Save on safari
Wild Bush Luxury is providing a complimentary air safari over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre for Arkaba Conservancy guests during May, June and July.
Heavy summer rains in Queensland have created a rare opportunity for Wild Bush Luxury guests to witness the normally dry salt pans and ephemeral water source of South Australia's desert country, and to experience a precious water flow that has trickled over 1000 kilometres south through the Diamantina System.
The six-hour air safari represents a saving of $2600 per couple and will ascend north from Parachilna Gorge, before traversing the open-cut coal fields of Leigh Creek, the outback township of Marree and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.
Guests will enjoy lunch at the iconic William Creek Hotel, set in one of Australia's smallest townships, with local seasonal produce and South Australian wines.
Phone 1300 790 561 or visit www.wildbushluxury.com.
Luxury retreat to replenish
Restore, replenish and rejuvenate at The Goodnight Co's sleep retreat at Brisbane's new Calile Hotel from June 7-9.
This retreat has been specifically designed for the corporate and high-frequency travellers who spend their lives in hotels and need to find that important balance between work and sleep.
Guests will hear from a group of facilitators and learn how to set themselves up for a good night's sleep no matter where they are.
Prices start from $2500 for two nights in a single poolside room, including workshops, yoga and meditation, five nutritious meals, a welcome pack valued at over $300 and massage on arrival.
Glamping for Kakadu's 40th
One of Kakadu's longest-established tourism accommodation operators, Cooinda Lodge & Camping, is marking the 40th anniversary of Kakadu National Park by unveiling a complete refurbishment of its Lodge rooms, as well as the launch in June of the new glamping village, Dreaming@Home Billabong.
Cooinda is in the heart of Kakadu National Park and incorporates prime tourism attractions such as Yellow Water Cruises and Warradjan Cultural Centre, as well as Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventure Tours.
It is also very conveniently located to the Nourlangie rock art site and well positioned for tours to Jim Jim, Twin Falls, and the Maguk and Gunlom waterfalls and rock pools.
Dreaming@HomeBillabong, featuring 20 permanent upmarket tents supplied by Eco Structures Australia, will make its debut in June after the success of three previous seasonal pop-up Flash Camp villages.
The new glamping tents are being built on wooden platforms to ensure year-round usability and minimal environmental impact. The canvas tents will have one solid wall, a glass front door and a deck with outdoor furniture.
The tents will have electric lighting, air-conditioning, fan and bar fridge, along with cabinetry and occasional chairs.
Rates for the glamping tents will start at $149 per night.
Visit www.kakadutourism.com.
The Ghan turns 90
The Ghan celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and to celebrate is offering 90 days of birthday surprises.
Among the offers is a bonus three nights' hotel stay in Adelaide or Darwin with a Gold Service fare in June, July, August, October and November.
Prices are from $2359 per person and the offer is available until June 2.
Phone 132 147 or visit www.journeybeyond.com.
Tour island of 'My Favourite Friend'
The volcanic island of Ischia, off the coast of southern Italy, is garnering much attention of late and not just for its spectacular scenery.
The 'Green Island', as nicknamed by locals, forms part of the backdrop for the acclaimed series My Brilliant Friend, based on the much-loved Elena Ferrante novel.
Fans will delight in the new 'Places of Elena Ferrante' package offered by guided tour of Ischia to discover the places of the novel when the resort reopens for summer this year.
Using Garden & Villas Resort as a base, this package will transport fans to the real-life locations of Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte, the Maronti beach and Citara where the lives of characters Lila, Lenù, Dino and Donato Sarratore are forever changed.
Guests will also receive a full day pass to the Poseidon Gardens where they can dip their toe in the many thermal pools that give Ischia its moniker of 'The thermal capital of Europe'.
Prices are from (e)390.00 per person, including a guided tour of Ischia by private car to discover the places of the novel.
Visit www.gardenvillasresort.it.
A Fiji debut
Accor's Pullman brand is set to make its debut in Fiji this month with the launch of the Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, which sits on its own secluded corner of local-favourite, Wailoaloa Beach, a largely unexplored stretch of shore on Nadi Bay.
For guests, that means 180-degree uninterrupted ocean views and vistas of one of Fiji's most recognised mountains, The Sleeping Giant.
A 10 minute-drive from Nadi International Airport and its commercial centre in one direction and an equally speedy 10 minutes to Port Denarau's entertainment precinct makes it one of the most convenient resort addresses in the Fiji Islands.
A towering cathedral-style bure and striking art installations ensure an elegant arrival, but the sun-drenched piazza-style playground at the heart of the resort is where guests will really want to be.
Pullman's palm-lined hub is designed around four pools - an adults-only pool, a separate children's pool and two family pools.
Opening rates start at F$390 per room per night (including levies and taxes).
Visit www.pullmanhotels.com.