This month we are extremely excited to announce three new great Australian experiences, as well as some important updates regarding closures and product.
NEW – ‘Ultimate Great Ocean Road’ day tour by ground and air
12 apostles on the Great Ocean Road
Guests can experience the very best of the Great Ocean Road with this new 9-hour itinerary showcasing the splendour of this famous icon from both the ground and the air. The tour includes return helicopter flight to Melbourne (one-way), so guests will be driven there and fly back!
Highlights:
- Scenic helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles and the Otway Ranges returning to Melbourne
- Kennett River wild koala population
- Split Point Lighthouse
- Seaside townships of Lorne and Apollo Bay
- Multiple stops along the Great Ocean Road for photo opportunities
- Mait’s Rest rainforest walk and the Otway National Park
Inclusions:
- Return one-way 75 minute private helicopter flight to Melbourne
- Morning Tea
- 2-course lunch with beverages (beer, wine or soft-drink)
- Local guide providing expert commentary
- Luxurious private vehicle with complimentary water
For more details or to book please contact Alquemie.
NEW – A fully guided Aboriginal tour with the traditional owners of Uluru the Uluru Family.
Uluru at dusk
PATJI is a true Aboriginal experience to the homelands of the Traditional Owners of Uluru as they share their personal story of growing up in the region and the integration into what the world is today. Included is a tour of the area of where the original Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park gates once were, rock water holes and the ever changing environments, and afternoon tea around the fireplace with an Aboriginal guide. Travel is on remote bush tracks and takes in some spectacular views of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the desert landscape. The afternoon finishes with sunset on a private sand dune overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
For more details or to book please contact Alquemie.
NEW – Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk by Walk into Luxury
Sunset, didgeridoo and drinks on the Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk
The newest Great Walks of Australia member walk is a four-day experience showcasing Western Australia’s turquoise ocean, white beaches, coastal cliffs and towering karri forests along the Cape to Cape Track which runs through Cape Naturaliste National Park and along Australia’s most south-westerly coastline. It successfully combines this spectacular walking trail with the magnificent food and wine of the Margaret River Region, as well as secluded beachfront accommodation.
The Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural landscape, get up close with the flora and fauna, swim in the ocean, and enjoy sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Operating throughout Australia’s Autumn and Spring, the highlight is undoubtedly Spring (September to November) when Western Australia’s famous wildflowers are in full bloom.
Accommodation is at the luxury Injidup Spa Retreat where guests can indulge in private plunge pools with uninterrupted ocean views, the perfect reward to a day of walking the trail. To find out more or book please contact Alquemie.
Closures
Please be advised that we will notify any guests affected by these closures.
Seascape Lodge on Emu Bay destroyed permanently by fire
Sadly Seascape Lodge on Emu Bay was recently engulfed & destroyed by fire. Owners Paul & Mandy are shattered and have lost everything but are stoic that they will rebuild, and in time will be able to provide the personalised and luxurious experience that guests have been treated to over the years.
Park Hyatt Sydney – Rooftop Pool maintenance June 20, 2016 to 29 July, 2016
The outdoor Rooftop Pool will be closed for general maintenance during the period Monday 20 June – Friday 29 July 2016. The Park Hyatt anticipates minimal disruption as the maintenance works are scheduled to coincide with the winter season. For those guests wishing to access pool facilities, the dedicated concierge team will happily arrange alternative options throughout their stay.
The Louise, Barossa Valley – Closure from June 26, 2016 to July 28, 2016
Previously the Louise in the Barossa Valley was closed Sunday, Monday & Tuesday from mid-June to mid-September. Now it will be closed all nights from June 26 to July 28 2016.
Longitude 131°, Ayers Rock – Closure from April 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017
Longitude 131° will next year introduce several new facilities while at the same time redeveloping its central Dune House in a four-month refurbishment project. The enhancements will complement the extensive improvements already completed at the property since Baillie Lodges took over operations in 2013, including the refurbishment of its 15 tented pavilions and this year’s addition of private balconies overlooking Uluru. Works will commence from April 1, 2017 and the lodge will close until July 31, 2017 inclusive.
The plans include:
- A new premium suite, designed to offer the ultimate in desert luxury and offering dual views of the outback icons. It will be available in a one or two-bedroom configuration, making it ideal for families and friends as well as individuals and couples.
- A major redevelopment of the central Dune House to enhance its space and views while introducing a new contempporary style. Additions include a new entry and reception area cleverly tucked into the dune, a redesigned tented canopy and curvaceous open bar in the spirit of sister lodge, Southern Ocean Lodge.
- A signature spa facility and re-landscaped swimming pool, replete with poolside bar.
- A new dune-top bar and deck offering sweeping views of the surrounding desert landscape – perfect for sunset drinks or dinner under the stars.
