Download - Fly Thomas Cook

SUMMER 2 013 

PLUS 

THIS 

whatever your 

– F L A V O U R – 

CUBAP A RISCANCÚ N I B IZA ALGAR VET ENERIFE G R ANCANARIA 

WHERE TO EAT | WHAT TO SEE | WHERE TO STAY | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO PLAY 

MAJORCA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG FUNNELL 

Gran Canaria, 

but not as you 

know it (page 64) 

MAY / JUN / JUL 2013 

contents 

FEATURES 

insider guide 

majorca 

From lush mountain tops 

to golden beach coves, find 

out why this sun-soaked 

Balearic island really rocks 

COVER STORY: 

a-z of holiday 

ideas for kids 

A round-up of the coolest 

things to see and do this 

summer for mini jetsetters 

PLUS our fun Kids’ Club quiz 

catch of the day 

Our writer abandons his sun 

lounger for the day and falls 

hook, line and sinker for carp 

fishing in Gran Canaria 

love at first bite 

Saturday Kitchen chef 

Adam Byatt uncovers the 

Algarve’s best foodie secrets 

10 new ways to 

party in ibiza 

Think you’ve ‘been there, 

done that’ when it comes to 

the White Isle? Think again 

battle of the 

wellbeing bands 

Will an active bootcamp or 

laid-back spa emerge the 

winner on a break in Cancún? 

43 

51 

64 

72 

81 

89 

MAY.JUN.JUL 03

STAR GUIDE 

PAGE 13 

contents 

NEWS 

10 ON THE ROAD 

We get the inside track on the 

five best road trips for summer 

13 STAR GUIDE 

Take inspiration from la famille 

Beckham and go très chic in Paris 

15 STYLE 

Get ready to glow this summer 

with a healthy hit of neon 

19 TREND 

Forget Kit Kats and Coke cans: 

vending machines are getting 

a quirky upgrade 

20 BEAUTY 

Prep for summer with organic 

make-up bag must-haves, plus 

how to get perfect 60s lashes 

…that was my mission on a recent trip to Cancún. Inspired by the likes of Jennifer Aniston 

and Eva Longoria – who are rarely snapped looking anything less than perfect on the beach – 

I dutifully enrolled myself for five days of bootcamping and spa treatments under the Mexican 

sun (see page 89). Ironically, the celebrities ended up copying me, as Cameron Diaz, Drew 

Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon were spotted in the nearby resort of Tulum doing the exact same thing a week 

after (we do aim to set the trends here at Thomas Cook Travel). Though I’m still about 1,000 ab crunches away from 

an Aniston bod, I returned feeling re-energised and like a million bucks. Which is what a holiday’s all about, right? 

Kids, on the other hand, don’t have to worry about a lack of energy. They seem to have it in bags. But not to leave 

them out of the fun, we tracked down the A-Z of ideas for your brood’s summer break from ziplining in Vegas to the 

new Twilight (page 51). Feeling more gluttonous? Saturday Kitchen chef Adam Byatt eats his way through the Algarve 

(page 72) and for summer hedonists, we’ve got 10 new ways to live it up in Ibiza (page 81). As for me, I’ll be propping 

up the beach bar in the 'squat' position. Enjoy the issue! 

04 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 

22 IN FOCUS 

A look through the lens of Michael 

Farnell, a winner at the Sony World 

Photography Awards 

25 CHEAP THRILLS 

Spent all your money at Disney 

World? We show you how to do the 

rest of Orlando on a shoestring 

27 ACTION 

Ibiza welcomes its first Rugby 10s 

while the Tour de France turns 100 

From ab to fab... 

STYLE 

PAGE 15 

TECHNOLOGY 

PAGE 28 

Lego 

robot, 

anyone? 

28 TECHNOLOGY 

A kids' special with the hottest 

games console on the block, 

plus the return of Tamagotchi 

30 INTERVIEW 

Denise van Outen on travelling 

with a toddler, turning 40 and 

why she never weighs herself 

35 FOOD 

It's not just cigars and vintage cars 

in Cuba - the culinary revolution 

is also causing a bit of a stir 

38 DRINK 

Join our very own Club Tropicana 

with these deliciously fruity 

summer cocktails 

40 ANNIVERSARY 

Celebrate 150 years of the first 

tour of the Swiss Alps, led by 

Mr. Thomas Cook himself 

103 THOMAS COOK NEWS 

106 WELLBEING IN THE AIR 

111 OUR FLEET 

112 ROUTE MAP 

114 THE LAST WORD 

An insider's look into Tenerife 

Anisha Patel 

Editor 

SUMMER 2013 

THIS 

whatever your 

– F L A V O U R – 

PLUS 

CUBAPARISCANCÚNIBIZAALGARVETENERIFEGRANCANARIA 

Editor 

Anisha Patel 

Art Director 

Julia Murray 

Staff Writer 

Stephanie Yip 

Picture Editor 

Julia Holmes 

Sub Editors 

Simon Berkovitch 

Kirsten Foster 

Production Manager 

Antonia Ferraro 

Production Controller 

Adam Jones 

Publisher 

Chris Davies 

chris.davies@ink-global.com 

+44 (0) 207 749 6285 

Advertising 

Sales Executives 

George Hughes 

German Marin 

Kadene Donaldson 

Sales recruitment 

joinus@ink-global.com 

Executive Creative Director 

Michael Keating 

Editorial Director 

Andrew Humphreys 

Publishing Director 

Simon Leslie 

Chief Executive 

Jeffrey O’Rourke 

Chief Operating Officer 

Hugh Godsal 

For Thomas Cook 

Kalai Mahalingam 

Sandy Winn 

Louise Bolton 

Reprographics 

KFR Pre-Press Ltd 

Ink, 141-143 Shoreditch 

High Street, London E1 6JE 

Editorial +44 (0)20 7749 6265, 

thomascook.ed@ink-global.com 

Sales +44 (0)20 7613 8779 

Editorial opinions expressed in 

the magazine are not necessarily 

those of Thomas Cook. Though 

we strive for accuracy, Ink and 

Thomas Cook cannot accept 

responsibility for information, 

such as prices and product 

availability, that may 

be subject to change. 

WHERE TO EAT | WHAT TO SEE | WHERE TO STAY | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO PLAY 

MAJORCA 

photo © alamy, illustration: stanley chow

+ 90 ( 252 ) 417 2330 info@julianclub.com 

Julian Club Hotel Marmaris 

Turkiye 

 

+ 90 ( 252 ) 455 4781 info@julianforest.com 

Julian Forest Suites Icmeler 

Turkiye 

Scan QR code for direct web site link. 

Julian Hotels Marmaris Icmeler Turkiye


A 

very warm welcome onboard this Thomas Cook Airlines flight. We’re delighted to have you 

with us and your crew is looking forward to taking very good care of you today. We know how 

much your holiday means to you and that your dreams begin to come alive as soon as you start 

researching, booking, shopping, packing, checking-in and boarding the plane. It is at the core of our being 

at Thomas Cook that we make sure that your experiences not just meet, but exceed, your expectations. 

If you’re reading this on your way out, with your whole holiday ahead of you, you must be feeling 

pretty excited right now and that is exactly as it should be! No matter what you are looking forward to 

most – whether it’s time with your friends and family, exploring new places or enjoying new food – we 

want it to be the best it can be. 

Some of the first people you’ll meet when you land will be from our fantastic local resort team. 

Our warm and welcoming representatives are the most knowledgeable and experienced people you 

could hope to meet. They have valuable information and advice to make your stay so much more special, including 

the best places to eat, drink, dance, swim, shop and explore. They will lavish care on you and be there whenever you 

need them, so please make the most of your time together. 

If you’re on your way home, I trust you’re taking some wonderful memories with you and are feeling relaxed, 

recharged and ready to take on ‘real life’ once more. We’d love to hear about your experiences of travelling with us 

so please do email us at customer.service@thomascook.com. Your feedback really does help us to continually improve 

upon our holidays and services. During the flight you will also be offered a Customer Service Questionnaire and I 

would encourage you to take a few minutes to share your open and honest views with us. 

If you’re like me, you’ll already be thinking ahead to your next trip, as there’s no better way to beat the post-holiday 

blues than by planning the next. Whether that’s next month, next summer or even a year or more away, the cycle of 

excitement can start right now. You will find plenty of inspiration in this edition of Travel. 

The march of modern technology means that the world is changing very fast and so too is the way that many want 

to research, plan and book flights and leisure travel. We understand this, so our aim is to offer you endless choice, total 

flexibility, great value and exceptional service however you choose to contact us. With more than 1,000 travel stores 

nationwide, call centres that are open when it’s convenient for you and a complete online travel service available 24/7, 

365 days a year at thomascook.com, we would welcome the opportunity to inspire and delight you once more. 

Thank you for trusting us with your important holiday plans. We’re very proud to play a part in making this time special for 

you and your travel companions. I hope your memories last a very long time. So, until next time, I wish you an enjoyable trip. 

Kind regards, 

Harriet Green 

Group Chief Executive Officer 

Thomas Cook Group plc 

Dear holidaymaker 

from Thomas Cook

photo: studio dror 

MAY / JUNE / JULY 

it's not easy being green 

But Turkey’s giving it a go. It may look like the Eden Project gone 

wild, but these islands could be the future of sustainable urban living. 

Designed by New York-based architect Dror, the proposed metropolis 

of HavvAda will use the one billion cubic metres of displaced soil from 

Istanbul's man-made canal to create six community-focused hills that 

could one day house 300,000 residents, just off the city’s coast. Each 

hill will be topped with a huge dome (ranging from 230 to 400 metres in 

height) that would do its part for the environment by promoting natural 

ventilation, collecting rainwater and producing wind power. And the 

best part is that it will actually produce more energy than it consumes. 

It may be a while until the plan comes to fruition, but there are plenty 

of other paradises to explore on the Turkish coast in the meantime. 

Be there… Travel to Turkey with thomascook.com 

What's taking off in the world of travel 

featuring: 

ultimate road trips 

beckham's paris 

neon fashion 

rugby in ibiza 

summer cocktails 

cuban food 

denise van outen 

Wish 

you were 

here? 

MAY.JUN.JUL 09

departures 

On the Road 

With Lamborghini celebrating its 50th 

anniversary in May and James Bond’s beloved 

Aston Martin turning 100 this year, there’s 

never been a better time to take a road trip 

1 

THE BIG FIVE 

3 


turin to bologna, italy 

WHY GO? Celebrate Lamborghini’s milestone with 

a visit to its factory in its birthplace, Bologna, 

(12 via Modena, Sant’Agata, lamborghini.com). 

THE ROUTE Fly into Turin (thomascook.com) and take 

the scenic route to Sant’Agata via the coastal roads 

of Savona. It may add a couple of hours, but it’s 

worth it to wind through quaint Italian villages. 

HIGHLIGHT Seeing some of the finest cars ever 

and also eating the best pizza in the world nearby 

at Pizzeria Maggi (32 Via Montirone, Bologna, 

+39 051 956 116). Be prepared for a wait, though. 

THE WORLD'S BEST PIZZA 

AND CARS IN ITALY? 

canning stock route, australia 

WHY GO? Open from June to September, it’s perfect 

for seasoned road trippers looking for a challenge. 

THE ROUTE Drive from Perth (tcsignature.com) to 

Wiluna, the start, which takes you through the 

remote Aussie Outback up to Halls Creek in The 

Kimberley. The round-trip takes a few weeks, so 

you'll need a four-wheel drive and plenty of supplies. 

HIGHLIGHT Stargazing in the Gibson Desert, 

where you can see the Milky Way with the naked 

eye. Be sure to pack a decent camera and tripod. 

THE MMILKY 

WAY HAS 

NEVER NEVE LOOKED SO GOOD 

route 66, usa 

A CHEVVY IS NOT T AN 

OPTION, IT'S A MUST 

2 

WHY GO? America’s most iconic road stretches from 

the deserts in the west to Chicago in the Midwest. 

THE ROUTE Jet into Las Vegas (thomascook.com), then 

pick up a Chevrolet (of course) and join up with the 

historic route a couple of hours south in Kingman, 

Arizona, where you’ll pass through the real heart of 

America before ending up in the Windy City. 

HIGHLIGHT Yes, the Grand Canyon is iconic, but 

Arizona’s Meteor Crater, shouldn't be missed: the 

1,219-metre depression looks like another planet. 

5 

MAKE SURE YOUR WIPERS 

WORK FOR THIS HIS ONE 

atlantic road, norway 

Stairway 

to a 

heavenly 

ride 

WHY GO? The scenery is at its best in early summer, 

with trees blossoming, snow dusting mountains 

and meltwater cascading down waterfalls. 

THE ROUTE It may only be just over 8km long, but this 

west coast road in Norway (thomascooktours.com) is 

spectacular, connecting the islands between Molde 

and Kristiansund with seven undulating bridges. 

HIGHLIGHT Cresting the bridge at Storseisundbrua 

and seeing the lowest point ahead, Hulvågbrua, 

where swells can crash across the road. 

teide volcano, tenerife 

WHY GO? Part of the sixth instalment of Fast and 

Furious (out 24 May), starring Vin Diesel and 

Paul Walker (pictured) was filmed here. 

THE ROUTE Start in Puerto de la Cruz (thomascook. 

com) in the north, then head south into Teide 

National Park, keeping to the western road 

around the base of the volcano. Initially open and 

sweeping, after the town of Santiago del Teide 

it tightens up, with the left-hand side dropping 

away to amazing vistas of the mountain sides. 

HIGHLIGHT You’ll need plenty of time (four hours, to 

be precise) and a relaxed demeanour, but the payoff 

is epic views of the Teide volcano and cascading 

mountains through to the stunning coastline. 

BACK OFF, WALKER: TEIDE 

IS THE STAR OF THE SHOW 

words: karl peskett, photos © rex, getty

e a part of the MEDITERRANEAN 

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/palomahotels @palomahotels 

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PALOMA 

Club Sultan 

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PALOMA 

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WORDS: ANISHA PATEL, ILLUSTRATION: STANLEY CHOW/CIA 

Becks and the City 

With David Beckham’s latest transfer to Paris St-Germain, we 

take a look at how he and Posh conquered the French capital 

parc des princes 

If you want a guaranteed sighting of Becks, 

the stadium where Paris St-Germain (PSG) 

is based would be a good start. It may be one 

of the richest football clubs in the world, but a 

tour of the stadium (normally on Wednesdays, 

Fridays and Saturdays) won’t cost you the earth, 

thankfully, at €10 for adults, €5 for under 18s 

and free entry for kids under five. You can walk 

through the players’ dressing rooms, step foot 

on the turf, peek into the players’ lounges and 

trophy gallery, and even pick up Becks’ number 

32 PSG shirt. His five-month contract is due to 

end in June, but he’s discussed the possibility 

of staying at the club – so watch this space. 

(24 rue due Commandant Guilbaud, psg.fr) 

disneyland paris 

As the family spent five years in sunny L.A. 

– where trips to Disneyland were a regular 

occurrence for the kids – the Beckham 

brood will be happy that Europe’s Magic 

Kingdom is just a short hop from the city, 

complete with the original’s best-loved 

rides and characters. Save yourself the 

45-minute commute and stay at the 

aptly-named Thomas Cook’s Explorers 

Hotel (thomascook.com), which is just 

on the outskirts of the park. 

ferdi 

With over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants and 

counting, the French capital has more than 

enough to satisfy the foodie pair (especially 

since David’s rumoured to be opening a 

London restaurant with Gordon Ramsay). 

But you don’t have to spend it like Beckham 

to have a stylish meal in town. The Ferdi 

bistro (32 rue du Mont Thabor, +33 1 42 60 

82 52), an offbeat tapas restaurant, still 

has plenty of star appeal – Victoria’s 

pals Marc Jacobs and Christian 

Louboutin are fans. They even 

serve burgers that Penelope Cruz 

declared to be the best in Paris, 

which should keep Brooklyn, 

Romeo and Cruz Beckham 

happy – although Posh may 

prefer a less calorific salad. 

rue du faubourg 

saint-honoré 

It may not be as wide and glitzy as 

its neighbouring Champs-Élysées, 

but this narrow road is one of the most 

fashionable streets in the world, thanks to 

a clutch of designer boutiques (think Lanvin, 

Hermès and Dior), the headquarters of 

cosmetics giant Lancôme and the five-star 

Hôtel Le Bristol (elegantresorts.co.uk), 

where Becks stayed when he first moved 

Haven't you heard? 

Disney is 

the new 

Dior 

STAR GUIDE 

over. Even if you don’t have a Black Amex card 

like Victoria, you can still strut down the road 

like a WAG and pick up a more affordable treat 

in the shape of macaroons from Dalloyau. 

the lions 

When Becks gets nostalgic for a slice of 

London, this laid-back pub on the bustling 

rue Montmartre will make him feel right at 

home with its largely Brit expat clientele, 

Guinness on tap and huge flatscreen TVs 

showing the football. (120 rue Montmarte) 

Be there… Travel to Paris with 

thomascook.com 

departures 

MAY.JUN.JUL 13

Where your dreams come true... 

facebook.com/xanaduhotels 

twitter.com/xanaduhotels 

www.xanaduhotels.com.tr

words and styling: anisha patel, photos © rex 

CHLOË MORTEZ 

(ABOVE) AND 

WILL.I.AM (RIGHT) 

ARE BANG ON TREND 

SEAFOLLY'S SPRING/SUMMER 

2013 COLLECTION TURNS UP 

THE HEAT: SHIMMER BIKINI TOP, 

£40, BOTTOMS, £66, 

VISOR, £25 (SEAFOLLY.COM) 

Ready, steady, glo! 

The only thing you need to shine this summer is an electric hit of neon 

THERE ARE PLENTY OF 80S TRENDS 

that we hope never make a comeback: 

cycling shorts, shell suits and scrunchies to 

name a few. But a healthy splash of neon? 

That we can get onboard with. 

And this summer, it’s a trend that even 

leading fashion designers are behind. Simone 

Rocha’s spring/summer collection gained 

acclaim for its pretty crochet skirts and dresses 

in neon yellow and orange, and even the usually 

demure Victoria Beckham sent models down 

the runway with bright pops of orange and red. 

For the gents, Salvatore Ferragamo teamed 

tangerine oranges with bold blues, while 

Louis Vuitton’s statement luggage collection 

Salvatore Sa Saa lv lvat at ator ore re 

Fe Ferr Ferragamo rr r ag a am am am amoooo 

MEN‛S MIAMI 

PRINT PLIMSOLLS, 

£18, ASOS 

(ASOS.COM) 

Simone Si SSSSSS mo mone ne ne n R RRoc 

Rocha oc ha hhh a 

SANTIAGO NEON GOLD 

SPECIAL EDITION, 

£55 EACH, ADIDAS 

(JDSPORTS.CO.UK) 

confirmed that yellow is the key shade when 

it comes to accessorising. 

Celebs are also proving how easy it is to 

translate the look into every day wear and 

that it’s a shade that can be worn at any age – 

whether you do it with statement accessories 

like Heidi Klum (39), pretty dresses like 

Emma Stone (24) or go super-bright like 

Chloë Moretz (16), who sported one of 

Rocha’s designs at the People’s Choice Awards. 

Meanwhile, in the boys’ corner, Will.i.am 

and David Beckham are channelling the 

trend through sunglasses and shoes. It’s the 

easiest way to upgrade your wardrobe from a 

light spring to a bright summer. 

Victoria Beckham 

EMMA STONE 

IS PRETTY IN 

(SHOCKING) PINK 

STYLE 

DIANA F+ BUTTERCUP, 

£89, LOMOGRAPHY 

(LOMOGRAPHYUK.COM) 

departures 

MAY.JUN.JUL 15

departures 

Get the look k on holiday 

A summer holiday is the best time to play around with tthis 

this 

trend, as the super-bright colours go perfectly with a tan ann 

on the beach. Even back home, a few choice pieces 

such as jeans (see e Jessica JJessica 

e Alba, , above) aabove) 

are brilliant 

for music festivals. As a rule of thumb, neons – especial especially lly y 

yellow – go great with denim, while a black ensemble wwill 

will l 

instantly brighten up with punchy chy accessories. Beware 

of 

clashing colours and overdoing the neons and looking like 

a highlighter multipack – less is s definitely more, unless of 

course you have bags of confidence ence like Rita RRita RRita t a 

Ora. O 

If you’re weary of standing g out in the 

crowd, ladies can test the waters rs by starting 

with a neon nail polish, while for or guys, a pair 

of sun sunglasses will do the tric trick. 

