10.30.2018

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.

.

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

09.13.2018

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.

08.04.2018

Our thoughts on staying with Jen – Hotel Jen, Hong Kong

We just got back from Hong Kong and had an absolute blast! Besides the hot hot weather we loved every minute of exploring Hong Kong’s beautifully rich culture. I’ve had a few questions on our accommodation in Hong Kong so thought I would share a little review that will answer all your questions.

We stayed in Hotel Jen Hong Kong, for us staying with Hotel Jen was a no-brainer, our family are obsessed with the Hotel Jen in our home town Brisbane and love to pop in there for a stay-cation whenever possible so as soon as we found out there was one in Hong Kong we knew we absolutely had to stay there.

Hotel Jen Hong Kong is ideally located for anyone who wants to really get to know this amazing city. Featuring a beautiful rooftop pool and 24-hour fitness centre with great harbour views and free high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the entire hotel during your stay. Hotel Jen Hong Kong by Shangri-La is located in the Western District of Hong Kong, with the MTR HKU Station on its very doorstep.

The “My hotel” service offers convenient proximity to key transport junctions – 5 minutes from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, 10 minutes from Central and Airport Express Hong Kong Station, and just 30 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport. You can also enjoy complimentary shuttle service to Central, Wan Chai, Peak Tram Station, Ocean Park, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Hotel Jen Hong Kong has an array of differen’t restaurants, bars and lounges, Café Malacca has been named a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the MICHELIN Guides for 2014 and 2015. Transport yourself to the hawker stalls of Malaysia and Singapore for street-style food, all freshly prepared with aromatic spices, herbs and ingredients. There is even a western menu available for any picky eaters you may have on board. But I highly recommend trying as many different again cuisine dishes possible. We were so amazed at the beautiful different flavours and it felt great to get out of our comfort zone and try something new.

The Lobby Bar and Lounge is a great little spot for meet-ups or a quiet coffee. Start the day with a quick pick-me-up coffee, take a pit-stop between excursions, catch up on business, or end your day with a relaxing cocktail from Jen’s Signature Cocktails, Created to reflect Hotel Jen‘s team’s experience and talent in artfully integrating fun with unexpected Asian flavour fusions, Jen’s range of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages offers you refreshing drinks with a playful twist.

At the end of a busy day exploring beautiful Hong Kong, enjoy the simple pleasures of a comfy bed, perfect pillows and a great shower. Each one of the hotel rooms is touched with thoughtful details that make life a little easier. With panoramic views, fast free WiFi to keep you connected everywhere, always, DVD players, Cable TV, full-size executive writing desk, international direct dialling service, electronic safe, in-room order-in from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, tea and coffee station, steam iron with ironing board and a hair dryer along with speciallised Hotel Jen Toiletries its impossible to fault.

My favourite part of our Hotel Jen experience was how great they were with the kids. Any children of registered hotel guests under the age of 6 can enjoy *buffet meals at no extra cost in the All Day Dining venue when accompanied by a paying adult; and this offer is for up to 2 children. For more than 2 children under the age of 6 or children who are 6 years and above but under the age of 12, a 50% discount on the buffet price will be given. Having the kids able to load up on a yummy nutritious breaky before heading off into the streets of Hong Kong to explore was a life saver. It also saved a lot of money on the usual snacks we would buy here and there throughout the morning to tide the kids over till lunch because they were still full!

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 Hotel Jen but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

01.22.2018

The Atlantis Resort – The Palm, unparalleled luxury

An experience of pure paradise and unparalleled luxury, whilst still having countless of
entertainment for the kids; sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong!

The Atlantis Resort on The Palm in Dubai offers exactly that and so much more. As one of the most iconic
resorts on the planet The Atlantis has a lot to live up to, but boy does it deliver.

As soon as we arrived we were greeted with exquisite service whilst still trying to take in the pizazz and
breathtaking views of the resort itself.

With so much to see and do in Dubai and so many great Cheap holiday packages available right now its the perfect time to take the family.

Travelling with little ones, whilst being very fun and interesting, can be tough. It is sometimes hard to find a place that will satisfy their ever-busy mind. However, The Atlantis sure delivers. With over 46 acres of property, the resort has its own 17-acre waterpark! Guests are entitled to unlimited access to both the Aquaventure Waterpark, as well as the Lost Chambers Aquarium (yep, this resort also has its very own aquarium, home to over 65,000 marine animals). This access allows guests to skip queues for the duration of their stay at both of these amazing places. This gives the kids loads more fun time, and a lot less queuing time.

