Whitecrest - Great Ocean Road Resort Apollo Bay

5 Tips for Travelling Alone For Your Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 09:42:00 +0000

Whilst the world is getting to be a smaller place for people to travel to, many more are deciding to travel alone for their holidays or take short trips to cities they wish they had always visited. Some say you really need to get out there and see the world for yourself to truly discover it, but whilst it may seem like a truly inspirational and liberating experience, there are a few tips you should always think of as a solo traveller.

1. Choose a Smaller Hotel or Resort

As you might well know, hotels are the perfect place to get a single room with a single bed for a reasonable amount of cash, but you don’t want to just have a boring holiday alone! The best way to have fun and meet new people is to get a little friendlier with the locals and stay at some of the best off the beaten track locations possible. Apollo Bay is a great choice to start with, as even though there are many tourist locations there, the local population will be able to point you toward the best places to wine and dine.

2. Keep All of Your Valuables Safe

It is wise to keep all of your valuables in a single location and to regularly perform a simple check. Keeping as few valuables as possible is a great way to ensure safety, as well as being able to your hands on them when you need them most. This includes money, your passport and travel documents such as plane tickets, bus passes and itinerary and hotel information. And don’t forget your mobile phone!

3. Unlock Your Phone!

If travelling solo, it is always wise to keep in touch with people you know such as family and friends and to keep them informed of your location and what you are up to. If your phone isn’t unlocked already, get it unlocked so you will be able to purchase a local SIM card and use it right away. The cost of international calls may be massive, but if you have a local SIM you won’t have to worry about them at all.

4. Decide On Your Cash Situation Ahead Of Your Trip

Many people forget to exchange their cash for the local currency until the very last minute and end up spending a fortune on high exchange rates and fees that the local exchange bureau charge at airports and ferry terminals. If you plan your trip well in advance, you will be able to order foreign currencies at a great rate, and save yourself the costs of all of those sneaky fees involved.

5. Have Fun And Explore The World!

One of the best things about being a solo traveller is that it gives you the freedom to do what you want and go where you want. You won’t have to drag someone else around with you or visit a boring spot just because a friend or family member would love to see a certain monument. You can meet new people, experience different cultures and come back home with a world of stories to tell.

Travelling alone doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, as many people who travel solo will tell you, it is a liberating experience as long as you plan ahead, stay safe and know your limits. Learn the local culture to your best abilities, get a taste of each city you travel to and you will have the time of your life travelling by yourself!

The Best Holiday Spectacles Australia Has To Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Tue, 26 May 2015 09:35:00 +0000

Australia has some of the best, world-renowned tourist locations on the planet, so choosing the right spot for your next holiday may seem like a simple choice, but with so many to choose from, let’s look at some of the most popular in terms of culture, attractions, natural wonders and just plain fun. The south and south east of the country has some of the best tourist locations, but with the country being so incredibly huge, you will have to come back again and again to enjoy the very best of what Australia has to offer.

1. The Great Barrier Reef

World-renowned as the largest biological reef on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s true natural wonders. Hosting an impressive array of marine life stretching over its 2,300 kilometres, this world heritage site is a wonder to behold, whether scuba diving, pleasure cruising or simply enjoying the beaches that surround this marvel.

With its warm, pristine waters, diving plays a huge part in tourism in this part of the country. Many different diving schools are available to get your feet wet and start enjoying the natural wonder that the hundreds of individual reefs have to offer. Every type of activity is accounted for, with single day trips, longer cruises and even super yachts to enjoy you’re once in a lifetime holiday experience on the reef.

2. The Great Ocean Road

The impressive Great Ocean Road is one of the most stunning drives in the world. Taking you along a meandering 244 kilometres of stunning scenery that includes pristine beaches and sea roads, mountainous passes, and even rainforests along its route, the diversity of scenery is sure to impress.

Scattered along the winding road are many towns and villages that offer delicious restaurants, popular shopping locations and even Great Ocean Road accommodation and luxury spa and vacation resorts such like the White Crest resorts. The Great Ocean Road is a great destination for those with a little more adventure in their vacations, with a number of natural parks, forests and beaches to enjoy, with activities such as water skiing, whale watching and off-road adventure holidays.

3. Namadgi National Park

This national parks sets itself apart from what you might find elsewhere due to its history of being one of the best places to see the indigenous history of the true Australian culture. Located south of Canberra, the Namadgi National Park is part of the Australian Alps which is a stunning collection of impressive granite mountains and covers a wide expanse of habitat including grassy plains, snow gum forests as well as alpine meadows.

The national park includes wildlife as diverse as Wombats, Eastern Grey Kangaroos as well as Wallabies and Rosellas . This beautifully diverse national park is a great tourist location and offers an amazing opportunity to those who enjoy the wilder side of life.

4. The Red Centre

The Red Centre is a large expanse of Australia in the Northern Territory that includes Alice Springs and many other smaller towns and villages. This part of the country is known worldwide as the true Australian outback and is known for its rich red soil and desserts.

The Red Centre is a vast area of land that needs a longer vacation to fully explore and enjoy, with Uluru or Ayres Rock being the magnificent jewel in the crown for explorers and adventure holiday makers looking to breathe in some of the indigenous culture that the country has to offer. Rugged beauty and mountainous regions can be enjoyed by going on camel rides, kayaking and classic trail walks for those with a penchant for the outback life.

5. The Tasmanian Wilderness

Tasmania is home to the largest conservation expanses in Australia, covering a gigantic 15,800 square kilometers of outdoors, mountain regions and temperate wilderness. Whilst the island is perfect for those who love walking and hiking trails in some of the most stunning scenery in the country, in the modern era, Tasmania has become a tourist attraction due to its many museums, restaurants, vacation settings, hotels, spas and camping sites.

