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Welcome to
I’m delighted to introduce the 2016 summer edition of the James Villa Magazine. After two previous editions and some incredible feedback from our readers, I think this is our best yet. Let us inspire you with our fantastic selection of destination articles, from our new, enticingly exotic Caribbean collection, to time-honoured favourite, Corfu - as seen on this year’s TV hit, The Durrells - with many other travel features besides.
Multiple Award Winner...
For the foodies among you, you’ll be pleased to hear chef Jo Pratt is back with some temptingly tasty, quick and easy Spanish tapas recipes, great for recreating either at home or on your villa holiday. Other features to pique your interest include some heart-warming stories from the James team, the impressive filming locations featured in Game of Thrones, our Top 10 Villas, as voted by you, and even a travel tribute to the Bake Off! For those of you contemplating taking a villa holiday for the first time, we’ve busted some common villa myths, and spoken to Sean Fletcher from Good Morning Britain regarding his own personal experience. If you have already travelled, or you’re excited about your upcoming holiday, I hope this edition either becomes a fabulous temptation for your next villa break, or a great poolside companion. Now sit back, relax and let our magazine take you on an inspiring journey.
Don’t forget to vote this year!
Mark Bloxham Managing Director
Featured villa: Maistro, Lefkas Cover photo: Bataria beach, Corfu
All our package holidays are protected
ATOL ABTA No.W3940
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Editor Helen Hatton
Studio Manager Andy Clifford
Design Lisa Hoey Hayley Harris
Imagery Holly Kingsmill
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Sarah Harris
Featured Contributors Jo Pratt Simply Beach Jo Thomas Nova Gowers from Cherished By Me Sand in Your Eye
Contributors Danielle Cheney Adam Bird Marianne Weeks Susie Lawlor
Travel feature 8 First family holiday The Algarve through a two-year-old’s eyes
6 Best beaches
Alexandra King
14 A world of colour Rainbow landscapes
Our thanks to
54 Holiday memories and the defining of life
50 The holiday calendar Where to go, when
Amanda Broderick Shelley Kingsnorth Mark Bloxham Sally Pemble
Sean Fletcher Headline Publishing Loredana Williams
58 Out of this world Lanzarote’s volcanic attractions
Lucia Brincat
entertainment...
jamesvillas.co.uk 0800 970 44 64 4
Out & about...
16 Late summer in the vineyard
30 Game of Thrones Filming locations
60 The James Villa bucket (and spade) list 62 Into the blue
Fashion, beauty & wellbeing... 45 Staying safe in the sun
52 King of the sandcastles
46 From the ocean Beach fashion and accessories
66 Gadgets
48 Make a splash
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14 Inspired by James... 10 Make a villa your own Why a villa holiday should be the holiday of choice 26 Top 10 villas as voted by you 36 Celebrate the good times Occasions are extra special when spent at a villa 42 Fly away with me... A guide to flight and travel times 44 Reps’ tales Our in-resort staff share their favourite stories 56 Villa myths busted
Food & drink... 32 Happy hour Refreshing cocktail recipes 33 The great destination bake off
Win a James Villa holiday worth
£2500*
38 Features 18 Durrell’s Corfu The magical island at the heart of TV series ‘The Durrells’, inspired by the novel ‘My Family and Other Animals’ 22 Make time for tapas Tasty tapas from Jo Pratt 38 Caribbean dream Discover our exotic, new villa holiday destinations
see page 67
64 How to travel in confidence
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Out & About
Best
beaches
for...
What can rival the feeling of the sun on your back, the soothing sound of waves lapping the shore and the sand between your toes? The beach is a playground for every holidaymaker, so whether you’re looking for a quiet stretch to relax and unwind, or the ideal conditions to take on the surf, our pick of the very best beaches will be enough to get you planning your next villa getaway.
...snorkelling The Blue Lagoon, Comino - Malta & Gozo Lying off the sought-after destinations of Malta and Gozo is the small but mesmerising island of Comino. There you can discover the breathtaking Blue Lagoon on a day trip - exceptional both above and below the waterline for sightseers and snorkelers. The spectacularly clear waters - which are conveniently shallow - make it the perfect place to view the abundance of marine life. With no cars permitted on the island, a population of just a few and a single hotel, you can see why the lagoon’s idyllic setting is a delightful rarity for pure holiday heaven. The water really is a thousand shades of beautiful blue.
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Out & about
...watersports Foz do Arelho, Silver Coast - Portugal Foz do Arelho’s vast, swirling ribbons of sand are not only breathtaking, but also offer ideal conditions for windsurfing, surfing and other watersports. In fact, enthusiasts come from far and wide to take advantage of both the calm lagoonal areas and the open Atlantic Ocean. Once you’ve built up an appetite on the waves, head to one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby. If you still find yourself by the water in the early evening, you can witness one of the Silver Coast’s famed and breathtaking sunsets.
...the ultimate view Smuggler’s Cove, Zakynthos - Greece Smuggler’s Cove in Zakynthos is a natural wonder. A small bay with a stretch of white sand nestles the curved rock face, surrounded by azure waters. Only accessible by boat, the short sail here while staying on Zakynthos or neighbouring island Kefalonia is well worth it. There are spectacular views as you glide towards the cove, from the beach itself looking out across the Ionian Sea, or from the viewing platform high on the cliff face.
...total seclusion Gibbes Beach, Barbados The beaches of Barbados captivate travellers with their irresistible palate of blue skies, azure waters and gleaming white sand. The laidback island lifestyle here lends itself perfectly to days spent relaxing by the warm Caribbean. Gibbes Beach is renowned for being one of the most tranquil on the island. While neighbouring bays are equally as beautiful, Gibbes is less busy and often deserted, so you can sit on the sand sipping a cool drink and experience your own little piece of paradise.
An abandoned smuggler’s ship sits routed in sand, earning its name - Shipwreck Bay. No wonder it’s one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.
...taking the children Coral Bay Beach, Cyprus The calm, shallow waters of Coral Bay are ideal for paddling with little ones, and this family-orientated spot has plenty to offer in its picturesque setting, surrounded by convenient facilities. Break from the sunshine for a lunchtime bite in one of the cafés, restaurants and bars. There are also watersports galore for all ages, including pedalos, banana boat rides, parasailing and scuba diving lessons. Coral Bay’s Blue Flag status means parents can be assured the beach is safe and clean, while free beachfront parking, easy accessibility, showers and toilets take care of the practicalities, meaning you’re free to relax and enjoy your fun family day out.
Where to stay...
Dreamcatcher Gibbes, Barbados
Villa Mar Mellieha, Malta
Casa Ouro Bem Foz do Arelho, Silver Coast
Emerald Classic Villa Agios Nikolaos, Zakynthos
Ocean Bay Villa Coral Bay, Cyprus
Choose from over 350 villas by the beach at jamesvillas.co.uk/james-recommends
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First
family holiday
Freya and I together in the Algarve
T
he intrigue and enjoyment Freya took in the places we visited and the things we did was only the beginning, because in actual fact the novelty of watching a lizard scuttling across a wall, or sucking the juice out of a fresh orange in the garden was just as magical to her as the ochre-red walls of Silves Castle, or the leaping dolphin spectacle at the Zoomarine Park. For everything that I showed her, she showed me a thing or two about appreciating the little things on holiday. We’d been away before to visit family in the UK, but our first trip abroad represented something more. Living three hours away from my mum, sister and her own growing family, these flying visits together were generally top-and-tailed with a jaunt up and down the M1 - not exactly one to write a postcard for. A villa in the Algarve represented the rare opportunity to all get away and spend some quality time together. As a birthday treat for my mum, it meant the world to her to have both daughters and all the grandchildren together for a whole week. I hadn’t appreciated beforehand just what it would mean to me too. Our villa was situated just outside Vilamoura and the nearby marina became our go to place for a bite to eat and a stroll in the sun, watching the boats bobbing on the water. This became the backdrop for some of my favourite holiday memories - ambling the promenade, eating a delicious, steaming fish stew as Freya watched through the glass partition the little fish swimming in the water below - even a
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There’s a kind of wisdom in the innocent curiosity of a two-year-old. Descending over the Algarve, my daughter Freya’s little face was pressed up against the plane window, looking down at the beautiful ribbons of sand (which I now know to the be the Ria Formosa) and white crested waves sparkling below. It was our first family holiday, and I wish that I could experience it again through her eyes. It must have been incredible. rare evening out with my husband, drinking cocktails as the sun set and tucking into a delicious Thai meal. It was here that Freya first learned her love for ice cream - previously a scoop of the cold stuff would be pushed away. A cornet was slightly more acceptable, and she would condescend to eat it once I had eaten the ice cream down to the cone, which she would happily then munch. Unfortunately (for me) she discovered that gelato under the glorious sun is a treat not to turn down. She also quickly clocked on that there were more flavours than vanilla, so off she would toddle up to the counter with my husband and come back with whatever colourful flavour was most likely to stain what she was wearing. Thanks be to the washing machine at the villa! It was from the marina too that we embarked on a boat trip along the beautiful Algarve coast and along to the sea caves past Vilamoura, although it was as much as I could do to drag her away from the wonders of a glass bottomed boat! Ah to be two again. Sand on the beautiful beach by Vale do Lobo was another intrigue to a two-yearold mind, and when Freya worked out that you probably shouldn’t eat it, she was happy to stomp it, scoop it, draw in it, build with it and dust off the pretty shells and pebbles that she found. I was happy in
her enjoyment of it, and happier still lazing on the sand watching my husband jump her over the breakers lapping the beach. We had some amazing piri-piri chicken that day from one of the restaurants on the sea front. When in Rome, after all… Another day we hopped in the hire car and headed to the beautiful castle at Silves, Freya delighting in walking the ramparts and looking out over the river and countryside beyond. We explored the cobbled streets and sweet little souvenir shops, picking up mementos, then headed to the town of Monchique with its Roman spa. A cool drink in a traditional Portuguese
In the Algarve Freya first learned her love for ice cream
Travel feature square was a treat and a refreshing change from the glitz of Vilamoura. The incredible Ria Formosa that I had spied from the plane and was determined to see was also explored - a beautiful and deserted expanse, with purple wildflowers growing up out of the sandy dunes. Perhaps my favourite day - and this is revealing the child in me - was our day at the Zoomarine Park. They promise fun for any age and three generations of our family can attest to it. Freya and her young cousin loved the aquarium and the penguin feeding, and the dolphin and sea lion shows were incredible (inspiring my niece’s first word - “fsh!”). Freya took great delight in the tropical bird habitat, following the trail while peering in the bushes and waters to see what creatures were hiding there, scattering bird feed as she walked. The man-made beach and waterpark were more of many attractions, and Freya came away tired but buzzing, clutching a toy seal and a shocking-pink dolphin. And there for the week, in the heart of it all, was our villa. It was our home, haven and base for exploration. We took a leisurely stroll out in the morning sun to the bakery to get some cakes or fresh bread for breakfast. We sat in the peace and privacy of our terrace, enjoying only our
company in the rare and valuable time we had together. We made plans as they suited us, and at the times when Freya needed to recharge her batteries, she would have a nap in the villa and I would covet the opportunity to lay on a sun lounger with a book, or have dip in the pool. Freya would go lizard hunting in the garden, my husband took up station by the barbecue and we had delicious meals as the sun went down. We laughed at his shocking language skills as one day he came back from the supermarket with rabbit instead of chicken. We set up the girls a paddling pool with pool toys under the sun umbrella and Freya had to make the difficult decision between the self-named ‘big bath’ and ‘little bath’ pools. When the kids were in bed, we could sip wine and laugh on the terrace. A week passed quickly and happily.
Best of James
We stayed at...
Laguna Golf
Vilamoura, Algarve
Among the sights, sun and sea, what mattered to a two-year-old was company, cuddles, ice cream and paddling pools, and on our first family holiday she showed me the little things, and I came to realise that those were the big things.
James Villas has more than 300 villas in the Algarve
penned by our very own
Helen Hatton
me Father-daughter ti e private pool around th
Our favourite day...
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inspired by james Travel feature
Make a
Villa your own
This is the time when life takes on a new essence. You break from routine, relax, recharge, reassess what really matters and spend real, quality time with those who matter most. In that week, or two week escape, we know it’s not James’ villa - it’s your villa, and we believe it’s the backdrop that epitomises what a holiday should be. You see, we’ve thought long and hard about what makes a villa holiday special. We talk about the private pool, the blissful privacy and all of the space you get. But really, that’s what a villa has, and not what it is.
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‘
‘
We are great romantics here at James Villas. Yes, we handpick the villas, the finest destinations and take care of the arrangements, but we know that what really matters is your holiday, and we make that what matters to us.
A villa is what it is, and it is whatever you want it to be.
inspired by james
The pool for you What it is, is the centre piece of your family holiday. It’s where you see your children’s eyes open wide in astonished delight, where they enter cautiously, and grow in confidence until you barely recognise that little water baby in the pool in front of you. It’s the sound of their laughter, their feet splashing and the games of siblings whose imaginations have moved out of the sphere of the TV or tablet. It’s where you join them, bond again out of the confines of work and school, and for a little while, become a child again yourself. Maybe it’s not about the kids - maybe there are no children and it’s all yours. The stillness of the water is undisturbed by diving and bombing games. As you slide in and escape the heat of the day, the gentle ripples spreading across the surface is hypnotically calming. Gentle lapping and the odd sea bird is the only sound as you take in your beautiful surroundings. Being in the water, arms propped on the side with a drink in reach has an amnesiac effect and suddenly the here and now is all that matters. It’s all yours, whether you do a few lazy laps before breakfast, or cool off in the balmy evening, watching the sun sink in the sky.
‘
‘
There’s the private pool. It could be a large pool, a kid’s pool, a pool with a Jacuzzi - even an infinity pool - but it’s what a villa has, not what it is.
Il Bel Laghetto II, Tuscany
Clear and cool, clear and cool, by laughing shallow and dreaming pool. - Charles Kingsley
Rose Tower Villa, Lefkas
Villa Emerald, Zakynthos
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inspired by james Travel feature
The freedom to live
‘
‘
No schedules or itineraries is what a villa has, but what it is, is freedom. Freedom doesn’t have to mean an epic adventure. Freedom comes from choices - even the little ones. It’s in the beauty of being spontaneous, seeing a road sign and thinking, let’s go that way - finding that hidden cove with no one else nearby. It’s thinking, let’s not cook tonight - that restaurant might not look special from the outside, but the locals are in it, and that’s a great sign. That paella might well be the best in Spain. Freedom is deciding to try something new. Before you know, it’s too late to back out and you find you’re windsurfing with an Atlantic breeze in your face, never knowing before that you could, and that you would love it. These are your memories to make, and freedom is choosing how, when and where they’re made.
