Samphire Rottnest opening in October

Samphire Rottnest

Perth's island playground Rottnest will soon welcome its latest luxury accommodation offering – with Samphire Rottnest due to open in October 2020.

Named after the native samphire plants found on the island, and set within the natural habitat of the A Class Reserve – the hotel embraces the essence of Rottnest, and encourages guests to immerse themselves in the natural elements and feel the sand beyond their toes. 

Ideally situated on Thomson Bay – next door to the iconic Hotel Rottnest - the 80 room architecturally designed accommodation offers 64 generous (30m²) guest rooms and 16 spacious (45-57m²) rooms positioned at the front-row, all with private balconies and views over vantage points around the property, and over Thomson Bay. 

The development also includes lagoon-like pools – catering to adults and children – with day beds and umbrellas. 

Additional dining options include a separate indoor/outdoor dining hub and beach club. 

Hotel Rottnest will also receive a refresh to allow it to morph seamlessly with the new development. Bookings for Samphire Rottnest can be made from July 28 for October 2020 onwards, or head to samphirerottnest.com.au.

Website: www.westernaustralia.com

Tourism New Zealand Voted Australasia's Leading Tourist Board

Tourism New Zealand has been voted Australasia's Leading Tourist Board in the 2013 World Travel Awards.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Tourism New Zealand has taken out the prestigious award ahead of Australia, Fiji, Tahiti and the Cook Islands.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) is voted by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, recognising the commitment to excellence shown by the winning organisations.

Tourism New Zealand's Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said it is a real honour to be awarded in this category for the fourth year running.

“To be recognised by the international tourism industry for the work we are doing in marketing New Zealand is a great achievement and further confirms the value of our 100% Pure New Zealand campaign, our hosted media programme, and the work we do with travel partners."

Tourism New Zealand congratulates all New Zealand experiences and tourism providers acknowledged at the awards, especially those winning in the Australasia category including: Air New Zealand for Australasia’s Leading Airline, The Spire Queenstown for Australasia’s Leading Boutique Hotel and Eagles Nest for Australasia’s Leading Villa Resort.

This year’s Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony was held in Dubai, while five other regional winners were announced in Antigua, Maldives, Kenya, Turkey and Peru. The six regional winners will be whittled down to one at the WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Qatar on 30 November 2013.

The World Travel Awards were launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognise excellence in the world's travel and tourism industry. Votes are cast by tourism professionals including travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organisations in over 160 countries across the globe.

For a full list of 2013 winners see the World Travel Awards 2013, Australasia

Christmas In July Celebrates 21 Years of The Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary

Feel like going to a great Christmas in July in the Hunter Valley in NSW Australia?  The Clarence Town Hall (the School of Arts, opposite the IGA supermarket), will look very Christmasy on Saturday 30th July when the Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary celebrates its 21st birthday.

The Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary is in Glenn William NSW and cares more than 170 donkeys, horses, ponies and mules as a registered charity.

If you can’t make it along you can still support the sanctuary in other ways:

- Join their Facebook group here, to show them your support and be kept up to date with future events.

- Have a read of their newsletters, the latest one is here.

- Print out this gorgeous donkey poster and share it with people

- Share the link to their website http://www.donkeyrescue.org.au on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc

There will be lots of good old fashioned home style cooking, hearty mid-winter festive cheer, plenty of donkey-foolery and also a chance to visit the sanctuary afterwards. Individuals, families or bus groups are very welcome to attend.

The day begins at 11am for a catch-up and the feast starts at midday. The cost is $50 for adults, and $25 for children. For bookings phone 4996 5596.