Retreating in Style...

this is your welcome jetty as you arrive at Anantara Dhigu

trekking, cooking class, charity, luxury... Nth Vietnam

Here we have an amazing eight night - nine day journey, where you and your friends can get together and share an amazing and memorable experience...

For an in-depth, active adventure in Vietnam this trip is a must! From Hanoi we transfer tothe remote north western region of Pu Luong Natural Reserve. This area is home to some of Vietnam’s 15 ethnic minority groups whose fascinating cultures and warm hospitality is experienced first hand as we trek through villages and stay as guests in their homes. Pretty scenes of lush prime rain forests, silver waterfalls, bamboo forests and tea and rice terraces complete our backdrop. From here we retreat to the serenity of Halong Bay where we spend the night aboard a traditional wooden ‘junk’ boat floating amongst its 3000 limestone islets and emerald waters.We return to Hanoi and experience a cooking class at the famous K.O.T.O not for profit restaurant. We then celebrate with a farewell dinner and some free time for last minute shopping!

Pu Luong National Park

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi



K.O.T.O. Hanoi by Justin Mott



K.O.T.O (Know One Teach One) is a non-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program that is changing the lives of streets and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. It’s a place where customers enjoy delicious Vietnamese and European cuisine and where the staff (mostly former street and disadvantaged youth) are so full of energy and enthusiasm that it’s contagious. www.koto.com.au

Contact: Travel With A Difference for further information and costing for your desired travel date. T: 03-5254 1279

"DREAM ON" holidays to book...

Travel With A Difference will release a "DREAM ON" deluxe holiday or unique holiday experience weekly via FaceBook, the package will be for two persons to travel on a set date to Asia or the Pacific.

"You don't need to dream on any longer, you can make your deserving deluxe holiday a reality, with a simple click.   We love to make this easy for you!"

Your "DREAM ON" holiday package will include return airfares, private transfers, stylish accommodation and daily breakfast.  If a "DREAM ON" holiday package is any different it will be advised at time of the package being released on FaceBook.  "DREAM ON" packages are limited, so respond promptly to confirm your your holiday.

reservations & conditions for a "DREAM ON" package:
1.   will be released via FaceBook weekly featuring a set departure date from a capital city within Australia to a destination within Asia or Pacific.
2.   will include return airfares, transfers, accommodation and daily breakfast based on two guests travelling.
3.   departures exclude school holidays.
4.   are available at time of release, but offers are limited.
5.   requires an email to be sent to Travel With A Difference advising the guests names as it appear in their passports, along with a contact phone number. Guests must be 18 years of age or over.
6.   confirmation will be based on a "first in best dressed" response.
7.   once confirmed a deposit is required within 5 days.
8.   final payment is due one month prior to departure, unless otherwise advised.
9.   may require payment for airfare to be paid prior to final payment.
10. travel insurance is highly recommended, as packages are non-refundable and conditions apply.
11. is only available to Australian passport holders.
Travel With A Difference license number: 32425
RESERVATIONS and further information phone 03-5254 179

a deserving luxury getaway...

We have an annual holiday a year, sometimes we go overseas, sometimes we stay locally within our country.  Then sometimes you need that wow factor, extraordinary, that different kind of getaway. That could be travelling the Trans-Siberian from China to Russia, trekking the Himalayas or working on a volunteer holiday. Here at Travel With A Difference, we can assist in coordinating of that.  But what about the ultimate luxury holiday.  We read about it and we dream about it. 
Well, make it a reality.  Travel With A Difference can coordinate for you an amazing stay in a riad in Morocco, a private villa where a chef will cook dinner for you and your friends with views of the ocean or maybe its a luxury city hotel with a roof top restaurant or pool to laze by.
For travel before 30 June 2012, Travel With A Difference can offer you a saving on your luxury holiday.
Call us today, to discuss your options T: 03-5254 1279

bucket list...

Wanting to give suggestion to an array of awesome holiday experiences, to which some of us may refer to as a Bucket List, but I wanted to clarify when and where the Bucket List come from?
Well, if you've clicked on the Bucket List link, you'd have read it was based on a movie released in 2007 that featured Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman - with those two actors, this movie is now on my DVD rental list.
The Bucket List is a personal thing, your desires and wishes of things you wish to do.  What's fun about the bucket list, is it is something that you'll enjoy doing, remember for a lifetime and maybe never do again.  So, here a few bucket list suggestions, but I'm sure you've got your own...
1. staying in a hotel where your favourite movie actor/actress once stayed.
2. swim with a whale shark - slow moving filter feeding shark, can be 12m in length.
3. go to India and help build a village.
4. with friends rent a riad in Morocco.
5. relax on a beach in the Cook Island.

