Here are our top short break beach destinations.

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

Vivonne Bay, South Australia
One of the most pristine and secluded beaches in Australia is Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island. Just off the coast of South Australia, this island is home to spectacular scenery, an abundance of wildlife and beautiful beaches. Situated on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, Vivonne Bay is a long sandy beach boasting bright turquoise waters. Enjoy a picnic on the shores with impressive views across the ocean, or go for a spot of fishing from the jetty. Other notable places on the island to visit include Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks and Kelly Hills Cave.

Bateman’s Bay, New South Wales
Home to a number of golden beaches, Bateman’s Bay is a bustling coastal town in New South Wales. Perfect for a weekend getaway, families can spend their days lazing on the shores or enjoying a spot of fishing, diving or boating. Hop onboard a cruise down the peaceful Clyde River or visit Murramarang National Park and see the friendly eastern grey kangaroos. Take a day trip out to Montague Island, home to many Australian fur seals, and go snorkelling to see a variety of fascinating marine life.

Port Fairy, Victoria
A small historic fishing town, Port Fairy is home to a number of family friendly beaches. Take the kids for a short break to this relaxed seaside village where you can soak up the sunshine on the shores of stunning beaches. Take a scenic walk to Griffith Island with breathtaking views from the historic Griffith Lighthouse. The Moyne River in Port Fairy is well known for its excellent fishing and be sure to enjoy a meal at one of the award winning restaurants.

Cable Beach, Broome
One of Western Australia’s most popular beaches is the spectacular Cable Beach in Broome. With its remarkable white sand and turquoise waters, it’s the perfect place is soak up some Australian sun.
Enjoy a variety of water sports including parasailing and jet skiing or kayak through the beautiful Turtle Bay. For a unique experience, take a camel ride along the shore at sunset or sunrise.

Agnes Waters, Queensland
Just north of Frasier Island is Agnes Waters, a relaxed seaside town with a number of excellent beaches. With over three hundred days of sunshine, there is simply no excuse not to enjoy the great outdoors all year round. Famous for its unspoilt beaches, rugged coast and laid back locals, it’s no wonder Agnes Beach is a popular tourist destination. Take a day trip out to the Southern Barrier Reef where you can dive or snorkel amongst colourful coral and tropical fish.

Here are our top five romantic skiing destinations.

St Moritz, Switzerland

St Moritz, Switzerland
Spend quality time with your partner in St Moritz, a romantic skiing village on the lake shore in Switzerland. Offering an abundance of trails across the surrounding mountain ranges, you have five major ski areas to choose from. After a day on the slopes, take your loved one to wander the streets of the old world village brimming with luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants and quaint cafes. St Moritz has combined effortless luxury and classic elegance, to create a prestigious and sort after skiing destination.

Courchevel, France
Food lovers should consider venturing to Courchevel in France for their romantic ski holiday. This glamorous skiing destination is internationally renowned due to its classy slope side bars and array of high quality restaurants – a number of which are Michelin starred. Courchevel is home to romantic and cosy chalets offering stunning views of the Swiss and Italian Alps. Off the slopes, you can enjoy many exciting activities with a bowling alley, cinema and ice skating rink on site. Take your partner on a scenic helicopter flight or hot air balloon ride to truly appreciate the magnificent surrounds.

Aspen, Colorado
The pristine white slopes of Aspen will beckon you and your loved one to stay as you enjoy the picturesque backdrop of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The cobblestone streets of the charming town add a touch of romance as you venture on a horse drawn carriage or dine at the mountain restaurant, Cloud Nine. Retire to your lodge by the warmth of your crackling fire or relax in an outdoor hot tub and admire the unspoilt surroundings.

