AUSTRALIA
Brisbane | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast | Gt Barrier Reef | Whitsundays | Cairns | Palm Cove
Port Douglas | Rainforest | Lizard Island
Queensland
Known as the "Sunshine State", and Australia's fastest growing state is home to 3.6 million people, taking up around 25% of the continent's area. Whether you're after adrenalin-pumping adventure, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through ancient rainforest or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, there's an experience just waiting to become your treasured memory. Where Else but Queensland?
Brisbane
Famous for its great weather, exciting events and cultural scene, Brisbane has a sophisticated, warm and friendly charm, which will more than surprise. As Queensland's vibrant capital city, Brisbane offers the very best in food, wine, arts, entertainment and major sporting events with relaxed sub-tropical flair. Brisbane is the centre of a region rich in world-class beach, river, rainforest and mountain experiences. Nearby, Brisbane's own aquatic playground, Moreton Bay and Islands, is the perfect place to explore or indulge in your favourite water sport.
Hilton Brisbane - 4 Star 
Location:
The 321-room Hilton Brisbane is the most centrally located deluxe hotel in Australia's fastest growing city, close to the $170 million Convention and Exhibition Centre. A modern hotel with a dramatic atrium soaring 20 floors above the lobby this Hilton has recently undergone a dramatic renovation programme.
Accommodation:
rooms are Spacious and bright, city views, working desk, data port, 2 phone lines, in-room movies, Internet and play station.
Facilities:
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Swimming pool
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Spa
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Health club
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Sauna
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Tennis courts
Dining:
Gold Coast
If you like sun, surf and sand, unpolluted air and a relaxed lifestyle, with heaps of Tourist attractions thrown in, then you'll love the Gold Coast of Australia. The Gold Coast is located on the Eastern seaboard of Australia just 80km south of the City of Brisbane.P>
Grand Mercure Hotel Broadbeach - 3 Star 
Location:
This is a three star resort that takes pride of place on five acres of magnificently landscaped gardens, mere minutes from the heart of Surfers Paradise. Parents can really relax and enjoy everything Australia's premiere holiday playground has to offer knowing their children are in the best hands in the business at the Gecko Kid's Club.
Accommodation:
The 405 rooms include single, double and triple accomodation as well as Family Studio rooms with kitchenettes, with Family Interconnects, which sleep up to 8 family members. All rooms feature individual air-conditioning, private balcony, ISD/STD direct dial telephone, remote controlled colour television, in-house videos, pay tv, digital clock radio and alarm, tea and coffee making facilities, disabled facilities, shower and bath. Interconnecting rooms are also a great option for the larger family.
Facilities:
Dining:
Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast - 4 Star 
Location:
The Sheraton is an oasis of rare luxury nestled between the blue Pacific and the calm Southport Broadwater. Surrounded by 37 acres of lush palm gardens and a sparkling blue lagoon, guests of the Sheraton Mirage enjoy incomparable hospitality, personal service, priceless seclusion and facilities meeting the highest international luxury standards.P>
Accommodation:
241 guest rooms with views of lagoon, ocean and garden views, all rooms include air conditioning, telephone, radio, TV, in-house movies, mini bar and in room safe.
Facilities:
Dining:
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Terraces Restaurant
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Horizons
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Oasis Pool Bar
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Oyster Bar
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Breakers Cocktail Lounge
Sunshine Coast
Noosa is the diamond of the Sunshine Coast with its picturesque bays, stunning views to the hinterland and surrounding National Parks. Conveniently situated only 20 minutes by road from the Sunshine Coast Airport and 1.5 hrs from Brisbane International Airport, Noosa has been a popular destination for holidaymakers since surfers first came here in the 60's on pilgrimage to Noosa's Main Beach, Alexandria Bay and Sunshine Beach.P>
Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa - 4 Star 
Location:
Relax... enjoy... unwind. The mantra for Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa, the perfect getaway, blessed with spectacular beaches, languid rivers and idyllic rain forests. The Resort enjoys an ideal location, with the Noosa River on one side and fashionable Hastings Street on the other with stylish boutiques, galleries and al fresco dining, and Laguna Bay just steps away.
