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TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY<br />
<strong>2017</strong> AWARDS<br />
OCEANIA<br />
<strong>Awards</strong> Guide<br />
<strong>2017</strong>
Contents<br />
6<br />
Editors Letter<br />
–––––––––<br />
7<br />
Meet the team<br />
–––––––––<br />
8 – 17<br />
Judging Criteria<br />
–––––––––<br />
18 – 21<br />
Discovering the Land of the Kangaroos!<br />
–––––––––<br />
22 – 25<br />
Top 10 Things in New Zealand<br />
–––––––––<br />
26 – 27<br />
Vanuatu – The Hidden Gem<br />
–––––––––<br />
28-63<br />
Introducing the Winners<br />
–––––––––<br />
64-69<br />
Full Winners List<br />
–––––––––<br />
IMAGE: JUAN MANUEL-MENDEZ<br />
2 3
EDITOR’S LETTER<br />
<strong>Oceania</strong> is a continent truly like nowhere else on Earth.<br />
It holds more than 3,000 national reserves and 15 World<br />
Heritage sites. A brilliant <strong>com</strong>bination of natural wonders,<br />
fabulous food and wine, culture, history, vibrant cities and<br />
laidback friendly locals<br />
Comprising of 6 regions including Australia, New<br />
Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Polynesia, Melanesia and<br />
Micronesia., <strong>Oceania</strong> is a vast area of island and large<br />
land masses. Its landscapes en<strong>com</strong>pass everything from<br />
tropical beaches to dusty red deserts, with breathaking<br />
forests and mountains in between. It attracts travellers of<br />
all types from adventurers seeking thrills to those looking<br />
for laid back luxury<br />
Katherine Lozell<br />
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF<br />
TEAM<br />
Dennis Mayhew<br />
CEO<br />
Raja Kamran<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
Katherine Lozell<br />
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF<br />
Marcs Bacera<br />
ART DIRECTOR<br />
Craig Alexander<br />
AWARDS DIRECTOR<br />
Zoe Watkins<br />
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING<br />
Mark Tierney<br />
DIRECTOR OF SALES<br />
Tasmai Dave<br />
Jacqui Irvine<br />
Joseph Wilton<br />
SENIOR WRITERS<br />
Antoine Jackson<br />
Dave Chen<br />
SENIOR DESIGNERS<br />
Stanley Lucas<br />
Brian Anson<br />
Zach Ford<br />
Peter Clement<br />
Lindsay Evans<br />
AWARDS MANAGERS<br />
Ben Chase<br />
ACCOUNTS MANAGER<br />
Costin Marcel<br />
Sarah Patel<br />
RESEARCH MANAGERS<br />
IMAGE: STAS<br />
Harry Singh<br />
CREDIT CONTROLLER<br />
4 5
CRITERIA<br />
Services<br />
Excellence in Service is an important category, as customer service can often<br />
be responsible for having guests return year after year. We look for the hotels<br />
and tour operators that go out of their way to please their guests, those that<br />
provide a personal level of service and take the time to get to know each visitor<br />
so that they might anticipate their every need. This can be something as simple<br />
as a 24-hour concierge desk, a hotel manager who offers a personal greeting<br />
or a tour guide who is happy to create bespoke private tours – but whatever<br />
it is, we are always pleased when we encounter staff that have been trained in<br />
the art of customer satisfaction.<br />
6 7
Style & Design<br />
It is no question that style and design plays a big part in selecting our awards<br />
shortlist. A guest will form an opinion about a hotel as soon as they arrive so<br />
it is important to us that all our winners make those first impressions count.<br />
We’re certainly not partial to a particular period of architecture – but whether<br />
we’re judging a gothic castle or an environmentally friendly lodge, the criteria<br />
remains the same. We consider factors such as architectural features, use of<br />
materials, creation of spaces, décor and the overall feel. We love it when we<br />
find a hotel that tells a story though its design and construction, or offers a<br />
design that is sympathetic to the natural surroundings of its location.<br />
Local Knowlege<br />
Knowledge of the local area is essential for any organization, be it a hotel or<br />
a tour operator. The quality of services takes a great hit when the quality of<br />
this element is not up to the mark. Quite a few of our winners in this category<br />
are because they have displayed excellent knowledge about the surrounding<br />
areas. The criteria for a hotel is slightly lenient <strong>com</strong>pared to a tour operator,<br />
as the latter is expected to have thorough knowledge of the area in order to<br />
provide good services.<br />
8 9
Facilities<br />
Award-winning guest rooms <strong>com</strong>e in all shapes and sizes, but they all have<br />
one thing in <strong>com</strong>mon – a home-away-from-home feel. The <strong>com</strong>fort of the<br />
facilities on offer are of vital importance; we look for luxurious linens, stylish<br />
bathrooms and a coordinated colour scheme that work together to create<br />
a cohesive sense of relaxation. Additional touches, such as <strong>com</strong>plimentary<br />
toiletries, free wi-fi or tea and coffee making facilities are always a bonus in<br />
making us feel wel<strong>com</strong>e. We’re always impressed to find hotel rooms that<br />
embrace technology and offer amenities like tablets or smart thermostat<br />
systems, but this does not always necessarily trump the traditional – four poster<br />
beds, ornate fireplaces or antique furniture can add a touch of decadence to a<br />
hotel stay.<br />
Marketing<br />
In today’s modern age, a hotel or tour operator cannot rely on word of mouth<br />
to get their message out into the world. As social media has be<strong>com</strong>e a vital<br />
part of everyday life, we like to see <strong>com</strong>panies that go the extra mile to engage<br />
with their guests, both past and future. Attractive and informative websites<br />
and engaging and honest content and what we look for when judging a<br />
<strong>com</strong>pany’s use of marketing; how well they display their services, how up-todate<br />
their content is, how well they get their brand message across, and, most<br />
importantly, how well their marketing can tempt us to go and see what they<br />
have to offer for ourselves.<br />
10 11
Diversity<br />
Diversity is one important aspect that needs to be taken into consideration<br />
when in the travel and hospitality industry. It is essential to have staff that has<br />
varying diversity to ensure that the organization can properly connect with<br />
their guests. Diversity is taken into account in terms of gender, nationality as<br />
well as languages spoken among other factors. Not only do we take the diversity<br />
of the staff into account but even that of the facilities and services offered; a<br />
hotel or tour operator providing a better range of services is preferred over<br />
those that do not.<br />
Location<br />
Location is one of the most important factors, but also one of the most subjective,<br />
as the ‘ideal’ is very much determined by the type of visitor and the type of<br />
hotel itself. However, there a few factors we take into consideration when<br />
determining the winners of location-based awards. The first is convenience;<br />
that is, hotels that are easy to travel to. Many of our winners in this category<br />
are in convenient locations, such as adjacent to airports, close to beaches or<br />
found in the heart of easy-to-navigate cities. We are always impressed when<br />
hotels go the extra mile to take the hassle out of traveling and offer such<br />
additional services as airport shuttles or car hire services. However, we’re<br />
always excited to <strong>com</strong>e across a hotel that is, to use a familiar phrase, off-thebeaten-track.<br />
A hotel that can offer something a little different, in terms of<br />
natural surroundings, can make the difference between a good holiday and an<br />
incredible one.<br />
12 13
Customer Reviews<br />
What better way is there to know about an organization than by getting first<br />
hand reviews? Customers are the best judges of any service out there as they<br />
are the ones who experience them and can assess whether they were up to the<br />
mark or not. Considering reviews from hundreds of customers gives us a fair<br />
idea about the general pros and cons of any organization and also gives us<br />
valuable inputs for the other criteria as well.<br />
Industry Knowledge<br />
It is of prime importance that an organization has thorough industry<br />
knowledge. Without knowing the nit-bits of the industry, it is difficult to<br />
flourish and provide services which are a class apart. Before any organization<br />
ventures into the industry, it is essential that they know how the industry is<br />
moving and how they should make changes to their methodologies in order to<br />
