Pack your blue suede shoes for Daydream music extravaganza

Shake, rattle and roll your way through an extravaganza of Elvis-style entertainment and relive the best of the 60s, 70s and 80s with two 5-day music festivals at Daydream Island Resort and Spa.

The Whitsundays resort is set to be all ‘All Shook Up’ when it hosts an Elvis-inspired festival featuring some of the world’s best tribute artists including Johnny Lee Memphis. Starting 19 May 2014, the 5-day festival will also feature a host of other rock n roll acts and comedians.

Daydream Island will also host a 60s, 70s and 80s music festival on 24 May 2014 featuring Australian music icons Russell Morris and Normie Rowe; Elton John, Queen, Abba and Michael Jackson tribute acts, rock n roll DJs and a musical tribute to the movie Grease.

The island will be solely booked out for both events which will host a total of around 1200 music fans over the 10 days.

Packages to both festivals are on sale now and start from $1288* per person, twin share based on five nights’ accommodation in a Garden Room, transfers to and from Daydream Island, a full buffet breakfast daily, dinner nightly and all entertainment.

“Choose from an Elvis or a 60s, 70s and 80s music festival, or better yet, do both and spend 10 glorious days in paradise,” Daydream Island CEO Phil Casey said.

“Music lovers will have the whole island to themselves in what promises to be an extravaganza of some of the best music of bygone eras.”

The festivals are being run by Johnny Welsh’s Music Themes Australia and follow four sold out music-themed cruises.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in Queensland’s tropical Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, only a 30 minute boat ride from Hamilton Island and a 30 minute ferry ride from Airlie Beach.

The award-winning resort features 296 rooms and suites and is home to one of the world’s largest man-made living coral reef lagoons known as The Living Reef, a great selection of restaurants and bars, a fringing coral reef and a Rejuvenation Spa offering a comprehensive selection of health and beauty treatments.

Daydream also offers more than 20 free guest activities including kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddle boards, a stingray and shark feeding show and an open air cinema.

For bookings and enquiries call reservations on 1800 075 040 or visit www.daydreamislandshop.com/islandevents.

*Accommodation packages include transfers, breakfast and dinner nightly. Children’s rates are not applicable as this is an adult’s event. Any children attending will be charged as adults.

ENDS Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs on 0419 828 440; brenton@crookgroup.com.au

Rejuvenation Spa Unveils Revolutionary Anti-Ageing Treatment

Daydream Island’s world class Rejuvenation Spa has proven that it is second to none with the launch of a revolutionary “Collarium” – a Collagen Bed which treats not only the facial area but the entire body in combating signs of ageing including sun damage, loss of elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles.  The treatment also assists in improving skin hydration and texture, promoting a smoother more youthful skin.

The treatment is based on technology called Photo-Stimulation or Photo-Therapy.

The body’s cells contain receptors that naturally absorb light which in turn stimulates a cellular physiological process. Photo-therapy uses a light with a specific wavelength that simply accelerates this process – improving and stimulating cellular metabolism.  Depending on the wavelength, specific cells are activated and studies have shown that red light is absorbed by fibroblasts which increase collagen synthesis/production.

Aside from its cosmetic and anti-aging benefits, Red Light Therapy can provide relief from chronic and acute pain including muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, tissue and nerve damage, and can decrease injury healing time by triggering the body’s own defenses to treat the source of the pain rather than mask symptoms.

Originally discovered by NASA for this purpose, Red Light Therapy is now used by professional athletes to promote healing with powerful results.  
                                                                                                         
Daydream Island’s Rejuvenation Spa Manager, Joanne Enslow said the spa was constantly researching innovative and time-tested treatments and was impressed with the machine’s performance to date.

“This is the one and only machine currently on the market with the ability to provide a complete anti-ageing facial and body treatment in one session, without requiring any outside operator, ensuring complete privacy,” she said.

“The Collarium has been clinically tested to brighten, firm and refine skin texture. It is a revolutionary anti-ageing treatment.”

