Priceless Quality Time in Port Douglas

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Holidays by WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham, as the name implies, are always a world-class experience. Our recent stay at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas was, as usual, no exception: a relaxed & cheerful check-in; outstanding facilities at a superlative location; superior comfort (it’s the only time we don’t need to take our own pillows!) & a kitchen superbly equipped. I love that feeling of assuredness that the consistent level of quality will be there every time = holiday bliss.

A very relaxed check-in!

There’s always a guaranteed jovial ambiance created by equally happy fellow-owners, also enjoying their quality time. There is that carefree ‘knowing glint’ in their eyes . . .  as if we all belong to a secret club.

Hilariously, one of the things on my husband’s bucket list has been for us to ride a tandem bike – on arrival, to our utmost surprise, there stood a cheeky white tandem bike on the fabulously welcoming deck/activities area ! Tick.

Somehow we made it to Port Douglas Marina!

The resort was magnificently set in rain forest & a waterfall/swimming pool that made the whole place feel surreal. The beauty spa within the resort was genius. Just relaxing there was enough to feel a world away from worries. All pent-up stress just melted.

Center of the resort pool!

While I was inside the beauty spa.

Close by, the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest & Barrier Reef provided an array of world-class experiences to evoke awe that was unforgettable. What a country we live in ! Live crocodiles; rainforest that meets the ocean; sensational snorkeling & insane rainforest flavors of ice-cream . . . something for everyone.

Birdworld at Kuranda

Each time I depart from a Wyndham Resort, I remember my initial skepticism prior to joining – it all seemed just “too good to be true”. But every stay over the last 17 years has consistently exceeded my expectations. What an outstanding investment I made in guaranteed quality holidays ! Even partners have come & gone in that time but my WorldMark relationship has never disappointed –  I can’t imagine my life without it!

Fabulous waterfall into the pool

 

Roslyn & Victor, 

Very happy Wyndham Timeshare Owners

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How to spend 3 days on the Sunshine Coast with your family… (on a budget)

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If you are looking for somewhere to spend your next getaway, you can’t go past the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Last weekend we went on a 3 day Sunshine Coast family holiday exploring the sights and surroundings that this stunning part of the world has to offer and we were impressed. There is plenty to do on a budget and the atmosphere is just laid back, relaxing and fun- the perfect little weekend getaway. Our accommodation was a one bedroom suite at the Ramada Resort Marcoola which was good because it was so central to everything and right on the stunning Marcoola beach.

Day 1

After our early morning beach walk and exploring the local cafes we decided to head to Sunshine Castle Bli Bli for the day. The castle was only a 9 minute drive from our hotel and seemed to be a fun day out for the kids. Entry was within budget at only around $40-$50 for a family of 4 and this included a scavenger hunt and prize for each child at the end. The castle boasts 2 towers which offer picturesque views of the coast and hinterland as well as a themed dining hall, dungeon and plenty of interesting medieval and historical displays throughout which the kids loved! The Castle was originally built by a couple as an exhibition centre for their doll collection which is still displayed at the end of the tour- however this display brought on the rather ‘Curse of chucky’ type vibe and we moved on quickly. The castle was very quiet and we were able to just walk through at our own pace.

 

Selfie out the front of the Castle

 

Dressing up for the treasure hunt

Day 2

We were looking to do something a little more adventurous by today and decided to look to groupon for ideas. We came across some half price coupons for kayaking down the maroochy river which only set us back a very reasonable $20 per kayak for 2 hours. The team at Sunshine Watercraft located within the Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore were so friendly and helpful and were more than happy to fit us in without a booking. We paddled along the river about 15 minutes before reaching a sandbar just off the beach at Cotton Tree where the crystal clear blue water was too hard to resist and we all jumped in for a lovely swim. We then continued on to Cotton Tree where we parked the kayaks and strolled across the road to The Prickly Pinata for a couple of delicious banana colada cocktails and the kids had a play in the park. This day was my favourite part of the holiday.

