We live in a different world now, with 2020 delivering a sharp reminder to us all, that at the end of the day, we are human, we are vulnerable.
Lockdowns completed, with restrictions on everyone’s lifestyle, beginning to ease in Queensland, it was time to start venturing out and try to make sense of our new world. After weeks at home, we treated ourselves to a night for an anniversary celebration.
Having never stayed at the Pullman King George Square, we decided to give it a test run, and we were not disappointed. Staff here were fantastic, friendly and very helpful. Hospitality staff have not had it easy over the past few months and it was great to see them smiling and carrying on their work professionally.
After being treated to an early check in, we headed downstairs to the Goldfinch restaurant for an enjoyable lunch. Spacious, airy vibes greeted us, along with the wonderful staff, as we were seated next to an huge windows. Our view was of King George Square, with a constant moving canvas outside as everyone went about their business.
Remember, anywhere you wish to dine now, you should book in advance and don’t be surprised if you are time limited. We were lucky here as the expansive area easily catered to the number of diners at that particular time. You still need to sign in, so that your party can be traced should there be any outbreaks of Covid.
After a break in between venues, we headed up to our booking at the rooftop bar, Sixteen Antlers. The Mercure and Pullman share all of these areas, which includes the pool, gym, Goldfinch and Sixteen Antlers. The rooftop bar is a very popular area so you will be time limited to 2 hours during current climate.
As the sun set in the West, we were treated to the rising of an almost full moon to the East. The corner table we had been allocated was perfect for viewing. Enjoying cocktails, and an evening beverage, this was a fantastic space to sit and wile away some time.
As the evening progressed, more patrons began to enter the popular venue. This was also at a time where you could not approach the bar, so friendly staff will seat you in one place, ensuring they are then attentive to your needs.
This venue really is worth a visit, remember to book well in advance, as it is very popular.
Thank you to all the staff, we very much enjoyed our stay and the special gift in our room as well as the upgrade, was very much appreciated for our celebration night away.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Further photos are available on Dine Live Travel Instagram and Facebook. Thank you for your interest, it’s been fantastic to start moving around again, as our restrictions ease!
Situated next door to Sky City Hamilton Casino complex, this Novotel faces towards the mighty Waikato River. From the deck and the river facing rooms, you have some interesting views across the Waikato.
Breakfast each day was a diverse array of buffet foods, as is normal for Novotels. Chef was more than happy to prepare an omelette or eggs to your liking if required. We also enjoyed a couple of other meals, along with family, with the food always being high quality, some, like the banana split above, with great presentation.
Dine Live Travel is launching an new exciting service! Surprise!!! We will research, co-ordinate and book anything you require. This might be a for a marriage proposal, Ladies day out, Big Boys Play date, a birthday surprise, work function, weekend away, Baby Moon, anything. We are not affiliated to any one company and will provide you with the option range from which you choose, all within your allocated budget.
Richard from Strong Limousines was booked to be our driver for the day. We have used this company in the past for airport transfers and have always found both Richard & Jessica to be highly professional, very easy to deal with, using only very tidy, clean vehicles. As usual Richard arrived on time and greeted our party of four, opening doors for all in the comfortable Chrysler Sedan.
How incredible is the view out to the horizon! We stay here at least once a year, as being so close to Brisbane, yet feeling like a whole world away, this venue is our go to for unwinding and relaxing, with some wonderful staff another bonus.
There is plenty to choose from as you can see above! A family run business established by Kate & Thomas, who have worked hard to bring the winery and restaurant up to an extremely high standard. Within around 45 minutes from Brisbane city too, so quite close. 
(Photo credit @amberadventuring)
First stop, the winery shop for wine and beer tasting. Friendly staff ran us through a wine tasting with all of us choosing wines of our preference to trial, prior to tasting some beers. There really are some interesting combinations which are well worth trying.
Even though the skies were clear, it was little cooler up here on this gorgeous Queensland Winter day. Lovely to see the fire stoked, with flames softly dancing. There is something about flames which creates a relaxed atmosphere.
Seated out on the covered verandah, we watched a helicopter deliver some patrons, as part of a package offered by Ocean View Estate Winery & Restaurant. Landing on the neatly mown lawn with tidy roses and hedges in the foreground, the passengers disembarked for their special experience. 
Bubbles arrived, meals were ordered and our lovely double birthday luncheon began.
(Photo credit @amberadventuring)
We shared some delious pork belly with a side of crispy greens. Perfect amount for 4 ladies after those delicious entrees!
Oh yes, dessert and dessert cocktails, simply stunning.
Staff in the restaurant were also friendly, helpful and professional. Always nice to go somewhere and be treated so well.
At a build cost of around $15million, this recently new hotel for the luxury Sebel brand, has a lot to offer. Sebel brand itself, emerged back in 1963. In those early days, you could expect to mix with a number of celebrities who favoured Sebel. Betty Davis, Elton John, Zsa Zsa Gabour, all enjoyed the comfort of Sebel hotels.
Interior designer, Siobhan Gnomes McNabb, captures many styles with textures ranging through from smooth to exposed brick and concrete, both in the 58 rooms and throughout the hotel. You cannot help but reach out every now and then to run your hands over the corrugated and rough surfaces. Floor to ceiling glass doors which glide easily back to a two third opening, bringing the outside in, creating a wonderful spacious feeling.
