2018 - real holidays · 2019-01-14 · 4 contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or...

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Contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or visit us online: www.realholidays.co.uk 3

Escape to…Chania 28

Aeolian Island Hopping 32

Pyrenees - 36 A Mountain Escape

Thai Hideaways 40

Denis Private Island, 44 Seychelles

Oman For Families 48

Family British Columbia 52

Zambia - Into The Wild 56

Villas-Hotels - 60 The Best of Both Worlds

Fora Da Caixa, Portugal 64

Colombia - 6 Culture & Coffee

Experience Sri Lanka 10

Wildlife Experiences 14

Ethiopia - 20 Monkeys & Mountains

Dwarika’s Hotel, 24 Kathmandu

Real Experiences Real Escapes Real Families

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this publication are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Family prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years of age. All other prices are based on 2 adults travelling.

Welcome to our latest ‘bro-zine’ - equal parts magazine and brochure, in which you’ll find destination features, itinerary ideas and some

unique places to stay. Our aim is to sow the seeds of inspiration for your next trip, and this is just a small taste of what we can offer.

We’ve been creating holidays since 1989, and believe that each one should be special. That’s why all of our holidays are individually tailored to you by our team of Islington-based travel experts.

From luxury beach holidays and guided cultural explorations to active family holidays and independent fly-drives – we provide a diverse range of holiday experiences.

Our well-travelled, professional team have first-hand destination experience and provide authentic experiences and inspiring travel ideas. We research hotels, guides and experiences personally so we can guide and advise.

We pride ourselves on our honesty and integrity. We care about our customers and will not sell a holiday which is not right for you. And should anything go wrong - we’ll do everything we can to put it right.

Make an appointment to discuss your holiday plans face-to-face over a coffee at our office in Islington. Or if you prefer we’ll be happy to come to you at a time and place that suits.

Worldwide tailormade travel

Time saving knowledge & expertise

Service to rely on

Meet with us

Contact our team of specialists:

Call: +44 (0)20 7359 3938

Email: [email protected] Visit: www.realholidays.co.uk

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Travel made personal


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Travel’s all about amazing experiences – and so is this section. There are devoted wildlife

holidays and authentic Sri Lankan excursions; there’s also an insight into newly-visible Colombia, a trip to see Ethiopia’s geladas and rock churches, and even

a grand heritage hotel in Kathmandu…

Experiences

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STAGGERINGLY DIVERSE AND UTTERLY ENCHANTING, WELCOME TO

SOUTH AMERICA’S BEST-KEPT SECRET…

Contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or visit us online: www.realholidays.co.uk6

Culture & Coffee

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M E D E L L Í NOnce the haunt of Colombia’s drug-trafficking kingpins, Medellín is now the ‘most innovative city in the world’ according to the Wall Street Journal. Take a tour to learn more about this happy transformation, including a visit to the tomb of Pablo Escobar – familiar to any fan of the Netflix series Narcos – and riding cable cars up to Cerro Nutibara; Medellin’s natural viewpoint, and home to a replica ancient township. After strolling the trendy El Poblado quarter, it’s time to return to your nearby five-star hotel.

P L A N TAT I O N S & PA L M STravelling via the pastel-coloured town of Jardín – renowned for a milky fudge which comes in flavours from mango to basil jam – you’ll journey into Colombia’s UNESCO-protected Coffee Cultural Landscape. At Hacienda San Alberto, a premium producer, fascinating farm tours conclude with an expert-led tasting experience, in which you’ll learn to differentiate flavours and characteristics in top-notch coffees. Bring a camera: all around are tumbling terraces, rainforested Andean peaks and kaleidoscopic birds.

Brightly-painted, the village of Filandia offers an opportunity to frequent a typical fonda – a homely local restaurant-bar crammed with curios and paintings. Sample some fiery, anise-flavoured aguardiente before moving on to the beautiful Cocora Valley, and its tall, mist-ribboned wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Plant your own palma as part of a conservation scheme, then settle down to a smoked-trout lunch.

S T R I K E G O L DNow comes Colombia’s capital. Famed for its shopping, dining and nightlife, buzzing Bogotá also contains a splendidly–preserved historic neighborhood in La Candelaria. You’ll visit that on a guided tour, before ascending Monserrate mountain and inspecting its dazzlingly white catholic church – and equally photogenic views. Over at the Museo del Oro, gold masks and carved animals, some 2,500 years old, are gobsmacking, as is a nearby gallery dedicated to contemporary artist Fernando Botero. Admire his sculptures, including a huge human hand, alongside works by Picasso, Dali, Monet and more.

Leaving Bogotá, you’ll soon be hiking to beautiful Lake Guatavita, an idyllic lagoon which may have inspired the El Dorado legend. Supposedly, Muisca tribal members had liberally chucked gold and jewels into the lake during ceremonies; conquistadores later searched greedily for this treasure, but to no avail.

Continue north to the preposterously pretty Villa de Leyva, where whitewashed walls, terracotta-tile roofs and pine-green doors adorn every flowery street. The next day sees you arriving at Zipaquirá and its famous Salt Cathedral: 14 chapels remarkably carved into an ancient mine.

C O L O N I A L C A R I B B E A NLong an inspiration for painters, writers and musicians, the Caribbean colonial jewel of Cartagena continues to thrill visitors today. Staying in the historic centre, you’ll first tour its highlights: baroque convents, craft markets held in old jails and mighty Castillo de San Felipe – the greatest fortress ever built by a Spanish colony. A second day comes with options: you can either delve into Cartagena’s dance scene courtesy of a merengue or bachata lesson – or simply wander about this fairytale port, drinking it all in, and perhaps revisit the castle at sunset.

Finish the trip by transferring by car to Tayrona National Park for a fix of Caribbean slumber. Set in seclusion just beside the park, Villa Maria Tayrona is one of the best eco-hotels around. It boasts an outdoor pool, air-conditioned rooms, hammocks, a restaurant, a private beach area and – most importantly – a snoozy, sedative atmosphere.

Take free shuttles to the park to visit waterfalls or trek along Rio Don Diego watching for red howler monkeys. Alternatively, just spend your time in horizontal, heavenly repose.

H O M E W A R D B O U N DIt’s time to head home, hopefully armed with a tan and some golden souvenirs. Perhaps you could watch Narcos on the overnight flight back? By now you’ll know it’s only half the story.

Colombia has it all. Sandy beaches? Tick. Rainforest? Definitely. Mountains? But of course. Coffee plantations, colonial towns and craft markets? Yes, yes and yes. The food? Excellent. Throw in gold museums, cathedrals carved into salt mines, fantastical wildlife and thriving cities, and you have one of South America’s most versatile destinations.

Here’s how we suggest packing it all in… THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: You can fly the 11.5-hour journey direct to Bogota with Avianca, or via Amsterdam with KLM.

When to go: Due to its proximity to the equator, Colombia’s temperatures vary more according to altitude than season. The dry seasons of December to March or July & August are best.

Combine with: The vast Colombian Amazon covers almost a third of the country, and rewards adventurous travellers with its staggering variety of flora and fauna.

Cost: From £3,795 per person, 14 nights, B&B, including guides, transfers and flights.


