A Secret Shared
WHILE many would jealously guard their ``best kept secret'' status, Lord Howe Islanders are going to great lengths to share their home with an ever-widening audience.
Marking its 25th anniversary as a World Heritage listing, Lord Howe (pictured) has launched a new dedicated website pitched specifically at adventurers, romantics and families.
It is comprehensive guide to everything from accommodation to eateries and activities and contains information on Lord Howe's history and natural wonders.
One of the island's biggest assets is its easy accessibility, just two hours from Sydney.
Visitors can snorkel or SCUBA dive on the world's most southerly coral reef which is home to 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral, or they can walk through the lush and exotic vegetation which covers two thirds of the island.
If game-fishing is your thing, that's world-class, too.
Lord Howe is one of just a handful of places granted World Heritage status for its rare collection of plants, birds, marine life as well as its breathtaking beauty.
Conservation remains an integral part of life on the island and for the close knit resident community of about 300.
For further information, visit www.lordhoweisland.info
Off-Track Luxury
AS interest is Vietnam as the tourist ``find'' of the 21st century, operators are battling to keep coming up with something new to ensure the interest does not wane.
Indochina's luxury, off-the-beaten-track Victoria Hotels & Resorts (VHR) on the market with a new
``refuge of well-being'' in their re-branded Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa, a mountain chalet-style resort in Vietnam's remote north-west highlands.
``Spa Sapa blends traditional pampering and treatments with a design concept reflecting the culture of the minority hill-tribes for which the region is famed,'' general manager Ronan Bianchi says.
Opening in February, the new spa features eight single and four double massage rooms, an exclusive private room and an area dedicated to high-pressure water massage.
A feature of the property is a spectacular view of Vietnam's highest peak, Mount Fansipan (3143m), in the Hoang Lien Mountains close to the Chinese border.
Natural stone walls, local artefacts and traditional wooden bathtubs, and relaxation rooms are inspired by the local culture and traditions of more than 50 hill tribes in the cool, pristine region where treks and tours to minority villages and markets, as well as overnight home stays, are highlights of any visit.
The spa part of the operation is headed by Novi Era Larasati, whose brings with her extensive training and experience from the Mira Wellness Spa in Turkey.
Getting there is half the fun - an 380km overnight journey from Hanoi on the elegant Victoria Express Train.
Packages can include an overnight in an authentic minority tribe village.
Talk to your travel agent. |