Kitzbuehel, Austria
Walk hand in hand down the gorgeous cobblestone streets of Kitzbuehel in Austria and admire the village’s old fashioned charm. Offering world class skiing conditions, you and your loved one can enjoy the freedom of touring down the endless snow covered slopes. Spend time at the famous designer boutiques, enjoy a meal for two at one of the popular restaurants or sip a hot chocolate by the wood burning stove. This unique resort is considered to be the most beautiful in Austria.

Lake Louise, Canada
The splendour of Lake Louise is unrivalled with its sparkling turquoise waters, flourishing alpine terrain and breathtaking mountain ranges. Situated inside Canada’s Banff National Park, Lake Louise is considered one of the world’s most scenic skiing destinations. Take your loved one to enjoy skiing in the Canadian Rockies, while staying in a rustic chateau in the village of Lake Louise, just minutes from the slopes.

Here are our top five family friendly island destinations.

Viti Levu, Fiji

Viti Levu, Fiji
An idyllic South Pacific paradise, Viti Levu in Fiji is home to white sandy beaches and lush rainforests. The friendly Fijian locals are known for their love of children and will endeavour to make sure your kids feel right at home. Most hotels and resorts on the island will cater to families with excellent kids clubs and onsite activities. Take the family snorkelling or diving to see the reef’s coral gardens, tropical fish and sea turtles. Kids will love the Kula Eco Park where they can see Fiji’s rare and endangered animals including the red musk parrot and the golden dove.

Bali
Beautiful Bali is an Indonesian oasis, perfect for a family holiday. Spend your days lazing on the shores of Bali’s unspoilt beaches or for a thrill take the kids white water rafting. With over twenty fast paced water slides, the giant water park, Waterbom is a very popular attraction for families. The adventurous will love the Bali Safari Marine Park, where you can tour through habitats and get up close and personal with many fascinating animals.

Phuket, Thailand
The rich culture of Thailand is evident whether you tour its vibrant cities or the peaceful beaches. Phuket is a popular holiday destination for families with its abundance of fantastic resorts and beautiful scenery. You’re also sure to enjoy delicious authentic Thai cuisine. Take a day trip to Chiang Mai for an afternoon outdoors at the impressive Tweechol Botanic Gardens. Hop on a paddle boat, visit the petting zoo or hire bikes to tour the parklands. For a unique experience, take the kids on an elephant ride at the Chiang Mai Elephant Park.

Port Vila, Vanuatu
Close to Australian shores, Vanuatu is home to over eighty beautiful islands. The stunning landscape is made up of rugged mountains, towering volcanoes and dense rainforest which surround unspoilt beaches with sparkling turquoise waters. Port Villa offers plenty of water based activities the whole family will love including diving, snorkelling, fishing, waterskiing, parasailing and canoeing. Kids and adults alike can enjoy one of the world’s longest Zorb rides at Wet ‘N’ Wild or go for a horse ride on the white sandy shores of Port Villa’s beaches.

Oahu, Hawaii
Spend your next school holiday break on the world famous beaches of Hawaii. Kids will love holidaying on the relaxed American island, Oahu, where they can learn to surf or snorkel in the shallows. Take the kids to Dolphin Quest where they can have a once in a lifetime experience of swimming with dolphins or enjoy a day trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Here are our top five adventure honeymoon holiday ideas.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Safari Adventure in South Africa
For a wild adventure, take your partner on a safari holiday and explore the natural beauty of South Africa. Have the opportunity to see incredible African animals in their natural habitat with a thrilling game drive or walking safari. You and your loved one can take up the challenge of spotting all of the African Big Five – an elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and a leopard. Stay in a nearby lodge or cabin and be in awe of the majestic landscape and stunning wildlife.

Skiing in Canada
Newlyweds can enjoy a winter honeymoon in the beautiful snow fields of Canada. Whether you’re first timers or experienced skiers, you and your partner can enjoy the magic of snow with a skiing holiday. Canada receives a generous blanket of snow each winter and has stunning ski fields scattered all across the country. Spend your days expending energy on the slopes before sipping a hot chocolate by the warm fire in your romantic mountainside chalet.