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Sri Lanka’s one of our favourite all-rounder

destinations, thanks to its winning blend of timeless

ruins, roaming wildlife, rolling tea-country

landscapes and palm-fringed shores. Yet despite all of those

elements, it’s often memories of its people which linger

longest for those who visit.


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experience

We’ve curated a new series of activities to help you experience local lifestyles and

culture through face-to-face engagement. Now you can take tea with a monk, teach a class in a rural school or get up close and personal with an elephant to experienceSri Lanka through the eyes of its people.

E L E P H A N T E N C O U N T E R

Elephants are synonymous with Sri Lankan culture. Working closely with our local partners, we’re now able to offer intimate and exclusive ‘tusker’ encounters for those seeking closer contact provided ethically.

You set off from Dambulla, again within the Cultural Triangle region, to a remote village beside the Kandalama Reservoir. From here you’re whisked aboard a waiting catamaran for the short journey to Kap Ela, to be greeted upon arrival by the wondrous sight of two tamed elephants bathing.

There’s not another soul in sight aside from their mahouts, who’ll invite you to help wash their charges using coconut husks. After scrubbing the elephants’ rough skin, you’ll then treat them to some tropical fruits in a pachyderm pampering session before enjoying a refreshing king coconut yourself under shady trees.

M E E T A M O N KAlms-giving to monks has been a sacred tradition in Sri Lanka since time immemorial. Considered to ensure long life, participation in this ritual offers a unique insight into local customs.

On a wooded mountainside deep within the Cultural Triangle’s Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve lie the mysterious restored ruins of a forest monastery. After exploring this extensive cave complex, you’ll get to meet a group of forest-dwelling hermit monks and serve them one of their two daily meals.

Accompanied by a local family and your guide, who acts as translator, you’ll dish up fragrant plates to the holy men while engaging in conversation. Find out how they came to be monks and learn about their day-to-day lives in this area, where solitude-seekers have settled since the 3rd century.

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Spend the day learning how to cook a traditional Sinhalese meal at a beautiful, private paddy island just north of Galle, close to the palm-fringed south coast.

The cooking staff, all from surrounding villages, will first take you to the local markets. Here is delivered an introduction to lesser-known ingredients such as bitter gourd and wing beans, before you pick up turmeric, cinnamon and other staples from brimming buckets.

You’ll then make your way to the serene surrounds of the open-air kitchen to prepare an authentic Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the rice paddies. Scrape coconuts to extract the all-important milk, and grind vegetable and herbs using a typical stone slab. Later, enjoy the fruits of your labour by tucking into aromatic curries and coconut sambols at an al-fresco dining pavilion.

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: SriLankan Airlines fly the 10.5-hour direct route to Colombo, plus there are good-value indirect options.

When to go: Sri Lanka’s practically a year-round destination, though weather varies from region to region, season to season.

Combine with: The Maldives’ idyllic atolls are just an hour away, ideal for some post-adventure downtime.

Cost: From £3,315 per person for a 12-night itinerary, B&B, including guiding and experiences, transfers and flights.

V I L L A G E C R I C K E T

Where better than Sri Lanka to enjoy a crash course in cricket? We can arrange a friendly game with the locals of a rural village.

Your experience begins by meeting a villager in their own home, who’ll hook you up with all the necessary equipment. Then you’ll head out for a knock-around as the locals display their ‘A’ game, and spectators gather to cheer the teams on. After the match, ice creams are served and we donate the sports equipment to the local children.


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bucket list

WILDLIFE EXPERIENCESFew experiences rival the thrill of encountering wild, wondrous animals up close. From moments of shared recognition with mountain gorillas in steamy Ugandan jungles to polar-bear expeditions atop Svalbard’s icy tundra, we’ve selected five of our favourites. Do any feature on your wildlife wish-list?


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Turtles in Costa Rica Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast is one of the world’s prime turtle-nesting hubs. Each year the reptiles return to the same beaches where they were born in order to produce another generation of eggs. Translated as ‘Land of the Turtles’, Tortuguero National Park is the best place to witness this spectacle.

Head south on the Tortuguero Canal after dark, eschewing the main beach’s crowds in favour of more secluded sands. Led out onto the moonlit beach by a guide, you’ll then stand just a few feet away from the turtles and watch as they lay eggs. Covering their nests to deter predators, the enormous creatures subsequently stumble back to the sea – and the cycle of life continues.

THE LOWDOWN

When: Turtle-nesting times vary depending on the species, but the best sightings are generally enjoyed during the ‘Green Turtle hatching season’ between July and September.

Stay: Set in 50 acres of tropical forest and gardens, riverside Tortuga Lodge is perfectly positioned to explore Tortuguero. It arranges superb turtle-watching tours.

Cost: From £2,480 per person for a 14-night itinerary, B&B (full board for 2 nights in Tortuguero) including transfers and flights.

Polar bears in SvalbardPicture the scene. You’re zipping through remote, ice-floe dotted waters in a small inflatable boat, surrounded by glaciers and frozen tundra. Then you see it: the unmistakeable thick white fur of a polar bear, just across the ice. The world’s largest land predator sniffs the frozen Arctic air, and shuffles towards a seal hole in search of its next meal. David Attenborough, eat your heart out!

The best way to see these ‘Kings of the Arctic’ in their own barren backyard is on an expedition cruise around Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Aside from the premier attraction and those seals, this untamed landscape is also home to reindeer and Arctic fox.

THE LOWDOWN

When: The best time is the summer months, June to September, when polar bears are in their active period, and the midnight sun enables potential round-the-clock sightings.

Cruise: Itineraries vary in terms of length and the size of ship, but we can recommend the best option to suit you. All will feature on-board expert naturalists, and offer a variety of shore excursions.

Cost: From £1,585 per person for a 5-night itinerary, full board, including excursions, transfers and flights.

Whale sharks in Western AustraliaSwimming alongside the world’s largest fish is an experience sure to inspire awe. Your chance to get up close to these majestic and rarely-glimpsed creatures comes during their annual migration past Ningaloo, Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. This massive stretch of marine park is located around 750 miles north of Perth, where you can now fly to non-stop from the UK.

Motor out into the Indian Ocean, then clamber into wetsuits and snorkel gear as you anticipate the arrival of the star attraction. Suddenly you’ll be gliding beside a gang of gentle, mottle-skinned giants. Keep an eye out too for manta rays, turtles and humpback whales while in the teeming waters.

THE LOWDOWN

When: Whale sharks frequent Ningaloo between March and July to feed on plankton following a mass coral-spawning.

Stay: Set in the remote sand dunes of Cape Range National Park, beautiful safari camp Sal Salis is just steps from the reef and organises whale-shark swims plus kayaking and fishing excursions.

Cost: From £4,430 per person for a 13-night Western Australia itinerary, B&B (full board for 3 nights at Sal Salis), including whale shark swim, car hire and flights.


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Gorillas in Uganda Pack your sense of adventure for a once-in-a-lifetime trek through ancient rainforest in search of Uganda’s mountain gorillas. 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of conservation in the dauntingly-named Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest – which is home to around half the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Following a thorough briefing, you’ll set off from your lodge on this primate pilgrimage accompanied by expert trackers.

A degree of fitness is required to trek up steep hillsides where the altitude extends up to 2,590m (8,500 feet).

But your efforts will be rewarded in spades. It’s a privilege to see these extraordinary animals up close and, while the encounter may only last an hour, it’s sure to rank among the most humbling, emotional and intense hours of your life.

