Stay in a heritage cottage in one of the world’s great parks

 

For all our fabulous followers you can stay in this iconic location with 25% off accommodation.

Its simple just email The Residences and use the code ‘UNIQUEHOME’

Imagine being able to stay in a heritage cottage in one of the world’s great parks. Well it is possible, and just minutes from the Sydney CBD.

The Residences Centennial Park  are set to become an iconic accommodation experience for locals and tourists alike.

We were thrilled to enjoy a night away in Sydney in the gorgeous Rangers Residence with kids in tow.

The homes are beautiful, spacious and so well maintained it has the perfect historic feel to it, yet with all the modern convinces at the same time.  It’s so well stocked full of everything you could wish for in the kitchen. We loved the fact you could just pop out the door and find yourself on the Centennial Parklands cycleway loop just a few metres away.

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About The Accommodation

The historic (1890s) Residences are uniquely located in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands.

Featuring two unique Residences – Originally built in 1890-91 from sandstone quarried directly from the site, The Superintendents Residence was the home of the Park Superintendent and his family. The building offers a superb view down Parkes Drive and across Centennial Park to the suburbs beyond.

The Superintendents Residence sleeps up to eight people in four King or twin bedded rooms, ideal for weddings, family, social or corporate groups. It also offers a beautifully landscaped private backyard with a courtyard for entertaining and parking. The house also offers a stunning dining room, study and fully equipped kitchen.

 

The Ranger’s Residence  circa 1890s, is perched on a hilltop inside Sydney’s Centennial Parklands, near the Roberston Rd Gates. With sweeping views across the park, this home welcomes everyone, including the family pet, to experience its hidden charm and see the park at dark.

The Ranger’s Residence has 3 king and queen bedrooms with views into the parklands, 2 bathrooms, full-service kitchen and private garden. The wrap-around verandah overlooks the ancient Morton Bay Figs and parkland lagoons. This nook is ideal for wine with friends, luncheons, intimate garden party, special occasions, or for the bridal party to stay and get prepare for the big day and a family brunch afterwards.

Experience the vast gardens, labyrinth, bike tracks, duck ponds and horse riding adventures during your stay. Watch the sunrise and be the first to say ‘hello’ Centennial Park!  While enjoying home-grown honey from your own backyard.

Boasting unlimited park access and close to Sydney’s Eastern suburbs and local beaches, with horse riding, bike hire, native flora and fauna, formal gardens and a vibrant range of community events on the doorstep, The Residences Centennial Park are a truly unique short-stay experience.

The Residences are one of Sydney’s most unique accommodation experiences that is not to be missed.

Amenities

Air conditioned 

Dining Setting 

Cots Available 

Linen and Towels Provided 

Non-Smoking 

Kitchen 

Laundry Facilities 

Outdoor Setting 

Verandah 

Wireless Internet 

Views 

Barbeque 

Bath 

Lounge Area

Heating 

Cable/Satellite TV 

Pet friendly 

2 bathrooms 

On site parking 

Breakfast provided upon request 

Tea/Coffee Making

 

For us one night was just not enough and it’s at the top of our list to revisit one day!

If you have any questions please just drop us a line we love to chat.

Kerry xoxo

Contact www.theresidencescentennialpark.com

 

*This post was written in collaboration with The Residences Centennial Park  but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

Photographer – Anastasia Fua

Wardrobe – Alfaberry

 



Looking for a place to stay for the family in Bali – Villa Ayu

 

We just got back from the beautiful Bali and had an absolute ball. This time we decided against a resort and stayed at the stunning Villa Ayu , only 20 mins from the airport and 25 mins from Seminyak it’s the perfect oasisis. With a huge 40 square metre sparkling blue pool and three large, well appointed executive bedrooms this Villa is perfect for a large family.

My favourite part of  our experience at Villa Ayu was that it was the perfect peaceful getaway from the hustle in the heart of Bali. It’s the perfect place to get work done and really relax. I loved having no distractions and being able to order poolside massages via Go-JEK for $9.00 AUD straight to our villa. It’s also a great place for the kids to play, explore and swim and really get in some great family time.