Accommodation:
The Resort features 169 spacious guest rooms, including 29 suites, with beautiful views from private balconies. Other amenities include, air conditioning, kitchenette, telephone, television,writing desk, bathrobes, in-room safe,minibar and hairdryer.
Facilities:
- Spa centre
- Outdoor heated pool
- Tennis courts
- Business centre
- Non smoking rooms
- 24 Hour room service
- Parking facilities
Dining:
- Cato's Restaurant & Bar (All day dining)
- River Lounge Lobby Bar
Hyatt Regency Coolum - 4 Star 
Location:
Hyatt Regency Coolum is situated on Australia's beautiful Sunshine Coast. A resort hotel, it is truly an 'Australian' experience. Set at the base of Mount Coolum, this Sunshine Coast resort covers 150 hectares (350 acres) of exquisitely natural woodlands, bushland, rainforest, wallums and gardens, with the resort hotel fronting onto the Pacific Ocean with two kilometres of pristine Sunshine Coast beach. The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its blue skies, subtropical temperatures and climate. The ocean, here at Coolum, is suitable for swimming all year round with temperatures rarely below 18°C.
Accommodation:
Hyatt Regency Coolum offers a variety of hotel accommodation provided in discrete clusters of low-rise resort suites, set in natural Coolum bushland and rainforest, yet close to every resort facility. The hotel's exclusive Ambassadors Club offers the ultimate in resort luxury with hotel villas and residences providing a top-of-the-range experience.
There are 156 one-bedroom Studio Suites for singles or couples (king or twin-bedded). The suites have a living and dining area, spacious bathroom and individual balconies. All suites are air conditioned, with minibar, television, private safe and bedside touch-control consoles.
There are 144 two-bedroom, two-bathroom Presidents Villas. The king-bedded master bedroom has an en suite bathroom whilst the second twin-bedded bedroom has an adjacent bathroom. All villas contain lounge and dining areas, laundry facilities and a kitchenette with hotplates and a microwave. Two to four people can be accommodated comfortably in each villa. Presidents Villas are located in two separate areas around the resort. Golf Villas are situated near or fronting the championship golf course, while the Woodland Villas are conveniently located near the Village Square and the Tennis Centre, set amongst natural bushland.
The Ambassadors Villa is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, luxury duplex with split-level dining and entertaining area and a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Two large bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, including jacuzzi baths, are upstairs. The villa is suitable for two to four guests.
Facilities:
- The Sun Spa
- 18 Hole Championship Golf Course
- 9 Outdoor swimming pools
- 7 Tennis courts
- Beach with private access
- Complimentary shuttle to Noosa
- Business centre
Dining:
- Fish Tales
- McKenzie Grill
- Bruschetta
- Village Square
Great Barrier Reef
One of Australia's greatest assets is the magnificent reef that runs along virtually the entire coast of Queensland. Considered one of the world's natural wonders, it is the most extensive reef system and the biggest structure made by living organisms on earth.
The coloured coral, which expanses just below the surface of the warm, crystal clear tropical waters is home to an unbelievable array of sea life. You can scuba to the deeper recesses, snorkel just below the dazzling surface, or view the watery wonderland from semi-submersibles and stay bone dry.
On the mainland you can explore ancient rainforests, venture west into The Outback, or laze on sandy beaches. Get an adrenaline rush rafting down the rapids of a wild river. Cruise quietly along a still river where crocodiles bask on the banks. Stay on a working cattle station and taste billy tea under a billion southern stars.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island is one of the most sought after destinations in Australia, world Heritage listed and is also the largest sand island in the world, with breathtaking beauty, whale watching from August to November, and access to the Great Barrier Reef. Fraser Island is a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, bushwalking and four-wheel-driving. There is a spectacular seventy five mile beach, shipwrecks and abundant wildlife.