NEON NAIL POLISH, 

£9 EACH, 

AMERICAN APPAREL 

(AMERICANAPPAREL.NET) 

MEN‛S FLURO AZTEC 

BACKPACK, £25, 

ASOS (ASOS.COM) 

CHIC JESSICA ALBA 

TAKES THE NEON 

TREND IN HER STRIDE 

16 THOMAS COOK OK TRAVEL 

MEN'S SHORTS, 

£14.99, H&M, 

(HM.COM) 

GENIUS BLACK 

WEDGE, £75, DUNE 

(HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK) 

BIKINI TOP, 

£7.99, AND 

BOTTOMS, £7.99, 

H&M (HM.COM) 

RASPBERRY HOLIDAY 

SUITCASE, £69, 

TRIPP LUGGAGE 

(TRIPP.CO.UK.CO.UK) 

MEN'S SYRACUSE BLUE 

SHOES, £39.99, MOCKS 

(MOCKSONLINE.COM) 

NEON SNAKE 

BRACELET, £75, AND 

TWO-TONE NEON HAMSA 

CHARM BRACELET, 

£75, EASTERN MYSTIC 

(EASTERNMYSTIC.COM) 

SUNGLASSES, 

£120, RAY-BAN 

(SUNGLASSHUT.COM/UK) 

RITA ORA ROCKS THE 

RETINA-DAMAGING 

'RADIOACTIVE' LOOK 

bright light 

cities for neon 

las vegas 

The city's open-air Neon Museum 

(neonmuseum.org) is home to 

more than 150 signs from iconic 

hotels like the Stardust and the 

Frontier. If you want a 21st-century 

experience of it, all you have to do 

is whizz up and down the Strip. 

tokyo 

Shinjuku, the busiest district in one 

of o the world's busiest cities is best 

visited v after dark to see thousands 

of neon lights. This is also the 

home of a cat café, where patrons 

can c cosy up with feline companions 

for an hourly fee. Aw. 

miami 

South Beach is Miami’s neon 

playground, with art deco hotels 

like The Colony, bars that have 

appeared in Miami Vice and tattoo 

parlours p shining their lights bright. 

Be there… For more 

information on how to get 

to these destinations, visit 

thomascook.com 

photo © rex, getty, xposure

FREE UK DELIVERY! 

FACEBOOK.COM/OFFICIALPLT

CLUBBING OR CHILLING? 

Your Summer Sorted! 

WE BELIEVE IN AMAZING HOLIDAYS. 

We love holidays that leave you with memories for life. Memories of mates on the h ddance floor floor. Memories Memories of 

boat parties, foam and dancing till sunrise. Memories of chilling on whitewash beaches, share shared sunsets and 

sparkling waters. Stories you’ll be telling for years. 

To make this possible for you we’ve created two unique holiday options that bring ing together together like-minde like-minded young 

people p from across across the UK. From From clubbing to chilling we have it all. 

CLUBBERS 

CALL: 0844 800 7038 

CLICK: WWW.CLUB18-30.COM 

VISIT: YOUR LOCAL THOMAS COOK TRAVEL AGENT 

Call: 0844 879 8201 

Click: www.Escapades.co.uk 

Visit: VVVVVVV Your local Thomas Cook travel agent

words: stephanie yip 

insert coins 

Forget Coke cans. The Japanese 

craze for vending machines 

that dispense quirkier goods 

(think sushi, eggs and 

underwear) 24 hours a day 

is now sweeping the world 

Cupcakes 

Sprinkles (sprinkles.com, right), the American 

gourmet cupcakery whose clientele includes 

Oprah Winfrey and Paris Hilton, launched 

the world’s first cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills 

last year. And now a London location is being 

scouted for its new 24-hour “ATM”, which will 

be constantly restocked with treats. 

FIND IT: The London spot is yet to be 

confirmed, but we predict it could be in Soho. 

bikes 

Where else would you find a bicycle vending 

machine other than Holland? Bikedispensers 

is a “self-service” rental station that’s part of 

the country’s national cycle scheme. Bikes 

roll out of a specially shaped hole-in-the-wall 

and are sucked back into their enclosure 

upon their return. 

FIND IT: Arnhem, Delft, Duiven and Enschede 

railway stations, bikedispenser.com. 

Fantasy machines 

Three things we’d like to see 

dispensed from an all-hours 

vending machine 

vintage books 

Forget wine, vintage books are the order of 

the day at Toronto bookstore/antiquarian 

specialist Monkey’s Paw. Its Biblio-Mat 

vending machine is stocked with rare reads – 

carefully picked by the store’s owner Stephen 

Fowler and guaranteed to be at least 25 years 

old – and are popped out randomly. 

FIND IT: 1229 Dundas St, West Toronto, 

monkeyspaw.com. 

Sports equipment: Stocked 

with footballs and Frisbees, 

this machine will be the 

saviour of those unexpected 

sunny days for a kick about 

in the park with your mates. 

Get your 

fresh 

cupcakes 

here 

Manicures: Because who 

needs a chipped nail on 

a night out? This machine 

would repaint nails to the 

exact colour and dry them 

in just 60 seconds. 

TREND 

beachwear 

You can now travel lighter thanks to 

Quiksilver’s machines. Located poolside at 

hotels in The Standard hotel chain across 

the USA, these machines stock an exclusive 

“Standard” line of bikinis, board shorts and 

sunglasses, with prices starting at $75 (£49). 

FIND IT: Pop into any The Standard hotel 

in New York, Downtown LA and Miami on 

your next Stateside visit. 

Advice: When a Freudian 

couch or Baz Luhrmann 

soundtrack won’t do the job, 

insert your woes and this 

device will dispense its Dr 

Frasier Crane-style tips. 

departures 

MAY.JUN.JUL 19

departures 

BEAUTY 

Shine on this summer 

1 

natural beauty 

They say that beauty starts from within, but what about what’s within your make-up bag? 

Organic beauty products have become popular in recent years, with celebrities like Gisele 

Bündchen (pictured) and Gwyneth Paltrow – whose healthy lifestyle blog, goop.com, has earned her a 

legion of fans – advocating the benefits of going ‘green’ with your beauty regime. And with the first Organic 

& Natural Beauty show coming to London’s ExCel from 2-3 June (naturalbeautyshow.com), ys there’s never 

been a better time to give your make-up bag a detox. Try these sin-free, A-list-approved approve wonders for size: 

Touted as Hollywood’s best-kept 

secret, GlamGlow Mud Mask 

(£19.50) is an all-natural way to a 

flawless face. Made from volcanic 

rocks from the south of France, 

it rids your skin of impurities to give 

an instant red carpet-ready glow. 

No wonder Natalie Portman is a fan. 

3 

SHADY LADY 

The Catwalk 

Collection Set 

from Models Own (£20) packs in 

five on-trend nail shades that work for 

every occasion. We show you which style 

icons to channel with each colour. 


Organic fake tan brand Vita Liberata 

– loved by Louise Redknapp and 

Holly Valance – is causing a stir with 

its pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan kit 

(£16.50). Not only is it non-toxic and 

odourless, but it also lasts up to four 

times longer than other self-tan 

products, for a sun-kissed glow. 

RED ALERT 

Wear it like Mary-Kate 

Olsen, who loves 

her signature 

red talons. 

Friends with Benefits star Rashida 

Jones loves First Aid Beauty’s 

products because they are free of 

harsh chemicals and colourants. The 

Ultra Repair Cream (£7) is blended 

with shea butter and eucalyptus oil 

to hydrate the skin – it’s even gentle 

enough for those with eczema. 

VINTAGE PINK 

Eva Mendes often 

compliments her 

tanned skin with a 

rosy shade. 

NUDE BEIGE 

As proven by Rosie 

Huntington-Whiteley, 

nude nails aren't 

boring. 

Get yours… All products are available to buy onboard, see Emporium magazine for more information 

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STUBBY LASHES 

LOOKING LONG, 

DEFINED AND 

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Katie Snooks, 

beauty blogger 

2 

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evolution 

The rise and rise 

of 60s style 

Hitchcock heroines take 

centre stage following Sienna 

Miller’s appearance in The Girl 

and the release of Hitchcock 

starring Scarlett Johansson. 

‘It’ model Cara Delevingne 

(above) is revealed as the face 

of YSL’s new Baby Doll range, 

sporting voluminous lashes 

that Twiggy would be proud of. 

Get the doe-eye look 

yourself with L’Oréal’s Volume 

Million Lashes Excess Duo 

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lashes for a dramatic look, but 

without the clumps, and the kit 

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Time to reflect 

LOCATION: 51.4311° N, 116.1844° W / LAKE LOUISE, CANADA 

“My first visit to Lake Louise was during winter. It was 

beautiful when covered in snow, but after hearing about how 

spectacular it looked during summer, I had to take another 

trip. This photo instantly caught my eye. What I like is that it 

takes a moment to figure out what it is you are looking at.” 

MICHAEL FARNELL, PHOTOGRAPHER 

See it… Michael Farnell’s snap won the Australia National Award at the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards and 

is currently on display, alongside other winning entries, at Somerset House, London until 12 May. Entries for the 2014 

awards opens 1 June, visit worldphoto.org. To create your own ski adventure in Canada, visit neilson.co.uk 

Did you 

know…? 


1,536m princess louise caroline alberta 

Lake Louise is the 

highest permanent 

settlement in Canada 

at 1,536 metres. 

The lake is named after the fourth daughter 

of Queen Victoria. Her husband, John 

Campbell, the 9th Duke of Argyll, was the 

Governor General of Canada from 1878-1883. 

You can spot deer, porcupine, 

cougar, beaver, elk, moose, 

wolverine and grizzly and 

black bears in this area.

1909 1 ST 2 ND 

Swiss and Austrian mountaineers introduced skiing here 

in 1909. Lake Louise is Canada’s second largest ski area 

and boasts 990 metres of vertical rise and the Rockies’ 

largest terrain park for snowboarders. 

Ski Magazine readers ranked 

it number 1 for scenery and 

number 2 for value among 

North American ski resorts. 

IN FOCUS 

Visit in mid-January to see the gigantic 

glittering ice sculptures of the Ice 

Magic International Ice Sculpture 

Competition and Exhibition. 

departures 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL FARNELL 

MAY.JUN.JUL 23

$20 

$0 

LOW COST TRAVEL 

A TASTE OF SAIGON $3 

Visit the area once dubbed 

‘Little Vietnam’ by locals 

for £2 bánh mì – traditional 

sandwiches – at local 

favourite Anh Hong (1124 

East Colonial Drive, 

anhhongorlando.com). 

Burgernomics 

BEER TIME $6 

Orlando Brewing (1303 Atlanta 

Ave, orlandobrewing.com) 

offers four tasters of its best 

craft beers for just £4. Tours 

of the brewery are free on a 

first-come, first-served 

basis at 6pm. 

We see how much 'bang' you get for your 

buck across Thomas Cook's destinations by 

comparing the price of a McDonald’s Big Mac 

FOREVER YOUNG $12 

See where Juan Ponce de 

León landed 500 years ago 

– marking the discovery of 

the state – in search of the 

legendary Fountain of Youth 

(fountainofyouthflorida.com, 

$12/£8 ). 

GO QUACKERS FREE 

Want to see the real Donald 

Duck? You’ll love the March 

of The Peabody Ducks: every 

morning at 11, the birds strut 

down a red carpet to music into 

the marble fountain in the lobby 

(peabodyorlando.com). 

Cheap thrills 

Save your pennies for the theme parks and 

see the rest of Orlando on a shoestring 

SHOP TILL YOU DROP $20 PARK LIFE $17 

Swap Mickey Mouse for Rent a canoe and d explore 

Michael Kors at Orlando Florida’s breathtaking king natural 

Premium Outlets (8200 scenery, home to alligators 

Vineland Ave, premiumoutlets. and black bears, at Wekiwa 

com). You can pick up labels Springs State Park k (free park 

at a snip – like Calvin Klein entry, canoe rental 

jeans for $20/£13. 

$17/£11). $17/£11) ). 

FAST FOOD $5 

The hippest way to dine 

on a budget is at a food 

truck for everything from 

tacos to Korean. Visit 

orlandosfoodtrucks.com om to 

find where they’re e 

gathering. 

NIGHTTIME FLICKS $8 

The Enzian theatre (1300 

South Orlando Ave, enzian. 

org), home of the Florida Film 

Festival, offers free outdoor 

screenings in summer when 

you buy a happy hour drink 

and snack ($8/£5). 

MAKE MAK MINE A MIMOSA $3 

For a change from wine and 

bee beer, The Wine Room (270 

SSouth 

Park Ave, Winter 

Park, Pa thewineroomonline. 

com) c offers delicious 

Mim Mimosas for £2 a glass, all 

day, every day. 

MARKET FARE FREE 

Downtown Orlando’s Lake 

Eola Park Farmer’s Market 

is the perfect place to 

watch locals catch up over 

coffee or power-walking 

their dogs around the 

swan-covered lake. 

egypt mexico turkey portugal greece 

spain 

italy 

$2.57 $2.70 $3.54 $3.84 

$4.30 

$4.55 

$5.01 

*PRICES ARE TAKEN FROM THE ECONOMIST, 2013, AND RELATE TO THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A BIG MAC IN THE STATED COUNTRY RATHER THAN THE RESORT ITSELF. 

departures 

MAY.JUN.JULY 25

CALL CENTER (0850) 800 (0850) 

reservations@mardanpalace.com.tr - www.mardanpalace.com.tr

WORDS: ANISHA PATEL, PHOTO © GETTY, SOURCES FOR TOUR DE FRANCE NUMBERS: ESPN, CYCLING WEEKLY, VELOFACTS.COM 

Scrum, 

sea & sand 

London Wasps’ star Tom Varndell gets ready to compete in the 

first-ever Rugby Tens tournament, set to thrill Ibiza on 8 June 

Q What’s Rugby Tens 

all about? Tens is much 

faster and is a great 

introduction to the sport 

for those who haven’t 

seen the game before. It will take place at 

Ibiza’s Estadio Municipal Can Misses 

[stadium], where eight teams of 10 – 

one made up of former Premiership and 

International players – will play a minimum 

of three games each to get through to the 

final. It makes rugby accessible for everyone. 

I know that RugbySpy [the organiser] has a 

few surprises up its sleeve, so there’s going to 

be a real festival and party atmosphere. 

Q What makes the event unique? Well, 

the weather should be dependably sunny! 

While it’s only a one-day event, there’ll be 

great food, music and entertainment, and the 

playing standard will be high. 

Q Is rugby a growing sport in Spain? 

Spain has always had a strong rugby culture. 

Over the last few seasons, the smaller rugby 

nations have been getting better and better. 

Tournaments like this are only going to help 

Save now, go later 

Holiday maths that makes sense 

INTRODUCING 

Jonny 

Chillkinson 

-SAVE- 

£2 

ON YOUR DAILY CAPPUCCINO 

increase the interest in the game in smaller 

rugby-playing nations. We’re lucky to have 

Oriol Ripol, one of Spain’s most prolific 

rugby players, join us for this weekend. 

Q What makes Ibiza an ideal location? 

Ibiza is a beautiful island, and while 

everyone thinks about it as pubs, clubs and 

bars, there are also fantastic opportunities 

for sport here, and there’s absolutely no 

reason why rugby shouldn’t be one of those. 

Q If we miss out on our chance to go 

in 2013, will there be another one 

next year? Well you’ll have to speak to 

the RugbySpy team about that. They’re a 

company with a huge passion for sport – 

particularly rugby. It’s really going to depend 

upon demand and actually the “buy-in” of 

the local community and businesses. So far, 

it’s been great, with the likes of Sands, Space, 

the Mambo group and Ibiza Rocks getting 

involved, so it’s onwards and upwards! 

Be there… Travel to Ibiza with th 

thomascook.com. For more information rmation 

on the event, visit rugbyspy.com 

-FOR- 

202 DAYS 

£404 

ACTION ACT I ON 

in i numbers 

The T Tour de France celebrates 

its 100th race this summer 

and will be the first in 10 years 

to take place entirely within 

French borders. We crunch the 

numbers behind the world’s 

most famous cycling event. 

28 

The number of mountain passes in 

this year’s race, making it the most 

mountainous for more than 10 years. 

123,900 

Calories burned by a rider in 

the course of the Tour. That’s the 

equivalent of eating four whole 

12” pepperoni pizzas – a day. 

3The number of bicycle chains that 

an average rider will wear over the 

event. In his prime, Lance Armstrong 

wore out one chain per week. 

1903 

Maurice Garin wins the inaugural 

race, but is disqualified a year later 

after he was found to have taken 

the train part of the way. 

3,412,546 

The total prize money paid out in euros, 

with €450,000 going to the winner. 

Be there… Travel to Corsica 

with crestaholidays.co.uk to see 

the start of the Tour de France 

(letour.com) on 29 June 

ENOUGH MONEY FOR A SEVEN-NIGHT SKI 

HOLIDAY WITH NEILSON IN AUSTRIA AT A FOUR- 

STAR RESORT, HALF-BOARD. (NEILSON.CO.UK) 

departures 

MAY.JUN.JUL 27

departures 

Playing 

the Shield 

If NVIDIA’s new Project Shield began as a codename, it’s 

probably too late to change it now that it has hopped off 

the rumour mill and straight into the realm of reality as 

the most hotly-anticipated gadget for 2013. The handheld 

Android gaming device enables players to tap into their 

NVIDIA-compatible apps and PC games and play them, 

portably, on Shield’s five-inch, high-quality screen via 

Wi-Fi, using console-grade controls. Basically, you can 

say goodbye to tapping the screen for those more complex 

games. There’s no price tag as yet, but as it’s due for release 

in July, you’d better start saving your pennies. nvidia.com 

TECHNOLOGY 

appy kids 

kidomatic camera 

Why should you be the only one to have 

fun with tweaking your holiday snaps? 

Touted as the kids’ version of Instagram, 

this will keep little ones entertained for 

hours. Capture an image then drag and 

drop all manner of quirky cartoon-style 

stickers like moustaches, stars, tiaras 

and ice creams onto the scene, add a 

border and save it for later or send it to 

a friend. The possibilities are endless. 

(free, iPhone/iPad, itunes.com) 

LEGO-tronics 


we’ve scoured thousands of new apps to find three of the best for your mini jetsetter this summer 

tamagotchi l.i.f.e. 

The virtual-pet phenomenon that ruled 

the 90s is being revived for the Android 

generation. Gone are the egg-shaped 

keychain and button-mashing controls. 

Instead, the L.i.f.e. version – which 

stands for Love is Fun Everywhere – 

emulates the original with three touchscreen 

buttons for players to look after 

their pet. You can even earn rewards 

like backgrounds, themes and new pets. 

(free, Android, play.google.com) 

bound round 

Finally: a travel app for kids, by kids. 

Taking the stress out of family holiday 

planning, it combines the fun and 

interactivity of an app game with the 

best kid-friendly attractions in-resort. 

Sydney and the Gold Coast are the 

only destinations featured so far, but 

it’s early days yet and the app has plans 

to expand and explore Canberra and nd 

Fiji by December. (free, iPhone/iPad, Pad, 

Programmable. LEGO. Robot. Three words to give a LEGO-obsessed kid/kidult a heart attack. 

boundround.com) words: stephanie yip, photos © alamy 

Its price tag will also put pressure on the old ticker - a whopping €350 is the suggested going rate for 

LEGO’s latest fully programmable Mindstorms EV3 robot, complete with infrared sensors and 3D building instructions. 

Made 

by kids 

for kids 

words: step

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Alphablue is a multi award winning 

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Helping Parents Protect Children

INTERVIEW 


It’s not like 

I want to stay 

a size 8. I like 

being a size 10. 

It’s nice to have 

a bit of curves

INTERVIEW: PIERRE DE VILLIERS, PHOTO © REX 

Out of o∞ce 

Denise 

Van 

Outen 

The Strictly Come Dancing star on family holidays in 

the sun, being mates with Kimberley Walsh and why 

her stage-star husband, Lee Mead, is a bad dancer 

I like a combination of laidback 

and active holidays. 

Last year I cycled 350 miles 

across Rajasthan for charity and 

I loved it. But I also loved relaxing in the sun 

in Dubai. New York is an amazing place for a 

city break. For our honeymoon, my husband 

Lee and I went to the Maldives, which was 

spectacular – although it is expensive and a 

long way away. I also like Ibiza where there 

is a really beautiful side to the island, but a 

lot of fun places to go out and party. 

Betsy, my daughter, does make a 

difference to where we go on holiday. 

You try not to go somewhere with too 

much of a time difference. And safety is 

also important. You have to make sure that 

the health system is very good where you 

are going and that you’ll get good care if 

something goes wrong. As a mother I also 

tend to take night flights because you can 

get them to sleep on the plane. 

I wanted Kimberley Walsh to win 

Strictly Come Dancing. If I didn’t, of 

course. It was great to share the experience 

with her because we climbed Kilimanjaro 

for Comic Relief together in 2009. So we’ve 

been friends for a while. We had no idea 

that either of us was going to be on the 

show until we turned up for the first day of 

rehearsals. The live shows were fun, but they 

were also quite stressful, so we helped each 

other through that. 

There were no diva strops on the show. 

Everyone has said that this last season 

was the best year for no fighting. It was 

just a nice group of people. You deal with 

the pressure by focusing on the dancing. 

You take a deep breath and get on with it. 

Strictly has left me so toned and fit. 

Towards the end of the show I was training 

for 10 to 12 hours a day. I struggled with 

ballroom and Latin, which are very technical, 

and had to put in extra hours and work extra 

hard. Maybe it was because I’m a mum of 

a toddler and had other things on my mind. 

I dropped from a size 10 to a size 8. I’m 

sure I will get bigger again after the Strictly 

arena tour. It’s not like I want to stay a size 8. 

I like being a size 10. It’s nice to have a 

bit of curves. 

I never weigh myself. Having a scale in 

the bathroom is unhealthy. When I was a 

kid, my parents never talked about diets and 

my mother never said I shouldn’t be having 

this or that, and I do the same with my 

daughter. I also make sure I sit down and 

eat with her as well. 

My guilty pleasure is pick ‘n’ mix. I like 

the same things that everyone else does, like 

crisps. I’m not really big fan of chocolate, 

though, which is quite unusual for a woman. 

I don’t really go to the gym. I go power 

walking. I like to exercise outdoors. Now that 

I’ve had a taste of dancing, it’s something 

I would like to continue with – and maybe 

do a bit of a Zumba or something. 

