Leave your shoes out by the jetty…you wont be needing them again until you depart…Nikoi Island is affordable barefoot luxury!

Check in is simple – just ask the barman Yogi which beach house is yours.  At present ten of the fifteen two-storey beach houses are complete. You wont need a key as there are no doors- although privacy and security is never a concern.   When complete the total number of guests on the island will be around fifty.

Settle into your Robinson Crusoe inspired driftwood beachhouse with grass thatched roof and direct beach access.  There is no shortage of luxury – romantic king size beds with mosquito nets, balcony with amazing beach views, built in daybeds, tropical style bathroom with open shower, wooden decked lounge area and outdoor bale for a massage or reading.   Think Luxury Survivor, or Gilligan’s Island. Read more »

Hotels often play a starring role in blockbuster movies.  In fact the hotel can benefit from tens of thousands of dollars from a single shoot – film production, accommodation for cast and crew, plus promotion following the movies’ release.

The company philosphy of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is “turning moments into memories for our guests”.  In the 1996 blockbuster “The Rock” Sean Connery’s character is released from his 30 year incarceration to rescue hostages held at Alcatraz.  His one and only demand “I want a suite at the Fairmont Hotel”.  Alfred Hitchcock also shot the classic “Vertigo” at the Fairmont San Francisco in 1958.  The Fairmont has been a San Francisco icon ever since.  Explore the city’s vibrant cultural heritage,  incredible architecture and stunning views and attractions.  You can stay here for around USD$400 a night.

The Fairmont Royal York Toronto was most recently featured in “Cinderella Man” and “Serendipity”.  The Fairmont is a grand Toronto landmark hotel and is one of Canadas most distinctive and famous railway hotels.  Toronto has an exciting mix of activities and attractions - from the theater, entertainment and financial districts, to shopping, sightseeing, and world-class sports facilities.  Stay overnight for around USD$200 a night.

If you enjoyed the chick-flick “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” you can find your own groove at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica.  The stylish resort features 30 acres of tropical gardens, secluded beaches and a world class spa set amongst an 18th Century Great House at the edge of the sea.  The newly renovated oceanfront rooms in the ‘Pineapple House’ are designed by Ralph Lauren, plus there are private villas with their own pool, verandah and magnificent views.  Pineapples feature throughout Round Hill as they are the local symbol for hospitality.  Stay overnight for around USD$370 a night.  Check out our blog on Jamaica for more information on tours and attractions.

A lot has changed in Bali since the mid 1980’s when a group of South Australian university students formed the band REDGUM and entertained us with the catchy song “I’ve been to Bali too!”  Bali was the destination of choice for cheap package holidays marketed at backpackers, students and footy clubs.  The most basic accommodation could be found in central Kuta and was really just a place to recover from the previous nights’ club hopping down Legian Street.

Those hotels, clubs and bars are all still to be found, but the new wave of accommodation in Bali is the development of Villas.  They are generally located in the quieter, more upmarket areas of Seminyak, Jimbaran Bay or Sanur.  For complete relaxation and serenity there are also a couple up in the hills of Ubud.  For around the same price as a good hotel, you can enjoy the luxury of a private villa set in tropical garden settings with your own private swimming pool.  Most are air conditioned, have spacious living and dining rooms and large terraces for outdoor relaxation.  They are generally built from local materials such as wood, bamboo and stone with high roofs, and decorated in contemporary Balinese style. 

For a romantic escape, head to the hills of Ubud and check out the Santi Mandala Villa and Spa. The resort is surrounded by rice fields and tropical gardens and facilities include restaurant, swimming pool with sunken bar and jacuzzi. They have a fabulous ‘Plunge Pool Villa’ for 2 adults for around $130 per night including full American Breakfast daily. You can have your breakfast served on your private balcony and soak up the sunrise over the Panaraga Giri River. Along with the standard international facilities like airconditioning, cable TV and room service it of course has its own private plunge pool.

If you have a large family or are on holiday with a group of friends, the Sentosa Private Villas and Spa in Legian is the ultimate in 5 star Modern Bali Chic!  There are 38 luxuriously appointed villas with landscaped gardens and private pools with sundeck and reclining loungers – so much more than just a hotel room!  All the villas feature gourmet kitchens, king-size bedrooms, flat screen TV and DVD player, satellite channels and internet access in case you must communicate with the outside world.  There is also the Blossom Restaurant and Bar, Luxe Lounge Spa with steam room and gym, a 35m natural rock pool with sundeck and even a kids play room.  The top of the range Villa is a 5 bedroom Presidential Pool Villa and costs around $1400 per night.  When you split that between 10 adults and factor in the full daily breakfast and the features the Villas offer, it is very reasonably priced.

Now, to rustle up 9 friends to come to Bali with me…there are some great holiday packages around.

Voyages Brampton Island Resort is located in Queensland’s Whitsunday Island Passage (see Whitsundays hotels), just off the coast of Mackay.  It is the ideal destination for a romantic escape with just over 100 hotel rooms on the 460 hectare island.  Children under 15 years are not catered for and there are no day-trippers to the resort.  Best of all you can really get away from the hectic pace of life because there is limited mobile phone reception available.

With crystal blue waters, a National Park backdrop and a dozen beautiful beaches a holiday at Voyages Brampton Island Resort is about fun, relaxation, pampering and taking a break from the usual hectic pace of life.  The average year round temperature is approximately 27°C – perfect for a holiday at any time of year.

There rooms are equipped with all with the modern resort facilities such as air conditioning, television, fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, ensuite with shower and all have a balcony or patio – perfect for an evening cocktail.  We stayed in a Premium Ocean View room located right on the beach and included additional luxury facilities such as flat screen TV, DVD and CD players – even an espresso machine.  The outdoor area also featured a private hammock to while away the sunny afternoon with a book.

There is no time to get bored though as there are many complimentary activities included such as beach volleyball, day and night tennis, bocce, 6 hole chip and putt golf and water activities like snorkelling, sailboards and catamarans. There are 2 swimming pools – freshwater and seawater.  For the fitness fan there is Gym equipment, fitness classes and aqua aerobics.  If you are a lover of nature then you will enjoy the array of walking trails, guided walks and fish feeding plus an abundance of flora and wildlife activities year round.

The Bluewater Restaurant is the main dining facility offering a buffet breakfast and lunch.  Dinner is served from an a la carte menu 4 nights a week and on a fine evening on Tuesdays and Fridays they offer a tantalising seafood and barbeque buffet.  For something a little more romantic try the Sea Salt restaurant.  You will be served sparkling wine and canapés on the beach at sunset then make your way to a private table for two for a candle-lit 8 course degustation menu.  If you are after a casual snack, the Aqua Lounge is open until late serving cocktails, smoothies and coffee and there is nightly entertainment each evening.

If you need to rejuvenate and refresh your body, book into the Sea Spa for a massage, facial or a variety of body treatments.  There is even a Spa Menu designed specifically for men!

With flight connections from most major Australian capital cities into Mackay and connecting launch or flight transfers to the island, I would recommend a trip to Voyages Brampton Island Resort for anyone needing a break.