OAKS. Checking in with. Note from the CEO IN THIS ISSUE. Note from the CEO 1. Taste your way around the Hunter Valley 2. New & Upcoming Properties 4

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Checking in with OAKS Issue 6 - February 2015 IN THIS ISSUE Note from the CEO 1 Taste your way around the Hunter Valley 2 A true gourmands dream destination New & Upcoming Properties 4 Second

Marketing Update OAKS RIVERMARQUE, Mackay Note from the CEO Welcome to Issue 6 of Checking in with Oaks!

1 Checking in with OAKS Issue 6 - February 2015 IN THIS ISSUE Note from the CEO 1 Taste your way around the Hunter Valley 2 A true gourmands dream destination New & Upcoming Properties 4 Second new-build property for Mackay Minor International News 5 Other News 6 Australia Zoo, Thriller Live & the 36th annual Jack Newton Classic Property Specials 7 Hunter Valley getaways Website & Digital 8 Marketing Update OAKS RIVERMARQUE, Mackay Note from the CEO Welcome to Issue 6 of Checking in with Oaks! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends and enjoyed celebrating the arrival of the New Year. Reflecting on 2014, it was an exceptionally strong year for Oaks and we are expecting to maintain this momentum in Portfolio wise, we will reach a significant milestone this year, with our 50th property set to be announced shortly, while there are also two Oaks branded properties on track to join our international holdings in Bali and China later this year. We are also set to add another two new build properties in Mackay and Brisbane, Queensland and continue the refurbishment program at Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks in the Hunter Valley, which has so far focused on the championship 18-hole golf course, and will this year incorporate the one, two and three bedroom villas. I look forward to keeping you up to date with these momentous developments as the year progresses. Staying on the theme of the Hunter Valley, we re highlighting the region s famous vineyards and stunning landscapes in this issue s destination feature story and I wish you an enjoyable read. As mentioned in my previous note, we have forged an exciting partnership with Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast to launch a new Corporate Social Responsibility program that will raise awareness and funding for Australia s indigenous animals through Australia Zoo s Wildlife Warriors Program. You will find more details on this partnership in our news section of this newsletter. On a personal note, I am very proud to be associated with another Sunshine Coast based business who is making such an incredible contribution to wildlife conservation, which is a common cause supported by Oaks and our parent company Minor Hotel Group. Thank you for continued support and I wish you all a prosperous year ahead. Brett Pointon, CEO of Oaks Hotels & Resorts Checking in with Oaks Issue 6 - February

taste your way around the HUNTER valley A trip to New South Wales iconic Hunter Valley promises a picturesque, tranquil and truly memorable getaway just two hours drive from Sydney.

2 taste your way around the HUNTER valley A trip to New South Wales iconic Hunter Valley promises a picturesque, tranquil and truly memorable getaway just two hours drive from Sydney. For locals, the Hunter is renowned as a true gourmands dream destination brimming with verdant vineyards and boasting some of the best artisan produce in Australia. Checking in with Oaks Issue 6 - February

The region is home to over 150 wineries, with some belonging to Australia s oldest and most acclaimed wine families who, throughout six generations of winemakers, continue to ensure the Hunter Valley

And while the region produces a wide array of world class wine varieties, it is the Hunter Valley Semillon that enjoys a very special place in the world wine industry because, as award-winning

It is the same kind of advantage enjoyed by Burgundy and Bordeaux and Champagne.

to relax and enjoy while you take in the picturesque hinterland surrounds and all its attractions.

tennis courts, gym and popular Bodega Restaurant & Bar, and right next door, the iconic Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia.

also offering cheese making courses for those that would like to learn the art themselves.

entertainment acts, including Elton John, Santana, KD Lang and Duran Duran. And for sweet aficionados, The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is well worth a visit.