Ms Enslow said Daydream Island Resort and Spa offered an extensive menu of other results-driven treatments and services ranging from therapeutic wraps and naturopathic services to hairdressing and hydrotherapy.

“Our signature treatment is the 90-minute Daydream Delight which commences with an exfoliating full-body salt scrub aimed at smoothing the skin, body mask and wrap, facial and scalp massage, conditioning Macadamia hair treatment, and time to enjoy our Hydro-Storm Steam Effusion Shower. The treatment then concludes with a de-stress back massage,” she said.

“The four hour Mermaids Dream is our longest treatment which is the ultimate day of pampering from the soles of your feet to the tip of your head.  Clients are given time to relax between treatments to enjoy a glass of champagne and healthy lunch on our beautiful ocean view balcony.

“We are coming into winter which is always an exciting time in the spa where we have prime viewing from our ocean view treatment rooms and balcony of the migrating humpback whales as they breach and frolic just outside.

“Make-up is another service we offer with talented make-up artists on hand to provide wedding or day and night make-up. We also use Napoleon Perdis products which provide the perfect camera finish and leave your skin looking flawless.”

Ms Enslow said with lifestyles now busier than ever, stress relief was one of the main goals for guests seeking treatment at the Rejuvenation Spa.

“Sometimes it takes a holiday and help from a health professional to properly rejuvenate the mind and body.

“We focus on our clients’ individual needs and create a total sensory journey. Our aim is for guests to leave the spa feeling refreshed, relaxed and of course totally rejuvenated.

“We offer a variety of signature stress busting massages including Relaxation, Therapeutic, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone, Reflexology, KaHuna, Thai and Indian Head Massage.”

The Rejuvenation Spa has just been recognised by TripAdvisor as a 2013 Certificate of Excellence Winner, which places it in the top 10% of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor as rated by TripAdvisor travellers.

The Spa’s facilities include 16 individual treatment rooms, vichy showers, thermal tables, hydrotherapy tubs, steam effusion showers, dual treatment rooms, dual spa bath and private relaxation areas.

Unique to the Spa is one of Australia’s most advanced naturopathic testing and treatment clinics, offering clients a comprehensive analysis of entire body systems, from iridology and blood analysis to monitoring and measuring fat and muscle mass.

Located at the northern end of Daydream Island, in the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, the Rejuvenation Spa is an award winning facility that combines an extensive array of health and beauty treatments with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Beauty therapies and treatments are performed using products with only the finest organic ingredients. Aromatherapy is used with oils extracted from aromatic plants as a balm to enhance beauty, harmonise moods, lift spirits and balance body energies.

The Rejuvenation Spa’s nationally and internationally trained therapists are committed to providing guests with an exceptional spa experience.

For bookings and enquiries please contact the Daydream Island Rejuvenation Spa on (07) 4948 8790.

ENDS Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs, Tel + 61 (0)419 828 440 brenton@crookgroup.com.au

Living Reef experience boosted as Daydream redevelops further

Daydream Island Resort & Spa is continuing its impressive Living Reef redevelopment program with a series of recent upgrades offering visitors even more opportunities to interact with its resident marine life.

Following substantial upgrades to the southern lagoon, Daydream has installed a number of new tanks – including a seahorse tank – in the Living Reef Centre, as well as a spectacular 1,100 litre aquarium of corals, tropical fish and invertebrates in the transit lounge to greet visitors.

A new reef section that is home to over 200 new fish and 100 pieces of coral has been added, as well as a baby shovelnose ray named Ruby, a Blue spot ray and two baby leopard rays. Five baby banded bamboo sharks have also been hatched. 

In addition, the fish bowl for the southern lagoon has been enhanced with a new lighting system, the northern lagoon has had over 50% of its sand siphoned and replaced as part of Daydream’s ongoing water management process, and more educational and recreational programs have been launched. 