remain relevant and also be a top-performing organization.<br />
14 15
Discovering the<br />
Land of the Kangaroos!<br />
The only continent in the world that is both a country and a continent<br />
in itself is Australia. Located down-under, this amazing country has a<br />
lot to offer right from vast deserts to lush rainforests and mega-cities.<br />
With a varied landscape and stunning sights right from the Great Barrier<br />
Reef along the coasts to the Outbacks with their red earth, Australia<br />
is definitely one of the top places in the bucket lists of travelers. Let’s<br />
check out the best of what this country has to offer.<br />
1. Great Barrier Reef<br />
3. Sydney<br />
4. Blue Mountains National Park<br />
6. Daintree National Park<br />
This is definitely the undisputed number 1<br />
attraction of Australia. The biggest reef of the<br />
planet, visible from the outer space is a World<br />
Heritage Site spread across 2300 km with<br />
over 600 islands and thousands of species of<br />
underwater life like sharks, turtles, rays and<br />
tropical fish. You can dive into the deep blue<br />
or simply sit in a glass bottom boat or head<br />
off to underwater viewing stations to get a<br />
view of this beautiful natural wonder.<br />
2. Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park<br />
The Uluru, rising to a height of 348m, is located<br />
in the midst of the national park and this red<br />
rock is one of the most popular attractions<br />
here. The national park is a designated World<br />
Heritage Area and is filled with dome shaped<br />
rocks called Kata Tjuta. Seeing this towering<br />
monolith rise up between the plains is what<br />
draws thousands here.<br />
One of the most beautiful cities in the world,<br />
Sydney’s harbour is easily one of the most<br />
recognizable harbours in the world and the<br />
iconic 85 year old Harbour Bridge is a popular<br />
spot for guided ascent to the top for views of<br />
the city. The marvelous Sydney Opera House,<br />
shaped like huge shells is one of the most<br />
breathtaking buildings in the world and is a<br />
World Heritage Site as well.<br />
The national park is named so for the blue<br />
haze that emanates from the eucalyptus<br />
trees across this 6 hundred thousand<br />
acre land filled with spectacular gorges,<br />
waterfalls and long hiking trails. You can<br />
see the towering Three Sisters or ride on the<br />
Katoomba Scenic Railway and enjoy the<br />
thrilling ride of the steepest railway in the<br />
world.<br />
5. Melbourne<br />
The second largest city in the country is<br />
known for its many theaters, restaurants and<br />
galleries and the European vibes that it gives<br />
off thanks to the Yarra River. This green city<br />
is filled with parks and gardens, the most<br />
popular of which are the Royal Botanic<br />
Gardens. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is a<br />
famous destination for international cricket<br />
matches. You can head off to see the<br />
beautiful Dandenong Ranges or go off to the<br />
Mornington Peninsula for a peaceful retreat.<br />
This World Heritage Site is a part of the<br />
Wet Tropics and is one of the most ancient<br />
ecosystems of our planet. The two main parts<br />
of this park are the Mossman Gorge, where<br />
you can see crystal clear water gush through<br />
the rocks and the Cape Tribulation, which is<br />
the part of the park where the forest meets<br />
the white sand beaches and the coral reef.<br />
You can find some unique species like the<br />
Cassowary, Ulysses Butterfly and Bennett’s<br />
Tree Kangaroo here.<br />
16 17
Discovering the<br />
Land of the Kangaroos!<br />
The only continent in the world that is both a country and a continent<br />
in itself is Australia. Located down-under, this amazing country has a<br />
lot to offer right from vast deserts to lush rainforests and mega-cities.<br />
With a varied landscape and stunning sights right from the Great Barrier<br />
Reef along the coasts to the Outbacks with their red earth, Australia<br />
is definitely one of the top places in the bucket lists of travelers. Let’s<br />
check out the best of what this country has to offer.<br />
7. Fraser Island<br />
The largest sand island in the world, Fraser<br />
Island is one of the finest places to visit with its<br />
Seventy Five Mile Beach, where you can see<br />
rusted hulls of shipwrecks. You can visit the<br />
coloured sandstone cliffs of The Cathedrals<br />
or head over inland and explore the crystal<br />
clear freshwater creeks and lakes. You can<br />
find sharks, dolphins and whales around the<br />
island as well.<br />
8. Kakadu National Park<br />
This World Heritage Park is one of the<br />
best wilderness areas of the planet and<br />
is the largest national park in the country.<br />
It en<strong>com</strong>passes monsoon rainforests,<br />
mangroves, rivers, gorges and a plethora of<br />
species of birds and animals. You can explore<br />
this park by air, road or on foot via the vast<br />
network of hiking trails through the park.<br />
9. Great Ocean Road<br />
The Great Ocean road stretches over 300 km<br />
along the southeast coast of the country and<br />
is one of the most scenic drives here. You can<br />
stop over at Torquay for some surfing or head<br />
over to the Campbell National Park, which<br />
has rock formations sculpted by wind and<br />
waves known as the Twelve Apostles, London<br />
Bridge, Arch and Loch Ard Gorge.<br />
10. Broome and Kimberley Region<br />
What was once a thriving market for pearls is<br />
now a booming tourist destination. Broome<br />
is filled with long white sand beaches and<br />
seas with turquoise waters, most popular one<br />
being the Cable Beach. The best attraction<br />
here is the Staircase to the Moon, which is<br />
a phenomenon that happens sometimes<br />
between March and October when the<br />
moonlight gives you an illusion of staircases<br />
leading to the moon! You can also head<br />
over to the Kimberley region to explore the<br />
Horizontal Waterfall, Gibb River Road and the<br />
stunning Mitchell Falls.<br />
With some of the finest attractions to<br />
drive you here, Australia does manage to<br />
impress all. This peaceful country has an<br />
abundance of natural attractions and this<br />
drives thousands of tourists here. The varied<br />
geography of this country is sure to leave you<br />
spellbound.<br />
18 19
Top 10 Things<br />
in New Zealand<br />
New Zealand is a heaven for all nature lovers. With an abundance<br />
of natural beauty with varied terrain right from snowcapped peaks<br />
to hissing springs, travelers can marvel at the stunning sights that the<br />
country has to offer. It is also a hotspot for thrill-seekers and is known<br />
for its adrenaline-fueled sports like skydiving and heli-skiing. Being a<br />
relatively small country, it is easy to self-drive and explore the country<br />
all by ourselves. While there are hundreds of attractions for tourists, here<br />
are the best of the lot.<br />
1. Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound<br />
4. Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park<br />
6. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers<br />
Fiordland National Park protects some of<br />
the most stunning sceneries in the country<br />
and is a designated world heritage site.<br />
Many glaciers carved this landscape, which<br />
resulted in famous fjords like Milford Track.<br />
Here, you can explore offshore islands, walk<br />
through rainforests and scale mountains. Sea<br />
kayaking is one of the best ways to see this<br />
region, while a helicopter ride can give a<br />
beautiful aerial view.<br />
2. Bay of Islands<br />
Located near Auckland, this beautiful bay is<br />
filled with more than 144 islands, making it a<br />
heaven for sailing and yachting. It is <strong>com</strong>mon<br />
to find penguins, dolphins and whales in the<br />
waters here and it is a popular fishing spot<br />
as well. Sea kayaking into secluded coves<br />
and rock formations like Hole in the Rock and<br />
Cape Brett is a treat.<br />
3. Queenstown<br />
The adventure capital of the world is right<br />
here on the south island between the shores<br />
of the Lake Wakatipu and snowy peaks of<br />
Remarkables. Known for bungee jumping, jet<br />
boating, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain<br />
biking and other adrenaline filled sports, this<br />
is one place you must visit when heading to<br />
New Zealand.<br />
Located on the North Island, Lake Taupo<br />
is the largest lake in New Zealand and<br />
the Tongariro National Park is known for its<br />
volcanic features and is a designated World<br />
Heritage Site. This is one of the oldest national<br />
parks in the world and is filled with turquoise<br />