Tasmanian devil spotting is another popular tourist activity, whilst taking in the pristine beaches and sea life is another attraction that you would be sorry to miss out on. Enjoy all of the trappings of luxury lifestyle with the shopping and dining activities to fully take in this beautiful island with a culture of its own.

Whatever your destination is in Australia, be sure to take in the indigenous culture. Trek the outback, enjoy an opportunity in star-gazing under some of the clearest skies on the planet and take advantage of the shopping and dining experiences around the country for a truly unforgettable experience in Australia.

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Enjoy the 10 Best Beach Activities near The Ocean View Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Mon, 04 May 2015 07:23:00 +0000

Holidays are many people’s favourite time of year, especially those with big families and lots of kids. Getting away from the daily grind and enjoying a host of activities is what makes holidays that extra special. There are a huge number of things to do along the Great Ocean Road, so if you want to stay in luxury and within a stones’ throw of some of the best beach activities this enduring stretch of paradise has to offer, check out the Ocean View Resort, and this list of activities to do on your stay:

1. Sand Castles on the Magnificent Beach

The Great Ocean Road is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. This huge stretch of beach is the ideal place to take a break with your loved ones and inject some adventure into your holiday. Building sandcastles is a perfect activity for young and old alike so be sure to bring some buckets! Not only is it a classic beach activity for kids, but you’ll have a great time playing in the sand and taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of the region.

2. Beach Volleyball

With the Australian Beach Volleyball team winning games across the globe, why not put a little action into your holiday and play some beach volleyball too. Get the whole family in on this beach game by setting up your own net on the sand and work up an appetite for dinner!

3. Para-Sailing Activities

Along the stretch of the pristine Great Ocean Road you will find a myriad of parasailing activities to choose from. Take an exhilarating trip above the waves to see the sights and you may even spot a whale or two. Training and support is offered to those who are trying parasailing for the first time, so there’s no reason not to try parasailing and experience a truly unforgettable view of the local area.

4. Water Skiing

Water skiing has become another popular beach activity for many people, with a host of different locations to try out your skills on the waves. The Ocean View Resort is just a short trip along the coast, which makes it a perfect place to base yourself while you enjoy the local area. If you’re a thrill seeker, action water sports may be the perfect activity for you. Hire a local water ski trainer to get you up to speed before going solo, or take a pleasure ride on one of the many different water skiing trips available in the local area.

5. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a great beach activity for adults and kids alike, relying on the local areas pristine waters and coral life, scuba diving schools are popping up all along the coast for people to enjoy. Check out the stunning wildlife under the sea and keep within reach of local bars and restaurants for a bite to eat afterwards. You will be in for an unforgettable experience beneath the waves.

Scuba diving gear can be hired from the friendly local companies and with scuba diving lessons offered at the height of the holiday season.

6. Jet Skiing

If you are one of those people who loves action water sports, then you’ll love the offering of jet skiing activities along the Ocean View Resort and the coast. Jet Skiing is a great way to explore the beaches and coves that lie around this beautiful part of the country, allowing you to see some of the more secluded sights.

7. Beach Cricket

Fancy a game of cricket? The Great Ocean Road offers huge stretches of clean, sandy beaches to allow you to bring out the sporty side of you. With plenty of different beach games for adults to play, beach cricket offers a large party or even a small family to play a few innings, making it fun for the whole family.

8. Banana Boat Riding

Banana boats are one of the great ways a whole family can take in the sights while having an enormous amount of fun. Banana boats offer a large party a thrill seeking ride on the waves at speed, making it one of the most exciting action water sports available.

9. Surfing

Bring out the surfer in you with a choice of different surfing activities like big wave surfing and other surfing games by hiring yourself some surf clothing and a surf board to get in on the action. If you have ever dreamed of leading the surfing life there are lessons and activities for beginners and pros. The great ocean road and ocean view resort offers anyone of any age to start getting into surfing - one of the most popular action water sports and beach activities in the nation.

10. ATV – All Terrain Vehicles

The Ocean View Resort, off the Great Ocean Road offers a stunning scenery on the beach front and the chance to see our incredible local wildlife. It also offers a beautiful backdrop of rainforests and mountains to explore, one of the best ways to do this is in with an ATV vehicle.

The 4 wheelers offer the chance to see the true rugged open landscape that this region offers you. With paths and tracks made specifically for this type of all-terrain vehicle, you can ride on four wheels to visit some of the more distant sights that only a seasoned hiker would be able to reach.

With all of these great activities to do on your holiday, what’s stopping you from booking a trip to the Great Ocean Road and the Ocean View Resort along the coast? From relaxing beach holidays to action packed adventure weekend breaks, you will find the most amazing locations and activities and local bars and restaurants to keep you entertained during the evening, making for an unforgettable holiday experience.

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Choosing the Right Resort for Your Perfect Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 11:25:00 +0000

When it comes to vacation time, choosing the right type of resort for your holiday destination is vital in making sure that your trip runs smoothly with all the fun you’ve been planning. Choosing a destination or even country to visit may depend on the type of resort, activities and a locale that is your ideal vacation location.

Whether you are a fitness freak, a relaxation junkie or a luxury spa treatment kind of vacationer, you are sure to find great locations and resorts close to home just in time for the holidays.

Resort towns are some of the most popular destinations for many holiday makers, with popular cities and towns around the globe such as Paris, London, Tokyo and New York always topping the lists of spectacular getaways both alone or with the family.

Many smaller resort towns are the perfect location to get away from it all to relax and unwind, and taste some of the pleasures in life with great cafes, restaurants and shopping locations. Small country towns are the perfect vacation spot for families wishing to get a real sense of holiday making, with beach resorts, skiing trips and idyllic islands making up some of the most popular destinations.

