Malaga

Hide Away in Costa del Sol

If you are looking for weekend breaks in Europe that can offer you history, culture, tapas, wine and fun then come to the charming city of Malaga where your list of activities will be endless.  You can fill your days exploring famous and long-established sights, dining in traditional restaurants, being pampered in spa’s, relaxing in …

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Rainforest Hideaway

Some Top Spots to Eat on St Lucia

When planning perfect St Lucia honeymoons, there are a variety of things to consider that will help make the entire trip wonderful and just that little bit more special. Whether you want to spend your time indoors, on the beach, getting pampered in one of the luxury spas or accommodations, or playing a bit of …

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St Barth

The Best Beaches Around St Barths

St Barths is a small island in the western Caribbean, which is part of the French West Indies. As a volcanic island that is surrounded by shallow reefs, it is able to offer an array of stunning beaches on which you can enjoy a variety of activities – from sun bathing and beach sports, to …

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Arctic Fox

Polar Holidays, Amazing Arctic Animal Facts

The polar regions of our planet, with their stark beauty and the wonderful, tenacious life that inhabits them, hold endless fascination for scientists and nature-lovers alike. Polar holidays offer visitors the chance to see all of this first-hand, and are as such immeasurably rewarding. The Arctic, for all its harsh conditions, is home to an …

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Hide Away in Costa del SolSome Top Spots to Eat on St LuciaThe Best Beaches Around St BarthsPolar Holidays, Amazing Arctic Animal Facts

Hide Away in Costa del Sol

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Destinations and reviews

If you are looking for weekend breaks in Europe that can offer you history, culture, tapas, wine and fun then come to the charming city of Malaga where your list of activities will be endless.  You can fill your days exploring famous and long-established sights, dining in traditional restaurants, being pampered in spa’s, relaxing in popular bars, clubs and luxury beaches.  Your choice of activities will be endless.

Malaga’s Cathedral

Preserved magnificently, Malaga’s cathedral was built in the 16th century but as yet it has never been properly completed.  As a result the cathedral displays a mix of architectural styles from over two centuries of construction.  The cathedral is named La Manquita, or “one armed lady” as the other planned tower did not get constructed.  This historical site should not be missed as it offers unique characteristics and is also recognised as Malaga’s most important monument.

Malaga

Malaga

Playa de la Malagueta Beach

The beach is located close to the city centre ofMalagatherefore near excellent bars and restaurants, especially those that specialise in fresh seafood, ideal for seafood lovers.  The beach was man-made in the late 1800’s exporting sand from the Sahara desert in Africa.  The sea is ideal for adventurous water sports like kayaking and snorkelling.

Treat yourself

If you want to treat yourself on your weekend breaks in Europe then head for the coast and stay in one of the numerous Spa Hotels. A perfect choice when relaxing on weekend breaks inEurope.

Thermal spa holidays in Costa del Solgive offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of wellness and beauty along with the comfort of staying on a beach side location. Reward yourself with spa treatments and use all the facilities in the spa centre. You will return from your weekend break in Europe feeling refreshed and like a new you. 

Local Cuisine

Spanish food is popular all around the world and usually consists of a variety of dishes.  It seems to be heavily influenced by seafood and rich flavours.  Paella is always a popular choice amongst tourists when in Spain, so much so that it appears in many restaurant menus around the world.  This national dish consists of white rice, green vegetables and either meat or seafood according to your desired taste.  Another popular Spanish dish is the “Tortilla Espanola,” an omelette with potato and onion, and sometimes prawns and mushrooms.  It is said that a café in Spain that doesn’t have a tortilla on the menu would not feel right.  Don’t forget to wash down your Spanish food with some Spanish wine, as Spain has a long history of producing fine wines, Rioja being one of its most popular.

So if you are looking for the ultimate cultural break and warm weather on your weekend breaks in Europe then travel to Malaga and soak up the Spanish culture.

