Fresh Is Best Naturally Just Ask Anantara’s Own Hydroponic Farmer Chanuphan (Tong) Horsuwan

An ancient agricultural tradition has risen to a pioneering new space in urban ‘farm to table’ vitality, with chefs at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort crafting nutritious dishes from the daily harvest of its rooftop Hydroponic Farm.

Sealing a passion and commitment for the freshest and healthiest produce, Anantara Riverside partnered with Bangsai Agricultural Centre to set up Bangkok’s first hotel-based Hydroponic Farm. One of the very few companies certified with hydroponic farming credentials, Bangsai Agricultural Centre is a family owned Thai business managed by second generation family members Mr. Makavan Horsuwan and his son Chanuphan Horsuwan (Tong), who as Farm Manager & International Consultant is at the helm of Anantara’s flourishing urban farm project.

Throughout high school in New Delhi, Tong spent his spare time studying the pipes and water systems that his father employed on the farm at Bangsai Agricultural Centre. Returning to Bangkok to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Tong added to his expertise with a degree from a leading hospitality management school in France, and also worked as a chef. Furthering his credentials, he completed a Masters in Financial Management in Bangkok, and for the past two years has been dedicated to developing the technology and business potential of hydroponic farming.

“My father is my inspiration. After university I joined him on the farm and was amazed at how he could grow vegetables and crops anywhere – even in urban locations or on a roof,” explains Tong. After my father invented the hydroponic growth table, which our family is now well-known for, I wanted to be a part of urban farm industry development.”

Eager to raise awareness about urban farming by helping businesses use more sustainable and eco-friendly methods, Tong’s advanced expertise is a soaring success at Anantara Riverside’s rooftop farm, which proudly showcases the latest hydroponic know-how, rooted in ancient agricultural practices. Reliable, predictable and repeatable, hydroponic farming grows plants using nutrients and water, without soil. In weather controlled greenhouses, water and nutrients are delivered to the root system. Seeds are planted in a soil-like substance, which has excellent water holding capacity to encourage plant growth. Such ideal growing conditions enable plants to grow robustly, rapidly and year round, regardless of the season.

Tong and his team of young farmers at Anantara grow melons, tomatoes, green zucchini, cucumbers, mixed greens, rocket salads and micro greens at an incredible daily production rate of 12 – 50 kg each. The fresh harvests are handed over to Anantara chefs to work their magic. Taste distinction alone sets the culinary creations apart, made even more impressive by the exceptional health and environmental benefits. The produce contains the highest possible nutrition per calorie, with up to seven times richer nutrients compared to local supermarket produce, while using no soil, 90% less water, 70% less land and 50% less fertiliser.

“Looking to the future, I want to take this initiative even further by designing and growing more hotel farms, teaching owners and guests about the long term value of urban hydroponic farming, and also designing effective ways to combine engineering and agriculture by developing growth systems that are even more efficient and technologically advanced,” enthuses Tong. “As populations grow in cities like Bangkok, there is less space to farm. Hydroponic city farming is a highly effective way of combating this issue sustainably, and I take great pride in providing urban populations with organic goodness to nurture healthier eating habits.”

The Wonders of the Whitsundays to be Shared Around the World

Deborah Friend

The wonders of the Whitsundays will be shared around the world with the appointment of a new PR and Communications Specialist at Tourism Whitsundays (TW).

The region's lead tourism promotion agency has appointed local resident Deborah Friend to take charge of PR and get the message out there that the Whitsundays is the place to come for a holiday or corporate event.

Deborah has lived and worked in the Whitsundays for more than 15 years and has run her own successful communications consultancy for the past eight years following a career in corporate communications including advertising, marketing, PR and journalism.

She is looking forward to bringing all that experience to bear in her new role as TW's PR and Communications Specialist, promoting the region to the drive, domestic and overseas markets.

TW CEO Craig Turner said the role was a very important one for the tourism organisation as historically it provided great Return on Investment (ROI) for the region, in terms of the media coverage secured.

