SARAH WILLIAMS @ HAYS TRAVEL
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Top 5 new theme park attractions
1. Serengeti Flyer, Busch Gardens, Tampa
Guests at Tampa’s Busch Gardens can enjoy views of its 65-acre Serengeti plain on the new Serengeti Flyer. It’s the world’s tallest and fastest ‘screaming swing’, reaching 135ft and 68mph. While in Florida, suggest clients head to SeaWorld Orlando too to ride the new Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, launching in spring with surfboard-shaped vehicles.
2. Jumanji – The Labyrinth Gardaland, Italy
Gardaland, on the edge of Lake Garda, is launching an interactive experience based on the Jumanji franchise on April 1. Visitors must make their way across multiple levels, including a hall of mirrors, a tunnel filled with pretend snakes and a jungle maze that’s inspired by the blockbuster film series.
Book it: Jet2holidays offers a seven-night stay at Gardaland Hotel & Theme Park starting at £668 per person, including two days’ park entry and flights from Stansted, departing on May 24.
3. TRON Lightcycle/Run, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando
From April 4, visitors to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom can step onto a ‘light cycle’ – a space-age motorbike featured in the Tron franchise – to race against devious electronic figures known as ‘programs’. Speeds of almost 60mph make it the park’s fastest coaster.
Book it: Seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starts from £2,369, including flights and park tickets, departing on May 20 from Gatwick.
4. Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios, Los Angeles
Step through a bright green ‘warp’ pipe into the land of Mario and Luigi. With toadstools and castles, Super Nintendo World is like being in a real Super Mario game. On Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, drive a go-kart while wearing an augmented-reality headset, while a Power-Up Band lets you track your score and collect special keys in interactive games on-site.
5. Toutatis, Parc Astérix, France
An area dedicated to the Celtic god Toutatis will open on April 8 in Parc Astérix’s wooded Gaul Zone, featuring the family-friendly Chez Gyrofolix – a gentle windmill-style ride – and the Toutatis rollercoaster.
The latter is set to break the French speed record for a rollercoaster by hitting 68mph, while its 23 airtime moments (when passengers are slightly lifted from their seat) will be a world record for a steel coaster.
Book it: A two-night stay from June 3 booked via Parc Astérix starts at £354, based on two sharing, including daily tickets but not transport.
Top 5 London theatre shows for 2023
Since its debut in 2018, this has been among the top-selling shows for operators including Great Little Breaks and National Holidays (which offers a New Year package). Perhaps it’s because this is a fascinating story covering not only the racism and sexism the singing icon faced but also her resilience in overcoming such obstacles – all set to a soundtrack of uplifting tunes.
Book it: A three-day New Year break starts at £339 based on two sharing, including coach travel, B&B accommodation, show ticket, gala dinner and disco, plus an excursion to Windsor, departing on December 30.
2. Moulin Rouge
This jukebox musical based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film continues to sell well, according to Chris Cundall, director of trade relations at Great Little Breaks, who expects a “busy summer” of bookings.
Featuring medleys of modern pop songs alongside well-known covers seen in the film, such as Your Song, and original hit Come What May, it scooped 10 Tony Awards in 2021, including Best Musical.
Book it: A one-night B&B package with Great Little Breaks is priced from £210, including train travel and show ticket, departing on June 23.
3. We Will Rock You
This sci-fi story, set in the distant future and featuring 20 of Queen’s hits, returns for a limited summer run from June 2 to August 27. Following a group of Bohemians fighting the establishment, this iteration will star the musical’s writer, Ben Elton, as the ‘Rebel Leader’.
Book it: A two-day package from Just Go Holidays is priced from £189 based on two sharing, including coach travel, half-board accommodation and a matinee ticket, departing on August 19.
4. ABBA Voyage
This revolutionary show using avatars of the Swedish superstars remains popular, having welcomed its one millionth visitor last month. A combination of seats and a ‘dance floor’ area offers fans the choice of dancing or sitting during the 90-minute set, which includes classic hits alongside tracks from the new Voyage album. Cundall suggests agents combine the show with a trip to see Mamma Mia!.
Book it: Great Little Breaks’ two-night ABBA Voyage and Mamma Mia! package starts at £374, including train travel, B&B accommodation and show tickets, departing on June 28.
