James magazine - winter 2017

FREE MAGAZINE

ON HOLIDAY WITH PIXIE LOTT

Mallorca and Ibiza, celebrity style

CUISINE ACROSS CULTURES

Tips for eating like a local

LOVE MENORCA

Your ultimate island itinerary

WIN

£2,500 GIFT CARD* see page 59

live

the

villa lifestyle

2

Welcome to

The brand new edition of the James Villas magazine is here!

Before we start talking all things villa holiday for 2018, let me introduce myself. Having worked in the travel industry for many years, joining the UK’s leading villa holiday experts has been a real honour.

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER...

In my first few months here I’ve been so impressed by the team’s knowledge and passion for our fantastic destinations, so in this edition you can expect to find inspiration for the holiday of a lifetime! But don’t just listen to us. Get inspired by other James guests - after all you’re the ones living the villa lifestyle.

Menorca is on our 2018 bucket list for its outstanding beaches and laid-back lifestyle. So who better than some of our most well-travelled guests to help us put together the perfect itinerary for a stay on the island?

They’re not the only ones who know how to holiday! We share some of the thousands of amazing entries you sent us showing what a BIG Holiday really means to you, and catch up with singer Pixie Lott on her stays with us in Mallorca and Ibiza.

So pour a drink, put your feet up and take some time to relax and enjoy these pages. It’s all about wellness in 2018, and what could be more relaxing than a holiday with space, privacy and your own private pool?

Now nominated for ten awards for 2017!

Here’s to another year of great getaways!

Best wishes, Alan Managing Director

All our package holidays are protected

ABTA No.W3940

Featured villa: Marko, Istria

3

12 28 Editors Danielle Cheney Helen Hatton

Design Lisa Hoey Gillian Wootten

40

Imagery Michael Hayes

Featured Contributors Simply Beach Charlie Clapp

Contributors Bethan Evans Susie Goss

48

Shelley Kingsnorth Gary Stringer Marianne Weekes

Our thanks to Pixie Lott

TRAVEL FEATURES

The Cole and Ross Family

6 Magical Menorca itinerary

The Smy Family

Malta Tourist Board

12 Say hello to Halkidiki

FOOD & DRINK 22 Cuisine across cultures 40 Winter warmer recipes

36 Exploring Istria 46 My Kefalonia 56 Scam savvy holiday booking

OUT & ABOUT INSPIRED BY JAMES

jamesvillas.co.uk 0800 970 44 64

10 Sunseekers guide to 2018 14 What does it take to be a Villa Manager?

16 The James Villas Collections

ABTA No.W3940

4

26 Meet the James family 30 The BIG Holiday

20 Seize the day trip 28 Active holidays 44 Love is in the air 48 Valletta – the European Capital of Culture 2018

Š Malta Tourist Board

Adam Bird

CONTENTS

46

34

54

50

FASHION, BEAUTY & WELLBEING

6

ENTERTAINMENT

50 Winter blues

24 Fuerteventura: A filmmaker’s landscape

52 Ultimate unwinding

32 Destination inspiration quiz

54 Holiday on trend

34 On holiday with Pixie Lott 58 Festival of football 59 Competition

WIN

£2,500 GIFT CARD* see page 59

EDITOR’S PICKS 30 The BIG Holiday 34 On holiday with Pixie Lott 22 Cuisine across cultures You showed us your idea of Popstar Pixie tells us Taste your way around the a BIG Holiday. Take a look about holidaying the world with our tips on at some of your entries.

James Way in Mallorca eating like a local. and Ibiza. *See terms and conditions on page 59

5

TRAVEL FEATURE

we love Menorca, you love it too!

We say...

you say...

Silver-sanded beaches and sparkling Mediterranean waters await you on the island of Menorca. Add fiestas, boat trips and yummy food to the equation and there’s not many who’d say no to a holiday here!

The understated glamour of the island is idyllic for a couple’s getaway, while a group of friends in search of a backdrop for adventure will find exactly what they’re looking for here too.

Menorca offers both, and so much more.

But don’t just take our word for it. Karen and Melvin Smy from Kent know the island just as well as any local. With 15 holidays here over the past 23 years, we asked two of our most well-travelled James Villas’ guests to create an itinerary that captures the very best of Menorca.

6

TRAVEL FEATURE

Day 1: Hit the beach

nd. choice on this blissful isla Beach-lovers are spoilt for h wit et me s che bea st, long On the sheltered south coa a nic and spend a day at Cal pic a k Pac es. cov ed lud sec ters wa llow sha t with calm, en Turqueta, a peaceful inle fs - you’ll feel like you’re clif one est lim by ked and flan heaven. Another favourite of e occupying your own slic rful Smy’s love for its wonde is Cala Galdana, which the d. san g lvin she tly horseshoe beach and gen a nt, head to the hidden Cal For something a bit differe ugh thro a stunning 5km trek Escorxada. Accessed by or a short boat ride, it’s not fs, clif r ove woodland and There’s no café or shop (so your usual touristy spot. it makes up for that with bring plenty of water), but ! ch that’s practically private spectacular views on a bea s m small isolated beache KAREN AND MELVIN: “Fro to suit ch bea a re’s the , ties eni to large ones with all am a Galdana is our personal everyone in Menorca. Cal favourite on the island”.

