Viaggi California - Viaggi in Thailand - Intimateasia.it
Intimateasia.it offre i migliori personalizzati viaggi Vietnam, Laos, Cambogia e Myanmar. I nostri diversi viaggi Vietnam focalizzano sulla cultura, i paesaggi e anche i locali. I nostri esperti di viaggio vi offriranno i pìu migliori consigli allo scopo di creare le esperienze indimenticabili e eccitanti nei 4 paesi pìu unici del Sud-Est Asiatico: il Vietnam, il Laos, la Cambogia e il Myanmar.
Intimateasia.it offre i migliori personalizzati viaggi Vietnam, Laos, Cambogia e Myanmar.
I nostri diversi viaggi Vietnam focalizzano sulla cultura, i paesaggi e anche i locali. I nostri esperti di viaggio vi offriranno i pìu migliori consigli allo scopo di creare le esperienze indimenticabili e eccitanti nei 4 paesi pìu unici del Sud-Est Asiatico: il Vietnam, il Laos, la Cambogia e il Myanmar.
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
AUTUMN 2015<br />
<strong>California</strong><br />
dream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Buckle up for an alternative road trip<br />
from San Francisco to Los Angeles<br />
plus...<br />
TURKEY GRAN CANARIA ST LUCIA AMSTERDAM VANCOUVER EGYPT TENERIFE
T H E<br />
WORLD’S<br />
O N L Y F I V E - S T A R<br />
<br />
I N C L U D E D ®<br />
HOLIDAY<br />
Sunset Bluff Millionaire Butler Villa Su<strong>it</strong>e w/Private Pool Sanctuary at Sandals ® Regency La Toc<br />
The Caribbean’s Best Beaches Up to 16 Gourmet Restaurants per Resort Unlim<strong>it</strong>ed Land & Water Sports Included<br />
Stunn<strong>in</strong>g Pools
FLY WITH THOMAS COOK AIRLINES<br />
FROM MANCHESTER TO SAINT LUCIA,<br />
ANTIGUA & BARBADOS<br />
A Sandals Luxury Included ® Holiday caters to your every<br />
desire at the most decadently romantic resorts <strong>in</strong> the world. And best<br />
of all, <strong>it</strong>’s all <strong>in</strong>cluded, all unlim<strong>it</strong>ed, all the time. Endless land and water<br />
sports, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g scuba div<strong>in</strong>g* and golf^. Gourmet Discovery D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
at up to 16 outstand<strong>in</strong>g restaurants per resort and premium dr<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Robert Mondavi Tw<strong>in</strong> Oaks w<strong>in</strong>es served at up to 11 bars. At<br />
Sandals, love is all you need, because everyth<strong>in</strong>g else is <strong>in</strong>cluded!<br />
JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS • GRENADA • BARBADOS<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation Call 0800-742-742<br />
Vis<strong>it</strong> sandals.co.uk | See your local travel agent<br />
Amen<strong>it</strong>ies vary by resort. *Scuba div<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>cluded for certified divers. PADI dive courses and night dives are add<strong>it</strong>ional.<br />
^Green fees may be add<strong>it</strong>ional at Sandals Emerald Bay. In Jamaica and Sa<strong>in</strong>t Lucia, caddies are mandatory, but not <strong>in</strong>cluded.
CONTENTS<br />
A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5<br />
Features<br />
475 miles to LA<br />
Our alternative twist on the<br />
all-American classic: driv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
down <strong>California</strong>’s Highway One<br />
from Oakland to Los Angeles<br />
Art and soul<br />
We lift the lid on Turkey’s<br />
newest and most stylish<br />
holiday dest<strong>in</strong>ation: the small<br />
town of Alacati, near Izmir<br />
Magic beans<br />
Cocoa farm<strong>in</strong>g is enjoy<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
revival on the Caribbean island<br />
of St Lucia. We show you how<br />
best to enjoy the sweet stuff<br />
Just add water<br />
In the summer months, <strong>it</strong>’s<br />
all about the restaurants that<br />
float your boat, as Amsterdam’s<br />
top chefs h<strong>it</strong> the canals<br />
Turn up the volume<br />
The music scene <strong>in</strong> the Canary<br />
Islands is more varied than you<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k. We meet the maestros<br />
creat<strong>in</strong>g a song and dance<br />
41<br />
50<br />
60<br />
70<br />
81<br />
50<br />
60<br />
Photos: Tim E Wh<strong>it</strong>e and 4CornersImages<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 005
AUTUMN 2015<br />
Buckle up for an alternative road trip<br />
from San Francisco to Los Angeles<br />
TURKEY GRAN CANARIA ST LUCIA AMSTERDAM VANCOUVER EGYPT TENERIFE<br />
TC_001_COVER_LA3_chosen.MG.FINAL.<strong>in</strong>dd 1 15/07/2015 11:49<br />
<strong>California</strong><br />
dream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
plus .<br />
Cover:<br />
iStock/Getty<br />
Senior Ed<strong>it</strong>or<br />
Claire Bennie<br />
Ed<strong>it</strong>or<br />
Imogen Rowland<br />
Art Director<br />
Jo Dovey<br />
Picture Ed<strong>it</strong>or<br />
Julia Holmes<br />
Sub Ed<strong>it</strong>or<br />
Matt Glasby<br />
Production Manager<br />
Karl Mart<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Group Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
Chris Davies<br />
Publisher<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> Brackenbury<br />
mart<strong>in</strong>.brackenbury@<strong>in</strong>k-global.com<br />
+44 (0)20 7625 0815<br />
Advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Sales Executives<br />
Andy Gibson<br />
George Hughes<br />
Sales Recru<strong>it</strong>ment<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>us@<strong>in</strong>k-global.com<br />
70<br />
CEOs<br />
Michael Keat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
& Simon Leslie<br />
Group Ed<strong>it</strong>orial Director<br />
Andrew Humphreys<br />
Group Publish<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
Mark Duke<br />
10<br />
105<br />
81<br />
Departures<br />
What’s tak<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong> the world of travel,<br />
from The Sound of Music to 007<br />
Thomas Cook<br />
105 News<br />
115 Wellbe<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the air<br />
119 Our fleet<br />
120 Route map<br />
122 Children’s Char<strong>it</strong>y<br />
Who helped make the issue?<br />
Helen Cathcart/St Lucia<br />
Travel and lifestyle photographer Helen<br />
specialises <strong>in</strong> shoot<strong>in</strong>g cookbooks, which is<br />
why <strong>it</strong> was so easy to conv<strong>in</strong>ce her to snap<br />
our St Lucia chocolate odyssey.<br />
Mark Sm<strong>it</strong>h/Amsterdam<br />
A contributor to Monocle and Condé<br />
Nast Traveller among others, Mark can<br />
see Da Costagracht from his d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
room, which <strong>in</strong>spired his story on p70.<br />
Claire Bennie/<strong>California</strong><br />
Senior ed<strong>it</strong>or Claire jetted off to the Golden<br />
State for an epic road trip to Los Angeles.<br />
She’s done Highway One five times now;<br />
she’d do <strong>it</strong> another five if she could.<br />
For Thomas Cook<br />
Katie Elson<br />
Helen Simpson<br />
Natalie Spires<br />
Reprographics<br />
KFR Pre-Press Ltd.<br />
Ink, Blackburn House,<br />
Blackburn Road,<br />
London, NW6 1RZ<br />
Ed<strong>it</strong>orial +44 (0)20 7625 0843<br />
thomascook.ed@<strong>in</strong>k-global.com<br />
Sales +44 (0)20 7625 0815<br />
Ed<strong>it</strong>orial op<strong>in</strong>ions expressed <strong>in</strong> the<br />
magaz<strong>in</strong>e are not necessarily those<br />
of Thomas Cook. Though we strive<br />
for accuracy, Ink and Thomas Cook<br />
cannot accept responsibil<strong>it</strong>y for<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation, such as prices and<br />
product availabil<strong>it</strong>y, that may<br />
be subject to change.<br />
006 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
welcome<br />
from Thomas Cook<br />
Hello and a very warm welcome on board your Thomas<br />
Cook flight today. Whether you’re fly<strong>in</strong>g out to beg<strong>in</strong><br />
a beautiful holiday w<strong>it</strong>h friends or family or just start<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your journey home, I’d like to personally thank you for<br />
choos<strong>in</strong>g to fly w<strong>it</strong>h us.<br />
For 174 years now, we’ve been <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g travellers to<br />
see the world and mak<strong>in</strong>g their holiday dreams come true.<br />
We’re constantly review<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our products and mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
improvements to ensure that<br />
you have the best holiday<br />
possible. Holidays are an<br />
important part of all our lives<br />
and they should be a time<br />
where you can relax, <strong>in</strong>dulge<br />
and experience fantastic new th<strong>in</strong>gs w<strong>it</strong>h your loved ones.<br />
The world is a huge place, full of wonder and exc<strong>it</strong>ement,<br />
and we’re delighted to be able to take you on your journey<br />
of discovery.<br />
You may have noticed that we’ve been upgrad<strong>in</strong>g our fleet<br />
over the last few months. We’ve <strong>in</strong>troduced six brand-new<br />
Airbus A321 aircraft for our short-haul flights and upgraded<br />
the cab<strong>in</strong>s on our Airbus A330 long-haul fleet to make<br />
Thomas Cook has been<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g holiday dreams<br />
come true for 174 years<br />
your journey even more comfortable. You’ll also be able to<br />
experience our brand-new Premium service, which gives you<br />
even more leg room, seats which recl<strong>in</strong>e that l<strong>it</strong>tle b<strong>it</strong> more,<br />
and adjustable foot and head rests to make your journey as<br />
comfortable as possible.<br />
Our fully tra<strong>in</strong>ed cab<strong>in</strong> crew are on hand throughout your<br />
flight to help wherever they can and our experienced pilots are<br />
there to ensure you have a safe<br />
flight, keep<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>in</strong>formed<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g your journey.<br />
As you’ll see <strong>in</strong> this issue of<br />
our <strong>in</strong>flight magaz<strong>in</strong>e, we’re<br />
once aga<strong>in</strong> able to offer you<br />
a wide choice of amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
holidays to a huge range of<br />
worldwide dest<strong>in</strong>ations. You can read about the colourful mar<strong>in</strong>e<br />
life you can discover <strong>in</strong> Egypt’s Red Sea (p28) and some of our<br />
best child-friendly hotels (p21). You can also read our <strong>in</strong>terview<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h celebr<strong>it</strong>y chef James Mart<strong>in</strong> (p32), the creator of our<br />
mouth-water<strong>in</strong>g range of <strong>in</strong>flight meals.<br />
I’m passionate about travel and I know you are too.<br />
I thank you once aga<strong>in</strong> for choos<strong>in</strong>g us and we look forward<br />
to welcom<strong>in</strong>g you on board aga<strong>in</strong> soon.<br />
Peter Fankhauser<br />
Group Chief Executive Officer<br />
Thomas Cook Group plc<br />
008 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
www.nirvanahotel.com<br />
facebook.com/nirvanahtl<br />
tw<strong>it</strong>ter.com/nirvanalagoon<br />
+90 242 340 60 50
DEPARTURES<br />
What’s tak<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong> the world of travel<br />
010 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
WISH YOU WERE HERE? DEPARTURES<br />
Natural<br />
wonder<br />
<strong>California</strong>’s mighty Yosem<strong>it</strong>e<br />
National Park celebrates <strong>it</strong>s<br />
125th birthday this October<br />
Words: Mike Peake. Photo: Getty<br />
I<br />
t might not be the biggest<br />
US National Park, or even the<br />
most vis<strong>it</strong>ed, but Yosem<strong>it</strong>e,<br />
which celebrates <strong>it</strong>s 125th<br />
anniversary this year, is arguably<br />
the nation’s favour<strong>it</strong>e. And w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
good reason. It has everyth<strong>in</strong>g that<br />
most Europeans (and just as many<br />
Americans) th<strong>in</strong>k of when they<br />
conjure up an image of a classic US<br />
national park: tower<strong>in</strong>g gran<strong>it</strong>e cliffs,<br />
ancient sequoia forests, rivers, bears<br />
and waterfalls. It is also home to the<br />
world-famous rock formation known<br />
as El Cap<strong>it</strong>an, a Mecca for climbers<br />
and base jumpers, which made the<br />
news this January when Tommy<br />
Caldwell and Kev<strong>in</strong> Jorgeson made<br />
the first ever free-climb<strong>in</strong>g ascent<br />
of <strong>it</strong>s sheer Dawn Wall.<br />
The official birthday of the nearly<br />
3,000 sq km park is on 1 October,<br />
when the National Park Service<br />
will be host<strong>in</strong>g special events<br />
throughout Yosem<strong>it</strong>e – but vis<strong>it</strong>ors<br />
can enjoy anniversary-themed treats<br />
all year round. One of the best still<br />
to come is the Mariposa County Fair<br />
(4-7 September, mariposafair.com),<br />
an annual sh<strong>in</strong>dig <strong>in</strong> a former goldrush<br />
stronghold on the western<br />
edge of the park.<br />
Or you could just do as every<br />
other Yosem<strong>it</strong>e vis<strong>it</strong>or does and<br />
book a guide to show you the best<br />
horse trails, photography spots<br />
and raft<strong>in</strong>g adventures – they’ll<br />
even take you out on a star-gaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
experience. If <strong>it</strong> all sounds a b<strong>it</strong> too<br />
strenuous, all is not lost. S<strong>in</strong>ce June,<br />
Google’s impressive Street View (or<br />
“Rock View” perhaps) of El Cap<strong>it</strong>an’s<br />
impos<strong>in</strong>g 900m face has allowed<br />
armchair mounta<strong>in</strong>eers to climb<br />
<strong>it</strong> for themselves.<br />
BE THERE... Go to Yosem<strong>it</strong>e w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
thomascooktours.com<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 011
DEPARTURES FOOD & DRINK<br />
Time for a brew?<br />
Craft Beer Market (here, near right<br />
and centre) has 100 beers on tap.<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> Street Brewery (far right)<br />
and those steel burp<strong>in</strong>g tanks<br />
Hail to the ale<br />
It’s been a stellar couple of years for craft beer dr<strong>in</strong>kers, and the<br />
latest hop-spot for them to seek out is Vancouver, Br<strong>it</strong>ish Columbia<br />
Words: Mike MacEacheran<br />
B<br />
rewmaster James Walton is enjoy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a eureka moment. Hav<strong>in</strong>g created<br />
more than 90 different craft brews<br />
– home-brewed, <strong>in</strong>dependent ales<br />
and lagers made <strong>in</strong> small batches – <strong>in</strong> the<br />
past 18 months, the owner of Storm Brew<strong>in</strong>g<br />
(stormbrew<strong>in</strong>g.org) <strong>in</strong> East Vancouver believes<br />
he has happened upon his craziest ale yet. His<br />
fresh-from-the-barrel tipples <strong>in</strong>clude unusual,<br />
yet downright tasty flavours such as Bloody Mary<br />
Pilsner (rich and tomato-ey), Burnt Marshmallow<br />
Ale (<strong>in</strong>tensely sweet), V<strong>it</strong>am<strong>in</strong> C IPA (fresh and<br />
c<strong>it</strong>rusy), and Spruce Tip Pilsner (um, a b<strong>it</strong> like<br />
lick<strong>in</strong>g a Christmas tree). But <strong>it</strong>’s the Belgianstyle<br />
P<strong>in</strong>eapple Sour Ale that has got him <strong>in</strong><br />
a right tizzy. “The yeast give the beer some<br />
serious funk,” he expla<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
Vancouver is all about the beer right now,<br />
and <strong>it</strong>’s can-do att<strong>it</strong>udes like Walton’s that have<br />
turned the c<strong>it</strong>y’s brew<strong>in</strong>g scene on <strong>it</strong>s head.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g years of market saturation from the<br />
likes of Labatt and Molson (two of the giant<br />
Canadian brewery companies), changes <strong>in</strong><br />
liquor law legislation about five years ago now<br />
mean any wannabe brewer can set up shop <strong>in</strong><br />
their garage or greenhouse, allow<strong>in</strong>g smaller<br />
family outf<strong>it</strong>s to challenge the status quo. Before,<br />
there was only mass-produced corporate lager:<br />
now there are tast<strong>in</strong>g rooms, on-s<strong>it</strong>e food<br />
trucks, regular festivals and takeaway sales.<br />
All of which is a huge boon for craft beer lovers,<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h Vancouver boast<strong>in</strong>g a near-unth<strong>in</strong>kable<br />
35 <strong>in</strong>dependent brewers and count<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Two such newcomers are Bomber Brew<strong>in</strong>g<br />
(bomberbrew<strong>in</strong>g.com), a buzz<strong>in</strong>g brew tavern set<br />
up by a local ice hockey team, and Ma<strong>in</strong> Street<br />
Brew<strong>in</strong>g (ma<strong>in</strong>streetbeer.ca), a kettle-soured beer<br />
and ale specialist. Its burp<strong>in</strong>g sta<strong>in</strong>less steel tanks<br />
and cosy tast<strong>in</strong>g room now fill out every <strong>in</strong>ch of<br />
a her<strong>it</strong>age build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the historic Brewery Creek<br />
district near Downtown. “All these breweries<br />
are sell<strong>in</strong>g out of their beer every week,” says<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> Street Brew<strong>in</strong>g’s brewmaster Jack Bensley,<br />
crack<strong>in</strong>g open another keg to taste. “Cr<strong>it</strong>ical mass<br />
is nowhere near happen<strong>in</strong>g yet.”<br />
For the bearded, the flannelled and those w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
progressive hairstyles, <strong>it</strong>’s reason enough to rejoice.<br />
The rise <strong>in</strong> craft beer has led to a series of new<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g saloons and Br<strong>it</strong>ish Columbia beer-only<br />
taverns, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the hipster Alibi Room (50 beer<br />
taps; alibi.ca), and the cavernous Craft Beer Market<br />
(more than 100 taps; craftbeermarket.ca) – places<br />
where you’ll never see the red star of He<strong>in</strong>eken<br />
or the Budweiser crown. And that’s someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for any beer lover to toast.<br />
BE THERE… For more <strong>in</strong>formation,<br />
vis<strong>it</strong> vancouverbrewerytours.com.<br />
Vis<strong>it</strong> Vancouver w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com<br />
Brew<strong>in</strong>g up a storm<br />
Three life-chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
BC beers to try<br />
Free Radical (6.5% ABV)<br />
Brassneck’s wh<strong>it</strong>e IPA has a mango and c<strong>it</strong>rus<br />
nose, plus a face-numb<strong>in</strong>g hoppy punch.<br />
brassneck.ca<br />
Salty Scot, Sea-Salted Caramel<br />
Scotch Ale (7.5%)<br />
A rich, caramel-flavoured heavy ale from<br />
Parallel 49. Made w<strong>it</strong>h coarse sea salt.<br />
parallel49brew<strong>in</strong>g.com<br />
Bra<strong>in</strong>storm Vanilla Whisky Stout (9%)<br />
A potent, peaty experiment from Vancouver’s<br />
longest-runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dependent brewhouse.<br />
stormbrew<strong>in</strong>g.org<br />
012 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
Keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong> reel<br />
Worldly wise directors, from<br />
Jean-Pierre Jeunet (below) to<br />
Alfred H<strong>it</strong>chcock (far right)<br />
Around the world <strong>in</strong><br />
24 frames per second<br />
Explore the most c<strong>in</strong>ematic c<strong>it</strong>ies through the eyes of the directors who know them best<br />
Words: Vari Innes. Ilustrations: Andy Tuohy<br />
Take a b<strong>it</strong>e out of Paris<br />
like Jean-Pierre Jeunet<br />
“I can only film what I love,” says Jeunet.<br />
And judg<strong>in</strong>g by the burnished beauty of his<br />
Montmarte-set Amélie (2001), he adores his<br />
home district. Make like Audrey Tatou’s wide-eyed<br />
wa<strong>it</strong>ress and stroll the bustl<strong>in</strong>g streets around the<br />
Sacré Coeur, stopp<strong>in</strong>g at Café des Deux Moul<strong>in</strong>s<br />
(15 rue Lepic), the film’s ma<strong>in</strong> location, to crack<br />
an “Amélie” crème brûlée. For a taste of Jeunet’s<br />
swoon<strong>in</strong>g visuals, take your sugar high to the<br />
Musée d’Orsay to enjoy resplendent Renoirs and<br />
vivid Van Goghs. Afterwards, savour the views<br />
from picture-perfect Pont des Artes, as Amélie<br />
does, and you’ll be sm<strong>it</strong>ten, too.<br />
Follow Federico Fell<strong>in</strong>i’s<br />
footsteps around Rome<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k Fell<strong>in</strong>i, th<strong>in</strong>k flamboyance: La Dolce V<strong>it</strong>a<br />
(1960) translates as “the good life”, and there’s<br />
no better place to live <strong>it</strong> than Rome. To see prime<br />
locations such as St Peter’s Basilica like the film’s<br />
glamorous night owls, why not breeze past <strong>in</strong><br />
a v<strong>in</strong>tage Fiat 500 (£100pp, rome4all.com) after<br />
dark? Or take <strong>in</strong> an even<strong>in</strong>g opera at the beautiful<br />
Baths of Caracella (archeorm.arti.beniculturali.<strong>it</strong>)?<br />
Recreat<strong>in</strong>g An<strong>it</strong>a Eckberg’s iconic dance <strong>in</strong> the Trevi<br />
Founta<strong>in</strong> is forbidden, no matter how rich you are,<br />
but you can throw <strong>in</strong> a co<strong>in</strong> and make a wish. Over<br />
£2,000 is collected every day for the c<strong>it</strong>y’s poor, so<br />
<strong>it</strong>’s a great way to splash your cash.<br />
Experience Danny Boyle’s<br />
lust for life <strong>in</strong> Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong>spott<strong>in</strong>g (1996) beg<strong>in</strong>s w<strong>it</strong>h petty thief<br />
Ewan McGregor rac<strong>in</strong>g down Pr<strong>in</strong>ces Street, but<br />
we suggest tak<strong>in</strong>g your time (and actually pay<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for th<strong>in</strong>gs). Don’t miss the Camera Obscura<br />
(camera-obscura.co.uk), a whir of optical illusions<br />
that approximate Boyle’s eye-popp<strong>in</strong>g aesthetics.<br />
In nearby Le<strong>it</strong>h, historian Tim Bell gives fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bespoke tours of the ma<strong>in</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong>spott<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>it</strong>es<br />
(£8pp, le<strong>it</strong>hwalks.co.uk), from wr<strong>it</strong>er Irv<strong>in</strong>e Welsh’s<br />
flat to the probable location of “The Worst Toilet<br />
In Scotland”. You’ll f<strong>in</strong>d a better class of bathroom<br />
here these days: thanks to the likes of The K<strong>it</strong>ch<strong>in</strong><br />
(thek<strong>it</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>.com), Le<strong>it</strong>h is awash w<strong>it</strong>h Michel<strong>in</strong> stars.<br />
014 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
IN FOCUS DEPARTURES<br />
Want to see some more<br />
of these exclusive c<strong>in</strong>eportra<strong>it</strong>s?<br />
The A-Z Of Great<br />
Directors by Andy Tuohy<br />
and Matt Glasby (£14.99,<br />
Cassell) l is out now.<br />
Go mad <strong>in</strong> Madrid <strong>in</strong> the<br />
manner of Pedro Almodóvar<br />
The crown pr<strong>in</strong>ce of Spanish camp funded his early<br />
shorts by sell<strong>in</strong>g second-hand goods at El Rastro<br />
flea market (9am – 3pm, Plaza de Cascorro).<br />
H<strong>it</strong> the stalls on a Sunday to grab a barga<strong>in</strong> – or<br />
sponsor a future Oscar w<strong>in</strong>ner. After a jaunt across<br />
the Segovia Aqueduct, the background star of<br />
Almodóvar films such as I’m So Exc<strong>it</strong>ed (2013),<br />
take your seat for the best flamenco <strong>in</strong> town at<br />
Villa-Rosa (ablaoflamencovillarosa.com), where<br />
High Heels’ (1991) hero revealed his fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>e<br />
side. Stay out till sunrise <strong>in</strong> the legendary Chueca<br />
gay district to test The Flower Of My Secret’s<br />
(1995) maxim: “In Madrid <strong>it</strong>’s never late.”<br />
Check out Mart<strong>in</strong> Scorsese’s<br />
NYC – w<strong>it</strong>hout the body count<br />
You can’t see NYC exactly like Scorsese – <strong>it</strong>’d be<br />
illegal. Goodfellas’ (1990) gangster hangouts are<br />
mostly gone, but some th<strong>in</strong>gs never change. Head<br />
to the <strong>in</strong>dom<strong>it</strong>able Neir’s Tavern (established 1829,<br />
neirstavern.com), where De Niro’s made men<br />
made mischief, or Lombardi’s (established 1905,<br />
firstpizza.com) <strong>in</strong> L<strong>it</strong>tle Italy (Marty’s borough) for<br />
authentic Old Country cuis<strong>in</strong>e. Soak up the c<strong>it</strong>y’s<br />
light-f<strong>in</strong>gered past on a Gangs Of New York tour<br />
(£13, bigonion.com) of the Five Po<strong>in</strong>ts district<br />
where Bill The Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis) did battle<br />
<strong>in</strong> the 2002 film. It’s just a short hop to Wall Street<br />
where the wolves (read: crooks) reside now.<br />
See the brighter side of<br />
Alfred H<strong>it</strong>chcock’s London<br />
“The sky was always grey… and I was grey,”<br />
said H<strong>it</strong>ch of the c<strong>it</strong>y that shaped him. But his UK<br />
thrillers emphasised glamour over gr<strong>it</strong>, so don<br />
your most dapper su<strong>it</strong> to explore Westm<strong>in</strong>ster<br />
Cathedral (seen <strong>in</strong> Foreign Correspondent, 1940),<br />
the Royal Albert Hall (The Man Who Knew Too<br />
Much, 1956), and the Br<strong>it</strong>ish Museum (Blackmail,<br />
1929), where the baddie falls through the read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
room’s glass ceil<strong>in</strong>g – still, thankfully, <strong>in</strong>tact.<br />
The tube station at Leytonstone (the master’s<br />
birthplace) boasts beautiful H<strong>it</strong>chcock-<strong>in</strong>spired<br />
murals – prov<strong>in</strong>g that, no matter how he felt<br />
about London, <strong>it</strong> still loves him.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 015
everyth<strong>in</strong>g rugby<br />
#EVERYTHING<br />
RUGBY<br />
UNLEASH YOUR INNER SUPERFAN<br />
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015<br />
ALL THE SHIRTS, ALL THE NEWS, ALL THE INSIGHT, #EVERYTHINGRUGBY<br />
WWW.RUGBYSTORE.CO.UK<br />
tel: +44(0) 1721 726 920 email: sales@rugbystore.co.uk<br />
t: tw<strong>it</strong>ter.com/rugby_store
The road to victory?<br />
As the UK prepares to host the Rugby World Cup, we look back at the tournament’s<br />
most historic moments – and predict what might happen this time around<br />
Words: Pierre De Villiers<br />
SPORT DEPARTURES<br />
12 3<br />
4 5<br />
NELSON MANDELA HEALS A NATION<br />
In 1995, newly elected South African president Nelson<br />
Mandela wore a Spr<strong>in</strong>gbok jersey to the f<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong> Johannesburg.<br />
He was tak<strong>in</strong>g a huge gamble w<strong>it</strong>h this reconciliatory gesture<br />
<strong>in</strong> the wake of apartheid, but <strong>it</strong> paid off. The Spr<strong>in</strong>gboks beat<br />
New Zealand, caus<strong>in</strong>g unprecedented scenes of un<strong>it</strong>y across<br />
South Africa. Mandela pass<strong>in</strong>g the World Cup to François<br />
Pienaar is still one of rugby’s most iconic images.<br />
Repeat performance: Pr<strong>in</strong>ce William is a big rugby fan –<br />
perhaps a potential knighthood will spur on the boys <strong>in</strong> wh<strong>it</strong>e?<br />
NEW ZEALAND CHOKE ON A CROISSANT<br />
No one thought France had a chance of beat<strong>in</strong>g New<br />
Zealand <strong>in</strong> the 1999 semi-f<strong>in</strong>als. But the underdogs b<strong>it</strong> so<br />
hard that the All Blacks stumbled out of a World Cup that<br />
was theirs for the tak<strong>in</strong>g. The same th<strong>in</strong>g happened aga<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> 2007. Suffice to say blue is not the Kiwis’ favour<strong>it</strong>e colour.<br />
Repeat performance: An on-form Ireland have giant-killers<br />
wr<strong>it</strong>ten all over them, but for sheer unpredictabil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>it</strong> has to<br />
be France aga<strong>in</strong>. Dismiss them at your peril.<br />
Odds on: our predictions for 2015’s World Cup<br />
JONNY PUTS THE BOOT<br />
INTO AUSTRALIA<br />
No World Cup has had<br />
a more dramatic climax<br />
than the 2003 Australian<br />
tournament. W<strong>it</strong>h the hosts<br />
and England deadlocked<br />
at 17-17 <strong>in</strong> extra time,<br />
the ball found <strong>it</strong>s way <strong>in</strong>to<br />
Jonny Wilk<strong>in</strong>son’s hands.<br />
The cucumber-cool fly-half<br />
slotted a drop goal w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
few seconds left, w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the World Cup for England<br />
and leav<strong>in</strong>g the Australians<br />
cry<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to their Foster’s.<br />
Repeat performance:<br />
Victory might well come<br />
down to a late drop goal.<br />
Wales’ Dan Biggar, South<br />
Africa’s Patrick Lambie and<br />
New Zealand’s Dan Carter<br />
are all more than capable<br />
of gett<strong>in</strong>g the job done.<br />
JONAH THE GIANT CRUSHES ENGLAND<br />
Given his 1.96m/120kg size, <strong>it</strong>’s a surprise the world didn’t<br />
see Jonah Lomu com<strong>in</strong>g. Unstoppable <strong>in</strong> the open<strong>in</strong>g games<br />
of the 1995 World Cup, the All Blacks w<strong>in</strong>ger faced his first<br />
real challenge <strong>in</strong> the semi-f<strong>in</strong>als aga<strong>in</strong>st England. Could<br />
anyone stop the Lomu express? No, the 20-year-old left<br />
bruised Englishmen scattered on his way to scor<strong>in</strong>g four tries.<br />
Repeat performance: All Blacks ace Julian Savea has been<br />
likened to Lomu, nabb<strong>in</strong>g 30 tries <strong>in</strong> 33 tests <strong>in</strong> a similarly<br />
bulldozer-esque fashion. A World Cup try-scor<strong>in</strong>g record<br />
and greatness surely awa<strong>it</strong> him.<br />
THE PUMA<br />
PARTY-POOPERS<br />
The team that plays the<br />
hosts <strong>in</strong> the open<strong>in</strong>g game<br />
is often a sacrificial lamb,<br />
there to put up some<br />
resistance before los<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
good grace to the home<br />
team. In 2007 Argent<strong>in</strong>a<br />
ripped up the script by<br />
beat<strong>in</strong>g France 17-12,<br />
and sett<strong>in</strong>g the tone for<br />
a tournament full of upsets.<br />
Repeat performance: The<br />
good news: Fiji are unlikely<br />
to beat England <strong>in</strong> their<br />
open<strong>in</strong>g game. The bad?<br />
Home teams England and<br />
Wales are <strong>in</strong> the same group<br />
as Australia, and only two go<br />
through to the next round…<br />
Photos: Rex; Getty<br />
2/1<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the tournament<br />
France are described as<br />
“flamboyant”, South Africa<br />
as “physical” and New<br />
Zealand as “mighty”.<br />
5/1<br />
The camera picks up<br />
David Beckham and his<br />
sons <strong>in</strong> the ma<strong>in</strong> stand at<br />
Twickenham all wear<strong>in</strong>g<br />
England rugby jerseys.<br />
20/1<br />
A player loses his<br />
shorts dur<strong>in</strong>g a maul,<br />
accompanied by<br />
a commentator say<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
“Well, that’s a b<strong>it</strong> cheeky!”<br />
50/1<br />
A French fan manages to<br />
smuggle a cockerel <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a stadium caus<strong>in</strong>g secur<strong>it</strong>y<br />
staff to chase after <strong>it</strong><br />
across the field.<br />
100/1<br />
After a series of <strong>in</strong>juries <strong>in</strong><br />
the England camp, Jonny<br />
Wilk<strong>in</strong>son comes out of<br />
retirement and leads<br />
England to glory.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 017
The future is now<br />
Great Scot! Back To The Future Day is upon<br />
us. To celebrate, we’ve found a host of fun<br />
products and gadgets that look like they’ve<br />
been lifted straight from the film<br />
Words: Matt Glasby<br />
A<br />
fter years of tiresome <strong>in</strong>ternet<br />
hoaxes, Back To The Future Day is<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ally, actually here. In part two of<br />
Robert Zemeckis’s time-travell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
trilogy, released <strong>in</strong> 1989, hero Marty McFly<br />
(Michael J Fox) arrives <strong>in</strong> the future on 21<br />
October 2015 to discover a not-so-brave new<br />
world of hoverboards and holofilms. Zemeckis<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>it</strong> was never meant to be an accurate<br />
depiction, claim<strong>in</strong>g: “We knew we weren’t go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to have fly<strong>in</strong>g cars by the year 2015, but god,<br />
we had to have those <strong>in</strong> our movie!” So, as the<br />
real 21 October 2015 rolls around, how close to<br />
the mark were they?<br />
018 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
ESSENTIALS DEPARTURES<br />
5 th<strong>in</strong>gs Back To The<br />
Future got right (ish)<br />
1/ HEELYS SPLIT SHOES<br />
Walk<strong>in</strong>g? How 1985. These retro, space-age<br />
wheeled tra<strong>in</strong>ers are the only way to get around<br />
on two feet. £49.99, surfdome.com<br />
2/ POTATO POWERED CLOCK<br />
We doubt Doc expected this <strong>in</strong> 2015 (and <strong>it</strong>’s unlikely<br />
<strong>it</strong> could power the tower’s famous clock), but<br />
could this be our future?<br />
£2.99, menk<strong>in</strong>d.com<br />
Hoverboards<br />
The holy grail for BTTF2 fans. S<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
1989, hoverboards have been<br />
<strong>in</strong>cessantly promised, but Lexus<br />
has a work<strong>in</strong>g version on the way,<br />
powered by superconductors and<br />
magnets. Don’t get too exc<strong>it</strong>ed,<br />
m<strong>in</strong>d, <strong>it</strong> only works on metal.<br />
TV<br />
BTTF2’s 2015 has lucky viewers able<br />
to watch six – count ’em! – channels<br />
on their wall-mounted flatscreen<br />
TVs at the same time. Turns out, the<br />
sports broadcasters nailed this years<br />
ago, although <strong>it</strong> does make you feel<br />
like a secur<strong>it</strong>y guard.<br />
3/ REPLICA DELOREAN TIME MACHINE<br />
This scale replica DeLorean has everyth<strong>in</strong>g you’d<br />
want from a m<strong>in</strong>i time mach<strong>in</strong>e – apart from a<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g flux capac<strong>it</strong>or. £26.99, thegiftoasis.com<br />
4/ NIXON RED GILET<br />
Marty McFly’s red vest is one of the most iconic<br />
movie outf<strong>it</strong>s ever. Wear w<strong>it</strong>h a classic checked<br />
shirt and bowl hair cut. £110, nixon.com<br />
Fly<strong>in</strong>g cars<br />
The good news? Airborne<br />
automobiles such as Terrafugia’s TF-<br />
X, which can fly at 300kmph, are on<br />
the horizon. The bad? That horizon’s<br />
still a long way off. The AeroMobil 3.0<br />
prototype was launched <strong>in</strong> 2014 but<br />
don’t hold your breath to buy one.<br />
Computers<br />
Marty marvelled at 2015’s motioncontrolled<br />
video games. Had he<br />
vis<strong>it</strong>ed 2006, the year the Wii was<br />
released, he’d have been rather less<br />
impressed. BTTF2 also features a<br />
natty video conferenc<strong>in</strong>g system,<br />
now better known as Skype.<br />
5/ MI-PAC GALAXY PRINT BACKPACK<br />
What did <strong>it</strong> look like when Marty and Doc travelled<br />
through the vortex of time? We imag<strong>in</strong>e a lot like<br />
this dreamy galaxy pr<strong>in</strong>t. £29, asos.com<br />
6/ THE NEWTON DIGITAL WATCH<br />
Marty’s watch struggled to tell the correct time when<br />
he travelled <strong>in</strong>to the future. We reckon this clever<br />
one would have no problems. £110, nixon.com<br />
Holofilms<br />
3D c<strong>in</strong>ema experienced a resurgence<br />
<strong>in</strong> the mid-Noughties, partly due to<br />
animated Tom Hanks-athon The<br />
Polar Express (2004). Unfortunately<br />
most 3D films aren’t much better<br />
than BTTF2’s Jaws 19, tagl<strong>in</strong>e: “This<br />
time <strong>it</strong>’s really really personal!”<br />
Photos: Rex; © Terrafugia<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 019
Whose<br />
holiday is<br />
<strong>it</strong> anyway?<br />
You’ve toiled all year for the annual<br />
escape, but if the kids aren’t happy,<br />
there’s no way you’re go<strong>in</strong>g to have<br />
fun e<strong>it</strong>her. These five awesome<br />
family hotels will go down a treat<br />
Words: Mike Peake. Illustrations: Bill Greenhead<br />
Le Royal Holiday Resort<br />
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt<br />
When ask<strong>in</strong>g the kids what they’re hop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for from a holiday, “culture” and “history” will<br />
likely rank somewhat lower than “a ruddy big<br />
waterpark” – which is why the canny ones want<br />
to head here. Le Royal’s very own aquapark has<br />
10 full-sized slides, a wave pool and a splash pool<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a pirate ship, as well as an add<strong>it</strong>ional five<br />
swimm<strong>in</strong>g pools. To top <strong>it</strong> all off, there’s also<br />
a kids’ club for 3-11 year olds, leav<strong>in</strong>g mum and<br />
dad ample time for a luxurious spa treatment<br />
and to ponder what tipple to choose dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
even<strong>in</strong>g’s vis<strong>it</strong> to the hotel’s dazzl<strong>in</strong>g rooftop bar.<br />
Sani Beach Club And Spa<br />
Halkidiki, Greece<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gled out by The Independent as one of <strong>it</strong>s top<br />
six European kid-friendly hotels, these palatial<br />
lodg<strong>in</strong>gs overlook<strong>in</strong>g Blue Flag-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g sands<br />
are part of a family-owned ecological reserve<br />
stretch<strong>in</strong>g across 1,000 acres. But unless your<br />
children are budd<strong>in</strong>g David Attenboroughs, this<br />
will mean l<strong>it</strong>erally noth<strong>in</strong>g – <strong>it</strong>’s the enterta<strong>in</strong>ment<br />
that will bowl them over. There’s a toddlers’ crèche,<br />
a kids’ club and a teenagers’ club, and activ<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude everyth<strong>in</strong>g from treasure hunts and shell<br />
collect<strong>in</strong>g for l<strong>it</strong>tle ones to a dedicated football<br />
academy for 5-14 year olds.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 021
Steigenberger Aqua Magic<br />
Hurghada, Egypt<br />
Two th<strong>in</strong>gs will strike you about this gorgeous<br />
five-star hotel overlook<strong>in</strong>g the Red Sea: one,<br />
how peaceful <strong>it</strong> is, and two, how happy the kids<br />
are. This might have someth<strong>in</strong>g to do w<strong>it</strong>h the<br />
awesome Aqua Play Boat, perfect for t<strong>in</strong>y ones<br />
thanks to <strong>it</strong>s array of spray nozzles, jets, valves<br />
and water guns. Or maybe <strong>it</strong>’s the Magic Tots kids’<br />
club, where your l<strong>it</strong>tlest ones can go bananas w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
arts and crafts, danc<strong>in</strong>g lessons, m<strong>in</strong>i sports days<br />
and aerobic sessions. For 12-16 year olds there’s<br />
the Magic Teens club, w<strong>it</strong>h computer games,<br />
a billiards table, table tennis and bar (serv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
soft dr<strong>in</strong>ks, of course). All of which means there’s<br />
more time for you to enjoy a Reconnect couples’<br />
massage at the resort’s decadent spa.<br />
Disney Grand Floridan Resort<br />
Orlando, USA<br />
Step back <strong>in</strong> time at this spectacular hotel, as<br />
luxurious as <strong>it</strong> is child-friendly. One of Disneyworld’s<br />
most magical (and conveniently only one stop<br />
away on the Monorail from the Magical K<strong>in</strong>gdom),<br />
you’ll feel a b<strong>it</strong> like you’ve stepped onto the set of<br />
C<strong>in</strong>derella thanks to the opulent Victorian-style<br />
resort’s flicker<strong>in</strong>g gas lamps, wicker chairs and live<br />
orchestral music. Although we doubt C<strong>in</strong>ders would<br />
have hopped on a motorboat to cruise around<br />
the Seven Seas Lagoon, gone on a pirate ship<br />
adventure, or relaxed at a pool-side cabana to catch<br />
some rays. Other organised activ<strong>it</strong>ies for youngsters<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude sail<strong>in</strong>g and tennis lessons, games nights<br />
for teenagers and – our favour<strong>it</strong>e – dive-<strong>in</strong> films<br />