It is a unique natural environment, and the only place on the plant where rainforest grows from sand. Fraser Island stretches across 144km coast line, with an abundance of native animal species and a vast range of plant life. There are a number of lakes on the island each with their own individual character - from lakes stained red with tannin to others with pure white sand and crystal clear water. Swimming in these lakes is a memorable experience.
King Fisher Bay Resort - 4 Star
Location:
King Fisher Bay is situated on the western side of Fraser Island, directly opposite Hervey Bay. The resort is surrounded by bush and wildlife, overlooking calm island water.
Accommodation:
This 152 room resort is an ideal eco tourism destination, and also offers 110 2/3 bedroom self contained villas with bush and sea view. There is also a 180 bed wilderness lodge on the resort. Rooms provide private decks with bush or lake views, and have air conditioning, private bathroom, hairdryer, iron/board, colour TV, direct dial telephone, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, facilities available for guests with disabilities, and spa rooms on request.
Facilities:
- Swimming pool
- Beauty therapy
- Massage
- General store
- 4WD hire
- Conference/incentive facilities
- Eco Tours
- Guided fishing tours
- Game fishing
- Family fishing trips
- Junior Eco Rangers (for kids)
- Weddings
Dining:
- Coffee shop
- Three restaurants (also featuring Australian Bush Tucker)
- Four bars
- Cafe
The Whitsundays
The Whitsunday region is one of nature's most remarkable gifts, not only blessed by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef but 74 tropical islands in a shimmering, liquid blue expanse. This aquatic playground is the perfect escape for indulging in island fantasies and sailing adventures. The Whitsundays is a paradise of islands. Of the 74 islands, only 8 are inhabited leaving 66 virtually untouched islands which provide the perfect setting for a day of exploring or simply relaxing on the secluded beaches and coves. Of the resort islands, there is a choice ranging from world-class luxury and sophistication to budget hideaways. Resort islands in the Whitsunday region include Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream, Linderman, Brampton, Long, Hook and South Molle Island.
Hayman Island Resort - 5 Star Deluxe 
Location:
Hayman is a resort like no other. Situated around a crescent-shaped, white, sandy bay on the south-western side, the resort is the only facility on the island. The buildings have been designed to blend in with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Throughout the resort, shady ponds and gentle waterfalls thread their way among beautiful gardens, spacious walkways and open-air lanais.
Accommodation:
Hayman presents resort living in 244 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, penthouses and a villa, situated in Pool, Palm, Lagoon and Beach Wings, all featuring private terraces or balconies.
The Pool Wing, comprising Pool Superior and Deluxe rooms and Pool Suites, overlooks the famous Hayman Pool and tropical gardens. Level 3 also offers views out to the Coral Sea and neighbouring Hook Island. This wing is ideal for guests wishing to be close to and enjoy views of the icon pool.
The Palm Wing, comprising Palm Superior rooms, is centrally located in the resort.
The Lagoon Wing, comprising Lagoon Superior and Deluxe rooms, Lagoon Suites and 11 Penthouses, overlooks the tranquil lagoon, tropical gardens and Lagoon Pool. Level 3 and 4 - the latter housing the resort Penthouses - also offer views out to the Coral Sea and neighbouring Hook Island. This wing offers larger rooms and suites than those in the Pool Wing.
Facilities:
- The Retreat Spa
- Meeting facilities
- Swimming pools
- Golf
- Watersports
Dining:
- Selection of superb restaurants
- Sunset cocktails
- Outdoor dining
Cairns
Cairns is the tourist 'capital' of the Far North and one of Australia's top travellers' destinations. Not long ago, it was just a sleepy tropical backwater. Unfortunately, much of its allure and tropical languor has vanished amid the rapid growth of tourist infrastructure, but it is still one of the best bases for exploring the riches of tropical Queensland. From Cairns, you can arrange trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island and Fitzroy Island, the beautiful Atherton Tableland, the market town of Kuranda, the string of enchanting beaches stretching 50km (30mi) north to Port Douglas, and the spectacular rainforest and coastal scenery of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River.