Resort Towns for the Ideal Getaway

Island resort towns have become popular over the past decade, with locations in Europe off the coast of Spain and Greece making ideal locations for some fun in the sun. Other resorts around the globe like the island resorts off Mexico and Indonesia also top the list of popular resorts, offering tranquillity, blue seas and luxury beachside apartments.

Seaside resorts have become a great location to go to in a hurry, and with many great resorts popping up across the country, you might want to take a staycation here at home. The Great Ocean Road resorts like White Crest offer some of the most luxurious accommodation, which offers all-inclusive prices with great adventure trekking along the way.

Ski resorts are still the popular mainstay for many people wishing to visit the snow no matter what time of year. With the new giant indoor ski resort being constructed in Saudi Arabia, you might not have to go too far to enjoy some of the best slopes in the world. The French and Italian Alps still offer some of the finest luxury cabin apartments and hotels, and it’s always a good idea to check regularly on prices and deals so you get the best value.

Self-Contained Resorts Offer Spectacular Deals

Self-contained resorts offer a chance to enjoy the entire holiday making experience all under one roof. Huge theme parks such as Disneyland and Bosch Gardens in the US offer a vast array of activities for all of the family, and similar all-in resorts offer similar activities and services, making them perfect for a larger family.

All-inclusive resorts offer holiday makers the chance to take advantage of a single price for all of the things that they do during their stay. Food is usually included, as well as some other activities such as windsurfing packs, hiking trips and other vacation activities all for a single price. Tariffs may vary depending on the different type of resort location, so shop around to find the best deal.

Recreation resorts often fall under the self-contained banner, and offer a chance to those booking a holiday to discover the outdoors. You can take part in many activities such as bike riding, horse riding lessons, snorkelling or whatever your imagination can muster.

Idyllic locations here at home!

White Crest’s Great Ocean Road Resort is an idyllic recreational resort that offers a perfect base for holiday makers so they can take in the wildlife, the small towns and villages nearby and the activities offered in the surrounding mountains and forests in the local area.

Whatever your holiday destination, be sure to check out the local area surrounding your preferred type of resort to get to get to know the lay of the land. Mixing with the locals and often means you’ll get the best advice on where the hot locations are around town.

Spend your time hiking the mountains, swimming in your own pool, or relaxing on a sandy beach - there are plenty of ideal resorts out there to get you in the holiday mood!

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Top 5 Hotel Booking Websites in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 04:22:00 +0000

When it comes to holiday season, we all have our minds set on some of the most beautiful and stunning locations around the world and at home to think of, but often overlook the painstaking process involved in doing the research, weighing the luggage and not forgetting those connecting flights. These days, there are many websites that offer their services to take the pain out of booking and allow you to book everything in a single process.

From large hotel chains to B&BS in the outdoors, everything is considered from these travel booking sites to offer you the best deals, locations and value. Let’s look at the top 5 hotel booking websites in Australia.

1) Booking.com

This website has gained popularity in recent years for the customisable features that are offered from hotels and resorts, unique to Booking.com. The website has a simple layout to get you started, allowing you to enter the details of how many travelers, their ages and luggage necessary to help you ascertain the final price of your booking.

With a choice of over 600,000 hotels, villas and specialist luxury accommodation on offer, you will have a huge range to choose from, with locations all around the globe. Discounts are offered when hotels have a certain number of rooms available, and last-minute deals can always get you an amazing price.

2) TripAdvisor.com

TripAdvisor is another popular hotel comparison sites designed to allow you to browse all of the different hotels in a single area and compare the rooms, prices and locations for the best deal. Not only does the website offer you a chance to choose from an amazing array of locations, but the types of accommodation are impressively huge.

From the world’s best hotels, simple B&BS, vacation rentals and even tents, TripAdvisor also offers a huge level of depth to booking your dream holiday with restaurant picks, day trip schedules and even helping you to book flights and car hire.

3) AU.Hotels.com

Hotels.com is one of the best online hotel booking sites if you are after accommodation here at home. With a large list of both luxury hotels, quaint and boutique hotels that are often under the radar of many of the bigger comparison sites. The site also includes resorts and stay-cation breaks such as the stunning Great Ocean Road getaways and adventure holiday locations.

Specialising in getting you the best deal on your accommodation, Au Hotels offers a range of exclusive returning customer deals, as well as a friendly customer service department that can take your calls to order book over the phone. This friendly customer interaction sets it apart from some of the more well-known booking websites in town.

4) AirBnB.com

This recent addition to some of the best accommodation booking websites on the internet has made its name in the way that it connects you to real people, families and small businesses that let out their rooms, apartments and houses for holiday breaks and vacationing.

Offering vacation rentals at often lower-than-hotel pricing is what sets it apart from the competition. Your holidays are no longer confined to a list of hotel booking websites lists, which allows you to stay in some of the best locations around your holiday. From historic buildings in the heart of Paris, to renovated barges on the canals of Amsterdam, you will become intimately acquainted with your new home from home, wherever in the world you wish to stay.

5) Agoda.com

Being one of the newest members of the online hotel booking websites lists holiday makers find popular, Agoda offers vacationers the world over to enter their details, book online and set aside the rest of their time devoted to getting the perfect beach body.

Agoda itself takes pride in being customer-oriented in the way booking, cancellations and additions are handled. Offering only the best deals and best prices on some of the most exclusive hotels and travel destination around the world, Agoda is quickly becoming one of the go-to destinations for online holiday booking.

5 Fun Things to Do In a Hotel Room Stay

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 08:38:00 +0000

Whether you are staying in a hotel for a vacation or having to book a last-minute hotel room for business, staying in a hotel can sometimes be a boring affair to say the least. If you are booked into a resort or holiday hotel there may be plenty of activities to do, but for those stuck staring at four walls for their little getaway, here are 5 fun ways to liven up your hotel stay to make it a little more memorable.