ROOMS

Located around the pool, the three master suites in this Jimbaran villa are equally impressive. You can leave the doors open to take in the picturesque scene of the outdoor area with the azure pool and lush gardens – or enjoy air-conditioned comfort. Villa Ayu is a hidden slice of paradise!  There are entertainment systems, a desk and chair, and end tables with reading lamps. The bathrooms have rainfall showers and there’s a terrazzo tub for taking long soaks.

LIVING ROOMS

Villa Ayu’s flat level living area sprawls under the main pavilion to create a relaxing and comfortable lounge with a dining area and kitchen that are all separated by artfully placed, modern furnishings. The room has a uniquely serene atmosphere allowing guests to lounge in comfort, eat in style or even sit and read a book on the colourful, comfy cushions. The classic Balinese wooden Bale besides the pool also makes for an enticing spot to commune after the day’s activities. Kick back on a beanbag, a couch or even take a dip in the pool as you while away the long afternoons in your very own Bali holiday villa.

POOL

Villa Ayu’s pool is a sparkling white oasis that will beckon you for evening swims accompanied by starry skies, cooling afternoon plunges or even cheeky early morning dips as you climb out of bed.

KITCHEN

At one end of the main lounging pavilion is a fully equipped, modern kitchen that’s ready and waiting with everything you need to make a meal for just you or the family. Pull up one of the stools at the breakfast bar and enjoy a morning coffee with your fruit breakfast. Or ask the staff for help and try your hand at preparing an Indonesian recipe or visit the local supermarket for your own ingredients.

OPEN DINING AREA

This luxury Jimbaran villa is perfect for dinner parties. Once you’re ready for some food, the gorgeous eight-person dining table is waiting and ready to be set for a feast! You can cook for yourself; order from some of the world-class restaurants in the area, or ask the staff to create fresh Indonesian dishes that will satisfy even the pickiest appetite. Whatever you choose, you’ll find yourself making unforgettable memories as you laugh away the evening over fine food and good wine.

We adored our beautiful housekeepers who helped us out everyday! The kids even cried when we had to leave them! It was so nice to pre organise dinner with them the day before and have it ready for us after a big day of exploring.

If you have little ones be mindful that the villa is located on a main road so the noise can sometimes be quite loud. The main road also makes it very dangerous to walk along so we decided to use car service whenever we left the Villa.

Overall our experience with Villa Ayu was incredible and we would love to stay there again.

If you have any questions please just drop us a line we love to chat.

Kerry xoxo

 

*This post was written in collaboration with Villa Ayu but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

 



Caribbean Resort Mooloolaba Staycation Review

Looking for a staycation package that is thoughtfully-designed with families in mind?

What about reasonably priced and just a stone’s throw away from the beach?

Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?

I’ll give you a quick overview of our recent staycation at the Caribbean Resort Mooloolaba that ticks all the boxes.  

The location is excellent as you can walk everywhere and not use the car, it’s within easy walking distance to the Esplanade and Shopping Center, just a short stroll to the Beach, Restaurants, Surf Club and Wharf entertainment area. Plus the hotel has a nice café attached for coffee & breakfast if you don’t feel like using the fully equipped kitchen in your room.

This is, by far, one of the most memorable staycations we’ve ever had. We were really looking for a simple beach side holiday where we could just relax for a couple of days and take some time out to just be together as a family.

Value-for-Money Staycation Package

At the Resort, head down to the central pool to work on your tan and enjoy a relaxing swim and spa. Clear your head and get the body moving with an invigorating workout in the gymnasium or cleanse your pores in the steam room.

Let the kids take advantage of the well stocked games room at the resort. With a number of games on offer, there is plenty to keep them entertained while you enjoy some peace and quiet. Back in your room, there’s free Foxtel TV with two movie channels plus a kid’s channel or take advantage of the free wi-fi

Inside Your Room:

Open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area

  •       Fully equipped kitchen
  •       Air-conditioning / heating in lounge only and fans in the bedrooms
  •       Free foxtel satellite TV
  •       Free WiFi Internet access (download limits apply)
  •       Spa bath in bathroom (or outdoor jacuzzi)
  •       Walk-in shower (most)
  •        Private balcony / terrace
  •        Flatscreen TV / DVD player / Stereo / CD player
  •        Second TV in master bedroom

 

Book the Perfect Hotel in Mooloolaba – Visit www.caribbeanresort.com.au for full details and reservations.