“We have an awful lot to shout about in the Whitsundays, as those of us who live here know, but it's about getting the right messages out to the right media at the right time.

“Deborah has the experience, skills and knowledge to do a great job and she also has a genuine passion and love for the area. She already knows many of the TW members and is looking forward to working with the region's tourism operators in the communications space.

“The team at TW is very excited to have Deborah on board and we look forward to really getting the Whitsundays message out there regionally, nationally and globally, in as many ways as possible.”

Deborah Friend can be reached on 0417 765 736 or email pr@tourismwhitsundays.com.au.

Baby Boomers Love for Adventure Ignites Sumatran Jungle Tour

With an increase number of baby boomers wanting to participate in adventure travel, Raw Wildlife Encounters (RAW) has launched a brand new Sumatran Adventure that meets the growing demand from this group of travellers.

The Forever Young Adventure, focuses on providing mature aged travellers with a more personalised and meaningful travel experience. They are able to explore the Gunung Leuser National Park, part of a UNESCO world heritage site, at their own pace in search of the critically endangered orangutans.

“This tour will allow our older guests to explore this amazing region of North Sumatra, with a group of like-minded travellers,' says Deb Pilgrim, RAW's Regional Manager. “They'll still need a reasonable level of fitness, but we can adjust activities as needed by each guest.”

This tour explores two villages over a seven day period, beginning in the village of Tangkahan which is known locally as the “Hidden Paradise”, and finishing off in Bukit Lawang. Our guides will introduce guests to one of the most biodiverse forest systems on Earth, where critically endangered Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans all co-exist together. Whilst here, travellers will explore this area with treks into the jungle in search of the endangered orangutan, help to feed and bathe the orphaned elephants, and river tubing in search of spectacular waterfalls, as well as participate in traditional cooking classes.

In keeping with RAW's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, guests will be introduced to a number of RAW's key community and conservation programs within this region. Guests will meet the Rangers of Tangkahan, a dedicated group of local men who patrol and protect the forest surrounding Tangkahan and keep it safe from logging, poaching and hunters. They can spend time helping kids from one of our Community Children Clubs practise their English, and also learn more about our Community Help Programs which provide support for the local women in the villages.

One area that sets RAW apart from other tour groups in this area is our Wildlife Leaders. When guests book one of our signature tours, they are led by not only our experienced local field guide, but also our experienced Wildlife Leader. These leaders when not leading a RAW signature tour, return back to their 'day job' as Zoo Keepers. For this first inaugural Forever Young Adventure, our wildlife leader is Amy Robbins, who is Head of Primates at Auckland Zoo. We are privileged to have her expertise and experiences on this tour, and know that each guest will value the educated information they will receive.

The Forever Young Adventure has been launched to meet the ever growing demand of more adventure travel for the adventurous baby boomer. Whether it's as a solo traveller, travelling with ones partner, friend or in a group, the reward of this tour will be some amazing experiences and memories. All accommodations, most meals and activities are provided, with a focus on small group travel there is a maximum group size of 10 travellers. First tour departs from Medan, Indonesia on the 9th October, 2017 for 7 days.

It's time for an adventure with RAW's new Forever Young Tour in 2017. For more information, visit: http://www.rawildlife.com.au/tour/forever-young for more information.

FIVE STATE OF THE ART HOTELS OPENING IN AUSTRALIA IN 2017

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

SYDNEY

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Opening Q4 2017
This is the hotel Sydney has been waiting for – the first new built 5-star hotel in almost twenty years that will underpin the $3.4 billion redevelopment of Darling Harbour. Located next to the new International Convention Centre, the $360 million, 590 room Sofitel, designed by Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones, is encased in a lacework glass facade, and topped with a rooftop pool deck (and a heliport, if owner Dr Jerry Schwartz gets his way).
http://sofiteldarlingharbour.com.au/

MELBOURNE

Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands

Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands

Opening 28 March, 2017
The Digital Harbour precinct of Docklands is set to become a new accommodation hub for Melbourne with three major hotels announced, starting with the launch in March of the Four Points by Sheraton. A striking, contemporary high-rise, the hotel will feature 273 rooms and suites with harbour and city views, a heated, outdoor swimming pool and a large function and conference centre. With Etihad Stadium just across the way, the Four Points will open just in time for the AFL season.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/photos/index.html?propertyID=4146&language=en_US

PERTH

Aloft Hotel Perth

Aloft Hotel Perth

Opening 1 May 2017
Perth will provide the Australian debut for Starwood’s Aloft brand, which is designed to appeal to ‘next generation’ travellers, with technology to the fore, New York loft style rooms, a buzzy, Re:mix communal lobby lounge and living area, a grab and go cafe called and Re:fuel, and their signature W XYZ bar, which will host live music from local artists. The ‘Cool Concierge’ tablets provide access to local attractions, while children receive ‘Camp Aloft’ packs and special treats.
www.aloftperth.com

BRISBANE

Sage Hotel James Street, Fortitude Valley

Sage Hotel James StreetOpening mid-2017

Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has become the epicentre for hip and happening hotels in Brisbane, with the James Street dining and entertainment precinct transforming the once red light district. The Sage hotel is set to join the district’s eclectic collection of hotels from mid-year and will have the benefit of the revitalised Queens Arms (the QA) next to it. The Sage – part of the Silverneedle group – will offer 93 rooms, a restaurant, boutique wine cellar on the ground level, and fast and free wifi.
www.snhotels.com/sage/james-street-brisbane/accommodation/

ADELAIDE

Holiday Inn Express Hindley Street

Opening Q3 2017

Great value in a prime CBD location is what Holiday Inn Express is all about. Light, bright and perfect for business or leisure, the 245 room hotel is located in Hindley Street, one of Adelaide’s premier thoroughfares and surrounded by the city’s best restaurants and shopping. Signature inclusions such as free wifi, express breakfast options and self-service business centre and laundry make this a perfect option for visitors who want great value accommodation to experience the buzz of the city.
www.ihg.com

Insights into South Africa’s meetings industry revealed at ibtm world conference

The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) today unveiled the preliminary results of its three-year study into the South African business events industry at the IBTM World conference in Barcelona, Spain.

Extracts from the study, based on two years of research, were shared with key decision-makers and media at the leading global event for the meetings and events industry, ahead of the final findings being released in 2017.

Using methodology employed by the United Nations World Tourism Association as a benchmark, the study is aimed at gaining a broader understanding of the South African meetings industry and its contribution to the local tourism economy.

The research, commissioned by the SANCB and conducted by Ground Control Research in conjunction with Grant Thornton auditors, is being compiled using information from interviews with delegates, organisers and venues.

Data collected so far reveals fascinating delegate and market behaviour patterns that are emerging in relation to the international association conferences hosted in South Africa.

“We are so excited about this study because it contains insights which will prove to be invaluable to planners looking at South Africa as a potential destination for their business events. It will enable them to organise quality events armed with a closer, more intimate knowledge of our country,” says Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the SANCB.

Among the insights gleaned so far are:

• In 2014 and 2015, the main source markets for business events closely mirrored South Africa’s core leisure tourism markets. Delegates chiefly hailed from the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Turkey, India, Australia, Germany, China, France and Kenya. This is a significant finding, bearing in mind South African Tourism’s strategy to convert more international business travellers into leisure tourists.
• Accommodation market “disruptors” such as peer-to-peer homestay websites have not yet had a significant effect on the South African business events industry, with traditional accommodation options still dominating. Between 69% and 85% of international delegates are still booking into hotels and a growing number are opting for guesthouses, game lodges and bed-and-breakfast establishments while attending business events.
• The places that were visited most during the period under review were the urban centres of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, but Sandton, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane and Pietermaritzburg were also in the mix. Tourist destinations such as the Drakensberg, Pilanesberg, Soweto, Sun City, Parys, Rustenburg, the Kruger Park, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch also featured strongly in delegates’ itineraries, suggesting an overlap of business and leisure tourism.
• Approximately half of the delegates interviewed spent between six and 10 days in South Africa on their business trip during the two years under review. During the same period, a significant proportion stayed for between three and five days, but only about 10% visited for 11 to 15 days. This data suggests that efforts need to be redoubled to extend delegates’ length of stay by formulating and promoting attractive leisure tourism add-ons to business trips.
• About half of business delegates are accompanied by one other person on their trips to South Africa, and a significant number are joined by three or more fellow travellers. Whether they are accompanied by colleagues or family members, these delegates could be encouraged to extend their stay in order to experience South Africa’s leisure tourism attractions.

