swan Lake will be a fitting end to a moonlit evening of ballet.
David McAllister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, believes this is a ballet event not to be missed. ‘Our dancers love performing under the stars at qualia and will be dancing excerpts from four truly breathtaking ballets this year. For anyone wanting to combine an island holiday with the ballet, it’s an unbeatable combination,’ McAllister said.

Recently named Best in the World and Best Resort in the Oceania region in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, qualia is nestled intimately on the edge of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Its unique design harmoniously blends in with the surrounding natural environment, and its 60 luxurious pavilions are an indulgent space to unwind in, with either a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool. The resort’s outstanding facilities include two tranquil infinity-edged pools, two bars and restaurants, a private dining room, library, fitness centre and Spa qualia.

For more information visit www.qualia.com.au/events/australia-ballet.

Toasty fires, roast dinners and puddings, decorations and Santa: the season the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region is renowned for has arrived – Yulefest.

Blue Mountains, Lithgow & Oberon Tourism chairman Randall Walker said: “Yulefest in this region is a magical time when this unique landscape is transformed into an icy winter wonderland yet our hotels, motor inns and guest houses, our restaurants and cafes become warm havens with roaring fires, hearty meals and hot drinks to retreat from the winter chill.”

The history of Yulefest in the Blue Mountains goes back about 30 years to a small group of Irish visitors relaxing in front of a fire after enjoying the crisp, clear winter climate.

They commented on how the conditions and atmosphere reminded them of Christmas celebrations back home so a savvy hotelier offered to re-create a similar festive atmosphere and meal for his nostalgic Celtic guests.

That first Yulefest was a hit. Word spread throughout the region and before long, St Nick was doing the rounds twice a year.

Today, many hotels, restaurants, motor inns and guest houses in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region offer Yulefest celebrations.

Following is a sample on offer this year:

Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat, Katoomba (Saturday June 30 and July 7, 14, 21 and 28): Popularly regarded as the “home of Yulefest” in the region there will be pre-dinner drinks from 6pm in the lounge followed by a five-course dinner and entertainment, visit by Santa, a souvenir photo and after dinner treats. Cost: $149 adults, $66 children (5 – 12 years), $15 children (0 – 4 years). Accommodation packages available. Bookings and details: contactus@mountainheritage.com.au or 02 4782 2155.

Waldorf Leura Gardens Resort, Leura (Saturday, July 14, 21 and 28; Friday, August 3; and Saturday, August 4 and 11): four-course meal and entertainment. Special accommodation packages. Cost: $95 adults, $55 children aged over 4 years (under-4 free). Pre-payment and bookings essential: leurares@waldorf.com.au or phone 02 4784 4000.

Jenolan Caves House (Wednesdays and Fridays throughout July): log fires, festive decorations and tree. Yulefest-style menu and small gift at Chisolm’s Restaurant (children will receive a gift too – from Santa inside a cave). Details and bookings: www.jenolancaves.org.au, 1300 763 311, bookings@jenolancaves.org.au.

Fairmont Resort, Leura (Saturdays throughout July): sumptuous buffet with seafood, festive meats and desserts. Cost: $79 adults, $49 children (5-12 years), under-5 free includes visit from Santa. Bookings essential: 02 4785 0000 or reservations@fairmontresort.com.au. Accommodation and dinner packages available.

Redleaf Resort, Blackheath (Saturday, July 21): accommodation, traditional Yulefest dinner, entertainment, gift from Santa and full buffet breakfast Sunday. Cost: $300 per couple or $80 dinner only adults (over-12) and $50 children. Details and bookings: reservations@redleaf.com.au, 1800 817 011 or 02 4787 8108.

Rick Rutherford’s Country (Badgery Cres, Lawson and Leura Mall): 10 showcase rooms filled with festive treasures including twinkling white trees, glass ornaments, gilded collectables, traditional festive wares and more. Yulefest will be launched on June 30 with five private functions and then run every day throughout July. Details and bookings: www.rickrutherford.com, rickrutherford@iprimus.com.au or 02 4759 3434.

The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba (throughout winter): Saturday Yulefest dinner from June 30 to August 11. Cost: $140. Group lunches (20 people or more) daily from June 1 to August 31. Cost: $49 pp Monday to Friday and $55 Saturday and Sunday (lunch and dinner available). Details and bookings: www.thecarrington.com.au, reservations@thecarrington.com.au or 02 4782 1111.

Blue Mountains Manor House, Mt Victoria (June 30 to July 29): weekend packages include accommodation, full breakfast, Saturday three-course Yulefest dinner with mulled wine, table wine and late Sunday check-out. Cost:  $590 couples (ensuite room), $85 children under-12 sharing with adults. Details and bookings: www.bluemountainsmanorhouse.com.au, contact@laccom.com.au or 02 4787 1369.