(movies under the stars at the beach pool).<br />
Sunw<strong>in</strong>g Resort Fanabe<br />
Costa Adeje, Tenerife<br />
People often take to TripAdvisor to stick the<br />
boot <strong>in</strong>, but not when they’re wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g about this<br />
endear<strong>in</strong>g spot on the southwest of the Canaries’<br />
best-loved island. More than half of all reviewers<br />
give <strong>it</strong> a full five stars, scor<strong>in</strong>g the resort especially<br />
highly for families – l<strong>it</strong>tle wonder when <strong>it</strong>’s a mere<br />
stone’s throw from the beach and has large pools,<br />
free Wi-Fi, plus a spa and gym. For big kids there’s<br />
a dedicated teen lounge w<strong>it</strong>h a PlayStation, books<br />
and more, while for younger children a packed<br />
programme of enterta<strong>in</strong>ment at the kids’ club,<br />
M<strong>in</strong>iland, will ensure their days are as busy as<br />
yours are bone idle.<br />
BE THERE… Book these perfect family<br />
hotels and more at thomascook.com<br />
022 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
DEPARTURES BEAUTY<br />
Fall favour<strong>it</strong>es<br />
To celebrate the launch of Thomas Cook’s flights to Boston – renowned for<br />
<strong>it</strong>s beautiful autumnal scenery – here’s our pick of products that’ll see you<br />
through the change of seasons <strong>in</strong> style, all available to buy on board<br />
Photo: Pixeleyes Photography<br />
2<br />
1<br />
3<br />
5<br />
4<br />
1/ BRONZE BEAUTY<br />
The fastest way to go from<br />
just-rolled-out-of-bed to<br />
red-carpet-ready is w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
dust<strong>in</strong>g of bronzer, add<strong>in</strong>g<br />
an <strong>in</strong>stant autumnal glow.<br />
Benef<strong>it</strong> Hoola Bronz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Powder, £19.50<br />
2/ CRYSTAL CLEAR<br />
Just as you change your<br />
wardrobe seasonally, so you<br />
should w<strong>it</strong>h your sk<strong>in</strong>care.<br />
Grab this Day & Night duo<br />
to be all set for autumn.<br />
L’Oréal Rev<strong>it</strong>alift Laser<br />
Renew Duo, £20<br />
3/ ROSY GLOW<br />
Kim Kardashian reigns<br />
supreme when <strong>it</strong> comes<br />
to contour<strong>in</strong>g. Get her<br />
super-sculpted look w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
this Studio 10 palette.<br />
Studio 10 Contour<br />
Palette, £30<br />
4/ AMBER HUE<br />
Just because the days are<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g shorter <strong>it</strong> doesn’t<br />
mean your tan has to<br />
fade. Fake <strong>it</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h this<br />
magic elixir from Clar<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
Clar<strong>in</strong>s Radiance-Plus<br />
Golden Glow Booster, £15<br />
5/ GOLD STAR<br />
Olympéa’s gorgeous gold<br />
bottle is tempt<strong>in</strong>g enough<br />
on <strong>it</strong>s own, and the fragrance<br />
<strong>in</strong>side is perfect for those<br />
warm autumn afternoons.<br />
Paco Rabanne<br />
Olympéa, £42<br />
024 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
Richard<br />
before<br />
treatment<br />
“Alevere has<br />
transformed<br />
my life”<br />
“I was nervous be<strong>in</strong>g a 30 someth<strong>in</strong>g male <strong>in</strong> bad<br />
shape, and walk<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the Alevere cl<strong>in</strong>ic. But once<br />
I was <strong>in</strong> , the staff and doctors walk you through<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g and you feel at ease straight away.<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h good plann<strong>in</strong>g and listen<strong>in</strong>g to advice, the diet<br />
is not hard. I didn’t feel hungry and my energy levels<br />
were noticeably higher. The treatments can be fun<br />
if you chill out, listen to the music and chat away.<br />
I would thoroughly recommend the program<br />
to anybody”.<br />
Richard Hale<br />
Richard<br />
lost<br />
5st 10lbs<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h 12 weeks<br />
of treatment<br />
Weight Reduction, Sk<strong>in</strong> Retraction & Contour Shap<strong>in</strong>g WITHOUT SURGERY<br />
25 CLINICS NATIONWIDE<br />
www.alevere.com<br />
Open<strong>in</strong>g soon <strong>in</strong> Shrewsbury and Stockton on Tees
The hills are (still) alive...<br />
To celebrate 50 years s<strong>in</strong>ce The Sound Of Music was released, we’ve picked five<br />
film locations that are guaranteed to get you yodell<strong>in</strong>g like a lonely goatherd<br />
Words: Mike Peake. Illustration: Matt Herr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
H<br />
alf a century ago this year, movie audiences around the world were left under no illusion<br />
that the Alps was one of Europe’s most breathtak<strong>in</strong>g backdrops thanks to The Sound Of<br />
Music. And just as the film still holds a special place <strong>in</strong> the hearts of millions so, too, do<br />
Salzburg and <strong>it</strong>s surround<strong>in</strong>g valleys and hillsides where Julie Andrews and co memorably<br />
strutted their stuff. Here are our favour<strong>it</strong>e spots on The Sound Of Music trail…<br />
1. Werfen<br />
If there’s one image that generations of fans have<br />
taken away from the film, <strong>it</strong>’s perky young Maria<br />
(Julie Andrews) pluck<strong>in</strong>g a gu<strong>it</strong>ar on a meadow.<br />
The shot was filmed near the town of Werfen,<br />
<strong>in</strong> the picturesque Salzach river valley. Part of the<br />
much-loved Do-Re-Mi sequence, <strong>it</strong>’s up there <strong>in</strong><br />
terms of impact w<strong>it</strong>h the open<strong>in</strong>g scene of Maria<br />
twirl<strong>in</strong>g happily on a hilltop, which was filmed<br />
nearby at a place called Mehlweg mounta<strong>in</strong>.<br />
A rather more chilly vision of Werfen can be seen<br />
<strong>in</strong> the 1968 war movie Where Eagles Dare.<br />
026 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
CULTURE DEPARTURES<br />
Photo: Rex<br />
2. Mondsee<br />
This small lakeside town <strong>in</strong> the Vöcklabruck<br />
district is home to the magical Mondsee<br />
Abbey, where the wedd<strong>in</strong>g of Maria and<br />
Capta<strong>in</strong> Georg von Trapp (Christopher<br />
Plummer) takes place <strong>in</strong> the movie. The<br />
town’s tourist association offers guided walks<br />
through a variety of The Sound Of Musicstyle<br />
backdrops, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g an easy one that<br />
takes you through lush green meadows and<br />
will have you yearn<strong>in</strong>g for some lederhosen.<br />
mondsee.at<br />
3. The Convent<br />
When the Von Trapps weren’t<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g down mounta<strong>in</strong>s, they<br />
mostly hung around <strong>in</strong> Salzburg, as<br />
airy and beautiful today as <strong>it</strong> was<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1965. A must-see on The Sound<br />
Of Music trail is the Benedict<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Convent (part of Nonnberg Abbey),<br />
where the nuns <strong>in</strong> the film s<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Maria, as is the Mirabell Gardens,<br />
where Maria and the l<strong>it</strong>tle ones<br />
perform the second part of Do-Re-<br />
Mi. To outsmart everyone, see if<br />
you can discover the ident<strong>it</strong>y of the<br />
“lost” chapel that features <strong>in</strong> the<br />
movie’s open<strong>in</strong>g cred<strong>it</strong>s – all but<br />
one of the small churches <strong>in</strong> the<br />
sequence have been identified.<br />
official-soundofmusic-tour.com<br />
4. Felsenre<strong>it</strong>schule<br />
Though <strong>it</strong> was built way back<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1693 as a rid<strong>in</strong>g school, the<br />
Felsenre<strong>it</strong>schule has been used<br />
as a music venue for almost 100<br />
years now, and <strong>it</strong> was here that<br />
the Von Trapp family performed<br />
their famous disappear<strong>in</strong>g act<br />
from the Nazis. Spectacularly<br />
cut <strong>in</strong>to the c<strong>it</strong>y’s Mönschberg<br />
cliff, <strong>it</strong> features a varied musical<br />
programme which <strong>in</strong>cludes the<br />
likes of Mack The Knife and, on<br />
17 October, an International<br />
Gala which has been organised<br />
to commemorate the film’s 50th<br />
anniversary. salzburg.<strong>in</strong>fo<br />
5. Villa Trapp<br />
Many people forget that The Sound<br />
Of Music was based on a true story,<br />
and that there really was a Von Trapp<br />
family home <strong>in</strong> Salzburg from 1923<br />
to 1938. Today <strong>it</strong>’s a hotel, and<br />
guests can stay <strong>in</strong> the same rooms<br />
that family members once lived <strong>in</strong>.<br />
Built <strong>in</strong> 1863 and surrounded by<br />
parkland <strong>in</strong> the district of Aigen, <strong>it</strong>’s<br />
just a stone’s throw from Salzburg,<br />
and a night <strong>in</strong> one of <strong>it</strong>s 22 rooms<br />
will set you back around £180<br />
mid-summer. Alternatively, enjoy the<br />
next best th<strong>in</strong>g for £10 by sign<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
for one of the hotel’s daily tours.<br />
villa-trapp.com<br />
BE THERE: Climb every mounta<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> Salzburg, w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com<br />
Sound <strong>in</strong> numbers<br />
These are a few of our<br />
favour<strong>it</strong>e facts about the film<br />
164<br />
The current comb<strong>in</strong>ed age of Julie Andrews<br />
and Christopher Plummer, the film’s two<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> stars (she’s 79, he’s 85).<br />
$225,000<br />
The total sum, <strong>in</strong> dollars, that Julie Andrews is<br />
reported to have been paid for starr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> both<br />
The Sound Of Music and Mary Popp<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
$286<br />
MILLION<br />
The amount <strong>in</strong> dollars that The Sound Of Music<br />
took at the box office upon release.<br />
The surpris<strong>in</strong>gly small number of days that<br />
Christopher Plummer says he spent <strong>in</strong> Austria<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g production, accord<strong>in</strong>g to a recent<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview <strong>in</strong> Van<strong>it</strong>y Fair.<br />
1,443<br />
The number of performances of<br />
The Sound Of Music stage musical dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>it</strong>s orig<strong>in</strong>al run on Broadway from 1959.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 027
DEPARTURES ECO<br />
The Red (yellow,<br />
p<strong>in</strong>k and green) Sea<br />
An exc<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g scientific discovery is shedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
new light on the mysteries of the deep<br />
Words: Imogen Rowland. Photo: Prof J Wiedenmann<br />
W<br />
hat’s multicoloured,<br />
glows <strong>in</strong> the dark and<br />
lives under the sea?<br />
While the answer may<br />
not be much of a punchl<strong>in</strong>e, the<br />
recent discovery of lum<strong>in</strong>escent<br />
coral reefs <strong>in</strong> the Red Sea has sent<br />
scientists <strong>in</strong>to a sp<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Researchers from the Univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of Southampton, alongside a<br />
team of <strong>in</strong>ternational experts,<br />
found a ra<strong>in</strong>bow of fluorescent<br />
corals at depths of more than<br />
50m – unusual s<strong>in</strong>ce those found<br />
at shallower depths usually conta<strong>in</strong><br />
only glow<strong>in</strong>g green pigments.<br />
The team is now busy explor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the potential for the fluorescent<br />
pigments to be used <strong>in</strong> other<br />
capac<strong>it</strong>ies, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g medical<br />
research and new drug screen<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Not that colour is someth<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Red Sea is short of: there’s plenty to<br />
see at shallower depths accessible<br />
via snorkell<strong>in</strong>g or scuba div<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g some creatures that<br />
seem more like science fiction than<br />
real life. See right for our pick of the<br />
Red Sea’s weirdest wonders.<br />
BE THERE… Explore under the sea<br />
<strong>in</strong> Egypt w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com<br />
The life aquatic<br />
The blue-spotted st<strong>in</strong>gray<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k polka dots are a pass<strong>in</strong>g trend?<br />
Not for this ray, although <strong>it</strong> does<br />
means he’s easily seen by predators<br />
such as hammerhead sharks.<br />
The dugong<br />
Weigh<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> at up to 500kg, these<br />
cute and curious vegetarians hoover<br />
up sea grass us<strong>in</strong>g their snouts<br />
and rough lips.<br />
The lionfish<br />
This chap may look like he’s <strong>in</strong><br />
a permanent jazz-hands pose, but his<br />
f<strong>in</strong>s are actually there to protect him<br />
and are armed w<strong>it</strong>h venom.<br />
The seahorse<br />
Seahorses may look funny, but<br />
they mate for life and, oddly, <strong>it</strong>’s<br />
the male that carries the fertilised<br />
eggs and “gives birth”.<br />
028 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
F<strong>in</strong>chley<br />
Road<br />
Oxford<br />
Circus<br />
THE BIG FIVE DEPARTURES<br />
Liverpool<br />
Street<br />
As five<br />
underground l<strong>in</strong>es go<br />
24 hours on Fridays and<br />
Saturdays this September,<br />
here’s what you can get up<br />
to <strong>in</strong> the cap<strong>it</strong>al between<br />
dusk and dawn<br />
Words: Imogen Rowland<br />
Leicester<br />
Square<br />
Ogle an Oscar<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
They may frequent<br />
five-star establishments<br />
across the c<strong>it</strong>y, but<br />
there’s one place<br />
you’re guaranteed to<br />
see Hollywood’s el<strong>it</strong>e,<br />
and that’s on screen.<br />
There are plenty of<br />
multiplexes <strong>in</strong> Soho,<br />
but go <strong>in</strong>die at the<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Charles C<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
(pr<strong>in</strong>cecharlesc<strong>in</strong>ema.<br />
com) on Leicester Place,<br />
which holds regular<br />
all-night film marathons.<br />
Past epics have <strong>in</strong>cluded<br />
the seven-part Fast And<br />
The Furious franchise<br />
and The Lord Of The<br />
R<strong>in</strong>gs trilogy, and there’s<br />
an Arnie all-nighter on <strong>it</strong>s<br />
way. If you miss <strong>it</strong>, don’t<br />
worry: he’ll be back.<br />
Get <strong>in</strong> the groove<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h five years under<br />
<strong>it</strong>s belt, the Late Late<br />
Show at the uber-cool<br />
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club<br />
(ronniescotts.co.uk) is<br />
not new, but be<strong>in</strong>g able<br />
to jump on the tube<br />
when th<strong>in</strong>gs come to<br />
a close is. The ideal place<br />
to end a night crawl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Soho’s f<strong>in</strong>est bars, <strong>it</strong><br />
draws a varied roster of<br />
jazz musicians <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
drummer Mark Fletcher<br />
and bassist Chris Dodd.<br />
The Friday and Saturday<br />
“night” shows cost £12<br />
and actually start at 1am,<br />
but if you’re not ready for<br />
bed come 3am nip a few<br />
doors down to Bar Italia<br />
(bar<strong>it</strong>aliasoho.co.uk) for<br />
a nightcap – <strong>it</strong>’s open<br />
until 5am.<br />
Go star spott<strong>in</strong>g<br />
No, we don’t mean<br />
hang<strong>in</strong>g around outside<br />
Mayfair nightspot<br />
Mahiki hop<strong>in</strong>g for a<br />
glimpse of the Made<br />
In Chelsea cast. Head<br />
to Hampstead Heath<br />
where, on clear Friday<br />
and Saturday nights from<br />
19 September until mid-<br />
April, the Hampstead<br />
Scientific Society<br />
(hampsteadscience.<br />
ac.uk) allows free<br />
access to <strong>it</strong>s observatory<br />
telescopes from 8-10pm.<br />
After all, gaz<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
celestial bodies from<br />
London’s highest po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
will prove <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ely more<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g than gaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at celebr<strong>it</strong>y bodies<br />
stumbl<strong>in</strong>g around<br />
after one too many.<br />
Have brunch<br />
at daybreak<br />
As vantage po<strong>in</strong>ts go,<br />
they don’t come much<br />
better than Duck &<br />
Waffle (duckandwaffle.<br />
com). S<strong>it</strong>uated on the<br />
40th floor of the Heron<br />
Tower near Liverpool<br />
Street, this vertigo<strong>in</strong>duc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
spot is London’s<br />
first restaurant to open<br />
24/7, so <strong>it</strong>’s ready for the<br />
onslaught of tube-rid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
early risers or all-nighters<br />
seek<strong>in</strong>g a post-clubb<strong>in</strong>g<br />
b<strong>it</strong>e. Not too far away<br />
(and much less busy) is<br />
The Hope on Cowcross<br />
Street, Sm<strong>it</strong>hfields,<br />
a pub that opens at<br />
6am for breakfast and is<br />
a regular morn<strong>in</strong>g haunt<br />
for c<strong>it</strong>y workers en route<br />
to skyscrapers nearby.<br />
Go back<br />
to nature<br />
Bats are the nocturnal<br />
cr<strong>it</strong>ters worth watch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to the London<br />
Bat Group (londonbats.<br />
org.uk). LBG regularly<br />
meets <strong>in</strong> green spaces<br />
across the cap<strong>it</strong>al such<br />
as Monken Hadley<br />
Common to observe<br />
these misunderstood<br />
mammals as they<br />
swoop across the skyl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g echolocation,<br />
a biological sonar that<br />
enables them to gauge<br />
their surround<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
through sound. London is<br />
home to several species,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the common<br />
pipistrelle and noctule,<br />
and bat walks are free<br />
to jo<strong>in</strong>. Don’t worry,<br />
Dracula’s not <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>ed.<br />
Station: Leicester Square<br />
Station: Oxford Circus<br />
Station: F<strong>in</strong>chley Road<br />
Station: Liverpool Street<br />
Station: High Barnet<br />
PICCADILLY LINE<br />
VICTORIA LINE<br />
JUBILEE LINE<br />
CENTRAL LINE<br />
NORTHERN LINE<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 031
032 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
THE INTERVIEW DEPARTURES<br />
James Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
The celebr<strong>it</strong>y chef spills the beans on feed<strong>in</strong>g Thomas Cook passengers,<br />
his desire to see India and why he’s not keen to present Top Gear<br />
Interview: Pierre de Villiers<br />
C<br />
reat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>flight meals for<br />
Thomas Cook has been an<br />
amaz<strong>in</strong>g challenge. It’s someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
I look forward to every year. When<br />
I first got <strong>in</strong>volved w<strong>it</strong>h Thomas Cook, food<br />
was <strong>in</strong> decl<strong>in</strong>e right across all airl<strong>in</strong>es. We’ve<br />
managed to reverse that, which is brilliant. It<br />
takes a lot of work. It’s not just a case of, “Here’s<br />
the menu, see you later!” There’s a lot of test<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and re-test<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved. We <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ially spend five<br />
days at my house go<strong>in</strong>g through new ideas w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
the chefs from the airl<strong>in</strong>e. There are many th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
to consider, from the packets to the weight and<br />
the fact that the food has to be reheated. When<br />
we get <strong>it</strong> right, <strong>it</strong>’s fantastic. I remember com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up w<strong>it</strong>h a banana and maple syrup muff<strong>in</strong>. I did<br />
four to start off w<strong>it</strong>h and eventually we did<br />
9.5 million that year. That was unbelievable.<br />
I’m an adventurous eater when travell<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
I’ll try anyth<strong>in</strong>g. I’ve had some peculiar th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
I wouldn’t want to eat aga<strong>in</strong>. The strangest<br />
th<strong>in</strong>g was baby camel that had been cooked<br />
<strong>in</strong> a sandp<strong>it</strong> for 48 hours. That was gross.<br />
I love go<strong>in</strong>g to restaurants that are off the<br />
beaten track. One of the best experiences I’ve<br />
had recently was <strong>in</strong> Palma. Rather than along the<br />
seafront where everybody goes, I went round<br />
the l<strong>it</strong>tle snickets and found a place called Forn<br />
( forndesantjoan.com). It had some of the best<br />
tapas I’ve ever tasted. I tend to hear about these<br />
hidden-away places from fellow chefs.<br />
The country I really look forward to vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
is India. I just f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>it</strong> a fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g place. It’s<br />
a country w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> a country. There are 50-odd<br />
regions spl<strong>it</strong> up <strong>in</strong>to <strong>in</strong>dividual zones, and each<br />
one is unique <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>s own right. Northern India is<br />
very different to southern India.<br />
The success I’ve had is down to a strong<br />
farm<strong>in</strong>g upbr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g. You learn rules <strong>in</strong> life<br />
and, on a farm, one is that you have to work for<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g. I th<strong>in</strong>k that has been fundamental <strong>in</strong><br />
my career. My strongest childhood food memory<br />
is my mother’s roast chicken. We used to work<br />
on the farm, then come home for Sunday lunch<br />
before go<strong>in</strong>g back out to the fields to carry on.<br />
I would like to do a car show on TV. Not<br />
Top Gear, though. That’s too massive [laughs].<br />
I’ve loved cars from a young age. Like most<br />
kids I had pictures on the wall of Ferraris and<br />
Lamborgh<strong>in</strong>is, but never did I th<strong>in</strong>k I’d own one.<br />
It becomes addictive. The car I’ve always wanted<br />
is a 1936 Bentley. I recently did the Mille Miglia<br />
race <strong>in</strong> Italy and there was one that looked<br />
spectacular. That cemented <strong>it</strong> for me and I have<br />
actually just found one. You have to save up for <strong>it</strong>.<br />
It’s a lot of bloody omelettes, that’s for sure!<br />
My next cookbook, Sweet, is my best one yet.<br />
It’s a book about desserts and I’ve been wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
to do this one for nearly 10 years. It’s taken the<br />
longest time to develop and <strong>it</strong>’s very personal to<br />
me. It carries on from a book on desserts I did ten<br />
years ago which was a best-seller.<br />
At the end of the year I’m go<strong>in</strong>g to take stock.<br />
Another year disappears really very fast <strong>in</strong> this<br />
game and I want to figure out what I want to do<br />
rather than be told to run around everywhere.<br />
Next year will be 20 years of TV for me. At some<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t I’m go<strong>in</strong>g to be slow<strong>in</strong>g down. Saturday<br />
K<strong>it</strong>chen is someth<strong>in</strong>g I try my very best at and<br />
<strong>it</strong> requires 150 per cent of my concentration as<br />
soon as I walk <strong>in</strong>. It’s not a simple show to do.<br />
You can never s<strong>it</strong> back and take th<strong>in</strong>gs easy.<br />
READ IT: Sweet (£20, Quadrille) by<br />
James Mart<strong>in</strong> is out on 8 October<br />
3 perfect courses<br />
James Mart<strong>in</strong> picks his<br />
ultimate global menu<br />
Starter – Japan<br />
As a starter I would have<br />
this auberg<strong>in</strong>e dish which is<br />
deep-fried w<strong>it</strong>h miso caramel.<br />
They put these beans and<br />
scallops on. It’s so simple, but<br />
one of the nicest tast<strong>in</strong>g dishes<br />
I’ve had for a long time.<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> Course – America<br />
I had carpaccio of tuna <strong>in</strong> New<br />
York at Eric Ripert’s three-<br />
Michel<strong>in</strong>-starred Le Bernard<strong>in</strong><br />
(le-bernard<strong>in</strong>.com). It came<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a lovely b<strong>it</strong> of olive oil, fresh<br />
chives and sourdough. Aga<strong>in</strong>,<br />
so simple, but so delicious.<br />
“You have to work for<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g. That has been<br />
fundamental to my career”<br />
Dessert – UK<br />
I would probably have a 99 w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a flake. I bloody love them!<br />
Whenever I go back home to<br />
Yorkshire I try to get them <strong>in</strong><br />
Scarborough. You don’t need<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g fancy. I love that, thank<br />
you very much.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 033
034 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
HOW TO DEPARTURES<br />
Licence to kill?<br />
Inspired by the hype surround<strong>in</strong>g the latest James Bond<br />
movie? Us too. We decided the tim<strong>in</strong>g was right to go on<br />
a secret spy tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g course – <strong>in</strong> glamorous Milton Keynes<br />
Words: Claire Bennie. Illustration: Ben Tallon<br />
Y<br />
ou! Blondie! Get your bum<br />
down and get mov<strong>in</strong>g. Go.<br />
Go. GO!”<br />
I’m the sole blonde <strong>in</strong><br />
our group of six, so I can only assume<br />
that hulk<strong>in</strong>g ex-special forces type<br />
Jeff is scream<strong>in</strong>g at me. I flatten my<br />
body to the floor and wiggle forward<br />
like a giant centipede that’s had <strong>it</strong>s<br />
legs tied together. A centipede that<br />
also has <strong>it</strong>s vision blurred by goggles<br />
and is try<strong>in</strong>g to shoot a mach<strong>in</strong>e gun,<br />
while avoid<strong>in</strong>g enemy gunfire.<br />
“Faster! You’re lett<strong>in</strong>g them w<strong>in</strong>!<br />
Come on!” Jeff bellows.<br />
I hear a giant rip <strong>in</strong> my jeans.<br />
I can only hope the material has<br />
spl<strong>it</strong> where my knees are gr<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st the muddy floor. I stop for<br />
a spl<strong>it</strong> second to check, and <strong>in</strong> that<br />
moment, Jeff delights <strong>in</strong> tell<strong>in</strong>g me,<br />
my entire squadron is wiped out.<br />
Sigh. It had all started out so well.<br />
Earlier <strong>in</strong> the year, MI5 launched a<br />
series of onl<strong>in</strong>e tests to see if the<br />
average person could be their next<br />
hot recru<strong>it</strong>. I’ve always fancied myself<br />
as a spy – the gl<strong>it</strong>z, the glamour, the<br />
mart<strong>in</strong>is – and <strong>it</strong>’s about time there<br />
was a female 007. So I logged on<br />
and undertook the Investigative<br />
Challenge (MI5.gov.uk/careers). After<br />
15 m<strong>in</strong>utes, I scored four out of eight,<br />
which the experts at MI5 deemed<br />
“almost there”. I was simultaneously<br />
on Facebook dur<strong>in</strong>g the test, so really<br />
should have got six or seven...<br />
It was all the confidence I needed<br />
to pack <strong>in</strong> my job as a journalist and<br />
start my gl<strong>it</strong>ter<strong>in</strong>g new career <strong>in</strong><br />
espionage. Well, nearly. I decided that I<br />
might need a l<strong>it</strong>tle practical experience<br />
first – and <strong>it</strong> would probably look<br />
better if I could add “super sniper rifle<br />
marksman” alongside “competent<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h Excel” and “good at manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
budgets” on my CV. So that’s why I<br />
came to play Spy Games <strong>in</strong> a damp<br />
field <strong>in</strong> Milton Keynes along w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
bunch of wannabe agents under the<br />
<strong>in</strong>struction of some of her Majesty’s<br />
f<strong>in</strong>est (former) soldiers.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 035
DEPARTURES HOW TO<br />
Adm<strong>it</strong>tedly, the mach<strong>in</strong>e gun<br />
exercise wasn’t go<strong>in</strong>g so well. But<br />
I can’t remember many scenes <strong>in</strong><br />
James Bond movies where Sean<br />
Connery has to blow away a team<br />
of baddies on his knees, so I’m sure<br />
one-to-one combat is go<strong>in</strong>g to be<br />
more beneficial.<br />
Next up: axe throw<strong>in</strong>g. Stand tall,<br />
stand still, move your throw<strong>in</strong>g arm<br />
backwards… then hurl forwards w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
power, releas<strong>in</strong>g the axe halfway<br />
through the arc. Easy. I’m hurl<strong>in</strong>g my<br />
star-shaped axe at an MDF, cut-out<br />
villa<strong>in</strong>, and I’m pretty confident I’m<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g to cause him some pa<strong>in</strong>. First<br />
throw: the axe spirals out of my<br />
hand, the handle skimm<strong>in</strong>g the MDF<br />
man’s ear (or at least where <strong>it</strong> would<br />
be if he had one). So close! I throw<br />
the next one. The flat side thuds<br />
pathetically <strong>in</strong>to his chest – how is<br />
that even possible? Third time’s<br />
a charm: I launch the axe <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
air and <strong>it</strong> soars… far <strong>in</strong>to the sky,<br />
past the wooden target, and <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the nearby shrubbery. But there’s<br />
always someone dodgy lurk<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
the bushes, isn’t there? I quickly<br />
check the Spy Games team haven’t<br />
hidden a second assailant (they<br />
haven’t). My disappo<strong>in</strong>tment is<br />
further compounded when one of<br />
my teammates lobs her axe w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
such veloc<strong>it</strong>y that the handle – the<br />
handle! – embeds <strong>it</strong>self firmly <strong>in</strong> our<br />
MDF target, just above his crotch.<br />
At this stage, I have to confess<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs aren’t go<strong>in</strong>g to plan. But I still<br />
have a few more activ<strong>it</strong>ies l<strong>in</strong>ed up:<br />
crossbow shoot<strong>in</strong>g, pistol draw<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
sniper rifle tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and surveillance.<br />
However, the crossbow is more<br />
cumbersome than I had anticipated. I<br />
have to coax Phil, a squaddie just back<br />
from overseas deployment, to pull<br />
the str<strong>in</strong>g taut, but I’ve seen enough<br />
spy movies to know that charm is a<br />
key asset for any operative.<br />
I click my arrow <strong>in</strong>to place, ready<br />
to aim and fire. It’s not a quick<br />
process, but I virtually get a bull’seye<br />
on the first go, and can’t help<br />
stifl<strong>in</strong>g a snigger as “axe handle girl”<br />
sends hers fly<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong>to the hay<br />
bales beh<strong>in</strong>d the target. Buoyed by<br />
my crossbow triumph and learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
how to hide teeny t<strong>in</strong>y cameras <strong>in</strong><br />
virtually anyth<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h Spy Games’<br />
very own Q, I skip over to the f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
challenge: sniper rifle shoot<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
After some <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial issues w<strong>it</strong>h my<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e of sight (I’m right-handed, but<br />
my left eye is more dom<strong>in</strong>ant, which<br />
makes me a special case, says gruff<br />
special forces <strong>in</strong>structor James),<br />
I’m ready to go. I load my silver ball<br />
pellets w<strong>it</strong>h ease (sadly, for safety<br />
reasons we can’t use live ammo –<br />
not a bad decision after see<strong>in</strong>g how<br />
some of the other recru<strong>it</strong>s do), hoist<br />
the rifle on to my shoulder, carefully<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e up my target w<strong>it</strong>h the crosshairs<br />
and BANG! I shoot; I score! At least<br />
I th<strong>in</strong>k so. After a few more shots my<br />
metal target def<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ely has several<br />
pea-sized dents where my pellets h<strong>it</strong>.<br />
All <strong>in</strong> all I wasn’t too bad. Probably<br />
four out of eight. Of course, really<br />
<strong>it</strong> should have been six or seven, but<br />
I didn’t want to make the others too<br />
jealous. I’ve downloaded my MI5<br />
application and I’m just wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g for<br />
Spectre (out 6 November) to see<br />
what tips Daniel Craig can give me.<br />
BOOK IT: Go spy tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
redletterdays.co.uk<br />
00 heaven<br />
James Bond on location<br />
Bahamas<br />
Vis<strong>it</strong> Thunderball Grotto where, <strong>in</strong><br />
the 1965 film of the same name,<br />
007 was trapped <strong>in</strong> an underwater<br />
cave before be<strong>in</strong>g rescued.<br />
Japan<br />
In 1967 Himeji Castle masqueraded<br />
as a top-secret n<strong>in</strong>ja tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g centre<br />
for Sean Connery and co <strong>in</strong><br />
You Only Live Twice.<br />
Greece<br />
For Your Eyes Only (1981) sees<br />
Roger Moore swapp<strong>in</strong>g the Aston<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> for a yellow C<strong>it</strong>roën 2CV for<br />
a chase around Corfu.<br />
Turkey<br />
The heart-stopp<strong>in</strong>g moment Daniel<br />
Craig plunges from a speed<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>to the river <strong>in</strong> 2012’s Skyfall was<br />
filmed at Varda Bridge, Kiralan.<br />
Photos: Rex; Getty; Landmark<br />
036 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
PROMOTION | D-RESORT GRAND AZUR<br />
D-Resort Grand Azur<br />
Stay <strong>in</strong> one of Turkey’s f<strong>in</strong>est hotels – the beautiful Grand Azur<br />
Marmaris is one of Turkey’s f<strong>in</strong>est holiday<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ations, w<strong>it</strong>h magnificent beaches, crystalclear<br />
waters and picturesque, hilly landscapes.<br />
So <strong>it</strong> makes sense that when book<strong>in</strong>g your<br />
holiday, you also ensure you book one of the<br />
country’s f<strong>in</strong>est hotels: the five-star D-Resort<br />
Grand Azur. The hotel is brilliantly located on<br />
the beach, w<strong>it</strong>h views of the Marmaris coast and<br />
just a short distance from the centre of town,<br />
which can be easily reached by m<strong>in</strong>ibus, taxi or<br />
a short walk. The Grand Azur has 324 stylish<br />
and spacious rooms and su<strong>it</strong>es, all of which are<br />
newly renovated and come w<strong>it</strong>h a good-sized<br />
balcony. Contemporary touches such as air<br />
cond<strong>it</strong>ion<strong>in</strong>g, satell<strong>it</strong>e TV, a safety box and a<br />
m<strong>in</strong>ibar come as standard. It’s these luxurious<br />
facil<strong>it</strong>ies and the exquis<strong>it</strong>e sett<strong>in</strong>g that make<br />
Grand Azur the perfect holiday dest<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
The hotel is renowned for <strong>it</strong>s first-class<br />
hosp<strong>it</strong>al<strong>it</strong>y w<strong>it</strong>h a range of daily enterta<strong>in</strong>ment<br />
activ<strong>it</strong>ies that ensure there’s someth<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
the whole family. It also has a wide range of<br />
sport<strong>in</strong>g and leisure activ<strong>it</strong>ies, w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>in</strong>door and<br />
outdoor swimm<strong>in</strong>g pools, a dedicated children’s<br />
pool, a well-equipped gym, floodl<strong>it</strong> tennis courts<br />
and there are also plenty of watersports on<br />
offer at the beach. Meanwhile, the fabulous<br />
Azur Spa conta<strong>in</strong>s a sauna, steam room, Turkish<br />
bath and solarium, and also offers a range of<br />
massage and health treatments.<br />
When <strong>it</strong> comes to food, guests can enjoy a<br />
generous buffet and live music at the Palmiye<br />
Restaurant, or s<strong>it</strong> down to a romantic, à la carte<br />
meal <strong>in</strong> the new cosy Steak & Bar restaurant,<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s panoramic view across the sea. Lunch<br />
and delicious cocktails are also available at the<br />
resort’s beachside bar – perfect after a busy<br />
morn<strong>in</strong>g soak<strong>in</strong>g up the sun.<br />
If you’re mix<strong>in</strong>g pleasure w<strong>it</strong>h bus<strong>in</strong>ess, the<br />
hotel’s meet<strong>in</strong>g and conference facil<strong>it</strong>ies are<br />
second-to-none, featur<strong>in</strong>g two large meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
rooms and a 390m 2 grand hall. And where’s<br />
better for after-meet<strong>in</strong>g cocktails and relaxed<br />
events than the hotel’s elegant outdoor terraces?<br />
Cumhuriyet Bul. No:17, Marmaris, Turkey<br />
+90 252 417 40 50<br />
dresortgrandazur.com.tr<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@dresortgrandazur.com.tr
BEST CHOICE<br />
FOR WORLD CLASS<br />
H E A L T H C A R E<br />
Acibadem br<strong>in</strong>gs you the best <strong>in</strong><br />
affordable dentistry, hair transplantation,<br />
plastic surgery, cardiac care<br />
and more via the world’s most sophisticated<br />
medical technologies.<br />
JCI accred<strong>it</strong>ation, robust technical<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure, <strong>in</strong>ternationally experienced<br />
specialists and an unwaver<strong>in</strong>g<br />
comm<strong>it</strong>ment to patient safety and<br />
comfort too. As well as a unique<br />
and exemplary ecosystem of 18<br />
hosp<strong>it</strong>als, 13 outpatient cl<strong>in</strong>ics and<br />
ancillary service organisations that<br />
support healthcare delivery.<br />
Recognised for <strong>it</strong>s advanced and<br />
comprehensive diagnostic and treatment<br />
services, Acibadem has been<br />
the provider of choice for 3.5 million<br />
Turkish patients as well as over 50<br />
thousand patients from around the<br />
world annually. Acibadem Bodrum<br />
Hosp<strong>it</strong>al is one of <strong>it</strong>s most popular<br />
treatment centres and especially<br />
strong <strong>in</strong> general surgery, cardiology,<br />
cardiovascular surgery, orthopaedics<br />
and gynaecology, while aesthetic<br />
surgery and cosmetic dermatology<br />
complement the wide range of<br />
world-class services available. Br<strong>it</strong>ish<br />
patients are catered for by the<br />
International Patient Services Centre,<br />
which provides services 24/7. These<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude consultation, diagnosis, bill<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and <strong>in</strong>surance, travel and accommodation,<br />
and translation services,<br />
provided as a ‘one-stop’ approach<br />
that covers you be<strong>in</strong>g picked up<br />
<strong>in</strong> your country, brought to Turkey,<br />
receiv<strong>in</strong>g all medical services and<br />
then be<strong>in</strong>g transported back home.<br />
Translation service and English medical<br />
reports will be provided.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
+44 808 238 0043 (toll-free UK)<br />
acibadem<strong>in</strong>ternational.com
From the glamour of Las Vegas and majesty of the Grand Canyon, to New York’s<br />
iconic Statue of Liberty and the rhythm of the Deep South, take your pick from<br />
a million different adventures <strong>in</strong> America.<br />
Plan your perfect US holiday today and Tick the Box<br />
on your favour<strong>it</strong>e US dest<strong>in</strong>ations and experiences.
