2015 has just flown of course, and it has been another busy year at Accor Vacation Club.
Our refurbishment team has continued apace on the largest refurbishment program in the Club’s history, this year completing full makeovers of the Accor Vacation Club apartments at Novotel Nusa Dua in Bali, The Sebel Coral Coast Resort at Palm Cove and The Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort in the Victorian high country. I am really pleased with the resulting high standard of all these properties and have been overwhelmed by the wonderfully positive feedback that I have received from Members who have stayed at these resorts post-refurbishment.
Also exciting is the acquisition of new inventory for the Club. We recently added 20 apartments at Coral Coast Apartments, Palm Cove, which is located very close to our existing apartments at The Sebel Coral Coast. We have also added another two rooms at The Grand Mercure Basildene Manor in WA’s Margaret River. This inventory is currently available to Members redeeming points.
Furthermore, we have just finalised the purchase of four apartments at Novotel Lake Crackenback that will be refurbished to exacting Club standards in the new year. The developer has also purchased five apartments in a great, new location for the Club - The Sebel Noosa in Queensland’s beautiful Noosa Heads. These apartments are expected to become Club property in the new year. You can find out more about these resorts in this edition of your Vacations magazine.
Our Accor Hotels Select program is proving to be one of the most popular benefits to Première Members, with over 9000 room nights redeemed this year alone using Première Points. We continue to introduce new resorts and locations to the program with Canberra added as a new location for 2016. Another fantastic way Members are using their points is through Accor Vacation Club Cruises, and over 400 cruises have been booked during 2015.
This year has seen us break attendance records for Member Workshops, with almost 3000 Members and friends attending eleven workshops and events across Australia and New Zealand. The addition of an evening party and entertainment, which we introduced to some of the larger events, has been a huge success and we hope to continue this in 2016. To all of you who attended, thank you for making these days very special.
What to look forward to next year?
We have seventeen workshops and three events already planned during 2016, so look out for one coming to
a location near you as I highly recommend them, both to keep you updated on what is happening within your Club and as a fantastic way to meet other Members and enjoy a great night out together. The refurbishment train will keep rolling on, stopping to complete full refurbishments at Legends Resort - Gold Coast, The Sebel Bowral in NSW’s historic Southern Highlands and The Mercure Wanaka, New Zealand. I have signed off on the designs for all these projects and can’t wait to see the finished products, which I have no doubt will be of the very high standard you have come to expect. We have also scheduled soft refurbishments to Turtle Beach Resort, Gold Coast and to our apartments at Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast.
Due to the success of our personal benefits program, we hope to be rolling out a significant expansion early in 2016. A number of tier specific benefits are planned to be introduced, allowing those Members with the largest amount of points the ability to use them to access a range of exclusive benefits.
And there are yet more plans afoot! We are hoping to purchase additional apartments for Accor Vacation Club and are currently looking at a number of projects that we will be able to add to your Club portfolio during 2016.
Be assured that I very much appreciate the feedback I receive throughout the year from Members. One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “How do we keep up to date with what is going on with the Club?” I reply that the easiest way is to check your Member website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. These sites are updated regularly and provide not only company information but also a large contribution of content provided by Members. You’ll find information on both sites in this edition of Vacations.
On a personal note, I want to thank you for your support in 2015. I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and everything you wish yourselves in the New Year.
Happy Holidays!
Craig Wood Chief Executive Officer Accor Vacation Club CEO@accorvacationclub.com.au
member loyalty
To show our appreciation of your loyalty, and recognition of your Première Plus Membership, we are pleased to announce that you will now receive the below VIP treatment when staying at selected* Accor Hotels across Australia.
Accor Hotels Select
The following Member Workshops & Special Member Events have been carried out to date.
Workshops
– Adelaide SA
– Coffs Harbour NSW
Confirmed over 8,900 Room Nights
Member Cruises
Booked over 350 Cruises year to date
To the value of
– Hunter Valley NSW
– Canberra ACT – Brisbane QLD – Swan Valley WA
Special Member Event – Melbourne VIC – Sydney NSW – Gold Coast QLD
What has been happening within the Club during 2015
Over 2,700 Members have attended to date Workshops
Refurbishments
The following Club properties were refurbished in 2015:
$2.5 Million
Favourite destinations include: European River Cruises, Australian Cruises, South Pacific, Antartica, Caribbean & Transpacific
Coral Coast Resort Palm Cove
The Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast
The Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort Pacific Bay Resort Coffs Harbour
Novotel Bali Nusa Dua
If you’ve been opening your Member emails recently you’ll have noticied some amazing offers coming through from Accor Hotels, and we’re talking up to 30-40% OFF on accommodation.*
These deals are too good to miss so we would like to explain just how easy it is to make a booking on www.accorhotels.com
Below are the simple steps to secure some great savings at beautiful destinations around Australia so don’t miss out!
HOW TO MAKE A BOOKING
1. When you receive your Member email simply click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ button to proceed
2. Once the webpage opens simply enter your booking details in the form and click ‘BOOK NOW’ to make your booking.
3. Your booking should look like the above sample (highlighting the discount your received on your booking).
You will also receive an email notifcation just prior to the promo date so you’re aware there’s a great offer on its way from accorhotels.com...so be sure to check you inbox!
