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Last minute luxury - online exclusives

SILVERSEA SILVER WHISPER CRUISE
Australia/New Zealand
THE VIBE Cruisy.
THE DEAL Shirk jet lag and escape the Christmas rush at the same time. Departing 20 December from Sydney, Silversea's 15-day cruise takes in Melbourne, Burnie, Hobart, Milford Sound, Stewart Island, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, the Bay of Islands and Auckland.
COST All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from $13,600 per person double occupancy in a vista suite, including taxes, Champagne, meals, all gratuities and bridge classes.
1300 306 872, silversea.com

THE ELANDRA
Mission Beach, Qld
THE VIBE Safari style.
THE DEAL Rooms here have been decorated along tribal lines, the exotic theme providing as much of an escape as the adjacent national park. If you'd rather stay resort-bound, head out through the sparkling-white lobby to the expansive pool deck with views over the Coral Sea and park yourself under one of the embroidered sun umbrellas for the afternoon. Elandra is offering Gourmet readers a special deal for two nights with some welcome extras (see below).
COST $1320 for two nights.
READER OFFER Two nights in a king suite, full hot breakfast for two, a picnic hamper on secluded Lovers Beach, a seafood three-course meal for two on a private balcony, one-hour massage for two and a bottle of Australian sparkling wine.
elandraresorts.com

LINDENWARRAH
Milawa, Vic
THE VIBE Contemporary country.
THE DEAL Set in the Milawa wine region, in Victoria's alpine country, this boutique hotel features 40 individually decorated rooms painted in plums and creams, with expansive ceilings, floor-to-ceiling wooden-shuttered windows and oversized doors - all creating a lofty, spacious mix.
COST $810 per couple for two nights.
READER OFFER Two nights accommodation, a Brown Brothers wine pack in room, full breakfast daily, three-course dinner at Restaurant Merlot, private one-hour tasting in Tom's Room and three-course lunch at Brown Brothers Epicurean Centre.
www.lindenwarrah.com.au

UMA UBUD
Bali
THE VIBE Inner harmony.
THE DEAL It's almost impossible not to de-stress at this tranquil spa retreat located in a town of artists where the sound of Hindu ceremonies emanates from temples. The resort provides access to the encircling forests, terraced hills and silver rivers with mountain biking, rafting and guided walks. Rooms and suites have carved panels that open up to the views and there are plenty of opportunities for looking inwards too, while relaxing on the garden terraces, in the private courtyards or while taking a dip in one of the plunge pools with infinity edges. The COMO Shambhala Retreat is designed for those seeking health through yoga and Asian treatments and the cuisine reflects Bali's rich culinary heritage.
COST $1135 per room for a three-night Christmas package, $1590 per room for a five-night New Year package; $2450 per room for a combined eight-night Christmas/New Year package.
READER OFFER Christmas package includes lunch for two; New Year package includes lunch and a spa treatment for two. Lunch, a massage and dinner for two is included in the Christmas/New Year package.
+62 361 978 888, comoshambhala.bz

THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL
Hong Kong
THE VIBE Retail therapy.
THE DEAL Stuck for seasonal gift ideas? Consider booking yourself into the sophisticated Landmark Mandarin Oriental in the heart of one of the world's best shopping destinations. As well as boasting the largest room size of any Hong Kong hotel, the chic property's state-of-the-art Oriental Spa provides abundant pampering for guests. Just what you need after an arduous day on your feet maxing out the credit card.
COST $1590 for a Deluxe guestroom or $1990 for a Premier guestroom for two-nights twin share (valid 1-29 December). Book a December Getaway package and receive an eight-course Christmas dinner in the hotel’s Amber restaurant (with a supplement of $375 per person on Christmas Eve and $176 per person on Christmas Day).
+852 2132 0188, mandarinoriental.com/landmark

SRI PANWA
Phuket, Thailand
THE VIBE Pools and palm trees.
THE DEAL It can be hard to escape the tourist throng in Phuket, especially in peak season. But Sri panwa has the advantage of being perched some 60 metres above the Andaman Sea on a headland on the island's south-eastern tip, affording commanding sunrise and sunset views. Villas are furnished in tropical contemporary style in keeping with the spectacular natural setting, and each has its own private deck, terrace, infinity pool and outdoor bathing area. The family-owned and managed resort is offering Gourmet readers a special rate which includes seven nights accommodation, which includes a daily breakfast, complimentary mini-bar refreshed daily, Sri panwa gift set, airport transfers, a cooking class and produce tour, villa upgrade (subject to availability) and late check-out.
COST $17,930 for a one-bedroom private pool villa for two and $23,360 for a two-bedroom private pool villa for four between 20 December 2008 and 10 January 2009; or $13,100 for a one-bedroom villa for two and $17,940 per two-bedroom villa for four between 1 November 2008 and 30 April 2009. Children under 12 can stay free of charge, excluding breakfast.
READER OFFER Quote "AGT Escape" to receive the above special rates.
+66 0 76 371 000, sripanwa.com

THE CLUB AT THE SAUJANA
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
THE VIBE Urban oasis.
THE DEAL At the edge of one of Asia's most manic cities, this new luxury boutique property is an oasis of calm surrounded by 160 hectares of tropical gardens and an extensive golf course. The Asian-style interiors are by award-winning Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim - think muted tones and dark Burmese teak floors. All guests receive a welcome drink, all-day coffee/tea in The Lounge, laundry service, full breakfast, wireless broadband, private bar replenished daily and other extras.
COST $510 per room per night for three nights in a terrace studio suite.
READER OFFER Book through The Leading Hotels of the World and receive a three-course set dinner for two, excluding drinks, at The Restaurant (valid until 31 December).
1800 222033, lhw.com

THE LANGHAM, HONG KONG
Kowloon, Hong Kong
THE VIBE Eurasian.
THE DEAL If you're doing Hong Kong in style, a stay at the elegant, European-style Langham is almost compulsory. The property, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is offering Gourmet readers a four days/three nights stay including an upgrade to the newly renovated Grand Langham Room, complimentary access to The Langham Club (with daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, internet broadband connection) and a Cantonese dinner for two at the award-winning T'ang Court restaurant.
COST $1190 (+10 per cent service charge) for a four-day, three-night package.
READER OFFER Gourmet readers get the above package including an exclusive invitation to the DFS Galleria Platinum Services Club. This entails personal shopping assistance, private shopping and previews of new arrivals, complimentary merchandise delivery to the hotel, special order from select brands and access to Platinum Services Club lounge and concierge services.
(02) 9389 4755, langhamhotels.com

EDITED BY EMMA VENTURA ADDITIONAL REPORTING KATE GIBBS 

This web exclusive article was published in late November 2008.