Save on your next escape
A newly refurbished Fiji resort is ready to welcome guests back while a Kimberley cruise has big discounts for earlybirds.
ISLAND ROMANCE
Fiji
The newly refurbished Lomani Island Resort on Malolo Lailai in the Mamanuca archipelago has reopened with Luxury Escapes deals that include daily breakfast and three-course dinners. Lomani translates as “love” and this tropical sanctuary is adults only. It offers easy access to colourful reefs. Dolphin-watching and reef-snorkelling trips are complimentary.
Fine print Five-night packages are available from $1999 a suite for travel until March 31, 2023.
TOP SITES
The Whitsundays
Think Airlie Beach, think warmth as the weather turns cool in the south. The BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has the perfect lure to travellers with homes on wheels – stay seven nights on a powered site and receive a complimentary extra seven nights. The sites are secluded and set in mini-rainforests of palms, shrubs and rock gardens.
Fine print Stay 14 nights from $371 twin-share. Valid for bookings from April 18 to June 13 (stays must start by May 31).
FAMILY FUN
Lizard Island
Luxurious Lizard Island resort on the northern Great Barrier Reef is waiving restrictions and welcoming families with children aged three and over from June 26-July 11. The three-night Family Time package includes a Junior Rangers program of reef activities. The Essentia Day Spa will pamper younger guests and the chef is creating special dishes.
Fine print From $5085 a guestroom based on twin-share accommodation for one adult with one child; dining and beverages included.
WEST COAST COOL
The Kimberley
Savings of up to $3620 a person are available on an 11-day Kimberley cruise between Broome and Darwin next year. Guests travel on either Ponant’s Le Soleal or Le Laperouse, with highlights including crocodile-spotting on the Hunter River, Montgomery Reef, Twin Falls on the King George River and the stunning Lacepede Islands.
Fine print From $9310 a person, twin-share in a superior stateroom; departs July 7, 2022 (other dates available).
In the news
Storytelling, ghosts, mystery and a creative takeover of a one-time place of silence: State Library Victoria has COVID-safe activities to keep kids entertained onsite and online during the Easter school holidays. On April 7, author Gabrielle Wang will talk about her life and love of the spooky, while on April 15 the library will convert spaces into loud and artistic playgrounds. Join Real Pigeons creators Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood for a live mystery. Places are limited, book early.
Norwegian Cruise Line has launched CruiseFirst, a program offering guests savings when booking a holiday on any of its 17 ships, which visit more than 300 destinations worldwide. CruiseFirst certificates give travellers $300 value for the cost of $150 and may be applied to reservations on cruises up to three years from purchase.
Celebrity Cruises has announced its newest ship, Celebrity Apex, will debut in Greece in June. Sales for seven-night sailings from Athens on the line’s second Edge series vessel opened this week. COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for all crew and guests over 18, while younger guests will need
to have proof of a negative PCR test.