THE LOWDOWN

When: Conditions are easiest if you stick to the dry seasons: June to September or January to February.

Stay: The eight cosy cottages at eco-friendly Buhoma Lodge afford stunning views of Bwindi. You’re also just a short walk from start of your gorilla trek.

Cost: From £2,385 + US$600 gorilla permit per person for a 4-night stay at Buhoma including full board, transfers and flights.

Tigers in IndiaIndia is home to 70% of the world’s tigers, with the population expected to increase to around 2,600 after this year’s census. Little-known Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, in the west-central Maharashtra state, offers some of the best odds of seeing these majestic creatures in the wild thanks to its scant foliage and lower visitor numbers.

Setting off in early-morning twilight, you’ll head into the heart of this teak and bamboo forest aboard custom-fitted jeeps. Knowledgeable naturalist guides will point out fresh pugmarks before taking you to lie in wait beside a waterhole. Sightings of sambar, wild dogs, Indian gaur and even sloths are also possible – but nothing will compare to the moment you catch a sight of that elusive orange and black-striped skin.

THE LOWDOWN

When: Sightings are especially likely during the hot summer months of April and May, while October and November’s post-monsoon period brings lush green vegetation.

Stay: Just metres from the reserve gates, Svasara Jungle Lodge offers Tadoba’s best access and highest level of comfort.

Cost: From £2,775 per person for a 9-night itinerary including Tadoba, full board, including safaris, transfers and flights.

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Rich in history, culture and incredible landscapes, Ethiopia

hides a surprise around every fascinating corner.

From encounters with gelada monkeys to explorations of

ancient rock-hewn churches, Real Holidays’ Sarah

McLennan discovers a country of unique depth and grandeur.


Monkeys & Mountains

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National Geographic Creative / Alamy Stock Photo

T H E J E R U S A L E M O F A F R I C ALess than 24 hours later, I’m standing above a crater looking down at a subterranean church carved entirely out of rock. “How did they do this?” I wonder to myself, awestruck.

I’d been anticipating my visit, but nothing could have adequately prepared me for seeing Lalibela’s monolithic, rock-cut churches, which date to the 12th century. Some are well over ten metres high and yet hewn below ground level; others dug out as caves connected by a series of tunnels. The most well-known, and most photographed, is Bet Giyorgis. Chiselled perfectly into the shape of a Greek cross, it’s reached by a hidden, curling path and underground entrance.

Lalibela’s churches are a world wonder to rival Petra or Angkor Wat, only with far fewer visitors. Unlike those ancient

monuments, they are also still in daily use. I mingle among worshippers and white-clothed pilgrims in Bet Maryam while they take part in an Orthodox Christian service. When the sound of prayers fills the room, I stare upwards at beautiful frescoes and carvings which adorn the ceiling. It’s a humbling experience.

To experience Lalibela’s holy atmosphere at its most palpable, try and time your visit to coincide with one of Ethiopia’s religious festivals. The most well-known of these is January’s Timkat, where devotees are sprayed with holy water in a kind of mass baptism to celebrate Epiphany.

A M O N A S T E R Y W I T H A V I E WThe next morning sees me back at altitude, ascending a windswept plateau enroute to the Asheton Maryam Monastery. My guide

and I meander up the rocky path via juniper and eucalyptus groves, and past locals hawking ghabis (traditional Ethiopian attire). We often share the trail with goat herds and schoolchildren.

It’s a steady rather than steep ascent, but I’m still relieved when we finally arrive. Moulded out of a cliff-face southeast of Lalibela at an elevation of almost 4,000 metres, the monastery proves well worth the hike – especially when its monks happily show off an impressive collection of religious relics, books and paintings.

Taking a well-earned rest on the mountainside, I gaze out at the incredible panorama and relish the stillness. Then I reach inside my bag, and fish out yet another fresh memory card…

M E E T I N G T H E L O C A L SI first see them at a distance, moving across the plateau towards me: a troop of geladas. Tentatively I follow my guide’s advice and sit right in the path of their daily morning migration, spare memory card at the ready. ‘Incredible’ doesn’t quite cover it.

I’m in the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of rugged peaks, high plateaus and deep canyons. It’s also the only place on earth you’ll find these geladas, which are endemic to Ethiopia and live in groups of up to 1,200. Sometimes known as the ‘bleeding-heart monkey’ for their chests’ distinctive red patches, these relatives of the baboon now surround me. My initial anxiety subsides as I’m mesmerised by their charismatic movements and silky fur coats. “Memory almost full,” bleeps my exhausted camera.

Northern Ethiopia is also home to fantastic trekking, ranging from gentle hikes to multi-day expeditions scaling Ras Dashen, the highest peak. Other endemic animals include the endangered walia ibex and elusive Ethiopian wolf, though you’ll need to venture deep into the mountains to stand a chance.

“Aside from the geladas, it’s views which I’ll remember most from my time among the Simiens. I could stare endlessly at this Rift Valley scenery, stretching out before me for hundreds of miles.”Situated between ancient Axum (said to be home to the Ark of the Covenant) and the medieval castles of Gondar, the Simien Mountains are an easy and essential inclusion on any exploration of Ethiopia’s historical north.

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THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: Fly direct to Addis Ababa in just 7.5 hours with Ethiopian Airlines.

When to go: The dry season runs from October to June, making this generally the best time to visit.

Where to go: Visit the source of the Blue Nile at Lake Tana, search for Ethiopian wolf in the Bale Mountains, and hit Addis’ Ethio-Jazz bars to complete your itinerary.

Cost: From £4,140 per person for a 10-night itinerary, B&B including private guides, transfers and flights.

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Contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or visit us online: www.realholidays.co.uk

Dwarika s Hotel, KKathmandu

A stay at Dwarika’s feels like travelling back in time. Take the wood carvings, some dating to the 13th century, which dot the hotel; they’ve been salvaged from destruction by founder Dwarika Das Shrestha in a bid to preserve the art form’s tradition. It’s like a living museum of Nepalese heritage.

Local craftsmanship also features heavily in the 86 meticulously-designed rooms. Furniture is custom-made in the hotel’s own workshop, and linens are handwoven and organically produced. Suites also feature four-poster beds and sunken bathtubs, perfect for relaxing soaks after multi-day trekking.

The hotel’s central location, within strolling distance of the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, makes exploring easy. But Dwarika’s also excels at providing a tranquil haven from the busy streets outside.

Its pretty central courtyard is the ideal place to while away several hours over a good book. Alternatively, take a dip in the inviting pool – designed to evoke the splendour of 12th-century Malla Dynasty baths – or indulge in some ancient Himalayan healing amid the impressive spa.

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: Flights to Kathmandu take around 12 hours, usually changing planes in India or the Middle East.

When to go: October to April is best for clear skies and mountain views. Avoid May to September’s monsoon rains.

Combine with: Just an hour from Kathmandu, Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel offers Himalayan views, mountain treks and more superb spa treatments.

Cost: From £3,385 per person for an 8-night Nepal itinerary (including a stay at Dwarika’s Hotel), with some meals, transfers, private guides and flights.

Why I love it:“The Krishnarpan

restaurant’s tasting menu, with options from 6 to 22 courses,

offers a culinary journey through Nepalese flavours.