Port of MahÓn

View over Cala Galdana bay

Cala en Turqueta

“...there’s atobeach suit everyone in Menorca. “ Day 2: Explore Mah

ón

No holiday to M enorca is compl ete without a tri elegant capital p to the on the east coas t. Karen loves to Mahón in the da visit ytime, especially the local marke weekly on Tues t held days and Saturd ays. Off from th square there ar e main e plenty of little shops to browse cafés to sit outs in and ide and watch th e world go by. He the bustling Po ad to rt of MahÓn, th e second larges harbour in the w t natural orld, where you’ ll see fishing bo offloading the da ats ily catch. In fact being aboard a another great wa boat is y to take in the capital, so cruise the port to disc around over coves and colonial style ho uses.

KAREN AND M ELVIN: “Down at the harbour you’ cruise ships moo ll see red next to smal l boats. If you ca the opportunity n, take to experience a glass bottom bo around the harb at trip our - we really en joyed it.”

Along the water front you’ll find plenty of restau where you can rants enjoy a lazy lunc h or an upbeat meal. If you wan evening t to dance on in to the night, he Cova d’en Xoro ad to i near Cala’n Po rter. This specta bar is built with cular in natural cave s only 25m abov level. As night fa e sea lls they come al ive with the rhyt of Spanish live hms music. And if yo u last into the ea hours of the m rly orning, you’ll be greeted with th spectacular su e most nrise over the M editerranean Se a.

7

TRAVEL FEATURE Cala Galdana

Ciutadella

View from Monte Toro

Day 3: Get active

ors t the stunning outdo rca is laid-back, bu . air sh Island life on Meno fre in the y to getting active lends itself perfectl the rca, Monte Toro is ual centre of Meno t stands at ris Ch to Known as the spirit e rin sh A . , right at its heart pied since 1287. island’s highest point ive statue has occu ss pre im s thi ot sp a the very top, ds bed the winding roa IN: “Once you’ve clim g rin plo ex KAREN AND MELV n oo ern d the morning or aft are by car you can spen e far reaching views Th e. ffe co a b gra d the monastery an spectacular.” ited aches, so it’s well su is famous for its be ir pick the ve ha ’ll Of course Menorca ey Th . d confident canoers for keen kayakers an beaches can only be explore. Many of the to s m? of sheltered cove way to discover the sea, so what better accessed from the au if walking, al S’Albufera d’es Gr tur Na rc Pa ur at d Stay on lan to nature is more yo , and getting back ing on tch a wa d are bir , ted ing tec hik this pro o foot trails around ife. ldl wi al loc scene. Follow the tw ing ott t - it’s a haven for sp the north-east coas

Join a local fiesta

Fly to MAHÓN, Menorca in UNDER 3 HOURS from 14 UK

& 2 IRISH AIRPORTS

The Smy’s Menorca Bucket List...

2 Find a secluded cove for a beach day.

2

The Menorquin horse is an indigenous breed.

Admire these prized animals in a horse race or show.

2 Visit one of the many night markets to pick up locally produced souvenirs.

2 Celebrate the saints at a fiesta.

2 Drink the local speciality of Gin and Lemon (Pellofa/Pomada).

2 Listen to some live music at one of Mahón’s nightspots.

8

Statue of Christ, Monte Toro

TRAVEL FEATURE

Day 4: History and culture

c . The beautiful Gothi does not disappoint rca no are Me a , ell ffs tad bu y Ciu For histor mer capital of hes in the ancient for and Baroque churc rer. plo ex c sti any enthusia welcome sights for from large 1400 BC are built te back to around ve been ha to ht ug Navetas, which da tho ed boats and are ert inv ng bli em res stones, collective tombs. is the most vetas des Tudons of Ciutadella, the Na st we t jus ted ca Lo uctures. famous of these str ting around 800 BC to Menorca. Origina e iqu un s, ula a Ta Then there are tone slabs placed in , rectangular, limes ge ars, hu alt o ial tw fic of cri ing sa ist cons ht to originally be ug tho re we s ure T shape, these fig ces of worship. roof supports or pla with a fiery Spanish inject some culture w No y? rty tor his gh Had enou Menorca’s street pa June to September, m rty fro pa ll ing wi nn ls Ru ca .

Lo fiesta tourists. n’t just a show for Dance, d. an isl the to style celebrations are rs ito bours alongside vis n-style. away with their neigh you mingle Menorca as , ing en ev the o int gh lau d an g sin joyed for the fiesta and en IN: “We visited Alaior ople LV pe ME al D loc AN N the RE All .

KA ening fireworks ev d an ws ho tch es wa sid the carnival, d three hours to phere! It takes aroun os tch atm at wa n gre a the d d create tivities an streets, join in the ac the parade, walk the occasion.” the to l fee r fai ’s a fun the fireworks. There

Day 5: Villa day

Menorca’s char ming atmosph ere and idyllic be holidays here ar aches mean e all about getti ng to know the this is a holiday local area. But , so relaxing is an absolute mus if you’ve eaten t - especially and drunk into the early hours Luckily our villa the night before s are well equipp ! ed for a lazy da y at home.

KAREN AND M ELVIN: “We love the privacy of st - it’s so spacious aying in a villa . Having our ow n pool is a defin because you’re ite plus too not sharing it wi th other children there’s no rush or adults, so for a sunlounger in the mornings!”

