by Sarah Blinco | May 18, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Cool hotels, Travel blogger destinations
Welcome to The Elandra Mission Beach
Pretty palm trees arched across an elegant driveway signified we had arrived at a special tropical location. As we pulled to a stop outside The Elandra Resort, we tried to overcome feeling frazzled; we had only fifteen minutes to spare before we were due to attend a cocktail party. You see, it had been one of “those days”. Instead of enjoying the scenic Friday afternoon drive to Mission Beach, I desperately attempted to tick off unaccounted-for items on my to-do list, computer and mobi Wi-Fi working hard on my lap in the car; Cooper, sitting behind the wheel, grew increasingly impatient with the time-consuming road-works which we’d not factored into our schedule. We jumped out of the car at our final destination however, and caught sight of the breathtaking pool deck (voted “sexiest in Australia” by avid travellers), Dunk and other islands of the Great Barrier Reef through the foyer.
Stunning, and instantly therapeutic.
Then, resort manager, Sharon Muir, appeared − a breath of vibrant fresh air. She guessed who we were and welcomed us as if we were life-long friends, buggied us to our villa, handed over the keys and said, “Enjoy our beautiful beach house”.
And that’s how they roll at this exclusive little piece of paradise, generally only an hour and a half drive from Cairns, and about two and a half from Townsville. The Elandra Resort Mission Beach is up-market, rainforest-meets-the-sea heaven, with a warm side of family-style hospitality. Even owners, Katrina Knowles and Adam Karras’ dog, Willis, sauntered over to us on our arrival. He didn’t need coaxing for cuddles − fine by us as we’re always happy to adopt a dog when away from home.
Also fine was room 404, which aside from being oversized, welcoming, plush and comfy, boasts dramatic sea, island and coastal beach views as far as the appreciative eye can gaze. There really is nothing more soothing than spending time by the ocean, and perched above a setting like this is exactly what I needed to recharge my drained batteries.
Crisp, stylish, yet emanating a calm northern Queensland vibe, Elandra − meaning “safari or home by the sea” − isn’t your average resort. Core business here revolves around weddings, special events, conferences and corporate incentive escapes. Sharon insists there are to be “no worries” when you turn up to The Elandra for an event, whether you’re a guest, bride, groom, CEO or group facilitator. “You tell us what you need, what you do and/or don’t want as part of your experience, how many people are coming, and we will design a bespoke itinerary and package to suit your requirements and budget, utilising our own exceptional team as well as hand-chosen, trusted quality service providers from around the region,” she explains.
Cooper and I were lucky enough to experience the Elandra events expertise first-hand during the resort’s wonderful Tastes of the Tropics weekend, an event designed to “give back” to the local community and supporters who the Elandra team hold dear. “Our community spirit has always been alive and well, but it’s really been since Cyclone Yasi in 2011 that everyone treasures local relationships more closely. The eye of the storm came in directly over us. Elandra was actually an evacuation point for South Mission Beach because the areas below us are really low-lying and a damaging king tide was expected. We had hundreds of people bunkered up across the 40 rooms on the property, and provided safe haven for pets − cats, dogs, snakes − you name it! We’ve got the only helipad in the area too, so a couple of hundred army personnel from Townsville were also based here during the emergency so they could service the hard-hit areas between Cardwell and Innisfail. Because we’re not open to the general public anymore, we try to host various local events every year or two, so that our friends from the region can come back to enjoy the Elandra experience,” Sharon tells us.
This was no ordinary meal with mates though; Tastes of the Tropics was a gourmet getaway like no other, brimming with indulgence, sampling, demonstrations and degustation. The weekend included a cocktail dinner boasting divine canapés utilising only the freshest local seafood and produce, and a gala dinner, both catered for by none other than acclaimed celebrity chef from Channel Ten’s The Living Room, Miguel Maestre. Stuffed mussels, tigres style with brava sauce; lobster sliders, freshly shucked oysters; sesame crusted yellow fin tuna and seaweed salad as well as suckling pig with celeriac remoulade were just a few of Miguel’s delicacies featured on the weekend menu. Set to a theme of Spanish guitar and flamenco dancing as a nod to special guests, Miguel and his family’s heritage, the entire spectrum of events we were privileged to attend really showcased the experience and pride that the team here injects into anything that happens on their land. I should add also, that when Miguel wasn’t in charge of the kitchen, the treats rustled up by The Elandra Mission Beach’s chef, Tomasz Kornacki, were just as delicious.
I relished in the energy of this place. It’s not hard to fall in love with The Elandra when you’re lounging around on an oversized daybed overlooking the Coral Sea, or meandering through the lush gardens, enjoying the overall beauty and serenity that we have on offer in our backyard, Queensland. Whether you’re planning to host your own celebrity-studded event, idyllic tropical wedding, extraordinary bucks or hens extravaganza including cocktails, manis, pedis or even a night-time game of laser tag in the rainforest; you want to indulge in secluded island day trips and beach picnics, or you wish to do as we did − eat, drink, sleep, repeat (and make some new friends along the way), consider this spot for your special get-together. Sublime, sexy, easy, exceptional − Elandra (elandraresorts.com).
by Sarah Blinco | Apr 30, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Cool hotels, Travel blogger destinations
There’s nowhere more central to stay than the lovely Rendezvous Grand Hotel. It’s one of those properties that boasts two critical home-away-from-home elements − homeliness and cosmopolitan style.
Friendly staff were consistently on hand to assist, and this continued throughout my entire stay. They were swift and helpful when I called for assistance to my room because there was an issue with the plug in the bathroom sink not raising so water couldn’t drain, and were equally nice to me when they explained it’s one of those you simply push down so it pops back up. Blonde moment.
I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that each time I exited or entered the hotel I’d receive a happy, “Hello Miss, have a lovely day” − a touch that means that much extra when you’re travelling solo.
It’s true that first impressions count for a lot, and on setting foot inside this upscale hotel I was entirely satisfied that I’d enjoy my stay.
The foyer is elegant with chic mood lighting and comfortable spaces to sit and relax. Lounge 55 features prominently on this level too, and beckons with a tone that tempted me along these lines: “Hey, aren’t you tired from that flight, would you like a yummy vino?”
I was excited to discover my Deluxe King room was on level 17 (of 18) with sweeping views of the city which is equally as pretty day or night. The elevator reception areas on each floor are spacious and emanate class through sleek finishes and pleasing European-style design.
The most important aspect of any hotel are its rooms, of course, and I loved mine. Sliding Japanese style doors lead to the wardrobe space and luxurious bathroom with oversized tub and French Connection toiletries. The bed was supremely comfortable and if you’re like me and fussy about your pillow, there’s a specialised menu available to suit all requirements. Floor to ceiling windows present the city in an alluring way, and when the curtains are drawn back the natural light really showcases all the pleasing elements of the room, including its modern spaces, reading/day chair, work desk, flat screen television and large bathroom.
Further facilities you’ll also love about this place include its gym, pool, spa and sauna; free WiFi, concierge service, business centre, the Straits Cafe which boasts a delicious modern Australian menu, and in-room dining which I can personally vouch for as being the perfect combination of a comforting guilty pleasure and excellent value for money.
The Rendezvous Grand Hotel Adelaide (part of TFE Hotels tfehotels.com) is well priced for its pleasurable amenities and convenient location for business or leisure travellers. I was in the city to attend the Taste Australia showcase and #WordsToGo, presented in and around Victoria Square (close to the popular Adelaide Central Markets), and this property is literally four minutes walk from this precinct.
It also appeared to me to be pretty safe by day and night if you happen to be getting around on foot (which is likely as Adelaide is an easy walking city). Adelaide Convention Centre, Rundle Mall, the cultural boulevard of North Terrace, and popular Gouger and Waymouth Street restaurant precincts are all within walking distance of the hotel. You can also easily explore South Australia’s famous Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions with a daytrip into the picturesque countryside.
It is easy to get to and from the airport − around ten minutes via car, taxi (approx $20 ride) or chauffeur service.
Where to stay in Adelaide
Rendezvous Grand Hotel Adelaide
55 Waymouth Street, Adelaide
Tel: +61 (0) 8 8115 8888
rendezvoushotels.com/adelaide
Want to take a look behind-the-scenes at Tasting Australia 2014 and cheese making with Udder Delights?
by Sarah Blinco | Apr 30, 2014 | Creative travel experiences
When I checked in on Facebook from the Adelaide airport announcing my landing for the first time in South Australia for #WordsToGo14, I received a rush of feedback from fans, locals, and ex-pats living in other Aussie regions expressing enthusiasm for the city. Affectionately known as ‘Radelaide’, the city is renowned as being friendly, relaxed yet vibrant, and surrounded by rolling hills, beautiful beaches and world-famous wine and dairy producing regions. I discovered for myself the city’s delightful (and delicious) precincts dedicated to eating, boutique bars and gourmet food trucks, Haigh’s Chocolates, the National Wine Centre, as well as the southern hemisphere’s largest undercover produce market, Adelaide Central Markets.
Tasting Australia in Adelaide 2014
It seems fitting that among Adelaide’s many renowned annual events, the city also hosts one of the world’s most well known culinary festivals, Tasting Australia (tastingaustralia.com.au, 27 April to 4 May 2014).
The event is always a resounding success, and Tasting Australia in Adelaide 2014 is shaping up to be no exception, following a world-class program of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cooking classes, experiences, tours and workshops presented by Australia’s very best chefs, winemakers and producers. The level of expertise is a cut above, and I became acutely aware of why South Australia has garnered an international reputation as a premier food and wine destination.
Adelaide was actually named as one of Lonely Planet‘s top 10 cities to visit in 2014; described as “effortlessly chic − and like a perfectly cellared red, it’s ready to be uncorked and sampled.”
About The City of Churches
WeekendNotes.com has presented a few neat facts on Adelaide that I’ll share with you briefly. “In 1836, a city named Adelaide was born with a proclamation under a gumtree at Glenelg, now a seaside suburb west of the city… Adelaide has been nicknamed the ‘City of Churches’. Although it is not known as to who first started using this nickname, one only needs to take a look around to dig out the rationale behind such a nickname. Churches boasting exquisite architectural designs abound in this beautiful city with the Holy Trinity Anglican Church being the oldest which was built in the year 1838…
Adelaide is reportedly home to the biggest display of Aboriginal Culture and artefacts. These are showcased at the South Australian Museum as well as at Tandanya – the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute… Arguably one can reach any point in the city within a period of 20 minutes thus the [other] nickname, ‘20 minutes’ city… Adelaide’s exotic Botanic Garden has the largest and oldest glasshouses in the Southern hemisphere. These glasshouses sure make some terrific tourist attractions… Adelaide is not only the capital of South Australia but is also the opal capital of Australia… [In Australia] Adelaide was the first place to abolish sexual and racial discrimination, the first to do away with capital punishment, the first to recognise Aboriginal land rights, the first to give women voting rights and interestingly is also the first place to legalise nude swimming.”
My top two experiences
Adelaide Central Market
The southern hemisphere’s largest undercover produce market and South Australia’s most visited tourist attraction, with roots dating back to 1869. The market boasts over 80 stalls selling everything you can imagine, from fresh cheese, fruit, veges, bread, cakes, coffee, nuts, yoghurt and fare from around the region and the world. The market is easy to navigate as it’s divided into a colourful array of lanes and broadways; it’s also easy to find being as it’s generally referred to as being the ‘Heart of Adelaide’.
Udder Delights Cheese Cellar
Now this is an experience that everyone in the family will adore. Indulge in a cheese-making master-class hosted by the gorgeous Sheree Sullivan and the team, who will guide you through making your very own cheese which you can create, take home, nurture and in good time eat. You’ll learn all about cheese (in an entertaining context − no boring science lectures here) as well as the wonderful local businesses in the Adelaide Hills region (many tight-knit family owned for generations); and you’ll enjoy lunch while your cheese mix incubates. A cheese and wine trail is on offer to explore on location in Hahndorf, and you can even take a cheese themed high tea for good measure. Many of the experiences on offer at Udder Delights are booked out in advance, so reserve your space to avoid disappointment.
Also worth a peep while you’re in the area is the picturesque Bird in Hand winery where I was lucky enough to experience my own unique version of the Udder Delights cheese-making master-class. Bird In Hand is now also hosting wonderfully chic musical events on site at the vineyard, check the website to see if something’s on that coincides with your visit: birdinhand.com.au.
Planning a trip to Adelaide? I enjoyed my stay at the Rendezvous Grand Adelaide Hotel –read more.
Got a comment, query or suggestion? I’d love to hear from you – there’s space below :-)
-Sarah Blinco
by Sarah Blinco | Apr 26, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations
A lovely friend of mine has asked Cooper and I to MC her wedding next week. So flattering but a bit nerve wrecking.
We’re looking at it as a great opportunity to get back into public speaking and we’ll do our best to make the guests feel happy, proud and jubilant on the big day.
Do you have any tips for us though? It’s our first wedding MC gig so all advice gratefully accepted. Here’s what my research has presented so far:
Tips for a novice wedding MC
- When in doubt, keep it simple; additionally, it’s not an MC’s role to jest, entertain, perform or tell a significant story or joke at every turn (although humour is gratefully received if it’s tastefully done and well timed).
- It is however, the role of the MC to ‘run’ the wedding reception; to keep things moving along smoothly and on time.
- We should indeed know the names (and any tricky pronunciations) of the bridal party and key players like bride and groom’s parents, photographer, DJ/band…
- The longest an MC usually speaks is at the beginning of the reception, where it is appropriate to welcome guests, explain any rules, requirements and proceedings for the event, and introduce the wedding party.
- An MC should encourage laughter, and gear everything towards the positives of the affair.
- An MC should help the guests feel comfortable and manage crowd behaviour if necessary.
What are your experiences MCing important events? Do you have any advice for our first time?
Thanks in advance, Sarah + Cooper
by Sarah Blinco | Apr 25, 2014 | Career and mindset, Lifestyle
I’ve hit mid thirties, and I could either freak out about it or embrace it. I choose the latter. I believe age is a mindset, and I feel better now within myself than I ever have. I’m happy the way I am, unique as I may be in my views. Turning 35 to me is ok. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter and adventure. If I can help anyone with that attitude, then that’s awesome. I’ve had feedback this year that I’ve helped people. I have been called Ms. Blinco by the younger set I’ve been mentoring – yeah, that makes me feel a little old; being able to positively influence even just one person of any age by sharing a bit of encouragement and wisdom is worth it though.
Reflecting then with a positive spirit, here are some things I’m grateful for today. Can you relate? Happy Birthday to me (and fellow ANZAC Day babies) x
35 Things I am grateful for at 35
- Cooper – my gorg partner in crime of nearly 13 years.
- Harry the cattle dog. Coolest dog ever.
- Not being concerned about turning 35.
- Travel – it’s life changing; it’s adventure and equals real living.
- Meditation and mindfulness practice has changed my life. I can now manage stress and challenges so much better, and I’m much more focussed and passionate about my goals and ideas.
- Being an ‘ideas’ person; it can be annoying at times, but I’ve grown to like this ever-churning mind of mine.
- Being a dog person – dogs bring Cooper and I so much joy, and this passion continues to grow.
- The pleasant surprises that come with discovering who my true and old friends are.
- Being more at peace.
- Understanding everything better than I did when I was 25!
- The Internet – I love it and am able to facilitate my passion for creating media on a wider scale.
- London – yes, you can fall in love with a place, and this city is it for me. My photographer mate, Cara Bendon, describes it as my “spiritual home”, I think she may be right.
- My interesting, generous family and extended family who are constantly doing kind things, as well as teaching me valuable lessons that I’ll take with me always. And, my parents for giving me a good life, and instilling in me that “travel is the best education you can receive”. I took it on board more later in life, but I think the mantra means even more to me because of that.
- Greater spiritual awareness.
- My new Canon EOS – it’s a toy, and I love it!
- Realising it’s ok to never grow out of watching and adoring CW television shows (among other things); I never let go after Dawson’s Creek, The OC, One Tree Hill… nup, bring it on, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Reign…
- Being less afraid to share my opinion.
- I’m happy to have developed the view point where I look on things as opportunities rather than negatives.
- I count myself fortunate that I’ve not lost any close loved ones at this point. I realise it’s a part of life, but I’m still grateful to have all my important peeps around.
- The opportunity to be a life long learner.
- Webinars – I learn so many great things thanks to the good people who produce free training for everything from Yoga to social media. You should get into it if you haven’t done so already!
- Realising that we’re never perfect, but that consistency and practice go a long way towards being the best you can be at whatever you love, be that writing, singing, cooking, parenting and so on.
- I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continuously meet the cool people I meet, whether they stay in my life for a moment or much more; I more often than not can recognise now what people are sent to me for.
- I’m grateful that I have life and career-based experience which enables me to help others in their pursuit of motivation, and better managing social media, media, PR and digital endeavours in their own businesses and life.
- I have realised I really enjoy mentoring those younger than me, and have successfully inspired a number of students already this year. We take for granted how few mentors in life people encounter, and it really makes a difference to students under 23 especially; I know this from personal experience and I’m glad to be in a position to pay it forward.
- I’m thankful for the courage I have to stand by my decisions and pursue what’s right for me even though it may not be what society says I’m ‘meant to be doing’. I’m grateful for the choice I understand is in my power in order to be happy each day.
- I’m grateful Darren Hayes is still writing music and producing other media like podcasts to inspire his long time fans (*waves Darren* – one day, ONE day he will Tweet me; how exciting!).
- I have awesome clients, bosses, ex-bosses, colleagues and former colleagues. I’m so lucky to have learned amazing insights and skills from people I’ve worked with and for.
- I’m grateful for the supporters in my life; there are just a handful of you – you know who you are and I love you. As I grow older I do believe that you can only count your true friends on one hand. I think I’m lucky enough to count them on two, probably no more, but that’s ok.
- Travel blogging and blogging in general. What a joy and an opportunity.
- My travel bucket list – I’m grateful for the destinations I’m about to receive.
- Freedom. Thanks to the ANZACs and everyone else who fights (and has fought) to keep us safe. We really do not have any reason to whine about menial things – have you not looked on the news recently to see what hell some others are born into? I’m grateful to have been born in Australia (and proud to be an Aussie).
- For vision boards and and the power of the written-down goal – how did I not get into this mindset earlier? Better late than never.
- My brother Josh, he is fab and I love our in depth discussions on the paranormal!
- For the nice comments you’ll leave below ;-)
Thanks for reading, Sarah x
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