We feasted for hours on local specialities from gourd and

soybean curry to organic lentils with Himalayan herbs.”

Catherine Foxon, Travel Consultant

Travel to Nepal promises snow-capped mountain scenery, sacred sites and trekking nirvana. The country’s intoxicating capital Kathmandu is your first stop.

H O T P R O P E R T Y


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Our next focus is on getaways: places where people are few and pleasures high. We’ve compiled island options – from long Cretan weekends to Italian Isles

and sustainable Seychelles resorts – plus a cosy Spanish Pyrenees retreat and beach stays in Thailand to suit different types of traveller.

Escapes

26 27Contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or visit us online: www.realholidays.co.uk

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It might be Crete’s second city, but Chania is

indisputably the island’s number one for looks

courtesy of a cobblestone old town and Venetian

harbourfront. No wonder, then, that this atmospheric

west-coast port is fast emerging as a weekend break, with new hotels complementing lesser-

known beaches, gorgeous gorge hikes and superb

restaurants.

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B E A C H R E S O R T:

Domes Noruz ChaniaWith its series of sandy domes blending beautifully into the landscape, Crete’s best new beach hotel is a strikingly-designed getaway. Only accepting adults, the resort stands three miles west of Chania. Its rooms are decorated in pretty, pale colours and welcome in floods of natural light. Better yet, they include private plunge pools or Jacuzzis as standard. Spend days horizontal by the main pools or in the Soma Spa then, later, enjoy contemporary cuisine and sundowners as resident DJs play a soothing soundtrack.

Cost: From £870 per person, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: Direct, seasonal flights to Chania are offered by both British Airways & easyJet, and take just four hours.

When to go: Crete’s southerly position ensures a long, hot season. Spring and autumn are the ideal times, thanks to pleasant temperatures and sparser crowds.

C I T Y H O T E L :

Casa DelfinoNow an elegant guesthouse, this 17th-century Venetian mansion sits just off Chania’s harbour. Sensitively restored by descendants of the original owners, its 24 chambers feature vaulted ceilings, marble floors and handmade Italian furniture. Balcony rooms are best, although the roof terrace bar also offers the same glorious sea views – which perfectly accompany aperitifs. Enjoy Cretan pastries and fresh fruit in a shaded courtyard for breakfast, then ask staff to recommend restaurants for dinner.

Cost: From £735 per person, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.

C O U N T R Y V I L L A :

Villa OleanderA fifteen-minute drive north-east from Chania, this seven-bedroom bolthole is ideal for families or groups of friends. Thoughtfully designed across two floors, its separate entrances mean there’s space for privacy as well as socialising. Surrounding the villa are fragrant gardens, in which hide a heated pool. The high-ceilinged living spaces are open-plan and contemporary, while well-equipped kitchens open directly onto al-fresco dining areas. Need a night off the cooking? No problem – the villa’s superb staff can arrange private chefs. Local tavernas and sandy beaches are both within easy reach.

Cost: From £955 per person, 7 nights, self-catering including flights and car hire (based on 8 sharing).

O L D - T O W N I M M E R S I O NAs bewitching as a Greek goddess, Chania’s mesmerising old town offers lots of distraction. You can people-watch on the quayside whilst waves gently lap below, or watch glistening, freshly-caught seafood be hurried into nearby fish tavernas. Trawl narrow alleyways, and rummage in shops selling silver jewellery, locally-designed clothes or leather goods. Then walk the harbour walls to a 16th-century lighthouse built by the Venetians, and learn more at the Naval Museum. Or you can follow your nose, hunting down freshly-baked bread and bougatsa in bakeries.

B E S T B E A C H E SHalf an hour’s drive along the Akrotiri Peninsula, Marathi Beach promises gentle, crystal-clear waters, sheltered soft sands and several seaside fish tavernas. About 90 minutes away from Chania, Falassarna combines a wide sandy bay with windsurfing and good family facilities while Elafonissi island’s shore has memorably pinkish sands.

H I K I N G & H I S T O R YHikers are well served in this Cretan corner. Just north of town begins the Akrotiri headland, on which you can ramble to the impressive Cave of St. John the Hermit – containing stalactites and stalagmites – and then on to a pretty inlet of turquoise waters. To the south are the White Mountains and some of Crete’s famous gorges, including the incredibly narrow Samaria and far quieter Agia Irini, filled with trees and fragrant herbs. If history’s more your bag, venture a little east to the Souda Bay War Cemetery, which commemorates 1,500 servicemen from the Commonwealth.

R E S TA U R A N T T I P SSwerve those touristy seafront restaurants in favour of the old town’s contemporary To Maridaki, where friendly service and fresh fish are the norm. Their fried cuttlefish is renowned. Elsewhere, cool café Koukouvaya delivers decadent desserts and glorious harbour views, and Patrelantonis on Marathi Beach serves grilled octopus at reasonable prices.


Where to Stay

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ITALY’S ALLURING AEOLIAN ISLANDS ARE HOME TO DRAMATIC ROCKSCAPES, VOLCANIC THRILLS

AND BLACK-SAND BEACHES…


Island Hopping

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Roberto La Rosa/Shutterstock

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C ATA N I AFly to Sicily’s east coast for a one-night, get-your-bearings stay in Catania. Explore the city’s lively fish market and handsome historic centre, all as an imposing Mount Etna backdrop provides a first taste of the volcanic views to come.

C A P E R S & C O V E STake a ferry or hydrofoil from the port of Milazzo to Salina, the greenest and most fertile Aeolian island, famed for its salted capers and sweet Malvasia wine.

Stay at family run haven Hotel Signum which is set among citrus groves near the sleepy village of Malfa. The Signum’s airy rooms are

individually decorated with tiled floors and nice antiques. Many also feature private terraces and striking Tyrrhenian Sea views. Enjoy light lunches (and leisurely degustation dinners) at an open-air restaurant where fresh local produce is the order of the day. Then, while it’s tempting to simply slumber in fragrant gardens or beside a large infinity pool, we suggest you explore.

Wander down to the nearby pebbly beach at Scario, or head to the seaside village where scenes from Il Postino were filmed. The narrow cove here, backed by striking sandstone cliffs, is one of the Aeolians’ loveliest locations. Serious walkers can hike a flat trail to the traditional countryside town of Leni, or climb the island’s two volcanic peaks which dominate the

landscape. Explore the rocky coastline by boat; the crystal-clear waters suit snorkelling and diving. Day-trips to neighbouring islands, like lively Lipari and chic Panarea, can also be arranged.

V O L C A N I C A C T I V I T YHop on the boat to Stromboli, the northernmost Aeolian island. There’s a palpable sense of drama as you approach its smouldering, still-active volcano. The island stretches 12.5 square metres and yet is completely car-free – with just a couple of coastal settlements along the volcano’s lower slopes.

Experience the volcano’s molten might at its most striking courtesy of a thrilling night hike. With headtorches

lighting the way, your guide will lead you up steep but well-marked paths. As you approach, ominous rumblings of Stromboli’s regular eruptions can be heard, and lava seen spewing from its fiery red crater. If that all sounds too close for comfort, there’s the option to enjoy the show from the safety of an evening boat tour instead.