CALIFORNIA<br />
It’s one of the world’s greatest drives – but not as you know <strong>it</strong>. We take an alternative trip down <strong>California</strong>’s<br />
famous Highway One, f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> LA, Thomas Cook’s newest dest<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
Words: Claire Bennie. Illustrations: Stephan Walter<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 041
1 2 M I L E S<br />
Oakland to San Francisco<br />
Hugg<strong>in</strong>g the Pacific coast from north of San<br />
Francisco all the way down to San Diego, Highway<br />
One is an all-American classic. Cosmopol<strong>it</strong>an c<strong>it</strong>ies,<br />
cute l<strong>it</strong>tle surf towns, rugged cliffs, roll<strong>in</strong>g v<strong>in</strong>eyards:<br />
<strong>it</strong> br<strong>in</strong>gs together the best of <strong>California</strong> <strong>in</strong> one<br />
500-or-so mile route. It’s a journey I know well – I<br />
used to live <strong>in</strong> San Francisco, and this will be my fifth<br />
trip down this road to Los Angeles. Which is why I<br />
felt like <strong>it</strong> was high time I mixed th<strong>in</strong>gs up a l<strong>it</strong>tle…<br />
I decide to start <strong>in</strong> Oakland. Ten years ago, this<br />
other c<strong>it</strong>y by the bay was a no-go zone; w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s<br />
dubious crime record, there was no real reason<br />
for vis<strong>it</strong>ors to ever go there. But over the past<br />
10 years, <strong>it</strong>’s had a complete makeover. Cooler,<br />
cheaper and sunnier than San Francisco, <strong>it</strong>’s<br />
become the Brooklyn or Shored<strong>it</strong>ch of NorCal.<br />
After land<strong>in</strong>g, my boyfriend and I pick up our<br />
sporty silver Mustang convertible (rh<strong>in</strong>ocarhire.<br />
com). We acqua<strong>in</strong>t ourselves, name her Sue (well,<br />
Sally would have been too obvious, wouldn’t <strong>it</strong>?)<br />
and head straight to the heart of the resurgence:<br />
Jack London Square. Home of Oakland’s mar<strong>it</strong>ime<br />
her<strong>it</strong>age, this sh<strong>in</strong>y waterfront development boasts<br />
a gloriously clear vista of the higgledy-piggledy<br />
skyscrapers of San Francisco. The view is flanked<br />
by dist<strong>in</strong>ctive, angular wh<strong>it</strong>e cranes, which <strong>in</strong>spired<br />
George Lucas’s Imperial Walkers from Star Wars. We<br />
d<strong>in</strong>e at Haven (havenoakland.com), an excellent<br />
spot w<strong>it</strong>h bare brick walls, exposed pipes and a lush<br />
foliage canopy, owned by cul<strong>in</strong>ary genius Daniel<br />
Patterson. It’s now under the guard of executive<br />
chef Charlie Parker, who has recently revamped the<br />
menu to make <strong>it</strong> more affordable. We order the<br />
excellent fixed prix three-course option (just £30)<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a typically <strong>California</strong>n emphasis on seasonal<br />
produce and fresh flavours. Afterwards, we take<br />
a stroll through the square, past Jack London’s<br />
wooden hut (sadly not the ramshackle orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
where the adventure wr<strong>it</strong>er penned Wh<strong>it</strong>e Fang )<br />
and on to Yoshi’s jazz and blues bar (yoshis.com).<br />
Macy Gray is play<strong>in</strong>g later <strong>in</strong> the week, but we spend<br />
an enjoyable few hours listen<strong>in</strong>g to an accomplished<br />
local orchestra play Etta James h<strong>it</strong>s.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g morn<strong>in</strong>g we set off <strong>in</strong> Sue for<br />
a drive north from the mar<strong>in</strong>a. We pass by Lake<br />
Merr<strong>it</strong>t, a gl<strong>it</strong>ter<strong>in</strong>g, 150-acre lake where you<br />
can enjoy lunch and cocktails at Lake Chalet<br />
(thelakechalet.com), take a boat on the water or<br />
walk the 3.4-mile perimeter route. We wanted to<br />
stop but <strong>it</strong>’s a b<strong>it</strong> too early for cocktails – and we have<br />
a far more important date w<strong>it</strong>h a double chocolate<br />
fudge sundae <strong>in</strong> Piedmont (<strong>it</strong>’s never too early<br />
for sundaes). Pronounced <strong>in</strong> a characteristically<br />
brash way (“Peedmont”), this sunny suburb is the<br />
k<strong>in</strong>d of place where cops are likely to give you a<br />
l<strong>it</strong>tle w<strong>in</strong>k as you walk past the pretty row of shops.<br />
One does, but we can’t stop to chat – <strong>it</strong>’s time for<br />
Fentons (fentonscreamery.com), a 1950s-style ice<br />
cream parlour that’s the home of rocky road (my<br />
favour<strong>it</strong>e flavour) and where Carl and Russell go for<br />
tower<strong>in</strong>g cones after surviv<strong>in</strong>g their South American<br />
adventure <strong>in</strong> Pixar’s Up.<br />
From Oakland we take the lesser-known<br />
and less attractive Bay Bridge (how could<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g compete w<strong>it</strong>h the Golden Gate?) to San<br />
Francisco. In less than 20 m<strong>in</strong>utes, we’re <strong>in</strong> the<br />
heart of the action. After a quick shopp<strong>in</strong>g session<br />
<strong>in</strong> Union Square, margar<strong>it</strong>as and fish tacos <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Mission (try La Taqueria at 2889 Mission Street),<br />
philosophis<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h faded hippies <strong>in</strong> The Haight<br />
and, of course, a selfie at that famous red bridge,<br />
we’re ready to h<strong>it</strong> the open road.<br />
042 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
CALIFORNIA<br />
Gear<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
Our wr<strong>it</strong>er Claire and trusty<br />
steed Sue (top left); and gourmet<br />
delights at Haven (top right) and<br />
Fentons (above) <strong>in</strong> Oakland, the<br />
first road trip stop<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 043
CALIFORNIA<br />
1 4 5 M I L E S<br />
San Francisco to Carmel<br />
Shortly after we leave San Fran and <strong>it</strong>s ever-present<br />
swirl of fog, we put Sue’s roof down. The sun warms<br />
our sk<strong>in</strong>, the w<strong>in</strong>d whips (read: tangles) our hair, we<br />
breathe <strong>in</strong> the salty air and turn the radio up.<br />
The great th<strong>in</strong>g about go<strong>in</strong>g north to south on<br />
the same road (other then zilch romance-kill<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
map-read<strong>in</strong>g arguments) is that because you’re<br />
driv<strong>in</strong>g on the “wrong” side, those views of the<br />
majestic coastl<strong>in</strong>e are wonderfully un<strong>in</strong>terrupted.<br />
Our first stop is Monterey. The biggest draw here<br />
is Fisherman’s Wharf II, a smaller version of San<br />
Fran’s Pier 39, where you can buy salt-water taffy,<br />
souvenirs and go whale and dolph<strong>in</strong> watch<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Fisherman’s Wharf I, a real work<strong>in</strong>g fisherman’s<br />
wharf, is where we found the best seafood<br />
restaurants. After fail<strong>in</strong>g to blag our way <strong>in</strong>to a gl<strong>it</strong>zy<br />
party at the Monterey Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Yacht Club, we went<br />
next door to Sandbar (sandbarandgrillmonterey.<br />
com) to eat clam chowder (more of an east coast<br />
dish, but dang the clams are good here), fresh catch<br />
of the day and mounds of soft crab salad.<br />
But we’re not stay<strong>in</strong>g: we’re mov<strong>in</strong>g south<br />
to neighbour<strong>in</strong>g Carmel-by-the-Sea. This town<br />
where Cl<strong>in</strong>t Eastwood was once mayor is just three<br />
miles away, but the more <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g route is via<br />
17 Mile Drive (£6.50 for cars; free for cyclists),<br />
a scenic stretch of road w<strong>it</strong>h sweep<strong>in</strong>g sea views<br />
and world-famous golf course Pebble Beach.<br />
We check <strong>in</strong>to La Playa Carmel (laplayahotel.<br />
com), a century-old mansion by the beach that’s<br />
said to be haunted. We don’t f<strong>in</strong>d any ghosts, only<br />
a brilliant pool, Champagne breakfast buffet and<br />
nightly w<strong>in</strong>e reception.<br />
Carmel is as known for <strong>it</strong>s fairytale cottages, art<br />
galleries and antique shops as <strong>it</strong> is <strong>it</strong>s outlandish<br />
laws: no street lights past 9pm; if you drive <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
tree <strong>it</strong>’s considered a h<strong>it</strong> and run; no ice cream eaten<br />
on the street; no high heels taller than two <strong>in</strong>ches.<br />
We didn’t hear about a law that every resident must<br />
own a dog, but we figure <strong>it</strong> was added at some po<strong>in</strong>t;<br />
this town is can<strong>in</strong>e crazy. At Ventana w<strong>in</strong>e cellar<br />
(ventanaw<strong>in</strong>es.com), one of the many hidden-away<br />
tast<strong>in</strong>g rooms <strong>in</strong> the centre, we feed Welsh terrier<br />
Hank biscu<strong>it</strong>s and chat to his owner, Fred, about the<br />
most dramatic part of our trip: Big Sur.<br />
2 6 2 M I L E S<br />
Carmel to Cayucos<br />
This is, w<strong>it</strong>hout a doubt, the most magnificent<br />
stretch of coastal road <strong>in</strong> the US. Roughly 85 miles<br />
of sweep<strong>in</strong>g vistas, <strong>it</strong> is not to be rushed – what<br />
would usually take just under three hours takes<br />
us more than seven. That’s no comment on my<br />
driv<strong>in</strong>g, although some of the hairp<strong>in</strong> bends are<br />
pretty hairy.<br />
The first stop (of 23) is Bixby Creek Bridge,<br />
a m<strong>in</strong>d-boggl<strong>in</strong>g piece of eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g at 85m<br />
high. We also pull over at Julia Pfeiffer Burns<br />
Park, a beautiful area a few miles south of Big Sur<br />
044 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
Photos: Getty; Stock Food<br />
Road tripp<strong>in</strong>’<br />
After Monterey (left) and Carmel<br />
you h<strong>it</strong> Big Sur. Views of Bixby<br />
Creek Bridge (right) and McWay<br />
Walls make keep<strong>in</strong>g your eyes on<br />
the road tricky. Take <strong>it</strong> easy!<br />
State Park. There are plenty of hikes but the most<br />
scenic is McWay Falls. A 30-m<strong>in</strong>ute (or 0.7 mile)<br />
route will take you to the top of a 25m waterfall<br />
that cascades on to the crash<strong>in</strong>g waves below.<br />
Cayucos is our stop for the night, a qua<strong>in</strong>t<br />
surfer town overlooked by <strong>in</strong>ternational vis<strong>it</strong>ors,<br />
but a h<strong>it</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h local tourists, who come for <strong>it</strong>s<br />
small-town <strong>California</strong>n charm. We pick up board<br />
shorts and baseball caps <strong>in</strong> surfer boutiques,<br />
gorge ourselves on Cayucos Brown Butter<br />
Cookies (brownbuttercookies.com) – wonderful,<br />
sea-salted caramel treats that crumble <strong>in</strong> our<br />
mouths – and sip local w<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> Cayucos Cellars<br />
(cayucoscellars.com). After steak and ribs at<br />
Schooner’s Wharf (schoonerswharf.com), we do<br />
our b<strong>it</strong> for <strong>California</strong>’s current drought crisis: save<br />
water; dr<strong>in</strong>k beer! The central coast is home to a<br />
number of creative l<strong>it</strong>tle craft breweries, and we<br />
probably tried most of them. Firestone DBA (made<br />
<strong>in</strong> nearby Pasa Robles) is our call. Our English<br />
accents get us a few new friends (plus free beers)<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Old Cayucos Tavern (oldcayucostavern.<br />
com), which looks like <strong>it</strong>’s been lifted straight out<br />
of a spaghetti western – but w<strong>it</strong>hout the horses<br />
tied up at the front.<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h roughly 85 miles of<br />
sweep<strong>in</strong>g vistas, don’t rush<br />
driv<strong>in</strong>g through Big Sur<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 045
4 1 8 M I L E S<br />
<strong>California</strong>n charm<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s surf vibes (above), world<br />
famous Brown Butter Cookies<br />
Company (left) and restaurants<br />
like Schooner’s (below), Cayucos<br />
won’t be a secret for long<br />
Surf town Cayucos is<br />
a h<strong>it</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h local tourists<br />
after small-town charm<br />
Cayucos to Ventura<br />
Next: Ventura and the Channel Islands, via<br />
Solvang (founded <strong>in</strong> 1911 by a group of Danes)<br />
and Santa Barbara. If the Scandi-sound<strong>in</strong>g<br />
name wasn’t enough of a giveaway (Solvang<br />
means sunny field), <strong>in</strong> this funny l<strong>it</strong>tle town<br />
there’s a statue of the L<strong>it</strong>tle Mermaid, a bust<br />
of Hans Christian Andersen and a replica of<br />
Copenhagen’s Round Tower, as well as w<strong>in</strong>dmills,<br />
year-round Christmas shops (are the Danes really<br />
that festive?) and, of course, plenty of frost<strong>in</strong>gslathered<br />
Danish pastries.<br />
We zip through Santa Barbara, the gl<strong>it</strong>zy<br />
c<strong>it</strong>y dubbed the American Riviera thanks to <strong>it</strong>s<br />
Med<strong>it</strong>erranean-style red tiled roofs and wh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
stucco build<strong>in</strong>gs, A-list population and gorgeous<br />
mar<strong>in</strong>a. Here you can go hik<strong>in</strong>g (dozens of<br />
routes zig-zag up the hill, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g one that<br />
goes right past Oprah W<strong>in</strong>frey’s house) or stroll<br />
around the shops and art galleries on State<br />
Street, which is what we chose to do before<br />
driv<strong>in</strong>g on to Ventura, the stopp<strong>in</strong>g-off po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
for the Channel Islands, which is fast becom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>s own right.<br />
At Ventura Harbor Village (venturaharbor<br />
village.com), we s<strong>it</strong> at the bar at Brophy<br />
Bros (brophybros.com) for happy hour clams<br />
and margar<strong>it</strong>as before pootl<strong>in</strong>g around the<br />
mar<strong>in</strong>a <strong>in</strong> a canopied Duffy boat thanks to<br />
Ventura Boat Rentals (from £40 per hour,<br />
venturaboatrentals.com).<br />
046 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
CALIFORNIA<br />
The Channel Islands National Park, five<br />
pieces of land strung along the coast (the nearest,<br />
Anacapa, is 12 miles from Ventura), regularly<br />
top travel magaz<strong>in</strong>es’ do-before-you-die bucket<br />
lists (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g this one’s). Wildly remote (no one<br />
lives there), these islands are a glimpse of what<br />
<strong>California</strong> used to be: rugged, beautiful; battered<br />
by the waves and baked by the sun. We take<br />
a boat from the harbour w<strong>it</strong>h Island Packers<br />
(around £40pp, islandpackers.com) to Anacapa,<br />
for a hike along the beach past rock pools and<br />
craggy cliffs. The islands are ideal for kayak<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
div<strong>in</strong>g, and you can camp overnight (although <strong>it</strong>’s<br />
just you and the wilderness, which sounds scarier<br />
than a haunted hotel to us, so you might prefer to<br />
go back to Ventura like we did).<br />
Photos: Getty;<br />
Gallery Stock<br />
Ace Ventura<br />
Paddl<strong>in</strong>g around Ventura harbour<br />
(above). This town just north of<br />
LA is jump<strong>in</strong>g-off po<strong>in</strong>t for the<br />
marvellous Channel Islands (top)<br />
4 7 5 M I L E S<br />
Ventura to LA<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g the coast for the very last time, we take<br />
Sue the short drive along Highway One past the<br />
Santa Monica mounta<strong>in</strong>s, the surfers bobb<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
the water at Malibu and on to the C<strong>it</strong>y of Angels.<br />
Our base for the f<strong>in</strong>al leg of the trip is Santa<br />
Monica, about 15 miles west of Downtown LA. It’s<br />
a stretch of coastl<strong>in</strong>e that couldn’t be more classic,<br />
laid-back <strong>California</strong> if <strong>it</strong> tried: girls <strong>in</strong> str<strong>in</strong>g bik<strong>in</strong>is<br />
rollerblad<strong>in</strong>g along the palm-l<strong>in</strong>ed promenades,<br />
yoga lovers practis<strong>in</strong>g sun salutations, that<br />
sublime golden beach, movie producers<br />
and age<strong>in</strong>g bohemians rubb<strong>in</strong>g shoulders at<br />
pavement cafes.<br />
We check <strong>in</strong>to our hotel, Casa del Mar<br />
(hotelcasadelmar.com), an art-deco mansion<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h an aristocratic European feel (just right for<br />
us, then). After a dip <strong>in</strong> the fifth floor pool, w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s<br />
glorious views of Santa Monica Pier and the hazy,<br />
undulat<strong>in</strong>g mounta<strong>in</strong>s to the right, we nip down to<br />
the bar for a lavender g<strong>in</strong> mart<strong>in</strong>i <strong>in</strong> time for sunset.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g morn<strong>in</strong>g, we decide to stick w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
our “on the road” theme, rent bikes and pedal<br />
along the beachfront path that stretches all the<br />
way to Torrance Beach (about 20 miles south).<br />
We glide past hippy hangout Venice Beach, the<br />
mar<strong>in</strong>a, spr<strong>in</strong>t underneath thunder<strong>in</strong>g planes<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g off at LAX and on to upmarket Manhattan<br />
Beach for lunch.<br />
Los Angeles is the home of sushi. Okay, Japan<br />
might be <strong>it</strong>s orig<strong>in</strong>al home, but LA is where the<br />
worldwide trend really kicked off when Nobu<br />
Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant here <strong>in</strong><br />
1987 (he later launched Nobu <strong>in</strong> New York w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
Robert De Niro!). We’d heard good th<strong>in</strong>gs about<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 047
CALIFORNIA<br />
Com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to Los Angeles<br />
Clockwise from above: Santa<br />
Monica pier; Hollywood Walk<br />
of Fame; Camden-by-the-Sea<br />
(aka Venice Beach); the world<br />
famous Hollywood sign;<br />
shopp<strong>in</strong>g Mecca Rodeo Drive<br />
Sushi Gen (sushigenla.com), but when we realised<br />
<strong>it</strong> would take 90 m<strong>in</strong>utes (<strong>in</strong> good traffic) to get<br />
Downtown, we settled on dimly l<strong>it</strong> Sugar Fish<br />
(sugarfishsushi.com) <strong>in</strong> Santa Monica. The menu is<br />
easy to decipher w<strong>it</strong>h a choice of three set menus<br />
(Trust me is £20; Trust me l<strong>it</strong>e £13; Nozawa trust<br />
me £26) and fish as soft as butter.<br />
On our last day, we took Sue along the<br />
boulevards of Beverley Hills and up to Hollywood.<br />
At this po<strong>in</strong>t we realised how easy we’d had <strong>it</strong><br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g a s<strong>in</strong>gle road all this time: sat nav, a<br />
boyfriend bark<strong>in</strong>g directions and horns toot<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> every direction did not make for the most<br />
enjoyable journey, but at least park<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> LA is a<br />
breeze. We tucked the car away <strong>in</strong> a never-end<strong>in</strong>g<br />
multi-storey car park before snapp<strong>in</strong>g pics at the<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese Theatre and the Walk of Fame and chatt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to Thor, who was promot<strong>in</strong>g some movie or other.<br />
Our f<strong>in</strong>al drive was to the Griff<strong>it</strong>h Observatory<br />
(griff<strong>it</strong>hobservatory.org), an elevated po<strong>in</strong>t east of<br />
the Hollywood Hills w<strong>it</strong>h a truly <strong>in</strong>credible view of<br />
the c<strong>it</strong>y and the Pacific. From up here I can’t help<br />
but marvel at the variety of the landscape over the<br />
past 475 miles: the cosmopol<strong>it</strong>an buzz of the Bay<br />
Area, the raw beauty of Big Sur, the laid-back charm<br />
of the Central Coast’s surf towns, the gl<strong>it</strong>z of Los<br />
Angeles. <strong>California</strong> really does have everyth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
And I have a sneaky suspicion that I’ll be back to<br />
take <strong>it</strong> all <strong>in</strong> aga<strong>in</strong> on this same road for a sixth,<br />
maybe even seventh, time.<br />
BE THERE: Thomas Cook’s new route from<br />
Manchester to Los Angeles starts from<br />
May 2016. Book now at thomascook.com.<br />
See vis<strong>it</strong>california.com to plan your holiday.<br />
Photo: Getty<br />
048 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
IZMIR<br />
Art and soul<br />
How has a t<strong>in</strong>y, formerly forgotten town on the Aegean coast – w<strong>it</strong>h no beach – become<br />
Turkey’s number-one summer escape? We head to Alacati to uncover <strong>it</strong>s creative secrets<br />
Words: Louisa Johnson. Photos: Tim E Wh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
I<br />
t was a village when I first came<br />
here,” says Serap Yurdaer, wip<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the clay from her hands and<br />
bend<strong>in</strong>g down to shoo one of<br />
her 30 cats out from her cool<br />
workshop <strong>in</strong>to the bl<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g wh<strong>it</strong>e sunsh<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
“When I moved <strong>in</strong> around 15 years ago,<br />
only the donkeys and chickens were my<br />
neighbours. It was just my workshop and<br />
two grocery stores!”<br />
Serap is tell<strong>in</strong>g me about Alacati, the<br />
l<strong>it</strong>tle town on the Cesme pen<strong>in</strong>sula (about<br />
50 m<strong>in</strong>utes from Izmir) that she calls home<br />
– and so will I for the next few days. I’m here<br />
to f<strong>in</strong>d out why <strong>it</strong> has become one of Turkey’s<br />
most popular holiday dest<strong>in</strong>ations. Although<br />
the pen<strong>in</strong>sula is undoubtedly gorgeous,<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s sweep<strong>in</strong>g beaches, sparkl<strong>in</strong>g blue<br />
waters and charm<strong>in</strong>g seaside resorts, Alacati<br />
is not like <strong>it</strong>s neighbour<strong>in</strong>g towns. Small,<br />
trad<strong>it</strong>ional and w<strong>it</strong>hout a beach, for centuries<br />
<strong>it</strong> wasn’t on anyone’s radar. But as the other<br />
resorts became more built up and crowded,<br />
discern<strong>in</strong>g holidaymakers decided they<br />
wanted someth<strong>in</strong>g simpler and quieter. This<br />
is when Alacati began to come <strong>in</strong>to <strong>it</strong>s own.<br />
Its beauty lay <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>s <strong>in</strong>visibil<strong>it</strong>y: serene and<br />
remote, <strong>it</strong>’s a step back <strong>in</strong> time.<br />
When Serap realised she’d lost the<br />
passion she once had for her life <strong>in</strong> Izmir,<br />
she decided to take a risk: leav<strong>in</strong>g a secure<br />
job, her family and friends, to come to this<br />
sleepy town and become a ceramicist.<br />
“Everyone thought I was crazy to make such<br />
a change, but I th<strong>in</strong>k if you do someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
special and you do <strong>it</strong> right, people will<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d you,” she says now. And they have.<br />
Serap exhib<strong>it</strong>s and sells her tableware<br />
(alacaticeramics.com) all over the world,<br />
and her work is pa<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> shades of<br />
turquoise that evoke the Aegean sea.<br />
Serap is one of many c<strong>it</strong>y dwellers who<br />
gave up their busy lives to embrace the<br />
slower pace <strong>in</strong> Alacati. Together, over the<br />
past few years, they’ve cautiously and<br />
sympathetically created an arty and stylish<br />
enclave. Now there are eclectic galleries,<br />
stylish restaurants, pop-up fashion boutiques<br />
and mulberry-shaded cafes full of people<br />
laugh<strong>in</strong>g, chatt<strong>in</strong>g and relax<strong>in</strong>g. “Th<strong>in</strong>gs have<br />
moved fast,” she says. “But I th<strong>in</strong>k all the<br />
changes have happened <strong>in</strong> a pos<strong>it</strong>ive way.”<br />
Alacati’s rise to fame is, <strong>in</strong> part, she tells<br />
me, because the nearest stretch of water is<br />
5km away. The expansive, 1.7km-wide bay<br />
isn’t exactly Instagram-candy e<strong>it</strong>her. The<br />
sea is turquoise and gl<strong>it</strong>ter<strong>in</strong>g, sure, but <strong>it</strong><br />
doesn’t have that smooth, plate-glass qual<strong>it</strong>y,<br />
and there’s no soft, sandy beach to stretch<br />
out your towel on. At least the cond<strong>it</strong>ions are<br />
perfect for w<strong>in</strong>dsurf<strong>in</strong>g. The first boarders<br />
came here <strong>in</strong> the 1990s – long before the<br />
trendy Istanbul bloggers. It’s now considered<br />
one of the best w<strong>in</strong>dsurf<strong>in</strong>g spots on earth,<br />
and the World Cup will be held here from<br />
26-31 August.<br />
“It’s special here,” says local Salih Rende<br />
of Active Surf (active-surf.com), who left the<br />
area to study at univers<strong>it</strong>y as a younger man.<br />
“My family all live here and I’ve always felt like<br />
Alacati was a part of me. I knew there would<br />
be a po<strong>in</strong>t when I’d want to come home.”<br />
Salih used to sail <strong>in</strong> this bay when he was<br />
a child and, when he came back, he decided to<br />
open a w<strong>in</strong>dsurf<strong>in</strong>g centre. “I started my own<br />
050 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
ALACATI<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 051
company 12 years ago,” he expla<strong>in</strong>s. “W<strong>in</strong>dsurf<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is popular here because <strong>it</strong>’s so safe. This is partly<br />
because of the meltemi, which means “slow and<br />
steady w<strong>in</strong>d” <strong>in</strong> Turkish. In Fuerteventura you just<br />
head straight out <strong>in</strong>to the ocean. Here <strong>in</strong> Alacati,<br />
you’re surrounded by the safety of the bay.”<br />
Back <strong>in</strong> town, I walk out of Serap’s workshop<br />
towards 2012 Sokak, a narrow cobbled street<br />
that wiggles <strong>it</strong>s way through the heart of Alacati.<br />
At Sunay Kiraathanesi I get a glimpse <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
town’s not-so-distant history: this is one of the few<br />
trad<strong>it</strong>ional kahvehane (cafes) left, where cr<strong>in</strong>kly<br />
eyed men w<strong>it</strong>h flat caps pulled low s<strong>it</strong> at chipped<br />
tables, hold<strong>in</strong>g small curved glasses of tea and<br />
star<strong>in</strong>g at the tourists w<strong>it</strong>h a k<strong>in</strong>d of aloof curios<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
“When I first came, you would never have seen<br />
a woman s<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g here,” says Melek Toraman,<br />
a professional w<strong>in</strong>dsurfer who now lives <strong>in</strong> Alacati.<br />
“Even 10 years ago, the men would never have<br />
let me s<strong>it</strong> and dr<strong>in</strong>k tea w<strong>it</strong>h them. But now the<br />
att<strong>it</strong>udes have changed. I love to s<strong>it</strong> here and<br />
“Th<strong>in</strong>gs have moved fast over the<br />
past few years, but <strong>in</strong> a pos<strong>it</strong>ive way”<br />
Work up an appet<strong>it</strong>e<br />
Melek Toraman shows<br />
how <strong>it</strong>’s done (top).<br />
Thirty dishes and<br />
count<strong>in</strong>g at Asma<br />
Han’s sumptuous<br />
breakfast (above)<br />
have a chat w<strong>it</strong>h them. Whenever I go away to<br />
compete they say, ‘Where is our girl?’<br />
“The real locals are happy w<strong>it</strong>h the recent<br />
changes,” she cont<strong>in</strong>ues, when I ask her about<br />
the arty vibe and trendy restaurants. “As long<br />
as newcomers and vis<strong>it</strong>ors are careful about<br />
protect<strong>in</strong>g the authentic<strong>it</strong>y of Alacati, they are<br />
friendly and welcom<strong>in</strong>g.” Melek is one of the first<br />
(of many) to <strong>in</strong>sist on swapp<strong>in</strong>g numbers w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
me, concoct<strong>in</strong>g a plan to get together for dr<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
later. It’s typical of the warmth of the people who<br />
live here, keen to show off their beautiful town<br />
to newcomers. On the second day I exchange<br />
numbers w<strong>it</strong>h four new friends and have offers<br />
of boat rides along the coast and places to<br />
stay when (not if) I come back later <strong>in</strong> the<br />
summer. Every time I meet someone new<br />
– after affectionate hugs and kisses on the<br />
cheek – platters of neat l<strong>it</strong>tle pastry parcels,<br />
silver trays w<strong>it</strong>h glasses of tea and da<strong>in</strong>ty<br />
biscu<strong>it</strong>s are presented w<strong>it</strong>h a proud flourish.<br />
The generos<strong>it</strong>y is overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g. Even by 11am,<br />
my head is sp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g and my jaw aches. I just don’t<br />
gr<strong>in</strong> from ear to ear like this back home.<br />
Of course, the holiday glow has someth<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
do w<strong>it</strong>h my good mood – and also my read<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
to eat everyth<strong>in</strong>g put <strong>in</strong> front of me. It’s not my<br />
fault, though: everywhere I go, I’m offered food<br />
until I can’t eat anymore. Breakfast <strong>in</strong> Turkey<br />
052 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
IZMIR<br />
Bowled over<br />
Serap Yurdaer (left)<br />
and her beautiful<br />
contemporary<br />
tableware (above)<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 053
“Alacati is like Bodrum used<br />
to be. Let’s keep <strong>it</strong> that way”<br />
Fast friends<br />
Artist Cherm<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Vidori (top) and<br />
Viento’s Figen<br />
Erbas (top right)<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h her sister<br />
Ebru to her left<br />
is always an over-the-top affair, but at Asma Han<br />
(asmahanotel.com), <strong>it</strong> borders on the (wonderfully)<br />
ridiculous. Owner Candan Akal<strong>in</strong> br<strong>in</strong>gs plate after<br />
plate after plate: when I start to eat, I count 30<br />
on the table, exclud<strong>in</strong>g dr<strong>in</strong>ks. Harissa, boyoz (a<br />
local, pretzel- shaped pastry), eggs, tomato salads,<br />
different types of cheese, spicy tomato paste –<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g is made from scratch, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
four types of jam (mulberry, lemon, apricot and<br />
mandar<strong>in</strong>), which look like l<strong>it</strong>tle rows of gems <strong>in</strong> their<br />
clean wh<strong>it</strong>e dishes. Candan tells me they were made<br />
by his mother, grandmother and mother-<strong>in</strong>-law.<br />
Feel<strong>in</strong>g unbelievably full, I w<strong>in</strong>ce when Turkish/<br />
Italian pa<strong>in</strong>ter Cherm<strong>in</strong>e Vidori offers me more<br />
tea and almond biscu<strong>it</strong>s a few hours later. But<br />
– thankfully – I’m able to distract her by ask<strong>in</strong>g<br />
questions about why she chose to settle <strong>in</strong> Alacati.<br />
“When I was a child I would holiday <strong>in</strong> nearby<br />
Ilica,” she says. “We would occasionally stop off<br />
<strong>in</strong> Alacati, but back then there was noth<strong>in</strong>g there,<br />
just a small market. I chose to come back here<br />
partly because of the wonderful pace of life, and<br />
because I fell <strong>in</strong> love w<strong>it</strong>h a beautiful house.”<br />
The delightful 18th-century residences that<br />
cl<strong>in</strong>g to Alacati’s narrow, w<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g lanes are <strong>it</strong>s<br />
greatest attraction, Cherm<strong>in</strong>e tells me. Second<br />
home owners <strong>in</strong> nearby Cesme and Ilica could<br />
afford to modify and modernise their properties,<br />
but thankfully Alacati’s villagers could not, and<br />
so these build<strong>in</strong>gs have reta<strong>in</strong>ed their charm.<br />
When Alacati first started to attract more<br />
tourists, the locals knew they’d have to preserve<br />
the trad<strong>it</strong>ions and her<strong>it</strong>age of their town. They<br />
began by pass<strong>in</strong>g laws to protect these gorgeous<br />
stone houses. If you want to buy one, you must<br />
accept that you cannot rebuild or change <strong>it</strong>s<br />
honey-coloured appearance. Other safeguards<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude pedestrianis<strong>in</strong>g the oldest part of the<br />
town, and even forbidd<strong>in</strong>g plastic tables and<br />
chairs outside restaurants and cafes. “Everyone<br />
says Alacati is like Bodrum when <strong>it</strong> was smaller,<br />
more romantic and quieter,” says Cherm<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
“We want to keep <strong>it</strong> this way.”<br />
It was the local hoteliers who orig<strong>in</strong>ally saw the<br />
potential to develop Alacati <strong>in</strong>to a slow-tourism<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation. There are now almost a hundred of<br />
these wh<strong>it</strong>ewashed, blue-shuttered butik otels<br />
(when the first few launched back <strong>in</strong> the early<br />
2000s, the owners didn’t differentiate between<br />
“boutique” and “small’ – which is what butik<br />
actually means). Viento (vientoalacati.com),<br />
opened two years ago and, w<strong>it</strong>h 27 rooms,<br />
054 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
SunRay Property is your one-stop shop for<br />
purchas<strong>in</strong>g, runn<strong>in</strong>g and lett<strong>in</strong>g a home <strong>in</strong> and<br />
around the Turkish resort of Dalyan, an unspoilt<br />
gem su<strong>it</strong>ed to family holidays and expat liv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
We’re a fully registered <strong>in</strong>dependent estate<br />
agency run by Anglo-Turkish couple Debbie<br />
and Ali, from premises <strong>in</strong> the heart of the resort.<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h a multi-l<strong>in</strong>gual team, we are specialists <strong>in</strong><br />
help<strong>in</strong>g Br<strong>it</strong>ons and Europeans buy property and<br />
settle <strong>in</strong> Turkey.<br />
SunRay’s knowledge of the Dalyan area,<br />
