TakeABreak Awards 2009 National Winners

The 2009 National Winners have been chosen for the leading holiday rentals across Australia, with guests rating their favourite hotels, motels, hostels, B&Bs and accommodation parks.
 
TakeABreak.com.au, Australia’s leading independent boutique accommodation website, is presenting the “Best Places to Stay” awards for the tourism industry, which recognise outstanding service in specialist segment categories.

Our Best Places to Stay National winners were selected via an exhaustive process from over 13,000 properties in 1400 localities and 39 accommodation types. In addition to the judges award, for the first time we also asked the public to vote for People’s Choice awards in each of the specialist categories. For the first year we introduced a Best Holiday Destinations category, where the public were invited to vote on their favourite town, city or region in 8 specialist categories.
 
18 categories were judged in total with winners awarded in segments such as Beach, Budget, Eco, Group, Romantic and Pet-friendly accommodation.

Expert judges were involved in the judging of the following categories:

2009 TakeABreak National Award Winners

Accessible Holiday Accommodation

La Viv, South Australia - Non-ambulant
Totally wheelchair-friendly home, unique artistic features, environmentally sustainable with solar power production/grid connection/solar hot water/rain water/earth wall construction/ki timber interior. Purpose-built wheelchair-accessible home. Unique artistic features by local craftsman which add to the tranquil nature experience. Spread over 3 blocks it offers privacy and ample parking. Self-contained. Two minute walk to the best beach in Australia. Ideal for fishing, surfing, bird watching,bush walking. Pool table.

Belmadar Rose Cottage, New South Wales - Ambulant
Belmadar Rose Cottage is a fully self contained, 2 bedroom cottage, designed to be fully accessible to the disabled, yet available to anyone. There are no steps at all, just a smooth access for wheelchairs. Our cottage is situated just 5 minutes from Singleton in a quiet rural location. As the Singleton motto says "The Heart of the Hunter". You can use the cottage as a base for your exploration of the Hunter Valley or just relax on the verandah with a good book.
We have equipment for the disabled available for your use, Commode chair, hoist and Hi-Lo bed.

People's Choice Winner: Arthur Riverfront and Sea Lodge, Tasmania

Beach Holiday Accommodation

9-Mile Escape, Tasmania
Breathtaking views, modern luxury, endless natural treasures, stunning beaches, your retreat from the everyday... Designed by award winning architects, 9-Mile Escape has all you need and more. The views will amaze you; from the open plan living area, the main deck, both bedrooms and the private main bedroom deck you can gaze at uninterrupted views over beautiful Great Oyster Bay to Tasmania's iconic Hazards & Freycinet National Park.

People's Choice Winner:  A Mollymook Beach Waterfront, NSW

Budget Holiday Accommodation

Ebb Tide, Victoria
Ebb Tide – a beach holiday in a fun, neat and tidy home, close to everything for under motel rates. Ebb Tide is located next door to Spring Tide, & is air conditioned throughout. Gas heating provides for a warm and cozy house in the colder months.This property has a new bathroom, new fences & deck in Aug 09. The perfect budget beach home.

People's Choice Winner: Ambleside Leura, NSW

Eco-friendly Holiday Accommodation

The Stay at Tintagel, New South Wales
Experience sustainable living in comfort and style at a multi award winning eco-retreat for just two adults. Solar power. Slow Food evening meal menu, seasonal organic gardens, bush walks, slow combustion wood fire, claw-foot bath. 4 Green Stars. The two-storey cottage has been designed with your comfort and privacy in mind. Personal touches like quality linen and toiletries as well the indulgence of a double high-backed bath and luxurious queen-size bed set the tone for a weekend that you will want to remember.

People's Choice Winner: Bellthorpe Cottage, QLD

Family-friendly Holiday Accommodation

Blue Breeze, South Australia
Family friendly home kept to high cleaning standards - Sleeps up to 6 adults 4 children in 1 King, 2 queen, and 4 single bunk beds - Double story home with two living areas - 100m to beach and 200m to Innes National Park. The Blue Breeze is a near NEW double story holiday home located in the new section of Marion Bay and close to all that the southern Yorke Peninsula has to offer. Family friendy home kept to high cleaning standards - double story home with two living areas - great views of Innes National Park - close to surfing beaches, fishing, and walking trails.

