Malta Press Coverage - January 2017 by Brighter PR

MALTA PRESS COVERAGE JANUARY 2017

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Malta Yellow News The Sun (Scotland) (Main) 31 December 2016 47 207006 137cm2 1416.58

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Malta Yellow News The Times (Weekend) 31 December 2016 26 437352 1698cm2 51755.04

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Malta Yellow News The Times (Weekend) 31 December 2016 26 437352 1698cm2 51755.04

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Malta Yellow News The Times (Weekend) 31 December 2016 26 437352 1698cm2 51755.04

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Malta Yellow News The Times (Weekend) 31 December 2016 26 437352 1698cm2 51755.04

Client: Source: Date: Page: Reach: Size: Value:

Malta Yellow News The Times (Weekend) 31 December 2016 26 437352 1698cm2 51755.04

Client: Source: Date: Page: Reach: Size: Value:

Malta Yellow News The Times (Weekend) 31 December 2016 26 437352 1698cm2 51755.04

Client: Source: Date: Page: Reach: Size: Value:

Malta Yellow News The Times (Weekend) 31 December 2016 26 437352 1698cm2 51755.04

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TRAVEL

Where we’ll all want to go in 2017 From countries where the pound is still strong, to cities being opened up by new flights, we pick the top travel spots for the year ahead Tom Chesshyre | Ben Clatworthy | Jane Knight 31 Dec 2016 00:01:00

The Greek islands Greece is on a roll as British travellers continue to eschew previously popular destinations such as Turkey and Egypt for fear of terrorism. In 2017, a number of new flights will make it more accessible than ever. Jet2.com is launching four routes next summer from its new base at Stansted, with flights to Heraklion in Crete, Kos, Rhodes and the Ionian island of Zakynthos. Meanwhile, Thomas Cook (thomascookairlines.com) is launching a service to Mykonos from Manchester, Corfu from Luton, and Lesbos from Birmingham. British Airways is also set to fly to Zakynthos, famed for its golden beaches and Blue Caves, from June 3. And there’s one last bit of great news — prices are continuing to tumble, with local prices 5 per cent lower year-on-year.CubaTo see Cuba post-Castro, you should get your skates on, first because it’s changing greatly now that American flights are running between the two countries, but also because there’s a shortage of decent hotel rooms. Luckily, a clutch of cruise lines has just been given permission to sail round the island, so you can experience its mesmerising culture by day and retreat to luxurious cabins by night. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will run Cuba cruises from March on its three brands — Norwegian, Oceania and the luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The last of these has two voyages leaving Miami in April for Havana, Harvest Caye in Belize, and Costa Maya in Mexico. Prices start at £2,969pp, including flights, excursions and full board with alcohol (02380 682280, rssc.com). Royal Caribbean will also sail between Florida and Cuba, on Empress of the Seas, starting in April (royalcaribbean.co.uk).Bordeaux, FranceIn July the Sud Europe Atlantique high-speed line will open between Paris and Bordeaux, cutting the journey time by more than an hour to two hours and four minutes. The entire train trip from St Pancras will take six hours and twenty minutes, with fares from £111 return with voyagessncf.com. This year La Cité du Vin, a £63 million wine museum/attraction opened in Bordeaux in a futuristic building shaped to resemble wine swirling in a goblet. Tastings can be arranged and there is a great restaurant with panoramic views of the city (laciteduvin.com). Stay in one of a number of stylish hotels that have opened recently, including Le Boutique Hotel

(hotelbordeauxcentre.com), Mama Shelter (mamashelter.com) and Yndo (yndohotelbordeaux.fr/en).Aarhus and Copenhagen, DenmarkFirst there were the Nordic noir television series — The Killing, Borgen and The Bridge. Then Danish knitted jumpers were suddenly all the rage. Now hygge, the country’s concept of home cosiness, is the new Big Thing. Interest in all things Danish has never been greater and next year Aarhus, Denmark’s second city, will be crowned a European Capital of Culture (visitaarhus.com). Known as the “city of smiles”, Aarhus is home to interesting museums relating to Viking history, modern art galleries and a thriving culinary scene. Meanwhile, several chic new hotels are opening in Copenhagen, including Hotel Danmark (brochner-hotels.com/hotel-danmark), Hotel Sanders (hotelsanders.com) and Hotel Nimb (nimb.dk/en). Gatwick to Copenhagen flights are from £60 return with Norwegian (norwegian.com).Canada As part of its 150th birthday celebrations in 2017, Canada is waiving entry fees to many of its top attractions, including its national parks, historical and marine conservation sites. There are year-long celebrations planned in cities across the country from Vancouver to Quebec City — where 40 vessels will visit the harbour for a tall ships regatta in July. See the best of the scenery on Explore’s walking tour in the Rockies, which takes in the Kootenay, Jasper and Banff national parks (01252 883687, explore.co.uk). You’ll also travel the Icefield Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives. The 14-day tour is from £2,199pp, with eight nights’ camping and four nights in a hotel or hostel, including meals, flights and transport.RomaniaSterling has held up reasonably well against the Romanian leu since the EU referendum (now about five to the pound) — and the Post Office says Romania is one of the strongest-growing countries for currency sales, up by 27 per cent in 2016. Add to that the cheap cost of living and cut-price breaks from Lastminute.com (one week room-only at a three-star hotel in Bucharest is from £193 with flights) and Loveholidays.com (one week room-only at a three-star hotel in Poiana Brasov is from £154). It’s a day trip from Poiana Brasov to the 14thcentury Bran Castle, used as the fictional home of Dracula. Busabout is offering a new seven-day Hallowe’en Trek through Hungary and Romania from £479pp with breakfast and sightseeing including a trip to Bran Castle (08450 267576, busabout.com).LithuaniaLithuania is another top pick for a budget trip in 2017; the average cost of two nights’ three-star accommodation during weekends in Vilnius, the capital, is £66, according to the latest Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer. Ryanair has flights to Vilnius and Kaunas, the second city, starting at about £60 return from Stansted (ryanair.com). Wizz Air has similar fares from Luton. The Post Office survey also found that a bottle of beer (330ml) costs £1.58 on average, a glass of house wine (175ml) costs £2.28, and a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine is £43 in Vilnius. In the capital, visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes and the intriguing KGB Museum. In Kaunas, explore the labyrinthine streets of the old town with its many cosy bars and restaurants. Stay at the stylish and fun Moon Garden Art Hotel in Vilnius. Booking.com has B&B doubles from about £55.RussiaPerhaps the biggest anniversary of 2017 is the centenary of the Russian Revolution, which will be marked in the travel world by various tours with revolutionary themes. For example, Regent Holidays (regent-holidays.co.uk) has put together a nine-day Russian Revolution holiday that follows the life of Vladimir Lenin. This starts in Moscow with a visit to his mausoleum, followed by a tour of Kazan, where he went to university, and then trips to the Lenin House Museum in Ulyanovsk and the former Bolshevik Party headquarters in St Petersburg. The tour, which departs in September, costs from £2,445pp, including flights and some meals. Cox & Kings (coxandkings.co.uk) has created Art of the Russian Revolution fiveday breaks in Moscow, led by the art historians Andrew Spira and Monica Bohm-Duchen, in conjunction with the Royal Academy. The trips cost from £1,345pp, including flights and some meals. Alternatively, Uniworld has a 13-day Imperial Waterways of Russia cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg from £4,499pp (uniworld.com).ColombiaWhen the Colombian president, Juan