“The new aquarium in the transit lounge is sure to amaze our guests as they step off the ferry while the Living Reef Centre has come to life with an ever-growing number of fish, rays, sharks and coral,” Daydream Living Reef coordinator James Astley said.

“We are running a new ecological presentation every Saturday at 4:30pm that discusses the management of the Great Barrier Reef, and the activities department has launched a new half day cruise on ‘Banana Winds’ that includes snorkelling with a marine biologist guide and a bush walk on South Molle Island. 

“The redevelopment project is an on-going process but we are confident that the improvements will enhance the environment for our incredible marine life and create an even more interactive and memorable experience for our visitors.” 

Mr Astley said the Living Reef team had also installed a third coral propagation system to breed and grow coral specimens. 

“Special shallow tanks accelerate growth of coral without fear of disease and interference by marine animals,” he said. 

“Along with our improved filtration and water uptake technology, this allows us to keep the lagoon in pristine condition as well as continuing to introduce new and exciting marine life.”

The 2,650sqm Living Reef is one of the world’s largest man-made living lagoons.  The system contains more than 1.5 million litres of water and is home to more than 115 species of fish and 70 coral species native to the Great Barrier Reef.

Guided by Living Reef biologists, visitors can take part in fish and shark feeding shows or programs like the Stingray Splash, where guests walk knee-deep into the Living Reef and hand-feed and pat stingrays.

The upgrade is part of a number of improvements and initiatives being implemented across Daydream Island on an ongoing basis. 

Mr Astley, who has more than 10 years’ experience with husbandry, breeding and nutrition of aquatic animals, said the team would also focus on attracting more school groups to the island.

“Daydream offers tailored packages which are the perfect combination of education and entertainment,” he said. “Students learn a vast amount about marine life - from why reef fish are so colourful to how to set up and care for their very own marine aquarium - and enjoy activities like rainforest walks, pool sports and outdoor movies in their free time.

“The emphasis is on education while at the same time allowing for plenty of fun.”

Mr Astley said Daydream Island was also building relationships with universities to extend its work experience program.

“Daydream is committed to giving uni students hands-on experience that will assist their individual career development, whether it’s working alongside our marine biologists caring for the Living Reef’s animals or learning the mechanics of operating a successful resort,” he said.

Daydream Island Living Reef facts

• Is home to over 150 species of fish and 70 species of coral

• Totals a massive 2650 sqm in size and contains over 1.5 million litres of water through its North and South lagoons

• Has an average width of around 12m and a depth of more than a metre in some areas

• Has sea water pumping into  the lagoon system at a rate of 80 litres per second

• Has 7 million litres of sea water pumped through it every 24 hours

• Contains about eight tonnes of living coral rock.

• Operates ‘’Actinic’’ or blue lighting (near UV) in the North Lagoon making  the coral literally glow at night for a spectacular nocturnal underwater exhibit 

ENDS Media enquiries:  Brenton Gibbs on 0419 828 440 or brenton@crookpublicity.com

How to achieve a Daydream destination wedding

Planning a destination wedding in a location such as the Whitsundays requires some thought and consideration in regards to the type of ceremony, location and reception venue and how you will get your guests to the dream destination hassle free and within budget.  

To help, Daydream Island Resort and Spa has come up with a list of frequently asked questions that will assist in preparing you and your partner for that special day.

Before the Big Day

What ceremony venues does Daydream Island Resort and Spa offer couples?

Daydream Island resort offers a range of ceremony venues, one of which is a gorgeous glass backed Endeavour Wedding Chapel, spectacularly located at the water’s edge with panoramic views of the Whitsunday Passage.

Another popular ceremony and reception venue is the romantic Lover’s Cove, a private sheltered inlet featuring a large deck and white coral beach. Couples can exchange their vows as the sun sets and the waves lap at the shore. Decorated with flaming bamboo torches, bag lanterns and tea lights, Lover’s Cove makes for a truly memorable wedding location.