5. Aspects of Love
After making a joyful noise with his coronation anthem, Andrew Lloyd Webber gets a very different outing with the return to the West End of this musical exploring romantic lives in post-war Europe. Michael Ball will star as George, having played the character’s nephew when it premiered in 1989, and the show has been tweaked so he can perform his hit Love Changes Everything.
Book it: Omega Breaks has a two-day B&B package including coach travel and show ticket. Prices start at £179, based on two sharing, departing on September 30.
5 of the best spots in Turkey this summer
1. Botanik Platinum, Alanya
Clients can kick back in style on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast at plush Botanik Platinum, an exclusive area within the five-star Botanik Hotel & Resort. Platinum guests have their own indoor pool, but they can also access the 10 outdoor pools at the resort, including an adult-only option that’s ideal for a more peaceful swim.
A short wander down the tree-lined path brings guests to the hotel’s private beach, while, back inside, they can reset with an hour or two of pampering in the spa’s ‘Cleopatra milk bath’, hammam or Jacuzzi.
Book it: A week all-inclusive costs £1,231, including luggage, transfers and flights from Bristol on July 13.
(Easyjet)
2. Atlantique Holiday Club, Kuşadasi
Family fun awaits at Atlantique Holiday Club, on the Kuşadasi coast. Clients can soak up the sun poolside on sunbeds or cool off in one of two freshwater pools – one is adult-only, the other has a children’s section. They can also burn off some energy at Tortuga Pirate Island Aqua Park, to which Atlantique guests have free, unlimited access.
Options include racing down the 14 waterslides or taking a dip in the pirate’s pool, while the evening entertainment spans everything from bingo to karaoke.
Book it: A week’s all-inclusive in a Standard Double Room with a pool or garden view costs £1,547 based on an August 2 arrival.
atlantique.com.tr/en
3. Oludeniz Beach Resort by Z Hotels, Oludeniz
Admire the views while soaking up the sun by one of three pools at Oludeniz Beach Resort, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea. Clients can also enjoy a Turkish bath at the spa, sample a local tipple at the bar or venture farther afield to Oludeniz’s famous blue lagoon, where the shallow waters are perfect for paddling, canoeing or searching for mussels.
Book it: Based on two adults sharing, a week’s all-inclusive costs £889 per person, including luggage, transfers and flights from Birmingham on August 30.
jet2holidays.com
4. Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Nicknamed Turkey’s Las Vegas, Lara Beach is home to some of the country’s glitziest resorts – and Delphin Imperial is no exception. Set on a private beach, it boasts four pools, as well as its own waterpark, so guests are spoilt for choice. Little ones are taken care of with a kids’ club and playground, while adults can keep themselves entertained in the spa and nightclub.
Book it: Mercury Holidays offers a week’s all-inclusive for £1,819, including luggage, transfers and flights from Gatwick on July 1.
mercuryholidays.co.uk
5. Granada Luxury Belek, Belek
Stylish Belek is perfect for those wanting both peaceful relaxation and high-energy fun. Among the glamorous hotels is Granada Luxury Belek, where two on-site aqua parks offer waterslides as well as poolside hammocks for chilled-out sunbathing. Guests can sample local cuisine at one of the eight restaurants, then choose from 16 bars, with disco, beach and sports options.
Book it: Based on two adults and one child under four sharing, a week’s all-inclusive costs £1,399 per person, including luggage, transfers and flights from Manchester on July 1. jet2holidays.com
Why Athens is both the perfect city & Nature break.
A traditional city break won’t typically feature a boat trip to a verdant island, a heart-pumping cycle up a mountain and a peaceful moment of reflection in a tortoise-filled garden.
Yet that’s what Athens offers to the traveller in need of both urban and unspoilt landscapes: pine tree-lined pathways and rural delights in the daytime and the comforts of city life, including an array of crowd-pleasing hotels, after dark.
Here are some of the best experiences you can suggest to clients looking for a city break with a healthy dose of outdoor activities.
Ellinikon Experience Park
Between the glittering glass houses and all-day beach bars of the Athenian Riviera, an exciting project is taking shape: the Ellinikon. The city’s former airport has lain abandoned for about two decades, but is now becoming Europe’s largest coastal park, three times the size of Monaco.