My husband can’t dance at all. This is 

where people get things wrong. They think 

because we’ve done shows that we’re dancers. 

But we’re not. We sing, we act. There are 

loads of musicals in the West End that are 

non-dance roles. Lee didn’t dance as Joseph 

and he didn’t really dance in Wicked, so it is 

a misconception that he can dance. 

I don’t dread turning 40. I feel very lucky 

and blessed that I have a family and that my 

work has generally been good up till now. 

My main beauty tip is to sleep well. Also 

make sure you get a bit of fresh air every day. 

I don’t plan my career too far in 

advance. Because anything can happen. 

I’ve got my new radio show on Magic FM, 

which is on Saturday afternoons. I’m excited 

to be back on radio. I am also doing a 

one-woman show that will be touring the UK 

later in the year. The storyline is very similar 

to Shirley Valentine. 

Tune in to Magic 105.4 on Saturdays from 

1-3pm to hear Denise play a selection of 

her favourite songs and requests 

departures 

MAY.JUN.JUL 31

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TURKEY’S UNSPOILED GEM 

HEAD TO THE HILTON DALAMAN SARIGERME 

RESORT AND SPA FOR A LUXURIOUS FAMILY 

HOLIDAY ON THE BEAUTIFUL AEGEAN COAST 

What makes a perfect family holiday? Is it a beautiful location, with a rich cultural and historical ignificance? Or modern, luxurious and comfortable accommodation? 

A fantastic range of facilities and activities? The Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa promises all of this and more, as it guarantees an exciting, fun-filled getaway 

for the entire family. The area is abundant with spectacular sights and thrilling activities, thanks to its close proximity to wonderful beaches, lakes, mountains, thermal 

baths, historic sites and tombs, and numerous excellent sports facilities. Conveniently positioned, only 12km from Dalaman Airport. 

The Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme complements this amazing location with a range of facilities to keep the whole family entertained. Both young and old will love 

splashing around in the seven outdoor and three indoor pools, which include a dedicated and supervised children’s pool and the ‘Kids’ Paradise’ aqua park. The resort 

also organises clubs and activities for children of all ages, including teenagers, as well as a babysitting service, which will free up parents to explore the huge variety of 

amenities and services targeted at them. This may include a rejuvenating session at the fabulous spa, a trip to the 24- hour fitness centre or a game of squash or tennis 

on the on-site courts. Water sport enthusiasts can choose between water skiing, snorkelling and scubadiving, while the resort is home to 23 fantastic restaurants and 

bars, many of which offers children’s menus, serving a range of different cuisines. 

The hotel also offers a range of experience packages for occasions such as honeymoons, in which guests receive special VIP treatment and 

access to an exclusive variety of facilities. 

For room reservations please visit www.hiltondalaman.com or call +90 252 444 1981 

Sarıgerme Tourism Center | Ortaca Muğla 48610 | Turkey

words: claire boobbyer. photography: robin thom 

AS THE LAST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD 

to live off the ration book, Cuba has suffered from 

a bit of a bad rep when it comes to food. Even 

vegetables were scarce just 15 years ago, following 

the collapse of the Soviet Union and the island’s economic 

dire straits. But thanks to recent reforms and 

its new organic farming methods, the gastro 

revolution is now well underway. 

This is mainly thanks to the resurgence of 

pop-up supper clubs, known locally as paladares. 

These private dining rooms have existed in Cuba 

since the mid-90s, but were heavily restricted 

– and, in some areas, banned. Today’s fresh 

crop is more stylish and adventurous with its 

offerings, and are worth giving your all-inclusive 

hotel a night off to discover some local flavour. 

You’ll find the best in the capital, Havana. For example, 

Le Chansonnier (Calle J no. 257 e/ Línea and Calle 15, 

Vedado, +53 7 8321576), entrepreneur Héctor Higuera Martínez’ 

shabby chic dining space, which features the work of Cuban avantgarde 

artists, is the setting for impressive dishes like duck in an 

orange reduction. Meanwhile, in Miramar, Calle Diez (Calle 10 no. 

314 e/ 5ta Avenida and 3ra, +53 7 209 6702), a sleek monochrome 

dining room by Liseth Rodríguez Martínez, is worth the visit for her 

Canadian steak in pepper sauce alone. Also, Michel Miglis at 

Casa Miglis (main picture, Lealtad no.120 e/ Animas and 

Lagunas, +53 7 8641486) has created a beautiful 

oasis in the run-down Centro region. His Swedish- 

Cuban fusion fish dishes (inset) and funky bar 

makes this one of Havana’s hippest haunts. 

Even in the eastern cities of Holguín and 

Santiago – where the paladares scene has 

been in the doldrums – the movement’s going 

strong. Holguín’s San José (Agramonte no. 

188 e/ Maceo and Libertad, +53 24 424 877), 

touted to be the city’s best, is resurrecting the 

trend with plates of succulent roast lamb and 

mouth-watering fish bathed in butter. A few hours south in 

Santiago de Cuba is El Madrileño (Calle 8 no.105 e/ 3 and 5, 

Vista Alegre, +53 22 644138) where flamed, fat prawns served in 

whiskey sauce can be enjoyed on a plant-draped patio. Your next 

Come Dine With Me party is about to get a little hotter. 

Join the Cuban 

revolution… 

… the gastronomic one, that is. Introducing 

the new wave of pop-up supper clubs taking 

the island by storm 

FOOD 

departures 

MAY.JUN.JUL 35

departures 

the bird is the word 

The burger may have won diners’ hearts 

and stomachs in 2012, but the humble chicken is set to 

rule the roost this year as more restaurants putting the 

bird centre stage – and we’re not talking about KFC 

or Nando’s – are hatching worldwide. 

London’s Clockjack Oven (14 Denman Street, 

+44 (0) 207 287 5111) in Soho specialises in free-range 

spit-roast chicken (choose from three pieces if you’re 

feeling ‘peckish’ to 10 for sharers) with a choice of 

ranch, barbecue, chilli or Caesar sauces, while further 

south in Brixton Market, Wishbone (Unit 12, Market 

Row, +44 (0) 207 274 0939) is gaining popularity for 

it’s trendy fried chicken options (think buffalo wings 

and Thai-style nuggets) and heady cocktails. 

Across the pond in New York, Jean-Georges Vongerichten 

is making Manhattanites go crazy over his take on chicken 

hot dogs at Simply Chicken (Madison Square Gardens, 4 

Pennsylvania Plaza, +1 212 465 6741). And Chicago’s 

Pecking Order (4416 N. Clark Street, +1 773 907 9900) 

isn’t just a winner because of its great name: you can 

have your joints grilled, fried or roasted, all marinated in 

a Filipino sauce made of delicious tamari soy sauce, sugar and garlic. 

Dining D ning g wit wwith tt 

the stars 


MARK WAHLBURG’S 

WAHLBURGERS‚ BOSTON 

It may be run by Mark and 

his brothers Donnie and 

Paul, but the real star of the 

show at this burger bar is the 

belt-loosening signature Our 

Burger. (wahlburgers.com) 

grills gone wild 

Seasoned grillers, take note. Master the art 

of smoking and slow cooking an array of 

meats with Pitt Cue Co. The Cookbook (£20, 

published by Mitchell Beazley, out 6 June). 

The four guys that rocked London’s food 

scene with their restaurant of the same name 

are sharing their recipes just in time for your 

summer barbecue. As well as showing you how 

to recreate their famous hot wings and, for the 

ambitious, a whole slow-cooked suckling pig 

that serves 15, there’s also an entire section 

dedicated to bourbon cocktails. All we need 

now is for the sun to shine. 

Forget org Michelin, these celebs-turned-restaurateurs are offering a different nt kin kind of star grazing 

EVA LONGORIA’S SHE‚ 

LAS VEGAS 

Longoria’s latest venture 

in Sin City has a 1920s 

speakeasy vibe, with 

steak cuts cleverly dubbed 

SHe, He and We, a sharing 

option. (she-lv.com) 

SIR IAN MCKELLEN’S 

THE GRAPES‚ LONDON 

McKellen’s Limehouse pub 

serves British favourites like 

pies and roasts. Look out 

for a statue of Gandalf, his 

character from The Lord of 

the Rings. (thegrapes.co.uk) 

The hot 

plate 

Valentina Barone, who hails 

from Italy’s Piedmont region 

and moonlights as a chef and 

food blogger (cucinaecantina. 

net), shares her must-try dish 

in her hometown of Alba 

“Just an hour’s drive from Turin, 

Alba is a place where you can 

eat magnificently. To me, the 

food here is more thrilling than 

the city’s history. My favourite 

dish is ravioli al plin, which is 

typically a handmade stuffed 

pasta native to the Piedmont 

region. The name comes from 

the way it’s sealed – with a 

pinch or plin. Normally it’s 

filled with braised meat and 

vegetables or cheese fondue. 

When it’s in season, I love to 

cover it with grated white 

truffle. One of the best places to 

try it is Ristorante Il GrecAle 

(8 via Giordano, Novello Province 

of Cuneo, +39 338 266 9092), 

which is a cosy restaurant in the 

Langhe hills. They prepare the 

pasta fresh every day, alongside 

other traditional dishes.” 

Be there… Cook up your 

own foodie adventure by 

visiting thomascook.com 

BILL MURRAY’S MURRAY 

BROS. CADDYSHACK‚ FLORIDA 

You can “eat, drink and be 

Murray” on steaks and 

salads at the Ghostbuster’s 

country club restaurant 

in St. Augustine. 

(murraybroscaddyshack.com) 

words: anisha patel and stephanie yip photo © rex illustration © jemma kyte

departures 

DRINK 

Cocktail club 

Blerim Lacaj, mixologist at London’s 

Spice Market restaurant, shakes up his 

pick of summer cocktails with a twist 

4 

Basil 

Grande 


Ginger 

Margarita 

1. 44ml gin, 50ml hibiscus syrup, 7ml maraschino liqueur, 14ml fresh lemon juice, 

22ml sweet vermouth, 5 mint leaves, 1 egg white, 3 dashes Regan’s Orange Bitters. 

2. 50ml passion fruit-chilli base, 50ml Bulleit bourbon, 15ml ginger ale. 

3. 30ml Sauza Hornitos Reposado tequila, 50ml ginger syrup, 

12.5ml Cointreau, ginger salt for rim, lime wedge to garnish. 

4. 5 to 6 basil leaves, 15ml Chambord liqueur, 15ml Grand Marnier, 

15ml cranberry juice, 20ml Belvedere vodka, 3 strawberries. 

3 

1 

Hibiscus 

Flip 

2 

Passion 

Whiskey 

blerim lacaj is the bar and beverage manager at 

london’s spice market london (w hotel leicester 

Square, 10 wardour street, w1d, +44 (0)207 758 

1082, spicemarketlondon.com) 

words: blerim lacaj, photography: ania 

wawrzkowicz, styling: hattie newman. 

special thanks to gaugemaster.com 

for supplying the models.

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Discovering new heights 

150 years ago, Thomas Cook led the first-ever package tour to Switzerland. 

But did he know that it would help create a package holiday industry for 

the masses that’s still going strong nearly two centuries later? 

ANNIVERSARY 

“HUGE MOUNTAIN 

masses rise perpendicularly above 

us, whose summits are cushioned 

with the greenest verdure 

and sprinkled with stray chalets. Surely, 

thought we, such grandeur as this cannot be 

surpassed!” We’d forgive you for thinking 

that it’s a quote straight out of a Dickens 

novel. It’s not, but it’s as much a part of 

history as one. It’s actually an extract from 

the diary of Jemima Morrell, a then 

31-year-old Brit, who set out with 62 

others on the first package holiday through 

Switzerland on 26 June 1863. She was a 

part of the Junior United Alpine Club, and 

accompanied by Mr Thomas Cook himself 

and other pioneers of holidaymaking, they 

travelled from Geneva, through the Valais 

and the Bernese Oberland to Lucerne, across 

lakes and through high-mountain passes. 

Even today, such a trip would be quite 

an undertaking but back then, with no 

trains, roads or cable cars, many doubted it 

could be done. But Cook believed that these 

dramatic landscapes deserved to be made 

available to the ordinary person. 


THE STUNNING SCENERY OF 

THE ALPS STILL CAPTIVATES 

TOURISTS TODAY, THANKS 

TO THE PIONEERING TOURS 

ORGANISED BY THOMAS COOK 

(ABOVE LEFT) 150 YEARS AGO 

“He enabled a growing middle class 

to experience places that had only been 

accessible second-hand in newspaper 

accounts,” says Greg Witt, whose company 

Alpenwild (alpenwild.com) has been offering 

similar tours for 30 years. “He was a pioneer, 

an innovator and a visionary. And his first 

organised tour of Switzerland can rightly 

be considered the birth of adventure travel.” 

Since then, Thomas Cook as a company 

has not only gone on to sell holidays to the 

Alpine peaks during the 20th century, 

but also helped open up a world of travel to 

the masses with package holidays. 

For the participants at the time, it was 

as much a gruelling experience as it was 

awe-inspiring. Unlike today’s chocolate box 

chalets and well-kept meadows, the Bernese 

Oberland of the 1860s was dishevelled and 

wild. Morrell’s diary describes days that 

started at 4am and finished late; when men 

walked up to 40km up steep slopes, and 

women an average of 27km – in full-skirt 

dresses that even a seasoned hiker today 

would have trouble walking down the street 

in, let alone over the icy, rugged paths high 

up in the Alps. 

A visit to the area nowadays reveals a 

different world. Following the route taken 

by the party – now recognized as one of 

Switzerland’s kulturwege (cultural routes) – 

you’ll find a succession of charming, wealthy 

villages, where tourism is well-established, 

and where roads and single-gauge railways 

make it easy for millions of visitors annually 

to access the grandeur of the Alps.

photos © thomas cook archives, alamy 

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: 

THOMAS COOK'S VINTAGE 

SWITZERLAND TRAVEL 

POSTERS THROUGH THE 

AGES; THE ORIGINAL PARTY 

CROSS THE ICY LANDSCAPE 

“Thomas Cook’s organised tour 

of Switzerland can be considered 

the birth of adventure travel” 

And Cook, according to Witt, helped 

create this change. “By bringing tourists 

to Switzerland and the Alps, he provided 

a much-needed boost to rural Alpine 

economies. More tourists meant more hotels, 

a better rail service, and a more vibrant 

tourism infrastructure. The places that he 

visited – Geneva, the Bernese Alps and 

Lake Lucerne – still captivate visitors today.” 

As for Morell, she went home with happy 

memories of snowball fights, “heavenly 

views”, and something more. “We have 

acquired a wider knowledge,” she said, 

“of human nature, habits of self-reliance, 

and valuable lessons in our own ignorance 

that amply repaid us all for the fatigue.” 

Be there… Travel to Switzerland with 

thomascook.com and learn more about 

the first Thomas Cook expedition at 

www.kulturwege-schweiz.ch/en/via-routes/ 

viacook.html 

(Really) 

high points 

Three places to 

retrace the tour’s 

steps today 

Chamonix 

Now a popular ski resort, the town 

was a jumping off point for the 

group’s exploration of Mont Blanc, 

the Trient Valley and Martigny. 

A trek through the Gorges du Trient 

makes for an enjoyable summer 

jaunt. (kulturwege-schweiz.ch) 

jungfraubahn 

Cook and his group might have 

braved the mountains on foot, 

but since 1912 this narrow-gauge 

railway has carried passengers 

up to over 1,000m. Stop at the 

top – the highest railway station in 

Europe – and marvel at the famous 

trio of peaks: the Jungfrau, Mönch 

and Eiger. (jungfrau.ch) 

weggis 

On the shores of Lake Lucerne, this 

picture-perfect village is the base 

for Mount Rigi, where the 1863 

adventurers hiked for a memorable 

sunset. These days a gondola takes 

visitors to the top. (weggis.net) 

departures 

words by Sarah warwick 

41

what 

to 

do 

where 

to 

play 

what 

to 

see 

where 

t o 

stay 

– the insider guide – 

where 

to 

relax 

With its sweeping beaches, lush mountain landscape and picturesque 

villages, there’s more than one reason why this Balearic island rocks 

majorca 

words by stephanie yip photography by tim e white 

MAY.JUN.JUL 43

WITH ITS LIVELY 

beaches and neon-lit 

strip, the western resort of 

Magaluf has been pulling in 

the tourist trade to Majorca since package 

holidays kicked off in the 1970s. But venture 

a little further and you’ll find that the largest 

Balearic island has more to offer than just 

sun, sea and sand. 

Having been conquered by the Romans 

and Arabs before being returned to Spain, 

the island of Majorca enjoys diverse 

architecture, which can be seen as the 

countryside unfolds to the capital Palma’s 

west through Calvià, revealing pockets of 

small Arabic-influenced towns and ancient 

watchtowers on high cliff-faces overlooking 

wild calas (coves). 

Ruling this landscape are the rugged Serra 

de Tramuntana mountains, which were given 

UNESCO’s seal of approval in 2011. It was on 

top of these mountains – Puig de sa Morisca, 

to be precise – where James I the Conqueror 

fought to reclaim Majorca from Moorish 

rule in 1229 and where the country’s highest 

peak, Puig Major, provided the setting for the 

much-hyped sci-fi drama Cloud Atlas starring 

Tom Hanks and Halle Berry. 

Heading north, you start to understand 

why everyone from Grace Kelly to Michael 

Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have 

fallen under Majorca’s magical spell: the 

beautiful northern villages of Valldemossa, 

Sóller and Deià – the latter reminiscent of 

Italy’s Amalfi Coast – feel a world away 

from the high-rise resorts. 

But the island doesn’t discriminate. Even 

without an A-list budget, you can still enjoy 

the best of Majorca without denting your bank 

account. Base yourself in the south of the island, 

with its wide, open beaches, and you can easily 

make day trips to discover the island’s gems. 


CLOCKWISE FROM HERE: 

THE TRAMUNTANA REGION’S 

DISTINCTIVE TORRE DES 

VERGER (TOWER OF SOULS); 

LOCAL PRODUCE, SUCH AS 

SUMPTUOUS SAUSAGES, 

CAN BE FOUND AT MANCOR 

DE LA VALL MARKET; 

TRADITIONAL FOLK DANCE 

ENLIVENS THE MARKET’S 

MAIN SQUARE EVEN TODAY 

Everyone from Grace Kelly 

to Michael Douglas and 

Catherine Zeta-Jones have 

fallen under Majorca’s 

magical spell

Local's Tip 

“I’d say the best 

beach on the island 

is Sa Calobra, just 

north of Sóller. 

You can only get 

there by car via a 

curvy road – though 

you mustn’t be afraid 

of heights as it goes 

down the mountains.” 

Gabriel Campos, 

student 

PALMA, MAJORCA 

must-see 

Start off by exploring Palma’s 

narrow cobbled streets, quaint squares 

dotted with tapas bars and its colossal 

17th-century Le Seu cathedral, an icon 

that sits on the site of a former Roman 

citadel and Arabic mosque. From the 

station next to the city’s Plaza de España, 

you can take the 100 year-old wooden train 

to the picturesque seaside town of Sóller 

in the northwest, which runs through 13 

tunnels in the Tramuntana mountains 

(£10.50 one-way, £16.50 return). The 

journey takes an hour and is a popular 

tourist route, but it’s undoubtedly the best 

way to see Majorca’s inland beauty. Don’t 

leave before picking up some homemade 

ice cream from Sa Fàbrica de Gelats (13 

Avinguda de Cristòfol Colom). Make sure 

you also save a day to experience traditional 

life in one of Majorca’s inland villages, like 

Mancor de la Vall (not to be confused with 

Manacor, birthplace of local tennis champ 

Rafael Nadal). Situated at the foothills 

of Tramuntana, the markets are best 

experienced at the weekend, when stalls 

of local cuisine lace the streets and folk 

music and dancing enlivens the main square. 

In between performances, sample and pick 

up sobrassada sausages, buñuelos (a potatobased 

fried dough ball) and Majorcan herbes 

or palo – strong, slightly sweet herb and 

root-based liqueurs that are consumed as an 

aperitif – from one of the stalls. 

where to stay 

The luxurious Sentido Punta del 

Mar (thomascook.com) is an adults-only 

hideaway located on a rocky headland 

in Santa Ponsa in the southwest, and is 

renowned for its gorgeous ocean views. 

The newly renovated resort is an oasis of 

calm with two outdoor swimming pools, 

floor-to-ceiling windows and direct access 

to the sea. Those looking for a more 

affordable option should check into 

Hotel Marina Torrenova (thomascook.com). 

With a wealth of Kids’ Club facilities (see 

pages 60-61 for more information), including 

a splash pool and a playground, all-inclusive 

dining and its snug location between Palma 

Nova Beach and powder-white Magaluf 

Beach, it’s perfect for families. 

majorca 

MAY.JUN.JUL 45

majorca 

local dining 

If you’re after real-deal Majorcan 

food with Michelin stars, try Tristán Bistro 

(Local 1, Puerto Portals, +34 917 67 55 47) in 

Calvià’s Portals Nous neighbourhood. A firm 

favourite with the jet set for nearly 25 years, 

dishes such as crispy fried breast of poulard 

(young hen) with spinach, potato and a 

lemon sauce (£17.75) are served on Versace 

tableware. A few doors down, Flanigan 

(Local 16, Puerto Portals, +34 971 67 91 91) 

is a hot table without the fuss and an apple 

tart dessert that requires a 30-minute 

advance order due to its elaborateness (but 

it’s worth the wait). King Juan Carlos of 

Spain – who regularly docks his royal fleet 

of yachts at the port near the restaurant – 

is reported to be a fan of the paella. For a 

more casual affair, Bar Nou (7 Calle Mayor, 

+34 971 23 31 70) serves generous plates of 

home-cooked tumbet (potato, pepper and 

aubergine stew) and arròs brut, a rice soup 

prepared in a clay pot, for about £8.50-10. 

