Seasons Newsletter - Autumn 2014 by Azure Malta

NEWSLETTER

Valletta, Grand Harbour

AUTUMN 2014

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Perry Newton Project Director, Azure

“Water water everywhere....... as well as a lot of posh drinks...!” Over the last so many years there’s been plenty afloat in the media regarding holidaying on boats and cruising. Personally, I have always looked on cruising as something you did when you got older and couldn’t be bothered with going to Skegness anymore in the car - if you were lucky enough of course. I viewed cruising as something more affluent people did, rather than go to say Spain or France for a fortnight, should they want to splash out a little on something more, exotic. My own experience of anything on water hasn’t gone so well. Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of boats and the thought of embracing the fresh salty sea breeze seems invigorating for sure, as is the feeling of being some kind of explorer (probably a man thing, especially if any navigation is required!). No, my experience from a young age has been one of sheer terror brought on by an overzealous father pushing me out to sea at a very young age, in a poorly inflated red Indian canoe devoid of any British kite markings where taking on much engulfing of water ensued. I remember the huge waves dragging me out to sea as my father waved and smiled as I screamed on it and my maiden voyage. Then there was also the time we went on a coach trip to Spain involving a Townsend Thoresen ferry to France, the 9 hour longer crossing (in a heavy storm of course!) most of which I spent trying to find the nearest toilets, dead centre of the middle deck. By the time we arrived at port I didn’t recognise the face staring back at me in the mirror, I was convinced aliens had abducted me, as this couldn’t possibly be my body. Since then over the years I’ve taken ferries to Gozo on many occasions and also long crossings to Morocco whilst training for the Dakar rally. I’ve been on Fractional Ownership Sunseekers, jet bikes, and even tried those little, sail -with- your -wife mini catamarans that are always for hire, on Caribbean beaches - much to my wife’s insecurities regarding my abilities – I may add. Ok, so I did have a pretty hard time getting back to shore, yet again a ‘man thing!’Although we hate to admit it, there are times when we have absolutely no clue what we are doing! After she had stopped crying I did promise never to take her on one of my ‘sailing expeditions’ ever again. Now you may be thinking I’m writing this as I don’t like boats, or the sea but you’d be

Cruise liner docking in the Valletta Grand Harbour

wrong. I love boats and the sea, it’s just my body that doesn’t. Still, it never seems to dampen my spirit for having another go and here I am looking out the office window at a force 5 which came from nowhere, as I look at an evening sail to Sicily on the fast catamaran (60 minutes) as we take a short break and give the bikes a dust off around the incredible Sicilian mountainsides. I’m looking forward to sailing out of and back into Valletta’s Grand Harbour, as I can tell you it’s worth any amount of suffering to sail into that harbour as the sun rises in the early morning, showering the whole historical and medieval beauty of Valletta and the three cities in a spectacular orange shower of rising sunlight. It really is one of those moments to treasure.

And you’re going to have fun at the bar too, just don’t expect much conversation from the bar staff, as the Quantum’s Bionic Bars are manned by robotic bartenders! - how’s that for space-age technology? Inside cabins until now, were never the first choice and I don’t suppose they would have been on The Enterprise itself but that’s where the Quantum ships have the edge over a star ship. The Quantum is in another dimension, as one would expect. Each inside cabin has a ‘virtual balcony’ in the form of an 80-inch LCD wall, with all the sights and sounds of the outside world reflected into your room – truly staggering!

This got me thinking. How many more of these amazing moments I could capture and, if I had the stomach for it, what adventures could await me, what sights I’d see and what experiences I could enjoy, with people I’d love to share them with.

Futuristic cruising Whilst looking at RCI’s cruise options it seems there’s a lot going on and so much more than I ever imagined. For instance, there’s a mini-cruise, a little 2-3 day thing, a land sea excursion where you spend some time on land then sea or vice versa. You can cruise direct from the UK, you can last-minute cruise, or indeed choose from a plethora of cruises for explorers, all with help from RCI’s dedicated “cruise guides” to assist you with the thousands of sailings offered each year. There are cruise tours and even river cruises and if you thought like me, that cruising can be a bit stuffy and a tad old school well you’d be wrong there too. Cruise ships today, are more like THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE; take a look at the Royal Digital tablet and robotic bartenders Caribbean Cruise line which operate the ‘Quantum’ ships. You can almost feel the sensation of being greeted at the bridge of Starfleet command where upon boarding you are presented with a digital tablet on which you may communicate with the entire ship! Along with being able to order anything you like from the ship’s team, from services to drinks and food, to reserving a table at the restaurant or at tonight’s show!

Virtual LED balcony

I wish I was lucky enough to be one of those people who are a natural on the sea, but as it is I’m going to keep trying all the old wives tale remedies. I’m not sure what Dr.Bones would have suggested for deep space travel but according to the Telegraph, sitting on a sheet of brown paper does the trick, as does sucking on spoons (or was this for peeling onions?) wearing a bangle, focusing on the horizon, taking sea sick tablets and eating ginger. I will persist with these therapies, so that just for a short time I can catch a glimpse of what lots of other people already know, that boats are cool and trendy, they can be hip and exciting with unlimited possibilities and “boldly go where no ... “Ok, let’s stop getting carried away. But seriously of seeing things and experiencing places that are just that little bit out of the ordinary, offering a different viewpoint from the one we’ve seen a thousand times before, I think back to Valletta’s Grand Harbour again and that makes me wonder how many more grand harbours there are around the world? and how many different views and unforgettable moments there are yet to experience? I hope you enjoy this edition of Azure’s extremely popular newsletter along with all of the wonderful content the team has gathered in their never ending search for items of interest for you. So, until next time.. “take us out Mr. Sulu” warp factor 6 please!

