What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 24 August 2015

Welcome to another week and whilst we are not suggesting that you need any thing to do with Rodgers and Hammerstein, (look them up if you are too young to remember who they are), you will need your passport as we prepare to go long haul as our look at new hotels continues, this time in the South Pacific.

So with our bags packed we head off initially to the new Vibe Hotel Marysville which is just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Part of the TFE Hotels Group, the new Vibe Hotel offers a stylish, contemporary hotel to relax and discover one of Australia’s most beautiful regions.

Tucked away in the forested foothills of Victoria’s Great Dividing Range, Marysville has long been a favourite getaway destination thanks to its tranquil riverside location, culinary delights, wonderful scenery and outdoor adventures. The Vibe Hotel Marysville is inspired by its natural surroundings, and you will be too. From the local art, spectacular views of the Yarra Ranges National Park and Cathedral Ranges right through to the superb Radius Bar & Grill featuring premium locally sourced produce and a menu designed by Executive Chef Leigh Colville.

Guest rooms are comfortable and modern, the business facilities are well-equipped. Recharge or refresh in the wellness area, or explore the local area – the Vibe Hosts will be happy to share their local knowledge.

But what is also great about this hotel is that it has a massive capacity for Events with flexible, functional floor space for up to 480 guests with naturally light-filled with floor to ceiling glass windows and state of the art audio visual technology and complimentary high speed internet. A must we feel these days for events.

 

From there we head to off to Lizard Island. Cyclone Ita devastated this petite Great Barrier Reef island when it hit in April 2014 and some 12 months on, and following a massive rebuild and remodeling effort, the isle and its resort have a rather special resort now up and running.

Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. With 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites, it is the most northern resort in tropical Queensland and is located directly on the Great Barrier Reef. 

A National Park covering 1,013 hectares with 24 sandy beaches and a lagoon, Lizard Island is accessible only by private charter from Cairns Airport in northern Queensland, Australia. Cairns Airport is accessible from all major Australian airports and directly from some cities in Asia.

The island is reserved for the fortunate few who will experience an unforgettable holiday like no other. Enjoy secluded picnics and sunset beach dining on private beaches, five star cuisine in the beautiful Salt Water restaurant and indulgent spa treatments in the Essentia Day Spa. Relax in style in premium accommodation and take in the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – right on your doorstep.

Whilst it's not really set up for meetings, if you can afford to go there and take the resort over, then you can probably do anything you like there! 

From here we move to Capri by Fraser in Brisbane which is Urban inspired. High tech. Intuitive. The Capri by Fraser, Brisbane hotel residence offers guests the freedom to choose how and when you want to work, live and play.

An effortlessly stylish and vibrant hotel residence designed by award-winning Ministry Of Design, Capri by Fraser, Brisbane brings a touch of the rainforest to an inner city development featuring living vertical gardens, trendy art installations, and restaurant featuring fresh and nutritious menus designed by Chef Pete Evans.The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Brisbane CBD within walking distance to Queen Street Mall shopping, City Botanical Gardens, and riverside dining at Eagle Street Pier.

It's pretty well set up for Meetings too and is well-equipped for business presentations, and events in Brisbane, as the hotel offers thoughtfully designed event spaces complete with free + fast WiFi and the latest integrated audio visual capabilities.

Showcasing an abundance of natural light and leafy outlook, The Pod is a versatile function space that can cater for up to 150 guests. For a contemporary styled boardroom, the Pow-Wow is an ideal place for small meetings and private dinners.

Well-known chef and paleo ambassador Pete Evans has partnered with Capri by Fraser, Brisbane to design thoughtfully constructed catering menus allowing delegates to enjoy a variety of fresh and delicious selections with paleo inspired dishes and an emphasis on high quality, seasonal and local produce.

Looking ahead to next year, leading Australian accommodation provider, Mantra Group, will manage the five-star hotel within the new M Docklands development set to open in 2016. The 68-room apartment hotel will operate under the group's luxury Peppers brand and will be known as Peppers Docklands Melbourne. We'll keep you posted about this one!

And just a short hop away, the Sofitel So Hotel is also almost open for business in Auckland. The Sofitel So Auckland, the fourth of the So brand, will be smack in the middle of the central business district, putting visitors within close proximity to everything the Kiwi metropolis has to offer. Setting up shop in the former New Zealand Reserve Bank, design junkies will be able to walk one block to the city's harbour and still be just five minutes away from the Auckland Viaduct, the hot entertainment district. 

If you know So, you know there will be a big-name designer to take the building from its financial glory and turn every one of its 133 rooms and common areas into stunning canvases. No doubt the lobby lounge bar, rooftop restaurant and sexy swimming pool with get the designer touch, but we will have to wait and see which artist will put their stamp on the property. SoSpa and the gym, SoFit, both located in the old bank's vault, will also be included undoubtedly getting the designer flair.

So there you have it, an update on the South Pacific for all of those planning long haul trips in their future! Have a great week and we will see you after the Bank Holiday.