local regulations and need-to-know contacts<br />
is second to none, thanks to our experience<br />
and local family connections. The firm was<br />
created as a natural extension of our other long<br />
established bus<strong>in</strong>esses <strong>in</strong> Dalyan – proof of our<br />
long-term comm<strong>it</strong>ment to the property market<br />
here and reassur<strong>in</strong>g to buyers that we are here<br />
to stay!<br />
Our customer service stretches far beyond<br />
just sell<strong>in</strong>g you a property. We will guide you<br />
through the whole buy<strong>in</strong>g process, get you up<br />
and runn<strong>in</strong>g – whether <strong>it</strong>’s connect<strong>in</strong>g you to<br />
cable TV, electric<strong>it</strong>y or a phone l<strong>in</strong>e, or buy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
furn<strong>it</strong>ure - and put you <strong>in</strong> touch w<strong>it</strong>h other<br />
reliable service providers.<br />
Once you own your property, we will happily<br />
manage <strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> your absence too, as well as let <strong>it</strong><br />
to holidaymakers on your behalf, earn<strong>in</strong>g you<br />
extra <strong>in</strong>come to put towards the property’s<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g costs.<br />
For buyers look<strong>in</strong>g for someth<strong>in</strong>g special, we<br />
also offer a design and build service and will<br />
project manage the construction of your home.<br />
If you’d prefer to add your own touches to a<br />
tired, older property, we’ll happily manage a<br />
renovation project for you.<br />
If you have any type of property requirement<br />
<strong>in</strong> Dalyan and <strong>it</strong>s environs, we’re ready to assist!<br />
CONTACT SUNRAY PROPERTY<br />
FOR MORE INFORMATION<br />
T: 009 0252 284 3895<br />
E: <strong>in</strong>fo@sunrayproperty.com<br />
www.sunrayproperty.com
IZMIR<br />
is one of the largest and most stylish. Here, classic<br />
Aegean chic meets high c<strong>it</strong>y expectations, w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
crisp wh<strong>it</strong>e l<strong>in</strong>en, silk throws, oversized antique<br />
mirrors and Molton Brown cosmetics. The<br />
courtyard has fuchsia bouga<strong>in</strong>villea creep<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
<strong>it</strong>s walls, and is a wonderful spot to while away<br />
the afternoon; the breezy patio d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g area is<br />
ideal for a long lunch; and the lanterns hang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from low-slung mulberry tree branches create<br />
a magical glow for late-night dr<strong>in</strong>ks. Unlike many<br />
other hotels here, <strong>it</strong> has a small pool, which you’ll<br />
need when temperatures reach 40°C. Owner<br />
Figen Erbas, a fantastic cook, dreamt up every<br />
m<strong>in</strong>ute detail. After a few days <strong>in</strong> her meticulous<br />
care, I almost feel like I should call her mum.<br />
Alacati’s summer season kicks off w<strong>it</strong>h the herb<br />
festival <strong>in</strong> March. Incredibly, <strong>in</strong> the Aegean region<br />
there are more than 1,000 different types of<br />
herbs. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the festival there’s a compet<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
to collect as many as you can <strong>in</strong> just a few hours.<br />
This year the w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g number was 132! Figen<br />
assures me that at Asma Yapragi – mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
“v<strong>in</strong>e leaves” – restaurant (asmayapragi.com.tr)<br />
I would be able to try a good selection. “This one<br />
is like dill,” co-owner Kerem Mihci tells me as<br />
he escorts me <strong>in</strong>to the k<strong>it</strong>chen where a table is<br />
laden w<strong>it</strong>h mezze dishes for guests to choose<br />
from: courgette flowers stuffed w<strong>it</strong>h cheese and<br />
There are more than 1,000<br />
different herbs <strong>in</strong> this region<br />
a type of dill; pumpk<strong>in</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h caramelised onions<br />
and yoghurt; braised artichokes served w<strong>it</strong>h lentils;<br />
freekah w<strong>it</strong>h herbs and peppers. After a third herb<br />
was described as “similar to dill”, but didn’t have<br />
an English translation, I decided just to enjoy the<br />
food and stop tak<strong>in</strong>g notes. Asma Yapragi has <strong>it</strong>s<br />
own farm a few kilometres out of Alacati where<br />
the team grow almost everyth<strong>in</strong>g they need. And<br />
what they can’t produce themselves, they pick up<br />
at the weekly market.<br />
What started out as a small collection of stalls<br />
around the mosque is now a vibrant Saturday<br />
market. Homemade jams; piles of coloursaturated<br />
fru<strong>it</strong> and veg; the many, many<br />
A taste of Turkey<br />
Kerem Mihci and his<br />
mum Ayse Nur Mihci<br />
(top) of Asma Yapragi.<br />
Turkish-Russian<br />
Babushka (right), one<br />
of town’s newest venues<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 057
IZMIR<br />
unnamed herbs; cheese; sh<strong>in</strong>y, button-like<br />
olives – everyth<strong>in</strong>g is here. It’s a social occasion<br />
as much as a chance to shop, and after a few<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes I bump <strong>in</strong>to Olga Irez, a food blogger<br />
who moved here w<strong>it</strong>h her Turkish husband<br />
Ozgur earlier this year. The pair have just opened<br />
Babushka (babushkaalacati.com), a restaurant<br />
serv<strong>in</strong>g Russian and Turkish cuis<strong>in</strong>e. “I moved<br />
here to be nearer Ozgur’s family,” Olga tells<br />
us. “It was our dream to open a small family<br />
restaurant – Babushka means ‘Grandma’ <strong>in</strong><br />
Russian – and serve simple, delicious food.”<br />
The market<br />
is a social<br />
occasion <strong>in</strong><br />
Alacati<br />
She’s pick<strong>in</strong>g up sp<strong>in</strong>ach for her Georgian-style<br />
vegetarian kofte, and haggl<strong>in</strong>g at the chaotic fish<br />
auction for sard<strong>in</strong>es to soak <strong>in</strong> vodka, which I get<br />
to taste dur<strong>in</strong>g lunch at the restaurant. I s<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> the<br />
shade, devour<strong>in</strong>g cacik (cucumber dip), walnut<br />
pate and cheese platters while Ozgur pours me<br />
a ruby-coloured cabernet sauvignon. Trad<strong>it</strong>ionally<br />
Turkey hasn’t had a very good reputation when <strong>it</strong><br />
comes to w<strong>in</strong>e (which is a l<strong>it</strong>tle unfair – Anatolia<br />
is where v<strong>in</strong>eyards were first cultivated more<br />
than 1,000 years ago) but, as Ozgur tells me, <strong>it</strong>’s<br />
currently hav<strong>in</strong>g a moment, especially the Aegean<br />
region. The rich biodynamic w<strong>in</strong>e I’m dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
from Urla w<strong>in</strong>ery (urlasarapcilik.com.tr), which has<br />
recently received recogn<strong>it</strong>ion for resurrect<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
ext<strong>in</strong>ct grape varietal (Urla karasi, which translates<br />
as “black from Urla”). S<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g back, sipp<strong>in</strong>g the w<strong>in</strong>e<br />
under a fig-tree canopy, I’ve never felt so relaxed.<br />
After a few days here, <strong>it</strong>’s hard to contemplate<br />
head<strong>in</strong>g back to London. For the first time <strong>in</strong> ages<br />
the knots at the top of my shoulders have gone<br />
and my sk<strong>in</strong> is glow<strong>in</strong>g. I feel like I’ve been eat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
non-stop, but I haven’t put on any weight. I’m sad<br />
to leave but there’s plenty to take back w<strong>it</strong>h me.<br />
Viento’s homemade jams and Serap’s Aegean<br />
sea-blue bowls aside, I vow to spend more time<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h my family. Eat more fresh food, cooked<br />
simply. Smile more. Enjoy the warmth of sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
on my sk<strong>in</strong>. Live life slowly... I’ll stop before I start<br />
quot<strong>in</strong>g Baz Luhrmann lyrics, but you get the idea.<br />
And if you don’t, well, you know where to go.<br />
BE THERE… Plan an escape to gorgeous Alacati<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h explorealacati.com and gototurkey.co.uk.<br />
Fly to Izmir w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com<br />
Market value<br />
Alacati’s Saturday<br />
market has become<br />
a thriv<strong>in</strong>g commercial<br />
centre over the past<br />
few years<br />
058 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
Golden leaves<br />
and sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Explore our nature walks and coastl<strong>in</strong>es this autumn<br />
October<br />
half term breaks<br />
from<br />
£249 *<br />
for the whole family<br />
Start plann<strong>in</strong>g your days away w<strong>it</strong>h Haven<br />
Fancy explor<strong>in</strong>g the Great Br<strong>it</strong>ish seaside? We have 35 parks dotted around the UK coastl<strong>in</strong>e so there’s<br />
plenty of choice. Relax on the beach w<strong>it</strong>h an ice-cream for those yummy days, or splash around <strong>in</strong> our<br />
heated pools for those wet days. Our parks stretch across the Yorkshire cliffs w<strong>it</strong>h non-stop action.<br />
Others are tucked quietly <strong>in</strong> the Cornish dunes w<strong>it</strong>h everyth<strong>in</strong>g a short stroll away. We have play areas,<br />
restaurants serv<strong>in</strong>g local produce, kids’ clubs and even Aerial Adventure courses for your<br />
m<strong>in</strong>i thrill seekers, so there’s plenty of enterta<strong>in</strong>ment for the whole family.<br />
Get book<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h your local Thomas Cook Agent<br />
Terms and cond<strong>it</strong>ions: £249* per family is based on a family of four shar<strong>in</strong>g a two bedroom Standard self-cater<strong>in</strong>g caravan holiday home at selected parks arriv<strong>in</strong>g 23 October 2015 for three nights or 26 October 2015 for four<br />
nights. The price <strong>in</strong>cludes your holiday home, car park<strong>in</strong>g for one car and FunWorks passes for access to the facil<strong>it</strong>ies and some activ<strong>it</strong>ies. Offer cannot be used <strong>in</strong> conjunction w<strong>it</strong>h any other offer, discount or promotional<br />
voucher unless specifically stated and applies to new book<strong>in</strong>gs only. All offers are subject to promotional availabil<strong>it</strong>y and may be w<strong>it</strong>hdrawn or reduced at any time w<strong>it</strong>hout notice. Full terms and cond<strong>it</strong>ions apply as stated <strong>in</strong><br />
the current 2015 brochure. Haven Holidays is a trad<strong>in</strong>g name of Bourne Leisure, registered <strong>in</strong> England and Wales no 04011660. Registered office 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.<br />
72985
Magic Magic beans beans<br />
Ten years ago, cocoa production <strong>in</strong> St Lucia was at an all-time low. But thanks to a new farm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iative, a boost <strong>in</strong> tourism<br />
Ten years and ago, consistent cocoa production demand from <strong>in</strong> St the Lucia locals, was the at island’s all-time love low. affair But w<strong>it</strong>h thanks chocolate to is sweeter than ever<br />
a new farm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iative, a boost <strong>in</strong> tourism Words: and Imogen consistent Rowland. Photos: demand Helen Cathcart from the locals,<br />
the island’s love affair w<strong>it</strong>h chocolate is sweeter than ever<br />
T<br />
he sign hang<strong>in</strong>g above Castries Central Words: Market Imogen reads: Rowland. “Have Photos: Helen Cathcart trees <strong>in</strong> favour of more reliable crops such as bananas. Happily, that trend<br />
a happy day!”, and <strong>it</strong>s patrons seem to diligently obey as they<br />
has now been bucked – a farm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iative <strong>in</strong>troduced by UK brand Hotel<br />
haggle over fresh breadfru<strong>it</strong> and planta<strong>in</strong>, call<strong>in</strong>g out to their<br />
Chocolat is help<strong>in</strong>g new plantations pop up, and the tourist board not only<br />
neighbours and friends. The cordial atmosphere is not unusual promotes a chocolate her<strong>it</strong>age trail (po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g out some of the island’s best<br />
– the whole island of St Lucia, all 43km by 22km of <strong>it</strong>, seems to move<br />
cocoa hotspots), but even dedicates a whole month to celebrat<strong>in</strong>g the stuff.<br />
<strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e w<strong>it</strong>h the joyfully upstroke stra<strong>in</strong>s of reggae and soca, and a fa<strong>in</strong>t,<br />
This year <strong>it</strong>’s held <strong>in</strong> August, w<strong>it</strong>h special events tak<strong>in</strong>g place across St Lucia.<br />
sweet scent carry<strong>in</strong>g through the air.<br />
There’s also the island’s first chocolate factory on the way, mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
That wonderful fragrance is cocoa, which has been grown here s<strong>in</strong>ce the more jobs will be created (and more chocoholics sated). After all, w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
1700s when European settlers arrived and, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that the plants thrived <strong>in</strong> a botanical name like Theobroma, mean<strong>in</strong>g “food for the gods”, <strong>it</strong> would<br />
the island’s volcanic soil and tropical climate, established huge plantations. seem blasphemous to allow such a precious crop-grow<strong>in</strong>g trad<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
However, <strong>it</strong>’s a trad<strong>it</strong>ional, labour-<strong>in</strong>tensive process, and <strong>it</strong>s complex<strong>it</strong>ies to die out. We went to meet some of the islanders champion<strong>in</strong>g<br />
meant that, more recently, cocoa growers here were often uproot<strong>in</strong>g their everyone’s favour<strong>it</strong>e guilty pleasure.<br />
060 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
ST LUCIA<br />
T<br />
he sign hang<strong>in</strong>g above Castries Central Market reads: “Have<br />
a happy day!”, and <strong>it</strong>s patrons seem to diligently obey as they<br />
haggle over fresh breadfru<strong>it</strong> and planta<strong>in</strong>, call<strong>in</strong>g out to their<br />
neighbours and friends. The cordial atmosphere is not unusual<br />
– the whole island of St Lucia, all 43km by 22km of <strong>it</strong>, seems to move<br />
<strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e w<strong>it</strong>h the joyful upstroke stra<strong>in</strong>s of reggae and soca, and a fa<strong>in</strong>t,<br />
sweet scent carry<strong>in</strong>g through the air.<br />
That wonderful fragrance is cocoa, which has been grown here s<strong>in</strong>ce the<br />
1700s when European settlers arrived and, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that the plants thrived <strong>in</strong><br />
the island’s volcanic soil and tropical climate, established huge plantations.<br />
However, <strong>it</strong>’s a trad<strong>it</strong>ional, labour-<strong>in</strong>tensive process, and the complex<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
meant that, more recently, cocoa growers were often uproot<strong>in</strong>g their trees <strong>in</strong><br />
favour of more reliable crops such as bananas. Happily, that trend has now<br />
been bucked – a farm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iative <strong>in</strong>troduced by UK brand Hotel Chocolat<br />
is help<strong>in</strong>g new plantations pop up, and the tourist board not only promotes<br />
a chocolate her<strong>it</strong>age trail (po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g out some of the island’s best cocoa<br />
hotspots), but even dedicates a whole month to celebrat<strong>in</strong>g the stuff. This<br />
year <strong>it</strong>’s held <strong>in</strong> August, w<strong>it</strong>h special events tak<strong>in</strong>g place across St Lucia.<br />
There’s also the island’s first chocolate factory on the way, mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
more jobs will be created (and more chocoholics sated). After all, w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a botanical name like Theobroma, mean<strong>in</strong>g “food for the gods”, <strong>it</strong> would<br />
seem blasphemous to allow such a precious crop-grow<strong>in</strong>g trad<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
to die out. We went to meet some of the islanders champion<strong>in</strong>g<br />
everyone’s favour<strong>it</strong>e guilty pleasure.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 061
ST LUCIA<br />
The cocoa plantation worker<br />
“Want to try a jungle M&M?” asks Cuthbert<br />
Monroque, expertly spl<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g a freshly picked<br />
cocoa pod w<strong>it</strong>h a machete. He pulls the two<br />
halves apart and, still attached to the stem,<br />
the beans emerge, like giant wh<strong>it</strong>e corn kernels<br />
packed tightly together. The tour group each pulls<br />
a cocoa seed from the cluster and pops <strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> their<br />
mouths, suck<strong>in</strong>g at the flesh around the bean,<br />
which tastes like melon, w<strong>it</strong>h a f<strong>in</strong>al sharp tang<br />
of passionfru<strong>it</strong>. “Welcome to nature’s biggest<br />
sweet shop,” says Cuthbert, gestur<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
lush ra<strong>in</strong>forest around him.<br />
The 140-acre Rabot Estate <strong>in</strong> Soufriere, on<br />
St Lucia’s western coast, has been run by Hotel<br />
Chocolat (hotelchocolat.com) s<strong>in</strong>ce 2006,<br />
although the plantation <strong>it</strong>self was established <strong>in</strong><br />
1745. There’s a boutique hotel and restaurant,<br />
Boucan, but the company’s <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial impetus was to<br />
try and ensure that cocoa farm<strong>in</strong>g on the island,<br />
which was dw<strong>in</strong>dl<strong>in</strong>g, became susta<strong>in</strong>able. To do<br />
so, they started the Engaged Ethics programme<br />
to work w<strong>it</strong>h farmers across St Lucia, propagat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the plants and supply<strong>in</strong>g young trees at subsidised<br />
prices, guarantee<strong>in</strong>g they would buy back the<br />
whole crop when <strong>it</strong> had matured. The result is now<br />
a cooperative of 167 farmers, each w<strong>it</strong>h between<br />
one and 30 acres of cocoa trees, who, together<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h the estate, ship more than 300 tonnes of<br />
cocoa beans to the UK annually.<br />
Cuthbert, who is 58 and comes from Saltibus<br />
on the island’s southwest coast, has been work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
here as a nursery supervisor and tour guide for five<br />
years. “There are many varieties of cocoa trees,”<br />
he says. “Some that are hardy but slow-grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and low-yield<strong>in</strong>g, others that are faster-grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
but more susceptible to disease. So we crossbreed<br />
them <strong>in</strong>to our ‘Tr<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ario’ variety by graft<strong>in</strong>g<br />
root stock of one species on to a seedl<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
another, and then nurtur<strong>in</strong>g them until they<br />
are strong. That way we have robust, fru<strong>it</strong>ful<br />
062 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
trees which take between 18 months and three<br />
years to mature rather than five to six years.”<br />
You can discover this for yourself on the<br />
estate’s Tree to Bar experience, which <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>es<br />
vis<strong>it</strong>ors to tour the property, learn about cocoa<br />
farm<strong>in</strong>g, and even plant their own hybrid tree<br />
before gett<strong>in</strong>g down to the serious bus<strong>in</strong>ess of<br />
try<strong>in</strong>g to make their own chocolate bar. Along the<br />
way, Cuthbert expla<strong>in</strong>s the history of chocolate,<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h the Mayans who drank <strong>it</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h chilli,<br />
through to the first ever chocolate bar crafted by<br />
the UK’s own Joseph Fry & Sons.<br />
When <strong>it</strong>’s time for you to make your own, you<br />
beg<strong>in</strong> by gr<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g 50g roasted cocoa nibs w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a hot pestle and mortar. After 20 m<strong>in</strong>utes’ hard<br />
work, add 9g cocoa butter to make a gra<strong>in</strong>y<br />
molten paste. Next, 22.5g of ref<strong>in</strong>ed sugar is<br />
added gradually, and the mixture is poured <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a mould for you to marvel at your handiwork. It’s<br />
then cooled and wrapped for you to take home<br />
as an edible souvenir. “We’re build<strong>in</strong>g a factory<br />
to produce chocolate on the island for the first<br />
time,” says Cuthbert. “Come back <strong>in</strong> 18 months<br />
and we can give you an update on your tree and<br />
you can maybe even buy a bar made here <strong>in</strong><br />
St Lucia, w<strong>it</strong>h your tree’s beans! That’s the<br />
dream,” he gr<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
“Welcome to<br />
nature’s biggest<br />
sweet shop”<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 063
ST LUCIA<br />
The cocoa tea seller<br />
At booth n<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> Castries Central Market, Lorna<br />
Henry is busily stirr<strong>in</strong>g up a pot of her best-seller.<br />
It’s a fragrant tribute to the island’s plentiful larder:<br />
nutmeg, cloves, star anise, bay leaves, fennel<br />
flower, c<strong>in</strong>namon and – most importantly of all<br />
– cocoa, this time ground and pressed <strong>in</strong>to stick<br />
form. She is mak<strong>in</strong>g cocoa tea, St Lucia’s vastly<br />
superior version of hot chocolate, and a stalwart<br />
of weekend breakfasts here, particularly when<br />
served w<strong>it</strong>h a bake (a k<strong>in</strong>d of lightly fried bread<br />
roll) on a busy Saturday morn<strong>in</strong>g at the market.<br />
As she grates the cocoa stick <strong>in</strong>to a pan w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
the other spices and herbs, 55-year-old Lorna<br />
expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>it</strong>s importance. “Cocoa tea is the flavour<br />
of St Lucia. We have had this booth for 20 years<br />
and <strong>it</strong> is always available.” Work<strong>in</strong>g alongside her<br />
daughter, Margar<strong>it</strong>a, Lorna adds hot water to the<br />
mix, and br<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>it</strong> to the boil. Almost immediately<br />
the scent of warm cocoa fills the air, piqu<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest of passers-by. After 10 m<strong>in</strong>utes on the<br />
stove, Lorna adds water and cornflour to thicken<br />
the tea, plus a can of evaporated milk, stirr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>uously. F<strong>in</strong>ally she stra<strong>in</strong>s the creamy liquid<br />
and pours <strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong>to a polystyrene cup, plac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong> on<br />
the counter w<strong>it</strong>h a tub of sugar to add to taste. She<br />
recommends two teaspoons, but says some locals<br />
prefer the rich b<strong>it</strong>terness of the cocoa straight up.<br />
When asked about her first memory of cocoa<br />
tea, she shrugs: “I don’t know. I was born, <strong>it</strong><br />
was there.” Her customers, however, are more<br />
enthusiastic. “This is the best breakfast <strong>in</strong> the<br />
world,” says Gervy “Groovy” Charles, a 39-year-old<br />
taxi driver. “Too much rum punch at the street<br />
party last night? This will sort you out,” he gr<strong>in</strong>s,<br />
tuck<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to his saltfish bake that, together w<strong>it</strong>h his<br />
tea, has set him back all of £1.20. “When I lived<br />
<strong>in</strong> Canada, I asked everyone who vis<strong>it</strong>ed to br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
me cocoa sticks, and when I came back I made<br />
a beel<strong>in</strong>e for the market. I wasn’t really back until<br />
I’d had some – cocoa tea is the taste of home.”<br />
064 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
“Our cocoa is<br />
the real deal<br />
– <strong>it</strong> has such<br />
a pure, raw<br />
flavour”<br />
ST LUCIA<br />
The first local pastry chef<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h a tropical climate and temperatures that<br />
rarely dip below 26°C, St Lucia isn’t known for <strong>it</strong>s<br />
pastry chefs – but that didn’t dissuade Stephenson<br />
Charles, who works at the Sandals Regency La Toc<br />
(book through thomascook.com) near the island’s<br />
cap<strong>it</strong>al, Castries. Hav<strong>in</strong>g toiled here for 20 years,<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g out as an apprentice baker aged 19, he<br />
was f<strong>in</strong>ally promoted to his dream role – pastry<br />
chef – <strong>in</strong> May. He’s the first local cook to hold<br />
the pos<strong>it</strong>ion anywhere <strong>in</strong> St Lucia.<br />
“I wanted to cook s<strong>in</strong>ce I was t<strong>in</strong>y,” says<br />
Stephenson proudly, who looks at least a decade<br />
younger than his 39 years, his slim frame bely<strong>in</strong>g<br />
his trade. “I was always at my mother’s heels <strong>in</strong> the<br />
k<strong>it</strong>chen, watch<strong>in</strong>g and learn<strong>in</strong>g, and I had a sweet<br />
tooth, so I always knew what I wanted to do.”<br />
Hav<strong>in</strong>g worked his way through the ranks, he now<br />
heads a team of 10 who create all of the pastries,<br />
desserts and chocolates for the 220-acre resort.<br />
“We hold a chocolate buffet on Thursday nights<br />
and we make a huge range of th<strong>in</strong>gs: dipped<br />
strawberries, hand-rolled rum truffles, creamfilled<br />
prof<strong>it</strong>eroles, as well as chocolate founta<strong>in</strong>s<br />
and even two live models smothered <strong>in</strong> molten<br />
chocolate,” he says. “That’s always popular.”<br />
While much of the chocolate is imported<br />
from Belgium because of the quant<strong>it</strong>y needed,<br />
all cocoa used on s<strong>it</strong>e is from the island, and<br />
Stephenson hopes to use locally made chocolate<br />
once the new Hotel Chocolat factory opens. “Our<br />
cocoa is the real deal. It has such a pure, raw<br />
flavour. It’s my favour<strong>it</strong>e <strong>in</strong>gredient to work w<strong>it</strong>h,<br />
improvis<strong>in</strong>g how to get that amaz<strong>in</strong>g flavour<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g through. It’s the best <strong>in</strong> the world.”<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 065
ST LUCIA<br />
“Cocoa butter<br />
is known all<br />
over the world as<br />
a rich moisturiser”<br />
The modern masseuse<br />
You can grow <strong>it</strong>, eat <strong>it</strong> and dr<strong>in</strong>k <strong>it</strong>, but St Lucians<br />
don’t stop there. Some even use cocoa as a sk<strong>in</strong><br />
treatment, as is the case at the Ra<strong>in</strong>forest Spa at<br />
Sugar Beach Resort (sugarbeachresidences.com),<br />
which is tucked enviably at the foot of the iconic<br />
P<strong>it</strong>on mounta<strong>in</strong>s. “Cocoa butter is known the<br />
world round as a rich moisturiser, but we also have<br />
a nourish<strong>in</strong>g chocolate body scrub which uses<br />
locally grown cocoa,” expla<strong>in</strong>s Bibiana Polius, 44,<br />
from Laborie <strong>in</strong> the south of the island.<br />
The cocoa is blended w<strong>it</strong>h organic brown sugar<br />
from Barbados <strong>in</strong>to an exfoliat<strong>in</strong>g scrub to prime<br />
and polish the sk<strong>in</strong>, applied us<strong>in</strong>g long massag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
strokes. “It smells wonderful!” says Bibiana. “But<br />
that’s not all!” She expla<strong>in</strong>s that the cocoa is rich <strong>in</strong><br />
antioxidants and theobrom<strong>in</strong>e (which has a similar<br />
effect to caffe<strong>in</strong>e), <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g blood flow to the sk<strong>in</strong>.<br />
The scrub is not only good enough to eat, <strong>it</strong>’s also<br />
genu<strong>in</strong>ely enrich<strong>in</strong>g and stops your sk<strong>in</strong> from dry<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out – helpful <strong>in</strong> a hot Caribbean climate.<br />
The treatment takes place <strong>in</strong> one of the spa’s<br />
seven treehouses, w<strong>it</strong>h natural light pour<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>.<br />
Once thoroughly scrubbed, clients take a private<br />
open-air bamboo shower to r<strong>in</strong>se off the mixture<br />
before be<strong>in</strong>g generously slathered <strong>in</strong> a m<strong>in</strong>tchocolate<br />
moisturis<strong>in</strong>g oil made by local company<br />
Natmed <strong>in</strong> Rodney Bay. It has just enough fragrance<br />
to carry through the day w<strong>it</strong>hout smell<strong>in</strong>g like<br />
you’ve over<strong>in</strong>dulged on After Eights. Walk<strong>in</strong>g along<br />
the wooden walkways afterwards, among the<br />
tree canopies, <strong>it</strong>’s hard to tell if the scent of cocoa<br />
is com<strong>in</strong>g from your sk<strong>in</strong>, or from the ra<strong>in</strong>forest<br />
around you. In St Lucia, the answer is both.<br />
BE THERE… For more <strong>in</strong>formation, vis<strong>it</strong><br />
sa<strong>in</strong>tluciauk.org. Book your holiday to<br />
St Lucia w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 067
Get the treatment you need sooner<br />
<br />
Spire Healthcare provides expert healthcare<br />
through <strong>it</strong>s network of 39 hosp<strong>it</strong>als and 12 cl<strong>in</strong>ics<br />
across the UK.<br />
Spire Leeds hosp<strong>it</strong>al is amongst Yorkshire’s lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and longest-established private hosp<strong>it</strong>als. Patients<br />
are seen w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> days by the team of over 400<br />
consultant specialists across a range of over 30<br />
medical and surgical services.<br />
The hosp<strong>it</strong>al provides services for adults and<br />
children (from 18 months age).<br />
We know that when you book treatments you<br />
want the reassurance of know<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
advance – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the price.<br />
That is why we are comm<strong>it</strong>ted to offer<strong>in</strong>g clear<br />
<br />
For further <strong>in</strong>formation or to book an<br />
appo<strong>in</strong>tment, please contact us.<br />
0113 218 5977<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@spireleeds.com<br />
*All prices are subject to pre-assessment cr<strong>it</strong>eria. Please note your <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial consultation and any <strong>in</strong>vestigatory tests/scans are not <strong>in</strong>cluded.<br />
Leeds, LS8 1NT<br />
www.spireleeds.com
HILTON | PROMOTION<br />
Turkey’s Unspoiled Gem<br />
The Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa has all the stunn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
views, fabulous d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and energetic enterta<strong>in</strong>ment for a perfect break<br />
Built where the Med<strong>it</strong>erranean Sea meets<br />
the Aegean, the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme<br />
Resort & Spa is the second hotel <strong>in</strong> Europe to<br />
be nom<strong>in</strong>ated a ‘Hilton Worldwide Resort’. A<br />
10-m<strong>in</strong>ute drive from Dalaman airport and a<br />
mere 10-m<strong>in</strong>ute walk from Sarigerme Village,<br />
the Hilton Dalaman is set <strong>in</strong> an ideal location<br />
that blends seamlessly and respectfully<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h nature.<br />
At Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme, the d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
options are designed w<strong>it</strong>h you <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d. Start<br />
the day w<strong>it</strong>h a hearty breakfast or nutr<strong>it</strong>ious<br />
light b<strong>it</strong>e, savour <strong>in</strong>novative dishes prepared<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h only the freshest <strong>in</strong>gredients or simply<br />
relax w<strong>it</strong>h a cup of coffee <strong>in</strong> the hotel lounge.<br />
From bus<strong>in</strong>ess brunches to pre-d<strong>in</strong>ner dr<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
and everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> between, the options<br />
are catered especially for you.<br />
When <strong>it</strong> comes to downtime, you can<br />
relax on the prist<strong>in</strong>e, private beach or choose<br />
from seven outdoor and three <strong>in</strong>door pools.<br />
Admire the spectacular mounta<strong>in</strong> and<br />
Med<strong>it</strong>erranean Sea views from the comfort of<br />
your guest room or upgrade to a deluxe room<br />
to enjoy direct access to the pool.<br />
Rev<strong>it</strong>alise your body and m<strong>in</strong>d w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
treatment at the sumptuous spa, which<br />
features a relax<strong>in</strong>g sauna, steam room and<br />
whirlpool. If you’re feel<strong>in</strong>g active, why not reenergise<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a range of water sports or try a<br />
game of tennis, squash or beach volleyball?<br />
You can also experience a cul<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
adventure at one of the hotel’s 23 fantastic<br />
restaurants and bars. Sample a taste of the<br />
Far East <strong>in</strong> Tao, savour authentic Turkish food<br />
<strong>in</strong> A La Turca and choose from the f<strong>in</strong>est<br />
Italian cuis<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> Alize. For fresh seafood and<br />
Champagne, head to Gl<strong>it</strong>ter, or sip cocktails<br />
and take <strong>in</strong> stunn<strong>in</strong>g sea views from the<br />
rooftop bar Rouge.<br />
Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa is<br />
proud to be a family hotel and offers fun for<br />
all ages, like Kidz Paradise, a club that boasts<br />
plenty of activ<strong>it</strong>ies that give children and<br />
teens the opportun<strong>it</strong>y to meet people their<br />
own age – and parents a carefree night on<br />
the town.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g the perfect hotel<br />
isn’t about luck. It’s simply about<br />
know<strong>in</strong>g the right place to look.<br />
Welcome to a real holiday!