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AZURE MALTA ATTENDS RDO LONDON CONFERENCE 2014 Azure’s Perry Newton and Gavin Dickinson attended the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) Conference held at the Pestana Resort, Chelsea Bridge in London, this September.

AZURE RESORTS IN LONDON By Kirsti Newton

2015 LEISURE REAL ESTATE AND VACATION RENTAL SUMMIT, LONDON, 11 th February 2015 Leading UK real estate conference organisers Boutique Hotel Media and Fractional Life are delighted to host the second annual Leisure Real Estate Summit for the UK and European leisure real estate sector, confirming dates for their 2015 summit, to be held once again at London’s Montcalm Hotel, with Azure Project Director Perry Newton and Azure Memberships Director, Gavin Dickinson confirmed as guest speakers. Following a successful launch in London in 2013, the event is a reaction to a fluid economic situation, and the growing synergies and crossovers between various elements of the international mixed-use leisure real estate sector, including hotels, holiday lodges and parks, second home ownership, Vacation Ownership and Vacation Rental. Event organiser Piers Brown said, “The Leisure Real Estate and Vacation Rental Summit is intended to provide an opportunity for industry professionals to meet, network, learn and share best practice. It also recognises the huge expansion of vacation rental, the growing trend towards mixed-use developments, and represents a new concept in b2b conferencing for the sector. It will bring together leaders and innovators from across the industry to share knowledge and experiences.”

Malta-based Vacation Ownership specialist Azure Resorts employs more than 130 staff and has a growing member base of over 5,500 members. With over 10 years experience in Malta alone and with two successful vacation clubs; Island Residence Club and The Heavenly Collection, Azure Services ltd are responsible for the sales and marketing of high-end Vacation Club memberships at the five star Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands in Malta. Perry Newton, Project Director at Azure Resorts, said, “Soon enough it will be that time again, when we are reflecting on another year of leisure and real estate trends and statistics. Personally I look forward to this gathering from an industry that is more diverse every year, I love the stories I hear and the creativity that is so openly shared. It is pretty incredible that not that long ago many of the differing factions of our industry attending now would never have dreamt of meeting let alone sharing collaborating and innovating together, which is why I believe this summit has been instrumental in forging great relationships and equipping many in the industry to be agile enough in responding to an increasingly changeable and demanding market.”

The RDO Conference is the only event of its type in Europe, where lively debates, networking amongst industry colleague and sharing ideas with key leaders and companies within the Timeshare, Fractional and Shared Leisure Ownership Industry takes place over a weekend, each year. Governing bodies such as Timeshare Association (TATOC) and Resort Development Organisation (RDO) have put in place stringent compliance regulations that Vacation Ownership Clubs need to abide by, giving the consumer peace of mind. The mission of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) is to be the recognised voice for the timeshare and shared ownership industry. RDO aims to become the kitemark for quality and trust for consumers, whilst promoting and demanding industry best practice from its members and whose primary goal is for consumers to enjoy their ownership and have great holidays. Azure’s Project Director Perry Newton was invited to speak at this year’s RDO Conference, that brings together some of the largest hospitality brands and speakers in the industry, highlighting the latest trends, current legislations, good business practises and innovative future ideas.

“RDO 2014 was a great success for Azure. I enjoyed the varied topics up for discussion this year and took a very active part, participating on a panel of speakers. What is clear is that Azure is leading the way on many of today’s industry issues and is continuing to challenge old beliefs and break new ground. Azure is without a doubt setting the benchmark within the EU that others are keen to follow.” -Perry Newton Project Director, Azure

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WHAT MEMBERS SAY ABOUT AZURE ...

By Grazielle Camilleri

Our stability in the Vacation Club industry is a testament to the results we provide to our clientele. While we have great pride in our achievements, Azure Malta continues to evolve with the times, providing products and services to meet our clients’ holiday needs. We are proud of the feedback received from members over the years. Below are some testimonials from a few of Azure’s members. Thank you from Team Azure for your continued reviews!

Mr & Mrs Cash, UK Members since 2007

Mr & Mrs Vella, Malta Members since 2006

“Compared to other resorts, we were impressed with the generous size of the rooms, the quality of the resident restaurants and the pleasant location opposite the Golden Sands beach. Malta is so rich in history and culture. Each time we visit, we enjoy exploring a new museum or cultural event. There is so much to see and do in Malta that we never get to see everything in two weeks! This is a good excuse for us to return each year and invite friends of ours from the UK to join us.”

“We honestly feel that here is like a second home for us. We are acquainted with several members of staff after all these years visiting Golden Sands and we love nothing better than sitting on the sofas on the balcony and watching sunsets together. Once we step inside the resort, we do not feel the need to leave the hotel for anything, as everything we need is here - at the touch of a button! If we need anything, all we need to do is ask. ”

For information on how to become a member, to refer a friend, or to simply read some interesting members’ stories, visit: www.azure.com.mt/members or call us (00356) 2356 1811.

Mr & Mrs Buckingham, UK Members since 2006 Mr & Mrs Rouse, UK Members since 2009 “We love coming to the Azure Malta resort because apart from the relaxing views from our Heavenly Suite on the 9th Floor, we feel very special every time we visit and we appreciate it so much. ’’

Mr & Mrs Ray, UK Members since 2007 “This place really is like a second home. The staff are so nice that they feel like friends. The food is excellent, the accommodation is comfortable and the views are superb. We are so glad that we found this resort and look forward to our stay every year. Keep it going Azure.”