Jungle Trek in Kokoda
For an exciting adventure honeymoon, take your loved one on a jungle trek through the famous Kokoda Trail in Papa New Guinea. Not for the faint hearted, this trek will have you continually confronting rugged mountains and dense rainforest but you’ll glimpse spectacular views along the way. See pristine natural waterfalls and rare wildlife including the Blue Bird of Paradise.

Adventure Sports in New Zealand
Spend your honeymoon in the beautiful surrounds of New Zealand and enjoy their abundance of fast paced adventure sports. Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island is considered the adventure capital of the world, with unlimited fast paced sports you and your loved one can enjoy together. Thrill seekers can bungy jump off the rugged cliffs to the unknown depths below or tandem skydive over the spectacular scenery. Enjoy breathtaking speed on a  jet boat or take a heart racing white water rafting ride down the icy cold rivers.

Diving in the Solomon Islands
The inviting turquoise waters of the Solomon Islands will tempt you and your loved one to dive in as soon as you arrive on shore. These exotic islands are famous for their unspoilt beaches and rich culture. Take your partner diving in the sparkling waters of the Solomon Islands to discover an abundance of exotic sea creatures, beautiful coral gardens and fascinating ships wrecks. Your days can be spent exploring this beautiful paradise and soaking up the warm sunshine.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Here are our top five unique present ideas for Mother’s Day.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Tour one of Australia’s most famous icons by taking your mum on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. This adventure will have you experience an unforgettable climb over the magnificent Sydney Harbour for impressive views of the city, the Opera House and beyond. You’ll be guided each step of the way and can choose to take your climb at dawn, day, twilight or night. Just don’t forget your camera as you’ll have the opportunity to take some beautiful shots.

Feed the Wild Dolphins at Tangalooma
Your mum may appreciate the gift of seeing, touching and feeding wild dolphins at Queensland’s Tangalooma Island Resort. Every evening at sunset, resort guests can have the opportunity to hand feed one of the wild bottlenose dolphins that gather at the shores. See these beautiful animals up close with this once in a lifetime experience.

Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Avon Valley
For a more relaxed journey, consider taking your mum on a peaceful hot air balloon ride over Perth’s stunning Avon Valley. This picturesque landscape is perfect for viewing from above with its patchwork scenery made up of lush green fields, rolling hills and meandering streams. Tour over the Avon River and historical villages as you experience the wonder of one of the first inventions of flying. Most rides will depart at dawn so you’ll have the beauty of the early sun rising as your backdrop.

Take a Scenic Flight over Kangaroo Island
It’s no secret that South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is a land of natural beauty. Take your mum on a scenic flight over the island to view the bright turquoise waters and spectacular coastal scenery from above. Tour over stunning rock structures including the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral Arch, while keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales playing in the waters.

Go for a Beach Horse Ride on the Mornington Peninsula
Spoil your mum with a horse ride through Melbourne’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula. If your mum is a true animal lover, she will love this unique adventure as you tour through lush forest before reaching the region’s most stunning beaches. See magnificent scenery as you take a relaxing ride along the shores of this wondrous coast. With a variety of rides available, this present idea is perfect for any mum – even for first time horse riders.

Here are our top five cruise lines for weddings.

A Romantic Cruise

Princess Cruises
Offering three different wedding packages, Princess Cruises have embraced the notion of holding wedding ceremonies onboard. Most of their cruise ships have a dedicated wedding chapel and an onboard wedding coordinator. You can choose to have your wedding out at sea, by the harbour or ashore for a beach or garden ceremony. Princess cruises also have state of the art technology so you can broadcast your ceremony live to family and friends at home.

Disney Cruise Line
Disney fans will love the idea of saying ‘I do’ onboard a Disney cruise ship. All Disney cruises out of Florida offer the Disney wedding package which includes the assistance of a wedding coordinator to help organise the details of your ceremony. This is a fun and quirky option, perfect for those who want the magic of Disney to surround them on their wedding day. You can also choose to have your ceremony at Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Spoil your loved one with an extravagant wedding onboard one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships. From beautiful flower bouquets to exquisite wedding cakes, your big day will be organised from start to finish by their professional wedding planner. Choose to say your vows on board at sea, in port or on shore, any day of your cruise. You can specifically design your own wedding and be assured that all your desires will be met. Take advantage of the onboard spa services and spoil yourselves with a variety of beauty treatments for him and her.

Royal Caribbean International
For a romantic seaside wedding, choose one of the Royal Caribbean International cruises. Most of their ships will happily help coordinate your wedding be it on shore, in port or at sea. Choose to become husband and wife at one of the exciting destinations of your cruise – a tropical island in the Caribbean or on the top of a glacier in Alaska. Royal Caribbean International has a number of destinations to choose from and can help you each step of the way.

Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise is an ideal line for an onboard wedding with a variety of affordable wedding packages. A number of their ships have their own romantic wedding chapels and they also offer a unique gift registry service. Choose to have your wedding onboard or perhaps at your favourite destination, then set sail on your exciting honeymoon cruise.

Here are our top five hotel and resort spas for kids.

Spa Treatments for Kids

ESPA Spa – Phulay Bay Resort, Thailand

The ESPA Spa is located in the luxury surrounds of Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. An idyllic oasis, this resort has created a family friendly paradise which now extends to the beautiful ESPA Spa. Kids can be spoilt with special treatments that are intended to pamper and nurture, from glossy manicures and pedicures to relaxing kids massages. Try one of the Mum and Me packages, where you and your little one will receive a full body treatment together or the Dad and Me package for full body tension release.

One & Only Junior Spa – One & Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius

Younger guests won’t miss out at the One & Only Junior Spa in Mauritius. This spa offers a number of exclusive spa treatments specially designed for children and teenagers, aged six to sixteen. There’s a variety of skin care, manicure and hair care experiences on offer. Girls can choose from a selection of princess treatments, and there are muddy massages for the boys. Families can also spend quality time in the family sanctuary enjoying rejuvenating spa treatments together.

Finisterra Spa – Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel, Portugal

Mums and dads will love the Finisterra Spa in Portugal. Located in the Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel, this amazing spa offers treatments tailored towards the whole family. One of their specialities includes a baby massage, where mums and dads can learn techniques to help relax and soothe your baby for a better night’s sleep. Younger guests can also enjoy spa therapies including facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. Teens can learn about skin care and be taught helpful beauty advice.

Ice Cream Spa in the Maldives

Ice Cream Spa – Conrad Hotel, Maldives

Those with a sweet tooth will be lulled by the fragrant aromas of Conrad Hotel’s Ice Cream Spa. This fantasy land in the Maldives, allows children aged four to twelve to indulge in delicious spa delights. Kids can choose their favourite ice cream themed indulgence from a super sundae supreme body scrub and massage to a marvellous magical mini-cure. Breathe in the sweet scent of delicious ice cream with flavours including apple pie, chocoholic or peaches n cream.

Glacier Kids by Mebath Spa – Four Seasons Resort, Canada

After a day on the glorious slopes of Whistler, kids can retreat to the Glacier Kids by Mebath Spa at the Four Seasons Resorts. While mum and dad can enjoy an invigorating clay wrap or a mint foot massage the kids can indulge in a hot fudge sundae massage and body scrub or a strawberry scented manicure and pedicure.

Bali Anantara Seminyak

On a recent trip, I was lucky enough to have spent two nights at Anantara Seminyak and two nights at Anantara Uluwatu, both properties offering truly spectacular hospitality and a relaxed vibe. The most common question you get asked by locals in Bali is ‘how many times have you visited’? They ask with genuine interest, not because they are nosey, but because they’re friendly. Balinese people are not negative, nor stressed, partly because their lives are centered on spirituality and karma.

