The hotel’s Insider Experiences offer more than just a luxurious place to stay. They give travellers the chance to enjoy the best their destination has to offer. But don’t think it’s just for tourists. This level of pampering is something even the locals will enjoy.

Guests can choose from three different insider experiences. If you’ve always fancied hanging ten, the Insider Leisure Experience could be for you. You’ll take a relaxing ferry trip to Manly, one of the best ways to see Sydney Harbour. Once you arrive at the iconic Manly Beach you’ll receive a private surfing lesson. You may not challenge Mick Fanning for the world title, but you’ll have a lot of fun.

Shopaholics might prefer the Insider City Experience. It includes a walking tour of Queen Street’s stunning antique shops and boutiques. Of course with so much to tempt you, you’ll need money to spend. The Intercontinental takes care of that too, with a $100 voucher to spend at the food and homewares boutique, Simon Johnson.

But my favourite is the Insider Occasion experience. It’s also the priciest, but if you’ve got champagne tastes it’ll be worth the splurge. This luxurious package includes the hire of a sexy convertible Mini Cooper, and a picnic hamper packed by the hotel’s star chefs. Other picnickers will be envious of your gourmet spread, which includes smoked salmon, delicious sandwiches, French cheeses, tropical fruits, and melt-in-your-mouth desserts. And of course, a meal like this deserves champagne. Luckily the Intercontinental also provides a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

All experiences include breakfast and a night’s accommodation in the Intercontinental Hotel’s plush surroundings. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

Location: Intercontinental Hotel
Address: Corner of Bridge and Phillip Streets, Sydney
Public transport: The hotel is a short walk from Circular Quay train station
Parking: Valet car parking costs $30
Cost: Insider Leisure from $419, Insider City from $519, and Insider Occasion from $649
Website: http://www.sydney.intercontinental.com

Image source: Superciliousness @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Their Provocateur package is guaranteed to heat up your holiday. The five-star surroundings will put into a sexy mood when you arrive. Your room will have an enormous bath, a massive bed, and a giant flat-screen TV. Not that you’ll be watching it. Ceiling to floor windows allow you to watch the city as you soak in your tub … the perfect entrée to the evening.

The main course is dinner at Luke Mangan’s renowned Glass restaurant. He uses French, Asian, and Australian influences to create dishes that are out of this world. But don’t eat too much. There’s more to come.

When you return to your room it will be transformed into a breathtaking boudoir. I won’t spoil it for you, but you’ll be swept away by the candles, rose petals, and aromatic essences. The centerpiece is a stunning platter of tasty treats and a chilled bottle of champagne. You’ll enjoy fig and crab canapés, oysters, chocolate covered strawberries, and more. I told you not to eat too much at dinner.

The coffee table had been beautifully arranged with an enticing platter and a bottle of champagne sitting in an ice-bucket waiting to be popped.

And then we come to the bed. There’ll find an envelope with seduction tips penned by sensual guru Madame Lash. A feather tickler is also provided to give you a head start. All this makes for one heady evening, and a whole lot of fun.

Location: Hilton Hotel
Address: 488 George Street, Sydney
Public transport: Catch a train to Town Hall station. The Hilton is 100 m away
Parking: 500 parking spaces are located underneath the hotel. Enter via Pitt Street. Valet parking is available from the hotel driveway/entrance, access from Pitt Street at a cost of $40 per night
Cost: The Provocateur package is available from $749
Website: http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/

Image source: Toots Fontaine @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The Crowne Plaza Norwest is located in the Norwest Business Park in Baulkham Hills. Your complimentary champagne will already be chilled when you arrive in your premium spa or balcony room. The package also includes dinner for two in the hotel’s restaurant, Whispers, and buffet breakfast the next morning.

But we know you don’t want to spend all your time in a hotel. That’s why this deal also includes a return limo transfer to Castle Towers Shopping Centre. The mall features big name chains like David Jones, Myer, Target, and K-Mart alongside over 310 specialty stores.

Don’t worry about getting lost though. A Castle Towers rep will meet you over coffee when you get there. They’ll explain where everything is before you get started. So now all you need is some spending money. The Royal package takes care of that too, with a $25 gift voucher. Then take home a complimentary goodie bag to remember the ultimate girly weekend.

The Royal package is a steal, at just $249 per person.

Crowne Plaza Norwest Royal Tour Shopping Spree

Crowne Plaza Norwest
1 Columbia Court
Baulkham Hills

Castle Towers Shopping Centre
Castle Street
Castle Hill

Image source: Schlomit Wolf @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler