Port Douglas, Australia

WHY GO? A 90-minute drive from Cairns airport, Port Douglas lies between Queensland's stunning Daintree Rainforest and expansive Great Barrier Reef - one of the world's best diving and snorkelling spots - and is surrounded by lush sugar cane farms. Development has been limited to "nothing taller than a palm tree" and while some of the larger establishments such as the overpriced Sheraton Mirage haven't received the regular maintenance they require, smaller operators have leapt in to offer a great variety of well-priced boutique properties and self-catering accommodation. With new plans for redevelopment and celebs such as Bill Clinton snapping up the few vacant lots left on Four Mile Beach, it won't be long before Port Douglas is fully revived.

WHAT TO DO Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest and a half-day tour of Mossman Gorge are highly recommended, while adventurers are sure to be satisfied with snorkelling, diving, white water rafting, sailing, ballooning, fishing and four-wheel driving activities. If you prefer to stay close to town, visit the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary - also open for nocturnal tours after dark - and boutiques offering resort wear, handmade jewellery, art and ceramics, plus various spas focusing on alternative and holistic therapies. Try Port Douglas Natural Therapies Centre & Spa (Tel: +61 7 4099 5596, Web: http://www.portdouglas-natural-therapies.com/) for a relaxing Aromastone Massage and pampering with Jurlique products, or visit FNQ Yoga With Katrina (Tel: +61 418 722 512, Web: http://www.fnqyoga.fanpalm.net/) to work out any lingering kinks. Check out the cool sounds of The Musicbar (Tel: +61 7 4099 5171, Web: http://www.musicbar.com.au/) renowned for stocking an eclectic selection of world lounge beats. Dine out on delicious modern Australian flavours with a strong focus on seafood at: Zinc (Web: www.zincportdouglas.com), Salsa Bar & Grill (Web: www.salsa-port-douglas.com.au), On The Inlet (Web: www.portdouglasseafood.com), Nautilus (Web: http://www.nautilus-restaurant.com.au/) and the rainforest surrounds of Silky Oaks Lodge (Web: http://www.silkyoakslodge.com.au/).

WHERE TO STAY Port Douglas Accommodation Holiday Rentals (Tel: +61 7 4099 4488, Web: http://www.portdouglasaccom.com.au/) offers a complete destination service for independent travellers and group organisers. With a variety of options on the books - from self-catering apartments and beach houses to boutique hotels and spa retreats - there's a wide range of choices for all budgets. The company can also assist with land and air transfers from Cairns airport and booking of tours and excursions - all you have to do is pack your bag and book your flight!

WHEN TO GO Port Douglas has a tropical climate so is ideal all year around, however you can't swim in the ocean from November to April due to the "stingers" - otherwise known as sea wasps - in the water. Areas such as Four Mile Beach have a protective enclosure to ensure safety year-round and freshwater swimming options such as Mossman Gorge are a fun alternative. From May to November expect clear skies and dry weather (11°C-29°C) while December to April (19°C-36°C) is renowned for high humidity and frequent rain.

World Cup fever!
If you're going to be chained to the TV you may as well be in beautiful surroundings.

Pimalai Resort & Spa (Tel: 6734 3298), Web: http://www.pimalai.com/) in Krabi, Thailand is offering a three-night World Cup Package from June 9 to July 9. Designed exclusively for all soccer fans - singles are welcome - you'll be treated to a sumptuous meal and kick-off drink before World Cup action commences from 9pm to 3am on a big screen. Sleep in before enjoying breakfast - extended each day until 2pm - and then relax poolside or at the spa. The package is THB29,950 nett for two adults - S$635 per person - and includes return transfers from Krabi airport, three nights in a superior room, daily breakfast and dinner, a one-hour massage and 20 percent off all other spa treatments. Group bookings with the same date of stay receive the fourth booking free!

Club Med Ria Bintan (Tel: 1800 258 2633, Web: http://www.clubmed.com.sg/) is offering big-screen action with prizes to be won. Special packages for MasterCard holders include free football clinics for kids conducted by Singapore football celebrity Fandi Ahmad, with a free 2006 FIFA World Cup^TM football, a t-shirt and an autograph from Fandi.

Flight plan
Book a return Business Premier ticket at $4,750 from Air New Zealand (Tel: 6535 8266, Web: http://www.airnewzealand.com.sg/) and receive a companion ticket for just $688. Alternatively, opt for extra legroom and seat recline in Pacific Premium Economy for an additional $488 when you purchase a return economy ticket at $900. All travel must be booked before June 30 with departure from Singapore by August 19.

Austrian Airlines (Web: http://www.austrian.com/) has launched an exciting selection of holiday packages offering great value-for-money stopovers in Vienna and European gateway options with their Waltz Into Europe promotions. One of the brochure's highlights is the Tale of Three Cities package highlighting Europe's most romantic cities - Vienna, Prague and Budapest. With thrice-weekly flights from Singapore to Vienna, Austrian Airlines provides excellent European connectivity.

HOT DEAL
Until June 30 Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 02 2717 9900, Web: www.luxurycollection.com/kualalumpur) is just RM299++ for one Friday, Saturday or Sunday night in an executive room with a late check-out of 2pm plus buffet breakfast for two, 15 percent discount at all restaurants and free self-parking.