“We felt that this was where we wanted to come for our holidays on a regular basis. We were always impressed with the quality of Azure’s product. Buying into the Vacation Club was a really good decision and we have never had any regrets. The quality of everything is unbelievable! It does what it says on the tin. It really does tick all of our boxes.”

Mr & Mrs Slaebbart, UK Members since 2011 Mr & Mrs Gordon, UK Members since 2010 “My wife and I love the quality of the resort, its location at Golden Bay, away from the hustle and bustle of St Paul’s Bay and St Julian’s, as well as the facilities it has to offer. The timeshare options presented to us were thoroughly explained by very pleasant sales staff, with no pressure selling. We liked the ethical code of the finance and commercial teams and the overall professionalism of the resort team. The hotel staff are also exceptionally friendly and helpful, with requests answered promptly.’’

Mr Jackson & Ms Wheeler, UK Members since 2007 “All the members of my family, including my brothers and sisters, have visited Malta several times thanks to the membership with Azure. They have just fallen in love with the people and the island of Malta and they choose not to exchange to any other destination available through the exchange network! Can’t wait for our next visit!’’

“We are proud members of the Island Residence Club by Azure. There are a few things that we believe make this hotel so special - its staff, its location, its level of service and its hospitality overall. Is this hotel the right place to explore the island? Yes, this a heaven to relax and leave the hustle and bustle from your hectic life from home away for a week or two! We already know the whole island by now but every year there is something new to explore and when you hire a car you can explore the island on your own.”

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Malta Member MORE TO SEE Exclusive MORE TO DO MORE TO REMEMBER

MALTA HIGHLIGHTS Discovering Malta’s rich British history featured in the BBC History Magazine, as one of the Top 10 Travel Experiences. During Roman times, another aspect of our history for your exploration, Malta was called ‘Melita’ because of the fine, quality honey it produced. Our island of delights certainly lives up to this name.

Its rocky coastline, azure sea and welcoming hospitality hide a rich history, where British legacy survives to this day. Apart from Military Installations, Strait Street or ‘The Gut’ as sailors referred to it, in years gone by, has been revived with the original shady pubs transformed into attractive wine bars, in the heart of Valletta. Across the sea fromValletta, the Three Cities, which also have close ties with British Navy, are of great interest. Senglea organised a Maritime International Festival, whilst Vittoriosa houses the Malta Maritime Museum on its beautiful waterfront - definitely worth a visit.

The Cathedral Museum in Mdina

As the heat of summer is slowly fading, the autumn season with a milder climate encourages us to explore more of this tiny island, an island rich in history and cultural traditions. It is our pleasure to introduce you to newly discovered itineraries and suggest sights and venues for you to enjoy during your stay at Golden Sands. Mdina always attracts our guests and the ‘Silent City’ with its Baroque architecture is a most visited venue. In this walled city, a Unesco World Heritage Site, there is the Cathedral Museum founded by my ancestor Count Saverio Marchesi who bequeathed his art collection to the museum. The Roman Catholic Church is the most important Patron of the Arts in Malta and you can experience this walking around the various galleries in this museum, a showpiece of the tremendous cultural impact and influence the Church has as a contributor to the Arts.

Abundant autumn festivities are all around us. Autumn in Zejtun is famous for its Olive Festival, as part of the Mediterranean Olive route, British council re-enactments of Galileo’s Heresy Trial take place in Msida, Baroque mid-day concerts in Valletta and festivities relating to the lifting of the 1565 siege dazzle, with its Regatta in the Grand Harbour. Don’t miss popping over to Gozo for Qala’s International Folk Festival, too!

The Roman Villa facade

Zejtun Olive Tree

Back to our roots, Malta proves a paradise for historians, from cave dwellings at Ghar Dalam, through to numerous Neolithic temples dotted over the island with the ancient Tal-Hagrat and Skorba sites located just up the road from Golden Sands. Let us regale you with all the information to experience a most memorable stay at Golden Sands. Mosaic floors that adorned the various rooms of the Roman Villa

Portrait bust at the Roman Villa

Henri Diacono

Guest Relations Coordinator

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MEMBER SERVICES WHAT’S NEW? WINE & DINE

Guarantees peace of mind…

Member discount of 20% applicable in Mokka, Essence, Agliolio, Flavours & Lagoon Bar

SPA

15% member discount on Myoka spa treatments*

WATER SPORTS

Member discount of 20% on Peter Borg Water Sports

PRE-BOOKINGS

Pre-book breakfast, half-board options, airport transfers and save money

ACTIVITIES

Pre-book pamper, tour & excursion packages at greatly reduced rates

RCI

RCI free membership extended until November 2014 and 50% off first exchange

VISIT US AT THE AZURE GUEST & MEMBER SERVICES OFFICE If you’ve visited us recently, you may have seen our new Azure Guest & Member Services Office? Open 7 days a week from 9am – 5pm and located just before

EXCHANGE

Exchange your 1-week Platinum membership for a 2-week stay in January, February, November or December 2015!