The place to stay is La Sirenetta Park, conveniently set just behind black-sand Ficogrande beach. Spend your downtime relaxing by the pool or playing a few sets of tennis on an idyllically positioned court. Sundowners on the terrace are a must, as is dining on sumptuous seafood specialities at the gourmet restaurant.

B AT H T I M EKnown for its bubbling mud baths and therapeutic hot springs, the island of Vulcano is your final stop. Positioned between inky cliffs and blue sea, Therasia Resort specialises in blissful spa treatments and mouthwatering cuisine. And indeed in phenomenal sunsets.

Soothe your aching limbs at the hotel’s standout spa, where black- sand scrubs rub shoulders with classic therapies. Then lay in languor beside tiered infinity pools, or plunge directly into the sea from a bathing platform. Beach-lovers are also well served by the nearby trio of dark-coloured coves.

Just five minutes from the hotel are those famed outdoor mud baths. Cover yourself in healing sulphur, then dive into the sea where underwater fumaroles act as natural hot tubs. It’s a unique experience – but do be prepared for the strong sulphuric aroma (which thankfully doesn’t reach the hotel). We recommend bringing an old swimming costume!

There’s food to suit any mood at the hotel, from pizza and prosecco at I Grusoni to Mediterranean influenced Michelin-starred fine-dining at Il Cappero.

H E A D H O M EA final boat journey brings you back to Sicily in time for the return flight.

Found just north of Sicily, the picturesque, authentic and off-grid Aeolian Islands are somewhere we’ve been extolling for years. But, with their inclusion in Lonely Planet’s 2018’s travel hotlist, these seven UNESCO-protected isles might not remain a secret for too much longer.

Visit three of our favourite islands on this suggested journey...

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: Fly direct to Sicily in just 3 hours. Ferries and hydrofoils to the Aeolians depart from various Sicilian ports, as well as Naples. Schedules vary depending on the season but we can pre-arrange tickets.

When to go: Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds make spring and autumn lovely times to tour the islands. Book ahead for summer.

Combine with: Spend some extra time discovering Sicily’s ancient ruins, baroque towns and beautiful bays on an independent fly-drive.

Cost: From £1,280 per person, 9 nights, B&B, including ferries and flights.

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Vaughan Sam/Shutterstock

A Mountain Escape

Mountain holidays are good for the soul.

Dramatic peaks, abundant fresh air,

and scenic walks offer the opportunity to

escape everyday life in total tranquility. Real

Holidays’ Matt Fisher goes off-grid in the rugged

Spanish Pyrenees…


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PA R A D O R S & P Y R E N E E S The mountains tower above us. Spectacular waterfalls, fed by the glacier of Monte Perdido, cascade down the cliffs. The River Cinca meanders its way through the peaceful meadows and plains at the bottom of the valley. The scenery is staggering. Armed with a map and a picnic, we cross the river and begin the steep ascent to an upper valley known as the ‘Balcon de Pineta’.

In a relatively unknown area of the Huesca Pyrenees, Monte Perdido National Park boasts some of Europe’s finest walking. Remote and wild, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries rather than your phone. Dramatically plunging canyons are topped by snowy peaks including the Pyrenees’ third highest mountain, Monte Perdido. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, the park’s highlands climb to a high ridge which forms a natural border between Spain and France.

My wife Becky and I are staying at the stone-built Parador de Bielsa, close to the medieval mountain town of Bielsa. Set at the end of the road which leads into park, once you’re there you can only go further on foot. Cosy and welcoming, the lounge’s mahogany furnishings and log fireplace resemble a mountain refuge.

But it’s the 180-degree mountain views from the terrace which really get the blood pumping. After a long drive from San Sebastian, where we’ve just spent a few days gorging on pintxos, I can’t wait to get out there the next day and work off some of those excesses. There are plenty of hikes available straight from the hotel’s front door, but naturally I select the most challenging one. It is Becky’s birthday treat, after all.

H A L F W AY T H E R EWe ascend and ascend. Past waterfalls, pine forests and melting glaciers. It’s steep but undeniably beautiful, with the mountains soaring above us. Greedily inhaling the freshest of mountain air, we climb slowly for around four hours.

“We spot marmots and see eagles circling overheard, but there’s not another soul in sight. It’s challenging, but it’s bliss…”

…Until reaching a frozen stream that is. It’s immediately clear that there’s no way to cross without crampons. Which of course, we don’t have. I spend a good hour scouring the area for a viable crossing point but am forced to admit defeat. The circular route we had planned, taking us via the Balcon de Pineta with spectacular views across into France, will have to wait for next time.

R E L A X & R E C H A R G EBack at the Parador a well-deserved ice-cold beer soon puts paid to any lingering disappointment. We drink in the views from the terrace and reflect on a great day’s walking. A hearty meal of migas aragonesas (fried breadcrumbs with sausage and grapes) followed by pasteras belsetanas (thin, crispy pastries stuffed with jam and chocolate) is washed down with some extremely palatable Aragonese wine. We gaze up at the star-filled sky, a benefit of the complete absence of light pollution here, before enjoying one of the best night’s sleeps I can remember.

Needless to say, the next day we select a more sedate, but no less scenic, hike. And no need for crampons.

With a variety of hiking options, from gentle walks along the valley floor to more challenging, crampon-requiring climbs, it’s a superb spot for a mountain retreat. Guided 4x4 trips to more remote areas of the park as well as kayaking and rafting can also be arranged.

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: Fly direct to Toulouse, hire a car and drive 2.5 hours to reach Bielsa. Barcelona and Bilbao airports are longer drives.

When to go: Anytime between May and October, but for higher altitude hiking the months of June and July are generally the best time to visit.

Combine with: A great stop on a San Sebastian to Costa Brava fly-drive and also links well with a Barcelona city break

Cost: From £530 per person, 4 nights, B&B including flights and car hire.


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our ultimate

THAI-HIDEAWAYSIt’s no secret that Thailand has some of the world’s

most beautiful beaches. The idyllic surroundings are well matched by a wide variety of sublime places

to stay. Whether your priority is snorkelling, spa treatments or sundowners, here are a

few of our favourite Thai pads...

Four ways to hit Thailand’s

sands…


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You’ll be hard pressed to find a more romantic setting than The Sarojin: there’s jungle behind, a pristine beach in front and tropical gardens all around. Arranged in a horseshoe shape, its spacious residences offer total privacy. You can enjoy celebratory champagne while soaking in an oval-shaped couple’s bathtub, or take midnight dips in your own private plunge pool. If adventure calls, the hotel’s ‘Imagineer’ will tailor-make activities just for you – from Similan Islands snorkelling trips aboard the hotel’s own boat to bamboo-rafting through untouched mangrove forest. The varied dining locations range from beside a candlelit waterfall to beach-side. Honeymoon heaven? Assured.

Its name translates from Sanskrit as the ‘Third Garden in Heaven’ – which is hard to argue with. From a hillside of manicured jungle hugging Phuket’s less-developed northwestern coast, Trisara and its 39 scattered villas boast unbroken Andaman Sea views. Stylish and secluded, each vast nest features a 10-metre infinity edge pool. Take breakfast on your terrace at a teak dining table before retiring to the sunbathing deck or ordering an in-villa spa treatment. While there’s a definite temptation not to leave your own personal oasis, those who do venture outside are rewarded with watersports, tennis courts, fine-dining and luxury motor-yacht cruises around the coastline and outlying islands.