Anantara Seminyak is set on a beach front enclave, just a short walk from the well-known restaurant Ku De Ta Bali and the buzzing Potato Head Beach Club. The hotel is hip and so is the crowd, who are seemingly a lot more laid-back than I had expected. Contemporary design elements and a great location make this a top choice for savvy hipsters who are looking for a holiday with all the trimmings. There is plenty to do at the hotel or in the local area, from trying a Balinese cooking class to visiting the famous temples or shopping for bargains at boutiques nearby.

SOS Rooftop Bar

One of my favourite experiences was at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar – SOS Supper Club – which offers unobstructed views of the sunset across the ocean. The space is broken out into four areas to suit everyone’s preferences. By day, comfy daybeds provide the perfect setting for lying around with a good book in one hand and a fruity cocktail in the other, while at night the bar turns up the heat with smooth tunes delivered by a live DJ.

We enjoyed an intimate meal at the semi-to-totally alfresco dining area, which serves up a delicious, contemporary menu. If you’re up for more, check out The Wine Room next to the restaurant, which hosts tastings and encourages guests to personally select their own wines at the cellar prior to dinner.

The sister property, Anantara Uluwatu, is beautifully situated on the edge of a cliff on Bali’s southern coast. Guests can stay in a seaview suite, a private pool villa or a duplex penthouse. A grand infinity pool is by far the highlight of this resort, carved into the hillside with endless views across the ocean. This is truly the best place to soak up the glowing sunshine, as you laze on daybeds and enjoy the facilities of all-day poolside dining.

If you’re after a little more relaxation, head upstairs to the resort’s Anantara Spa for a dose of massage therapy or participate in morning yoga classes. There is also complimentary bicycle hire, cooking courses with the resident chef, an indoor mini-theatre and sunset temple tours available to keep active guests entertained. The rooftop restaurant also has flawless views, with a substantial menu that is fresh and simple, mixing the best of Mediterranean and Indonesian dishes.

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Royal Caribbean recently developed the new Barbie Premium Experience, aimed at girls aged 4 to 11. This magical experience will be available across the entire Royal Caribbean International fleet by May 2013 as an optional extra on any long stay cruise.

Barbie Fashion Show

Escape Travel’s National Marketing Manager, Emma Gilleland, said the Barbie Premium Experience was a great bonding idea for mothers and daughters and would be an ideal birthday present for young girls.

“Grandmothers, mothers and daughters can have loads of fun sharing the Barbie experience together. Give your mum the gift of a holiday this Mother’s Day, which can be enjoyed across three generations of Barbie lovers or lock in a mother-daughter escape to celebrate a special occasion,” said Emma.

Girls can enjoy exclusive Barbie themed activities throughout the cruise. From tasting Barbie treats at the Tiaras and Teacups Party to creating your own designs at the Barbie Fashion Design Workshop. Strut down the runway at the Barbie Fashion Show or shake your way through the Barbie inspired Mermaid Dance Class.

Set sail on your family cruise to your desired destination and add on the Barbie dream cruise experience for your little girls. They will be in awe as they enter their very own Barbie world filled with fun and games. They will receive fabulous take home gifts and are sure to make friends with other little Barbie fans too.

Barbie Tiaras and Teacups Party

And while your daughter and her friends are enjoying their Barbie experience, the Royal Caribbean arranges cruises to many fascinating destinations around the world. Consider enjoying the spectacular sights of the South Pacific including New Caledonia and Vanuatu on a cruise that departs from Sydney. On the other hand, admire the beauty of the Caribbean or the Bahamas.

Families booking a cruise should notify their Escape Travel consultant that they’d like to also enjoy the Barbie experience – as there is an additional charge required. For more details on the Barbie Premium Experience hosted by Royal Caribbean, contact your local Escape Travel Consultant on 1300 799 783.