A small part of the planned park, the Experience Park, opened in December 2021. Easily accessible from Syntagma Square – it takes about 25 minutes on the metro to reach Elliniko station – the park is a fantastic place for your clients to unwind, featuring a Zen garden with a mirror-like water feature and shady spots for yoga.
It’s also designed with families in mind: children are encouraged to play in the fountains and airport-themed playground, while adults can read a book under eucalyptus trees and relax on benches made from recycled bits of runway in the herb garden.
Book it: Newmarket Holidays’ week-long Classical Greece and the Ancient World adventure sets its Athens base in Glyfada, a glitzy neighbourhood next to the Ellinikon, giving clients plenty of time to pop out and enjoy the park. Prices start from £1,199, including flights and B&B accommodation.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
Hymettus
Better known to Athenians as ‘Trellovouno’, which means Crazy Mountain – Hymettus dominates the city’s eastern skyline. The 1,000-metre-plus peak is a popular place for Athenians to take a break: invigorating treks and cycle rides through bee-filled Aleppo pine and thyme forests are the main attraction, but daredevil climbs on sheer rock faces, home-cooked food from the traditional taverna at the Kalopoula ravine beauty spot and the fresco-covered Byzantine Kaisariani monastery are all enriching stops. Budding naturalists will find something fulfilling on the jaunt, too, with ever-elusive bats sleeping in the mountain’s many caves.
There’ll soon be even more to sweeten the deal for nature lovers: a new app that maps 100km of hiking and biking trails is currently in development in Hymettus, which will make it even easier for international visitors to explore the mountain.
Book it: Responsible Travel’s six-day Mountain Biking Holiday in Greece, from £635, has the option to add extra nights in a family-run hotel in Athens, so your clients can continue their cycling adventures along the 100km of biking and walking trails on Hymettus. Includes breakfast, but excludes flights.
responsibletravel.com
Filopappou Hill
For nature enthusiasts who aren’t in the mood for a strenuous hike, but do want to take in awe-inspiring views over Athens, the Acropolis and the Aegean, suggest Filopappou Hill, opposite the Acropolis’ main entrance. Here, the urban sprawl quickly disappears from view and the sound of crickets replaces cars. More than 100 species of bird, including indigenous peregrine falcons, live in this area.
The start of every Filopappou meander begins with a peek inside a former prison built into the hillside, rumoured to have kept Socrates captive before his trial in 399BC. Then, the path forks: turning right means travelling through low-lying trees to the Pnyx, the ancient Athenian version of parliament. Turning left through the cypress trees leads to the pinnacle of the hill, where city panoramas are framed by a towering Roman monument.
Book it: Abercrombie & Kent’s eight-night tour of the Peloponnese includes two full days in Athens, giving your clients plenty of time to explore the Acropolis and Filopappou. Prices start from £1,450 including five-star B&B accommodation, but not flights.
abercrombiekent.co.uk
National Garden of Athens
Formerly the garden of the Greek royal family, this little Eden next to Syntagma Square is ideal for a quick dose of natural beauty, as the Athenians who come here for their morning jogs or lunch breaks will attest. The 38-acre site is a mix of perfectly symmetrical flowerbed gardens and areas of semi-wild woodland filled with swaying Washington palms and brightly blooming oleanders.
There are 519 types of flora cultivated here and plenty of opportunities to see mother nature in all her glory, from arches covered with roses in spring to avenues filled with golden leaves in autumn. It’s not just the green-thumbed who’ll love the National Gardens: the main lake is home to a charming colony of ducks and Cretan goats, who jostle for the attention of laughing children, and the terrapins that call a nearby fountain home provide hours of entertainment as they swim, amble and munch.
Book it: Cox & Kings’ 11-night Heart of Ancient Greece tour places your clients in the Electra Hotel, a few steps from the National Garden. Prices start from £2,395, including flights and four to five-star B&B accommodation.
coxandkings.co.uk
Agistri
Looking for a Greek island paradise to sell to fans of The Durrells? Agistri, a wildlife-filled Saronic isle, might be just the ticket. The hydrofoil zips into the sleepy island in just one hour from Piraeus harbour, and upon disembarking, adventure awaits. Aromatic pine forests cover the entire island, and adorable peacocks, bunnies and squirrels roam.