Cairns International Hotel - 5 Star 
Location:
The Cairns International Hotel is a five star hotel providing accommodation in the heart of Cairns, near the casino and close to departure points for tours to the Great Barrier Reef, Skyrail, Kuranda Railway and World Heritage Rainforest.
Accommodation:
The Hotel consists of 321 rooms in total, with breathtaking city, harbour or mountain views in a number of bedding configurations. These include queen beds, twin rooms with 2 double beds, king rooms, Executive Suites and our majestic Presidential Suite where you can relax and take in the glorious ocean views out to the Great Barrier Reef in unsurpassed luxury.
Facilities:
- 24Hour room service
- 2 Swimming pools and spas
- Gymnasium & Sauna
- Business centre
- Laundry & valet service
- Undercover secure parking
Dining:
- Kingsfords (signature restaurant Asian & Mediterranean dishes)
- Yamagen (Japanese cuisine)
- Cafe Coco
- Rum & Raisin (coffee shop)
Palm Cove
Palm Cove combines the charm of a seaside village and resort style luxuries with the serene beauty of its palm fringed white sandy beach with views over the aqua waters to the Great Barrier Reef.
A variety of accommodation styles are situated at Palm Cove with the tree lined esplanade home to luxury resorts, villas and boutique apartments.
A stroll along Palm Cove takes you past a myriad of fine dining experiences from the atmosphere of quaint bars and cafes to the indulgence of resort restaurants. If you fancy feeding yourself, then venture out on to the Palm Cove jetty - a popular spot with anglers. The jetty is also where reef operators provide daily departures to the Great Barrier Reef and islands.
The Sebel Reef House & Spa - 4 Star
Location:
Sebel Reef House & Spa is a unique and stunning getaway. It is one of the few boutique resorts that can boast a history and a character molded from a remarkable background.
The original Reef House was built in 1958 by a Cairns bookmaker and used as a family home. According to an article in a 1972 issue of The Bulletin, a swimming pool proprietor was allegedly heavily indebted to the bookmaker, but managed to repay his debt by offering to build 'the best swimming pool in North Queensland'. He kept his word.
About 1970 it was purchased by a syndicate and opened as a restaurant with limited accommodation of three suites in the garden. In 1972, Brigadier The Hon. David Thomson, MC, RL, (later Federal Minister for Science & Technology), acquired the property and operated 'Reef House' as a private residence with visitors treated as personal guests.
Accommodation:
All appointments reflect the comforts and luxuries of home, in one of the most spectacular locations in Queensland. Fresh white wicker interiors are accented with splashes of colour. Delightfully cool and airy, large romantic beds are draped with cascades of light netting. Other amenities include, air conditioning and ceiling fans, private verandah or terrace, complimentary CD, video, games and book library, comprehensive audio CD player , Indoor/Outdoor living, kitchenette with tea/coffee facilities, toaster, table settings and microwave. Rooms have been uniquely furnished with handcrafted artefacts, TV, telephone, minibar, large comfortable beds draped in light muslin netting, bathrobes, hair dryers and in-room safe. Room types available are: Brigadier, Verandah, Verandah Spa,family room, Endeavour Suite, Beachfront suite, and the Reef Suite.
Facilities:
- Health Spa
- 3 Swimming pools
- 2 Jacuzzis & waterfall
- Guest laundry
- Internet access
- Conference & Meeting facilities
- Landscape tropical gardens
- Room service
Dining:
- Reef House Restaurant
- Poolside Cafe
- Brigadier's Bar
Port Douglas
From glamorous Four Mile Beach to the wilderness of Dickson Inlet, picturesque Port Douglas has become an international holiday mecca - just 70 kilometres north of Cairns With nothing taller than a palm tree, development is low-rise, low-key and relaxing. It is regarded as the most popular base from which to explore the northern areas of the reef and rainforest coast of Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Despite its popularity and sophisticated five star accommodation, it retains a close community atmosphere. Sharing the same tropical latitude as Tahiti, Port Douglas still attracts visitors for its old fashioned charm, wide streets shaded by trees and superb holiday attractions. There are more than 100 day tour options which depart Port Douglas daily.
