Month: June 2018

Oakridge Resort Wanaka, Accor Vacation Club Apartments

Timeshare travel review – Oakridge Resort Wanaka, Accor Vacation Club Apartments

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Many people rave about the spectacular destination that is Queenstown, but not too far away in the Queenstown Lakes district on Lake Wanaka awaits an equally amazing resort town, brimming with mountain vistas and activities crossing every season.

The idyllic South Island village of Wanaka is a year round destination that has appeal for those who love the great outdoors and seek a food and wine fuelled relaxation break away from it all.

Situated on the crystal clear waters of New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is an ideal spot to go fishing, hiking, skiing, wine tasting or golfing. In winter, the snow covered slopes of Treble Cone and Cardrona are close by for ski enthusiasts.

The city also hosts an annual event, ‘Warbirds Over Wanaka’, which is the largest three day air show in the Southern Hemisphere.

For some inspiration on all the major events and attractions not to miss, check out this fabulous and comprehensive list of things to do, and the 10 top reasons to visit Wanaka, courtesy of Wanaka Tourism.

We love the sound of Wanaka River Journeys, for a chance to enjoy the great outdoors with a jet boat adventure (to get your pulse racing!). Another fantastic way to immerse yourself in the wilderness, this time on foot, has to be a guided walk or hike to enjoy the mountains, glaciers and for a spot of Lord of the Rings location spotting along the way.

Pool view at Oakridge Resort Wanaka, Accor Vacation Club Apartments

When it’s time to turn in after a day of adventure  in the great outdoors, check into the Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka. Set in a stunning mountain landscape offering majestic views overlooking the Southern Alps in Wanaka, the resort presents Accor Vacation Club Members with a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments.

One-bedroom apartments can sleep up to four people and include a full kitchen, access to a communal laundry, one bathroom and individually controlled heating for the cooler months. The two-bedroom apartment option can sleep up to six guests, and also features heating and a kitchen, in addition to a convenient internal laundry, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms.

Beyond your apartment, the Oakridge Resort on Lake Wanaka offers two heated swimming pools, seven hot tubs, a 25 metre lap pool plus a gym and sauna.

Of course if pampering is an essential part of your holiday schedule, look no further than The Sanctuary Day Spa, located onsite at the resort. The spa offers a full range of massage and beauty treatments that you can check out here.

For local eats, Jacob’s Grill Restaurant and Bar is open for guests for breakfast and dinner seven days a week. The resort’s pool bar is also open daily from 3pm.

To plan your next holiday escape with Accor Vacation Club to explore the best of Otago and Wanaka in New Zealand, visit www.accorvacationclub.com.au

 

 

The information in this article is not personal financial advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.  Before making a decision to purchase or upgrade a membership in the Accor Vacation Club, you should consider the PDS dated 1 January 2017, issued by A.P.V.C. Ltd AFSL 245515 and available at www.accorvacationclub.com.au or by contacting A.P.V.C. Ltd on 1800 70 81 90. All hotel and cruise bookings are subject to availability.

Grand Mercure The Vintage Hunter Valley Accor Vacation Club Apartments

Styling up at Puka Park and the Hunter Valley

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In need of some winter holiday inspo? Accor Vacation Club has updated its apartments in two key locations, setting the scene for holiday fun during the cooler months.

 

Fire and wine make for hot nights in the Hunter this winter!

The Grand Mercure The Vintage, Accor Vacation Club Apartments has unveiled an elegant new refurbishment, with cosmetic updates and new features bound to impress.

Updated include a new wall-mounted TV, new artwork, a larger bathroom vanity and mirror, and a new sofa bed in the living room.

Fresh cabinetry joins modern accessories such as fresh scatter cushions, bed throws, curtains and bedside lamps while in the bathroom, guests can enjoy a new vanity and mirror.

Those visiting this season will of course notice the fabulous new electric fireplaces that have been installed – perfect thing to warm up to a perfect holiday in the Hunter Valley during the cooler months!

If the wine country beckons this winter, then this property is hard to go past, located against the backdrop of the Brokenback Ranges, and in short distance to great cellar door experiences and renowned wineries  that define destination Hunter Valley.

Accor Vacation Club’s stylish one and two bedroom fully furnished apartments offer first class luxury, a easy two hour drive from Sydney. The Grand Mercure The Vintage blends into the idyllic surrounds of the scenic countryside and is perfect for a relaxing getaway.

To take a look at the before and after photos of the room recent renovation, check out our recent Facebook post here

 

What’s ‘new’ in New Zealand?