The Resort and Spa also offers other stunning reception venues that include formal inside venues and beautiful outside locations next to Azure Ocean.

There are three different wedding packages on offer which are suitable for Elopements and larger weddings of up to 160 guests.

When’s the best time to hold a wedding at Daydream Island, why?

Different times of the year have different advantages in the Whitsundays. Its tropical climate means temperatures range from a pleasant 23 degrees Celsius throughout the winter months, to 31 degrees in the summer months.

Throughout the months of January to March, the days are hot but the heat can be broken down during the day by tropical showers. The lowest rainfall occurs from August to October.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa advises brides to take the heat into account when deciding upon their dream wedding dress, to ensure they are comfortable and enjoy the day.

The Resort and Spa also suggests that couples keep in mind the seasonality of flowers, as flowers are shipped into the Whitsundays and the availability of particular flowers is dependent upon the month of the year.

How should couples plan a destination wedding? (How many times should they visit, should they book an event planner or do it themselves?)

Daydream Island Resort and Spa has a group of extremely experienced wedding co-ordinators who will organise all details for the big day from afar via email and phone, to ensure that not even the smallest detail is overlooked.

A special accommodation rate is offered to couples who are lucky enough to visit Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the lead-up to their wedding, to assist in making their visit more affordable.

The Lead-up

What should couples do to accommodate guests in the lead up to a destination wedding? (I.e. should they provide accommodation? How far in advance should they be told?)

Once a wedding is confirmed at Daydream Island Resort and Spa a personalised accommodation brochure is sent to the bride and groom to pass onto wedding guests.

The brochure explains how to book accommodation and the rates for different room types so guests can individually contact reservations and book and pay for their accommodation.

As part of the confirmation process, the Resort and Spa also holds rooms aside to ensure that there is accommodation available for every guest.

It is recommended that couples send out a save the date as soon as their wedding has been confirmed to allow guests who have further to travel, the opportunity to plan and save for the wedding.

What should couples be wary of in the lead-up to a destination wedding?

Daydream Island Resort and Spa suggests that couples take into account luggage allowances when planning to bring any of their own décor or other wedding items. Often it is a lot cheaper to use the Resort and Spa’s suppliers due to excess baggage and freight costs.

The Big Day

Top tips for a smooth wedding ceremony

First things first – comfortable shoes are a must! And if brides aren’t willing to choose comfort over beauty, make sure a pair of flats is readily available to change into, particularly for photography at the end of the ceremony.

Having a contingency plan is vital if couples have chosen an outside venue. Daydream Island Resort and Spa will have a wedding co-ordinator speak to the bride and groom the day prior to the wedding should rain be predicted, to explain wet weather options. This gives couples the opportunity to adjust their décor to suit their back-up venue and ensure their wedding is as beautiful as they imagined.

Relax and have fun! A wedding co-ordinator will be with the bride and groom throughout the course of the journey to ensure everything is perfect!

Daydream Island Resort and Spa

Nestled among the sapphire seas of the Great Barrier Reef, Daydream Island Resort and Spa is alive with romance.

Year-round warm weather, breathtaking sunsets and beautiful views makes Daydream Island a perfect romantic location.

The Resort and Spa offers a range of relaxing activities designed to bring you and your partner closer together. Couples can enjoy a private four-course dinner by Mermaids Beach or Lovers Cove with special dining options available.

Complete the experience with a visit to the world class Rejuvenation Spa where packages are specially designed for two. Situated on the northern end of the island, the Spa provides a holistic approach to wellbeing and offers naturopathy, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and massage, along with beauty therapies and salon services. Many of their treatment rooms include private balconies with views across the Whitsunday Passage.

For the adventurous couple, Daydream Island offers diving and snorkelling off the fringing coral reef, plus a wide range of water sports including jet skiing, parasailing, fishing and kayak adventures.