070 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL<br />
Photo: Getty
AMSTERDAM<br />
JUST ADD<br />
WATER<br />
In summer, everyone <strong>in</strong> Amsterdam h<strong>it</strong>s the canals – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the c<strong>it</strong>y’s top chefs<br />
– so chart a course for these aquatic eateries guaranteed to float your boat<br />
Words: Mark Sm<strong>it</strong>h. Photos: Ben Qu<strong>in</strong>ton<br />
Here’s a sober<strong>in</strong>g thought as you touch down at Amsterdam’s<br />
airport: like much of the c<strong>it</strong>y <strong>it</strong> serves, Schiphol is some 3.4m below<br />
sea level. In fact, if <strong>it</strong> weren’t for Amsterdam’s man-made network<br />
of dams and dra<strong>in</strong>age systems, the whole place would be like<br />
Atlantis, but w<strong>it</strong>h better-designed furn<strong>it</strong>ure and more bikes.<br />
Fortunately, Amsterdam’s rich her<strong>it</strong>age as a commercial harbour stands<br />
<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> surpris<strong>in</strong>gly good cul<strong>in</strong>ary stead, desp<strong>it</strong>e a historic propens<strong>it</strong>y for what<br />
Colleen Geske, the author of the blog and book Stuff Dutch People Like,<br />
refers to as “mash<strong>in</strong>g, boil<strong>in</strong>g and deep-fry<strong>in</strong>g the life out of someth<strong>in</strong>g”.<br />
Those days are (almost) gone. There’s currently a thriv<strong>in</strong>g and diverse<br />
d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g scene <strong>in</strong> Amsterdam, and the best way to experience <strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> the summer<br />
months is to go w<strong>it</strong>h the flow – qu<strong>it</strong>e l<strong>it</strong>erally, because the most exc<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
places to eat <strong>in</strong> Amsterdam are found e<strong>it</strong>her beside the canals, or on them.<br />
Frankly, <strong>it</strong>’s enough to make your mouth water.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 071
AMSTERDAM<br />
Wolf Atelier<br />
Nom<strong>in</strong>ative determ<strong>in</strong>ism (the theory that name is dest<strong>in</strong>y) suffered a heavy<br />
blow on the Amsterdam d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g scene <strong>in</strong> 2014 when the well regarded but<br />
woefully under-vis<strong>it</strong>ed Restaurant Open closed <strong>it</strong>s doors. Tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>s place <strong>in</strong><br />
a gorgeous glass oblong perched atop a disused 1920s pivot<strong>in</strong>g railway<br />
bridge <strong>in</strong> the watery world of Westerdok is Wolf Atelier.<br />
The menu here, as devised by 31-year-old chef Michael Wolf, is a game<br />
of two halves. Fifty per cent of the dishes come from Wolf’s tried-and-tested<br />
repertoire; the rema<strong>in</strong>der are more experimental affairs about which d<strong>in</strong>er<br />
feedback is actively sought.<br />
This is the latest venture from IQ Creative, who were beh<strong>in</strong>d the c<strong>it</strong>y’s<br />
slick and bawdy Supperclub, so there’s a certa<strong>in</strong> low-l<strong>it</strong> glamour to the<br />
place, especially when the sun goes down and the flicker<strong>in</strong>g candles create<br />
a pleas<strong>in</strong>g, otherworldly atmosphere. The staff, apparently outf<strong>it</strong>ted <strong>in</strong><br />
collaboration w<strong>it</strong>h Levi’s, are friendly young th<strong>in</strong>gs who add to the buzz, and<br />
the menu has a seafood bias that complements the nautical – and vaguely<br />
naughty – sett<strong>in</strong>g: th<strong>in</strong>k scallops <strong>in</strong> a beer, watercress and lime reduction.<br />
Arrive early and enjoy a goldfish bowl-sized G&T on the spectacular terrace.<br />
wolfatelier.nl<br />
Hungry like the Wolf<br />
Run by man of the moment Michael Wolf<br />
(right), this cool pop-up restaurant is open<br />
throughout the summer<br />
There’s a certa<strong>in</strong><br />
low-l<strong>it</strong> glamour<br />
to Wolf Atelier,<br />
especially when<br />
the sun starts<br />
to go down<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 073
Industrial chic<br />
REM Eiland was orig<strong>in</strong>ally created to broadcast<br />
pirate TV. Lunch dishes like this gourmet salmon<br />
sarnie (far right) are a steal at £6<br />
REM Eiland<br />
Dwarf<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>s vic<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>y, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the float<strong>in</strong>g-c<strong>it</strong>y cruise ships<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g their way to dock, REM Eiland is an enormous wrought-iron rig ris<strong>in</strong>g<br />
some 80m above the waters of the IJ lake <strong>in</strong> the unpronounceable <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
neighbourhood of Haparandadam.<br />
Orig<strong>in</strong>ally devised as a loophole-explo<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g broadcast facil<strong>it</strong>y for pirate<br />
television stations <strong>in</strong> the 1960s, this huge red-and-wh<strong>it</strong>e structure was<br />
dismantled <strong>in</strong> 2006 then towed all the way from <strong>it</strong>s orig<strong>in</strong>al North Sea<br />
location to Amsterdam, where <strong>it</strong> reopened as an upmarket eatery w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>in</strong>credible panoramic views over the c<strong>it</strong>y, the water that made the c<strong>it</strong>y<br />
possible, and the <strong>in</strong>dustrial suburbs. There’s even somewhere to park your<br />
helicopter on the roof, although most d<strong>in</strong>ers just pick their way up the vertigo<strong>in</strong>duc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
external staircases, or take the elevator from street level <strong>in</strong>stead.<br />
Desp<strong>it</strong>e the spectacular surround<strong>in</strong>gs, the menu at REM Eiland is unfussy,<br />
substantial and reasonably priced, w<strong>it</strong>h a three-course menu of hearty<br />
European cuis<strong>in</strong>e com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> at around the £20 mark. One th<strong>in</strong>g’s for sure,<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h such dizzy<strong>in</strong>g views all around you, this is one restaurant where you<br />
won’t be tak<strong>in</strong>g pictures of what’s on your plate.<br />
remeiland.com<br />
074 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
AMSTERDAM<br />
Bluespoon<br />
On Board<br />
Get practis<strong>in</strong>g your best smug face. Although there are dozens of commercial<br />
d<strong>in</strong>ner cruise operations offer<strong>in</strong>g a glass-topped sp<strong>in</strong> around Amsterdam’s<br />
stunn<strong>in</strong>g 17th-century canal belt w<strong>it</strong>h a so-so meal for £50 per person, the<br />
same outlay will rent you a handsome, open-topped electric boat for an hour<br />
that can accommodate up to 12 people. You don’t even need a licence to<br />
helm one – just nom<strong>in</strong>ate the member of your party who’s handiest at the<br />
Xbox’s Blood Wake as designated skipper.<br />
The real joy of such an excursion is that you can order a gourmet picnic,<br />
delivered direct to your vessel at the water’s edge outside one of the c<strong>it</strong>y’s<br />
most dribble-worthy restaurants. Bluespoon is the foodie component of the<br />
Andaz Amsterdam Pr<strong>in</strong>sengracht hotel, as designed by the “Lady Gaga of<br />
Dutch design”, Marcel Wanders. Ingeniously, the Bluespoon On Board service<br />
offers handily packaged platters for float<strong>in</strong>g gluttons, compris<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from Amsterdam meat staple b<strong>it</strong>terballen to fresh oysters from Zeeland.<br />
The succulent outsized chicken goujons could teach a certa<strong>in</strong> colonel<br />
a th<strong>in</strong>g or two. Just phone <strong>in</strong> your order w<strong>it</strong>h half an hour’s notice, set<br />
sail for 587 Pr<strong>in</strong>sengracht, and pig out <strong>in</strong> bliss w<strong>it</strong>h the w<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> your hair.<br />
sloepdelen.nl/en<br />
Boatylicious!<br />
The coolest way to explore the c<strong>it</strong>y is<br />
by charter<strong>in</strong>g your own vessel for an<br />
Amsterdam-style booze (and food) cruise<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 075
Great value w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
4 and 5 star service<br />
Located <strong>in</strong> prime locations and carefully selected accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to our strict qual<strong>it</strong>y standards, SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts<br />
make sure you have the best possible holiday<br />
• Holiday Plus Activ<strong>it</strong>ies - activ<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
and enterta<strong>in</strong>ment for all ages<br />
• Free Wi-Fi <strong>in</strong> selected areas of the hotel<br />
• Holiday Concierge - help<strong>in</strong>g you get<br />
the most out of your holiday<br />
• SENTIDO K<strong>it</strong>chen - cul<strong>in</strong>ary delights,<br />
fresh and seasonal as well as<br />
locally sourced<br />
• Breakfast served until midday<br />
Discover SENTIDO <strong>in</strong> these<br />
exc<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
Turkey | Tunisia | Greece | Canaries<br />
Balearics | Cyprus | Egypt<br />
<strong>Thailand</strong> | Bulgaria | Croatia<br />
To view our SENTIDO offers vis<strong>it</strong> thomascook.com/SENTIDO<br />
SENTIDO Reef Oasis Senses Resort, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt<br />
SENTIDO Phenicia, Hammamet, Tunisia<br />
SENTIDO Gran Canaria Pr<strong>in</strong>cess, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
Even the<br />
condiments<br />
are an event<br />
– goat<br />
s’ butter<br />
is served <strong>in</strong> an<br />
oyster shell<br />
AMSTERDAM<br />
Bridg<strong>in</strong>g the gap<br />
Under the stewardship of Bobby Rust (above)<br />
Bridges serves food that’s almost too good to<br />
eat, such as this elegant lobster dish (below)<br />
Bridges<br />
As many an Amsterdammer will proudly attest, the Netherlands’ cap<strong>it</strong>al<br />
c<strong>it</strong>y boasts more bridges than Venice. And w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s latest cul<strong>in</strong>ary venture<br />
<strong>it</strong> has exerted a brazen claim for European cul<strong>in</strong>ary supremacy, too. The<br />
c<strong>it</strong>y’s foremost celebr<strong>it</strong>y chef, Ron Blaauw (th<strong>in</strong>k a marg<strong>in</strong>ally jollier Gordon<br />
Ramsay), has recently <strong>in</strong>stalled his fresh-faced protégé Bobby Rust at the<br />
helm of Bridges, the storied “v<strong>in</strong>s and f<strong>in</strong>s” (that’s w<strong>in</strong>e and fish) restaurant<br />
at Sof<strong>it</strong>el Legend The Grand.<br />
This c<strong>it</strong>y-centre hotel (trad<strong>it</strong>ionally the go-to place for royal wedd<strong>in</strong>gs) is<br />
already an annual fixture on foodie calendars for <strong>it</strong>s big-h<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g Stars, Food &<br />
Art event, and Bridges’ location on the serene southerly stretch of the ancient<br />
Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal guarantees su<strong>it</strong>ably stately views – if you can<br />
tear your eyes away from the picture-perfect pesce on your plate, that is.<br />
Even the condiments here are an event – pearl-shaped help<strong>in</strong>gs of goats’<br />
butter are fashioned <strong>in</strong>to perfect spheres and served <strong>in</strong>side a giant oyster<br />
shell – and ma<strong>in</strong>s such as slow-cooked cod w<strong>it</strong>h bone marrow, hummus,<br />
coriander and harira are every b<strong>it</strong> as exquis<strong>it</strong>e as the restaurant’s priceless<br />
mural by artist Karel Appel, but taste considerably nicer.<br />
bridgesrestaurant.nl<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 077
AMSTERDAM<br />
Meal ticket<br />
Lazy Sunday brunch on a boat? Count us <strong>in</strong>.<br />
Gs Brunch trips chug along Amsterdam’s<br />
famous waterways for two hours<br />
Gs Brunch<br />
The float<strong>in</strong>g wooden offshoot of a friendly l<strong>it</strong>tle cocktail bar <strong>in</strong> the Jordaan<br />
district, Gs Brunch boat is a f<strong>in</strong>e way to enjoy a beverage or two on the<br />
water w<strong>it</strong>hout <strong>in</strong>curr<strong>in</strong>g the wrath of the c<strong>it</strong>y’s Water Police, who can spot<br />
a tipsy skipper from a mile off. As w<strong>it</strong>h the bricks-and-mortar mothership,<br />
Gs serves egg-centric brunch dishes alongside classic Bloody Marys, and is<br />
unabashed about <strong>it</strong>s offer<strong>in</strong>g’s hangover-salv<strong>in</strong>g credentials.<br />
The menu, which is conveyed via the sleeves of v<strong>in</strong>yl records from the<br />
1960s and 1970s, features mid-morn<strong>in</strong>g classics such as eggs Benedict,<br />
as well as the more adventurous Ibiza salad, a health-conscious concoction<br />
of sp<strong>in</strong>ach, qu<strong>in</strong>oa and adzuki beans that would have Gillian McKe<strong>it</strong>h<br />
cartwheel<strong>in</strong>g down the poop deck w<strong>it</strong>h exc<strong>it</strong>ement.<br />
The m<strong>in</strong>ute food preparation corner isn’t the most sophisticated set-up<br />
ever to h<strong>it</strong> the waves, but that’s all part of <strong>it</strong>s charm. The ship collects <strong>it</strong>s<br />
human cargo twice a day on Saturdays and Sundays from outside the Anne<br />
Frank Museum and sails for two hours. At under £30 per person for food, two<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>ks and coffee, you’d be hard-pressed to f<strong>in</strong>d a better value excursion.<br />
reallyniceplace.com<br />
BE THERE… D<strong>in</strong>e on Amsterdam’s canals! Book at thomascook.com<br />
078 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
GET CLOSE TO REMBRANDT<br />
Jodenbreestraat 4, Amsterdam, The Netherlands | Daily: 10 AM - 6 PM<br />
www.rembrandthuis.nl
CANARIES<br />
Turn up the<br />
Forget the cabaret bars, karaoke and clubs – there’s more to the Canaries’ music scene than you th<strong>in</strong>k. We look at the chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sounds of the islands that s<strong>in</strong>g… Words: Andrea Montgomery. Photos: Tim E Wh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 081
Beach-house music<br />
Kaluna’s clientele are more<br />
<strong>in</strong>to relax<strong>in</strong>g by the pool than<br />
clubb<strong>in</strong>g all night long<br />
A<br />
s the glow<strong>in</strong>g sunset fades, the neon<br />
lights cast shadows on the soft sand<br />
and wh<strong>it</strong>e Bal<strong>in</strong>ese-style beds of the<br />
Bahía Beach club (bahiabeachtenerife.<br />
com) <strong>in</strong> Palm-Mar. Centre stage, a bik<strong>in</strong>i-clad<br />
dancer shimmies to the beat of the bongos<br />
as they crescendo above the hypnotic dance<br />
soundtrack. Down by the shore, a fire-eater<br />
exhales a fireball to welcome the night. This is<br />
the Fiesta de San Juan, Midsummer’s Eve, when<br />
Tenerife’s locals take to the beaches to light<br />
bonfires, play music and bathe <strong>in</strong> the midnight<br />
waters. It’s a time of renewal, when one season<br />
ends and another beg<strong>in</strong>s – and the idea of change<br />
is someth<strong>in</strong>g the island is only too familiar w<strong>it</strong>h.<br />
Rid<strong>in</strong>g on Ibiza’s coat tails as the dance cap<strong>it</strong>al<br />
of Europe, Tenerife’s club scene h<strong>it</strong> the big time<br />
<strong>in</strong> the 1990s, attract<strong>in</strong>g top DJs and hordes of<br />
young clubbers to party at the <strong>in</strong>famous Veronicas<br />
and Starco. Two decades later, as tourism turns<br />
towards a more chic clientele, the music scene is<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g a makeover.<br />
Beneath the thatched roof of a palapa<br />
(gazebo) at the exclusive Kaluna Beach Club<br />
(kalunabeachclub.com) <strong>in</strong> Costa Adeje, one of<br />
the island’s top DJs, Jacobo Padilla, who has been<br />
beh<strong>in</strong>d decks s<strong>in</strong>ce 1994, has mixed feel<strong>in</strong>gs about<br />
the changes. “There isn’t really clubb<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
same sense on Tenerife now,” he says. “I never play<br />
techno any more. The scene is more chilled, and I<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>it</strong>’s better. But the people have changed, too.<br />
Now they don’t want to party-party, they’re still <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the music and also <strong>in</strong>to postureo [pos<strong>in</strong>g].”<br />
082 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
“The clubbers now come<br />
to chill out and enjoy<br />
music dur<strong>in</strong>g the day”<br />
Sunset vibes<br />
Forget Cafe Mambo – when the<br />
sun goes down, there’s only one<br />
place to be: Bahía Beach club<br />
CANARIES<br />
His Kaluna colleague Billy Blanco agrees. “I’ve<br />
been a DJ here s<strong>in</strong>ce I was 13 years old,” he says.<br />
“I was like a mascot at Bobby’s [one of Tenerife’s<br />
less salubrious clubs]. Back then, every day was<br />
like Nott<strong>in</strong>g Hill Carnival – <strong>it</strong> was one long party.<br />
But those clubbers have got older, got married<br />
and had kids. Now they just come here to chill<br />
out and enjoy the music by day <strong>in</strong>stead.”<br />
Around Kaluna’s <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>y pool, <strong>it</strong>’s an even mix<br />
of locals and holidaymakers b<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to burgers,<br />
sipp<strong>in</strong>g cocktails and soak<strong>in</strong>g up the sun while<br />
listen<strong>in</strong>g to the grooves of resident DJ Stuart<br />
Stone. It’s not so much sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll<br />
as decks, lunch and kir royale. “We call <strong>it</strong> beachhouse<br />
music,” says Stuart.<br />
There’s l<strong>it</strong>tle left of the old Veronicas crowd<br />
– the clubbers and the Club 18-30-ers have<br />
e<strong>it</strong>her moved on, or moved up. Now <strong>it</strong>’s all about<br />
ambient d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Bobby’s has long s<strong>in</strong>ce closed<br />
and been replaced by the exclusive Papagayao<br />
Beach Club (papagayobeachclub.com). This is<br />
the new face of Tenerife clubb<strong>in</strong>g, where daytime<br />
gastronomy blends <strong>in</strong>to nighttime dance mixes<br />
featur<strong>in</strong>g top DJs such as John Digweed and the<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong>ez Brothers.<br />
One of the most established spots <strong>in</strong> the south<br />
is Monkey Beach Club (grupomonkey.com), which<br />
fronts the Troya beaches on the Costa Adeje<br />
coastl<strong>in</strong>e. Owner Javier Cabrera now closes his<br />
doors altogether on w<strong>in</strong>ter nights. In summer he<br />
favours live enterta<strong>in</strong>ment such as the Superstars<br />
Party Show, consign<strong>in</strong>g beach parties to weekends<br />
only. A few steps away, at Restaurant Terrazza del<br />
Mare (laterrazzadelmare.com), manager Iru is<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g to make the decks-and-d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g concept<br />
even more experiential, <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g Cirque du<br />
Soleil-type performances along w<strong>it</strong>h top DJs from<br />
Europe and the US and a tapas menu, which will<br />
be available <strong>in</strong>to the early hours.<br />
Similar changes are occurr<strong>in</strong>g just across<br />
the water <strong>in</strong> Gran Canaria. But <strong>in</strong> contrast to<br />
Tenerife’s burgeon<strong>in</strong>g chill-out and cuis<strong>in</strong>e scene,<br />
cosmopol<strong>it</strong>an cap<strong>it</strong>al Las Palmas de Gran Canaria<br />
offers a more upbeat soundtrack. “Here <strong>in</strong> Las<br />
Palmas, we are much more focused on live music,”<br />
Photos: Getty<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 083
CANARIES<br />
“There isn’t<br />
clubb<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
same sense <strong>in</strong><br />
Tenerife now”<br />
H<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g the decks<br />
Kaluna’s DJ Jacobo Padilla (left)<br />
might have mixed feel<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
about the recent changes, but<br />
he looks pretty happy to us<br />
agrees Victor Ordóñez. Victor is the found<strong>in</strong>g<br />
member, lead s<strong>in</strong>ger and gu<strong>it</strong>arist of The<br />
Good Company, one of the Canary Islands’<br />
most successful <strong>in</strong>die bands. Their third album,<br />
Walden Year, was f<strong>in</strong>anced through crowdfund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and has recently been released to local<br />
acclaim, and they play the free LPA Beer & Music<br />
Festival (18-20 September) held <strong>in</strong> Parque<br />
Santa Catal<strong>in</strong>a this autumn.<br />
But right now <strong>it</strong>’s Friday night, and as the long<br />
siesta ends and the early even<strong>in</strong>g buzz beg<strong>in</strong>s,<br />
the bars throw open their doors and the music<br />
heats up. Cross<strong>in</strong>g the Gu<strong>in</strong>iguada bridge that<br />
marks the trans<strong>it</strong>ion from Triana to Vegueta,<br />
we pop <strong>in</strong>to the atmospheric Te lo dije Pérez<br />
(6 Calle Obispo Cod<strong>in</strong>a), a favour<strong>it</strong>e haunt of<br />
local musicians, to s<strong>in</strong>k a bottle of beer before<br />
head<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the heart of the Old Quarter.<br />
“Here, <strong>in</strong> Vegueta and Triana, this is the<br />
hipster side of the c<strong>it</strong>y,” Victor expla<strong>in</strong>s, as we<br />
stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets where,<br />
beneath the gothic gaze of the cathedral, seats<br />
at pavement tables are fill<strong>in</strong>g fast. “Las Canteras<br />
beach, where we are go<strong>in</strong>g tomorrow night, is the<br />
rock and <strong>in</strong>die side.”<br />
Beh<strong>in</strong>d the façades of colonial and neo-classical<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs, some dat<strong>in</strong>g back to when the c<strong>it</strong>y was<br />
first established around 500 years ago, small<br />
atmospheric bars hum w<strong>it</strong>h chatter from the c<strong>it</strong>y’s<br />
<strong>in</strong>-crowd. As the shadows engulf the streets, we<br />
head to the La Azotea de Ben<strong>it</strong>o bar on the roof of<br />
the Monopol commercial centre, where a cocoa<br />
Negroni is a damn good accompaniment to the<br />
laidback funk and sunset skies.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g the crowd, we head to The Paper<br />
Club (10 Calle Remedios), the c<strong>it</strong>y’s premier music<br />
venue, which is housed <strong>in</strong> a former pr<strong>in</strong>tworks.<br />
Live jazz sessions are <strong>in</strong> full sw<strong>in</strong>g, and as the clock<br />
ticks towards the early hours, we enter a world of<br />
blue lights, <strong>in</strong>dustrial chic and c<strong>it</strong>y scenesters.<br />
At the other end of the c<strong>it</strong>y, Saturday night<br />
is time for the Ruta Playa Viva (lpamar.com),<br />
084 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
NEW
We are comm<strong>it</strong>ted to provid<strong>in</strong>g every guest w<strong>it</strong>h the<br />
hassle-free, memorable vacation experiences they deserve.<br />
EXPLORE THE WORLD<br />
of Diamond Resorts International® and receive a 10% DISCOUNT* on your next stay.<br />
Book onl<strong>in</strong>e at DiamondResortsandHotels.com<br />
or Call +44 (0)800 358 6991<br />
Mention code ENJOY10 to receive your discount.<br />
*Subject to availabil<strong>it</strong>y. Cannot be used <strong>in</strong> conjunction w<strong>it</strong>h any other offer. Offer valid for book<strong>in</strong>g until 31 December 2015.<br />
24700.0715
CANARIES<br />
Island records<br />
Gran Canaria’s flourish<strong>in</strong>g live<br />
music scene <strong>in</strong>cludes Karma<br />
(far left); The Good Company<br />
(top) w<strong>it</strong>h Victor Ordóñez far<br />
left; and The Paper Club (left)<br />
a weekly series of live music sessions held<br />
at key venues alongside Las Canteras beach.<br />
In the early even<strong>in</strong>g, the promenade that runs<br />
from the Alfredo Kraus Aud<strong>it</strong>orium throngs<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h beach lovers.<br />
But by 7.30pm, at the corner spot occupied<br />
by the NYC Taxi Bar (25 Calle Numancia), the<br />
band Karma are play<strong>in</strong>g crowd-pleas<strong>in</strong>g h<strong>it</strong>s such<br />
as AC/DC’s Highway To Hell, Queen’s I Want To<br />
Break Free and Joan Jett’s I Love Rock ’n’ Roll. The<br />
set f<strong>in</strong>ishes right on cue for the crowds to turn<br />
and photograph the blood-red sun dipp<strong>in</strong>g below<br />
the horizon; then <strong>it</strong>’s time to move on to the next<br />
venue. The sun may be sett<strong>in</strong>g on another Canary<br />
island day but the night is only just beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
the c<strong>it</strong>y’s music scene is alive and kick<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
HEAR THIS: Catch DJ Jacobo Padilla at<br />
various clubs <strong>in</strong> Tenerife (facebook.com/<br />
djjacobopadilla), and The Good Company<br />
(facebook.com/thegoodcompany) at venues<br />
across Las Palmas. Fly to Gran Canaria and<br />
Tenerife w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com<br />
Special thanks to Tenerife Tourism (webtenerife.co.uk) and Gran Canaria Tourism (grancanaria.com)<br />
Tune <strong>in</strong> to the Canaries<br />
TENERIFE<br />
Ambient afternoons<br />
At Kaluna Beach Club (Torviscas Bajo, +34 922<br />
713 889, kalunabeachclub.com), open every<br />
day from 11am – 10pm. Pool parties (1pm – 10pm)<br />
are held every Sat.<br />
Sunset sounds<br />
At Bahía Beach club (Palm-Mar, +34 822<br />
141 225, bahiabeachtenerife.com), open<br />
every day from 11:30am – 8pm (until 10pm<br />
Fri-Sun).<br />
LAS PALMAS LAS PALMAS LAS PALMAS<br />
Kick off w<strong>it</strong>h cocktails<br />
At La Azotea de Ben<strong>it</strong>o bar (CC Monopol,<br />
+34 928 367 450), open every day from 5pm<br />
– 1am (from 4pm Fri-Sun; until 2am Thu-Sat).<br />
TENERIFE<br />
Keep <strong>it</strong> live<br />
At Ruta Playa Viva, which h<strong>it</strong>s various venues<br />
along Paseo de Las Canteras every Fri and Sat.<br />
See lpamar.com for details.<br />
TENERIFE<br />
Enjoy the show<br />
At Monkey Beach Club (Playa Troya, +34 922<br />
790 656, grupomonkey.com), open every day<br />
from 10:30am – 12mn (until 2am Fri and Sat). The<br />
Superstars Party Show is held every Mon and Wed.<br />
Grungy vibes<br />
At The Paper Club (10 Calle Remedios, Vegueta,<br />
+34 928 930 557, thepaperclubcanarias.com),<br />
open Thu-Sat from 11pm – 4am.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 087
LOOKING FOR A PROPERTY IN PORTUGAL?<br />
We have over 165 agencies nationwide w<strong>it</strong>h over 2000 agents<br />
<br />
Opportun<strong>it</strong>y to buy a 6 bedroom<br />
house w<strong>it</strong>h panoramic sea<br />
views located 15 m<strong>in</strong>utes from<br />
Faro Airport, beaches and golf<br />
courses for 399.000€<br />
For further <strong>in</strong>formation contact:<br />
Tel: +351 289 355 503<br />
Mobile: +351 910 806 600<br />
Email: almancil@era.pt<br />
www.era.pt/almancil
Golfers ’ paradise<br />
GLORIA HOTELS & RESORTS | PROMOTION<br />
Gloria Hotels & Resorts, one of Turkey’s biggest golf supporters, is a new partner of the Solheim Cup<br />
Beautiful weather and fabulous courses<br />
have made Belek, <strong>in</strong> Turkey, one of the<br />
world’s fastest-grow<strong>in</strong>g golf regions – a<br />
movement led by Gloria Hotels & Resorts.<br />
Its 45-hole complex at Gloria Golf Club is<br />
the largest <strong>in</strong> the country, and has become<br />
a popular venue for compet<strong>it</strong>ions such as<br />
the World Amateur Team Championships,<br />
International Team Championships and<br />
high-class events run by the Professional<br />
Golf Associations of Europe.<br />
But the hotel group’s <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the<br />
sport extends far beyond the Turkish<br />
Riviera. Its owners consider the promotion<br />
of golf for all ages, both male and female,<br />
an important matter, and so support<br />
numerous golf events around the world.<br />
Most recently, <strong>it</strong> became a new partner<br />
of the 2015 Solheim Cup – golf’s largest<br />
ladies tournament – which is to be held<br />
on 18-20 September at St. Lean-Rot Golf<br />
Club, <strong>in</strong> Germany.<br />
"As the new official partner of the<br />
Solheim Cup, we look forward to<br />
support<strong>in</strong>g the dedicated female golfers.<br />
Our professional expertise <strong>in</strong> the area<br />
of golf is reflected also <strong>in</strong> our preferred<br />
partnership w<strong>it</strong>h the PGAs of Europe, who<br />
use our premises regularly," says Öznur<br />
Özdemir Özalt<strong>in</strong>, CEO of Gloria Hotels<br />
& Resorts. "The Solheim Cup as a major<br />
sport<strong>in</strong>g event, be<strong>in</strong>g a counterpart of<br />
the Ryder Cup, proves clearly, that golf is<br />
equally favoured by both genders and that<br />
the best 12 female golfers from Europe<br />
and the USA can create exc<strong>it</strong>ement <strong>in</strong> the<br />
battle for the popular trophy."<br />
It’s all set to be an exc<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g event. After<br />
European victories <strong>in</strong> 2011 and 2013, the<br />
USA team will be go<strong>in</strong>g all out to prevent the<br />
three-peat and take the trophy back home.<br />
While the world’s top stars h<strong>it</strong> the<br />
fairways <strong>in</strong> Germany, you could be hon<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your own short game while stay<strong>in</strong>g at one<br />
of Gloria’s three five-star resorts <strong>in</strong> Belek,<br />
just 30km from Antalya Airport. Even if<br />
golf’s not your th<strong>in</strong>g, there’s plenty else<br />
to keep you enterta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the sun. The<br />
Gloria Sports Arena offers the facil<strong>it</strong>ies to<br />
play more than 50 sports, while the resorts<br />
boast luxurious Oriental spa treatments,<br />
gourmet experiences and leisure activ<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
for all the family.<br />
gloria.com.tr
PROMOTION | RESTAURANTS<br />
Restaurant Guide: Greece<br />
1. 1901 RESTAURANT<br />
SKIATHOS, GREECE<br />
This restaurant was opened 14 years ago and is housed <strong>in</strong> a renovated<br />
100-year-old stone build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the narrow streets of the old town, mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this a delightful spot <strong>in</strong> which to f<strong>in</strong>ish your day. Chef Petros Pikoulas<br />
oversees a unique menu that offers Med<strong>it</strong>erranean cuis<strong>in</strong>e, updated<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h creative Greek touches – th<strong>in</strong>k fish w<strong>it</strong>h crayfish sauce, lamb chops<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h pesto, and steak w<strong>it</strong>h stuffed artichokes and sp<strong>in</strong>ach salad, all at a<br />
reasonable price. You’ll also f<strong>in</strong>d friendly service and a great w<strong>in</strong>e list, as well<br />
as fantastic jazz and easy-listen<strong>in</strong>g music. It’s open every day from 6.30pm.<br />
Grigoriu E, Skiathos<br />
+30 24270 21717, skiathos1901.gr, skiathos1901@yahoo.gr<br />
3. PARADOSIAKO RESTAURANT<br />
ZANTE, GREECE<br />
The Greek word paradosiako translates as ‘trad<strong>it</strong>ional’, so <strong>it</strong>’s no surprise<br />
that this restaurant, on the island of Zante, specialises <strong>in</strong> trad<strong>it</strong>ional Greek,<br />
or Zakynthian, dishes. Its recipes, such as moussaka and kokk<strong>in</strong>isto (meat<br />
cooked <strong>in</strong> tomato sauce), are all authentic and have been handed down<br />
from generation to generation. They also have one essential <strong>in</strong>gredient<br />
<strong>in</strong> common – the f<strong>in</strong>est virg<strong>in</strong> olive oil, which is produced from the<br />
restaurant’s home-grown olive trees, and complemented w<strong>it</strong>h delicious<br />
fresh herbs. Stop by for a true taste of Greek trad<strong>it</strong>ion.<br />
Alykes Riverside, Zakynthos<br />
+30 2695 083412, paradosiako.com.gr, <strong>in</strong>fo@paradosiako.com.gr<br />
1<br />
3<br />
2<br />
4<br />
2. WONDER RESTAURANT<br />
RHODES, GREECE<br />
Housed <strong>in</strong> a beautiful neoclassical build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Rhodes Town, Wonder<br />
Restaurant has amassed rave reviews s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>it</strong> opened <strong>in</strong> 2001. For two<br />
years runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong> was awarded a certificate of excellence by TripAdvisor<br />
and ga<strong>in</strong>ed praise from the Alpha Guide for <strong>it</strong>s creative <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
cuis<strong>in</strong>e, which comb<strong>in</strong>es Med<strong>it</strong>erranean dishes and Baltic <strong>in</strong>gredients<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h an Asian twist, and a great selection of w<strong>in</strong>es. The tranquil sett<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
surrounded by colourful flowers, makes <strong>it</strong> the perfect place to enjoy <strong>it</strong>s<br />
seasonal menu, such as the scallops kataifi and fillet of sole.<br />
16-18 El. Venizelou, Rhodes Town<br />
+30 2241 039805, restaurantwonder.gr<br />
4. RESTAURANT REX<br />
CORFU, GREECE<br />
Orig<strong>in</strong>ally opened <strong>in</strong> 1932, this Corfu <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution is now owned by the<br />
Katsaros family, who have cont<strong>in</strong>ued the restaurant’s focus on a wide<br />
choice of trad<strong>it</strong>ional dishes, first-class service and cook<strong>in</strong>g. Located on<br />
Kapodistriou Street, one of the more central and historic byways <strong>in</strong> town,<br />
<strong>it</strong> benef<strong>it</strong>s from a beautiful sett<strong>in</strong>g, surrounded by many build<strong>in</strong>gs dat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back to the French occupation. Inside the walls are covered by pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
show<strong>in</strong>g the beauty of Corfu, while the family atmosphere is the perfect<br />
environment to enjoy the f<strong>in</strong>e food and w<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
66 Kapodistriou Street, Corfu Town<br />
+30 26610 39649, rexrestaurant.gr, rex1932@otenet.gr
Restaurant Guide: Greece<br />
RESTAURANTS | PROMOTION<br />
5. PRIMA PLORA<br />
CRETE, GREECE<br />
Whether eat<strong>in</strong>g out or at home, the taste and qual<strong>it</strong>y of the meals we eat<br />
depends on the <strong>in</strong>gredients that we use. It is w<strong>it</strong>h this pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d<br />
that Prima Plora avoids mass-produced raw materials, or those cultivated<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g pesticides and fertilisers, but <strong>in</strong>stead works only w<strong>it</strong>h small, local<br />
producers that share the restaurant’s philosophy. It stays away from<br />
GM foods, and only serves animals that have been raised outdoors.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the restaurant’s owners, “We strive for what we love <strong>in</strong> a<br />
world that has forgotten the value of food <strong>in</strong> our lives.”<br />