1) Make Yourself At Home

Why not enjoy the time in your hotel room by making yourself at home. Put on your pyjamas and order room service, watch some TV and take in the view from your window. Try out the minibar and see what delights it has to offer, and sit down to one of your favourite films you can order from the on-demand film service many hotels have. Chill, relax and make your stay comfortable at least!

2) Pamper Yourself!

Why not treat yourself the next time you stay in a hotel by upgrading your room. Many hotels offer upgrades such as Jacuzzi baths, extra room with a suite option or a fully stocked bar. If you’re into good food, why not try a hotel with a full kitchen to while away those hours by cooking yourself a gloriously delicious meal for one.

3) Invite Friends Over For A Party!

Why not spice up your hotel room stay a little by inviting over your friends. If you know people who live close-by, why not bring them back and enjoy all there is to do in the hotel. Order some room service, drink the minibar dry and then go and take a dip in the pool. Fun times are better than ever, because there is no mess for you to clean up afterwards. But give a generous tip to the staff!

4) Leave Interesting Artwork for the Cleaning Staff

One way to have some fun in a hotel is to leave behind little gifts for the cleaning staff and hotel manager after you leave. Why not make good use of those old picture frames in the hotel and create some stunning works of art to impress other guests. Leave your art in drawers, under the bed, in the bathroom and other interesting places and you will be the talk of the town.

5) Bring Your Own Entertainment

If all else fails, next time you book a hotel room, bring your own entertainment that is guaranteed to keep you busy, occupied or otherwise engrossed. Fill up your laptop with your favourite films or television series’ bring a video games console and your favourite games, books, board games, even blank paper and a pen. You never know, you might make those hours of boredom turn into a fun-packed weekend getaway!

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4 Amazing Vehicle Hotels Guaranteed To Create an Unforgettable Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 03:31:00 +0000

When we book our holiday destinations we often only prepare about the location we are staying at and the attractions that the locale can offer us. What if you learnt that there are many crazy hotels that are designed not only to make your stay unforgettable, but that can also make you scratch your head with amazement?

1. A Flying Hotel on a 747 Jumbo

The Jumbostay hotel sounds just like your average large-scale hotel chain that has its head in the clouds when it comes to novel ideas, but the name is more literal than your average high rollers hotel. The Jumbostay is a Swedish hotel that is housed inside of a full-size Boeing 747 Jumbo jet aircraft. With 27 rooms that cater for up to three people.

Perfect for aircraft enthusiasts, the Jumbostay also includes an exclusive Jumbo Lounge for hotel guests and visitors to enjoy a little rest and relaxation in.

2. A Firetruck Hotel in the Iconic Scottish Highlands

In the Scottish Highlands, you can rent out a far from common nights’ sleep in a converted former fire truck called the Beermoth. This truly odd hotel choice found on the Inshriach Estate in the beautiful rolling hills and green fields of the Highlands offers a unique opportunity to take in some of the freshest air imaginable with its canvas siding.

The Beermoth has been fitted with a Tudor parquet floor which has been retrofitted to the truck, a lavish Victorian bed and an old fire escape to get in and out of your bedroom. The truck also features a kindling fire to keep you warm on those cold Scottish nights and all of the amenities you’d come to expect from a turn of the century fire truck.

3. A Luxury Escape in Paradise

For the more romantically-inclined holiday makers, why not take a trip to paradise in a traditional Dhoni fishing boat in the Maldives. These coconut and palm wood vessels have been converted to offer a unique and surprisingly luxurious way to spend your vacation on the shimmering azure seas of these beautiful islands.

Surrounded by stunningly clear blue water and an amazing coral reef, the cosy yet romantic Dhoni boats are kitted out with an array of life’s luxuries to take you further into relaxation mode. With large-screen television, upscale cappuccino machines and comfortable living spaces, you can see why people get away from it all in high-end resorts such as this.

4. A Traditional Railway Hotel with a Twist

Another interesting hotel stay away from home is in the English region of Cornwall. Railway holidays are a great way to see all of the sights and sounds of large parts of a country while taking in the culture at a slower, traditional pace. These kinds of trips are perfect for just about anyone to enjoy, and allow visitors to a new country to get more for their money.

These traditional locomotives have been transformed into high quality hotel rooms that are the envy of many brick and mortar hotels. Featuring a traditional British look that wouldn’t look out of place in a Miss Marple drama, there is a certain quintessential look and feel about the railway hotel that makes it stand out from the pack.

Search, Book, And Create Unforgettable Memories!

With hotels such as the Railway hotel, the Jumbostay and the Dhoni luxury boat, you can start to appreciate the amazing variety in hotels, resorts and locations and how they can offer you something new with each visit. Take the time to study the location of your next holiday before you book, and keep an eye out for odd, crazy and interesting hotels that could make for an unforgettable experience.

5 Offbeat Resort Destinations for a Memorable Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 04:41:00 +0000

When you need to get away from it all, many hotels and resorts may appear too similar or boring to stay at every year. With new boutique experiences such as the Ocean View Resort and niche concept hotels popping up all over the globe, this year why not do something a little different and choose a vacation experience that you will never forget.

Take a journey with us now as we look at 5 of the more uncommon, offbeat and downright odd vacation resorts to spark your holiday imagination.

1. Mardan Palace Hotel Resort, Turkey

For a vacation full of sheer luxury and opulence, then nothing comes as close to delivering than the Mardan Palace Hotel Resort in Turkey. Built at a cost of over $1.4Bn, the resort features hundreds of luxuriously decorated rooms and suites to choose from. Choose wisely though, as some of the more expensive rooms go for up to $18,000 per night!

