The Sani by Sovereign Experience

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The Sani by Sovereign Experience

The luxury holiday magazine from SOVEREIGN

Sani Asterias Suites

S ANI RE S ORT, H al k idi k i , Gr eece Renowned for its impeccable service, outstanding facilities and luxury throughout, the extensive five-star Sani Resort in Halkidiki offers its guests a truly unique experience. Choose from four luxury hotels with the magnificent Sani Marina at the heart of this exceptional Resort and discover all that Sani has to offer.

Port o S a n i V i llag e

S ANI B EAC H C L UB

SANI BEAC H HOTEL

SANI Ast eria s Suit es



FAMILY COLLECTION

• FAMILY COLLECTION

• CLASSICAL COLLECTION

• EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION

7 nights Half Board

7 nights Half Board

7 nights Half Board

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

from

from

£2,075

£1,765

from

£645

from

£1,015

per family of 3*

per family of 3*

per person*

per person*

departing 10 May 2014, from London Gatwick

departing 18 May 2014, from London Gatwick

departing 3 May 2014, from London Gatwick

departing 11 October 2013, from Manchester

EXCLUSIVE TO SOVEREIGN: One Free Child Place

EXCLUSIVE TO SOVEREIGN: One Free Child Place

Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, Online Booking Discount

Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

Includes: Online Booking Discount

SAVE UP TO £1,361 per FAMILY

SAVE UP TO

£300 per FAMILY

SAVE UP TO

£226 per COUPLE

Price based on 2 adults sharing departing on selected dates in February 2013 from London Gatwick Airport. Prices are subject to change but are correct at time of going to print. Offers are subject to validity dates and availability. Terms & conditions apply. Calls cost 5p/min plus network extras. *Ts&Cs apply.

SOVEREIGN.COM

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

SAVE UP TO

£85 per COUPLE

EDITION THREE 2013

Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of Sovereign’s Arrival Magazine. As the Summer draws to a close, now is the perfect time to plan a late getaway or a winter sun escape – and you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. In this issue we take a look at some of our favourite foodie hotels (p15) and suggest family-friendly options great for entertainment (p10), as well as the best places to head for winter festivals and celebrations (p22).

arrival p6

We also bring you our Insider’s Guide to Gran Canaria (p34), luxury in Tenerife (p25), and focus on hotels taking sustainability seriously (p30). If you’re wondering what to pack, take a look at our fashion and family suggestions (p40) and you’ll find ideas for great holiday reads on p20. In this third edition of Arrival Magazine you can also find some of our best luxury holiday offers, some of which are exclusive to our customers, so you won’t find better deals elsewhere.

Family time awaits you...

LANZAROTE •

FAMILY collection

When it comes to family holidays, this luxury hotel truly excels. Choose from a range of family accommodation including Inter-connecting rooms and the Royal Kiko Family Suites, which offer an impressive selection of bespoke facilities and extras for those travelling with children and infants. The activities and entertainment are second-to-none, great for keeping the little ones entertained. Family Checklist: Interconnecting rooms, Cots & highchairs, Children’s pool, Children’s menu, Babysitting, Playground, Children’s club,

Teen activities, Early meal sittings. Flight time up to: 4hrs 30min Resort transfer time: 40min

Stephanie Pritchard Managing Director, Sovereign Luxury Travel

from

£2,145 per family of 3*

Departing 5 January 2014 from London Gatwick Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount €80 Resort Credit, Complimentary Spa Circuit (one per adult), Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £253 per FAMILY OF 3 *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

• Experience Exceptional Value and Superior Treatment Every Sovereign holiday published in this magazine includes return flights and accommodation, plus complimentary UK airport lounge passes and private resort transfers.

Visit sovereign.com or call 0843 249 7413

*

for more luxury holiday offers *Calls cost 5p per minute from a BT landline plus network extras.

The majority of our hotels are reviewed on TripAdvisor.co.uk. Simply visit sovereign.com to see them

Discover the best luxury hotspots

10 That’s Entertainment

Evening activities for all the family

13 Little Gems

© Sovereign 2013, unless indicated otherwise. No content may be reproduced without the express permission of Sovereign. All prices featured are from prices per duration stated and are available on selected dates. Terms & conditions apply. All offers are subject to availability and change and are correct at time of print. We published this magazine in Sep 2013. Sovereign reserves the right to withdraw any offer at any time. S_4526

P R I N C ES A YA IZA S UI TE H O TE L R ES O RT

What’s new to Sovereign

6 Sophistication on the Waterfront

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

p10

4 New Arrivals

Warm regards,

Sovereign Recommends

Contents ‘Must have’ travel accessories for families

15 In The Best Possible Taste

Unique dining experiences

18 Gourmet in The Gulf

Brunch and high tea in Dubai

20 Top Holiday Reads

Books you just can’t leave behind

21 Relax in Style

Your luxury holidays essentials

22 Global Gatherings

Some of the best Winter festivals

25 Hotels for all Tastes

Two holiday hideaways in Tenerife

p22

26 A Matter of Course

Discover golf at our winter destinations

29 Hotel in Focus

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraiso, Mexico

30 Good Natured Holidays

Sustainable hotels and communities

34 The Insider’s Guide

Chrissie McKinnel’s guide to Gran Canaria

37 Win a Holiday

Enter our competition to win

38 Tried & Rested ABTA No.V4068

Atol Protected

All the holidays in this magazine 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



Holiday favourites recommended by you

40 Test Our Expertise

Your Holiday questions answered

42 Exceptional Value Offers

Holidays you won’t find anywhere else

Cover Image:

Zias Beach Club at Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus.

arrival • Latest News

Sani on screen The Sani Resort in Halkidiki, Greece, is made up of four luxury hotels and service has now been taken to a whole new level with a just-launched iPad app for guests to plan their holiday ahead of arrival or to use at the resort. Order drinks to be delivered to you on the beach, find out about fun activities on offer and discover spa options at the touch of a screen. Go to the Apple store or Google Play to download for free.

With more beautiful hotels in Morocco and the Maldives, new flights, expanded waterparks and adults-only retreats, there are plenty of exciting new additions to our portfolio for you to discover this season…

Stay: 7 nights Half Board at Sani Beach Club, departing 4 May ‘14 from London Gatwick. From £1,565 per family of 3.* Saving up to £472 per family of 3.

Moroccan magic A sumptuous palace designed in Moorish-Islamic style, Dar Rhizlane is an oasis of peace in bustling Marrakech. Large, tranquil landscaped gardens with sparkling fountains and lovely pools are the perfect place to relax after a day exploring. The beautiful antique-filled rooms and suites are both exotic and calming, while the Wellness area offers exquisite pampering using natural products. The cuisine alone is reason enough to visit with head chef Zakia conjuring up delights from aubergine caviar to hazel nut lamb with ratatouille.

Villa Costa

New flights to Gran Canaria

Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 14 Nov ‘13

Year-round sunshine, great beaches and a range of five star hotels make Gran Canaria – the third largest of the Canary Islands – one of the our top destinations for a winter break. Holidaymakers heading to the Spanish island will have greater choice and flexibility from this October, when British Airways begins new flights. Offering the only direct route from Heathrow, the service will fly on Saturdays and is perfect for those seeking extra comfort or a more upgraded experience.

from Manchester. From £899 per person.* Saving up to £76 per couple.

Indian Ocean opulence

Roman holiday Right in the heart of Rome, the Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto’s location is hard to beat. Two 19th century villas have been restored to create a beautiful hotel combining glamorous 1920s-inspired décor with all modern comforts. Perfect for a winter city break, there are two fine dining restaurants (including one with a Michelin star), a state-ofthe-art spa, a rooftop terrace and all of the city’s sights are a stone’s throw away. Don’t miss the hotel’s legendary art collection, with works by the likes of Picasso and Dali. Stay: 3 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing

25 Nov ‘13 from Manchester. From £549 per person.* Saving up to £48 per couple.

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Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 5 Feb ‘14 from London Gatwick. From £1,695 per person.* Saving up to £405 per couple

Vidamar Resorts

Couples looking for some peace and quiet may want to check into the beautiful Villa Costa, a boutique hotel on Kefalonia which is becoming Adults Only for summer 2014. With just seven select rooms overlooking the Ionian Sea, it’s a truly romantic haven with gourmet cuisine served al fresco. The luxurious La Quinta Resort Hotel & Spa on Menorca is also Adults Only from next summer. With colonial-style architecture, superb spa and tranquil ambience it’s impossible not to relax at this charming hideaway. Stay: 7 nights Half Board at Villa Costa, departing 13 May ‘14 from London Gatwick. From £759 per person.* Saving up to £195 per couple.

Make a splash Exceptional All Inclusive value The Hotel RIU Palace Oasis on Gran Canaria has always been a popular choice for those looking for great value and service. Now you can enjoy even better value for money thanks to the brand new All-Inclusive concept. With a huge variety of dining choices, snacks 24/7, all drinks, activities from yoga to tai-chi and complimentary spa access included, all you need to do is sit back and relax. It’s perfect for families with plenty of entertainment for little ones too. Stay: 7 nights All Inclusive, departing 14 Dec ‘13 from London Gatwick. From £1,999 per family of 3.* Saving up to £228 per family of 3.

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

The Maldives is one of the world’s most exotic destinations, and the idyllic Kurumba Resort was the country’s very first private resort island. Just a 10-minute speedboat ride from the airport on Malé, accommodation choices include bungalows or private villas with Jacuzzis®, dotted among the palm trees. Eat at a different restaurant every night – there are eight options, from Italian to Middle Eastern. With great watersports and a Kids Club, the resort suits families as well as couples looking for romance.

Peaceful retreats

Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai has even more to keep families entertained with the recent expansion of Aquaventure. Already the biggest waterpark in the region, exciting new additions include the world’s largest diameter slide, the world’s first vertical family ride and a 2.3km river ride with tidal waves and water rapids. The longest zip-line circuit in the Middle East has also opened, allowing guests to fly high above the park and beach, with amazing views. Plenty of fun for all the family. Stay: 5 nights Half Board,

departing 31 Jan ‘14 from London Heathrow. From £3,175 per family of 3.* Saving up to £1,013 per family of 3.

