6 April – General

Crowne Plaza Torquay

100 The Esplanade
Torquay

Ph 138 388

www.crowneplaza.com.au

Crowne Plaza has given Torquay the finishing touches it needs to turn this ocean township into a world class destination that has it all. Taking up a prime location overlooking Zeally Bay, Crowne Plaza's stunning location is a stone's throw to Fisherman's Beach and a 5-minute walk to the centre of town. The on-site spa is open to the public and offers a range of treatments including aroma therapy, hot stones massage, facials and full body exfoliation. The hotel has an indoor pool and gym, as well as a tennis court. On level three and you'll find Seasalt, Crown Plaza's premier restaurant, where the food is amazing and the views are spectacular.

Minnies Bed & Breakfast

202 Gibsons Road
Sale

Ph 03 5144 3344

www.minnies.com.au

Minnies bed and breakfast is just a few minutes drive from the town of Sale, and each room has become a living canvas. Owner Mandy Rowe designed and painted all the funky furniture herself and, depending on your mood, you can book the vibrant green and orange room or romantic rose room. For a special occasion you can even book the whole house. Mandy's creative flair is also expressed in the spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas. And it's not just the furnishings that will grab your attention. Mandy also cooks you a fabulous gourmet dinner.

Serendipity Lavender Farm

80 Croft Road
Nar Nar Goon

Ph 03 5942 9164

www.serendipitylavender.com.au

Serendipity Lavender Farm is a bed and breakfast that oozes charm and hospitality. In a secluded location, just an hour's drive from Melbourne along the Monash Freeway, you'll find a tranquil homestead amid violet, lilac and mauve coloured fields. Serendipity is well known around these parts for its lavender scones and for its lovely lavender tea. The distinctive scent of lavender massage oils, fragrant candles and soaps in each of the beautiful five-star-rated rooms will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed in no time.

Warrenmang Vineyard & Resort

Mountain Creek Road
Moonambel

Ph 03 5467 2233

www.bazzani.com.au

Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort is the perfect blend of food, wine and accommodation. For owners Luigi and Athalie Bazzani it's all about sharing these passions with their guests. If you're after a weekend trip with a difference, jump in your car, drive about 2 and a half hours north-west of Melbourne, and eventually you'll come to the town of Moonambel in the Pyrenees. Warrenmang offers chalet-style cottages – perfect for travelling couples – but The Grange is the pick of the bunch, with its penthouse suite and four luxury units. The cellar door is open daily 10.00am-5.00pm, and it's worth treating yourself to a tasting and a cellar tour.

Donovans

40 Jacka Boulevard
St Kilda

Ph 03 9534 8221

www.donovanshouse.com.au

When Gail and Kevin Donovan first opened the doors of their St Kilda restaurant Donovans, on the beach, they wondered how successful it would be. Since that opening a decade ago, they have never looked back. This year the eatery, still as popular as ever, is turning 10 and Suzie joins in the birthday celebrations. Everything Gail does is stylish – from her beach party, to the books she has written, to the décor at her restaurant. Gail is always on the look-out for new bits and pieces, so Suzie followed her to some favourite shopping haunts, including homeware store Juliet Horsley in Middle Park, and Izzy and Po Po in South Melbourne.

Juliet Horsley
88 Park Rd, Middle Park
Ph 03 9534 0633
www.juliethorsley.com

Izzy and PoPo
258 Ferrars St, South Melbourne
Ph 03 9696 1771

What's On

2008 Alps to the Ocean – Keen Adventure Race
Starting tomorrow and running for 5 days, The Alps to Ocean Keen Adventure Race includes bushland running, river kayaking and mountain biking within Gippsland.
Where: Gippsland
When: 7-12 April
More: Ph 03 9818 2982 or visit
www.rapidascent.com.au

The Basin Music Festival
The Basin Music Festival, with five venues showcasing eclectic music, is on in the beautiful Mt Dandenong foothills next weekend.
Where: Dandenongs
When: 12-13 April
More: Visit www.thebasinmusic.org.au

A Day Out With Thomas The Tank Engine
And while you're in the Dandenongs, take the kids down to Puffing Billy, for a special train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine.
Where: Puffing Billy, Dandenongs
When: Weekends until 20 April
More: Ph 03 9757 0700 or visit www.puffingbilly.com.au

Game On
Game On is Melbourne's must-see exhibition of 2008. It's an action-packed celebration of games culture that has thrilled over one million players of all ages around the world.
Where: Australian Centre of Moving Image
When: Until 13 July
More: Visit www.acmi.net.au

Art Melbourne 2008
Melbourne's most popular annual art buying fair, Art Melbourne, returns to the Royal Exhibition Building in 2 weeks.
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
When: 18-20 April
More: Visit artmelbourne08.com.au

La Mirada, Jewels of Spanish Cinema
Featuring at the Australian Centre of Moving Image is La Mirada – showcasing the best of Spanish cinema until 13 April 2008.
Where: Australian Centre of Moving Image
When: 3-13 April
More: Visit lamirada.org.au