Second tower for Atlantis Hotel

There’s literally thousands of great holiday deals going around this financially distraught world of ours presently. The following pars are extracted from some of the recent media releases which have landed in my inbox. I hope they’re useful to our readers. Here’s the disclaimer: the information is supplied by the operators, so I can’t vouch for their accuracy as I haven’t visited any of the facilities.

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The Best Western Atlantis Hotel (Melbourne, VIC) is opening a brand-new second tower to expand its existing hotel by 160 rooms. This expansion increases the property’s total number of rooms to 243 and will add many new luxury facilities including a 25-metre lap pool, a sauna, spa and a fully-equipped gym. The official opening was on July 1, making the Best Western Atlantis Hotel Melbourne’s newest hotel - conveniently located on Spencer Street, just a five-minute walk from the Crown Casino and Melbourne CBD. Rated four-star, the Best Western Atlantis Hotel features executive-style designer suites, most with sweeping views of the city or the Docklands, as well as onsite car parking and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Ideal for business or leisure travellers, the Best Western Atlantis Hotel also offers wireless internet and work desks, business facilities and an ideal location - just a short walk from Crown Casino and all Melbourne CBD attractions. For more information on the property or to book accommodation at the Best Western Atlantis Hotel, call 131 779 (from Australia), 0800 237 893 (from New Zealand) or log on to www.bestwestern.com.au/atlantis.

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Whales are on the house at The Byron at Byron this winter. Seasoned hoteliers Lyn and John Parche understand the value of world class natural assets. Joint General Managers of the celebrated Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, the Parches have managed resorts and hotels in all corners of the globe. They were headhunted by larrikin furniture baron Gerry Harvey to develop and run his luxury Byron Bay resort in 2004 and since that time have achieved accolade upon accolade, including The Australian annual Travel & Tourism Awards Best Resort Accommodation (under 100 rooms) and ‘Best Hosted Accommodation in Australia’ in the Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards. “When we first came to Byron Bay we were stunned by the beauty,” Lyn said. “The Northern Rivers is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery we have ever experienced. And the mix of alternate, surfing and personal reinvention cultures here means there is always lively debate, music and colour.” The Parches and their internationally experienced team have capitalised on these natural assets. The Byron at Byron offers intimate visits to the local farmers market with Head Chef Gavin Hughes, full and half day trips into the region’s hinterland villages and a restaurant serving local, seasonal and largely organic fare. Not to mention a complimentary daily yoga class for all resort guests. The combination has proven a winner, with celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Ben Harper, Moby, Barry Humphries, Pat Rafter, Bernard Fanning, Michael Klim, Kostya Tszyu, Tara Reid and John Mayer visiting the resort. During July and August The Byron at Byron is offering a complimentary Whale Watching Byron Bay adventure for two with every two night stay. Valued at $160 for two.

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There is no better time than the present to grab your kids and head to a BIG4 Holiday Parks in Victoria for a family getaway - with kids staying for just one cent (conditions apply) at Victorian BIG4 Holiday Parks until September 2009. And, if you're a BIG4 Member you will save even more on your winter escape - with all BIG4 Club Members still receiving up to 10 percent off the price of their accommodation. BIG4 Holiday Parks have facilities sure to keep the kids entertained for hours so your winter holiday is guaranteed to be a relaxing one. Nestle on your decking with a book while the kids spend hours playing on giant jumping castles, run amok in an adventure playground, or get out and about and enjoy some of the local attraction without the peak season queues. To book, go to big4.com.au or call participating BIG4 Victorian Parks direct quoting promotional code KIDS. Please visit BIG4 website for list of parks participating in this special offer.