The resort features a super-sized swimming pool that takes half an hour to cross in its specifically made gondolas, and features a luxury spa centre featuring real snow. If you want a little luxury for your holidays but can’t stretch to the eye-popping $18,000 per night costs, you can always have a little luxury at home thanks to the myriad of fun to be had from Great Ocean Road accom for a fraction of the price.

2. Igloo Village

This wonderful slice of Greenland is home to the more adventurous vacationeers thanks to its sub-zero temperatures all year round as well as its outdoor living facilities. Why not spend a morning visiting one of the deserted villages, followed by a dog-sled trip to one of the fjords for a day out, followed by spending a night in one of the many ice caves dotted around the area.

3. Seagaia Ocean Dome

This wonderful resort in Japan is packed with activities for those who enjoy a little beach time for their vacation. Featuring a beautiful volcano, a white-sand covered stretch of beach that includes tropical fish, blue skies all year-round with gentle waves crashing on the 954ft shoreline. The only odd thing about this location is that it is all fake!

Seagaia beach is housed in one of the biggest domes of its kind, making it the largest indoor beach in the world. This makes Seagaia Beach Dome the perfect resort for those who prefer the beach, without the inclement weather ruining their vacation.

4. Island of the Dolls

This holiday location isn’t for the faint-hearted. This Mexican tourist destination known locally as La Isla De Las Munecas is possibly one of the creepiest destinations on this list. Featuring dolls that hang from every tree on the island, tourists are asked to leave gifts for the spirits that are thought to inhabit this haunted island.

5. The Titanic Resort Hotel

Turkey is home to many wonderful luxury resorts, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches. But for those who wish to spend a little time at no ordinary location, why not take your vacation this year at the Titanic Resort Hotel.

This resort destination features a luxury hotel in the shape of the iconic doomed vessel the Titanic, surrounded by an expansive heated pool. Re-create that famous moment from the film with your loved one, and rejoice that there are no icebergs to hit during your holiday.

Whether you are interested in adventure weekends, beach-front getaways or just a relaxing time at a stunning location, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of the most stunning locations you could ever wish to visit. With multiple Apollo Bay accommodation choices in the region, put your feet up, relax and enjoy some of the best resort locations in the South East.

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How Making a Vacation Check List Can Save Your Holiday Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 04:13:00 +0000

Taking a vacation can be a great way to get away from everyday life and enjoy a relaxing pause. Making sure you have everything you need to make your holiday go well is one thing you can ensure even before you set off. Whether you are travelling alone, with a partner or with a large family, making a holiday check list is essential for a pleasant and headache-free getaway.

Give yourself a little time for packing before you set off on your trip to ensure you don’t forget something essential for your holiday. Create a big list of everything you want to take, marking out the essential items you need. Prioritising items to take on your holiday is key to having enough room in your suitcases and ensuring you don’t pay extra for unnecessary luggage along the way.

Prioritise Your Essential Items

Choose the items you need to take according to the type of holiday you have booked. If you are travelling to a self-contained resort, you might find that the exceptional Apollo Bay accommodation offers many home comforts that you can enjoy without bringing your own equipment.

Take time before your holiday to browse the services and features offered to you by hotels and resorts in the area and make a list of items you can find there. You may find that things like a wok, steamer, rice cooker and other more interesting everyday items are already supplied by Great Ocean Road accom hotels and resorts that are fitted out to be ‘self-contained’.

Create your essential holiday packing list on a per-person basis and then ensure that no items on your lists are counted twice. This will help when unpacking your holiday gear as you will have more room in the bathroom and bedroom to move around.

Create A Road Trip Check List for Your Vehicle

If you are going on a long road trip to discover the beauty of the Great Ocean Road, ensure that you create a holiday check list of things to pack in the car. There are a number of important essential road trip items that will help you on your way, help you not to get lost and also offer help in the event of a breakdown.

Essential road trip check lists may include inspecting your vehicle before your trip to ensure that the vehicle is in good working order. Check the tyres are in good shape, as well as the water and oil levels and ensure that the vehicles battery is in tip top condition. If you have one, take a GPS map system with you and ensure that it if sully updated to the latest firmware, but it is also worth taking a paper map as well – the local tourist information centres are best to source one of these, for free

Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Pack

The day before you holiday, you should recheck all of your suitcases and luggage and tick them off as you pack. This way you will never forget an essential item ever again. If something is missing from the list, you have plenty of time to go and find it, or buy another swimsuit if need be.

Enjoying your vacation time and making sure that every second counts when it comes to relaxing and unwinding is what matters for a great holiday. Spending hours looking for your bathing clothes or spare batteries for your camera can be a headache. So well in advance of your trip, create a holiday check list and save yourself the heartache of a holiday from hell.

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How Holidays Can Improve Health and General Well Being

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 05:34:00 +0000

In April 2013, Safe work Australia released a worrying statistic that showed a dramatic increase in the numbers of people suffering from work-related stress. In turn, the figures also showed that this cost Australian businesses more than $10bn per year in lost income due to absences. Taking a high quality vacation can help alleviate this stress in many different ways, for both you and your family, and here’s why.

We all understand that you have to work hard to get where you want to be in life, but that doesn’t necessarily have to come as a hindrance to your quality of life. No matter what industry you work in, ensuring that you spend a few weeks of the year to relax and unwind from your work can actually improve your physical and mental health significantly.

Knowing when to Take a Break

Many people who are their own bosses or who are self-employed take little time off of their work for themselves, due to running a demanding business. But making sure that you put the effort in to create a little amount of time for yourself will rejuvenate your efforts when you get back from vacation.

