LUXURY

Luxury Preview
Luxury Preview
Buy your duty free online
Air New Zealand has launched
a simple-to-use online store in
conjunction with DFS New Zealand,
enabling international travellers
departing Auckland and Christchurch
to quickly and easily pre-order tax and
duty free goods. The new store -
www.airnzdutyfree.com - allows
customers to choose from up to
1,500 products in popular shopping
categories including cosmetics,
fragrance, electronics, alcohol and
confectionery.
Qantas brings Premium Economy
to the Pacific
Luxury takes another leap forward in Asia
Luxury hotels seem to thrive in Asia. Perhaps it’s the combination of a culture of
graceful service with some very appealing locations, but there’s no doubt that
travellers are very well served with top-end hotels. Here are some of the newest
contenders for your holiday or business travel dollar.
Luxury hotels seem to thrive in Asia. Perhaps it’s the combination of a culture of
graceful service with some very appealing locations, but there’s no doubt that
travellers are very well served with top-end hotels. Here are some of the newest
contenders for your holiday or business travel dollar.
New owners, same welcome
Mooloolaba’s only premier 5-star resort,
Oceans Mooloolaba Beach Resort,
is now under new management.
Expect the same exemplary service,
fantastic facilities and a location that
cannot be beaten for your next Sunshine
Coast escape.
Every month the store will feature Air
New Zealand product specials and
customers will have the opportunity
to qualify for Airpoints Dollars on
purchases from DFS New Zealand.
Rumours Aitutaki is a
Rumour no more
The breathtakingly beautiful Aitutaki
has just got better with the opening
of Rumours Aitutaki Villas on 7
September. The three new villas, all
with private swimming pool, hot spa
pool for cooler evenings and absolute
beach front location, are situated on
the sunset side of the island.
Imagine long, lazy days revelling in
the water and evenings spent out on
your deck enjoying the famous sunsets
and complete peace and tranquility of
this special little island. For some great
opening specials, head to
www.rumours-rarotonga.com and
get yourself booked in for a true
island escape.
International flights are definitely improved by more legroom, so it’s good to see
Qantas extending its popular Premium Economy product to trans-Pacific flights.
Qantas Premium Economy offers you priority check-in and boarding, plus two pieces of
checked baggage. Onboard are ergonomic seats that are not only extra wide, but extra
long too. Then there’s the enhanced dining menu complemented by fine Australian
wines, and personal entertainment screens with on-demand programming.
Premium Economy is available on selected flights from Auckland and Brisbane to Los
Angeles and New York (JFK), Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and New York
(JFK) and from Sydney to San Francisco.
The America’s Cup is getting closer
A bit closer to New Zealand, that is. After the most recent Cup, staged in Spain, Cup
holders Alinghi have opted for Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates as the
venue for the 33rd America’s Cup in February 2010.
Fred Meyer, Vice-Commodore of the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), says, “This
is a venue that offers perfect weather and great sailing conditions for a Match in
February. The authorities have shown tremendous interest in, and support for, hosting
the America’s Cup; and the country has experience in organising first-class sporting
events such as ATP tennis, PGA golf and Formula One. They will make a purpose-built
island available at the Al Hamra Village in Ras al-Khaimah to provide the America’s
Cup teams, sponsors and fans with an outstanding venue.”
Now, if only they could arrange for the legal battles to stop and full attention to go
back on the yacht races. But Cup followers will be taking no bets on the chances of
that happening.
Thailand will receive its first Westin resort in 2010. The Westin
Siray Bay, Phuket will be located on Siray Island, in a private
cove overlooking the bay and will offer private beach access.
Staying in Thailand, Langham Hotels International will be
opening two new properties in Bangkok. You can choose
between the grand European traditions of the Langham or
opt for the more modern Langham Place.
Japan will gain its very first Shangri-La property, with the
opening of the sumptuous new Shangri-La, Tokyo. With its
bustling central Tokyo location, the hotel offers guests an
elegant urban oasis above the city, with stunning views over
the Imperial Palace and Tokyo city.
Global recognition for
Melbourne’s Crown Towers
Just as Crown Towers has completed a comprehensive A$65
million enhancement of the hotel’s accommodation rooms
and suites, the hotel has been awarded three new accolades.
Crown Towers was named best 5-star hotel and also named
highly commended business hotel at industry publication,
Hotel Management magazine’s annual HM Awards. The hotel
was also named one of the top three city hotels in Australia,
New Zealand and the South Pacific in the prestigious Travel +
Leisure magazine’s 2009 World’s Best Awards.
Ask us about Oberammergau,
the 2010 Passion Play.
For an opportunity to stay an extra night,
book your accommodation in a standard
2 or 3 bedroom suite for 4 nights or more
online at www.oceansmooloolaba.com.au
and receive 1 night free (conditions apply).
Upmarket, escorted land, cruise,
riverboat and family journeys.
Tauck offers over 130
unique travel experiences
For brochures and more information call
Mondo Travel
0800 955 655
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worldwide.
Their journeys reveal the
essence of each destination
through first-hand knowledge
and exploration of the area’s
history, culture and cuisine.