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Some Top Spots to Eat on St Lucia

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Destinations and reviews

When planning perfect St Lucia honeymoons, there are a variety of things to consider that will help make the entire trip wonderful and just that little bit more special. Whether you want to spend your time indoors, on the beach, getting pampered in one of the luxury spas or accommodations, or playing a bit of adventure sport on the beaches, you will be able to find just what you are looking for on this island nation in the eastern Caribbean. But whatever you want to jump into while on the island, you will need to eat, and you are certainly in luck when it comes to fresh Caribbean dining! While on the island, be sure to stop in for a visit to the Coal Pot, the Edge, and the Rainforest Hideaway.

Rainforest Hideaway

Rainforest Hideaway

Coal Pot — One of the benefits to planning St Lucia honeymoons is the availability of amazing food. Located on the waterfront at Vigie Marin, the Coal Pot Restaurant was opened in 1968 and is one of the premiere restaurants on the island. Fresh from the French Alps when he arrived over 14 years ago, chef Xavier was able to win ‘best restaurant of the year’ at both his former restaurant, and again with The Coal Pot. The Coal Pot’s philosophy is about serving fresh food, well prepared, and using local ingredients to create an amazing menu with a mix of French and Caribbean influences. But be sure to book, this delightful little place only has 10 tables and it is well renowned throughout the island.

The Edge — When the 2003 Caribbean chef of the year, Swede Bobo Bergström, who was formerly the chef at Windjammer Landing and the famous Operakallaren in Stockholm, decided to bring his interesting “Eurobbean” style of cooking to a new restaurant located in the Harmony Suites Hotel, it was sure to be a hit among those on St Lucia honeymoons. With a background in the cuisine of Europe and the fresh produce of the Caribbean, it is no wonder that Bergström has accumulated a number of prestigious awards. While in his restaurant, you should take note of the attention to detail that each dish requires in achieving the perfect balance of flavours and spice that he is known for.

Rainforest Hideaway — Located on the pretty north shore of Marigot Bay, Rainforest Hideaway was designed and built in 2004 with the plan to bring true fusion cuisine to the island. The resulting efforts of Chef Jim have brought forth a menu that is small but perfectly formed, with items that provide a mix of land and seagoing options. One of the highlights of the restaurant for those on St Lucia honeymoons is the romantic arrival, where you are whisked to the location by a small ferry and greeted on the dock with champagne before you dine.

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The Best Beaches Around St Barths

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Destinations and reviews

St Barths is a small island in the western Caribbean, which is part of the French West Indies. As a volcanic island that is surrounded by shallow reefs, it is able to offer an array of stunning beaches on which you can enjoy a variety of activities – from sun bathing and beach sports, to water sports and oceanside cocktails. While several of the best beaches are within view of Eden Rock, St Barths also boasts others around the coast that have their own distinct personalities and are worth visiting such as: St. Jean’s, Grand Cul de Sac, Shell Beach and Lorient Beach.

St Barth

St Barth

St. Jean’s — As the ocean hits the shores near Eden Rock, St Barths offers those arriving from the nearby airport a place to go for calm swimming and the perfect waters for sailing. With its plethora of hotels and beachfront bars, this is the ideal place for you to see and be seen while sporting the most up to date fashions. In this popular area, you may come across some of the less camera shy celebrities who flock to the island year round, but especially during the winter months and around Christmas. 

Grand Cul de Sac — Since it is fully protected by the coral reef, this beach on the eastern part of the island is a bit of a drive from the hub that seems to centre around St Jean’s and Eden Rock. St Barths’ Grand Cul de Sac, however, makes the travel worthwhile. Since the water is shallow here, it is a mecca for those who want to try their hand, and feet, at water sports such as: windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailboating. Or, if those sports aren’t your thing, then simply wade out as far as you dare and feel the odd sensation of being a fair bit offshore and still in the shallows. Since this beach is located in the heart of a small community of hotels and restaurants, there is never a shortage of places to go or things to do.

