Deals of the week: Kimberley cruise; Bali; Sunshine Coast; Mediterranean voyage
Cruise the glamorous Italian and French riviera or head to the Sunshine Coast to chill out in an overwater bungalow.
Sail away
Mediterranean
Embark from Rome on a 10-day return voyage along the coast of France and Italy with SeaDream Yacht Club. The cruise calls at nine ports, including glamorous Saint-Tropez, picturesque fishing village Portofino on the Italian Riveria and the historic Tuscan town of Portoferraio. After a long day, guests can relax in the yacht’s newly renovated suites.
Fine print Departs October 5, 2022; From $US6599 ($9145) a person, twin-share.
Wild west
Kimberley
Save up to $7425 a person on a 10-night expedition voyage from Darwin to Broome. Guests on Ponant’s luxurious Le Soleal will visit Indigenous rock art, crocodile habitats and iconic locations such as Horizontal Falls. Included are two nights’ pre-cruise lodgings in Darwin, Zodiac excursions and an optional scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles.
Fine print Departs June 17, July 7, August 16 and September 5, 2023; from $10,550 a person, twin-share; no single supplement. Book by January 31, 2022.
Bali, hi
Indonesia
Beautiful Bali is back in business with savings of up to $2000 a room on a 10-night Flight Centre package. Arrive with ease courtesy of a pre-booked taxi to transport guests to the five-star Westin Resort Nusa Dua where a variety of beachside activities are available. Relax, feast or enjoy a drink by the pool with a wine, dine and spa credit valued at $US1000 ($1385). Kids stay for free with breakfast included.
Fine print From $1999 a person, twin-share; flights included; book by January 31.
Sunshine stays
Queensland
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort at Twin Waters is offering two nights free with its stay-seven, pay-five offer when booking one of the property’s revamped Overwater Bungalows. The three-bedroom Grand Overwater Bungalow features a spacious loungeroom and patios overlooking the lagoon, three king bedrooms and two bathrooms. Renovations at the resort also include a new pilates studio and a refreshed pool precinct.
Fine print From $409 a night, twin-share, in an Overwater Bungalow.
In the news
NSW’sBlue Mountains will celebrate autumn with a new festival funded by the $2.6m federal and state Bushfire Local Economic Recovery program. Details of the March-April event are set to be announced soon.
Accor has opened its first Sebel brand hotel in the Whitsundays. Sebel Whitsundays Airlie Beach has 54 refurbished apartment-style guestrooms plus one and two-bedroom apartments and spacious penthouses and presidential suites. Opening rates from $275 a night.
Meanwhile, the four-star Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens will open in March on Batman St, close to Southern Cross Station, Queen Victoria Market and Marvel Stadium. The 150-guestroom hotel is the third for the business-oriented brand in Australia, joining properties in Sydney and Brisbane.
Wine buffs are encouraged to get their hands dirty with a tour operation new to WA’s Margaret River region. Wine writer Cassandra Charlick is kicking off her business with an intimate four-night “pick ’n’ sip” experience in February that includes harvesting grapes, learning about the winemaking process, fine dining and lakeside accommodation; $2800 a person, twin-share.