Doing what you like is freedom Liking what you do is happiness.
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La Canela, Andalucia
The space & privacy There’s the space and privacy of a villa. The bedrooms, the living area, the home-comforts, the incredible al fresco area it’s what a villa has, not what it is. What it is, is kids and big kids alike coming together in friendly rivalry in the games room, erupting in a winner-takes-all moment of glory over the pool table. It’s swapping the breakfast table for the terrace - because doesn’t that glass of fresh orange juice taste better under the holiday sun? It’s about having those you love most - and only those you love most - all together, reconnecting in fun and laughter, or cuddled up in companionable silence on the sofa - feet up, dozing off. It’s about having the space for some relaxing downtime away from it all, and getting a taste for the local tipple on the terrace in the evening, once the children are in bed. It’s the laughter around the barbecue, as for once, the family comes together to prep and enjoy the delicious, fresh catch of the day you bought at the market that morning. It’s the sun lounger exclusive to you, in the prime spot and feeling that holiday sun warming you - body and mind.
‘
inspired by james
Beauty attracts the eye but personality captures the heart.
Victoria, Mallorca
The personality No two people are the same and no two holidays should be the same. The wonderful thing about villas is that they each have their own personality, ambience and unique locale. Happy and harmonious holidays come about when that personality matches yours. Lively and buzzing, always on the go, in the heart of the action. Blissfully secluded, taking life at a slower pace. Up for adventure and new experiences - a doorway to the as yet unknown and unseen… Whatever you’re looking for, a villa should be a place to fall in love with, to call home - even just for a little while - and make memories from. Sapphire, Cyprus
Why James Villas? Countryside to coast, rural to resort – we have villas, townhouses and apartments for groups of all sizes, from 2 to 20.
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Charma, Algarve
A private life is a happy life.
To provide you with only the best, the quality of the private pool is a big consideration when we handpick our villas, with the majority even heated in winter sun destinations. From handpicking unique, stand-out villas, to the exceptional service you get when you call us, we offer a holiday experience exclusive to you. You could say we take the emphasis off you having to arrange a holiday and onto living one. Even in resort you can be assured that there is expert help and support on hand from our Villa Managers. This is your package holiday on your terms, not ours. And don’t worry, your holiday and money is protected with our abta and atol bonding.
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Travel feature See the buildings and terracotta roofs of Alghero in Sardinia take on a honey-hue under a Mediterranean sunset.
A world of COLOUR
Colour is a powerful thing - it’s a feast for the eyes, imparts meaning and evokes emotion. Places are brought to life by a vivid display of colour, and your holiday should be no different.
Cool, calming and tranquil - there is no blue quite like the azure waters of the Ionian.
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Stay in one of Puglia’s gleaming white trulli.
Travel feature The dramatic ochre and charcoal volcanic landscapes in Lanzarote are simply out of this world.
Tuscany is a rustic, green tapestry of rolling countryside, vineyards and olive groves.
Provence is awash with a blanket of lavender during the summer.
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Entertainment
r e m m Su
Late
in the
Vineyard I love France! Having spent many childhood summers making the long journey in our Renault 14 to the lavender-strewn fields of Provence and the sparkling coastline of the Côte d’Azur, where holidays seemed to go on forever, France is my happy place. So when friends of mine bought a big town house in southwest France a few years ago - right in the heart of wine country - to run writing and painting holidays, I was thrilled! The house sits in the middle of a busy, bustling town on the banks of the Dordogne, packed with fabulous restaurants and friendly bars, surrounded by vineyards. The town has a lively Monday market with all the variety, colour and smells that you’d expect from a typical French market. There are food stalls bathed in glorious sunshine and piled high with plump vegetables, bulging sacks of herbs, pink, dappled charcuterie, glistening olives, rounds of yellow cheese and trays of gnarled oysters hiding secret pleasures within; all sitting side by side next to clothes stalls with rows of T-shirts and Moroccan kaftans swinging in the light breeze. I love the way people take the time to greet one another in France - to shake hands, kiss each other on the cheek, and share a café. One of the other things I love is the fact that a ‘Petit Rosé’ is perfectly acceptable at practically any time of day! The surrounding countryside is covered in vines - even the flowerbeds at the airport and the roundabouts in the roads have them growing. Apart from the vines, the thing that always strikes me about the town is its sense of history. It practically reaches out and touches you. You can see it, feel it. It’s the shadow, a crucial part of the town’s backdrop, against which the vines sit.
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Having decided that I wanted to write about these vines and their history, I was suddenly terrified. Yes, I liked drinking wine, but knew nothing about how it is made! Reading books only made me realise how much I didn’t know. So, like the heroine in my book, I was going to have to find out, hands on. I met and talked to winemakers and visited a fantastic ancient, organic vineyard where I walked the vines, and explored the chai, where the winemaking happens, and the wine is stored in barrels. I also spent a morning at the Saint-Émilion wine school, like a naughty kid at the back of the class, getting fits of giggles as I sniffed, sipped and then snorted wine up my nose! One of my favourite wine experiences was a blending session with a winemaker, where we worked in teams learning to blend grape varieties: to sniff the wine, taste it, name it and then write a sales pitch and sell it, X Factorstyle, to a panel of judges! But nothing beats the feeling of sitting in the sunshine, looking out over the wonderful French countryside as the sun begins to set, sipping a glass of something that has grown and matured in the soil beneath your feet. And, as a wise winemaker told me, the harder the vines have to work, the better the grapes they produce and the finer the vintage they become - a bit like my heroine in Late Summer in the Vineyard. Try it for yourself: visit France and grab yourself a ‘Petit Rosé’.
Jo’s brand new novel LATE SUMMER IN THE VINEYARD is published on 11 August 2016 in paperback and ebook, priced £7.99.
out now...
also by jo thomas The Oyster Catcher Dooleybridge, County Galway: the last place Fiona Clutterbuck expects to end up, alone, on her wedding night. Join Fi as she learns the rules of the ocean - and picks up a few pearls of Irish wisdom along the way...
The olive branch You can buy almost anything online these days. For Ruthie Collins, it was an Italian farmhouse. But is her proseccofuelled purchase the worst idea she’s ever had? Or the key to an exciting future?
about The author Jo Thomas worked for many years as a radio reporter and producer. Her debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller in ebook and was awarded the 2014 RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the 2014 Festival of Romance Best Ebook Award. Jo lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with her husband and three children.
That “wow, I’m on holiday” feeling... Here at James Villas we know holidays really matter. That feeling when you stroll out to the pool, bags unpacked, with the warm sun on your skin - the “wow, I’m on holiday” feeling - that’s what we specialise in.
We can arrange every aspect of your holiday for you…
Don’t just take our word for it - 97% of our customers would rebook* and have voted us the ‘Best Large Villa Holiday Booking Company’ for the last 6 years.
The finest villas, handpicked in locations to suit every holiday
Private pools
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Flights arranged from 24 UK airports
Flights
In-resort Villa Managers
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Welcome packs - so the first place you go is the pool and not the supermarket
Speak to one of our friendly Travel Advisers on 0800 970 44 64 or visit jamesvillas.co.uk * Reevoo percentage correct at time of going to print
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Travel feature
Durrell’s
Corfu...
Gazing out of the window of a steam train, travelling laboriously through greyskied northern Europe in search of Corfu and the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, Gerald Durrell and his family could not have considered that their voyage would not only change their own lives irrevocably, but also change the face of tourism in years to come. Little did they know what adventures and characters lay in wait, and that these would eventually become immortalised in front of millions of viewers on Sunday night Prime Time television an alien concept to those living in the 1930s. Even 80 years on from the start of their time in Corfu, there is a renewed desire for holidaymakers to learn about the Durrells’ residence there, and to discover for themselves the charms of this captivating Greek island.
My Family and Other Animals was published in 1956, written by Gerald Durrell, the youngest of the Durrell siblings. It tells in wonderful humour, the story of the Durrell family as they
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Old Corfu Town
Travel feature emigrate from their home in Hampshire to Corfu - the Greek island where they settle and build a life together. The novel - the first part of an eventual trilogy - retells the family’s exploits and introduces readers to a trove of eccentric and charming characters, who came in and out of their lives. As for the “other animals”, Gerald Durrell’s passion for the natural world was well-established by the tender age of ten, when the first book begins. The narrative is intertwined with the many animals that Gerald managed to source, study and home - often resulting in gloriously funny anecdotes, which bring the novel to life. And the backdrop to all of this - Corfu - which Durrell describes with such eloquence and warmth, in a way that speaks of a pure and genuine affection for this breathtaking island. Gerald - who went on to have a long and rewarding career as a naturalist, conservationist and zookeeper - lived a seemingly idyllic existence. His description of a natural playground, of fertile grounds, vast olive groves and carefree days seduce a reader into wanderlust, which inspired a post-war generation of travellers to visit the island, bringing with them an economic boom of development, changing the face of Corfu forever. The northeast coast - now fondly nicknamed ‘Kensington on Sea’ - has seen most of this rapid development. The area has grown into a beautiful and lavish playground for the rich and glitterati, while retaining that air of affordability that makes Corfu an island accessible for all.
It was to this area that the Durrells returned in later life - unrecognisable from the pre-war, pre-developed island that they fell in love with in the 1930s. If you wish to emulate and feel at one with the Durrells and imitate a step back in time for yourself, away from the busier resorts and closer to the soul of the island, then a visit to Kalami is highly recommended. The village, snuggled around a horse-shoe bay, rises out of the white sandy beach and you can easily imagine a young Gerald Durrell in his element among the surrounding olive, lemon and cypress trees. Meanwhile, at the end of the bay is a taverna - noticeably larger than the neighbouring buildings - painted in a brilliant white. This, the ‘White House’, was the former home of eldest brother Lawrence, who returned to the island in later life and wrote ‘Prospero’s Cell’, a novel about his own experience of life on the island. The ‘White House’ at Kalami
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Travel feature To truely understand the spirit of the Durrells’ time on the island, you must visit Corfu Town. Jutting out to sea is a wooden jetty, which the locals use to launch themselves into the turquoise blue water beneath. The historic fort acts as a backdrop, just as it did when its purpose went beyond historical intrigue, to when it acted as a vanquisher of Ottoman rule. Its commanding shadow gives the scene an otherworldliness as you swim alongside the locals, sharing the universal pastime of frolicking in the sea. While time slows down and the term ‘lazy afternoon’ develops a tangible meaning, the scene can be taken as a snapshot and placed at any point in time and nobody would be the wiser.
Church of St. Spyridon
But the Durrells weren’t the first British people to fall for the charms of the island. Long before their arrival, Britain and Corfu had a rich, intertwined history dating back to 1814, when the British formed a ‘protectorate’ of the island, with a Lord Commissioner stationed alongside military garrisons to protect its interests. Evidence of this period can still be seen today in architectural remnants as well as fusion culture, particularly on Sundays when cricket is still played on the green opposite the esplanade in Corfu Town, and spectators can drink homemade ginger beer, which is still brewed on the island. If cricket is one of Corfu Town’s idiosyncrasies, then there is plenty more facets to its character for the contemporary holidaymaker to see and admire. Perched on a hillside, the narrow, winding alleyways reveal many architectural treasures, amongst them the Corfu’s Venetian Palaces. Here there is a fascinating harmony between what is a modern and vibrant capital, which yet enjoys a sense of quaint history, respecting its position as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps you’ll even discover the church of St. Spyridon, where in his book a young Gerald Durrell recounts his experience of being swept along with the devote Greek crowd, to narrowly avoid kissing the feet of the interred saint. All the while as you explore this delightful maze of streets, the sea is an ever present companion, always appearing enticingly over your shoulder, shimmering gently under the Grecian sun.
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Durrell alluded to it in his novel - the ‘attitude’ of the island - the carefree days we as readers pictured in our mind’s eye, which Corfu truly delivers. It is because of this ambience, this essence, that holidaymakers return time and time again, and why the island continues to thrive. Like the fertile grounds, the olive groves and the flora and fauna remain green because nature has a way of keeping the island fresh. The recurring images that Durrell drew in his account across the Corfu trilogy likewise continue to inspire new minds and the island invigorates and quenches that thirst. In the search for ‘Durrell’s Corfu’, with much of the island changing beyond recognition over the past 80 years, there are still nods to the past. In Corfu Town, plaques can be found depicting the location of ‘Theo’s house’ and
also busts of Gerald and his brother Lawrence, who received acclaim as an author in his own right. Meanwhile on the outskirts of the town are the villas that featured as part of the first novel. The ‘Strawberry-Pink Villa’ sadly no longer exists and the ‘Snow White Villa’ is now owned by a prominent Greek businessman, while the ‘Daffodil-Yellow Villa’ is still owned by the same Corfiot family. The area around them has grown considerably with resorts and properties dominating much of the northeastern coastline, so tracking down the two remaining properties can prove an adventure in its own right. Slightly easier to find and a delight to discover, at the island’s furthest, northern-most point at Agios Spyridon beach, is Lake Antiniotissa or the ‘Lake of the Lilies’, as it is so evocatively described towards the end of My Family and Other Animals. Gerald’s mother even goes as far as saying that she wished to be buried there, such was her sense of attachment and affinity to the area at that time. Even now, it is easy to see why. Corfu may, in places, have changed beyond recognition from what the Durrells knew and loved, but in others, such as these sacred, natural areas of outstanding beauty, life has a timeless charm. Try timing your stay just right, during the beginning of May, and have an evening meal at sunset. On your way home you may well be fortunate to experience the majestic sight of fireflies, which sparkle brightly like phosphorus during this brief time of year. Alongside this
Travel feature phenomenon you’ll be able to listen to the soundtrack of a chorus of frogs, channelling the experience of Gerald as a boy, enthusiastically discovering the abundance of wildlife around him. With more than 40 James Villa properties on Corfu all handpicked and ideally situated, the opportunity to step into the shoes of Gerald Durrell and his family are plentiful. You may not experience the same encountering of eccentric characters, you might not be so emboldened to pick up and interact with the local wildlife, but then again, you are here to write your own story and make your own memories.