Caremark Malta in collaboration with Azure Services

the double doors of the Azure Member Reception, Linda and Kevin are on hand to welcome you and answer any queries that you may have during your stay with us, however big or small. Whether it’s regarding your membership, how to exchange, update us on your contact details, print your

Optimising your experience in Malta

boarding card, or just

FIND OUT HOW?

to pop in and say hello, Linda and Kevin will be only to happy to

Contact us today on members@azure.com.mt or visit our website www.azure.com.mt *Discount not applicable to products sold in Myoka spa.

see you. FOR QUERIES OUTSIDE OF THESE HOURS, PLEASE CONTACT US ON EXT 1811

Should you or a member of your family need care and support during your holiday in Malta, we are here to offer a high quality, affordable service

www.caremark.com.mt for further information contact a member of the Azure team or contact us directly on 00356 23456500 or email caremark@malta.com.mt

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RESALES IN THE SPOTLIGHT This month we take a look at Fractional Ownership and the Timeshare Resales market in Europe, we discuss hot topics such as what effect the recession has had on vacations and are we now moving in a more positive direction? We take a look at overseas ownership purchases as diverse and flexible as they are and why more and more Timeshare owners are trading up to Fractional and Whole Ownership, as their lifestyle or circumstances change. With the economic outlook on Europe’s recovery rate still variable from one country to another, it is comforting to know that there are still buyers aplenty to be attracted by the right company, with the right properties, in the right location with the best business practices. But what does that mean and what is the ideal offering for a potential new buyer?

RESALES AND A SUSTAINABLE MARKET As we head into 2015, which sees the opening of Azure’s resales facility, we focus on why Azure dare to be different to many other resorts and how they expect the resales planning to go. As with any resort there comes a time to decide, if we believe an external company can do as good a job in selling members’ resort weeks as we believe we can do in-house? A person is more likely to pay a fair price for what they see in their mind as being something of value, so value in the product and pricing needs to be an essential element. External resale companies proliferate the Internet and newspapers with properties, some cheap and some not so cheap; some companies are legitimate and some are not. “I can’t help thinking that a person will feel when looking at these companies, that they’re buying from the used car trader so to speak and not the main branded dealer and hence won’t be getting the same service, protection, deal or care” says Newton.

Grazielle Camilleri talks to Paul Gardner Bougaard, Chief Executive of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO)

When speaking to Europe’s industry regulatory bodies and consumer associations, it would not be complete without a few words from Paul Gardner Bougaard, Chief Executive of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO), the trade association for Vacation Ownership across Europe, an organisation encompassing a number of usage types including Timeshare, Fractional interests, Private Residence Clubs, Condo Hotels and Destination Clubs, all aimed at providing holidaymakers with quality holiday accommodation through various use concepts. RDO members represent the best in European vacation ownership and are committed to high service standards and integrity. They are bound by a code of conduct and an independent arbitration scheme, providing levels of protection beyond those required by law. RDO have been vital when advising government on new legislation laws and implementation throughout the industry with Paul Gardner Bougaard at the helm since 2007. A barrister by training, with 10 years at the bar and experienced media commentator with appearances on BBC Radio4, Money Box, BBC Breakfast and BBC London TV

Questions like “why am I buying something I can’t see, either online or over the phone?” are likely to arise. Surely as an existing valued member seeing these weeks sold in this way could not only cause disappointment but throw up the question of why the developer didn’t at least try and protect the quality of the product? “Now I’m not saying this won’t happen anyway. Like any resort, we cannot stop companies advertising fictitious weeks for whatever prices they wish, as this is a tactic we know all too well and one where they then take the enquiry details and try to switch the client to alternative cheap weeks in Benalmadena for example, so hopefully caution will prevail” forewarns Newton. Resales is new ground for Azure and its members, so 2015 is an exciting time for all and although not the original development plan which was to open resales on the resort sell out date, it was good news all round when the board of directors saw it as good practice to compromise from a fixed

under his belt, Paul Gardner Bougaard kindly agreed to share his expertise and thoughts surrounding various issues surrounding timeshare, fractional ownership and resales.

What makes a successful resort development in 2014? One that provides a great location along with quality service and accommodation, It is essential in these days of fierce competition for RDO members to be constantly listening to their owners and adapting to their needs. This way, I believe timeshare and fractionals will continue to appeal to the public.

Do you feel the tough new laws and legislation on the vacation industry has been detrimental or positive to its growth and to potential new members? Legislation has probably been essential in that the 1st Directive brought a degree of regulation into the industry in terms of sales procedures and RDO lobbied for much of the 2nd Directive in order that the regulations covered the activities of the holiday clubs and pack companies that do so much to harm the mainstream industry. Unfortunately the current problem is that national authorities are not enforcing the law as it stands against these operators, so that increasingly RDO has to try to do that job itself. We have seen RDO grow in membership over the last few years, so overall it has been tough but on balance, good for the industry.

date and allow Azure to sell resales and developer inventory together, it is vital that Azure maintains a robust marketing machine for both the members and the developer in order to attract potential new members to the resort whilst also protecting the resort’s value. “Whilst we can’t guarantee sales we can do everything we know to make the resort an attractive proposition to any potential new member. The good news is Azure’s Golden Sands Resort is exclusive, unique and we have no shortage of potential new members visiting yearly; Golden Sands is an award-winning resort in an amazing location with an outstanding team of people. If the positive comments that are out there are anything to go by we are in a superb position in which to succeed and to grow further” concludes Project Director Newton. If you have questions do not hesitate to contact member services on: members@azure.com.mt

If you had to choose five main areas of consideration for a potential new purchaser of timeshare or fractional ownership what would make your Top 5? I think my top 5 would be:

Quality of product. Reputation of the developer. Clear and precise explanation of what is being bought. Flexibility of the product. Clear options for exit as and when required.

And finally, which do you prefer, vacation, staycation, city break or touring and why? No real preference, my family have however been disappointed a number of times when we have rented property around Europe as the description rarely matches up to the reality, something we have never found when using timeshare!