Taking a break from it all allows your mind to have a little break from all of the hard work you do for the rest of the year. Taking time out to not worry about facts and figures, demanding bosses and unfriendly hours will allow a certain sense of mental clarity for when you do eventually return to work.

Spending time alone or with the family and away from work is actually beneficial in a number of ways. It isn’t a waste of time away from work where you might be earning more, but a beneficial process that will help relieve the build-up of stress we find at work and in our everyday lives. Taking in new environments, breathing fresher air and setting your own schedule all help in letting stress go.

Treat yourself to a little Happiness

Some studies show that even the simple act of booking your holiday can have a dramatic effect on your happiness. It is something to look forward to in your schedule, rather than a stressful meeting to avoid. You can start to feel a little happier up to eight weeks before your holiday, giving you a pleasant feeling with each passing day.

Strengthen Family Ties

Spending extra time with your family is another great stress reliever. Not only does it allow you to see more of your family to enjoy outdoor adventures, but taking a break with your family is proven to help strengthen family ties and create stronger relationships. If you are someone that works away for long periods and doesn’t see their family as much as they would like, booking a family holiday is the only reason you need to take a truly memorable break.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a memorable and relaxing experience. Some of the best holiday locations in the world are located right on your back doorstep. From adventure holidays with white water rafting, glorious seaside resorts that pamper you with spa treatments, or quiet camping trip to get closer to nature, why not book a staycation and enjoy a relaxing holiday to freshen your work appetite.

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Get Away From It All With a Stay in Apollo Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 04:29:00 +0000

Taking a break every now and then is a great way to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year to come. Making sure that you find the perfect location to relax, unwind and rejuvenate you and your family has gotten a little easier and a little closer to home thanks to the Whitecrest resort down on the Great Ocean Road near Apollo Bay. Whilst many holiday locations require you to find the hotel, transport and location that you are after, choosing a fully self-contained resort like Whitecrest is the ideal choice for a stress-free holiday.

The Apollo Bay resort is a little slice of paradise set on Victoria’s Southern coast along the Great Ocean Road. This stunning resort provides accommodation with apartments having up to three bedrooms to cater for family needs, starting with simple one bed mezzanine rooms for that romantic getaway. All have ocean views and private balconies with BBQ facilities; couples and families of all sizes are catered for. Whitecrest provides everything you need to have a self-contained home as part of your holiday, with the opportunity then to take more of your time to completely relax and unwind.

Relax and unwind in comfort

Along with the beautifully furnished rooms, the surrounding Apollo Bay area features many top quality facilities to enjoy all year round. At the end of the day, why not take a luxurious spa in your apartment to then fully unwind and rejuvenate while on your short break. You can treat yourself to a little “you-time” with the availability of other special treats such as chocolates, flowers and local wines.

Apollo Bay also features a number of activities within the self-contained resort, including basketball practise hoops, a tennis court as well as a heated pool, billiards and table tennis facilities. All ideal for both families and couples to unwind, Whitecrest near Apollo Bay is perfectly located to offer access to the many other water related activities in and around the local area.

Treat yourself to something extra

With exhilarating views from every apartment, Whitecrest also includes little luxuries and other benefits to enjoy. Take advantage of the stunning view from your own personal balcony and enjoy your very own BBQ. Save on restaurant bills by cooking your own meals in your private apartments with its fully decked out kitchen, and enjoy the full range of cable television channels and the Wi-Fi access that each room has.

Resorts such as Whitecrest offer you a chance to forget all of the planning and organising that you must do when booking at non resort accommodation houses. With a self-contained resort you need not worry about staying in the right area of town, and then finding places to eat every night, and paying for it. A fully self-contained resort offers you all of the amenities as though you were at home, all within a very special environment while enjoying a world class view. Ocean side holidays are a welcome break for both couples and families who work and live in the big cities. They provide a very special environment - the opportunity to enjoy the clean sea air while relaxing in the very comfortable and well-appointed resort.

A self-contained resort

Self-contained apartments provide a great base for your holidays and allow you to reach out into the local area to sample what places like Apollo Bay and the Otway forest have to offer. Exploring the Great Ocean Road and its special sights then knowing that you will be coming home each evening to your cosy Whitecrest apartment that contains a gas log fire, a television and the facilities to make up a little snack, or a special meal, as you may like is a great advantage, even if you are there with your family.

The Whitecrest resort in Apollo Bay offers you all of the comfort of your home plus a special holiday location. Let the friendly staff of the resort take care of all of your needs while you enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the surroundings. Treat your loved ones to a stay that will cater for every need, where you will be pampered and everyone will have a time that will forever be remembered.

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Visit the Great Ocean Road All Year Around

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 06:15:00 +0000

There aren’t many places to visit that can bring with it a whole new feel of its own no matter what the season, but the Great Ocean Road has to be one of those places on your list you simply must visit. Set in one of the most amazing parts of the world, the Great Ocean Road spans over 240km of Victorian coastal paradise, which includes winding its way through some of the most breathtakingly beautiful countryside. No matter what time of the year you intend to visit this world renown part of Victoria, there is always something to see and do along your way.

Being an Australian National Heritage Listed site, the Great Ocean Road is the ultimate destination for those looking to take in the beautiful ocean countryside. With its vast and unique offerings, the Great Ocean Road brings a wealth of different locations that are perfect for taking in some water based activity in the summer while on one of the many amazing beaches. Then in the cooler months, keep comfortable and warm while surrounded by pure nature with the possibility also of taking in a spot of whale watching at selected locations.