ENDS For more information please contact Daydream Island’s wedding executive on:

+61 (7) 3259 2310 or email weddings@daydreamisland.com Web:  www.daydreamisland.com

Educational program unlocks secrets of the Great Barrier Reef

School kids of all ages can learn about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with educational packages now available at Daydream Island Resort and Spa.

The resort, located in Queensland’s breathtaking Whitsundays in the heart of the reef, offers all inclusive packages with an extensive range of activities and marine educational programs to cater for all school groups.

Three and 4-day packages are available which include up to five educational modules delivered by the resort’s expert marine biologist team. The modules tackle subjects such as inter-animal relationships, camouflage, animal behaviours, coral reef ecosystems, food webs, animal welfare, water quality, animal biology, human impacts on the reef and global warming.

The package also includes full day trip on-board ‘Seaflight’ to the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon at Hardy Reef, where students can enjoy snorkelling, glass bottom boat and semi-submarine rides and diving, as well as a range of activities such as rainforest walks, pool sports and outdoor movies during free time.

Accommodation and all meals are also included in the package.

“This incredible educational package has been specifically designed to provide teachers and students with a unique, safe and engaging environment to learn all about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef,” Daydream Island CEO Phil Casey said.

“Daydream Island is home to the Living Reef - one of the world’s largest man-made living coral reef lagoons and students have the opportunity to get up close and personal with resident stingrays, sharks and barramundi under the watchful guidance of our highly qualified marine biologist team.

“Students will learn a vast amount about marine life, from why reef fish are so colourful to how to set up and care for their very own marine aquarium at home or in the classroom. The emphasis is on safety and education while at the same time allowing for plenty of fun.”

Daydream’s Living Reef lagoon has more than 115 species of marine fish and 80 species of coral that call this microcosm of the Great Barrier Reef, home. Stingrays Pikelet and Pancake along with Bruce the sicklefin lemon shark are just some of the exciting marine species on show at the Living Reef.

Prices for the 3-day package start from $381* (4-14 years) and $458* per person quad share (15 years +). Four-day packages are from $481* (4-14 years) and $558* (15 years +) per person quad share.

Adventurer Ben Southall officially launched Daydream’s educational packages last year while visiting the island and the Living Reef as part of his Best Expedition in the World campaign.

The 2,650sqm Living Reef is one of the world’s largest man-made living lagoons and contains more than 1.5 million litres of water.

The system recently underwent a redevelopment which involved improvements to water flow and filtration as well as the introduction of a large family of flame tomato clown fish, numerous species of cod and damselfish, hard and soft corals and anemones.

Guided by Living Reef biologists, visitors to Daydream Island can take part in fish and shark feeding shows or programs like the Stingray Splash, where guests can walk knee-deep into the Living Reef to hand-feed and pat stingrays.

For information or bookings contact 07 3259 2326 visit www.daydreamisland.com/livingreef 

*Conditions apply, subject to availability. Prices valid 01/04/12 - 21/12/12 & 07/01/13 - 31/03/13. A minimum 2 or 3 night stay applies depending on package. Child Policy: Children are 4 - 14 years . One adult is required for every 10 children travelling. Adult Policy: Adult rate applies for guests 15 years and over. An indemnity form must be signed by the legal guardian /parent for all persons under 18 years of age. These are to be presented to Living Reef Staff on arrival to Daydream. Block out periods apply. Travel recommended for Feb-Jun or Nov each year.

ENDS for media enquiries contact Brenton Gibbs Tel 0419 828 440 brenton@crookpublicity.com

Daydream scoops Whitsundays accommodation award

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is celebrating after taking out the Best Deluxe Accommodation category of the 2012 Whitsunday Tourism Awards.

The resort, located in the heart of the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, was announced as the winner during a gala ceremony on Hamilton Island on Saturday.

The island’s Living Reef – one of the world’s largest man-made living coral reef lagoons - was also a finalist in the Tourism Attraction category, which it won in 2011 and 2010.