But if it’s a unique Majorcan experience 

you’re after, search out a celler. Housed in 

old cellars, expect dining rooms kitted out 

in thrifty décor (think old wine barrels and 

vintage bull-fighting posters), often running 

specials. Palma’s Celler Sa Premsa (8 Plaza 

Obispo Berenguer de Palou, +34 971 72 35 29) 

does a daily lunchtime three-course deal for 

£10.75 (£11.60 on Saturdays). 

Majorca draws a 

dedicated crowd of 

sporting personalities 

with its challenging 

mountain paths and 

warmer climate 


the great outdoors 

With its warmer climate and 

challenging mountain paths, Majorca draws 

a dedicated crowd of sporting personalities, 

including Team GB, who trained here for the 

London 2012 Olympics. Both seasoned and 

casual cyclists and hikers can follow one of 

11 well-marked routes that visitcalvia.com 

hosts, including the 23km-long GR221 

in the southwest, which runs from Es 

Capdellà to Estellencs, dipping into the 

Galatzó Valley for an imposing view of the 

mountainous surroundings. But even more 

visually spectacular is the Tramuntana 

route at sunset, which passes the Arabicstyle 

villages of Esporles and Banyalbufar, 

a 17th-century toll booth-turned-gateway 

for tobacco and cigarette smuggling, and 

the 16th-century defence tower of Torre 

des Verger. Meaning ‘Tower of Souls’, this 

romantic spot is perched high on a cliff and 

delivers an awe-inspiring panorama of the 

coastline and the iconic Sa Foradada rock 

close to Deià. Cycling stations are dotted 

all over the island, including one owned 

by professional cyclist and Tour de France 

champ Stephen Roche (stephenroche.com) 

where you can join a tour to visit the scenic 

off-road sites around the island. 

Say it 

Right 

Mind your manners 

por favor 

please 

Gracias 

thank you 

Practical 

la cuenta, 

por favor 

the bill, 

please 

Show off 

da un beso 

a la botella 

LITERAL TRANSLATION: 

give the 

bottle a kiss 

ENGLISH EQUIVALENT: 

take a swig

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM 

ABOVE: SEAFOOD TREATS AT 

BAR NOU, CALVIÀ; SUN, SEA, 

SAND AND SHADE ON PAGUERA’S 

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES; PAUSING 

FROM PEDALLING TO SOAK UP THE 

CALVIÀ SCENERY. OPPOSITE PAGE: 

HEAD TO THE GALATZO VALLEY 

FOR BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS 

47

majorca 

Palm-fringed white 

sands lie behind 

the main street’s 

cool cafés and bars 

beaches 

With an average summer 

temperature of 27˚c, you’ll want to pen in 

some beach time. The dramatic western 

shoreline is dominated by craggy cliffs 

and stoney coves, so head to the south for 

wide, inviting and sandy shores that stretch 

one after the other so smoothly, that you 

can pretty much walk the coastline for 

hours uncovering sand, surf and calas. 

Paguera’s Palmira beach connects to Playa 

de Torà and Playa de la Romana, with 

Cala Fornells not far beyond reach by foot 

either. Its palm-fringed white sands lie 

right behind the main street, with its 

wealth of cool cafés and bars and water 

sports outlets, but you can explore the edges 

to find hidden nooks away from the crowds. 

Look out for special summer entertainment, 

like movie screenings on the beach. 


Local's Tip 

“Ruta Martiana, which 

literally translates 

to ‘Mars Route’, 

is an initiative by 

some bars in downtown 

Palma to draw in 

guests on Tuesdays. 

For €2 (£1.70), you 

get a small glass of 

beer or wine and one 

portion of tapas. 

It’s a great way to 

have a cheap night 

out in Palma in a part 

of town where the 

locals hang out.” 

Raquel Prieto 

CALVIA, MAJORCA 

GO 

Thomas Cook flies to Palma between April and October 

from select UK airports. For more information, visit 

your local Thomas Cook store, call +44 (0) 844 412 

5966 or visit thomascook.com. For hassle-free travel 

to Gatwick Airport, visit gatwickexpress.co.uk. 

after dark 

Magaluf has been drawing clubbing 

enthusiasts, high-profile DJs (think David 

Guetta and Tiësto) and big-name acts like 

Jessie J and Professor Green to its infamous 

strip for years. But a more sophisticated 

nightlife trend is ‘Gin and Tonica’, which, 

as you might guess, pays homage to the 

humble G&T. Seen more as an art form, bars 

here pair the refreshing drink with citrus 

fruits before pouring generously into high 

tumblers. Santa Ponsa’s Bar Charlotte (96 

Avenida Rey Jaime I) is a little hole-in-thewall 

that doesn’t close until you’re done, with 

drinks from £9.60, but those wishing to up 

the ante will love Palma’s Ginbo (14A Paseo 

Mallorca). Even more impressive than its 

100-strong selection of gins and eight tonics 

is the signature ‘perfume’ that’s distilled 

onsite and mixed into each concoction. 

MORE INFO 

Pick up Pocket Guide Mallorca, orca, 

£4.99, or Traveller Guide e 

Mallorca, £9.99, 

(thomascookpublishing.com) om) 

for more inspiration. 

illustration: martin haake

Have fun and stay SAFE near 

the water this summer 

Keep your family SAFE, learn the code: 

SPOT 

ADVICE 

FRIEND 

EMERGENCY 

The RLSS UK is the drowning prevention charity. Find out how you could help save lives by taking 

part in our Drowning Prevention Week campaign at www.drowningpreventionweek.org.uk. For more 

information about our lifesaving classes for children and adults, visit www.rlss.org.uk. 

For more information visit 

www.drowningpreventionweek.org.uk 

When researching your resort, check safety arrangements 

Check swimming sites for hazards 

Always read the signs 

Water safety signs may be different to those seen in the UK 

Swim with your children to make it more fun and safe 

Never swim alone 

Learn emergency numbers at your holiday destination 

Shout loudly to attract attention

photography by pixeleyes photography 

of holiday ideas for kids 

Don’t worry about keeping the kids – and kidults – 

entertained abroad this summer. Whatever their age, 

with our indispensable guide, it’s easy as ABC 

family 

words by anisha patel and Stephanie yip artwork by toby triumph 

MAY.JUN.JUL 51

a is for... 

Ariel Winter 

With Miley Cyrus shedding her Disney 

looks (and locks) and Selena Gomez 

showing her darker side as one of the 

Spring Breakers, the search is on for 

a squeaky-clean female teen icon. 

Enter Miss Winter. The 15-year-old 

has Selena’s looks, stars in hit show 

Modern Family and is a style icon 

in her own right. But listen out for 

her vocals this year – she’s posted a 

rendition of Taylor Swift’s I Knew You 

Were Trouble on YouTube that even 

Simon Cowell would find hard to fault. 


b is for... 

Barbados 

The whole of the Caribbean 

island parties at the Crop 

Over festival (9 June to 9 

August), including Barbados’ 

most famous export, 

Rihanna. The Carnivalstyle 

celebration – which 

traditionally marks the end of 

the sugar cane harvest – takes 

place every summer with 

lots of colour, costumes and 

calypso music. But save your 

best feathered headgear for 

Kadooment Day on the first 

Monday of August, where 

tots, tweens and teens can 

form a band to parade before 

judges. (thomascook.com) 

GUARANTEED 

TO PLEASE THE 

KIDS AND KIDS 

AT HEART 

d is for... 

Disney Infinity 

c is for... 

Cooking 

Aspiring foodies can follow in the footsteps 

of American wunderkind Flynn McGarry – 

who launched a pop-up restaurant last year 

in Beverly Hills aged just 14 – with the new 

Little Leon cookbook series (£6.99 each, 

Conran Octopus, amazon.co.uk). The four 

colourful books have easy-to-follow recipes 

that will have your little chef whipping up 

healthy treats – from wheat-free pancakes 

and energy-boosting smoothies to the chain’s 

famous Better Brownies – in no time. 

Diarise this: 

monsters 

university, the 

much-anticipated 

prequel to 

monsters inc. will 

hit uk cinemas 

on 12 july. 

How about a computer game that has all of Disney Pixar’s best characters in a 

3D animated world? Featuring The Incredibles, Wreck-It Ralph and Sulley from 

Monsters Inc., this game works by slotting character figurines into the ‘Infinity 

Base’, which then transforms them into a 3D version on your Nintendo Wii or 

3DS, ready to solve puzzles, battle baddies and explore the worlds of the greatest 

animated flicks. Guaranteed to please kids and kids at heart. (Disney Infinity 

Starter Pack is released 23 August, from £49.99, pre-order at amazon.co.uk)

e is for... 

Extinction 

It’s not all dodos and dinosaurs, 

according to London’s Natural 

History Museum, which is 

casting a more positive light on 

the subject matter this summer 

with its Extinction: Not the 

End of the World? exhibition. 

Running until 8 September, 

it uncovers the incredible 

creatures that have come and 

gone (the woolly mammoth and 

dodo) and even returned from 

the brink of extinction (Lord 

Howe Island stick insect), and 

asks the important question 

of the future of conservation. 

You can have your say on which 

species you couldn’t live without 

and which ones you wouldn’t 

miss by leaving a message on 

the Wishing Tree. At Travel 

magazine, we decided we 

could not live without tigers, 

but definitely would not miss 

mosquitoes. (nhm.co.uk) 

f is for... 

Frank 

Lampard 

Frank proves he’s got skills off 

the pitch by penning a book 

series for kids aged five and 

up called Frankie’s Magic 

Football, which follows the 

wacky adventures of a school 

boy, Frankie, his friends and 

his pet dog Max. The first 

book, Frankie vs The Pirate 

Pillagers, is released in June 

(Little Brown, £4.99, preorder 

from amazon.co.uk). 

g is for... 

GeoDash 

Calling all budding David Attenboroughs. GeoDash: Wild 

Animal Adventure is a nifty, informative app from the folk at 

National Geographic that lets kids learn about animals with 

a curious robot – who travels the world meeting animals and 

picking up their abilities – that collects cards with cool pictures, 

facts and trivia. It’s the ideal companion for that long-haul 

flight, surely? (iPhone/iPad, free) 

h is for... 

Hello Kitty spa 

SAY HELLO 

(KITTY) TO 

A WORLD OF 

PAMPERING 

Yes, you read that right. Dubai (tcsignature.com) is now home to a 

spa dedicated to cult Sanrio character Hello Kitty. The posh pampering is 

designed for girls (the princesses) and their mums (the queens), and uses 

organic products suitable for sensitive skin (naturally). While your princess 

indulges in ‘Kitty’ nail art wraps and chocolate and honey-based facials, you 

can get your hair styled or treat yourself to a relaxing hand and foot massage. 

The purr-fect mother-daughter day out. (hellokittybeautyspa.com) 

family 

MAY.JUN.JUL 53

i is for... 

Ice cream 

Because it wouldn’t be a summer 

holiday without it. But why 

not get creative and shake up 

your own Heston Blumenthalinspired 

flavours (fish ‘n’ chip 

sorbet, anyone?) with these 

travel-friendly Mugz ice cream 

and slushy makers. It comes in 

four animal designs (penguin, 

seal, polar bear and dog) and is 

easy to use and quick to make: 

simply throw in some ice cubes, 

salt, water, milk, cream and 

flavouring and shake for three 

minutes to enjoy your frozen 

treat. (£10.99, amazon.co.uk) 


j is for... 

Josh 

Hutcherson 

Meet the man set to steal 

R-Patz’ crown as Hollywood’s 

poster boy. He’s already 

proved his acting chops as 

Peeta Mellark in The Hunger 

Games and celebrates his 

big two-one on 21 October. 

As well as the second HG 

instalment – Catching 

Fire – in November, he’ll 

voice the character of Nod 

in upcoming animated flick 

Epic (out 24 May), along 

with big stars like Amanda 

Seyfried, Colin Farrell and 

Beyoncé. And he’s becoming 

a bit of ladies’ man: both 

Vanessa Hudgens and Selena 

Gomez were apparently 

flirting with him after the 

Golden Globes this year. 

SHAKE IT 

UP FOR SOME 

COOL, HOME 

MADE ICE 

CREAM 

What's your flavour? 

bouzat haleeb 

This light and 

gummy Arabic ice 

cream, usually 

fl avoured with rose 

water, is popular 

throughout Egypt. 

k is for... 

Krash 

Budding adrenaline junkies and daredevils will 

love re:creation’s crazy new Krash helmets, which 

hit shops in June. Featuring everything from sweet 

unicorns to scary sharks, they mix safety with 

statement style – and are bound to make your fourto-seven-year-old 

the coolest kid on the block/skate 

park/cycle track. (£19.99 each, toysrus.co.uk) 

TRY A 

HELMET THAT 

MIXES SAFETY 

WITH FUN 

Cool desserts to try 

in a resort near you 

dondurma 

You can only sample this 

delight – which translates to 

“freezing” – in Turkey. Its 

export is banned due to the 

depletion of a wild orchid 

root, its main ingredient. 

Gelato 

Because a holiday 

to Italy just 

wouldn’t be the 

same without a 

taste of this 

sweet treat.

l is i for... 

Lunar Lu Chronicles 

The Lunar L Chronicles is the latest book series 

that iis 

set to follow the success of Twilight and 

The Hunger H Games. Penned by Marissa Meyer, 

the stories st take fairy tale heroines – such as 

Cinderella, Cinde Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel 

and SSnow 

White – and catapults them into 

a sci-fi sci- future. And just like its predecessors, 

there’s there talk of putting them on the big screen. 

(from £5.24, Penguin, bookdepository.com) 

“The “T “ he stories combine the arche archetypal fairy tale structures 

with androids, spaceships and an intergalactic war. 

I didn’t hold myself back when it came to creating a 

brand-new world for these familiar characters to inhabit: 

there’s a plague ravishing Earth, a species of evolved 

humans called Lunars who live on the moon, and an 

army of wolf-mutant hybrids wreaking havoc.” 

– marissa meyer 

THE 

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Katsuma (for the boys) and pretty pink Poppet (for the girls). 

They come complete with all the Trunki essentials, from a 

teddy bear seat belt to secret compartments for your little one’s 

precious possessions. Each monster-friendly case also comes 

with free online codes to play at moshimonsters.com. 

(£39.99, trunki.com) 

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right. Lonely Planet’s Not For Parents series 

of travel books come co with a different kind of parental restriction. 

Aimed at mini jet jetsetters aged eight to 11, the latest books on 

Australia, China, 

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guide books, burs bursting with quirky facts – from China’s biggest 

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graphics, illustrat illustrations and snaps. (£9.99, lonelyplanet.co.uk) 

Lonely Planet is hosting 

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Proving that it’s still the undisputed theme park capital of the world, this year will see the opening of 

a new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction at SeaWorld Orlando on 24 May (seaworldparks. 

com), a new 3D Transformers attraction at Universal Studios (universalorlando.com) and over in the 

Magic Kingdom (disneyworld.disney.go.com), the New Fantasyland expansion continues with the 

opening of Princess Fairytale Hall, an elegant court where Disney princesses like Sleeping Beauty and 

Jasmine are ready to meet their royal subjects. (thomascook.com) 

family 

MAY.JUN.JUL 55

p is for for... 

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glider. (£3, suck.uk.com) 

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Who said you had to jet off all the way Hawaii to enjoy 

gnarly waves? Closer to home, Fuerteventura is proving 

its got the all the credentials to ‘hang ten’, especially 

since Quiksilver set up a surf school on Corralejo beach 

(quiksilver-surfschool.com). Ready to rock year-round 

– just like the Canary island sunshine – they’ve even got 

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equipment, soft boards and have two instructors per class 

to ensure maximum safety. (thomascook.com) 

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Turkey’s Papy Land 

A new fantasy water world on Turkey’s Lycian 

Coast has just opened at the family-friendly 

Papillon Belvil hotel. With over 200 metres 

of waterslides and other activities for kids – 

such as treasure hunts, face painting, sports 

and cinema screenings – it’s the perfect place 

for little ones to cool off in the sizzling heat. 

(thomascook.com) 

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Vegas 

They might be too young to gamble, but under-21s don’t 

have to miss out on enjoying Sin City’s largest slot machine. 

SlotZilla, an 11-storey fruit machine replica that will have eight 

zip lines over two tiers coming out of it – will open in June in 

Downtown Las Vegas (thomascook.com). Using a new ‘power 

launch’ system, it will shoot riders above the neon lights of 

Fremont Street. The lower-level zip will cost $20 (£13) to ride, 

while the longer ‘zoomline’ will cost $30 (£20). 

u is iss 

for... 

Underwater Un Unnderwater 

museums 

This is the summer to finally get the kids 

doing their Junior PADI qualification as a 

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up in 

the not-so-distant future. Cancún is 

already alrea home to a submerged sculpture 

park, and in Florida, there are a number of 

underwater unde archaeological preserves where 

you ccan 

see ship ruins. There are also plans to 

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and d Kenya. (thomascook.com) 

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Water safety 

CANCÚN’S 

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ARE NO DAMP 

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Whether it’s the pool or sea, swimming under the sun is the 

epitome of a summer holiday, so it’s important to understand 

water safety. From 22-30 June, the Royal Life Saving Society 

is running a national campaign at schools and leisure centres 

across the UK to educate parents and children about how to 

keep safe when swimming to help reduce drowning incidents 

happening both home and away. For more information and 

safety tips, visit drowningpreventionweek.org.uk. 

family 

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family 

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X Factor 

One Direction might be The 

X Factor’s greatest hit, but get 

ready for a hit of girl power in 

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Amelia Lily: This pink/blonde 

bombshell spent the start of 2013 

opening for Girls Aloud’s ‘The 

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spotlight’s all on her with the release 

of her first album Be A Fighter. 

Ella Henderson: Despite being 

only 17, this talented songstress is 

rumoured to be releasing her debut 

album this summer with a special 

guest appearance by Emeli Sandé. 

Misha B: She kept true to her 

mantra of ‘stay fly, aim high’ when 

her single Do You Think of Me was 

a UK top 10 hit. And if Here’s To 

Everything is anything to go by, 

the only way is up for this diva. 

Those who missed The X Factor Live 2013 

tour have another chance to party with 

its stars. The X Factor alumni JLS, 

Little Mix and Amelia Lily, as well 

as pop kings The Wanted and Conor 

Maynard, are all billed to headline 

North East Live in Sunderland on 

22 June (nelive.co.uk). 


2013’S 

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MISHA B 

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Yellow ll nails il 

If you’ve got a budding fashionista tween, you’ll want to spread 

this trend alert: yellow was one of the hottest trend colours 

on the spring/summer catwalks and is set to be the nail 

shade of the season. Try Models Own Luis Lemon shade 

(£5, asos.com), which screams summer. And want to really 

stand out from the crowds? Pick up Naileases’ instant 

manicure nail wraps Nail Art (£6 each, see page 48 of 

Emporium magazine), onboard now. 

z is for... 

Zanzibar 

Tipped to be one of the best snorkelling spots on Africa’s east 

coast, Mnemba Island – which is a one-hour boat ride from 

the main island – is a great place for novices of all shapes 

and sizes to test the waters. Renowned for its clear turquoise 

sea, you can spot a different kind of African ‘Big Five’ 

here, including dolphins, humpback whales, whale sharks, 

barracuda and g green turtles. ( (tcsignature.com) 

g ) 

Be there… h For more inspiration ffor your own ffamily l 

adventure, visit your local Thomas Cook store, call 

+44 (0)844 412 5966 or visit thomascook.com 

special thanks to lettersetc.co.uk for 

supplying the wooden alphabet letters

kids 


Which Kids’ Club are you? 

Thomas Cook and Airtours’ brilliant new Kids’ Clubs – in association 

with King’s Camp, a leading sports and activities provider – have 

everything to keep mini adventurers aged three to 11 happy in the sun. 

Take our fun quiz to find out which one is right for your little one: 

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They may be the youngest, but The Tiddlers is bursting 

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Be there… To find out more about which hotels feature the Kids’ Clubs, visit your nearest Thomas Cook store, call +44(0) 844 412 5966 or visit thomascook.com 

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THE SIMPSONS RIDE TM Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. The Simpsons TM & © 2013 Twentieth 

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Gran Canaria 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG FUNNELL WORDS BY MATTHEW HIRTES 


Catch of the day 

Keeping the kids happy on Gran Canaria’s golden 

beaches is child’s play, but how does a fishing trip to 

Presa de Chira in the island’s interior shape up?

MAY.JUN.JUL 65

Gran Canaria 

i’M HAPPY I HAVE LOLITA’S BAPS 

to keep me warm. Before you get excited, 

Lolita is a grandmother who doesn’t speak a 

word of English, but is a one-woman riot of 

limitless energy, nonetheless. She’s welcomed us 

with open arms into her hole-in-the-wall bar in 

Cercados de Araña while the heavens have opened 

above us in Gran Canaria’s interior. The baps are 

the delicious bread rolls that’s she prepared for us, 

filled with freshly made tortilla, which serves as a 

hearty early lunch as we wait for the rain to pass. 