“We mainly stay at the villa durin g the day, relaxin book by the po g with a ol, and having a car gives us the go to MahÓn or opportunity to elsewhere for th e day.”

When lunchtim e calls, why not light up the barb your grilling skills ecue? Show off by preparing fre sh fish and keba a fantastic Men bs for orcan feast.

KAREN AND MELVIN’S FAVOURITE MENORCAN VILLAS...

“We’ve stayed at all three of these villas, all had great sea views with spacious rooms and gardens.”

Son Bou 13b1 ...

“We visited Alaior for the fiesta...

the local people created a great atmosphere!

We say...

“

El Verano ...

Discover our favourite destinations, villas, holiday tips and experiences.

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK/HOLIDAY-IDEAS

...you say

Niki ...

Get inspired by fellow James guests.

Your recommendations on the Travellers’ App are shared on our interactive pinboard.

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK/HOLIDAY-THE-WAY -YOU-LIKE-IT

Choose from over 150 VILLAS in Menorca across our Villa Collections

9

INSPIRED BY JAMES

SUNSEEKERS

CARIBBEAN

CANARY ISLANDS

You’ll get a warm welcome in the Caribbean during the winter months, with tropical, white sand beaches and temperatures soaring over 28°C. Calypso into the festive party season and ring in the New Year with your favourite people at your villa in paradise.

The trees are turning green and flowers are starting to blossom - it’s time to come out of winter hibernation. For some springtime fun in the sun the Canary Islands offer an early sunshine break. Spend April in your flip flops with temperatures in the pleasant 20s! Frolic along the crowdfree coastlines before the summer season hits.

Choose from

75 VILLAS in the Caribbean Flight times to...

ANTIGUA 8 hours BARBADOS 8 hours ST. LUCIA 8 hours 50 mins JAMAICA 9 hours 45 mins

What’s

H T? H O L E TO W N

FESTIVAL

in February oozes Bajan music and street food. beaches in Antigua, one for every day of the year!

Hottest temperature ever recorded

42.6°C in LANZAROTE

365

Hottest temperature ever recorded

35°C 37°C

in

ANTIGUA in

ST.LUCIA

MAKE A SPLASH in one of our

235

Canary Island villas with heated pools What’s

Flight times to...

LANZAROTE 4 hours 15 mins FUERTEVENTURA 4 hours 20 mins GRAN CANARIA 4 hours 30 mins TENERIFE 4 hours 30 mins

H T? DAY OF THE

CROSS

on 3rd May, a Spanish fiesta celebrated across the islands with

FIREWORKS

& STREET PARTIES.

Sunshine is the best medicine. There’s no better prescription than the warmth on your back, the sand beneath your feet and the soothing sound of the waves. Chase the sun and soak up some Vitamin D in one of 2018’s hottest destinations – literally.

No matter the season when you jet away, you’ll be sure to top up your tan when using our sunseekers guide.

W I N T E R 10

S P R I N G

INSPIRED BY JAMES

GUIDE TO 2018 NORTHERN PORTUGAL

CYPRUS

Portugal may be famous for its golden, sandy beaches, but head north and the landscape offers so much more.

Green hills, luscious vineyards and historic buildings meet along the river banks of the Douro Valley and beyond.

And with a Portuguese summer known to soar above 30°C, the slightly cooler temperatures of the north offer a pleasant balmy alternative.

As the nights draw in and summer drifts away, bask in the sun for that little bit longer with a trip to Cyprus. The temperatures still linger around 27°C in October so it won’t only be the leaves turning brown in the autumnal sun.

With autumn in Cyprus seeming to just be an extension of the summer, it’s the perfect place to catch the last few warm rays of the year.

What’s

Choose from

Flight time to...

23 VILLAS

PORTO 2 hours 25 mins

in Northern Portugal

What’s

in

PORTO

in

45.6

°C

in Lefkoniko August 2010

H T?

Hottest temperature ever recorded

38.7°C 40°C

Hottest temperature ever recorded

BRAGA

T a ke p a r t i n the traditional

FESTA DE

SÃO JOÃO ,

a street festival t h a t a t t ra c t s thousands every June.

Choose from

234 VILLAS in Cyprus

H T? Th e

annual

KYPRIA

F E S T I VA L

in September and October, b r i n g i n g together ART ,

CONCERTOS & CULTURE. Flight time to...

PAPHOS 5 hours

S U M M E R A U T U M N Flights shown are average flight times from London Gatwick and for some routes only.

May be subject to change, availability and variation depending on airline.

11

TRAVEL FEATURE

Hello " " Say to

Halkidiki Portokali 'Orange' beach, Sithonia

Crete is a firm favourite, Rhodes is on most bucket lists and Kefalonia keeps visitors coming back. A little-known corner of Greece is something unique, and new for 2018 we’ve found you just that.

So clear the memory card and double check you’ve packed the camera - Halkidiki here we come!

Home to three incredible peninsulas, often referred to as the ‘Three Fingers’; Halkidiki is made up of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. Although you’ll struggle to count the reasons to visit on one hand, two hands or even using all your toes.

The natural setting, blissful beaches and mouth-watering local dishes put Halkidiki right to the top of the list of where you should be holidaying. Welcoming locals will make Halkidiki seem like home from home! So be warned, you may never feel like leaving.

