Choice Hotels Australasia has added two more properties to its Ascend Hotel Collection.

Paradiso Resort, located in Kingscliff, New South Wales, and Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, situated in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, are the latest properties to join the Ascend Hotel Collection stable, taking the number of hotels in the group from three to five.

Choice Hotels Australasia’s chief executive officer Trent Fraser said he was pleased to welcome these two properties to the collection.

Fraser said, “Growing the Ascend Hotel Collection is a priority for Choice Hotels in 2014. We have an aggressive expansion strategy in place which is targeting a further five hotels in 2014 and we are firmly on track to meet this number.

“Choice Hotels is also looking to expand even further into key destinations such as Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.”

Opposite beautiful Kingscliff beach on the Tweed Coast, the Paradiso Resort, on the New South Wales-Queensland border, features contemporary self-contained one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, sundeck, steam room, spa and gym.

Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa is located 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD and recreation facilities include a day spa, pool and fitness centre.

To become an Ascend Hotel Collection member, specific requirements must be met, including a historic, unique or boutique aesthetic, as well as a commitment to service excellence.