Much thought has been given to the small things. The full length mirror, hidden inside the wardrobe door, so as not to detract from the room itself. Beautifully soft, luxurious feeling robes. The heavy stone table on the balcony, is not going to be blown around! A microwave in each room, contained within the workable kitchenette. Historical photos cleverly used in each room, and throughout the hotel.
The rooftop area, is the crown atop this complex. Full use is made of the large area, with a pool, bar, cabana areas as well as loungers and tables. Plenty of choice for a comfortable evening drink whilst you enjoy the uninterrupted view, from many angles.
Sydney the Sebel Bear certainly enjoyed his afternoon chilling on the rooftop, whilst reading his travel book! The area up here is totally different to the Beach House restaurant downstairs. You will hear more about the delightful restaurant, in the next story as I believe, it earned its own review.
Only around 25 minutes from Brisbane Airport, this area feels like a world away from city life. During the day and over weekends, this popular area bustles with activity. Parking fills up quickly around here, as people enjoy the sun, sand and surf.
Enjoy a sunrise like this from your own private balcony. Treat yourself, to a weekend away or some previous wind down time, you will not be disappointed.
Spaciousness combined with modern, inviting surrounds, greet you in the bar/restaurant area of Novotel Brisbane South Bank.
Unfortunately on this occasion, we did not have the luxury of staying, this was merely a visit for a business function. Very lucky though to be given a tour of this fabulously fresh and new hotel.
Given the handy location to South Bank and all amenities in this area, how cool to see rooms with the bed head area dominated by these incredibly real depictions of the local area!
From standard hotel rooms to suites with their own lounge, there is plenty on offer for you to to overnight or take a well needed staycation. Some rooms face over the spacious greenery that is Musgrave Park, others towards Southbank and the city. 
Maybe you will be able to clearly see the real Wheel of Brisbane from your room.
The on site restaurant Spice Central, gives you some pleasant dining options. Here you can choose table dining, or, perhaps you would like to interact with kitchen staff. In this case, choose the bar stools located around the open air kitchen. What a great way to become a part of your meal production process, without the work or the dishes!
Highly suggest you pay this venue a visit. It really does tick those boxes. And for those looking to enjoy the many events on offer either at South Bank or in the city, then this location, will definitely suit your needs. Give it a test run, we are going back. Might see you there!
Delightful melt in the mouth fish made for a fantastically filling, yet light on the stomach meal, for this late evening traveller.
Mind you the view from your room at night might be quite enticing!
Or, continuing on the fish theme, how about a hearty fish and chop meal? Impressively large this lunch was another tasty dish.
Even the children’s meals are enticing..
On a couple of occasions now we have stopped by this restaurant. Never yet have been disappointed. Stop by, the staff will look after you!
The view from the restaurant and bar located on level 6, was certainly stunning as the sun set. Huge, inviting lounges, invite you to rest your feet and enjoy the location. The bar and restaurant area has massive doors opening to this secluded location.
The two bedroomed apartment we viewed, had a gorgeous view of the story bridge at night, as you entered the second bedroom. Muted colours throughout enhanced the beautiful lights outside.
Comfortable lounge setting, leads onto the enclosed glass balcony. Everything you need for a chilled out stay has been included.
Staff on site this evening were friendly, obliging and professional, ensuring everyone was looked after at all times. Finger food served was superb. An array of of food choices was constantly circled through the mingling patrons.
We were also lucky enough to be given a tour of the onsite hotel rooms. Now keep in mind this venue is at the airport, you could have guests fly in for a function, stay the night and fly out the following morning if they were on a tight schedule. Having only opened in October, the rooms are fresh and clean.
The suite above is popular with business executives flying in for meetings. In the suite you have a large dining table with half a dozen chairs, meaning you can have a private meeting without having to hire a boardroom. The impressively large pod coffee machine would be a sure bet hit with those meeting attendees too!
Imagine if you may, waking up to the rolling vistas from you your own room at the Mecure Clear Mountain Resort. With a location so close to Brisbane’s northside, yet you feel a complete world away, this really is a wonderful place to escape to.
We first visited last year and could not wait to book another weekend escape. When the opportunity arose, we booked in that precious two night escape and looked forward to February when it would finally arrive. Which before long, it did. Time to chillout and relax.
Excitingly enough we were lucky to be staying in one of the Lodge Suites, this is where being an accor plus member and booking those special member only deals, is handy as well as fulfilling . Check out the size of the beautiful twin head rain shower. Matching this was a roomy bathroom with twin handbasins and a free standing bath.
Light brightens the room through the skylights, everything in here was beautifully clean with plenty of amenities available.
Space and roominess give you a wonderful relaxed feeling. Nothing to do here, just breathe, chill and relax.
Rain or shine, the locals will show up hoping for some soft tasty meat morsels. How heartwarming as well as a wonderful down to earth experience to interact with wildlife. Popping up anywhere, so dont be surprised if you pass a kookaburra sitting quietly on the railing. They wont move, just sit quietly and observe as you go past,or make their day and stop for a quick chat. Even better, offer some of their favourite soft meat to become their friend. Don’t worry they wont bite, just take the offerings from your fingers.
When you’re weary and hungry, enjoy a bite,there so much choice at the Lakeview or at the adult only restaurant Mandys on the Mountain.
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