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A NATIONAL PARK ON YOUR DOORSTEP IL-MAJJISTRAL NATURE AND HISTORY PARK Autumn is here and after the harsh drought of the summer months it is time for many plants to come back to life – a sort of autumnal “spring” is experienced after the first rains as bulbous plants, deciduous shrubs and seeds of all sorts start itching to flourish. By Annalise Falzon The first botanic manifestations of autumn come in the form of the emerging leaves of the hardy Sea Squill followed by the most delicate blossoms of the Autumn Narcissus and the minuscule Autumn Squill and later on the lovely Mediterranean Meadow Saffron. Early autumn is also the time for migrating birds and wintering species – so do keep your eyes to the skies as well as the Maltese Islands lie on one of the main migratory routes for birds moving south at this time of year. The park organises guided walks and nature events especially in the weekends - you may also check with Henri Diacono the Guest Relations Coordinator for any upcoming walks held especially for hotel guests.

www.FLYAZURE.CO.UK for your Malta flights

Your Personal Flight Booking Service Secure, Hassle Free ATOL Protected

Call our consultant, Linda Thorndick on: +356 2356 1054 or 03300 883580 Email: fly@azure.com.mt

For more information on the park as well as maps and details of upcoming events check the park website www.majjistral.org or the Facebook Page Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park Annalise Falzon, Park Guide walks@majjistral.org Tel: 21521291

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ONE ISLAND, ONE DAY...€100 I, Sarah Mazzone have one mission, to see how much I can do and how much of Malta I can see in one day with a budget of €100. This must include food, transport, a boat trip (or two) and of course building my cultural knowledge of Malta.

09:30 – MARKS & SPENCERS THE STRAND, SLIEMA Every morning must start with a coffee. Being from the UK I am a huge fan of M&S. There are 4 M&S outlets in Malta; Sliema is one of the largest with a cafe on the third flood overlooking Valletta and Sliema waterfront. I love this cafe, it has a really fresh feel to it, good service and glorious views.

€100

€96.85

THE STRAND, SLIEMA

LARGE CAPPUCCINO - €1.95 TOAST & JAM - €1.20

10:30AM – MALTA 5D

€95.35

VALLETTA

The northern part of Malta is full of peninsulas so it makes sense to jump on a boat to get to my next stop, Valletta. The Sliema to Valletta ferry take 5 minutes and leaves Sliema waterfront every 30 mins. ONE WAY TICKET - €1.50

Located a 5 minute walk from where the ferry docks, Malta 5D is very well sign posted. An exhilarating 20 minute movie taking you through hundreds of decades of Maltese history while you hear, see, feel, smell and be part of the action. MALTA 5D - €6 (includes unlimited water or soft drinks)

10:00 – VALLETTA FERRY FROM SLIEMA

€89.35

VALLETTA

12:15 – REFRESHMENT BREAK (TO TAKE AWAY)

My second visit, but if you are into art, culture or religion, please allow up to 3 hours to enjoy this Cathedral. The decor is breathtaking. Fact – Co-cathedral means a country has more than one main cathedral. Malta has 3 cathedrals.

€83.35

CAFE CORDINA, VALLETTA Mango Passion smoothie and a traditional Arancini (stuffed rice ball coated in breadcrumbs) at Café Cordina

€75.90

12:50 FIRST STOP – NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM

€58.90

VALLETTA

ADULTS - €6

17:30 - HUSH LOUNGE

ADULTS -€€17

14:30 LAST STOP – BLUE GROTTO ZURRIEQ I am very excited about this boat trip. This boat trip through the blue grotto caves takes about 45 minutes. The water is incredible; like glass. A must if you do the South tour. Be careful as the last trip is at 3.30pm in summer and the price is not included in the Hop on Hop off. ADULTS - €8

€36

€28

16:30 FISH LOUNGE ST. JULIAN’S

€19

No dinner for me tonight.... just a mouthwatering homemade warm apple crumble tart, with apple sorbet.

€11

13:30 LUNCH TA’ FRENC IL-KOY RESTAURANT, MARSAXLOKK You cannot go to Marsaxlokk and not have some fresh fish. Rustic, family restaurant, run by 3 sisters. Their husbands are fishermen, who provide the restaurant with their ‘catch of the day’.

I didn’t do much walking today, but STUFFED CALAMARI SALAD - €12 nothing wrong with a little pampering. GLASS OF WHITE WINE - €3.40 I see people in Malta doing this all the LARGE WATER - €1.50 time and now it’s my turn. 15 MINUTE SESSION - €9

17:30 - CASH OUT

ADULT ENTRY - €6 (includes audio guide)

To catch the Hop on Hop off South tour. This tour stops at 25 different locations throughout the South of Malta, then returns to Sliema.

€52.90

PORTOMASSO MARINA

CAKE & SORBET - €5.50 CAPPUCCINO - €2.50

12:30 - MALTA SIGHTSEEING TOUR VALLETTA BUS TERMINAL

SMOOTHIE - €4.95 ARANCINI - €2.50

If any country knows about war, it is Malta. An interesting museum, great fun for the whole family.