Summer sports at the beach

Summer is peak season along the Great Ocean Road, and brings with it a whole host of outdoor activities. Special walks, finding a rock pool to have a refreshing dip, reading that novel with the sound of the ocean nearby, or evening dining accompanied by a setting sun, all there for the entire family to enjoy as they unwind on the beach in style. You can also choose the more active sports like surfing, water skiing and jet biking. Perhaps a quick romantic escape for that special occasion? Whatever, the spectacular views out over the ocean are always there and will simply take your breath away. Whilst peak season may be perfect for those wishing to take a relaxing break escaping the balmy heat, the Great Ocean Road is a national treasure that is popular with all whatever the time of the year.

If you really want to get away from it all, why not book a stay in one of the many great resorts available in the area. Many have special features including spas which offer a chance to relax and unwind in style for those who wish to spend their vacation at a more tranquil environment. Spring time is a perfect time of the year to take in a short break, for both relaxation and specialist shopping thanks to the many restaurants, boutiques and food outlets in the small towns that you will see along the way. Follow the food trail and make those special discoveries of your own.

Nature walks, hiking and outdoor activities

The colder months offer a great opportunity for those more adventurous folk who love the outdoors. The Great Ocean Road features excellent access to our country’s pristine rain forest environments found further inland in the State of Victoria. The Great Otway National Park is a stellar example of these great Australian outdoors. With many hiking routes, walks and waterfalls available to visit at any time of the year, with autumn and spring being the most beautiful.

Regardless of your priority, the Great Ocean Road will make your vacation or short break an unforgettable experience. This special stretch of coastal roadway is there to be explored at any time of the year. It offers many different activities to ensure the whole family will enjoy the time. The long hikes, nature walks and other special outdoor activities are available year round. It might be a romantic escape. The summer offers those refreshing dips in the ocean and the water sports. Then there are those special times for whale watching late winter and early spring.

Your time travelling and having a special stay on the Great Ocean Road will bring a time to relax, unwind, it will be most memorable and prove to be a trip of a lifetime.

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A Relaxing Vacation at a Beautiful Location in Apollo Bay with Majestic surrounds!

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 03:16:00 +0000

Apollo Bay offers the chance to get-away from the bustling city life, to travel down the famous Great Ocean Road and enjoy a relaxing holiday in an idyllic setting on the ocean and close to the village of Apollo Bay. Allow the tranquillity of staying at Whitecrest indulge your senses and create a most memorable vacation for you and your family.

With luxury accommodation that includes access to a heated swimming pool, tennis court and a recreation room with facilities for billiards/pool and table tennis just for starters, you can unwind with pleasurable activities throughout this self-contained resort. Just a short walk away is the famous Onion Bay; a perfect location for a protected dip in the ocean with the family or a more adventurous spot of wave surfing. At least, you can sit and watch sun sets and enjoy the fresh breeze coming off the ocean. The resort is surrounded by nature that is in walking distance or otherwise suitable for a day trip, so why not explore the grounds and surrounding areas all at your own pace.

If pure relaxation is what you are after, then why not take some time out at this luxurious four star resort by enjoying the creature comforts available to you. Each beautifully designed luxury apartment offers a spa bath to relax in, a fully equipped kitchen to grab a light snack or prepare a meal, a television with cable access as well as a gas BBQ on the terrace, before you relax with a full view of the ocean right in front of you. In the cooler months you can also warm in the evenings in front of a cosy gas log fire.

Your Apollo Bay accommodation is perfectly situated along the stunning Victorian coastline which allows amazing views of the pristine sea, as well as being a popular spot for whale spotting during the winter months. Apollo Bay is the perfect stepping stone for attractions further afield. Many are within just a short drive along the majestic Great Ocean Road or inland to the surrounding rain forest areas where you can really start to enjoy the great outdoors on offer.

Local attractions surrounding Apollo Bay The Otway National Park is situated just a short distance inland from our Whitecrest accommodation, allowing you to plan the perfect day trip with a loved one or bring the entire family. With the exploration of nature being one of the key features of the Otways, you will also be able to enjoy an Otway Fly tree-top walk which takes you up to walk through the canopy of this very special forest.

Melba Gully is an ideal spot to take a magical rainforest walk, with Maits Rest and Lake Elizabeth also in the local area, you will be able to feel at one with nature in this pristine example of Australian bushland. Why not make every day a day trip out to see somewhere new; enjoy the many fine restaurants and bars, the speciality local food shops or wineries all available to choose from in the local area.

The Apollo Bay township itself is teeming with high quality gourmet food shops including a fishing co-op at the wharf and a lovely half-moon bay to walk along. Make a trip to this charming seaside town and you will be able to come away with an unforgettable experience. Why not enjoy the splendour of the Otway Harvest Trail walk that will lead you to boutique shops and restaurants after a long day of exploration.

Apollo Bay is a great part of the Victorian coastline and our Whitecrest accommodation is a must for anyone looking to escape and relax, or to explore the various nature activities that are on offer. With Whitecrest used a base, you will be able to enjoy both a relaxing and soothing break, without missing out on the magical countryside that is to be found in from and along this famous part of the Victorian coastline.

Top 4 Reasons You Need to Get Away for the summer

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 06:05:00 +0000

It’s not as if anyone needs an excuse to go on holidays, but when you think about the preparation and potential costs associated with taking a trip, it not always something we can fit in or afford. Obviously getting away from the hustle bustle of day-to-day life and relaxing is something we all enjoy, however research has shown that there are actually many other benefits that come with holidaying that we may overlook.

Health Benefits

Obviously, the extent to which your holiday brings you good health depends upon the type of holiday you’re having. A vacation where you are partying every night and not getting enough sleep might have some negative effects on your physical health. However, a relaxing getaway that involves plenty of good food, ample sleep, a bit of sun and exercise (people often walk and cycle more than usual when they’re away) can be amazing for you both mentally and physically.