Manuel Santos, was awarded the Nobel peace prize this year, for his efforts to end the 52-year conflict with Farc left-wing rebels, it was a watershed moment for tourism to the South American republic. Intrepid tourists had been visiting for years, but the insurgency and its connected drug trade had put off the more cautious. Now, however, it’s full steam ahead for holidays and 2017 should be a bonanza year. It will also be the 50th anniversary of the publication of 100 Years of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez’s groundbreaking magical realism novel. Amakuna (020 7193 7582, amakuna.com) has a ten-night guided tour of Colombia covering sights connected to García Márquez including Bogotá, Barranquilla and Aracataca (his birthplace and the basis of the town of Macondo in 100 Years) from £3,845pp, including flights. Wild Frontiers (020 8741 7390, wildfrontierstravel.com) has a 14-day break that takes in Bogotá, Santa Marta and Cartagena from £3,500, including international flights, transfers and guided tours.OmanNew flights from the UK are helping to make Oman more accessible next year. British Airways launched direct flights from Heathrow to Muscat in October, and Oman Air will inaugurate its daily route from Manchester to Muscat in April. A raft of adventure tours is on offer for next year too. Intrepid has an eight-day Discover Oman tour that travels from Muscat to Wahiba Sands — where you’ll take on the sand dunes in 4WD vehicles — before travelling on to Nizwa and Jebel Shams. From here it’s possible to visit Misfat al Abryeen, one of the oldest villages in the region, with its traditional mud houses, some of which are 400 years old. The trip is from £1,535pp, including most meals and all activities, but not flights (0808 2745111, intrepidtravel.com). Also new is Explore’s sevenday Family Oman Adventure, which includes a visit to a turtle reserve at Ras al Hadd, a camel ride across Wahiba Sands, and a night in a desert camp (01252 883 687, explore.co.uk). The tour is from £1,699 per adult and £1,579 per child, including four nights in a hotel and two nights camping, most meals and flights.ChileReaching Chile’s dramatic landscape has always been a nightmare for British travellers, with at least one stopover required; until now. British Airways’ hotly anticipated direct flights to Santiago launch on Tuesday, from £680 return. It’s still a long journey — 14 hours 40 minutes — but considerably quicker than before, and Chile is only three hours behind GMT. A host of hotels have opened in cosmopolitan Santiago, including the Luciano K (lucianokhotel.com), with its large roof terrace, chic bar and minimalist rooms from £145 a night. Or, for ultimate bragging rights, Last Frontiers (lastfrontiers.com) is launching a long-weekend trip to Santiago, leaving the UK at 10pm on Friday and returning by lunchtime on Tuesday, from £1,295 B&B, with flights.NepalShaken by powerful earthquakes in 2015, Nepal slipped off the radar for many tourists. Now is the time to go. The country may be damaged in places — many ancient temples were reduced to rubble — but other areas escaped virtually unscathed. Lonely Planet is tipping it as one of its ten top countries for 2017, saying that visiting now will help it to “bounce back even stronger”. Start with a couple of days exploring Kathmandu before visiting the medieval towns in the Kathmandu Valley and going on to the Himalayas to trek in the shadow of Everest. In 2017, Intrepid (0808 2745111, intrepidtravel.com) is reintroducing the country with a ten-night Classic Nepal trip from £1,500pp, including domestic transport, hotels, breakfasts and all activities.Valletta, MaltaAn old favourite of Britons abroad, Malta has shrugged off its stuffy image in recent years with some seriously cool architecture in Valletta from Renzo Piano, the man behind the Shard, in London. Its reinvention — and the fact that it’s one of a rapidly shrinking number of shorthaul destinations regarded as “safe” — means it has become a popular city break in the sun. Skyscanner (skyscanner.com) says searches to Malta have increased by 59 per cent this year, and that increase is continuing as Valetta gears up to being a European Capital of Culture in 2018. A clutch of boutique properties opened this year, including Palazzo Consiglia, with 13 rooms from £119 a night (palazzoconsiglia.com) and Ursulino Valletta, with seven luxurious rooms from £123 a night and a cool roof terrace (ursulinovalletta.com). There are also new bars on the Valletta waterfront, including Taproom.

