BEAUTIFUL Bowral - and the Southern Highlands in general - has always been a favourite bolt-hole when Sydney gets all too much and the need for a break without a marathon drive is the best cure.

Things have changed, however, since the days when you wouldn't even have to book ahead, knowing that, surely, the venerable Fred Von Nida (a better golfer than cousin Norman “The Von”, according to Fred) would find you a billet somewhere on his rambling motel in Kangaloon Rd.

Tourism Southern Highlands executive manager Steve Rosa admits that accommodation availability took a king-hit in years when redevelopment or new-use ruled.   “It is encouraging to see new developments, not only approved, but actually opening,” he said.

A highlight has been the reintroduction of the acclaimed Accor brand to the town in the form of a super property labelled Grand Mercure Apartments Heritage Park (pictured above).

The apartments are on the former Grand Mercure site, just down the road from where Fred Von once held court.  There are 26 luxury apartments for independent visitors providing a self-contained option right in the heart of town, all generously configured for entertainment if you wish and all a vastly different experience to that previously available.

The Southern Highlands accommodation dearth has also been addressed by development of Satori Springs Country Estate at Canyonleigh, offering different styles of accommodation and an array of activities unknown under one roof in the area in the past.

Also on the way, a new, 28-unit motel for Moss Vale, with the Country Inn Motel brand and redevelopment of the Historic Sutton Forest Inn, which will provide a 90room motel and convention centre, in the picturesque namesake village.

There's going to be a rebirth, too, of the historic Poplars Mansion at the northern entrance to the Southern Highlands with a refreshed restaurant and bed and breakfast accommodation. And extensions have been approved for Bowral's iconic Milton Park Estate where they're adding 40 rooms.

Word is there are plans, too, for extensions and refurbishments at Peppers Manor House, Sutton Forest, and refurbishment of the landmark Craigieburn Resort by the Peppers Group.

It's all good news!

ANGKOR WHAT?  Angkor Spa, that's what

WE have always just been able to take Cambodia in bite-size pieces, inevitably coming back to Siem Reap, home of the wondrous Angor Wat when re-vitalised with Sihanoukville and struggling to revive interest in capital Pnomh Penh.

Now there's an Angkor Spa at the fine Le Méridien Angkor hotel, and another reason to head for Siem Reap.

It lives up to its hype as a ‘superior total wellness and relaxation centre’.
The planned environment complements its vast menu of massage and body services, from the 90-minute Ancient Angkor Massage to a healing hands going over in which two therapists working together draw on passed knowledge of the ancients on matters of pressure, stretching and stimulation.

What you finish up with is Japanese Shiatsu, Thai massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and a bit of Swedish and Balinese in a heady atmosphere of essential oils of sandalwood, patchouli and ylang ylang.

Le Méridien Angkor itself, with its signature pool (pictured) is a superior base for Wat wanderings at sunrise or sunset for best effect. And Siem Reap International Airport is only 14 kilometres away.

Learn more at www.lemeridien.com/angkor then talk to your travel agent about your next trip over that way.