 

I hope this post answers all your questions but if not feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to get back to you!

Happy exploring xx

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with Caribbean Resort but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

 



Luxe travel – Pullman Bali Legian Beach

My usual focus when it comes to finding a hotel or resort is on the kids but this time just for something different I thought I would treat myself and focus on luxury. I still wanted the kids to be comfortable and accounted for so it was important to me that the resort was of course family friendly, but I still really wanted the main focus to be on the luxurious side of Bali. I found a fair few places that ticked all the boxes in terms of what I was looking for, but the main one that really stood out to me was the magnificant Pullman Bali Legian Beach resort.

 

The Pullman Bali Legian Beach is only a short t 20 minutes drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, the luxurious Pullman Bali Legian Beach promises pure tranquil paradise, with over 300 elegant and spacious rooms and suites, a roof top infinity pool overlooking the breathtaking Legian beach, a tropical garden swimming pool and a pool for the kiddies too, a wellness centre, spa and the mouth watering choices of food with free breaky for 2 kids under the age of 12, we were truely spoilt for choice.

Views for days at Legian Beach Bali

From the moment we entered the this tropical oasis we were sold, the resort even smelt of luxury. Each beautifully designed room or suite boasts a balcony or terrace, separate bath and shower, as well as an in-room gymnastic kit, (I know right how COOL!) and the most important item to tick off my list WiFi access! I really can’t think of words good enough to describe the breathtaking design of these rooms and suites, they really are just complete tropical tranquillity.

Now onto my favourite part of any resort (besides the food) the Spa. There is nothing I enjoy more than a spa treatment while I’m on holiday and the day spa at Pullman Legian Beach really lived up to my expectations (and believe me they are high). The Tjakra-7 Spa truely blends the holistic and also the traditional, offering luxurious tropical treatments that use your body’s own energy to heal and harmonise. I walked out of that day spa completely relaxed, ready to experience Bali and enjoy my holiday, I felt like a new woman! It was pure magic.

I know I said this was all about luxury but I was so impressed with how well the kids were catered for I just had to pop a little section in. Not only do 2 kids under the age of 12 eat free breakfast, but there is also a kids club (featuring a pretty cool playground) and the kids get their very own pool! The kids had a ball at the kids club and it was the first thing they asked to attend every morning! There is also baby sitting available on request if you’d like some extra quiet time.

Ahhh the food… what can I possibly say about the food that will do it the justice it deserves. With so many different restaurants and bars to choose from we really were spoilt for choice with a cozy relaxing holiday atmosphere and cosmopolitan menu featuring both European and Asian style, you can see why.

If you feel like leaving the resort for the day and exploring more of what the beautiful Bali has to offer then you don’t have to stray too far from the resort as their are plenty of shopping destinations, parks and recreational places just around the corner. The staff are very helpful and more than happy to help you navigate and also hand out their top recomendations but I will also give you mine! There is a gorgeous traditional market only a short 0.10 Km away from Pullman Legian Beach and Seminyak and Kuta are only 1-2 Km away as well!

In conclusion Pullman Legian Resort really did quench my thirst for luxury, I enjoyed every minute of our stay and cannot wait to come back one day.

If you’re looking for somewhere luxurious, tranquil and still family friendly then you honestly should look no further than here. If you have any questions or would like to know some more information then please let me know in the comments below I am more than happy to help you out!

To explore this beautiful resort for yourself head to here 

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with Pullman Legian Beach but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

 

 

 

 

 



Novotel Bali Nusa Dua

Hello everyone!! Well we are back in Bali (Surprise surprise) we had only just gotten back and without realising it had already started planning our next trip there! Addicted is an understatement! Our family are obsessed with the low-key island life of Bali.

 

When booking our accomodation for the first half of our trip we really wanted to book something with the kids in mind. After searching through the internet and finding out it had won TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2017 as one of the Best Hotel for Family in Indonesia we decided on Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, and goodness are we glad we did!