The full report, containing three years of research data and insights, will be made available at Meetings Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 27 February to 1 March 2017.

“This research, together with our performance numbers, is proof that South Africa has a capable business events industry. The insights from this research allow us to further cater to conference delegates,” adds Kotze-Nhlapo.

“Whilst the business events industry has a significant economic contribution, the impact thereof is way beyond that of tourism, with an even stronger effect on the knowledge economy. Through this industry, sharing and distribution of knowledge, as well as collaborations, South Africans attending these events gain new knowledge which generates new ideas that lead to innovation and further growth in our economy,” concludes Kotze-Nhlapo.

South Africa hosted 90 international and regional association conferences between January and October this year. The estimated economic impact of these conferences is over a billion rand (about $70 million), with the total number of delegates estimated at 60 911.

For more information, please visit www.meetingsafrica.co.za or www.businessevents.southafrica.net, like the South Africa National Convention Bureau on Facebook or follow @SA_NCB Twitter.

SYDNEY: THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS EVENTS

International business delegates are among the highest yielding visitors to NSW, with fresh analysis from the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux showing delegates attending international meetings incentives, conventions and exhibitions in Australia will spend more than $750 million across the next decade.

Sydney’s reputation as one of the world’s most desirable business event destinations continues to grow, with more than 40 events so far secured for the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

The International Congress and Convention Association has ranked Sydney number-one in Australia and seventh in the Asia Pacific as a business events destination. With the opening of the ICC Sydney next month, the Harbour City will have the world’s most innovative convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities in the region.

Lucrative business events are catalysts for generating trade, investment and collaboration opportunities and with Sydney’s spectacular natural assets, innovative culture and world-class business facilities, the city is a welcoming and inspiring destination for corporate events.

To find out more about what makes Sydney the ideal event host, visit Business Events Sydney

Boomers Go SKIing This Summer

Their bucket list is incomplete and time is catching up. Baby-boomers are increasingly deciding it's time to enjoy the money they've spent their life saving to go travelling!

Australians are living longer and plan to retire later in life, prompting a rise in S.K.I (Spend the Kids Inheritance) holidays that deliver on new life experiences, value for money and connection with others.

WorldVentures, which markets the travel membership club 'DreamTrips', has experienced a growth in membership in recent years, with more than 500,000 members across 29 countries taking up the club lifestyle to experience life fulfilment through travel.

SKIing is an acronym that has emerged to describe the trend of older travellers 'Spending the Kids Inheritance'. Baby boomers are voting with their feet and passports by deciding it's time to enjoy the money that they worked so hard to save over a lifetime of toil.

Anthony Fitzgerald from WorldVentures, says that baby boomers are turning to travel clubs to live life and travel.

“We are seeing more and more retirees travelling, not only to see the world but also to enjoy the social experience that comes along with travel clubs.”

"It is clear that many baby boomers have adopted the SKI outlook on life and are taking action to complete their bucket lists in retirement. DreamTrips offer S.K.I travellers the chance to enjoy a social experience but also have the perfect balance of alone time."

53 per cent of WorldVentures' Australian members travel with their spouse and over 70 per cent, feel that DreamTrips offer a distinctive vacation that enriched their lifestyle, allows them to gain knowledge and create beautiful memories.

"The options are endless and by joining a travel club SKI travellers are more likely to take the holidays they've worked to enjoy."