Shell Beach — Just south of the capital city of Gustavia, Shell Beach is an interesting alternative to the beaches of the east, near Eden Rock. St Barths’ Shell Beach is special in that it is the only beach on the island that it is located in town. Here, you can stroll along the shores and collect the beautiful shells that the beach is named after, or you can have a drink at one of the many hotels and bars that extend along the coast and into the small town. If you are braver and looking for a bit of adventure, Shell Beach offers you the opportunity to do a spot of cliff-diving, if you dare.

 Lorient Beach — If the idea of crowds of people running about seems a bit too pedestrian, and the thought of sport puts you off, then you should leave behind the popular beaches around Eden Rock. St Barths has a treasure trove of secluded beaches, one of which is Lorient Beach. This is a beach that is much less discovered by tourists and where even fishing boats are few and far between. The shallow and calm waters offer you a lovely view of the reef and a bit of peace and quiet on its idyllic white sands.

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Polar Holidays, Amazing Arctic Animal Facts

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Far away adventure

The polar regions of our planet, with their stark beauty and the wonderful, tenacious life that inhabits them, hold endless fascination for scientists and nature-lovers alike. Polar holidays offer visitors the chance to see all of this first-hand, and are as such immeasurably rewarding. The Arctic, for all its harsh conditions, is home to an incredible diversity of human culture and animal and plant life – proof that humanity and nature will flourish wherever they can. Here are just some of the unique ways in which species have adapted to thrive in a world of extremes.

Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox

The Arctic Fox may be one of the smaller mammals viewable on polar holidays, but that should not diminish its appeal – it is a remarkable example of how well animals can adapt to very cold climates. Its compact shape is, in fact, one of these, providing it with a low surface area to volume ratio; this, combined with other factors like the fox’s long thick fur, mean that it retains heat extremely well for an animal of its size. It is also a brilliantly adapted hunter for its habitat, with fur that changes colour with the seasons – brown in summer and white in winter, it is well camouflaged in either tundra or snow. Finally, it has such good hearing that it can pinpoint the location of smaller animals under the snow, and then dive through the hard surface to catch its prey. 

Walrus

They may not be the prettiest of Arctic animals, but Walruses are certainly impressive. Their most striking features are their tusks, which serve a variety of functions. They offer some clear evolutionary advantages, allowing Walruses to make holes in the ice, and helping them to climb out of the water. They are also used by males in displays of power and when competing for females. Males will compare their tusks – the longer they are, the older and therefore more dominant their owner is – and those with tusks of similar length will often fight to establish which is stronger. If observing Walruses on your polar holidays, you will notice that the older males – veteran fighters – tend to have the most scarred bodies. 

Polar Bear

Of all the animals you are likely to see on polar holidays, the Polar Bear is the most iconic. They are known for their awesome power and their status as a top predator, but it is not just their size and strength that make them so successful. Other important adaptations include rough paw pads that let them hunt on ice, forelegs developed for paddling and hind legs for steering so they can hunt in water, thick blubber to insulate them in icy water, and fur that efficiently absorbs heat from the sun – a remarkably well-developed predator, and a mighty animal to watch.

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Get Active in Morocco

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Multi Activity Holidays

On Moroccan Activity Holidays, you can experience desert trips and camel rides especially in the early morning or afternoon where you will enjoy the desert at its most picturesque time. Watch the sun setting over an ocean of sand!

Why not challenge yourself in a land of vitality and tranquillity.  These Activity Holidays are ideal as they often include walking, climbing and hiking near Marrakech which is a perfect combination of old and new Morocco.  Most tourists say Marrakesh is jammed packed with mind-boggling distractions, and expect to be waylaid by snake charmers, out of control camels who rebel from their owners and ancient cures for almost everything, like body cream to remove sore sunburn. 