Make Durrell’s Corfu your own with James Villas… a Snow white villa... Best of James
Although who is to say that there can’t be parallels? If you have a secret Gerald Durrell-themed bucket list, you’ll rent a villa of ‘Snow White’, ‘Daffodil Yellow’ or ‘Strawberry Pink’, hire a boat (perhaps named Bootle-Bumtrinket or Sea Cow), sail out to sea in the morning, find a secluded beach, sunbathe like Margo and return back to write like Lawrence in the afternoon. You might meet a local named Spiro in the evening, toast a glass of Ouzo to the heavens and thank whoever it is that you get to live the same, carefree day over again tomorrow. penned by our very own
Adam Bird
Set on the outskirts of the quaint little village of Perithia, La Casa DiGiovanni sits within its own large grounds surrounded by olive groves. The first floor balconies offer charming views to Perithia church and the sea beyond.
a daffodil yellow villa...
Agni Bay near Kalami
Nestled among an olive grove-covered hillside overlooking Kalami Bay, Kalami View provides a spacious Corfiot-style interior with captivating views of a mountain backdrop and panoramic views out across the Ionian Sea.
a strawberry pink villa...
Set on a hillside, Eleni boasts spectacular views over Kalami Bay and along the coastline to Corfu Town in the distance. Ideally situated on the coastal road, Eleni gives you easy access to all the neighbouring bays and coves.
James Villas has more than 40 villas in Corfu Corfu Town
21
food & drink
make time for tapas
Jo Pratt is an acclaimed food stylist, writer, presenter and chef. Renowned for her fail-safe recipes and culinary expertise, Jo is also the best-selling author of six cookbooks, including her latest ‘In the Mood for Healthy Food’. You’ll also find Jo presenting recipes online, on TV, in a range of well-known food magazines or at ‘The Gorgeous Kitchen’ restaurant at Heathrow’s Terminal 2, where she is joint Executive Chef.
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food & drink
“Whether I’m eating in a restaurant, entertaining at home or being entertained, I love tapas. I think it’s because you can try a collection of small plates without filling up on just one dish. Tapas originated in Spain and is designed to encourage conversation, as people are not so focused upon eating a single plate of food set before them. It’s all about sharing and enjoying each other’s company, so it’s essential you take your time and relax.” - Jo Pratt
PAN FRIED PRAWNS, CHORIZO AND SHERRY Serves 8 250g cooking chorizo sausage 4 tbsp olive oil 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed 200-250g raw peeled tiger prawns 150ml dry sherry 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 2 roasted red peppers (from a jar), sliced into strips 2 tsp sherry vinegar Pinch dried chilli flakes Small bunch of flat leaf parsley, chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper Crusty bread to serve
1 Cut the chorizo into 1cm thick slices. 2 Heat a frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the olive oil and then add the chorizo. Cook for about 5 minutes, until cooked through and the sausage has released lots of rich red oils.
3 Add the garlic and the prawns and cook for a further minute or so until the prawns turn pink.
4 Add the sherry, chopped tomatoes, red
pepper, sherry vinegar, chilli and season with salt and pepper. Increase the heat and cook for 5 minutes.
5 Stir in the parsley and serve with some crusty bread.
PS... Why not try using squid instead of the prawns? Cut into thick rings or chunks and cook the same way. 23
food & drink
PORK MEATBALLS IN RICH TOMATO SAUCE Serves 8 For the meatballs:
450g lean minced pork 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (optional) 4 tbsp of finely chopped herbs, using a selection of fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint 125g white breadcrumbs (fresh or dried) 1 egg, lightly beaten 3 tbsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the tomato sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 stick of celery, finely chopped 175ml red wine 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
1 Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan ovens/gas 4.
2 To prepare the meatballs, simply mix
everything together apart from the olive oil, in a large bowl, including a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. It is far easier doing this by using your hands rather than a spoon. Alternatively if you have one, you could just whizz everything together in a food processor.
3 Shape the meatball mixture into 24 balls
(smaller or larger if you prefer) and keep to one side.
4 Add the 3 tbsp of olive oil to a roasting tray.
Place in the oven for a couple of minutes to heat up and then add the meatballs. Roll them around so they are coated in the oil and
PS... Minced beef, lamb or chicken can also be used to make the meatballs. 24
then return the tray to the oven to cook the meatballs for 30 minutes. During the cooking time, turn the meatballs a few times so they become evenly golden.
5 While the meatballs are cooking, you can
prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or deep-sided sauté pan and gently cook the onion and celery for about 5 minutes until they are softened and start to colour. Stir in the red wine, tomatoes and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until you have a rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6 Add the browned meatballs
to the sauce and cook gently for a further 10 minutes. Serve hot.
food & drink
Pepper and goats cheese tarts Serves 8
1 Pre-heat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan ovens/gas 6.
3 tbsp olive oil 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 2 stalks of rosemary or thyme 1 tbsp vinegar (red wine, white wine or sherry) 1 sheet (approx. 375g) ready rolled puff or short crust pastry 175g firm goats cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper Caper berries and/or olives, to serve (optional)
2 Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and then gently
fry the red pepper, yellow pepper, onion, garlic and rosemary for 20-25 minutes until the peppers and onion are very soft and juicy. Stir in the vinegar and cook for a further 30 seconds.
3 Season with salt and pepper, remove the rosemary stalk and leave to cool.
4 Unroll the pastry and either leave as a large piece or cut into 8 individual rectangles.
5 Place the pastry on a greased baking tray/sheet
and score a border around the edge, 1/2cm-1cm from the edge, with the tip of a sharp knife. Brush or rub with a little olive oil and spoon the pepper and onion mixture over the top, inside the border.
6 Crumble over the goats cheese, place in the oven and cook for about 15 minutes, until the pastry around the edges is golden.
7 These are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
8 Serve with caper berries and/or olives, if using.
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inspired by james
Top 10 villas voted by you...
1
Luxury
Monte Mare
Cyprus
our digital acquisition & retention manager sally says...
“I stayed at this luxury villa with a group of friends and although it’s really close to Coral Bay we barely left the villa, there’s just so much to do. The chillers amongst us loved the infinity pool, Jacuzzi and the outside bar and dining area with the sofas, while the active-bods had tennis and squash courts, basketball and the gym”.
26
This villa is an amazing, luxury villa and exceeded our expectations. There was everything we could possibly need there - we had a wonderful family holiday. What can be better than having a morning swim in the infinity pool, eating breakfast on the patio overlooking the swimming pool with a view of fields looking to the sea, drinking freshly squeezed orange juice made with freshly picked oranges from the grove next door, and eating Cypriot yoghurt with local honey and freshly brewed coffee? Perfect!
10.0 out of 10
Maria from Peterborough Personal rating 10/10
from 7 customer reviews
inspired by james
2
Pelagia
rethymno, crete
First class villa with superb views and excellent facilities. Welcoming owners who make sure everything is running smoothly. Supermarkets close by and the coastal resort of Panermo, with its many excellent restaurants, local shops and beaches are just a 5 minute drive away. We would recommend this villa and location to anyone wanting a very relaxing holiday.
10.0 out of 10
Colin from Kent Personal rating 10/ 10
from 5 customer reviews
Our Contractor rob says...
“I love this villa because of the amazing country and mountain views that are enjoyed from the pool and terraces… A peaceful setting, lovely, welcoming owners, great outdoor living areas and all just a few minutes’ drive from the scenic village of Panermo – a perfect holiday!”
3
Best of James
Pagona
vathy, ithaka
10.0
Absolutely beautiful villa, location and surroundings. Fantastic - would love to live here on a permanent basis!
out of 10
Sarah from Lingfield Personal rating 10/10
from 5 customer reviews
Our Contractor christina says...
“I love this villa because the owner has lovingly built her property using the local stone from the island and has styled it in a shabby chic design. Set in a perfect, scenic location, Pagona lends itself to total relaxation with a ‘get away from it all’ ambience. The charming village of Vathy is just a few minutes’ drive away, where you can pick up your fresh bread and croissants, and spend those lazy mornings watching the fishing boats glide in and out of the harbour.”
Holiday Resort Best of James
Vidamar Deluxe III
vidamar resort, Algarve
10.0 out of 10
4
It was excellent and we couldn’t fault the villa at all. Christine from South Lanarkshire Personal rating 10/ 10
from 4 customer reviews
Our Contractor jo says...
“Vidamar Deluxe III offers the perfect combination of modern villa living with your own private pool, while having a wealth of leisure facilities on your doorstep - restaurants, communal pools and a kids’ club to name a few.”
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inspired by james Travel feature
5
Solar de Vilela
santo terso, costa verde
Such a wonderful villa. The landlord was extremely welcoming and the villa in itself was beautifully kept in gorgeous surroundings. Could not fault it. We came for a 40th birthday party and it exceeded our expectations. We will definitely be returning...
10.0
Katie from London Personal rating 10/10
out of 10
from 4 customer reviews
Our Contractor Alice says...
“Solar de Vilela is the ideal choice if you are looking for a villa steeped in history. It dates back to the 18th century and is fantastic for large groups!”
Holiday Resort Best of James
Aphrodite Hills Superior 382 aphrodite hills, cyprus
10.0 out of 10
from 4 customer reviews
6
A lovely, big villa - more than enough space for 6 people. We had a lovely week here in the sun and will come again. Kirsten from Suffolk Personal rating 10/ 10
Our Contractor jo says...
“This is a fabulous property situated on the prestigious resort of Aphrodite Hills, with its wealth of facilities to enjoy. The spacious terrace with comfy sun loungers is the perfect setting for relaxing and reading while soaking up the sunshine.”
7
Podere la Palla pisa, tuscany
Podere la Palla is a beautifully decorated, spacious villa in a peaceful rural location. Having our own pool with fantastic views was a much-appreciated luxury and was perfect for cooling off after visiting the sights of Sienna & Pisa. We loved Volterra (which is a short drive away) and San Gimignano - both full of character with some lovely restaurants. My favourite memories are waking up with the sunrise to the sound of birds singing and swims before breakfast. We had a wonderful relaxing holiday. Karen from Falkirk Personal rating 10/10
10.0 out of 10
from 4 customer reviews
Our Contractor lee says...
“Everyone should visit Tuscany at least once in their lifetime and Podere la Palla is perfectly placed for discovering this fascinating region. Live like an Italian amid the traditional Tuscan furnishings and savour the peace found in this amazing countryside setting.”
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With over 2700 villas in your favourite European, Caribbean & American
inspired by james Casa S’Markinhas
peso da regua, douro valley
8
This villa is wonderful, the views are stunning! We just loved our week here and the Doc restaurant at the bottom of the hill was an added bonus well worth a visit or two. We hope to return soon. You should all visit very soon. Loved it.
10.0
Mrs Pardoe from Ludlow Personal rating 10/ 10
out of 10
from 3 customer reviews
Our Contractor alice says...
9
“I love this villa - the views are incredible, and what better way to enjoy a glass of Douro wine than sitting on the terrace, taking in the breathtaking views over the Douro River and surrounding vineyards?”
Skala Blue
skala, kefalonia
From the lovely warm welcome we received, to the sad farewell, it has to be one of the best villa holidays we have had. The hosts were on hand if we needed advice and help with anything. The villa is beautifully built by the host family - a very proud man and the cleanest we have stayed in. Sitting on the balcony at night watching the sunset and the sea in the distance was amazing. Can’t wait to return. Karen from Reading Personal rating 10/10
10.0 out of 10
from 3 customer reviews
Our Contractor christina says...
“I love this villa because of the attention to detail the owner takes in looking after his property. Its open plan, modern layout, two very good sized ensuite bedrooms and lovely gardens, along with a few minutes’ drive to the village of Skala makes for a perfect holiday.”
Best of James
Arcola
Binibeca, menorca
10
The villa was perfect. There was plenty of room for our family of six and all the facilities were brilliant. We had everything we needed and the welcome pack was excellent. The pool and outside area were beautiful, helped of course by the stunning view of the sea. The position of the villa was just right - quiet yet with a car close enough to beaches, shops etc.
10.0 out of 10
Alan from Worcester Personal rating 10/ 10
from 3 customer reviews
Our Contractor mark says...
“I love the peace and tranquility of an early summer’s evening, sitting on the shaded terrace of villa Arcola and gazing out over the vast expanse of Mediterranean Sea. The spacious and comfortable interiors of this villa just enhance the whole relaxing holiday experience.”
destinations, find your own ideal escape at jamesvillas.co.uk Villas and Reevoo ratings are correct at time of going to print - May 2016
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Out & About
Winter is coming in
Game of Thrones,
Croatia @
so head south...
UNESCO site Minceta Tower makes a chilling House of the Undying.
@
Epic fantasy series Game of Thrones has once again whipped the nation into a frenzy. The intricacy and intrigue of the land of Westeros and the surrounding kingdoms is brought alive in dramatic style from its stunning filming locations. Many have reached cult status with ardent viewers seeking them out to delve deeper into its fabled world. Which will you discover..?
The Lovrijenac Fortress commanding over the bay below makes a dramatic Red Keep, while you can amble its gardens among the fountains and lush foliage of Trsteno Arboretum in Trsteno - a small village just north of Dubrovnik.
@
Celebrate Joffrey’s demise at his own wedding reception from Dubrovnik’s Gradac Park, just above the Old Town.
@ The hilltop fortress of Klis is worth the
climb for the views of Split alone, but Game of Thrones enthusiasts will marvel at its transformation to the exterior of Meereen.
@
The beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik has become synonymous with Game of Thrones, taking on the mantle of King’s Landing from Malta from season two onwards.
@ Wander the Diocletian’s Palace in the heart of Split’s Old Town and be transported to Meereen - Daenerys’ throne room and the dungeon where she locks her dragons.
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Walled city of Dubrovnik, or King’s Landing
Daenerys’ dragon-dungeon at the Diocletian’s Palace
Out & about
Malta & Gozo @ Malta’s original capital
Mdina is a labyrinth of alleys encircled by medieval walls, transformed into city-of-vice King’s Landing in season one.
@ The ornate Mdina Gate led us in, and Ned Stark never came out, falling foul of Joffery at the great fortification of Fort
Manoel - or the Great Sept of Baelor - at Marsamxett Harbour.
@ The backdrop to Daenerys
Targaryen’s wedding to Khal Drogo in season one, Gozo’s stunning Azure Window is named for its framing of the cerulean sea and blue skies beyond.
Azure Window - the site of Daenerys’ wedding to Khal Drogo
Spain
@ Season 5 welcomed Spain to the Minceta Tower - the House of the Undying
Game of Thrones world, where the Watergardens and Sunspear of fiery neighbour - Dorne - are so beautifully set from the Alcázar of Seville.
@ Dramatic scenes were spun from
the Plaza de Toros de Osuna the fighting pit of Meereen - while the Roman bridge of Cordoba is transformed into the Long Bridge of Volantis.