lakes, volcanoes and hot springs.<br />
5. Rotorua<br />
This dramatic landscape is a part of the<br />
Pacific Ring of Fire and is one of the most<br />
active geothermal regions in the world. It<br />
is dotted with hissing geysers, boiling mud<br />
pools, volcanic craters and thermal springs;<br />
the very forces which gave birth to this land.<br />
You can explore these wonders of nature or<br />
bathe in the hot springs while learning about<br />
the history of the region. From here, you can<br />
head over to Mt. Ruapehu for skiing or Wai-O-<br />
Tapu to see colorful hot springs.<br />
The <strong>com</strong>plete extreme of the hot springs<br />
are the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, which<br />
are among the most accessible ones on<br />
the planet. Located in the Westland Tai<br />
Poutini National Park, these rivers of ice flow<br />
from Southern Alps to sea level and can be<br />
explored on foot! You can explore ice caves<br />
and pinnacles at the foot of the glaciers in<br />
guided tours or have an aerial view from<br />
helicopters.<br />
20 21
Top 10 Things<br />
in New Zealand<br />
New Zealand is a heaven for all nature lovers. With an abundance<br />
of natural beauty with varied terrain right from snowcapped peaks<br />
to hissing springs, travelers can marvel at the stunning sights that the<br />
country has to offer. It is also a hotspot for thrill-seekers and is known<br />
for its adrenaline-fueled sports like skydiving and heli-skiing. Being a<br />
relatively small country, it is easy to self-drive and explore the country<br />
all by ourselves. While there are hundreds of attractions for tourists, here<br />
are the best of the lot.<br />
7. Abel Tasman National Park and Coast<br />
Track<br />
The marvelous Abel Tasman Coast Track<br />
in the Abel Tasman National Park is one of<br />
the most scenic walks in New Zealand. This<br />
51 kilometer hike is a sunny one and along<br />
the way, you can indulge in snorkeling,<br />
and bird and dolphin watching activities<br />
or simply kayak your way around. This is a<br />
photographers’ heaven with coastal cliffs<br />
and cool forests with intriguing formations like<br />
the Split Apple Rock. You can camp in rustic<br />
huts, plush lodges or on the campgrounds.<br />
8. Mount Cook National Park<br />
Mount Cook is the highest peak in New<br />
Zealand and is located at the heart of the<br />
Southern Alps. More than 40 percent of this<br />
park is filled with glaciers and the country’s<br />
longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier is also<br />
present within the boundaries of this park,<br />
making it a popular mountaineering spot.<br />
With more than 40 species of birds, this is a<br />
paradise for bird lovers. Mount Cook Village<br />
is a tiny village that serves as the base for<br />
exploration and from here you can head<br />
out for some scenic flights, skiing, hiking or<br />
stargazing.<br />
9. Napier, Hawke’s Bay<br />
The sunny region of Napier in Hawke’s Bay is<br />
famous for its gourmet food and architecture.<br />
Built in the Spanish Mission style and Art Deco<br />
design, the city is worth exploring on foot.<br />
Watching the sea while walking along the<br />
beautiful Marine Parade seafront promenade<br />
is a treat. Napier is also a foodie heaven<br />
and restaurants here specialize in using fresh<br />
ingredients from the farmers’ market. Cape<br />
Kidnappers is a great attraction near the city<br />
for bird lovers.<br />
10. Auckland<br />
This beautiful city with two harbours is the<br />
largest city in New Zealand and also one of<br />
the most populous ones. The 328 meter Sky<br />
Tower gives some spectacular views of the<br />
city skyline and the land surrounding it. With<br />
blonde and black sand beaches as well as<br />
rainforest hiking trails along with picturesque<br />
coves and islands at stone’s throw distance,<br />
this is the perfect city to explore the country.<br />
New Zealand is one of the most picturesque<br />
destinations for tourists in the world and a visit<br />
to these islands is sure to make you want to<br />
return here again. There simply isn’t enough<br />
time to cover these beautiful drops in the<br />
ocean.<br />
22 23
Vanuatu<br />
The Hidden Gem<br />
Located near Australia, Vanuatu is an island nation with a history<br />
going back by hundreds of years. This tiny set of islands is one<br />
of the most untouched islands in the world and still remains<br />
unaffected to a large extent by human interference. Here are<br />
some of the most amazing attractions of Vanuatu.<br />
1. Tanna Island<br />
Rising high above the ground at 361m, Mount<br />
Yasur is an active volcano here. It has been<br />
erupting for continuously for over 3 years<br />
but is still a popular spot for visiting. The Blue<br />
Cave is a magical aqua experience with blue<br />
color of the water reflecting on the cave. The<br />
Giant Banyan Tree here is one of the largest<br />
in the world and it is an experience in itself to<br />
see this natural wonder that is unharmed by<br />
humans.<br />
2. Espiritu Santo Island<br />
This is a popular island known for the<br />
Champagne beach located here and is<br />
famous for its crystal clear waters and white<br />
sands which are one of the best in the region.<br />
It’s a major tourist attraction and attracts<br />
many tourists from Australia. The island also<br />
hosts the beautiful Millenium Cave, which has<br />
a stream flowing through it and requires some<br />
amount of hiking as well.<br />
3. Aore Island<br />
This is one of the most visited islands in<br />
Vanuatu and is a popular destination for<br />
weddings and honeymoons alike. It also<br />
attracts divers from around the world, who<br />
<strong>com</strong>e to explore the exotic reefs around and<br />
famous shipwrecks like SS President Coolidge.<br />
You can also find the only cave and<br />
plantation experience of Vanuatu by walking<br />
on an easy trail; a bat cave is also there.<br />
4. Lelepa Island<br />
One of the larger islands in the country,<br />
Lelepa has a population of only 500 and is<br />
famous for the Fels Cave, which contains<br />
drawings on rocks dating back by 3000 years.<br />
5. Nguna Island<br />
This Island is a popular tourist spot with tours<br />
for diving, turtle tagging, treehouse climbing<br />
and hiking on the extinct volcano Mount<br />
Taputoara. With a population of just over a<br />
thousand people, this is the perfect getaway<br />
location for tourists.<br />
6. Port Vila<br />
The Capital of the nation is a small town with<br />
colorful markets and also has the National<br />
Museum of Vanuatu. It is a famous spot for<br />
diving for coral reefs and shipwrecks like Star<br />
of Russia. The beautiful Mele Bay is a great<br />
sight from the city too. Located near the city<br />
is the Evergreen Cascades Waterfall with its<br />
crystal clear waters, where you can take a<br />
dip as well! Also located nearby is the Blue<br />
Lagoon Swimming Hole, where you can swing<br />
from ropes into the pool!<br />
7. Mystery Island<br />
Mystery Island is an almost untouched island<br />
and has long beaches and opportunities to<br />
snorkel here are plenty and this is what it’s<br />
known for. The tiny island has a small village<br />
and it’s possible to easily miss it thanks to the<br />
size.<br />
Vanuatu may be a tiny speck in the ocean<br />
but it is one of the best places to head to for<br />
discovering yourself and to be one with the<br />
nature. Being one of the very few places left<br />
around the world where human occupation<br />
hasn’t affected the environment, Vanuatu is<br />
definitely a gem for all of us.<br />
24 25
INTRODUCING<br />
THE WINNERS<br />
26 27
Australia<br />
The Langham, Sydney<br />
HOTEL<br />
Australia<br />
Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley<br />
HOTEL<br />
HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
BOUTIQUE HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
The Langham in Sydney is the definition of luxury. Located near the harbor, each room here is a haven of plush<br />
furnishings and paneled walls, and offers beautiful sights of the Western Harbour and the Sydney Skyline. With<br />
98 rooms at offer right from deluxe rooms to 2 bedroom apartments, guests can select their best suited options,<br />
some even featuring a private terrace! Unique dining experiences are offered here, whether you indulge in<br />
elegant afternoon teas or have some gastronomical tastings in Bistro Remy or Palm Court among their 4 restaurants.<br />
Elegantly designed events can be held here, right from fashion parades to gala dinners. Guests can also<br />
spend a rejuvenating day in the tranquil environment of The Day Spa by Chuan. The more active guests can take<br />