We bring you Greece’s best kept secret…

12

Church overlooking the sea at Sithonia

TRAVEL FEATURE

The Local Menu Home-grown ingredients and traditional methods inspire the delicious dishes of Halkidiki. A Greek hub for honey, beekeepers here still do things the old fashioned way – which is why it still tastes so spectacular.

Aristotle himself sung the praises of the area’s sweet nectar over 2,000 years ago.

The Greek climate’s not just perfect for topping up your tan, warm weather and salty sea breeze do their bit to help the unique taste of Halkidiki’s olives and wine. Add local meats and tasty cheese into the eating equation and it’s easy to see why this is a foodie’s ideal destination. If the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, be prepared to fall madly in love with Halkidiki on your holiday.

Did you know?

Stagira in eastern Halkidiki is the birth place of the Greek philosopher Aristotle.

Spend the day at the commemorative Aristotle’s Park for a day of relaxation and education.

Beautiful Beaches There’s a saying that ‘happiness comes in waves’ and Halkidiki’s shores are where this all starts to make sense. With crystal-clear waters lapping the white sand on more than 70 Blue Flag beaches across Greece’s longest coastline, you’ll have your pick of the bunch.

Serial sunbathers can lay out their towel in quiet coves lined with pine trees, while for those who can’t sit still there are lively beaches where thrilling watersports and scuba diving offer plenty of entertainment. Let the breeze blow that wonderful salt scent across the sand as you top up your tan!

Did you know?

Thessaloniki is Halkidiki’s closest airport and it’s just a few hours from the UK. LONDON GATWICK TO THESSALONIKI

3 hours 15 minutes MANCHESTER TO THESSALONIKI

3 hours 30 minutes DEPARTURE DAY

Monday

Halkidiki Villa Highlights

Our villas are all located in the first peninsula of Kassandra, perfectly placed to make the most of all that Halkidiki has to offer.

ALKYON, Paliouri 6

3

3

PRIVATE

FREE A/C

FREE WI-FI

CAR ESSENTIAL

FREE WI-FI

CAR ADVISED

History, Myth and Legend… …it’s everything you’d expect from ancient Greece and Halkidiki certainly doesn’t disappoint.

The region’s history is entwined with tales of giants and the battles between them. The story goes that the Athos peninsula was created when Olympus threw a rock. Although he’s not been spotted practicing his bowling recently – so there’s no need to worry about it raining stones while on your holiday here.

Calling adventurous history buffs - Halkidiki was invaded by the Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine empires. Ruins and architecture tell the fascinating story of Halkidiki’s past. The oldest human remains of ancient Greece were found in the Petralona Cave, the most unique being a 200,000 year old skull. Today you can view it in nearby Thessaloniki, the captivating caverns still have animal fossils, bone tools and human remains to see during your underground exploration.

KASSANDRA, Hanioti 8

4

2

PRIVATE

FREE A/C

View all our Halkidiki villas at

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK/ DESTINATIONS/GREECE/ HALKIDIKI 13

INSPIRED BY JAMES

What does it take to be a

Villa Manager?

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A TYPICAL DAY FOR A VILLA MANAGER.

What makes a truly memorable holiday is not having to think about those little niggles and bugbears for a single second. So from preparing the villa for your arrival, checking the keys are in the right place and the Wi-Fi code is ready and waiting, our Villa Managers busy themselves taking care of the little things.

You might never notice them - unless of course you want to arrange a welcome visit. But that’s just how it should be! Utterly immerse yourself in the holiday experience while everything else is taken care of.

TAKING CARE OF THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG HOLIDAY 14

INSPIRED BY JAMES

Tales of the Tenerife Villa Manager

YOUR VILLA MANAGER SHOUT-OUTS....

Flying under the radar may be something our Villa Managers are experts at, but they are the real stars of the James Villas show. Pam Molowny is a shining example, so we spoke to her all about life as our Villa Manager in Tenerife, and just what it takes to do the job!

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Josephine I have had so many great moments with James Villas. We are back to Cyprus in September - must say your Villa Manager in the Coral Bay Paphos area is simply the best.

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Andy Hello, we are at Villa Helena Cyprus. Marion the representative here has been golden with an emergency. We cannot thank her enough for her support. Ta Local restaurants

Teide National Park

EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE I have lived on this lovely island for 35 years and have loved it since the first day I arrived. I warmed to Tenerife due to its mix of beaches, bars and restaurants and found myself moving here.

Living here really helps my knowledge of the island. You can be sitting on a beach and enjoying the tourist hot spots, but a 20 minute drive away is what I call ‘traditional Tenerife’ where you’ll find local villages with markets, farmers and breathtaking views.

It’s a great holiday destination because there is a mix of everything.

EVERYTHING HAS TO BE PERFECT I have worked for James Villas for 13 years (I can´t believe it has gone so quick!) and every day is different and exciting. My car is like my office as I am always out and about.

I have 4 arrivals a week Friday, Saturday Sunday and Tuesday so on those days I am busy checking and preparing the villas for the arrival of our guests. Everything has to be perfect on arrival of course, as there really is no better feeling than opening the door to your own villa! Once you’ve settled in and enjoyed your first night, that’s when you’ll hear me give a little knock on the door to come and say hello.

TAKE CARE OF THE LITTLE THINGS In welcome meetings I get to meet our lovely guests and talk about what to do and see on the island, as well as doing my best to iron out

any queries. That is what I love most about being a Villa Manager - every day is different!

