REVIEW

Azerai La Residence is a majestic hotel representing Hue’s rich history and culture

By Kate Durack July 4, 2023

I had the privilege of visiting Azerai La Residence in Hue, Vietnam with my two children. The hotel is a majestic, colonial resort set on the iconic Perfume River, named by the scent of flowers falling into the water from local orchards.

Azerai is specially located on the French side of the Perfume River opposite the ancient Vietnamese palace which housed the last emperor. A tour of this ancient citadel was informative and worthwhile and easily accessible from the hotel.

The original art deco mansion was built in the 1930s and was home to the French Governor of Indochina. It was a popular centre for political and social events before being converted into a resort.

Azerai is a stately, charming residence insinuating royalty, and has been accommodated by many dignitaries including the Princess of Sweden and the Japanese emperor and his wife.

Entering the majestic driveway set the tone for early last century opulence.

High ceilings, native timber wooden floors, ambient lighting, colonial furniture and regal décor created an experience of stepping back in time to aristocratic lavishness.

There were many regions to explore – a lounge area providing complimentary all-day tea, coffee, juices, cakes and fresh fruits; a bar area; a gallery featuring paintings of each Vietnamese emperor; and a classy restaurant that served delicious meals, including a buffet breakfast of fresh pastries, fruits, and international and local cuisine.

The hotel grounds are expansive, encompassing 2.5 hectares of natural vegetation surrounding manicured, tropical gardens.

Overlooking the Perfume River, the saltwater swimming pool was magnificent and the deepest in Vietnam, offering red sunsets through the riverside palm trees.

The hotel was expanded in 2005 to include two additional wings housing 122 rooms and suites.

We stayed in a Deluxe River View room which featured a large private balcony overlooking the lush grounds, swimming pool and river.

It was spacious and the tasteful art deco furnishings were in keeping with the exquisiteness of the hotel. The main bedroom area comprised twin beds, a large TV and adequate wardrobe space including luxurious robes and slippers. There was a separate sitting area with a coffee machine, high-quality teas, fresh fruits and a minibar. A single bed was provided for my son in place of the couch.

The hotel felt very serene and private, a peaceful sanctuary away from the active city, yet was in close proximity to the lively nightlife and local tourist attractions.

The former, imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a special place to visit, rich with Vietnamese history and French influence. The French colonial architecture throughout the city provided a romantic backdrop to modern, bustling contemporary living.

The restaurants were amazing, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine.

The city has a thriving artistic community, with museums, historical tours and artisans showcasing their music and wares at evening markets. There were great opportunities to purchase original paintings, crafts and jewellery. The street food at the markets was sensational! Everything was on offer from frog legs to prawn and chicken kebabs freshly cooked on demand before our eyes, as well as the infamous Vietnamese rolled ice cream.

The hotel staff was amazing and very helpful. They arranged for a locum doctor to visit my room to inspect a wound and remove stitches I encountered while traveling.

I was also accompanied by the hotel accountant to the local bank where she helped translate and arrange funds transfer after I’d lost my credit card.

Azerai La Residence is a unique representation of the richness of the colonial and imperial history of Hue.

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REVIEW

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa is a boutique hotel set in a tropical oasis

By Kate Durack July 3, 2023

Hoi An was one of my favourite destinations in Vietnam and Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa, was a tropical oasis, offering luxury, peace and an authentic Vietnamese feel.

Hoi An is a fascinating ancient city, abundant with culture, the arts and shopping, including renowned tailor-made clothing options, which are quick, affordable and items made to measure. The nightly markets are vibrant and abuzz with activity.

In keeping with traditional Vietnamese architecture and style, this boutique hotel has a personalised signature, while maintaining high standards of luxury and modern commodities.

Victoria Hoi An is set perfectly between the ocean and a lagoon. The peaceful waterfront energy flows through the whole establishment.

Traditional natural elements construct the architecture with native timber, local vegetation and a stream flowing through the property, from the lobby to the pool area.

The spa facilities are excellent. There is free access to a bath steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and gym. Pampering services are also available.