"The DreamTrips for SKI travellers to tick off their bucket list definitely include a trip to Myanmar's Treasures, sailing the Caribbean, walking with lions in Zimbabwe, staying in an Ice Hotel, or relaxing and healing in the Dead Sea," Mr Fitzgerald suggests.

An Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) survey last year revealed that Australians intend to retire later than ever, with 23 per cent of the persons aged 45 years and over intending to retire at the age of 70 years or over compared with only eight per cent in 2004-05.

The OECD Better Life Index also reports that life expectancy at birth in Australia stands at 82 years, only 12 years after the majorities intended retirement.

Judy Anderson, of the Mornington Peninsula (Mt Martha), says that travel has become a priority in her life and that travel companies are increasingly catering for matured aged travellers.

"I didn't travel much in my younger days as people do now, so I'm trying to catch up on all the places I want to visit and I want to live life to the fullest."

"Travelling with a group is important to me. And travelling outside of school holidays means that I can get better deals and also travel with others with similar life goals."

For the children of baby boomers, especially the Gen X and Y children who are struggling to establish a foothold in the property market or pay the kids' school fees, the life of a SKIer is causing some consternation.

But for many like Dylan, whose mother was living alone for five years, the benefits of their parents choosing to SKI to lead happy and fulfilling lives can also be recognised.

"My mother just wanted more company than what our busy working schedules allowed. Travelling was a passion of hers, if she had the opportunity to join a travel club and meet new people she would have been over the moon,” Dylan explains.

About WorldVentures

WorldVentures is an award-winning international travel membership company based in Texas, United States. The company sells memberships with perks to a diverse set of lifestyle products such as unique customised vacations known as DreamTrips, value-added dining experiences and deals at exquisite hotels at members' only prices. With mor than half a million members globally and still counting, WorldVentures has presence in 29 markets across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.worldventures.com

AIME to Showcase the Best of the Asia-Pacific

Ian Wainwright

Visitor registration now open

Visitor registration for the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) has opened today; inviting the industry's leading business and special events minds to be inspired at the 25th anniversary of the event, 21 – 22 February 2017 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

More than 500 national and international exhibitors will showcase the best the events industry has to offer. International exhibitors are coming from all corners of the globe including the Japan National Tourist Organisation who is bringing 12 of their finest suppliers including the ICC Kyoto, Osaka Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Peninsula Tokyo. India Tourism and the Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism will both return to the event, and from America, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, along with Rocky Mountaineer from Canada, are all confirmed to exhibit.

Tourism NZ is bringing a large and vibrant contingent of exhibitors including Auckland Conventions Venues & Events, AccorHotels New Zealand, Hobbiton, Hamilton & Waikato Convention Bureau and Heritage Hotels.

Premiering at AIME 2017 will be Epicure, Evergrande Group and Elanor Investors Group, with organisers seeing an increase in the number of destinations and suppliers joining the event for the first time in its silver anniversary year.

A range of local suppliers will also be on hand including all Australian convention bureaux for the second consecutive year. Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, P&O Cruises, Decorative Events & Exhibitions, TFE Hotels, The Star Entertainment Group, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Tourism Australia and many more will return again in 2017.

Ian Wainwright, Event Director – AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions, invites visitors to register to attend AIME as the only show in the region where a years' worth of business can be done in two days.

“AIME offers the ultimate opportunity for visitors to make valuable connections in the meetings and incentives industry. For our 25th year, we are bringing together an even wider range of domestic and international exhibitors including destinations, convention bureaux, hotels and venues, entertainment and attractions, technology providers, airlines, cruise lines, and so many more; giving visitors the chance to network, learn and do business with suppliers from all over the globe, under one roof, in just two days,” said Mr Wainwright.

Register to attend AIME for free via http://bit.ly/AimeRegister

Tickets on the door are $25.

Bohemia's Head Chef Steve Smith Reveals his Top Tips for Creating the Best Turkey on Christmas Day

Steve Smith

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to prepare for the festive season. Steve Smith is the Head Chef at the Michelin starred Bohemia – here are his top tips on how create the best turkey on Christmas Day.