This is not the Gran Canaria that we were used 

to seeing in the brochures. First of all, we were 

about 45 minutes away from the bright seaside 

towns of the south that stretch from Puerto 

Mogan to Playa del Inglés. And secondly, without 

prior warning, the heavens decided to open up 

directly over as we arrived. 

‘We’ were myself and my two sons, Dani (12) 

and Alex (nine), along with Brits David Beecham 

and Derek Maude, owner and guide of Carp Gran 

Canaria (carpgrancanaria.com), respectively. 

Our destination is nearby Presa de Chira, one of 

69 stunning reservoirs on the island and arguably 

the best place to fish for carp. 

I hadn’t been fishing since I was a kid, while 

Alex and Dani were more used to splashing in 

rock pools with a net and bucket. As for my wife, 

she was happily indulging in spa treatments and 

sunbathing back at our hotel, the Lopesan Costa 

Meloneras (thomascook.com) – and where we’d 

be spending the rest of our holiday enjoying the 

fabulous dining and fantastic seafront location 

next to the wind-swept Maspalomas sand dunes. 

Even if you’re not travelling with kids, there are 

quieter resorts along this tourist stretch, like 

San Agustín, where you’ll find the adults-only 

Iberostar Costa Canaria (thomascook.com). It still 

benefits from sea views and all-inclusive dining, 

but is an oasis of calm with its manicured gardens 

and Thai Zen spa. 

Activities for families are rife in this area and 

the white-sand beaches of Maspalomas are both 

stunning and safe, so we had no trouble keeping 

Alex and Dani entertained here with pedalo boat 

rides and paddling in the warm sea, and a nearby 

go-karting track and waterpark really sealed the 

deal. But would the fishing trip be a winner? 

The island’s been a firm favourite with carp 

anglers since the late-1950s, when the fish were 

introduced into its reservoirs by the local council 

to chomp on the aquatic weed that was causing 

a mosquito problem. But little did they know 


”I WASN'T 

EXPECTING 

TO BE 

SITTING 

AROUND 

MOST OF THE 

TIME BUT 

ALTHOUGH 

I LOVE THE 

BEACH, IT 

WAS GREAT 

TO BREATHE 

IN SOME 

MOUNTAIN 

AIR.“ 

Dani 

A REEL GOOD 

TIME: ALEX (NINE) 

AND DANI (12 

GET HOOKED ON 

FISHING 

that their underwater lawnmowers would start 

breeding and thrive in population – which David 

estimates to be in the thousands – making it the 

most prolific reservoir on the island for fishing. 

The drive up had taken us from sandy beaches 

through to the rural village of Fataga, where the 

cobbled streets are a maze of unexpected activity 

and the Barranco de Fataga, a ravine as verdant 

as a Welsh valley. Only we weren’t expecting the 

weather to be quite so Welsh. 

Back at Lolita’s Bar Vista, David, Derek and I 

lament the end of our day trip over a beer, while 

the children happily play with some of the local 

kids. It’s that sort of a place where the informal 

hasta luego (‘see you later’) is used in preference 

to the more final adios – despite the fact you may 

well never see these people again in your lives. 

The short outburst of rain has baffled one of our 

fellow anglers for the day, another Dave, a paper 

salesman from Dublin. “I’ve been on around 15 day 

trips and it’s never rained once,” he tells me. “It’s a 

glorious place to fish, though, isn’t it?” I can’t help 

but agree, especially as the mist on the water gives 

the area a certain Celtic magic. It’s one of the first 

things you notice about Presa de Chira: it’s not 

the Gran Canaria you expect. If the sand dunes of 

Maspalomas are akin to the Sahara, then Presa de 

Chira is close to the Alpine wilderness in summer, 

minus the snow-capped mountains. Even if you 

don’t see yourself as a keen fisher – though Carp 

Gran Canaria caters for absolute beginners as 

well as more professional anglers – it’s a refreshing 

day trip for any family holiday to the island.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE 

FROM HERE: TOOLS OF 

THE TRADE; EXPLORING 

THE ISLAND’S VERDANT 

SIDE; SPECIAL TIGER NUT 

FISH BAIT; SEA AND SUN IS 

GUARANTEED BY THE COAST 

67

“THE FISH 

MOVED 

AROUND 

QUITE A 

LOT AND WE 

HAD TO PUT 

OUR HANDS 

OVER THE 

EYES TO 

RELAX 

THEM.” 

Dani 

THE BOYS GET 

ACQUAINTED 

WITH THE CATCH 

OF THE DAY

As a regular visitor, Dave says the beauty of Gran 

Canaria is that his wife can relax by the hotel pool 

while he’s fishing, and they can still meet up for 

dinner in the evening – which is exactly what our 

family would be doing too after the outing. 

Alex and Dani are the first to jump up when the 

sun makes an appearance, their mood lifting with 

the clouds. At our shoreside base, Derek points out 

terrapins in what they affectionately call “the lake”, 

whilst the equally hands-on David explains how 

they prepare the homemade bait: “We soak tiger 

nuts for 24 hours. They’re then boiled for an hour 

and left to ferment for at least a week – although 

the longer the better – along with hemp, maize 

and peanuts.” The kids are a bit disappointed 

not to have slimy worms and grubs to get stuck 

into – and I can’t help but think how relieved my 

squeamish wife would be if she were here with 

us – but it’s not long before they’re using all their 

might to throw handfuls of it as far as they can 

into the water. 

It turns out that carp fishing is a game of 

patience. You’re not casting your rod manually 

and standing up, ready to reel in fish after fish. 

Instead, you set up the alarmed lines and are 

able to relax and wait for the fish to take the bait. 

It leaves me free to catch up with some holiday 

reading in the glorious sunshine. I worry that the 

boys might get bored, but they keep themselves 

busy with guarding the bait against the local 

ducks, who keep trying to take a peck at it. 

Every now and again, the alarm goes off and 

I resort to being a kid again myself, sometimes 

jumping up in more excitement than Alex and 

Dani. I start having visions of myself appearing 

as an Angler’s Mail cover star with a huge catch, 

following in the footsteps of EastEnders star Scott 

Maslen – who caught a monster from the deep 

on a fishing trip with the Carp Gran Canaria boys, 

and declared it to be the best fishing holiday that 

he’s ever had. 

But it’s David, the owner, who’s the record 

holder on the island. His 25.43kg common carp 

took him an epic 45-minute struggle to land, 

DAVID’S 25.43 KG COMMON CARP TOOK HIM AN EPIC 45 MINUTES TO LAND 

HERE: DAVID, 

CARP GRAN 

CANARIA’S BIG 

FISH, POSES WITH 

‘ONE OF 

THE FAMILY’; 

BELOW: THE 

ESSENTIAL 

TACKLE BOX 

HIT USHUAÏA’S 

SKY LOUNGE TO 

MINGLE WITH 

A-LISTERS AND 

GRAB THE BEST 

VIEW IN TOWN 

Gran Canaria 

MAY.JUN.JUL 69

Gran Canaria 

THE ISLAND’S STUNNING 

INTERIOR IS AS MUCH OF A 

DRAW AS ITS SANDY BEACHES 

before he returned it to the reservoir – much 

to the bewilderment of locals, who are used to 

catching edible sea life and are amazed at Carp 

Gran Canaria’s catch-and-release philosophy. 

Though locals would never think of eating carp, 

David points out that it is eaten in eastern Europe. 

Would he ever tuck in, I ask? David pulls a 

mock-offended face and replies: “I couldn’t! 

That would be like eating family.” 

All the alarms keep turning out to be false 

and our family falls into the unfortunate 25 per 

cent bracket who don’t catch a thing. But the 

luck of the Irish seems to be on our companion 

Dave’s side, who nets a pair of 11.34kg mirror 

carps, named after their shimmering scales. 

Dani and Alex are thrilled to get their hands 

on one – though it takes both their efforts to lift 

it – fascinated by the whiskers which resemble a 

Fu Manchu moustache. 

As the sun starts set on our day’s adventures, 

we make our way back to our hotel to continue our 

family holiday, but not before stopping off in the 

whitewashed village of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, 

where I’m encouraged to try the local boozy 


GO 

Thomas Cook flies to Gran Canaria 

year-round from select UK airports. 

For more information, visit your 

local Thomas Cook store, call +44 (0) 

844 412 5966 to visit thomascook. 

com. For hassle-free travel to 

Gatwick, visit gatwickexpress. 

beverage, a brew going by the name of mejunje. 

A potent mix of white rum, honey, brown sugar, 

lemon, lemongrass, cinnamon and coffee, this is 

the sort of cocktail that my old student union bar 

used to specialise in. It’s more quaffable than it 

sounds, though. An acquired taste, you might say. 

A bit like carp fishing. Once you fall for it, you fall 

hook, line, and sinker. 

Be there … Thomas Cook offers a one-day 

fishing excursion to Presa de Chira with Carp 

Gran Canaria, including a two-rod set-up 

and bait, plus transport to the reservoir, a 

light lunch and soft drinks. Speak to your 

representative to find out more. 

STAY 

If you’re travelling without kids and 

want an adults-only affair, try the 

Iberostar Costa Canaria (thomascook. 

com). Set in beautifully manicured 

gardens, it boasts a Thai Zen spa, 

two large swimming pools and live 

music and dancing six nights a week. 

4places 

for family 

fun on the island 

join the club 

For a sophisticated family day out, 

why not head to the Amadores 

Beach Club (Playa de Amadores, 

Mogán, amadoresbeachclub)? 

It’s perfect for poolside posers 

in training, with a special kids’ 

pool and playground, as well as 

a children’s menu in its gourmet 

restaurant – posh hot dogs, anyone? 

splash out 

Make a splash at Aqualand 

Maspalomas (Ctra. Palmitos Park, 

KM 3, aqualand.es), a 10-minute 

drive from the resort of the same 

name. While the kids try swimming 

with sea lions, you can test your 

nerve against the twists and turns 

of the Anaconda slide. 

birds of a feather 

See pretty birds at Palmitos Park 

(Barranco de Los Palmitos S/N, 

palmitospark.es). This aviary 

spreads over 20 hectares and 

features shows from feathered 

friends like parrots. A two-park 

ticket allows you to visit nearby 

sister park Aqualand Maspalomas. 

giddy up 

Explore the Wild West at Sioux City 

(Barranco de Aguila S/N, siouxcity. 

es), a short drive from the resort 

of San Agustín. Take a ride on 

horseback or sit back and enjoy 

one of the shows that recreate 

bank hold-ups and shoot-outs. 

KNOW THIS 

The lake fishes well year-round due 

to the island’s fantastic climate, 

so don’t let going in the winter 

months (December to March) put you 

off. David tells us that a German 

couple caught 15 carp in just two 

and half hours in March this year.

THE BEST 

PLACE TO BE 

in Gran Canaria 

amadoresbeachclub.com 

 

 

928 56 0056 

“Unmissable” 

David´s favourite 

Beach Club 

David J. Silva 

spa lounge fine food 

beach 

lounge 

terrace 

snack 

a la carte 

restaurant 

beach front restaurant 

solarium 

spa 

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chill out 

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Restaurant

72 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL

LOVE 

AT 

FIRST 

BITE 

London chef, restaurant owner and 

Saturday Kitchen star Adam Byatt – 

who’s rattled pans in top kitchens at 

Claridge’s and The Berkeley – takes 

his taste buds to the Algarve in search 

of his very own slice of food heaven 

algarve 

words by adam byatt photography by rahel weiss 

MAY.JUN.JUL 73


THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE RARE OCCASIONS 

where taking the wrong turn and getting lost 

actually worked in our favour. We were supposed 

to be heading to Vilamoura – not only the Algarve’s 

main tourist hub, but one of the largest single tourist complexes 

in Europe – and we missed our exit and ended up driving 

through the most vibrant orange grove, which stretched as far 

as the eye could see, and ended up in the village of Alvor. 

Stepping out of the car to grab some fresh air, my nose 

picked up the unmistakable aroma of cooking on a charcoal 

grill. I followed the smell a hundred metres or so up a hill and 

discovered fresh dourada (that’s seabream to you and me) being 

grilled inside a restaurant that had very little fuss, but lots and lots 

of locals eating inside. The garnish for the fish was just a simple 

salad of tomatoes, onions and delicious smoky peppers. But once 

it was dressed with grassy olive oil and some vinegar, it seemed 

like the most perfect lunch possible – far more satisfying than 

the bacon sandwich I had been nibbling on at Gatwick Airport a 

mere three hours earlier. 

PREVIOUS SPREAD, LEFT: CLAMS FOR 

LUNCH AT THE ESTAMINÉ RESTAURANT, 

ILHA DESERTA; THIS PAGE: A VIEW OF 

THE PENECO BEACH IN ALBUFEIRA 

Alvor reassuringly offers everything that the Algarve 

has gained a reputation for: golf courses, pubs serving 

a hearty full English, a Chinese restaurant and, of course, 

fish ‘n’ chips. But this gem of a restaurant showed me that 

you simply can’t ignore what this little part of Portugal has 

to offer in terms of food. It might be hard pushed to give 

super foodie destinations like Tuscany and Lyon a run 

for their money, but pull back the covers a little and what 

emerges is a heritage of traditional cookery, incredible 

produce and a real sense of pride. 

It’s a pride that’s justified: the Algarve not only boasts 

four of the 12 one-Michelin-star rated establishments 

across Portugal, but it’s also home to two restaurants that 

have been given the coveted star twice. Albufeira’s Vila 

Joya (Praia da Galé, +351 289 591 795, vilajoya.com) 

is one of them, and for my money is where to head for a 

unique gastronomic experience. Named after the owner’s 

daughter, it started out as a simple guest house before 

its restaurant gained acclaim by being voted 45th in San

They take their sardines very seriously 

here. They’re fat and succulently moist 

Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants last year – and 

with good reason. The inventive and delicious five-course 

lunch menu (€98/£84) I tasted included a modern take 

on the prawn cocktail, a lobster carpaccio that was full 

of flavour, and a simple but mouth-watering fresh berry, 

buttermilk and blackcurrant sorbet. If Vila Joya is out of 

your price range, try one of the many hotels offering ‘fine 

dining’. I had the pleasure of trying the Tivoli Victoria’s 

Emo (Av dos Descobrimentos no 0, Vilamoura, +351 289 

317 000, tivolihotels.com), the sister hotel of the stunning 

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura (thomascook.com), where I had set 

THIS PAGE, LEFT: TRADITIONAL FIG AND 

ALMOND PASTRIES WITH COFFEE – PART 

OF JOAO LABISA’S HOSPITALITY AT TRÊS 

PALMEIRAS RESTAURANT, ALBUFEIRA; 

RIGHT: THE TERRACE AT ALBUFEIRA’S 

MICHELIN-STARRED VILA JOYA 

up camp for my foodie tour of the region. The technically 

ambitious menu included some Asian inspired pork ribs, 

but there were also more locally focused dishes, such as a 

scallop dish with seaweed and salmon tapioca. 

But what I really wanted to know was what do real 

Portuguese people eat, and more importantly, where do they 

eat? Like any tourist destination, there are traps that you can 

fall into within the main resorts, but if you put the time in, ask 

around and follow your nose, there are some gems to be found. 

The first thing I discovered is that they take their sardines 

very seriously here. I’m told they’re best eaten when there 

algarve 

MAY.JUN.JUL 75

76 

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ENTRANCE TO 

THE OLD TOWN, FARO; ONE OF FARO’S 

BEAUTIFUL TILED WALLS; DESSERT AT 

VILA JOYA; MANAGER OF HOTEL BRISA 

SOL’S PASTRY SHOP WITH HIS SPECIALITY 

MARZIPAN TREATS; LOCAL GRILLED 

SEABREAM; PORTUGAL’S FAMOUS 

PERCEBES

is no ‘R’ in the month’s name. The fish are 

seriously fat, but it’s this fat that keeps the 

flesh succulently moist. I also discovered 

that a lot of the best little restaurants to eat 

at don’t have names. Along the coast, just 

20 minutes from Vilamoura, there’s a village 

called Aldeia das Acoteias, where a small, 

nameless café on the harbour serves up grilled 

sardines, seasoned simply with sea salt for 

about €1.50 (£1.30) a pop – right next to the 

boats that caught them. This is cheap, local 

and delicious food at its best. 

You’ll find simple preparations of freshly 

caught grilled fish everywhere, but it wasn’t 

until I stumbled across Três Palmeiras in 

Albufeira (51 Av. Infante D. Henrique, +351 

289 515 423, restaurantetrespalmeiras.com) 

that I truly understood what Portuguese 

food and hospitality meant. The owner, João 

Labisa, is far past retirement age, but can still 

be found in his restaurant day and night with 

his daughter and long-serving staff. He cooks 

traditional recipes with such passion and 

enthusiasm that the result is a restaurant so 

good, I wish I lived next door to it. 

We devoured plates of salt cod, grilled and 

marinated in vinegar, olive oil and parsley, 

seasoned to perfection and utterly divine. 

There was also mackerel cooked in a local 

escabeche (a vinegar or citrus pickling sauce), 

and garoupa (grouper) simply simmered 

with onions, tomatoes, peppers, white wine 

and a single clove of garlic. It was simply 

one of the nicest things I ate in the Algarve. 

João also talked in great detail, with pride 

and authority, about a national dish called 

cataplana. He explained that if you live near 

the sea, the dish is made with shellfish and 

fish, while inland the locals add pork and use 

less shellfish. In basic terms it’s a bouillabaisse 

or fish stew that’s cooked in a copper pot – 

which is where the dish’s name comes from. 

It originates from the time of the Moors, 

whose tagine cooking style left its mark on the 

region. This is one dish that no visitor should 

miss. I’m always looking for new ideas and, 

although I don’t quite know how, I’m certain 

João’s inspiration will come through in my 

menus in some way soon. 

Another dish that intrigued me was 

caldeirada, which is made with layered 

potatoes, fish, sliced garlic, olive oil and 

tomatoes and cooked over an open flame. It’s 

made and shared by fishermen out at sea and 

hard to come by, but it has the satisfaction 

factor of any hearty British dish, with 

hundreds of years of heritage thrown in. 

But it’s not all seafood. Further inland in 

the village of Alte, we tried kebabs at a small 

Don’t miss 

eating 

percebes, 

or goose 

barnacles, 

which are 

worth the 

airfare here 

alone 

café (again, no name) that give the ones 

back home a serious run for their money in 

terms of quality. Made from prime chicken 

marinated in local piri piri (African bird’s eye 

chilli), the meat is cooked on ornate metal 

skewers over a charcoal grill. Wash it down 

with a glass of vinho verde, the local, almost 

fizzy, white wine, that goes with pretty much 

everything – including breakfast. 

Those with a sweet tooth will be more than 

satisfied by the local delights too. Forget your 

Cornettos and Magnums, and instead head 

to Albufeira’s Hotel Brisa Sol’s pastry shop 

(Rua do Município, Lote 27, Apartado 2054, 

hotelbrisasol.com). This bright and vibrant 

pastry shop makes everything from classic 

French millefeuille and puff-pastry palmiers 

to tarts and ice creams. But the highlights 

are the Portuguese specialty, marzipan fruits. 

These aren’t synthetic almond-essence-laced 

cakes, but rather delicious creations made 

from natural almond paste, which isn’t sickly 

– it just leaves you wanting more. 

Nearly all of these local specialties contain 

almonds, figs and oranges – unsurprisingly, 

as they grow in abundance here. But one 

native ingredient I didn’t expect was the carob 

bean. It resembles a black broad bean and is 

sometimes used as a chocolate replacement – 

the flavour is perfumed with those bitter notes 

you get from dark chocolate. It’s a special 

ingredient and is used to make a local cake, 

the carob cake – incredibly grown-up, yet 

moreish and intriguing. 

Seeking out local produce in the markets 

is something I make a habit of whenever I’m 

away. A visit to the fish and fresh produce 

markets in the fishing village of Olhão, 11km 

east of Faro, threw up a wonderful discovery. 

The seafront is lined with numerous small 

shops selling everything from crabs to live 

lobsters, winkles to whelks and tasty cooked 

prawns – all at very reasonable prices. 

I recommend picking up a bottle of wine, 

bagging yourself some shellfish and sitting by 

the marina to enjoy it. At one of these shacks, 

Agua Salgada, the owner Maria kindly opened 

a dozen of the largest sweetest oysters I had 

ever seen and also cooked me up my all-time 

favourite, percebes, or goose barnacles. If 

you’ve never had these, you must try them. 

They’re worth the airfare to get here alone. 

Nothing I know tastes more of the sea, are so 

much fun to eat yet linger with sweet saline 

meatiness for so long. 

The main town of Faro has delights 

aplenty, and if you can take your eyes off 

the incredible architecture there are more 

food markets to explore, busy and bustling 

with fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables. 

From October to June pick up delicious local 

figs. In between shopping trips, just follow 

the lead of the locals who snack on lovely 

individual deep-filled custard tarts, strong 

espresso coffee and small plates of cured 

meats while going about their daily business. 

An unexpected highlight for me was a boat 

trip to Ilha Deserta. It started off with a 

one-hour bird watching trip – birds are not 

algarve 

MAY.JUN.JUL 77

algarve 


GO 

Thomas Cook flies to Faro between April 

and October from select UK airports. 

For more information, visit your local 

Thomas Cook store, call +44 (0)844 412 

5966 or visit thomascook.com. 

For hassle-free travel to Gatwick 

Airport, visit gatwickexpress.co.uk. 