If the waterpark and aquarium wasn’t enough The Atlantis also offers complimentary day access to the Atlantis Kids Club. This kids club is offered to kids ages 3 to 12. It provides countless amounts of activities including pirate games, candy challenges, relay races, chocolate games, as well as scavenger hunts. Whilst the kids club is for children ages 3 to 12, children from the ages 13 to 17 aren’t left out, as the Atlantis offers a cool hangout for them to. Known as Club Rush, this club offers video games, internet café, mocktail bar, a chill out lounge and a dance floor. Perfect for those kids that bit older.

Whilst all the experiences on offer for the children sound great, you are probably thinking “Where can the parents go to relax or have some fun?”. Well, not only does The Atlantis offer amazing opportunities for children, but they are parallel to the experiences on offer for the grown-ups. Whilst the kids are entertained, you can treat yourself to relaxation at the resorts in-house ShuiQi Spa. This spa features steam, sauna’s and jet-pool facilities. If you’ve had a bit too much relaxing, then you can always go and get your retail fix at The Atlantis’s boutique shopping outlets.

Whilst all this relaxing and adventure is fun, it is hungry work. Luckily every morning is off to a perfect start with the delicious daily buffet breakfast on offer. It truly is a feast with an exquisite selection of hot and cold food, pastries, fresh juices and cereals. As well as traditional Middle Eastern food to add a touch more of culture to your stay. The Atlantis also offers free all day snacks, afternoon tea and canapés for their guests, perfect for a quick
snack before getting back to a jam-packed day. Alternatively, you could go for an amazing, relaxing meal at any one of the 23 acclaimed in-house dining venues. All of which are filled with exquisite foods, and amazing decoration, design and service.

The Atlantis Resort on The Palm truly is a once in a lifetime celebrity-style retreat. With so much on offer and so much to do, it seems like any time spent there isn’t enough. This resort boasts such a large area, with so many opportunities, whilst still delivering high standards and service in every aspect. It is a perfect place to house your next getaway, whether it be kid-filled or kid-free

Our Hot Tip is when booking look into booking a room with Imperial Club access and I would recommend families investigate this option when considering staying. Here is the rundown of some of the entitlements, taken from the website:

Imperial Club lounges are accessible from 7:00am to 11:00pm daily
Breakfast is available in one of the lounges or Saffron or Kaleidoscope restaurants from 7:00am to 11:00am daily
Afternoon tea is available in one of our Imperial Club lounges from 2:30pm to 4:30pm daily
A selection of complimentary beverages and canapés are served in our lounges from 5:00pm to 7:00pm daily
Light sweet and savoury snacks are available throughout the day including juice, tea, coffee and complimentary soft drinks in our lounges
Complimentary daily access to Kids Club for children 3 – 9 years of age from 10:00am – 6:00pm (lunchtime meals are charged between 1:00pm – 2:00pm and no activities will take place during this time)
Dedicated high-speed Internet is available to Imperial Club guests complimentary

Please also take note that Dubai is expensive, once you arrive and have paid for you flight and accommodation you will need to keep on paying, only restaurant quality food is available (it is fabulous) but it is expensive. There is no grocery shop near by where you can stock up, so you need to be prepared to pay for lunch, snacks, drinks and dinner. You easily need to budget $400- $500au (a day) for food and that’s if your careful. Plus when planning your trip look into some of the fabulous tours available and budget them into your stay as you really can’t visit Dubai and not take a safari into the desert. (I’ll have a blog post up on our desert safari shortly)

If you have any questions on our Dubai trip just message me and I’ll be happy to help you out.

You can check out prices and availability HERE

*please note that some of my blog content is sponsored but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

12.23.2017

Best Family Hotel in Manly Sydney – Novotel Manly Pacific

Looking for a fabulous staycation hotel by the beach?

Travelling with little ones can be very tough, especially on long haul flights. Luckily
for all of us within Australia, we are able to reach places that are both family friendly
and luxurious (I know right, sounds almost impossible), within just a few short hours.

The Novotel Manly Pacific is one of these amazing places – Superbly located beachside in beautiful Manly in Sydney it’s just minutes’ walk to all that this wonderful area has to offer.

*Space to sit and relax in the foyer watching the world go by.*

As well as being right on the water and just a short walk to some unique shopping and cafes it offers easy access to the ferry terminal so it’s just a short trip across the harbour to Circular Quay and the heart of Sydney.