Deviating from the main trails is likely to lead to a surprise natural marvel, from the crystalline cove of Mariza to the marshy lake Aponisos. This, the southernmost tip of the island, is best known for its tranquil beach and Total Wipeout-style inflatable play equipment, but for an experience that forms a true connection with nature, your clients can rent a horse and explore the unspoilt island in the most romantic way possible.
Book it: As part of a five-night family holiday package (£1,406), Sunvil offers an excursion that
visits three Saronic islands: Agistri, Aegina and uninhabited Moni. Price includes flights and B&B accommodation in the three-star Acropolis Museum Hotel.
sunvil.co.uk
** Please note we are able to book ALL suppliers listed above, so why not contact Sarah today **
8 of the best all-inclusive resorts new for 2022
If all-inclusive resorts once meant towels on beds and queues at buffets, they’re now just as likely to be about exclusive excursions, watersports programmes, fine-dining menus and sunrise yoga sessions – as the host of new properties opening this year testifies.
And whether it’s a luxury escape to the Maldives for a couple, an active family holiday in Spain or an exclusive Caribbean getaway that sways clients, you aren’t short on options to sell for the year ahead and beyond.
We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting openings of the year to put on your radar for a booming summer and beyond.
1. Sandals Royal Curaçao
Sandals’ first foray into Curaçao came on June 1 with the opening of this property of 351 rooms and suites, a two-level infinity pool, eight restaurants, 10 bars and a spa. Guests can also enjoy a round on the neighbouring 18-hole golf course, sample the area’s 70 dive sites, hire a bike or, if they’re staying in one of the Kurason Island Suites or Awa Seaside Bungalows, explore the island in a complimentary Mini Cooper.
It’s all set within the Santa Barbara private estate, a 3,000-acre protected nature reserve, surrounded by desert, ocean and mountains.
Book it: A week in a Carisia Luxury Room costs from £2,115, including flights from Heathrow and transfers, in September 2022.
sellingsandals.co.uk
2. Club Med Magna Marbella
Club Med has returned to Spain for the first time in 20 years with the opening this month of its new Marbella outpost, located just outside the city centre and a short stroll from the beach. It boasts expansive gardens, five pools, two restaurants, three bars, a family waterpark and adult-only zone, plus children’s clubs offering Andalusian-inspired cultural activities.
There’s also golf, archery, tennis, a flying trapeze and padel tennis court, and a Family Fun Zone complete with mini-golf, a zipline and water games. If all that means you need a little downtime, there’s a spa too, of course.
Book it: A week starts from £2,002 per person based on two sharing, including transfers and flights from London on June 25.
clubmed.co.uk
3. Oblu Select Lobigili
The latest adult-only property from Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts opened in the Maldives in March, with 68 beach and water villas overlooking a turquoise lagoon and various dine-around experiences included in its ‘Lobi Plan’ – from an underwater restaurant to a grab-and-go food truck specialising in game meat grills.
Activities span sunset cruises, fishing excursions, kayaking, snorkelling, beach yoga and fitness sessions in an overwater gym, while the spa offers Maldivian-inspired massages and couples’ treatments.
Book it: Premier Holidays offers 10 nights from £3,699 per person, based on two sharing and including one fine-dining meal at the underwater restaurant, a complimentary excursion and a sunset fishing trip. Price based on travel in September and October, with flights from Heathrow and speedboat transfers.
premierholidays.co.uk
4. Domes Aulus Zante
Domes Resorts has taken over Zante Beach Hotel and will be opening the newly renovated property next month with a luxury ‘Cool Inclusive’ concept that includes four restaurants, three bars, a spa and kids’ club. There’s also an outdoor Family Zone with climbing parks and a splash pool, an array of watersports on the beach and an adult-only wing with its own pool and bar.
It’s all located on a protected turtle sanctuary, so guests can expect to see loggerheads wandering the shore, while pine forest and sand dunes make up the backdrop.