STAY 

The five-star Tivoli Marina Vilamoura 

(thomascook.com) sits on the resort’s 

famous marina, has its own private 

beach and is within walking distance of 

Vilamoura’s fabulous restaurants. And 

after all that eating, why not pamper 

yourself in the hotel’s Angsana Spa? 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: VILA JOYA 

RESTAURANT’S LUSH GARDENS; 

ANCHOVIES AT ESTAMINÉ RESTAURANT; 

WEIGHING UP AT THE TRADITIONAL 

FISH MARKET IN OLHÃO 

really my thing unless they’re edible – but 

the pay off was well worth it once we landed 

on the milk white shore to discover Estaminé 

(+385 917 811 856, ilha-deserta.com). The 

head chef Isabel Vargas and her husband 

have owned the place for some 20 years, 

and it boasts one of the most spectacular 

locations for a restaurant I have ever seen. 

This really is, as the name suggests, 

a deserted island. Having an almost captive 

audience, you would understand if these 

guys did the bare minimum to please on the 

food front, but I can tell you with utter joy 

that this was some of the most accomplished 

cooking I had the pleasure of eating in the 

Algarve and for quite some time, elsewhere: 

firm salted anchovies, sweet olive oil with 

warm bread, small prawns so fresh you could 

taste the sea water, dried tuna carpaccio, sea 

bass caught that very morning and cooked 

over a charcoal pit and, my favourite, a clam 

and rice dish that I will probably return to 

the Algarve for alone. 

If I could offer just three pieces of advice 

for your trip to the Algarve, they would be 

these: to lose yourself over a seafood lunch, 

hunt down a cataplana and devour it over 

a long dinner, and, if João decides that it’s 

time for the Portuguese grappa to go round… 

run for the hills! 

Adam Byatt is the chef and owner of London’s 

Trinity (trinityrestaurant.co.uk) and Bistro 

Union (bistrounion.co.uk) restaurants. His 

first cookbook, How To Eat In, (£16, Bantam 

Press) is available now from amazon.co.uk. 

KNOW THIS 

Visit in early August when the Festival 

do Marisco (festivaldomarisco.com), 

or seafood festival, takes over Olhão’s 

Jardim Pescador Olhanense. Local 

fishermen show off their catch and 

you can sample a range of delicacies 

from fried prawns to cataplana.

Discover a Hidden Gem

new ways 

- TO ROCK - 

Whether you’re heading out for a first-time hedonist’s holiday or 

are a well-seasoned veteran, we’ve tracked down the White Isle 

essentials to put you in the heart of all the latest action 

ibiza 

words by nick Stevenson 

MAY.JUN.JUL 81

THE VIBRANT SOLAR IS ONE OF 

MANY COLOURFUL FESTIVALS 

TAKING THE PARTY OUT OF 

DARKENED CLUBS AND INTO 

THE IBIZAN SUNSHINE 

1 Ibiza 


is cultivating more of an 

outdoor festival vibe as well as 

drawing dance’s biggest names 

SIMPLY THE FEST 

It’s a given that you can catch the biggest names in dance at the island’s legendary clubs, but Ibiza 

is also cultivating more of an outdoor festival vibe. First timers should try Ibiza123 Rocktronic 

(ibiza123festival.com). The three-day festival from 26 July combines legendary rock musicians – 

Elton John, Sting and Lenny Kravitz played last year – with credible dance acts. Music aficionados 

with links to the dance industry will be keen to visit The International Music Summit (IMS), 

which is held in the five-star Ibiza Gran Hotel neat Ibiza Town (thomascook.com). The IMS 

(from 22-24 May, internationalmusicsummit.com) is a conference presented by the island’s 

long-standing resident DJ, Pete Tong, giving club owners, DJs and anyone with a keen interest 

in nightlife a chance to meet up and attend seminars, debates and – naturally – parties. Or you 

may want to try something more leftfield? Solar (solarweekend.com/en), a Dutch art, music and 

theatre festival is coming to Ibiza from 10-17 September for a week of cultural camping. The former 

bungalow park Punta Arabi Resort in the northeast will host art and relaxation events for 800 

attendees, escalating to a finale on the Sunday, when a beach party ends the festivities with a bang. 

Tip of the tong 

“It was important 

that we came up with 

a unique proposition 

to celebrate the 

IMS. The Dalt Vila is 

the postcard shot of 

Ibiza. [It] inspires 

and excites both the 

performer and the 

audience.” 

Pete Tong 

DJ AND PRODUCER

photos © rex 

UPDATING YOUR 

FACEBOOK 

STATUS WHILE 

ROCKING LA 

BOMBA? GOOD 

WORK, LUCIANO 

HIT USHUAÏA’S 

SKY LOUNGE TO 

MINGLE WITH 

A-LISTERS AND 

GRAB THE BEST 

VIEW IN TOWN 

2Pacha’s new competition 

When Pacha Ibiza’s directors Danny Whittle and 

Mark Netto left the venue to set up a rival club 

La Bomba (Avenida 8 de Agosto – which is on the 

same road as Pacha), it caused a bit of a DJ exodus, with acts 

like Tiësto, Pete Tong, Erick Morillo and Luciano also taking it 

as their cue to find a new home for their decks. But the results 

will be well wo worth it. Danny and Mark are said to be 

working with 

model Naomi Campbell (left) and luxury 

restaurant mmanager 

Giuseppe Cipriani (the grandson of 

the founder 

of Harry’s Bar, Venice) on the venue that 

opens on 

22 May. Defected, the UK house night that 

also left PPacha, 

will be the hosts on Saturday nights. 

NAOMI IS READY 

TO PARTY 

3 

Ushuaïa Tower 

After years of daytime parties being closed 

down, the emergence of Ushuaïa in 2011 

changed the island dramatically. The five-star 

hotel, famed for its huge concert-style stage 

in its courtyard, hosts the most in-demand 

daytime parties the island has ever seen – 

with the biggest names in the dance music 

industry falling over themselves to play 

there, naturally. And this summer, Ushuaïa 

opens a sister-venue, Ushuaïa Tower 

(C/Playa d’en Bossa, ushuaiaibiza.com) 

next door, on 25 May. The 181 themed suites 

might be priced for the rich and famous, but 

its rooftop Sky Lounge will be the real star of 

the show. The open-air bar – which is open 

for non-guests, too – has panoramic views of 

the Med and is a great vantage spot to see the 

parties in Ushuaïa below. 

ibiza 

MAY.JUN.JUL 83

DJ BETOKO MAY 

BE THE MAN OF 

THE MOMENT 

BUT HE’S YET 

TO MASTER THE 

ART OF WEARING 

HEADPHONES 


DJS FRESH 

In 2012, Disclosure went from being blogosphere 

sensations to top 10 artists, making them one of the 

hottest live acts to book this summer. Whilst they 

played at Ibiza Rocks last summer, this year you’ll 

find them at Space. Other hot DJs to look out for this 

season include London-based rising star Betoko, who 

is thought to be hosting a room at Space, and Eats 

Everything, who is playing everywhere from Carl 

Cox’s night at Space to Paradise at DC10. Finally, Mr 

Doris, one of the hardest working DJs in Ibiza, will 

be setting up a new After Dark project at Space, and 

has worked on a new compilation album with Groove 

Armada – guaranteed to be full of Ibiza anthems. 

Don’t forget to pack your iPod dock! 

GETTING THE 

PARTY STARTED 

AT SANKEYS 

4 5 

Openings a-go-go 

OK, so it’s not exactly new, 

but Ibiza’s opening parties 

are a right-of-passage for any 

dance music fan. This year, 

they’re set to be bigger than 

ever and, depending on your 

stamina, you could try and 

tick all of the following off. 

Es Paradis (esparadis.com) 

in San Antonio will be the 

first of the island’s superclubs 

to reopen for the summer, 

with DJ Oliver and Hed 

Kandi’s Sam Canon, on 24 

May. Others of note include 

La Bomba on 22 May, 

Sankeys (sankeysibiza.info) 

on 23 May, Ushuaïa Club 

(ushuaiaibiza.com) and Zoo 

Project (thezooproject.com) 

on 25 May, Space’s Opening 

Fiesta on 26 May (spaceibiza. 

com), and Jake Bugg playing 

the Ibiza Rocks launch on 

5 June (ibizarocks.com). 

photos © alamy

6Where the party at? 

In recent years the small town of Playa d’en 

Bossa, Ibiza’s longest white sand beach, has 

become the new hub for visiting Brits. There 

are already the well-trodden party spots Space, Bora Bora 

and Ushuaïa, but with classy beach bars Sands (sandsibiza. 

com) and Nassau (nassaubeachclub.com), party central Tantra 

(tantraibiza.com) and upcoming spots such as Jag Beach Club 

(facebook.com/JagBeachClub), you could easily spend your 

entire holiday in the same square mile. It’s little wonder that 

hotels like Sirenis Hotel Tres Carabelas (thomascook.com) 

are getting booked up months in advance. 

MILES OF SMILES 

AT BORA BORA 

A RESERVATIONI 

IS ESSENTIALI 

TO CATCHI 

LIO’S EXPLOSIVEI 

ENTERTAINMENTI 

7Lio 

Save your euros for this A-list worthy 

restaurant which cemented itself as the place 

to be seen on the island when it opened in 

2011 with its mouth watering Japanese/ 

Spanish fusion menu. The location is 

stunning, overlooking the glam yachts of Ibiza 

Town, with seating around a pool area where 

glitzy cabaret shows with glamorous singers, 

dancers and showpieces takes place. And it 

turns into a nightclub at 1am (it was formerly 

El Divino nightclub), so splashing out on that 

€30 (£25) starter will also go towards your 

night out. A reservation is essential unless you 

want to put your name on a huge waiting list. 

Top tip: make sure you book a table as close 

to the pool as possible for the best view of the 

show (Paseo Juan Carlos I, Puerto Deportivo, 

+34 971 310 022, lioibiza.com). 

ibiza 

MAY.JUN.JUL 85

ibiza 

PUKKA UP’S 

LEGENDARY 

PARTY IS NOT 

TO BE MISSED 

8Float your boat 

Have the climax of The Inbetweeners Movie and The Wanted’s 

video for Glad You Came made you hungry for a boat party? 

You’ve come to the right island. The biggest and best include Zoo 

Project’s animal fancy dress parties on Mondays (€65/£55, including transport 

to the boat, boat party ticket and club admission, zooproject.com) or the ‘Ibiza 

Rocks The Boat’ events that have been known to speedboat headline acts like 

Example out to the main party boat for acoustic sets (€55/£47 boat party ticket 

and gig at the hotel, ibizarocks.com). But the daddy of the scene is Pukka 

Up. For £42.50 you get admission to the boat party, transport and entry to 

Amnesia on Tuesdays and Pacha on Fridays (pukkaup.com). Pukka, indeed. 

10 

ESCAPE 

THE CROWDS 

If you’ve ‘been there, done that, bought the T-shirt’ when 

it comes to the party circuit, seek out Escapades for a more 

grown-up Ibiza experience. It can tailor your holiday to your 

own experience of the island and give tips and suggestions 

for even the most seasoned White Isle veterans. While all the 

big clubs and beach parties are right on your doorstep, you 

can also crank down the volume and relax on more hidden 

beaches like Cala Tirada or Cala Bassa, where cocktails and 

tapas under the stars are on the agenda. (escapades.co.uk) 


GO 

Thomas Cook flies to Ibiza from 

May to October from select UK 

airports. For more information, 

visit your local Thomas Cook 

store, call +44(0) 844 412 5966 

or visit thomascook.com 

DO THE 

CHICKEN 

AT ZOO 

PROJECT'S 

ANIMAL 

FANCY DRESS 

PARTIES ON 

MONDAYS 

STAY 

The Sirenis Hotel Tres 

Carabelas (thomascook.com)is 

the perfect retreat for the 

morning-after-the-night-before, 

thanks to its decadent spa: 

chocolate therapy, anyone? 

Don’t worry, be appy 

Whilst most Ibiza apps involve checking in 

or leaving your data roaming on, Mixmag’s 

newest app for clubbers is a lot simpler. 

Mixmag Global is a fortnightly round up of 

news, music and features from Ibiza and 

around the world. Download it to your phone 

or tablet then get updates when each new 

issue comes out. Best of all, the app and all 

its updates are completely free. As it’s written 

by staff on the island, you’ll never miss a beat 

on the latest parties or openings again. 

(free on iTunes App Store and Google Play) 

9 

KNOW THIS 

Some of Ibiza’s nightclubs 

have been known to confiscate 

cameras, which are then checked 

in for a price. You’d better 

sneak those shots using your 

smartphone instead. 

… AND RELAX 

ON IBIZA’S 

GOLDEN SANDS

40 YEARS OF PACHA IBIZA HITS 

60 TRACKS / 4XCD / DOWNLOAD 

ALBUM OUT NOW 

newstatemusic.com 

pacha.com

FLOAT 

LIKE A 

b u t ter fly 

STING 

LIKE A 

When it comes to looking and feeling your best on holiday, 

what works: a relaxing spa or an adrenaline-shot bootcamp? 

We put each to the test on a wellbeing break in Cancún 

cancún 

words by anisha patel photography by jennifer lawrence 

MAY.JUN.JUL 89

ed team 

“REMEMBER TO BREATHE,” repeats 

my instructor, Angela, in her calm but 

authoritative voice. It may sound extremely 

obvious, but I’ve been holding the ‘plank’ 

position for an excruciating 90 seconds in 

25°c heat, and it is very necessary. Especially 

since I’ve already spent the last hour jogging 

on the beach, endured a never-ending series 

of squats, push-ups and sit-ups, and at this 

point, I’d be much happier doing the plank 

in reverse: back on sand, sun on face – rather 

than sand on face… and in other parts of my 

body where sand should never be. 

It does help that I’m on the stunning 

beachfront of the Hard Rock hotel, Cancún 

(thomascook.com) courtesy of B3 Boot Camp 

(bootcampcancun.com), where I’ve enrolled for 

a daily two-hour morning body blitz. Instead 

of killing myself at the gym before my holiday, 

I thought I’d combine the four S’s – sun, sea, 

squats and spa-ing – to get that bikini body 

on the beach itself and come back looking like 

Jennifer Aniston or Jessica Alba (in my mind 

at least), whose perfectly honed bodies have 

also been paraded on the Yucatán Peninsula. 

My fitness levels aren’t terrible. But I’d 

still like to hoick my bottom up about three 

inches, banish the bingo wings and turn 

my muffin top into a slimline rice cake. So 

I’ve put my behind in the hands of Angela 

Carignan and Jackie Mejia who run B3 Boot 

Camp. Cancún, with its long sandy beach 

strip, lined with hotels, bars and restaurants, 

with the sparkling Caribbean Sea on one side 

and a lagoon on the other, seemed like the 

perfect bootcamping ground. 

“There’s so much amazing outdoor space 

here – the sandy white beach, the parks and 

the sea,” enthuses Angela. I can’t help but 

agree, looking out at the bluer-than-blue 

water stretching ahead of us. 

Angela, who hails from Boston, has a 

background in physical education and sports 

medicine. She was also a choreographer for 


“Group exercise is great because 

you laugh together, fall together – 

you encourage each other” 

six years, which is what first brought her to 

Cancún: “I moved here for a six-month gig as 

a dancer, met a guy from Mexico and never 

left. Now, two kids later, I can’t imagine 

being anywhere else.” She met Jackie, who 

originally hails from Mexico City, in a local 

Jazzercise class and the two of them decided 

to go into business three years ago. 

The pair go to wherever the clients are and 

each group has a custom package made to their 

specifications, so there’s no set price, but one 

thing’s for sure: it will cost you a fraction of the 

price of a personal trainer back home. 

My day had started at a respectable 

8:30am, which gave me just enough time 

to get a few pre-workout calories from the 

hotel’s impressive breakfast buffet. I somehow 

managed to resist tucking into the crispy 

bacon and fluffy waffles and stuck to a portion 

of fresh fruit instead. 

Down at the beach I met my workout 

companions: a mix of Brits, Mexicans and 

Americans, from ages 16 to 50 – all toned, 

tanned and perky, with backsides that 

would give even Pippa Middleton’s bottom 

a complex (why are they here?). But Angela 

advocates the benefits of group workouts even 

if not everyone in the group has the same 

fitness levels: “It’s not a competition, you 

just do your best,” she reassures me. “Group 

photo © getty

exercise is great because you laugh together, 

fall together – you encourage each other.” 

And that’s exactly what we do after circuits 

is over, during what I can only describe as 

a sandy cardio gauntlet, which we have to 

leapfrog, side step and high kick down before 

doing suicides: as the name suggests, these 

aren’t pleasant, and involve us sprinting in 

relay to and from five cones placed in a row 

about 20m apart, which we all struggle with. 

But we still cheer each other on, red-faced, 

exhausted and dying for a piece of bacon. 

The next morning, I feel sore, which doesn’t 

bode well for the terrifying time-trial circuit on 

the terrace overlooking the hotel’s pool. The 

view out to sea is incredible, even if I do get 

pangs of envy looking at the morning beach 

bunnies claiming their sun loungers. The sun 

isn’t blazing today, but the humidity is making 

SURE BEATS THE GYM: 

CANCÚN’S BEACHFRONT 

TAKES YOUR MIND OFF 

BOOTCAMP PAIN (MAIN 

PICTURE).LEFT AND 

BELOW: THE SESSIONS 

COMBINE CARDIO AND 

STRENGTH TRAINING 

it harder to work out, and at times I have to 

stop because my legs are shaking. But Angela 

and Jackie don’t run a military bootcamp. 

Instead, they encourage us to push ourselves 

as hard as we can. I accept that come rain or 

shine, I am never going to be able to do a pushup, 

but they still give me confidence despite my 

poor efforts: “You’re going to be like Hercules 

by the time you go home!” 

There is one thing I do worry about: 

indulging in Hard Rock’s all-inclusive dining 

Where to 

show off 

the fab 

new you on 

Cancún’s 

sizzling 

strip 

puerto madero 

When U2 were last in town, 

they took their entourage to 

this cool steakhouse by the 

lagoon. Modelled on the dock 

warehouses in the Argentinean 

port city of the same name, 

the restaurant dishes up 

grilled octopus and rib-eye 

steaks big enough for two. 

(Hotel Zone, Blvd Kukulcan 

KM 14.1, +52 998 885 2829, 

puertomaderorestaurantes.com) 

thai lounge 

The lychee martinis are a 

must at this Thai bar and 

restaurant, drunk at a 

candlelit table in one of the 

individual thatched-roof huts 

overlooking the lagoon. How 

many other places can boast 

a dolphin aquarium right next 

to the bar? (Hotel Zone, Blvd 

Kukulcan KM 12.5, thai.com.mx) 

la isla Shopping 

village 

Celebrate your new figure 

with a dose of retail therapy 

at this shopping complex, 

which houses outlets of 

everything from Zara to 

Zingara swimwear, plus dutyfree 

gadgets are available at 

Liverpool and Dufry. (Hotel 

Zone, Blvd Kukulcan KM 12.5, 

laislacancun.com.mx) 

cancún 

91

and drinking policy. But I learn that treating 

yourself doesn’t have to be about overdoing 

it. There’s an incredible array of à la carte 

restaurants here, and every restaurant dishes 

up fresh food sourced from local suppliers, 

whether you go super-healthy with sushi and 

teppanyaki at Zen, carbo load Italian-style at 

Ciao, get stuck into local Mexican fare at Frida 

or stock up on the protein-rich grilled meats 

at Ipanema Brazilian barbecue. On day one 

all I could think about was digging into a big 

plate of salty chips, but by the end of the week 

of exercise, I’m loading my plate with fresh 

vegetables at the salad bar and opting for sushi 

dinners instead of cheese-loaded burritos – 

which are, for the record, also incredible. 

Back at the bootcamp, the next few days 

are a flurry of planking, pulling, squatting 

and lifting, with more burn inflicted on my 

muscles than sun on my skin. But I swear I 

can feel muscles in my behind, thighs and 

arms working that I never even knew I had, 

and I definitely notice an improvement in 

my tone. For one thing, my thighs are firmer 

and don’t jiggle with every movement and 

– what’s this? – a hint of definition finally 

forming on my arms? 

Later that week, it appears that 

we’ve started a trend, as it emerges that 

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Reese 

Witherspoon were also making the most of 

the sunshine and bootcamping just down 

the Yucatán Peninsula in Tulum. Eat your 

heart out ladies, we got here first. 


FRESH AND HEALTHY 

TEPPANYAKI IS 

AVAILABLE AT ZEN TO 

COMPLIMENT YOUR 

WORKOUT 

blue team 

IT SEEMS THAT REMEMBERING TO 

breathe is also an important piece of advice 

when you’re being the opposite of active. 

I am so relaxed in the middle of my 

Kukulcan ritual massage that the simple task 

of inhaling and exhaling seems unimportant 

as my mind, body and soul are whisked away 

on a blissful 80-minute journey in the Hard 

Rock hotel’s Rock Spa. The Mayan ceremony 

starts with inhaling the scent of essential oils 

of rosemary and sage, before copal resin is 

burned to ‘purify’ my spirit. 

The real decadence is the four-hand 

massage that follows. Using organic jojoba 

oil, the masseurs’ movements replicate three 

animals – a snake, a jaguar and an eagle 

– that represent the division of earth, the 

underworld and heaven, respectively. To me, 

it’s all heavenly, and I am so relaxed after 

that I only want to speak in whispers – and 

even forgo drinking that night. You won’t 

find the ritual on the menu – it’s something 

that’s designed for the Riviera Maya sister 

hotel that’s under construction, due to open 

in summer 2014 – but you can book it at the 

Cancún spa in advance for $220 (£145). 