Flights start at £32.59 one way (easyjet.com).New Orleans, USGetting to the culturally rich delights of New Orleans has always been a problem, involving a flight change somewhere in America. From March 27, British Airways will start ten-hour direct flights to the birthplace of jazz and the melting pot of Caribbean, American and French culture. The food and cocktail scene is buzzing and traditional tours on the Mississippi are a must. Make sure you eat at Shaya, which serves delicious, modern Israeli food on Magazine Street (shayarestaurant.com). For classic Creole cuisine, Arnaud’s on Bienville Street is the place to go (arnaudsrestaurant.com). For cocktails, try Compère Lapin (comperelapin.com) or Commander’s Palace (commanderspalace.com). Stay at The Pontchartrain (thepontchartrainhotel.com) in the Garden District, where the slightly chintzy rooms won’t break the bank, from $179 a night. Flights cost from £586 return (ba.com). Flight Centre (flightcentre.co.uk) has five-night packages with flights and car hire from £1,419pp. Book by January 31 for travel in May and June.BelizeLittle Belize packs a big punch in terms of tourism offerings, with Mayan temples, lush rainforest, barrier reef and the Great Blue Hole for divers. Until now, though, to get there you needed to spend a night in America or Mexico. There are still no direct flights, but connections from November became much better, with American Airlines introducing a short connection in Miami and prices from £701pp (www.aa.co.uk). With no chain hotels, the country has lovely boutique properties owned by Francis Ford Coppola. More luxury hotels are opening too, including the Itz’ana Resort in Placencia next autumn, with a rum-tasting room, roof deck for yoga and a private island. Rooms are from £237 a night (itzanabelize.com).Travel calendar: the must-see events of 2017FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, St MoritzFebruary 6-19Reaching speeds of 90mph in six seconds, the world’s best skiers compete to be crowned the Alpine World Champion. Seven nights’ half board at the Hotel Steffani in St Moritz is from £1,409pp including flights (01483 345677, inghams.co.uk).Carnival, Rio de Janeiro February 24-28Rio’s glittering carnival is the world’s biggest, with two million people partying on the streets each day. Seven nights is from £1,935pp, including carnival tickets, hotels, flights and transfers (01132 625329, realworldholidays.co.uk).Eurovision Song Contest, Kiev, UkraineMay 9-13Expect all the usual camp pomp and ceremony when Eurovision arrives in Kiev in May. Three nights’ B&B at the Rus Hotel is from £395pp, including return flights (020 7666 1244, regent-holidays.co.uk).The America’s Cup, Bermuda May 26-June 27See Ben Ainslie in his bid to win the America’s Cup. Watch the action on the water in the daytime, followed by evenings at the Royal Naval Dockyard, where you’ll find the party. Travel Places has five nights’ B&B at the Coco Reef resort from £1,500pp, including two on-water spectator tickets (01903 832888, americascuptravel.com). British Airways (ba.com) has returns to Bermuda from about £680.Lions tour, New ZealandJune 3-July 8The Lions rugby union team are heading down under to take on the Kiwis. There are ten games but the big three Tests against the fearsome All Blacks are the ones to watch. A 20-day tour package is from £2,999pp, including international flights and tickets to the three Test matches (lionsrugby.com). Air New Zealand has returns from Auckland to Wellington from about £200.Pompeii Theatrum Mundi, Pompeii, ItalyJune 22-July 23The 2nd century BC Teatro Grande, a 5,000-seat outdoor theatre, is to stage a new Greek drama festival in 2017. Performances will include a selection of plays from the three grand masters of ancient Greek tragedy: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. A ten-night twin-city B&B break in Naples and Ischia is from £1,980pp, including flights, event tickets, transfers and a private guided tour of Naples or Pompeii (020 3302 4424, expertoitaly.com).Total solar eclipse, US August 21A rare total solar eclipse will plunge North America into darkness in August. For the best views you need to be as close as possible to the “path of totality”, which runs through the heart of Wyoming. A 17-night break costs from £3,145pp, including motorhome rental and campsite bookings, flights and first-night hotel in Denver (0800 3160194, bon-voyage.co.uk).Day of the

Dead, Mexico CityNovember 1-2Remember the heart-pounding Day of the Dead opening scenes of Spectre, the most recent 007 film? The festivities were in fact a creation of Bond’s producers, and Mexico City held its first ever parade this year. Next year is set to be even bigger, with the city planning to make the date an annual event. A four-night Day of the Dead tour costs from £760 including activities and ground transports (0808 2745111, intrepidtravel.com). Flights and meals cost extraThe AshesNovember 23-January 8, 2018Watch England take on Australia in the fivetest Ashes series next year. Games take place in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. The Opener Tour is from £4,999pp including 16 nights’ B&B in hotels, flights, transfers and match tickets to the first and second Tests (01684 878437, gulliverstravel.co.uk). Related Images

Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal GETTY IMAGES

Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow GETTY IMAGES

Bordeaux’s new £63 million wine museum, Cité du Vin ALAMY

Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Banff national park is free to visit in 2017 GETTY IMAGES

Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos GETTY IMAGES

Jackson Square in New Orleans GETTY IMAGES

See Nizwa fort on an eight-day adventure tour of Oman GETTY IMAGES

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THE new series of BBC’s An Island Parish is based around the community of the beautiful Caribbean island of Anguilla. At just 35 square miles, Anguilla is home to 19 different churches, but the main parish is Anglican with its heart at St. Mary’s church in The Valley, right. Carolyn Brown, Director UK Ireland for the Anguilla Tourist Board,

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said: “It is a chance for the UK to see beyond Anguilla as purely a beach destination and witness the incredible vibrancy and diversity of the island and its community. I am sure the show will bring some very welcome sunshine into the UK’s living rooms.” The new series begins tomorrow at 8.30pm on BBC2. See ivisitanguilla.com for more info.

VISITBRITAIN reckons 2017 will be a bumper year for the UK. Spending by overseas visitors is predicted to reach £24.1billion this year – an eight per cent increase on 2016 totals. The number of overseas visitors is also expected to rise to 38.1million. VisitBritain chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “With our hotels, shops and attractions all offering

excellent value for overseas visitors right now, it’s a great time to come to Britain. “Through our strategic partnerships and global marketing campaigns we are ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are spread across all of Britain’s nations and regions.” For more information see visitbritain.org

Planet Heather

5 PAGES OF HOLS WITH SCOTTISH SUN TRAVEL EDITOR HEATHER LOWRIE

Scotland’s most read travel section

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH TRIP TO ARDOE

House about that then

BLISS . . . Elaine and John lapped up luxury at grand hotel

AS we approached The Mercure Ardoe House Hotel & Spa I knew I was about to experience something special.

