Girls Weekends Away Blog

Well girls it’s confirmed, a new study of 300 Australian women by Klick communications on behalf of Vibe hotels; found that 2 in 3 women want to spend more time with their girlfriends but are tied up with work and kids!
The new study of 300 Australian women aged 25 to 34 reveals that:
• 2 in 3 women want to spend more time with their closest girlfriends, but blame work and kids as the main culprits for preventing them from doing so
• For both singles and women in a relationship a ‘lack of time due to work commitments’ topped the reasons at 39%, followed by a ‘lack of time due to family commitments’ at 21% for those in relationships
• When it came to travel, a staggering 3% of the women surveyed who were in a relationship spent their holidays with female friends versus 89% who spent them with their partner
• This is despite the fact that 68% of women in the survey had known their closest girlfriend longer than their boyfriend or partner
• Only 23% of the singletons we spoke to spent their holidays with female friends
Lisa Phillips, Director of Marketing at Vibe Hotels, said: “Our research confirmed what we already knew as busy working women ourselves; that Australian women are feeling the pressure of work and home life on their friendships. That’s despite the fact that our girlfriends are often the ones we’ve known for the longest.”

So you now have the research; you have access to the Girls Weekends Away website, blog and Facebook page; So what better excuse do you need to hang out with your besties?

Girls why not take advantage of some of the cheap airfares and plan a Long weekend away at Hamilton Island. We recently visited Hammo (affectionate name given by the locals) and had a fantastic time doing research to provide you with some handy hints and tips on this great Island. For starters there is a great range of accommodation available, with everything from  self contained residences to Hotels. The advantage of self contained is that most of the residences come with a golf buggy which is a great way to get around the Island (as there are some steep hills).
When you stay in a self contained residence  we found that the best way to get groceries, including alcohol is to order Coles online. They will deliver directly to your door, otherwise you will fall victim to the Island tax, basically everything is more expensive because you are on an island. Also while on the subject of food, make sure you book restaurants in advance as they fill quickly.

There are some great ways to explore the Whitsundays and there are many tours to choose from that cater for all budgets. Just head down to the Marina where you will find the tour desks.  One really great value for money trip is at Dent Island (the golf Island) and for $75 pp you get a 2 course lunch and a glass of wine or beer while overlooking the beautiful Whitsundays. You can then jump in a buggy and do a tour of the golf course which showcases the great views (so be sure to bring a camera)

There is one Hairdresser on the Island so once again book ahead. If you want to spend some time at a day spa then you can choose from Spa wumurdaylin or Qualia which is on Hamilton Island or you can catch the ferry over to Daydream Island where they have the Rejuvenation Spa spa@daydream.net.au

So if a special is what you are looking for Whitsundays Holidays is offering the 6^th night free. Have a look at www.whitsundayholidays.com.au for more details

Girls, can you picture yourself lazing on a sunlounge, glass of wine in hand, gazing out at the stunning water views?  Well good news,  we have found several private properties on Hamilton Island that will allow you to do just that. Bring your friends and thaw out from the cold winter for a weekend or why not a week? We have found some amazing specials that are available to you over the next few months.  And all offering the 7^th night free in July or if you can only get away for 4 nights, there is a special offer of a reduced rate on some options.

Properties range from 2 bedroom apartments through to 5 bedroom luxury homes.  $340 per
night through to $1500 per night!  You choose the budget to suit you!  All have beautiful water views and are located in various locations on Hamilton Island – on the marina side with sunset views or opposite the beach.  You may even prefer the peaceful northern end of the island.

View the full range of private apartments, homes and villas on www.whitsundayholidays.com.au.
Or give them a call to discuss the best option to suit you on 1300 653 997.

Girls, this is supposed to be a 5 star hotel right!!  Well it is far from 5 stars in my opinion. Let me just take you through a few examples of why.  First check in…There were two staff on the desk, both of them were preoccupied and of course on this mass expanse of desk it was devoid of other staff. Plus no eye contact, or “Mdme I will be with you in a minute”; nothing.  I stood there for 15 minutes, finally a new person arrives and summons me with a  Bonjour; (what’s with the bonjour, we are in Sydney).  Anyway, when I explained how long I had waited I was told that I would be upgraded. Wow!!!  I got all excited on the way up in the elevator, thinking upgrade in a 5 star hotel, this will be fantastic…

Only to find that  if I was upgraded, my original booking must have been for the broom closet.