It’s no secret that Novotel are known worldwide for their incredible family friendly hospitality and Novotel Bali Nusa Dua are no exception with their motto being “Children are our customers for the same reasons as their parents, so we listen to them and serve them” is no exception. From stunning swimming pools to kids clubs, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua really does have it all.

Nusa Dua itself is a very  kid-friendly safe area which boasts some absolutley stunning white beaches with crystal clear sea water and vast tropical gardens, Nusa Dua literally means “two island”, the area is well-known as the area for the luxurious hotels and resorts, and is located in the south-eastern part of Bali. Novotel Bali Nusa Dua itself is actually located inside the ITDC (Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation) Complex, Nusa Dua, a 350 hectares secure-gated peninsula on the southern side of Bali.

From the moment we arrived at Novotel Bali Nusa Dua the kids felt more then welcome and we were extremely impressed. Not only were the kids happy but so were we! With absolutely stunning balinese design captured throughout the entire resort and incredible staff that are more than happy to help with anything you may need, we were off to a good start.

 

As soon as we had checked in the first item to check off the list (well for the kids anyway) were the pools! Surrounded by the vast tropical gardens and greenery bali is so famous for were the stunning big blue pools, the kids were SO excited! We spent most mornings by the pools watching the kids swim, it really was pure bliss.

When the kids weren’t eating, sleeping swimming or exploring the rest of Bali’s magic with us, they were at the kids club! The kids club is available for children aged 4-10 years old and is open from 8:30 till 17:30, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua also have other activities available for the little ones such as Balinese dance, Indonesian traditional games, swimming lessons, cooking class a playground and more..!

Now we are into my absolute favourite thing about Novotel Bali Nusa Dua and that is that kids get FREE breakfast!! Yep you read right, breakfast is absolutely free for any 2 kids under the age of 16. For my family food is very important and can ,are or break a holiday. My little ones aren’t too fussy but sometime can be a little iffy when it comes to trying new cuisines. Luckily for me the kids adored the Indonesian cuisines but if you aren’t so lucky you don’t have to stress as their are still plenty of western options available, seriously this place is incredible.

In conclusion our stay with Novotel Bali Nusa Dua was an extremely positive one. The kids were so sad to leave and keep asking when we are going back to see their “friends” (the staff members) from beautiful beaches to exotic cuisines this resort really does have it all. We cannot recommend it highly enough if you’re looking for a family friendly place to stay in Bali and as I said Nusa Dua is a very safe place to stay, and explore.

 

To explore this beautiful resort for yourself head to here

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with Novotel Bali Nusa Dua but as always opinions are honest and my own.



TravelShoot the best way to connect with local photographers around the world

As you all are probably aware (from all our Insta spam) we recently visited Dubai on a family holiday and had an absolute ball.

One of the highlights of the trip for me was the photo shoot we did with Travelshoot.

Travelshoot is a company full of photographers around the world. All you have to do is visit the website, choose your location, pick your favourite itinerary and book your shoot!

Travelshoot will then connect you with the best local photographer that fits your brief and then everything is taken
care of until the photo-shoot day! Then once the shoot has been finished you’ll receive a couple of sneak peaks within 48 hours and then the full album within 7 days.

Our experience with Travelshoot was amazing it was such an easy process from start to finish.

Dubai is such a breathtakingly beautiful place with so many stunning photo locations and this shoot was such a perfect way to keep the memories of our trip alive for years to come.

Piper is always good when it comes to getting photos taken and often says things like “Mummy can you take my photo here so I can look at it later” and often they are the ones that turn out the best, but I was a little concerned going into this shoot as to how she would go with a new photographer and a foreign location but as always she proved me wrong and was an absolute star during the shoot and even drawing quite the crowd of onlookers
who also wanted to snap her photo saying how gorgeous she was.

 

The photographer we had on the day was so friendly and incredible with Piper candidly capturing all her smiles and
expressions perfectly. The final photographs that we received were breathtaking and exactly what we were after.

If your looking for a way to capture your holiday you can’t go wrong with Travelshoot.

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with TravelShoot but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.



Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach – Phuket Paradise

I have had so many questions on where we stayed in Phuket recently and I have no hesitation in recommending the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach

They have all the bases covered for an active holiday, regardless of weather conditions.