New look Madeira The CS Madeira near Funchal has been rebranded as the stylish Vidamar Resorts Madeira. The ocean-front location couldn’t be better – the views over the south coast are breathtaking and shops and nightlife are on the doorstep. Set amidst landscaped gardens, the glass-clad building sparkles in the sun, and the contemporary rooms all have balconies overlooking the sea. A fantastic choice for families, new features include Aquatica Kids World, plus a tasty dine around concept and guests on a winter break can enjoy a complimentary half board upgrade. Stay: 7 nights Half Board, departing 18 Jan ‘14 from Bristol. From £1,489 per family of 3.* Saving up to £289 per family of 3.

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

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arrival • Sophistication on the Waterfront

Images clockwise from left: View of Sani Marina, Terrace overlooking the marina at Sani Resort. Dubai Marina. Marina Rubicon, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote.

Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria This pretty marina, known as ‘Little Venice’ due to the number of canals linking the marina and the fishing harbour, has 225 moorings where you’ll spot gracious sailing boats and sparkling motor yachts of all sizes. On shore there are beautiful gardens, tasteful bars and restaurants serving up locally caught fish (or try Que Tal for fine dining with lobster and foie gras). On Fridays the open-air market brims with local crafts, from exotic candles to glass sculptures. The marina is perfect for all kinds of water sports, and you’ll find sailing schools and yachts for charter too. Or take the Blue Bird waterbus for a relaxing day on Anfi Island where you can unwind at the Maroa Beach Club.

Sophistication Starboard, port, stern or bow, whichever way you look at a luxury yacht, it’s easy to see why sailing is such an appealing pastime and there’s an undeniable glamour about it too.

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No wonder marinas are destinations in their own right, offering designer shopping, stylish bars, cafes and restaurants, as well classic people watching, sailing trips and, of course, the chance to spot some astounding boats. Here are some of our favourites. ☞

• Stay at Bohemia Suites & Spa *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

on the waterfront

7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 4 November ‘13 from Manchester From £959 per person* Saving up to £236 per couple.

Palma, Majorca The Majorcan capital has blossomed into a chichi port where you’re likely to catch sight of an Abramovich-style super-yacht or two. Living the high life is what it’s all about here with the backdrop of the stunning Gothic cathedral. The restaurant scene is now thoroughly cosmopolitan with pan-Hispanic tapas rubbing shoulders with

Asian-inflected diners. Head down the coast to the village of Portixol a few miles along Palma Bay where mast of yachts gently clink in the harbour and visitors can judge the cut of your jib over a glass cava on the rooftop bar at Cocco.

• Stay at Grupotel Valparaiso Palace 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 16 November ‘13 from Glasgow From £595 per person* Saving up to £177 per couple.

Sani, Halkidiki, Greece Sani is one of the most welcoming and easy to navigate marinas in southern Europe – and it’s awarded the European Union’s Blue Flag for its crystal clear waters each year. All resort guests can join a free sunset cruise each evening – or for those who want to spend a little longer on the seas, Sani VIP Services can provide a yacht and crew for a day, weekend or more. The marina itself boasts a fabulous choice of restaurants and bars. Enjoy an aperitif at the Mojito Bar, before moving on to innovative Mediterranean cuisine at Tomata Restaurant, Japanese meets Med at Sea You Up or traditional Greek fare at Psaroyannos Ouzerie. There are plenty of high-end boutiques too. New shops this year include Notos Galleries, a luxury department store, Anemi, a toy store and TOMS shoe company.

• Stay at Porto Sani Village 7 nights Half Board, departing 10 May ‘14 from London Gatwick From £2,189 per family of 3* Saving up to £422 per family of 3.

Dubai Marina The man-made Dubai Marina at the foot of the famous Palm Jumeriah is one of the most glamorous places to experience a day cruise into the Persian Gulf. You’ll spot everything from cruising vessels to super- yachts here and it’s home to the Dubai Yacht Club, one of the largest private yacht clubs in the world. Take a water taxi from the Dubai Marina water station for a tour around Palm Jumeirah or stroll along ‘The Walk’, a pedestrianised area that runs along the beach, lined with luxury hotels, restaurants and shops. Dine at the Grosvenor House’s Gary Rhodes Mezzanine or sip cocktails at the hotel’s Buddha Bar, one of the trendiest bars in the city. Stay close to all of this at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, a short walk away from the marina, or Atlantis on The Palm itself.

• Stay at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina 7 nights Half Board, departing 10 December ‘13 from Manchester From £2,779 per family of 3* Saving up to £1,164 per family of 3.

The Beloved Hotel, Playa Mujeres, Mexico This luxury all-inclusive hotel has its own inland marina shared with the nearby Excellence Playa Mujeres with fabulous boating, sports fishing and coral reef diving opportunities. ☞

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

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• Stay at Beloved Hotel 7 nights All Inclusive, departing 28 November ‘13 from London Gatwick From £1,759 per person* Saving up to £147 per couple.

Marina Rubicon, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote This sports marina in southern Lanzarote boasts 488 berths and a host of restaurants, bars and shops. There’s also a sailing school, tennis and paddle courts, a dive centre, bicycle hire and a fabulous market twice a week. Every May there’s a regatta for all the family with everything from dinghy sailing to a 70-mile race around the island. The Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort close by can organise sailing and boating

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excursions that depart from the marina, as well as fishing trips, diving and surfing. Other accommodation options include the Moorishstyle H10 Timanfaya Palace and the unique Hotel Volcan Lanzarote.

Images from top to bottom: Grand Harbour Marina, Valetta, Malta. View of Hotel Volcan Lanzarote and Marina Rubicon, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote.

Exquisite culinary fare awaits...

• Stay at Hotel Volcan Lanzarote 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 20 February ‘14 from London Luton From £639 per person* Saving up to £173 per couple.

Sovereign Recommends

Valletta, Malta Rich in culture and history, this charming harbour is a hub for super-yachts (up to 100 metres) and the sailing fraternity. Grand Harbour Marina is a year-round cruising hotspot with luxury facilities on a par with the Cote d’Azur. It has one of the largest deep-water natural harbours in the world with incredible views across Malta’s historic capital. A World Heritage Site, there are quaint cafes and top-class restaurants to be sampled, with a host of cultural events running all year.

• Stay at Hotel Phoenicia 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 4 January ‘14 from Manchester From £615 per person* Saving up to £130 per couple.

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

Rent your own catamaran, private sail boat or luxury yacht with captain and crew and explore the turquoise waters of Cancun and Isla Mujeres with snorkelling equipment, snacks and drinks on board. Couples will love a romantic sunset cruise with champagne and seafood dinner. Alternatively navigate your own two-person speedboat through the green mangrove channels along the Nichupte lagoon.

Gra n H ot el Ba hia del Du qu e

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

TENERIFE •

Departing 3 November 2013, from Birmingham

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION

Designed to reflect a traditional Canarian village, this extensive resort is one of the finest five star hotels on the island. There’s an exquisite range of culinary fare to sample across nine different restaurants from Spanish and Italian to French, Japanese and Thai to name a few. Why not indulge in a relaxing treatment or two at the renowned Spa by L’Occitane. *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

from

£2,565

per family of 3*

Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £463 per FAMILY OF 3

arrival • That’s Entertainment

...that’s entertainment

Here at Sovereign, we ensure that every one of our 44 hotels in our Family Collection has something special for evening entertainment. Our team of experts have sourced and vetted these hotels, ensuring they meet health and safety standards and that they offer the very best in

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Dubai, has its very own private cinema, which showcases a film for children and a classic film for adults every day. The 29-seat screening room is complimentary for guests and boasts luxurious sofas, snacks and drinks. Alternatively parents can treat themselves to the occasional evening alone, leaving their children to join in the fun at the

your spacious family room there’s a special room service menu for children, Xbox 360® and DVD player.

• Stay: 10 nights All Inclusive, departing 1 December ‘13 from London Gatwick. From £4,359 per family of 3* Includes: $2000 Resort Credit (per room), Online Booking Discount Saving up to £182 per family of 3

At Halkidiki in Greece, the Sani Resort provides some of the best evening entertainment for families. Guests can enjoy a family night out at no extra charge in the open-air Garden Theatre where a wide variety of performances and musicals take place such as The Michael Jackson show, a tribute to Michael Jackson and the History Musical presenting classic songs from the 1980s to today, and the Sani Entertainment team is at its best presenting the well-known Mamma Mia musical. *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

impressive Sinbad’s Kids Club until 7pm for some terms of facilities, services and products – and Great evenings out with your pre-bedtime games. that includes memorable evenings out with the children are among the most children. At Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort • Stay: 7 nights Half Board, precious holiday memories. in Cyprus, families can head to the atmospheric departing 16 January ‘14 from London Heathrow. Open Air Theatre at the Piazza to watch a From £4,495 per family of 4* When parents are happily spectacular live show, listen to a concert, a 15% Accommodation Discount, relaxed after a day on the beach, musical extravaganza or watch a film night in the Includes: Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, Online Booking Discount or a game of tennis followed by balmy Mediterranean night air. Saving up to £704 per family of 4 a visit to the spa, and the little • Stay: 7 nights Half Board departing 19 April ‘14 from London Gatwick. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula hotspot of Cancun is ones are fabulously fulfilled From £2,289 per family of 3* well known for its lively atmosphere, and there’s having had a wonderful time at Includes: Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, lots of family-centric evening entertainment on Online Booking Discount the kids club, here you all are, offer at the Hard Rock Cancun. The kids club Saving up to £96 per family of 3 has a mini-cinema and live shows with Barney, freshly showered, heading for a Angelina Ballerina and Bob The Builder leading Dubai is well known for its child-friendly fabulous dinner, and an evening waterparks and five-star hotels that keep children the fun, whilst teens have their very own nightly of family fun ahead. disco in high season. Even if you decide to stay in on their toes. The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray,

Images clockwise from top left: Sani Resort open-air Garden Theatre show. Ela Quality Evening Entertainment. Le Meridien Limassol Entertainment Piazza. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Private Cinema.

The open-air cinema ‘Orfeas’ gives families an unforgettable cinema experience under the stars. Don’t miss the Mini Disco nights for children at Nautilus bar at Sani Beach Hotel twice per week. And last but not least, families can enjoy the evening sunset cruise, which is organised at no extra cost for the guests.

• Stay: 7 nights Half Board at Sani Beach Hotel, departing 10 May ‘14 from London Gatwick. From £1,779 per family of 3* Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount Saving up to £301 per family of 3



sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

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After a day full of fun in the midst of pine forests and the sparkling Mediterranean, Ela Quality Resort in Turkey has a huge range of evening entertainment. Different live music and shows at various locations each night give it a mini festival vibe. Harp tunes that begin in the lobby at dusk give way to piano recitals, then it’s time to head to the amphitheatre for a live professional show by leading music groups of Antalya. Weekly Pier Parties invite families to dance the night away. For something more sedate, the outdoor cinema offers films under the night sky.

