Haslemere Traveller 2017

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ZURICH GREECE Terry’s luxury short break is a big surprise The location of the Dolder Grand Hotel – in a forest, in an elevated position with magnificent views of the city, lake and snowcapped mountains – is hard to beat. Privately owned, during my stay in May I discovered that its recent refurbishment works well; its art collection remains (one of the most valuable in Zurich). Dining is spectacular with a 2-Star Michelin option, The Epicure; while the bar has magical Swarovski candles in suspended ceiling lights. Rooms are modern and minimalist, with oak flooring and marbled bathrooms, many of which have hosted celebrities (the hotel itself has appeared in several films pictured below). The award-winning spa covers 4.000sqm and has outdoor whirlpools and a snow room. Yoga, tennis and 9-hole golf are available, while a funicular transports guests to the city. Far from the haven of just banks and commerce that I had previously imagined, I found the city pleasantly surprising, with its cobbled, spotless winding streets, galleries, churches and clock towers. This is an ideal destination for a short break – especially for the football fan, as the city’s FIFA museum was very interesting, even for a non fan such as me! Hanna enjoys precious time with her daughter In May, my daughter Amelia (aged 3) and I arrived at the prime Ionian Sea destination of Westin Resort Navarino Dunes at Costa Navarino, Greece to be greeted with a glass of Prosecco (soft for Amelia!) and an offer to dine at one of the resort’s fine restaurants, Flame. This set the tone for a luxury stay. The Westin resort is split into two – the family friendly Westin and the more adult-orientated Romanos. Amelia first enjoyed a short buggy ride to the Aqua Park; this has plenty of water toys and slides to amuse different age groups, and a playground attached to the site, with climbing frames for older children. SHORT BREAKS TENERIFE Terry returns to a favourite destination I have stayed at the Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque, in the relaxing resort of the Costa Adeje, South Tenerife every six months and have done so for the past three years – and I am already planning my next stay! Knowing the hotel so well, I am able to request certain rooms and I have now sampled most of the many restaurants too, so I can make very informed recommendations. Just 20 minutes from the airport, from the moment you enter via its Corinthian columns, the Victorian and Venetian influences are apparent, with several piazzas giving the feel of a village-style property, rather than a large hotel. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, with only 350 rooms and suites, as well as a selection of one and two-bedroom villas, you can opt for either garden or sea views. This is a great location for families, as well as couples and attracts a high percentage of repeat guests (like me!). The many dining options include Italian, Asian and a new restaurant, SUA, offering dishes from the Basque region of Spain. Facing towards the small volcanic island of Gomera, only 50 minutes away by ferry, it attracts a warm Gulf Stream climate, which makes the weather perfect throughout the winter months. With five swimming pools, as well as an adult “quiet area” located in lush, wellestablished gardens, I cannot fault the hotel for its amazing spa, service, room choice and exceptional dining. The kids’ club had a full programme of activities for Amelia – while I resisted a golf lesson and ventured towards the Anazoe Spa, a serene sanctuary with an exceptional menu of speciality treatments based on ancient beauty practices, using the area’s exclusive natural ingredients. It also offers hydrotherapy and floating pools, indoor and outdoor treatments areas. Children over 10 are able to do diving and snorkelling at the PADI Centre and also at nearby Proti Island which has good diving visibility from May ownards. Turtle hatchings are normally visible in September-November. An eco-gallery was ideal for the little ones, but a squash court, bowling alley, an American Diner and cinema catered to older children. A highlight was authentic village cooking at a beautiful, stone house in nearby Pylos, where we cooked traditional Greek noodles and made Galopita (traditional milk pie). An ideal way to discover family recipes, passed down through generations. 12 TRAVELLER 2017 haslemeretravel.co.uk 01428 658 777
WHAT’S NEW... BAGS OF FUN! Our eco bag enjoys jungle life in Costa Rica LITERARY EVENING NEXT MAY Haslemere Travel is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the first Haslemere Travel Literary Evening on Thursday, May 18th as part of this year’s Haslemere Festival. The exclusive event will have a Russian theme, with three exciting women speakers set to entertain guests. Anna Pasternak (above) (great-niece of Boris Pasternak, the Nobel prize-winning author of Dr Zhivago) will be talking about her new book “Lara: The Untold Love Story that inspired Dr Zhivago” – the tale of the true, heartbreaking love affair between Boris and Olga Ivinskaya. Carnival Films are currently developing Lara with Liz Trubridge, producer of Downton Abbey, for a major, six part TV series. Excitingly, Liz Trubridge has also agreed to talk about how she is bringing the book to the screen as part of this stimulating evening. The chair of the evening will be Val Hudson, former editorial director of Harper Collins and Hodder Headline, who is a published author herself and the rumoured author of A Simples Life, the best-selling ‘autobiography’ of the cravat-wearing Russian meerkat Aleksandr; as well as Arthur: the dog that crossed a jungle to find a home. The event will begin at 7.30pm (ending c9.30pm) at the Haslemere Educational Museum and will include refreshments during the interval, as well as the opportunity to purchase paperbacks and have them signed by the two authors. Please note: This is a ticket-only event. For further information, go to www.haslemeretravel.co.uk; to purchase tickets (after March 1st) which cost £15 (wine included) call 01428 642161 or email: boxoffice@haslemerehall.com Gemma zooms around Italy in style Jackie gets to grips with Seychelles’ Coco de Mer Terry cruises down the scenic river Danube WILDLIFE BOOST A luxury prize trip donated by Haslemere Travel (in partnership with JG Collection/ ICMI Collection) for a fund-raising raffle, raised thousands for the new education centre building project at Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Nower Wood. Winners Margaret Gilbert and Tony Stanford, will spend nights at The Roxburghe Hotel in the Scottish Borders, including fly fishing tuition on the River Tweed; and at Greywalls, next to the celebrated Muirfield golf course near Edinburgh, dining in its Chez Roux restaurant. “Haslemere Travel was delighted to support Nower Wood. We look forward to ensuring the prizewinners have a wonderful trip,” said Gemma. CARIBBEAN PRIZE Haslemere Travel is thrilled to announce that this year we will be seeking to reward our loyal clients with a wonderful Caribbean holiday prize for the first time! The lucky winners (to be drawn in January 2018) will be treated to a very special prize - 7 nights full board for 2 people, ultra all-inclusive at East Winds, St Lucia - a gorgeous, boutique hotel on arguably the island’s finest, secluded tropical beach, with a whole range of activities on offer. Every client who books a holiday with us in 2017 will be entered into the prize draw – the more holidays you book, the more entries you will receive. For more details, email: gemma@ haslemeretravel.co.uk or see our website for terms and conditions. Good luck! Ray is dressed for the desert at amazing Petra Email your photos with your Haslemere Travel Eco Bag to gemma@haslemeretravel.co.uk and we will print them in the next newsletter and feature them on our website! 01428 658 777 haslemeretravel.co.uk TRAVELLER 2017 13
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Page 3 and 4: CONTRIBUTORS GEMMA & RAY gemma@hasl
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Page 11: WANDERING STAR JOANNA LUMLEY Nation
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Haslemere Traveller 2017

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