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ReefSleep Experience – a night under the stars

Steph Sandra — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 22:56:36 +0000

ReefSleep Experience: A night under the stars

There are few joys greater than cruising across crystal-clear waters, the wind in your hair, and the world’s most breathtaking islands drifting by. With your out of office on and the mainland further behind, the ReefSleep Experience by Cruise Whitsundays promises to reconnect you with nature like never before.

The Journey Begins

From departure at Airlie Beach, the ferry cruises through the postcard-perfect Whitsundays, passing islands such as Dent, Hamilton, and Hayman. A technical issue briefly interrupted our voyage, but the crew were incredible and occupied us with lunch and drinks on board, setting the mood for the adventure ahead. Soon, we were cruising toward Hardy Reef’s floating pontoon, ready to visit somewhere which had been on my own bucket list for a long while.

Afternoon Adventure & Snorkelling Bliss

Upon arrival, a warm welcome was accompanied by afternoon tea of cheese, cured meats, dips, and fruit—fuel for the next adventure. Guests dove straight into the reef’s waters, either snorkelling or scuba diving. I opted to snorkel and felt as though I had the entire reef to myself. The coral gardens were vibrant, and I drifted among schools of colourful fish. With wetsuits, pool toys, and life jackets provided, even the less confident swimmers are catered for.

Luxury Under the Stars

For the night, guests chose between ReefBeds or the exclusive ReefSuites. Whilst looking similar from the outside, they are not to be confused with camping swags, having a comfortable king-sized mattress inside, USB chargers, lights, and plenty of storage, all under the open sky. The underwater hotel room, better known as ReefSuites have floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the marine world. One guest stated it was the first place they’d stayed where real life was better than the advertised photos of their accommodation.

After hot showers (yes, even in the middle of the ocean), we gathered on the deck for sunset canapés and sparkling wine. The peaceful sky melted into the sea below and once sun set, the onboard chef served us dinner of fish with creamy mash, crisp vegetables, and carrot purée, while others enjoyed steak. Between dinner and dessert, romance blossomed as two of the 24 guests became engaged in the underwater observatory, with marine life include George, the resident 300kg groper witnessing their memorable moment.

Morning Magic & Final Moments

The following morning we had an intimate buffet breakfast, with a barista made almond latte as my morning meal highlight. Encouraged by the snorkelling experience the day prior, I convinced my travel companion, my Mum, to snorkel with me. Despite her initial hesitation, the pontoon’s steps, seats in the water, and flotation devices made the experience smooth and enjoyable for all confidence levels.

Unplugging with Purpose

My only regret during our experience was not taking enough photos. But with minimal phone reception, it was a welcome chance to disconnect.

It’s said you can see the Great Barrier Reef from Space, and no wonder, I consider myself a well-travelled Australian, yet I never realised how large this beautiful part of the world really is, and Hardy’s Reef Pontoon is a great way to truly experience this firsthand. Airlie Beach may be known as the heart of the reef, but this is truly the soul, and you will not regret spending a night on the reef, under the stars.

My tips for Your ReefSleep Experience

Pack Light: Bring a backpack or soft bag for easy storage inside your ReefBed. Larger suitcases can be left at the ferry terminal, and there’s even a luggage transfer service to Hamilton Island which we utilised.
Experience It All: Swim, snorkel, or dive, then unwind with a glass of wine at sunset. If you’re looking for something extra memorable, try a scenic helicopter flight or a guided snorkelling safari. These optional extras can be added on during booking or enroute to the reef. Remember, if you plan to scuba dive, avoid alcohol beforehand.
Accessibility: There are stairs on Hardy Reef’s pontoon between the two levels and into the water, as well as onto the underwater submarine. The staff explained that the majority of their vessels are wheelchair and pram friendly, and they are able to assist those needing a little more assistance. For visits to Whitehaven beach, there is a beach wheelchair available and I can also highly recommend this stunning tour.

Steph

Ready to Book?

Contact Bee Inspired Travel for bookings and more information:

Address: 4/10 Mackey Street, Longwarry
Phone: 0468 487 285 | 0478 299 415
Email: admin@beeinspiredtravel.com.au
Website: www.beeinspiredtravel.com.au

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Luxury Travel on a Lax Budget

Steph Sandra — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:25:52 +0000

Despite what we may be told, you don’t have to give up your latte and smashed avocado to experience luxury travel.