The Novotel Manly Pacific ticks ALL the boxes.

*Located along Marine Parade is the lovely Fairy Bower rockpool it’s one of a number of historic pools cut and blasted along the New South wales coast.*

When searching for kid-friendly accommodation, it’s a given that the Novotel brand is worth checking out. Each hotel aims to provide families with a comfortable and child-focused stay.

The spacious layout of the 213 luxurious rooms includes a mini bar, workspace, television and floor-to- ceiling windows as you just can’t go past the exquisite views over looking iconic Manly beach.

*Manly Beach is situated among the northern beaches of Sydney.*

*Manly surf school runs classes for kids and adults daily.*

Although it is important that rooms contain comfy furniture and space, when travelling as a family it is the little family-friendly touches that make stays homelier. The Novotel Manly Pacific contains so many of these, in the bathroom, there is an all-important bathtub, and essential when travelling with little ones.

But, family-friendly doesn’t just end with the room, a digital games table and arts and craft table keeps kids entertained during check-in and check-out.

Plus sand toys, buckets and spades, boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas are all available FREE to borrow in the reception area, just as long as you rinse and return. For me this is the best thing a hotel near the beach can offer, to not have to pack and lug the beach toys or worse still tell the kids you couldn’t fit them in the suitcase can make or break a beach trip for us.

*Free beach toys are available to borrow.*

Like all Novotel family friendly accommodation the family promise is upheld, where kids under 16 years stay and eat breakfast for FREE (one of a parent’s favourite words) for two children who share a room with their parents or grandparents. The kids menu offers meal options that are both affordable, and healthy. The breakfast buffet
selection located at the Zali Restaurant includes an ‘Eggs Any Style’ station, as well as a pancake machine. Both of which, of course, are major hits with the kids.

Filled with kid-friendliness aspects from beginning to end, as well as its location being perfectly ideal for a beautiful family getaway.

If you are looking for a fabulous staycation hotel by the beach, that offers both a luxurious and relaxing feel, as well as being 100% kid-friendly then Novotel Manly Pacific is most definitely for you and your family.

You can check out prices and availability HERE Novotel Manly Pacific

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

08.02.2017

Love Christmas? Then don’t miss Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill Ballarat Victoria

If you love Christmas, history and adventure, and are looking for a great day out that the kids will never forget – then you need to plan a trip to Sovereign Hill next July and experience Christmas in July

Sovereign Hill is Australia’s leading outdoor museum showcasing Australia’s marvellous gold rush history, since its opening in November 1970 it has become an Australian tourism icon and has won numerous tourism awards. Known as a living museum emphasising working machinery and displays, costumed interpreters and visitor involvement, it’s no wonder Sovereign Hill attracts 450,000 people each year from around the world.

In July Sovereign Hill hosts a special Christmas In July event, during Winter Wonderlights the whole site is adorned with Christmas decorations, with wreaths at every shop front and lots of Christmas trees and stays open later than usual and this is for a special reason. At 5.30pm each night make sure you standing mid street and watch the buildings of Sovereign Hill light up – add to that the snow (the fake bubble kind) and music and it’s a magical street party you’ll be glad you stayed for.

During the day its business as usual at Sovereign Hill township, visitors can stroll down Main Street as snow-flakes fall at regular intervals over the Victorian-style buildings, decorations fill the window displays, the smell of Christmas treats and spices fill the air, and traditional Christmas-themed pantomimes are performed in addition to regular attractions and performances there are regular snow falls, Christmas goodies to buy, Christmas carolling and a Christmas-themed theatrical program.

Then at night, Main Street will sparkle with an amazing light projection show with over 20 of Sovereign Hill’s buildings lit up with large-scale image projections and Christmas animations. Children can also catch the Gingerbread Man as he dashes from building to building, peeking out from the Christmas themed lights and animation.

But do note that it’s cold in Ballarat (really cold) so dress warm (think hats, scarves, gloves, layers, two pairs of socks and a winter coat) and you will be fine but with so much to do and see we certainly didn’t have time to stand about feeling the cold.

HOT Tips:

And here’s a handy tip: you can get your entry ticket stamped at the Main Street Post Office (or the desk near the exit) and this will allow you entry again the following day, for FREE! two days for the price of one so stay and see a little more.

try to avoid Peak times which are school holidays and weekends
Parking is free on site;
Bring lots of snacks as eateries can get crowded, especially from 5pm when the last show finishes and the lights don’t start till 5:45pm
Book a sit-down Christmas dinner in advance this is an experience that’s now to be missed..
Most of Sovereign Hill’s attractions are outdoors so wear lots of warm gear (waterproof coat, layers, gloves, scarf, hat). Ballarat experiences harsh winters and once the sun goes down it is really cold
Make sure you visit the Confectionary Shop as it’s just not possible to visit to Sovereign Hill without stocking up on boiled lollies.
Gumboots are a good idea as the pathways can get muddy;
Bring a torch
All the shops take EFTPOS (even for small amounts). There is an ATM at the entrance, Sovereign Hill cafe and the post office
Sovereign Hill is a comfortable 90-minute drive from Melbourne along the Western Highway;
train and tour coach services which operate daily from Melbourne

For details on pricing and ticketing go to Sovereign Hill

07.31.2017

We Road Test Holiday Inn Melbourne – Kids Glamp-In Package

Our favourite Melbourne hotel just keeps getting better and better!

Last week the kids slept rough or as rough as it gets for my jetsetters, road testing the Kids Glamp-In Package at Holiday Inn Melbourne and let’s just say it was a HUGE hit!

What you get:

Kids Glamp-In Package

A stay in one of the beautifuly newly refurbished rooms.
Accommodation in a room with 2 double size beds which can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children comfortably, with cots ‘free’ upon request.
Your very own glamp-in setup. Complete with a tee-pee, games for the whole family, pillows and blankets to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Buffet breakfast for 2 adults plus don’t forget that it’s the Holiday Inn brand promise that kids under 12 stay and eat free!

For more information see Holiday Inn Glam In

If you need more reasons to visit check out the new deal just released below.

Getaway and enjoy Melbourne

Book direct and save a guaranteed 25% for stays until 31st March 2018.

Save 15% or more on accommodation at Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders
IHG Rewards Club members save an EXTRA 10% with YOUR RATE. Not a member? Join now
Complimentary WiFi Internet for IHG Rewards Club Members. Free to Join!
Best Price Guarantee when you book direct. No booking fee, ever.
At Holiday Inn Kids under 12 Stay & Eat Free!
Sale ends 14 August 2017. Valid for stays from 1 August 2017 to 31 March 2018

For more information just click Here

Again we can never recommend Holiday Inn Melbourne highly enough, if you have any questions please feel free to ask away.

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

07.03.2015

Melbourne: Crowne Plaza – Easy, Family Friendly Accommodation

We recently spent a very enjoyable 3 days during our recent trip to Melbourne at the lovely Crowne Plaza. We were lucky enough to experience the Family Getaway package which included breakfast and tickets to the Melbourne SeaLife Aquarium.

Crowne Plaza is great value in terms of quality of the room and location, it offers 4-star accommodation that is close to everything including the CBD, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, dining options and shops.

It’s such a convenient location for families with children as everything we wanted to see was just a quick trip by tram or foot, such a close walk to the CBD and located in the perfect part of the city to spend time discovering Melbourne’s Southbank. The free city circle trams made it so easy to get around and conveniently stopped opposite the Crown Plaza Melbourne.

We received a very warm greeting and all staff were very kind and attentive, the hotel rooms were well designed and comfortable they had nice décor and were functional with all the basic requirements well catered for. The room was clean and spacious, plus the service both professional and friendly. The beds were very comfortable and we had a great view of the city.

We started our day with a sumptuous full buffet breakfast which was include in the family getaway package in the Clarendon Street Grill that over looks the iconic Yarra River. The kids loved the selection of hot dishes, pastries and even eggs made to order by the dedicated egg chef. We were very full and impressed with the high standard of food and service.

Then we were off to the Sealife Melbourne Aquarium. Situated right in the middle of the city, it is the perfect way to spend a pleasant few hours and we enjoyed the huge tank with massive stingrays, sharks and colourful tropical fish. The penguins are very entertaining and we enjoyed watching them as they were slipping, sliding and waddling. All of the staff we came across were well informed, very interesting and friendly and we learnt a lot during our visit and found heaps to keep us entertained for hours.

Overall, the Crowne Plaza gave us great service and accommodation that is worth passing on to fellow travellers. The friendly staff make sure you have a truly memorable stay, so if you are heading to Melbourne for business, shopping trip, or a family getaway I highly recommend staying at the Crown Plaza, which is family friendly and relaxing. This hotel has everything you need when visiting a new city with a family.

If you have any questions on the hotel or traveling please feel free to drop us a line as we would love to chat.