Kayaking through to Cotton Tree

Kayaking through to Cotton Tree

Our kids enjoying the sun

Our kids enjoying the sun

 

Family photo swimming

Family photo swimming

Day 3

For our last day we decided to venture to Mount Coolum for the 6am sunrise. After fumbling around in the dark at 5am to get warm jackets on and bundling everyone in to the car we eventually made it. The drive to Mount Coolum was only 6 mins from our hotel. The walk was a steady uphill climb and took around 30 mins to reach the top. We didn’t find the track overly challenging as we went with our 10 month old in the carrier and our 3 year old managed most of the climb himself with the exception of a few shoulder trips. The views of the coast and hinterland were breathtaking and well worth the trek! After a big breaky and a rest we checked out of our hotel and then decided to brave the crowds and head to the iconic Noosa beach. After driving around for what seemed like an eternity we finally got a park. The beach at Noosa was flat and shallow- perfect for the kids to have a nice swim however it was packed and finding a spot to park the beach tent proved difficult. After some window shopping and a gelato we headed home.

How good is this view from the top of Mount Coolum

How good is this view from the top of Mount Coolum

 

What a great Sunshine Coast family holiday!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time away and would highly recommend for anyone looking for a cheap and relaxing Sunshine Coast family holiday.

 

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Girl’s Weekend Away

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2017 was a tough year for me with both my parents passing away. So two of my friends decided that what I needed was a girl’s weekend away.

I chose Hobart since I’d been wanting to visit MONA for a while plus it was an opportunity to stay at Ramada Resort Seven Mile Beach. We decided on a 3 bedroom apartment so we each had our own room. It was perfect for catching up and the resort was in peaceful surroundings.

We flew in on Friday morning, picked up a hire car from the airport and drove to Richmond an historic town about one hour drive from Hobart. We visited the old church and wandered around the antique shops. We had afternoon tea served in silver teapot.

Saturday morning was spent at the famous Salamanca Markets. We brought souvenirs. We had lunch at Maldini Italian restaurant. Then wandered back to the wharf where we went on a horse and carriage ride around the streets of Hobart. We visited Battery Point which is the old part of Hobart where you can find some of the original houses from the 1800s still standing.

On Sunday we took the ferry to MONA. You can spend most of the day there as there is much too see. The views from the museum are fantastic. We had lunch in the cafe but its worth going to the restaurant if you can just for the views.

 

Monday morning there was time to sleep in and more time to chat before checking out. In 3 days we had seen a lot but there were more places we could have visited such as Mount Wellington.

 

Maria

Wyndham Timeshare Owner

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Delightful, Diverse and Delectable Coffs Harbour

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The NSW North Coast region has just so much to offer and explore, so what better place to start this wonderful experience of beautiful beaches, multiple villages, National Parks, waterways and food stops is the city of Coffs Harbour.

Our stay could not have been better, staying at the modern and very different Wyndham Ramada Treetops Resort just a few kilometres north of the Park Beach shopping centre and this very diverse city itself.

The resort is quite different to the norm with three very modern high-rise buildings named Kookaburra, Sandpiper and Lorikeet which are all set on the side of a sloping hill with very different views. We have stayed here three times now in each of the buildings and the views vary from Rainforest jungle areas to overlooking an outstanding nine-hole Golf Course of close by Pacific Bay Resort Precinct so it’s always a pleasure to return.

The staff here are always the friendliest from our first entrance and welcome to our final farewell (until next time) and each stay included very luxurious accommodation which we just love – especially the 2- Bedroom Grand.

There is nothing like sitting on your patio for breakfast and having 3 or 4 Kookaburras on the railing next to you, or even a colourful parrot enjoying your breakfast with you – straight from the bowl!

The heated pool and spa at the Ramada is very enchanting and difficult to leave, especially with the gym and BBQ area close, but just a short stroll or drive down the road, the Pacific Bay Resort Precinct has multiple facilities that we can also use including the golf course, tennis court, day spa and multiple pools.

But Coffs Harbour city and the surrounding areas have just so many different places to visit, including beautiful beaches – large and small. One of our favourites is the Coffs Harbour Jetty just 4.km from the resort and here an enchanting walk up to Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve for its breathtaking views of the Jetty and coastline. This must be followed by lunch or dinner at the Fisherman’s Co-Op which is open from 10.00AM to 7.00PM daily.