8 Akrotiriou, Rethymnon, Crete<br />
+30 28310 56990, <strong>in</strong>fo.primaplora@gmail.com<br />
7. GIARDINO CITTÁ<br />
CORFU, GREECE<br />
Giard<strong>in</strong>o C<strong>it</strong>tá has been operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Corfu for 25 years, dur<strong>in</strong>g which<br />
time <strong>it</strong> has become one of the few timeless restaurants on the island.<br />
Located <strong>in</strong> Corfu Town’s historic centre, just a few m<strong>in</strong>utes away from<br />
Spianada and Liston squares, and the museums, <strong>it</strong>s delicious dishes<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude the day’s fresh fish, lobsters, fru<strong>it</strong>s de mer, T-bone steak, fresh<br />
pasta and ravioli, and exquis<strong>it</strong>e homemade desserts. W<strong>it</strong>h a focus on high<br />
qual<strong>it</strong>y and service, Giard<strong>in</strong>o C<strong>it</strong>tá is a great place to enjoy f<strong>in</strong>e food, while<br />
relax<strong>in</strong>g to jazz music <strong>in</strong> a cosy environment.<br />
9 Guilford, Porta Remunda, Corfu Town<br />
+30 26610 30723, ilgiard<strong>in</strong>o@cyta.gr<br />
5<br />
7<br />
6<br />
8<br />
6. RESTAURANT LIOTRIVI<br />
KOS, GREECE<br />
Whether you want to enjoy a quiet dr<strong>in</strong>k or great food from the<br />
Med<strong>it</strong>erranean and beyond, or simply check out a 250-year-old olive<br />
press, Liotrivi offers all of that, as well as an amaz<strong>in</strong>g seafront location, <strong>in</strong><br />
which you can d<strong>in</strong>e to the calm<strong>in</strong>g sounds of the sea. Start the day w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
coffees and snacks, swim <strong>in</strong> crystal waters or relax on comfortable sun<br />
beds, <strong>in</strong>dulge yourself w<strong>it</strong>h cocktails and great music, before f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the day <strong>in</strong> style w<strong>it</strong>h fresh grilled fish. Liotrivi is designed to serve every<br />
taste, from the average traveller to the most demand<strong>in</strong>g palate.<br />
Kardamena, Kos<br />
+30 2242 091625, ykopanas@gmail.com<br />
8. BLUE NOTE RESTAURANT<br />
SANTORINI, GREECE<br />
In the southern part of Santor<strong>in</strong>i, you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d the trad<strong>it</strong>ional village of<br />
Imerovigli. It s<strong>it</strong>s on the highest po<strong>in</strong>t of the caldera, and so provides the<br />
f<strong>in</strong>est views of the Med<strong>it</strong>erranean sea, as well as one of the most famous<br />
and beautiful sunsets <strong>in</strong> the world. And you can enjoy all this at the Blue<br />
Note restaurant, where this stunn<strong>in</strong>g panorama complements a modern<br />
take on trad<strong>it</strong>ional Greek dishes, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g fresh fish and lobster. Even if<br />
you’re not d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, what could be better than dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g cocktails or coffee<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a view of the volcano?<br />
Imerovigli, Santor<strong>in</strong>i<br />
+30 22860 23771, bluenote.gr, <strong>in</strong>fo@bluenote.gr
PROMOTION | RESTAURANTS<br />
Restaurant Guide: Portugal & Turkey<br />
9. ELE E ELA RESTAURANT<br />
CARVOEIRO, PORTUGAL<br />
Chef Harald at Ele e Ela Restaurant is a big fan of add<strong>in</strong>g his creative<br />
flair to the dishes. For proof of this just look to the house special<strong>it</strong>y,<br />
the lamb shank, which is cooked w<strong>it</strong>h oriental spices. Complement<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the delicious food is a more-than-welcom<strong>in</strong>g service and an extensive<br />
w<strong>in</strong>e list. Located <strong>in</strong> Carvoeiro, <strong>in</strong> the western Algarve, the restaurant<br />
is open every day except Mondays and offers very good value for<br />
money. W<strong>it</strong>h an <strong>in</strong>timate bistro ambience, an <strong>in</strong>ventive menu and high<br />
qual<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong>gredients, Ele e Ela Restaurant should be top of your list for an<br />
even<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> Carvoeiro. Phone reservations are recommended.<br />
28 Rua do Barranco, Carvoeiro, +351 282 357 509<br />
11. TAJ MAHAL<br />
MARMARIS, TURKEY<br />
This authentic Indian restaurant has made <strong>it</strong>s name as the best curry<br />
house <strong>in</strong> Marmaris. All <strong>it</strong>s dishes are freshly prepared and are made<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g spices specially imported from Asia. It was first opened <strong>in</strong> 1997<br />
by a Bradford chef and serves up trad<strong>it</strong>ional curries, as well as all your<br />
Br<strong>it</strong>ish favour<strong>it</strong>es. The restaurant, on the ma<strong>in</strong> street "Kemal Seyfett<strong>in</strong><br />
Elg<strong>in</strong> Bulvari", has proved <strong>in</strong>credibly popular and has recently opened a<br />
new branch <strong>in</strong> Icmeler. Both open at 5pm.<br />
K.S Elg<strong>in</strong> Blv. No 54/17, Karacon Plaza, Marmaris, Turkey<br />
Marmaris +90 252 4174412, Icmeler +90 252 4554721<br />
tajmahalmarmaris.com, <strong>in</strong>fo@tajmahalmarmaris.com<br />
9<br />
11<br />
10<br />
12<br />
10. RESTINGA<br />
PORTIMÃO, PORTUGAL<br />
In the former fish<strong>in</strong>g village of Alvor, and boast<strong>in</strong>g a magnificent view<br />
over the nearby beach and Lagos bay, Rest<strong>in</strong>ga doubles as a restaurant<br />
and bar. It has been built accord<strong>in</strong>g to Portugal’s new environmental rules<br />
and so comprises two areas – an outdoor terrace, designed for relax<strong>in</strong>g<br />
afternoons w<strong>it</strong>h a sea breeze and delicious meals and snacks, and an <strong>in</strong>ner<br />
room decked out w<strong>it</strong>h natural woods and a simple decor. The beautiful yet<br />
simple sett<strong>in</strong>g puts the focus on the food and the exquis<strong>it</strong>e flavours used.<br />
Rest<strong>in</strong>ga’s k<strong>it</strong>chen takes care to reflect the soul of the Algarve by serv<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
well-crafted selection of seafood, grilled meats and fish.<br />
Praia de Alvor, +351 282 459 434, rest<strong>in</strong>ga.pt, <strong>in</strong>fo@rest<strong>in</strong>ga.pt<br />
12. TUTTAPANNA<br />
VILAMOURA, PORTUGAL<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>it</strong>s open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2008, Tuttapanna has dedicated <strong>it</strong>self to serv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
top-qual<strong>it</strong>y, authentic flavours from Italy and around the world. And<br />
after <strong>it</strong>s renovation and reopen<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>it</strong> has taken <strong>it</strong>s foodie appeal to a<br />
new level. At Tuttapanna dishes are cooked right <strong>in</strong> front of you by the<br />
chef Anderson Sousa – try the delicious fresh sushi. To complement<br />
your meal the restaurant also offers a well-stocked w<strong>in</strong>e cellar, w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a bottle to su<strong>it</strong> every dish, as well as <strong>it</strong>s famed Roman ice creams –<br />
there’s noth<strong>in</strong>g better on a hot day <strong>in</strong> Portugal.<br />
2 Av. Tivoli, Vilamoura, +351 289 047 140, facebook.com/<br />
tuttapanna.vilamoura, gelatarea.tuttapanna@gmail.com
Restaurant Guide: UK & Cyprus<br />
RESTAURANTS | PROMOTION<br />
13. NEIGHBOURHOOD<br />
MANCHESTER, UK<br />
Inspired by Manhattan’s iconic neighbourhoods, this New York-style<br />
eatery and bar is a sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g light of Manchester’s unique and casual f<strong>in</strong>ed<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
scene. The menu promises exc<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g food prepared w<strong>it</strong>h the highest<br />
qual<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong>gredients, and the <strong>in</strong>terior is sleek and <strong>in</strong>dustrial chic.<br />
Located <strong>in</strong> the heart of Sp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gfields, Neighbourhood is the c<strong>it</strong>y’s<br />
number-one celeb haunt, count<strong>in</strong>g the Manchester Un<strong>it</strong>ed and Manchester<br />
C<strong>it</strong>y football teams among <strong>it</strong>s frequent guests, while Olly Murs, Miley Cyrus<br />
and a huge list of other stars have recognised the venue as the perfect<br />
location to d<strong>in</strong>e, dr<strong>in</strong>k and dance the night away.<br />
The k<strong>it</strong>chen presents a polished, New York-style twist on <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
dishes, <strong>in</strong> which flavours and <strong>in</strong>gredients are determ<strong>in</strong>ed by the borough’s<br />
diverse gastronomic experiences and served w<strong>it</strong>h a dist<strong>in</strong>ct European<br />
flourish. The restaurant opens <strong>it</strong>s doors daily, from noon, serv<strong>in</strong>g brunch,<br />
lunch and d<strong>in</strong>ner.<br />
This venue is also the perfect sett<strong>in</strong>g for any event, large or small, w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
spaces to su<strong>it</strong> any brief, substantial canapés that reflect the Manhattan<strong>in</strong>spired<br />
à la carte menu, and dr<strong>in</strong>ks packages available.<br />
The Avenue North, Sp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gfields, Manchester<br />
+44 161 832 6334<br />
neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk, @neighbourhood4<br />
13<br />
14<br />
15<br />
14. OLYMPUS RESTAURANT<br />
PROTARAS, CYPRUS<br />
The qual<strong>it</strong>y of service <strong>in</strong> this <strong>in</strong>timate family-run restaurant is second to<br />
none. S<strong>in</strong>ce 1992, Olympus Restaurant has welcomed people to the ‘Island<br />
of Love’ – and love <strong>it</strong>s guests <strong>it</strong> does. While customer service is <strong>it</strong>s prior<strong>it</strong>y, the<br />
restaurant comb<strong>in</strong>es this w<strong>it</strong>h a delicious menu, which features meat mezes,<br />
fish mezes and top-qual<strong>it</strong>y steaks, as well as a wide range of authentic local<br />
dishes and <strong>in</strong>ternational cuis<strong>in</strong>es. If you’ve l<strong>it</strong>tle ones w<strong>it</strong>h you, the restaurant<br />
can keep them enterta<strong>in</strong>ed w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s <strong>in</strong>door play area, while you relax w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
glass of w<strong>in</strong>e. It’s also just two m<strong>in</strong>utes from the nearby beach.<br />
Hotel Road, Protaras, Cyprus, +357 23832262<br />
restaurant-olympus.com, food@restaurant-olympus.com<br />
15. CHLOE’S CHINESE RESTAURANT<br />
PAPHOS, CYPRUS<br />
Located <strong>in</strong> the heart of Kato Paphos, w<strong>it</strong>h stunn<strong>in</strong>g sea views, Chloe’s<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese Restaurant is perfect for d<strong>in</strong>ner, wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, hen and bachelor<br />
celebrations, birthdays and corporate meet<strong>in</strong>gs. Chloe’s is wellestablished<br />
<strong>in</strong> the area, w<strong>it</strong>h more than 18 years of experience serv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
trad<strong>it</strong>ional Ch<strong>in</strong>ese cuis<strong>in</strong>e, accompanied by an extensive w<strong>in</strong>e and<br />
champagne list, and friendly staff. The three-level build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
private d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g rooms and private d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g floors, <strong>in</strong> add<strong>it</strong>ion to the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g area. Chloe’s is open all year round for lunch and d<strong>in</strong>ner.<br />
13 Posidonos Avenue, Paphos<br />
+357 26934 676, chloesrestaurants.com
Mar<strong>it</strong>im Jolie Ville Golf & Resort<br />
Um Marikha Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, South S<strong>in</strong>ai, Egypt<br />
Tel: +2 069 360 3200 | Fax: +2 069 360 3225 | www.jolievillesharmresorts.com<br />
Mar<strong>it</strong>im Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Sharm El Sheikh, w<strong>it</strong>h 418 well equipped spacious rooms and su<strong>it</strong>es plus 6 seashore<br />
villas w<strong>it</strong>h private pools, is the ideal location for families, beach seekers, golf enthusiasts or those just look<strong>in</strong>g to have a relax<strong>in</strong>g<br />
& pleasurable holiday. The resort features the only 18-hole PGA <strong>in</strong>ternational championship golf course <strong>in</strong> the entire area.<br />
Offer<strong>in</strong>g impressive twelve restaurants & two bars, the resort has two pools, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g one of the largest adventure swimm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
pools <strong>in</strong> Egypt, an easy access to the sea, a kid’s club, m<strong>in</strong>i aqua games, water slides, a health club & spa, 4 tennis courts and<br />
a tennis academy, and an all-day animation team.<br />
<br />
We specialize <strong>in</strong> residency and c<strong>it</strong>izenship packages for non European buyers.<br />
Br<strong>it</strong>ish owned, family run, licensed estate agents for over 10 years.<br />
Friendly unbiased advice. T<strong>it</strong>le deed properties available for sale. Based <strong>in</strong> Cyprus.<br />
<br />
*terms and cond<strong>it</strong>ions apply<br />
<br />
Registered and Licensed Real Estate Agent<br />
Reg Number A.M.625 License Number A.A.216/E (Costa Courris A.M.209)<br />
‘Excellent personal service, advice, assistance and at no time be<strong>in</strong>g pressurised. Guided us through residency, pension,<br />
national health service, taxation and purchase w<strong>it</strong>h ease’ - Mike & Sue Blackmore<br />
‘The experience of the Sold on Cyprus team, all Expats themselves, has been so reassur<strong>in</strong>g and their knowledge, advice<br />
and service regard<strong>in</strong>g every aspect of buy<strong>in</strong>g has made our move to Cyprus a dream come true’ - Rodney & Tracy Willmot
mwww.bridg<strong>in</strong>gandcom<br />
mwww.bridg<strong>in</strong>gandcom<br />
ONLY BRIDGING | PROMOTION<br />
Bridg<strong>in</strong>g the gap<br />
Asset rich but cash poor? Only Bridg<strong>in</strong>g can f<strong>in</strong>d you a solution<br />
Only Bridg<strong>in</strong>g is one of only a few brokers to<br />
specialise entirely on bridg<strong>in</strong>g and shortterm<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ance. The company has been totally<br />
comm<strong>it</strong>ted to this sector for more than six<br />
years, and has been named ‘Best Bridg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Broker’ at the Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Moneyfacts Awards<br />
and at the Bridg<strong>in</strong>g and Commercial Awards.<br />
As such, when <strong>it</strong> comes to fund<strong>in</strong>g your<br />
short-term f<strong>in</strong>ance requirements, Only<br />
Bridg<strong>in</strong>g not only demonstrates but proves<br />
that you should be deal<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h the experts.<br />
Only Bridg<strong>in</strong>g’s product range is extensive.<br />
It can offer loans to values of up to 80%<br />
on first charge loans <strong>in</strong> London, and up<br />
to 75% <strong>in</strong> other parts of Great Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>, for<br />
residential bridg<strong>in</strong>g only. On <strong>it</strong>s second<br />
charge range, <strong>it</strong> can go to 75% <strong>in</strong> London<br />
and up to 70% elsewhere – aga<strong>in</strong>, for<br />
residential bridg<strong>in</strong>g only.<br />
The rates for <strong>it</strong>s first charges are as low as<br />
0.59% for deals under 40% loan to value,<br />
for standard bridges and light refurbishment.<br />
Provid<strong>in</strong>g cred<strong>it</strong> is also clean, rates as low as<br />
0.69% are possible for up to 70% loan to<br />
value for standard residential bridg<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It can also offer a heavy refurbishment<br />
bridge w<strong>it</strong>h rates as low as 0.75% for deals<br />
under 40% loan to value, for clients that are<br />
purchas<strong>in</strong>g or ref<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g properties that<br />
require a fair degree of work.<br />
Plus, the company can also ‘cross charge’<br />
over a number of properties, where <strong>it</strong> uses<br />
the client’s portfolio to spread the charge<br />
and effectively offer 100% fund<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Only Bridg<strong>in</strong>g does not take any upfront<br />
or comm<strong>it</strong>ment fees, and will work on<br />
your behalf to source the right deal for<br />
you. Its award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g service is sure to<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d the correct solution for your personal<br />
requirements – whatever they may be – and<br />
the team will make sure that everyth<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
completed w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> your timeframe.<br />
USES FOR BRIDGING FINANCE<br />
A short-term bridg<strong>in</strong>g loan can<br />
offer more solutions than you<br />
realise, and is the ideal answer to a<br />
wide range of circumstances. W<strong>it</strong>h<br />
liquid<strong>it</strong>y at the banks rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
tight, short-term bridg<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
can be used for:<br />
• Property acquis<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
• Development f<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
• Commercial f<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
• Refurbishment loans<br />
• Cash release bridg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Second charge bridg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Ref<strong>in</strong>ance bridg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Land acquis<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
• Collateral lend<strong>in</strong>g (secured<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>it</strong>ems such as pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
antiques or jewellery)<br />
Contact Only Bridg<strong>in</strong>g to see if they have a solution that su<strong>it</strong>s your needs. The reference TRAVEL must be quoted when do<strong>in</strong>g so.<br />
In<strong>it</strong>ial contact should be made by email to kather<strong>in</strong>e@only-group.co.uk The direct telephone l<strong>in</strong>e, follow<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial contact,<br />
is 01992 536100, once aga<strong>in</strong> quot<strong>in</strong>g the reference TRAVEL. onlybridg<strong>in</strong>g.co.uk<br />
2013<br />
ercial.co.uk<br />
2012<br />
ercial.co.uk<br />
HIGHLY COMMENDED<br />
BEST BRIDGING BROKER<br />
Only Bridg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
WINNER<br />
BEST BRIDGING BROKER<br />
Only Bridg<strong>in</strong>g
More than 14 years negotiat<strong>in</strong>g Real Estate, realiz<strong>in</strong>g dreams, build<strong>in</strong>g confidence!<br />
France<br />
This is Madeira Island<br />
A l<strong>it</strong>tle paradise <strong>in</strong> the middle of<br />
the Atlantic Ocean<br />
Portugal<br />
Spa<strong>in</strong><br />
Italy<br />
Madeira Island<br />
www.p<strong>in</strong>krealestate.pt<br />
www.propertiesmadeira.com<br />
Porto Santo<br />
Madeira Island<br />
Ref: 4475<br />
Ref: 2874<br />
Ref: 4717<br />
Rua Dr. João de Br<strong>it</strong>o Câmara, nº 26 B<br />
9000-039 Funchal<br />
el: ( +351 ) 912 349 650<br />
Phone: ( +351 ) 291 759 177<br />
Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@p<strong>in</strong>krealestate.pt<br />
Sell<strong>in</strong>g Properties – Villas – Apartments<br />
Personalized Advice - Personalized Service
Checklist<br />
T H E<br />
The best places to sleep, eat and play around the network<br />
01<br />
Fairmont Mayakoba<br />
Riviera Maya, Mexico<br />
Sleep<br />
In a part of Mexico ruled by gargantuan resorts<br />
and frequented by Spr<strong>in</strong>g Break revellers, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a quiet spot to get back to nature and recharge<br />
poses a challenge. That is, of course, unless you<br />
head to the Fairmont Mayakoba, an idyllic resort<br />
that, rather than build<strong>in</strong>g over the landscape’s<br />
natural s<strong>in</strong>kholes (known as cenotes), decided<br />
to <strong>in</strong>corporate them <strong>in</strong>to <strong>it</strong>s layout. The result?<br />
A collection of beautiful villas nestled <strong>in</strong> greenery<br />
between the coast and the canals, the latter play<strong>in</strong>g<br />
host to a plethora of wildlife <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g frogs, turtles<br />
and, gulp, crocodiles.<br />
Highlights: The wh<strong>it</strong>e sands and beachfront<br />
restaurant might be what brought you here,<br />
but take advantage of the resort’s free boat tour.<br />
A peaceful bob along foliage-laden channels<br />
will get you up close and personal w<strong>it</strong>h some<br />
of the 300 bird and wildlife species that the<br />
development has tempted back to the area.<br />
Location, location, location: While the wild<br />
party c<strong>it</strong>y of Cancun is close enough for a night<br />
out, <strong>it</strong>’s also far enough away to ensure total<br />
peace when you’re try<strong>in</strong>g to unw<strong>in</strong>d. And if<br />
you fancy ventur<strong>in</strong>g to some of the <strong>in</strong>credible<br />
Mayan ru<strong>in</strong>s dotted around the pen<strong>in</strong>sula, such<br />
as those at Tulum, you’re <strong>in</strong> the ideal spot.<br />
If you only have one night: Be brave and<br />
head to La Laguna restaurant to try the edible<br />
<strong>in</strong>sect degustation menu, where you’ll be served<br />
local delicacies <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g ch<strong>in</strong>icuiles (worms),<br />
escamoles (ant eggs) and chapul<strong>in</strong>es (crickets).<br />
Alternatively, you can opt for the à la carte menu,<br />
which may not be qu<strong>it</strong>e as exotic, but is less like<br />
stumbl<strong>in</strong>g on to the set of I’m A Celebr<strong>it</strong>y…<br />
Get Me Out of Here!<br />
BE THERE: Book at thomascook.com<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 097
02<br />
Sleep<br />
Hotel Lone<br />
Rov<strong>in</strong>j, Croatia<br />
The pretty fish<strong>in</strong>g port of Rov<strong>in</strong>j on the western coast of Istria<br />
(Croatia’s northernmost pen<strong>in</strong>sula) speaks of qua<strong>in</strong>t trad<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
and culture, and is fr<strong>in</strong>ged by forests and gorgeous rocky bays.<br />
But that’s not to say <strong>it</strong>’s not mov<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h the times. Case <strong>in</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
is Hotel Lone, a 10-m<strong>in</strong>ute stroll south of the old c<strong>it</strong>y centre,<br />
which looks more like a tribute to New York’s Guggenheim<br />
Museum than a seaside hideaway. Yet that’s what <strong>it</strong> is, albe<strong>it</strong><br />
a beautifully designed, cutt<strong>in</strong>g-edge version.<br />
Highlights: W<strong>it</strong>h soft light<strong>in</strong>g, plush carpets and stylish mirrors,<br />
the hotel rooms are ultra-comfortable. Balconies overlook<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
sea and surround<strong>in</strong>g woodland give a feel<strong>in</strong>g of splendid isolation<br />
– but w<strong>it</strong>h all necessary mod cons if you can’t sw<strong>it</strong>ch off.<br />
Location, location, location: Rov<strong>in</strong>j <strong>it</strong>self is a wonderful warren<br />
of streets to get lost <strong>in</strong>, but <strong>it</strong>’s also the perfect base for explor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the rest of the region, known as l<strong>it</strong>tle Tuscany thanks to the wealth<br />
of olive oil and w<strong>in</strong>e producers – not to mention <strong>it</strong>s reputation as<br />
truffle cap<strong>it</strong>al of Croatia. Rent a car and head off the beaten track:<br />
nowhere <strong>in</strong> Istria is more than an hour’s drive away.<br />
If you only have one night: Hire a bike from the hotel and<br />
cycle around the coastl<strong>in</strong>e to f<strong>in</strong>d your own private rocky outcrop<br />
for the day. Then, when dusk falls, head back to take advantage<br />
of the hotel’s newly renovated spa, complete w<strong>it</strong>h submerged<br />
hydromassage rooms and aroma saunas. If you really want to<br />
celebrate, why not opt for a Jazz room, w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s own private <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>y<br />
pool on the balcony? Bliss.<br />
BE THERE: Book a stay w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com<br />
03<br />
Sleep<br />
San Francisco InterCont<strong>in</strong>ental<br />
San Francisco InterCont<strong>in</strong>ental<br />
San Francisco, USA<br />
An elegant, blue, 32-storey tower <strong>in</strong> SoMa (that’s south of Market Street<br />
to you and me), the InterCont<strong>in</strong>ental is one of San Fran’s most iconic<br />
structures. The 550 rooms are stylish w<strong>it</strong>h muted furnish<strong>in</strong>gs, contemporary<br />
art and magnificent floor-to-ceil<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>dows. It would be a shame not to bag<br />
one w<strong>it</strong>h a bay view, so ask nicely at check-<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Highlights: Weekend brunch! Our favour<strong>it</strong>e meal of all time has been<br />
elevated to an art form at the InterCont<strong>in</strong>ental’s Michel<strong>in</strong>-starred Luce<br />
restaurant. Take the healthy route (egg-wh<strong>it</strong>e omelette w<strong>it</strong>h goats’ cheese<br />
and sp<strong>in</strong>ach), the all-American route (pancakes, bacon, enough maple<br />
syrup to drown a small animal) or the Mexican route (huevos ranchos).<br />
If you really want to pig out, how about a taste of everyth<strong>in</strong>g from the<br />
beautifully laid-out buffet (which, <strong>in</strong>credibly, will only cost you $30, and<br />
you can eat until they kick you out)? While you’re here, <strong>it</strong> would be churlish<br />
not to order a spectacularly boozy Bloody Mary.<br />
If you only have one night: Take the cable car from Market Street to the<br />
Top of the Mark, an opulent bar on the 19th floor of the InterCont<strong>in</strong>ental’s<br />
sister property, the InterCont<strong>in</strong>ental Mark Hopk<strong>in</strong>s. N<strong>in</strong>eteen floors might<br />
not sound like much, but the hotel is perched high up <strong>in</strong> classy Nob Hill. Go<br />
along at sunset (no need to reserve) and on a clear even<strong>in</strong>g you’ll get the<br />
best views <strong>in</strong> the c<strong>it</strong>y as North Beach, Ch<strong>in</strong>atown, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz<br />
and the triangular Transamerica build<strong>in</strong>g are all spread out before you.<br />
They’re wonderfully complemented by one of the bar’s 100-odd mart<strong>in</strong>is.<br />
BE THERE: Book a stay w<strong>it</strong>h thomascook.com<br />
098 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
04<br />
Sleep<br />
Swissôtel The Bosphorus<br />
Istanbul, Turkey<br />
It can be hard to f<strong>in</strong>d a smidgen of tranquill<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> such a chaotic c<strong>it</strong>y. But we<br />
managed <strong>it</strong> dur<strong>in</strong>g a hot stone massage <strong>in</strong> this five-star hotel’s Purovel spa,<br />
a 4,000 sq m oasis that feels a million miles from the c<strong>it</strong>y’s traffic jams and<br />
carpet sellers. Not that there are any of those near the hotel, m<strong>in</strong>d. High up on<br />
a hill and fr<strong>in</strong>ged by Dolmabache Palace’s 65 acres of lush gardens, the<br />
Swissôtel is <strong>in</strong> an enviable spot w<strong>it</strong>h impressive views of the Bosphorus.<br />
Highlights: You’ll struggle to tear yourself away from the w<strong>in</strong>dow, so why try?<br />
Request a room <strong>in</strong> the west w<strong>in</strong>g and you’ll wake up to misty vistas of m<strong>in</strong>arets<br />
on the c<strong>it</strong>y’s Asian side and boats zipp<strong>in</strong>g along the Stra<strong>it</strong>. Make sure you vis<strong>it</strong> the<br />
newly reopened Gaja rooftop restaurant bar, a magical spot for dr<strong>in</strong>ks at nightfall.<br />
Location, location, location: In Besiktas, on the European side, the<br />
Swissôtel is close to many of the ma<strong>in</strong> sights. The historical quarter (Topkapi<br />
Palace, Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque) is about 15 m<strong>in</strong>utes away, glossy<br />
Nisantasi’s designer boutiques are w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> walk<strong>in</strong>g distance (rare <strong>in</strong> this c<strong>it</strong>y), as is<br />
Besiktas market, a district far from the tourists’ gaze, which comes alive at<br />
night w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s buzz<strong>in</strong>g mezze and raki restaurants.<br />
If you only have one night: Book a table at Kiz Kulesi (or “Maiden’s Tower”,<br />
kizkulesi.com.tr). Accord<strong>in</strong>g to local legend, this lighthouse island is where<br />
a young woman was hidden by her protective father. Her lover, Leander, would<br />
swim out to her, but when her father found out, he turned off the light, and<br />
Leander drifted out to sea. Desp<strong>it</strong>e this unhappily ever after, <strong>it</strong>’s now the c<strong>it</strong>y’s<br />
most romantic restaurant. If you want to make sure your night ends better up<br />
than Leander’s, take a ferry from Em<strong>in</strong>onu.<br />
BOOK IT: swissotel.com/hotels/istanbul<br />
05<br />
Sleep<br />
INK Hotel<br />
Amsterdam, The Netherlands<br />
In a build<strong>in</strong>g that once housed the Dutch newspaper De Tijd, this<br />
modern hotel <strong>in</strong> the heart of Amsterdam draws <strong>in</strong>spiration from<br />
<strong>it</strong>s past, from the giant typeset letter backdrop at reception to the<br />
hand-drawn maps of the c<strong>it</strong>y adorn<strong>in</strong>g the bedroom walls.<br />
Highlights: Head to the Press Room, the hotel’s cleverly named<br />
bar and restaurant, for a cocktail before h<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g the town. Our<br />
choice is The Time: a fragrant blend of Loopuyt g<strong>in</strong>, St Germa<strong>in</strong><br />
elderflower liqueur, wh<strong>it</strong>e grapes and cloudy apple juice. It’s<br />
guaranteed to be the start of a good story.<br />
Location, location, location: S<strong>it</strong>uated on Nieuwezijds<br />
Voorburgwal <strong>in</strong> the c<strong>it</strong>y centre, INK is close to the central tra<strong>in</strong><br />
station and several tourist hotspots, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Multatuli<br />
Museum, dedicated to celebrated Dutch wr<strong>it</strong>er Eduard Douwes<br />
Dekker, and Kalverstraat, one of the c<strong>it</strong>y’s busiest shopp<strong>in</strong>g areas.<br />
It’s also near S<strong>in</strong>gel, the canal where you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d the c<strong>it</strong>y’s famous<br />
float<strong>in</strong>g flower market.<br />
If you only have one night: It has to be the Red Light District.<br />
Yes, the seedy spots are still there if you go look<strong>in</strong>g for them, but<br />
this notoriously adult area has undergone serious gentrification<br />
over the past few years. Vis<strong>it</strong> sophisticated w<strong>in</strong>e bar Mata Hari<br />
(matahari-amsterdam.nl) or coffee house/hip hop HQ Quartier<br />
Puta<strong>in</strong> (quartierputa<strong>in</strong>.nl).<br />
BOOK IT: accorhotels.com<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 099
06<br />
Sleep<br />
Cary Arms<br />
Babbacombe, England<br />
Gorgeous views, sweep<strong>in</strong>g beaches, craggy cliffs, boats bobb<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> the harbour – Babbacombe <strong>in</strong> Devon counts us and royalty<br />
as fans, when Queen Victoria vis<strong>it</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 1846, she called <strong>it</strong> “a<br />
beautiful spot... w<strong>it</strong>h red cliffs and rocks w<strong>it</strong>h wooded hills like<br />
Italy”. Not too much has changed s<strong>in</strong>ce then, and if you want to<br />
experience Devon like a queen, book yourself <strong>in</strong>to the Cary Arms,<br />
a charm<strong>in</strong>g eight-bedroom Victorian-style <strong>in</strong>n (nowadays w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a few more mod cons than her majesty might have experienced).<br />
Highlight: The wonderful spa is <strong>in</strong> conjunction w<strong>it</strong>h lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Parisian spa and sk<strong>in</strong>care brand Yon-Ka, which has more than 60<br />
years of beauty know-how. Treatments <strong>in</strong>clude hydrat<strong>in</strong>g facials,<br />
aromatic massages and full body exfoliation.<br />
If you only have one night: Don’t miss d<strong>in</strong>ner here. Served on<br />
the terrace <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>e weather and <strong>in</strong> a olde-worlde d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g room next<br />
to a roar<strong>in</strong>g fire if not, dishes <strong>in</strong>clude Cornish hake, Westcountry<br />
steak and Devonshire crab salad w<strong>it</strong>h new potatoes.<br />
BOOK IT: caryarms.co.uk<br />
Alancha<br />
Istanbul, Turkey<br />
“Alancha” means grassy space <strong>in</strong> Turkish, but you’re unlikely to f<strong>in</strong>d any <strong>in</strong><br />
super-stylish Nisantasi. At least not <strong>in</strong> the surrounds of this restaurant – unless<br />
chef Kemal Demirasal serves up an entire course on a tuft of the stuff. You<br />
see, Alancha is the second outpost of one of Turkey’s most eclectic eateries<br />
(the orig<strong>in</strong>al is <strong>in</strong> Alacati, the subject of our feature on p50), where chef and<br />
champion w<strong>in</strong>dsurfer Kemal serves a whimsical 20 odd-course molecular<br />
gastronomic feast. Dishes here are labelled so simply (mussels; sourdough;<br />
tripe) that you have no idea what you’re go<strong>in</strong>g to get. Even if you had the<br />
t<strong>in</strong>iest <strong>in</strong>kl<strong>in</strong>g, we suspect you’d still be blown away: the tripe, for example, is<br />
served on a radish emulsion w<strong>it</strong>h raspberry dust. Insane, but delicious. Upstairs<br />
is where the magic multi-course th<strong>in</strong>g happens; downstairs is more <strong>in</strong>formal,<br />
where customers can prop up the bar and order one of the “cooktails” (complex<br />
methods are used to create the dr<strong>in</strong>ks, too) before s<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g down to the Alancha<br />
“Beets”, a simpler, four-course meal that will set you back just £40.<br />
BOOK IT: 9 Seh<strong>it</strong> Mehmet Sokak, alancha.com<br />
Ceviche Old St<br />
London, England<br />
East London's Old Street's Silicon Roundabout, so-called because of the<br />
many sh<strong>in</strong>y new tech companies based nearby, is home to some of<br />
cap<strong>it</strong>al's hottest restaurants. One of the latest and greatest is Ceviche Old<br />
St, sibl<strong>in</strong>g to Soho’s favour<strong>it</strong>e Peruvian eatery, and launched by chef of the<br />
moment Mart<strong>in</strong> Morales to cr<strong>it</strong>ical acclaim. Space is someth<strong>in</strong>g of a commod<strong>it</strong>y<br />
