Episode 13: Great Escapes special
Everyone loves a weekend escape, especially when you can save money! This week on the Postcards Great Escapes special Suzie and the team showcase some quirky accommodation and offer 10 great HotelClub packages you won't be able to refuse.
Villa Mallorca
Set on the stunning coastline of Mt Martha, Villa Mallorca has been built to host the entire family. With its rendered brickwork, wrought-iron handrails, Mexican ceramics and amazing views from every vantage point, Villa Mallorca can be your piece of Spain on the Mornington Peninsula. Just like a Spanish wedding cake, there are many tiers to this villa and a definite highlight is the Mediterranean garden and the outdoor terrace with great views of the bay. Inspired by the Euro villa concept, this Spanish hacienda is big enough to allow you to spend time with your fellow guests. There's a great Spanish kitchen where you can fire up a feast and then, when it's time for a siesta, there are five bedrooms to fight over.
Villa Mallorca does have in-house catering, but if you feel the need to stretch those legs then there are loads of eateries nearby to tempt you. It's as Aussie as you can get at The Rocks, with Queensland calamari, Mornington mussels and local Red Hill beer on the menu.
Villa Mallorca
Ph: 0413 591 852
www.stayz.com.au/4146
The Rocks Mornington
1 Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington
Ph: 03 5973 5599
www.therocksmornington.com.au
Hilton South Wharf and Dralion
Rising 20 storeys high, the newly-opened Hilton Melbourne South Wharf is the first major development to open in the new South Wharf precinct, and it's the perfect escape from the city without leaving the city. All of the hotel's suites offer panoramic views, but for the perfect getaway check into a relaxation suite, where there are three distinct zones for work, rest and play. And if you're after something to eat, there's a Michelin-starred chef right downstairs waiting to cook you his signature dish, Big Duck. Or, if you're after a slightly more casual meal, then check out Sotano, the hotel's wine and tapas bar.
With Docklands only a 10-minute-walk away, this is the perfect opportunity to check out Cirque du Soleil's latest offering, Dralion, in which the Dragon of the East meets the Lion of the West. Dralion has already thrilled over eight million people worldwide and a big part of its appeal is its colourful costumes. You can catch Dralion at Docklands until 14 June and tickets are available on the Cirque du Soleil website.
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf
2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Ph: 03 9027 2000
www.newmelbourne.com.au
Dralion
Docklands Drive, Docklands
Ph: 1300 130 300
www.cirquedusoleil.com
Morning Sun Vineyard
What do you look for in a winery? Is it all about the wine and the cellar door? Or do you want to be wined and dined? Do you want to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and cosy accommodation? Or do you want to do something totally crazy like get married? Either way, Morning Sun Vineyard, situated in Main Ridge on the Mornington Peninsula, has all the bases covered. While many people come here to relax, Glen decides to get his hands a little dirty and help out behind the scenes. When it's time to kick back in the afternoon, the deck is the perfect spot to try some of the winery's great food. If you feel like hanging around, Morning Sun has a three-bedroom, self-contained apartment right above the winery. It has enough room to sleep up to six guests and besides all the mod cons, it also has a killer view.
Morning Sun Vineyard
337 Main Creek Road, Main Ridge
Ph: 03 5989 6571
www.morningsunvineyard.com.au
Ravenswood
A winding gravel driveway leads you to Ravenswood Historic Homestead, an impressive reminder of Goldfields history set on a 35-acre property in Ravenswood. The home was built in 1857 and these days offers guests the chance to experience mid-19th-century grandeur with all the modern comforts. There are 14 double bedrooms, and most have ensuites. You can stay in the house or in the old servant's quarters. Each room is decorated in keeping with the heritage and history of the property. There's also a new one-bedroom cottage that has been rebuilt on the estate if you want complete privacy. Guests have access to some lovely rooms in and around the manor, including the historic garden house. And if you're feeling like really enhancing the old world experience then it's just a 10-minute drive into Bendigo for some great antique buys at Valentine's in Hargreaves Street.
Ravenswood Historic Homestead
Calder Highway, Ravenswood
Ph: 5435 3284
www.beautifulaccommodation.com/ravenswood
Valentine's Antique Gallery
369 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo
Ph: 5443 7279
www.valentinesantiques.com.au
What's on
Cirque Du Soleil - Dralion
The circus is in town, but not just any circus... Don't miss the amazing spectacle that is Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion, now on!
Where: Docklands
When: Until 14 June 2009
More: Ph 1300 130 300 or visit www.cirquedusoleil.com
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Why not get together for a good cause and be part of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea? Host your morning tea anytime in May or June to raise funds for The Cancer Council.
When: 28 May 2009
More: Ph 1300 656 585 or visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
Next weekend the Salvos will be knocking on your door, so dig deep and donate to this year's Red Shield Appeal.
When: 23 - 24 May 2009
More: Ph 13 72 58 or visit www.salvos.org.au