“Daydream Island has recorded a significant increase in occupancy over the past 12 months and guests are being delighted with their tropical holiday getaway,” Daydream Island CEO Phil Casey said.

“Having been in the Tourism Whitsundays ‘Hall of Fame’ for Best Deluxe Accommodation in 2008-9 after winning the award for three consecutive years prior to that, we are thrilled to win this award again in 2012. This is proof of our commitment to delivering the best accommodation experience possible for our guests.”

“Daydream Island has never looked better. We’ve worked hard to enhance the guest experience over the past 12 months with the completion of a soft refurbishment as well as an upgrade to the Living Reef, new weekly health programs at our Rejuvenation Spa and exciting new additions to our activities.”

Mr Casey said Daydream’s domestic leisure market grew strongly as did business from both conferences and weddings, improving the island’s operational efficiency.

“The island’s management team have done a fantastic job in increasing operational efficiency and implementing a diverse marketing program which has involved utilising different marketing channels and appealing to both the core leisure and niche markets like weddings and conferencing,” he said.

“I’d like to thank our staff for their dedication to making Daydream Island one of best getaways in Queensland and of course our guests, who continually inspire us to deliver the best experiences in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.”

Daydream Island will now contest the state award in the Deluxe Accommodation category at the Queensland Tourism Awards in November.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Daydream Island Resort and Spa is the ultimate tropical getaway boasting turquoise waters, lush rainforest and an unspoilt fringing coral reef.

The resort features 296 rooms and suites and one of the world’s largest man-made living coral reef lagoons known as the Living Reef. Here, guests can feed de-barbed stingrays and cute baby sharks, walk among curious baby stingrays, hold a sea star and learn about the marine eco-system from Daydream’s resident marine biologists.

Daydream Island also boasts the Rejuvenation Spa - a world-class spa facility that offers a comprehensive selection of health and beauty treatments - as well as a range of free activities including kayaking, an open air cinema, rainforest walks, sailing, beach volleyball and mini golf.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs on 0419 828 440 brenton@crookpublicity.com

Daydream Island Spa recognised for Customer Service

Daydream Island Spa recognised for Customer Service

Daydream Island’s Rejuvenation Spa has added another award to its list, winning the Hotel Resort Spa Customer Service Excellence category of the Pevonia Botanica Awards.

The awards, run by leading international spa and skincare company Pevonia Botanica, acknowledge the most outstanding spas, salons, therapists and managers in Australia.

Daydream Island Rejuvenation Spa Manager, Joanne Enslow said the spa offered a luxurious spa program tailored to guests’ every need.

“Our focus has always been on our clients’ individual needs and this award is testament to our dedication to providing only the very best tailored beauty and well-being programs,” Ms Enslow said.

“Our aim is for guests to leave the spa feeling refreshed, relaxed and of course totally rejuvenated, and we are thrilled to be recognised as among Australia’s best spas.”

Located at the northern end of Daydream Island in Queensland’s magnificent Whitsunday Islands, the Rejuvenation Spa is an award-winning facility that combines an extensive array of health and beauty treatments with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and pool to pamper and reinvigorate the mind, body and soul.

The Rejuvenation Spa provides a holistic approach to wellbeing, offering the time-tested health benefits of naturopathy, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and massage, along with beauty therapies using products such as Pevonia Botanica and Eles Mineral Make up.

Spa facilities include 16 individual treatment rooms, vichy showers, thermal tables, hydrotherapy tubs, steam effusion showers, dual treatment rooms, dual spa baths and private relaxation areas. 

Unique to the spa is one of Australia’s most advanced naturopathic testing and treatment clinics, offering clients a complete and comprehensive analysis of entire body systems, from full blood analysis to monitoring and measuring fat and muscle mass.

Daydream’s Rejuvenation Spa took out the Performance Excellence category of last year’s Pevonia Botanica Awards. It also clinched the Specialised Tourism Services award in the Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2009.

ENDS   Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs, Tel + 61 (0)419 828 440 brenton@crookpublicity.com