Of course, there’s also an array of other 

excellent spa options to choose from, such 

as massages, body wraps and facials, 

including options for men. I also tested 

TIME YOUR TREATMENTS 

AT HARD ROCK HOTEL 

CANCÚN’S ROCK SPA SO 

YOU CAN SOAK IN THE 

POOL AT SUNSET 

Book your treatments to finish 

an hour before sunset to enjoy 

the view from the outdoor pool 

out the rejuvenating antioxidant facial 

($145/£95). Using 100 per cent organic 

brand Amala, this specific treatment uses 

cocoa beans from the Amazon rainforest 

to stimulate cellular renovation and firm 

skin. After the harsh British winter, my 

skin had started to resemble sandpaper, but 

after the facial I emerged with a hydrated 

complexion and enhanced glow. In fact, even 

after the 10-hour flight home, people were 

commenting on how good my skin looks. 

A tip: book your treatments so that they 

finish an hour before sunset, and not only 

will you not miss out on valuable sun time, 

but you can also enjoy the view over the 

Caribbean Sea in the Rock Spa’s outdoor 

hydrotherapy pool. Sore muscles? What 

sore muscles? 

Work it … For more information on 

B3 Boot Camp Cancún’s offering, including 

prices, please contact Angela or Jackie at 

b3bootcamp@hotmail.com.

this was at 

the end when 

we stretched 

1 

10 

8 

10 

GO 

Thomas Cook flies to Cancún year-round 

from London Gatwick, Manchester and 

Glasgow International airports. For 

more information, visit your local 

Thomas Cook store, call +44 (0)844 412 

5966 or visit thomascook.com. 

the verdict 

Chill-out factor 

Adrenaline rush 

Long-lasting effects 

Likelihood of doing it all again 

the winner? 

IT’S A TIE. TOGETHER, THEY WILL HAVE YOU FEELING SO FABULOUS YOU’LL WANT TO SCREAM OUT A HEARTY JENNIFER ANISTON-STYLE “BECAUSE I’M WORTH IT.” 

STAY 

You’ll get the full rock star treatment 

at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancún. The 

all-inclusive haven is filled with 

memorabilia from Britney Spears to 

Led Zeppelin, and every room comes 

with a Jacuzzi. (thomascook.com) 

10 

2 

7 

10 

KNOW THIS 

Angela says the best way to relax 

muscles after an intense workout (and 

avoid the burn the next day) is to 

submerse them in cool water. We say jump 

straight into the pool after and treat 

yourself to a well-deserved cocktail. 

cancún 

MAY.JUN.JUL 93

HG Hoteles 

www.hghoteles.com 

Tenerife / Lanzarote / Menorca +34 902 205 902

WET AND WILD IN TENERIFE 

LORO PARQUE, 100% IN LOVE WITH NATURE 

Loro Parque is located in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, which is the greenest area of the 

North of Tenerife and enjoys mild temperatures all year long. 

Founded in 1972, this wonderful park was initially conceived as a paradise for parrots and 

currently it is considered one of the most responsible environmental parks in the world and 

home to a wide range of animal species set amongst tropical palm trees and exotic 

vegetation with stunning Thai architecture. 

SIAM PARK, THE WORLD’S AWESOME WATER KINGDOM 

Siam Park, located in Costa Adeje, is Tenerife’s newest water kingdom and 

one of the best water parks in the world. Set against a backdrop of 

spectacular Thai architecture this is a park like no other and it breaks world 

records with its state of the art attractions: its “Mai Thai River” is the largest 

lazy river; it also offers the biggest artificial wave with over 3 meters high. 

True to its commitment of ongoing innovation, Siam Park opened two new 

areas for the whole family: Kinnaree a mega slide with a 200 meters long 

winding course which fuses 3 different experiences together and 

Sawasdee, an authentic water jungle for children with exciting possibilities 

and endless fun. 

www.loroparque.com - Puerto de la Ccruz - Tenerife - Spain 

TENERIFE 

One of the most striking attractions of Loro 

Parque is OrcaOcean, where these amazing 

killer whales demonstrate their strength and 

agility. In addition, adults and children can 

discover the Antarctic at Planet Penguin, this 

being home to over 200 penguins, or take 

their seats at the spectacular dolphin 

presentation. Furthermore, it houses other 

extraordinary animals such as sea lions, 

gorillas, chimpanzees and white tigers, 

together with an aquarium among other 

wonderful species. 

www.siampark.net - Costa Adeje - Tenerife - Spain 

Open everyday all year long, 

from 10am to 6pm during 

the summer and to 5pm in 

winter, when we heat the 

water to guarantee our 

visitors comfort, Siam Park 

also provides private 

cabanas for 4 up to 15 

people, which are available 

for hire at 

www.siampark.net

promotion 

1 

3 

1. PETER'S PLACE , 

BODRUM, TURKEY 

Ideally located a short distance 

away from the hustle and bustle 

of Gumbet’s centre, Peter’s Place 

boasts a warm and welcoming 

atmosphere – perfect for a 

relaxing meal. A family-run 

restaurant with Turkish and 

Irish origins, it offers a unique 

menu that brings together the 

best of both cultures. Whether 

you are looking to experience 

the local cuisine or hankering 

for the familiar taste of home, 

there will always be something 

on the menu for you here. 

3/A Plaj Sokak, Gumbet, 

+90 533 477 5312 

2. PUNTA DELL'EST 

FUERTEVENTURA, SPAIN 

Located in one of the island’s 

most enchanting spots, on the 

outskirts of El Cotillo village, 

this family-run restaurant offers 

the finest Italian cuisine, great 

service and an extensive selection 

of wines, spirits and cocktails. 

During the summer, it hosts 

special events every Monday, 

where lavish buffets and themed 

dinners are accompanied by live 

music or DJ sets. Show your 

Thomas Cook boarding pass to 

receive a free welcome drink. 

4 Av Hermanas del Castillo, 

+34 928 538 483, 

restaurantepuntadellest.com 

Bon appétit 

With great food and first-rate service, grab a bite at any of these top tables 

2 

4 

3. TAJ MAHAL 

MARMARIS, TURKEY 

The Taj Mahal is the only 

authentic Indian restaurant in 

town, but this doesn’t mean that 

it rests on its laurels. Importing 

all of its spices directly from Asia, 

it has thrilled its guests with its 

array of freshly prepared dishes, 

including all your favourite 

curries from back home, since it 

opened in 1997. Located on the 

main road between Marmaris 

and Içmeler, opposite the Point 

Centre shopping mall, it is open 

from 5pm to 1am. 

54 Kemal Elgin Bulvari 

Karacan Plaza, +90 252 417 

4412, tajmahalmarmaris.com 

4. YÖRÜK PARKI , 

KEMER, TURKEY 

In the heart of Kemer, not 

far from the beautiful city of 

Antalya, Yörük Parki serves up 

a refined and traditional menu 

that complements its authentic 

atmosphere. The unique location 

on Yörük Parki peninsula, 

surrounded by forest and the 

sea, provides an unforgettable 

place to lunch and dine, while 

you will also get the opportunity 

to examine, taste and purchase 

handcrafted products and 

culinary specialities from Turkey, 

and listen to Turkish folk music. 

+90 242 814 1777, yorukparki. 

com, facebook.com/YorukParki

5 

7 

5. EL PORTAL 

ALICANTE, SPAIN 

Informality reigns at this 

traditional bar and restaurant, 

where you can enjoy a variety 

of superb tapas dishes and 

a wide selection of local and 

international wines. Chef 

Sergio Sierra, who has spent 

his career working in a number 

of prestigious restaurants, 

serves up a range of exciting 

creations, all carefully prepared 

using seasonal produce, to be 

consumed at the bar in the form 

of tapas or small dishes. 

2 Calle Bilbao, Alicante 

+34 965 143 269 

elportaltaberna.com 

6.KATHMANDU 

IBIZA, SPAIN 

Known for its colourful décor, as 

vibrant and exotic as the flavours 

and aromas that characterise 

its remarkable authentic dishes, 

this superb Indian-Nepalese 

restaurant is run by a pair of 

brothers with over 30 years 

experience as chefs all over the 

world. The lunch menu, with 

a choice of seven starters, 10 

mains and three desserts, is 

a steal at €9.95, while a €6.50 

children’s menu is also available. 

Open 365 days a year, from noon 

till midnight. 

49 Calle San Vicente, +34 971 

339 635, kathmanduibiza.com 

6 

8 

7. WONDER RESTAURANT 

RHODES, GREECE 

Operating since 2001 in the 

New Town of Rhodes, Wonder 

Restaurant has received 

numerous awards for its 

creative international cuisine 

and has been subject to a series 

of glowing reviews in the Alpha 

Guide and beyond. Located in a 

beautiful neoclassical building 

surrounded by bright flowers, 

it offers a variety of delicious 

dishes and an impressive wine 

list – a must-visit on any 

holiday to Rhodes. 

C/16-18 El. Venizelou, 

Rhodes Town, 

+30 224 103 9805 

promotion 

8.PARADOSIAKO 

ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE 

'Paradosiako' is the Greek 

word for 'traditional', so it 

is unsurprising that this 

restaurant, located in an area 

of incredible natural beauty, 

specialises in pure and 

traditional Zakynthian 

dishes, made using recipes 

handed down from generation 

to generation. The essential 

ingredient in these recipes 

remains the finest virgin olive 

oil, produced from their own 

home-grown olive trees, along 

with other fresh herbs. 

Alykes Riverside, +30 269 508 

3412, paradosiako.com.gr

promotion 

9 11 

9. KANDOUNI 

OIA, GREECE 

Overhanging bougainvilleas and 

a charming candle-lit interior set 

the stage for a sumptuous dining 

experience in this handsome 

family-run restaurant. The 

building dates back to over 170 

years – a time when pirates 

roamed the streets outside the 

high walls that surround the 

restaurant – and this history is 

recognised in the vintage décor 

and century-old photographs 

that adorn the walls. Outside, 

the candles and soft music are 

replaced by starlight and the 

sounds of Oia’s Old Town, but 

the intimate atmosphere 

remains, making this a delightful 

spot to enjoy the warm summer 

nights. With fresh ingredients 

and traditional Greek dishes 

flowing from the kitchen, the 

menu is supplemented by a 

well-stocked bar and an array of 

carefully selected wines, many 

of which are sourced from local 

vineyards. Throw in a homey 

ambiance, and it’s easy to see 

why Kandouni is a favourite 

among tourists and locals alike. 

Don’t leave without trying the 

walnut cake or baked lamb 

in parchment! 

Oia Village, Santorini, 

+30 228 607 1616, 

kandouni.com 

10 

10. HO WONG , 

GLASGOW, UK 

With extraordinary and vibrant 

flavours, accompanied by fast 

and efficient service in an 

elegant dining room, it’s easy to 

see why the Ho Wong in Glasgow 

is so widely praised by critics 

and customers alike. Amidst 

an array of delicious and varied 

dishes, it is seafood that takes 

pride of place on the menu, all 

of which is incredibly fresh and 

cooked to absolute perfection. 

Make sure you try the ‘chilli and 

salt seafood combination’. 

82 York Street, Glasgow, 

+44 (0)141 221 3550, 

ho-wong.com 

11. APHRODITE , 

SIDE, TURKEY 

Open all year round, Aphrodite 

has been run by Side locals 

since 1970. Set in the heart of the 

ancient city, with a fantastic view 

of the harbour, it’s a favourite 

with both locals and tourists, and 

it’s not uncommon to see famous 

faces dining on its fabulous 

terrace. Serving delicious 

mezze, fresh seafood and the 

finest Turkish and international 

cuisine, the restaurant received 

a certificate of excellence from 

TripAdvisor for 2012. 

170 Antique Harbour of Side. 

+90 242 753 1171, 

aphroditeside.com

Jardines de Nivaria is one of the most luxurious 

hotels in the South of Tenerife. Located on the 

beachfront in the exclusive area of Fañabe, this 

five star hotel has mantained a distinguished 

atmosphere without losing the warm and close 

contact it has with its guests. 

Tenerife´s best kept secret 

Costa Adeje, Tenerife 

Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel is the ideal 

holiday hotel for families, couples and 

those who are looking for quality in a 

privileged and friendly environment. 

At any of the Adrian Hoteles you will enjoy a very attentive and personalized service, heated 

swimming pools, high quality gastronomy and first class facilities. 

Find both 5 star hotels in the Thomas Cook catalogue. 

www.adrianhoteles.com

promotion 

prOmotion 

1 

3 

Hit the floor 

This summer’s hottest parties can be found at these fantastic bars and clubs 

1. PETER'S PLACE , 

MALIA, GREECE 

Since 1998, the Malibu Club 

has continually been one 

of the most popular and 

successful venues on Malia’s 

famous Beach Road. Its unique 

atmosphere is the talk of 

the island, with a design that 

immediately transports you 

to a tropical beach. With three 

massive bars, a chill-out 

area and some of the best 

music on the island, you can 

guarantee that Malibu will be 

packed until sunrise every night 

this summer. 

Beach Road, Malia, Crete 

facebook.com/malibu.club.malia 

2.BANANA CLUB 

MALIA, GREECE 

Occupying a prime position 

on the lively Beach Road in 

Malia, the unique Banana Club 

is home to two venues in one. 

Here, you can relax and sip on a 

delicious cocktail in the outside 

area before heading inside 

and going wild to the sounds 

of the hottest DJs and the best 

sound system on the island. 

One of Malia’s longest running 

and most recognisable venues, 

you’re always certain to find 

a cool young crowd looking 

to party all night. 

Beach Road, Malia, Crete 

facebook.com/banana.club.malia 

2 

4 

3.SECRETS CLUB 

LARNACA, CYPRUS 

The Mediterranean’s largest and 

finest Freedom club, Secrets 

provides a safe and welcoming 

environment where an amazing 

sound system, computerised 

lighting, three bars, Englishspeaking 

staff, male and female 

Go-Go dancers, regular theme 

nights and great drinks prices – 

a double vodka and Shark is just 

€5 – come together to create the 

ultimate clubbing experience. 

Mention Thomas Cook on entry to 

receive free shots at the bar! 

67 Artemidos Avenue, 

Larnaca, +357 99 557 433, 

secretsfreedomclub.com 

4.MONTY'S BAR 

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT 

Situated in the heart of Na’ama 

Bay, this unique venue caters 

to all music tastes, from golden 

oldies and classic rock to your 

favourite R’n’B tunes. Add this 

to the free pool, darts and Wi-Fi, 

live sports, daily specials on food 

and extensive drinks menu – 

including beer jugs, fish bowls 

and tantalising cocktails – and 

you’re guaranteed a great time. 

Plus, you can really leave your 

mark! Monty’s is a graffiti bar, 

providing pens so that you can 

leave your memories behind. 

Hussain Salam Street, Sharm 

El-Sheikh, +20 106 049 3192

www.insightguides.com 

INSIGHT GUIDES 

Inspiring your next adventure 

Insider’s view of the destination 

Detailed history and culture 

Inspirational and pre-planning content 

Full-colour photos and maps throughout

AquaGrand of Lindos 

Exclusive deluxe resort and spa 

Aqua Grand is an exclusive beachfront retreat with stunning views 

of the Aegean Sea, making it the ultimate place to relax and unwind. 

The hotel, designed in both traditional and contemporary Lindos 

styles, blends harmoniously into its beautiful natural surroundings, 

while guests can expect the very highest standards of service. 

Enjoy our refreshing private pools, relaxing pillared cabanas, exquisite 

gourmet wining & dining and rejuvenating spa treatments. All which 

will ensure a memorable stay. 

T: +30 22440 49100 | E: info@aquagrand.gr 

www.aquagrand.gr

Skating 

for a cause 

THIS SUMMER, the Celebrities On Ice tour 

is partnering with Thomas Cook Children’s 

Charity and donating £1 for every ticket sold to 

enable it to continue making dreams come true. 

The family event is set to be spectacular, 

starring the TV series’ celebrity contestants, 

including this year’s Beth Tweddle, Matt 

Lapinskas and Gareth Thomas, as well as previous 

contestants like Kyran Bracken and professional 

skating champions like Brianne Delcourt. 

On top of performing, the show’s stars 

will visit schools and children’s hospices 

in the vicinity of the tours. As part of their 

visit, they’ll meet, entertain and educate 

the children, regaling them with personal 

stories and tales from their home countries 

date location booking details 

Thomas Cook News 

CATCH UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE 

(Russia, Canada, Argentina, Mexico) as well 

as demonstrating lifts and other awe-inspiring 

moves from the Celebrities on Ice tour. 

With shows across the UK, you and 

the family can experience the thrills and 

excitement of Celebrities On Ice live in your 

city this summer. See below for dates, venues 

and details on how to book. 

3–5 MAY Glasgow, Breahead Arena braehead-arena.co.uk - Box office: +44 (0)141 886 8300 

10–12 MAY Carlisle, Sands Centre thesandscentre.co.uk - Box office: +44 (0)1228 633 766 

17–19 MAY Manchester, Event City eventcity.co.uk - Box office: +44 (0)161 870 9800 

24–26 MAY Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena metroradioarena.co.uk - Box office: +44 (0)844 493 4567 

31 MAY–2 JUNE Scarborough, Scarborough Spa scarboroughspa.co.uk - Box office: +44 (0)1723 357 869 

7–9 JUNE Northampton, Royal and Derngate royalandderngate.co.uk - Box office: +44 (0)1604 624 811 

14–16 JUNE Bournemouth, BIC bic.co.uk - Box office: +44 (0)1202 456 400 

Thomas Cook and The Co-operative Travel are offering one lucky family the chance to win a 

holiday (two adults and two children). Simply call into one of the stores in the towns listed above 

for more details and terms and conditions, as holiday destinations vary. 

If you would like more information about the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity please contact 

Maxine Harper, Charitable Operations Manager at Thomas Cook Children’s Charity, Coningsby 

Road, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8SB or visit thomascookchildrenscharity.com 

MAY.JUN.JUL 103

Thomas Cook News 

Complete Thomas 

Cook’s Customer Service 

Questionnaire to WIN 

THOMAS COOK PRIDES ITSELF IN 

providing the highest quality customer 

service to ensure a positive holiday experience 

for its customers. From airport check-in and 

the inflight experience to accommodation, 

excursions and Kids’ Clubs, feedback received 

through the Customer Service Questionnaire 

(CSQ) allows Thomas Cook to identify and 

address any problem areas that may arise. 

Over the last 12 months, 725,000 CSQs 

were completed across Thomas Cook’s 

mainstream package holiday and flight-only 

customers, and customers of third-party tour 

operators flying on Thomas Cook flights (e.g. 

Taste your way 

around Turkey 


Saga, James Villas), enabling a well-rounded 

assessment of its services. 

Completing a Thomas Cook CSQ only 

takes a few minutes and the valuable 

feedback you provide regarding your holiday 

experience not only allows the airline to 

maintain its high-quality standards, but 

puts you in the running to win £2,500 

worth of Thomas Cook holiday vouchers. 

Last year’s CSQ winner Samantha Barnes, 

who was recently presented her prize by 

David Harris at Thomas Cook’s Milton 

Keynes branch, is still deciding where it 

will take her. Oh the possibilities… 

IF YOU’RE TAKING YOUR HOLIDAY 

in Fethiye this summer and want a true taste 

of the destination’s culinary delights, why 

not ask your rep for a free Driving Route 

booklet? Full of easy-to-follow itineraries, 

this guide allows you to explore and discover 

the delights of Turkey at your own pace. 

Stop at Yoruk Museum, a family-run 

business that serves a delicious breakfast 

of free-range eggs, homemade jams, local 

breads, freshly squeezed fruit juices and 

traditional Turkish tea. If you’re staying 

in the Pine Valley, the Orka Hotels, Lykia 

World or Asena Beach you’ll likely be eating 

Taste of Fethiye fruit and vegetables, as 

these hotels are committed to buying local 

produce from nearby farmers. Look for the 

Taste of Fethiye logo to identify hotels and 

businesses that support their destination 

and its economy. 

Small improvements for 

optimum performance 

Thomas Cook believes that small, strategic 

improvements can transform into Gold 

Medal standard, and has developed a "small 

improvements" program dedicated to 

increasing efficiencies across flight operations 

without compromising its standard of safety. 

As part of this program, Thomas Cook, in 

partnership with airport operators, groundhandling 

companies and air traffic and 

navigation control, has launched its "Optimum 

Flight" project. The initiatives involved 

with this project include ‘constant descent 

approaches’, which is a more gradual decent 

of the aircraft when landing, and taxiing onto 

airport stands using one engine instead of 

two. These initiatives will ultimately improve 

performance and Thomas Cook appreciates 

your support on-route to reaching its 

"Optimum Flight" objective. 

Call for child protection 

There are millions of children living or working 

on the streets worldwide. All these children 

are at risk of being abused and often travellers 

unwittingly and unknowingly increase their 

vulnerability. By increasing your awareness 

of the issues, you can help protect children 

worldwide. Certain 'tourist attractions' such 

as orphanage or slum tours exploit children's 

vulnerabilities for profit, while giving to begging 

children or buying from them may be helping 

to keep them on the streets and at risk. Taking 

children to your hotel is not a good idea as the 

charges for sex offenders are severe and you 

may be suspected of being one despite 

your best intentions. If you suspect a child is 

being exploited, please call Crimestoppers 

on +44 (0) 800 555 111 or contact the police. 