Interestingly, research shows that listening to waves breaking has a profound effect on our brains, in the same way that meditation does. Sea water calms us and the salt draws out the body’s impurities, so there are clear health benefits simply from taking a trip to the beach, let alone planning an entire holiday.

Happiness

We often underestimate the effect that being overly stressed can have on a person’s overall wellbeing. Taking time out to relax and enjoy yourself is crucial for a balanced lifestyle. Laughter in particular, which you should be doing plenty of if you’re away on holiday, is very important aspect of happiness. It releases endorphins that have a significant effect on our mood and general outlook, but some studies also suggest that laughing regularly can help reduce the risk of disease.

Memories

A holiday is ultimately a brief experience that quickly passes us by. We all know that feeling of coming back from an amazing trip and having to get back to reality and they seem to over before we know it! A holiday isn’t an investment item that we can hang onto and sell, but there’s something of much more valuable that it leaves us with - the memories of such a fantastic time.

We often think back to holidays that we’ve had; associating certain smells, music and people with the experience and taking comfort in these memories months and even years later. Psychologists advance the idea that recalling these happy times has a positive effect on our wellbeing.

Affordable

Holidaying can actually be relatively cheap if you plan well ahead of time and think carefully about your destination. Planning with a budget in mind is important, particularly in terms of your spending money, but accommodation is fairly adaptable according to what it is you’re after. Further, nowadays there are websites devoted to comparing accommodation costs so finding the best deal has never been easier!

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The Beauty of Apollo Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 09:19:00 +0000

With its natural beauty of rolling country landscapes and its picturesque village centre, you will find that heading out and exploring the attractions and features of Apollo Bay is just what you need if you’re looking with the ultimate relaxation trip. One of the great features of Apollo Bay is its many walking and scenery routes dotted throughout the main town and surrounding areas that can be enjoyed all-year round.

One of the most popular places to stay is at the Whitecrest Resort, located near the world famous Great Ocean Road. This idyllic luxurious resort allows you to kick back and listen to waves crash into the bay. There’s not much that’s more relaxing than that.

Not only does Apollo Bay offer you some of the most picturesque landscapes to bring you closer to nature with its many walks, hikes and exploration trips, the city is also home to a great culture of music and performing arts. The Apollo Bay Music Festival is one of the highlights of the season. Starting in late April every year, it supplies the south coast with the latest and greatest bands and performers and makes for an unforgettable experience.

Great Ocean Road accom doesn’t have to require a huge budget. Resorts such as Whitecrest offer spectacular modular spaces to really put you into a dream location but they also offer family accommodation that doesn’t break the bank, allowing you to enjoy your holiday, no matter how big your family is.

With many beautiful locations to explore in and around Apollo Bay, one of the first things you will want to do is find a perfect location as the base of your vacation. As the place to sleep and enjoy a little more relaxation, finding an ideal location that is near the areas that you wish to explore is an important part of your holiday. This means you don’t have to worry about making your way back to your accommodation after a long walk, a gig and a quiet meal down by the beach.

So if you are after a dream holiday, whether it is to relax in luxurious accommodation and get away from city life, enjoy the outdoors or take in some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, we know a great place to visit. Considering you get the chance to take in the culture of the south coast and enjoy a holiday where you’ll never run out of thing to do, Great Ocean Road accom is reasonably priced and affordable.

Whitecrest Resort Accommodation Packages

noreply@blogger.com (Whitecrest Resort) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:40:00 +0000

Whether you are looking for a beautiful spot on the Great Ocean Road to get away from it all and indulge yourself, or a central location to base your Great Ocean Road getaway, Whitecrest is the place for you.

Wake up to the sounds of the majestic Bass Strait, waves breaking on the beach below.Wander these secluded beaches, or just relax with a book and a glass of wine by the log fire or on your own private balcony overlooking the ocean.

Romantic Getaway Package:

Are you looking to create a most memorable time and a very special romantic occasion? Escape to the Great Ocean Road and enjoy all Whitecrest has to offer while taking in the uninterrupted views of the pristine ocean from your own luxury apartment!

Whitecrest’s unique Romantic Getaway Package offers a chilled bottle of local sparkling wine, a selection of fine handmade chocolates and a full arrangement of flowers all to greet you on arrival – setting the mood for a very special occasion. The extra late checkout is exclusive and ensures you have all the time in the world to savor the occasion.

Winter Indulgence Package:

Winter indulgence package for a cosy three days by the fire in isolation by the ocean and available from 1 May until 31 July each year. Pay for two nights and stay for three in a studio, one, two or three bedroom self-contained apartment with your own private balcony and spectacular views overlooking the ocean. Listen to the waves, warm by the gas log fire and enjoy everything that the Whitecrest resort has to offer, including a selection of fine handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival.

three nights accommodation for the price of two
a complementary gift box of locally handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival
a late checkout (up to 2pm)
optional romantic seafood dining experience at Apollo Bay’s La Bimba* restaurant

* Offer is for off-peak† periods with bookings required 7 days in advance (prices based on our normal rack rate)

Social Escape Package:

Social escape packages for a cosy stay overlooking the ocean and available during all of our off peak† periods. Pay for a studio, one, two or three bedroom apartment and then have an extra couple stay with you for free. The additional family or friends would use the sofa bed with all linen supplied and no surcharge. All apartments are self-contained and have a private balcony with spectacular views overlooking the ocean.

Enjoy being social and everything else that the Whitecrest Apollo Bay resorts, and the Great Ocean Road have to offer.

off peak† accommodation rates with a complementary stay for an extra couple
opportunity to explore all that the Great Ocean Road and the Otway ranges have to offer
chase the whales in winter
explore the Apollo Bay village, enjoy an optional seafood dining experience at the La Bimba* restaurant...