Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
It’s at the other side of the world, but that doesn’t deter the growing number of visitors from the UK to the region – Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific.
By far the largest market for Australia, besides New Zealand, comes from the UK, with 709,300 travellers heading Down Under in the year to June 2006 (source: Tourism Australia). The attractions are diverse, with the very different coastal cities of Sydney and Perth a highlight for many.
New Zealand’s beauty, Maori culture, wildlife and adventure sport are drawing more tourists than ever. For those looking to add a touch of the exotic to a trip to the region, the exotic islands of French Polynesia are the stuff of fantasy – a fabulous honeymoon destination.
InterContinental Resorts & Hotels currently has two properties in Australia, four in French Polynesia and one in New Zealand.
In Perth, InterContinental Perth Burswood is a 413-room contemporary building with a stunning atrium on the banks of the Swan River, surrounded by landscaped gardens and secluded parkland. The hotel is part of a complex which includes a 24-hour casino, nightclub, theatres and extensive conference and convention facilities
InterContinental Sydney has long been an icon of harbourside life. Built around the heritage-listed Treasury Building, it enjoys a prized location next to the Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. There are 509 rooms and 14 meeting and banqueting rooms.
Over on New Zealand, InterContinental Wellington is the only internationally branded five-star hotel in the city. Its rather special location on the waterfront at the heart of the action means everything is within walking distance. There are 231 rooms and nine meeting and banqueting rooms.
For romance in an exotic location, head for InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort. Set on Matira Point on the south of the main island, the Polynesian-style resort has just 64 bungalows, with a restaurant and bar overlooking a picture-perfect lagoon. Other idyllic choices include InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa, close to Opunohu Bay on the north-west coast. The 263-room InterContinental Tahiti Resort is a romantic dream, surrounded by tropical gardens with views across to Moorea.
French Polynesia Update
The latest addition to the InterContinental portfolio in French Polynesia is the idyllic InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa which opened in May. Located on Motu Piti Aau, the resort is the newest five-star on the island, with 80 luxurious over-water villas, and the thalasso spa is the first in the southern hemisphere.
Construction called for revolutionary solutions to protect the environment and ensure the highest comfort levels for guests. The unique air-conditioning system uses sea water and eliminates pollutants and deep sea water is also used in the spa.
The whole resort is designed with traditional culture in mind. The elegant, contemporary decoration combines Polynesian tradition with contemporary style. The villas are over 100sq metres each, with views of mountain, beach or lagoon.
A highlight is the spa. The water is drawn from the Pacific Ocean at depths of over 800 metres and contains a mix of minerals. Glass-floored over-water bungalows allow guests to watch marine life during their treatment sessions.
Take the test
Click the button below to launch the test. The test consists of 10 multiple-choice questions. You can find all the answers on the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific page of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific supplement.
This is the last test in the training programme. If you don’t pass first time, don’t worry – you can keep retaking the test until you do.
Pass mark: 80%
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