50 local fishermen supply the freshest of seafood which you can order and eat in a covered dining deck overlooking the fishing boats, or you can purchase straight off the boats and take it away with you.

Yes, Coffs has everything including the “Big Banana” not far from the resort which has eight great attractions including an Ice Skating rink.

For local clubs don’t miss the C.ex Club in the city with its premier dining and entertainment, but for something really different again, you should visit the “Clog Barn and Holiday Park” just 1.5 km on the north side of the town centre as you are driving in.

Here, not only will you see clog making demonstrations 3 times a day for free, but also visit an amazing miniature Dutch village with all sorts of beautiful and perfectly constructed Dutch buildings. They are true miniature replicas of the actual buildings which we have seen many times way over in the Netherlands and its photographer’s paradise and yes – it’s all free, complete with working Dutch windmills and two little working trains.

So, you will not be in Madurodam in Den Haag (The Hague), Holland which is also famous in the Netherlands for its miniature village and buildings 25 times smaller than they are in real life but seeing all the work and dream of Dutch born Tom Hartsuyker who has created this over the last 35 years is so amazing right here in Coffs Harbour. Tom is now 85 years young and still making those model houses today. All the model buildings and town centres are clearly marked as to what they are and where they are, and our memories clicked into gear as we re-visited the Cheese Market in Alkmaar and enchanting towns and cities such as Maastricht – right here in Coffs Harbour!

But there is more, the shop you will enter upon arrival is absolutely full of everything Dutch from nick-knacks, books, clogs, wooden cuckoo clocks and superb hand painted Delftware, and of course, this is where the clogs are actually made, and right next door is “Big Oma’s” restaurant which is open every day at 8.00AM and serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and Dutch delicacies such as croquettes.

Another very different and interesting place to visit is the family owned Carobana Confectionery Factory and retail shop at James Small Drive, Korora, north of Coffs Harbour. Here you will see (and taste) yummy Carob coated products including Honeycomb, Rocky Road, Nut Brittles, Macadamia Honeycrunch and coated apricots just to mention a few. Production days are Monday to Thursday and the best time to visit is in the morning where you will see enormous 5kg slabs of Honeycomb being made.

If you want to travel a little further on the northern side, don’t miss the very different town of Woolgoolga (or Woopi as its known to the locals), then south to Sandy, Emerald, Moonee and Diggers Beaches, and don’t miss the beautiful 10-minute drive just a few minutes north of the resort and up through the banana plantations to Sealy Lookout. Here you will walk out on the Forest Sky Pier and see the magnificent views down across the city and coastline.

Travelling South of Coffs harbour, Sawtell is another “must see” with its picturesque fig tree lined avenue full of boutique shops, and inland is the Dorrigo National Park

Flying into Coffs Harbour? Well the Airport is just 6 km away from the Ramada Treetops Resort.

So there you have it, and we have really only touched the surface of this amazing and beautiful mid NSW Coast city, so make sure you book in to stay at the Ramada Resort Coffs Harbour – Treetops for your next delightful holiday.

For more information on the Carobana Confectionery Factory go to: www.carobana.com.au

For more information on the Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-Op go to www.coffsfishcoop.com.au

For more information on the Clog Barn at 215 Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour, go to: www.clogbarn.com.au

 

Graham

Wyndham Timeshare Owner

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Life is Full of Surprises at Wyndham, Surfers Paradise

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Sometimes you just need to get away from the stress and business of life and enjoy some down time.  Being owners since 2001 we have been able to do just that on many occasions. My husband and I headed for Surfers Paradise earlier this year for the weekend. Arriving we were surprised how close Wyndham was to the beach, just a stone throw; we were not surprised though by the friendly welcome by the staff. Having booked our room that overlooked the ocean, it was a quick unpack and down to the Friday Night Markets situated on the beach front. Even the husband enjoyed meandering through the stalls.

What surprised both of us was that the weekend coincided with the National Sand Sculpture Championships. This was a three day event which gave us much entertainment as we followed the artists’ progress as they made these extraordinary 3D works. They had started at 2pm that afternoon and already the sculptures were impressive.

The next day we begun to appreciate the central location of Wyndham, the tram stop right out the front, we didn’t have to use our car at all during the weekend; a convenience store and BWS across the road, a terrific pizza shop, and Cavill Ave within easy walking distance.  The weather was magnificent over the weekend, so it was no surprise that we enjoyed the sun, surf and sand of Surfers. In the afternoon we enjoyed happy hour at Wyndham’s bar area, a cocktail for me, a beer for hubby, it was a nice surprise to the end of the day. The Walrus Social Club was a short stroll down the street and provided the evening meal and entertainment in a relaxed environment.

On Sunday it was a return to the beach for a swim and to cast a vote in the People’s Choice for the Sand Sculpture Championships. Talking with the artists was an engaging and informative surprise! Relaxed and reinvigorated we said goodbye to Wyndham Surfers and headed home. We shall be back.

Kerrie and Paul

Wyndham Timeshare Owners

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70th Birthday Celebration in Fiji

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As Wyndham owners, we always love travelling to our favourite destination Wyndham Resort Denarau Island though late December / New Year’s Eve was an extra special occasion.

After months of planning, our NZ family plus extended family & friends from Australia and around the world, got together to celebrate my Auntie’s 70th birthday. With several of us being owners, we booked out a number of rooms in advance to accommodate a large group of us. For the 1st time my wife, kids & I got to stay in the deluxe grand apartments. Stunning views, extremely luxurious and generous in size. Total Bliss.

Days leading up to the birthday party the group spent time relaxing by the pool , visiting the Marina’s shops and restaurants, and local attractions (Sleeping Giant Zip Line, Bula Water Park , Denarau Golf Course). We were also lucky enough to take a boat trip to out to see the surf break, courtesy of Fiji Surf. It was amazing. BBQ lunch on board a catamaran, snorkeling around a private island resort, hot sun & beautiful blue ocean.

The 70th Birthday party celebration was held at the resort’s Mamacita Mexican Restaurant. We had the entire front deck reserved for us. Guests enjoyed delicious island style food and local entertainment. It was a fabulous evening!

 

As part of our stay we enjoyed local New Year’s Eve celebrations with amazing fireworks on the beach, music and drinks by the pool to welcome 2018!

A couple of days later it was time to part with family & friends, as we started to make our way back home. We had an incredible time, packed full of fun Fiji memories! We can’t wait to go back again.

 

Chad and Donna

Wyndham Timeshare Owners

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Family Fun in Singapore

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We have just returned from Singapore where we stayed at the Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park for ten days on the 13th floor (unlucky for some) but not for us.

We had set a day for a trip and then a day off, but it wasn’t going to happen that way…every day we had something to see and somewhere we wanted to be….so we just kept going. And going And going. Like the Duracell bunny. And there are more places to go and to see so we have started putting our pennies away to go back ASAP.

We took our daughter and 8 year old grandson with us too and they had a great time as it was the first plane trip and first overseas trip for them both. Singapore City is unusual in that it is so green and clean and well tended but it is a city with towering buildings which still manages to have many parks and green spaces for its population, and the people are very courteous and gentle.

Thanks to Shelly in the travel department for making it go as we knew it would every time we take off with Wyndham. We pre-booked for Universal Studios and Legoland in Malaysia (which entailed a border crossing out of Singapore and then back again, and this fascinated our grandson who had no real idea of borders and protection) and a trip to the zoo for breakfast with the Orangutans.

The Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park was great and the staff were great and very, very helpful with all things, from money exchange to where to catch the bus or train or where to eat. Thank you all for such an excellent holiday!

If you have the time ………DO IT.

Jan and Jim

Wyndham Timeshare Owners

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The Perfect Off Season

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My partner and I are long-term members of Wyndham Timeshare. We joined about 9 years ago and have had a marvellous time staying in excellent accommodation in every state in Australia and New Zealand. When we joined there were only 3 locations in our own state of Victoria; Torquay, Ballarat and Lakes Entrance. Much to our delight, Wyndham has grown and the new locations both in Australia and internationally are splendid.

