“We Don’t Wish to Leave”
Names: Ed & Cathy
Hometown: Chicago
Where: Australia and New Zealand
When: November 2009
Reason for trip: Sabbatical
Australia was all that I had hoped it would be. The Great Barrier Reef had fulfilled all my "bucket list" needs. Qualia was beautiful, and our "pavilion" was a gorgeous retreat. Interestingly, at Qualia Sheryl Crow (under an assumed name) was spending a quiet getaway with her 18 month-old little boy, her nanny and her parents. Sheryl was journeying to Sydney where she was doing three concerts with John Mellencamp. They also followed us to the Intercontinental where they stayed during the concerts.
The only trouble with coming to Qualia was convincing Cathy to leave (not easy). We've really enjoyed our stay. It was everything I had hoped for and then some. We splurged a little bit and rented a helicopter for the afternoon to really explore the Reef and Whitehaven Beach. The place itself was excellent and we couldn't have been made to feel more comfortable by the staff.
For a big city Sydney is tough to beat. The sights, museums, zoo, shopping and people were all terrific. Despite a rainy day, we had a wonderful time with Shawn on the Calypso in Sydney Harbour. He is a genuine mate and it is easy to see why you're fond of him.
The one place I was most fearful about was Blanket Bay. I have been fortunate enough to stay at probably half or more of the Robb Report’s Top 100. But I've never before stayed at a place that is more physically beautiful, more luxurious and with a more friendly and gracious staff. We did the heli yesterday and are doing the jet boat tomorrow. Today we're doing little more than hanging out although half the staff has invited us to their homes in a little town of Glenorchy adjacent to the property.
I know you're a big fan of Huka Lodge, but I thought it would be difficult to beat Blanket Bay. Well, you succeeded in covering all the bases. I think Cathy was most fond of Huka Lodge, but I also think she was unduly influenced by the warmth, particularly after reviewing the Chicago weather.
Corinne, we'll have a lot to talk about when I return with respect to how you plan a trip. We keep going to places we don't wish to leave!
Hometown: Chicago
Where: Australia and New Zealand
When: November 2009
Reason for trip: Sabbatical
Australia was all that I had hoped it would be. The Great Barrier Reef had fulfilled all my "bucket list" needs. Qualia was beautiful, and our "pavilion" was a gorgeous retreat. Interestingly, at Qualia Sheryl Crow (under an assumed name) was spending a quiet getaway with her 18 month-old little boy, her nanny and her parents. Sheryl was journeying to Sydney where she was doing three concerts with John Mellencamp. They also followed us to the Intercontinental where they stayed during the concerts.
The only trouble with coming to Qualia was convincing Cathy to leave (not easy). We've really enjoyed our stay. It was everything I had hoped for and then some. We splurged a little bit and rented a helicopter for the afternoon to really explore the Reef and Whitehaven Beach. The place itself was excellent and we couldn't have been made to feel more comfortable by the staff.
For a big city Sydney is tough to beat. The sights, museums, zoo, shopping and people were all terrific. Despite a rainy day, we had a wonderful time with Shawn on the Calypso in Sydney Harbour. He is a genuine mate and it is easy to see why you're fond of him.
The one place I was most fearful about was Blanket Bay. I have been fortunate enough to stay at probably half or more of the Robb Report’s Top 100. But I've never before stayed at a place that is more physically beautiful, more luxurious and with a more friendly and gracious staff. We did the heli yesterday and are doing the jet boat tomorrow. Today we're doing little more than hanging out although half the staff has invited us to their homes in a little town of Glenorchy adjacent to the property.
I know you're a big fan of Huka Lodge, but I thought it would be difficult to beat Blanket Bay. Well, you succeeded in covering all the bases. I think Cathy was most fond of Huka Lodge, but I also think she was unduly influenced by the warmth, particularly after reviewing the Chicago weather.
Corinne, we'll have a lot to talk about when I return with respect to how you plan a trip. We keep going to places we don't wish to leave!
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Posted by Down Under Endeavours at 7/3/2009 7:00 AM 
Categories: New Zealand, Australia, Luxury Travel, Postcards From The Edge
Categories: New Zealand, Australia, Luxury Travel, Postcards From The Edge
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