Alcazabar de Almeria, reputedly featuring in Season 6
@ The desolate, jagged landscapes
of Tabernas Desert and the El Chorrillo Sierra Alhamilla in Pechina are poised to welcome those with a touch of Dothraki at heart.
@ Season 6 continues the Spanish
love affair and it’s on your screens now. Where will HBO take us next? Almeria is a certainty, and the dramatic fortifications of the Alcazaba de Almería will soon yield their secrets.
The Roman bridge of Cordoba becomes the Long Bridge of Volantis
31
food & drink
Happy hour
James Villas has teamed up with Nova Gowers to bring you three delicious and exclusive cocktail and mocktail recipes.
Pomegranate Green Tea Cooler with Thyme
Cocktail for 1 Juice ½ fresh lime 1 slice of pineapple, skin removed 40ml coconut cream 60ml Caribbean white rum 80ml coconut water Dash of sugar syrup to taste Handful of ice Lime to decorate
Caribbean Blast
The tropical flavours of coconut, pineapple and lime can only mean one thing - you’re in the Caribbean. Caribbean Blast is a refreshingly light but creamy and zesty cocktail, with a subtle blast of Caribbean white rum.
1 Cut the pineapple into chunks, put all of the ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth. 2 The more ice used the thicker (and frozen) the cocktail will be, and the further it will go. 3 Pour into a glass and decorate with a wedge of lime, or a slice of pineapple.
If there is no blender available: Crush the pineapple chunks with the back of a knife and put all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake until the outside is very cold and the ingredients are well mixed. Pour into a glass and decorate with a wedge of lime.
Cocktail for 1 30ml vodka Juice of ½ a Spanish orange 15ml orange liqueur A handful of crushed ice Spanish Cava to serve Maraschino cherry (optional)
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1 Steep the green teabags in 200ml of cold water for 10 mins. 2 Remove teabags and pour the tea into a cocktail shaker. 3 Add ice, pomegranate cordial, sprigs of thyme and lime juice to the cocktail shaker. 4 Shake until the outside is very cold, the longer you can do this the more the thyme will infuse. 5 Put pomegranate seeds (reserve a few to decorate) and ice into the glasses. 6 Strain the liquid from the cocktail shaker into glasses and top with tonic water to add a little fizz. 7 Add slices of lime, sprigs of thyme and the remaining pomegranate seeds to decorate. Mocktail for 2
Spanish Sunset What better way to cool off in the Balearics than with a Spanish Sunset cocktail? The iced citrusy flavour of freshly squeezed Spanish orange and sweet orange liqueur is combined with the refreshing taste of vodka and finished off with a Cava fizz. Relax and enjoy as sunset turns to
This mocktail is an ideal nonalcoholic drink, whether among Italy’s lush, green countryside or along its glorious coastline. Refreshing green tea, red pearls of pomegranate, a zing of lime and aroma of thyme topped with tonic water, it’s a cool and hydrating, sparkling delight.
2 Green tea bags 200ml cold water sundown with this crowd pleasing fruity but elegant cocktail. 1 Put the vodka, fresh orange juice and orange liqueur into a cocktail shaker with a good handful of ice. 2 Shake until well mixed and the outside of the shaker is very cold. 3 Strain the drink into a glass and top with chilled Cava. Decorate with a maraschino cherry if desired.
Seeds from ½ pomegranate 4 sprigs of thyme, plus more to decorate 30ml Pomegranate & elderflower cordial Juice of ½ Italian lime 2 handfuls of ice plus more to serve Tonic water Slices of lime to serve
All images and recipes have been provided by Nova from Cherished By Me - cherishedbyme.com
food & drink
The Great
Destination
Bake Off
Summers are about two things - escaping to the sun on holiday, and a certain favourite television programme returning to our screens. You know, the one that gets us craving sweet things and even attempting to make them in our own kitchens! Desserts are best sampled in their place of origin, to truly experience the taste as it should be before trying to recreate them at home. So for those with a sweet tooth, here are some of our favourite desserts that you simply must try while staying in one of our destinations.
Honey Baklava Greece Baklava is the ultimate sticky and sweet indulgence. Sheets of filo pastry are stuffed with nuts and glisten with the honey that brings it all together. Trays of Baklava can be found in shops all over Greece and its islands. After a day of exploration, pick up a few of these bite-sized pieces for a scrumptious snack - there are hundreds of filling variations to sample. Baklava’s history isn’t certain, with Cyprus and Turkey also claiming to be the original home of this delicious dessert. So if you are staying with James Villas in another of these destinations, don’t forget to try their take on Baklava.
Zingy and refreshing, Florida’s Key Lime Pie is made of the fruits that grow so effortlessly in the Sunshine State, served up chilled in a suitably large American helping!
churros Spain More of a donut fan? Churros are a popular Spanish treat made from deep-fried golden choux pastry mixture, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of warm melted chocolate. Mouthwatering Churros have an almost crisp, warmly spiced outer layer with a soft bread-like centre, while the use of a star-shaped pipping nozzle makes grooves, which collect the chocolate when coated.
Set your taste buds tingling with its wonderfully light texture, made up of a crumbly biscuit base, zesty lime filling and a creamy or meringue top. Children will love the tangy burst from the tarte lime layer. It has the wonder of a fizzy sweet hitting the palate, all wrapped up in enough delicious sweetness to create the perfect flavour balance.
Key Lime Pie Florida
A holiday to Marrakech is all about new experiences, so step outside of your comfort zone and try a piece you’ll be surprised at how tasty it is! B’stilla is best enjoyed al fresco at one of the restaurants by the famed Jemaa el-Fnaa Medina bazaar. Wash it down with a traditional mint tea and watch the spectacle of the market unfold - a unique feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
If you’ve tasted Key Lime Pie elsewhere, it won’t compare to a slice in Florida. Most restaurants feature it on the menu so you can end a day of fun in Orlando or on the Gulf Coast on an even sweeter note.
stracciatella Italy
Stop by a dedicated Churreria while exploring Spain’s picturesque towns, or order them for dessert in a restaurant. Heading to Spain in the milder months? Churros are often enjoyed by locals with a hot chocolate, so you can go ahead and dip the finger -shaped treats straight into the warm liquid. Sheer bliss!
more cinnamon are dusted over the pie to finish, creating a blend of sweet and savory flavours.
Step inside an Italian Gelateria and you’ll enter an Aladdin’s cave, with rows upon rows of silver tubs, filled with the most delicious ice cream.
Marrakech is a maze of undiscovered treasures. Be prepared to stumble across unusual sights, smells and tastes - its desserts are no exception.
You can guarantee a passionate Gelateria owner will be behind the counter, ready to assist you in piling your cone high with beautiful flavours, from indulgent chocolate to traditional Sicilian lemon. One of the best is Stracciatella - which sounds wonderfully Italian, doesn’t it?
The very special B’stilla pie is reminiscent of traditional Fassi (Fez) cuisine now found all over Morocco. Layers of paper-thin pastry encase a blend of almonds and eggs spiced with saffron, cinnamon, coriander and pigeon meat. Icing sugar and
Creamy and delicious, Stracciatella derives from the word straccia, which means “a little shred”. You’ll find shreds of chocolate in all different sizes sprinkled into the milky based ice cream - an irresistible combination.
B’Stilla Marrakech
to travel for
By Danielle Cheney
33
Dalias, Costa Blanca
1
The James Villa Collections James Villa Holidays offer over 2700 villas, apartments and townhouses in your favourite European, American and Caribbean destinations...
Villas with Pools
Handpicked villas for parties from 2 - 20. Best of James
Best of James
Villas with a certain ‘wow’ factor. Luxury
Luxury
For the ultimate in comfort and indulgence. Holiday Resort
Holiday Resorts
A range of accommodation options with onsite facilities.
0800 970 44 64 jamesvillas.co.uk 2
inspired by james A wonderful backdrop aside, the ethos of a villa holiday lends itself perfectly to a celebration, with the space, freedom and privacy for a group to come together, revel and spend quality time with each other. Loredana tells us just what it was about a villa holiday that made this occasion so special…
What was your most important consideration when planning your celebration holiday? Loredana: The guest list - ensuring my close family and friends would be at my side to celebrate. The number of guests would also influence the choice of villa, of course.
What were your priorities when choosing the villa? Loredana: Having enough room for everyone to enjoy and socialise together, but also have their own space. I wanted everyone to have an escape so the villa needed to comfortably house a big party, with facilities to keep us amused.
Celebrate the good times Loredana was chatting with her friends about her upcoming 50th birthday - one that could not go uncelebrated. She wanted something special, something out of the ordinary… The plan was formed for a villa holiday celebration, with all of her family and closest friends. After falling in love with the stunning villa El Cid on the Costa del Sol, Loredana called our Travel Adviser, Lucia. Together they set the stage for what Loredana would look back on as “the most memorable experience of my life.”
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Lucia: The beauty of all of our villas is the variety of their specification. Most have a private pool, some a hot tub or - like El Cid - a games room to play in. Most have music systems, televisions with DVD players and some have consoles too. El Cid as a luxury villa has even more than most, with indoor and outdoor pools and a sauna. I was sure the guests would have plenty to keep them occupied.
Once the idea started to take shape who took over the planning? Loredana: I made the initial contact and spoke to Lucia. My daughters and husband took over the finer details with Lucia. They arranged everything, from the car hire to all of the flight arrangements. Lucia: El Cid sleeps up to 20 people and is perfect for a family occasion - Loredana did well to reserve it early as there aren’t many large villas like this and they can get booked up quickly. El Cid is also particularly stunning, but when you fill it you get exceptional luxury at great value, so it’s popular with large parties.
In Loredana’s case there were a lot of extras to plan - secret surprises were arranged by
inspired by james her daughters through us that she wasn’t to know about. We all became part of a fantastic conspiracy - it was a lot of fun!
What was the age range of your guests? Loredana: There were my children at 20, to my friends at 54 - it worked wonderfully well and everyone got along marvellously. Lucia: We have many bookings from three generational families and are used to organising holidays that cross all age barriers. James’ Travel Advisers can help you find which villas are most suitable for young children, teens, or a mixture of age groups. We have something for everyone!
Did the guests go off and do their own thing or did you all stick together? Loredana: Everyone stuck together - we hired two minibuses and did some sightseeing around Marbella but generally we just enjoyed all the
“The best of friends make the best of memories. A villa holiday
celebrating without my family and friends would have been unthinkable having them with me was a dream come true.” - Loredana
For the night of my birthday we held a ‘Black and White Night’ - we all dressed in glamorous black and white occasion clothes and my daughters arranged through James Villas for an Italian chef to come to the villa and cook for us. It was superb - a definite must and such a wonderful way to mark the occasion.
facilities of the villa. The sauna and the indoor pool were very popular!
Lucia: There are lots of extras we can help organise through the local management company. We helped organise a wonderful birthday cake, which Loredana’s daughters were able to choose from images beforehand, plus a top chef to come and cook for everyone on Loredana’s birthday evening, which were strict secrets from her!
Lucia: Having a Villa Manager in the resort means there is knowledge of the area on-hand, but the villas also contain information on the local area - things to see, market days and any events coming up. We want to make sure that our guests have all they need to enjoy their holiday in the best way possible.
What would your advice be for anyone considering a celebration villa holiday?
Let’s talk about the celebration, how did you mark the occasion abroad?
Lucia: Knowing an approximate number of guests, an idea of where you’d like to visit and having a budget helps the Travel Advisers start finding some focused options for you. However we have all visited a lot of destinations and villas ourselves, so we can always help if you still need some inspiration, with a wealth of knowledge to draw upon.
Loredana: My daughters decided on a couple of evenings throughout the week to celebrate. We held a fancy dress party with 70’s music and dress on the first night. It was an excellent idea as it broke the ice and from that moment the guests started to gel really well.
How did our Travel Advisers help in making this holiday so special? Loredana: They were amazing and nothing was too much trouble. Their attention to detail and knowledge of the villa and surrounding area was vital.
Lucia was professional to a fault and yet personable. She was always happy to help and when she wasn’t there her colleagues were able to step in effortlessly. The James Villas team are all extremely good at keeping secrets! I was totally unaware of all of the plans put in place for my birthday, and they really were the icing on an already wonderful cake.
Loredana: The guest list is paramount - the right group was the biggest consideration. When you know numbers you can start thinking villas, but forward planning is crucial, with someone ‘in charge’ of the arrangements!
James Villas has more than 180 luxury villas and 330 villas for large groups
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Travel feature
Caribbean dream
The mere mention of word the ‘Caribbean’ is enough to conjure a fabulous vision in the mind’s eye, even for those who have yet to visit. Picture the vast swathes of pristine white sand backed by gently swaying palms, running down to a sea that can at the same time be both brilliant blue and crystal clear. But if it’s the beautiful face of these islands that attracts you, it will be their vibrant personality that draws you in, and their unique soul that makes you fall in love at last.
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Travel feature
Barbados
Speightstown Mullins
Gibbes
Royal Westmoreland Holetown
Best of James
Sandy Lane Paynes Bay
Best of James
Hope Land
Bridgetown Oistins
Easy-going, happy-go-lucky, breathtakingly beautiful the charm of Barbados is so complete it has a way of making you forget all but the here and now. The idyllic climate and the gleaming silvery sands of the western ‘platinum coast’ are as close to paradise as you’re likely to discover. Shake off the sand though and there’s much to explore, from historic plantations and the tropical Andromeda Botanical Gardens, to eclectic Bridgetown with its fascinating ‘Bajan’ culture.
sea view II apartment
st. peter’s bay, speightstown
villa Coral Blu
royal westmoreland
James Villas has over 30 stunning properties in Barbados
The landscape under the waves is just as varied, with colourful reefs blossoming with coral, plant and marine life. There are even turtles gliding through the reef offshore of the beautiful Paynes Bay. Wreck diving is also popular and there are several fascinating dive sites in Carlisle Bay alone. Swapping underwater for underground, the incredible sights go on. Untouched by the Caribbean sun, an underground tram ride will reveal the beautifully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, deep pools and cascading waterfalls of Harrison’s Cave. And when the sun goes down, the nights hot up. Friday night at Oistins Market is one not to be missed, with the freshest fish grilled to perfection on the barbecue, followed by an evening of colourful Caribbean music and dancing.