Backed by swaying palm trees on a white-sand beach, Buri Rasa’s location couldn’t be more picture-postcard. Compact and low-key, this is Thailand for grown-up backpackers who’ve graduated from full-moon parties to wanting some extra comfort. Walk straight to the clear, gently-lapping sea from your beachfront room, try excellent snorkelling or hike through the island’s rainforest interior. The nearby village boasts an array of restaurants and quiet bars serving Thai specialities in which you’ll quickly feel at home. Or stay put at the hotel for fresh seafood barbecues under the stars.

Seeking some stress relief in a paradisiacal setting? We’ve found just the place. Built on the site of a Buddhist cave, Kamalaya is the brainchild of John and Karina Stewart, respectively a former yogi monk and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. Focused on detox, emotional wellbeing and general fitness, its wellness programmes are tailored to your physical needs. Nutritional support is also provided, with healthy organic foods which don’t compromise on flavour. Take part in as many or as few activities as you wish – rejuvenation has a relaxed tone here. Breathing in the scent of frangipani at morning yoga is a particular delight, as are walks along the coconut palm-dotted beach.

Cost: From £2,085 per person, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.



Cost: From £2,185 per person, 7 nights, full board including wellness consultation & holistic activities, flights and transfers.


The Sarojin, Khao LakB E S T F O R : H O N E Y M O O N S

Trisara, Phuket B E S T F O R : B L O W O U T S

Buri Rasa Village, Koh Phangan B E S T F O R : F L A S H P A C K I N G

Kamalaya, Koh Samui B E S T F O R : W E L L N E S S

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Denis Private Island, Seychelles

Privately owned by the Mason family, who live here, barefoot-chic Denis is far more than just a luxury place to stay. Yes, those secluded sea-view cottages and villas scattered along the beach constitute pure barefoot bliss. But the escapist island’s chief charm lies in its fauna and flora.

Take the navy-coloured Seychelles paradise flycatchers, which you’ll hear singing from the island’s forested interior throughout. Visitors can learn from rangers about monitoring and tagging conservation efforts for rare tropical birds like these, and for the turtles who come ashore to hatch eggs on pristine beaches.

Very carefully-preserved, the fragile coral-island environment suits ecologically-conscious guests, too – especially those into snorkelling and scuba-diving.

That same eco-mindset is also espoused by how Denis’s full-scale farm produces most of the ingredients used in its superlative cuisine. These can be devoured wherever you wish: amid the sea-facing restaurant, on the beach or inside your cottage or villa.

Above all, Denis is a place to stop and take stock; a place where the worries of the world will suddenly vanish.

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: Beginning on March 24, those new direct BA flights to Mahé take just 10 hours. Then it’s a 30-minute flight or helicopter ride onto Denis Private Island.

When to go: Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, in the transition months between the humid northwest and cooler southeast trade winds.

Combine with: Sister property Carana Beach, a beachfront boutique on Mahé also owned by the Masons, is ideal for a pre-Denis stay.

Cost: From £3,450 per person, 7 nights, full board, including transfers and flights. (Based on 4 nights at Carana & 3 nights at Denis).

Why I love it:“There is a sense both

of falling off the planet, and falling in love with it, while staying on Denis. It’s wonderfully exclusive

and indulgent, yet also rustic and rewarding.”

Chris Radford, Travel Copywriter

& Marketing


With the recent reintroduction of direct flights, accessing the Seychelles has never been easier. All the more reason, then, to visit one of its more soulful boltholes in the form of Denis Private Island.


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R E A L

Undecided about this year’s family holiday? Read on for reports of all-rounder Oman, active

Canada and wildlife wonderland Zambia. We also recommend a favourite family rental in trendy Portugal, and spill the beans about the clever convenience of

genre-bending ‘villa-hotels’.

Families

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Northern Vancouver Island Tourism/Cassandra Casley

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with the familySUN, SOUKS AND SAND-BOARDING

– A TRIP TO OMAN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE MANY

DIFFERENT HOLIDAYS IN ONE


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M U S C ATTouching down in Oman’s cultured capital Muscat, you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation. If you can’t wait to get started, we can arrange a local guide to take you around Muscat’s spotless streets for a first taste of authentic Arabia. You’ll see the blue-gold Sultan’s Palace and ornate Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, then head into ancient Mutrah souk to barter for bargains.

M O U N TA I N H I G HThe sky’s literally the limit today, as we take you on an adventurous 4x4 drive high into the rugged Al Hajar Mountains. Within a mere two hours you’ll swap the busy city for a land of rocky canyons, date plantations and historic forts – aka Jabal Akhdar. Your two nights will be spent at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, which scores highly for both dramatic views and family fun.

Become explorers as you head out hiking with the resort’s ‘Mountain Gurus’, who provide insider access

and insight into the local terrain. Hike to abandoned villages, secret wadis (riverbeds) and flowing waterfalls, or tackle the labyrinth of mountain roads by bike. Abseiling’s possible for the adrenaline-inclined, as are history-focused visits to Nizwa and Bahla’s impressive ancient forts.

Prefer resort-based recreation? Fine-tune your backhand with a game of high-altitude tennis or your backstroke inside the cliff-edge infinity pool. The kids’ and teens’ clubs offer interactive fun, leaving parents free to enjoy soothing spa treatments or hot yoga in the hammam.

J U S T D E S E R T SYour next stop is the vast desert wilderness of Wahiba Sands, and an unforgettable night amid a Bedouin-style camp. Youngsters will be blown away by the sheer scale of this sea of sand, where some dunes rise up to 200 metres.

The most comfortable desert experience for families is offered by Desert Nights Camp, where you’ll be greeted on arrival with Arabic coffee and fresh Omani dates. Its 30 tents are sumptuously decorated in traditional style, with colourful cushions and hanging lanterns adding to the ambience. All are en-suite and air-conditioned, meaning there’s no need to sacrifice creature comforts.

A host of desert adventures are on offer. Active older children will adore ascending to sandy heights on exhilarating 4x4 ‘dune bashing’ excursions, or indulging in some high-octane sandboarding.

Introduce the kids to local culture by meeting a native Bedouin family, then saddling up for a guided camel safari during the fiery red sunset.

Later you’ll be served a campfire feast of Arabic mezzes and barbecued lamb beneath a blanket of twinkling stars

S A N D T O S E ABid farewell to the Bedouins today as we whisk you back towards Muscat for some well-earned beach time. Set on its own private strip of sand between mountains and the Gulf of Oman is the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. And here you’ll spend five nights enjoying a seemingly endless range of facilities.

Youngsters should love floating down a lazy river which connects the resort’s series of shallow pools, before getting drenched in Splashpad, the aquatic play area. While they play at a supervised indoor Adventure Zone or take

part in organised beach volleyball, you’re free to relax by the pool or in the spa with total peace of mind.

Take to the waters on guided kayaking or snorkelling trips, while the dive centre offers introductory courses for kids aged eight and above. There are also daily trips out into the Gulf in search of dolphins; keep your eyes peeled for turtles laying their eggs on the beach, too. The resort’s own Turtle Care Project runs educational activities and ‘turtle talks’ for children.

You’ll dine on cuisine from around the world at a wide choice of restaurants designed to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.

H O M E W A R D B O U N DToday it’s time to wave goodbye to magical Oman, newly armed with rich memories.