a dip in the swimming pool or even perhaps play a game of tennis!<br />
This ultra-luxury conservation resort in the Greater Blue Mountains is the perfect getaway from the busy city<br />
life. Guests can enjoy magnificent seclusion and marvel at the beauty of Wolgan Valley from the free-standing<br />
villas, which <strong>com</strong>e with a private pool and veranda as well as a garden right in the middle of wilderness. The Wolgan<br />
Dining Room is where you can head off to for some fine cuisine or locally prepared wine by the fireplace.<br />
You can have food served in your villa for a private dinner in the backdrop of the beautiful mountains as well.<br />
The Spa gives pampered serenity and having a massage here with the view of the mountains is bound to relax<br />
you. Fitness centre, tennis courts and a 25-metre swimming pool are available as well for the health-conscious<br />
guests.<br />
The Langham, Sydney<br />
89-113 Kent St,Millers Point, Sydney<br />
NSW 2000, Australia<br />
Tel +61 2 9256 2222<br />
langhamhotels.<strong>com</strong>/en/the-langham/sydney/<br />
Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley<br />
2600 Wolgan Rd, Wolgan Valley NSW 2790, Australia<br />
Tel +61 2 6350 1800<br />
oneandonlyresorts.<strong>com</strong>/one-and-only-wolgan-valley-australia<br />
28 29
Australia<br />
Longitude 131°<br />
HOTEL<br />
Australia<br />
Eastwood Apartments, Brisbane<br />
HOTEL<br />
COUNTRY HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
SELF CATERING APARTMENTS OF THE YEAR<br />
Experience the great Australian deserts like never before with Longitude 131°; this luxury basecamp at Uluru-Kata<br />
Tjuta gives you an opportunity to delve into the foundations of the Anangu culture and explore the ancient<br />
land along with stories from traditional custodians. Nestled atop red dunes of the desert, the sixteen tented<br />
pavilions have roof to floor glass windows to give you perfect views of the area and the custom furnishings<br />
provide you a relaxing stay. The Dune House, with its panoramic views is the hub where guests dine with dishes<br />
infused with traditional herbs or have sunset drinks as the sun slips below horizon. The resort also <strong>com</strong>es with<br />
a spa for rejuvenation and relaxation treatments with the use of native beauty products. Luxury in the middle of<br />
nowhere is what is at offer here and exclusive tours around the area give you the exotic desert-feel.<br />
Eastwood Apartments are your home away from home. With some stunning views of the city right from your<br />
balcony, rooftop terrace and the sun deck, which also has a jet pool spa, an al fresco cinema screen, BBQ facility<br />
and garden seating, you can be assured that your stay here is no less than a hotel stay but with a homely feel. All<br />
apartments <strong>com</strong>e with fully equipped kitchen, private laundry and bathroom as well as luxurious bedding along<br />
with caretaker service. Secure parking, free Wi-Fi facility and 24 hour check-in services ensure that you are<br />
at peace at all times and the centralized location gives you access to all shops and restaurants as well as public<br />
transport, which allow you to experience Brisbane as a local; none of which would be possible in a hotel.<br />
Longitude 131°<br />
Yulara Drive, Yulara NT 0872,<br />
Australia<br />
Tel +61 08 8957 7131<br />
longitude131.<strong>com</strong>.au<br />
Eastwood Apartments,<br />
Brisbane<br />
159 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba<br />
QLD 4102, Australia<br />
Tel +61 7 3180 0299<br />
eastwoodbrisbane.<strong>com</strong>.au<br />
30 31
Australia<br />
Ovolo Wooloomooloo, Sydney<br />
HOTEL<br />
Australia<br />
Shangri La Hotel, Sydney<br />
HOTEL<br />
STYLISH HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
HOTEL AND SPA OF THE YEAR AWARD<br />
Located near the picturesque Sydney Harbour is Ovolo Wooloomooloo, serving as a bridge between heritage<br />
and modern luxury. Indulge in the very best of luxury that Sydney has to offer right here, with exotic interiors<br />
that are sure to leave your mouth wide open. The stylishly designed Lo Lounge is the place for socializing or<br />
relaxing while enjoying some refreshments throughout the day (and night!) With a facility to sip and munch<br />
away in the <strong>com</strong>fort of your bed, you can be assured of a relaxing experience here. With a quirky exterior finish,<br />
this hotel is definitely bound to catch eyes of all the passers-by. A hotel with such swanky interiors is the perfect<br />
place to host your corporate meetings and private events. The versatile staff of the hotel is always ready to cater<br />
to every requirement to make your stay and event a fruitful affair.<br />
Shangri-La Hotel overlooks the stunning Opera House and this is what you get to see every morning when you<br />
wake up in the rooms here along with the marvelous Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline. With a staggering 565<br />
luxurious and spacious guestrooms and suites; which are appointed with contemporary furnishings and triple<br />
glazed soundproof windows along with plush duvets and bed linens, you are assured of a <strong>com</strong>fortable stay here.<br />
You can rejuvenate at the CHI, The Spa with treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies in<br />
luxurious private spa suites. Their expert masseuses are sure to give you very relaxing massages. Tantalizing<br />
cuisines are at your disposal at Café Mix and Altitude Restaurant with harbour views. Sip the finest collections<br />
of wine and cocktails at Blu Bar on 36 and relax at Lobby Lounge while munching on some snacks. The Health<br />
Club also boasts of a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.<br />
Ovolo Wooloomooloo, Sydney<br />
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway,<br />
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia<br />
Tel +61 2 9331 9000<br />
ovolohotels.<strong>com</strong>.au<br />
Shangri La Hotel, Sydney<br />
176 Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia<br />
Tel +61 2 9250 6000<br />
shangri-la.<strong>com</strong>/sydney/shangrila/<br />
32 33
Fiji<br />
Royal Davui Island Resort, Lami<br />
HOTEL<br />
Fiji<br />
Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa<br />
HOTEL<br />
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE<br />
HOTEL AND SPA OF THE YEAR<br />
Nestled away on a tiny island of Fiji is Royal Davui Island Resort- an adults-only sanctuary offering a different<br />
level of luxury, elegance and privacy. Sixteen private villas on the island with their own private plunge pool, spa<br />
bath, lounge room, sun deck and wet bar along with their excellent services ensure that you get a <strong>com</strong>fortable<br />
stay here. Be spoilt for choice for dining options either in the privacy of your room, at the Banyan Bar and Restaurant<br />
or at the beaches with your loved one. An array of activities ranging from catamarans and sea kayaks to<br />
diving or deep-sea fishing are available for your indulgence. The Davui Spa offers a full range of treatments and<br />
the experienced masseuses here give you relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. With special attention given to<br />
those looking for a romantic hideaway, this is the perfect place for honeymooners and weddings.<br />
Located on the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu, InterContinental Fiji Gold Resort and Spa is located right on the<br />
Natadola Beach, which is voted as one of the best beaches in the world. The hotel boasts some of the largest<br />
ac<strong>com</strong>modations in Fiji with 266 luxurious rooms and suites within the tranquil environment equipped with<br />
daybeds and Cleopatra baths for an amazing stay. An 18-hole Championship Golf Course is available at your<br />
disposal and apart from this, snorkeling, diving and local tours can be arranged. Combining Asian, Eastern and<br />
Western treatments to give you the best possible, Spa InterContinental presents the perfect getaway for Spa<br />
breaks in cabanas. Hydrotherapy sessions and private spa treatments in the luxury of Orchid Room with your<br />
close ones are available as well. An exciting array of dining experiences await your arrival at the signature Fiji<br />
restaurant Navo and other world-class dining options here.<br />
Royal Davui Island<br />
Resort, Lami<br />
Royal Davui Island<br />
Resort, Fiji<br />
Tel +61 2 9365 2648<br />
royaldavuifiji.<strong>com</strong><br />
Intercontinental Fiji Golf<br />
Resort and Spa<br />
Maro Road Natadola Bay,<br />
Natadola, Fiji<br />
Tel +679 673 3300<br />
fiji.intercontinental<br />
34 35
HOTEL<br />
New Zealand<br />
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay<br />
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE<br />