Book it: Olympic Holidays offers seven nights in a Tropical Nest from £1,332, including flights from Gatwick in July 2022.
olympicholidays.co.uk
5. Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen
Seven pools, three man-made cenotes and a private beach are among the standouts at Secrets’ latest adult-only property, which opened on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in April. Its 485 suites are set within Corasol, a gated residential community home to an 18-hole golf course designed by former world number one Nick Price.
Other facilities include 11 restaurants, a theatre, rooftop wedding gazebo and Preferred Club infinity pool, and it’s all surrounded by tropical greenery. Fifth Avenue, the heart of Playa del Carmen, is on the doorstep, and the dive-friendly island of Cozumel is close by too.
Book it: Lead-in rates for a Junior Suite Tropical View start at $167 per night.
amrcollection.com
6. Barcelo Lanzarote Active Resort
Newly opened in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, as an amalgamation of the former Occidental Lanzarote Mar and Occidental Lanzarote Playa, this four-star resort targets active families with three pools – one of them Olympic-sized – a climbing wall, outdoor play area, football table, fitness studio and open-air training box, as well as bikes on hand for those wanting to explore the local area.
Dining options include several buffet restaurants as well as an à la carte option and three bars, while day-long entertainment spans team games to live evening shows. If all that’s not enough, there are five beaches in the area – among them Playa Teguise, a hotspot for windsurfing – as well as historic sights aplenty in capital Arrecife, which is a 15-minute drive away.
Book it: Jet2holidays offers a week’s stay from £829 per person based on two sharing, flying from Manchester on September 29.
jet2holidays.com
7. Dreams Corfu
Dreams is making its Greek debut in July with a beachfront setting in the traditional town of Gouvia, just five miles from the airport, Corfu Town and Corfu port. Facilities include a private pier for watersports, a spa and fitness facilities, three pools and two kids’ clubs – Explorer’s Club for younger kids and the Core Zone Club for teenagers.
Dining options span five spaces, including three à la carte restaurants, plus an impressive range of bars. Along with the standard accommodation options of Garden View Double and Family Sea View rooms, suites and townhouses, guests wanting an extra dose of luxury can opt for Preferred Club accommodation, which includes swim-up rooms and bungalows with direct access to an exclusive Preferred Club shared pool.
Book it: Caribtours offers a week from £1,425 per person, based on two sharing, including flights, UK lounge passes and transfers.
caribtours.co.uk
8. TRS Ibiza
Direct couples and groups to this adult-only five-star in San Antonio, Ibiza, which reopened in May after a rebrand and large-scale renovation. Amenities include the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness centre, multiple pools, four bars and a comprehensive activity programme, ranging from wellness options such as yoga and pilates to games and pool activities.
Among three dining venues is the El Capricho Showcooking Restaurant. There are seven room categories, while guests splashing out on the Signature Level have access to swim-up suites and roof-level terrace suites set over two floors, as well as exclusive drinks, a secluded pool area with hammocks and access to the Gravity roof bar and infinity pool.
Book it: Rates start at €258 per room per night.
** Please note we are able to book ALL suppliers listed above, so why not contact Sarah today **
Your Top 8 Hotel Photos
What can you do, see and eat in the beach resort of Magaluf?
How to spend 48 hours in Magaluf
What can you do, see and eat in the beach resort of Magaluf?
Even before the pandemic forced travel and tourism businesses to adapt, Magaluf was in the midst of a major transformation. The freshly-painted signs reminding visitors to dress appropriately when away from the beach were just the tip of the iceberg.
Among the developments of the past few years are the beautiful Momentum Plaza, filled with independent restaurants and modelled on a traditional Spanish town square, along with guided tours, wine-tasting workshops and free activities designed to appeal during the shoulder seasons.
If your view of Magaluf is yet to be brought up to date, here’s what to do, see and eat in Spain’s legendary beach resort.
Day one
09.00: Blow away the cobwebs with a hike along Playa de Magaluf – the resort’s main beach – towards Meliá Calviá Beach, a beautiful hotel at the quieter southern end. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the property’s Fibonacci cafe, an outpost of the much-loved, Palma-based Majorcan patisserie chain. Try the cafe con leche and a fresh pastry or two.