With its guaranteed winter sun, direct UK flights and winning combination of beach and activity, Oman offers family holidays with a difference. Retaining a strong sense of culture and tradition, and much less developed than high-rise near-neighbour Dubai, the Middle Eastern country’s varied landscapes provide the backdrop for an exotic Arabian adventure.

Here’s our suggestion for 10 days of family fun in Oman...

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: BA and Oman Air offer direct flights to Muscat which take just over 7 hours.

When to go: Balmy temperatures make Oman ideal for the October & February half-terms, Christmas and Easter school holidays.

Child age: The Shangri-La will suit any age for a beach break, but for touring itineraries ages 8 and above are recommended.

Cost: From £9,570 per family, 9 nights, B&B (half board at Desert Nights Camp) including private guiding, transfers and flights.


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The Dutch Photographer/Shutterstock

Are your children at that agewhen only non-stop action

will satisfy them? Then consider Canada’s south-western province.

British Columbia combines wondrous wildlife

experiences, enough bike rides and kayak trips

for an Olympic programme, and a seriously-fun city

in Vancouver.


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British Columbia

Destination BC/Hubert Kang

British Columbia - aka ‘BC’ - offers a dreamy combination of activity and adventure. Traverse treetop walkways.

Explore escapist coastlines. Observe orcas and grizzlies in the wild. Here’s a run-through of the best family options…

S E E T H E S U N S H I N E C O A S T

Beginning just northwest of Vancouver, the 110-mile-long Sunshine Coast is one of BC’s best-kept secrets. Take the 40-minute BC Ferry from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay to the town of Langdale, where a paradise of low-key coastal communities, long sandy beaches and old growth forests awaits. Outdoor family activities are again rife.

Watery adventures are the norm, with numerous channels, sounds and inlets teeming with wildlife and beckoning nooks. You could canoe out into the waters of Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, enjoy a picnic lunch at Buccaneer Marina or take the water-taxi from Secret Cove to pristine North Thormanby Island to go swimming in tidal pools. Guided kayaking tours and lessons are available for novices and youngsters, while thrilling night-time phosphorescence trips suit experienced paddlers.

The Sunshine Coast is also home to fantastic cycling and mountain-biking, with more than 300 trails to explore. Families in Egmont can hike to the Skookumchuck Narrows and watch some of the world’s best kayakers take on turbulent rapids. Or there are scenic boat tours up the Princess Louisa Inlet, a steep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls.

T R A I L S & T R E E T O P S I N VA N C O U V E R

Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Vancouver is your entry point into British Columbia. Set between snow-capped mountains and sea, it’s a relatively-compact place – but one bursting with activities to satisfy all ages.

A must is saddling up and exploring Stanley Park’s numerous cycling trails. After weaving through temperate rainforest, follow the waterfront seawall for fantastic city views. Stop at Brockton Point to learn about the Coast Salish (First Nations) people and see towering totem poles. This vast urban park also boasts swimming beaches, a heated outdoor pool and the fabulous Vancouver Aquarium, where you’ll encounter fur seals, beluga whales and Pacific dolphins.

Hair-raising canopy walks can be taken across the 230-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge, just north of the city. Treetops Adventure, a further series of suspended walkways between giant Douglas fir trees, is another guaranteed winner for older children, who can also gaze awestruck at Grandma Capilano – the tallest tree in the forest at 200 feet.

Explore neighbourhoods like historic Gastown or colourful Chinatown, and be sure to visit Granville Island’s excellent food fair and craft stalls – plus a Kids Market with a play area and waterpark.

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: BA and Air Canada fly direct to Vancouver from Heathrow daily, flights take just under 10 hours.

When to go: The summer holidays are most popular, and do book up far in advance. Easter is less crowded, while Christmas is perfect for family ski trips.

Combine with: The ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb is just 90 minutes’ drive from Vancouver. Or you could drive south into the USA, and fly home from Seattle or Portland.

Cost: From £9,750 per family for an 11-night summer itinerary, room only, including flights and car hire.

G O W E S T F O R W I L D L I F EAnother ferry journey west brings you to Vancouver Island: a giant, finger-shaped landmass about the size of the Netherlands. It’s known for the state capital, Victoria, and its English-style colonial architecture, and for surfing or stand-up paddleboarding – chiefly from the town of Tofino. Family lessons are readily available in both disciplines.

Above all, though, the island is renowned for its wildlife opportunities. Black bear-watching cruises depart from Tofino and sail up the west coast, while families can also venture north from Telegraph Cove to the Knight Inlet Lodge – a floating wilderness retreat with superb guides – and spot magnificent grizzly bears gorging on salmon.

Whale-watching cruises depart from around the island: about 250 orcas are thought to live in the north-eastern waters, along with minkes and humpbacks.

Further south, it’s also possible sometimes to spot seals and sea otters on rocks below the Wild Pacific Trail; walk the 1.5-mile Lighthouse Loop and your kids can also listen to a deafening foghorn peal.

Over at the Pacific Northwest Raptors centre for birds of prey, youngsters can watch peregrine falcons – the world’s fastest animal – bald eagles, vultures and owls in flying demonstrations during summer.

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Destination BC

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A safari is always an incredible experience,

especially so in Zambia where wildlife viewing is

unsurpassed. Combine that with a trip to Victoria

Falls and you have a holiday your family will

be talking about for years.

Into the Wild

Contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or visit us online: www.realholidays.co.uk56 57

W O N D R O U S W I L D L I F EBoth the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks offer remarkable wildlife viewing. The former, in particular, is a haven for walking safaris: imagine tracking elephant and rhino with an experienced guide to try to take the perfect photo, or observing lions dozing in the shade of a tree on a hot day.

Our favourite places to stay include Luangwa Safari House, a stylish four-bedroom private bush home, the perfect base from which to explore South Luangwa. The guides are some of the best in Africa and it’s unusually child-friendly, with activities when you want rather than at set times.

Then there’s Chongwe River House in the gorgeous Lower Zambezi, which has a completely different eco-system and activities are more focused on the river. Children will love its funky Fred

Flintstone design and array of activities. In addition to game drives, there are night drives, walking safaris, boating safaris, canoeing safaris and fishing.

T H E S M O K E T H AT T H U N D E R S Lastly, Zambia is great because of what you can add on to your safari. Of course, there is ‘the smoke that thunders’ or, as we call it, Victoria Falls. Its force and power are something that won’t disappoint, whether you take a stroll on the path that runs past them or enjoy a helicopter ride over them.

Then there is Lake Malawi, in neighbouring Malawi. A shimmering mass of clear water, its depths swarming with cichlid fish as colourful as can be. Whether for kayaking, snorkelling, diving or chilling out on beaches and desert islands, a visit to the lake is the perfect post-safari tonic.

P R I D E S & J O YWe have to be honest. A family safari in a remote part of Zambia is not going to be the cheapest ten days of your life. But Zambia does represent excellent value when it comes to game viewing in Africa. And imagine your children going back to school having seen a pride of lions snoozing in the early morning sun for the first time, or giraffe feeding at a waterhole next to elephants and zebra. There is truly nowhere better for an authentic safari than Zambia.