1. 5. 3.

• Stay: 7 nights All Inclusive, departing 18 June ‘14 from London Gatwick. From £2,815 per family of 3* Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount Saving up to £548 per family of 3

At Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort on the volcanic island of Lanzarote, Kikoland is an exceptional children’s club offering sports for all ages, from tennis courts to football classes. Come evening time, there are shows in the amphitheatre for all the family.

4.

• Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 3 July ‘14 from London Gatwick. From £2,075 per family of 3*

2. 6.

Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Spa Entry (one per adult), Online Booking Discount. Exclusive to Sovereign: One Free Child Place Saving up to £664 per family of 3

Little gems

Kikoland is an exceptional children’s club offering sports for all ages, from tennis courts to football classes

• Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast,

departing 12 November ‘13 from Manchester. From £2,779 per family of 3* Includes: Two Free Nights, Online Booking Discount Saving up to £997 per family of 3

Similarly at the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Tenerife, the Teen Lounge, inspired by the film ‘The Great Wednesday’ evokes the surfing lifestyle of the beaches of California. This new space has a relaxation zone with a television and

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an ample video library, boardgames, Wi-Fi zone, PlayStation® and table football room. Children aged six to 12 or teens aged 13-16 can enjoy an early evening Spa Family Sanctuary experience with a parent in the luxury of a private treatment room with a balcony. Treatments include a Little Miss Spa mini manicure, pedicure and Pink Mud Hair treatment and Teen Pedicure and Marteeny, whilst mums or dads lay back for a massage or facial.

• Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast,

departing 7 December ‘13 from Manchester. From £2,599 per family of 3* Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount Saving up to £465 per family of 3

Families staying at ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort in Tenerife will love the new celestial Michelin picnics. Experience an evening of lunar-like

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landscapes at the Teide National Park (home to the third largest volcano in the world and Spain’s highest peak), escorted by one of the island’s expert astronomers to view awe-inspiring constellations whilst indulging in a bespoke hamper of Michelin picnic courses from Abama’s M.B and Kabuki restaurants.

• Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 12 November ‘13 from East Midlands. From £2,159 per family of 3* Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount, One Free Night, Complimentary Spa Entry (one per adult), Online Booking Discount Saving up to £621 per family of 3

Images clockwise from top: Four Seasons Marrakech Young Adult Centre. Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort Entertainment.

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

Families heading to the Moroccan city of Marrakech can venture out to the Jemaa el-Fnaa (main square) in the early evening to spy all manner of wild and wonderful sights from snake charmers to whirling dervishes, before heading back to the Four Seasons Marrakech where the Young Adult Centre is open until 10pm with its ping pong, pool table, Wii® and Xbox® consoles and films.

These chic travel accessories for all the family will make your trip a whole lot easier. From inventive toys to practical luggage, we’ve found the ultimate family holiday items Kids GO TOo Lighten your load and let the little ones pack their own bag for your holiday. They’ll love this fun wheelie case from Pink Lining that comes in a range of designs for boys and girls and can even be personalised with children’s names. £38, 020 7034 0035, pinklining.co.uk or johnlewis.com

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CUDDLE UP Better known for their practical children’s suitcases, Trunki has branched out to offer other genius travel accessories for kids. SnoozieHedz is ideal for long journeys and unzips to reveal an inflatable pillow and fleece blanket, which connect to each other. It comes in a range of colours and characters, such as Felix the Fox. £19.99, 0117 9542 780, trunki.com

3.

INVESTMENT PIECE This has to be one of the most luxurious change bags we’ve come across. The Firenze Leather Diaper Bag by Pacapod not only looks good but is entirely practical, too. It comes in butter-soft leather in an on-trend putty colour with gold detailing. Inside there are different ‘pods’ that can be used for baby essentials, as well as a change mat. £265, 0207 985 7480, blossommotherandchild.com

4.

CATCH IT IF YOU CAN Innovative Belgium brand Quut’s new range of reinvented beach toys will never be discarded once the holidays are over. Take the Ballo Ball Bucket, it has a unique softtouch finish and spherical shape that doesn’t spill water. Its four-point spout and sturdy handle mean even tiny children can get to grips with it. £12.99, 0800 542 6857, toyella.com

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WRIGGLE OUT OF THIS ONE Phil & Teds Wriggle Wrapper means that babies are kept safe and snug when out and about. The take-along accessory securely straps tiny tots into chairs and shopping trolleys and is the perfect alternative to high chairs when dining out. Its compact size means it can also be tucked into your luggage. £38, 0207 985 7480, blossommotherandchild.com

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FUN IN THE SUN If you are heading somewhere exotic for the ultimate family adventure, then make sure your children keep safe in the sun. Platypus Australia’s UV Swimwear come in a range of styles for ages up to 14. The latest collection, such as this Fido shorts and top, channels a 60s vintage vibe. £29.99, platypusaustralia.com/uk and johnlewis.com

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

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Style and sophistication await you... Sovereign Recommends

HO TE L A L M Y R A CYPRUS •

FAMILY collection

A proud member of Design Hotels, this chic property exudes style and sophistication, as well as an impressive range of dedicated family services and facilities. Parents with infants can take advantage of the ‘The Baby Go Lightly’ conceptan innovative service offering all of the extras that parents will need for their stay. Plus a range of Children’s Clubs and exciting programmes promise to entertain all guests from young children to teenagers. Family Checklist: Interconnecting rooms, Cots & highchairs, Children’s pool, Children’s menu, Babysitting, Playground, Children’s club, Early meal sittings,

7 nights Full Board from

£1,369 per family of 3*

Departing 11 December 2013 from Bristol Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Full Board Upgrade, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £126 per FAMILY OF 3 *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

Crèche facilities, Teen activities Flight time up to: 4hrs 30min Resort transfer time: 15min

IN THE BEST POSSIBLE TASTE

From destination restaurants staffed by celebrity chefs to bustling markets selling the freshest, tastiest street food, great cuisine has become more than an optional holiday extra – for many of us, it’s a reason to travel in itself. Hotels are tapping into this desire, and many now offer dining experiences that are more than merely a meal – think everything from rooftop restaurants with a breathtaking view to dining beneath the waves. sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

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arrival • In The Best Possible Taste

Vila Vita Parc Portugal

BOHEMIA SUITES & SPA Gran Canaria | PANORAMIC VIEWS |

| WINE AND DINE |

There’s a clue in the name – the first thing you’ll notice about Restaurant 360 is the view. A complete panorama spreads out beneath diners at this rooftop restaurant – blue sea, golden sands and the verdant mountains the island is famed for. The menu choice is nearly as wide as the windows, and it’s fitting that flavours of the sea meet meatier dishes at this shore-side spot. Try the tribute to Spain’s famous pigs – Iberico pork cased in Pata Negra ham with patatas bravas and braised beans – and fill a glass or two with a robust rioja. ‘13 from Manchester From £915 per person*. Saving up to £227 per couple.

Portuguese wines have been making a name for themselves, and where better to find out what all the fuss is about than a hotel with its own vineyard. VILA VITA Parc sits on Portugal’s sun-kissed Algarve coast, and less than an hour’s drive inland you’ll find its wine-growing estate, where wine tasting and cookery courses are on offer. Tastings and wine-paring dinners are also hosted in the hotel’s Gothic-style wine cellar 26ft below ground, where 150-year-old bricks maintain the optimum storage temperature for more than 11,000 bottles of wine, including a wide selection of Portuguese favourites from Madeira and Port to the bubbly white vinho verde.

Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort, Cyprus

For another Portuguese hotel with its own wine cellar-come-dining room, try Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort in Lagos.

| ISLAND DINING |

Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 12 November

Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 25 November

‘13 from Manchester From £885 per person*. Saving up to £217 per couple.

You’ll be spoilt for choice at this Cypriot spa hotel, with eight great restaurants on offer. We recommend going offshore both in terms of cuisine and location – open-air Japanese restaurant Kojima is on an island nestled in an inland lagoon, surrounded by waterfalls. Head sommelier Miroslav Kalinic recommends pairing Teppanyaki lobster in soy and garlic butter sauce with a Dom Ruinart Rose 1998, and who are we to argue?

Atlantis, The Palm Dubai | WOW FACTOR | With twenty restaurants, bars and lounges there’s an endless selection of culinary delights on offer in the Gulf’s most famous resort, but for a sheer wow factor, nothing can compare with Ossiano, a seafood restaurant with a twist – it’s under water. Watch ocean life swim by as you choose between four different kinds of caviar,

Stay: 7 nights Half Board, departing 16 May ‘14 from London Gatwick From £999 per person*. Saving up to £230 per couple.

and take your pick from a menu with global reach, where Celtic sea bass, Canadian lobster, and Norwegian king crab rub shoulders with Wagyu beef and Spanish lamb. Leave room for dessert and a taste of the Gulf – date soufflé with camel’s milk ice cream. Stay: 7 nights Half Board, departing 12 January ‘14 from London Heathrow From £1,835 per person*. Saving up to £1,386 per couple.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico | HAUTE CUISINE | There is absolutely no chance you’ll regret a stay at this hotel on Mexico’s upmarket Mayan Riviera, particularly if you dine in the adultsonly French restaurant, Piaf. Named after Edith Piaf, the flamboyant chanteuse would surely have approved of the 1940s Parisian style décor in bold red and black, the curtain of Swarovski crystals shimmering at the entrance, the live music and of executive chef Michael Mustiers high French menu where sauce is king. After Oysters in Champagne Sabayon and Roasted Sea Bass in Black Butter you have to try the Apple Tart flambéed in Calvados – a secret recipe handed down by the chef’s grandmother. Stay: 7 nights All Inclusive, departing 10 December ‘13 from London Gatwick From £1,739 per person*. Saving up to £1,169 per couple. Main image on previous page overleaf: Ossiano Restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm. Images clockwise from top left: Restaurant 360 at Bohemia Suites & Spa. Wine Cellar at the VILA VITA Parc. Tiramisu at Ossiano Restaurant, Atlantis, The Palm. Piaf Restaurant at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Restaurant Kojima at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort. Club Laurel’s Cave For Two at Hotel Jardin Tecina.