Accor Vacation Club’s flagship North Island property, the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, has also completed a soft room refurbishment, introducing some new soft furnishings and accessories for Members to experience on their next visit.

Highlights of the update include new lamps and bed throws, plus painting where required to truly ‘freshen’ up the feel of the space for guests.

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort combines boutique elegance with retreat style tranquillity. It offers the ultimate environment for you to take time out to restore, indulge and completely relax.

Managed by Accor Vacation Club, Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is a secluded luxury lodge, set amidst 25 acres of New Zealand native bush, on Mt Pauanui in the Coromandel Peninsula. Only two hours drive from Auckland, the resort offers luxurious chalet accommodation, ideal for any season. Guests can spend the evening star-gazing on the private deck of the grand chalet in the treetops. There is also an award winning restaurant on site, Miha, for those who want to enjoy great dining in an unsurpassable location.

To check out our very first amateur images of Puka Park’s room update, just in, head to Accor Vacation Club’s page, or click on this link.

To plan your next holiday escape visit www.accorvacationclub.com.au

 

Multi generational travel with Accor Vacation Club

Talkin’ bout multi-generation (travel)

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So, it’s official. Multi-generational travel is THE top trend for 2018. Some might argue that holidays that include three or more generations – be it grandparents, parents, children and even cousins and uncles and aunts – have always been a popular option. However, the phenomenon was officially identified by tourism authorities as an emerging ‘travel trend in 2015, and has been on the up and up ever since.

If you don’t quite believe us, then a recent report from travel experts Virtuoso might convince you!

You can check out the full Forbes article here, which reports that, “Taking the kids — and even grandma with you — that’s the top travel trend for 2018, according to luxury travel network Virtuoso. It has revealed that the families continue to travel, in search of experiences that create closer bonds and lasting memories. Connecting with family through travel is one of 2018’s must-have experiences.”

Think back to your own childhood experiences. We bet some of the best (and the hilariously worst!) were spent with extended family! Accor Vacation Club is possibly ahead of the curve when it comes to the trend to take grandma, kids and cousins along for the trip.

Indeed, many Accor Vacation Club Members already use their memberships to take advantage of the great apartment accommodation on offer across the Club’s network to spend quality time with extend family regularly throughout the year.

Here are our top five reasons for jumping on board this trend – if you haven’t already.

 

  1. Getting serious about family time

Let’s face it. In our modern world, time is our most precious commodity, and spending it with the people that matter most to us should be a priority. We schedule work time, gym time, even me time – but what about time with extended family members? While social media, phone and email is a great way to stay in touch with those you love, nothing beats scheduling holidays together for actual face time and real contact. Seeing each other in the flesh, sharing a hug, conversation or just hearing each other laugh is the ultimate for creating memories based on shared experiences.

  1. Built in babysitters

For many parents juggling careers and family, grandparents have become more essential than ever to the family mix, lending a hand in the childcare stakes and for emotional support. That of course goes for time spent on holidays too. If a date night is hard to come by, then a multi-generational holiday offers a great opportunity for a mum and dad who have little chance to spend time together the perfect excuse for a mini-date escape. And let’s not forget the other relatives also on hand to keep a watchful eye on little ones, to give Nan and Pop a break too. A million memories are made from playing with cousins and that hilarious uncle or auntie who provide entertainment value for days!

  1. Sharing is caring

The beauty of bringing more family members along for the ride? There are more people to delegate to and collaborate with!  Sharing duties has to be one of the best perks of organising a holiday with an assortment of different family members involved. Cooking, cleaning, and even divvying up who is driving or researching different day trips can be a godsend. It means everyone can actually enjoy some time off, with each person bringing something different to the party. Collaborate and celebrate.

  1. Forging strong next-generation relationships

As we get older, we start to realise just how fragile life can be, and how important creating a legacy and establishing meaningful bonds truly is. Parents age. Children grow up quickly. Other family members move away as ‘life’ and new opportunities beckon. It’s so important not to wait until someone is sick and unwell, or until all your school and work commitments are completed, before planning that special holiday together. An annual trip is another brilliant way to ensure that special bonds are formed, encouraging a lifetime of love, support and of course a lust for travel with the people who know and (still) love you!

5. It’s FUN!

Ok, we admit it. Sometimes family time can be challenging. But in the scheme of things, holidays spent with family also represent some of the most rewarding and beautiful times you’ll ever have the privilege of enjoying. Embrace the crazy – and your family – and enjoy all the fun times that family travel represents.