And over my time with James I have got to know regulars who come every year, so being able to chat with them and catch up about their lives is so rewarding. Little things like being able to buy them a nice bottle of local wine to say hello again really means the world, and it’s those moments that make me feel happy about what I do. It’s really nice to be able to give the customers something to put an even bigger smile on their faces!

Not forgetting the new guests who haven’t ever been to the island! I like nothing better than pointing them in the right direction to show them what Tenerife has to offer. A few of my favourite things are going on a boat trip, visiting Teide (the volcanic mountain) and the famous Siam Park. But, I know that some guests are here just to relax in their own space, so I help them out by sharing information on local restaurants and bars should they wish to venture out one evening.

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Jood Just have a MASSIVE THANK YOU to say to your staff member Laura in Mahón. I left my mobile on the table of the villa so she got the cleaners to collect it and arranged to get it back to me intact and working. I am so grateful. Not only did we have a fantastic holiday but that kind of service is outstanding.

Thank you all.

Roger Fantastic customer service @jamesvillasuk, the Villa Manager in Corralejo met us at the villa to make sure we were OK as we arrived on an early flight.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO Over the years there have been some extremely rewarding and valuable experiences. No matter what comes my way, I do my upmost to support the guests and tend to their needs. When all is nice and quiet, and all the guests have been tended to, I look for new villas to expand the programme in Tenerife. It’s a very busy and demanding job, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Don’t be a stranger! Share your Villa Manager shout-outs and villa holiday experiences with us on our social channels.

Twitter @jamesvillasuk Facebook @JamesVillaHolidays Instagram @jamesvillas

15

INSPIRED BY JAMES

Villa

H James

collections

From simplistic and chic to ultimate extravagance and luxury, finding the villa you’re looking for has never been such fun. Individually handpicked, we take pride in each and every one. But with over 2900 villas to choose from across 50 destinations, we thought you might need some steer on which ones will suit your style.

So discover our six easy to browse Villa Collections that are designed to help you find your perfect villa.

16

INSPIRED BY JAMES

A villa holiday doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank, they can be simple and affordable.

And our Simply collection villas give you just that. With a private pool, barbecue and sunloungers guaranteed, our Simply villas tick all the boxes for fun-filled holidays in the sun.

Can Rei, Mallorca

Paraiso, Costa Blanca

Minimum 4m x 2m private pool

Portable or built-in barbecue

Local or English Satellite TV

Outdoor dining facilites

Sunloungers

Become king of the barbecue If you’re looking for a home away from home, the Classic collection is value packed with all the mod cons you’d need for timeless memories.

With free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and free A/C in the bedrooms, it’s those home comfort extras that make our Classic villas cosy.

Villa Principe, Istria

Janette, Algarve

Minimum 6m x 2m private pool

Kitchen facilities including: microwave, washing machine & dishwasher

iPod dock or Bluetooth speaker

Free A/C in bedrooms (as minimum)

Hairdryers

Guaranteed comfort and convenience 17

INSPIRED BY JAMES

Our Signature villas have the wow factor and are for those wanting some extra-special added touches. Pack lighter as pool towels are provided and relax in a king size master bed.

Your villa might even have a hot tub, gym or maybe a tennis court – so keep an eye out for those Signature added extras.

Seaspray, The Tryall Club, Jamaica

Dionysis, Rhodes

ADDED WOW

King size bed in the master bedroom

At least one ensuite bathroom

Coffee machine

Free pool towels

At least one added extra

Designed to make your holiday special Luxury at its finest, these villas ooze style and will have you living the holiday high-life. Treat yourself to the finest décor and furnishings and be the envy of your friends. Your own large pool is a guarantee along with plump towels and high-quality linens.

Why settle for anything less?

Villa Sunset, Algarve

Sterna, Kefalonia

Minimum 8m x 4m private pool

Luxury furniture and décor

Free unlimited A/C in bedrooms

Free quality linen and towels

Decor to die for and lavish surroundings 18

INSPIRED BY JAMES

The pièce de résistance! Our Ultimate villas will truly take your breath away and you’ll be wanting for nothing with your every need taken care of.

Stunning, detached properties with impressive stature - expect to be wowed. And with tailor made services on tap, it’s the Ultimate experience.

Sophia, Amalfi Coast

Las Mimosas V2E, Tenerife

ADDED WOW

Detached with impressive build

2 cleans and towel refresh per week

Bathrobe and slippers

At least two added extras

Sublime style and tailor made services on tap Looking for something different? Our iNDIVIDUAL collection has villas with flare and character to suit all budgets and tastes. The facilities in each villa vary from property to property but expect fantastic home comforts and something a bit different.

They’re as individual as you, but very James.

Emerald Suites, Zakynthos

Villa Pyrgos Mavrabelo, Zakynthos

Our iNDIVIDUAL villas don’t quite slot into our other Collections. Look online to find out a little more about each iNDIVIDUAL property and discover just why the Product team at James chose them.

Different, yes - but very James!

Test your knowledge in our VILLA COLLECTIONS COMPETITION ON PAGE 59 - there’s a £2,500 GIFT CARD UP FOR GRABS!