New Zealand<br />
The George, Christchurch<br />
BOUTIQUE HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
HOTEL<br />
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a place to relax in the midst of the picturesque landscape of Hawke’s Bay. Each<br />
suite <strong>com</strong>es with a private balcony with a magnificent view of the farm, golf course and the Pacific Ocean and<br />
is equipped with plush interiors and modern facilities. The Owner’s Cottage is the perfect place for a family or<br />
group of friends to reside, with 4 deluxe bedrooms and a stone fireplace in the living room along with an outdoor<br />
Jacuzzi on the stone terrace among other <strong>com</strong>forts. With a garden in close proximity to the lodge, fresh<br />
vegetables picked from there are used to cook mouthwatering delicacies on a daily basis and guests can also have<br />
wonderful picnics around. A wide range of wines, beer and spirits are available as well. A heated infinity pool,<br />
golf course, spa treatments with forest and ocean views and fully-equipped gym are there for your indulgence.<br />
Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking Hagley Park and Avon River, this hotel is the only one in the<br />
city to have one-to-one staff to guest ratio, which guarantees their impeccable personalized services. With 53<br />
rooms designed with a stylish eye for detail, <strong>com</strong>plete with luxury amenities, you are guaranteed a luxurious<br />
stay here. All round the clock room services and <strong>com</strong>plimentary access to mountain bikes, guest <strong>com</strong>puters,<br />
gymnasiums, private garden and library ensure that you can make the most out of your stay. Bistro inspired food<br />
is available at 50 Bistro with modern flavors and excellent wines. The stylish interiors <strong>com</strong>plement the outdoor<br />
view perfectly and make this an ideal spot to start your day. The Pescatore offers an exquisite dining experience<br />
and even has a separate private room for an exceptional dining experience.<br />
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers,<br />
Hawke’s Bay<br />
446 Clifton Rd, Te Awanga 4172,<br />
New Zealand<br />
Tel +64 6-875 1900<br />
capekidnappers.<strong>com</strong><br />
The George, Christchurch<br />
50 Park Terrace, Christchurch<br />
Central, Christchurch 8013,<br />
New Zealand<br />
Tel +64 3-379 4560<br />
thegeorge.<strong>com</strong><br />
36 37
New Zealand<br />
The Rees Hotel Luxury Apartments<br />
and Residences<br />
HOTEL<br />
Vanuatu<br />
Ratua Private Island<br />
UNIQUE LUXURY HOTEL<br />
HOTEL<br />
SEA VIEW APARTMENTS OF THE YEAR<br />
The Rees Hotel is a five star hotel situated right at the shores of Lake Wakatipu and boasts of a private beach<br />
and wharf. With 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments and 5 exclusive lakeside residences equipped with plush interiors<br />
and modern amenities, you are sure to enjoy the spoils of <strong>com</strong>fort here. Each residence and hotel room<br />
<strong>com</strong>es with a private balcony to enjoy the splendid views around. The True South Dining Room is the epitome<br />
of sophisticated dining and takes you on a culinary journey through its local delicacies. The hotel has a private<br />
wine cellar with the most <strong>com</strong>prehensive wine collections of Europe and New Zealand and you can enjoy these<br />
at the Bordeau Lounge Bar. Spa treatments are available in the privacy of your own rooms for rejuvenation at<br />
the hands of skilled masseuses. Skiing and yacht hire services are also available.<br />
Ratua Private Island is surrounded by tropical gardens and sandy beaches and offers luxury in the middle of<br />
nowhere. Private villas across the island <strong>com</strong>e in all sizes and have beautifully appointed external day beds and<br />
lounge chairs with views of the stunning bay and lush tropical gardens. Special safari tents are put up at the edge<br />
of the jungle overlooking a white sand beach to give you a luxury camping experience. Personalized dinners are<br />
arranged from locally produced organic ingredients depending on your mood; ranging from casual barbecues<br />
to French-style tablecloth picnics on nearby islands. The lush paradise of Ratua is up for exploration on foot,<br />
mountain bike or horseback. The Sunny Spa is an overwater spa that offers a whole range of treatments from<br />
experienced therapists with view of the serene, infinite sea. Guests can also go for paddle boarding, fishing,<br />
snorkeling, turtle watching and swimming with horses or simply relax at the Yacht club and socialize!<br />
The Rees Hotel Luxury Apartments and Residences<br />
377 Frankton Rd, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand<br />
Tel +64 3-450 1100<br />
therees.co.nz<br />
Ratua Private Island<br />
Boite postale 396, Luganville,<br />
Vanuatu<br />
Tel +678 30020<br />
ratua.<strong>com</strong><br />
38 39
Vanuatu<br />
The Havannah<br />
HOTEL<br />
Vanuatu<br />
Ramada Resort Port Vila<br />
HOTEL<br />
STYLISH HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
Catering exclusively to adults, The Havannah is a cozy hotel located away from the hustle and bustle of the<br />
city. This family owned business overlooks Efate’s premier white sand beach and has eighteen villas, each of<br />
which has a unique view. Each villa <strong>com</strong>es with luxurious amenities and has its own dining pavilion as well.<br />
With a unique split level infinity edge pool and a watersports hut from where you can head off for snorkeling or<br />
kayaking, you are assured of an amazing experience here. Guests can indulge in some of the finest delicacies<br />
cooked from vegetables, seafood and Vanuatu beef. The Arôm’Essence Day Spa set in a tropical garden offers<br />
full range of rejuvenating body massages using Dermalogica and dead sea salt products. Day tours to different<br />
islands of Vanuatu can be arranged according to your preferences and daily shuttle buses to the city facilitate<br />
easy connectivity.<br />
This newly built full service beachfront resort is nestled on the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon and offers 80 self-contained<br />
apartments with lagoon views. Self-contained suites starting from studio flats to two bedroom apartments<br />
are available with all modern amenities and posh interiors. Guests can dine at the Akiriki Restaurant overlooking<br />
the lagoon and dive into a vast array of <strong>Oceania</strong>n blend of flavors or sip a glass of drinks while relaxing at<br />
lounge bar or while watching their favorite games in the sports bar; a swim-up pool bar is also available. Guests<br />
can also take a dive into the swimming pool or get fit in the fully-equipped gymnasium. Kayaking, snorkeling<br />
and stand-up paddle boarding in the lagoon can also be arranged for your indulgence. Corporates can conduct<br />
meetings in the meeting room while the ballroom is open for private events such as weddings.<br />
The Havannah<br />
Samoa Point, Port<br />
Havannah, Vanuatu<br />
Tel +678 35600<br />
thehavannah.<strong>com</strong><br />
Ramada Resort Port Vila<br />
Paray, Port Vila, Vanuatu<br />
Tel +678 28000<br />
ramadaresort.<strong>com</strong>.vu/en-gb<br />
40 41
Papua New Guinea<br />
Airways Hotel<br />
HOTEL<br />
Papua New Guinea<br />
Grand Papua Hotel<br />
HOTEL<br />
HOTEL AND RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR<br />
HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
Airways Hotel is nestled in its own botanical gardens and offers world-class ac<strong>com</strong>modation in well-appointed<br />
rooms at a <strong>com</strong>petitive price. With warm timber tones and crisp linen, you are sure to feel at home here. You<br />
will love to dine at the Vue Restaurant and Lounge Bar with its spectacular views of the airport and the mist-clad<br />
peaks of the Owen Stanley ranges. The Bacchus restaurant offers fine dining options while the Havanaba bar<br />
allows you to kick-start your evening in style. The Deli KC is the place to find some of the finest baked breads<br />
and pastas, while the Seven C’s is the where you can go to meet over coffee and enjoy the breeze of the punkah<br />
fans. Guests can unwind in Bliss-The Spa while the health club gives you a chance to sweat it out in the tennis<br />
and squash courts or take a dip in the infinity lap pool.<br />
Grand Papua has the distinction of being the first deluxe hotel opening in Port Moresby. This impressive hotel<br />
<strong>com</strong>prises 161 rooms and suites with modern interiors and gives amazing views of the ocean and the beaches.<br />
Taking service to the next level, free airport shuttle transfers are made available for all the guests. For the ladies,<br />