11:15 – ST JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL

SHUTTLE BUS CAR HIRE

CAB SERVICE

DISC VER... M O R E O F M A LTA

All your transport needs served by one great service. Visit the Drifter desk in the hotel lobby for more information on our great rates. www.driftercarhire.com | 00356 21 523 535 | info@driftercarhire.com

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THE DGHAJSA A LOOK INTO THE HISTORY OF THE MALTESE GONDOLA By Kirsti Newton

For a tiny island in the Mediterranean, Malta scores high on modern exciting venues, hip cocktail bars and gourmet restaurants but it is its unique connection with the past, still evident today that continues to intrigue visitors, charming them on every visit with new undiscovered corners of this fascinating country. Just recently in the local news it was reported that evidence of a Phoenician boat has been discovered just off of Malta’s sister island – Gozo. Dating back to 700BC, this is an exciting find and also throws up the link said to exist between the Phoenician period and the Maltese gondolastyle boat called the Maltese Dgħajsa (pronounced diesa). Primarily used for ferrying passengers and luggage backwards and forwards from large vessels to shore in the Grand Harbour area, the Dgħajsa was operated in a similar way to the Venetian gondola, with a man upfront, except that it used two oars to move through the water. The Royal Navy commissioned a Dgħajsa to be built between 1950 and 1952, when Princess Elizabeth visited, it was named rather unimaginatively St. Angelo and ferried her from her ship to Fort St. Angelo, in Vittoriosa. Today, although no longer used as water taxis, the Dgħajsa has become a popular tourist attraction and in one of Malta’s Three Cities, around Birgu harbour, you can still see these boats often offering day trips, in all their glory. Some have

been modified for today’s faster pace of life and fitted with diesel engines. The traditional vessel was featured on the Maltese coat of arms from 1975, after Malta became a republic, until 1988. Although abundant up until the 1970’s with thousands registered, there is estimated to only be around a dozen still operating, perhaps because of the high cost of maintaining them? So for a taste of traversing the water in a traditional Maltese boat, experiencing a part of Malta’s maritime heritage, be sure to add this to your Malta ‘things to do list’.

DID YOU KNOW?

You’re welcome These boats were used in Vittoriosa, when Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of Malta’s independence on 20th September 2014. He visited the St Lawrence church before embarking on a tour of Grand Harbour on board the Maltese Dgħajsa.

here to ensure that you start and end your trip in luxury, style and comfort.

See more things to do in Malta visit www.azure.com.mt/thingstodo

NEW FLIGHTS TO MALTA BOOK NOW FOR 2015 EAST MIDLANDS TO MALTA

GLASGOW TO MALTA

Good news for those living near East Midlands airport. Although Monarch are ceasing to operate from next April, Ryanair will begin a twice weekly service from April 2015, these seats will no doubt include some early bird booking prices when they go on sale this month. www.ryanair.com

For anyone living in Scotland, Jet2.com are adding a Tuesday departure from Glasgow airport from May 2015, this adds to their weekly services from East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle. www.jet2.com

Malta International Airprot plc. Luqa LQA 4000, Malta Tel: (+356) 2369 6292 / 6016 Freephone: 8007 6666 Email: info@lavaletteclub.com www.lavaletteclub.com

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SEASONS NEWSLETTER A SU UM T UMMEN R 2 014 / / / / / A Z U R E N E W S

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND YOUR EXPERIENCES These people are just a handful from a team of over 130 Azure employees who work in unison to assist you with your Vacation Ownership experience. Although you may already be familiar with some of the faces, we wanted to introduce you to some of the team who work behind the scenes, assisting you every step of the way through your Azure membership journey.

INTRODUCING

www.teamazure.com.mt

Find out more about the people behind team Azure: www.teamazure.com.mt

Team Azure is a brand new website where we would like to share our employees stories. Stories about their passions, dedications and off-site achievements. We would like to highlight that a lot of Azure employees are not just great at what they do at work, but they also excel at their hobbies and free time activities. Within our Team, we have some World Record breakers, life coaches, masseurs, car racers, dancers and boxing champions! Check it out at www.teamazure.com.mt

RESERVATIONS Fiona Zammit

Fiona singlehandedly ran the reservations department in 2005 and today forms part of the four-strong reservations team, on hand to assist with reservations, exchanges and everything booking related. You’ll know if you’re speaking to Fiona before she introduces herself by her dulcet tone! Her often remarked-upon soothing voice along with excellent membership knowledge means that the answer to your query is a mere hypnotic phone call away.

MEMBER SERVICES Linda Alfaro Gil

The hub of the resort and a welcoming place for members to pop in with any queries or just to pass by and say “hi” is the Azure members and guest services office, located near to the Azure reception. Headed up by friendly Linda along with her colleague Kevin. Linda is a well-known face, especially amongst the German clients, originating from there herself. Known for her friendliness, outstanding assistance and her beautiful smile. Linda’s priority is to ensure that customers receive excellent member service. Recently engaged, Linda enjoys following the tourist trails across the Maltese islands through boat trips and excursions, which she will be more than happy to share with visitors.

BEHIND THE SCENES IN I.T.

LATEST AZURE VIDEO

The nucleus of the company and a department that the digital side of Azure relies upon heavily are the guys from the IT office. Senior IT Executive, John Grech, has been part of the Azure team for the last 6 years. When he is not fixing IT problems and PC calamities, or studying Computer Science at University in the evenings, John is quite the impersonator mimicking famous characters and accents, John, adds another string to his bow with his performances as a semi-professional actor and is currently starring in the popular Maltese TV soap opera ‘Il-Klikka’.

If you haven’t yet, make sure you check out Azure’s Summer Video - created in-house by Team Azure. Visit our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/ AzureMalta

John Grech

ADMINISTRATION Charlotte Bartolo

Organising paperwork and ensuring that members’ contact details are correct are the team of busy admin girls, working diligently behind the scenes. Coming from a family of famous Maltese singers, helpful Administration Clerk Charlotte Bartolo loves to sing in her spare time and has participated in several music events including Malta’s popular Eurovision Song Contest as a backing vocalist. Keen on fashion, you’ll never catch Charlotte at work without make up or wearing flat shoes!