The 4H 19th Century mansion house is set in acre upon acre of tranquil countryside yet is only three miles from Aberdeen city centre and its fabulous shops. I’m not sure the red carpet was rolled out specifically for our arrival. However, it felt good making our way down it. We hadn’t even entered the hotel and already felt like VIPs. The foyer is grand and spacious but you immediately get the feeling that what lies ahead will be cosy, comfortable and luxurious. John and I made our way down the wood-panelled reception hall and were greeted by friendly staff who made check-in quick and easy and we were soon heading up the grand staircase to our suite. I always have a feeling of trepidation as I open the door to a hotel room. On this occasion there was no need. The Devenick Suite is modern luxury at its best. The decor combines old and new and had stunning views across the countryside. It even had its own dressing room. The bathroom had a treat for the toes with underfloor heating and the Arran Aromatics toiletries were perfect for a luxurious soak in the castiron bath on a raised platform. There was also a Nespresso machine, complimentary mini bar and a nip of whisky to help you settle down for the night. I wasn’t sure I would ever leave the suite. But tempting though the mini bar was we settled on coffee before heading downstairs to explore. Lured by the roaring fire in the drawing room and whisky bar, we didn’t get very far as we settled in to relax by the fireside. Eventually we made our way outside for some fresh air and a wander through the stunning grounds. Before we knew it, it was dusk and time to head back to our gorgeous suite. For dinner we went to the hotel’s

GO: MERCURE ARDOE

DOUBLE rooms at 4H Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa start from £99 per night including breakfast. The Devenick Suite starts from £149 per night including breakfast. Guests who book a winter break at a choice of participating Mercure hotels can save up to 25% off their overall cost, with an additional 10% off to be gained for new and current Le Club AccorHotels members when booking directly with Mercure. See mercure.com Blairs Restaurant where the focus is very much on fresh Scots produce. Signature starter dishes include smoked salmon from Loch Fyne and warm camembert to share. To follow there’s a variety of options available including pork tenderloin from Ayrshire, beef shin from Grampian and haddock from Peter-

head. If you want a more casual supper then head to Soapies Brasserie which offers a selection of informal bar meals including children’s, gluten-free and vegetarian menus. After a fabulous night of uninterrupted slumber we headed back to Blairs for breakfast. As we were heading to the spa later, I opted for a lighter option of fresh fruit and yoghurt while John settled on the full Scottish (much too hard for him to resist). Service was quick and the friendly staff were on hand for anything you might need. The Spa Naturel is in the hotel’s beautiful grounds and our therapists were ready to hand out some pampering. John selected the therapist choice of Decleor men’s deep tissue back massage and facial while I chose the

Decleor Oressence energy face and body ritual. It left us relaxed, de-stressed and totally refreshed. Mission accomplished courtesy of Trish and Carolina. The spa offers excellent value for money and packages start from as little as £99pp. It was so good we booked again and the staff were only too happy to assist with our choices making sure picked what was right for us. If you’re looking to indulge yourself in 2017 Ardoe House Hotel & Spa should be on your hit list. We’ve already booked our return vist and are counting down the days until we get back to this luxurious bolthole. ELAINE KELLY

IT’S 18°C IN FUERTEVENTURA — a week at the 3T+ Hesperia Bristol Playa in Corralejo is from £388pp with Thomson. The price is based on self-catering with flights from Glasgow on January 14. See thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.

hot spot

IT’S 27°C IN DUBAI — three nights at the 5H Amwaj Rotana Hotel is from £599pp with TravelBag. The price is based on B&B with flights from Glasgow on various dates in January (book by January 18). See travelbag.co.uk or call 0871 402 1621.

hot spot

SERIOUS ATTITUDE: Seven nights all-inclusive at the 4.5H Zilwa Attitude Mauritius is from £1,189pp leaving Glasgow on selected dates from June 1 -July 19. See emirates holidays.com or call 0208 972 8949. ...BAROQUE AND ROLL: Begin 2017 with a cultural break in Malta and take in the 5th International Baroque Festival. A three-night B&B stay at the 5H Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa between January 12-28 is from £265pp including flights from London (regional supplements may apply) and tickets to two festival events. See batteredsuitcase.com or call 0800 689 1586. ...GO WITH THE FLO: A week’s sailing adventure in Key West & Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida with departures from March until July is from £854pp including six nights afloat with breakfast and five dinners and lunches. Flights extra. See intrepidtravel.com ...LIGHT FANTASTIC: Spot the Northern Lights from glass-roofed Aurora cabins in Finnish Lapland. The threenight Saariselka Northern Lights Village trip is set on the outskirts of Saariselkä. Activities include Aurora hunting, snowmobiling, sledding and hot husky reindeer sleigh spot rides. Prices from £695pp including half-board, cold weather clothing and experienced local guides. Flights/activities extra. Departures until March. See theaurorazone.com or call 01670 785 012. ...THE THAI LIFE: A week B&B at the 5H Paresa Resort Phuket in Thailand is from £2,055pp staying in a Cliff Pool Villa. The price includes flights from London on January 26. Book by January 14. See destinology.co.uk or call 01204 824619. ...SALOU FOR YOU: Seven nights half-board at the 3H California Gardens in Salou, Spain, is from £1,367 for a family of three including a 3-day two-park Port Aventura/ Caribe Aquatic Park ticket. See barrheadtravel.co.uk or call 0141 222 2223. ...STAGE IS SET: The stage version of Oscar-award-winning film An American in Paris make its London debut this year. Go see it with tickets and a night at the 4H Best Western Maitrise Hotel Maida Vale from £101.50pp arriving March 27. See superbreak.com or call 0800 042 0288. ...YOU GOTTA KOH: A week B&B at the 4.5H Nora Buri Koh Samui in Koh Samui, Thailand, is from £835pp leaving Edinburgh on selected dates between May 1-31. Book by January 31. See flightcentre.co.uk or call 0800 188 4593 and quote reference 3635869.