*Subject to availability and black out dates.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
NEW Property new in 2016
The Sebel Noosa
Sunshine Coast, QUEENSLAND
Located in the heart of cosmopolitan Hastings Street, The Sebel Noosa is surrounded by world class restaurants, cafés and upmarket fashion boutiques just moments from Noosa’s Main Beach and the beautiful Noosa River. Perfect for couples or families, the one bedroom apartments feature spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, laundry and spa bath. Unwind on the private furnished balcony or bask on the beach and experience the best in luxury and lifestyle.
Offering impeccable service and a range of convenient facilities, The Sebel Noosa features a swimming pool and spa, 24hr reception, concierge and porter, valet dry cleaning and laundry, and free undercover parking.
One Bedroom Apartment - sleeps 4 (1 Queen bed and 1 foldout sofa bed – sofa bed suitable for children only)
Spacious and luxuriously appointed apartment featuring a separate lounge and dining area fully equipped kitchen furnished balcony spa bath and laundry.
Accor Hotels Select Program
Cairns
OUR POINT OF DIFFERENCE
Currently Offers Members an additional 11 properties on top of the 22 Accor Vacation Club properties.
Wanaka
Creswick one week in
After a 10 hour drive from Bathurst we arrived at The Sebel Creswick Forest Resort and soon settled into our two-bedroom self-catering apartment set in a bushland setting just out of Creswick.
flooded the New Australasian No 2 Mine and 27 men were trapped underground. Over three days a frantic rescue was attempted but only 5 survived with the remaining 22 miners found drowned.
As the apartments had recently been refurbished we were pleasantly surprised by some unique inclusions including modern natural timber décor, as well as glass skylights in the bathrooms. It was special to lie in bed and watch the gum trees blowing in the breeze or fall asleep while listening to the rain falling on the glass. Then we had colonial free standing bath tubs located in each bedroom, TV in both bedrooms and outdoor bedroom balconies to observe the great outdoors including the resident ducks and birds that frequented the pond and back porch looking for treats. Downstairs we had all the comforts of home including a stylish imitation 2 way log burner which provided instant heat and a nice comforting atmosphere for eats, drinks and relaxation. We ventured out each day to explore the history, culture, customs and culinary delights of regional Victoria where there were lots of tourist attractions and amenities to remind us of the gold rush era. In fact on 12th December, 1882 just out of Creswick, there was a terrible mining disaster when water
This dramatic event has been recreated just down the road in Ballarat at the award winning Sovereign Hill, where a new mine experience called “Trapped” cleverly uses holograms to immerse visitors in our tragic, but proud past. There were also 3 additional underground tours to depths of 20 metres for the more inquisitive but most people were satisfied with such above ground adventures as gold panning, horse drawn coach rides, street theatre, mining demonstrations, shopping for mining memorabilia and exploring
bakeries and lolly shops. Then back in Ballarat there was so much more history as we walked around the wide streets admiring the 19th century architecture blended with the new including the impressive Craig’s Royal Hotel where many royal VIP’s have stayed
A bit further afield laid Bendigo with another award winning gold mine called Central Deborah which provided more realistic and authentic underground tours to depths from 85 to 228 metres (Australia’s deepest underground mine tour) complete with miner’s hats. While the mine is dominated by a huge 22 metre high poppet head, the surface of the mine is a highlight in itself as it contains so many original buildings, equipment and a treasure trove of vintage mining machinery, gold panning and interpretive museum. However the above ground activities are not as commercial as those in Ballarat where the majority of tourism dollars appear to be directed. But
Hepburn Shire
Bob and Rhonda Henry
Bendigo had the Talking Tram tour which took us on a hop-on, hopoff tour around Bendigo relating entertaining stories about the city founded on one of the world’s richest goldfields while passing monuments like the impressive Alexandra Fountain, the majestic Sacred Heart Cathedral and the stately promenade Pall Mall.
Returning to Creswick there were endless routes on country roads to visit timeless towns and villages displaying authentic buildings containing cafes, bakeries,
galleries, wineries, boutique shops and markets just like yesteryear. We even found a Christmas Shop in Malton, a Chocolate Mill near Daylesford and the premier spa destination of Australia since 1895, in Hepburn Springs. Then back in Creswick we experienced “a very fine yarn” with a visit to the Woollen Mills to see the manufacture of Alpaca fibre. The Mill has been designing and manufacturing since 1947 and is the last coloured woollen spining mill of it’s kind in Australia and sell garments made from alpaca,
bamboo, cotton, cashmere, possum and merino.
The Sebel Creswick Forest Resort proved a worthy home away from home for our 7 nights in a little known town called Creswick. It wasn’t on our bucket list of places to visit but being members of AVC certainly entices you to holiday in places which are really hidden gems. Places just waiting for members to explore so we can enjoy that unique experience we are always looking for.
* All representations are the Members own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Accor Vacation Club.