Here is a selection of destinations where you can experience the finer things in life without the need to remortgage.

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Vienna – Christmas Market Adventure

Steph Sandra — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:26:47 +0000

Vienna

Catching an early morning Austrian Airlines flight to Vienna, mid-December, for this Australian to experience one of the experiences Europe does best – Christmas markets! Even the most sun loving Australians must visit Europe in winter at least once in their lives, if for nothing else, the white Christmas experience.

Accommodation

Our accommodation was great, Hotel Stefanie (which I liked for obvious reasons); we had a history lesson from the attentive staff about Princess Stefanie and how this is the oldest hotel in Vienna. Although the hotel still has the appeal of its 400-year age, the modern amenities made for a comfortable stay. The fascinating history should have drawn us in, however, it was the inclusive sparkling wine with breakfast daily that truly won us over.

Christmas Markets

We didn’t waste any time getting to the first of many Christmas markets with our first stop being Maria-Theresien Platz, large public square at the museum of modern arts. The markets were as beautiful as you can imagine. A huge range of gorgeous Christmas decorations, gifts and presents, food and drink. We had cheese filled Viennese hot dogs with hot coconut cider, then banana, chocolate waffles for dessert.

There were a handful of large, well know Christmas markets, as well as many lesser know, local ones scattered about the city. Met with some friends of ours for lunch the next day where we tried the famous Austrian Wiener Schnitzel, along with more hot berry cider which had quickly become our favourite beverage. That evening we visited more markets at Rathauspark, where Christmas lights covered every tree making the park stunning at night and quite the place for loved up couples to flock too. My friend and I moved on to the markets just outside Schonbrunn Palace where we had soup in bread bowls, hot cider (yes, again) and hot pancakes while browsing the beautiful stalls and the hand crafted gifts.

Oldest Ferris Wheel in the world

Another sparkling wine breakfast, which in hindsight probably gave us the confidence to ride the oldest Ferris Wheel in the world- Vienna Riesenrad, built in 1897, having to be repaired after being damaged during the Second World War. It was an incredible experience, although quite a misty day so not the views that could be seen had it been clear. We visited the Vienna Zoo the same day and caught the last bus back to Belvedere Palace- the highlight of our Vienna journey. We were not sure if the breathtaking palace was real, or we were in a fairytale. The palace was lit up brightly, reflecting on the water surrounding, with golden stars arising from this water. Enjoyed a baileys hot chocolate before finding delicious Japanese for dinner which several people had suggested we try! For our final day in Austria’s capital city, we went shopping before our British Airways flight out of Flughafen Wien Airport back to England, having one last local drink, Gosser- an Austrian beer before we flew home to much warmer London.

My tips-

Dress warmly, it was much colder than I expected.
Enjoy a Viennese coffee – Vienna is known for its Kaffeehaus culture.
Experience a classical concert – the buildings they are held in are worth the tickets alone.

If you would like any more information on Vienna, or if Christmas in Europe is on your bucket list, please get in touch with Bee Inspired Travel to talk about booking your own unforgettable adventure. Contact: admin@beeinspiredtravel.com.au

Always check up to date information – Austria Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller

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Top travel trends for 2024 you need to jump on

Steph Sandra — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:10:19 +0000

Do you feel as though you need a holiday to recover from the whirlwind of the silly season? Or perhaps, a motivation to get up to that early morning alarm? Well, 2024 has arrived, waving aside any excuses and urging you to dive into the exciting realm of travel planning, booking and of course, departing! Here are some of the top travel trends for 2024, according to travel agent, Stephanie Dent.

Wellness Travel

Wellness retreats are far from a new trend; however, many wellness-seeking travellers don’t want to spend their entire holiday in a resort, despite how beautiful it may be. People are searching for a perfect combination of wellness and culture.

Where? Sri Lanka- New luxury and wellness experiences are opening in Sri Lanka; however, Sri Lanka has not lost its heritage, and you can continue your wellness venture outside the doors of your accommodation. Discover the cultural and health benefits of freshly picked teas on a day trip to the tea-filled highlands. Go on hikes that take in these tea plantations and local villages and experience safaris to National Parks (such as Yala National Park), which are not to be missed. Yoga, breath work and reiki are plentiful in Sri Lanka, whether this be at your luxury hotel, or on the beach in a casual setting.

Tip- Make sure you try Ceyon tea which originates from Sri Lanka.