<strong>in</strong> these parts, but you’d never guess that from Ceviche’s luxuriously light and<br />
airy sett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the former s<strong>it</strong>e of the historic Alexandra D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Rooms. It’s the<br />
perfect place to meet friends for a buzzy night of Pisco Sour cocktails and, of<br />
course, ceviche – raw fish “cooked” <strong>in</strong> a mar<strong>in</strong>ade of lime juice, chilli and onion<br />
(known as tiger’s milk). Meat lovers should order the huevo criollo, a delicious<br />
Peruvian take on a Scotch egg wrapped <strong>in</strong> qu<strong>in</strong>oa and sangrec<strong>it</strong>a sausage, while<br />
the lomo saltado is as succulent a steak as you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d anywhere <strong>in</strong> London. You’ll<br />
be plann<strong>in</strong>g a holiday to Lima by the time you leave.<br />
BOOK IT: 2 Baldw<strong>in</strong> Street, cevicheuk.com/oldst<br />
07<br />
08<br />
Eat<br />
Eat<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 101
PROMOTION | AHU HOSPITAL<br />
The home of health tourism <strong>in</strong> Marmaris<br />
Head to Ahu Hosp<strong>it</strong>al <strong>in</strong> Marmaris, Turkey, for plastic surgery, dentistry, dialysis and more<br />
Each year thousands of foreign vis<strong>it</strong>ors travel<br />
to Marmaris – specifically to Ahu Hosp<strong>it</strong>al, the<br />
area’s lead<strong>in</strong>g hosp<strong>it</strong>al – to take advantage<br />
of <strong>it</strong>s excellent medical and surgical services.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>it</strong> was established <strong>in</strong> 1993, Ahu Hosp<strong>it</strong>al<br />
has specialised <strong>in</strong> tourist health and racked up<br />
22 years of experience <strong>in</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g the very<br />
best treatments.<br />
It’s been certified w<strong>it</strong>h ISO 9001:2000<br />
qual<strong>it</strong>y checks s<strong>in</strong>ce 2001. Today, the hosp<strong>it</strong>al<br />
aims to grow <strong>it</strong>s service areas, <strong>in</strong> order to<br />
ensure a more comfortable and peaceful<br />
environment <strong>in</strong> which to carry out treatments.<br />
QUALITY SERVICE, QUALITY TREATMENTS<br />
Ahu Hosp<strong>it</strong>al understands the fears and<br />
feel<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>it</strong>s patients, both foreign and local,<br />
and so <strong>it</strong> is cont<strong>in</strong>ually look<strong>in</strong>g for ways to<br />
improve <strong>it</strong>s services to provide a safer and<br />
more comfortable atmosphere. Provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
first-class service is a way to alleviate<br />
unnecessary stress and panic for patients, and<br />
to help them feel at home.<br />
Throughout <strong>it</strong>s history, the hosp<strong>it</strong>al has<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued to provide top-qual<strong>it</strong>y and<br />
high-tech health services by successfully<br />
assess<strong>in</strong>g the needs and requirements of <strong>it</strong>s<br />
guests. While <strong>it</strong>s team is composed of welltra<strong>in</strong>ed,<br />
modern, dynamic, motivated and<br />
honest professionals.<br />
The public relations staff – directed by Julie<br />
Midgley – is a team of English speakers, <strong>in</strong><br />
order to provide easy communication w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
foreign guests, and the staff welcomes both In<br />
and Out patients. All the required documents<br />
and correspondence, such as <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
documents and translations, are taken care<br />
of by the PR department. The same applies to<br />
the patient’s medical documents and reports<br />
that are prepared when a patient is discharged<br />
– this all means less stress and worry for you.<br />
Ahu Hosp<strong>it</strong>al services <strong>in</strong>clude: general<br />
surgery, cardiology, <strong>in</strong>ternal medic<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
gynaecology and obstetrics, ears, nose<br />
and throat, psychiatry, anaesthesia and<br />
re-animation, urology, orthopaedic and<br />
traumatology, neurosurgery, psychology,<br />
dermatology, ophthalmology, paediatrics,<br />
dentistry and plastic surgery.<br />
One branch of expertise that’s popular<br />
among health tourism is plastic surgery.<br />
The department carries out plastic and<br />
reconstructive surgery, dentistry, dialysis,<br />
as well as soft medical procedures, such as<br />
hair transplants and botox.<br />
The Ahu Dialysis Centre, established <strong>in</strong><br />
2003, treats local people liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Marmaris,<br />
but <strong>it</strong> can also be used by vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g tourists who<br />
require dialysis dur<strong>in</strong>g their holiday.<br />
Easily accessible from the centre of<br />
Marmaris and <strong>it</strong>s surround<strong>in</strong>g areas, the Ahu<br />
Hosp<strong>it</strong>al is pos<strong>it</strong>ioned next to an azure sea<br />
and verdant countryside. It’s well-served by<br />
Dalaman Airport, which is roughly 75 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
from Marmaris and has direct flights to and<br />
from the UK. So take a trip to Marmaris – <strong>it</strong><br />
might just be the best th<strong>in</strong>g for your health.<br />
+90 252 4177777, ahuhosp<strong>it</strong>al.com<br />
publicrelations@ahuhastanesi.com
est. 1990<br />
R.B. CONTACTS Ltd<br />
FREE measur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
FREE samples<br />
FREE quotes<br />
FREE park<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for the whole<br />
of 2015<br />
25%<br />
OFF<br />
ALL<br />
STOCK<br />
FABRICS<br />
We make and f<strong>it</strong> beautiful<br />
curta<strong>in</strong>s and bl<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
25<br />
YEARS<br />
We’re Celebrat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
25 years <strong>in</strong><br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess w<strong>it</strong>h...<br />
EXCELLENT SERVICE<br />
Free curta<strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h this advert ✝<br />
Top designer names <strong>in</strong> curta<strong>in</strong> fabric, upholstery and wallpaper<br />
Includ<strong>in</strong>g: Colefax & Fowler, Jane Churchill, N<strong>in</strong>a Campbell, Zoffany, Romo, Harlequ<strong>in</strong>, Designers<br />
Guild, Sanderson, GP & J Baker, Casamance, Jab, Lee Jofa, Mulberry Tree, William Morris, Voyage,<br />
Lorient, James Br<strong>in</strong>dley, Wemyss, James Hare, Blendworth, Warwick, Bill Beaumont, Wilman, Jim<br />
Dickens,Camengo, Swaffer, Kirkby House, Prestigious, Swatch Box, ilive, MJA, SMD, Tru, Enashaw,<br />
Hardy, James Todd, Villa Nova, Osborne & L<strong>it</strong>tle, Clarke & Clarke... AND MUCH, MUCH MORE<br />
Why not pay us a vis<strong>it</strong><br />
We are one of the largest <strong>in</strong>dependent stockists of curta<strong>in</strong> and<br />
upholstery fabrics, w<strong>it</strong>h one of the biggest selection of designer<br />
pattern book showrooms, anywhere <strong>in</strong> the North West, at prices<br />
to su<strong>it</strong> all budgets. You will always get the best service from the<br />
most experienced staff, w<strong>it</strong>h a true passion for soft furnish<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
www.choosecurta<strong>in</strong>s.com<br />
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR<br />
OPENING TIMES:<br />
CALL 01254 832177<br />
Monday to Friday 9am–5pm<br />
NR. CHORLEY PR6 8RQ Saturday 10am–3pm, Sunday 11am–1pm www.choosecurta<strong>in</strong>s.com<br />
CHURCHILL ROAD,<br />
BRINSCALL,<br />
*Offer applies to made to measure orders only, l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g qual<strong>it</strong>y, ivory pro-solar
NEW Brochure Out Now<br />
For your free brochure and to f<strong>in</strong>d your local stockist vis<strong>it</strong><br />
our webs<strong>it</strong>e or download the app.<br />
www.frontl<strong>in</strong>ebathrooms.co.uk<br />
0845 470 2424
Thomas Cook<br />
NEWS<br />
Qual<strong>it</strong>y time<br />
QA manager Jo Sankir tells us how improv<strong>in</strong>g your<br />
holiday experience is the best part of her day<br />
I<br />
’ve worked for Thomas Cook <strong>in</strong> Turkey for 18 summer seasons, and have<br />
been based <strong>in</strong> Dalaman for 17 of them. I’ve made my life here <strong>in</strong> Fethiye,<br />
and th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>it</strong>’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.<br />
A typical day for a Qual<strong>it</strong>y Assurance Manager can vary so much! I can<br />
sometimes be <strong>in</strong> the office all day catch<strong>in</strong>g up on emails, but most of the time<br />
I’m out and about <strong>in</strong> our hotels. Our ma<strong>in</strong> focus is on hotels that have a high<br />
volume of Thomas Cook guests, as well as properties that aren’t perform<strong>in</strong>g<br />
as well as we’d like. Our most valuable sources of feedback are our <strong>in</strong>ternal<br />
customer satisfaction questionnaires plus social media – we rely a lot on holiday<br />
review s<strong>it</strong>es such as TripAdvisor, HolidayCheck, Zoover and Book<strong>in</strong>g.com.<br />
Our Qual<strong>it</strong>y Managers worldwide have monthly meet<strong>in</strong>gs w<strong>it</strong>h all the<br />
hotels to discuss their onl<strong>in</strong>e reputations, assist<strong>in</strong>g them and discuss<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ways <strong>in</strong> which they can be managed, as well as identify<strong>in</strong>g specific issues<br />
from guests and onl<strong>in</strong>e feedback. For example, if a hotel is consistently<br />
receiv<strong>in</strong>g negative comments about the qual<strong>it</strong>y of <strong>it</strong>s food, we will look<br />
at ways <strong>in</strong> which we can improve this. We would also taste the food<br />
ourselves (a perk of the job!) and vis<strong>it</strong> the hotel at mealtimes to gauge<br />
reactions and op<strong>in</strong>ions. We improve qual<strong>it</strong>y by putt<strong>in</strong>g our own chefs to<br />
work at the hotels. We recently did this at the SunConnect Grand Ideal<br />
hotel <strong>in</strong> Marmaris, w<strong>it</strong>h great success. Our chef came up w<strong>it</strong>h new menu<br />
options and recommended ways <strong>in</strong> which the buffet display could be<br />
fresher, more modern and more appeal<strong>in</strong>g to guests. The chef worked<br />
really closely w<strong>it</strong>h the hotel’s own chefs, and the whole experience<br />
was very pos<strong>it</strong>ive for everyone <strong>in</strong>volved.<br />
Recently I’ve been work<strong>in</strong>g together w<strong>it</strong>h the Orka Sunlife Hotel <strong>in</strong><br />
Olu Deniz. When <strong>it</strong> opened <strong>in</strong> 2013 <strong>it</strong> was receiv<strong>in</strong>g some low-scor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
reviews on social media. The hotel was very keen to take on board our<br />
advice: we reviewed all the comments and worked out how to tackle the<br />
necessary improvements. The hard work and dedication of everyone<br />
at the hotel – from the General Manager to the guy who cleans the pool<br />
– has seen the reviews improve greatly, and now the hotel’s onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
reputation has become someth<strong>in</strong>g they are extremely proud of.<br />
Qual<strong>it</strong>y Managers also work closely w<strong>it</strong>h hotels that may be undergo<strong>in</strong>g<br />
major refurbishments. I recently had the pleasure of watch<strong>in</strong>g one of<br />
my hotels transform dur<strong>in</strong>g the w<strong>in</strong>ter <strong>in</strong>to one of our concept hotels,<br />
SunConnect Liberty Hisaronu. It received a full makeover w<strong>it</strong>h newly<br />
built rooms and is now a fantastic choice for families as we have our very<br />
own kids’ club and SunConnect Scout. There was a major rebuild of the<br />
accommodation blocks (w<strong>it</strong>h a very tight deadl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> which to complete<br />
and be ready for open<strong>in</strong>g) so a hard hat became part of my daily attire as<br />
I regularly vis<strong>it</strong>ed the s<strong>it</strong>e! It was a very proud day when the project was<br />
completed on time. The hotel has s<strong>in</strong>ce received amaz<strong>in</strong>g reviews onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
and is enjoy<strong>in</strong>g a very busy summer.”<br />
Christmas markets<br />
T<br />
his w<strong>in</strong>ter, head to one<br />
of Europe’s greatest<br />
Christmas markets.<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h so much choice <strong>in</strong> our<br />
handpicked collection, you’re<br />
sure to f<strong>in</strong>d your perfect short<br />
(and hopefully snowy!) break.<br />
Christmas markets are a truly<br />
enchant<strong>in</strong>g experience – from<br />
the qua<strong>in</strong>t g<strong>in</strong>gerbread houses<br />
and steam<strong>in</strong>g mugs of glühwe<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>, to the picture-postcard<br />
sett<strong>in</strong>g of Salzburg – you’ll soon<br />
be ready for the most magical<br />
season of them all. Here are the<br />
top three markets we th<strong>in</strong>k will get<br />
you <strong>in</strong>to the Christmas mood.<br />
VIENNA<br />
Vienna has more than 20 official<br />
Christmas markets. Our favour<strong>it</strong>e is<br />
the Wiener Christk<strong>in</strong>dlmarkt where<br />
you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d over 200 stalls sell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Christmas gifts and decorations.<br />
For someth<strong>in</strong>g more trad<strong>it</strong>ional,<br />
vis<strong>it</strong> the Old Viennese Christmas<br />
Market on Freyung, which dates<br />
back to 1772. Throughout<br />
November and December.<br />
MUNICH<br />
Fill<strong>in</strong>g the square <strong>in</strong> front of the<br />
New Town Hall and overflow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to<br />
two parallel streets all the way to<br />
the Karlsplatz, the stalls of Munich’s<br />
Christmas market are delightful.<br />
Pick up all k<strong>in</strong>ds of decorations,<br />
trad<strong>it</strong>ional gifts and exquis<strong>it</strong>e<br />
glassware from the Bavarian<br />
forest. From 27 November<br />
to 24 December.<br />
PRAGUE<br />
Prague’s Christmas markets make<br />
the c<strong>it</strong>y even more allur<strong>in</strong>g this time<br />
of year. They can be found <strong>in</strong> the Old<br />
Town Square and Wenceslas Square,<br />
and both feature wooden huts<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g trad<strong>it</strong>ional Czech products<br />
such as wooden toys, Bohemian<br />
crystal, jewellery, scented candles<br />
and tree ornaments. From 28<br />
November to 1 January 2016.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 105
SAM Leisure: the most discern<strong>in</strong>g choice<br />
for games room and d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g solutions.<br />
The essence of exceptional luxury<br />
is embodied <strong>in</strong> our games room<br />
and d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g solutions. We at SAM<br />
Leisure pride ourselves on surpass<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our customers’ expectations, from<br />
diamond encrusted pool tables to<br />
custom-built professional snooker<br />
cues. We will exceed your demands<br />
and provide beyond your dreams.<br />
The ultimate designer pool table ‘THE<br />
BLACKLIGHT’ (w<strong>in</strong>ner of the International<br />
Design Award by The Observer). A stunn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
piece of furn<strong>it</strong>ure provid<strong>in</strong>g a modern and<br />
artistic <strong>in</strong>terpretation of the trad<strong>it</strong>ional game.<br />
Flow<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>es augment <strong>it</strong>s sculptural beauty,<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g a simple silhouette which enhances<br />
almost any décor and theme. Optional<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrated LED Light<strong>in</strong>g and sound systems,<br />
match<strong>in</strong>g accessories and lim<strong>it</strong>less colour<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>ations make each one unique.<br />
Prices from £26,000.<br />
Illustrated model is Mocha Brown w<strong>it</strong>h Olde<br />
English Wh<strong>it</strong>e Duo-tone f<strong>in</strong>ish and Ecru cloth.<br />
Elegant and trad<strong>it</strong>ional pool or snooker<br />
tables. Various designs to grace and<br />
compliment the classic styled home, us<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
f<strong>in</strong>est seasoned oak, mahogany or walnut.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ishes range from natural and reclaimed<br />
woods, solid lacquers to distressed and<br />
bleached pat<strong>in</strong>as. Prices from £2,350.<br />
Illustrated model is Cherrywood w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
Slate Blue cloth.<br />
Cool, urban and contemporary, the Milano<br />
range of dual-purpose d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g/pool tables<br />
provides a unique and flexible solution w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a perfect and discreet pool table disguised<br />
as a practical and everyday usable d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
table. Great for home, boardrooms or<br />
games rooms. Exclusive tables for people<br />
who like to enterta<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Available <strong>in</strong> a range of f<strong>in</strong>ishes and sizes.<br />
Prices from £2,000.<br />
Bespoke Debuchy table football range.<br />
The ultimate <strong>in</strong> football chic. Luxurious<br />
qual<strong>it</strong>y, custom made <strong>in</strong> a range of f<strong>in</strong>ishes<br />
and styles. Only the f<strong>in</strong>est materials are<br />
employed to provide a new generation of<br />
football tables, which offers a unique sense<br />
of sophisticated aesthetics whilst ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
an impeccable and high qual<strong>it</strong>y game.<br />
Endorsed by Arsenal’s Mathieu Debuchy.<br />
Illustrated model is the T22 <strong>in</strong> Glacier Blanc<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h Duo-tone Steel. Prices from £2,695.<br />
For over 20 years, SAM Leisure has supplied the world’s f<strong>in</strong>est games rooms. Vis<strong>it</strong> our<br />
Coventry showroom to see our selection of qual<strong>it</strong>y snooker and pool tables, pool/d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
tables, the UK’s largest selection of pool/snooker cues and billiard accessories, air hockey<br />
tables, table footballs, games room furn<strong>it</strong>ure, gift <strong>it</strong>ems and much more.<br />
SAM Leisure<br />
024 7646 1234 www.samleisure.co.uk<br />
Atlantic House, Falkland Close, Coventry CV4 8AU. Email: sales@samleisure.co.uk
Thomas Cook<br />
NEWS<br />
Image: The Snowman and The Snowdog © Snowdog Enterprises 2015<br />
Spend Christmas <strong>in</strong> Lapland!<br />
D<br />
o you remember the wonderful feel<strong>in</strong>g of watch<strong>in</strong>g The Snowman and The Snowdog? You know, the sweet story of the<br />
boy whose snowy creations come to life, and whisk him away to Lapland on Christmas Eve? Now you and your family can<br />
relive the magic and jet off to Lapland w<strong>it</strong>h Thomas Cook this Christmas. There might not be a fly<strong>in</strong>g snowman (sorry), but<br />
your Lapland adventure could <strong>in</strong>clude re<strong>in</strong>deer sleigh rides, mak<strong>in</strong>g snow angels and meet<strong>in</strong>g Santa Claus himself. New for 2015,<br />
you can fly from London Gatwick to Lapland on 23 December from just £796 per person for a family of three. Or you could try<br />
one of our fantastic day trips, w<strong>it</strong>h flights from an airport near you from as l<strong>it</strong>tle as £373 per person for a family of three.<br />
BOOK IT: Make this Christmas one you’ll never forget. Book your Lapland escape at thomascook.com<br />
You can fly from<br />
Belfast<br />
Bristol<br />
East Midlands<br />
Glasgow<br />
London Gatwick<br />
Manchester<br />
Newcastle<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 107
THE ONLY BIKE BOX WITH<br />
A 7 YEAR GUARANTEE!<br />
Made <strong>in</strong> the UK ........<br />
BOXES START FROM £415<br />
HIRE FROM £25 PER WEEK, (COLLECTED)<br />
£60 per week <strong>in</strong>c. delivery and collection<br />
All bikes f<strong>it</strong>.<br />
Custom graphics, your name and<br />
flag, bike name, components.<br />
Steel anti crush pole.<br />
www.bikeboxalan.com<br />
UK 01709 365408<br />
078 1234 6826<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@bikeboxalan.com<br />
Rotherham, Yorkshire. UK
Thomas Cook<br />
NEWS<br />
Get me to the beach on time!<br />
Y<br />
our wedd<strong>in</strong>g is one of the most important moments of your life, and when <strong>it</strong> comes to<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g your big day, you want to make <strong>it</strong> really special. So, why not do someth<strong>in</strong>g unique<br />
to reflect both of your personal<strong>it</strong>ies? More and more of us are gett<strong>in</strong>g married abroad – w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
gorgeous weather, an idyllic location and memories that will last a lifetime, <strong>it</strong> doesn’t get any better.<br />
Imag<strong>in</strong>e exchang<strong>in</strong>g vows on the pure wh<strong>it</strong>e sands of a Caribbean beach. Or you could say<br />
“I do” while gaz<strong>in</strong>g out over the sparkl<strong>in</strong>g Med<strong>it</strong>erranean as the sun starts to disappear beneath<br />
the horizon. Maybe you’d like to make the ultimate comm<strong>it</strong>ment <strong>in</strong> front of royalty: how about hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The K<strong>in</strong>g (Elvis Presley) preside over your nuptials <strong>in</strong> Las Vegas? However you picture your dream<br />
wedd<strong>in</strong>g, here at Thomas Cook we can make <strong>it</strong> happen.<br />
You’ll be able to choose from some of the world’s most romantic dest<strong>in</strong>ations, all handpicked<br />
by our team of wedd<strong>in</strong>g experts. And when you’ve decided where you’d like to have your magical day,<br />
we’ll help you f<strong>in</strong>d the perfect hotel and choose flights that work for you and your guests.<br />
When <strong>it</strong>’s time to get down to the f<strong>in</strong>er details, you can choose from our fantastic range of wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
packages. They <strong>in</strong>clude all the important wedd<strong>in</strong>g essentials: decorations for the venue; flowers for<br />
the bride and groom; a gorgeous wedd<strong>in</strong>g cake; and, not qu<strong>it</strong>e as exc<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g but no less important:<br />
legal fees. Our dedicated experts will be there for you throughout all the plann<strong>in</strong>g and will be your<br />
day-to-day contact w<strong>it</strong>h your chosen venue. They’ll do everyth<strong>in</strong>g they can to make sure every s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
element of your wedd<strong>in</strong>g goes as smoothly as possible and make <strong>it</strong> truly unforgettable.<br />
If you’re ready to start plann<strong>in</strong>g the wedd<strong>in</strong>g of your dreams, speak to our specialist team<br />
by call<strong>in</strong>g 0844 871 0670, or pop <strong>in</strong>to your nearest store. We’re wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g to help you create<br />
memories that will last a lifetime.<br />
Island<br />
paradise<br />
W<br />
e’re exc<strong>it</strong>ed to share w<strong>it</strong>h you a new<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation for summer 2016! The<br />
Greek island of Thassos is affectionately<br />
known as the Emerald Island thanks to <strong>it</strong>s lush<br />
green forests and olive groves. It’s located <strong>in</strong> the<br />
northeast corner of the Aegean Sea, about 10km<br />
from the ma<strong>in</strong>land, w<strong>it</strong>h stretches of f<strong>in</strong>e goldensands<br />
and a rich history. A holiday to Thassos is<br />
perfect for those look<strong>in</strong>g to explore an authentic,<br />
back-to-nature Greece.<br />
You'll f<strong>in</strong>d the cap<strong>it</strong>al, Limenas (or Thassos<br />
Town) on the northern tip of the island. Don’t let<br />
the term cap<strong>it</strong>al confuse you – although <strong>it</strong>’s the<br />
island’s largest town, <strong>it</strong> is still delightfully small and<br />
charm<strong>in</strong>g. Don’t miss out on a trip to the Roman<br />
amph<strong>it</strong>heatre or a chance to explore the qua<strong>in</strong>t<br />
cobbled streets l<strong>in</strong>ed w<strong>it</strong>h tavernas and souvenir<br />
shops sell<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g from pickled olives <strong>in</strong><br />
honey to trad<strong>it</strong>ionally pressed olive oil.<br />
In the east of the island is Makryammos, where<br />
you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d the famous Golden Beach, a beautiful<br />
long bay that resembles the arch<strong>in</strong>g sandy beaches<br />
of the Caribbean more than the average Greek<br />
shorel<strong>in</strong>e. And <strong>in</strong> the south of the island (you can<br />
drive from north to south <strong>in</strong> less than an hour) at<br />
Limenaria and Potos you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d the island’s best<br />
nightlife spots, w<strong>it</strong>h plenty of lively bars, nightclubs<br />
and restaurants along the buzzy promenade.<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g out where to stay? We suggest the<br />
brand-new SENTIDO Thassos Imperial Resort,<br />
which is s<strong>it</strong>uated on beautiful Pachis beach, fr<strong>in</strong>ged<br />
by scented p<strong>in</strong>e trees and boast<strong>in</strong>g sensational<br />
views of the sea. D<strong>in</strong>e at the waterfront Almira<br />
restaurant on typical Greek delicacies – th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
mezze, moussaka, fresh salads, baklava (and<br />
maybe a cheeky ouzo to f<strong>in</strong>ish). Bliss!<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 109
Thomas Cook<br />
Welcome to<br />
our Premium<br />
service!<br />
L<br />
ast year, alongside announc<strong>in</strong>g our new flights<br />
from Manchester to New York and Miami, we<br />
launched our new Premium cab<strong>in</strong> service, which<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>s this summer on long-haul flights from Manchester.<br />
So, if you’re travell<strong>in</strong>g long haul, you may well be sat <strong>in</strong><br />
one of our new cab<strong>in</strong>s – but don’t worry, our short-haul<br />
fleet has been upgraded, too.<br />
Fly<strong>in</strong>g from our Manchester base, five of our Airbus<br />
A330 fleet <strong>in</strong>clude our brand new Economy and Premium<br />
cab<strong>in</strong>s, which offer great value and are comparable<br />
to scheduled airl<strong>in</strong>e services, chang<strong>in</strong>g perceptions of<br />
Thomas Cook Airl<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
The brand new Premium cab<strong>in</strong>, w<strong>it</strong>h 49 seats <strong>in</strong><br />
a 2-3-2 configuration, 35” seat p<strong>it</strong>ch and 19.7” depth,<br />
is designed to offer maximum comfort. The seats have<br />
an adjustable headrest and footrest, personal <strong>in</strong>-arm<br />
tray tables and feature an 8.9” touchscreen on-demand<br />
enterta<strong>in</strong>ment system w<strong>it</strong>h a wider range of movies.<br />
Premium customers also benef<strong>it</strong> from 2x23kg (USA)<br />
or 1x30kg (non-USA) baggage, 10kg hand baggage,<br />
Premium check-<strong>in</strong> and bag drop, fast-track secur<strong>it</strong>y for<br />
departures and Premium board<strong>in</strong>g. On board, Premium<br />
customers receive a welcome dr<strong>in</strong>k, a three-course<br />
Premium James Mart<strong>in</strong> meal, free dr<strong>in</strong>ks throughout<br />
the flight, as well as an amen<strong>it</strong>y k<strong>it</strong>, headphones,<br />
pillows and blankets to ensure a comfortable journey.<br />
Christoph Debus, CEO of Thomas Cook Airl<strong>in</strong>es UK,<br />
says: “Our new Premium service ensures our customers<br />
experience a great range of services, whether they are<br />
celebrat<strong>in</strong>g a special event, want to fly <strong>in</strong> style or need<br />
to relax on a bus<strong>in</strong>ess trip.”<br />
Cruise control<br />
I<br />
f you’re look<strong>in</strong>g for a cruise holiday to<br />
remember, then there’s never been a<br />
better time than right now. Why? Because<br />
two of the biggest and best cruise ships ever<br />
built have just launched – and they’re both<br />
bookable through Thomas Cook Cruise.<br />
Br<strong>it</strong>annia<br />
The crown of P&O’s gl<strong>it</strong>ter<strong>in</strong>g fleet, Br<strong>it</strong>annia<br />
set off on her maiden voyage on 14 March.<br />
This is a classic Br<strong>it</strong>ish ship built for discern<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Br<strong>it</strong>ish tastes, and you can see this <strong>in</strong> every<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gle aspect of the vessel, from the food<br />
and décor to the activ<strong>it</strong>ies and nightlife. It<br />
creates the perfect balance of adventure<br />
and familiar<strong>it</strong>y for those travell<strong>in</strong>g to exotic<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ations. L<strong>it</strong>tle wonder that <strong>it</strong>’s the<br />
fastest-sell<strong>in</strong>g cruise ship <strong>in</strong> history!<br />
P&O has recru<strong>it</strong>ed a number of famous<br />
faces to br<strong>in</strong>g you the best gourmet<br />
experiences, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Thomas Cook’s very<br />
own chef, James Mart<strong>in</strong>, who’ll be head<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
the Cookery Club. You’ll need to keep active<br />
to work off all that wonderful food, but luckily<br />
there’s plenty to help you stay <strong>in</strong> shape on<br />
NEWS<br />
board – h<strong>it</strong> the high-tech gym, sports arena or<br />
the runn<strong>in</strong>g deck. And to keep you enterta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
there are West End-style shows, comedy gigs<br />
and cabarets, plus kids’ clubs, dance and art<br />
classes, pools and a spa. It’s true what they say:<br />
Br<strong>it</strong>annia really does rule the waves.<br />
Anthem Of The Seas<br />
The Royal Caribbean’s super-luxurious<br />
new offer<strong>in</strong>g, Anthem Of The Seas, carries<br />
4,905 guests to the Caribbean’s most beautiful<br />
islands. She’s an eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g marvel and one<br />
of the most technologically advanced ships <strong>in</strong><br />
the world: th<strong>in</strong>k robotic bartenders, the North<br />
Star aerial observatory (a glass capsule offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
360-degree views from 300ft above the deck),<br />
FlowRider surf<strong>in</strong>g simulators and the largest<br />
<strong>in</strong>door sports complex on the ocean, where<br />
you can go rollerskat<strong>in</strong>g or race your friends<br />
on the dodgems.<br />
There are more than 20 restaurants to<br />
choose from, so whatever you’re <strong>in</strong> the mood<br />
for – da<strong>in</strong>ty, Parisian-style macarons, burgers<br />
from Johnny Rockets, or pizza from Sorrento’s<br />
– there’s someth<strong>in</strong>g to feed your appet<strong>it</strong>e.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 111
Thomas Cook<br />
Love local<br />
M<br />
ake the most of your holiday by tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the time to discover some of the unique<br />
experiences that make dest<strong>in</strong>ations special,<br />
creat<strong>in</strong>g long-last<strong>in</strong>g holiday memories as well as<br />
long-term pos<strong>it</strong>ive futures for local people and their<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>ies.<br />
“Local Label” excursions are authentic and<br />
fulfill<strong>in</strong>g holiday experiences that give you the<br />
chance to see the real side of a dest<strong>in</strong>ation, whether<br />
that means vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g local farmers and sampl<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
produce, meet<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h local villagers and learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their r<strong>it</strong>uals or tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the views at unique beauty<br />
spots off the beaten track. These excursions also<br />
have the advantage of generat<strong>in</strong>g benef<strong>it</strong>s for the<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ations and commun<strong>it</strong>ies they operate <strong>in</strong>.<br />
A great example of a Local Label excursion is<br />
our Holgu<strong>in</strong> Green Path trip <strong>in</strong> Cuba. The excursion<br />
provides an opportun<strong>it</strong>y for holidaymakers and<br />
residents to <strong>in</strong>teract and share stories about their<br />
everyday lives, jobs, families and aspirations. It is a<br />
hugely engag<strong>in</strong>g and satisfy<strong>in</strong>g experience for both<br />
parties and creates memories that will last a lifetime.<br />
Other activ<strong>it</strong>ies on offer <strong>in</strong>clude tast<strong>in</strong>g locally<br />
grown food and dr<strong>in</strong>k, watch<strong>in</strong>g trad<strong>it</strong>ional farm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
methods, play<strong>in</strong>g dom<strong>in</strong>os w<strong>it</strong>h the locals and<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved w<strong>it</strong>h tree plant<strong>in</strong>g or walks <strong>in</strong><br />
the forest. The variety of activ<strong>it</strong>ies has given our<br />
customers the chance to have a pos<strong>it</strong>ive impact<br />
on the local economy. This has led to <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
donations at the local church, better food for the<br />
worshippers and more jobs, as a local craftsperson<br />
needs to employ more women as the demand for<br />
her souvenir products soars.<br />
Holgu<strong>in</strong> Team Manager Allison Boyce says: “This<br />
is exactly what we wanted the excursion to be – an<br />
opportun<strong>it</strong>y to br<strong>in</strong>g the real Cuba to life for our<br />
customers while creat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>come for villages that<br />
haven’t previously benef<strong>it</strong>ed from tourism. It’s done<br />
<strong>in</strong> a way that both residents and holidaymakers f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
mutually respectful and engag<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />
Showcas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>abil<strong>it</strong>y<br />
<strong>in</strong> action<br />
W<br />
NEWS<br />
e consider susta<strong>in</strong>abil<strong>it</strong>y to be one<br />
of the most important issues of our<br />
time. To br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong> to life while provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
an <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to the many environmental and<br />
socially responsible projects our airl<strong>in</strong>es are<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>, we are proud to launch our new<br />
<strong>in</strong>flight susta<strong>in</strong>abil<strong>it</strong>y film. This film showcases<br />
our efforts to reduce aviation emissions, reduce<br />
waste on board, provide support for disadvantaged<br />