3 The region is home to over 150 wineries, with some belonging to Australia s oldest and most acclaimed wine families who, throughout six generations of winemakers, continue to ensure the Hunter Valley remains on the Australian and world wine radar. Cellar Doors tempt at every corner, offering a profusion of tastes to please every palette. And while the region produces a wide array of world class wine varieties, it is the Hunter Valley Semillon that enjoys a very special place in the world wine industry because, as award-winning Australian wine writer Campbell Mattinson puts it, it [the Hunter Valley] produces a wine... that is acknowledged as the best in the world, the benchmark. It is the same kind of advantage enjoyed by Burgundy and Bordeaux and Champagne. For a resort accommodation experience that ensures everything the Hunter Valley has to offer is within easy reach, Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks is the premium choice as a quality, comfortable retreat to relax and enjoy while you take in the picturesque hinterland surrounds and all its attractions. Settle into villa-style accommodation, perfect for couples, groups and families, and enjoy extensive resort facilities, including the supreme 18-hole championship golf course, three swimming pools, tennis courts, gym and popular Bodega Restaurant & Bar, and right next door, the iconic Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia. Sampling local produce is also an experience not to be missed, with establishments like The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop serving up a mouth-watering selection of cheeses and accompaniments, while also offering cheese making courses for those that would like to learn the art themselves. Right next door, Tempus Two arguably the Hunter s most contemporary winery fuses sophisticated and award winning wines with the region s largest amphitheatre that has attracted world class entertainment acts, including Elton John, Santana, KD Lang and Duran Duran. And for sweet aficionados, The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is well worth a visit. Using only the finest Belgian couverture chocolate, together with Australian dried fruits and nuts, guests can sample and select from an extensive range of delicious chocolate, fudge and indulgent gourmet treats. And while you could be mistaken for thinking the Hunter is all about the wine, it s a year round destination for sports and spa enthusiasts, too. From biking and hiking to hot air ballooning and indulging in myriad health and beauty treatments, the Hunter s scenic undulating landscape and open blue skies make everyday the perfect day to try something new. Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts Corner McDonalds and Thompsons Road Pokolbin, Hunter Valley NSW 2320 RESERVATIONS: For more information or to make a booking, visit oakshotelsresorts.com Checking in with Oaks Issue 6 - February

NEW& UPCOMING PROPERTIES Oaks announces second Mackay property to join portfolio Oaks has recently announced plans to open a second new-build property in Mackay on Central Queensland s Coast in March

contemporary hotel rooms and self-contained one, two and three bedroom apartments; of which a selection will also feature dual key facilities, ideal for groups and families.

4 NEW& UPCOMING PROPERTIES Oaks announces second Mackay property to join portfolio Oaks has recently announced plans to open a second new-build property in Mackay on Central Queensland s Coast in March Named Oaks Carlyle, the 59-room, six-storey, serviced apartment complex will join sister property Oaks Rivermarque in Mackay s burgeoning city centre and offer travellers the choice of contemporary hotel rooms and self-contained one, two and three bedroom apartments; of which a selection will also feature dual key facilities, ideal for groups and families. Apartments will feature full kitchens with modern appliances, laundry facilities, spacious living and dining areas, Wi-Fi access, LED TVs with cable channels, ipod docks and private balconies overlooking the CBD, hotel swimming pool or landscaped entertaining area. Oaks Carlyle will also offer a host of onsite leisure facilities for the corporate traveller right through to holidaymakers, including a recreation room complete with a communal kitchen and lounge area, paired with outdoor barbeque facilities set amongst the open-air leisure precinct. A ground floor café will also present guests with a convenient onsite dining option. NEXT PROPERTY GROUP - OAKS PREFERRED BRISBANE REAL ESTATE AGENT Another record sale in Brisbane achieved by Next Property Group Brisbane the Oaks property sales experts! Next Property Group Brisbane have set another record sale for its type with the highest sale of any type 2 apartment up to level 35 at Aurora Tower. The level 12 apartment sold for $540,000 breaking their own previous record for a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom type 2 plan up to level 35 originally set back in This position 2 overlooked the heritage listed Customs House and over the river, which is a very popular position in the building. The previous record on level 35 was slightly higher set back in 2013 by Next Property Group Brisbane, showing the market is again performing strongly. Market conditions of low interest rates, higher investment buyer enquiry and less stock to choose from has created perfect selling conditions for owners, which should continue until other new apartment buildings around the city are completed or interest rates increase. The addition of new stock to the market means more available rentals and options for living which may then slow price growth as the market absorbs the new stock. Returns for permanent rentals have levelled and in some cases become a little cheaper in the CBD due to new apartment stock being completed in the 2km radius of the city. Thinking of selling? List with the Oaks property experts Next Property Group Brisbane based at the Aurora Tower on Queen Street in the Brisbane CBD for an appraisal us with your apartment number & building name to alex@nextpropertygroup.com.au or ring Alex Veal on or Tian Hu on BUYING OR SELLING? YOU KNOW WHO TO CALL NEXT! nextpropertygroup.com.au Checking in with Oaks Issue 5 - November

NEWS About Minor Hotel Group Minor Hotel Group (MHG) is a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of more than 100 hotels, resorts and suites in operation under the Anantara,

Today MHG operates in 19 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean. For more information, please visit www.minorinternational.

