Holiday bargains: Fiji; Tasmania; Gold Coast; the Arctic
Fiji beckons with a tempting cruise offer or take advantage of some discounted domestic hotel stays.
Island escape
Fiji
Captain Cook Cruises has introduced seven-night voyages to Kadavu and the Lau islands, two of the most remote corners of Fiji. Passengers sail on MV Reef Endeavour, which caters to 130 guests and has a 100 per cent vaccinated crew. A traditional Fijian feast, snorkelling on Great Astrolabe Reef and village visits are among the activities offered.
Fine print Departures from September 2022; from $2131 a person, twin-share, with a deposit of just $1 while international borders remain closed.
Be his guest
The Arctic
Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent will host a luxury expedition cruise from Greenland to Alaska’s Bering Sea, transiting the fabled Northwest Passage in the wake of explorer Roald Amundsen. An Arctic historian, a specialist in Inuit culture, a geologist and a photographer round out the expert team on board Ponant’s L’Austral ship. Indigenous life and pioneering history are focuses of the trip.
Fine print Departs Montreal on August 23, 2022; from $48,845 a person, twin-share.
City beach
Brisbane-Gold Coast
Get the best of both worlds with a package that includes a night each at W Brisbane and JW Marriott Gold Coast (pictured), plus transfers by Jaguar. At the city property, guests enjoy cocktails, nibbles and a night in a Marvellous Suite plus breakfast at Three Blue Ducks and a 1pm checkout. Scoot down the coast to the revamped resort for cocktails in a cabana beside the lagoon, a stay in a Junior Suite and breakfast.
Fine print From $750 a night, twin-share for travel to December 16 (blackout dates apply).
Take your pick
Tasmania
Spend two nights or more at Australia’s first Movenpick hotel and save 15 per cent on room rates. The 221-guestroom hotel, which opened in Hobart in January, offers sweeping views of Mount Wellington and the city. Book by October 31 to receive your choice of a room upgrade, 2pm late checkout or chocolates and a bottle of wine. The property is a short stroll from the historic waterfront precinct.
Fine print From $169 a night in a classic room; for travel to December 20.
In the news
Ace Hotel Sydney has opened bookings for stays from May 1; there’s a $249 rate and space-available accommodation category upgrade for online reservations. The Surry Hills project features 264 guestrooms and rooftop restaurant and bar in the former Tyne House brick factory.
The Great Vic Bike Ride, slated to take off next month in the Grampians, has been rebranded as Little Vic and rescheduled to 2022 as a four-day riding and camping event from March 31-April 3, capped at 3000 riders. Fees include meals, luggage transfers, full medical team and en route support. Adults, $635; concessions and junior rates available. Proof of Covid vaccination status required.
Como Hotels and Resorts has acquired Hotel le Montrachet, an 18th-century property in the heart of Burgundy and the Singapore brand’s second in Europe. Signature designer Paola Navone is set to transform 31 guestrooms and suites across a quartet of heritage buildings; the phased reopening in 2022 will include a Como Shambala Retreat.
Perth International Jazz Festival takes place in the capital November 5-7 and is expanding to Busselton on November 13. Ticketed events start at $25 and include a John Coltrane tribute.