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Ten of the best events around Europe for fans of classical music and opera Ten of the best events around Europe for fans of classical music and opera : As many people's minds turn to planning trips abroad,Cathy Desmond looks at some of the best events for fans of classical music and opera 1 Valletta Baroque Festival Malta, Jan 12-28 If you are looking for a winter getaway in a mild Mediterranean setting, this relative newcomer to the festival scene looks very tempting, with some of the best contemporary Baroque exponents on the bill. Inaugurated in 2013, the Valletta International Baroque Festival seeks to capitalise on its Unesco World Heritage status. Valletta hosts the coveted European Capital of Culture in 2018 the line-up looks to reflect that prestige in the calibre of the performers with performances by the Dunedin Consort and The Sixteen amongst others. 2 Mozartwoche Salzburg, Jan 26 - Feb 6 Famous as the birthplace of one Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the pretty Austrian town, Salzburg honours its famous son with a week of events around his birthday on January 27. There are morning coffee concerts, afternoon recitals in his childhood residence, as well as gala evening events. The Vienna Philharmonic is in town for three concerts with tenor Rolando Villazon and cellist Stephen Isserlis. Salzburg is in the heart of a major skiing area and there are great resorts within 50km of the town so you could manage a day on the slopes before the ‘sound of music' in the evening. 3 Scottish Opera. Edinburgh / Glasgow, Feb 23 - Mar 11 David McVicar's new production of Debussy's opera Pelleas and Melisande for Scottish Opera is much anticipated. The cast includes soprano Carolyn Sampson and Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize winner Andrei Bondarenko. Performances at Theatre Royal Glasgow and Festival Theatre Edinburgh. If flights into Edinburgh are pricey, check out fares to Glasgow. With less than 50 miles between the two cities, either city is easily accessible from both airports. 4 Heidelberg International Music Festival, Mar 25 – April 29 Heidelberg with its picturesque baroque old town and riverside location is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations. Visit during the annual Fruhlingfest and you can combine sightseeing with enjoying some top class performances. Igor Levit joins the Irish Chamber Orchestra to perform a programme of Mendelssohn and Mozart on March 28. The Friends of the ICO are organising a five-day escorted trip including flights from Dublin, hotel stay, excursions and a ticket for the concert. 5 Bach Festival, Leipzig, June 9 -18 Leipzig's Bach Festival held annually in honour of their famous resident, Johann Sebastian is a solid sort of festival. Over the 10 days or so, more than 100 concerts are scheduled in venues around the city. This year the theme is Reformation to tie in with the Martin Luther anniversary. A less solemn face of the festival is offered by the Bachmosphare, a weekend of free live music when the central market square is converted to an outdoor cabaret venue. Note that Bachfest overlaps for one weekend with the Handel-Festspiele in nearby town Halle, birthplace of GF Handel where our Proinsias Ó Duinn will conduct a performance of ‘Messiah'. 6 Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, Finland, July 9-22 Members of the Vanbrugh String Quartet cited this frenetic Finnish fortnight as their favourite overseas festival. A lakeside setting and clear northern light is a big part of the appeal. Performers and punters travel about on bicycles (even the cellists). This year's theme is summed up as ‘zap', slang for channel surfing so expect quirky offerings among the traditional favourites of Beethoven quartets and Mozart quintets. No direct flights from Dublin. About 600km north of Helsinki, the best travel option is a connection to nearby Kajaani from Helsinki. 7 Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Croatia, July The walled capital of Croatia is well known as a popular wedding destination and a Mecca for Game of Thrones fans. What is less well known is that during July, the city hosts a terrific summer arts festival. The compact nature of the stone city means you are very likely to meet the performers as you stroll around the citadel. Visiting in

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Malta Yellow News Irish Examiner (Web) 04 January 2017 N/A 5142 79

2015, a performance by Gregory Porter on the medieval ramparts and a performance by Slovenian doyenne of the piano, Dubravka Tomsik and the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra in the courtyard of the Rector's Palace lives in my memory. 8 Puccini Festival, Torre del Lago, July 14 - August 19 The scene at Torre del Lago in Italy for the Puccini Festival Verona is perhaps Italy's best known outdoor opera experience but the Puccini Festival at the seaside hamlet of Torre del Lago in Tuscany is very accessible to Irish travellers with excellent links to nearby Pisa airport. Now that Marty Whelan of RTÉ Lyric FM has blazed a trail there, I expect it will increase in popularity for Irish fans. Chill out at the nearby Italian Riviera seaside town of Viareggio and bus it over for the weekend performances. This year the works include, La Rondine, La Boheme and Madame Butterfly. 9 Cheltenham Festival, July 9-17 The Carducci Quartet play the other Cheltenham Festival in the summer. Cheltenham may be synonymous with horses for most punters but the annual Cheltenham Festival promises 12 days of musical manoeuvres with some winning draws on the card. Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under new director Mirga Grainyte-Tyla are the big names on this year's programme which offers an alternative to the London centred classical experience in a Cotswolds setting. Other concerts include a Mendelssohn themed concert weekend with the Carducci Quartet (featuring Cork couple Michelle Fleming and Eoin Schmidt-Martin), cellist Guy Johnston and friends. 10 Munich Opera Fest June 24 – July 31 More accessible than the opera festivals Bayreuth and Salzburg, the Bavarian State Opera present most of their current season over one month at several bases in Munich. In addition to the main house presentations, there will be a live screening in Franz Joseph Platz, celebrity recitals with Thomas Hampson, Christian Gerhaher, Anja Harteros and Simon Keenleyside. A premiere of a new work Stigmatized by Franz Schreker features a big cast including Clare tenor Dean Power and Cork soprano Niamh O'Sullivan. © Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved

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Malta Yellow News Daily Star (Web) 05 January 2017 N/A 365011 9798

Revealed: the world's top 25 `secret' destinations Revealed: the world's top 25 ‘secret' destinations : WE think it's time these secret destinations were added to your bucket list. By Laura Hampson /Published EXPLORE: Gozo, Malta is one of the best places to scuba dive If there is one thing we are always on the lookout for, it's new, exciting destinations to add to our bucket lists. The destinations are even better when they are little travelled - it feels as if we are discovering a whole new world, our own little secret. Our pals over at Lonely Planet know this feeling well and have released their top 25 "secret" destinations to visit. ANOTHER WORLD: Explore the sea surrounding Gozo Coming in at the number one spot is one of Malta's lesser-known islands, Gozo. Malta, located between Sicily and the North African coast in the central Mediterranean boats crystal clear waters and a rich history. Lonely Planet writer Abigail Blasi described Gozo as the home to some of Europe's best scuba diving sites. "The face of the city is evolving," Abigail wrote. "Meanwhile, Malta's smaller sibling Gozo - an island of steep cliffs and quiet inlets over the water - is home to some of Europe's best scuba diving." LIKE A PAINTING: Seoul has many hidden gems inside it's bustling metropolis A close second was South Korea's Seoul which the Planet's destination editor for North Asia, Megan Eaves said was "one of the hippest places in the world right now". Megan notes along with a bustling metropolis, there are also winter sports and summer hiking in the mountains around Seoul. In third place came Vojvodina in Serbia. The destination editor for Lonely planet's Southeastern and Eastern Europe, Brana Vladisavljevic said this area is "so off the tourist radar you really feel like one of the locals". ARCHITECTURALLY STUNNING: Serbia's Vojvodina is beautiful Related videos Other destinations in the top 10 include Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Netherlands, Lombok, Indonesia and Ilhabela, Brazil. You can find the full list below: 1. Gozo, Malta 2. Seoul, South Korea 3. Vojvodina, Serbia 4. Stock Island/Key West, Florida 5. The Southern Islands, Cambodia 6. Ilhabela, Brazil 7. Lombok, Indonesia 8. Lost Sierra, California 9. Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Netherlands 10. Silent Green, Berlin, Germany 11. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana 12. Kjerringøy, Norway 13. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 14. Mallorca, Spain 15. Ushuaia, Argentina 16. Honduras

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Malta Yellow News Daily Star (Web) 05 January 2017 N/A 365011 9798

17. Shekhawati Region, India 18. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota 19. Aroudant, Morocco 20. The Champlain Islands, Vermont 21. Pieve, Italy 22. Madragoa, Lisbon, Portugal 23. Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan 24. VrĹĄovice, Prague, Czech Republic 25. Belleville, Paris

Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.dailystar.co.uk/travel-news-cheap-uk-holidays-luxury-breaks-more-daily-star/575733/Secre [/sourcelink]

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Renew year It’s a lot easier to stick to your New Year’s resolutions when you’re on a super spa break...