WIN

£2,500 GIFT CARD*

19

OUT & ABOUT

Cyprus Pissouri Bay to Nicosia

Croatia Split to Plitvice Lakes

Pop your hiking boots and camera in the car and set off for the turquoise lagoons and mesmerising waterfalls of the Plitvice Lakes. So outstanding is the natural beauty of its 16 breathtaking lakes, this corner of Croatia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unbuckle your seatbelt at one of the car parks and choose a footpath to follow. Spend as much time as you please strolling and soaking in the surroundings. When your legs tire, there are two ways for you to take a load off your feet. Cruise across Plitvice’s Lake Kozjak on the electric boat, taking in its beauty from a different perspective. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, hop on Plitvice’s train at one of three stops.

A lakeside lunch is an absolute must! And your villa’s kitchen is the perfect place to prepare the mother of all picnics to be enjoyed at the water’s edge. Or eat at one of the cafés situated just perfectly to take advantage of the views.

VILLA MALO

Trogir, Dalmatia

One of the richest and oldest cities in the world, Nicosia is brimming with sights that span many centuries. A one and a half hour drive from our Pissouri Bay villas, you’ll be greeted by the impressive skyline made up of Venetian walls and ancient monasteries.

Standing proud in the middle is Selimiye Mosque. Once a Gothic cathedral, this magnificent building captures Nicosia’s history and spirit. A mix of old and new, Christian and Muslim, Turkish and Greek - it’s where the diverse capital comes together. Take a break from all that sightseeing, grab a seat, and tuck into some local meze before you drive home.

Why not pop your chef’s hat on and pick up some local delights from one of Nicosia’s markets? Your villa kitchen is just waiting for you to whip up a Cypriot-inspired feast!

With delicious smells filling the car on your drive home, mouths will definitely be watering by the time you get back.

VILLA ITHAKA

Pissouri Bay, Cyprus

Just over two and a half hours north of Split and under three hours from the Istria region, it’s a big day out. Take it at your own pace, pulling over whenever you please. A day trip here is an unforgettable experience! And the spectacular sunset you’ll be treated to on your way home is the icing on the Plitvice Lakes cake.

Seize the

trip day

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Hopping on and off a coach, packed in with fellow holidaymakers – it isn’t everyone’s idea of a great day out.

No, a great day out is picking any point on the map, taking the scenic route, and going the extra mile.

Forget about being herded around on a tight schedule!

You can become the master of your own day trip destiny.

Picking up the keys to your hire car literally puts the power in the palm of your hand.

OUT & ABOUT

Spain Costa del Sol to Gibraltar

Choux pastry, whipped cream and chocolate sauce, a combination to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Hopefully we’ve got your attention! Unless you’re now lost in a sugary daydream, salivating at the thought. Sink your teeth into Gibraltar’s favourite treat – profiteroles. The taste alone is well worth the drive from your villa on the Costa del Sol. But there’s more. At Gibraltar Rock you’ll meet the cheeky Barbary macaques, the only free-roaming monkeys in Europe. Watch them in their surroundings at Apes’ Den. From here you can visit the Moorish Castle or the Great Siege Tunnels for more traditional sightseeing. Or stay on the wild side and take a boat trip to catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming alongside. At just 2.6 square miles, this tiny British territory may be small but it has no shortage of things to do.

Even the drive home brings its own excitement.

The four lane main road in and out of Gibraltar runs right across the runway at the International Airport. The road closes and quickly reopens while planes take off right next to you! Re-start your engine, cruise over the runway, and take in the beautiful costal road views all the way home to your villa.

France Provence to Nîmes

From lavender fields to rustic pictureperfect villages, the landscape of Provence is uniquely special. This iconic region has so much to explore that just one big day out might not be enough.

Gently sloping roads could take you in a different direction every day - scenic drives guaranteed.

VILLA LAVANDE

Domaine de Camiole

When you think of ancient temples and amphitheatres, a small city in the South of France probably doesn’t spring to mind. But Nîmes has some of the world’s best preserved Roman architecture – even rivalling Rome itself. In under two hours from some of our Provence villas the drive will take you past ruins and churches of times gone by. History buffs might want to get closer, so the pedestrianised city centre is ideal for a day of exploration. It’s a perfect excuse to get out the car and stretch your legs. For historical enthusiasts, here you’ll find the only completely intact Roman temple in the world, La Maison Carrée. You’ll also find the Arenes de Nîmes which is just as impressive as Rome’s Colosseum. This near intact amphitheatre holds concerts throughout the year as well as opening its doors to those wanting to stand where brave gladiators once fought.

VILLA LA ESTRELLA Mijas Golf Resort

At James not only do we handpick fabulous villas across beautiful destinations, but we also work with some of the most well-known car hire companies and more to offer you the very best holiday experience. Each of our villas fall into one of three categories - car essential, car advised and car optional. Our wide range of car options, from budget to prestige, come with the following benefits:

SUPER COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER AS STANDARD IN MOST DESTINATIONS

ZERO EXCESS ACROSS MOST OF OUR LOCATIONS

UNLIMITED MILEAGE

FAIR FUEL POLICY ACROSS ALL OUR SUPPLIERS

FREE ADDITIONAL DRIVERS IN CERTAIN DESTINATIONS

PRE-BOOK CHILD SEAT WITH ALL OUR SUPPLIERS

21

FOOD & DRINK

r o a u nd the w y a w r u o y orld e t s Ta

Cuisine across cultures Eating like a local is one of the very best parts of the holiday experience. But cuisine across cultures can be a recipe for disaster if you’re not ‘in the know’. When should you eat your main meal? What’s the eating etiquette – are we in a rush or is that just plain rude? Worst of all is finding yourself all dressed up for dinner with a rumbling tummy, only to discover all of the local eateries aren’t even open yet!