exclusive ladies floors are added for more safety. The Grand Café serves fresh meals while the Grand Brasserie<br />
features modern flavors paired with wines. You can sit in the Poolside Terrace and munch on some delicacies<br />
by the pool and Jacuzzi. The Grand Spa is an innovative and luxurious wellness center for unwinding, while the<br />
gym and swimming pool are places to head to for some exercises. The Grand Hair Salon is the perfect place for<br />
getting your hair done and giving you the look you wish to have. The hotel also features executive board rooms<br />
and banquet venues for functions and corporate meetings.<br />
Grand Papua Hotel<br />
Mary St, Port Moresby,<br />
Papua New Guinea<br />
Tel +675 304 0000<br />
grandpapuahotel.<strong>com</strong>.pg<br />
Airways Hotel<br />
Jacksons Parade,<br />
7 Mile, Boroko, Port<br />
Moresby 111, Papua<br />
New Guinea<br />
Tel +675 324 5200<br />
airways.<strong>com</strong>.pg<br />
42 43
Samoa<br />
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort<br />
HOTEL<br />
Solomon Islands<br />
Coral Sea Resort<br />
HOTEL<br />
HOTEL AND RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR<br />
HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
Sheraton Samoa Beach resort gives unparalleled beachfront ac<strong>com</strong>modation with luxurious amenities. Located<br />
on the western coast of Upolu, this resort offers everything you need for relaxing right from tennis to local entertainment.<br />
With 133 luxurious rooms and suites equipped with the finest amenities with ocean view, you are<br />
assured a cozy stay here. The signature restaurant of the resort, Apolima Fale plays host to finest international<br />
cuisines and hosts the Fia Fia Cultural Show as well. You can sit in the South Pacific Restaurant by the water<br />
and enjoy pleasant tunes by local musicians and end your night on a high with your loved ones in this serene<br />
atmosphere. The hotel also has a spa and a fully equipped fitness center along with a tennis court and facilities<br />
for watersports and diving. It also offers weddings and conference facilities.<br />
Positioned on the ocean front near the Airlie Beach Village, Coral Sea Resort provides quality ac<strong>com</strong>modation<br />
with full range of facilities and inclusions. The gorgeous interiors of the rooms reflect the outer environment<br />
and the plush amenities ensure epitome of <strong>com</strong>fort. Guests can lay back in The Clipper Restaurant and Lounge<br />
and enjoy al fresco dining all day while sitting by the poolside and taking in the views of the ocean. A romantic<br />
candlelight dinner can be arranged at the oceanfront Gazebo as well. A swimming pool is there for guests to<br />
laze around and a wading pool for children as well. Thrill-seekers can indulge in on-site watersports and those<br />
looking to go into the ocean can do so from the private jetty. Tours to various islands and charter boat and helicopter<br />
rides are made available by the hotel. The hotel is also well-equipped to host destination weddings and<br />
corporate meetings.<br />
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort<br />
Entrance Road, Mulifanua, Samoa<br />
Tel +685 45611<br />
sheratonsamoaresort.<strong>com</strong><br />
Coral Sea Resort<br />
25 Ocean View Ave, Airlie Beach<br />
QLD 4802, Australia<br />
Tel +61 7 4964 1300<br />
coralsearesort.<strong>com</strong><br />
44 45
Tonga<br />
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel<br />
HOTEL<br />
Australia<br />
Blue Diamond Tours<br />
TOUR<br />
HOTEL OF THE YEAR<br />
TOUR COMPANY<br />
Located on the waterfront of Tonga, Tanoa International Dateline Hotel offers superior ac<strong>com</strong>modation in the<br />
capital with sensational facilities. With 122 well-appointed rooms designed to perfection, guests are guaranteed<br />
a peaceful stay here with the plush furnishings and modern amenities. The Fresh Bar and Grill has an amazing<br />
selection of fresh grills while the Taulanga’u Bar is the perfect spot to sip a freshly made cocktail while watching<br />
magnificent sunsets. A large swimming pool is where guests can head off to for some laps to kick start the day or<br />
work-out in the fully-equipped gymnasium to remain fit. Airport connectivity is made easier for the guests by providing<br />
airport shuttle services. The hotel is prepared to cater to meetings and private events in spectacular indoor<br />
and outdoor venues with experienced staff ready to plan and execute the events to perfection.<br />
Blue Diamond Tours takes you on a ride through the Blue Mountains and provides a magical experience with<br />
the fresh aromas of the region. This all-inclusive trip consists of walk in the rainforest, lunch, Featherdale Wildlife<br />
Park and a water taxi back. The trip allows you to discover a place distant from the hectic city life. You can<br />
roam around the lush green rainforest of the Jamison Valley and take in the beautiful views of the mountains.<br />
These ‘boutique’ tours are crafted to give a more intimate touch and prime luxury with a Mercedes-Benz to take<br />
you around with a group of only 14 people. Friendly guides make sure that you feel at home and have an answer<br />
to every single question of yours. Guests can get breathtaking views from the skyway, railway and cableway and<br />
have a perfect lunch with a 5 option menu. They also provide private tours and hotel pick ups<br />
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel<br />
Vuna Rd, Nuku’alofa, Tonga<br />
Tel +676 23-411<br />
tanoadateline.<strong>com</strong><br />
Blue Diamond Tours<br />
Blue Diamond Tours, Concord NSW<br />
2137, Australia<br />
Tel +61 414 917 317<br />
bluediamondtours.net<br />
46<br />
47
Australia<br />
BridgeClimb<br />
TOUR<br />
Australia<br />
Wavelength Reef Charters<br />
TOUR<br />
UNIQUE TOUR COMPANY<br />
CHARTER COMPANY<br />
This unique tour <strong>com</strong>pany takes you on the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Every day, prior training is given<br />
with the outdoor gear based on the day’s climate and introduction to the safety and health essentials are taken<br />
care of. Guests can ascend step by step behind the climb leader and take in the marvelous views that Sydney has<br />
to offer along with entertaining stories of the bridge right from its opening. The summit of the bridge at 134m<br />
above sea level allows you an uninterrupted panorama view of the city. A special excursion product is available<br />
for Year 7-8 Science students as well with topics related to studies and the bridge being discussed; probably<br />
something no other tour operator offers! A special psychologist is there to help those who have Acrophobia to<br />
fight their fears. With over 3 million climbers over the years, you can surely trust them with your climb.<br />
Pioneers in reef eco-tourism across Port Douglas, Wavelength Reef Charters have been in the business for<br />
more than 30 years now and provide small personalized snorkeling tours to the Great Barrier Reef with no<br />
more than 48 passengers to give a better experience. Guests get to visit exclusive Wavelength owned reef sites,<br />
be it in shallow lagoon or outer reef. Highly qualified marine biologists work as the crew and provide in-depth<br />
interpretation of the Great Barrier Reef marine life and habitats. With three sites across the day for you to explore,<br />
you can see the underwater world to your heart’s content. A deli-style lunch with beef, falafel and rolls is<br />
provided on the rear deck, where passengers can even socialize. A private charter can be booked all for yourself<br />
with specialized catering options and destinations set according to your preference. Schools are allowed to<br />
charter the vessel for trips as well.<br />
BridgeClimb<br />
3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW<br />
2000, Australia<br />
Tel +61 2 8274 7777<br />
bridgeclimb.<strong>com</strong><br />
Wavelength Reef Charters<br />
1-5 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia<br />
Tel +61 7 4099 5031<br />
wavelength.<strong>com</strong>.au<br />
48 49
Fiji<br />
Talanoa Treks<br />
TOUR<br />
Fiji<br />
Diveaway Fiji<br />
TOUR<br />
TOUR COMPANY<br />
DIVING COMPANY<br />
Located on the waterfront of Tonga, Tanoa International Dateline Hotel offers superior ac<strong>com</strong>modation in the<br />
capital with sensational facilities. With 122 well-appointed rooms designed to perfection, guests are guaranteed<br />
a peaceful stay here with the plush furnishings and modern amenities. The Fresh Bar and Grill has an amazing<br />
selection of fresh grills while the Taulanga’u Bar is the perfect spot to sip a freshly made cocktail while watching<br />
magnificent sunsets. A large swimming pool is where guests can head off to for some laps to kick start the day or<br />