SEASONS NEWSLETTER A SUM T UMMEN R 2 014 / / / / / A Z U R E N E W S

MARKETING Sarah Mazzone

Sarah Mazzone a Glasgow girl who moved to Malta two years ago, heads up the marketing operations at Azure. Marketing are the guys behind campaigns and offers that give holiday-seekers the chance to visit Malta and sneak a peek at the benefits that Azure members enjoy whilst staying at the Golden Sands Resort. Sarah is a big fan of the Mediterranean lifestyle and when she’s not busy racing from one meeting to another, you will often find her sharing her newly discovered food recipes and health tips with her Azure colleagues.

It takes team work,tomakethe dream work”

RECEPTION

TELEMARKETING

Azure’s welcoming group of smiling faces behind reception will make sure your stay with us, is a happy one. Keen keep fit enthusiast Charlene runs daily and chooses her father as running partner for inspiration and company. Settling into married life newly wed Charlene, along with the rest of the girls on reception ensure a warm welcome every time.

With a team of over 20 telemarketers working in Azure’s on-site call centre, your call may reach Graham – a telemarketer by day and a presenter of the popular T8 Robot show by night – Google it! An award-winning DJ with 25 years of experience and his very own book, “So, You Want to be a DJ” (available on Amazon.com) Graham is a great personality at Azure who also finds the time to hone his acting skills in film productions such as The Whale (2013), Game of Thrones (2011), The Duchess (2008) and currently Clavius (2014).

Charlene Grima,

Graham Charles

MEMBERSHIPS Iggy Zammit

BEHIND THE SCENES IN HR Krystle Inglott

HR is the support behind Team Azure, working towards the goals of the company and on hand to new and existing staff. HR Manager Krystle Inglott has been with the company for the past 8 years. She is a fantastic communicator, bookworm by nature and as passionate about swimming as she is about whipping up a recipe any time of year. Krystle is currently studying to become a nurse, a dream that was born out of her life-changing missionary trip to Africa two years ago.

An Azure veteran of 10 years and a firm favourite among guests and returning members, Iggy is one of almost forty membership consultants working for Azure. They are the guys and girls who will show you what benefits our members enjoy through a portfolio of high-end products, answer your questions about the resort, the island and anything you need to know to enhance your stay. A dad of three, Iggy has a passion for football and possesses an incredible collection of over 300 team shirts, with his favourite, being a shirt signed by Liam Brandy - his Arsenal idol, but his most prized possession above all is a trophy he won 35 years ago in a junior tenpin bowling competition.

BEHIND THE SCENES IN ACCOUNTS Natalie Cuschieri

Probably one of the most popular departments with Team Azure (especially at the end of the month!) the accounts office is home to six members of Team Azure. Accounts Executive Natalie Cuschieri, also a trained massage therapist helps keep Azure’s employees balanced. Along with a passionate interest in alternative medicine and a holistic lifestyle, Natalie known for her flamboyant giggle manages to make time to practice various sports disciplines such as squash, cycling and jogging.

WWW.TEAMAZURE.COM.MT

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Pañpuri represents a place where we awaken to the perfect balance and harmony between our inner and outer selves and the environment”

By Grazielle Camilleri Established in 2003 in Thailand, Pañpuri is a brand wellknown around the world for its luxurious skincare and aromatherapy products, including specialist massage therapies, indulgent spa and aromatherapy treatments and invigorating facials using its own products. The unique treatments by Pañpuri were designed drawning on the best Asian country traditions including the Thai massage, Indian Shirodara massage, Indonesian Balinese massage, Chinese Tui Na massage and Philippine Hilot massage. Each unique therapy offers a superlative and individual experience of the highest quality. These all-natural eastern remedies by Pañpuri help to restore health and improve well-being. They stimulate relaxation, harmony, sensuality and vitality. Pañpuri’s original scents are made from 100% pure essential oils, exotic and benefitproven herbs, which have been carefully chosen from all over Asia, promising a full sensorial experience. All treatments at Myoka Spas are performed by highly qualified professional spa therapists.

PAÑPURI TREATMENTS NOW AVAILABLE AT MYOKA SPA Myoka Spa at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands have recently launched a new exclusive selection of exotic Pañpuri treatments and products, a first for Malta.

Here are a few examples of treatments available at the resort:

PAÑPURI SIGNATURE FACIALS

THAI HERBAL COMPRESS MASSAGE

INNER PEACE RELAXING MASSAGE

Experience the legendary healing and aromatic virtues of the purest white jasmine blossom essences with Pañpuri’s jasmine signature facial. Using the exclusive skincare with jasmine free-radical defence complex (JFDC), inspired by Thailand’s most sacred flower, this comforting facial boasts hydrating and anti-oxidant properties that amplify your skin’s defence against ageing. The result is your skin looks younger, firmer and more luminous.

Retreat to a calm surrender with a warm body wrap using premium herbs from the East. This healing and aromatic traditional Thai body compress is a unique formula that combines various traditional Thai herbs that have been used in Thai culture since ancient times. When heated it releases natural oils that soothe the mind and the body. After warming up your tired muscles, the treatment continues with a relaxing massage using the Thai Jasmine massage oil.

Imagine you are in a far-off place and allow yourself be transported away to a peaceful escape with the use of sensual Ylang Ylang extracts. These create an exotic floral scent that perfectly opens and aligns your energy channels, empowering you to receive all the therapeutic benefits of Swedish, aromatherapy and shiatsu combination of strokes. Relax in a divine place, with an accompanying cranial massage to complete the peaceful journey.

NOURISHING FACIAL (for normal to dry skin) 85 MINS - €100*

85 MINS - €120

55 MINS - €100 | 85 MINS - €120

REBALANCING FACIAL (for oily and combination skin) 85 MINS - €100* TOTAL INDULGENCE FACIAL (for mature skin types) 110 MINS - €130*

PAÑPURI PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT MYOKA SPAS Call from your room on Ext 1191 to book an appointment. *Please note that as these treatments are already heavily discounted, no further member discount will apply.