10.30: Catch some rays on Spain’s most famous beach, either on the main stretch of sand or at one of the beach clubs, most of which have now reopened. Local restrictions allow for full capacity outdoors or 50% capacity indoors with distancing between different groups. One well-known option is Nikki Beach, which has a touch of Miami’s Soho House with its army of champagne-toting waiting staff decked out in yacht crew-inspired uniforms, open May to September.
12.00: It takes 40 minutes to walk from the centre of Magaluf to Cala Falcó, a pretty, pint-sized beach which feels wonderfully remote – it’s bordered by steep cliffs and accessed via a footpath that winds through a thick forest. When hunger strikes, head to the beach’s small restaurant and order the catch of the day.
13.00: Time for a visit to another of Magaluf’s most surprising attractions. The Himalayas-themed Sol Katmandu Park & Resort is Magaluf’s first integrated theme park and hotel, and you’ll find it just a few metres from Magaluf’s centre.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, head for The Asylum, a high-tech, interactive take on a haunted house – think rooms full of demented blackbirds and swarms of creepy-crawlies. Other rides include Carnival, a 4D movie experience (complete with toy guns to blast the on-screen baddies), and The House, which is filled with interactive experiences including a mirror maze and an enchanted forest.
15.00: The beauty of basing yourself in Magaluf is that the rest of the island is so accessible. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Magaluf to Palma (Majorca’s largest city), which means plenty of time to check out the Gothic Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Majorca, with its Antoni Gaudí-designed interior.
And although Palma has plenty of designer boutique-lined avenues, you’ll find the best gems by exploring the alleyways that wind through the city centre. Carrer de Sant Feliu is one of the most colourful – narrow and packed with galleries and craft stores, such as Estilo Sant Feliu, which specialises in Majorcan ceramics.
18.00: Spend the evening in Palma to enjoy a bite to eat in one of its tucked-away, top-notch restaurants, or head back to Magaluf to sample its famous nightlife. Enjoy a sundowner on the sand at the Oceans Restaurant, which opened earlier this year, or opt for seafood and sea air at the stylish Barbuda Beach Bar and Grill.
Day two
09.00: Time to explore beyond the beach, which in this case means Serra de Tramuntana, a breathtakingly beautiful mountain range and Unesco World Heritage Site which provides a stunning – but often overlooked – backdrop to Magaluf. Hiking and cycling trails snake through the peaks (many of which are over 1,000 metres high) but the best bits are easily accessible by car too.
One of the locals’ favourite spots is Galilea which, at 460 metres above sea level, is the island’s highest village. Galilea’s Cafe Sa Plaça De is a great place to gorge on delicious tapas, and there’s a pretty 17th-century church to check out too.
12.00: Feast on local cuisine at Tast, which is due to reopen next year in the heart of Momentum Plaza, an integral part of Magaluf’s transformation. Modelled on a traditional Spanish plaza and designed as a place where both locals and tourists can gather to dine, drink and chat, it’s home to several restaurants, all hand-picked by Meliá, which has invested €250 million in Magaluf’s makeover.
At Tast, you’ll find a menu packed full of regional dishes straight from the menu of this Spanish restaurant chain’s flagship in Palma, including delicacies such as croquetas de jamón Ibérico and, if you’re feeling brave, manitas de cerdo (pigs’ trotters).
13.00: Time for some retail therapy. The enormous Momentum Plaza project also includes a retail area filled with a wide range of stores, so you’ll find Mango and Springfield boutiques alongside Spanish brands such as Heymo for beautiful, Majorcan-made shoes. When energy levels flag, rest weary feet at either the Starbucks or RivaReno Gelato.
14.00: Enjoy Magaluf’s very own version of Cirque du Soleil at Pirates Adventure, a high-octane, adrenaline-charged acrobatics show that first opened in 1985. The family-friendly shows run from April until October although a sexier, adult-only version (Pirates Adventure Reloaded) was recently introduced with performances kicking off at 10.30pm. Ticket prices start at €40 and some packages include a meal, soft drinks and more.
16.00: The often-overlooked Puig de sa Morisca Archaeological Park is less than five miles from Magaluf. Visit the park to marvel at the remains of a Calviàn village which dates back to around 800BC. Highlights include the remains of two watchtowers and breathtaking views over Santa Ponsa – the village was built atop a hill and doubled as a lookout.