It is whatever you want it to be....

sailing the maldives...

Operating a travel business and being a busy consultant, means a lot of time is spent sitting at the desk in front of the computer.  Daily on the computer screen, I see endless deals for romancing at resorts, volunteering holidays abroad, extensive car leasing, cruising the Caribbean to trekking in stunning locations, and that is without mentioning the airline deals.
This one came through and stopped me in my tracks. I thought wow. Sailing the Maldives. Imagine, sailing. You and a friend or a few of your friends, if you're not confident or experienced to sail alone, rent a crewed catamaran that provides you with a skipper and a cook to prepare your meals. Having just sailed around Tonga....I had to blink myself back to the reality of work!  
We all take some time during the year for a little getaway and I understand, people have different priorities to what they wish to do with their time and money or even their desired holiday destination.  But, if you love the ocean, escaping crowds - all it takes is a mate or three couples and you could be on yacht sailing turquoise blue waters and having an amazing experience.

To discuss your vessel options and best time to explore and sail the Maldives, give us call: 03-5254 1279

just had to share this...

update of the 11th annual Fromage et Vins Festival...

Cheese and wine, it has been known to be a meal for a friend and I...fresh and varied are the cheeses from the Richmond Hill Cafe & Lader.

This amazing experience will take place at the following Sofitel resorts:

Sofitel Tahiti Maeve Beach Resort  6th -17th September

Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort   22nd, 23rd & 24th September

Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach and Private Island   29th, 30th September & 1st October

 

During the festival you will experience your favourite and discover some new cheese flavours from France, accompanied by a selection of wines chosen by sommelier Mr David Perron.  A buffet of more than a 100 cheeses and 110 wines will be served during the festival.

Contact us to get us for further information and your holiday package...

its just not for honeymooners...

but Tahiti does have that perception because of its luxury resorts, over water bungalows and stunning beaches and landscapes.  So read on to discover more...

Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia and features the only international airport. Papeete is the capital city and commercial hub of French Polynesia. Located on the waterfront, Vai’ete Square is where gourmet catering trucks (the “roulottes”) settle at night to offer delicious, great value meals.  The colourful market is close by offering local food, hand-made crafts and souvenirs. Tahiti is an island of hidden treasures – from surfing on the west coast, to lush waterfalls, to the history in the Paul Gauguin museum.

French Polynesia is not the cheapest destination within the pacific, but if you are desiring and curious for that wow factor-once in a lifetime holiday, Tahiti and her islands will do it.  Easy access from Tahiti is Moorea its the destination for families, outdoor activities, surfing and a variety of resorts catering to guests varying budgets.  Now, to step into a week long holiday of indulgence, serenity and warm tropical days, let us take you to Bora Bora.
Bora Bora, known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ undoubtedly has the world’s most beautiful lagoon and is located only 50 minutes from Tahiti by plane. The majority of resorts have been built on ‘motus’ (small islands) in the lagoon surrounding Bora Bora. Most face into the lagoon and Mount Otemanu and offer privacy, pristine water and extraordinary views. Bora Bora is the ‘romance island’ but also offers a broad range of land and water activities.
 
Family package for 2 adults and 2 children under 12yrs: staying 7 nights at Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, including flights, transfers, free kids club and more From $7,460 ex MEL / SYD

yes, Tahiti is that special honeymoon destination

For more offers contact us today...

new years eve...luxury cruising on the mekong river

The Early Bird offer for the Luxury Mekong River Cruise has been extended to 31 July.   This is fabulous news, as it gives you the opportunity to book and deposit and receive not only the Early Bird Saving of up to $500 per person, but a complimentary nights accommodation at the ParkRoyal Hotel Melbourne Airport valued at $220.
The luxury journey includes:
2 Nights in Siem Reap, 7 Nights aboard the The Jahan in cabin of choice, 2 Nights in Saigon, all cruise excursions entrance fees, English speaking guides, Breakfast and Dinner daily plus 7 Lunch whilst on cruise, a Memorable New Year's Eve dinner and celebration, Arrival and Departure transfers, Tips, porterage and port charges.

Luxury cruising on the Mekong River

Celebrate New Years doing something different....

Jahan Cruise

Call us today to book your space...

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

a culinary adventure on Kangaroo Island...