Other Yulefest offers include festive lunch (minimum of four) at Bygone Beautys, Leura, from June 12 to August 31 (Cost: $65 adult, $35 children. Bookings essential: 02 4784 3117); Saturday lunch and dinner at the Hotel Imperial, Mt Victoria, (Cost: $70 adults, $35 children. Details and bookings: 02 4787 1878); four-course dinner and show every Saturday in July at the Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba (Cost: $75 dinner and show or $25 show only. Bookings: 02 4782 1322); and Yulefest lunch and dinner throughout winter at the Metropole Hotel, Katoomba (Cost: $45 lunch, $49 dinner. Bookings: 02 4782 2417).

Visit www.visitbluemountains.com.au for more information about Yulefest events and packages in the Blue Mountains
Lithgow and Oberon region.

El Questro Homestead, located in the magnificent Kimberley region of Western Australia has joined Luxury Lodges of Australia (LLoA), further showcasing Australia’s extraordinary regional diversity and experiential luxury travel offering.

The Homestead is a stylish luxury retreat set high overlooking the Chamberlain River in El Questro Wilderness Park, a vast landscape of just under a million acres comprising red rock ranges, river gorges, waterfalls and thermal springs.

“El Questro Homestead is a significant addition to the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection,” said James Baillie, Chair of Luxury Lodges of Australia.

“It is a truly Australian travel offering that has stood the test of time – an outstanding blend of remote regional hospitality and the exploration of the superb outback wilderness landscape of the Kimberley – one of the great icons of our amazing Australian landscape.”

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Delaware North Australia Parks and Resorts, owners of El Questro, said “This seems to be a very fitting honour as we celebrate our 20th anniversary in providing luxury accommodation to guests from Australia and all over the world wanting to experience this very special place.”

El Questro Wilderness Park is one million acres in size and really is one of the last true frontiers with rugged sandstone ranges, gorges, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. At the heart of the property lies El Questro Homestead, a boutique oasis, perched atop a cliff with bird’s eye views of The Chamberlain River.

The extensive experiences menu is key to the Homestead offering and there are diverse options for guided drives, bush, culture and nature tours, bird-watching, gorge hikes, swimming at pristine waterfalls and rock pools, scenic flights, remote picnics and fishing excursions.

The Homestead is an easy 90-minute drive (just over 100km) from Kununurra or is accessible via private airstrip. It caters to a maximum of eighteen guests in nine suites including three newly opened Cliffside Retreats.

The Retreats offer uninterrupted views across the Chamberlain Gorge where freshwater crocodiles, turtles, catfish and wild barramundi can be seen from the room’s balconies and outdoor baths. These new rooms join the existing accommodation which includes the premium luxury of the Chamberlain Suite featuring a wrap-around veranda, floor to ceiling windows, a double shower and an indoor/outdoor private double bath overlooking the gorge.

The Homestead is renowned for serving premium cuisine in dramatic locations, from a secluded cliff top table to the Homestead’s spacious verandas.

Luxury Lodges of Australia was formed as a result of the dramatic change in the Australian travel landscape over the past decade, which has seen the emergence of a new breed of exceptional lodges and camps in some of Australia’s most beautiful and outstanding regions.

Never before has Australia had a critical mass of experiential luxury properties to appeal to global travellers and adventure seekers.

With the addition of El Questro Homestead, eighteen of Australia’s leading independent luxury tourism properties comprise the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection. The lodges are independently owned and operated, but are united by their delivery of uniquely Australian experiences and a strong sense of place.

Each lodge has its signature experiences and activities to showcase the special aspects of its region. It is these experiences that define the new Australian luxury and showcase Australia’s extraordinary diversity.

James Baillie said: “Australia is now, more than ever, one of the most exciting and desirable travel destinations globally. Australia’s diversity is unique. No other country in the world has the breadth and depth of experience we have. Now, for the first time, in many of our remote regions, this is now offered at the luxe levels expected by experience-seeking luxury travellers.”

The collection has brought together many of Australia’s innovators and leaders in hospitality, tourism, food and wine, and regional development; and their passion for delivering authentically Australian luxury experiences over and above offering a great place to stay, is ingrained in their unique lodge offering.

Luxury Lodges of Australia www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au

Lizard Island has been named Best Resort/Lodge in Australia at the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2012 Travel Awards.
At an event held at the stylish Park Hyatt hotel in Sydney, mc Catriona Rowntree announced the award to an audience of tourism industry luminaries.
“We are truly honoured to be recognised with such an important award as this is a reader nominated category meaning we have not only won the award but also the hearts and minds of our guests ” said Tim Smith, Managing Director of Delaware North Hotels Parks and Resorts Australia, owners of the property.

In their summary of the award win, Australian Gourmet Traveller states:  “Of all the Great Barrier Reef’s many hundreds of islands, Lizard is arguably the most blissful. It’s a 1013-hectare national park fringed by the World Heritage-listed wonder of the planet’s largest living structure, meaning its basic specs are hard to beat. Factor in the 40-room Lizard Island Resort, recently restored to its five-star shimmer, and there’s really no contest.”
Lizard Island is located at the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland and can be reached via a short one hour scenic plane flight from Cairns.  Its’ 40 rooms and public spaces have recently undergone a refurbishment with the magazine commenting:  ”The chic design and finishes of the resort’s Anchor Bay Suites make for the ultimate Barrier Reef beach-houses.”

The Resort was also commended for its easy access to some of the world’s greatest snorkelling and dive sites.   The Ribbon Reefs near Lizard Island are
renowned for being home to a diverse range of fish species including the impressive black marlin, as well as tuna, mackerels, trevallies and swordfish.

The nearby Cod Hole is internationally acclaimed as one of the most spectacular dive sites in the world and one of the most famous on the Great Barrier Reef. Divers can feed the Giant Potato Cod and view a huge variety of marine life.And 24 deserted beaches ensure opportunities for guests to simply don a mask and fins and swim straight into spectacular, brightly coloured clam gardens passing turtles, fish life and miniature spotted rays along the way.

Lizard Island was also named runner up in the Best Australian Island Resort category which was voted on by an expert judging panel drawn from media and tourism industry representatives.

World-class luxury resort qualia (www.qualia.com.au) has taken out two awards at the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2012 Travel Awards.
qualia was named Best Australian Island Resort and Spa qualia was named Best Spa for the third year running, adding to the multi-award winning resort’s array of national and international accolades.

Michael Shah, qualia’s General Manager, said: “These awards are testament to the position we hold not only in Queensland as a unique island resort, but in the wider context of high end hospitality across the country. Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine is iconic, and the awards reflect that the readers are the people who enjoy the understated elegance and ease of qualia.

“Our philosophy for qualia is that exceptional guest experiences cannot be artificially formulated; it must come from within the guest. qualia’s environment allows each guest to respond to his or her own experience in their own way. When you combine exceptional service with zero pretension the result is what we describe as ‘The qualia Effect’, and winning these awards demonstrates that the qualia effect is clearly resonating with our guests.”

Testament to its names’ Latin origins, ‘a collection of deeper sensory experiences’, qualia occupies Hamilton Island’s unashamedly beautiful and sun-drenched northern-most tip. A member of Relais & Châteaux, qualia’s unique design combines a sense of space, openness and harmony that draws the outside in. Set amongst native Eucalypts, and with breathtaking views of the luminous Coral Sea and neighbouring Whitsunday islands, the 60 luxurious pavilions with a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool provide the perfect space for guests to unwind in.

The resort’s outstanding facilities include two tranquil infinity-edged pools, two bars and exclusive restaurants, a private dining room, library, fitness centre and Spa qualia, an award-winning venue unto itself. qualia also hosts several special events for its guests throughout the year, including the popular Australian Ballet ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ and Great Barrier Feast series.

Nestled privately in the very heart of the resort, Spa qualia exemplifies the resort’s meaning by offering guests a completely unique sensory experience. The indigenous Australian treatments have been meticulously designed to relax, revitalise and replenish the mind, body and soul. A beautiful Meditation Pavilion is perfectly positioned to capture the tranquil views of the Whitsundays, the ideal place to unwind and reflect.

Spa qualia features anti-stress, anti-aging, detoxifying and cleansing treatments; including Spa qualia’s signature ‘Bularri Yarrul’ hot stone massage using 300 million year old stones; and beautiful aromatherapy treatments using essential Australian oils designed to release emotional blocks through the body’s energy centres or chakras.

For more information visit www.qualia.com.au.

Canberra Region truffle growers, chefs, restaurants and foodies are getting set for a big year of truffles with the 2012 Canberra & Capital Region Truffle Festival kicking off on Thursday 21 June,  the Winter Solstice.

“This magical, wintry time of year brings with it the Canberra region’s highly prized quality French Black Truffles and marks the start of truffle season in one of Australia’s key truffle growing areas,” said Festival Director and self-confessed truffle groupie, Fred Harden.

“Some of the Canberra region’s best foodie venues including restaurants, wineries, bars, cafes, food markets and truffieres are on board this year to bring you the most amazing truffle-filled events,” he continued.

The festival will include activities such as the popular truffle hunts, master classes and cooking demonstrations led by esteemed chefs, truffle inspired menus and tasting sessions at some of the region’s best venues and educational truffle growing experiences and talks on Australian native truffles.

“We look forward to working with some of the region’s best producers and venues to host a winter-inspired truffle-packed festival this year and welcome all visitors to the Canberra region to experience it for themselves,” Fred concluded.

For more information visit www.trufflefestival.com.au