Find out more about how to be a ChildSafe 

Traveller by visiting THINKChildSafe.org. 

MORE INFORMATION on sustainability at Thomas Cook 

can be found in Thomas Cook’s 2012 Sustainability 

Report at thomascookgroup.com

www.aegeanislands.gr 

Greece 

Dodecanese - Cyclades, 

pearls scattered on the 

azure of the Mediterranean! 

If you happen to sail the islands of the South Aegean, do you 

expect to meet the mythical mermaid that is said to plough 

the crystal clear waters asking if you have met her brother, 

Alexander the Great? For the waters of the Greek Polynesia, 

are the jewel of the Mediterranean in all its glory. Cyclades 

and Dodecanese are a perfect mix of taste and pleasure. 

You can sift through their ingredients, not to declare which 

one is the more delicious but to crave more of their 

mouth-watering delights. With over 150 islands and islets 

and more than 5000 kilometres of coastline, beaches and 

whitewashed churches, the south Aegean is paradise for 

those who seek it. We have a great number of Coves, bays 

and harbours, for you to Explore, a true cosmopolitan life. 

Every island, a different choice and only one life to live it. 

So much to see, so short a life 

....waste no time in getting there. 

Utopia exists!

Thomas Cook Wellbeing 

Wellbeing in the air 

Thomas Cook aims to make your fl ight comfortable and 

relaxing. Simply follow these tips and exercises to ensure 

that you arrive at your destination feeling great 

Special requirements 

Hopefully, we already know about your special 

requirements, such as wheelchair assistance or 

dietary requests. If not, and this is an outbound 

flight, please advise a member of the cabin crew 

so that they can make arrangements for your 

return journey. 

Sleep and seatbelts 

If you’re planning to sleep during the flight, 

we recommend you fasten your seatbelt so the 

cabin crew don’t have to wake you should the 

Captain need to turn on the “fasten seatbelt” 

sign. We recommend that you keep your 

seatbelt fastened at all times while seated. 

no Smoking 

In line with international policy, all our flights 

are non-smoking. It is an offence to smoke 

onboard, and the use of electronic cigarettes is 

forbidden. Please refrain from smoking for the 

comfort and safety of passengers and crew. 

appropriate attire 

Customers with inappropriate attire (including 

anything with offensive slogans, text or images) 


will not be permitted to travel at check-in or 

at the point of boarding the aircraft unless a 

change of clothes is possible. Footwear must 

be worn on the aircraft. 

young children 

The cabin crew will do their utmost to make 

everyone feel as comfortable and welcome as 

possible during the flight. If you are travelling 

with young children, just ask if you need 

any milk or infant meals to be heated. Babychanging 

facilities are available on all our 

aircraft – again, just ask your crew for the 

location nearest to your seat. 

lost property 

We ask all customers to take a few moments at 

the end of the flight to ensure that they have all 

their personal possessions with them, carefully 

checking the seat pocket, floor area and overhead 

lockers before leaving the aircraft. In the unlikely 

event that you do believe you have left an item 

onboard the aircraft, please note that any items 

found are handed over to the Lost Property office 

at the destination airport. For security reasons, 

items found are not returned to the UK. 

how to beat 

jet lag: 

Jet lag occurs when our biological 

clocks are disrupted by flying across 

time zones. This can affect sleep, 

appetite and bodily functions, but by 

making a few simple adjustments 

you can can reduce the symptom symptoms. 

INFLIGHT 

During the flight, avoid drinking 

too much alcohol and caffeine, 

drink plenty of water and try to 

eat light meals. 

ON ARRIVAL 

When you arrive, go out in the 

daylight as soon as possible. Try 

to adapt to the local bedtime on 

your first night. Relax as much as 

possible for the first few days – a 

catnap between 3pm and 5pm will 

help give you an energy boost.

An Underwater 

World Awaits . . . 

Learning to swim is an important life skill 

for everyone. The sooner your child begins 

swimming, the more confident they will be in 

and around the water. That is why Speedo has 

teamed up with Thomas Cook to be their official 

swim partner. As part of the partnership we 

are providing Speedo Sea Squad Learn to Swim 

equipment within Thomas Cook FamilyWORLD 

and Airtours Sunstar swimming lessons. 

Water confidence lessons are available for children aged 

6 months to 4 years and encourage children to build 

up confidence in the water with you by their side. With 

interactive play and nursery rhymes, your little one won’t 

want to leave the pool! 

Swimming lessons are available for ages 4+ and are a great 

place to both have fun and learn to swim. Lessons are on 

offer for beginners to advanced swimmers. 

Lessons are with ASA qualified UK swimming instructors in 

a safe swimming environment. Single and adult lessons are 

available on request. 

Water confidence - €5 per child for 1 x 30 minute session 

Swimming lessons - €30 per child for 5 x 30 minute 

lessons 

Available in Thomas Cook FamilyWORLD and selected 

Airtours Sunstar* hotels between 1st July – 1st September 

2013. For more information please see your Thomas Cook 

representative or the Splash instructor. 

Swimming lessons are operated by Aqualympic Swim 

Schools Ltd. 

* Featured in the following Sunstar properties: Sirenis Seaview 

Country Club, Sun Tropical, Oasis Village, Zorbas Beach

Electronic 

equipment 

Technology moves at such a 

fast pace that you may be 

confused about what electronic 

equipment you can and can’t 

use onboard. To help you, we 

have the following guidelines. 

The use of radios is strictly prohibited. 

Mobile telephones, with the exception of 

those with a “flight safe” mode, should be 

switched off at all times on board the 

aircraft. Phones with a “flight safe” mode 

should have this activated before you switch 

your phone off for take off. 

Personal CD, DVD, MP3 and MiniDisc 

players may be used, but only when the 

seatbelt sign is switched off. 

Wireless devices such as PDAs, laptop 

computers, electronic games and E-readers 

may only be used onboard if the wireless 

function is disabled and again, may only be 

used while the seatbelt sign is off. 

Simple as ABC 

To feel your best in the air, 

remember: 

alcohol 

Alcohol should be consumed only in 

moderation. For each glass of alcohol, drink 

two glasses of water. Try to drink at least a pint 

of water every three hours. 

baggy clothes 

Baggy clothes are best in the air. Try not 

to wear any tight-fitting clothing, loosen 

top buttons, belts and shoelaces and remove 

tight socks. We do, however, ask that your dress 

remains respectable throughout the flight. 

Circulation 

Circulation of blood is helped if you try not to 

cross your legs or ankles for long periods of 

time. Elastic support socks or stockings may 

help, but they must be measured by your 

doctor or pharmacist. Our recommended 

exercises will also help blood circulation, but 

if you feel any discomfort when performing 

them, then please stop. 


Inflight exercise 

Humans aren’t designed to sit in one position for long, so to promote 

blood circulation we recommend the following exercises. Try them 

while seated and remember that even the smallest movements help 

with blood circulation. 

upper body 

1 Take a large breath in through the 

nose. Slowly exhale through the mouth. 

Repeat a maximum of four times. 

2 Sitting upright, turn your head slowly 

to look over one shoulder. Now slowly 

turn to the other side. Repeat five times. 

lower body 

1 Loosen or remove your footwear. Arch 

the soles of both feet and curl your toes 

10 times. 

2 Straighten your legs, slightly lift your 

feet off the floor and pump both ankles 

forwards and backwards about 20 times. 

3 Tense and relax your thigh muscles 

about 10 times. 

4 March your feet on the spot 10 times, 

alternating between the heel and the 

ball of your foot. 

3 Slowly rotate your shoulders backwards. 

Repeat this exercise five times. 

4 Raise one arm above your head and 

stretch upwards. Repeat with the other arm. 

5 Transfer your weight evenly between 

each buttock. 

5 Clench your buttock muscles together 

10 times. 

6 If queuing for the toilet, try rocking 

backwards and forwards, heel to toe 

and back. 

7 Upon landing, gently stretch your body 

to get ready for movement. 

8 If you are travelling on a long-haul 

flight, try to move around the cabin 

every couple of hours.

Health & safety while abroad 

your holiday accommodation 

Never leave your key where someone can note your 

room number 

Do not leave your window open, especially if your 

room is on the ground floor or has a balcony 

Remember to lock your room door, even when you 

are inside the room 

Balcony 

Children should NEVER be left unsupervised 

on balconies 

Do not climb or stand on balcony furniture. 

Keep all furniture away from the balcony wall/railings 

Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony 

or railings 

Bathroom 

Take care in bathrooms as condensation and water 

spray can make surfaces slippery and bath or floor 

mats may not be provided 

Do not use mains electrical appliances near 

to water 

Cooking 

Never leave cookers unattended while they are 

in use 

Ensure all cooking appliances are switched off 

when leaving your apartment or when retiring at night 

Never leave shopping or other items on the cooker 

On arrival at your accommodation 

Familiarise yourself with all escape routes and 

locate the nearest fire exit to your room 

Do a practice walk of the nearest escape route 

from your room 

Study the fire instruction notice displayed in 

your room 

Identify the method of raising the alarm on 

discovering a fire 

Ensure that all smoking materials are safely 

extinguished, and do not smoke in bed 

If a fire occurs 

Evacuate the room/area immediately. Do not stop 

to collect personal belongings 

Close any doors behind you 

Raise the alarm 

Proceed to an assembly point outside and well 

clear of the building 

If you cannot leave your room, close all doors, 

put wet towels or clothes around the door seals 

and shout for help from the window or telephone 

reception 

Glass windows and doors 

Be aware that glass doors and windows may not 

necessarily be equipped with toughened glass. 

Caution should be taken at all times 

Take extra care in bright sunlight as it may not be 

obvious whether the window/door is open or closed 

Lifts 

Children should not use any lift unaccompanied 

Not all lifts have internal doors. When using this type of 

lift, stand well back from the exposed wall as there is no 

protection from the lift shaft when the car is in motion 

In the event of a fire, use the staircase, not the lift 

Poolside safety/out and about 

Every pool is different, but most hotels and 

apartments do not employ lifeguards, so please 

supervise any young members of your party 

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the pool to 

identify the deep and shallow areas before use 

Ensure that children use the toilet BEFORE entering the 

pool and take regular toilet breaks throughout the day. In 

the event of a faecal accident in or around the pool, 

please report it immediately, as this will assist the hotel 

management in ensuring the highest level of pool hygiene 

Shower before entering the pool 

Do not swim (or allow children to swim) if suffering 

from an upset stomach 

Do not change nappies at the poolside 

Young children and babies must wear appropriate 

swimwear such as rubber-lined swimming trunks. 

Swimming in nappies and nude bathing are unacceptable 

Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet 

and changing nappies 

Have fun, but avoid unruly behaviour. Observe pool 

rules and information signs at all times 

Pool surrounds can be very slippery – do not run 

around them 

Do not swim immediately after a meal, and never 

swim when you have been drinking alcohol 

When jumping or diving into the pool, check the 

water depth first and never dive from the deck side 

into water less than 1.5m deep 

Do not jump or dive from any raised features or 

from poolside furniture 

Do not use the pool after dark or when closed, even 

if it has underwater lights 

In the event of an emergency, know how to call for help 

beach 

Spot the dangers 

Check out the beach when you arrive 

Take care when bathing and swimming 

Be aware of dangerous rip currents and strong tides 

Do not swim near or dive from rocks, piers, 

breakwaters and coral 

Take safety advice 

Swim where there are lifeguards on patrol and take 

their advice 

Look out for information – warning flags and signs 

– and adhere to them at all times 

Never swim where a sign says not to, for example 

zoned areas for high-speed vehicles such as jet boats 

or jet skis 

Don’t go alone 

Never swim alone – make sure there are other 

people around 

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times 

Never swim at night, after drinking alcohol or on a 

full stomach 

Learn how to help 

If you see someone in difficulty, tell somebody, 

preferably a lifeguard if there is one nearby 

Find out what to do in an emergency, such as 

calling the local coastguard or equivalent 

Sun safety 

Avoid sunbathing during the hottest time of day 

Apply high-factor sunscreen, and re-apply frequently 

Never expose babies to the sun and always take 

extra care with children 

Remember it is possible to burn in the shade, 

Thomas Cook Wellbeing 

when it is cloudy and while swimming 

At the first sign of burning get out of the sun 

immediately 

Always drink plenty of water 

driving on holiday 

Check the vehicle is roadworthy and familiarise 

yourself with all controls before use, as they may 

differ from cars in the UK and Ireland 

Check that the car-hire insurance cover you take 

out provides adequate cover for the driver and all 

the passengers 

Always wear a seatbelt 

Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws 

Pay particular attention when at junctions and 

roundabouts 

Always carry emergency breakdown telephone 

numbers 

Always carry a spare set of spectacles (required 

by law in Spain) 

NEVER drink and drive 

Stick to well-travelled and well-lit roads 

We advise against the independent hiring of 

mopeds, motorbikes, quad bikes and jet skis 

Pedestrians 

Be vigilant at all times. Familiarise yourself with 

the direction of traffic 

Be aware that in some countries traffic is not 

required to stop at pedestrian crossings 

Services of local vendors 

In many holiday resorts you may find that services, 

such as henna tattoos, are available from places 

like street vendors. Although not recommended by 

Thomas Cook, if you choose to have a tattoo done or 

use the services of a local vendor, we would advise 

you to do so with caution. In the case of tattoos, 

ensure you ask for a test application before any 

larger-scale tattoos are applied. If you have any preexisting 

skin conditions, check with the vendor before 

agreeing to any application. 

general 

If you haven’t done so already, take a few minutes 

to complete the emergency contact details in the back 

of your passport 

Keep important documents in your hotel safe 

Be aware of who is around you. Pickpockets and 

opportunists will target anyone 

Don’t leave your common sense at the hotel. Don’t 

lose sight of your drink, don’t walk around by yourself, 

avoid dark places and don’t take unnecessary risks 

Look after yourself and your friends 

If hiring a car/scooter/quad bike, ask yourself 

whether you have adequate insurance 

Do not leave belongings unattended (in cars, 

restaurants, hotel lobby, etc.) 

Don’t sign anything until you seek advice from 

experts. The chances of winning a luxury holiday 

anywhere in the world just by scratching a card in the 

middle of the street, for example, are very remote 

Find contact details for your local embassy, in case 

of emergency, at fco.gov.uk 

Be aware that the laws and customs of the country 

you’re visiting may be different from home. Read up on 

country-specific advice at fco.gov.uk/travel 

MAY.JUN.JUL 109

Immigration Customs 

Flying in and out of the United States 

Before you leave the plane 

You must fill in the Immigration Visa and 

Customs forms, which will be handed out by 

the cabin crew during the flight. You’re legally 

obliged to fill them in – please make sure 

they’re correctly completed or you may face 

delays at Immigration. If you do make any 

mistakes, please ask for a new form. These 

forms are completed in addition to the ESTA 

forms completed online. 

Which forms do I need? 

Depending on your circumstances, you will 

either need a white or green Immigration form, 

plus a Customs Declaration form. We’ve put 

together some tips (below) to help you avoid 

the most common mistakes. 

Exceptions 

You DO NOT need to complete an 

Immigration form if you are: 

A US citizen 

A Canadian citizen 

A Green Card holder 

A new immigrant 

filling in your forms 

DO: 

Take your time 

Write in capital letters, using a pen 

Write in the space below the questions and 

fill in every line. When asked for your address, 

if you are a visitor to the US, then print the 

name of your hotel. If on a fly-drive holiday 

and unsure where you will be staying on your 

first night, then give one of the following 

addresses: 

Sanford – Thomas Cook, 1650 Sand Lake 

Road, Suite 300, Orlando, FL32809 

OR 

Las Vegas – Thomas Cook, 5030 Paradise 

Road, Suite C214, Las Vegas, Nevada 

89119 

Sign and date the back of your Customs 

Declaration form 

Double-check your forms 

Ask cabin crew if you have any queries 

DO NOT: 

Cross anything out. If you make a mistake, 

ask for a new form and start again 


white form: arrival and departure record 

specimen 

specimen 

specimen 

blue form: customs declaration form 

specimen 

specimen 

Complete this form if: 

» You are NOT a US citizen 

AND 

» You hold a valid US Visa 

AND 

» Your final destination is the United States OR 

you are passing through the US to your final 

destination 

Please complete items 1-13 on the Arrival record 

and items 14-17 on the Departure record. Keep the 

Departure record until you leave the US. 

You must fill in the Customs Declaration form 

before you arrive in the US. One form per 

household is required.

Thomas Cook operates over 30 aircraft to 

Europe and the rest of the world from the UK 

airbus a330-200 

Total passengers: 325 and 354 

Wing-span: 60.3m 

Length: 58.38m 

Number in fleet: 4 

Maximum take-off weight: 233,000kg 

Maximum cruising speed: 520mph 

Engines: 2 Rolls-Royce Trent 772B Series 

boeing 767-300 

Total passengers: 326 






Engines: 2 General Electric CF6-80C2 








Engines: 2 Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 








Engines: 2 CFM 56-5B3 








Engines: 2 International Aero Engines V2500 Series or CFM 

International CFM 56-5B4 








Engines: 2 Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 

Thomas Cook Fleet 

buy your own 

plane onboard! 

Thomas Cook model aircraft are 

available to buy onboard for £8.50 

each. See Emporium Emporium magazine 

MAY.JUN.JUL 111

key 

SUMMER ONLY 

WINTER ONLY 

YEAR-ROUND 


Thomas Cook flies to 

the following amazing 

destinations: 

uk departure airports 

1 Glasgow 

2 Newcastle 

3 Belfast 

4 Manchester 

5 East Midlands 

6 Birmingham 

LAS VEGAS 

7 Cardiff 

8 Bristol 

pacific ocean 

9 London Stansted 

10 London Gatwick 

11 Aberdeen 

12 Norwich 

usa 

13 Doncaster 

14 Edinburgh 

15 Exeter 

16 Humberside 

Canada 

SANFORD 

mexico VARADERO 

CANCUN 

SANTA CLARA 

cuba 

MONTEGO BAY 

jamaica 

CAYO COCO 

HOLGUIN 

dominican republic 

PUERTO PLATA 

atlantic 

ocean 

PUNTA CANA 

ANTIGUA 

ST. LUCIA 

BRIDGETOWN 

barbados

TENERIFE 

BANJUL 

the 

gambia 

portugal 

madeira 

ARRECIFE 

canary 

islands 

FUNCHAL 

FUERTEVENTURA 

LAS PALMAS 

3 

FARO 

1 

14 

11 

2 

16 

4 13 

5 

6 

12 

9 

7 8 

10 

15 

spain 

LLEIDA-ALGUAIRE 

REUS 

MAHON 

IBIZA 

PALMA 

ALMERIA 

north 

sea 

ALICANTE 

germany 

switzerland 

GENEVA 

france 

GRENOBLE 

TURIN 

ENFIDHA 

SALZBURG 

INNSBRUCK 

sea 

baltic 

KITTILÄ 

ROVANIEMI 

finland 

bulgaria 

SOFIA 

HERAKLION 

tunisia 

mediterranean sea 

DJERBA 

italy 

BURGAS 

NAPLES 

THESSALONIKI 

LIMNOS 

CORFU 

IZMIR 

KEFALONIA 

PREVEZA 

ZANTE SKIATHOS 

BODRUM 

DALAMAN 

KALAMATA 

ANTALYA 

SANTORINI 

MALTA 

RHODES 

LARNACA 

PAPHOS 

Thomas Cook Routes 

cyprus 

egypt 

HURGHADA 

LUXOR 

WHERE WILL YOU FLY TO NEXT? 

turkey 

GOA 

SHARM EL SHEIKH 

india 

MAY.JUN.JUL 113

the last word 

TRAVEL GURU 

MARTIN 

MILNER 

Thomas Cook’s 

group destination 

manager for 

Tenerife, shares 

his insider tips 

on the island 

DELICIOUS DORADA 

A LA SAL 


Tenerife isn’t a very big island but 

you get everything you need – from 

year-round sunshine and beaches 

to lovely restaurants and loads of 

culture. The north varies vastly from 

the south, and is worth exploring 

for its typical Spanish towns like 

Oratava, best seen during fiestas 

and carnivals. The south also has less touristic gems such 

as El Médano, where there is a long, almost deserted 

stretch of beach. My favourite place for a lazy lunch is 

Mesón Castellano (Calle Antonio Domínguez Alfonso, 

Playa de las Américas, +34 922 79 63 05). It’s a 

typical Spanish restaurant where they don’t rush you. 

I always order dorada a la sal (seabream cooked 

in salt) with papas arrugadas, wrinkly, baked 

potatoes with a spicy red or milder green mojo 

sauce – a must-try. Playa de las Américas is 

the place for cocktail lovers (try Monkey Beach 

Club, monkeybeachclub.com), but if you want a 

local tipple, seek out Arehucas. (arehucas.co.uk) 

This sweet, honey rum is great over ice, though 

it’s often drunk with Coke. 

The island has plenty of photo opportunities. 

Over in the west are the volcanic Masca Cliffs, 

which fall dramatically into 

the sea. And there’s Teide 

National Park, which looks 

like a lunar landscape from 

when the volcano, Mount Teide, 

last erupted. Go up at night to 

stargaze. It’s beautiful. 

COOL BY THE POOL AT 

PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS 

Forget 

piña coladas. 

Try a rum 

and Coke, 

the Tenerife 

way 

THE DRAMATIC VIEW 

FROM THE VILLAGE 

OF MASCA 

interview: stephanie yip, photos © corbis

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