Invest in your turkey

Spending that little extra on an organic or free-range turkey is certainly worth it. Not only is it ethically sourced, it will also have better nutritional benefits and deliver on flavour.

Preparation

Wash and thoroughly dry the cavity of the bird before leaving it to reach room temperature. Putting a moderate amount of softened butter under the skin of the bird will ensure it remains moist. Finally, truss the legs together so it retains its shape throughout cooking. Follow these simple steps, and you will have an absolute showstopper of a turkey.

Festive extras

Stuff the cavity of the turkey with herbs, citrus fruits, and an onion to add flavour. However, it is important to ensure there is space for heat to circulate. To make the stuffing seasonal, add some festive favourites such as cranberries, chestnuts, sage and clementine zest.

Glorious Gravy

Don't dispose of the caramelised juices left behind by the turkey as they make the perfect base for the gravy. Adding Madeira, a tbsp of plain flour and quality stock to it will make your gravy rich and delicious.

Stress-free carving

Leave the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the meat to relax, making carving easier. Separating the breasts from the legs and thighs will make carving a lot more manageable as you can simply slice the breast meat, and the rest should fall off the bone.

Bohemia is the only restaurant in the Channel Islands to be listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants and is ranked at number 49. Bohemia received the highest score in the Channel Islands in the Good Food Guide 2016 with a glowing score of 7, its highest score yet, and was listed as the best restaurant in Jersey in the guide's 'Top 50 Restaurants in the UK'. Bohemia was also recently listed as the best restaurant in Jersey in Square Meal's Top 100 Best Restaurants 2016.

Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, Green Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands

For reservations please call: 01534 880 588 or visit www.bohemiajersey.com

Summer School Holidays Fun for Families

The summer school holidays are nearly upon us. With the kids away from school for nearly two months, it's the perfect time to unplug from work and technology and reconnect with the family.

Don't worry if you've left it to the last minute to book a fun family holiday as there are some good deals still available.

Queensland – Perfect for beach babies

Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas – naturally for families

With a backdrop of the magnificent Noosa National Park, Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas is the perfect family holiday location. The beautifully appointed and spacious one and two bedroom apartments and luxury three and four bedroom villas are a popular choice for families seeking a serene and stylish Noosa getaway. Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas is offering some special extras for families over the school holidays with free dinner, drink and dessert for children dining with their parents dining before 6.30pm**; free board games, sports equipment, beach gear and even beach strollers to borrow; free new-release DVDs for in-room viewing; movie screenings in the in-house cinema and free guided runs/walks with nature spotting in the Noosa National Park where guests might see koalas, turtles, dolphins, and kangaroos as well as some of the other 2808 species that call the National Park home. Accommodation in a two bedroom apartment starts from $489* per night (minimum two night stay – total cost $978*). For bookings call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

Mantra Twin Towns – family fun on the border

Generations of families have enjoyed chilled-out holidays at Coolangatta. Mantra Twin Towns, just a short stroll from Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay has packages from $299* per night in a hotel room including breakfast for two. Over the school holidays the resort is running family-friendly activities, ranging from putt-putt competitions to colouring-in competitions with regular prizes, giant board games, discounted tours and a balloon artist welcoming guests arriving on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. For bookings, call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

New South Wales – From the coast to the country

BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort – surf and cinema

The beachfront BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort at Coffs Harbour, with its diverse range of family friendly accommodation, including four bedroom spa villas, is a popular holiday choice for families. Packages start from $278* in a hotel room and include breakfast for two people. During the school holidays an outdoor cinema screens family favourites and every Sunday afternoon in summer there's live entertainment with a Sunday Chill Session from 3pm until 6pm. BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort has lots of great family activities including a nine-hole putt-putt course, three tennis courts, four swimming pools including a kid's fun pool with waterslide and kids playground as well as body boards and surf boards to ride the waves of Diggers Beach out the front of the resort. For bookings call 132 007 or visit www.breakfree.com.au.