We stayed in a Junior Suite Ocean View. Our room was exquisite with the ocean at our doorstep. We could hear the waves rolling onto the rocks at night and enjoy an un-spoilt sunset from the comfort of our own private balcony. It was private, serene and so peaceful.

We were greeted by a special ice-cold drink of lemongrass, ginger and dragonfruit.

Our accommodation was so spacious – a large living space with a couch, large TV, beds and another room with a traditional tea setting. There was an outdoor shower contained within our premises and the bathroom was glorious – a large bathtub and separate vanity area. The toilet was separate.

The swimming pool was magnificent, ocean set and surrounded by palm trees. There was bar and poolside service so readily available and the margarita was delicious. I liked the intimacy of this hotel. I met new people from all over the world and my kids made new friends in the pool.

The hotel also had a private beach.

The buffet breakfast was lovely, with a wide array of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, pastries, cereals and hot Vietnamese and Western dishes.

A twice-daily free bus shuttle to Hoi An city centre was provided as well as private tours to local natural and historical attractions such as Marble Mountain and pagodas.

It provided bicycles free for guest use to peddle into the city centre and options to tour the countryside and locally-grown produce on a motorbike sidecar.

The hotel also offered recreational watersports opportunities including sailing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and boat excursions.

The staff was exceptional. I made the mistake of losing my credit card in the neighbouring city of Danang and fortunately, a lovely man found it and tracked me down to return it. The hotel staff liaised with him and a local driver, providing a much-appreciated translation conduit, taking care of arrangements to have it delivered to me.

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REVIEW

Novotel prime beachside location in Nha Trang, Vietnam

By Kate Durack July 2, 2023

My children and I recently stayed at the Novotel in Nha Trang, which is a top pick for gorgeous ocean views and beach access. It offers prime residence in the hub of the energetic tourist resort.

Nha Trang is a 6.5-hour car ride from Ho Chi Minh City, however, we enjoyed a short one-hour plane flight which was inexpensive at just under $100 per head.

Situated in the heart of the city, the Novotel is fantastically located, downtown within short walking distance of evening markets, restaurants and bars. It is also conveniently located to museums, pagodas, scuba diving and golf.

Novotel Nha Trang has its own private beach, with glorious views of islands and sweeping white sands, lined with palm trees. Nha Trang beach was voted one of the 29 best bays in the world. The hotel offers island tours including boat rides to the Disneyland-like amusement park on Vinpearl Island.

The beach was a favourite hangout with bars and restaurants down on the sand. The water was magnificent – clean and warm with decent waves for swimming. The hotel provides free beach loungers.

We stayed in a family room that was comfortable and clean, with a King Size bed and bunks. The bathroom was spacious and included a shower and bath. There were fresh fruits, delicious cakes, and cute towel animal creations awaiting our arrival.

Delicious fruit and sweets awaiting our arrival.

We had a private balcony that offered impressive views of the majestic coastline, which lit up at nighttime.

The hotel’s room service offered an appetising menu and the freshly-cooked food was delivered quickly. All-round, the housekeeping was excellent.

Also with ocean views, was a clean, sparkling outdoor swimming pool with bar service.

The buffet breakfast was extensive with a range of international cuisine from exotic Vietnamese street food to sushi and traditional Western fare. Fresh fruits, juices and pastries were plentiful.

The hotel also included a classy spa as well as a gym and fitness centre.

The staff was lovely and informative about local services, which was helpful given English speaking was limited elsewhere.

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TRAVEL

Singapore an easy, fun travel destination for families

By Kate Durack July 2, 2023

I recently explored Singapore with my children for the first time and found it to be such an easy, accessible and enjoyable place for families.

A five-hour direct flight from Perth, in the same time zone, and predominantly English speaking, makes it very convenient for a quick and stress-free getaway.

We flew with Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget carrier and, despite reading incriminating reviews, the experience was pleasant. Although our flight was delayed several times, they offered us a meal voucher for $30/head. The flight was comfortable and professional with lovely staff.

We spent five days in Singapore which was adequate to explore the city’s sights and tourist peaks. We didn’t shop as were on-route to Vietnam and only had carry-on luggage. Although, the quality and range of fine-quality clothing were plentiful, but not cheap and on par with Australian prices.

