Officially a 'Climate Friendly Business'

February 2012
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We are now officially a 'Climate Friendly Business’! We have measured and offset greenhouse gas emissions generated by our business activities including; LPG, electricity, business vehicle use, and off-site waste disposal.

During the period 1/7/10-30/6/11, we offset 4.55 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, via the Xinjiang Dabancheng Sanjang Wind Project.

Somewhere Unique maintains its 4.5 Star Rating!

January 2012
We had our Star Rating Assessment today with AAA Tourism under the brand new “Quality Based” Rating Scheme, and are proudly still a 4.5 Star Rated property. Previously the rating scheme was a “Facilities Based” program, and has received a significant revamp after research showed that: 94% of travellers rate cleanliness as the most important aspect of a STAR Rating, and 90% of travellers want STAR Ratings to measure quality. The new “Quality Based” Scheme is one of four keystone partners recognised by the Australian Government’s TQUAL Accreditation under the National Tourism Accreditation Framework.

Helping young cancer sufferers to rest and recharge

December 2011
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Somewhere Unique have donated complimentary 2 night midweek stays to The Warwick Foundation, who are the “first and largest charitable organisation in Australia focused on supporting young adults (18-40 years) on their cancer journey. While there are hundreds of cancer-related organisations in existence today, there are almost none that are strictly focused on meeting the unique needs and issues faced by young adults on their cancer journey.”

Research has shown that being made to feel special and pampered is a key way to support cancer sufferers to manage their illness with positivity. The Warwick Foundation provides young cancer sufferers with such experiences via their ‘Wellness Programs.’

If you are a young adult with cancer and would be interested in a Wellness Escape for yourself and a loved one, please join as a member of the Warwick Foundation. Simply email with your contact details and a short description of the nominated persons current situation. The young adult nominated needs to be aged between 18 - 40 years, has been diagnosed with cancer and lives in Australia.

Australian Tourism Awards - FINALIST

December 2011
Somewhere Unique was announced as a Finalist in the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category at the 2011 Australian Tourism Awards.

NSW Tourism Awards - WINNER!!!

November 2011
Somewhere Unique was announced as the GOLD WINNER in the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category at the 2011 New South Wales Tourism Awards.

The NSW Tourism Awards are held annually to celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success throughout the year. The Awards are a submission and inspection-based competition and provide the opportunity to publicly recognise and showcase the State's finest tourism operators.

NSW Tourism Awards - FINALIST

October 2011
Somewhere Unique was announced as a Finalist in the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category at the 2011 New South Wales Tourism Awards.

A change is as good as a holiday!

August 2011
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We bought a few new lovely things for the retreats this month, as we thought it was time for a bit of a spruce up! We raided the remnants bin at Cloth Fabric (nothing like a bit of recycling), purchased some lovely pieces, got out the sewing machine and made some beautiful cushions and artwork. Cloth is a small independent fabric company who make furnishing fabric the old fashioned way, screen printing by hand on a long table in a tin shed in the country. They work with natural fabrics such as hemp, linen and organic cotton, use water based, nontoxic inks and dyes and have a controllable, low impact approach to manufacturing and materials. We have filled the cushions with corn fibre inserts from Innergreen - these inserts are 100% biodegradable and compostable, and their manufacturing uses 60% less fossil fuels when compared to traditional synthetic polyester fibres.

We also have new fluffy towels and doona covers from Sheridan, beautifully comfortable wool doonas, throw rugs to snuggle up under, candles to create an even more romantic ambience, and new wine glasses to sample your Hunter Valley purchases (just to name a few of the improvements!)

Hunter & Central Coast Tourism Awards - GOLD WINNER

August 2011
Somewhere Unique was the GOLD WINNER of the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category at the 2011 Hunter & Central Coast Tourism Awards.

This is an annual competition for tourism businesses, suppliers to the industry and outstanding individuals, in which a submission is prepared in response to a series of questions and is supported by a site visit to assess business excellence.

Hunter & Central Coast Tourism Awards - FINALIST

July 2011
Somewhere Unique was announced as a Finalist in the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category at the 2011 Hunter & Central Coast Tourism Awards.

National Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence - WINNER

June 2011
Somewhere Unique was presented with the GOLD award in the ‘Self Contained 4.5 Star/Luxury’ category at the National Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence 2011, run by the Accommodation Association of Australia.

“The National Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence are all about achieving and maintaining the highest standards in the accommodation industry. The Awards represent a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the thousands of businesses that make up our accommodation industry and provide great service to millions of domestic and overseas visitors.”