Just how Marriott has managed to keep the personal touch in such large grounds is a mystery, yet also a welcome surprise.

Located on a secluded stretch of Tri-Tang Beach it’s close to the excitement of Patong close by, but the serene surroundings make it seem a world away.

Take advantage of the Phuket weather and relax by one of the three outdoor pools, while the kids  enjoy some time at the kids club with an all day activity program available from 8am to 8pm.

I can’t speak highly enough of all the staff, they were all fantastic and so very welcoming, the whole resort is just so beautifully set out and clean.

Of course you get all the little extras that 5 star offers like slippers and bathrobes and the cute towel animals on your bed every day but the main thing is being able to walk straight into the pool from your room. It is such a nice touch to wake up, open the curtains and step into the pool for an early swim before heading over to a huge breakfast at one of the two buffets available.

The private beach was right on our doorstep and if that’s not enough beach for you the hotel has a free bus that leaves 4 times a day that can drop you down to Patong for some local shopping and lots and lots of food plus more beach!

Below are a couple of real highlights that you can do with out even leaving the hotel.

Indulge At The Thai Pantry

Dinning at the Thai Pantry at the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach is a must do! You must order the chicken and pork satay, papaya salad and vegetable rolls topped off with some fresh mango juice. Good value for top class cooking in an elegant restaurant, service was so friendly and professional we ate here on the first night staying at the hotel and knew straight away that another visit would be needed before we left.

Learn To Cook

While in Phuket, there is no better place to learn to cook world-renowned Thai food, what an awesome experience it was to learn to cook three dishes, all of which were simple to make, and exploded with taste.

The Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach classes provide a fascinating insight into Thai life, beliefs and culture through learning about its food, cooking and culinary myths, we learnt about the exotic herbs and spices used in everyday dishes.
Classes are part demonstration, part hands-on and are held in the Pantry restaurant at the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach a couple of times a week. We had a blast, the staff were amazing teachers and very patient with me (someone with pretty lousy cooking skills) but the best bit is getting to eat the lavish feast you have prepared at the end.

Visit The Butterflies

It is always fascinating to learn how nature works her magic turning the caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. If you want to see lots of butterflies, this is the place to come. There are also a large numbers of insects and other creepy crawlies and educational displays. We had an enjoyable hour getting hands on and learning from our guide Katy. Located in the heart of the Marriott Merlin Beach it’s available for in-house guests and made for a great educational experience for us and the kids.

It’s a great resort that I highly recommend for families with children, the best thing is the kids are asking when we’re going back and I’m ready to go anytime.

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with Marriott but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

 

 



Visiting Melbourne with the kids? Be sure to visit Sealife Melbourne

If the kids love the ocean and sea animals then a visit to Sea Life Melbourne is just what you need.  Sea Life allows the whole family to get up close and personal with the animals in a way that would not be possible, unless you were actually scuba diving in the ocean!

SEA LIFE Aquarium offers an interactive, hands-on experiences, displays and shows for all ages.

A day out at SEA LIFE will leave you with fantastic memories and feeling empowered to make a difference to the underwater world.

Our favourite was the ocean tunnel with massive stingrays, sharks and tropical fish, the whole family can wander through the tunnel and marvel at the different species of sharks, fish and turtles as they swim over head.

Another huge highlight for us was the tidal touch pool where we got up close with starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers, the kids just loved putting there hands in the water and getting to touch and feel what was below. They were totally fascinated by the sharks eggs and had heaps of questions which were answered by the Sealife staff who manned the touch pool, all of the staff we meet during our visit were well informed, very interesting and friendly and we learnt a lot and found heaps to keep us entertained for hours.

Penguin Playground completes the unforgettable experience where visitors can marvel as the majestic King and cheeky Gentoo Penguins slip and slide across the snow-covered ice. Piper found the penguins are very entertaining and she didn’t want to leave, she was just having too much fun watching them as they slipped and waddled around the ice.

Moving through the exhibits there are lots of interactive experiences to keep little to big kids informed and entertained.

If you find yourself in Melbourne I highly recommend you take a few hours and check it out for yourself.