19.00: Hop in a taxi or take the bus to nearby Illetes (the majority of the buses heading east from Magaluf will take you to this pretty, beachfront village). This is where you’ll find the Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá, a 142-room, adult-only hotel with a stunning Clarins spa and beautiful gardens overlooking a particularly gorgeous chunk of coastline.
For dinner, head to the hotel’s Arrels restaurant for Mediterranean fine dining prepared by award-winning chef Marga Coll. You can opt to pair your dinner with wine – the perfect excuse to toast the marvellous makeover of nearby Magaluf.
Need to know
❂ All travellers to Spain, including the Balearic Islands, must complete the Spanish government health form at spth.gob.es and comply with UK government requirements for travel to an amber-listed country.
❂ Free Covid-19 insurance is on offer for travellers until the end of December 2021, including for families travelling during half-term, from the Tourism Agency of the Balearic Islands. This covers medical expenses up to €15,000, repatriation or transport, and the cost of extending a stay.
❂ There is no curfew in Majorca and no limit on outdoor gatherings. Bars and restaurants have a limit of 50% capacity indoors.
Book it
Seven nights’ all-inclusive for two adults and one child at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park & Resort starts at £386 per person with easyJet holidays, including flights and transfers from Bristol departing October 12.
easyjet.com/en/holidays
** Please note we are able to EASYJET HOLIDAYS, so why not contact Sarah today **
Five of the best things to do in Benalmadena, Spain
Where is best to explore in this popular Andalusian town?
1. Hilltop charm
The pay-off for a steep, uphill hike to Benalmádena’s sleepy old town are the stunning sea views from the summit. Be sure to stop en route at the Castillo de Colomares (pictured), an exquisite castle that would look more at home in a fairytale.
With a mixture of architecture drawing on the Romantic, Moorish, Gothic and Byzantine styles, it was designed by an eccentric doctor in the 1980s to honour Christopher Columbus. On reaching the summit, visitors will find a sprinkling of whitewashed houses, charming, narrow streets and tiny tapas bars to while away an afternoon.
2. Relax and restore
Picture Insta posts of perfect wellness scenes: colourful yoga mats spread across a jetty while turquoise waves lap the shore as a fiery sun paints gold streaks across the sky. This outdoor, restorative yoga class is complimentary for guests staying at the Palladium Hotel Costa del Sol.
This restorative yoga class is complimentary for guests staying at the Palladium Hotel Costa del Sol
Suitable for beginners, it combines breathing techniques with gentle stretch and flow sequences. Guests looking to further unwind and indulge can take advantage of the hotel’s impressive infinity pool, spa and gym. Seven nights starts from £530 on an all-inclusive basis with easyJet holidays, including flights with baggage from Bristol on October 13, and transfers.
** Please note we are able to EASYJET HOLIDAYS, so why not contact Sarah today **
3. Delve into history
Rich displays of Roman, Arab and Renaissance culture can be found in Málaga, just 25 minutes by train from Benalmádena. The impressive Alcazaba (pictured) dates back to the 11th century and is the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain.
Lush gardens and extravagant fountains complement the atmospheric architecture, and the visit can be combined with a trip to the nearby Gibralfaro Castle and Roman Amphitheatre. Málaga’s Picasso Museum is also well worth a visit.
4. Glitz and glamour
Marbella offers the ultimate in Mediterranean glamour, from the yachts of Puerto Banus to the Michelin-starred restaurants, high-end bars and designer boutiques of the city. Easily reachable for a day trip, the journey takes about an hour by bus or car. After hitting one of Marbella’s many beaches, head to the flower-filled old town, Casco Antiguo.
The central Plaza de los Naranjos is ideal for a coffee under the shade of one of its orange trees
Tapas bars, cafes and boutiques spill onto elegant squares, while the central Plaza de los Naranjos is ideal for a coffee under the shade of one of its orange trees.
5. Family fun
Kids bored of the beach? There’s plenty to keep them entertained in Benalmádena. They can hurtle down waterslides at Aqualand or spot more than 150 multicoloured wonders at Butterfly Park. Benalmádena Marina features restaurants, bars and shops and is a great option for those with older children.