Mt.Toubkal

Mt.Toubkal

Most Activity Holidays feature climbing, but if you prefer hiking then experience the High Atlas Mountains with the guidance of experienced mountaineers.  You will experience breath taking views ranging from the Mediterranean to the Sahara.  For activity holidays that offer more than a challenge, then why not try and reach the summit of Mt.Toubkal. You can then relax and refresh in the beautiful setting and comfortable accommodation in Dar Imlil, found just minutes outside Imlil, a charming village with mystery, history and exotic foods.  

Explore the village of Imlil on foot or by camel and treat yourself to traditional ceramic pottery, carpets and spices piled high in colourful fragrant heaps.  Bargaining for such goods is expected and prices are set on a daily and sometimes hourly basis depending on how much has been sold on the given day, so prepare to practice your bargaining techniques. By the end of your activity holiday you will be a professional negotiator and have a nice new rug to bring home to your living room.

Activity Holidays help you learn the culture!

Another unique aspect of Moroccan culture is greetings. Usually among friends and family, they take the form of three pecks on the cheek, and a handshake which is often followed by touching your heart to signify respect and sincerity.  Many other aspects of the Moroccan culture life can be experienced on Moroccan activity holidays.

Immerse yourself in the Moroccan Culture also by experiencing exotic dishes, big on flavour and spice.  Experience these unique cuisines first hand and sample tasty couscous, Tagines and delicacy soups, which oddly enough is a traditional breakfast in Morocco.  Moroccan’s also typically have their main meal of the day at midday and instead of finishing with a nice slice of Pavlova like us, they opt for a cup of sweet mint tea. 

Moroccan Activity Holidays embrace the unique cultures and panoramic views of a beautiful country in which no-one can ever get bored.

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Adventure Walks in Peru

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Far away adventure

Peru is a dream destination for many travellers, and for good reason. In addition to its natural beauty and diverse culture, it features some of the most historic architecture in the world -  including the famed Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca site theorised to be the home of Incan emperor Pachacuti, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Because many of Peru’s attractions are, in fact, protected sites, the best way to see them is on guided walks. In Peru, for example, with more than 3000 visitors trekking to Machu Picchu per day, the popular and well-known trails can become quite crowded and ‘touristy’. Alternative trails can be quite obscure, but with the help of professional tour operators can open the way for a deeper and more memorable experience. Your tour leader can also help you navigate through the red tape on your adventure walks in Peru, as many of these sites require permits to visit. If you are not prepared, this can be quite inconvenient for people on a schedule or quite disappointing for those who do not manage to snag a slot.

Listed below are some of our favourite sites for adventure walks in Peru. From the Andes to the Amazon, this South American paradise offers something for every adventurer! 

Peru map

Peru map

Arequipa
The Andes Mountains are a great starting point for your adventure walks in Peru. Aside from being breathtakingly majestic, they feature charming mountain towns and historical ruins, as well as the opportunity to meet descendants of the Incas. Arequipa, known as the ‘White City,’ is considered the most colonial city in Peru. Hike down to Colca Canyon or visit Yanahuara – a district in Arequipa featuring buildings built from sillar, an opalescent white volcanic rock. Also highly recommended is a visit to Monasterio de Santa Catalina, which dates back to 1570 and is considered a masterpiece of colonial architecture.

Cusco
Considered the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a popular starting point for many of the visitors traveling to Machu Picchu. In Cusco, you can see Inca walls, which have been renovated, with more modern structures built atop them. The people of Pisac, descendants of the Incas, still dress in their traditional garments to this day. Check out the Pisac Market for great souvenirs and local products—everything from musical instruments to Alpaca wool sweaters. While in Cusco, you might also want to check out the Las Salinas de Maras – salt evaporation ponds that date back to the time of the Incas.

Iquitos
An expedition into Peru’s Amazon Rainforest will surely be one of the highlights of your adventure walks in Peru. If you’re not quite ready to handle the real jungle, consider staying at a jungle lodge or visiting a nature preserve such the Amazon Refuge Wildlife Conservation Center, or the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This reserve is a five million acre plus preserve that is home more than 130 types of mammal, 330 bird species, and a multitude of reptile and amphibian species.

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