Reid’s Palace Madeira

So whether you’re a wine connoisseur who’s never happier than touring a vineyard, a gourmet with a penchant for cooking classes or merely possessed of a fine palate and a desire to taste the flavours of a destination, one of these options is sure to whet your appetite. 16

Hotel Jardin Tecina La Gomera | A CAVE FOR TWO | When it comes to private dining rooms, they don’t come much more intimate than Club Laurel’s Cave For Two. Couples booking this natural cave with views over the bay of Playa de Santiago will be disturbed only by the sound of the waves. Food is delivered in a basket, with a choice of three menus. Try the Canary basket to taste local specialities including salted king prawns and Bilana tart, rich with lemon, cinnamon and dried fruit. Add a bottle of chilled Spanish albarino for a perfect pairing. Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 30 November ‘13 from London Gatwick From £695 per person*. Saving up to £170 per couple.

If you’re a Downton Abbey fan looking to add a little of that Edwardian-era glamour to your life, then the historic dining room at Reid’s is your chance. You’ll want to dress up to do justice to the crystal chandeliers and white-draped tables, whether you’re at Tuesday’s Dinner Dance or Saturday’s Champagne Gala Buffet. If that doesn’t make you feel suitably aristocratic, the Moonlight Dining will – your private butler will serve a four-course feast in one of five spectacular locations around the hotel. Menuwise, think blinis with smoked salmon and caviar and beef fillet with foie gras and Madeira wine sauce. Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 10 January ‘14 from London Gatwick From £1,049 per person*. Saving up to £778 per couple.

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

| EDWARDIAN GLAMOUR |

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Plato’s classic afternoon tea at Atlantis, The Palm

Gourmet in the gulf Get ready to re-educate your appetite...

You’ll be hard pushed to find a brunch with a more glamorous setting than that at Imperium, in the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray – all crystal chandeliers, gilded columns and a terrace with stunning sea views. Its brunch is French-style,

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If eating dinner before lunchtime seems a little too revolutionary, then join the Emiratis in embracing the great British tradition of afternoon tea. But remember, this is Dubai, so finger sandwiches and fruitcake are only the start. For afternoon tea with an Arabic twist, head back to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, where waiters will tap across the marble floors of the opulent Sultan’s Lounge bearing trays of camel milk panna cotta, orange blossom rice pudding and date cake, or summer pudding, strawberry tartlette and Scottish nut cake, depending on whether you’ve chosen the Ottoman (£22) or the English (£28.30) option. At Atlantis The Palm, Plato’s classic afternoon tea suits those who don’t like to share, with miniature cakes and bite-size hot canapes, (£23). The lounge serves the very best of the world’s beverages – coffee from Jamaica, five

THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI Stay: 7 nights,

Sample world-class wines...

6 Dec ’13, Half Board from £1,419pp

Sovereign Recommends

JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY Stay: 7 nights

VILA VITA Parc

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

Algarve •

from

16 Jan ‘14, Half Board from £1,845pp

ATLANTIS, THE PALM Stay: 5 nights

22 Jan ‘14, Half Board from £1,399pp

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

Those expecting nothing more than a glorified fry-up will be more than impressed by The Bubbalicious Brunch in The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. Three of the hotels restaurants come together to provide 10 cooking stations, a live band, acrobats, and even a petting zoo. The perfect excuse to dress up, guests can sample a range of tempting delights from the sushi station to the steak grill, or get lost in the dessert section in search of the dedicated chocolate table. From £64 with soft drinks, a version with free-flowing sparkling wine is available for £90. This is a child-friendly event and guests under six can dine for free.

The stylish, minimalist, adult-only ‘High Brunch’ at Nobu in Atlantis, The Palm is a place of real decadence, where brunch meets one of Dubai’s other new trends, high tea. Sushi, sashimi and small bites of classic Japanese favourites are served on a minimalist glass version of the traditional cake stand. The £100 option includes alcohol, from Perrier Jouet champagne to Asahi beer, sake and Japanese Bloody Marys.

different flavours of Italian hot chocolate, and TWG Tea reputed to be the finest in the world. Sister restaurant Rostang serves delicious French patisserie from delicate éclairs and intricate chocolate fancies to classic Parisian macaroons.

•••

Emiratis and Ex-Pats now love brunch even more than your average New Yorker, and Dubai’s legendary brunches are so much more than an extended breakfast. Friday is the day to find the city’s most magnificent versions.

with seafood, terrines, and classic regional dishes. You can even go Gallic on the drinks front too, by paying a premium to have unlimited Laurent Perrier champagne (£101).

•••

If you think brunch means coffee, orange juice and Eggs Benedict, then you obviously haven’t been doing it the Dubai way.

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION

A member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, this luxury getaway provides a variety of elegant guest rooms in serene surroundings including one and two bedroom suites. A visit to the hotel’s very own wine cellar is a must for connoisseurs with more than 11,000 wines to choose from and there’s even the option to explore the endless stretch of coast on the exclusive luxury yacht. Enjoy some of the award winning wines, organic meat and produce from the hotels own vineyard and farm. *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

£889

per person*

Departing 7 November 2013 from East Midlands Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Dinner (one per person), Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £241 per COUPLE

holiday Topreads... Getting lost in a great book is one of the joys of a truly relaxing holiday. With work and home life far away, you’ve finally time to let your mind run free. Whether you like old-fashioned print or prefer an e-reader, here’s our pick of some great reads for you to become immersed in.

Chart TOPPER

The List of My Desires By Gregoire Delacourt (Published by W&N) This bite-sized morality tale has topped the French bestseller charts since early 2012. Having won the Euromillions jackpot, Jocelyn is unsure whether such a life-changing sum will be a blessing or a curse? But whilst she’s still deliberating whether to claim the prize, the decision is taken out of her hands as her husband finds the winning ticket and disappears. A salutary tale for our times.

Relax in style There couldn’t be a better excuse to update your wardrobe than going on a luxury holiday. Here are some suggestions from us on the best fashion and beauty accessories to take away with you.

TAKE A BREAK

Sisterland By Curtis Sittenfeld (Published by Doubleday)

UNWINd

FAScinating

Gifted & Talented

One Summer: America 1927

By Wendy Holden (Published by Headline Review) Holden demonstrates a deft comic touch with this razor-sharp satire on Oxbridge. A Cambridge graduate herself, she couldn’t be better placed to poke fun at the pretentions of the country’s top universities, where class divides flourish among the dreaming spires. Isabel has got to university through sheer hard graft, but will her resolve to work hard fall foul of the dangerous influence of the notorious Bullinger Club’s president?

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By Bill Bryson (Published by Doubleday) No other travel writer imbues a place with such warmth and energy, conjuring new and fascinating anecdotes out of already familiar facts. Here Bryson takes a look at America on the cusp of the Great Depression, at the height of Al Capone’s reign of terror, spinning a tale so fascinating it’s hard to believe its true. From Hoover to Hemingway, Babe Ruth to Charles Lindbergh – you’ll never think of America during this era in the same way again.

If you enjoyed American Wife, you’ll adore this slightly kookier tale of twins born with a prescient sixth sense. It gives unerring insight into the mysterious push-pull relationship that exists between twins Vi and Kate, as Vi embraces her gift, carving out a career as a medium, while Kate suppresses hers in a bid to live a normal suburban life. An utterly absorbing, big-hearted read.

COVER UP

These glamorous shades from iconic brand Bulgari are perfect for smouldering behind when the temperatures rise. The honey acetate frames and smoke gradient lenses are eminently flattering while the gemencrusted arms give a nod to Bulgari’s rich jewellery-making heritage. £250, 020 7872 9969, Bulgari.com.

Keep cool on the beach with Bathsheba’s fabulous kaftan-style cover-up. The new label includes a range of stylish beachwear, all inspired by the founder’s travels throughout India. This chic red embroidered V-neck number is made in cotton voile and is stylish enough to take you from beach to bar. £88, 020 3318 0173, bathshebadesigns.com

BODY WORKS After a day in the sun, rehydrate with Molton Brown’s just-launched Patchouli & Saffron Intensive Body Lotion. The rich formula is scented with patchouli and leather notes and it works to deeply moisturise, leaving a subtle sheen. £25, 0808 178 1188, moltonbrown.co.uk

EXTRA SUN SENSATIONS

CASE IN POINT There’s no need to bring along books, iPods and DVD players which take up precious room in your hand luggage; simply download everything to entertain you on your travels on an iPad Mini. Make sure you protect it with this sophisticated handmade Italian leather sleeve from Aspinal of London. It will slip easily into your carry-on luggage and the burnt orange shade will elevate your gadget’s style status in no time. £75, 0845 5178 859, Aspinaloflondon.com.

CHARMING

Perfect By Rachel Joyce (Published by Doubleday) Joyce’s debut, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, was the surprise bestseller of 2012 and this follow-up is an equally charming and affecting read. It’s 1972 and two seconds are being added to the clock in order to balance time with the movement of the earth. But can such changes be without repercussions? Apparently not, as two small boys’ lives will atest in the years to come.

FRAME YOUR FACE

La Roche Posay is known as the ‘go-to’ label for sun protection for sensitive skin. Its new Anthelios XL Invisible Nutritive Oil SPF 50+ not only provides ultra-high UVAUVB protection but nourishes the skin at the same time. Limbs are left with a radiant glow and a light scent of white flowers and musk. £17.50, laroche-posay.co.uk

STEP OUT IN BLUE SUEDE BEAUTY BOUNTY The sleek Kendra cosmetic case from LK Bennett is ideal for holding all your beauty essentials when travelling. The shimmering gold leather means it can also double up as an elegant mini-clutch for balmy evenings abroad. £69, 08445 815 881, Lkbennett.com

Hot new label La Paire is making its mark with fashion-savvy insiders due to its handmade leather sandals that come in a range of vibrant hues. Our favourite style is the Sofia, a feminine take on the gladiator sandal. The peacock-blue, suede flats are trimmed in gold and are perfect for a relaxed summer look. £89, 020 8292 6791, Lapaire.co.uk.

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arrival • Global Gatherings

Global Gatherings

THREE TO TRY NEXT SUMMER 1. Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, June

There’s no better way to get under the skin of a destination than to visit during a festival. As communities come together to celebrate all that is most important to them, visitors are welcomed and given an insight into years – even centuries – of local tradition. And with events focused on everything from food and music to historic events and religious holidays, you’re sure to find something that ties in with one of your personal passions.

Fire-eaters and fortune-tellers, snakecharmers, dancers, and acrobats – all head to Morocco’s most charming city for this summer festival, held in the grounds of the El Badi Palace.