To plan your next holiday escape visit www.accorvacationclub.com.au

 

The information in this article is not personal financial advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.  Before making a decision to purchase or upgrade a membership in the Accor Vacation Club, you should consider the PDS dated 1 January 2017, issued by A.P.V.C. Ltd AFSL 245515 and available at www.accorvacationclub.com.au or by contacting A.P.V.C. Ltd on 1800 70 81 90. All hotel and cruise bookings are subject to availability.

 

Eureka flag The Sebel Creswick Forest Resort

Timeshare travel review – The Sebel Creswick Forest Resort

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The Sebel Creswick Forest Resort is a fantastic place for a mini break beyond Melbourne, located just out of Ballarat and near gorgeous Daylesford. With a great choice of mountain biking trails, spa culture, golfing, pubs, restaurants and cafes on its doorstep, the destination is definitely one to lock in for an autumn or winter escape. Of course if you need more incentive to book a stay, then you’re in luck, with the property recently finishing a $145,000 refresh of its 18 apartments.

 

Step back in time

Located in the heart of Victoria’s gold rush country, Creswick, and its neighboring villages of Clunes, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, The Sebel Creswick is the launch pad for a whole range of amazing sightseeing, wellbeing and heritage tour options. While some might argue that the town’s most famous export is author Norman Lindsay – who wrote the iconic children’s book, The Magic Pudding – others would say that historically, gold is its enduring legacy.

While Lindsay’s artistic memory is kept alive with museums, parks and many buildings named after him in Creswick, the intoxicating gold rush era of the 1850 is never far from mind, with elegant, grand heritage architecture on display in most main streets. A beautiful reminder of the intense prosperity the gold rush represented for the region.

The Buried Rivers of Gold Heritage Trail is a self-guided driving tour worth doing, for a personal journey to uncover the amazing history of gold fever across land and local rivers. Booklets and maps are available for $2 at the Creswick Museum or the Creswick Visitor Information Centre and provide an insight into Creswick’s past and surrounds.

 

Spas and wellness

Before wellness holidays were ever a ‘thing’, Victoria was en trend and home to the hot spring holiday phenomenon for more than 150 years.  Offering Australia’s largest concentration of natural mineral springs, the twin spa towns of Daylesford and the Hepburn Springs are restorative, natural healing and wellness qualities that need to be experienced to be believed! Since 1895, that is exactly what travellers have done, and although swimming in the mineral rich Hepburn Pool is now advised against, you can still soak in the rejuvenating warm waters at a range of nearby professional spas, not least of all the historic Hepburn Bathhouse or delightful destination day spas at The Lakehouse or the Mineral Spa, to name a few.

If spa therapies, steam rooms, pools and aromatherapy aren’t your game, then head to the 30 acre Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve where an abundance of beautiful gardens and walks wait. The reserve is the perfect place for a picnic, and to fill up your empty water bottle with your choice of mineral waters from Australia’s first mineral reserve, created in 1865. Each spring tastes a little different as the composition of minerals varies – not exactly wine tasting, but a lot healthier for you most would say!

 

Did someone say wine?

Of course, if you have wine on your mind, Creswick is within easy driving distance to Ballarat, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges’ many wineries for those who want to trade spring water for a taste of the red, white and sparkling!

The region has a premium wine reputation, with many boutique wineries benefiting from the region’s low temperatures and yields. Popular varietals include pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay and sparkling wines. The 2018 Trip Advisor Excellence awarded Daylesford Wine Tours is a great way to explore local vineyards, without the need for a designated diver.

For traditional cider lovers, check out the Daylesford Cider Company to sample English-style, estate-grown apple brews at their best. Worth a visit in winter, with mulled cider by the fire a perfect way to warm up.

 

Golden golfing and a great yarn

For some, no holiday is complete without a round of golf. Fortunately, The Sebel Creswick Forest Resort is moments from the Creswick Golf Club. Designed by legendary course architect, Tony Cashmere, the 150 acre, international class course is set against a native bushland setting. Each nine holes has two five-par holes and two three-par holes, and is an impressive 6300 metre, championship length from the back tees.

After talking up your golf game, another type of yarn awaits at the Creswick Woollen Mills, a new tourism experience with a difference.  “A Very Fine Yarn” showcases the journey of fibre sourced direct from its source – alpacas! Be sure to arrive at Creswick Woollen Mills early in the day to make the most of your production-site visit, check out the beautiful products on offer or to simply stroll the picturesque grounds and see the mills’ resident alpacas up close.

To plan your next holiday escape visit www.accorvacationclub.com.au