“MUMS & BUBS” FAMILY RETREATS
…indulgences for bub and grown-ups alike
An innovative series of unique wellness retreats for infants and their parents are currently on offer with the next scheduled for September.
Featuring workshops facilitated by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and private post-natal consultations with a specialist midwife, this three-day programme offers new parents important learning opportunities in the private, tranquil and supportive environment of Shizuka Ryokan japanese country spa & wellness retreat.
Infant massage offers many benefits including improved sleep management, enhanced parent/child bonding and alleviating conditions such as colic. The consultation with the midwife may include advice on issues such as breastfeeding, baby blues and settling techniques.
Located just over an hour from Melbourne in Hepburn Springs (near Daylesford), the beauty and tranquility of the bushland environment enhances the relaxing ambience experienced by guests.
Leading the retreat programme is Certified Infant Massage Instructor Margaret McConvill. She said “We anticipate that expectant as well as new parents will be interested in these ground-breaking retreats as the programme is best suited to babies of pre-crawling age. Accordingly, parents may well book a retreat in advance before their baby is born.”
Retreats are currently scheduled for specific dates in September and December 2010. Ideal for mothers’ club members, further retreats may be organised according to demand - so enquiries are also welcome regarding alternative dates.
The retreat package include five hours of workshops on infant massage, a two-hour private consultation on post-natal care with a specialist midwife, three night’s accommodation for two adults and one baby and delicious cooked breakfasts served daily. Tranquility is assured as all adjoining rooms are guaranteed to be unoccupied.
The three-night retreat packages are priced at just $349 per room per night (a total of $1,047) inclusive of two adults, one baby and all of the above services. Ample free time allows plenty of opportunities to choose optional extras including delicious dinners and luxurious spa and wellness treatments. Availability is extremely limited to just four guestrooms, so please book early.
The upcoming retreats are scheduled for the evenings of 14, 15 and 16 September and then on 7, 8 and 9 December. Enquiries are welcome on (03) 5348 2030. Further details can be found on the wellness pages of Shizuka Ryokan’s comprehensive website www.shizuka.com.au
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ENQUIRIES & IMAGES: Enquire to Peter McConvill; 5348 2030 / 0412 204 621
INTERVIEWS: Enquire to Margaret McConvill; 5348 2030 / 0414 362 961
Shizuka Ryokan
japanese country spa & wellness retreat
7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs, 3461, Victoria, Australia
(03) 5348 2030 info@shizuka.com.au www.shizuka.com.au
MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In the presence of the Deputy Consul-General of Mr Soemu Horie and the Mayor of Hepburn Shire Cr Michael Cheshire, the extensive enhancements to
The legendary ryokan inns of are renowned for their traditional architecture and interior design, authentic seasonal cuisine and warm hospitality. Shizuka Ryokan, meaning “Inn of Tranquillity”, brings these qualities and much more to central
A passion for Japanese culture and cuisine together with a meticulious eye-for-detail of owners Peter and Margaret McConvill have combined to create a new level of authenticity and amenity at this icon destination. During the two-year renovation and refurbishment programme just completed, bathrooms were rebuilt, furnishings renewed, gardens revitalized and services upgraded.
Recognising the quality and authenticity of the makeover, a national television network in last year broadcast a profile story on Shizuka Ryokan during its highly regarded business programme.
Proprietor Peter McConvill said, “The ongoing interest by the media indicates a recognition of just how authentic Shizuka Ryokan has become. Indeed in itself, I have visited many ryokan where the quality of the facilities and services were not of the standard offered here.”
The retreat is increasingly popular with visitors from all over and indeed beyond, all seeking a peaceful respite from a hectic lifestyle in an authentic environment and indulging in fine cuisine and wines, or perhaps even a Japanese sake rice wine or shochu spirit. The ryokan’s deep baths and its extensive menu of luxurious spa treats provide a sensual indulgence to complete the unique experience.
The cocktail reception to relaunch the significantly enhanced Shizuka Ryokan to government officials, community leaders, tourism industry representatives and the media will also provide the platform for the announcement of further initiatives for the continued development of this respected and well known business.
EVENT: Thursday evening
CONTACT: Enquiries, interviews and images are available from Peter McConvill, mobile 0412 204 621
ONLINE: Further details, images and video footage on Shizuka Ryokan may be obtained from its comprehensive website at www.shizuka.com.au
DATED:
MEDIA RELEASE
BUSINESS ON TV IN JAPAN
A major Japanese television network has chosen a prominent Hepburn Springs business to feature in an programme broadcast throughout Japan.
Shizuka Ryokan, Australia’s only fully authentic Japanese inn, is the subject of a special edition of the “World Business Satellite” business show broadcast nationally in Japan early this year. The six-member Television Tokyo crew flew to Australia to film the report on 17 and 18 November.
Shizuka Ryokan’s owner Peter McConvill said, “The TV station’s visit illustrates the widespread interest in this truly unique business. In the five years since its creation, the Ryokan has attracted extensive media coverage, both in Japan and throughout Australia. In fact, this is not the first time that Shizuka has featured on Japanese television.”
Peter continued, “The high profile of the guesthouse is increasingly attracting to the area new visitors specifically intent on staying with us. Whilst drawing in many Australians interested in Japanese culture and cuisine, and the odd homesick Japanese expatriate, we are also increasingly attracting the indulgent traveller and those seeking something unusual yet also highly authentic and eminently comfortable.”
Peter and Margaret McConvill purchased the icon business in April last year after relocating from Sydney. Peter has visited Japan numerous times since first living in regional Japan as a student over 25 years ago. He has previously worked as Cultural Affairs Manager of the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne and has consulted to the Japan National Tourist Organisation. Margaret also has a long working history in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Peter added, “Australians now enjoy a greater understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture than was the case twenty years ago. Generally speaking, we are now quite comfortable taking off our shoes to walk on tatami straw matting, drinking green tea and, of course, indulging in the myriad sensations of Japanese cuisine – which we now realise is so much more than simply raw fish.”
“Australian travellers are becoming more discerning and are quite willing to forsake a four-poster bed for a futon. Shizuka Ryokan offers a little piece of Japan in regional Australia – and a stay is much cheaper than the airfare to Tokyo!” he said.
The Director of the “World Business Satellite” programme, Mr Nobuyuki Oishi, said that his production crew were very excited to have the opportunity to film the special programme in Victoria’s mineral spa region. He continued, “Japanese people are very interested in learning about other countries and are particularly intrigued to observe how other people relate to aspects of Japanese culture. The authenticity of Shizuka illustrates that imitation really is the best form of flattery.”
Mr Oishi concluded, “To me, Shizuka Ryokan demonstrates not only a very successful business but also illustrates the mutual understanding and respect between the people of Australia and Japan.”
The programme filmed Shizuka Ryokan in operation greeting its guests, serving its authentic Japanese breakfasts and dinners, providing its signature “Geisha Facial” treatment and a traditional “Shiatsu” style massage and also featured an interview in Japanese with owner Peter McConvill.
It was broadcast nationally in January 2004 to an estimated national viewing audience of over twenty million people.
Contact for enquiries, interviews and photo opportunities;
Peter McConvill, Shizuka Ryokan,
7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs, Victoria, 3461, Australia.
Tel: 03 5348 2030, Mobile: 0412 204 621.
Email: info@shizuka.com.au
Dated: 5 February 2004