I loved the warm, tropical climate of Singapore, and was surprised by the omnipresence of green, lush vegetation in a bustling international city. It was extremely clean and pleasant to walk through.

The city is so easy to get around. Communication was stress-free, English speaking and services top-notch – from the taxi drivers, or Grab (the Asian Uber equivalent car service), to retail staff and in the hotels.

The Singaporeans and overall energy of the city were relaxed and welcoming; which was surprising given its high density and large population of 5.45 million over a mere 758 km2, compared with Perth’s 2 million people over 6.4 square kilometres.

It was apparent why Singapore Airport was voted the world’s best. It has several tropical gardens, including a butterfly garden, as well as a robotic train that commutes between terminals, and check-in was seamless. High-end shopping was plentiful and food options ranged from Burger King to Singaporean street food.

We stayed three nights at the Pan Pacific Singapore which was a very modern 5-star resort with excellent amenities, including multiple dining options, and a warm, large swimming pool. The hotel’s breakfast and dinner buffets at Edge offered variety and flavours beyond what I had experienced. The Pan Pacific has a fantastic location – within walking distance of the Esplanade and popular Marina Wharf. And the staff service was exceptional.

On our first day, we walked from the Pan Pacific hotel to the Gardens by the Bay, which was a lush sanctuary of 101 hectares in the heart of the city. Set on the banks of Marina Bay, there were many aspects to explore in among the diverse flora, including winding pathways, majestic tall trees, a children’s playground and a community vegetable patch. My kids enjoyed tinkering on the top-nick piano. I was surprised to see no vandalism or abuse of these free available services.

Gardens by the Bay Singapore — Gardens by the Bay

Adjacent to the Gardens by the Bay, was the exclusive and massive The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – a mall of luxury brands such as Gucci, Versace, Tiffanys, Chanel and Prada. It featured a waterway, with boats traversing a seemingly endless array of shops. The futuristic architecture along the Esplanade was impressive, including standalone buildings for Apple and Louis Vuitton.

We spent two delightful nights in the opulent Shangri-La Singapore’s Valley Wing, which, set close to the shopping and dining hub of Orchard Road, was a luxurious treat. Built in 1971, this was the world’s original Shangri-La, and maintained its olde-worlde charm and glamour. The personalised service created a very welcoming feeling. The décor, ambiance and sparkling feel of the exclusive wing was a special experience away from the hubbub of the city. This hotel is in the top five places I’ve stayed worldwide.

Siberian tiger — White Bengal tiger in Singapore Zoo

Red panda — Golden-headed lion tamarin in River Wonders

We visited the famous Singapore Zoo. Set in a rainforest environment, the main zoo featured 4200 animals over 1 zones including Australasia, Africa, China and a Fragile Forest housing lemurs and sloths. We meandered along the flourishing trails admiring the vegetation as much as the animals. The kids were excited to see a Siberian tiger, a red panda, a chameleon and naked mole rats. The zoo also provided complimentary tram rides. Feeding sessions are on offer with animals such as giraffes and zebras, as well as animal shows with elephants in the presentation of Elephants of Asia and sea lions in the Splash Safari. There was also an Amazon River Quest boat ride featuring leopards in River Wonders.

The zoo had two additional parks – a SEA Aquarium showcasing 100,000 animals including sharks, manatees (Sea Cows) and giant otters, and the Night Safari featured nocturnal animals such as the Big Cats, owls and porcupines.

I was hospitalised in Singapore as a result of an unfortunate accident, so can attest to the exceptional medical standards. Communication was effortless, treatment immediate and hotel staff accompanied me to the medical centres to provide personal support, which was unnecessary as the medical teams were extraordinarily diligent.

Throughout Singapore, I only experienced respect, cleanliness, and a free flow of traffic and order.

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REVIEW

Shangri-La Singapore is a sanctuary of old-world glamour and luxury, while catering well to families

By Kate Durack June 28, 2023

A luxurious stay at the glamorous Shangri-La was a highlight for my children and me while visiting Singapore recently. This was among the most refined, exquisite hotels I’ve encountered while travelling abroad.