children around the world, and ensure a more<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able product offer<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
“Fly<strong>in</strong>g is our bus<strong>in</strong>ess and also our passion,”<br />
says Kim Hansen, Head of Susta<strong>in</strong>abil<strong>it</strong>y at Thomas<br />
Cook Group Airl<strong>in</strong>es. “As an airl<strong>in</strong>e group and part<br />
of a company offer<strong>in</strong>g travel around the world, we<br />
also carry a special responsibil<strong>it</strong>y towards society<br />
and the environment. We take this very seriously<br />
and see susta<strong>in</strong>abil<strong>it</strong>y as an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of our<br />
corporate culture.”<br />
The film’s key highlights <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
Implementation of “green” flight procedures.<br />
Reduc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>flight waste and operat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a recycl<strong>in</strong>g programme.<br />
Reduc<strong>in</strong>g weight on board flights w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
cab<strong>in</strong> refurbishments, lightweight seat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and trolleys.<br />
Support<strong>in</strong>g char<strong>it</strong>able causes <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
help<strong>in</strong>g to rebuild a school library <strong>in</strong> Baan<br />
Yo Plang, <strong>Thailand</strong>. The library was made of<br />
wood, but be<strong>in</strong>g located <strong>in</strong> a ra<strong>in</strong>forest area<br />
meant that the books had started to decompose.<br />
WATCH IT: See the film onl<strong>in</strong>e at Thomas Cook<br />
Airl<strong>in</strong>es’ YouTube page: youtube.com/user/<br />
TCGroupAirl<strong>in</strong>es<br />
112 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
TICKETS ON SALE NOW<br />
The BIG Weekend<br />
Friday 28 - Monday 31 August 2015<br />
Tickets & further <strong>in</strong>fo at bigweekend.manchesterpride.com<br />
- IN ASSOCIATION WITH -<br />
manchesterpride<br />
Rais<strong>in</strong>g money for LGBT and HIV char<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
and organisations <strong>in</strong> Greater Manchester<br />
Registered char<strong>it</strong>y 1117848
Thomas Cook Tips for keep<strong>in</strong>g healthy on your travels<br />
WELLBEING<br />
Wellbe<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the air<br />
Thomas Cook aims to make your flight comfortable and relax<strong>in</strong>g. Simply follow<br />
these tips and exercises to ensure that you arrive at your dest<strong>in</strong>ation feel<strong>in</strong>g great<br />
Special requirements<br />
Hopefully, we already know about your<br />
special requirements such as dietary requests<br />
or if you need a wheelchair. If not, and this<br />
is an outbound flight, please advise a member<br />
of the cab<strong>in</strong> crew so that they can make<br />
arrangements for your return journey.<br />
Sleep and seatbelts<br />
If you’re plann<strong>in</strong>g to sleep dur<strong>in</strong>g the flight,<br />
we recommend you fasten your seatbelt so the<br />
cab<strong>in</strong> crew don’t have to wake you should the<br />
Capta<strong>in</strong> need to turn on the “fasten seatbelt”<br />
sign. We recommend that you keep your<br />
seatbelt fastened at all times while seated.<br />
No smok<strong>in</strong>g<br />
In l<strong>in</strong>e w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>in</strong>ternational policy, all our flights are<br />
non-smok<strong>in</strong>g. It is an offence to smoke onboard,<br />
and the use of electronic cigarettes is forbidden.<br />
Please refra<strong>in</strong> from smok<strong>in</strong>g for the comfort and<br />
safety of passengers and crew.<br />
Appropriate attire<br />
Customers w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>in</strong>appropriate attire (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h offensive slogans, text or images)<br />
will not be perm<strong>it</strong>ted to travel at check-<strong>in</strong> or<br />
at the po<strong>in</strong>t of board<strong>in</strong>g the aircraft unless<br />
a change of clothes is possible. Footwear<br />
must be worn on the aircraft.<br />
Young children<br />
The cab<strong>in</strong> crew will do their utmost to make<br />
everyone feel as comfortable and welcome as<br />
possible dur<strong>in</strong>g the flight. If you are travell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h young children, just ask if you need any milk<br />
or <strong>in</strong>fant meals heat<strong>in</strong>g. Baby-chang<strong>in</strong>g facil<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
are available on all our aircraft – aga<strong>in</strong>, just ask<br />
your crew for the location nearest to your seat.<br />
Lost property<br />
We ask all customers to take a few moments at<br />
the end of the flight to ensure that they have all<br />
their personal possessions w<strong>it</strong>h them, carefully<br />
check<strong>in</strong>g the seat pocket, floor area and overhead<br />
lockers before leav<strong>in</strong>g the aircraft. In the unlikely<br />
event that you believe you have left an <strong>it</strong>em<br />
onboard the aircraft, please note that any <strong>it</strong>ems<br />
found are handed over to the Lost Property office<br />
at the dest<strong>in</strong>ation airport. For secur<strong>it</strong>y reasons,<br />
<strong>it</strong>ems found are not returned to the UK.<br />
Alcohol consumption<br />
Alcohol consumed onboard an aircraft has<br />
a greater and faster effect than on the ground.<br />
Passengers are therefore not perm<strong>it</strong>ted to<br />
consume alcohol they have brought w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
them or from the onboard duty-free service.<br />
Only dr<strong>in</strong>ks purchased from our onboard<br />
bars can be consumed. Thomas Cook Airl<strong>in</strong>es<br />
reserves the right to refuse to carry passengers<br />
who do not comply w<strong>it</strong>h this rule. No alcohol will<br />
be served to anyone under the age of 18 or to<br />
<strong>in</strong>toxicated passengers.<br />
How to beat<br />
jet lag<br />
Jet lag occurs when our biological<br />
clocks are disrupted by fly<strong>in</strong>g across<br />
time zones. This can affect sleep,<br />
appet<strong>it</strong>e and bodily functions, but<br />
by mak<strong>in</strong>g a few adjustments you<br />
can reduce the symptoms.<br />
Inflight<br />
Avoid dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g too much alcohol or<br />
caffe<strong>in</strong>e, dr<strong>in</strong>k plenty of water and<br />
try to eat light meals.<br />
On arrival<br />
When you arrive, go out <strong>in</strong> the<br />
daylight as soon as possible.<br />
Try to adapt to the local bedtime<br />
on your first night. Relax as much<br />
as possible for the first few days –<br />
a catnap between 3pm and 5pm<br />
will help give you an energy boost.<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 115
Thomas Cook Tips for keep<strong>in</strong>g healthy on your travels<br />
Electronic devices<br />
Technology moves at such a fast pace that<br />
you may be confused about what electronic<br />
equipment you can and can’t use onboard.<br />
To help you, we have the follow<strong>in</strong>g guidel<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
Inflight exercises<br />
Humans aren’t designed to s<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> one pos<strong>it</strong>ion for long, so to promote blood<br />
circulation we recommend the follow<strong>in</strong>g exercises. Try them while seated and<br />
remember that even the smallest movements help w<strong>it</strong>h blood circulation.<br />
Personal Electronic Devices such as e-readers,<br />
iPads (and tablet-type devices), iPods and other<br />
similar portable <strong>it</strong>ems may be used on all Thomas<br />
Cook Airl<strong>in</strong>es aircraft provid<strong>in</strong>g they are <strong>in</strong> “Flight”<br />
mode or equivalent. There may be occasions<br />
when the crew ask you to sw<strong>it</strong>ch off any such<br />
device for operational reasons and we ask for your<br />
cooperation should this be necessary (normally this<br />
is only required when <strong>it</strong> is foggy; sw<strong>it</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>g off these<br />
devices ensures sens<strong>it</strong>ive equipment onboard is<br />
protected from any potential <strong>in</strong>terference).<br />
Upper body<br />
Take a large breath <strong>in</strong> through the nose. Slowly<br />
1 exhale through the mouth. Repeat a maximum<br />
of four times.<br />
S<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g upright, turn your head slowly to look<br />
2 over one shoulder. Now slowly turn to the other<br />
side. Repeat five times.<br />
Slowly rotate your shoulders backwards.<br />
3 Repeat this exercise five times.<br />
Raise one arm above your head and stretch<br />
4 upwards. Repeat w<strong>it</strong>h the other arm.<br />
Transfer your weight evenly between<br />
5 each buttock.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the departure and arrival phases of the<br />
flight all such devices must be of a size that can be<br />
stowed securely <strong>in</strong> the seat back pocket or the bag<br />
under the seat <strong>in</strong> front. Larger <strong>it</strong>ems such as laptops<br />
may be used <strong>in</strong> flight but must be stowed securely<br />
e<strong>it</strong>her <strong>in</strong> a bag under the seat or <strong>in</strong> the overhead<br />
locker dur<strong>in</strong>g departure and arrival.<br />
Note that unless specifically advised the use of<br />
any transm<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g device (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g mobile phones/<br />
tablets not <strong>in</strong> “Flight” mode) is prohib<strong>it</strong>ed whenever<br />
the aircraft doors are closed.<br />
Approved PEDs <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
Mobile phones/smartphones<br />
Laptop/notebook computers<br />
Tablet computers and e-readers<br />
Noise-cancell<strong>in</strong>g headphones<br />
Dig<strong>it</strong>al audio/MP3 players<br />
Portable DVD/CD players<br />
Electric shavers<br />
Personal cameras and electronic games<br />
Assistive medical devices<br />
Lower body<br />
Loosen or remove your footwear. Arch the<br />
1 soles of both feet and curl your toes 10 times.<br />
Straighten your legs, slightly lift your feet off<br />
2 the floor and pump both ankles forwards and<br />
backwards about 20 times.<br />
Tense and relax your thigh muscles<br />
3 about 10 times.<br />
March your feet on the spot 10 times, alternat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
4 between the heel and the ball of your foot.<br />
Clench your buttock muscles together<br />
5 10 times.<br />
If queu<strong>in</strong>g for the toilet, try rock<strong>in</strong>g backwards<br />
6 and forwards from heel to toe, then back.<br />
Upon land<strong>in</strong>g, gently stretch your body<br />
7 to get ready for movement.<br />
If you are travell<strong>in</strong>g on a long-haul flight, try to<br />
8 move around the cab<strong>in</strong> every couple of hours.<br />
Consideration for other travell<strong>in</strong>g customers<br />
Thomas Cook Airl<strong>in</strong>es takes the comfort of<br />
<strong>it</strong>s guests very seriously. We ask that you are<br />
considerate to fellow passengers and advise that<br />
“Knee Defenders”, or other similar devices that<br />
restrict the recl<strong>in</strong>e of the seat <strong>in</strong> front, are not<br />
allowed to be used on our aircraft.<br />
116 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
WELLBEING<br />
Health & safety while abroad<br />
Your holiday accommodation<br />
Never leave your key where someone can note<br />
your room number<br />
Do not leave your w<strong>in</strong>dow open, especially if your<br />
room is on the ground floor or has a balcony<br />
Remember to lock your room door, even when you<br />
are <strong>in</strong>side the room<br />
Balcony<br />
Children should NEVER be left unsupervised on balconies<br />
Do not climb or stand on balcony furn<strong>it</strong>ure<br />
Keep all furn<strong>it</strong>ure away from the balcony wall/rail<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Never lean over, s<strong>it</strong> or climb on the balcony or rail<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Bathroom<br />
Take care <strong>in</strong> bathrooms as condensation and water spray<br />
can make surfaces slippery, and bath or floor mats may not<br />
be provided<br />
Do not use ma<strong>in</strong>s electrical appliances near to water<br />
Cook<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Never leave cookers unattended while they are <strong>in</strong> use<br />
Ensure all cook<strong>in</strong>g appliances are sw<strong>it</strong>ched off<br />
when leav<strong>in</strong>g your apartment or when retir<strong>in</strong>g at night<br />
Never leave shopp<strong>in</strong>g or other <strong>it</strong>ems on the cooker<br />
On arrival at your accommodation<br />
Familiarise yourself w<strong>it</strong>h all escape routes and locate<br />
the nearest fire ex<strong>it</strong> to your room<br />
Do a practice walk of the nearest escape route<br />
from your room<br />
Study the fire <strong>in</strong>struction notice displayed <strong>in</strong> your room<br />
Identify the method of rais<strong>in</strong>g the alarm on discover<strong>in</strong>g a fire<br />
Ensure that all smok<strong>in</strong>g materials are safely ext<strong>in</strong>guished, and<br />
do not smoke <strong>in</strong> bed<br />
If a fire occurs<br />
Evacuate the room/area immediately. Do not stop<br />
to collect personal belong<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Close any doors beh<strong>in</strong>d you<br />
Raise the alarm<br />
Proceed to an assembly po<strong>in</strong>t outside and well clear<br />
of the build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
If you cannot leave your room, close all doors, put<br />
wet towels or clothes around the door seals and shout<br />
for help from the w<strong>in</strong>dow or telephone reception<br />
Glass w<strong>in</strong>dows and doors<br />
Be aware that glass doors and w<strong>in</strong>dows may not necessarily<br />
be equipped w<strong>it</strong>h toughened glass. Caution should be taken at<br />
all times<br />
Take extra care <strong>in</strong> bright sunlight as <strong>it</strong> may not be obvious<br />
whether the w<strong>in</strong>dow/door is open or closed<br />
Lifts<br />
Children should not use any lift unaccompanied<br />
Not all lifts have <strong>in</strong>ternal doors. When us<strong>in</strong>g this type of lift,<br />
stand well back from the exposed wall as there is no protection<br />
from the lift shaft when the car is <strong>in</strong> motion<br />
In the event of a fire, use the staircase, not the lift<br />
Poolside safety/out and about<br />
Every pool is different, but most hotels and apartments do<br />
not employ lifeguards, so please supervise any young members<br />
of your party<br />
Familiarise yourself w<strong>it</strong>h the layout of the pool to identify the<br />
deep and shallow areas before use<br />
Ensure that children use the toilet BEFORE enter<strong>in</strong>g the pool<br />
and take regular toilet breaks throughout the day. In the event<br />
of a faecal accident <strong>in</strong> or around the pool, please report <strong>it</strong><br />
immediately, as this will assist the hotel management <strong>in</strong><br />
ensur<strong>in</strong>g the highest level of pool hygiene<br />
Shower before enter<strong>in</strong>g the pool<br />
Do not swim (or allow children to swim) if suffer<strong>in</strong>g from an<br />
upset stomach<br />
Do not change nappies at the poolside<br />
Young children and babies must wear appropriate swimwear<br />
such as rubber-l<strong>in</strong>ed swimm<strong>in</strong>g trunks. Swimm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> nappies<br />
and nude bath<strong>in</strong>g are unacceptable<br />
Wash your hands thoroughly after us<strong>in</strong>g the toilet and<br />
chang<strong>in</strong>g nappies<br />
Have fun, but avoid unruly behaviour. Observe pool rules<br />
and <strong>in</strong>formation signs at all times<br />
Pool surrounds can be very slippery – do not run<br />
around them<br />
Do not swim immediately after a meal, and never swim<br />
when you have been dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g alcohol<br />
When jump<strong>in</strong>g or div<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the pool, check the water<br />
depth first and never dive from the deck side <strong>in</strong>to water<br />
less than 1.5m deep<br />
Do not jump or dive from any raised features or from<br />
poolside furn<strong>it</strong>ure<br />
Do not use the pool after dark or when closed, even if <strong>it</strong><br />
has underwater lights<br />
In the event of an emergency, know how to call for help<br />
Beach<br />
Spot the dangers<br />
Check out the beach when you arrive<br />
Take care when bath<strong>in</strong>g and swimm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Be aware of dangerous rip currents and strong tides<br />
Do not swim near or dive from rocks, piers,<br />
breakwaters and coral<br />
Take safety advice<br />
Swim where there are lifeguards on patrol and take<br />
their advice<br />
Look out for <strong>in</strong>formation – warn<strong>in</strong>g flags and signs –<br />
and adhere to them at all times<br />
Never swim where a sign says not to, for example zoned<br />
areas for high-speed vehicles such as jet boats or jet skis<br />
Don’t go alone<br />
Never swim alone – make sure there are other<br />
people around<br />
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times<br />
Never swim at night, after dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g alcohol or on<br />
a full stomach<br />
Learn how to help<br />
If you see someone <strong>in</strong> difficulty, tell somebody, preferably<br />
a lifeguard if there is one nearby<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d out what to do <strong>in</strong> an emergency, such as call<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the local coastguard or equivalent<br />
Sun safety<br />
Avoid sunbath<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g the hottest times of day<br />
Apply high-factor sunscreen, and re-apply frequently<br />
Never expose babies to the sun and always take extra<br />
care w<strong>it</strong>h children<br />
Remember <strong>it</strong> is possible to burn <strong>in</strong> the shade,<br />
when <strong>it</strong> is cloudy and while swimm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
At the first sign of burn<strong>in</strong>g get out of the sun immediately<br />
Always dr<strong>in</strong>k plenty of water<br />
Driv<strong>in</strong>g on holiday<br />
Check the vehicle is roadworthy and familiarise yourself<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h all controls before use, as they may differ from cars <strong>in</strong><br />
the UK and Ireland<br />
Check that the car-hire <strong>in</strong>surance cover you take out provides<br />
adequate cover for the driver and all of the passengers<br />
Always wear a seatbelt<br />
Familiarise yourself w<strong>it</strong>h local traffic laws<br />
Pay particular attention when at junctions and roundabouts<br />
Always carry emergency breakdown telephone numbers<br />
Always carry a spare set of spectacles (required<br />
by law <strong>in</strong> Spa<strong>in</strong>)<br />
NEVER dr<strong>in</strong>k and drive<br />
Stick to well-travelled and well-l<strong>it</strong> roads<br />
We advise aga<strong>in</strong>st the <strong>in</strong>dependent hir<strong>in</strong>g of mopeds,<br />
motorbikes, quad bikes and jet skis<br />
Pedestrians<br />
Be vigilant at all times. Familiarise yourself w<strong>it</strong>h the<br />
direction of traffic<br />
Be aware that <strong>in</strong> some countries traffic is not required<br />
to stop at pedestrian cross<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Services of local vendors<br />
In many holiday resorts you may f<strong>in</strong>d that services<br />
such as henna tattoos are available from places like street<br />
vendors. Although not recommended by Thomas Cook,<br />
if you choose to have a tattoo done or use the services of<br />
a local vendor, we would advise you to do so w<strong>it</strong>h caution.<br />
In the case of tattoos, ensure you ask for a test application<br />
before any larger-scale tattoos are applied. If you have any<br />
pre-exist<strong>in</strong>g sk<strong>in</strong> cond<strong>it</strong>ions, check w<strong>it</strong>h the vendor before<br />
agree<strong>in</strong>g to any application<br />
General<br />
If you haven’t already, take a few m<strong>in</strong>utes to complete the<br />
emergency contact details <strong>in</strong> the back of your passport<br />
Keep important documents <strong>in</strong> your hotel safe<br />
Be aware of who is around you. Pickpockets and opportunists<br />
will target anyone<br />
Don’t leave your common sense at the hotel. Don’t lose sight<br />
of your dr<strong>in</strong>k, don’t walk around by yourself, avoid dark places<br />
and don’t take unnecessary risks<br />
Look after yourself and your friends<br />
If hir<strong>in</strong>g a car/scooter/quad bike, ask yourself whether you<br />
have adequate <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
Do not leave belong<strong>in</strong>gs unattended (<strong>in</strong> cars, restaurants,<br />
hotel lobbies etc)<br />
Don’t sign anyth<strong>in</strong>g until you seek advice from experts. The<br />
chances of w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g a luxury holiday anywhere <strong>in</strong> the world just<br />
by scratch<strong>in</strong>g a card <strong>in</strong> the middle of the street, for example, are<br />
very remote<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d contact details for your local embassy, <strong>in</strong> case of<br />
emergency, at fco.gov.uk<br />
Be aware that the laws and customs of the country you’re<br />
vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g may be different from home. Read up on countryspecific<br />
advice at fco.gov.uk/travel<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 117
Thomas Cook Immigration and customs<br />
Fly<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> and out of the Un<strong>it</strong>ed States<br />
Before you leave the plane<br />
Wh<strong>it</strong>e form: arrival and departure record<br />
Please refer to the section on the right and below to check<br />
whether or not you need to complete the wh<strong>it</strong>e form (if you<br />
are a UK or EU c<strong>it</strong>izen and have filled <strong>in</strong> an ESTA form onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
that was approved, you are not required to complete this<br />
form). All other passengers must fill <strong>in</strong> the Immigration Visa<br />
and Customs forms, which will be handed out by the cab<strong>in</strong><br />
crew dur<strong>in</strong>g the flight. You are legally obliged to fill them <strong>in</strong><br />
– please make sure they’re correctly completed or you may<br />
face delays at Immigration. If you do make any mistakes,<br />
please ask for a new form.<br />
Depend<strong>in</strong>g on your circumstances, you may need a wh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
Immigration form. A Customs Declaration form will need<br />
to be filled out <strong>in</strong> add<strong>it</strong>ion to any Immigration/ESTA forms.<br />
We’ve put together some tips (below) to help you avoid the<br />
most common mistakes.<br />
specimen<br />
specimen<br />
Complete this form if:<br />
» You are NOT a US c<strong>it</strong>izen<br />
AND<br />
» You hold a valid US Visa<br />
AND<br />
» Your f<strong>in</strong>al dest<strong>in</strong>ation is the Un<strong>it</strong>ed States OR<br />
you are pass<strong>in</strong>g through the US to your f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation. Please complete <strong>it</strong>ems 1-13 on<br />
the Arrival record and <strong>it</strong>ems 14-17 on the<br />
Departure record. Keep the Departure record<br />
until you leave the US.<br />
Exceptions<br />
You DO NOT need to complete an<br />
Immigration form if you are:<br />
A US c<strong>it</strong>izen<br />
A Canadian c<strong>it</strong>izen<br />
A UK or EU c<strong>it</strong>izen hold<strong>in</strong>g a valid ESTA<br />
A new immigrant<br />
specimen<br />
Fill<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> your forms<br />
Blue form: Customs Declaration form<br />
DO:<br />
Take your time<br />
Wr<strong>it</strong>e <strong>in</strong> cap<strong>it</strong>al letters, us<strong>in</strong>g a pen<br />
Wr<strong>it</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the space below the questions and fill <strong>in</strong> every l<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
When asked for your address, if you are a vis<strong>it</strong>or to the US,<br />
then pr<strong>in</strong>t the name of your hotel. If you are on a fly-drive<br />
holiday and unsure where you will be stay<strong>in</strong>g on your first<br />
night, then give one of the follow<strong>in</strong>g addresses:<br />
Sanford – Thomas Cook, 1650 Sand Lake Road,<br />
Su<strong>it</strong>e 300, Orlando FL32809<br />
OR<br />
Las Vegas – Thomas Cook, 5030 Paradise Road,<br />
Su<strong>it</strong>e C214, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119<br />
Sign and date the back of your Customs Declaration form<br />
Double-check your forms<br />
Ask the cab<strong>in</strong> crew if you have any queries<br />
DO NOT:<br />
Cross anyth<strong>in</strong>g out. If you make a mistake,<br />
ask for a new form and start aga<strong>in</strong><br />
specimen<br />
specimen<br />
You must fill <strong>in</strong> the Customs Declaration<br />
form before you arrive <strong>in</strong> the US. One form<br />
per household is required.<br />
118 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
OUR FLEET<br />
Thomas Cook operates more than 35 aircraft to<br />
Europe and the rest of the world from the UK<br />
Airbus A320-200<br />
Airbus A330-200<br />
Total passengers: 180<br />
W<strong>in</strong>g-span: 34.1m<br />
Length: 37.57m<br />
Number <strong>in</strong> fleet: 5<br />
Maximum take-off weight: 77,000kg<br />
Maximum cruis<strong>in</strong>g speed: 500mph<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>es: CFM International CFM 56-5B4<br />
Total passengers: 321/325<br />
W<strong>in</strong>gspan: 60.3m<br />
Length: 58.38m<br />
Number <strong>in</strong> fleet: 7<br />
Maximum take-off weight: 230,000kg<br />
Maximum cruis<strong>in</strong>g speed: 520mph<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>es: 2 Rolls-Royce Trent 772B Series<br />
Airbus A321-200<br />
Boe<strong>in</strong>g 757-200<br />
Total passengers: 220<br />
W<strong>in</strong>gspan: 34.1m<br />
Length: 43.69m<br />
Number <strong>in</strong> fleet: 17<br />
Maximum take-off weight: 89,000/93,500kg<br />
Maximum cruis<strong>in</strong>g speed: 500mph<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>es: 2 CFM 56-5B3<br />
Total passengers: 233/235<br />
W<strong>in</strong>gspan: 38.1m<br />
Length: 46.93m<br />
Number <strong>in</strong> fleet: 4<br />
Maximum take-off weight: 115,666kg<br />
Maximum cruis<strong>in</strong>g speed: 500mph<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>es: 2 Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4<br />
Boe<strong>in</strong>g 767-300<br />
Boe<strong>in</strong>g 757-300<br />
Total passengers: 326<br />
W<strong>in</strong>gspan: 47.57m<br />
Length: 54.94m<br />
Number <strong>in</strong> fleet: 3<br />
Maximum take-off weight: 184,612kg<br />
Maximum cruis<strong>in</strong>g speed: 530mph<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>es: 2 General Electric CF6-80C2<br />
Total passengers: 280<br />
W<strong>in</strong>gspan: 38.1m<br />
Length: 54.43m<br />
Number <strong>in</strong> fleet: 2<br />
Maximum take-off weight: 117,934kg<br />
Maximum cruis<strong>in</strong>g speed: 500mph<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>es: 2 Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 119
Thomas Cook<br />
Thomas Cook flies from<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g airports<br />
UK DEPARTURE AIRPORTS<br />
1 Glasgow<br />
2 Newcastle<br />
3 Belfast<br />
4 Manchester<br />
5 East Midlands<br />
6 Birm<strong>in</strong>gham<br />
7 Bristol<br />
8 London Stansted<br />
9 London Gatwick<br />
10<br />
Cardiff<br />
1 1 Norwich<br />
12 Doncaster<br />
13 Exeter<br />
CANADA<br />
BOSTON<br />
NEW YORK<br />
USA<br />
LAS VEGAS<br />
LOS ANGELES<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
ORLANDO<br />
KEY<br />
MIAMI<br />
SUMMER ONLY<br />
WINTER ONLY<br />
YEAR-ROUND<br />
MEXICO<br />
CANCUN<br />
VARADERO<br />
CUBA<br />
CAYO COCO<br />
HOLGUIN<br />
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC<br />
MONTEGO BAY<br />
PUNTA CANA<br />
JAMAICA<br />
ANTIGUA<br />
PACIFIC OCEAN<br />
ST LUCIA<br />
BRIDGETOWN<br />
BARBADOS<br />
120 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL
WHERE WE FLY<br />
ENONTEKIO<br />
KITTILA<br />
ROVANIEMI<br />
FINLAND<br />
SEA<br />
1<br />
2<br />
NORTH<br />
SEA<br />
BALTIC<br />
3<br />
4 12<br />
5<br />
6<br />
10<br />
7<br />
12 11<br />
8<br />
9<br />
GERMANY<br />
13<br />
SWITZERLAND<br />
GENEVA<br />
FRANCE<br />
GRENOBLE<br />
TURIN<br />
SALZBURG<br />
INNSBRUCK<br />
PORTUGAL<br />
MADEIRA<br />
FARO<br />
SPAIN<br />
IBIZA<br />
ALMERIA<br />
LLEIDA-ALGUAIRE<br />
REUS<br />
MAHON<br />
PALMA<br />
GENOVA<br />
ENFIDHA<br />
MONASTIR<br />
DJERBA<br />
TUNISIA<br />
ITALY<br />
NAPLES<br />
SOFIA<br />
BURGAS<br />
CYPRUS<br />
TURKEY<br />
MYTILENE<br />
CORFU<br />
IZMIR<br />
KEFALONIA<br />
PREVEZA<br />
BODRUM<br />
ZANTE<br />
SKIATHOS<br />
DALAMAN<br />
KALAMATA<br />
SANTORINI<br />
ANTALYA<br />
MALTA<br />
HERAKLION<br />
RHODES<br />
LARNACA<br />
PAPHOS<br />
MEDITERRANEAN SEA<br />
TENERIFE<br />
CANARY<br />
ISLANDS<br />
ARRECIFE<br />
FUERTEVENTURA<br />
LAS PALMAS<br />
EGYPT<br />
HURGHADA<br />
SHARM EL SHEIKH<br />
INDIA<br />
CAPE VERDE<br />
BANJUL<br />
THE<br />
GAMBIA<br />
GOA<br />
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 121
Thomas Cook<br />
CHILDREN’S CHARITY<br />
Thank you from the Children’s Char<strong>it</strong>y!<br />
T<br />
homas Cook Children’s Char<strong>it</strong>y aims<br />
to improve children’s lives and the<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> which they live by help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to improve education, wellbe<strong>in</strong>g and healthcare<br />
facil<strong>it</strong>ies. We provide fund<strong>in</strong>g to a number of<br />
children’s char<strong>it</strong>ies to help benef<strong>it</strong> children<br />
throughout the UK and overseas.<br />
Thank you<br />
Over the last 12 months we have raised over<br />
£340,000 on board return Thomas Cook Airl<strong>in</strong>es<br />
flights to the UK. A huge thank you to each and<br />
every one of you for your support – <strong>it</strong> truly does<br />
make a difference.<br />
Mak<strong>in</strong>g a difference<br />
SOS Children’s Villages has been work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Nepal<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce 1973. Its n<strong>in</strong>e purpose-built villages and<br />
dedicated SOS mothers provide a lov<strong>in</strong>g home<br />
and care to vulnerable and orphaned children.<br />
Its long-term presence <strong>in</strong> Nepal meant<br />
<strong>it</strong> was able to respond quickly and effectively<br />
when earthquakes devastated the country earlier<br />
this year. It rapidly deployed teams who provided<br />
food, shelter, water and first aid to affected families.<br />
They also worked to reun<strong>it</strong>e unaccompanied<br />
children w<strong>it</strong>h their parents, and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to look<br />
after those for whom this has not been possible.<br />
A grant from Thomas Cook Children’s Char<strong>it</strong>y<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g the earthquake appeal helped to run<br />
SOS Children’s Villages’ 22 child-friendly spaces<br />
<strong>in</strong> the aftermath of the earthquakes. These have<br />
given over 1,500 children a safe place to play and<br />
be children aga<strong>in</strong>. SOS Children’s Villages also<br />
offers counsell<strong>in</strong>g to the children, help<strong>in</strong>g them<br />
to overcome the traumas they have experienced.<br />
Look<strong>in</strong>g forward, the char<strong>it</strong>y is comm<strong>it</strong>ted to help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
vulnerable children and families rebuild their lives<br />
across Nepal for years to come.<br />
Thomas Cook Children’s Char<strong>it</strong>y has also<br />
supported the follow<strong>in</strong>g causes over the last year:<br />
Save The Children, WheelPower, Alder Hey Children’s<br />
Hosp<strong>it</strong>al; Royal Manchester Children’s Hosp<strong>it</strong>al;<br />
Teenage Cancer Trust; Just A Drop; Happy Days<br />
Children’s Char<strong>it</strong>y; Together For Short Lives; and<br />
Camfed, as well as many local commun<strong>it</strong>y projects.<br />
Nom<strong>in</strong>ate a cause<br />
If you know of a local char<strong>it</strong>y that aims to<br />
improve the lives of children and benef<strong>it</strong> the<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> which they live that Thomas<br />
Cook Children’s Char<strong>it</strong>y could support, please get<br />
<strong>in</strong> touch via our webs<strong>it</strong>e or email thomascook.<br />
childrenschar<strong>it</strong>y@thomascook.com.<br />
thomascookchildrenschar<strong>it</strong>y.com<br />
As you travel you will encounter children at risk:<br />
sell<strong>in</strong>g goods, begg<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> orphanages, work<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> sex slavery...<br />
Of course you want to help, but what is the best way?<br />
The ChildSafe Traveler 7 Tips provides you w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on how you can protect children<br />
as you go.<br />
Call for child protection<br />
T<br />
here are millions of children liv<strong>in</strong>g or work<strong>in</strong>g on the streets worldwide. All<br />
these children are at risk of be<strong>in</strong>g abused, and often travelers unw<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
and unknow<strong>in</strong>gly <strong>in</strong>crease their vulnerabil<strong>it</strong>y. Certa<strong>in</strong> “tourist attractions”<br />
such as orphanage or slum tours explo<strong>it</strong> children’s vulnerabil<strong>it</strong>ies for prof<strong>it</strong>. Giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
money to begg<strong>in</strong>g children or buy<strong>in</strong>g from them may be help<strong>in</strong>g to keep them on<br />
the streets and at risk. And tak<strong>in</strong>g children back to your hotel room for any reason<br />
is not a good idea. Worldwide, the charges for sex offenders are severe and you<br />
might be suspected of be<strong>in</strong>g one if you take a child back to your room. Here are<br />
the ChildSafe Traveler 7 Tips to follow:<br />
1. Support ChildSafe network members.<br />
2. Th<strong>in</strong>k! Before buy<strong>in</strong>g or giv<strong>in</strong>g to begg<strong>in</strong>g children.<br />
3. Th<strong>in</strong>k! How to protect children from explo<strong>it</strong>ative behaviour.<br />
4. Th<strong>in</strong>k! Children are not tourist attractions.<br />
5. Th<strong>in</strong>k! Before tak<strong>in</strong>g a child back to your hotel room for any reason.<br />
6. Th<strong>in</strong>k! When faced w<strong>it</strong>h a s<strong>it</strong>uation of potential sexual explo<strong>it</strong>ation of children.<br />
7. Th<strong>in</strong>k! Keep your eyes wide open.<br />
If you suspect a child has been trafficked or explo<strong>it</strong>ed, please call<br />
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact the police. F<strong>in</strong>d out more<br />
about how to be a prudent ChildSafe Traveler and help raise awareness<br />
to protect children worldwide by vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g THINKChildSafe.org<br />
122 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL