The coast with the most

FROM the development of two stunning villages, to luxurious resort and spas – here's what's hot and happening in New South Wales for 2008.

FROM the development of two new stunning villages, to luxurious resort and spas – here's what's hot and happening in New South Wales for 2008.

Hot spots

In 2007, Sydney maintained its starring role as Australia's favourite destination for travellers from our fastest-growing visitor markets: India, the US, China and Korea.

Its appeal was further underlined when Sydney was rated No1 Pacific Rim city by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, a position it has monopolised since the ratings began.

The most intriguing development over the past year has been the consolidation of the New Tweed Coast. Several years since the first bucket-load of sand was hoisted, there are now two separate villages between Kingscliff and Cabarita: the Ray Group's Salt Village and, a couple of kilometres to the south, Consolidated Properties' Casuarina Beach Domain Resort.

Hot beds

Casuarina is close to its target of 600 apartments, villas and boutique hotels, but it's Salt Village that has grabbed the headlines. The master plan carves the 72ha village into 433 home sites, while the focus of tourism interest is Salt's resorts.

In order to underwrite employment opportunities for locals, the shire council insisted that the site also include major resort infrastructure. There are now three resorts built around the heart of the village; in ascending order of magnificence these are Mantra on Salt Beach, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa and Peppers Bale Salt.

The resorts add up to almost 700 rooms and such heft brings an impressive complement of leisure activities. For more information, check out Visit New South Wales.