Port St. Charles, Speightstown
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Travel feature
Antigua
A small yet captivating island born out of a melting pot of cultures, holidaymakers will marvel at the colonial and Caribbean influences, nestling side by side in a truly unique medley. Independent only since 1981, Antigua’s history remains bubbling at the surface. Amble the capital - St. John’s - and see the 18th century buildings and beautiful cathedral in delightful contrast with the scattering of pastel buildings. Meanwhile Horatio Nelson’s former dockyard at English Harbour has bid farewell to its Royal Navy vessels and is now a beautifully restored marina, welcoming instead a gleaming flotilla of super-yachts. Yes, life is truly a beach on Antigua - with no less than 365 on the island, from the bright and breezy beaches around Half Moon Bay, to the picturesque west coast with its vivid sunsets, and the pink-hued sands of twin island, Barbuda.
Blue Waters, St. John’s
Five Islands
Stingray City
Jolly Harbour Half Moon Bay
Surely no holiday here would be complete without visiting Stingray City, where you can swim with and feed these graceful and friendly creatures in their natural
habitat. Meanwhile, Sunday night blues have no place at Shirley Heights, where the friendly and fun-loving locals will welcome you to the island’s most happening party. Striking up both the steel band and the barbecue, the setting sun over the sea beyond only serves to remind you that the night is young for music, dancing and merriment. It’s an island with an infectious charm and zest for life, where experiences become lifelong memories. Holiday Resort Best of James
coves suites penthouse
Blue waters, st. john’s
James Villas has 6 amazing properties in Antigua
Jamaica
Tyrall Club, Montego Bay
Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay Dunn’s River Falls
Negril
Kingstown
sleigh ride down the slope, taking your breath away in more ways than one. For those whose exploratory ambitions take a more sedentary turn, you can sit and take in the incredible views as you glide above the canopy in a state-of-theart chair lift. Holiday Resort Best of James
villa garden view IV
half moon resort, montego bay
A warm welcome awaits in Jamaica, with its famed good-time vibe and endless opportunities for enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for pure holiday escapism on unspoilt sands, whiling away the hours at a ramshackle beach bar, or an exotic adventure up on the Mystic Mountain peak, near Ocho Rios, this island has it all. Exploration takes on a new twist at the island’s rainforest interior, which is a playground in itself. Here the lush, tropical landscape is revealed alongside a thrilling dose of adrenaline, with a 170 metre zip-wire skimming through the jungle and a speedy bob-
James Villas has 11 beautiful properties in Jamaica
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If this has only served to fuel your desire to see more of this remarkable island, don’t miss the breathtaking Dunn’s River Falls. Here small limestone plateaus make up a natural stairway through the waterfalls, which you can climb, explore and then refresh yourself in one of the deliciously cool pools. However you spend your days - from Jamaica’s vibrant resorts to its tropical underwater world and famed golfing fairways - the fun needn’t stop when the sun goes down. What could compare to watching the sunset from up high at legendary Rick’s Café in Negril, or dancing barefoot on the sand to the pulses of a Reggae or soul music in the balmy evening warmth.
Travel feature
St.Lucia
A stunning island, St. Lucia’s dramatic volcanic landscape slopes down to its turquois waters - a backdrop that will undoubtedly reveal a truly remarkable - perhaps once in a lifetime - holiday experience. Such breathtaking natural beauty simply must be enjoyed from every perspective, whether you hike the commanding Pitons, zip-wire through the rainforest Treetop Adventure Park, or take to the water on one of the many catamaran cruises, snorkelling tours and sea excursions available. Idyllic beaches however, are the jewel in St. Lucia’s crown, with the island’s volcanic habitat gifting each stretch of coast different hues of sand, set to crystal waters and a background of lush hills and mountains. Beneath the sea the views are just as fine, with snorkelers and divers rewarded with a tropical world teeming with marine life around the coral reefs.
Best of James
Holiday Resort Best of James
estate villa III with pool
windjammer landing
villa marigot bay view
marigot bay
James Villas has 18 awe-inspiring properties in St. Lucia
If all of this enjoyment has worked up your appetite, you’re in luck in St. Lucia. As with other Caribbean destinations, tantalising cuisine makes for irresistible holiday indulgence. From succulent fresh fish, to Creole flavours and European influences, you can even recreate some St. Lucian dishes from your villa. Your first port of call should be the wonderful Castries’ food markets, with aromatic spices, fresh seafood and flavoursome ingredients to add a touch of exoticism to your meal. Stroll off dinner in the evening and see where your feet take you… Music is a big part of Caribbean culture and you’re bound to find nightspots playing everything from jazz and reggae, to soul. The pinnacle of the island’s entertainment is undoubtable friday night’s ‘Jump Up’ - where the streets of Gros Islet come alive with Caribbean music and entertainers, and the street stalls fill the air and hungry bellies with tantalising smells of barbecued fish and chicken.
The Landings Rodney Bay
Cap Estate
Windjammer Landing Castries
Marigot Bay
Soufriere Pitons
Whichever island you choose, a holiday to the Caribbean is sure to be a feast for the senses, with the incredible sights, delicious tastes, irresistible beats and exotic charm lingering long in the memory. There’s a saying around these parts: “All crab fine dey hole” – or, everyone finds their place in life. Where will yours be?
jamesvillas.co.uk/caribbean
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inspired by james Travel feature
fly away with me...
This handy guide will tell you just where you could be jetting off to soon! With flights from 24 UK airports to more than 50 destinations, and great car hire or private transfer options available in-resort, see just how far a short amount of time can take you‌
flight times...
bristol tuscany heathrow sardinia (olbia) newcastle Malta/gozo
2hrs 35mins 2hrs 30mins 3hrs 35mins
belfast international Bournemouth Stansted edinburgh
doncaster luton east midlands
algarve silver coast madeira
4hrs 30mins 4hrs 4hrs 30mins 4hrs 40mins
sardinia, Olbia porto cervo 40mins baja sardinia 45mins malta mellieha 45mins gozo (includes transfer from Malta) ghasri 2hrs
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Algarve, Faro vilamoura 30mins albufeira 45mins carvoeiro 1hr 10mins Silver Coast, Lisbon torres vedras 35mins foz do arelho 1hr Madeira, Funchal funchal 15mins calheta 45mins
Canary Islands
Portugal Madeira
travel time to resort... tuscany, Pisa lucca 30mins volterra 1hr
cyprus (paphos) mediterranean coast
Italy Malta Gozo
tenerife lanzarote fuerteventura gran canaria
3hrs 5mins 2hrs 45mins 3hrs 45mins
norwich exeter
Tenerife, Tenerife South costa adeje 25mins los gigantes 1hr
cyprus, Paphos paphos 20mins pissouri bay 30mins coral bay 40mins argaka 1hr 10mins Mediterranean coast gocek 20mins kalkan 2hrs
Lanzarote, Arrecife puerto del carmen 15mins playa blanca 40mins Fuerteventura caleta de fusta 15mins corralejo 40mins Gran Canaria tauro 35mins maspalomas 50mins
inspired by james
4hrs 20mins 4hrs 15mins
birmingham
Cyprus Turkey
Aberdeen Humberside Southampton Leeds Bradford Glasgow
orlando, florida
Mallorca Mallorca Mallorca Menorca Ibiza
9hrs 10mins
cardiff manchester gatwick
Costa Del Sol, Malaga mijas 30mins puerto banus 50mins
Mallorca, Palma pollensa 1hr cala d’or 1hr alcudia 1hr
Menorca
Mainland Spain
corfu 3hrs 15mins lefkas 3hrs 35mins kefalonia 3hrs 25mins
Greek Islands
FLORIDA, Orlando International
Costa Blanca, Alicante reunion 30mins calpe 1hr highlands reserve 40mins moraira 1hr 15mins southern dunes 45mins javea 1hr 30mins Corfu kalami 45mins Andalucia, Malaga kassiopi 1hr nerja 45mins competa 1hr 5mins Lefkas, Preveza agios nikitas 40mins sivota 1hr 10mins
binibeca 20mins cala en bosch 1hr 30mins
Ibiza
Balearic Islands
Florida
Costa blanca 2hrs 30mins andalucia 2hrs 40mins costa del sol 3hrs 10mins
southend liverpool glasgow prestwick
3hrs 2hrs 40mins 2hrs 20mins 2hrs 40mins 3hrs
Kefalonia lassi 15mins fiskardo 1hr
santa eulalia 40mins portinatx 45mins
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inspired by james Travel feature
Reps’ tales They speak the language, are there for our guests and if there’s anything they don’t know about their destination then it’s not worth knowing. James’ in-resort Villa Managers and representatives really do go above and beyond the call of duty, Here are some of their stories...
Fred Bear
From Cheryl Read in the Algarve “I received a very worried phone call from some guests who had just checked out of one of our villas, saying that they had left their beloved ‘Fred Bear’ - a treasured childhood toy - behind. Reassuring them that I was on the case, they caught their flight home while we went to the villa to rescue Fred Bear. The guests posted on the James Villas’ Facebook page when they were at the airport asking for an update on Fred Bear’s whereabouts. Thankfully I could reply with a Fred Bear themed selfie to show that he was safe and well. We said our goodbyes to the temporary member of our Algarve team before safely dispatching him back home. A few days later, imagine my delight to see that a photo had been posted on Facebook from the couple, showing Fred Bear safe and well at home, with the letter I sent home with him.”
Chicken Run
From Marion Sayers in Gozo “My strangest ever welcome visit has to be when one of our guests casually reported finding a baby chicken under the barbecue the night before, and gave it some food. Going outside to investigate, low and behold, there it was looking slightly bedraggled as it had rained in the night. Thankfully I have neighbours with chickens, so I put the chick in the only carrying contraption I had - my James Villa tote bag - to live out its days in avian luxury. Unfortunately, on the way to her new home, she escaped twice in the car and left her calling card all over my seats!”
Rep to the rescue
is there a DOctor in the house? From Sandra Francis in the Costa Blanca “I received a call from a guest who was suffering from back pain and wanted to find an English speaking chiropractor. I drove to a town about 10 minutes from them to a chiropractor practice that I knew of. The chiropractor didn’t speak English, but as I speak Spanish that wasn’t a problem in the least. I was able to arrange the appointment for them and stayed to help translate for the guest, so he could be treated straight away and continue enjoying his holiday.”
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Balloons
From Wendy & Phil in Costa Blanca “During a welcome visit I was told that one of our guests was celebrating a special birthday. They had some exciting plans and were so keen to celebrate that I contacted my Resort Manager, Phil, to ask him to help me organise a particular surprise! While they were out, we blew up 50 balloons and scattered them around the villa - much to the guests’ delight and astonishment when they returned later. During the evening we got a lovely text from them to say that they were thrilled with the surprise and that it had added a special touch to their celebrations.”
The Proposal From Penelope Swift in Menorca “For me the most rewarding part of my job has to be helping our guests have a wonderful holiday that’s unique and personal to them. I particularly remember bumping into a couple on my day off in Binibeca. The lady excitedly told me that they were having a meal in Vell a couple of evenings previously when the lights went down and her partner got down on one knee with a ring, asking her to marry him. She accepted; music started playing and the waiters came up with champagne, flowers and cake while the whole restaurant cheered. I was so touched by this story that shortly after we parted I went to a shop and bought them a card, some chocolates and champagne from all of the team in Menorca and delivered it to the villa. They were delighted, and have decided to return to Menorca for their honeymoon!”
From Katie Howes in Lanzarote
“I received a call from some guests who had a problem. The main driver had fallen ill during the holiday and did not feel well enough to drive the car back to the airport. They had called the car hire company and the car could be collected from the villa instead, however there would be a pick up fee and other additional costs. I really felt for the family, as they had had such a lovely holiday and the situation was beyond their control. I called the car hire company (as naturally it’s much easier when you speak the language!), explained the situation and they agreed that I could drive the guests and their car to the airport and drop it off as planned, without any additional costs. It’s very lucky that we have such a lengthy and friendly relationship with the car hire company, and I was very happy to be able to help.”
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James’ in-resort Villa Managers - a knowledgeable helping hand to assist you with every aspect of your stay
Fashion, beauty & wellbeing
e f a s g n i a St y the
sun
Sunlight is good for you as it provides vitamin D, which is great for your bones. However too much sun can be harmful - it can cause sunburn, which is damaging to the skin, and can lead to skin cancer.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
What does SPF protect you from? It prevents the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB.
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Brighten up your outfit with a pair of UV protecting sun glasses
SPF
SUN P ROT EC T
ION
How much do I need?
What does the SPF rating mean?
35ml (around 6/8 teaspoons).
A 30 SPF sunscreen would provide 30 times the protection of no sunscreen. That means 30 times longer before you start to burn.
How often should I apply? Apply 30 mins before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Always reapply after being in water (even if water resistant).
S P F 30
What is SPF?
Protect & Accessorize
LIP CARE
in
Lip protection with SPF
Know your rays UVA Causes long term damage, such as aging and wrinkles
Both can lead to skin cancer
UVB
FACT:
Causes skin redness and sunburn
UV rays reflect off water, snow and sand, making it easier to burn
Protect your scalp with a wide-brimmed hat
In conjunction with
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Fashion, beauty & wellbeing
Frothme
Ocean
Dive into the summer season with chic new swimwear and beachwear from our favourite luxury brands. These pieces are sure to be the perfect addition to your holiday suitcase... Huit Absolutely Chic Bikini – Marine Want a chic and timeless bikini? This one ticks all the boxes.
£66
Freya Atlantis Bikini – Lagoon Azure blues and turquoise hues give a bright and on-trend pool look.
£53
Sunseeker Exotic Floral Bikini
Seafolly Goddess Keyhole Maillot
Add a splash of colour with fresh floral prints.
Show a hint of skin and nail a top summer trend with cut out detailing.
£74 46
£96
Fashion, beauty & wellbeing
Phax Colour Mix Blue Maxi Dress Make a bright statement in a flattering empire line dress.
Melissa Odabash Helen Hat
£55
Feel chic in a fedora
£116
Pour Moi Tiger Lily Control Suit Inject a few floral blooms into your look with a patterned swimsuit.
£42
Seafolly Summer Love Chambray Journey Shirt Dress The perfect dress for a cool and comfortable beach to bar outfit.
Jets Illuminate One Piece The ideal swimsuit to flatter your figure
£148
£77
Melissa Odabash Barbados Tote Bag
Complete your holiday outfit with a beautiful bag.
£220
Heidi Klein Bimini Canvas Beach Bag - Perfectly sized for all those beach essentials
£160
Gottex Belladonna Hat - Ivory
Go for a vintage Hollywood glamour look in an oversized hat.
£47 SIMPLY BEACH, summer collection available while stocks last.
