Room with a view… Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou

A prefectural city of Eastern China, Suzhou has over 2,500 years of rich history and while the relics of the past continue to grace the city in abundance, the Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou is a modern landmark in the heart of the New District.

The hotel’s mighty tower stands tall (24 floors in fact) and its 390 rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the garden city, or as it is fondly named, the Venice of the East.

Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou is currently offering a weekend room package with a tour of Suzhou that allows guests  to explore the city, including a night tour to Master-of-the-Nets Garden, Taihu Lake Wetland Park and Candy Land.

The Premier Weekend Deals room package starts at Rmb1,100 for a one-night stay in a Premier Room.

Picture-perfect… Master-of-the-Nets Garden

The night tour of the Master-of-the-Nets Garden is available from spring to autumn, and includes eight live performances that showcase the cultural legacy of Suzhou. The garden itself is inspired by the simple and solitary life of a Chinese fisherman depicted in philosophical writings.  It has over 800 years of history and is particularly regarded among connoisseurs for its mastery of relative dimension, contrast, foil, sequence and depth, and borrowed scenery.

The Taihu Lake Wetland Park, located west of the city,  is a state-level wetland that adds a natural, ecological and rural charm to the city. Visitors will encounter wild birds and get acquainted with the aquatic treasures from Taihu Lake, including cane shoots, water shield lotus root, Gorgon fruit, arrowhead and water fennel.

The Premier Weekend Deals room package is available now until November 2013.

www.shangri-la.com/suzhou/shangrila

Between the rolling hills of Tuscany, the architectural wonders of Rome, and the sun-soaked beaches of Sicily; Italy remains a favourite destination for tourists, history buffs and fashionistas alike.

And now Italophiles the world over can experience more of Italy’s picturesque landscape and buzzing cities for less.

More for less… Trenitalia

Rail Europe customers will now have access to the complete range of fares across Trenitalia’s lines, including discounts offered through the Italian train operator.

More than 180 trains link Italy’s cities every day. While the Frecciabianca runs the classic routes, the state of the art Frecciarossa and Frecciargento connect passengers between Milan and Salerno, and between Rome, the North East and South of Italy.

For those who like to travel in luxury, Trenitalia’s Executive Class features an open bar, meal services, a meeting room and a club lounge. All carriages provide wifi for one cent.

Rail Europe’s Australasia Manager, Richard Leonard, says this is an important and long-awaited move, especially for the Australian market.

“It’s no secret that Aussies love visiting and revisiting Italy each year,” says Leonard.  “In 2012, more than 45,000 Australians travelled around Italy by train, a 12 per cent increase from 2010, making it the third most popular European country for Aussie rail travellers.

“On average, Italian rail ticket sales in Australia increase by about 10 per cent each year and with increased air capacity to Europe this year, we are confident sales will only strengthen.”

Bookings for Trenitalia services can be made up to three months in advance and seat reservations are required before departure.

The Italian Rail Pass starts at $200 per person.

www.raileurope.com.au

Vail Resorts has released its 2013-14 winter season lift pass prices to eight world-class ski resorts in North America.

Winter wonderland… Lake Tahoe

For only US$689, Vail Resort’s Epic Pass includes five days of unlimited, unrestricted skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe.

Epic Pass holders now also receive five free days at Verbier, Switzerland.

Ski enthusiasts can also save 30 per cent off lodging at Vail’s premier properties, including The Lodge at Vail, The Arrabelle at Vail Square, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and Austria Haus, when guests stay six nights or more and book before October 31, 2013.

Purchase the Epic Pass before April 14 for the best value lift ticket of the season. Vail Resorts is also giving guests the option to lock in these prices with a US$49 down payment now with the remaining balance due in mid-September 2013.

www.epicpass.com

From the air, Norfolk Island appears to float along the South Pacific Ocean, in between Australia and New Zealand. It’s an isolated green paradise and an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.

Picturesque… Norfolk Island

Known for its evergreen Norfolk Island pine, this isolated oceanic isle is home to some 180 rare flora and fauna rainforest species and walking aross the island is like an strolling through an endless botanic garden.

Direct from the soil or straight from the sea, the seasonal approach to local cuisine on Norfolk Island is largely influenced by Polynesian culture.

Local restaurants like Dino’s, which is set in an old island home, and Hill’s Wine Bar embrace a ‘paddock-to-plate’ approach to their menus, sourcing ingredients from their very own gardens.

The island is surrounded by reefs and deep currents, which make for ideal fishing conditions and, of course, a delectable variety of seafood. Red Throat Sweet Lip and Snapper are regular features on any menu, but for those who prefer to catch their own, an island-style fish fry feast on one of the island’s many cliff tops is a hearty way to watch the sun set over the Pacific.

For adventure-seekers, bushwalks through the island’s National Parks, or a quick boat trip to neighbouring Phillip & Nepean Islands, are a great way to discover more of Norfolk’s natural wonders.

Throughout Easter, Oxley Travel is offering a Norfolk Island holiday package deal that includes:

• Return Flights with Air New Zealand

• Seven nights at Colony Lodge (includes three nights free)

• Seven days car hire including insurance

• Free half day island tour

• Island airport transfers

• Free entry to the World of Norfolk Exhibit

www.oxleytravel.com.au​

Natural wonders… Heron Island

The Great Barrier Reef just got a little closer, following the launch this week of a new direct flight from Sydney to Gladstone, the jumping off point for Heron Island.