work-out in the fully-equipped gymnasium to remain fit. Airport connectivity is made easier for the guests by providing<br />
airport shuttle services. The hotel is prepared to cater to meetings and private events in spectacular indoor<br />
and outdoor venues with experienced staff ready to plan and execute the events to perfection.<br />
Looking for diving in the crystal waters of Fiji? Look no further, cause Diveaway Fiji is the only PADI 5 Star<br />
Diving Resort on the Coral Coast in Fiji! With two main diving regions- Midra Passage and Tagaqe; you can<br />
dive into the deep blue and see corals, stingrays and turtles. With diving sites ranging from a few meters from<br />
the coast to the edge of the reef; every difficulty level is available in the tours. From e-learning to advanced<br />
and rescue diver courses, this is where you can learn everything about diving that there is to know. Even pool<br />
lessons are offered to help you get a grasp over diving in an enclosed environment. Moreover, you also get free<br />
transfers to many great resorts close by when you book with them. With a small and friendly local staff, which is<br />
well-experienced in the diving field, you can be assured of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.<br />
Talanoa Treks<br />
22 Ratu Sukuna Road, Suva, Fiji<br />
Tel +679 947 2732<br />
talanoa-treks-fiji.<strong>com</strong><br />
Diveaway Fiji<br />
Coral Coast, Queens Rd, Sigatoka,<br />
Korolevu, Fiji<br />
Tel +679 931 6883<br />
diveawayfiji.<strong>com</strong><br />
50 51
New Zealand<br />
Zealandier Tours<br />
TOUR<br />
New Zealand<br />
Oolala Cruises<br />
TOUR<br />
TOUR COMPANY<br />
CHARTER COMPANY<br />
Zealandier Tours offers fully escorted small group tours of New Zealand, but this is not all, also offered are international<br />
tour packages to Israel, Australia, Venice and Italy. Be it the north island or the southern one, from<br />
the unspoilt 90 mile beach in the north to the Milford Sound in the south, everything is covered in the packages.<br />
You can indulge in the world of Hobbits at Hobbiton or head off to some glowworm caves. You also get a chance<br />
to customize your tours according to your requirements so as to get the most out of them. Special Cruise Ship<br />
visitor tours are arranged so that you can see the beauty of New Zealand before or after your cruise. Apart from<br />
tours, even vehicle rentals right from passenger vehicles to mini-vans are available for those looking to explore<br />
the locations on their own.<br />
Oolala Cruises make you go oo-la-la when traveling with them! This 6 year old <strong>com</strong>pany has ages old foundations<br />
and has served more than 60k tourists. You get a chance to discover the Savala Island of Fiji with exclusive<br />
day cruises, snorkeling tours, kayaking and paddle boarding. Diving enthusiasts can indulge in scuba diving<br />
activities as well. You get a peek into the underwater world from glass bottom boats and can watch baby sharks<br />
as well! All food and drinks are covered for the day so that you can enjoy your trip thoroughly. On this island,<br />
you can even rejuvenate with some relaxing massages. Those wishing to have a private day cruise for the day<br />
can do so with personalization as well. Destination weddings, proposal and honeymoon cruises are available to<br />
make your special day. Even corporates can hire the day cruise for <strong>com</strong>pany staff outing.<br />
Zealandier Tours<br />
12 Lasiandra Pl, Mount Maunganui,<br />
Mt Maunganui 3116, New Zealand<br />
Tel +64 7-575 6425<br />
zealandiertours.<strong>com</strong><br />
Oolala Cruises<br />
Port Denarau Marina, Denarau<br />
Island 00000, Fiji<br />
Tel +679 675 1100<br />
oolalacruises.<strong>com</strong><br />
52 53
New Zealand<br />
The Helicopter Line West Coast<br />
TOUR<br />
Vanuatu<br />
Eco tours<br />
TOUR<br />
ADVENTURE COMPANY<br />
TOUR COMPANY<br />
This leading helicopter operating <strong>com</strong>pany of New Zealand is more than 30 years old and with a fleet of AS350<br />
Squirrels; you are guaranteed some thrilling views of the country from up above. Many of the inaccessible regions<br />
of the country can be visited when traveling with their trained staff, which is specialized in the alpine<br />
terrain. Be it the great Mount Cook or the untamed glaciers of the west coast, there is no spot that cannot be<br />
accessed by these adventurous trips. The exhilarating experience of hiking on the Tasman and Franz Josef<br />
glaciers is also available. Helicopter picnics, wine tours and conferences can be arranged on special requests.<br />
For those looking to explore the wilderness through hunting, fishing, snowshoeing or skiing, Helicopter Line<br />
is the place to go. Charters of the helicopters with personalized itineraries or hill-top destination weddings can<br />
be arranged as well.<br />
If you’re looking to discover Vanuatu off the beaten tracks, Eco Tours is where you should head to. With four<br />
main tours of walking, cycling, kayaking and trekking of half day duration and same prices, you can head out<br />
to explore the REAL Vanuatu. The group sizes are kept limited for providing a more personalized service and<br />
everyone’s interest is taken into account. The tours are specially made to suit all abilities and with a staff that<br />
is actively involved with people of Vanuatu since 22 years, you are guaranteed the very best of service. Apart<br />
from this, bike rentals are also provided with free pick-up/delivery to all hotels in Port Vila. You can also go for<br />
special Tennis and Cultural tours. School tours for kids for a long term stay can also be arranged to give a taste<br />
of the life of Vanuatu school kids, while achieving your educational goals. Completely personalized a-la carte<br />
tours can be arranged too.<br />
The Helicopter Line West Coast<br />
Main South Road SH6, Franz Josef, Westland<br />
National Park 7856 New Zealand<br />
Tel +64 3-752 0767<br />
helicopter.co.nz<br />
Eco tours<br />
Nambatri, Port Vila, Efate 60, Vanuatu<br />
Tel +678 540 3506<br />
govanuatu.<strong>com</strong>/eco-tours<br />
54 55
Vanuatu<br />
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks<br />
TOUR<br />
Vanuatu<br />
Adventure Quad Tours<br />
TOUR<br />
UNIQUE TOUR COMPANY<br />
ADVENTURE COMPANY<br />
Soar through the canopy of the Vanuatu jungle or over the grand canyons while marveling the views of the Mele<br />
Bay. This great fun activity is suitable for all ages and rain or shine, ziplining goes on. With over six ziplines of<br />
more than 1km over the jungle, experience the buzz of the forest or wobble across the suspension bridge and fly<br />
across a canyon and over a waterfall! Trek for more than a kilometer to reach the site in Big Zip Trek Tour and<br />
experience a huge rush when crossing 300 meter gravity canyon. Have adrenaline gushing through your veins<br />
when you start the tour with a 15 minute helicopter ride up the jungle before you reach the ziplining site. For<br />
those who are interested in the forest, relaxing jungle walks are available for exploring the beauty of Vanuatu<br />
for free! Free pickup facility is also available for participants.<br />
Explore the lush islands of Vanuatu in the most unique manner possible- Quad bikes! Ride along un-spoilt<br />
coastline, secluded beaches and through traditional villages. Their award winning guides are professional and<br />
friendly and make you want to return back to the tours. Guests can ride through the muddy regions to reach<br />
the Grand Cascade and head off to the Turtle Bay to swim with 100 year old turtles. You can relax on the white<br />
sandy beaches and munch on some mouth-watering Vanuatu beef brunch or can also head off for an exclusive<br />
Port Vila tour off the tracks and then venture into the blue sea on Zegos! They also have special tours for those<br />
guests who have arrived in cruise ships and are short on time. They walk the extra mile by offering free pick up<br />
and drop off services to all hotels across Port Vila.<br />
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks<br />
The Summit Gardens | Devils Point Road,<br />
Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu<br />
Tel +678 555 0423<br />
vanuatujunglezipline.<strong>com</strong><br />
Adventure Quad Tours<br />
Teoma Road Tassiriki, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu<br />
Tel +678 774 2442<br />
adventurequadtours.<strong>com</strong><br />
56 57
Papua New Guinea<br />
Kabaira Dive<br />
TOUR<br />
Samoa<br />
Samoa Scenic<br />
TOUR<br />
DIVING COMPANY<br />
TOUR COMPANY OF THE YEAR<br />
Kabaira Dive is where you get a variety of exclusive and personalized ventures both out of water and underwater.<br />