Please email your holiday stories to us and remember we love to see your snapshots!
info@accorvacationclub.com.au
Ahoooooy Matey’s
“Captain Scott” with his latest round of cruise news...
‘It’s Cruise Time’ of course
Ahoy Accor Cruisers! Captain Scott and First Mate Jackie here! Summer and the Silly Season are upon us and as you may have noticed in the news, there’s many exciting “cruise happenings” here in Australia! The cruise industry is bringing new cruising opportunities to all of our front doorsteps in the form of phenomenal ships!
Princess Cruises has debuted their amazing 2600 passenger Golden Princess and it will be homeporting for half the year in Melbourne – a Princess first! If cruising from Western Australia is on the holiday horizon, Princess is also positioning its Sun Princess to Freemantle
for its first ever Western homeport summer season for 2015/16. Brisbane is also slated to receive its official year-round cruise ship - Royal Caribbean’s (RCCL’s) Legend of the Seas. In 2016-17 be on the look out for RCCL’s newest ship joining the Australian fleet the Ovation of the Seas, heading Down Under for 5 departures out of Sydney! Ovation
features such colourful and jaw-dropping amenities as its RipCord by iFLY skydiving experience, “Flowrider” surfing machines, multi-story pool slides, broadband satellite internet connections, and its engineering marvel the “Northstar,” transporting guests out over the water and more than 300 feet above the ocean! Azamara Cruise Line’s also debuts its first cruise to Australia in December 2016 (and there’s some special deals and great values just for Accor Vacation Club members!). The long and the short of it (or in nautical terms “the bow and the stern of it”)…is that Accor Vacation Cruise Club has you covered! There’s cruises available on, around or touching every continent! All the major and minor cruise lines are available through Accor including Cunard, Princess, Azamara, Royal Caribbean, P&O, Celebrity, NCL, Crystal, Carnival, Costa, MSC, Seabourn, SilverSea, APT, Scenic, Avalon, Uniworld, Travemarvel, Viking, Ponant, Radisson Seven Seas, Lindblad, Hurtigruten, Holland America, Disney Cruise lines or any other cruise line or destination that suits your fancy!
Accor Member Recommended Most Popular Destinations Pre/Post Your Cruise
The “Must See Must Do” shore excursion and shore extension list has now been prepared! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular pre/post cruise extensions among Accor Cruise Club members. If you’re cruising from…or arriving in…any regions covered in the destinations below, consider extending your cruise holiday and enjoy the following hot spots not to be missed!
Honolulu, Hawaii (Pre/Post Cruise Destination Pick for Mid Pacific/USA Cruises)
Honolulu/Waikiki Beach, Island of Oahu. Be sure to experience the full rainbow of the “Aloha spirit” and plan a pre/post extension on this fabulous island paradise – Hawaii. Honolulu is the port city where all Hawaiian Island cruises start and end. Spend a few days beach side on Waikiki Beach. (Recommended accommodation: Waikiki Beach View or Diamond Head Ocean View rooms). If relaxing on the beach is not your thing, Waikiki is a shopper’s paradise. Be sure to
check out Ala Moana Shopping Centre with all the big American mainland brands between Waikiki beach and the Capitol District! Other Accor Member Day trip favourites include Polynesian Culture Centre, a beach side Luau Dinner and Show, Pearl Harbour Tour with visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and Pacific Aviation Museum, Hanauma Bay for snorkelling and of course the Dole Pineapple Plantation Tour. For others a mini excursion, (self drive car), to Hawaii’s famous North Shore to see the famous surf beach is a must see and while there, why not stop off to enjoy one of the Hawaiian locals favourite refreshments – “shaved ice!”
Barcelona, Spain (Pre/Post Cruise destination Pick for Europe – Mediterranean Cruises).
Mediterranean
This elegant city is one of the main city gems on many a Mediterranean cruise itinerary. Often the starting or ending point for “Med” cruises this metropolitan Spanish charmer is home to such famous must see sites as the Sagrada Familia – architect Antoni Gaudi’s incomplete
but still overwhelming cathedral masterpiece – a Unesco World heritage site. Other Gaudi architectural sites on Accor Members must see list include Park Guell, La Pedrera and Casa Batllo. Be sure and stroll along Barcelona’s centre for city/cultural life the famous La Rambla (Las Ramblas) street bordering the Barri Gothic district. Icons along this gorgeous street include Barcelona’s opera house – Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Teatre Principal and the Baroque Palace museum – Palau dela Virreina. If a Spanish beach sounds more compelling just 35Km down the coast from Barcelona is the infamous town of Sitges – the Saint Tropez of Spain! World renown for its beaches, nightlife and lovely setting.
Europe
Budapest, Hungary (Pre/Post Cruise destination pick for European river cruises).
This world heritage city is the stopping off (or starting) point to many of the famous European river cruise itineraries that flow right through the heart of Europe. Often starting in Amsterdam in the northern Europe following the Rhine and Main rivers down through Holland, Germany and Austria where they join the Danube river continuing through to Budapest. Budapest has extensive, not to be missed, Unesco World heritage sites, including Buda Castle (now art museum), Danube River Banks and Andrassy Avenue (with its Millennium Underground Railway, Hosok Tere and Varosliget). Just a gorgeous city steeped in history that is fun and fascinating to explore by foot, bike or on a private tour! Two cities Buda and Pest that amalgamated into one some time ago surviving Mongol, Roman, Ottoman pillages and rule Budapest is a treasure trove of history.