The room was small and the King bed was two singles strapped together. You know the one with that annoying bump in the middle!! I hate those beds and Mr Sofitel, they are NOT King beds, they are two singles stuck together…. So never advertsie them as Kings!!! Sorry I digressed…

Anyway the TV set obviously was from a dolls house, you basically had to stick it to your eyeball to see what was happening. Or maybe the rationale is that the smaller the TV, the bigger the room looks, bit like display home thinking. There was one small window in the room, Yes it is a Dolls house!!!  The window curtain and blind are controlled by a long windy handle.. Yes that is a girls summation of frustration as you spend minutes winding up the blind and then the curtain, of course each has to have it’s own handle to make things even more complicated. What topped everything off though was the laundry service. I put a shirt that I needed for that night into the same day service as I was attending a dinner function. Well, no shirt at 6, resulting in a panic shop costing me $60. Later 4 phone calls to the laundry service with 4  Bonjour’s and an air of arrogance (They made me feel Like…Yep its that crazy lady again, we don’t have her shirt, she never put it in.. tell her to take a Valium and go to bed) and yes at 10pm at night my shirt arrives…If only my shirt could talk!!  So Sofitel; Au revoir,  jamais plus !!

Girls if you are in Sydney or planning a trip to Sydney why not make it a great girls day out by securing a spot at this exclusive luncheon. On the 24th of May for just $130pp you get an exclusive viewing (fashion parade) of the latest Alannah Hill collection, plus a  3 course lunch with matching wines at Pendolino. It gets better though as Alannah herself will provide insights into the parade. So get in early to secure a spot and feel like a fashionista for a day. 

Go to http://www.strandarcade.com.au/whatson/Youre-Invited-To-Our-Alannah-Hill-Designer-Lunch for details and information

With many Airlines slashing their fares to Queensland destinations to help boost traveller numbers it’s time to pack your bags and hit the hot spots of South East Queensland. What many people have forgotten is that many areas of Queensland have not been hit by the floods and the community spirit has meant that the big clean up has many other areas in Brisbane up and running. The beaches are just as good as ever and with Autumn bringing the cold, why wouldn’t you support Queenslanders by contributing your travel dollars on a Queensland holiday. Check out these fantastic deals from hotels in non affected areas such as Gold and Sunshine Coast and make the most of these amazing offers. Sale ends March 21, 2011.

Okay girls you have 3 days to make the most of this USA opportunity. With the Aussie dollar at parity with the US $ this is the best way to combine a cheap airfare with 1/2 price accommodation.So get onto this USA 72-Hr Hotel Sale! Save up to 50% in top US cities. Book your trip between 1/3/2011 and 3/3/2011. Travel by 30/6/2011.


Okay Girls here is the best way to shed some pounds and trial the NEW Weight Watchers program for 14-days FREE!!! 

We at GWA have secured a promotion code that will give you a free 14 day trial of the New Weight Watchers program. And it now comes with Online interactive tools that help you to measure and record your weight, chart your progress, and view your weight-loss graph! There are also quick ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks plus 800 recipies developed specifically for weight watchers members. And even a way to manage your program from your iPhone. So if you are planning the next Girls Weekend Away, why not plan to look fabulous as well !!

Sign up Now to Weight Watchers Online 14-day FREE trial* in 3 easy steps:

 1. Have your Credit Card ready, go online by Clicking here

2. Type in the promotional code below and personalise your account: to update the pricing to the 14 day free trial.

Promotional code: 4-16-2401-18393

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the sign-up process.

 Towards the end of your free trial simply cancel (before midnight on the 14th day) if you do not wish to automatically continue your subscription, or continue using Weight Watchers Online for only A$29.95 a month – That’s under a $1 a day!  You will need to enter your credit card details during the sign-up process. If you have any queries please email the support area at: signupsupport@weightwatchers.com.au  

 Terms and Conditions: To activate the 14-day Trial enter the activation code. You will also need to enter your credit card details during the sign-up process. Activation code is valid until 31^st March 2011. At the end of the Trial period, you will automatically be subscribed to our 1-month plan and we will begin the payment process of charging A$29.95 to your card. To avoid being charged you must cancel, which you can do in the My Profile section of our website before the Trial period ends (midnight AEST on the 14th day of your Trial). This offer is available only for new Weight Watchers Online subscribers in Australia and New Zealand, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Prices are subject to change at any time. May not be redeemed for cash. Your statutory rights are unaffected. Void where prohibited.