There are several boat trips available from here, while little ones may prefer to spot underwater life at the marina’s Sea Life Centre.
Discover the Palladium Hotels difference
In association with: Palladium Hotels Group
A location as beautiful as Bávaro, in Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana, deserves equally beautiful hotels. Both of these Palladium Hotels offer direct access to picture-perfect beaches with a range of stunning features – so how do you choose between them?
TRS Turquesa Hotel
Dipping your toes in the crystal-clear azure waters of the sea fronting the luxury adult-only Turquesa, it’s hard to believe the airport is just 12 miles away – which means you can be in that water in less than an hour.
First there’s your accommodation: one of 372 suites, all light-filled luxurious spaces that echo their beautiful surroundings, with personalised mini-bars, butler service and 24-hour room service. The seven pools – of which two are exclusive to TRS Turquesa guests – and grounds are equally lovely, while the six bars and four à la carte restaurants should ensure something to suit whatever mood you’re in.
Have a French fling at La Bohème, sample Japanese/Peruvian fusion at Kusko, get the Ibiza beach club vibe at Helios or go global at Capricho.
Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino
The focus is on family fun at this beachfront hotel. Beneath the shade of tiki-style umbrellas, parents can keep a watchful eye on their little ones as they enjoy the five pools or the aquatic park, or make use of three clubs for babies, kids and teenagers.
During the day, the beach is the base for a wide range of activities, while daily and nightly live shows make the resort a great one for groups, families and couples who enjoy lots of entertainment.
And if you’re on the Infinite Indulgence program, you’ll find even more, with access to the activities, dining options and facilities of the Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa.
Shared activities
The Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness centre features treatments, a gym and a hydrotherapy area with pool, hot tub, steam baths, wet and dry sauna and waterfalls. Guests who head to the adult-only Chic Cabaret & Restaurant will see more than 20 performers take part in a three-hour-long live show.
The Dine Around program gives guests at both hotels access to 14 restaurants and 19 bars available at any of the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts
5 ways to explore history, adventure and wine in Perth
1. Fly high at Matagarup Zip+Climb
The serpent-like Matagarup Bridge over the Swan River is home to two new adrenaline activities. Opt for the climb and you take on 314 steps to a 72-metre-high viewing platform at the top of the bridge. Go for the zipline, and you fly at speeds of up to 46mph over the river, landing in Burswood Park on the opposite bank. Matagarup Zip+Climb offers combo packages for those who want double the thrills.
zipclimb.com.au
2. Take an Aboriginal tour on Rottnest Island
This island, a short ferry ride from Perth, is famous for its photogenic quokkas. Traditionally, the best way to explore has been to hire a bike and take your pick of glorious beaches. But new tours have sprung up, including Rottnest Snorkel’s three-hour snorkelling tour of the coral packed bays, and Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences’ 90-minute walking tour.
rottnestsnorkel.com.au; gocultural.com.au
3. Marvel at the art in the newly renovated WA Museum
After an extensive renovation, the WA Museum Boola Bardip has a new look, new galleries and a new name. Part of the rejuvenated Northbridge cultural precinct, Perth’s flagship museum has been hosting several impressive temporary exhibitions. But the permanent galleries provide an excellent introduction to Western Australia, exploring the state’s history, landscapes, wildlife and Aboriginal traditions.
museum.wa.gov.au
4. Enjoy a wine tasting in Swan Valley
One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Swan Valley offers a new Fortified Wine Trail taking in 35 wineries, including perennial favourites such as Sandalford and Mandoon Estate (pictured). Less than a half-hour drive from central Perth, Swan Valley has plenty to offer beyond the wine too; gin distillers, chocolatiers, honeymakers, coffee roasters, olive farms and craft breweries all call the region home.
swanvalley.com.au
5. Check in to Parmelia Hilton Perth
The five-star Parmelia Hilton Perth has recently reopened after a $45m refurbishment – and makes an ideal place to retreat after all those adventures. Expect a contemporary design with marble, wood and sleek pendant lighting at this centrally located hotel, close to Elizabeth Quay. The 80‑square-metre luxury suites on the 10th floor are the hotel’s pride and joy, but the standout feature has to be the outdoor pool – something rare in Australian city-centre hotels.
hilton.com
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