Time and space
Design Hotels' Seasonal Spaces promotion allows you to book three nights at a selection of their properties and only pay for two or get a free upgrade when you book at least two nights. The Space (upgrade) and Time (3 nights for the price of 2) promotions are available at more than 40 of their properties from 12 June through 14 September 2009. Visit www.designhotels.com/seasonalspaces for more info.
Tour de France
Insight Vacations offers a range of escorted tours including the 16-day Country Roads of France trip (from $4899 per person, twin-share, land only), which takes you through Paris to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery in Chamonix, Aix en Provence and Camargue. It can be combined with a river cruise of Paris and Normandy (from $3305). Visit the Insight Vacations website for more info.
Worth the truffle
Otahuna Lodge is hosting a series of white truffle dégustation dinners in August. New Zealand is home to a number of truffle producers, including Borchii Park, supplier of the bianchetto truffles Otahuna chef Jimmy McIntyre will be featuring in his dishes. Dinner costs $150 per head and the lodge is offering a special room rate of $473 per night. Call +64 3 329 6333 or visit the Otahuna Lodge website for more info.
Good impressions
The Queensland Art Gallery is the place to go for American Impressionism and Realism: A Landmark Exhibition from the Met, which features more than 70 original works. As an added incentive, Sofitel Brisbane is offering superior accommodation, breakfast for two and two tickets to the exhibition for $275 per night until 20 September. Call (07) 3835 4444 or visit the Sofitel Brisbane website for more info.
Worldwide savings
Peninsula Hotels' Summer Splendour package, valid 1 May to 15 September 2009, includes special night rates for a Superior Room at their 8 properties (Hong Kong, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, Bangkok, Beijing, Manila); daily breakfast for two; $100 US credit to be used at the hotel's restaurants, bars and spas or towards a room upgrade; and a gift certificate for a free night. Visit www.peninsula.com for more info.
Kangaroo Island retreat
Book four nights' accommodation at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and you'll get the fourth night free, two $50 vouchers to use at the lodge's Southern Spa and a gourmet hamper of Kangaroo Island treats. The price: $2,700 per person (a savings of up to $3,600) from May 1 to August 31, 2009. Call (02) 9918 4355 or email reserve@baillielodges.com.au to book.
Leading Euro sale
Tea at The Ritz? Sachertorte in Vienna? We may all be watching our wallets, but some of Europe’s most iconic hotels, resorts and spas just got a whole lot more affordable. From 1 May to 30 September, 2009, The Leading Hotels of the World, which represents some of the most luxurious digs on earth, is offering 30 per cent off rack rates (breakfast included) at nearly 60 of the properties in its portfolio in destinations including London, Vienna, Biarritz, Prague, Budapest, Crete and Marbella.
Design within reach
Check in to Design Hotel's Hotel Bel Ami in Paris and you'll get 10 per cent below the best available rate, early check-in, daily buffet breakfast, free WiFi internet access, free gym and sauna access and 15 per cent off spa treatments. The offer is good through 1 September, 2009 and includes a 2-night minimum stay. See Design Hotels for availability and rates.
Into the wilderness
Book Abercrombie & Kent's four-night Romantic Escape package at Bamurru Plains near Darwin and you'll receive a 50 per cent discount for your guest. Prices are from $3,540 for the first person, from $1,770 for the second from 26 March to 31 July, 2009 and include your own 4WD vehicle drive through the Mary River floodlands, all meals and beverages, small group touring of the floodplains and a stay in one of the resort's nine Safari Suites. 1300 851 800 or www.abercrombiekent.com.au.
Mandarin hideaway
Check in to the brand new Mandarin Oriental Sanya beach resort in Hainan, China through 30 September 2009 and you'll get three nights for the price of two (starting at $365 per night, twin share). +86 898 8820 9999.
Let's cruise
Cruise Express is offering up to 49 per cent discounts on the 19 and 32-night sailings from Sydney to Asia on Cunard line's Queen Victoria on 20 February 2010. The 19-night trip stops at 6 Australian and Asian ports on its way to Hong Kong (from $3759 per person, twin-share) and the 32-night sailing stops at 12 ports along the way to Singapore (from $5649 per person, twin-share). Call 1300 766 537 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au to book or for more info.
Cold comfort
Luxe cruising company Silversea has announced dates for Antarctic sailings. From November 2009 the newly commissioned Prince Albert II will make eight 11-day voyages to the white continent. There will also be three 17-day expeditions. Cruise-only fares start from about $9800 per person (double occupancy) per suite, and $13,600 for the 17-day sailings. 1300 306 872, silversea.com.