BY MARJORIE YUE

JANUARY: LONDON

Two hours from £115pp Head to the capital for the January sales and, when you’re ready to drop, a detox session at Sofitel So Spa will soon have you ready for more store trawling. Just a stone’s throw from Bond Street and Oxford Street, the spa has a range of delicious treatments. Ease into the So Detox session with a 60-minute Oriental Ritual of eucalyptus and menthol-scented steam, followed by a 30-minute detoxifying body scrub and a 30-minute tailor-made Cinq Mondes wrap. Then it’s time to retire to the relaxation lounge for a cup of detox tea. THE DEAL: The two-hour So

Detox spa package starts at £115pp through Spabreaks.com. An hour in the Jacuzzi and steam room is an extra £10pp. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

FEBRUARY: THAILAND

Seven nights from £2,810pp While it’ll be freezing in Blighty in February, Thailand is sunny and dry. Surrounded by lush greenery with turquoise water lapping palm-lined sandy beaches, the site of the Kamalaya resort has been a place of quiet rejuvenation for centuries. Once a spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks, this magical resort on the beautiful island

of Koh Samui has various health and wellness programmes. Whether you’re aspiring to get fit, work off the excess calories, or just feel burnt out, they’ll have you feeling good as new in no time, as I can happily testify – three acupuncture sessions miraculously saw off the sinus problems which I’d put up with since childhood. THE DEAL: A seven-night full-board break at Kamalaya starts at £2,810pp with a five-day programme to include a

body analysis, massages, yoga and reiki, as well as

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international flights and transfers with Health and Fitness Travel. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

Reboot yourself at Thailand’s Kamalaya

MARCH: FRANCE

Three nights’ full board from €1,990pp As the clocks go forward you’ll be ready to leap into spring after a Detox & Wellbeing Stay at the Domaine de Manville in the South of France. The cluster of 30 rooms and suites in restored farm buildings around a shady pool in the Alpilles Natural Regional Park is surrounded by over 240 acres of land and overlooked by Les Baux de

Provence. It’s a haven of peace with a spa that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. THE DEAL: The threenight full-board Detox & Wellbeing Stay from March 26 starts at €1,990pp staying in a shared Luxury Villa, including return Eurostar, airport transfers from Avignon and Marseille, wellness coach and nutritionist, a naturopathy workshop, hiking, highenergy cardio, yoga class, cooking class, and three personalised spa treatments. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

APRIL: SRI LANKA

Seven nights from £940pp Go to this Indian Ocean island before the monsoon season kicks in, to the South Coast Ayurveda Resort near Weligama. And if you’re not chilled after relaxing on Barberyn TURN TO PAGE 44

Head to London for a capital spa detox

Domaine de Manville is a haven of peace

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FROM PAGE 43

Beach, you surely will be after enjoying one of its renowned ayurvedic treatments. THE DEAL: Snap up a 10 per cent discount on seven nights’ full board at the South Coast Ayurveda Resort for stays between March 15 and April 23 now costing from €1,100pp (£940) including personalised ayurveda treatment package, daily yoga classes, excursions and airport transfers with Neal’s Yard Holidays. Return flights in April with Thomson to Sri Lanka start at £462. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

MAY: PORTUGAL

Three nights from £1,650pp As the mercury rises in the Med, slow down at Vilalara Thalassa Resort on the spectacular Algarve coast. In private sessions with Vilalara’s mindfulness teacher, Shantidevi, you’ll learn how to de-stress and be more in touch with your inner self. THE DEAL: The threenight Longevity Mindfulness break costs from £1,650pp including half-board, flights and transfers through Health and Fitness Travel. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

JUNE: SPAIN Two nights from £640pp Unwind at Healthouse Las Dunas Naturhouse Spa, winner of Best Health Hotel in Spain. The world-class spa in Andalucia is a haven of well-being with a pool, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, ice cave and tepidarium, and a “halotherapy” room made entirely of pink Himalayan salt. There’s also scenic Nordic walking.

THE DEAL: A two-night full-board Healthy Weekend costs from €750pp (£640pp) based on two sharing a deluxe sea-view room. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

JULY: ISLE OF WIGHT Two days

from £398.50pp Fans of natural beauty guru Liz Earle have been popping over to her store in Ryde for over 21 years – and now they can linger at the first House of Liz Earle Beauty, part of The West

Bay Club & Spa in Yarmouth. And it’s just a short walk to The Island Wellness Spa to unwind. At the country club you’ll find a plethora of fitness and holistic sessions, an indoor pool, tennis coaching, yoga and Pilates. THE DEAL: A two-day package starts at £398.50pp selfcatering, including one night in the House of Liz Earle Beauty with a hamper, selected treatments and sessions and guest membership of the Country Club. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

AUGUST: ESSEX One

night from £134pp The Lifehouse is an adults-only oasis in the middle of the school holidays. Since opening in 2010 The Lifehouse, in Thorpe-leSoken near Frinton-on-Sea, has garnered many plaudits. The super-spa is set in the stunning Thorpe Hall Gardens. There’s a

treatment for everyone, from soul soothers and energy healing to lava shell massages and non-surgical face lifts. THE DEAL: An overnight Love Life spa package including dinner, a spa treatment and use of facilities starts at £134pp. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

SEPTEMBER: DEVON Seven nights

from £1,500 for four Devon is a delight in September when the crowds

have disappeared. For a pampering self-catering break stay at one of the 12 five-star Long Furlong Coastal Cottages, set on the Hartland Peninsula. This cluster of luxury fivestar cottages has an onsite spa (hartlandhousespa.co.uk) indoor pool, sauna and hydrotherapy hot tub. The nearest beach is just a five-minute drive away or go for scenic walks along the coastal path. THE DEAL: Seven nights’ self-catering from July 30 in

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Cotton Tail Cottage which sleeps four starts at £1,500 with Premier Cottages. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

OCTOBER: CAMBODIA Seven

nights from £628pp, flights extra Time your stay for the start of the dry season and slip over to Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat in the north-west of the country. Soak up the peace and quiet of this pretty resort in Siem Reap, which has three pools, a fitness centre and spa where you can detox, de-stress with yoga or try acupuncture. And for culture vultures it’s just a 20-minute drive to the world heritage site of Angkor Wat.