2. Malta Jazz Festival - July Top international and local artists perform in a stunning outdoor setting overlooking Malta’s beautiful Grand Harbour.

3. Cyprus Wine Festival - Late August to September

Images from left to right: Madeira Flower Festival. Canary Island’s Carnival (©Tourist Board of Gran Canaria). Lanzarote Carnival. Dish from Nobu Restaurant at the, Atlantis, The Palm.

gaining culinary heft. Food festival Taste of Dubai will turn seven years old next year, when it runs from March 13-15, and it’s the perfect time to visit if you want to pick up a few extra kitchen skills, or simply feast at one of the 30 Dubai restaurants that get involved. Learn trade secrets from famous names including Giorgio Locatelli and Gizzi Erskine in the chef’s theatre, take a class in the Kenwood Cookery School or refine your palate with a wine tasting. Plus, there’s live music and a kids’ zone to keep non-gourmets of any age happy. Tickets start from £15, and under12s go free.

The world’s most famous festival, Carnival may be most notoriously celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but the festivities running up to Shrove Tuesday – which next year falls on March 4 – happen in hundreds of locations around the world. Celebrations usually start days or even weeks in advance, and streets are filled with decorated floats and dancers in costume – wonderful to watch, or if the music moves you, to take part. The tradition was born in Europe, and the Canary Islands’ carnival is particularly renowned. Every island hosts its own major street parade with all the classics – brightly-coloured floats and dancers in fancy dress or jewelled bikinis. But each also brings its own distinct flavour to carnival with unique events. In Tenerife, it’s Las Burras, a

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parade where witches transform themselves into donkeys. In Fuerteventura it’s a sea parade, and in Lanzarote costumed ‘Little Devils’ chase the townspeople. Madeira has two very different carnival parades to choose from. The first is a spectator event, where you can watch performers in colourful costumes dancing to samba through the streets on the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday. If that inspires you to join in, the second ‘trapalhão’ is a more informal affair that anyone is free to join in with, and happens on Shrove Tuesday itself. The green-fingered should visit Madeira two weeks after Easter, when the island’s famed Flower Festival fills the streets of Funchal with floats decked with brightly-coloured blooms, the streets are carpeted with plants and children gather to build a ‘Wall of Hope’ from thousands of flowers.

Carnival travelled to the Caribbean with European immigrants, and there are major celebrations in many beach destinations, from the Dominican Republic, where parades take place every Sunday throughout February, to Cozumel, the island off Mexico’s Riviera Maya, where you can enjoy dance performances, live music concerts and seafront parades.

A Festival Of Flavour Gourmets are heading to the Gulf as Dubai gains recognition as a leading ‘foodie’ destination. The San Pellegrino-sponsored list of the World’s best restaurants now features two Dubai eateries – Zuma and La Petite Maison – and with Michelinstarred chefs including Gary Rhodes and Pierre Gagnaire opening up eponymous establishments, and outposts of brands like The Ivy, Hakkasan, Gaucho and Nobu joining the fray, the city is

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

A Colourful Carnival

If you like your chicken jerked, your goat curried and your rice with peas, head to Barbados between November 22-25, for the annual Food & Wine and Rum Festival. Cooking demos, wine seminars, rum tastings, lunch fiestas and street food festivals give a great introduction to Caribbean cuisine.

An Evening To Remember Looking for somewhere special to see in the New Year? Why not raise a glass at one of our deluxe hotels? It’s a balmy 18C in Madeira in December, and the Quinta da Casa Branca’s lush gardens are perfect for relaxing days. But on the evening of the 31st, the five-star boutique will come alive for a fivecourse gala dinner with drinks. The evening starts with a cocktail, and at midnight corks pop as the largest fireworks display in the world at Funchal

Bay lights up the sky. The best news? Book a half board stay and the gala dinner is included in the offer.

To celebrate the harvest casks of free wine flow during this 12-day festival in Limassol to an accompaniment of live music, theatre, and dance.

If you’re heading out to spend New Year at the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque, Tenerife, remember to pack something smart as well as your swimwear – the gala dinner dress code at this elegant, colonial style property is black tie. Celebrations will include a special menu with wine pairings, a live show, an orchestra and an after dinner open bar. Don’t leave it until the last minute to book – this popular celebration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we advise making an early reservation.

Stay: Sheraton Fuerteventura

Stay: Now Larimar Punta Cana,

Golf & Spa Resort

Dominican Republic

7 nights Bed & Breakfast departing 5 March ‘14, from London Gatwick FROM £1,375* per family of 3 Includes: 22% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

7 nights All Inclusive departing 5 February ‘14, from London Gatwick FROM £3,215* per family of 3 Includes: Online Booking Discount

SAVING UP TO £313 per family of 3

SAVING UP TO £135 per family of 3

Stay: Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque

Stay: Quinta da Casa Branca

7 nights Bed & Breakfast departing 29 December ‘13, from Manchester FROM £2,085* per person Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount New Years Eve Gala Dinner, Online Booking Discount

7 nights Bed & Breakfast departing 11 December ‘13, from London Gatwick FROM £559* per person Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING UP TO £756 per couple

SAVING UP TO £130 per couple

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Hotels for all tastes Whatever your holiday needs, we can help you find the perfect hotel to suit. On Tenerife, for example, Adrian Hotels has two fantastic five-star properties, each one unique in its own right, appealing to different kinds of guests.

O

ne of the most luxurious hotels on the island, the Hotel Jardines de Nivaria is a tranquil oasis, right on the seafront in Costa Adeje. Every detail is conducive to relaxation, from the heated swimming pools and lush, landscaped gardens, dotted with waterfalls to the calming décor of the spacious bedrooms. There’s an air of elegance throughout, with a sophisticated art deco style seen in the architecture – a fabulous stained glass dome depicting the night sky is a focal point at Tiffany’s Piano Bar, a glamorous place to sip a cocktail. Rooms here are designed to help you chill, from the beautifully-finished standard doubles to the incredible suites with private whirlpools – and all have balconies or a terrace with hammocks.

Discover breathtaking ocean views... Sovereign Recommends

VI D AM A R R es o rt s

7 nights Half Board

Madeira •

from

Stylish and contemporary in design, surrounded by lush gardens, this state-of-the-art hotel commands breathtaking views across the ocean with direct access to the sparkling blue sea. Enjoy five restaurant options on the Dine Around programme. Guests are also treated to complimentary exercise classes, access to the health club gym and the brand new Aquatica Kids World providing a wealth of entertainment for younger guests. Family Checklist: Interconnecting rooms, Cots & highchairs, Children’s pool, Children’s menu, Babysitting, Playground, Crèche facilities

Flight time up to: 3hrs 55min Resort transfer time: 30min

£585 per person*

Departing 13 November 2013 from London Gatwick Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Book between 17/09-31/10 and receive complimentary room upgrade. Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £254 per COUPLE *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

If you want to be active there’s plenty to keep you busy, from tennis to archery, beach volleyball and the gym, while the ultra-modern Azules de Nivaria spa is a haven dedicated to revitalising body and mind. Several golf courses are also close by.

There’s an air of elegance throughout, with a sophisticated art deco style seen in the architecture

As you’d expect from a hotel of this standard, dining options are world-class.

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

FAMILY collection

While boasting the same high standards as its sister hotel, the Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria on the Playa Paraiso, has a slightly livelier feel. With beautiful views of the Atlantic and La Gomera, it’s set around lagoon-style infinity pools in tropical gardens. Bright, modern exteriors give way to cool and sleek interiors, with spacious rooms offering all modern comforts.

The three restaurants include the gourmet La Cupula, which serves a fusion of French and local cuisine and is perfect for a candlelit dinner. There are four bars too and, in the winter, musicians perform in the Armstrong Ballroom. To add to your sense of wellbeing, the Aequor Spa has a comprehensive choice of treatments – you can even opt for an outdoor massage under the palm trees.

This page top to bottom: Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria heated infinity swimming pool. Hotel Jardines de Nivaria Superior Room, Bar Tiffanys.

Dining is a fun affair with four modern restaurants offering great variety – try a la carte Burgos for typical Spanish cuisine. Evenings are enlivened with shows and music at the Coloquio bar, and entertainment is available until the early hours at Belingo. The hotel is particularly suitable for families, with a wide range of activities and kids’ clubs catering for little ones aged between 10 months and 12 years. The main Garoe restaurant even has a pirate ship buffet designed for children. With an all-inclusive option offering great flexibility and value for money, it’s not surprising the Roca Nivaria is a favourite for families and couples too.

• Stay at Hotel Jardines de Nivaria

• Stay at Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria

7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 6 December ‘13 from East Midlands From £775 per person* Saving up to £193 per couple.

7 nights Bed & Breakfast, departing 12 December ‘13 from London Gatwick From £1,999 per family of 3* Saving up to £314 per family of 3.

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25

arrival • A Matter of Course

A matter of course

Even the best golfer can be beaten by the heat of high summer, requiring an early alarm call in order to tee off before the temperatures soar. But autumnal months are another matter; when a steady but far less fierce glow bathes afternoons still long enough for 18 leisurely holes and a cold beverage or two.

Championship tee…

InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus is home to another excellent golf academy where guests can iron out any tweaks in their game and enjoy some winter sun. The resident PGA-qualified professionals offer lessons for individuals and groups on the three-hole academy practice course. Facilities are fantastic, with a 350m double-ended driving range, a short game area with a large pitching and chipping green and a full video swing analysis system, so you’ll soon be playing like a pro.

If the carrying shot over the ravine at Aphrodite Hills was a challenge, the sixth hole at Pine Cliffs, the course at Sheraton Algarve in Portugal is another one to try. The championship tee is built over a ravine that requires a 198m drive over the cliffs to a deep but narrow green –it’s even nicknamed the ‘Devil’s Parlour’.

guests can iron out any tweaks in their game and enjoy some winter sun Be inspired…

The Aphrodite Hills golf course has plenty to test even the most experienced player. The 6,299m-long, 18 hole, par 71 course, built across two plateaux of a mountain separated by a dramatic ravine, offers the perfect mix of manicured fairways, tiered greens and challenging pot bunkers. Prove your driving skills at the signature seventh hole, played across a 130m gorge.

Without a Ryder Cup to follow this year, it’s a great time to put spectating to one side and take up a golf club. Where better than on the greens of one of Europe’s luxury golf resorts? And if inspired to improve the game by Justin Rose’s epic US Open victory, then these hotels’ golf academies provide just the right facilities to get those skills on par.

Winter courses…

Images clockwise from top: ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort golf course. Sheraton Algarve Hotel & Pine Cliffs Resort Golf Lessons. Sheraton Algarve Hotel & Pine Cliffs Resort Golf Academy. ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort golf course. Sheraton Algarve Hotel & Pine Cliffs Resort Devil’s Parlour Hole. InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort golf course.

The nine-hole, par 32 course is one of the most established in Portugal, its greens contrasting beautifully with the red sandstone cliffs and golden sands and blue sea below. The golf academy is run by PGA professionals, including Portugal’s number one female player Monia Bernardo. Her expertise, along with facilities that include video swing analysis, a driving range, putting greens and areas for chipping and bunker practice, will have golfers challenging the most difficult holes the Algarve can offer in no time.

Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Cyprus Stay: 7 nights B&B, 17 Jan ‘14 from £535 per person Includes: One Free Night 10% Accommodation Discount Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £253 per couple

••• ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort, Tenerife

Stay: 7 nights B&B, 1 Feb ‘14 from £1,059 per person Includes: One Free Night

15% Accommodation Discount Complimentary Spa Entry (one per adult), Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £749 per couple *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

A great winter course and a warm welcome await at ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort, Tenerife. The 6,271m-long, par 72 course is undoubtedly the best on the island, and has hosted two European Tour events since it opened in 2005. Featuring 22 lakes linked by waterfalls and white-sand bunkers, it’s a beautiful sight, but the views from its elevated position over the Atlantic and neighbouring island La Gomera are truly breathtaking. And with state-ofthe-art electric buggies with on-board GPS that display detailed information about every hole, who needs a caddy? Book a stay at the Tagor’ Villas and receive your very own buggy on a complimentary basis for the entire stay – useful for getting around, considering the hotel has 14 different bars and restaurants to sample. The hotel’s golf academy is also extensive, with a five-hectare practice area, three holes, driving range and putting green.

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Play like a pro…

••• Sheraton Algarve Portugal

Stay: 7 nights B&B, 3 Mar ’14 from £565 per person Includes: 15% Accommodation

Discount, One Complimentary round of 9 holes at Pine Cliffs (per person), Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £131 per couple

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Hotel in Focus:

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraiso, Mexico

L

ooking for your personal slice of can make friends at home green with envy by paradise? When you’re stretching out playing the 18 hole, par 97 course. A free round on a secluded sun lounger on the of golf per person is on offer for those staying picture perfect beach at IBEROSTAR longer than three nights; stay for five nights or Grand Hotel Paraiso, we’re certain you’ll think more and get two. Motorised water sports, sailing you’ve found it. And when you discover this fivelessons, diving and banana boat rides can be star property offers a butler service to all guests as organised at an extra cost. part of its all-inclusive package, If that sounds too much like so there’s always someone on hard work, SPA Sensations hand to cater to your every there’s always offers nearly 1,000sq ft of whim – well, we know you’ll relaxation. Unwind in the someone on hand to be in heaven. sauna, soak in the Jacuzzi

Endless activities for the whole family... Sovereign Recommends

Inte r Co n t i n en tal A p h r o d i t e Hil l s Re so rt FAMILY collection

The sheer range of facilities on offer makes this resort an ideal choice for families, with eleven restaurants, an 18hole championship golf course, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, horse riding club and award-winning spa. The Pirates Village boasts an adventure playground and children's pool keeping children entertained for hours. Family Checklist:

Crèche facilities,

Early dates mealinsittings. Interconnecting Price based on 2 adults rooms, sharing departing on selected February 2013 from London Gatwick Airport. Prices are subject to change but are correct Cots & highchairs, at time of going to print. Offers are subject to validity dates and availability. 2 Children’s pools, Flight to: apply. Terms & conditions apply. Calls cost 5p/min plus networktime extras.up *Ts&Cs Children’s menu, Babysitting, Playground,

4hrs 30min Resort transfer time: 15min

7 nights Bed & Breakfast from

£2,499 per family of 4*

Departing 3 November 2013 from London Gatwick Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, One Complimentary Free Night, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £595 per FAMILY OF 4 *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

CYPRUS •

cater to your every

Sitting right on the beachfront at the SPA Sensations or the whim – well, we on the Riviera Maya – the thalassotherapy pools, prestigious sweep of white experience the Turkish and know you’ll be sand stretching south from Roman baths, or try something in heaven. Cancun on Mexico’s Caribbean a little more local for example, coast – this 310-suite, adultthe temazcal; a traditional only property really knows how to make its Mayan steam room, designed to purify the mind, guests feel special. Dedicated service by the body and spirit. beach and pool, a pillow menu, 24-hour room You don’t even have to leave your room for service and a complimentary mini-bar come a spot of pampering – all suites come with a as standard, and a comprehensive all-inclusive Jacuzzi with room for two. Rooms are spacious, package means you’ll never run out of things decorated in neutral tones with rich fabrics and to do, from evening entertainment to marble bathrooms. Choose between one king sporting activities. or two queen size beds, and a balcony that So whether you’d like to try tai chi or are keen to kayak, the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraiso is the place to dip your toe in the water. Both these and countless other sports are offered on a complimentary basis – archery, tennis, beach volleyball, snorkelling and catamaran trips are just a flavour of what’s on offer. Budding divers can take a scuba clinic in the pool, and golfers

overlooks the garden or the sea. When it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice. Hit the breakfast buffet at Bella Vista, sample a fresh seafood lunch by the beach at La Brisa, and when dinnertime rolls around choose from Japanese, Italian, Surf and Turf and a gourmet range of international and Mexican dishes at one

of the four a la carte restaurants. After a nightcap at one of the six bars you’ll sleep like a baby – but we doubt any dream will seem as sweet as what you’ll wake up to the next day.

Stay: 7 nights All Inclusive, departing 10 December ‘13 from London Gatwick FROM £1,459* per person Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount SAVING UP TO £457 per couple

Top

3 things to see:

1. Tulum: The ancient Mayans knew a thing or two about location – this ruined city sits on a bluff overlooking a white sand beach lapped by the blue Caribbean.

2. Catamaran cruise: Choose from a daytime trip when you’ll be able to snorkel, swim, or soak up the rays on the sundeck, or stay dry on a sunset version.

3. Cozumel: Head over to this island off the Riviera Maya for powder-soft beaches, jungle adventures and shopping in the town of Playa Del Carmen.

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

29

arrival • Good Natured Holidays

Good Natured

Commitment to the environment Set in a 1,000-acre, family-owned ecological reserve, it’s unsurprising that Sani Resort has a real commitment to the environment. The resort in Halkidiki, Greece, has its own Green Programme of activities for guests to enjoy, including complimentary guided tours of the local farm that supplies the hotels’ fruit and vegetables, ending with a picnic in the fields. Sani Eco Day is a pop-up event dedicated to nature, with activities for all the family, such as treasure hunts, workshops, local theatre performances and tastings of products grown in the area including honey, wine, sweets and fruit.

Holidays

Stay: 7 nights B&B at Porto Sani Village, 17 May ’14 from £2,439 per family of 3, Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, Online Booking Discount. SAVING YOU £432 per family of 3

Natural, local, sustainable – these are words you’ll no doubt have looked out for in your local supermarket. Most of us try to do our bit for the environment and the local community, and there’s no need to stop just because you’re on holiday. Make the right choice when it comes to your hotel, and your week in the sunshine can set going a ripple effect of benefits that include the area’s communities and ecosystem – and you may pick up a few healthy habits to take home. ☞

Sani Resort Local Farm

Gold standard

Las Aguas Restaurant

Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque, in Tenerife, has been awarded the highest gold standard by environmental accreditation body Travelife, and encourages guests to get involved too, from trying the menu in restaurant Las Aguas featuring produce grown without pesticides in the hotel’s own garden to observing Earth Hour, the WWF event where participants turn off all their lights to reduce electricity use, when the hotel is illuminated by hundreds of candles and torches.

Stay: 7 nights B&B, 7 Dec ‘13 from £2,599 per family of 3 Includes:

15% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £465 per family of 3

Spreading the word You can learn about how to reduce your impact on the environment at Navarino Natura Hall, an in-house exhibition at the Grecian resort of Costa Navarino. With details about the habitat of the area and how it is being affected by climate change, the exhibition showcases the work of the Navarino Environmental Observatory, an initiative set up by the resort, dedicated to the study of climate change and its impact in the Mediterranean region. The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino hotel ensures it doesn’t contribute any more than necessary to climate chance with a stringent set of environmental protection principles, covering water management, recycling, local sourcing and biodiversity maintenance.

Stay: 7 nights Half Board, 25 May ‘14 from £2,935 per family of 3

Includes:

20% Early Booking Discount, Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £344 per family of 3

ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort Botanical Gardens *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

Sani Resort Ecological Reserve

Navarino Environmental Observatory

Get closer to nature You can’t get much closer to nature without leaving your hotel than at ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort in Tenerife. The hotel’s extensive botanical gardens were designed and planted four years before the hotel opened, to make sure the 190,000 trees and plants had time to mature. Complimentary tours run every day with in-house botanist Aleida Hernandez, whose expertise illuminates a walk through the fragrant herb garden and amongst palms and other tropical species native to Tenerife and from as far afield as Japan.

Stay: 7 nights B&B, 17 Jan ‘14 from £2,479 per family of 3

Includes:

15% Accommodation Discount, One Free Night, Complimentary Spa Entry (one per adult), Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £764 per family of 3 ☞

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

31

Feel a part of it Getting out into the local farming community is the sustainability focus at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, Majorca, which organises tours to local vineyards, from which many of the wines served in the hotels bars and restaurants are sourced. As well as tasting wine, you can pick and crush your own grapes and other fruit, which are then made into jams and condiments – the perfect gift to take home.

Stay: 7 nights Half Board, 20 May ‘14 from £3,399 per family of 3

Includes: 13% Early Booking Discount, Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £545 per family of 3

Support local Artisans Two Cretan hotels send guests home with local flavours to bring back memories of their stay, which support local artisans too. A souvenir gift bag with a jar of local olive oil marks the end of your stay at Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, and at Domes of Elounda, the small gift hamper filled with local spices and natural salts makes a wonderful gift – if you can bear to be parted with it. You may be so inspired by the cuisine you want to have a go at a few dishes yourself. Similar gifts are available at Daios Cove gift shop.

Experience enchanting views...