Seafolly Beach Espadrille The summer staple shoes
£33 47
Fashion, beauty & wellbeing
ke a M a
Splash... Speedo Fun Explosion Retro Leisure 16 Inch Watershort - Blue Step out at the beach in style with these retro-inspired 1950s shorts from Speedo’s Heritage Range.
£26
Take a dip this summer in bright and bold new swim shorts, by swimwear favourites Speedo & Zoggs Speedo Check Trim Leisure 16 Inch Watershort - Green
Speedo Tropics Printed Leisure 18 Inch Watershort - Blue
Try a classic fit with another Get ready for a summer of of our top picks from Speedo’s sport with Rio-inspired shorts. Heritage Range.
£17
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£23.50
Speedo Yoke Splice 18 inch Watershort The perfect choice for comfort and style.
£23.50
Zoggs Wategos 19 Inch Short - Navy and Green Go for a bold look at the beach in these longer length vibrant shorts.
£22
Fashion, beauty & wellbeing
Kit the kids out in fun prints and entertain them by the pool with exciting new toys. Zoggs Girls Hippy Garden Crossback - Pink Multi
Beco Monster Diving Rings
The perfect diving toy
£7
£14.50 Splash About Floatsuit - Pink Blossom
£25.99
Speedo Sea Squad Waterballs
£5.50
Maru Penguin Junior Goggles
Funkita Girls Pugstar Diamond Back One Piece
£4
£21
Zoggs Little Comet Goggles
Speedo Tots Boys Jungle Roar Essential Allover Aquashort - Green Speedo Tots Boys Seasquad Allover Aquashort - Surf Blue
£8
£10
£8
Zoggs Peppa and George Squirts Ideal for the little ones
£9
Children are wearing goggles and swimsuits by Speedo
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Out & About Lanzarote
Florida
Menorca
Madeira
Celebrate King’s Day on 6th January, when traditionally Christmas gifts are exchanged in Spain. The day before is the Procession of Three Wise Men, where you’ll see the “Kings” parade on camel back, handing out sweets.
With more comfortable temperatures than the height of summer, March is a wonderful time to visit the Sunshine State, whether you’re after thrills and spills in Orlando or the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast.
Springtime in Menorca blankets the landscape in colourful wild flowers. The beautiful yet flatter terrain and gentle spring sun make hiking or horse riding a pleasure.
May is a wonderful time for whale and dolphin spotting in the Atlantic waters of Madeira, or if you like deep sea fishing then you’re in season to reel in a tuna or a blue marlin.
January
march
May
The Holiday Calendar February
‘
Tenerife
Move over Rio de Janeiro, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife comes to town in February. There are 15 days of flamboyance, festivities, costumes and capers, not to mention the nights.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife comes to town in February.
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april
june
Provence Malta Watch the sky light up with a spectacular display at the Malta International Fireworks Festival in April.
Spain Celebrate Easter on another level with the Spanish who mark Holy Week a week before Easter in Seville and parts of Andalucia, where streets are flooded with processions.
See the breathtaking landscape of Provence under a carpet of lavender. The purple hue inspired many an Impressionist artist, but even they couldn’t capture the aroma!
Tuscany From Pisa’s Gioco del Ponte (Battle of the Bridge), to Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracen) in Arezzo, there are festivals galore in Tuscany during June. Look out too for the region’s local sagres - celebrations of a prized (and delicious) local delicacy.
Out & about Barbados
Cyprus
Istria, Croatia
St. Lucia
Experience vivacious ‘Bajan’ culture at the Crop Over Festival, with colourful celebrations marking the end of the sugar cane harvest. Join in the extravaganza in the streets of Bridgetown, to the sound of Calypso and Soca music.
Named the European Capital of Culture 2017, the popular Cyprus resort of Paphos has lots to offer at any time of the year. The glorious weather in July draws holidaymakers to its historical highlights, with special cultural events running throughout 2016-2017.
In Istria in September you could come across the Buzet’s Subotina Festival, celebrating the start of the white truffle season. The star attraction is a giant omelette made with 2000 eggs and 10kg of truffles!
From the iconic Piton Mountains, untouched rainforests, stunning beaches and intriguing culture, St. Lucia has something to show all of us. November is a great time to visit for good weather, and if you’re feeling energetic, you can take part in ‘Tri St. Lucia’ where you’ll swim at beautiful Rodney Bay, take on the hills on a bike ride, then finally run along Pigeon Island.
september
november
july
Discover where to go, when with our holiday highlights by month. From carnivals to star gazing, these experiences are not to be missed.
october
Nerja, Andalucia
Tenerife Summer days in Tenerife need no introduction from us, but have you considered the nights? The island is famous for its star gazing, with stunning viewing platforms, an observatory to tour by night and - in August - the magical possibility of the annual Perseids meteor shower.
Rhodes
Dalmatia, Croatia
Visit Rhodes in August and seek the ‘Valley of the Butterflies’, also known as Petaloudes, for a hypnotic sight of these beautiful creatures fluttering around in their thousands.
The Adriatic Sea is scattered with unspoilt islands and coves some difficult to access by land. The warm and gentle waters in August make traversing by kayak a pleasure, so you can find your own piece of paradise.
During the second weekend of October, Andalucia’s ‘Feria de Nerja’ brings the town’s streets alive in honour of the local patron saints. Soak up the atmosphere of the street procession, set to incredible illuminations and live music.
Algarve With a long sunny season, October is still a wonderful time of year to visit the Algarve, with its amazing array of leisure activities. Golfers and surfers are particularly well-catered for, with some world-renowned courses and great swells.
december
‘
august
Gran Canaria
If you want to swap a cold UK Christmas for a barbecue on the beach, our pick is Gran Canaria. Watch the sunrise on Las Canteras beach on Christmas morning - the centre stage for an incredible nativity scene in the sand.
Watch the sunrise on Las Canteras beach on Christmas morning.
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Entertainment
King of the sandcastles How to build the most impressive sandcastle... ‘Sand in Your Eye’ can create almost anything out of sand! Their sculptures, sand drawings and table top sculptures have been commissioned all over the world. Here, the ‘Sand in Your Eye’ team share some of the tricks of the trade with us. Follow their step-by-step guide to building the most impressive sandcastle on the beach this summer.
Step 1 Make a large mound of sand with a spade to create a volcano shape. Gather up the edges of the volcano to make a lip.
Step 2 Pour lots of water inside! Very quickly before the water disappears, use your fingers to quickly tap the sand to make vibrations. This helps the water travel through the whole of the volcano. Once the water has been absorbed, repeat if required until the whole base becomes solid. You now have the foundations for your sand castle.
Step 3 Slowly build up layers of very wet sand to make the towers. To do this, put some sand into a bucket of water and, once
the sand is very wet, scoop it out and place it in position (quickly, before the water drains away). While building up the towers, gently tilt the stack to one side so the water drains out and the sand hardens. Repeat this process until the tower is as tall as you would like, stabilising with your hand as you build up. TOP TIP: Make several towers of different heights for an impressive sandcastle!
Step 4 Now the exciting part carving your sandcastle! A shatterproof, bendable ruler makes the ideal carving tool to shape and cut towers, make walls, buildings and steps. Simply hold the ruler on both ends and use the edge to cut the sand downwards.
TOP TIP: Always cut into the sand, moving away from the sandcastle edges, or parts of the sculpture could fall away.
Step 5 Ready to add the all-important final touches? With a ruler and a wooden knife, add fine detailing such as windows, brickwork and stairs. The more time you spend crafting these details, the more impressive your sandcastle will look. You can even add some more sand onto your sculpture to make battlements. To do this, place some more very wet sand onto something flat, such as a piece of wood. Once you have added a few layers and the sand has hardened, with your ruler cut the sand along the top and neaten the sides to make a perfect block, much like a bar of chocolate. Slice the block into sections to create cubes, carefully removing them from the block, one by one, and adding them to your sandcastle.
Step 6 Take a step back and admire your handy work! Don’t forget to take the obligatory photo of what is surely the best sandcastle on the beach this summer!
Take a look at some of ‘Sand in Your Eye’s’ sculptures for some inspiration
www.sandinyoureye.co.uk/gallery/sand-sculptures
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All images and advice comes courtesy of the team at ‘Sand In Your Eye’.
Best Priced Villa Holidays... We’re confident in the value of our holidays. If you’ve found the same or similar villa holiday cheaper with another licenced tour operator we will look to match it with our ‘Best Price Guarantee’.°
Villa Andrianna, Cyprus
What’s more, you’ll always get the very best as standard with a James Villa Holiday:
No hidden extras or booking fees*
Free maid or linen service, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cots and highchairs**
Flights with a minimum of 15kgs included in the price
Flexible arrival dates and durations
Speak to one of our friendly Travel Advisers on 0800 970 44 64 or visit jamesvillas.co.uk. * Credit card fees apply. ** Available in most villas. ° Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. Bookings you are comparing must be for a flight inclusive package holiday, with all elements being booked as a package and at the same time at an inclusive price. This offer is only applicable to exact itinerary matches and holidays that have already been booked with James Villa Holidays, any submission of this offer must be received within 24 hours of a booking. The offer is not available for holidays booked in store, over the telephone or via any other means other than via an online booking, please email priceguarantee@jamesvillas.co.uk. James Villa Holidays will review all submissions and reply via email within 7 working days. Only one submission per booking will be considered. James Villa Holidays reserves the right to modify, discontinue or restrict the offer at any time. Please see www.jamesvilas.co.uk/promotion-conditions or call us on 0800 970 44 64 for full terms and conditions.
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Travel feature
Holiday memories
and the defining of life Holiday memories do the most amazing thing - with a life of their own, as time passes they evolve. Our minds look back on these memories and paint them with the glowing hue of nostalgia, they add shine and sparkle and reminiscing gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. But for those who, like me, are naturally romantic, the nostalgic glow of holiday memories does more than that. They enrich life, provide meaning and guidance, and set life-defining philosophies. For people like me here at James Villas, it’s a fuelless fire that gets us out of bed in the morning and motivates us into doing what it is that we do - help people make life-long holiday memories for themselves. I was 13 when I had my first holiday abroad. Growing up we’d spend time away in North Wales and the Highlands of Scotland. Accommodation would be a caravan on a holiday park so that we’d have entertainment in the evenings and the great outdoors to explore during the day. We laughed at Grandma being lifted off her feet by a flock of sheep as she fed them from a bag of 10p sheep feed on Llanberis pass. And we’d stand stock still, awe-inspired at the vast solitude found in the mountains of Fort William, against a backdrop of faint bagpipes playing.
Spain was sunshine and mass tourism - exotic to the mind of a 13 year old who had been brought up on a palette of green, brown and grey. Rain was a summer staple and holidays abroad were what the other kids in class had. But my parents’ aspirations were given a helping hand. My grandparents (on the other side of the sheep surfing variety) had an acquaintance who owned a holiday villa in Spain and was quite happy for us to use it for a couple of weeks during the early summer, as it wasn’t in use. Our villa was in Calahonda - a town on the Costa del Sol around 15 minutes from the bright lights and glamour of Marbella. Upon arrival - and hit with a wallop by unfamiliar warmth - we acclimatised ourselves by turning the air-conditioning up full blast in the hire car, which was another novelty in a long list of exciting, new things that this foreign land allowed. There were animated cries of “can we go there Daddy please?” as we drove past waterparks and flirted with the sea along the coastal road, passing Torremolinos and Fuengirola on the way to find our home for the next two weeks. My sister and I were excited and rather awestruck when we discovered that our villa had its own private pool. We swore that the first thing we’d do when we got there was to chuck ourselves in as inelegantly as possible and never get out. That’s exactly what we did - after we’d trodden on tip toes across the strange grass (unlike the grass at home, with its thick, almost rubbery feel, strange to the touch). But the pool was amazing and deliciously cool against the day’s heat, and the novelty stayed with us until the moment we left. Other novelties of villa living we found were the simple pleasures. Getting up in the morning and sitting on the patio in the early-day warmth drinking orange juice and eating fresh toasted bread. Eating outside was eating better, and with ingredients that were fresh from
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Travel feature
the market we were able to dine conveniently or be as flexible as we pleased. With a wealth of restaurants within walking distance, we had choice and variety and no set routine - so we didn’t try to make one. As much as we loved our villa and the pool, my parents aren’t ones to remain sedentary for long. Our villa was a home from home, a base to come back to after a day’s exploration and white-knuckle adventure at the waterpark. We travelled into the hills and visited neighbouring towns - the whitewashed village of Mijas, the coastal towns of Benalmadena and Puerto Banus and even further inland to the town of Ronda, which was notable for the epic drive through the mountains and the views into the El Tajo Gorge from the top of its dramatic escarpment. But the biggest highlight for me was one of our longer road trips, all the way along the coast to Gibraltar exploring ‘The Rock’, where whilst walking around minding my own business, a native monkey parked itself quite leisurely on my head - much to everyone’s amusement.
A Barbary Macaque wasn’t the only friend I made in Spain. Whilst digging a hole to Australia on the beach I was interrupted by a Dutch lad of a similar age and we learnt that there is a universal truth. It doesn’t matter where you come from, or what age you are, as a child on a beach we all have the same goal - to reach our Australian cousins by way of hard labour with a plastic spade.
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That holiday was 23 years ago - James Villa Holidays would have been eight years old and much has changed since then. But that first holiday, which packed so much into two short weeks, was just the start. It proved to be a catalyst for change in our family’s travelling habits.
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We swore that the first thing we’d do when we got there was to chuck ourselves into the pool as inelegantly as possible and never get out.
Holidays abroad weren’t just an escape to the sun, it was a chance to do something different together, learn something new, taste something unique, make new friends and enjoy a diversity of culture and colour. The point I made at the beginning about nostalgia, about how it provokes a philosophical thought... How did I end up at James Villa Holidays - through chance, coincidence or fate? Whichever way I look at it, I know what my purpose here is - the same as everyone else who works in this business: to provide the opportunity for those people who want a villa holiday to make those kind of memories that still live with me now. Those friends of my grandparents who let us four stay for free in a place that they worked hard enough to own can’t know the impact that their kind gesture made all these years later. Whereas we as a villa holiday company know full well what people get from holidaying with us - whether you are a seasoned explorer, or just want rest and relaxation - a villa holiday provides all of that. The memories are what you make, bring home with you and last forever. penned by our very own
Adam Bird
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inspired by james
d e villa myths ust b
We love hearing from our delighted guests when they return from their holiday, and it’s particularly special when we’ve managed to turn previous villa doubters into villa devotees. There are plenty of villa myths and misconceptions out there - most created by those would have never stepped in the door (or private pool!) of one. But if you’ve never been, how do you know? Let’s break it down and crack these one by one…
ed t s u b Villas are expensive Villas are in the middle
b
d e t us of nowhere
Some people desire seclusion on holiday and that’s fine with us. We have many villas that provide that blissful feeling of true holiday escapism. That said, some people like to be closer to the action, and we have plenty of villas to tick that box as well. Whether you want to be a stone’s throw from the beach, or in the heart of a vibrant resort, we’ve got properties to suit. To help you decide, seek out Car Optional, Car Advised or Car Essential villas and you can choose whether you’re in the heart of action, away from it all, or somewhere in between.