Late in October I said to Robert “Look there’s a new Victorian Resort at Dinner Plain in the Alps!” Robert looked at the photos of the beautiful mountain scenery and replied, “Yes but its a ski resort and we are past the age of snow sports.”

“We don’t have to be skiers or even go when the snow covers the Ramada Resort Mount Hotham” I replied. “Let’s go off season. Spring native flowers will be out and we will be surrounded by the National Parks, so there will be plenty of rambles.”

That’s exactly what we did. The Ramada Resort Dinner Plain, Mt Hotham chalets were wonderful with nearly 360 degree views of the Alpine Mountains and brilliant sunsets. Well marked tracks led us to historic cattlemen’s huts and scenic waterfalls, fed by melting snows. A week was not enough but the return to Melbourne via Bright in the Ovens Valley also gave us an off season treat. In Mytleford, the ripe cherries were being harvested and we staggered home with kilos of ridiculously cheap, lush red fruit to give to our city friends.

Staying in a ski resort in summer is perfect – you have to try it!

Brenda

Wyndham Timeshare Owner

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Spectacular NYE Celebrations in Melbourne

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We joined Wyndham over 14 years ago – when it was still “Trendwest”. It has certainly realised all our travel needs and dreams and superseded all our expectations! We would not have been able to travel and see most of our ‘bucket list’ without our Wyndham Ownership.

This NYE, for the first time, we booked a week in Wyndham Hotel Melbourne so that we could see the Fireworks LIVE instead of on TV. We were not only impressed with the spectacular – but being together with all the other Wyndham Owners on the rooftop was most exciting and a pleasure to meet all these ‘strangers’ who have a common cause and at a common location.

At the end of the spectacular light show we all became close friend with lots of hugs and congratulations for the New Year ahead!

Carmen & Karen

Wyndham Timeshare Owners

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Relaxing Getaway at Shoal Bay

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2017 was a roller coaster ride for our family. There were many ups and downs which tested our resilience and love for each other. Beginning of January, my husband started a new job because he was made redundant in 2016. April was when we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary by renewing our vows. We had friends and family visiting us from overseas, I was diagnosed with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. My daughter graduated from high school, then went through the dreaded HSC. Then we celebrated her 18th birthday with a big party, and I was involved in a car crash. By December, I was so exhausted and drained physically, emotionally and financially! So when my husband decided he was booking at Ramada Resort Shoal Bay using our expiring Wyndham vacation points for Easter break, I immediately said yes!

 

Checking in was smooth and hassle-free. Justin from Wyndham Vacation Club was very helpful and polite and informed us with all the facilities of the resort. The one bedroom unit was clean, tidy and quite roomy for the three of us. We were able to attend the 3pm Good Friday mass at St. Michael’s Parish as it was only a 10-minute drive. The resort’s location is fantastic, it was surrounded by shops and restaurants. The bay is across the road; on the right side are the mountains with a walking track to Tomaree Head. There was also a short passage off the road that leads to the pristine and secluded Zenith Beach. As we walked along the shoreline, the cheerful vibes from the holidaymakers are contagious and you can tell everyone’s having a good time. We had a swim on the beach and a picnic lunch in the park overlooking the water. We walked off Tomaree Head and as you reached the summit, the view was spectacular!

 

For dinner, we booked a table at the Shoal Bay Country Club. The seafood platter was delicious and priced reasonably. By Easter Sunday, we attended the 8am mass, had a beautiful alfresco breakfast and explored nearby Nelson Bay. Then it was time to go back to Sydney. I said a prayer of thanks for the blessings and left with a happy feeling. This short break invigorated me with a renewed energy and determination. I am ready once again to face all that life throws at me.

As we were driving out of the carpark, I looked back at the building and promised myself that we will be back.

 

Thank you Wyndham Vacation Club for the opportunity!

Edna and Regi

Wyndham Timeshare Owners

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