Alexandra Headland is a beautiful place to stay on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.  This popular tourist spot is perfectly located between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, offering a relaxing and laid back atmosphere.  For central Sunshine Coast accommodation that is close to the beaches, shops, restaurants and theme parks, you can’t go past Alexandra Headland, and it is only a 1 hour drive from Brisbane and can be easily accessed by car, rail, bus, coach and air.  

There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from at Alexandra Headland which will suit all styles and budgets.  It is a popular destination for families with a patrolled surf beach and plenty of family friendly resorts including Breakfree Alexandra Beach Resort which I can personally recommend. 

I have been researching my next holiday to Thailand and we have decided on travelling to Thailand’s largest island, Phuket.  The best time to travel to Thailand is between November and February so we will travel sometime between these months.  There is such a wide variety of Phuket hotels to choose from and although I would love to stay in a five star luxury resort, I am going to look for a more budget option of which there are plenty.  I am travelling with 2 other girlfriends.

We chose Phuket because the beaches are stunning, the weather is nice and warm and the culture is so different which will be amazing to experience.  We have heard that the Thai people are so friendly and warm that they really make the difference to your holiday.  Phuket is also famous for its nightlife which I am sure we will take the time to enjoy.

Laguna Bay

The Sunshine Coast is one of those places, where once you come and experience it, you never want to leave! I can attest to this as I have now been on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years. From Caloundra in the south, to Noosa in the north, there is a fantastic surf break, a great restaurant or bar, or fabulous national parks to experience and enjoy. The tourist mecca of the Sunshine Coast is Noosa. Here you will find safe patrolled surf beaches that are perfect for the kids, a great array of restaurants and bars and the Noosa National Park, where you may even spot a koala.

noosa

Sunshine Coast Accommodation includes Backpacker Hotels, Holiday Resorts and Apartments and Motels. In Noosa you will find a range of these properties from 3 star to a magnificent five star holiday resort such as the Sheraton Noosa  or The Sebel Resort Noosa. The family market is also fully catered for in resorts such as the Noosa International or The French Quarter Resort. Both of these properties are within walking distance of the beach and Hastings Street, making it an ideal base as you can leave the car parked, and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery of Noosa.

bali

No matter what your style or budget is, there is something for everyone in Bali. Bali’s natural attactions such as miles of sandy beaches, picturesque rice terraces, towering active volcanoes and lush tropical forests, has made this island one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Bali is also renowned for the fabulous array of food on offer! From Babi Guling (roasted pig) to Nasi Goreng and Satay, there is something to suit all tastes, and some of  the eating houses are set in picturesque locations for you to enjoy. All the favourite holiday pastimes are available too - from scuba diving in crystal clear water, to helicopter and sea plane rides, cruising, dolphin watching, fishing and more. There’s parasailing, golf and off road touring while for the more adventurous there’s go-kart racing, rafting and sailing.

bali rice fields

At the centre of Bali’s nightlife and shopping is Kuta. Kuta is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and lines of shops, boutiques and galleries. If you are looking for a more relaxed holiday, head to Ubud. This is the best place to base yourself to experience the culture and nature of Bali. Surrounded by rice fields, small villages and ancient temples, Ubud is also located close to the beaches and major towns. Bali travel is ideal for families, groups or romantic getaways as there are hotels and resorts to suit all accommodation preferences and budgets.

On my next holiday to Bali, I am planning to stay at Bali Dynasty Resort.  It seems to be one of the most popular Bali hotelsand is close to everything.  I will be travelling with my husband and son so it is perfect for us as we will stay in the Family Garden View Room which is located on the ground floor and features a terrace opening onto the gardens.  Bali Dynasty Resort also has the Kupu-Kupu Kiddies Club which is also regarded as one of the best kids clubs in Bali.  My son will enjoy the waterslide, kids pool, outdoor play area and the ‘enchanted garden’ themed air conditioned kids club.

Dynasty Bali has so many facilities for us to enjoy without even leaving the resort.  There are 8 restaurants and bars for us to choose from which will be nice for variety during our 7 night stay.   Bali Dynasty Resort was also quite reasonably priced, and together with cheap flights we are getting to go on a nice overseas holiday at a really great price.

dunk island

Dunk Island Resort is located on the Great Barrier Reef, approximately 4 kilometres off the Tropical North Queensland coast, midway between Townsville and Cairns. Most of the island is designated as a National Park and the dense rainforest is home to a huge variety of native flora and fauna, including 150 species of birds, and the beautiful electric blue Ulysses butterfly (the island’s famous symbol). With a wingspan of up to 10 centimetres, the Ulysses butterfly is one of the largest butterflies in Australia, and definitely the most beautiful.

dunk island pool

 At Dunk Islandthere is a fantastic array of activities to choose from for the whole family! Take a rainforest walk to the summit of Mt Kootaloo, explore the walking trails through the National Park or snorkel at Muggy Muggy Beach. The resort also features a variety of restaurants and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets. The accommodation at Dunk Island is varied and is suitable for couples, families and groups. Garden Rooms and Beachfront Rooms both have family configurations while Beachfront Suites are located beachside and offer guests privacy and seclusion. All 160 rooms at Dunk Island Resort are well-appointed with five grades of accommodation, each with beach or tropical garden views. On this family friendly island children also stay and eat free, using existing bedding.

I know many friends and family who have stayed at Hayman Island and have had a wonderful holiday.  It is especially popular for honeymooners because of its elegance, luxury accommodation, excellent service and beautiful location.    Keep an eye out for the latest Hayman Island Deals on offer where you can enjoy huge savings.  Hayman Island often release specials where if you stay 4 nights, you pay for only 3 nights.  Other packages include the Romantic Escape which includes breakfast daily, dinner, french champagne and chocolates in the room on arrival and a 45 minute massage in the Day Spa.

There are many dining options at Hayman Island including restaurants, bars, lounge and room service.  Facilities and activities include the luxury Spa Chakra, Kids Club, tennis, 9 hole putting green, snorkel safaris, scuba diving, lunch drop offs at private beaches and plenty more to keep you occupied.

From Hayman Island you can easily explore the Great Barrier Reef.  Book a day trip to the outer Great Barrier and enjoy it’s crystal clear waters and spectacular underwater marine world.  The easiest way to get to Hayman Island is to fly into Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island) where you can connect with a launch, seaplane or helicopter to take you to Hayman Island.