The new Qantaslink service will operate eight return flights a week from Sydney to Gladstone, including twice daily on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Flights depart Sydney as early as 6.15am, so holidaymakers can take a scenic helicopter flight or boat trip from Gladstone and be snorkeling in amongst Australia’s infamous coral reef all before lunchtime.

The Heron Island Resort is currently offering a special early bird offer of $999 per couple for a three-night stay. The offer includes three nights’ accommodation, all meals and return boat transfers. Children under the age of 12 stay and eat for free.

Heron Island is a true coral cay that sits at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. It also is one of the few places in Australia where guests can experience green and loggerhead turtles coming ashore each season to lay their eggs. In March and April visitors to the Island often witness the last of the tiny turtle hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their way to the water.

www.heronisland.com

Birthday deals... Ametis Villa Bali

Nestled in amongst the sleepy coastal village of Canggu, Ametis Villa Bali is the best place to escape the rest of the world and simply relax.

The serenity of Canggu is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak and the resort’s collection of 14 private villas is only short stroll from the beach and stunning Indian Ocean.

If exclusive beaches, luxury accomodation and a personal butler isn’t enough to sway you, Ametis Villa Bali is currently offering special packages and discounts to celebrate its second birthday. 

Guests who visit the luxury resort from now until March 31 will receive a 40 per cent discount on all villas as well as a two-hour spa treatment for two for all bookings over seven nights.

The resort’s award-winning Ruby spa is also offering a 20 per cent discount on all treatments from its ‘a la carte menu’, while private poolside dining is on offer for a special discounted rate.  

The time to go is now. 

www.ametisvilla.com

Athens of the North... Edinburgh

From the frenetic metropolis of London, Manchester’s feverish football atmosphere and the stately allure of Edinburgh to the vibrant city of Cardiff and relaxing spas in Bath, the United Kingdom is all about diversity and character.

Travellers to the UK can enjoy even more of the isle with 20 per cent off BritRail England Passes and BritRail Passes in February.

Starting at $138 per adult in second class and $208 in first class, tickets must be booked by 15th February and travel must be completed by 28th February.

Passes are valid for travel in England, Wales and Scotland by train with one single ticket.

www.raileurope.com.au 

Euro Rail is offering travellers with a four-day Swiss Pass or four-day Swiss Saver Pass in first class a bonus day to take in the stunning winter wonderland of Switzerland. 

Effective immediately, travellers to Switzerland on the four-day Pass will be granted an extra day to explore even more of the country until 20 April 2013.

Rail Europe offers travellers an expasive selection of European rail products across 22 countries and 25,000 destinations on more than 11,000 different routes. 

Swiss passes are priced from AUD377 per person and children under 16 travel free. 

www.raileurope.com.au

Majestic... The Cambrian

Across the Northern Hemisphere, the gentle, soothing breezes of summer are fast changing to the bone-chilling winds of winter. Whether this means getting yourself to the mountains faster than you can say 'Kitzbüheler Horn' or flying south or east to chase the sun, holidaying through Europe and Asia just got a whole lot sweeter.

Design Hotels is offering winter deals for travel between 29 October 2012 and March 17 2013 (with free room upgrades and discounted rates) in more than 70 hotels and 40 countries across the globe…

Urban paradise... The Waterhouse

Situated amid the pristine scenery of the Swiss Alps, and with stunning mountain views in every direction, The Cambrian is offering a seven-for-five night deal in the kind of location that tense desk huggers the world over spend their days dreaming about: the best ski slopes, crisp snow-tinged air, surrounding green meadows and an award-winning spa.

Hotel Sezz Paris, a renovated Art Nouveau building by celebrated French designer Christophe Pillet is also embracing the European winter with a guaranteed upgrade to all guests upon check-in.

Sizzling... The Library

The Waterhouse at South Bund, Shanghai, a newly opened 19-room boutique hotel with a great rooftop bar in the city’s old docklands is also offering ten per cent off the best available rate.

Wanderlust, a whimsical boutique hotel in Singapore’s Little India; The Library, a beach resort with a red swimming pool in Koh Samui, Thailand; and Luna2, a sun-drenched private hotel in Bali are also among hotels in Asia and the South Pacific tempting sun-worshippers with discounted rates and value packages.

For the full list of hotels offering accommodation packages and discounted rates, visit: www.designhotels.com/winterspecials

Ever wanted to trek through the Annapurna Mountains of Nepal, take a safari across Africa, or explore the ethnic minority villages of Thailand?

Well here's your chance.

Touring company Peregrine is giving away 35 trips in 35 days, between 15th October and 30th November 2012, in celebration of its 35th anniversary. 

The competition will give travellers the chance to win a trip of a lifetime to exotic destinations like Burma, Everest Base Camp, Sri Lanka and the Galapagos Islands.

A winner is drawn everyday, as a unique destination is announced each weekday morning during the seven-week giveaway.

Each trip includes: a Peregrine tour with accommodation, transport, and an English-speaking local tour leader.

For details on how to enter visit www.peregrineadventures.com/35trips