Rydges Reef Resort - 4 Star 
Location:
Rydges Reef Resort is located near the township of Port Douglas and a short stroll from Four Mile Beach. The resort provides the perfect base to discover the excitement of snorkelling or diving on the nearby Great Barrier Reef, white-water rafting, parachuting, horse riding, exploring the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, the magnificent marina and the wilderness of Dicksons Inlet.
Accommodation:
Rydges Reef Resort provides a choice of hotel accommodation including guest rooms and suites and self-contained. The queen room has a queen-size bed and a single sofa bed; the twin room has two single beds and a single sofa bed. Suites can accommodate up to a maximum of three people in a room, with a single sofa bed for the third person. Amenities include, air conditioning, STD/IDD telephones, colour TV, in-house movies, minibar, hairdryer and balcony.
Facilities:
- 5 Lagood style pools
- Massage
- Recreation Centre
- Gymnasium
Dining:
- Palms Restaurant
- The Garden Room
- The Terracehouse Restaurant
- Cascades
- Pizza Kitchen
- Lagoon Poolside Restaurant
Radisson Treetops Resort - 4 Star 
Location:
The Radisson Treetops Resort a secluded four star resort set amidst lush rainforest foliage and gently cascading waterways - a taste of the tropics with all the comfort and facilities of an international resort. The name literally sums up the experience of staying at Radisson Treetops Resort. Just open your window and you can touch the dew-covered foliage of early morning in the rainforest. You're not just surveying a distant view, you are melded with the rainforest where birds of paradise abound, yet you are less than a five minute drive from the village of Port Douglas and only a short stroll from spectacular Four Mile Beach.
Accommodation:
The resort comprises 303 spacious rooms,suites and apartments. Amenities include, air conditioning, TV with in-house movies, ceiling fans, STD/ISD telephone, minibar, iron/ironing board, clock radio and tea/coffee making facilities.
Facilities:
- Fully equipped gym
- Tour desk services
- 24 Hour reception
- Massage studio
- Foreign currency exchange
Dining:
- The Cockatoo Lounge & Bar
- The Outback Bar & Grill
- The Wharf (Australian seafood & fine wines)
- The Tree Houses (set amongst the rainforest canopy)
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas - 5 Star Deluxe
Location:
Surrounded by five acres of swimmable saltwater lagoons, the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Hotel is the only first-class resort in tropical North Queensland, Australia. The Sheraton is located along a 4-mile beach at Port Douglas ' the stepping-stone to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. The superbly appointed accommodations, including rooms, suites and private villas make it easy to see why the hotel was named to Condé Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List as well as Condé Nast Traveler's 2001 Readers' Choice Awards List.
Accommodation:
Sheraton Mirage offers 294 rooms and 100 villas in a variety of categories, all with luxury amenities and daily service. All guest rooms have a great view of the garden and lagoon, and contain a sitting area, writing desk, luxury bath amenities, hairdryer, minibar, TV with in-house movies, telephone, and in-room safe. Connecting rooms and non smoking rooms are available.
Facilities:
- Outdoor pools
- 18 Hole Golf Course
- Massage treatments
- Beauty salon
- Snorkelling lessons
- Golf lessons
- Sauna
- Bicycle rental
- Free shuttle to downtown
- Business services
- Florist
- Volleyball
- Gymnasium
- Spa facilities
Dining:
- Daintree Lounge
- Macrossans Restaurant (Mediterranean)
- Lagoons Restaurant (seafood)
- Bakery Cafe
Rainforest
These primeval forests are inspirational and awesome. Some species of plants have survived here since the days of the dinosaurs. The mossy trunks of the ancient trees hold a canopy of dense green aloft. Dappled sunlight filters through to the ferns, cycads and vines. Birds, animals and reptiles continue to live has they have for eons. No wonder some of the world's leading movie directors chose this as a shooting location. Yet, it is so accessible. Spend a few days in an eco-lodge. Take a day trip to trek the tracks or cruise the mysterious rivers overhung with vines - their surface rippled by the movement of a crocodile.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa - 4 Star 
Location:
The Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa -offers unique tree house style accommodation in the heart of Tropical North Queensland's World Heritage precinct, just 50 kilometres north of Port Douglas on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Nestled in a lush tropical 30 acre valley surrounded by the World's oldest living rainforest - The Daintree World Heritage Rainforest - (40 million years older than the Amazon!), it is the ultimate destination to capture the mood of the tropics.
Accommodation:
Only 15 quality rainforest villas occupy secluded positions amongst the world's oldest living rainforest... reinforcing the impression of being 'at one with nature', yet still provide all the creature comforts of a four and a half star property. Each air conditioned villa is fully micro-screened and has ensuite bathroom, satellite TV, latest in-house videos, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities and some feature their own private balcony jacuzzi.
Facilities:
- The Daintree Spa
- Aboriginal Culture (rainforest walks, art classes and performances)
- Pure Spring Water
- Close to nature (pristine rainforest surroundings)
Dining:
- Bilngkumu Restaurant (Australian tropical gourmet cuisine)
Lizard Island Resort - 5 Star Deluxe 
Location:
Lizard Island is one of a kind - a work of nature's art. Located right on the Great Barrier Reef. It is a private paradise with 24 powdery white beaches. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, then Lizard Island should be top of the list. This is without question, one of Australia's premier resorts. Being right on the Great Barrier Reef is rare enough, but Lizard Island offers the full spectrum - both the inner and outer Reef experiences.
Accommodation:
There are varying degrees of luxury, the different room types are listed below. The Pavilion: Perched high above the Coral Sea and set on the point of Sunset Ridge, The Pavilion combines complete privacy with a spectacular 270 degree panorama of Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach. Extensively refurbished mid 2003, a new expansive decking area incorporates a private plunge pool, sunlounges and a daybed area, inviting guests to relax and take in the stunning views. Leaving the balcony to stroll down a private path, guests will discover another secluded area where chairs and a table have been perfectly positioned to make the most of sea breezes and gorgeous views. Inside, the Pavilion offers every comfort. Bollinger and a deluxe fruit bowl greet guests on arrival. A laptop computer for downloading and sending emails and high powered binoculars are among some of the special features.
Sunset Point Villas: Sunset Point Villas are set high on Sunset Ridge amongst native eucalyptus bushland. Providing filtered sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach, these Villas offer privacy and easy access to a string of secluded beaches. Each Villa has a private deck with comfortable Australian timber squatter chairs and a hammock. Inside, the mix of colours and textures creates a calm retreat with the surrounding coastal bushland the inspiration for the understated and elegant design.
Anchor Bay Suites: Set in a broad sweeping arc along Anchor Bay, with easy access to the main Lodge, Anchor Bay Suites offer captivating sea views and each has a pathway leading directly to the beach. Seamlessly blending indoors and out in an elegant and spacious open plan design, a large verandah with daybed is one of the many designer comforts.
Anchor Bay Rooms: Located in a tropical garden setting with easy access to Anchor Bay and the beach, Anchor Bay Rooms have a private balcony with hammock. Interiors are compact but comfortable. Family Rooms offer two separate sleeping areas.
Facilities:
- Azure Spa
- Gymnasium
- Tennis (day & Night)
- Catamarans, paddle skis & sailboards
- Motorised dinghies
- Glass bottom boat trips
- Picnic hampers for beachside lunches
- Island walks and nature trails
- Game fishing
- Reef diving (including the cod hole)
- Snorkelling
- Freshwater swimming pool
- Pavilion day spa
- Daily laundry service
- Guest facsimile
Dining:
- Osprey's Restaurant (open verandah - gourmet cuisine)
- Bar & Lounge
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