Tailor-made packages are available for individuals and groups for relaxing or adventure, and history or culture.<br />
Tours for scuba diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, harbor cruising, cruise ships and fishing charters<br />
are available on a daily basis and hotel transfers can be arranged as well. The PADI trained diving crew provides<br />
the most professional service and gives the guests an opportunity to have unique, personal tours. You can visit<br />
historical ship and plane wrecks underwater or explore the reef and sea mounts. From white sandy beaches on<br />
remote uninhabited islands to the shipwrecks speaking of history of WWII, all exploration spots are covered.<br />
Thrill-seekers can head to an erupting volcano or head on to some watersports too. Day trips are also offered to<br />
passengers from visiting cruise ships.<br />
Samoa Scenic aims to provide an enriching experience to tourists in the Samoan way. With more than 45 years<br />
of experience as a tour operator, they are among the best in the country and their expert multilingual guides and<br />
modern air conditioned coaches ensure that you have a memorable time. Both full and half-day tours are offered<br />
across Upolu and Saval’l; be it a peaceful lunch by the beach or a long tour across villages and coasts. Apart<br />
from these, specialized tours tailored to requirements or interests can be arranged according to your budget<br />
and specifications. Few tours are also offered for those visitors who have <strong>com</strong>e by cruises and these cover major<br />
attractions of the region. Guests can also head out to American Samoa for a day or more with them. With proven<br />
safety records, guests can even book exclusive transfer services to airport, wharf, casino and hotels with them.<br />
Kabaira Dive<br />
Kokopo-Rabaul Road Vunagam<br />
Estate, Rabaul, New Britain Island<br />
611 Papua New Guinea<br />
Tel +675 7955 8258<br />
facebook.<strong>com</strong>/diveandtoursrabaul/<br />
Samoa Scenic<br />
Apia, Upolu 669, Samoa<br />
Tel +685 26981 /<br />
+685 7526 982<br />
samoascenic.<strong>com</strong><br />
58 59
Solomon Islands<br />
Dive Munda<br />
TOUR<br />
Tonga<br />
Tongan Expeditions<br />
TOUR<br />
TOUR COMPANY<br />
TOUR COMPANY<br />
Diving in and around Munda is a very special thing with some of the best diving sites in the world. Spectacular<br />
walls which drop off to over 600 meters and grey, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are what you get to see<br />
here. Dive Munda is an SSI authorized partner and gives you high caliber of training to give you the perfect<br />
diving experience. Right from Try Diving to Diving Instructor course, every single level of teaching is available<br />
here. They can also arrange freediving for you with their partners and also offer SSI Basic Freediving Program.<br />
Special trips are also open to the Secret Solomons or Honiara for durations longer than 4 days aboard their<br />
liveaboard and hotels! Guests can also take Solomon Airlines Dive Packages, which include staying, diving and<br />
flying. With more than 25 years of experience, you can be assured of a terrific diving experience when touring<br />
with them.<br />
Tongan Expeditions gives you one of the most unique opportunities ever – to swim with whales! This once in<br />
a lifetime experience can be indulged in from July to October and you can actually swim close to a Humpback<br />
Whale and see these majestic creatures up-close! Guests can indulge in some beautiful dives into the blue with<br />
the only PADI 5 Star Resort of the Kingdom, Tongan Expeditions. Some spectacular diving sites like Pelagic<br />
Pinnacle and Split Rock are waiting to be explored. From e-Learning to rescue diver courses, all difficulty levels<br />
of coaching are available here. In the pristine waters of the Kingdom of Tonga, there is no other place that you<br />
can get experiences like the ones that Tongan Expeditions offer; from tiny fishes to the largest animals on the<br />
earth, you can see everything here and experience undersea life like never before.<br />
Dive Munda<br />
Agnes Gateway Hotel, Munda,<br />
Solomon Islands 0000<br />
Tel +677 62156<br />
mundadive.<strong>com</strong><br />
Tongan Expeditions<br />
Puataukanave International Hotel,<br />
Neiafu, Vava’u Tonga<br />
Tel +676 70-292<br />
tonganexpeditions.<strong>com</strong><br />
60 61
FULL<br />
WINNERS<br />
LIST<br />
62 63
Fiji<br />
Vanuatu<br />
HOTEL &<br />
ACCOMMODATION<br />
WINNERS<br />
Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva<br />
Hotel<br />
Royal Davui Island Resort,Lami<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
Nanuku, Pacific Harbour<br />
Boutique Hotel<br />
Ramada Resort Port Vila<br />
Hotel & Resturant<br />
Iririki Island Resort & Spa<br />
Hotel & Spa<br />
The Havannah<br />
Stylish Hotel<br />
Sheraton Tokoriki Island Resort & Spa<br />
Hotel & Restaurant<br />
Ratua Private Island<br />
Unique Luxury Hotel<br />
Australia<br />
The Langham, Sydney<br />
Hotel<br />
Grand Hyatt, Melbourne<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley<br />
Boutique Hotel<br />
Plantinum Apartments, Melbourne<br />
Apartments<br />
Lizard Island Resort<br />
Unique Luxury Hotel<br />
Crown Metropol, Melbourne<br />
Hotel & Restaurant<br />
Shangri La Hotel, Sydney<br />
Hotel & Spa<br />
Longitude 131<br />
Country Hotel<br />
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel<br />
Modern Hotel<br />
Primus Hotel, Sydney<br />
Business Hotel<br />
Pullman Sydney Airport<br />
Airport Hotel<br />
Luxury Waterfront Home, Gold Coast<br />
Guest House<br />
Ovolo Wooloomooloo, Sydney<br />
Stylish Hotel<br />
Crown Towers, Melbourne<br />
City Hotel<br />
The Richardson Hotel & Spa, Perth<br />
Family Hotel<br />
Swissotel, Sydney<br />
Classic Hotel<br />
Park Hyatt, Sydney<br />
Elegant Hotel<br />
Vue Apartments, Trinity Beach<br />
Sea View Apartments<br />
Eastwood Apartments, Brisbane<br />
Self Catering Apartments<br />
Quay West Suites, Melbourne<br />
Stylish Apartments<br />
Intercontinenetal Fiji Golf Resort & Spa<br />
Hotel & Spa<br />
New Zealand<br />
InterContinental, Wellington<br />
Hotel<br />
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers,<br />
Hawke’s Bay<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
The George, Christchurch<br />
Boutique Hotel<br />
Stamford Plaza, Auckland<br />
Hotel & Restaurant<br />
SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland<br />
Hotel & Spa<br />
The Rees Hotel & Luxyry Apartments,<br />
Queenstown<br />
Sea View Apartments<br />
Papua New Guinea<br />
Grand Papua Hotel<br />
Hotel<br />
Crowne Plaza Port Moresby<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
Airways Hotel<br />
Hotel & Restaurant<br />
Samoa<br />
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort<br />
Hotel & Restaurant<br />
Taumeasina Island Resort<br />
Hotel & Spa<br />
Solomon Islands<br />
Coral Sea Resort<br />
Hotel<br />
Tonga<br />
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel<br />
Hotel<br />
64 65
TOUR & ACTIVITY<br />
WINNERS<br />
The Helicopter Line West Coast<br />
Adventure Company<br />
Vanuatu<br />
Samoa<br />
Samoa Scenic<br />
Tour Company<br />
Australia<br />
Blue Diamond Tours<br />
Tour Company<br />
The Adventure Company Australia<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
Fiji<br />
Talanoa Treks<br />
Tour Company<br />
Sigatoka River Safari<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
Eco tours<br />
Tour Company<br />
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks<br />
Unique Tour Company<br />
Caverns & Caves<br />
Adventure Cmpany<br />
South Pacific Cruises<br />
Charter Company<br />
Papua New Guinea<br />
Solomon Islands<br />
Dive Munda<br />
Tour Company<br />
Tonga<br />
Tongan Expeditions<br />
Tour Company<br />
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys<br />
Cultural Tour Company<br />
Diveaway Fiji<br />
Diving Company<br />
Reeftours Milne Bay<br />
Tour Company<br />
BridgeClimb<br />
Unique Tour Company<br />
Rosie Holidays Fiji<br />
Charter Company<br />
Kabaira Dive<br />
Diving Compny<br />
Bunyip Tours<br />
Adventure Company<br />
Gourmet Getaway Tours<br />
Culinary Tour Company<br />
Ocean Rafting<br />
Watersports Company<br />
The Private Tour Guide<br />
Tailor Made Tour Company<br />
Down Under Cruise & Dive<br />
Diving Company<br />
New Zealand<br />
Zealandier Tours<br />
Tour Company<br />
Off-Road Cave Safari<br />
Award for Excellence in Service<br />
Paihia Dive<br />
Diving Company<br />
Oolala Cruises<br />
Charter Company<br />
Wavelength Reef Charters<br />
Charter Company<br />
66 67
OCEANIA<br />
awards guide <strong>2017</strong><br />
<strong>www</strong>.<strong>thawards</strong>.<strong>com</strong><br />
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