Mantra on Salt Beach – sun, surf and sand

For the quintessential beach holiday, families can't go past Mantra on Salt Beach at Kingscliff in Northern New South Wales. Packages start from $325* per room per night and include breakfast, free kids movies, free chef's tasting station and a variety of activities at a nominal extra charge. Activities feature hair-braiding, outdoor adventures for 7 to 12 year old Junior Adventure Gurus and two-hour indoor Kids Club activities with teacher-directed art, craft and games. This is in addition to the resort's array of family-friendly leisure facilities including children's wading pool, heated rock pool, large lagoon style pool, two tennis courts and bike hire. For bookings, call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

Peppers Manor House – head to the Highlands

While many families hit the beach for summer holidays, a more relaxed option is to take to the countryside. Head to the Southern Highlands of News South Wales and take a traditional approach to connecting with the family over games and outings. Peppers Manor House has a great school holiday package from just $226* per night including accommodation in a Highland Queen room with daily breakfast, kids under 12 eat free, free use of sofa bed, late checkout until 12pm and lots of family fun with bocce, croquet, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool and board games. There's also free Wi-Fi and parking. For bookings, call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

Victoria – Great Ocean Road adventure

Mantra Lorne – free family activities

There's an array of family friendly activities on offer at Mantra Lorne right through the festive season. Packages start from $170* per room per night (minimum two night stay – total cost $340*) and include two glasses of sparkling wine and tapas, full buffet breakfast and kids eat free between 5pm and 6.30pm when dining with their parents**. From 17 December until 24 January, the resort will screen nightly kids movies in The Observatory and have a Cinema Under the Stars each Friday evening on dusk. Both of these activities are free for in-house guests. On Sunday afternoons, there will be live music and Bulgarian spit roast from 3pm in the beachside heritage gardens of the former Erskine House and a Garden Bar will operate daily from 2pm daily with tapas, wine, beer and cocktails. This is in addition to the usual family-friendly family activities including tennis courts, putting green, lawn bowls, swimming pool, bike hire and dedicated children's menu. For bookings, call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

Tasmania – Nature calls

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – for the new generation of nature lover

Lonely Planet rates Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge as one of the Top 10 Most Extraordinary Places to Stay. During the school holidays, the lodge will be appealing to a new generation of nature lovers with its Wombat Wanderers guided tours through the Ronny Creek area in the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Each evening, a guide will lead young explorers aged over-seven (and the young at heart) on a hunt for the elusive wombat. The tour is just $15 ($30 without a current Parks Pass) and includes a wombat pin and educational material. Rates during the school holidays (from 8 January onwards) start from $299* per night for accommodation in a Pencil Pine Cabin. For bookings call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

Western Australia – Explore the Coral Coast

Mantra Geraldton – take to the water

The beautiful beaches of Geraldton, an easy 420km drive north of Perth, are a great place for family bonding over watersports like kite surfing, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, diving and fishing. Mantra Geraldton overlooks Champion Bay and the Batavia Coast Marina. The resort has a great Family Escape Package from just $269* per night (minimum two night stay – total cost $538*) including accommodation in a spacious two-bedroom apartment, grocery package on arrival, DVD, popcorn and lollies on arrival, complimentary car parking and a late check-out until 11am. For bookings, call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

About Mantra Group

Mantra Group is the leading Australian-based hotel and resort operator. Mantra Group's portfolio consists of 126 properties with more than 21,000 rooms in properties under management, across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii. Operating three well-known and trusted brands – Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree - Mantra Group operates the second largest network of accommodation properties in Australia (by room number). The Group is positioned to offer both leisure and business style accommodation ranging from full-service city hotels and self-contained apartments to luxury resorts and retreats. The Group successfully listed on the ASX in June 2014 and in its first year as a public company was elevated to the ASX 200:www.mantragroup.com.au; www.peppers.com.au; www.mantra.com.au ;www.breakfree.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Block out dates and other restrictions may apply. Valid for new bookings only.

**Two children dine free when dining with two paying adults before 6.30pm.