Stay: 7 nights Half Board at Daios Cove, 9 May ‘14 from £889 per person Includes:

30% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £472 per couple

Sovereign Recommends

Stay: 7 nights Half Board at Domes of Elounda, 12 Jun ‘14

from £1,259 per person Includes: 25% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, One Complimentary Degustation Dinner, Online Booking Discount. SAVING YOU £630 per couple

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas Shop

Healthy Locally Grown Cuisine

Stay: 7 nights All Inclusive from £2,179 per person Includes:

20% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount SAVING YOU £951 per couple

32

7 nights Half Board

CRETE •

Departing 9 May 2014 from Birmingham

LUXURY COLLECTION

Relax and unwind from the comfort of your private terrace commanding enchanting views across glistening waters in the hotel’s private cove; there couldn’t be a better place to simply get away from it all. *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

The BodyHoliday is a unique hotel on the idyllic island of Saint Lucia, dedicated to health and wellbeing. An inclusive programme of spa treatments and activities from yoga and spinning to archery and scuba-diving will send you home fitter and far more relaxed that you left. The hotel’s healthy cuisine proves that a good diet needn’t be a chore. Food is fresh and, wherever possible, locally grown – so locally, in fact, that much of it only need take the short journey from the resort’s own vegetable garden to your plate. And if you want to retain the body you found on holiday when you get back home, it’s easy – order the 240-page BodyHoliday Food Book, packed full of healthy tips and recipes so you can recreate the dishes you loved best.

Da ios Cove Lu xu ry Res ort & Vill a s

Modern architecture, fresh, comfortable guest rooms, exquisite dining, cool waters and the relaxing spa combine to create a truly unforgettable stay for couples and families alike. *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

from

£889

per person*

Includes: 30% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £472 per COUPLE

arrival • The Insider’s Guide to Gran Canaria

The Insider’s Guide

toGran Canaria

dunes with calm, clear water for swimming. Puerto Rico is a popular beach with calm seas and golden sands, ideal for families. The island is great for watersports, with conditions particularly good for surfing in the south.

Chrissie McKinnel is our expert on Gran Canaria and there’s not much that she doesn’t know about the island. She visits regularly and keeps up to date with what’s new, as well as uncovering the island’s best-kept secrets. From tips on the top sights to the best restaurants, Chrissie can help you get the most from this sun-drenched island.

What to eat

Images clockwise from bottom left: Playa Amadores beach. Puerto de Morgan Marina. Las Palmas cobbled streets. Santa Ana Cathedral in Las Palmas. Sand Dunes National Park, Maspalomas. Palma Cathedral. Lopesan Baobab Resort, Playa Meloneras.

You’ll find whatever cuisine you desire, but don’t miss traditional Canarian fare, it’s Spanish with a hint of Africa and Latin-America. Specialties include salt-fish stew and tiny salted baked potatoes, papas arrugadas, served with a ‘mojo’ sauce made with coriander or paprika. For dessert tuck into the delicious bienmesabe, a kind of almond cream often served with ice cream.

Where to take the family The third largest of the Canaries archipelago, Gran Canaria boasts stunning scenery, from the lush north to the mountainous interior and the south with its endless sandy beaches. With everything from bustling modern resorts to sleepy picturesque villages, there’s something for all visitors, from families seeking entertainment to couples simply wanting to relax.

When to go Gran Ganaria is a truly year-round destination. While summers are hot, the temperature still averages 20°C in the winter months, making it the perfect place to escape the cold, dark days at home.

Currency and value As part of Spain, Gran Canaria is in the Euro Zone. Expect restaurants to be generally a little cheaper than the UK, while alcohol and tobacco is

34

a lot cheaper. The Euro is currently worth about 0.86 GB pounds. Prices vary depending on resort, but on average a meal would cost about 20 euros, a pint of beer around 3 euros.

What to see Las Palmas, the island’s capital, dates back to the 15th century. Wander La Vegueta, the oldest part, with its picturesque cobbled streets and Gothic cathedral. Head to the Caldera de Bandama, an extinct volcano, for stunning views of the island. There’s fantastic hiking to be had in the interior and excellent golf courses too.

Where to swim There are dozens of beaches to choose from and even in winter it’s warm enough to take a dip. Maspalomas in the south is a picturesque 6km sandy sweep, backed by golden Sahara-style

Gran Canaria is great for families, with plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. Aqualand in Maspalomas is the biggest water park on the island, with 33 slides, while Palmitos Park is a lovely botanical garden and aviary with butterfly house and aquarium. To spot marine life up close, whale and dolphin watching trips leave from Puerto Rico.

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Bohemia Suites & Spa, Playa del Ingles In the lively resort of Playa del Ingles, this contemporary design hotel is perfect for a stylish break. The rooftop restaurant boasts amazing views, while a massage at Siam Spa is not to be missed.

7 nights B&B, 2 Nov ‘13 from £915 per person SAVING YOU £231 per couple

•••

Lopesan Baobab Resort, Playa Meloneras There’s an African theme to this fivestar, family-friendly hotel, with its nine swimming pools, huge choice of sporting activities and great kids club. Rooms are spacious and waterfalls sparkle in the tropical gardens.

7 nights B&B, 13 Feb ‘14 from £2,345 per family of 3 SAVING YOU £415 per family of 3

•••

Hotel Riu Palace Oasis, Masapalomas

Where to spend an evening Las Palmas is the place to head for a sophisticated scene, with everything from lively cocktail bars to classical concerts. For quieter evenings fishing villages such as Puerto Mogan are perfect for lazy moonlight suppers and strolls by the sea. By Chrissie McKinnel, Regional Purchasing Manager

Set in beautiful gardens and right on sweeping Maspalomas beach, this all-inclusive hotel enjoys a great location and you’ll find everything from tennis courts to a wellness centre.

7 nights All Inclusive, 6 Jan ‘14 from £965 per person SAVING YOU £232 per couple

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

35

Win a holiday to Majorca

Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa

Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort

Sofitel Essaourira Mogador Golf & Spa

Morrocan palatial opulence awaits you... Sovereign Recommends The Sofitel group of hotels offer unique relaxing holiday experiences, where modern furnishings and contemporary design combine with traditional Moroccan elegance.

So f i t el A g a d i r Ro ya l Bay RE S ORT



LUXURY COLLECTION

4 nights Bed & Breakfast from

£385

per person*

S o fite l M a rr ak e c h L o u nge & Spa • LUXURY COLLECTION

So fite l Essaou ira Mo gad o r Gol f & Spa • LUXURY COLLECTION

4 nights Bed & Breakfast

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

from

£459

per person*

from

£895

per person*

Departs 5 Nov '13 from London Gatwick

Departs 6 Jan '14 from Manchester

Departs 29 Nov '13 from Stansted

Includes: Free Night, Complimentary Room Upgrade, Online Booking Discount

EXCLUSIVE TO SOVEREIGN:

EXCLUSIVE TO SOVEREIGN:

Complimentary bottle of wine

Complimentary Room Upgrade.

Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount Free Night, Online Booking Discount

Includes: Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU UP TO £142 per COUPLE

SAVING YOU UP TO £241 per COUPLE

SAVING YOU UP TO £214 per COUPLE

Visit SOVEREIGN.COM or call 0843 249 7413 *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability. Calls cost 5p per minute from a BT landline plus network extras.

You and your loved one could be packing your suitcases and jetting off on a truly relaxing Sovereign holiday, staying for seven nights at the Hotel Illa d’Or in Majorca.

holiday in general. To enter, simply email your entry to [email protected] along with your full name, address (including postcode) and telephone number before midnight on 15 November 2013. For more information about the competition and the prize, visit sovereign.com/win.

How to WIN

The holiday prize includes seven nights accommodation for two adults on a Half Board basis with return flights from London Gatwick, complimentary UK airport lounge passes and private resort transfers.

Tell us in no more than 150 words about your best luxury holiday and why it was so special or alternatively tell us what makes the perfect

The Prize

A warm welcome awaits at this charming hotel, creating a true sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Renowned for its excellent customer service and traditional elegant atmosphere, guests can relax in comfort and style, enjoying pleasant views across the bay of Pollensa. The holiday must be taken between 28 February and 30 May 2014, 5 July and 29 August 2014, or 11 October and 9 November 2014. Excludes peak travel dates and is subject to availability.

Terms & Conditions The prize is a seven night holiday for two adults staying at the Hotel Illa d’Or, Majorca on a half board basis, including return economy class flights from London Gatwick and private resort transfers. Prize is to be taken between 28 February and 30 May 2014, 5 July and 29 August 2014, or 11 October and 9 November 2014, excluding peak travel dates and subject to availability. Holiday prize must be booked directly with Sovereign. Holiday insurance, transfers, UK travel expenses and any additional expenses are not included. Sovereign terms & conditions apply. Prize is non-negotiable, non-transferable and non-refundable. No cash alternative is available. By entering into the competition, the entrant agrees to receive future marketing communications from Sovereign and any of the TUI travel PLC group of companies, including without limitation information on offers of goods or services, brochures, products, forthcoming events or competitions by email and/or post. If the entrant does not wish to be contacted for future marketing, the entrant should write to Sovereign’s email address above with the message “OPT-OUT”. The entrant’s personal information will be used in accordance with the terms of the Promoters’ privacy policies. Sovereign’s privacy policy can be found at www.sovereign.com Competition open to residents of UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Isles and Isle of Man aged 18 and over, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter, TUI Travel PLC group of companies, anyone professionally associated with Competition and their immediate families. No purchase necessary. Internet access required to enter. One entry per person. Competition will close 11.59pm on 15 November 2013. Winner will be notified by 12.00am on 24.11.2013. Prize is non-transferable. No cash alternative or exchange available. Promoter: Specialist Holidays (Travel) Limited t/a Sovereign (“Promoter”), principal place of trading: The Atrium, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9SR (“Promoter Address”). Information regarding winner is available by sending SAE to Promoter Address. Further terms and conditions apply, see sovereign.com/win for full details. It is a condition of entry that all rules are accepted as final and that the entrant agrees to abide by these rules. Decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Submission of an entry will be taken to mean acceptance of the full terms and conditions.

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

37

arrival • Tried & Rested

Tried&rested

SPECIAL MOMENTS

ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort, Tenerife

At Sovereign we pride ourselves on our expertise in providing the perfect luxury holiday to suit your needs. Our years of experience guarantee in-depth knowledge of every destination we feature and the best deals at our carefully selected hotels. But what really counts is what our customers feel. So why not see what previous customers have to say about us and their favourite holiday destinations?