Sports Travel

With the Olympics and Paralympics this year, it’s no doubt going to be a huge year for sports tourism. The Olympics opening ceremony will be held on 26^th July, and the Paralympics will be held a month later on 28^th August. Paris 2024 will mark the first time in history that the Opening Ceremony of a Paralympic Games is held outside a stadium and instead stretches throughout the French capital.

Visser, Chairperson of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes Council, stated this will be “a historic Opening Ceremony on the most famous avenue in the world with the beauty of Paris all around them. Paris 2024 will be an amazing stage to celebrate Para sport to the world”.

Where? Paris – As if you need another excuse to visit the City of Light, savour a baguette in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower, explore the treasures of the Louvre or simply sit in a chic café, indulging in the art of watching the city unfold before you.

Tip: Don’t miss the Tour de France just a week before the Paris Games.

Intergenerational Travel

Intergenerational or multi-generational travel is when multiple generations travel together. An aging population in many countries means many families have multiple generations coexisting. This, aligned with families placing a high value on maintaining close family relationships means there is an increase in families wishing to travel together, allowing them to spend quality time and create shared memories.

Where? Cruises can be a great choice as they provide a diverse range of entertainment options, including kids and teen clubs, pools, waterslides, movie theatres, casinos, live shows, and shore excursions. Different dietary preferences and tastes can also be accommodated, with a variety of dining options for an extended family.

Tip: themed cruises allow families to choose a cruise that aligns with their shared passions such as the Disney Magic at Sea cruises and P&O’s Comedy Cruise. If beaches and cocktails are more your family’s style, try an island hopper cruise. (Talk to us for some cruise themed recommendations)!

'Working from home' Travel

Whilst I’m not encouraging leaving the country without telling your boss, there has been an increase in companies allowing flexible working arrangements including working while travelling (thanks, Covid)! Of course, there’s a downside to always having your working hat on while attempting to enjoy a holiday, but if this doubles my annual leave then I’m willing to make that small sacrifice!

Where? Anywhere with a reliable Wi-Fi connection! I was impressed with the speed and Wi-Fi connectivity in Iceland, despite the remote and isolated landscapes. Their government continues to make efforts to extend coverage to various remote regions of the country making this a perfect destination for the digital nomad.

Accessible Travel

More and more hotels, tour companies and airports are becoming increasingly accessible. Accessible travel ensures that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to enjoy services as those without disabilities. This not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also benefits an ageing population, elderly citizens, and young families by providing increased access to services. While we still have a long way to go, it’s great to see more locations on the inclusive map.

Recently The Drouin Family Hotel in my own small, country town took home the inaugural All Abilities Award by the Australian Hotels Association in 2023. The push for restaurants, accommodation, cruise liners and airlines to improve their accessibility will continue to be an important trend this year.

Where? Sydney is known for its accessible infrastructure and when I visited last month, I was impressed with their wheelchair-friendly public transport and attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Botanic Gardens as well as many lesser-known attractions including The Grounds of Alexandria and the Australian Museum. However, there’s more to accessibility than wheelchair/pram-friendly paths and toilets. Restaurants are now bringing in braille menus and apps such as See Me are currently under trial, which is designed to address barriers for people using public transport including signalling the bus driver. Furthermore, companies specialising in providing unique, multi-sensory adventures for the low-vision community such as Cocky Guides are ensuring 2024 will be the most inclusive year yet.

Remote and untouched travel

Many travellers are drawn to remote and untouched destinations for the adventure and thrill of exploration they hold. Rare and potentially endangered wildlife, undamaged landscapes as well as peace and tranquillity due to the lesser crowds are all on the cards in these remote destinations. Cultural immersion is also a contributing factor to why we seek untouched places and remote areas are far more likely to preserve their unique cultures and traditional ways of life.

Where? Papua New Guinea is known for its rich biodiversity, pristine natural beauty and variety of Indigenous culture that has been maintained for centuries. The country’s remote location has assisted in preserving its unique ecosystems and this makes it an appealing destination for travellers seeking adventure, true cultural experiences and of course untouched landscapes. Oh, and did I mention that Papua New Guinea is only a three-hour flight from Australia which is no doubt why 2024 bookings to this stunning destination have increased!

So, what are you waiting for? Be sure to jump on one (or more) of these travel trends for a memorable 2024 full of wanderlust and adventure.

