Fernando Alonso enjoys driving a different course, this time at Hamilton Island Golf Club
Just days after competing in the recent Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso enjoyed driving a different course, this time at Hamilton Island Golf Club.
Alonso took a well deserved break at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, (www.hamiltonisland.com.au) staying at luxurious resort qualia (www.qualia.com.au). After reaching speeds in excess of 300kph in Melbourne, Alonso enjoyed taking the wheel of a near silent bright red electric buggy while he explored the Island hitting a maximum speed of 20kph – and loved every minute of it.
Alonso’s stay saw him playing a round or two of golf at the Hamilton Island Golf Club, relaxing at Spa qualia and spending time with the Australian “locals” at the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park. He also enjoyed a number of dinners at the elegant Long Pavilion restaurant at qualia.
“The peace and quiet of Hamilton Island was the perfect way for me to wind down before moving on to the next round of intense competition on the international circuit,” said Alonso.
Alonso will be back in the driver’s seat on 8 April at Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur.
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PHOTO CAPTIONS:
** Please credit all photos to Andrea Francolini
1. F1 driver, Fernando Alonso relaxing on his buggy at Hamilton Island
2. F1 driver, Fernando Alonso meets a local fan on Hamilton Island
3. F1 driver, Fernando Alonso enjoys driving a different course, this time at Hamilton Island Golf Club
SPECIAL PACKAGES:
Great Barrier Reef Discovery – qualia, 3 nights
Explore the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and home to some of the most amazing marine life. The package includes three nights of accommodation at qualia, gourmet breakfast and dinner daily, a ‘Reef Discovery Tour’ with a return helicopter tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Prices from: AUD$2,447 (1,786 EUR) per person twin share in a Leeward pavilion.
Golf package – qualia, 3 nights
Guests can test their skills on Australia’s only island championship golf course with an 18-hole round of golf at the Hamilton Island Golf Club on neighbouring Dent Island. Featuring unparalleled views of the Whitsundays and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef, the course has been designed to challenge all levels of golf enthusiasts, from resort guests to professional golfers. The package includes three nights of accommodation at qualia, gourmet breakfast and dinner daily, an 18-hole round of golf per person and a personal golf buggy. Prices from: AUD$1,870 (1,365 EUR) per person twin share for a Leeward pavilion. *Package is not available on a B&B basis.
Romantic Escape – Beach Club, 4 nights
From the moment guests arrive on Hamilton Island, the pampering begins. Indulge in a romantic four night getaway at the boutique Beach Club with sparkling wine, an intimate luxury sail to witness a Whitsunday sunset, and enjoy the ultimate gourmet dining experience either cruising under the stars, overlooking the glistening water of the Hamilton Island Marina or Catseye Beach. Prices from: AUD$1,291 (943 EUR) per person twin share.
Valid for travel: now until 31 Mar 2012 for all above packages. Blackout dates: Audi Hamilton Island Race Week: 19 - 27 August 2011 inclusive, Festive Season: 22 December 2011 - 4 January 2012 inclusive.
To book, please go to www.hamiltonisland.com.au or your preferred travel agent.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna. Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, including award winning qualia, restaurants, bars, pools and shops, not to mention 65 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities. www.hamiltonisland.com.au www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland
qualia is located on the secluded northern-most point of Hamilton Island. This luxurious, award-winning property has 60 one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set amongst eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue, green waters of the Whitsundays, two superb restaurants and Spa qualia catering exclusively to guests. qualia welcomes guests 16 years and over.
'qualia' is deliberately spelled with a lower case 'q' as it is a reflection of the relaxed, understated nature of this property. www.qualia.com.au
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