People's Choice Winner: Green Patch, NSW

Farmstay Holiday Accommodation

Red Rooster Host Farm, Tasmania
Red Rooster Host Farm is nestled under Mt Arthur in the peaceful, secluded Wyena Valley.Only 35 mins easy drive from Launceston. Nearest town Lilydale. Self contained 2 bedroom cottage, sleeps 5. Fantastic for families! Welcome to our 16 acre organic, country farm. Set in beautiful park like grounds. On arrival you are greeted with 2 glorious 100 year old english oak trees, there are many other interesting old trees studded around the grounds. Spring time is ablaze in a sea of yellow, with thousands of beautiful daffodils in bloom. The ambience is one of peace and tranquillity, a perfect place to rest & unwind.

People's Choice Winner: Top of the Otways, VIC

Gay and lesbian-friendly Holiday Accommodation

Karrak Reach, Western Australia
Karrak Reach has 3 superbly built eco chalets with spas in a magnificent setting, nestled into a giant karri forest with spectacular views across the Scotsdale valley. Well behaved dogs are welcome inside. Karrak Reach is a very special place. Surrounded by forest the chalets offer unsurpassed views of the Scotsdale valley. To take advantage of the magnificent views the chalets are perched at the top of the property. The road to the chalets is steep but suitable for 2WD vehicles. The property abounds with wildlife and is a bird watchers paradise. Pack a picnic and explore the 50 acres of karri forest at the doorstep.

People's Choice Winner: Karrak Reach, Western Australia

Group Holiday Accommodation (10+)

Old Dadswell Town, Victoria
A unique old style Australian town nestled on 280 acres of natural bush on the edge of the Grampians National Park. Country style self contained cottages with a touch of nostalgia, history, memorabilia and our good old Aussie humour. There are 5 spacious two bedroom cottages which sleep 4, . Our 1 bedroom cottage is ideal for a couples getaway. Country style self contained cottages with a touch of nostalgia, history, memorabilia and our good old Aussie humour. There are 5 spacious two bedroom cottages which sleep 4, . Our 1 bedroom cottage is ideal for a couples getaway. Our shearing shed style Town Hall has a great atmosphere for communal get togethers with a large Open Fire Place and rustic tables and chairs. Spit roasts now available for group bookings. New additions to the town, Our Olde time lolly shop and farm animals for the children.

People's Choice Winner: Top View Farm, NSW

Health & Lifestyle Retreat Accommodation

The Lotus Retreat, New South Wales
LUXURY,PEACE & TRANQUILITY awaits you at the AWARD WINNING Lotus Retreat & Dayspa. An outstanding property of 70 acres in the Seal Rocks Hinterland offering SUPERIOR ACCOMMODATION /organic DAYSPA treatments/MASSAGE. RELAX, INDULGE & UNWIND IN PARADISE. The Lotus Retreat is very spacious and superbly appointed with great attention given to detail. Guests enjoy exclusive use of the Retreat. When you book the Retreat you will only be sharing with those accompanying you. As there is only one guest house on the property - peace and privacy are assured.

People's Choice Winner: The Lotus Retreat, New South Wales

Hosted Holiday Accommodation

A Rainbows End Bed & Breakfast, South Australia
Set on 5 acres in the Adelaide Hills. You are invited to come and enjoy this tranquil rural farm stay setting, less than 30mins from Adelaide, just outside Hahndorf and Mt Barker. Upon arrival you will be greeted with afternoon tea by the water feature. Pam’s scrumptious home cooked breakfast provide you the option to; Rise early and enjoy the sunrise over a hot cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate; or Sleep in late for a leisurely start to your day.

People's Choice Winner: Esperance B&B by the Sea, WA

Hotel and Motel Holiday Accommodation

Cygnet Hotel, Tasmania
This is the best hotel accommodation in Cygnet and the Huon Valley. Fine dine on local produce in the Black Swan Resaurant. Sample the best of Tasmanian wines. Enjoy live weekend afternoon jazz, blues and folk music perfomed by local musicians. This unique heritage-listed hotel provides a comfortable stay in refurbished Heritage guest rooms. The best Tasmanian-grown produce and wonderful seafood is available in the hotel’s Black Swan Restaurant. You’re sure to enjoy the friendly atmosphere as you relax with a glass of local wine, ale, or a coffee in the stylish Wine-Bar. For your recreation there is table tennis in the hotel’s Ugly Duckling Studio-Café where you can grab a quick snack. You may even find some local art work that takes your fancy.

People's Choice Winner: De’Vine Escape, VIC

Luxury Holiday Accommodation

Sunset Waters, Queensland
Take time for a relaxing break - enjoy the spectacular views across Moreton Bay to the hinterland. Recently built & luxuriously appointed 3br, 2 bathroom waterfront house. Slide back the nineteen metres of floor-to-ceiling glass... bring the outside in. This holiday home was specifically designed to capture the magnificent & ever changing water views across Moreton Bay to the hinterland beyond. The living and dining rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing guests unsurpassed vistas of sunsets over the bay. Imagine... sipping champagne or enjoying a cold beer, while watching the sun illuminate the night sky.