When you consider that getting around usually involves flying, and take into account the logistics of supplying bush camps in the middle of nowhere with your morning bacon and eggs and evening drinks, you’ll see it’s worth every penny. Plus, you’ll be making a difference towards local hospitals, schools and anti-poaching initiatives supported

by the safari industry. And, perhaps most importantly, it buys you the luxury of raw, organic privacy; of being in a national park the size of Luxembourg but with few other visitors.

“This is the real deal. The only boundaries are the limits of your children’s imagination as they tell their wide-eyed stories of a leopard feeding on his prey.”

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THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: Flights from the UK to Lusaka or Livingstone take around 13 hours, including a stop en route.

When to go: The June to November dry season makes Zambia ideal during the summer holidays, while Easter is a great time to see Victoria Falls in full flow after the rains.

Child age: Children aged 7 and above are welcome at the lodges, although some activities are best suited to teens.

Cost: From £24,965 per family, 7 nights, full board (including 4 nights at Chongwe River House) including transfers and flights.


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Home comforts with hotel

service…

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Families often face a dilemma when choosing a holiday. Do you opt for the privacy and independence

of a villa, or the facilities and activities of a resort? Problem solved: meet the villa-hotel,

where you can combine creature comforts with socialising and spa treatments…

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Contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or visit us online: www.realholidays.co.uk

Villa-Hotels


VIP levels of service for both children and parents are on offer at this stylish resort on Crete’s north coast. Every sleek and spacious villa comes with a concierge who’ll pre-stock everything from sun cream to baby gates and groceries. That leaves you free to relax and enjoy splendid views of Mirabello Bay from the private pool. A sheltered private beach is perfect for young children, and ditto an OFSTED-approved complimentary kids’ club and creche. Teens aren’t left out either, with an arcade-game room and watersports among the diversions. There’s also a full kitchen in each villa – although, with four restaurants of top-class yet child-friendly dining, you might not use it too much.

You may not have heard of Calabria, but Italy’s toe is home to some of the country’s best stretches of sandy coastline. Families with young children will find no better base than La Conchiglia, a friendly holiday village close to picturesque Capo Vaticano. Set within spacious gardens, its recently-renovated villas and apartments lead to a gently shelving, powdery white beach where you’ll likely spend heaps of time. Enjoy gelatos while wandering Tropea’s clifftop old town, or head to Pizzo for pizza on the plaza. Fun-filled pool parties provide friendship-making opportunities for children, leaving you to recline and await another sunset over Stromboli volcano. Everyone’s sure to return home tanned and happy.

Beautifully-restored, this 18th-century villa-hotel delivers a family-friendly form of Renaissance romance. As part of a working organic farm, it contains acres of space in which children can play. There’s enough distraction for everyone, from hiking trails and yoga sessions to horse-riding and pizza-making for kids. You might also want to schedule relaxation time at the pair of swimming pools. Each two-bedroom maisonette and cottage features kitchen facilities for rustling up steaming bowls of pasta – handy for any nights not spent feasting on Tuscan treats in the restaurant. Pretty hilltop towns like Volterra and traffic-free Monteriggioni are nearby, while day-trips to Florence tick the art and culture boxes.

Primely located overlooking the sea on southern Tenerife’s sunny Costa Adeje, these sleek suites offer both apartment-style privacy and hotel comforts. They range from stylish studios to four-bedroom penthouses with private pools. A resort shuttle takes you down to Playa del Duque beach, while youngsters can play in man-made sands next to the main outdoor heated pool. There’s also a fully-supervised kids club, plus the sports team run fitness classes for energetic juniors. Explore the island independently, or ask the Experience Centre to arrange excursions from guided mountain treks to scuba-diving. The best bit? Everything’s on your doorstep – it’s a short walk to all beachside restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Cost: From £4,170 per family, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.

Cost: From £2,765 per family, 7 nights, self-catering including flights and car hire.

Cost: From £4,450 per family, 7 nights, B&B including flights and car hire.

Cost: From £3,895 per family, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.

Domes of Elounda, Crete B E S T F O R : S E A S I D E S O P H I S T I C A T I O N

La Conchiglia, Calabria B E S T F O R : O F F - B E A T B E A C H

Borgo Pignano, Tuscany B E S T F O R : C O U N T R Y S I D E & C U L T U R E

Baobab Suites, Tenerife B E S T F O R : W I N T E R S U N

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Fora da Caixa, Portugal

First, some serious style, as the villa’s traditional Quinta-style facade segues into smart contemporary interiors. Light, bright and airy living areas are all south-facing in order to maximise those sea views.

With the property being super spacious inside and out, there’s also plenty of room for children to play safely. A heated pool is large enough to enable lap-swimming, while youngsters can step directly down into its shallow end.

Best of all is the nearby stretch of sheltered, sandy beach – ideal for younger children wanting to go paddling. Watersports are also plentiful: teens or adults can go kitesurfing, sailing or spend a fun day learning to surf Atlantic breakers. And you’ll find cobbled streets and culture in nearby Obidos, a walled medieval town which has earned UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Is it meal time? Prepare family feasts in the well-equipped kitchen or get grilling on a barbecue ahead of al-fresco dinners on your terracotta-tiled terrace. If you fancy a night off, the various restaurants on Foz do Arelho’s town square are within strolling distance.

THE LOWDOWN

Getting there: It’s just a 1-hour drive to the villa from Lisbon’s airport, with plenty of flight options.

When to go: The Silver Coast’s temperate climate is best experienced during the summer holidays.

Combine with: A few days in Lisbon, staying at the Martinhal Chiado Family Suites apartment-hotel, makes for a great twin-centre family holiday.

Cost: From £3,100 in peak season (early July to early September) and £1,900 the rest of the year, per week, self-catering. The villa sleeps up to 10, but small group rates are available on request.

Why I love it:“It was wonderful waking

up each morning to the tremendous views over the lagoon, before

wandering the pretty stone streets of Obidos in search of yet another

excellent local restaurant..”Rob Milverton,

Travel Consultant

Fora da Caixa is one of our all-time favourite villas. It has all the ingredients for family holiday success, combining great value with a fantastic location on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Set high above Obidos Lagoon, this spacious five-bedroom villa boasts stylish design, sweeping lagoon views and close proximity to sandy beaches.


REAL FA

MILIES

Contact our travel specialists to start planning

your next holiday.

Call: +44 (0)20 7359 3938

Email: [email protected]

Visit: www.realholidays.co.uk

MATTHEW FISHERDirector

ROB MILVERTON Travel Consultant

SARAH MCLENNANSales Manager

SOPHIE GARLAND Travel Consultant

CATHERINE FOXON Travel Consultant

LOUISE SILVERMAN Travel Consultant

HOLLIE COLEMAN Travel Consultant

SACHA BOASE Office Manager

MARTYNA SIKORSKA Sales Support

LOU HUGHES Marketing Manager

CHRIS RADFORD Travel Copywriter & Marketing

M E E T T H E T E A MOur small team of well-travelled consultants have a wide range of skills and experience, each with their own

areas of specialism. We very much believe in working as a team to share our knowledge of hotels, local guides and experiences and it is not unusual to have the entire team discussing ideas for your holiday.


36a Clare Lane, Islington, London N1 3DB

www.realholidays.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7359 3938 [email protected]

2018 - real holidays · 2019-01-14 · 4 contact our team of specialists: +44 (0)20 7359 3938 or...

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