Recommended Worldwide Luxury Destinations

AUSTRALIA
Sydney	Park Hyatt In perfect harmony with its harbourside location in the historic Rocks area, and facing the acclaimed Opera House, this casually elegant city residence offers comforting luxury in 158 freshly refurbished guest rooms and suites, ideally suited for business or leisure traveler alike. An easy walk to ferries, shops and financial district. Personal butler, small fitness center and rooftop pool. Request Opera View room at $450-$580. Reservations: 800-233-1234 (Ph:61-2-9241-1234; Fax: 61-2-9256-1555). The Regent Equally as luxurious as the Park Hyatt, but on a larger scale and set slightly back from the Sydney Harbor, this 594 room highrise hotel offers a full range of facilities, amenities and dining options. Seek out the higher floors and corner rooms. Views $260-$370. Reservations: 800-545-4000 (Ph: 61-2-9238-0000; Fax: 61-2-9251-2851). Chateau Yering (Yarra Valley, nr Melbourne) An historic country house hotel nestled peacefully in the vineyards of south Victoria, an hour from Melbourne, 20 antique-laden rooms overlook landscaped gardens, the Yarra River and scenic valley vistas. Convivial hospitality, two on-site restaurants and adjoining winery, pool, tennis and hot-air ballooning make this retreat a pleasing two-day escape from the city. Request Yarra or Yering Suite: $320-460 with meals. Reservations/Ph: 61-3-9237-3333: Fax: 61-3-9237-3300.
Great Barrier Reef	Hayman Island Resort A romantic and relaxed island sanctuary at the northern end of this renowned coral reef, and a favorite with honeymooners and affluent families, this tropical resort features 215 guest accommodations in two wings fronting on pools, saltwater lagoons, expansive gardens, and white sand beaches. Six restaurants, all watersports, health club/spa and shops complete this self-contained leisure complex. Ask for fourth floor, East Wing quarters. Avoid beachfront rooms and high season heat (Nov-Jan). Rates: $485 and up. Reservations: 800-223-6800. Ph:61-7-4940-1234; Fax: 61-7-4940-1567.
NEW ZEALAND
North Island	Huka Lodge Clearly the finest country lodge in New Zealand, Huka is whispered in reverent tones among other lodge owners who aspire to reach these dizzying heights. A series of 20 duplex lodges, accented in soft colors and comfy warmth, are set amongst towering trees along the grassy slopes of the clear, swift running Waikato River. Enjoy a book and a glass of wine in your peaceful riverside lounge chair, relish the congeniality of your hosts and fellow guests at cocktail hour, and savor a truly superb (and if you wish, private) dining experience. Nearby world-class trout fishing, horseback riding, and all variations of outdoor delights are available and yours for the asking. Exceptional service levels-don't be surprised if the Managing Director carries your bags to your room! Rates (includes breakfast, cocktails and dinner): $915 per couple, and well worth it. Reservations/Ph: 64-7-378-5791; Fax: 64-7-378-0427. Mangapapa Lodge In the heart of New Zealand's oldest wine growing region, this stately homestead has been painstakingly restored to its former grandeur by a gentile and caring English/German couple, who treat their guests as friends of the family. Traditionally furnished rooms overlook exquisite gardens, heated pool and lawn tennis court. Fine dining is complemented with regional wines. A delightful retreat in New Zealand's best climate. Request a lodge executive suite (main house): $430 (incl meals). Reservations/Ph: 64-6-878-3234; Fax: 64-6-878-1214. Wharekauhau Lodge Spectacular country estate and working sheep ranch on 5000 acres of private land overlooking Palliser Bay near Wellington, with a luxurious new guest lodge that reopened in 1998, and 10 spacious and elegant guest suites in charming cottages. Four-wheeling coastal safari tours, trekking, trout fishing, hunting and jet-boating, accompanied by fine dining and gracious hosts, are among the choices awaiting you in this exceptional pastoral paradise. Rates (incl meals, but guided activities extra): $575/couple, $380/single. Reservations/Ph: 64-6-307-7581; Fax: 64-6-307-7799.
South Island	Grasmere Lodge A high country retreat of distinction near Arthur's Pass on the South Island, the original stone homestead has been extended to encompass seven comfortable guest suites with refurbished baths. A working ranch estate of sheep, cows and deer herds, this alpine sanctuary offers the outdoor aficionado fishing, trekking, kayaking and skiing opportunities. Rates (incl meals): $430/double, $315/single. Reservations/Ph: 64-3-572-8276; Fax: 64-3-572-9191.
FIJI
Wakaya	The Wakaya Club One of the world's most exclusive and luxurious hideaways, and the only resort on this 2200-acre Fijian island paradise, a mere nine bures (actually large, air-conditioned cottages, with separate bedroom and living room areas) rest on the edge of a turquoise lagoon. Every wish and desire is fulfilled: intimate picnics of caviar and champage on private palm-studded beaches, guided snorkeling adventures off the nearby reefs, native songfests, Lovo feasts and indigenous dances, a staff of truly caring Fijians with first name familiarity during your visit, a rugged tropical setting with exotic wildlife, and even a 9-hole golf course. One of the truly wondrous getaways of a lifetime. Recent affiliation with A&K: go before they expand! All-inclusive rates from $1275/couple. Ask for the newer "Governor's Bure". A separate 3-bedroom hilltop villa "Vale O" from $3500-5500/day. Reservations: 800-828-3454; Ph: 679-440128; Fax: 679-440406.
Vatulele	Vatulele Island Resort Another slice of paradise in the Fijian chain, eighteen spacious villas line a magnificent 3/4-mile white beach on the reef-enclosed island of Vatuele. Described as "barefooted elegance", with a strong emphasis on water-based activities, especially diving/snorkeling, and lack of contact with the hectic outside world (no TVs, phones, newspapers), this sophisticated resort offers a perfect hideaway to the sophisticated international escapist. Rates (all-inclusive except scuba) from $1078/couple. Reservations: 800-828-9146 or 61-2-9326-1055 (Australia office). Ph: 679-550300; Fax: 679-550262 (Vatuele phone is not for reservations).
TAHITI
Bora Bora	Hotel Bora Bora Famous for its overwater bungalows on Tahiti's prettiest island, and now refurbished by Amanresorts, this magical location on a multi-hued lagoon sports 55 thatched-roof farés amidst lushly-landscaped grounds. Open-air dining, Tahitian entertainment and barbeques, island excursions and a full assortment of water sports will keep you pleasantly entertained in this idyllic tropical setting. Splurge on the Premium Overwater Bungalow, with steps into the water, at $750/couple. Reservations: 800-421-1490. Ph: 689-604460; Fax 689-604466.

Grand Getaways, Inc
P.O. Box 1478
Orinda, CA 94563-0648
USA
Ph: 1-925-254-9760   Fax: 1-925-254-9790