Singapore, South East Asia (Pre/Post Cruise destination Pick for Southeast Asia Cruises).
South East Asia
A mesmerizing mixing bowl of Southeast Asian cultures and influences proliferate in Singapore – a fascinating city rich in a vast variety of tastes, spices and cuisines! Singaporean food has its cultural roots from a wide range of cultures including Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Peranaken and even influences from the Portuguese and English!
Restaurants, foodstalls and street vendors serve an amazing variety to scintillate any palate! Singapore is a wonderful place to acclimate to the Southeast Asian tropics spending a few nights here tasting your way around Asia or relaxing and enjoying its many fascinating sites! Home to Raffles hotel and its famous Singapore Sling Cocktail – a great place to start your adventure around the island. There’s the Marina Bay Sands hotel shaped like a cruise ship over 40 stories high with its iconic world famous infinity pool at the top; there’s Orchard Road renown for its shopping; Chinatown; Clark Quay (and don’t miss locals ex-Pat hangout – Boat Quay); Merlion Park; and the not to be missed Singapore Botanic Gardens with its Unesco World Heritage Site status and hosting VIP orchids like the Princess Diana and the Margaret Thatcher among 100’s of celebrity honoured orchids! Don’t miss a trip over to nearby southern Sentosa Island with its Universal Studios and private beach club
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Pre/Post Cruise destination Pick for South American and Antarctica Cruises from South America).
South America
A cruise to, from or around South America would not be complete without spending a couple extra nights in this former southern hemisphere Portuguese colony “Cidade Maravilhosa” – Rio! Must see’s include a Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain and a train ride and walk to the 30 metre tall, Art Deco Christ the Redeemer Statue. Must do strolls, include Copacabana and Ipanema beaches – where all the beautiful people are! Host to the recent Soccer World Cup and the upcoming 2016 Olympics, Rio de Janeiro has come of age! If you’re lucky enough why not schedule your cruise to coincide with a visit during February for the legendary Rio Festival of Carnival and secure your spot in the ‘Sambadrome” for the frenzy of the Carnival parade competition.
Change the way you see the world.
The top end of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines fleet of three cruise line brands. Azamara Club Cruises is their luxury, small ship brand – only 686 guests. Followed by Celebrity Cruise Lines and then Royal Caribbean itself.
The Azamara Difference: They’ll change the way you see the world. Their focus is Destination Immersion with longer stays, more overnights and night touring in ports.
For those that are looking for a stylish, upbeat, luxury boutique hotel experience at sea. Look no further –Azamara Club Cruises.
Genuinely friendly, engaged, and committed crews making you feel apart of the club. Service is stellar.
Experience the Heart of Local Culture with:
Insider Access is all about the people who live there, visit heritage estates, family farms, monastic communities and local businesses.
Nights and Cool Places is a showcase of local culture highlighting architecture, arts and scenery that are best experienced after night falls.
Cruise Global, Eat Local explores local cuisine through recommendations to authentic local restaurants around the globe.
Nights to remember – enjoy its signature Azamara Evenings - These complimentary events are created solely for our guests share our
love of local culture through exclusive, bespoke and very fun evenings of local entertainment.
Savour five distinctive dining experiences and 24 hour room service.
Countless itinerary choices: food and wine destinations, the great outdoors, romantic villages, vibrant cities, temples, volcanoes, pristine wildlife environments and jungles. Pick your spot! You’re going to love where they can take you!
*These activities vary from ship to ship. Please ask your sales consultant on your selected cruise.
Accor Vacation Club Cruise line of the Month: Azamara Club Cruises
Accor Vacation Club Cruises
Top 20 Cruise Destinations
A luxury river cruise is one of the highlights of anyone’s life, and the best way to go in depth, getting up close and personal, with the cultural, historical and iconic sights of any given region. Discover our top picks for Accor Vacation Club Members and give us a call on 1300 76 14 14 to explore your river cruise options today!