Opened in 1971, it was the original Shangri-La. There are now more than 90 deluxe Shangri-La hotels and resorts worldwide.

The hotel is set in the heart of the city next to the popular dining and shopping hub, Orchard Road. Yet, its 15 acres in lush gardens make it feel like a resort, removed from the hustle and bustle.

What made this establishment particularly charming was the classic colonial décor – high ceilings, chandeliers, olde world furniture and luxurious ambience. Decadence and Class with impeccable service.

We were fortunate to stay in the Valley Wing, which offered a sanctuary of elegance and opulence. It is an exclusive part of the original hotel, and preferred accommodation for many international heads of state, executive leaders and discerning luxury travelers.

The Wing features 26 suites which offer a personalised butler service and are accessible by a private entrance and elevator, as well as other special benefits including access to the Business Lounge and private dining spaces.

I was able to check in privately, in the comfort of our 47sqm Valley Wing Deluxe Room. A personalised bottle of red wine, fruits, handmade chocolates and other delicacies awaited our arrival.

Our room was spacious, featuring elegant décor and furniture, lavish linen, a Wedgewood dinner set, a coffee machine, a selection of fine teas and coffee and a large LCD TV with satellite channels.

We enjoyed extensive views of the lush grounds and huge, sparkling swimming pool.

The marble-clad bathroom was exquisite – very spacious, with a bathtub, separate shower, double sinks, ambient lighting and quality L’occitane toiletries. My daughter took a couple of moisturisers and shampoo as a souvenir!

The bathrobes were thick and fluffy, as were the towels, which were plentiful. Not a bare thread in sight. There was also a complimentary ironing service.

The West Valley Wing included many special benefits including access to the exclusive lounge, where smart casual dress was required – pyjamas, bathrobes, swimwear, open-toe footwear, room slippers and sleeveless shirts (for Gentlemen) are not permitted at the Summit Room and the Champagne Bar.

A particular treat was the free-flowing Veuve and cocktails paired with delectable canapes offered at the evening cocktail sessions held at the Champagne Bar and lounge.

The lounge offered complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee from noon until 10.30pm. High tea was also included daily.

We were treated to a picnic in the tropical landscaped grounds, which included a generous assortment of delicious crab sandwiches, pastries, fresh and dried fruits, cheeses, cured meats, salads, calamari rings and more.

Buffet dinner at The Line was extensive, offering a smorgasbord of international cuisine ranging from Indian to Middle Eastern, Japanese, Chinese and Western.

The West Valley Wing offered a la carte breakfast at the exclusive The Summit or buffet breakfast at The Line, with fresh ingredients and a wide selection multiple fruits, juices, pastries, traditional western hot breakfast and exotic Asian hot dishes.

The hotel had two swimming pools including a children’s water playground, Splash, which encompasses 1,300 square metres with six unique water play areas. The main pool was huge, clean and a comfortable temperature – not too cold! There was also a large jacuzzi.

The hotel caters very well to families, offering themed family suites and deluxe family rooms, as well as a dedicated family concierge. There is also a Family Pantry that provides childcare amenities, furniture such as high chairs, strollers, and equipment for changing, bathing and feeding.

Aside from the luxury and timeless charm of the Shangri-La, a standout was the exceptional service offered by the staff. They were extremely accommodating, helpful, warm and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble.

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REVIEW

A fun-filled and easy road trip for Perth families

By Kate Durack August 25, 2022

My 14 and 10 year old kids and I recently had a fabulous road trip locally near Perth, Western Australia, taking advantage of wonderful properties offered through Hipcamp.

We ventured for eight days total, including three days north to Woodbridge and then south to Dunsborough, and on to Preston Valley. Despite being a WA native, I was surprised how vastly the landscape and experience can change within such close proximity to Perth.

The Hipcamp properties were well-facilitated and appealing and presented an interesting mix of fun, adventure, relaxation and treasured family time. And, we had plenty to explore in the various regions! Hipcamp is a fantastic service offering properties for tent and caravan camping, glamping and self-contained accommodation, which can be booked online.

I didn’t want to travel too far from home these last school holidays, so utitlising Hipcamp properties was ideal. We packed up our uggs, hoodies, firelighters and marshmallows, and headed north, only 50 minutes from our home in Perth’s northern suburbs, to the peaceful locale of Woodridge.

A magnificent Joey Expanda caravan was all set up for us on arrival thanks to Camplify. It was very spacious with double beds which expanded at both ends of the van. It included a fully functioning kitchen, shower, toilet and heating! The Joey Expanda is very spacious and ideal for a family, including big kids such as my teenage and tween-aged children.

There were bunk beds which converted to a second sitting area with a table and the main dining seating also converted into a large bed, which was great to snuggle up and watch movies.

We stayed at the peaceful Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air property in Woodridge which really did live up to its name. Surrounded by local bush, we felt like we shared the property only with the birds. The kids enjoyed the pool table and table tennis at the main residence, which was open to campers and backpackers, and there was a sparkling pool, which would have been inviting in warmer months. The gardens were lovely.

Hipcamp, Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air, Woodbridge

The property was very relaxing and well-appointed with a hot shower, clean toilet and a few hammocks scattered among the gum trees. There was also a boxing bag hanging from a tree which was good for the kids to let off some energy.

We went for some long walks and I went for a couple of peaceful runs, and we took the hire canoes down to the river which was good fun.

Luke, the property manager, set up a roaring campsite fire for us on the first night and the kids loved roasting marshmallows.

The service offered by Camplify was fantastic, as it meant no towing of a caravan and it was all set up for me upon arrival! Kev from KPI Caravan Hire had set the van up on behalf of Camplify and he was at the property on arrival to answer any questions I had about the caravan and show me its functions and answer any questions I had about the caravan.

Kev’s caravan even included a portable BBQ and camping chairs, plus some TimTams and a coffee machine with coffee pods and milk which I thought was a nice touch. It was all very easy and appealing, even for an inexperienced camper and busy single mum!

Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air was easily accessible from the Brand Highway and a short drive to Guilderton and Seabird.

During our days, we enjoyed a relaxing seafood lunch at the Seabird Tavern and explored the Moore River at Guilderton.

On our last night at the property, the super friendly and helpful owner of Serenity property, Liz, surprised us with some delicious cocktails to enjoy by a bonfire.

Day Four, we packed up and headed south to Dunsborough where we enjoyed a different, but equally refreshing, experience.

Hipcamp, Man Cave, Quenda's Rest, Dunsborough — Hipcamp, Man Cave, Quenda’s Rest, Dunsborough

We stayed at Quenda’s Rest, Quindalup. My kids loved this Man Cave! It was stylishly decorated with plenty to keep teenagers stimulated including a pool table, table tennis table, darts, record player and a Smart TV.

The property sleeps six and was very comfortable and well-facilitated, with a queen-sized bed and sofa on the mezzanine and sofas on the ground floor, one which converts to a comfortable bed. The coffee machine made delicious coffee!

Hipcamp Quenda's Rest, Quindalup — Hipcamp Quenda’s Rest, Quindalup

Quenda’s Rest has everything you need, including a spacious, full kitchen, bathroom, linen and laundry, with washing machine and dryer. There was a BBQ too.

The property is set on the river and provides canoes for visitors.

We spent three days at the delightful Quenda’s Rest, which is just three km from Dunsborough, exploring the local tourist attractions, dining out at elegant breweries and walking by the sea.

We explored the Dunsborough-Margaret River region with a self-guided Coast to Coast walk, delicious lunch at a local brewery and mandatory visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory for some chocolate sampling.

We packed up and called into one of our favourite ice creams spots, Simmo’s Ice Creamery, before heading 20km east of Donnybrook for our next fun-filled adventure – the Kamarang Eco Cabin for a nature-enriched experience in the Preston River Valley.

Also offered by Hipcamp, Kamarang is a delightful, serene and peaceful 100-acre property, which is set down a windy little dirt road in the forest. Only 2.5 hours from Perth, Kambarang is also the home to Cycletrek, a well-developed 10km cycle track for the mountain-biking aficionados. The kids and I were able to borrow bikes provided by the owners and try out the challenging tracks!

Kambarang Eco Cabin is cosy, comfortable and ideal for recharging the batteries. It is off-the-grid, fully serviced and has delicious rain water and a wood pot belly. The beds are super comfortable, with a queen size bed upstairs in the loft which looks out to the treetops and two single beds downstairs.

The Donnybrook-Balingup region is so picturesque, with its rolling hills, streams and abundance of forest.

We visited Gnomesville, which is 30 minutes from Donnybrook. It houses thousands of gnomes contributed to by people like us, just passing through. I found this a surprisingly fun thing to explore with the kids; it was interesting to see how creative people have been in helping to create this village of gnomes in the Ferguson Valley.

With the help of Hipcamp and Camplify, this was a stimulating, fun and relaxing holiday, not to mention affordable and very easy to navigate. I felt like we reconnected as a family and came back home recharged and reinvigorated.

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Broadwater Resort Busselton – an ideal holiday destination for families

By Kate Durack March 25, 2022

Set on the white sands and pristine, crystal waters of Geographe Bay, Broadwater Resort in Busselton is perfect for a family getaway.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful mini-break with my 13 year old daughter and 10 year old son at Broadwater Resort in Busselton. It is especially well facilitated for families with young or older children.

The resort is exceptionally well appointed, making it a home away from home for families, both around the grounds and in the accommodation itself. And, there is so much to do!

There are lovely, tranquil gardens throughout the hotel which contribute to a tropical, ‘holiday’ feel. There are free barbeques on the grounds too by the pool which is are so suitable for families.

The pools are fantastic! The outdoor pool is spacious and free form, set in tranquil, leafy gardens, so lovely to sit by and relax with a book. And for those of us who prefer warmer water for swimming, the indoor pool is ideal. It’s large and very clean. There is also a jacuzzi which is delightful.

There are free bbqs for tenants’ use situated by the pool and the complex was very secure, fully fenced with security tag access.

There are multiple tennis courts for visitor use and the hotel supplies racquets and balls which provided more opportunity for us all to burn off some energy and have some fun.

There is also a games room with pool table and video games, which is great for teenagers. There is a large park and playground between the hotel and beach which is ideal for children.

The accommodation was ideal for families. We stayed in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom self-serviced apartment which was spacious and included a generous balcony and outdoor setting facing the ocean.
The rooms were exceptionally well appointed, containing everything from from crockery to pots and pans, a microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, and more, which really does add to the convenience when holidaying with a family.

Sometimes, with children, it’s much more comfortable relaxing in the comfort of our own space, with a homemade pizza and movie, than dragging them out when they’re tired or ratty.

We enjoyed a balanced mix of our own in-house food, take-away and restaurant fare.

There was a large TV with WiFi access so we could enjoy some Netflix movies as a family. The hotel also offers guests access to its large movie library and games, and even gifted us popcorn!

The hotel is in an idyllic location, set on the white sands and pristine crystal waters of Geographe Bay. We would walk through the hotel gate exit, through the park and directly onto the beach, which was very safe and suitable for young children. The setting was postcard perfect, with clean, white sand and sparkling, clear, turquoise water.

There is a cycle pathway along the shoreline so we could ride into the Busselton township.

There is a small local shopping centre within walking distance to the hotel which is very convenient. This housed a small supermarket, chemist and some take-away outlets, including fish and chips which we enjoyed one evening on the spacious balcony of our hotel apartment.

The location is very convenient with handy access to all the tourist treasures of the South West – wineries, breweries, chocolate and cheese factories, animal farms and many more activities to entertain both children and adults.

I highly recommend eating at Tonic by the Bay – the hotel’s onsite restaurant and bar. The food was superb.
We sampled a few dishes over several nights including pizzas, which were delicious. My son has developed a penchant for seafood after relishing the octopus with romesco and burnt tomato salsa. The short beef ribs with porcini cream and pickled radish were exquisite while Broccolini with roasted cashews and confit garlic renewed the kids’ appreciation of vegetables! We indulged in three Michelinesque desserts, which were exquisite.

I took full advantage of the local, internationally-renowned wines, including a local shiraz and rose.

The restaurant/bar area has lots of live entertainment too and a great friendly buzz, which is great to be able to pop over from our accommodation, without having to worry about driving or parking. There is an adjacent playground neighbouring the Broadwater property.

The Broadwater Resort in Busselton really does cater so well for families, with convenience and comfort. The staff are lovely too – helpful, friendly and relaxed. It’s a wonderful option for families to visit with a weekend or longer.

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TRAVEL

Movenpick Resort and Spa: an ideal family holiday choice

By Kate Durack February 4, 2020

Movenpick Resort and Spa in Phuket ticks all the boxes for a satisfying and enjoyable family holiday.

Set in the family-oriented precinct of Karon Beach, Movenpick Resort and Spa is a wonderful choice for families holidaying in Phuket and is one of my favourite resorts to go with children.

The location is ideal, with a beautiful beach, and many dining, shopping and entertainment options, all within close walking distance.

The hotel caters for all families’ needs with a Kids Club, four swimming pools and six fantastic restaurants offering a very high standard of food.

Additionally, the resort provides daily water activities and a complimentary Chocolate Hour – A Movenpick original feature – which includes a selection of chocolate sweets and treats.

The standard of accommodation is exceptional.

We stayed in a Two Bedroom Family Suite which was perfect for a family, set amongst the lovely tropical gardens and very closely situated to the main family pool area. In fact, it was the best hotel accommodation in which I have experienced with my two children – so spacious, well facilitated and in a great position opposite the Little Birds Kids Club.

It has a large screen TV in the family area and in each of the bedrooms, which includes a good range of family-friendly channels, including Nickelodeon.

We were able to use the hotel’s X Box too which the kids enjoyed and suited me when I felt like an afternoon siesta.

This accommodation is massive with a large living space, adjoining bunkbed bedroom, a King and Twin bedroom, each with their own generous en-suites.

This space easily accommodates a family of six. It has three mini bars which all included complimentary tea and coffee facilities

The family style accommodation is positioned close to the The Little Birds Kids Club, for children aged 4 to 12, which offers many creative and stimulating activities for the children including soap making, candle making, tie dyed t-shirt creating.

We spent many hours relaxing around the fabulous main family pool area, which features a large free form swimming pool, swim up bar and water slide, as well as daily water activities.

There are an additional three public pools on site and some private accommodation offers its own plunge pools.

Movenpick Resort and Spa has six fantastic restaurants which serve amazing cuisine across a variety of International styles ranging from Thai to Brazilian.

We enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast each morning which included a large variety of international cuisine at Pacifica, which also offered a-la-carte Thai and western lunch and dinner.

OrientAsia serves the most scrumptious Thai food, as well as an array of other Asian fare. It was fresh and delicious, and the décor was tasteful and authentically Thai, creating a delicious local experience.

The hotel’s Mint restaurant offers a cool, fun, evening vibe with lots of yummy share plates, oven baked pizzas and refreshing cocktails, in an alfresco balmy setting opposite the beach.

My favourite dining option I experienced while in Phuket, was at El Gaucho Restaurant – Movenpick’s Brazilian restaurant, which offers churrasco – where we were able to choose from a succulent selection of grilled prime cuts, served straight from a skewer at our table. It was a fun and special experience, and the meat was cooked perfectly.

Another unique feature offered at Movenpick is the Chocolate Fondue experience at Café Studio. I have never encountered an experience like it. It was creative and extensive, including a large range of fruits and baked treats with melted chocolate and Movenpick’s own signature ice-cream. It has to be tried to be believed!

The Spa at the resort is very special. Aromatic oils, gentle music and comfortable furnishings create a soothing ambience and my Thai massage was exquisite!

The staff at Movenpick are delightful – warm, friendly and helpful. Staying at this resort was a wonderful experience for me and my children.

