Shop LA, shake what your mama gave you in Cuba, luxe up on Orpheus: travel deals April 28, 2013

Orpheus Island,Queensland

Shop it up in LA, hit Splendour in the Grass, shake what your mama gave you in Cuba... or just lie down, in style, on Queensland's luxe Orpheus Island. 

VICTORIA

It’s baby love all round at the Halls Gap Zoo, with the arrival of Samari the giraffe. Get in on the ogling action, staying three nights in a two-bedroom cottage at the BIG4 Grampians Parkgate resort and they’ll include a family pass to the zoo. Resort facilities include playgrounds with jumping pillows for the kids, tennis courts, beach volleyball and a heated outdoor pool. Stay midweek and they’ll slice $175 off the normal price. Costs from $400, three nights. 1800 810 781, parkgateresort.com.au.  

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Immerse yourself in bubbles in Perth: soak in them, and drink them with the ‘Double Bubble’ package at Somerset St Georges Terrace Perth, in the centre of the city. Stay one night in a premier spa studio residence and they’ll include a spa pack, bottle of sparkling, breakfast and 1pm check-out, worth around $200. Available until December 31. Costs from $305 a couple. 1800 766 377, www.somerset.com.au.

NSW

If festival camping makes your skin crawl, book a campervan for this year’s Splendour in the Grass (July 26-28, splendourinthegrass.com) Save up to $180 as Britz is waiving its one-way fees when you pick up your van at Ballina or Brisbane then drop off at any other Australian location. The deal also includes a Britz bonus pack with insurance and outdoor furniture for picnics on the road trip home. Valid for travel between July 24-29, book by July 24 and quote ‘splendrinc’. Costs from $764, four-days in a HiTop, sleeps 3. 1800 331 454, britz.com.au. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Tanonga Luxury eco lodge, South Australia

Oyster aficionados know and love the Eyre Peninsula, with its Coffin Bay oysters, pristine waters and miles of untouched nature. Keep it all beautiful by staying at the chic, self-contained Tanonga Luxury eco lodges, 20 minutes from Port Lincoln, which sleep four and include a Japanese-style bath, entertainment system and log fires. The kitchen is stocked with breakfast essentials and local olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and meals can be delivered to your door by a local chef. Save 20 percent on stays until October 10, minimum two-night stay. Costs from $500, two nights. travel.com.au.

QUEENSLAND

Cast yourself away to the beautiful solitude of Orpheus Island, off the coast of Townsville. There’s no privation on this tiny island: the rate includes all gourmet meals by talented chef Arie Prabowo, regional wines and beers, snorkeling, fishing and cruises and one signature Dining with the Tides experience. Stay four nights, pay for just three, saving up to $2800 when staying in a beachfront villa until July 31, and quote ‘paystay’. The island can now be reached by helicopter from Cairns as well as Townsville (additional charge). Costs from $4200, four nights in a beachfront room. (07) 4777 7377, orpheus.com.au.

THAILAND

There’s a lot of luxe on Koh Samui, and hovering at the top is Baan Ling Noi villa, on the millionaire’s row at Bophut Hills, 15 minutes from the island’s airport. The villa sleeps eight in four double bedrooms, and includes an infinity pool, tropical landscaping, rainforest showers and life-in staff. Normally $385 a night, enjoy a low-season rate until June 30 that works out about $33 a night, a person. Costs from $327 a night. baan-ling-noi.com.

The fabulousness of Monaco

MONACO

Yachts, casinos, high flying and fabulous architecture: join the international jet set of the French Riviera, but without the big bucks required. The ‘Passport to Monte-Carlo’ gets you three nights at the three-star Columbus Monte-Carlo, a city tour, tickets to Monaco’s major museums and attractions and a free helicopter transfer between Monaco and Nice (subject to dates). Costs from $549 a person, three nights, twin share. French Travel Connection 1300 858 304, frenchtravel.com.au.

CUBA
Shake what your mama gave you on a new eight-day tour through Cuba. Eat in Cuba’s top restaurant and on a farmer’s plantation, boat through mangroves to visit a stilted Taino Indian village and learn to drink rum and sugar cane juice cocktails in UNESCO-listed Trinidad. Normally $2200, save $285 on the new Pearl of the Caribbean tour, which departures every Thursday from May to October. Book 30 days in advance until September 30. Costs from $1915 a person, twin share. 1300 763 338, bfirsttravel.com.

Hyatt Regency Maui, Hawai'i

USA

Get exploring on the Hawaiian Islands. Hit the designer boutiques and beach restaurants of Waikiki while staying three nights at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and then flip onto oasis time on the golf course and underwater during your five-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui. Includes $1500 of bonuses with inter-island and international fights, daily buffet breakfast, children under 18 staying free and free meals for under-12s. Book by May 15 for selected dates until December 12. Costs from $2290 a person, twin share, eight nights. 1300 004 292, myholidaycentre.com.au/hawaii.

NEW ZEALAND

Discover the highlights of the North and South islands on the new 18-day Essence of New Zealand coach tour, which travels from Christchurch to Auckland. All the beauties are on the list: Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacia, Te Papa Museum and a Maori Hangi dinner in between.  Save up to $440 on bookings by May 24. Departs October 17, 2013 -25 December, 2014. Costs from $3950 a person, twin share. 1300 228 546, aatkings.com.au.

The Montage, Beverly Hills.

TOURWATCH

Blinded by the fabulous shopping of LA? Get a pro to hold your hand and steer you through the glamour of Rodeo Drive, with the ministrations of personal stylists from Stylehaus, Macy’s and BCBG Max Azria, and go underground to eke out the best bargains in hush-hush outlet stores. Australian Karine Bulger is your 24/7 personal concierge and escort who has lived and worked in LA for years, and is leading four LA Experience tours in 2013 timed to co-incide with LA’s sales seasons. Luxury continues with five nights at the five-star The Montage hotel in Beverly Hills, with a deserved lunch at The Ivy. There are pre-tour consultations to tailor your trip, and your inbox will love the ongoing discounts on your favourite products. Costs from $3370 a person. laexperience.com.

Source: Belinda Jackson, Sun-Herald