Enjoy ayurvedic bliss in Sri Lanka

THE DEAL: Seven nights’ B&B costs from £628pp based on two sharing, through Booking.com. Flights extra. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

Vilalara on the Algarve will rub you up the right way

NOVEMBER: MALTA Seven

nights from £722pp Fortina Spa Resort’s Spa Mediterranee takes full advantage of the Med’s abundant riches offering thalassotherapy seawater and algae treatments along with detox and Dead Sea bathing. There are three indoor and two outdoor pools – one with a Jacuzzi and swim-up bar. What’s more, the fivestar resort, on Sliema’s waterfront, looking over to the historic capital Valletta, also has the world’s first therapeutic spa bedrooms. THE DEAL: Seven nights’ all-inclusive starts at

£722pp based on two sharing with Mercury Holidays. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

DECEMBER: TENERIFE

Seven nights from £1,055pp With temperatures in the low 20s in winter, the Canary Islands are a perennial favourite. Set at the foot of towering Mount Teide, the grand Hotel Botanico has yoga, Pilates, tai chi and meditation. Its awardwinning The Oriental Spa Garden has an impressive menu of treatments and there are floodlit tennis courts and a golf course. THE

DEAL: Seven nights’ B&B starts at £1,055pp, with flights, transfers, spa and classes, with the Healthy Holiday Company. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10

Andalucia’s award-winning Healthouse Las Dunas spa

For more info or to book any of these deals go to mirror.co.uk/ traveltop10

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No kids as you unwind in Essex

The House of Liz Earle Beauty on Isle of Wight

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Plenty of culture and cures in Cambodia

A staycation health break is Devon-sent

Fortina Spa Resort will make you melt in Malta

Tenerife’s Hotel Botanico has relaxation on the menu

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Written in your spas

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Malta Yellow News Bachtrack (Web) 11 January 2017 N/A 5215 140

Sokolov the star turn of the 2017 Malta International Music Festival Sokolov the star turn of the 2017 Malta International Music Festival : The concert programme for the 2017 Malta International Music Festival runs for ten days, from 21st to 30th April. But there is no question as to which is the star draw: on Saturday 29th, Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov will be performing in Malta for the first time. The word "legend" gets bandied around all too much, but Sokolov is one musician for whom you can't complain about its use. His career has been long and distinguished; for most of its length, reviews have described him as "one of the world's great pianists". Audiences today veer between reverence and ecstasy, described on this pages as " drawn to mystique like moths to a flame " and " musical pilgrims ". The most casual of listens to his Youtube clips will confirm what the fuss is about, his playing as inventive as it is technically masterful and immaculately balanced. For certain, "Grisha" is one of the world's musical perfectionists. As he has got older, he has become more focused: 60 recitals a year, no concerto performances, no studio recordings and a near-paranoid attention to detail of the setup of his instrument: the Festival have dutifully engaged Angelo Fabbrini, one of the world's top piano technicians, to do the honours, while we can hope that they have been similarly attentive to finding van drivers who can negotiate the vertiginous streets leading to the 16th-century Republic Hall, overlooking the Grand Harbour at the tip of Valletta. By the way, if you're in the UK or the US, don't consider waiting for Sokolov to come and play in your countries: visa standoffs don't look like ending any time soon. This year's festival is focused on the piano and in any company other than Sokolov's, the opening concert on Friday 21st would be the must-see event, with another distinguished pianist from the former Soviet Union: Sergei Babayan performs a wide ranging programme including PĂ&#x192;Â¤rt, Liszt, Bach, Chopin and Rachmaninov (as well as for his own playing, Babayan is currently notable as the teacher of Daniil Trifonov). The programme also includes works by contemporary composers Vladimir Ryabov and Alexey Shor, one of the festival's three Maltese composers-in-residence. Unattributed[sourcelink]https://bachtrack.com/fr_FR/preview-malta-international-music-festival-january-2017 [/sourcelink]

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The 10 best summer holiday islands in Europe Reproduced by Gorkana under licence from the NLA (newspapers), CLA (magazines), FT (Financial Times/ft.com) or other copyright owner. No further copying (including printing of digital cuttings), digital reproduction/forwarding of the cutting is permitted except under licence from the copyright owner. All FT content is copyright The Financial Times Ltd. Article Page 2 of 4 379909938 - CRAWRI - A24439 - 1

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Sardinia Mention Sardinia and most people think of the glitz of the Costa Smeralda but there's plenty more to divert you: the magnificent rugged landscape of the granite interior, the fabulous seafood and, for history buffs, the strange and evocative remnants of Sardinia's ancient nuraghic culture, not to mention a scattering of Carthaginian and Roman ruins, Pisan churches and Spanish Baroque. The best hotels in Sardinia The 300 best holidays in Europe for 2017

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Malta Yellow News My Weekly (Main) 24 January 2017 18 100363 1580cm2 18975.8

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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Web) 31 January 2017 N/A 1379555 37030

