A FIRE at a luxury hotel on Phillip Island has caused more than $1 million worth of damage.
The second floor of Castle Villa by the Sea on Steele St in Cowes was destroyed after a fire broke out around 7pm last night.
Firefighters battled the blaze for six hours with 13 trucks on scene.
No-one was hurt in the fire and arson investigators will return to the scene this morning.
The hotel commands up to $675 per room a night.
A FIRE at a luxury hotel on Phillip Island has caused more than $1 million worth of damage.
The second floor of Castle Villa by the Sea on Steele St in Cowes was destroyed after a fire broke out around 7pm last night.
Firefighters battled the blaze for six hours with 13 trucks on scene.
No-one was hurt in the fire and arson investigators will return to the scene this morning.
The hotel commands up to $675 per room a night.
Cedarbrook Lodge, Seattle. Picture: Supplied
Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich. Picture: Kempinski Hotel Airport
IF you're a serious traveller, you probably know that feeling when you begin to think you're spending more time in the clouds than on the ground.
When you're rushing to catch a flight, dealing with lost baggage and sometimes sleeping in cramped cabins, the last thing you need to deal with during your travels is another long haul to and from your hotel - especially if you have an overnight layover.
Startle.com has searched high and low for hotels that are as close to airports as they are comfortable - these five airport hotels from Seattle to Hong Kong will get you from gate to check-in (or vice versa) in no time at all.
More from Forbes: A weekend in London
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Vancouver
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport features rooms with soundproof windows and unobstructed views of the North Shore Mountains, Gulf Islands and, if you can't get enough of your travels, the runway - it's actually located inside the airport directly above the US departures terminal.
Whether you're taking advantage of a day room or an overnight layover, Jetside Bar's floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain and runway views, and Laurentian stone fireplaces will set your travel jitters at ease while you sip on a unique honey lager made from homegrown honey (and brewed through a partnership with the local Whistler Brewing Company).
If that doesn't do it, head to the Absolute Spa and indulge in one of the more than 130 body treatments and therapies.
Sofitel London Heathrow
You can't get much closer to London Heathrow Airport than Sofitel London Heathrow - it's literally linked to the airport's Terminal 5 so it's super convenient whether you're flying in or out. The modern hotel features standard rooms that are sharply designed (some with zen garden landscapes), as well as a three-bedroom Imperial Suite with luxurious touches such as Swarovski Crystal bathrooms.
The posh accommodations don't stop with the rooms, however. Sofitel London Heathrow also includes three restaurants and pair of bars serving everything from gourmet French cuisine to international fare. Of course, it wouldn't be an ideal airport hotel without a spa, and Sofitel's includes a mix of hardwood, stone and glass touches, plus a sauna, and massage and hammam services.
Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong
Proximity and luxury are the keys to any top-tier airport hotel and Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong has both. It's directly connected to the passenger terminal of Hong Kong International Airport via a covered walkway, plus there's a complimentary shuttle service between the airport, Tung Chung and downtown.
Guest rooms feature a clean and contemporary design, while true relaxation can be found in the spa suite with its outdoor Jacuzzi, couples massage service (outside under a canopy) and mosaic steam room perfect for air-travel detox. If you're staying for more than just the night, check out the Hong Kong hotel's swimming pool, complete with dripping resort flair such as lounge chairs, umbrellas and lush foliage.
Rooms at the Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong. Picture: Supplied Source: No Source
Cedarbrook Lodge, Seattle
Seattle's Cedarbrook Lodge sits on 7 hectares of emerald-soaked natural landscape less than five minutes from SeaTac International Airport (you can arrange for a complimentary shuttle to transport you to the hotel), but feels worlds away from the rushed chaos of the tarmac.
You can take in the views of nature from your guest room or if you have time, reserve croquet, bocce ball and other lawn game equipment for an afternoon outdoors. Before heading off to your next destination, enjoy dinner at the hotel's Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar for a farm-fresh meal made with ingredients from the on-site garden.
Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich
Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich is a glittering glass façade illuminated by coloured lights and dotted with various flora. The rooms embrace a comfortable, sharp-edged design and the suites sport dashing hardwood floors. If you have time, you can unwind at the hotel spa, indoor pool or 24-hour gym. And when you have to head back to the Munich Airport, the Kempinski Hotel's cushy transport service will get you to the Terminal 1 check-in counter in its BMW 7 Series limousine.