People's Choice Winner: Azure on the Beach, NSW

Holiday Park Accommodation

Dalrymple Tourist Van Park, Queensland
WINNER 2009 NQ AWARDS- Dalrymple Tourist Van Park is on the northern entrance to Charters Towers, next to Golf course and close to City centre in this historic town. A warm welcome awaits, we will show you some good old fashioned country hospitality. Enjoy the park facilities including our sparkling, cool salt water pool, jumping pillow for the kids (& young at heart!)the huge camp kitchen with fire pit beside (great for a relaxing evening chat), numerous BBQ areas, bird aviary and landscaped grounds. Then head back to your well appointed, fully self contained cabin for a quiet sleep or to watch television (enjoy movies, documentaries and sport with AUSTAR) or maybe, just relax on the verandah and enjoy the atmosphere.

People's Choice Winner: Jenolan Caravan Park, NSW

Pet-friendly Holiday Accommodation

Pobblebonk B&B, South Australia
Romantic & secluded, luxury bathroom, spa bath & wood fire, property views from deck, country gardens. Dog friendly, self contained 2B/R stylish cottage offers accomm. for 4-5 people. Gourmet breakfast provisions, quality toiletries, chocolates & port. Pobblebonk is a spacious 4.5 star, 2 B/R air-conditioned cottage, 45 mins from central Adelaide, on a 12 acre farm. Pobblebonk offers premium accommodation for travellers with dogs and an opportunity for dogs to enjoy holidaying in the country with their family. Dogs are thoroughly spoiled and are made to feel just as welcome as their owners.

People's Choice Winner: Safety Beach Ocean Bungalows, NSW

Romantic Holiday Accommodation

Cedars Indulgence Retreat, Victoria
Be Indulged and Spoiled with one of our packages- Candelit Gourmet Dinners, Saunas,Aromatherapy Massage,Beauty Treatments -Salt Glows, Jojoba Scrub, Facials, Aromatherapy Spas, Mud or Clay Wraps. A Movie in your own private theatre. 'Cedars Indulgence Retreat' we tailor packages to suit your every need, whilst providing the perfect breakaway from urban life. The facilties, service and genuine hospitality are sure to exceed your expectations. Our luxury private suite and open fireplace provide the perfect backdrop for romance and relaxation. The retreat allows you to unwind and rejuvinate, whilst your hosts pamper you with soothing body treatments and gourmet meals, all within the grounds of the elegant sanctuary.

People's Choice Winner: Cedars Indulgence Retreat, Victoria

Self-contained Holiday Accommodation

Yondah Beach House, South Australia
Enjoy total privacy, your own golden beaches and glorious sea views from this stylish architect-designed beach house. Explore the clifftops and rugged coves or just bask on a beautiful beach of your very own. Watch for kangaroos, sealions and even whales! Yondah Beach House really is the perfect beach hideaway. Set on 300 scenic acres with stunning sea views to Kangaroo Island, this gorgeous beach house offers style and comfort in a secluded and beautiful setting. You won't believe you're only 3 hours from Adelaide!

People's Choice Winner: Gully Falls House, NSW

Unique and Unusual Holiday Accommodation

Old Dadswell Town, Victoria
A unique old style Australian town nestled on 280 acres of natural bush on the edge of the Grampians National Park. Country style self contained cottages with a touch of nostalgia, history, memorabilia and our good old Aussie humour. There are 5 spacious two bedroom cottages which sleep 4, . Our 1 bedroom cottage is ideal for a couples getaway. Country style self contained cottages with a touch of nostalgia, history, memorabilia and our good old Aussie humour. There are 5 spacious two bedroom cottages which sleep 4, . Our 1 bedroom cottage is ideal for a couples getaway. Our shearing shed style Town Hall has a great atmosphere for communal get togethers with a large Open Fire Place and rustic tables and chairs. Spit roasts now available for group bookings. New additions to the town, Our Olde time lolly shop and farm animals for the children.

People's Choice Winner: The Lodgings at Tipperary Church, WA

For the first year we introduced a Best Holiday Destinations category, where the public were invited to vote on their favourite town, city or region in 8 specialist categories. Winners for 2009 were:

Pet-friendly – South Coast, NSW

Romantic – Margaret River, WA

Family – Gold Coast, QLD

Beach – Noosa, QLD

Adventure – Daintree, QLD

Winter – Snowy Mountains, NSW

City – Sydney, NSW

Eco-friendly – Kangaroo Island, SA