P.S. A vital tip for all destinations (and particularly for remote places) PLEASE book travel insurance!

True at time of writing, please always check the official website for up to date information.

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Surviving that flight (without the upgrade)

Matt Jenkins — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 17:24:07 +0000

Navigating the ‘long haul’ flight without the allure of a free upgrade to a lie flat bed may seem daunting, but fear not. Having spent over a decade in the airline industry, both on the ground and in the air, Steph has gathered some survival tips. Ones that don’t involve upgrading to first class- a rarity unless you’ve gathered a lot of frequent flyer points or have friends in high places (quite literally).

Embrace your purchased seat

Your chosen seat is not just your place on the plane, it’s the hub of your inflight comfort. Research the aircraft features prior – some come with inflight Wi-Fi, some wider seats or recline, others quieter cabins. Seat Guru shows seat maps and is useful for comparisons, although always check the airline’s official website for the most up to date information. Seek insights from well travelled friends and your travel agent and consider purchasing an extra leg room seat if needed.

Strategise your route

Your destination and time constraints may influence your preferences on the way you get from home to holiday. Will you opt for a direct flight, or are you willing to consider a layover for a more budget friendly option? If you do have a long airport stopover, don’t fear, there is plenty to do at most major airports. Spas, salons, bars, pools, hotels, duty free shopping, ice skating, concerts and more – Seoul airport attractions

Explore stopover cities

If you dread the long flight, consider breaking it up with a stay in a connecting city. Some destinations even have free accommodation if you have a certain slip time between flights, check out- Emirates Connect. Singapore continues to remain one of my favourite ‘stopover’ destinations. With it’s blend of culture and modernity, friendly people and delish array of food, I’ll never say no to a few nights on route to Europe if time allows – Visit Singapore.

Check your passport well before you fly

Check (and recheck) the expiry date on your passport. Australia has a strict 6 month validity rule meaning you need minimum of 6 months left on your passport at all times. Passport validity.

While you’re at it, make sure your passport is not damaged – some countries are stricter than others, I have been denied entry to Indonesia with my Australian passport due to a very small tear (that I was actively travelling with and using into many other countries). Had I not also another passport with me, I wouldn’t have even been allowed to board the plane to leave Melbourne, let alone enter Indonesia.

Travel Apps & useful sites

SmartTraveller, Flight Aware, XE Currency and Google Translate are some of my personal favourites and I recommend these for anyone embarking on a journey. Smartraveller ensures safety with essential travel advice, FlightAware keeps you up to date with flights, XE simplifies even the most confusing currency conversions and Google Translate bridges those inevitable language barriers.

Snacks

Australia’s strict quarantine regulations might lead travellers to believe that bringing snacks on board is forbidden. However, passengers can indeed bring snacks with them during the flight, as long as they refrain from taking them off the plane upon arrival in the destination country. While not all countries enforce regulations as stringent as Australia’s, many have some form of quarantine rules. Fortunately, these guidelines don’t impede you from bringing your favourite snacks on the flight—a particularly valuable option for those traveling with children, dealing with food intolerances (or snack enthusiasts like myself). Keep in mind the restrictions on liquids, aerosols, and gels for international flights, so it’s advisable not to purchase drinks before clearing security.

Don’t lose your luggage

If you’re prone to losing important items or the your bag not showing up in your final destination – invest in an AirTag (or another tracking device). AirTags are invaluable for international travellers, offering a seamless way to keep track of essential items like luggage and passports so if they happen to be left behind, you’ll be able to track where they are much more efficiently than waiting on the airline or fellow passenger to find it! Several airlines have recently implemented their own tracking services for luggage.

Prepare for delays

Particularly post covid, there was a noticeable increase in flight delays which in my opinion is continuing to reduce as travel returns to the pre covid norm. While your arrival might align seamlessly with the schedule or even be ahead of time, the possibility of encountering a delay can happen. To ease the potential frustration, consider bringing your own entertainment, such as a book, iPad, Kindle, or a deck of cards. Although delays can be inconvenient, it’s important to recognise that airlines share your desire to adhere to schedules as the financial implications of delays are substantial for airlines.

As you plan or depart on your next journey, armed with these survival tips, may your flights be smooth, your destinations be captivating, and your memories be unforgettable! Please share with us your own flight survival strategies and let’s keep the adventures alive!

Steph

True at time of writing, please always check the airline’s official website for up to date information.

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