Accor launches a new hotel brand in Alice Springs

It is increasingly hard to keep up with the growing number of hotel brands.

greet, billed as Accor's feel-good brand, has just launched in Australia for the first time with the opening of greet Hotel Alice Springs.

The brand, launched in 2019 in Beaune, in France, is billed as "bringing its fresh, down-to-earth and great-value hospitality concept" to one of Australia's most distinctive regional destinations.

It is touted as an "eco-conscious, economy brand" that was created for travellers who want comfort, personality and value without overpaying or overthinking.

greet hotels are said to focus on meaningful essentials done right: "a comfortable bed, a great shower, tasty food and beverage, reliable wifi and warm, genuine hospitality".

Located just steps from Todd Mall, greet Hotel Alice Springs is an 80-room hotel owith rooms offering tea and coffee-making facilities, free guest parking and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel also features relaxed communal spaces.

“greet is all about simple, feel-good travel. It is big on personality, low on fuss and designed around the things guests truly value: comfort, cleanliness, friendliness and great value,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region.

“greet Hotel Alice Springs captures that spirit perfectly. It is relaxed, welcoming and locally connected, with everything guests need for a straight forward and satisfying stay in the heart of Alice Springs."

To celebrate its opening, greet Hotel Alice Springs is offering an opening special of 15% off the best flexible rate for bookings made by September 30 for stays until January 31, 2027. Room rates start from $99* per night. Bookings are available via ALL.com.

Their way: Off-grid tiny home empire grows

 

Fancy a night or two in an off-grid getaway on the Eyre Peninsula? 

Family-run accommodation business Eyre Way has just announced the launch of Bandari, its third luxe off-grid tiny abode, which its says offers an eco-conscious retreat in South Australia. 

set on top of coastal cliffs in a private pocket of Sleaford Bay, Bandari is Eeyre Way's closest tiny home to the water and is surrounded by native vegetation. 

The blurb says it blends "minimalist luxury with sustainability". 

It follows previous tiny abodes Maldhi and Yambara. 

“Our goal has always been to create unique, secluded stays that allow guests to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the Eyre Peninsula,” said Eyre Way co-founder Amanda Hogg. 

“With Bandari, we’re offering an unparalleled off-grid experience that combines eco-conscious design with breathtaking natural surroundings.”

Bandari is powered entirely by a solar-battery system, providing reverse-cycle air conditioning, instant gas hot water, and high-speed wifi. 

The accommodation is suitable for couples and features a well-appointed kitchen, a lounge that converts into a double bed, and premium bedding. 

Eyre Way collaborated with local architect Duncan Moore to design Bandari, with co-founder Tim Hogg managing much of the build himself alongside local tradespeople. 

“We’re incredibly proud to work with local talent and contribute to the region’s tourism economy,” said Tim Hogg. 

Bookings for Eyre Way's tiny homes start at $550 per night. Hmm. That's not cheap.  

For more info see www.eyreway.com.

Spain showcasing its sustainability credentials

Spain is making significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism in a bid to ensure year-round visitation and promote lesser-known regions. 

New cycling paths, electric buses and high-speed train routes are making eco-friendly travel across the country more accessible, and hotel initiatives are revitalising rural regions, contributing to Spain's sustainable tourism movement.

Turespana's Tourism Counsellor for South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Marta Fernandez Martin, says Spain's commitment to sustainable tourism not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

“We are absolutely committed to leading the way in sustainable tourism,' said Fernandez Martin. “Spain is dedicated and making great progress to making eco-friendly travel both accessible and enjoyable, reflecting our country's deep respect for the environment and our duty to protect it.

“As the country's national tourism board, we're proactively promoting shoulder-season and off-season travel options to Australian and New Zealand travellers, as well as encouraging greater regional dispersal and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

"This approach is designed not only to help manage tourism's impact on the environment and local communities within Spain, but also to spread the economic benefit of tourism further.”

Valencia has been named as the European Green Capital for 2024, while the European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2024 is Seville. 

Spain continues to innovate in sustainable travel by expanding its Vias Verdes (Green Ways) project, which repurposes old railway lines into non-motorised paths for hiking and cycling. 

With over 117 routes spanning more than 2,900 kilometres, nature enthusiasts have opportunities to explore the country's landscapes.

A remarkable 90% of Spanish trains are powered by renewable electricity, substantially reducing the carbon footprint and a new high-speed line between Madrid and Oviedo launched in November last year. 

For more information on sustainable Spain and conscious travel options see www.spain.info/en/.

Image: Seville. Supplied.

 

How about a unique city vacation in Perth's Kings Park?

How about a camping experience in one of Australia's most famous city parks? 

Heyscape Tiny Cabins is bringing its off-grid and eco-friendly accommodation offering to Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Gardens for a limited time.

Set over almost 400 hectares, Kings Park is one of the world's largest inner-city parks. And it's the first time an accommodation provider has called it “home”.

Three Heyscape tiny cabins will be available for overnight stays in some of the most picturesque locations in Kings Park, with two featuring elevated, uninterrupted views of the Swan River. The cabins will be bookable for stays between June 7 and July 28. 

Heyscape head Tim Brady says unlike traditional accommodation providers, Heyscape's Tiny Cabins at Kings Park require no ground works. Each employs solar power, compostable odourless toilets, water tank and a waste management scheme to ensure the land is left as it is found.

“We can provide guests with a unique experience in an iconic Perth location, while respecting the surrounding area and leaving minimal impact,” he said.

For more details, or to book your stay, visit Heyscape Tiny Cabins.

Discover a new "adults only" retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a beautiful region just north of Brisbane - and one of the first spots I aim to visit once travel in Australia returns to normal. 

A new luxury cabin billed as an "adults only escape" is bringing a touch of Scandinavian-style design to the region with the opening of Scandi at Maleny - the region's latest luxury boutique accommodation, located just 12 minutes out of Maleny township.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom modular cabin offers views across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland's volcanic landscape and valleys..

Owners Pete Coorey and Dee Montalva say their primary focus for Scandi at Maleny was sustainability, and they have taken great care to minimize their environmental footprint.

“Scandi is a modular build, and this alone makes our cabin more sustainable from the get go,” Dee explained.

Scandi was trucked to the site in four separate pieces, before being placed in its final position on an elevated escarpment that offers uninterrupted views of the valley below.

Visitors can expect a stocked pantry with local products. 

The cabin operates off rainwater only and has a self-recycling septic system with the treated water used to maintain the gardens.

In the bathroom, guests will find local products from Maleny-based natural beauty company Mukti, as well as reusable make up wipes. 

“Every item in the cabin was considered in regards to where it was made and where it came from, favouring local products and suppliers where possible with extra points for environmentally friendly aware brands,” Dee said.

Inside the cabin Dee's background as a wedding stylist is evident, with Scandinavian-inspired styling throughout.

Features of the property include an indoor fireplace for chilly hinterland nights, fully equipped kitchen and outdoor barbecue.

Dee said the couple's goal was to create a space where guests can enjoy the cabin as if it were their own home.

“We want our cabin to be a place for guests to disconnect so they can reconnect, to sleep deeply with no alarms, and to have uninterrupted conversations with their favourite person.

“We want them to forget about the to-do lists and schedules, and simply be in the moment."

Prices for Scandi at Maleny start from $500 per night, with a two-night minimum stay.

For more info visit scandiatmaleny.com