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TOP 10

THINGS TO DO IN GOZO By Grazielle Camilleri

Gozo (Ghawdex to the Maltese) is Malta’s smaller sister island and at 67 sq. km (26 sq. miles), has long been one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, offering all that a short break requires. Tas-Salvatur Hill in Gozo

A destination great for hiking, cycling, and diving, life here seems to move very slowly and has been pleasantly less affected by tourism than other islands in the Mediterranean, making it a concentrated jewel of rest and pleasure. Accessible by a car and passenger ferry that runs like clockwork on a daily schedule between Cirkewwa and the Mgarr Harbour, the island of Gozo is yours to discover, yours to enjoy! If you are planning a short vacation or simply a romantic getaway here are a few ideas of things to do in Gozo:

1. Starting with Victoria, situated at

the heart of the island, it is the business, administrative and social hub. Here you can enjoy a brief walk through the narrow streets of the Citadel, the fortified city enjoying the breath-taking views of all of Gozo’s beautiful countryside, hills, valleys and church domes and while here browse the many souvenir, craft goods and antique shops in the capital.

2. Stop for lunch at Marsalforn, the

seaside town full of cafés and restaurants and enjoy a little stroll along the seafront promenade. A few restaurants serving authentic Maltese and Gozitan cuisine and shell-fish specials: Pulena, Il-Kartell and Chez Amand.

3. Take a photo in front of the iconic

Azure window in Dwejra. This spectacular and picturesque rocky arch that has formed naturally, provides a striking landmark photo opportunity for your travel photo collection.

4. An interesting attraction in Xaghra

is the Museum of Toys. This small, privately owned museum was originally set up by Susan Lowe in Devon, England in the 1970’s with one doll. Today, the Gozo collection boasts hundreds of toys from all around the world.

5. Ramla l-Hamra (The Red Sandy Beach) located on the northern part of Gozo is the most romantic and pristine sandy beach. Simply sitting down on the sand listening to the sound of the waves striking the shore while watching the sunset will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

6. Close by is the Calypso Cave

situated in Xaghra. Overlooking the Ramla Bay beach, this cave with a gorgeous view beneath it is rumoured to be the dwelling place of the mythological Calypso that Homer wrote about in “The Odyssey”. According to the story, Calypso held Odysseus a prisoner of love for 7 years. Marsalforn

7. Travel back in time, thousands of

years and explore the UNESCO site of the Ggantija Megalithic temples. The oldest free standing structures in the world, the temples’ architecture feature curved shapes and are believed to have been dedicated to the Earth Mother goddess. It is also believed that a divine presence dwelt at this site and that travellers came from neighbouring lands thousands of years ago to hear her speak.

Ramla l-Hamra

Azure Window Dwejra

8. If you are interested in diving, Gozo

is a top world destination for this sport. It was named 3rd best diving destination in the world by Diving Magazine (April 2013). Expect crystal clear water, underwater caves, lovely local fish such as grouper, barracuda, denti and parrot fish all around the island.

9. The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is located some 700

metres away from Gharb. Many miracles are said to have occurred in this beautiful church. As a result, thousands of people visit this basilica to pray every year for a miracle healing of their loved ones.

10. Enjoy a dinner overlooking the stunning Xlendi Bay on the southwest

side of Gozo. This inlet with a sandy beach will provide the perfect setting for a peaceful dinner at one of the many seaside restaurants serving traditional Maltese and Gozitan cuisine, especially fresh seafood caught that day! There is also a fantastic ice-cream shop here called Gelateria Granola open all year round serving the best tasting ice-cream and cones on the island.

Ggantija Temples

See more things to do in Malta & Gozo, visit: www.azure.com.mt/thingstodo

Ta’ Pinu Church

Whatever you decide to do in Gozo, be it a walk among the small villages, clifftops or taking a boat trip around the world-famous Blue Lagoon in Comino, do not rush it. At any time of the year, Gozo with its endless hours of sunshine is a delightful treat. Just switch off your batteries, relax as the Gozitans do and we promise that you will feel absolutely reenergised. This magical island is certainly worth visiting, for a holiday worth remembering time and time again.

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TOP 5

THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR AUTUMN HOLIDAY TO MALTA By Grazielle Camilleri

The greatest travellers are the ones who travel light and smart. Before you even start packing for your vacation, we suggest you check Malta’s weather forecast and also have a think about what type of activities you would like to do when here - excursions, sports activities, romantic dinners, biking, sightseeing and a lot more as these will define the items to pack in your suitcase. Light Sweater 3 Digital Camera Autumn there is a slight drop in temperature, and 1 Inalthough you will still be able to enjoy sunny days at the Smart Outfit Malta and Gozo are greener in autumn making it a beach, you might need to pack a few items of clothing heavenly destination for outdoor, nature and countryside photography.

Sunglasses

Yes, do bring your designer shades with you as the sun’s rays are still quite strong this time of year! Choose sunglasses that provide full protection against UV light.

with long sleeves such as lightweight sweaters or perhaps a shawl for the ladies in the evenings.

Footwear

It is the busiest time in the entertainment events calendar for theatre productions, concerts and music festivals. Bring a few smart outfits and cocktail dresses for your special evenings out.

You might want to pack your comfortable shoes as well as your smart ones in your suitcase as autumn is the best period in Malta for cultural exploring as well as hiking, biking and sightseeing. The temperature is cooler making it easier to explore the numerous interesting historic sites and small villages off the beaten track throughout the islands.