1
RHINE, MAIN & DANUBE –MAGNIFICENT EUROPE: Exceptional cruising on a number of river cruise lines, exploring from Amsterdam to Budapest. This is a great starter river cruise as you get a comprehensive coverage, cruising through the very heart of Europe. All budgets and inclusions catered for. Our choices – APT, SCENIC, AVALON, UNIWORLD, TRAVELMARVEL, DISNEY
2
RHINE & MOSELLE – BASEL TO AMSTERDAM: A focus on to particular regions gives you a greater appreciation of these prolific wine growing areas. Discover the canal houses of Amsterdam, Cochem Castle, medieval Luxembourg, Roman Trier and Mainz home of the Gutenberg Bible, Heidelberg Castle, Cologne, Strasbourg, picturesque Basel and more. AVALON, VIKING, APT, SCENIC
4
RHINE & COASTAL - TULIP TIME IN AMSTERDAM: It’s all tulips and windmills, gardens and vibrant colours as you cruise the canals and rivers around Amsterdam for a spectacular overview of the Netherlands and Belgium. APT, BOTANICA, VIKING
5
SEINE & NORMANDY –BATTLEFIELDS OF FRANCE: Join in the remembrance and military commemoration of WWI and WWII as you cruise through sweeping views of the French countryside. EVERGREEN, APT
6
DORDOGNE, GARONNE & GIRONDE – CHATEAUX, RIVERS AND WINE: Savour the taste of the prestigious wines of Bordeaux, along with local truffles, golden cognac, plump oysters and more as you cruise your way through Aquitaine. APT, SCENIC, UNIWORLD, VIKING
7
DOURO – PORTUGAL: Brings together World Heritage Listed areas and the spectacular cultural highlights of this age old grape growing region. Towns like Lisbon, Porto, Pinhão framed by the gorges of the Douro Valley, Vila Real with its nearby Palacio de Mateus –long associated with Mateus Rosé wine, ancient Salamanca and Madrid’s Prado home of the most glorious Spanish art. APT, VIKING.
8
PO – ITALY: Sample La Dolce Vita as you cruise in luxury from Venice visiting magical cities along the way. Close by are Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet’s Padua & Verona, the lively historic capital Bologna and the rich mosaic’s of Ravenna. UNIWORLD, VIKING
9
DANUBE – EASTERN EUROPE:
Imagine going just that little bit further than most. Fascinating Budapest leads you east towards Bucharest – the Paris of the East. Cruise through Hungary into Croatia; see the dramatic white cliffs of the Iron Gate, Serbian medieval towns, Romania’s mythic Dracula, and the historic treasures of Bulgaria. AVALON, VIKING.
10
MISSISSIPPI – USA: A gentle cruise on board a traditional paddle wheeler makes you dream of Tom Sawyer and Mark Twain, from the southern charm of Louisiana and the music halls of Tennessee to Elvis “The King” and the mardi gras colours of New Orleans. AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT, APT
11COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVER –USA: Tracing the epic route of Lewis and Clarke, join the intimate atmosphere of an authentic paddle wheeler through the rich tapestry of ever changing landscapes, thriving wildlife havens and an up and coming wine country. AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT
12
MEKONG – CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM: For those who like a little more adventure but don’t want to give up the luxury of 5 star cruising then this one’s for you! From the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, journey west along the mighty Mekong to the golden palaces of Phnom Penh, graceful fishing villages untouched by time, Buddhist monastery’s and the World Heritage listed temple complex of Angkor near Siem Reap. APT, SCENIC, TRAVELMARVEL.
13
IRRAWADDY – MYANMAR: The latest hotspot for travel with a feature river cruise down the Irrawaddy to bring you up close and personal with this unique culture and long hidden landscapes. PANDAW, APT, AVALON, VIKING
14
GANGES – INDIA: Vibrant, mystical and energetic, the Ganges flows through many beautiful settings from the inimitable Taj Mahal and Temple of Sighs, to the raucous, colourful Bollywood cities of New Delhi and Bangalore. PANDAW, INSIDER JOURNEYS, G-ADVENTURES, TRAVELMARVEL, APT
15
YANGTZE – CHINA: A river cruise in China is one of those memories that will last forever and is beyond imagining, from soaring mountains to simple fishing villages, glittering Beijing and Shanghai to the Three Gorges Dam, Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall. APT, TRAVELMARVEL, AVALON, VIKING, TRAFALGAR, GLOBUS
16 AMAZON – ICONIC DESTINATION, SOUTH AMERICA: Many South America tours will combine a few days cruising along the jungle stretched of the Amazon River. Expect to see Toucans, monkeys, pink river dolphins, piranha, and native peoples only recently introduced to the western world – stunning! G-ADVENTURES, TRAVELMARVEL, LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS, APT, ABERCROMBIE & KENT, AVALON, SCENIC, INTREPID
17 ZAMBEZE OR CHOBE – AFRICA: Its safari time as you glide beside riverbanks teeming with animals – from elephants to hippo, giraffe, lion and gazelle. Majestic Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Okavango Delta and more. APT, TRAVELMARVEL, PEREGRINE ADVENTURES, ABERCROMBIE & KENT
18
MURRAY RIVER – AUSTRALIA: Iconic, must do, bucket list for any traveler. The easy, laid back setting of the Australian outback contrasts beautifully with the historic paddle wheeler from times gone by. Discover ancient aboriginal sites, wildlife in their habitat and towns eager to welcome.
CAPTAIN COOK
19
CANALS OF THE UK: While not technically a river cruise, we just had to mention that you could be master of your own canal boat while you see the sights of the UK – Aye Aye Cap’n!
20 RUSSIA’S IMPERIAL WATERWAYS – VOLGA/ DNEIPER AND EGYPT’S NILE: Recent world events have reduced their popularity at present, however we will advise when both of these amazing destinations are ready to cruise. – APT, SCENIC, AVALON, UNIWORLD, TRAVELMARVEL, EVERGREEN.
Located in Hastings Street, the heart of Noosa
abundantnoosasunshine
Stylish rooms design with the Queensland climate in mind.
the sebel
Noosa
The “Resort Series | Coastal” room was designed to take into consideration the environmental and climate conditions associated with the properties.
A stay at The Sebel Noosa places you in the heart of Noosa Heads, steps from Noosa Beach and close to Noosa National Park. These 4.5-star apartments are within close proximity of Sunshine Beach Village Shops and Ed Webb Park.
The Sebel Resort Noosa features a swimming pool, waterfalls, fountains, and a barbeque area. There is a sun deck, laundry, and the Palm Grove Circuit is less than 1 km away. This self-guided walk winds through the rainforest and provides a great nature experience. Noose Junction is just a short drive away with supermarkets and a cinema complex. Landscaped with numerous water features throughout the sub-tropical garden courtyards, this property is
set in the centre of the shopping and entertainment Mecca of Hastings Street on the Sunshine Coast. From private balconies guests can enjoy the fresh breeze straight from Noosa Beach and the beautiful Noosa River less than a kilometre away.
The refurbishment of the property has followed the “Resort Series | Coastal” design and take into consideration the environmental and climate conditions associated with the property. The furniture design enhances and lifts the rooms, with high comfort levels for guests. All wooden surfaces are a light oak colour and offer a practical but sophisticated style.
New Sleepmaker, Accor pillow top king beds which are the new brand standard for The Sebel Brand were installed and provide extra comfort.
A sense of past has been retained with black and white images, whilst the diamond pattern camel and ivory floor rug, decorative scatter cushions and stylish table lamps ensure a relaxed coastal atmosphere is created.
The five 1-bedrom Accor Vacation Club apartments are spread throughout the property and will be pointed early in 2016.
Palm Cove Tropical North Queensland
Large spacious rooms, filled with natural light. Set amongst the tropic landscape
Palm Cove Coral Coast the sebel
The “Resort Series | Coastal” room was designed to take into consideration the environmental and climate conditions associated with the properties.
Both The Sebel Palm Cove and the Coral Coast Apartments were refurbished earlier this year.
Palm Cove is a unique, quiet and relaxing village by the sea where centuries old “paperbark” Melaleuca trees line the casual esplanade. It is a tropical paradise with numerous award winning restaurants and spas which are complemented by a host of other services and attractions including a myriad of Great Barrier Reef trips, Rainforest excursions, thrill seeking and exploration adventures, beautiful golf courses, kayaking around nearby islands, getting wet and wild with water sports beach hire, visiting the nearby wildlife zoo, fishing off the jetty or just lazing around on the beach.
The Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast was refurbished as a variation in the “Resort Series | Coastal” design. This was achieved through the base palette for the design reflecting blue skies and clear ocean water linked by the vibrant greens if tropical foliage. Topical flowers are used in the artwork and finishes to furnishings throughout. Tropical fruit, coral reefs and intricate shell designs appear throughout the finishes.
The furniture is complemented by a chaise lounge, which also incorporates a sofa bed for practicality. The solid oak arm chairs are also a key furniture element to accentuate the comfortable relaxed reading and indoor recreation space. In the bedroom the key design element is the padded bed head which is complemented by colourful scatter cushions and bed throws.
Accor Vacation Club rooms typically run at high occupancies and guest preferences for resort destinations also correlate a longer than average length of stay. As a result of this the design and products we select are of a high quality to reflect heavy use while still achieving a modern yet practical design.
Environmental initiatives are also considered with the replacement of high energy down lights with LED’s and all bathroom fittings and fixtures, chosen based on their water saving capacity. In addition to this connectivity is being provided with Bluetooth accessories and 55 inch flat screen smart televisions.
The bathrooms were upgraded with new vanities and bathroom fittings including luxury water saving shower heads.
Bedrooms have a new 48 inch flat screen smart television installed and new Sebel Brand standard pillow top beds with a range of pillows and colourful scatter cushions. All bedrooms have bedside cabinets, dresser and reading lights that reflect the overall theme of the room.
The pool area was upgraded with the installation of modern cabanas, a stunning new barbecue area and pool furniture. The space was finished with tropical garden landscaping.
Warm, crystal clear water all year round
Palm Cove picture perfect
Modern, bright and stylish rooms that open out to the lush landscaping.
Coral Coast Resort
Palm Cove, Accor Vacation Club Apartments
The “Resort Series | Coastal” room was designed to take into consideration the environmental and climate conditions associated with the properties.
One of the original Accor Vacation Club properties, the Coral Coast Apartments Palm Cove were upgraded with new bathrooms, kitchens, flooring and furniture. This was a further variation of the “Resort Series | Coastal” design. This was achieved through the use of local inspired design elements, Stripes and the colours of the tropics are used against a neutral base to take guests into the tropical beachside that is Palm cove. Fully self contained rooms have been finished with quality design to provide practicality. The bathrooms were upgraded with new tiled floors, new vanities, chrome tap ware and luxury water saving shower heads.
The upgrading of elements of the kitchens provides a contemporary plan, with designer tiled splash backs with high quality fittings. All appliances are inbuilt and are of arctic white finish with all visible GPO points and light switches changed modern brushed stainless finish.
The design is supported with revised operating standards, improved in room collateral and a greater range of quality cutlery, crockery, glassware and kitchen utensils to ensure quality design is reflected through every component of the room.
Palm Cove is the ultimate in tropical serenity and is located only 25 minutes north of the City of Cairns and the Domestic and International Airport.
nusa dua pristine beaches
styled rooms with a unique exotic South East Asian feel.
Modern
Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Accor Vacation Club Apartments
This “Resort Series” room was designed to take into consideration the cultural, environmental and climate conditions of this Balinese property.
There is no better place to experience authentic Balinese heritage and culture than the iconic Nusa Dua
At Novotel Nusa Dua the rooms were refurbished to a high standard. The variation in the “Resort Series” was achieved through the use of local Balinese inspired design elements In keeping with the Balinese location a natural wood, loose weave textured fabrics and clean cream finishes have been interwoven into the overall design. Artwork includes a series of Buddhist influenced statues and motifs which brings the local culture into the rooms.
The furniture in the lounge although practical is complemented by the sofa which opens to a double bed for practicality. The dark timber arm chairs are a key element designed to accentuate the comfortable relaxed indoor recreation space.
In the bedroom the timber bed head with canvas art insert is complemented by high quality custom design scatter cushions and bed throws.
Environmental initiatives are key to the future of all of the Accor Vacation Club rooms and the high energy down lights were replaced with LED’s. The dining room feature is a pendant light embellished with shells creating a floral pattern.
The expansive, well appointed bathroom is linked to the bedroom with bi-folding shutters which provides a sense of an open and luxurious ambience to the room.
The feature of the bathrooms is the Balinese inspired fixtures and fittings. Including a large free standing Balinese inspired statue.
Bedrooms have a new 48 inch flat screen smart television installed and new pillow top beds with superior pillows and scatter cushions, whilst the stunning wooden floors were resurfaced to ensure the room reflected the cool relaxed atmosphere required in the warm tropical climate of Nusa Dua.
Overall the rooms have been refurbished with traditional Balinese flare within a practical design.
Nusa Dua literally means “two island”, the crystal clear sea water and stretches of white sandy beach makes the area the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Mercure Gold Coast Resort
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Getaways are the perfect way to enjoy new experiences around the world.
Whether you’re looking for a new city to explore or a tropical paradise in which to unwind, with Interval International’s weeklong Getaways, you can enjoy a resort stay without exchanging your Accor points. What’s more, the accommodation is available at remarkably low prices, backed by Interval’s Best Price Guarantee.
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COMPETITION 2*
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Weddings Lifetime of a
Your Accor Vacation Club Membership gives you access to some amazing properties. Why not take the opportunity for memories of a lifetime and book a family event at one of our properties. Our wedding specialist properties include Grand Mercure Basildene Manor, The Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort and Grand Mercure Puka Park. Contact the property directly for BOOKINGS.
*terms and conditions apply (contact property for terms and conditions)
Half the bill in over 800 restaurants
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Save up to 50% off dining across 17 countries in the Asia Pacific, Plus 15% off drinks in Asia. Enjoy a number of exclusive benefits, including a complimentary night, more nights for less with our Red Hot Rooms, Member Exclusive Rate and early access to AccorHotels Global Sales and more.
Offer: Join the Accor Plus program for an exclusive price of $299 and receive a FREE secondary membership, valued at $149*
Quote your Accor Vacation Club membership number to receive this exclusive offer.
We would love to hear all the great things you love about the Club. Send us your favourite holiday stories (with photos) about where you’ve holidayed, what you’ve seen, all those memorable experiences and we’ll share them with the rest of our Members.
Cabin Classes
by David Flynn
In
In
Airlines
So
economy
When you fly in economy, everything is geared down to the price of the ticket. The quality of the seat and the amount of space you get around you, the meals and even the service – the number of staff assigned to the vast economy cabin – are all dictated by how much travellers are prepared to pay.
However, airlines are starting to upgrade their meals to improve the taste, to include healthier choices, and even to offer larger portions as the main course, with snacks offered later during the journey.
The latest international economy seats from Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific offer more comfort than you’d expect.
And there’s always the in-flight entertainment system to take your mind off the flight. Settling back to catch up on a few new movies is the best way to get those hours zooming by.
Just be careful about booking super-cheap tickets on budget airlines where in-flight movies, food, a blanket and even a pillow will cost you extra.
premium economy
Premium economy is an increasingly popular ‘in-between’ category which offers a significant upgrade from the economy experience without the hefty price of a business class ticket.
It makes a play right across the board, from young professionals and the selfemployed flying for business to families, honeymooners, empty-nest couples taking a long-awaited holiday without the kids, and even cashed-up retirees.
Not all airlines offer premium economy. On flights from Australia you’ll primarily find it on Virgin Australia, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.
Premium economy offers an extra few inches of legroom compared with economy – a benefit that’s most noticeable at the knees because you can comfortably cross your legs or stretch your legs during the flight. Typically, there is also a padded leg rest or footrest fitted to the seat.
The seats themselves are wider, boast more padding (especially around the lower back) and enjoy a greater degree of recline. There’s also more elbow room because airlines don’t squeeze too many passengers into the premium economy cabin. An economy cabin
might see three seats between the window and the aisle, but in premium economy this space will be occupied by two seats.
But it’s not all about the seat. The added perks in premium economy begin on the ground, where you will have priority check-in plus a higher checked luggage allowance so you can take more bags or fill them with shopping from overseas.
Before take-off you are usually offered a glass of champagne – the perfect way to begin any trip – while the meals, drinks and even snacks are of a higher standard than economy. Cathay Pacific goes a step further by offering many of the same meals offered in business class.
Add a larger screen for in-flight entertainment, potentially a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, plus an AC powerpoint to keep your laptop or tablet juiced up, and premium economy’s appeal is easy to understand.
However, don’t confuse premium economy with the ‘economy plus’ or ‘Comfort+’ seats on United Airlines or Delta Air Lines. These seats usually involves the same seat, video screen and meal service as economy, with extra legroom the only difference.
Cathay Pacific Lounge
Qantas International Economy
Virgin Australia International Premium Economy
business class
Few words conjure up more jealousy of any trip when you mention it’s in business class, and with good reason. Business class is a whole world removed from economy, yet it’s by no means restricted to corporate jetsetters.
Business class fares can be found on sale during various off-peak travel periods. They are also a great way to burn up a stack of frequent flyer points – either purchasing the ticket outright with points, using a ‘points + pay’ combination, or by applying for an upgrade from economy or premium economy.
The business class experience begins at the airport with a separate shorter queue for checkin and a more generous luggage allowance.
At many international airports, including those in Australia, you will be handed an Express Pass which also lets you fast-track through customs and security.
Those perks alone can trim a half hour off your ‘standing in line’ time. What to do with that extra time? Head to the business class lounge where you’ll usually find a buffet of hot and cold dishes plus a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits.
The elite treatment continues with a separate boarding lane which often whisks you straight into the business class cabin. Here’s where you begin to truly appreciate the value of business class for that eight, 12 or 20+ hour flight.
The seats are incredibly comfortable, being both wide and well-padded. There’s ample space not only for your legs but your assorted carry-on items. The meals and wine list are close to restaurant quality, with an extensive choice and sometimes a seasonal menu to make the most of the freshest ingredients.
Even dining times can be flexible. You’ll also be handed an amenity kit with moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated, lip balm, hand cream, ear plugs, a face mask and other assorted goodies.
The newest business class seat designs ensure that every passenger can step straight into the aisle. Another trend adopted by some airlines – among them Virgin Australia and Emirates – is a small bar where business class passengers can escape from their seat and socialise over a drink.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of business class is that the seat converts into a flat bed so you can sleep through much of the flight and arrive rested and ready to go.
Even some low-cost airlines such as Scoot and AirAsia X offer ‘business class on a budget’. Scoot’s is closer to the premium economy cabin of a regular airline but they represent good value.
first class
If business class is good, how much better can first class be? That’s one of the challenges facing airlines today as they compete for the rich, famous and/or powerful.
First class is for those who don’t even need to think about the price of their ticket – which is just as well when it comes to these luxury seats and suites.
A typical, top-end first class lounge will include a dining room offering table service from an a la carte menu, a five-star wine list worthy of the poshest restaurant, and a day spa with free massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. You rarely hear passengers moan and groan when a flight is delayed – it’s simply the chance for one more glass of Champagne!
When you are flying in the pointy end of the plane, it’s easy to think you’re in a private jet. The first class cabin is incredibly quiet and intimate, while the attentive flight attendants offer superbly personal service.
The in-flight meals are usually prepared by a master chef hired by the airline, and on some flights there’s a mouth-watering 10-course degustation menu with matching wines selected by a panel of experts.
First class seats can only improve by degrees compared to the best business class seats. They’re wider still, and finished in quality materials. But it’s the meals and service where first class makes its mark.
Malaysia Airlines First Class
China Airlines Premium Business Class
Cathay Business Class
The exception is those airlines which have moved from first class seats to private suites – self-contained roomettes with a sliding door between you and the rest of the passengers.
First class suites on flights from Australia can be booked on Qantas and Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380, Emirates and Etihad. You can stay snugly ensconced in your cabin throughout the flight and even share meals with a companion, as long as they’re also travelling in first class.
But innovation in first class isn’t stopping at single-room suites. Etihad’s A380 superjumbo – which flies between Sydney and Abu Dhabi and onwards to London – has a three-room suite called The Residence.
It’s a penthouse in the sky with its own living room, a private bathroom with shower, and a bedroom with a double-bed and wardrobe.
To top it off, there’s a Savoy-trained butler for that Downton Abbey feeling.
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Important Contacts
Member Services Monday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm AEST excluding National Public Holidays Saturday 8:30am to 4:30pm AEST excluding National Public Holidays Level 2, Accor Vacation Club Building, 14 Edgewater Court, Robina QLD 4226 PO Box 3755, Robina Town Centre, QLD 4230 www.accorvacationclub.com.au
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