Currently operating as Essque Zalu Zanzibar, the property will be transformed into a Per AQUUM resort by the end of 2015.

Featuring 40 suites and nine three and four-bedroom villas, the retreat already offers the bespoke, personalised service for which Per AQUUM is renowned.

5 NEWS About Minor Hotel Group Minor Hotel Group (MHG) is a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of more than 100 hotels, resorts and suites in operation under the Anantara, AVANI, Per AQUUM, Oaks, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International brands. Today MHG operates in 19 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean. For more information, please visit Minor Hotel Group announces addition of boutique hotel in Zanzibar Minor Hotel Group (MHG) has announced the addition of a resort on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. Currently operating as Essque Zalu Zanzibar, the property will be transformed into a Per AQUUM resort by the end of Framed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Essque Zalu Zanzibar is nestled in a natural cove on the north east coast of Zanzibar. Featuring 40 suites and nine three and four-bedroom villas, the retreat already offers the bespoke, personalised service for which Per AQUUM is renowned. Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara opens its doors in Qatar Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara has opened its doors, offering guests a taste of traditional Qatari hospitality and a unique resort experience with the first and only over water villas in Qatar. Nestled in the Arabian Gulf off the coast of Doha, the resort offers a paradise island setting with 141 luxury guest rooms, suites and villas, and extensive facilities for everyone from honeymooners to families and unlimited opportunities for relaxation and adventure, wellness, romance and indulgence. The distinctive crescent shape of the island provides a natural harbour framed by an 800 metre long private beach. The Resort also offers a dedicated Balance Wellness Centre the first and only facility of its kind in the Middle East within a resort. AVANI adds fi rst hotel in Thailand AVANI Hotels & Resorts has added its first hotel in Thailand AVANI Atrium Bangkok. Located in a busy commercial and retail area in the Asoke-Sukhumvit area of the Thai capital, the hotel appeals to business and leisure guests who appreciate a prime location, a passion for design and a relaxing stay. Previously operating as Atrium Bangkok, the property has undergone a USD eight million refurbishment over the past 12 months, which has included the 568 guest rooms and suites, public areas including restaurants and bars and the 12-storey atrium lobby. Checking in with Oaks Issue 6 - February

other NEWS Oaks signs partnership with Australia Zoo to support koala conservation Oaks is thrilled to announce a five-year partnership with Australia Zoo that has seen a tiny koala joey named Oasis

The partnership will also see Oaks appointed as an official accommodation partner of Australia Zoo and proactive steps taken at the property to increase koala conservation awareness by offering

Renowned for promoting conservation through exciting education, Australia Zoo s partnership with Oaks will bolster Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors koala conservation work, which includes the

Oaks partners with Thriller Live for Australian tour The singing and dancing spectacular that is Thriller Live a celebration of the world s greatest entertainer Michael Jackson has arrived on our

6 other NEWS Oaks signs partnership with Australia Zoo to support koala conservation Oaks is thrilled to announce a five-year partnership with Australia Zoo that has seen a tiny koala joey named Oasis after Oaks popular family-friendly Sunshine Coast resort Oaks Oasis at Caloundra. The partnership will also see Oaks appointed as an official accommodation partner of Australia Zoo and proactive steps taken at the property to increase koala conservation awareness by offering fering accommodation packages, tickets to Australia Zoo and sneak peek passes to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to its guests. Renowned for promoting conservation through exciting education, Australia Zoo s partnership with Oaks will bolster Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors koala conservation work, which includes the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treats over 900 koalas a year. Oaks partners with Thriller Live for Australian tour The singing and dancing spectacular that is Thriller Live a celebration of the world s greatest entertainer Michael Jackson has arrived on our shores for the highly anticipated Australian Tour and Oaks is proud to be named as an apartment sponsor. Thriller Live has just wrapped up a successful performance series at Adelaide s Festival Theatre and Brisbane s Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Currently playing at Melbourne s Art Centre until 8 February 2015, the tour culminates in Sydney at the Lyric Theatre from 26 February 15 March Find out more about the Thriller Live tour at thrillerlive.com.au Thriller Live fans can choose from a selection of Oaks properties in each touring city, making for an unforgettable show and stay experience. Visit oakshotelsresorts.com to explore your accommodation options Checking in with Oaks Issue 6 - February

FEBRUARY PROPERTY SPECIAL Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts hosts 36th annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic World-class golf, music, entertainment, fundraising and more golf: that s what

film and social circuits as well as a selection of golfing pros for three days of spectacular action both on and off the championship 18-hole golf course.

7 FEBRUARY PROPERTY SPECIAL Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts hosts 36th annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic World-class golf, music, entertainment, fundraising and more golf: that s what was on the menu at Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks last month as more than 200 of Australia s most famous faces descended on New South Wales picturesque Hunter Valley for the 36th annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. One of the most coveted events on Australia s sporting calendar, The Jack as it s affectionately dubbed by devotees of the longstanding event brings together celebrities from political, sporting, TV, film and social circuits as well as a selection of golfing pros for three days of spectacular action both on and off the championship 18-hole golf course. As the chosen event venue, Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks provided a convenient and comfortable home away from home for celebrity guests, event organisers, volunteers and media, showcasing its deluxe villa accommodation and premier event, conferencing and leisure facilities all set against an exquisite Hunter Valley backdrop. Your Oasis ON THE SUNSHINE COAST from only $ 139 * p/n INCLUDES MIDDAY LATE CHECKOUT Ideally positioned just a short walk from the sparkling waters of Golden Beach and now boasting a multi-million dollar refurb, Oaks Oasis is the premier Caloundra accommodation choice for families, couples and groups alike. You ll find everything you need to enjoy your Sunshine Coast visit, with extensive resort and leisure facilities, and close proximity to a plethora of local experiences. Book now! Ring or visit oakshotelsresorts.com to find out more OAKS OASIS Cnr North St & Landsborough Pde, Caloundra QLD 4551 RESERVATIONS: oasis@theaksgroup.com.au * Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid to 31/08/15. Min 2 night stay in an Executive King Room. Weekend and event surcharges apply. Checking in with Oaks Issue 6 - February

While this website is now six years old, we have put enormous effort into maintaining and developing its technology and features.

For example our current site now has a large amount of functionality to cope with many different customer expectations.

These groups range from our public customers to Travel Agents, Corporate travellers and of course Owners.

As the site grows in traffic, this technology is constantly updated. Despite serving us well, the world of online commerce moves on quickly.

Planning is in the early stages right now but with the help of Minor international, everyone involved with Oaks can look forward to some exciting developments later in the year.

8 Website & Digital Marketing UPDATE The fourth quarter of 2014 saw another period of growth for Oaks Hotels & Resorts. Our brand site oakshotelsresorts.com, compared to last year, has improved in the most important of key metrics: visits and revenue. While this website is now six years old, we have put enormous effort into maintaining and developing its technology and features. There has been a continuous program of development and enhancement for the website. For example our current site now has a large amount of functionality to cope with many different customer expectations. Many people do not know that there are actually ten different user groups offering very different pricing structures. These groups range from our public customers to Travel Agents, Corporate travellers and of course Owners. From a technology point of view, the website is hosted on a platform that copes easily with the many thousands of visitors the site receives every day. As the site grows in traffic, this technology is constantly updated. Despite serving us well, the world of online commerce moves on quickly. Because of this, the really big news is that preparations are being made for a world class replacement. Planning is in the early stages right now but with the help of Minor international, everyone involved with Oaks can look forward to some exciting developments later in the year. It s too early to be specific but we are very sure our next generation website will be at the very cutting edge of digital marketing and ecommerce. So stay tuned! oakshotelsresorts.com HEAD OFFICE PO Box 473, Cotton Tree Sunshine Coast QLD 4558, Australia Phone: Fax: ASSETS LIAISON For owner enquiries, please TinaW@theoaksgroup.com.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES For general enquiries, please receptionheadoffice@theoaksgroup.com.au SALES For Sales enquiries please sales@theoaksgroup.com.au MARKETING For marketing enquiries please marketing@theoaksgroup.com.au PUBLIC RELATIONS & MEDIA ENQUIRIES Please pr@theoaksgroup.com.au CUSTOMER FEEDBACK For customer service or feedback please customerservice@theoaksgroup.com.au oakshotelsresorts.com Checking in with Oaks Issue 6 - February

AUSTRALIAN COASTAL COUNCILS CONFERENCE. 2 5 May 2017 Delegate Travel Resource Kit

AUSTRALIAN COASTAL COUNCILS CONFERENCE 2 5 May 2017 Delegate Travel Resource Kit Please note: This resource kit will be updated weekly with the available allocations at each hotel. Updated versions and