Saturday, 3 November 2012

Hayman Island September 2012 with Tina


One of the most relaxed places on earth. Our family of 4 enjoyed 2 nights on Hayman. If possible, I would recommend trying to extend, as we really only had 1 full day. The transfer back to Hamilton Island to fly home will pick you up at 09:30am from Hayman, so only time for a quick brekkie before you head home

 We stayed in an interconnecting Pool View Deluxe. This is guaranteed interconnecting room, so the boys didn’t feel too far away, but they had their own space at the same time. We left the interconnecting door open so it was a massive area.

We mainly spent our time at the pool, where they heat the internal salt water pool to 30 degrees, and the outside chlorine pool to 27 degrees – both perfectly lovely swimming temperature.

Our eldest who is 7 enjoyed his first Helicopter experience, which you can pay direct on the Island (approx.. $150 pp). This was his highlight, and proceeded to tell everyone in his class about how he flew the helicopter upon his return!




Both boys enjoyed a lovely dinner with 2 courses!




La Tratorria also provided colouring in books, and pencils to keep them occupied whilst waiting for their dinner. You must book in for dinner as soon as you hit the Island. A lot of places are only open on certain nights, but you can order room service and stay in your PJ’s if nothing suits your family.

It was really a perfect day to be playing on the beach, whilst we leisurely finished our breakfast. Hayman also have a barista onsite, so skinny, mocha, decaf, late…. Whatever you please.



It was time to head home on the gorgeous yacht transfer back to Hamilton Island with champagne flowing and canapés at the ready, we were sad to say goodbye to Hayman – until next time – we have wonderful memories.






Monday, 29 October 2012

Mantra Broadbeach on the Park, Broadbeach

I had the pleasure of staying here in March of 2012 for a beautiful and memorable long weekend of 3 nights (on a fabulous stay pay - they are great when you get them!) This Mantra is situated 1 block back from the beautiful beach of Broadbeach, right above an iconic Gold Coast restaurant, Moo Moo (amazing steaks! and other meaty treats).



Broadbeach is the suburb south of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, and is a little bit quieter than the centre of Surfers - I would say it is a more relaxed and less hectic crowd. It has heaps of restaurants and shops - there is actually a fairly new shopping cul de sac comprising many shops and restaurants between the Peppers Broadbeach and the Sofitel, which is fantastic for a nibble and a browse.



We stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment that was spacious, with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. The room and hotel was beautiful - clean and crisp - with all the facilities you would expect of a 4.5*:
- complimentary secure undercover parking
- in room internet access
- tour desk
- child minding
- games room
- sauna
- spa
- gym
- bbq area

Breakfree Longbeach, Surfers Paradise

This property was nicer than i expected. It is dated, but the rooms are all massive , they all have ocean views , and it is about 50 metres from the beach. Seriously!
 
A lot of the units are owned by individuals who then rent to Mantra and this is why some of them have airconditioning and some do not. This is also the reason we need to request bedding types at properties like this- some are king, some are queen, so just request it and they will see if they can accommodate.
Facilities
- gym, inddor and outdoor pools, sauna, spa, baby pool, bbq area, tennis court!
- foc parking
 
 
1 Bed Ocean/ 3 Bed Ocean Apartments
- massive!
- some have ocean and hinterland views- a balcony on the front and the back!
- fully self contained
 
 

Mantra Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise

I would rate this property so much higher now that I have been there. It is modern, set in the literal heart of Surfers' Paradise, schmick and trendy- worth the extra $$$ because it looks amazing and the facilites are fantastic.
 

 
Facilities
- in house cinema to book foc by guests
- multiple,pools, spa, sauna, gym, etc etc
- foc parking
- kids play area
- amazing games room
 
 
 
1 bed standard
- is not standard, is amazing!
- seriously beautiful, hinterland views, modern and massive.
- fully self contained.
2 bed ocean and 3 bed ocean
- opulent and massive.
- wraparound balconies.
 
 

Mantra Crown Towers , Surfers Paradise

This is another property on the Gold Coast that is fantastic for families, with an amazing array of kids facilities. This property feels like a resort. ie. the facilities are so good, you wouldn't feel like you needed to leave for a day or two without getting cabin fever.
 


 
 
Facilities
- grand entrance, under the water theme
- pirate ship and play area
- massive lagoon pool area outdoors, indoor, outdoor, sand area pools, spa, sauna, day spa.
- cafe, restaurant- Chang Mai- amazing Thai
 
 
2 and 3 Bedroom Ocean Apartments
- massive living space
- really beautiful and well appointed again apartments
 
 

Mantra Sun City, Surfers Paradise

This is an amazing property with incredible family facilities.
 
Facilities
- sayas restaurant- serves buffet breakfast and dinner; french/australian fusion.
- room service out of the restaurant.
- parking is foc
- pools- waterslides, lifeguard 7 days a week, 9-5.
- lagoon pool , indoor pool
- gym, day spa, games area (video games!) and pool table
- waterslide and swimming pools
- play area
- tennis court
 
 
Hotel rooms
- we get a lot of special room rates should include breakfast- always check.
- the rooms ae very large 
- hinterland views - unobstructed and beautiful
1 bed apartment ocean view/ 2 bed apartment ocean views
- both of these troom types are freaking massive - the living spaces are very impressive and there are balconies on most rooms.
- they are all tidy and well appointed , totally 4.5*
 
 
 
 

Thursday, 25 October 2012

Novotel on Collins, Melbourne




- 380 rooms, from levels 6-14, built arond the shopping centr below (so the hotel is shaped like a rectangle with a hole in the middle where the shopping centre is).

Standard- street/ mall views through floor to ceiling windows.
- the rooms are still modern and amazing but there is a soft refurb scheduled for 2012.
- the walk in showers are lovely and modern.

Executive
- these were built in 2010 and include bottle of water daily, internet, local calls daily, and an espresso machine in room.
- 2 x spa suites in this room type.

Premier
- massive and include a sitting room. These ones are shower over bath but are being refurbed for walk in shower access.
 
- the swimming pool and gym have been refurbed also recently and the swimming pool is for leisure, not laps.