Like with hotels, villas come with different specifications and standards, so some will be pricier than others, but as James Villas visit and handpick all of our properties, we only put our names to those that we’re proud of across a range of price points. What we look for is value for money. After all, look at what you’re getting as standard - a private pool, spacious indoor living areas and glorious al fresco surroundings that are all yours. That’s on top the many villas that have a barbecue, games rooms and other entertainment facilities. There’s no hidden extras or charges with James, and with an impressive villa collection, you’ll find a property perfectly-sized for your party, all covered by our ‘Best Price Guarantee’*.
d e t bus Villas are
not for couples
Kala, Dalmatia
Some holidaymakers believe that villa holidays are not suitable for couples, and a whole villa is just too large for two. We feel however that this couldn’t be further from the truth, and that’s why we have a lovely collection of smaller one and two bedroom properties that provide both space and intimacy. Picture an exclusive swimming pool for the two of you and private dining with al fresco meals on the terrace, then perhaps you’ll see - like us - that villas can provide the perfect base for couples on a romantic getaway.
s t e d not enough to do b uThere’s At a villa you have your own private pool - what more could you ask for? A lot actually, that’s why most of our villas have flatscreen TVs, DVD players and free Wi-Fi, not to mention many others with games rooms or added entertainment facilities. You’ve also got the perfect base to explore the best beaches, sights and attractions of your destination at your leisure. If that’s still not enough, why not choose a villa on one of more than 50 Holiday Resorts, with a great choice of leisure facilities on your doorstop. These purpose-built communities offer a wealth of amenities on-site, such as bars and restaurants, kids’ clubs, spas and sport facilities - world class golf courses, tennis facilities and even football schools to name a few, so there’s something for everyone.
sted holidays are untrustworthy b uVilla With the recent increase in popularity of holiday rental villas, there is still a level of uncertainty in the minds of many customers, with fears of being scammed by holiday-fraudsters. The risk is genuine, however you can avoid it by booking with a reputable company. We’re the UK’s leading villa holiday specialist with over 30 years’ experience, and with our ABTA and ATOL protective licenses, you know your all-important holiday is in safe hands. What’s more, if you need our help while you’re away, our in-resort team of Villa Managers are on hand to help in many destinations.
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*See page 53 for more information of our ‘Best Pirce Guarantee’, plus terms and conditions.
inspired by james
y d t i e l a t e r s e u h t b Self-catering is a chore Typically an all-inclusive includes your meals and drinks - fine if you are happy to dine at a hotel for 7+ nights and aren’t concerned about leaving the gates. But what happens if the meal times don’t suit your schedule, or the buffet food (that looks suspiciously like leftovers from lunch) has no appeal? For comparable money we believe you can eat better and live better at a villa, with the flexibility that one offers. Dine al fresco, move breakfast to the balcony in your pyjamas, strike up the barbecue at lunch, head down to the local marina to dine out, or enjoy a glass of wine from your terrace once the kids are in bed. With all the facilities and utensils to prepare good, honest food with the local produce you find in the marketplace, cooking local delicacies for yourself is a pleasure and not a chore.
What do our villa devotees have to say?
about the James Villa service..?
“trustworthy Rep in resort exceptional Ease of booking
Reliable
value for money
excellent from start to finish
personal choicE
“
t h e s e r v i c e wa s f i r s t c l a s s
for me
Demand more from your holiday - the space, freedom, privacy and that wonderful private pool are for everyone, and we’re proud of our wealth of properties to suit any pocket. Yes, some villas are chic, suave and elite, but others are rustic, traditional and charming. Each villa is unique with its own personality, so we’re sure to have something that will suit yours.
Don’t just take our word for it… We recently surveyed over 300 guests who were either complete villa newbies or new to James Villas to find out why they chose a villa holiday last year…
The top 5 responses were:
- 63% Their own pool - 57% Self-catering - 35% Suited their group size - 28% The location - 28% Private space
Professional about their villas..?
“
Well maintained and lovely central location Great service from friendly local staff Amazing views and private pool Feeling of homeliness Each person had their own space Had everything we needed The villa was out of this world Comfort and convenience Relaxing outside area Spacious and so clean Family together exclusively Very well equipped Pool was brilliant, as were the garden and terrace Each person had their own space Perfect location, villa was spacious, good size pool The boys had the time of their lives It was stunning, just beautiful Beautiful old restored building The situation was exceptional - private, stunning views and lovely gardens
“
s t e dare too “exclusive” b uVillas
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Travel feature
out of this world
I’ve always had the travelling bug. In my youth it became the ‘norm’ to take time out to see the world and go travelling to far flung destinations. More recently I decided to embark on a journey to rediscover our nearest and dearest neighbour, whom I had so willingly neglected for years - Europe. I want to take you on a similar journey to reignite your wanderlust for a destination that’s not just a little, but completely out of this world; I’m talking about Lanzarote. Studied by Apollo 13’s crew before their luna landing and providing a backdrop for countless movies, Lanzarote is well-known for its dramatic topography. So much so in fact, this volcanic island - 79 miles off the north coast of Africa - is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
La Graciosa
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The Green Caves
The island was totally transformed during the 1700s. Seismic activity raged for six years, creating 32 new volcanoes and forging the landscape you see today. The terrain - angry, sharp and twisted - boasts mountain ranges, lava fields, deserts and beaches, which create a magnificent contrast to the brilliant blue sky, pretty white-washed houses, vineyards crawling the mountains and, of course, the shimmering Atlantic. No doubt you can see why this is a unique and remarkable place to spend your well-earned holiday. Visiting an active volcano is on numerous people’s destination bucket lists. Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote - created by eruptions between 1730 and 1736, and in 1824 - is home to not only many dormant volcanoes, but also active Timanfaya itself. Covering 20 square miles, the landscape is a snapshot of 100 years ago and is truly amazing, with copper sand and black lava merging into one. In fact the film ‘One Million Years B.C.’ starring Raquel Welch was filmed here.
Being an active volcano and a national park you can’t just wander around. However, included in the entry price is a bus tour of the park. If you’re looking for something a little closer to nature, the national park service offer about six free guided walks, with the opportunity to learn all about the geology and landscape formation - you will need to book these three months in advance. We walked from El Golfo into Timanfaya, which was an incredible journey across contrasting lava fields. The last three kilometres took us up over a fisherman’s path along the cliff edge, with epic views out to sea - a truly stunning walk and completely wild. If you can’t get enough of all the volcanic based activities that Lanzarote has to offer there are many more walks all around the island. The best hike - good for children too is Montana Cuervo. It’s a fantastic walk into the centre of an exploded volcanic cone - a truly spectacular example of a caldera. Aside from the awe of walking into the volcano, is the gem hunting you can do here. Olivine a bright green mineral found in the popular gemstone Peridot - can be found scattered around the area, both as small crystals and in rock formation. Whether you’re a budding volcanologist or not, this hike will impress!
Travel feature
Lanzarote is also renowned for its famous artist, sculptor and architect, Cesar Manrique. He combined the essence of the island’s volcanic landscape with art, which has captured the hearts and minds of locals and tourists alike. His works are dotted all over the island, from one-off sculptures to the remarkable Taro de Tahiche - a building constructed inside five volcanic bubbles. If you are going to see one of Manrique’s attractions, my recommendation is Cueva De Los Verdes, or ‘the green caves’ - not named because of their colour, but after a family that lived in them. You start your journey walking down into the bowels of the earth, then along one of the cave systems. There is a surprise at the end to which visitors are sworn to secrecy, so you’ll have to visit to find out for yourself! Manrique also constructed Mirador del Rio, 475m high in the north, it’s a stunning view point that looks out over Lanzarote’s smaller sister island, La Graciosa, which was the highlight of my last two trips. It’s only a 35 minute ferry journey, departing from Orzola, yet leaving one world you arrive into another that’s very different. With a population of only 700 people, there are no roads and the island’s circumference is covered by remarkable, secluded beaches. On arrival you’ll find a gift shop, tapas bar, bike hire and a pretty harbour - a dramatic contrast to the mainland. There are no cars, so pack a picnic lunch, hire bikes and set off for the day down the unpaved sandy tracks to find your own piece of tranquillity - a perfect day out. Back over on Lanzarote, you’ll find the sleepy little town of Teguise - the oldest Spanish settlement in the Canaries, dating back to the 1400s. You can meander down the cobbled streets at your leisure, sampling traditional tapas in a multitude of bars and restaurants, or perhaps visit the 15th century fortress of Santa Barbara. Looming over the town, Santa Barbara has an amazing vantage point over the whole island. Even better, the fortress houses the ‘Mueso de la Pirateria’, where you can learn all about the pirates of Lanzarote’s past. It’s a great way to spend a few hours with or without children! Set back at the base of the winding road that leads down from Santa Barbara, lies an amazing bakery run by two English people - Johnny Bakes. Be sure to stop in, they serve some of the best coffee and cakes on the island. While thinking about food and drink, wine production is probably not the first thing that would spring to mind about Lanzarote, El Golfo, Green Lagoon
‘La Geria’ - wine valley
however vineyards scatter the slopes within the central part of the island. The wine valley ‘La Geria’ consists of over five hectares of luna-looking cultivation, where vines grow close to the ground in neat little craters. The geothermal properties of the nutrient-rich soil create great growing conditions. Each wine cellar, or ‘Bodega’, has a tasting room; the largest on the island - El Griffo - has a wine museum, which is well worth a visit. On my last trip I went on an organised tour of three Bodegas led by the most knowledgeable guide. It was such a great day out and with transport to and from our villa there was no need to worry about how many samples we had! I’ve not even mentioned the magnificent beaches yet. The Punta del Papagayo beaches are six of the island’s best, located on the southern coast about five minutes from Playa Blanca. The drive to the beaches is worth the visit alone. The most photographed and busiest of beaches is Playa Mujeres. My advice is to go early as they all get busy, especially during peak season, however a trip to Lanzarote would not be complete without a visit to Papagayo beach. Lanzarote has something for everyone. Staying in a villa you have the complete freedom to come and go as you please, so you can take in as much or as little as you want from this amazing island. That said, I do urge you to do at least one thing I have mentioned. It’s such a unique, extraordinary place - one of my favourites. It’s because of this rich diversity across Europe, I remain enthralled and enchanted. penned by our very own
Susie Lawlor
villa options in lanzarote... Luxury
Villa Vivienne
carlota
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto Calero
This modern villa boasts a fantastic central position in Puerto del Carmen, only a couple of minutes’ walk to shops, restaurant, bars and the sandy beach. Two terraces on the first floor offer both mountain and partial sea views.
With delightful sea views, contemporary décor and all the modern comforts you could wish for, this outstanding property is perfect for a laid-back holiday within this sophisticated resort and its exclusive marina.
James Villas has more than 150 villas in Lanzarote 59
Out & About
The James Villa Bucket (and Spade) List Here at James, villa holidays are quite simply our passion. Open the door of one of our properties and you could be opening a door to fabulous new destinations, wonderful sights and fantastic experiences. Let us share with you then our own compilation of the holiday memories that we believe you simply must make during your lifetime. But don’t just take our word for it. Here too are the favourite holiday picks of our guests from our Travellers’ App, social media and independent review system Reevoo - brought together in the ultimate Bucket (and Spade) List.
Meet Mickey at Walt Disney World Resort
Hike Gros Piton, St. Lucia
For children there are few things more iconic and magical than Mickey Mouse, so meeting him in person is an experience they will remember forever. Likewise parents will never forget the look on their children’s faces when they spot those famous ears in Walt Disney World Resort, and finally get that autograph! Our Florida guests adore the ‘Sunshine State’, and Mickey is certainly a highlight! Our guest - Fiona - on Reevoo said, “Florida Orlando has always been our favourite family holiday destination and it did not let us down.” The Pitons are twin mountainous volcanic peaks that tower alongside each other, dominating the landscape below, rich with beautiful Caribbean waters and sandy beaches. The Gros Piton is 771 metres high, and the Petit Piton is 743 metres high, linked by the Piton Mitan ridge. The Pitons are one of the most photographed sights in the Caribbean. Hike to the top of Gros Piton to get a vantage point you simply can’t get anywhere else on the island. The hike takes between three and six hours, but the view from the top is unbeatable! Recommended by Rob - James Villas’ Contractor for St. Lucia
Recommended by James Villas’ guests on Reevoo
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Moros y Cristianos, Pollensa, Mallorca Moros y Cristianos sees locals dress up to re-enact the battle between the people of Pollensa and the Moors, which takes place annually on 2nd August. The experience is one of good natured noise and adrenalin, marking the culmination of a week’s celebrations of the town’s patron saint. James Villas’ Contractor for Mallorca, Mark says, “I’ve actually taken part, although I shouldn’t have done, as it’s traditionally restricted to locals from the town. That said, even as an innocent bystander the event is a sight to behold, while the festivities of the preceding week are an incredible warm up to it. There are pop and classical concerts, art exhibitions, recitals - not to mention lots of feasting and drinking.” Recommended by Mark - James Villas’ Contractor for Mallorca
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© Disney
rainydaymum @jamesvillasuk and in Florida - well it had to be Walt Disney World - but also Legoland Florida and Kennedy Space Center
Out & about
Amalfi Coast & Pompeii Tick two bucket list items off in one trip with a stay on the Amalfi Coast and a visit to the nearby ruins of Pompeii. Recommended over and over again by the James staff as an absolute holiday must, the Amalfi Coast’s beauty is captivating for all who visit. In every town along the 50km stretch of coast you’ll discover beautiful restaurants, churches and incredible views. Colourful properties perch along the mountains, which make for the most beautiful and glamourous setting. The ruins of Pompeii are an archaeological wonder. Once a thriving Roman city, it was destroyed when Mount Versuvius erupted in 79 AD. Now the remains of the civilisation here can be explored on a truly fascinating and poignant day out. Recommended by Jane - James Villas’ Sales Manager
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Fire Mountain, Lanzarote The 51km vast Timanfaya National Park, or Fire Mountain, developed when hundreds of volcanos erupted between 1730 and 1736. Steam still permeates dark volcanic soil, which makes up the park’s landscape. “This was a highlight from our trip. Just out of this world”, said a guest on the James Villas’ Travellers’ App. As far as unique dining experiences go, tasting a barbeque cooked by the natural heat of a volcano is hard to beat! Fire Mountain is home to a restaurant where dinner is prepared using the 450-500 degrees Celsius blasts of heat rising through the ground. Delicious steak or fish are usually on the menu, cooked to perfection on the cast iron grill just above the ground. Recommended by James Villas’ guests via the Travellers’ App
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Sea Turtles at Argostoli, Kefalonia The picturesque harbour-town of Argostoli nestles alongside a natural bay and has some surprising and captivating inhabitants - endangered loggerhead sea turtles. James Villas’ Travel Adviser Christine says, “I have been to Kefalonia a few times and one of the must do things is to go into the capital - Argostoli - in the morning and watch the loggerhead turtles in the harbour. They have learned that, as the fishing boats come in, there is inevitably food to be had.” “Go to one of the lovely bakeries for a slice of something sweet, sit by the harbour and take in the scene. Then get on the ferry to beautiful Lixouri out on Kefalonia’s peninsula - it’s only about four euros, you can have a delicious lunch and come back… Simple, but pure heaven.” One of the other top spots to see sea turtles is neighbouring Greek Island, Zakynthos. Recommended by Christine - James Villas’ Travel Adviser
tully_b @jamesvillasuk Ravello, truly beautiful mygorgeousboys @jamesvillasuk Paestum near Naples is beautiful X Love all the beaches in southern Italy #loveitaly
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Market leading Travellers’ App Prepare and plan for your holiday, see guest recommendations, maps and more... www.jamesvillas.co.uk/travellers-app
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Out & About
Into the blue
Discover some of the world’s most hidden treasures in an incredible underwater experience. By diving while on holiday you are unlocking the past and opening the door to a world of mystery, buried in the sea. Scuba diving can be an exhilarating and fascinating experience, whether you’re a beginner or a Master Scuba Diver. Discover what’s beneath the waves of some of our favourite destinations…
Turtle spotting in Barbados
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Out & about
Lanzarote
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n g as
Be one of the first to visit Lanzarote’s new underwater museum. The Museo Atlantico in Lanzarote is the first of its kind in Europe. Some of the pieces are quite thoughtprovoking. In particular, the raft of Lampedusa, which is a depiction of the current refugee crisis. There’s also an underwater botanical garden supporting a variety of marine and plant life.
