Deals: relaxation on a Malaysian vacation

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Breakfast with well-mannered giraffes in Kenya, motor across the USA, sleep like a king in Malaysia... what's your mood this week? 

On the home front, it's freshwater lakes on Fraser Island, going remote up at the Kimberley's Faraway Bay or exploring Kakadu in all its green glory.

GO NOW
MALAYSIA
Modelled on a 17th-century Malay palace, the recently refreshed Tanjon Jara Resort is on Malaysia's east coast. Normally from $350 a night, costs from $276 including all meals until March 31, minimum two nights. tanjongjararesort.com.
QUEENSLAND
Take a dip in pristine freshwater lakes or swim in the Coral Sea on Fraser Island. Save $126 on a two-night stay at Eurong Beach Resort, with vehicle barge transfers included (normally $106), until April 17. From $310 for two nights, quote "summer days". 1800 111 808, eurong.com.

GO SOON

Motor across the USA with Apollo motorhomes.

US
Motor in the US for up to 18 days for the cost of fuel only in an Apollo Motorhome from March 31-April 5, May 6-9 and June 2-6. Pick up from Forest City, Iowa, and relocate to four cities, including Las Vegas and San Francisco. April travellers also get $US500 ($570) towards fuel. 1800 777 779, apollorv.com.
SINGAPORE
Book two nights in a club room in the new Rendezvous Hotel Singapore by March 16 and save 30 per cent. Included is the mini bar, internet, airport lounge access, airport transfers and a city tour. From $185 a night. stayfareast.com/launch30.

GO LATER
KENYA
Go on safari for five nights at Sala's Camp, Sasaab or Solio Lodge and get one night free at the Giraffe Manor, outside Nairobi. Book by February 28, stay until December 15 (excluding June 1-October 31). From $503 a person a night, +254 (020) 502 0888, thesafaricollection.com.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Stay at the Kimberley's Faraway Bay and save 20 per cent with a free night in Kununurra or Darwin until April 30. Book by February 28, from $3464 a person three nights, includes meals, tours and flights ex-Kununurra. 0419 918 953, farawaybay.com.au.

Ancient Athens

Explore the archaeology and culture of Athens, from the crowd-pleasing Acropolis and the Agorato to Marathon, the shrines of mysterious cults and the isle of Aigina in the Saronic Gulf.
Promenade Plaka, the city's Old Town. The walking tour, led by two archaeologists, also explores the city's best museums and its top tables, and your five-star accommodation looks out to the Acropolis. The tour runs June 1-8, 2014. Costs $4210 a person, twin share. See petersommer.com.

KIDS

Explore art caves, spot wildlife and watch the sun set with the kids over a remarkable, remote slice of Australia. Kakadu is glowing green right now, and kids under 12 stay and eat free at the Gagudju Crocodile Hotel. Stay three, pay for just two nights and get half-price Yellow Water cruises and other tour discounts until February 28. The hotel is 3.5 hours’ drive from Darwin on sealed roads and up to two kids can share their parents’ room. Costs $300 a room, three nights, 1800 500 401, gagudju-dreaming.com.

 


This column by Belinda Jackson was published in Sydney's Sun-Herald newspaper.