We had a marvellous holiday at the ABAMA, and wouldn't hesitate in going back. The staff were truly amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for them. During our stay, my wife had a special birthday. When we got back to our room later in the day, there was a bottle of Champagne on ice, a lovely 'made on the premises' cake and a huge bunch of flowers, and a happy birthday card. Even the maid sent a further card with some flowers later. I would recommend this hotel to anyone, as I would Sovereign for helping us to arrange such a wonderful, special, relaxing holiday.

ABAMA

Golf & Sp

a Resort

Mr Malyo n

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Sani Beach Club, Halkidiki, Greece

PERSONAL SPACE

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Lanzarote

The staff at the Sani Beach Club made us feel very special and made it their business to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. I would fully recommend this destination for anyone with young children as the facilities are perfect, and as a parent this will then allow you to have some time to relax and enjoy the spa or just chill on the beach. ch Club

Sani Bea

ck Alice Bla

Princesa Yaiza Suite

Hotel Resort

Mrs Sowden

The accommodation was excellent - especially if you are travelling with young children. Having a microwave, full sized fridge (not full of mini bar drinks) tea and coffee facilities was excellent. Children’s TV channels as well as full English channels was brilliant especially if you stay in on an evening. We loved the children’s disco on an evening and overall we had one the best family holidays ever! I would highly recommend for anyone that like "Nice & Spacious" accommodation but need facilities for children to be entertained.

FLEXIBLE DINING

InterContinental Aphodite Hills Resort, Cyprus

nta rContine

ite H l Aphrod

Inte

38

rt ills Reso

lly Heidi Na

The flexibility to take a main meal at lunchtime or in the evening, or to transfer a dining credit to another resort restaurant ensured variety for us adults and an a nightly new adventure for the children, who sampled many international dishes.

first class service

Bill & Coo Suites, Mykonos, Greece Bill & Coo was a beautiful resort. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The Staff could not do enough for us - they were always on hand. Food was amazing and all the small touches made it one of the most relaxing holidays we had ever been on.

Bill & Coo

Suites

Miss Kelly sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

39

Your holiday questions answered When it comes to finding the perfect holiday, nothing can compare with a personal recommendation.

Have a question you want answered?

That’s where our expert travel advisors come in. Equipped with years of experience, they’re just a phone call away, ready and waiting to help. We believe first-hand knowledge is the key to tailormaking your holiday and all our experts visit the hotels we work with so you can trust that they really know what they’re talking about.

Call our expert Travel Advisors on 0843 249 7413* or visit sovereign.com for more information about our hotels and their facilities.

Test our expertise... From Mrs Wright, Kent

My husband and I want to get away after Christmas and spend New Year somewhere warm. We’re hoping for a relaxing week in the sun, and don’t mind whether we stay half-board or on a bed and breakfast basis, but we do want our New Year’s Eve to feel special, so we’d like a hotel where there’ll be celebrations.

Answer from Lia Oakley, Sovereign Travel Advisor For year-round sunshine you can’t go wrong in the Canary Islands, and the short, four-and-a-half hour flight isn’t too much to manage after the excitement of Christmas. There’s a hotel in Tenerife that I think would suit you perfectly. Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque is a beautiful resort, a colonial-style property set in tranquil gardens overlooking the beach so you can really unwind for a week of winter sun. Best of all, it hosts one of the best New Year Gala Dinners on the island, a black tie event with a live band, a menu with a specially-paired wine flight and afterwards an open bar.

Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast departing 29 December ‘13 from £2,085* per person, Saving up to £756 per couple

40

Images from top to bottom: Hotel Almyra Crèche facilities. Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque, Tenerife.

First family holiday?

From Mrs Holmes, Essex

Unwind in lush botanical gardens...

My little girl is a year old and we’d like to take her away for her first holiday in February. My husband and I are a bit nervous – it’ll be the first time we’ve travelled with a baby. To minimise stress – and excess luggage – we’d like a hotel that can provide most things she’ll need on-site.

Sovereign Recommends

Answer from Shirley Martin, Sovereign Travel Advisor Travelling with a child for the first time can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! Luxury Cypriot Hotel Almyra is incredibly family friendly, with play areas, a shaded children’s pool, and baby-sitting and supervised kids clubs from four months up when you need a break. The brilliant Baby Go Lightly service allows you to pre-order what she’ll need online – there’s everything you can think of, from basic necessities like potties, high chairs, baby bathtubs and swimming nappies, to fun extras like colouring kits, story books and DVDs. In February Cyprus is warm, not hot – ideal for your daughter!

Stay: 7 nights Full Board departing 11 February ‘14 from £1,089* per family of 3 Saving up to £114 per family of 3

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

Which hotels celebrate New Year?

*Calls cost 5p per minute from a BT landline plus network extras.

H ot el Bota nico

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

Tenerife •

from

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION

Nestled on the north of the island, surrounded by serene botanical gardens, this beautiful, unique retreat blends Far Eastern influences with Western luxury. A popular choice with guests returning each year, accommodation is designed for comfort, the oriental spa garden created for full relaxation, whilst the superb restaurants await to indulge your culinary senses. Days can be spent exploring the charming town of Puerto de la Cruz with a complimentary bus from the hotel five days a week. *Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

£985

per person*

Departing 23 November 2013 from London Gatwick

EXCLUSIVE TO SOVEREIGN: Complimentary Upgrade to Deluxe Teide or Ocean View Room Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Spa Entry

SAVING YOU UP TO £330 per COUPLE

arrival • Exceptional Value Offers

• Winter Escapes

• Family Sun

• Faraway Shores

• Next Summer

Be inspired with our relaxing holidays for two departing this winter...

Our best winter family holidays for that much needed time away together..

Explore some of our longhaul destinations for that extra slice of paradise...

Benefit from the best choice of rooms, dates and offers when you book early for summer 2014...

Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos CYPRUS Stay: 7 nights Half Board Departing 2 Nov ‘13 flying from Manchester

From: £775 per person*

Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, €100 Spa voucher (per booking), Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £589 per couple The Lake Spa Resort ALGARVE Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast Departing 8 Nov ‘13 flying from Manchester

From: £555 per person*

Includes: Two Free Nights, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £317 per couple

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa Majorca Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

Excellence Playa Mujeres Mexico Stay: 14 nights All Inclusive

From: £2,429 per family of 3*

Includes: Two Free Nights, Online Booking Discount

Departing 26 Nov ‘13 flying from London Gatwick

Departing 24 Oct ‘13 flying from London Luton

From: £2,159 per person*

Includes: Free Night, Free Accommodation for One Child, One Complimentary Dinner (pp), Online Booking Discount

Departing 16 Dec ‘13 flying from Birmingham

From: £2,299 per family of 3*

SAVING YOU £177 per family of 3

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana Dominican Republic Stay: 10 nights All Inclusive

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort Lanzarote Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

SAVING YOU £728 per family of 4

Departing 3 Nov ‘13 flying from London Gatwick

Departing 24 Jul ‘14 flying from London Gatwick

Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, $2000 Resort Credit, Online Booking Discount

Includes: Free Child Place, 10% Early Booking Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £447 per family of 3

SAVING YOU £1,032 per family of 3 Marbella Beach Hotel Corfu Stay: 7 nights Half Board

From: £2,155 per family of 3*

Quinta Das Vistas Palace Gardens MADEIRA Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort CYPRUS Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

Kurumba Maldives Maldives Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

From: £655 per person*

From: £1,415 per family of 3*

Includes: Two Free Nights, Online Booking Discount

Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount, Speedboat Transfers, Online Booking Discount

Includes: 30% Early Booking Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £291 per family of 3

SAVING YOU £405 per couple

Sheraton Fuerteventura Golf & Spa Resort Fuerteventura Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Dubai Stay: 7 nights Half Board

Insotel Punta Prima Resort Menorca Stay: 7 nights All Inclusive

From: £1,515 per family of 3*

From: £1,389 per person*

Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, Free Child Place, Online Booking Discount

Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £266 per couple

Vincci La Plantación del Sur TENERIFE Stay: 7 nights Half Board Departing 3 Dec ‘13 flying from London Stansted From: £779 per person*

Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, Online Booking Discount

Hotel Volcan LANZAROTE Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Cyprus Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

From: £639 per person*

SAVING YOU £173 per couple

Departing 10 Dec ‘13 flying from Manchester

Includes: 22% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £283 per family of 3

Includes: 15% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

From: £1,695 per person*

Departing 11 Jan ‘14 flying from Manchester

SAVING YOU £617 per couple

Departing 20 Feb ‘14 flying from London Luton

Departing 5 Feb ‘14 flying from London Gatwick

Departing 17 Mar ‘14 flying from Manchester

Departing 3 Nov ‘13 flying from London Gatwick

From: £2,499 per family of 4*

Includes: 10% Accommodation Discount, Free Night, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £595 per family of 4

• To view the full range of our latest holiday offers, visit Sovereign.com

*Price based on specific departure date. Subject to availability.

Departing 8 Feb ‘14 flying from Bristol

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From: £2,419 per family of 4*

SAVING YOU £716 per couple

From: £4,399 per family of 3*

Includes: 5% Accommodation Discount, One Complimentary Spa Treatment, €80 Resort Credit, Online Booking Discount

Departing 21 May ‘14 flying from London Gatwick

Includes: Free Child Place, 15% Early Booking Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £394 per family of 3 Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort LANZAROTE Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Tenerife Stay: 7 nights Bed & Breakfast

Includes: 20% Accommodation Discount, Free Night, Complimentary Half Board Upgrade, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £1,164 per couple Grand Velas Riviera Maya Mexico Stay: 7 nights All Inclusive Departing 10 Dec ‘13 flying from London Gatwick

From: £4,295 per family of 3*

Includes: 30% Accommodation Discount, Free Child Accommodation, Complimentary Upgrade to Zen Pool Suite, Online Booking Discount

Departing 5 May ‘14 flying from Manchester

From: £619 per person*

SAVING YOU £252 per couple

Departing 5 May ‘14 flying from Birmingham

From: £1,589 per family of 3*

SAVING YOU £301 per family of 3 Elounda Bay Palace Crete Stay: 7 nights Half Board Departing 3 Jun ‘14 flying from London Gatwick From: £889 per person*

Includes: 30% Accommodation Discount, Online Booking Discount

SAVING YOU £459 per couple

SAVING YOU £2,290 per family of 3

sovereign.com • 0843 249 7413 Calls cost up to 5p per minute plus network extras.

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