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TRAVEL

Family first at JW Marriott Phuket

By Kate Durack February 4, 2020

JW Marriott in Phuket is a fantastic choice for a family holiday, offering a magnitude of activities and dining experiences, all to a five-star standard.

JW Marriott in Phuket is set on Mai Khao Beach, which provides a fresh, ocean breeze throughout the grounds of the hotel, and is ideal for walking along its long stretch of sand.

The resort is exceptionally well-facilitated with six restaurants, a large gym, spa, three swimming pools and a huge array of activities on offer.

A highlight for my children and myself was a personalised cooking class offered by a top Thai chef at the hotel’s Ginja Cook Cooking School.

We made juicy, delicious, prawn cakes, a fresh and spicy chicken noodle salad and warm, rich duck red curry. It was fun and a feast, while learning some useful culinary skills.

We also visited the local fresh food markets with the chef, which was novel and educational, as we learnt about local ingredients and cooking techniques

The kids club hosts many activities; my children’s favourite included tie dying t-shirts and a pirate treasure hunt in which they followed a map around the hotel locating lollies.

The hotel offers a large range of accommodation styles, with classy and attractive furnishings and décor throughout.

We stayed in a Deluxe Terrace room, which is one of the smaller accommodation options on offer, and it was ample for me and two children. I slept in the King bed and they slept on a Queen size futon which was converted from a sofa children’s sitting area.

The range of health and wellness activities on offer was particularly impressive. My 11-year-old daughter and I did a singing bowl meditation class which was a good way to de-stress, bond and nurture ourselves.

JW Marriott Phuket has created some appealing Wellness Packages, some of which are tailored specifically for families.

The food at all the restaurants was excellent. My personal favourite was Ginja Taste, at which I enjoyed the best Thai food I’ve ever had, with the soft-shell crab the best dish. The menu and range of flavours offered at this restaurant was expansive.

The Kabuki Japanese restaurant was a total hit with the kids! It offered an entertaining Japanese Cuisine Theatre experience – complete with a chef doing a personalised Teppanyaki-style – live cooking show for us, which was humorous and animated. The food was fresh, delicious and plentiful.

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TRAVEL

The Hyatt Regency

By Kate Durack February 4, 2020

The Hyatt Regency in Phuket is a stylish, beachfront resort in Kamala Beach.

Classy experience at the Hyatt Regency

“In fitting with the sleek, upmarket look and feel of the Hyatt Regency hotel, the accommodation was modern and stylish.”

The Hyatt Regency is a high-quality resort offering an exceptional standard of accommodation, food and service. The design is very modern and stylish, offering a luxurious experience.

It is beachfront, offering expansive, uninterrupted ocean views from all vantage points throughout the premises.

The hotel is well situated for relaxation, in the peaceful setting of Kamala Beach, yet is close enough to Patong (10km) for those who want to take advantage of the popular shopping or nightlife on offer.

In fitting with the sleek, upmarket look and feel of the Hyatt Regency hotel throughout, the accommodation is also modern and stylish.

We stayed in a Two-bedroom Regency Suite, which is contemporary and very spacious. It includes a King Bedroom, a Twin bedroom, lounge/dining area, and huge balcony with outdoor dining/living space and ocean views. This is ideal for a family of four, with loads of space in its 97 square metre floor plan.

A favourite part of our Hyatt Regency experience was access to the Regency Club, which offers complimentary breakfast, drinks and delectable cocktail hour, inclusive of a plentiful spread of delicious cocktail food and refreshing drinks.

The Regency Club also has an infinity pool, which was lovely to enjoy while watching the sunset with a glass of wine and appetizer.

And positioned close and handy to the Club is the hotel’s Kids Club, enabling parents quality adult time to enjoy the Regency Club or the nearby Sunset Grill restaurant, which offers fine BBQ grilled steak or fresh local seafood, in a romantic setting, also with full uninterrupted views of the ocean at sunset.

The pool area is huge, and complete with a bar setting and large restaurant very close by.

The buffet breakfast is of a high quality, offering a huge assortment of Western and Eastern fare, ranging from cakes and pastries to curries and dumplings.

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/thailand/hyatt-regency-phuket-resort/phuhr/rooms

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