Read More From Startle.com:
2013 Star Award Winners
48hHours in Hong Kong
Essential apps for London travellers
China has eased its restrictions on tourism in Tibet, which should make it easier for travellers to visit picture-perfect destinations like Cholo and Kangchung Peak. Source: Supplied
An overwater villa at Maalifushi resort in The Maldives. Source: Supplied
COMO Hotels will open the doors to its newest resort in the Maldives in October, while Tibetan travel will be easier now that the government has eased restrictions.
1. Maldives luxury
A LUXURIOUS resort will open on a private island in the Maldives in October.
COMO Hotels and Resorts will open Maalifushi by COMO on an 8ha island in the southerly Thaa Atoll as a sister property to Cocoa Island by COMO, further north in the South MalI atoll.
The 66-room property will be the first luxury resort in Thaa Atoll, neighboured by a string of uninhabited islands that can be booked for castaway picnics and romantic private dining.
2. Tibet's doors open
TRAVELLERS will find it easier to visit Tibet following the easing of travel restrictions by the Chinese government. Under the changes there is no longer a minimum number of travellers required per nationality within a tour group.
There are no longer any restrictions on the size of the group of travellers, but passengers entering Tibet must be travelling with a tour operator recognised by the Tibetan Tourism Administration and be travelling on that operator's official tour.
Helen Wong, founder and managing director of China specialist Helen Wong's Tours, said the timing couldn't have been better as her company has now entered the New Zealand market.
"We will now see Australians able to travel with the Kiwis to Tibet," she said.
3. Dark side
TASMANIA'S controversial Museum of Old and New Art (MoNA) is introducing a new winter festival this year.
Dark Mofo - dubbed the darker sister to MONA's summer MOFO event - will include a large-scale public art program and exhibition in Hobart, a Winter Feast at Princes Wharf No.1, art installations throughout the city, a music program, film program as well as food and wine. Martha Wainwright will perform at the event from June 13 to 23.
See darkmofo.net.au
4. Go with the Flow
SNOW lovers can get their annual pre-season fix of adrenalin when the latest Warren Miller film tours Australia from May 22. Resorts in Colorado, California, Switzerland, Japan, Norway, Alaska and Austria feature in this year's movie, Flow State. The film stars celebrated athletes including Colby West, Chris Davenport, Jess McMillan and David Wise, while Warren Miller regular Chris Anthony tries his luck on some 70-year-old ski equipment.
For dates see warrenmiller.com.au
5. Pulled into shape
PULLMAN Sydney Hyde Park has unveiled a multimillion-dollar refurbishment with a modern lobby and a new-look executive lounge with views over the park and city skyline. The 5-star hotel also has a new Connectivity Lounge offering free Wi-Fi and a range of business services and a sleek new bar.
All 22 floors have been refurbished with new carpet, artistic bed heads, glass work desks, chairs and artistic lighting. Rates start from $279 a room, a night.
"Like" Escape.com.au on Facebook
Follow @Angela_Saurine on Twitter
Berkeley River Resort, The Kimberleys. Picture: Lastminute.com.au
AUSSIE travellers looking for luxury are heading to Western Australia. Bookings are up 44 per cent. So what's so great about WA?
Most people think of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island or Port Douglas when they think of luxury resorts. But those in the know are booking luxury getaways in WA.
"While it's a destination that can suit all travel tastes and budgets, Western Australia is certainly upping the ante in the five-star market. There is lot to lust over in WA and the buzz is building," Lastminute.com.au General Manager Kirsty Labruniy said.
"The Kimberleys, for example, featured on the New York Times top travel destinations for 2013 list and that kind of accolade always creates extra interest from those travellers looking to add somewhere new to their bucket list."
So what are the hottest hotels in WA? Where are people booking?
Here's the top five five-star hotels booked through lastminute.com.au in Western Australia?
Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa. Picture: Lastminute.com.au Source: No Source
Cape Lodge, Yallingup Source: No Source
Have you been to WA? What's your favourite hotel? Tell us below