This is a safari where you will meet South Australia's own much-loved food legends, Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant as they take you on the KI Food Safari, with excursions including  visits to farms and wineries to choose the finest and freshest produce for the evening's menu. 
The five night itinerary will include working experiences at the Sheep Milk Dairy, a visit to the green pastures of Southrock Lamb and the shady groves of KI Olive Oil. As a guest you may pluck marron and abalone from the farm, pick new potatoes straight from the field and shuck oysters from the leases at the American River.
This is an opportunity for you to relax with good company and enjoy fine winery lunches, cooking demonstrations, Southern Ocean BBQ's and sunset drinks at Remarkable Rocks.  Then finish with the day's harvest celebrated in a spectacular menu enjoyed around the table at Southern Ocean Lodge.
Safari inclusions:
- Return Regional Experience flight between Adelaide and Kingscote
- 5 Nights accommodation staying at Southern Ocean Lodge in your preferred luxury suite
- All dining, open bar with premium wines and spirits, in-suite bar, selected guided Kangaroo Island experiences and KI airport transfers
- KI Food Safari itinerary of epicurean excursions include visits to island producers, produce tastings, dining events in the field and at the lodge
- The fine company of KI Safari leaders, Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant, plus a swag of special guests and local food and wine identities
- KI Food Safari kit including field jacket, hat and produce bag
The KI Food Safari departs Saturday 27 August
Join the KI Food Safari from just $4,950 per person twin share - spaces are limited!

Southern Ocean Lodge, KI



Southern Ocean Lodge fireplace



Southern Ocean Lodge dining room

 Contact us today to book and confirm your space T: 03-5254 1279

celebrating with romance...



Jean-Michel Coustea wedding celebration

Of late, we've been speaking with a few to-be-brides with organising honeymoons and weddings. It is lovely and exciting to be discussing their desired honeymoon, as it is a once-in-a-life time celebration.  They seem to have the initial concept of when, where and what and then it goes back to the fabulous husband-to-be for thoughts and discussions. We've been chatting with honeymooners for quite a few years now and it is interesting to note of late, it is mostly the bride coordinating the honeymoon as opposed to the groom.  Am I wrong or am I not, but was the honeymoon traditionally coordinated by the groom?  We've definately spoke with more grooms years ago, than what we do today.  Maybe, the honeymoon has become more complex!
Either way, we've had some fab experiences with organising proposals, weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries.  Oh, I should mention we still get the blokes coordinating that special anniversary and it is mostly a surprise....she just packs her bags and off they go to that somewhere special place.  

Likuliku, Fiji's only overwater bungalows

Whatever your thoughts are for your committment celebration, we are happy to discuss your options and know its important to acknowledge and create the wow factor whilst not forgeting the romance.  Joy and congratulations to all the brides and grooms getting married...

VOMO romance





newest luxury in bali...

will see all the groovy holiday clientele who frequent the destination, that won't compromise on style, design or servicing knocking on its door.  They will be the first to discover the exurburance of  the "wow" factor, they're destined to experience by staying at the new W Retreat & Spa.
We know Bali is a fab holiday destination, it has so much too offer; whether you are with friends just hanging out and having fun, or a couple taking time to reconnect and relax, or a family wishing to share a holiday staying in a resort or private villa.
So, to be one of the first to experience the "wow" of the W Retreat & Spa, that rests on the edge of the beach in Seminyak, Bali we have this offer for you.  The retreat opens its doors 1st March 2011 and will feature 158 Retreats & Suites and 79 Villa Retreats. In true "W" style there is much quirk and fantasy....

one bedroom villa retreat

two bedroom villa retreat

RELAX & STAY: 01 March - 30 April 2011

HOW LONG: 5 Nights

IN A: Wonderful Garden View Retreat

RECEIVE: Return private airport transfers, Daily breakfast & 3 Course Dinner

HOW MUCH: $1060 per person

WHAT ELSE: pump yourself at the gym, rejuvenate yourself at the spa, take a seat at Starfish Bloo, ICE, FIRE, WooBar, I Below, Cellar or the W Lounge.

GREAT FOR: couples, friends, intimate celebrations...

Note: price is correct at time of print. Prices available for varying durations and number of guests. All is subject to availability and conditions.

strategic...have you heard about them?

Fully serviced airlines just keep delivering...

Another great holiday opportunity came into our office this afternoon and it's something we just had to share with you. Strategic, Australia's newest airline is taking off to Asia - well, Phuket & Bali at least.  Now, this fab little airline doesn't take off from all Australian cities, but if you are wanting to fly from Brisbane or Perth to Bali - Strategic is your airline.  If you wish to fly Melbourne to Phuket - Strategic is your airline.

Visit Phuket between 01 April - 31 May 2011

Phuket deals are on sale until 28 February

FROM $739 pp

Includes: Return economy airfare, 6 nights accommodation in Phuket, Daily breakfast and airline taxes.

Subject to availability and condition apply.

PS.  Also, I just received insight on Bali's newest luxury property, set on the  beachfront at Seminyak, the W Retreat & Spa is a place to retreat and relax - an experience to be had...