Wa ll
Silver Coast, Portugal The Berlengas archipelago off the Silver Coast is ever-popular with divers. Catch a boat from Peniche and discover a varied underwater landscape of caves rippling with red coral and rocky walls adorned with anemones. A wealth of marine life, including shoals of sea bream, conga eels and octopuses await.
Malta has been crowned one of Europe’s top diving spots. Fascinating and unexpected sights include a statue of Madonna underwater at Marfa Point. The island is proud of its high safety standards and there is a wide range of diving opportunities for every level of expertise.
Dragonera Island off the west coast of Mallorca is a well kept secret among divers. It has a vast and varied underwater landscape made up of caves and cliffs. On a typical dive you could see schools of barracudas and, given the right time of year, you may sneak a peek at dolphins.
wi th B
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Mallorca
vi Di
Malta
Barbados
a rr acu da
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Barbados is home to over 200 ship wrecks, giving visitors scores of fascinating diving sites to discover. Carlisle Bay Marine Park is popular for divers and snorkellers alike and is a final resting place for several of these wrecks. The island’s reefs are equally spectacular and teeming with marine life - see if you can catch a glimpse of majestic sea turtles off Paynes Bay.
Gozo
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This small but spectacular island offers a wealth of diving opportunities. There are three wrecks to explore - the Karwela, the Comino Land and the Xlendi. You can also experience the Blue Hole at Dwerja, where there are a number of diving routes through the Azure Window, including the Chimney and Coral Gardens. Ho
le
Turkey T
Cyprus Larnaca Bay is home to one of the world’s most famous wrecks. The Zenobia sank on its maiden voyage in 1980 and offers divers a truly unique experience, as the varied cargo and articulated lorries on the ship were never recovered. Divers have reported no two trips have ever been the same, with so much to see.
Wr ec kd iv
Dive from the scenic town of Oludeniz on Turkey’s Aegean Coast and you’ll discover ancient artefacts scattered on the seabed. 3000 year old amphora - ancient vase-like containers with an iconic double handle - have become a bewitching part of the marine-scape.
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inspired by james Travel feature
How to
travel in confidence With millions of pounds being lost every year to holiday fraudsters and passengers being stranded with nowhere to stay, we explore top tips for avoiding scams and the importance of booking safe on your next villa holiday.
Holidaymakers are spending an increasing amount of time researching, planning and booking their getaways. With modern day living so jam-packed with work, family and social lives, the time we do get to spend away on holiday is precious. So is it any wonder we take getting it just right so seriously? Despite this, many people are being left horribly disappointed as they are targeted by fraudsters pretending to sell villa holidays. One in three victims falling for falsely advertised holidays think they are booking holiday villas or apartments. Police say there were over 1500 victims in 2014 alone.
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Good Morning Britain presenter Sean Fletcher, is among them.
Sean booked a villa to Italy’s Amalfi Coast for six people after finding the property through a trusted travel website. Good Morning Britain presenter Sean Fletcher
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Speaking about his experience on the breakfast show he co-presents, Sean said, “I clicked on a link to send a message to the owner of the villa - nothing unusual so far and I got a message back from the person I thought was the villa owner.”
One in three victims falling for falsely advertised holidays think they are booking holiday villas or apartments.
“We exchanged emails over the course of a few weeks with nothing appearing out of the ordinary.” Sean then transferred nearly £3,500 to a bank account to pay for the accommodation - only to discover later that he had in fact transferred the money to a criminal posing as the property’s villa manager. The real owner’s email account had been hacked, allowing the criminal to intercept requests to book the property and take the payment. When Sean spoke to the genuine villa owner he discovered they had no reservation for his party, or indeed any idea who he was. “My booking and money had gone. It was a nightmare. I’m devastated. It was a huge amount of money. I’m also angry because that money has gone to a criminal.” “They sent me a contract and it was like any other contract I’ve signed before for this sort of thing. The criminals signed it, I’ve signed it, it’s worth thousands of pounds to me it’s not worth the paper it’s written on.” There was very little Sean could do get his money back, as the booking had been made through the third party website. “If you do find yourself in this situation, in my experience, you are on your own”, he said. “I don’t know that I could have done anything differently apart from to have gone to the property, and knocked on the door and said “is this your property and will I be renting it?”.”
La Rugiada, Todi in Umbria
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inspired by james
Others like Sean who are tricked into believing they have made a genuine booking even get as far as arriving in their chosen destinations, only to discover their accommodation hasn’t been booked, their money is lost, and they are stranded abroad. After many other victims came forward following the airing of Sean’s story with their own experiences of booking a fake holiday, Sean began an investigation and discovered the man posing as the villa manager in fact lived in Spain. The Spanish police are investigating, but Sean is still out of pocket.
How to Travel in Confidence Booking a package where accommodation and flights are organised together, and where the company has ABTA and ATOL bonding, offers the best form of financial holiday protection. That way if there is a problem with either your flights or your accommodation, your whole package is protected together, rather than just one element.
When James Villa Holidays’ Managing Director, Mark Bloxham, heard Sean’s story he decided to get in touch with him. “When I heard about Sean’s awful experience I reached out to him to see if we could help. The James team arranged a holiday for Sean and his family to our villa, La Rugiada, in Umbria in Italy, and we were so pleased they had a thoroughly enjoyable time.”
Avoid bank transfers to individuals and instead travel with a reputable company. Be aware that when booking through third party websites, establishing who is responsible for any issues can be more difficult .
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“Sean’s experience shows how important it is to be sure you are booking with a reputable company, like James Villas. We have an established relationship with all of our villa owners, visit the properties in person and handpick them to ensure they meet the meticulous standards that we demand for our customers”, said Mark.
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James Villa Tips
Take out adequate travel insurance from the day you book your holiday, not just before you travel. If anything goes wrong in the run up, you won’t be protected if your cover hasn’t already started. Make sure the company has Travel Advisers or Reps available to help with any problems while abroad.
My booking and money had gone. It was a nightmare. I’m devastated. It was a huge amount of money. I’m also angry because that money has gone to a criminal.
Sean Fletcher
What do ABTA & ATOL really mean? Most people know the importance of looking out for ABTA and ATOL logos when booking a holiday, but how exactly does this protect you and your travel arrangements? When a travel company is a member of ABTA they have agreed to comply with the ABTA code of conduct, ensuring excellent ABTA No.W3940 quality service from the point of booking all the way through to returning home. In the unlikely event that the company you are travelling with does go bust, ABTA will provide a quick process to its member’s customer, allowing you to continue your holiday or get your money back.
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence, which all travel companies that sell holidays and flights are legally obliged to hold. Holidaymakers that have booked with an ATOL bonded operator are protected financially should a company cease trading. It protects against getting stranded abroad or losing the money invested in your holiday.
Did you know?... Most travel insurance policies won’t cover you in the event that the company goes out of business. That’s why travelling with an ABTA and ATOL bonded operator is so important.
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Entertainment
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Gadgets
The Best Holiday tech & Gear
I was asked to do a ‘holiday tech’ story for our very first issue of the James Magazine - what a joy mixing business with my guilty pleasure! It can’t have been too bad either, because here I am again, delving into what’s new in the world of holiday gadgetry.
By way of a reminder, I’m the office’s resident “early adopter” - a multi-screening, multi-device, self-confessed nerd. I’m also a Dad of two (very connected) Wi-Fi generation kids and husband to a busy (very connected) wife. Before you judge me a poor parent, husband or holiday companion, I do try and put down the gadgets on holiday. We spend time enjoying the simple things - each other’s company over a good meal, messing around in the pool - goggles on, submerged - watching the kids doing handstands… But the truth is that for better or worse, gadgetry is a part of modern life, and what’s to say that it should make us antisocial, when it can also provide new and fun ways to come together? I covered off some great tech in the first edition - Bluetooth speakers, multi-USB chargers, waterproof phone cases… So I was racking my brain to compile a 2016 list that would do any good gadget-person proud.
Straight from America, the pool version of the ‘Drink Pong’ game is great fun whatever the group make up. It’s hilarious for adults and the kids love it, as it doubles up as a lilo. Prices from £39.99 www.ebay.co.uk
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite After having a multitude of tablets and phones, I keep coming back to my Kindle. The combination of a readable screen even in direct sunlight - the robustness of the actual device (with a cover on) and the lack of soggy pages by the pool brings me back to old faithful. Prices from £109.99
Belkin ‘Rockstar’ Multi 5-Way Headphone Splitter There are times on holiday when you need a little shade, or just fancy a couple of hours of sun-lounging. When I do, I use the headphone splitter to watch a film with my son on a tablet, or share some music with my daughter. It’s a bit of “us” time without ruining the calm around the pool. Prices from £17.99 www.belkin.com/uk
The Tile
Mark Bloxham
Keys, phone, wallet, holiday currency, sunglasses… All to carry in my holiday attire, when pockets are scarce and in demand in summer heat. My dilemma is always, “where did I put the..?” Insert object here. Thankfully I discovered ‘Tile’ - a tiny, Bluetooth tracking device that - with a very simple app - locates the ‘tiles’ you have cleverly added to keys or inside your wallet, within a metre of your phone. Now the irony - don’t lose your phone! But everything else is easily findable.
James Villa Holidays’ Managing Director
Prices from £20.00
It would be easy to kick off with expensive equipment like a GoPro® (which is amazing in a swimming pool, by the way), but it’s an easy list when money is no object. For me, some of the gadgets that I use time and time again are the simplest devices and the best investment. Regardless of what it is, there is always a small space in my suitcase for something new.
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Floating Fun
www.thetileapp.com
www.amazon.co.uk
Uber Nerd
To ensure I don’t disappoint any like-minded gadget geeks out there, I have to sign off with something that is on my “too expensive to buy, too useless to own, but really want” gadget list. For the “carry on” luggage lovers (are there any?), here are three items of true gadgetry one on the market now and two to come soon...
Now: Bluesmart - a connected, allcharging, all-weighing, smart, carry-on suitcase - charge your devices and never lose this piece of luggage again!
next: G-Ro - a Kickstarter funded project, and an incredible piece of traveling equipment with an army-esque spec. The Future: Hop - the most bizarre carry-on case. Tethered to your smart phone, it literally follows you wherever you go. Watch the future at... cargocollective.com/ideactionary/hop
Competition
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We’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a James Villa holiday worth £2500!
All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a £2500 James Villa gift card is correctly answer three simple questions, which you can find in articles throughout the magazine.
Q1. W hich Greek Island is the
setting for Gerald Durrell’s book, My Family and Other Animals?
a) Crete b) Corfu c) Kefalonia
Q2. W hich villa is the number one
James Villa property, as voted by our customers?
a) Monte Mare b) skala blue c) arcola
Q3. W hat is the name of the sister island north of Lanzarote that you can visit on a day trip?
a) Papagayo b) La Graciosa c) Timanfaya
To enter, simply visit jamesvillas.co.uk/competition2016 and correctly answer three simple questions *The winner will receive a £2500 gift card to be used towards a James villa with flights, subject to availability. Additional elements can be added to the booking subject to remaining prize value. If the selected holiday exceeds £2500, the winner must pay the difference. No refund will be given if the holiday cost is less than the gift card value. The prize holiday must be booked by 30 September 2017 and must depart by 31 December 2017. The closing date for the competition is 30 November 2016. The winner will be chosen by random within 30 days of this date, from eligible entrants who correctly answer all of the three questions. One entry per person will be accepted. If multiple entries are received from an entrant, all entries of this entrant will be considered void and will not be counted. The prize draw is open to UK residents aged 21 years and over, except employees of James Villa Holidays, subsidiaries of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, anyone professionally associated with the competition, or their families. All spending money must be provided by the winner. The prize is non-refundable, non-transferable, has no cash alternative and has no cancellation value once booked. The competition winner must be a named passenger on the booking. The competition booking is subject to standard James Villa Holidays booking conditions - www.jamesvillas.co.uk/information/booking-conditions. These Terms and Conditions are correct at time of being published but may be subject to change without notice.
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