The enhancements will provide the most extensive improvements at Longitude 131° since its inception, reflecting Baillie Lodges’ ambition to redefine desert luxury in Australia and position the property among the world’s best remote lodges.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island – Closure from May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017
In 2017, a whole new level of luxury will be unveiled at Capella Lodge, the subtropical connection in the Baillie Lodges porftolio. Closing for four months between May 1 – August 31, 2017 inclusive, plans at the property include:
- Creation of a new two bedroom suite suitable for two or up to five persons in style. A reincarnation of the Makambo Loft to feature extended outdoor living areas and a plunge pool with postcard views. The Lagoon Lofts will also be upgraded to include a timber hot tub privately nestled in the kentia palms.
- Redevelopment of the main lodge, including bar, lounge and restaurant upgrades, honouring the relaxed spirit of Lord Howe Island and capturing the breathtaking views of the soaring twin mountain peaks and turquoise lagoon.
- Remodelling of the Capella Spa to include a second level with mesmerising views from the treatment bed to the reef beyond.
The winning elements synonymous with Capella’s success and high return visits to date will only be increased following these (seriously luxe!) enhancements. Refreshment of the already celebrated luxury lodge reflects Baillie Lodges’ ongoing committment to product excellence and reinvestment.
Product updates
El Questro – new ‘Cellar List’
Baobab dining at El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley
A new El Questro ‘Cellar List’ has been created by Jeremy Oliver, one of Australia’s foremost wine writers and presenters, writer of the The Australian Wine Annual – who most recently launched the ‘Cellar List’ at the newly $50 million refurbished Lizard Island. Guests can still enjoy the El Questro Homestead wine selections inclusive within their package, however the ‘Cellar List’ provides the opportunity to explore some of the finest Australian wines”. Additional charges apply.
Bamurru Plains – new activities
Bamurru Plains Sunset Game Drive
The Top End of the Northern Territory experiences some of the greatest climatic extremes (wet and dry particularly) of any region of Australia and on the back of the current El Nino cycle this season is shaping up to be one of the driest seen in recent years, some are saying since the 1970s! As a property whose destiny is inextricably linked with the environment, Bamurru Plains are always working to the parameters that mother nature provides and never more so than in the Top End, where so many seasons come in the space of a year.
Whilst hoping for more rain to fill the floodplains, management have reacted to this force of nature by replacing the water-based experiences and developing a swag of land based activities to explore Bamurru’s beautiful riverine, paperbark and savannah woodland habitats to assist us in telling the story of the dry floodplain mother nature has presented this year.
While drier seasons mean airboat activities cannot take place, it does mean the country provides different opportunities to explore the landscape:-
- Walking is arguably the best way to take in the sights and sounds of the Australian bush
- Guided safari drives to the more remote edges of the property and to spot birds and wildlife in the paperbark forests that surround the floodplains
- More time is spent on the river, where crocodile densities are likely to be higher than usual as some individuals move off the floodplain
- A series quad bikes provide a new way to explore the extraordinarily diverse 300km² private property
- Early morning drives to the mouth of the Sampan River and the coastline on the edge of Van Diemen’s Gulf will provide the chance to spot plains reptile and bird life as well as crocodiles
- Bamurru’s chefs have the opportunity to display their skills in in creating some fabulous bush breakfasts out on the property
- Guests have the freedom to venture on to the pool deck after dinner for a star gazing extravaganza
For guests looking for a sense of adventure, there is also the treetop ‘Hide’ which is perched at canopy level on the edge of the floodplain and offers the chance to immerse in the sounds of the bush in complete seclusion.
The Great Barrier Reef’s Health
The Great Barrier Reef is a massive, dynamic living natural wonder spanning 344,400 sq km. In light of recent media coverage about coral bleaching it is important to know some of the facts. Two senior environment and marine biologists give us a better understanding of what coral bleaching is and what the impacts are. Click here to find out more.
Urban ideas
Vivid Sydney 2017
Vivid Sydney is a 3-week long annual event starting at the end of May that turns the city into a visual wonderland. Structures including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are lit up by powerful lasers along with interactive art installations, music and much more. It’s a festival where art, technology and commerce intersect and breathes life into the beginning of the Australian winter.
The Vivid Climb
Operating on all Night Climbs over the festival period, climbers will don flashing light vests and climb to the summit, where an illuminated dance floor and music will be waiting for them. With the Vivid Lights throughout the city beneath them, Climbers will get to dance on a stage like no other!
Private harbour cruise
One of the most hassle free ways to experience the always spectacular VIVID Sydney is on a 3-hour private charter around the harbour. To find out more or book ahead for Vivid Sydney 2017 please contact Alquemie.