©2011 WeightWatchers.com, Inc. all rights reserved. Weight Watchers and ProPoints are registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and are used under licence.

Girls this may not be something that I would (these days) want to do but I know that there are many of you that still have plenty of energy in those dancing shoes and plenty of personal stamina to go the distance. This is definitely not for the faint hearted,and you will have to be willing to party party party...Mmm maybe I could reconsider??

P.S. there are asian and local tours as well.. 

From the 11^{th to the} 14^th March; the ChillOut Festival is the largest celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride in rural and regional Australia. Running over the Labour Day long weekend and centred in the beautiful and historic spa country town of Daylesford, ChillOut attracts more than 25,000 people for four-days of fun and celebration.

Enjoy the queer-style country hospitality and be sure to register on the  website to receive regular email news bulletins. Hey Girls Don’t miss any of the fun. Be sure to bookmark early.. We suggest trying a home so that you can have a group of friends enjoy the fun. The web site is at http://www.chilloutfestival.com.au .

If you are looking for accommodation try a house at http://www.takeabreak.com.au/SpaCountry/accomodation.htm

Sydney offers fans of good food and wine an unforgettable experience. With world-famous chefs, cutting edge creativity, stunning views and delicious fresh cuisine, Sydney really is a haven for food lovers and is one of the world’s favourite food capitals.  Sydney’s food scene is dominated by an abundance of local, fresh produce, teamed with a breed of young and dynamic chefs who break all the rules, but continue to deliver a truly exciting range of dining experiences. There is a treasure trove of cafes, restaurants and bars that offer the ultimate sea view and beachside favourites include Nick’s Bondi Beach Pavilion, Icebergs Restaurant and Bar, Sean’s Panorama, Will and Toby’s Manly Beach and The Bathers’ Pavilion restaurant and Café and Jonah’s at Sydney’s Whale Beach. GWA will soon be bringing you some Sydney ideas like Bilson’s, Claude’s, est., Guillaume at Bennelong, Marque, Pier, Quay and Tetsuya’s all have been voted the best in Sydney (recognised with three hats). Sydney’s new wave of wine bars offer the perfect opportunity to taste test some of Australia’s best wines. These cool bars even manage to offer an educational approach to wine drinking. Try Aperitif, Kellett Street, Kings Cross; Bambini Wine Room & Bar, Elizabeth Street, City; or Vini, Devonshire Street, Surry Hills. It’s also worth a trip to neighbourhoods close to the city centre where the flavours of Italy, Greece, Portugal, Vietnam and others are everywhere. From the humblest gelato stand to some of the world’s most innovative fine dining, Sydney restaurants offer both stunning locations and excellent food as the rule rather than the exception.
Find great hotel deals and top girls outing ideas from as little as $55!

This is a precis of an article by Kylie Robertson & Irene Morgan

Until the the 6th February there are various events hosted throughout Melbourne and Victoria, staged at more than 60 venues. Midsumma presents unique and eclectic programs that include performing arts, visual arts, cabaret, spoken word, film, forums, food and wine and even family events, culminating in the colourful Pride March. This is the premier gay and lesbian arts and culture event and not to be missed.
For more information www.midsumma.org.au

Girls the beaches are still white and sandy, the water warm and the weather, well just great. It’s time to escape the winter and support our Northern sisters and have a break in Northern Queenslan. With so many promotions what’s not to love.

Wow, the sales are on and so are my comfy shoes. There are bargains everywhere from Myer, David Jones, Target, Kmart and JB Hi Fi. My God girls everywhere you look there is a discount. But may I suggest that if you want to save the shoe leather why not shop online. With sites form David Jones and Country Road, why go and face the crowds when your fingers can do the walking. Also remember to have a look at the USA web sites as the AUD is now parity. We have thrown a few together on a web page to help out, just go to http://shopping.girlsweekendsaway.com.au/

Ladies avoid the Christmas rush and get in early to book your accommodation for this year’s holiday period. Christmas and New Years accommodation is sometimes the hardest to get, so whether you’re looking for a week away, a short break or just a one night stay, book early and avoid the rush! Quickbeds have done the hard work and found the best Christmas deals around, so book your holidays now!

Okay Girls, the weather is warming and it's time to consider a weekend away. What better than planning a last minute escape using one of the best search engines for properties around. Stayz has some great last minute deals Nationally (not just Vic) and for the price of a hotel you get a lounge room, kitchen, outdoor areas etc etc. And best of all you can split the costs and make it a very cheap weekend away individually.