Click Here for some Great savings on Tickets and Experiences

If you have any questions just let us know we love a chat,

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

 



If you’re a family travelling in New Zealand – here’s why you should stay at Holiday Inn

 

Recently we spent 5 fun filled days in beautiful Auckland. As part of our trip we spent a few nights staying in Rotorua, a place known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing the fascinating Maori culture.

We stayed with Holiday Inn, as they never disappoint me, I can always relax and let them take care of everything plus with Kids Stay & Eat Free* and the VIK (Very Important Kids) program, the hotel is a great base for both families and adventurers to explore.

Here’s why we think…

Holiday Inn Rotorua is the perfect destination to warm up this winter. Location Location Location….

 

Relax in geothermal hot springs or explore the Redwoods forest mountain bike trails. The mild weather in New Zealand means that you can stay active all year round with plenty of activities to entertain everyone.

Holiday Inn Rotorua is situated on the edge of the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest. It’s the closest hotel to the famous Rotorua mountain bike trails and  after a day exploring, reward your body with a swim in the geothermally heated pool or enjoy the garden spa, it was such good fun for all of us, the excitement of swimming outdoors in the middle of winter was a major highlight for the kids.

Then head back to your spacious and modern room or relax in the bar before enjoying buffet or a la carte options in the Chapman’s Restaurant, the restaurant serves fantastic meals the kids really enjoyed the buffet dinner and breakfast, we enjoyed that they ate Free*

If  your heading into town for the afternoon or a thrill-seeking day out, jump on the complimentary shuttle service for guests to and from the Rotorua Tourism Centre on Fenton Street and you will be in the middle of everything you need.

During your stay at the  hotel, you can explore Rotorua’s wide range of experiences and attractions. With its well-known Maori cultural shows, geothermal activity and adrenalin pumping activities there is something for everyone.

 

 

There are three different room types; Standard, Superior and Deluxe. So you’ve got a few options to choose from depending on what you need size-wise, comfort-wise and in keeping with budget. The rooms have a modern but classic, comfortable feel to them, with everything feeling new and fresh.

Our room had an insanely good view with a private balcony that overlooked the sulphur springs and the Whakarewarewa thermal park – picture lots of trees with steam rising through them. It made leaving the room difficult, all I wanted to do was stay inside rugged up but adventured called. (See additional blogs for all the attractions and sites we visited)

 

Holiday Inn Rotorua was a great choice for us as it ticks all the boxes when travelling with kids – conveniently located: around the corner from Whakarewarewa and within walking distance (or a short drive) to all of the local attractions, well maintained/clean rooms, breakfast that offers more options than your average hotel breakfast, laundry open 24/7 and cheap to use, which is awesome when you are travelling a lot, air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, Sky TV channels (including free to guest movies), broadband internet access, complimentary tea/coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board, bathrobes, complimentary selection of fresh fruits, heated outdoor pool, inhouse restarant (Big tick from us)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our 2nd and last stop was in Auckland at the Holiday Inn Auckland Airport it’s located only 4km from the Auckland international and domestic airport terminals so it made for a great place to base ourselves for the last couple of days adventures before we needed to board the hotel shuttle bus for the quick 5 min trip to the airport to start our homeward journey, again we received a warm welcome and the down to earth consistent service we have come to expect from Holiday Inn. Right from check in the staff were first rate friendly and professional, we ate in both the restaurant and on the 2nd night we ordered room service after a particularly long day, both were great with lots 0f choices and very tasty. But nothing beats a Holiday Inn buffet breakfast this is something they just seem to do really well! good choices, good service and plenty of room to sit and relax and not feel rushed. Plus of course kids stay and eat for free*

It’s expansive grounds made a welcome change to other airport hotels we have stayed in, perfect for the kids to get outdoors and enjoy some sunshine and have a run around if you have been cooped up on a flight for a while.

Our whole trip to New Zealand was made so much more enjoyable by staying in comfortable and family friendly Holiday Inn hotels, the wonderful staff who work here, they’re attentive and kind and make you feel really welcome. They’re able to help you out with ideas for places to eat, things to do, how to get around and where to go.

 

 

You can  Check out the current Packages and Special Deals by clicking here.