The 10 best destinations for Easter sun The 10 best destinations for Easter sun : A n early Easter break is always tricky for sun-seekers. Unless you are prepared to endure a long-haul flight, there are few destinations where you can expect to find reliable sunshine. On the other hand, if you are just looking for some milder air, gentle sunshine and a first taste of spring, some parts of southern Europe can be stunning at this time of year. The landscape is still green from the winter rain, the blossom is out and first flowers are opening - and when the sun does shine it can warm up nicely. The 10 best destinations for February sun The 10 best destinations for March sun So, if you haven't already booked, here are my choices for a holiday in early or mid-April, whether you are looking for serious heat or just for better weather than at home. How to | Make the most of the Easter holidays Most tour operators and airlines still have some holidays and seats for around Easter. But you may have to be flexible about your departure day; flights for the Saturday before Easter weekend may already be booked. Below I have recommended some tour operators with a strong programme to the destination concerned. Flight times to all these places are less than four hours, except the Canaries (about 4Â˝ hours). Temperatures given are average daily maximums for April; during a warm spell they can be significantly higher (or the opposite can be true, of course). Sunshine hours are the average daily figures for April. The Heatseeker: find your perfect holiday Reliable sunshine 1. The Canaries Lanzarote is the best choice for family holidays. Although Lanzarote has been sympathetically developed compared with some of the Canaries, it is hardly unspoilt. For more local character, try one of the smaller islands, such as La Gomera or El Hierro. Credit: AP Sun factor : The winter rains should be over and temperatures in the low to mid-20s with a good nine hours of sun a day. Top 10: the best beach hotels in the Canary Islands Getting there : First Choice (0871 231 4691; firstchoice.co.uk ), Thomson (0871 231 4691; thomson.co.uk ). 2. Cyprus Cyprus has the mildest climate in the Med, and warms up sharply during March and April, when the wild flowers are in bloom. Paphos is the main resort, though the north coast of the Akamas peninsula is the place to go to escape the package tourists. Credit: Leonid Andronov - Fotolia/Leonid ANDRONOV The best hotels in Cyprus Sun factor : Expect average highs of about 21C. There's a chance of a few showers but they should be interspersed with plenty of sunshine (nine hours a day). Getting there : Sovereign (01293 731563; sovereign.com ), Sunvil (020 8758 4758, sunvil.co.uk ). 3. Morocco Marrakesh is wonderful in the spring. The landscape is still green and midday temperatures are just right. If you are heading up into the mountains, however, expect much cooler temperatures. Credit: AP

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Top 10: best riad hotels in Marrakesh Sun factor : Expect a good eight hours of sun a day, daytime highs of 27C and perhaps a smattering of rain. Quite cool at night. Getting there: James Villa Holidays (0800 074 0122; jamesvillas.co.uk ), Thomas Cook (01733 224 808; thomascook.com ). First taste of spring 4. Andalusia Seville's Holy Week celebrations (April 9-16) make the city an exciting place to be, but accommodation can be hard to find. If you prefer the coast, Marbella and Nerja are two of the best resorts. Spain: a perfect escape in Andalusia Credit: estionx - Fotolia/Adrian nunez Sun factor : The Costa del Sol is warm (about 21C) and reasonably dry; Seville is warmer (about 24C) but wetter - though both destinations average eight to nine hours of sunshine a day. Getting there : Vintage Travel (01954 261 431; vintagetravel.co.uk ), i-escape ( i-escape.com ). 5. Crete Crete has one of the earliest springs in the Mediterranean. The south coast has something of a microclimate and is warmer than the north, so head here for the best of the sunshine. Credit: AP Sun factor : Expect eight hours of sunshine a day, temperatures peaking at 20C, and little rain. Those figures are for Heraklion on the north coast. Crete: Sun, sea and sanctuary for all the family Getting there : First Choice (0871 231 4691; firstchoice.co.uk ); Thomson (0871 231 4691; thomson.co.uk ). 6. Gozo and Malta Prettier, much less developed and far more peaceful than its bigger sister, Malta, Gozo is a good-value retreat for a spring break. But Malta is still a good option. Malta guide: free attractions and things to do Credit: Alamy Sun factor : Temperatures reach about 20C on average; you should see lots of sunshine (about eight hours a day) and little rain. Getting there: Belleair Holidays (0808 271 6847; belleair.co.uk ), Thomson (0871 231 4691; thomson.co.uk ). 7. Madeira Don't come if you are looking for a beach holiday, but this gentle island is at its best in spring, whether you want to get out and do the levada walks (trails alongside mini irrigation canals) while the countryside is still lush, or just relax in town. Credit: daliu - Fotolia Sun factor : The (very) rainy winter months are over, and by the end of March temperatures are hitting 19C with about seven hours of sun a day.

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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Web) 31 January 2017 N/A 1379555 37030

Getting there : Classic Collection (0870 7873377; classic-collection.co.uk ), Monarch(0333 003 0700; monarch.co.uk ). Madeira, Portugal: the most enviable island on earth? 8. Provence The weather can be risky, but the orchard blossom is stunning. Choose between the milder air of the coastal resorts and the hills of the Var and the Luberon. Provence travel guide Credit: AP Sun factor : There is certainly a risk of rain, but with an average of seven hours of sunshine a day, you'll be unlucky not to get a decent spell of good weather. Getting there : French Expressions (01392 441245; expressionsholidays.co.uk ), Simpson Travel (020 3740 7681; simpsontravel.com ). The best hotels in Provence 9. Puglia Don't come here for the landscape - it's flattish and dull; nor for the sights - they are of only limited interest. Come for the fantastic local cuisine, and some of the best new hotels in Italy - many converted from former masserie (old fortified farmhouses). Gourmet Italy: what to eat and drink in Puglia Credit: travelbook - Fotolia Sun factor : Expect temperatures of around 18C, plenty of sunshine and little rain. Getting there: Italian Expressions (01392 441245; expressionsholidays.co.uk ), Citalia (01293 738620; citalia.com ). At peace in Puglia, Italy's tranquil, traditional idyll 10. Sicily A wonderful touring destination , with some of the most evocative Greek and Roman ruins, beautiful Baroque towns and, in Palermo, one of Italy's most fascinating cities. The hilltop resort of Taormina is also attractive - but gets extremely busy over the holiday weekend. Sicily attractions Credit: ÂŠ Stephen Emerson / Alamy Stock Photo/Stephen Emerson / Alamy Stock Photo Sun factor: On average, top temperatures hit about 16C. You might get a day or two of rain, but the sun shines for seven hours a day. Getting there: Italia nel Mondo (020 7828 9171; thesicilianexperience.co.uk ), Long Travel (01694 722193; long-travel.co.uk ). Expert Italy: find your perfect holiday Airline contacts British Airways ( britishairways.com ), EasyJet ( easyjet.com ), Ryanair ( ryanair.com )

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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Web) 31 January 2017 N/A 1379555 37030

Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/where-to-go-for-easter-sun/ [/sourcelink]

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Malta Yellow News Saga Magazine (Main) 01 February 2017 62 326127 114cm2 3898.8