“Escape with a guaranteed 25% off to Auckland or Rotorua. Plus up to 5% more with YOUR RATE for IHG® Rewards Club members.”

– Book before June 21, 2017, for dates until January 31, 2018.

More information and special rates on accommodation can be found a Holiday Inn

We just loved New Zealand, so if you have any questions? Just let us know and we will be happy to chat.

Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

 

Follow Them on

Instagram @hiaucklandairport and @holidayinnrotorua

FaceBook /HolidayInnAKLAirport and /HolidayInnRotorua

*Terms and conditions apply.

* Kids Stay Free – Up to two (2) children under 12 years of age, stay free when sharing a room with up to two (2) adults at any of the Participating Hotels, subject to maximum room occupancy restrictions and subject to availability. Baby crib/cot is complimentary while rollaway beds may be chargeable. Rules for maximum room occupancy will supersede this offer.

Kids Eat Free – For registered guests only. This is available for children under 12 yrs of age:

a) when ordering for breakfast, lunch & dinner;
b) when ordering in the hotel’s dine-in restaurant;
c) when ordering from the Kids’ Menu (which must consist of at least 1 main course and 1 dessert) and;
d) when accompanied by at least one (1) adult who is registered as a hotel guest at the Participating Hotel and must order at least one main course from the full priced menu.

The Kids Eat Free offer is limited to up to four (4) children per dining family, per meal OR up to two (2) children per parent, per meal.

The Kids Eat Free offer is not available for room service or with room rates negotiated for groups of 10 or more rooms, travel industry rates, corporate rates or employee rates.

 

**This post was written in collaboration with Holiday Inn (IHG Group) but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

 



Melbourne’s LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

We recently had the opportunity to attend the Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne we are BIG Lego fans having just been to Legoland in Malaysia so we were keen to test it out.

The Legoland Discovery Centre is the ultimate indoor Lego playground located in Chadstone Shopping centre which was a huge plus for me as I figured if I tired out the kids with lego, mumma would have a couple of hours to get her shop on in peace.

 

Plus our hot tip! 

If you’re planning a trip to the Legoland Discovery Centre or even the shop, you will notice that a lot of the workers there have nametags with minifigures attached to them. Just like Legoland Theme Parks, you’re allowed to initiate a minifigure trade with them! If you see a minifigure that you’d like, all you have to do is ask them to trade it with your own minifigure! This is a great fun activity that kids can do, especially if you have a lot of surplus or loose minifigures lying about at home, so be sure to bring a small bag of minifigures with you when you visit!

  

 

The opening hours are the same as the shopping centre, and you’ll need a ticket or an annual pass to enter the Discovery Centre.

Single tickets are $37.50 for adults and kids, although there are Concession Tickets priced at $27.50.

If you live in Melbourne and plan on visiting the Discovery Centre regularly, it might be more economical to buy an annual pass ($81 for individuals & $77 each for families which have a maximum cap of 2 adults) which grants you unlimited access to the centre all-year round.

Legoland Discovery Centre features two Lego rides, five themed Lego build and play zones, build classes from the Centre’s Master Model Builder, a 4D cinema, special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations, Melbourne’s top landmarks recreated in LEGO® bricks in MINILAND, plus more.

It’s ideal for families with children aged 3-10 and took us about 3 hours to really see everything, this is the perfect place for the kids to let there imaginations run wild in a world of colour and creativity!

The centre is first discovery centre in southern hemisphere for Lego, joining a global network of Lego Discovery Centres, including nine in North America, four in Europe and two in Japan.

Not to be confused with traditional Legoland Theme Parks, Leogland Discovery Centres are essentially mini versions of LEGOLAND, usually containing a mix of indoor, outdoor and interactive attractions.

The multi-million dollar attraction is filled with more than 2 million Lego bricks and 13 family friendly attractions, making it the ultimate indoor LEGO playground.

 

 

Adults MUST be accompanied by a child (up to 17 years old) to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.

● Trading hours vary from 9.30am – 7pm

1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone Shopping Centre  Chadstone Victoria Australia | View Map Link opens new page

*This post was written in collaboration with above mentioned attractions but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.