Our handy guide to the eating culture in some of our best foodie loving destinations is sure to satisfy your appetite.

So tuck in and get ready to learn about street food, sociable eating and late night meals…

Croatia

Café culture is king in Croatia. Friends and family don’t just catch up over a cuppa here, business deals are also struck and new acquaintances are made. In fact, almost everything is discussed with a cup of coffee in hand.

This way of doing things dates back hundreds of years, and while the Ottomans came to conquer it was their coffee culture that left a long-lasting legacy. They used it as a way of building relationships and making connections - a wise move in building an empire.

GREECE

Austrian influences later added a splash of grandeur, before Italian espresso filtered in. The result of these three ingredients is eating and drinking with no sense of urgency - this is an experience to be enjoyed! Even an espresso can last three or four hours in Croatian company.

You might find traditional cakes being served with your coffee or perhaps in a restaurant next door. But if we’re being honest, food comes second – coffee and company are the stars of the show.

W hy no t tr y

Istrian and Dalmatian delicacies...

Istrian truffles Pasticada - Dalmatian stew Strudel od Jakuba Croatian apple strudel

22

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Meze dishes are the perfect example of Greek dining’s social side. They’re designed for sharing around the table so you all get to sample the little delights. Take a seat in a taverna and watch conversations flowing as a selection of meze is passed around. Although you’re likely to see very little if you get to the taverna too early.

Traditionally lunch is the largest meal of the day, which is why you won’t spot many Greeks heading for dinner until around 10pm.

Company’s just as important as the food on your plate, so don’t be surprised to see people chatting away until the early hours of the morning. There’s no need for clockwatching, it’s the not the Greek way.

W hy no t tr y

Tuck in at tasty tavernas...

Lamb keftedakia - Meatballs Beef moussaka - Mince and potato casserole Baklava - Filo pastry dessert

FOOD & DRINK

pa ell a

W hy no t tr y s

h

i an Sp

SPAIN

Sink your teeth into Spanish tapas...

Gambas al Ajillo - Prawns with chilli and garlic Albondigas - Spanish meatballs Churros - Fried choux pastry with chocolate sauce

Just like in Greece, lunches are large and sociable in Spain. It’s known as ‘La Comida’, which translates to the grand title of ‘The Meal’ – so you know it’s a big deal! As the afternoon siesta begins at around one, you might spot groups of friends and family heading to restaurants together.

After eating like a local, you’ll probably be feeling a little full after lunch. Appetites won’t reappear until much later when tapas takes over in the early evening. Spaniards enjoy these small dishes propped up against the bar, enjoying the company of friends over the most sociable style of food.

The ‘menu del dia’ will be firmly in their mind.

The majority of restaurants will offer this menu of the day, your ticket to three or more courses at amazing value.

Let the conversation flow! But if you’ve got a large appetite tapas could be the perfect warm up for your evening meal – just enjoy the experience.

Tasty tapas

This is the time to live like a local. Eat where they eat, it’s a great indication of the quality of the food. Bustling stalls are busy for a reason.

Dinner’s not eaten until late in Morocco either.

But if you get peckish before nine or ten in the evening then street food is your saviour.

In fact, it’s perfect for all your daytime eating adventures too! Little pick-me-ups such as Ma’gooda (deep-fried potato balls), or Chebakia (sesame cookies), when you’re strolling the streets and getting lost in the souks really hit the spot. But with so much choice, how do you choose the best street food option?

This is the time to live like a local. Eat where they eat, it’s a great indication of the quality of the food. Bustling stalls are busy for a reason. Plus, you’ll get an authentic Moroccan experience. Which leads us nicely onto the local delights... Food might differ across regions, but there’s plenty of staple street foods for you to enjoy. Moroccan

bread should be top of your list!

It’s so important that it’s often referred to as an extra piece of silverware (tuck into a tagine and you’ll soon understand).

There’s something for every taste too - from grilled meats to soups, and fresh fruits to pastries.

For those with a more adventurous appetite Marrakech is a daredevil’s dream.

You’ll spot livers, spleens, heads and other animal parts at plenty of stalls and street restaurants. Try something a little different, you’re on holiday after all. You can always wash it all down with a refreshing mint tea.

There’s nowhere better to eat and drink like a local than on the streets of Morocco.

Penned by our very own Gary Stringer

gi

ne

Morocco

ble eta Veg

ta

W hy no t tr y

Street food and Moroccan delights

Snail soup - Snails simmered in seasoned broth Vegetable tagine - Served with couscous Almond briouats - Sweet pastries

IF ALL THAT TALK OF TAPAS, MEZES AND AMAZING STREET FOODS HAVE LEFT YOU FEELING A LITTLE PECKISH, WHY NOT CREATE YOUR OWN DESTINATION INSPIRED DISHES WITH OUR WINTER WARMER RECIPES ON PAGE 40

23

ENTERTAINMENT

FUERTEVENTURA

A FILMMAKER’S LANDSCAPE When you think of a galaxy far, far away, we doubt Fuerteventura of the Canary Islands comes to mind.

So you might be surprised to find that it’s been the number one destination of choice to portray worlds many lightyears from here. Its rocky, sandy and volcanic landscapes have made it an out of this world filming location for franchises like Star Wars and Doctor Who.

If you’re a ‘Whovian’ (Doctor Who fan, for those not familiar) who’s fantasised about visiting Gallifrey, then time travel to Fuerteventura.

Never-ending sand dunes and fiery volcanic rocks create the ideal surroundings for the Doctor to park the Tardis. In the series 9 finale we saw him in a Zygon Invasion that spanned from Gallifrey’s sparse Drylands to the Mountain of Serenity. Why not follow in the Doctor’s footsteps and explore the area yourself?

Head to the northern Bayuyo region to discover Fuerteventura’s rugged terrain. Here you’ll find extinct volcanoes of times gone by that have shaped the scenery we see today.

For Star Wars fans, we bet you’re counting down to the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story, coming out in 2018. Follow a young Han Solo and Chewbacca before the Rebellion hits as they encounter Lando Calrissian and others from the Original Trilogy. As they embark on their adventure keep your eyes peeled for Jandia National Park in the south of Fuerteventura.

As one of the main filming locations, the burnt orange backdrop along with large sand dunes could possibly mean a return to the planet, Tatooine.

Stay away from the dark side with a holiday to this sunny island.

DIRECT YOUR OWN STAY IN FUERTEVENTURA BY CHOOSING ONE OF OVER 35 VILLAS AS THE LOCATION FOR YOUR FILM STAR STYLE HOLIDAY.

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© BBC Photo Sales

Super holidays for everyday heroes...

THE

LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A

BIG HOLIDAY

ABTA No.W3940

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK 0800 970 44 64

25

INSPIRED BY JAMES

Meet the

Family

The Cole and Ross family chatter away together on set at the James Villas TV advert in Cyprus, filling the villa with the sound of laughter. It’s time for us to sit down with them and find out about their experience starring as ‘The James family’, so Mum and Dad usher in the kids who are reluctant to stop their water pistol contest in the pool.

They’re a real family, so the kids agree to come in after ‘just one more minute’ and settle down on the sofa next to their grandparents.

You may recognise them from our TV advert, so we’d love for you to meet them. Let’s introduce you…

Father of the Ross household, James is one cool dad. You’re bound to find him splashing around in the pool with the kids. Holidaying with James is all about laughter, games and doing things together. Although chilling out next to the pool with a book and a beer is a close second!

Dru has her hands full as mother to Ruby and Jesse, and wife to James. So when on holiday she loves nothing better than relaxing on a sunlounger! New experiences are always part of the holiday agenda, and with family being everything to Dru, sharing in these together makes it all the more special.

James Ross

Dru Ross Ruby Ross James and Dru’s eldest daughter Ruby has been bitten by the acting bug after starring as Lady Macbeth in a local production. Aside from practising her lines while on holiday, there’s always time for sunbathing and selfies too!

Jesse Ross Meet Jesse - the smallest of the family, with the biggest personality. Happiest when splashing around in the pool or in the sea (especially with Dad!), Jesse tells us: “I could spend all day in there and not get bored!”

26

Dru’s parents David and Holly are well-travelled and enjoy the simpler side of a holiday. Relaxing is their main priority but they love to see new places and take in the culture. Holidaying with the whole family means quality time with their children and grandchildren, treasuring the memories they make along the way.

David & Holly Cole

INSPIRED BY JAMES

Are we all acquainted? Great!

Now you’ve learnt a little more about everyone, let’s find out about their TV advert experience…

How did you get involved with TV work?

James - Having dinner with friends at home in Bristol one evening, the conversation flowed into modelling and after adopting the ‘why not’ mantra, we contacted an agency. The rest they say is history!

So how did you feel when you were asked to star in our advert?

Ruby - Our agent called and pitched the idea. It was the location which appealed to us so we agreed to audition. Who knew it would lead to this!

Which part of the shoot did you enjoy most?

Dru - We’ve enjoyed the whole shoot, it was nice to experience it as a family.

Jesse - The pool!

James - Watching the kids do the pool shots, it was so lovely to

see them put into fun situations and have natural photos taken of them splashing and playing. We also liked the barbecue and breakfast scenes, we feel it’s quite a typical scene of our lives, so was very easy to do and smile through!

How was your experience of living the villa lifestyle?

Holly - We absolutely loved it. The freedom and the way of life was so relaxing. It felt like things slowed down and we could all relax doing everything we wanted to do in a home from home.

Dru - This year we also tried our first ever villa holiday in

Spain. We hired a huge villa in the countryside with a big group of friends and we absolutely loved it. We usually do camping holidays, so to us this was a big difference.

Did you get to know the James team while in Cyprus?

Dru - There’s been such a relaxed atmosphere and we’ve met

several different members of staff, who all get on and have a great relationship. This is comforting and shows that the company cares about everyone, including the guests.

Holly - The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the staff and company, whilst still being professional was the best thing about James Villas.

How do you think your lives will change now you’re in our advert?

Dru - I think it will be a bit embarrassing having people ask me if they’ve seen me on TV! (Laughs).

What one item would you bring on a villa holiday?

Ruby - Bring a camera!

James - Yes, bring a camera to capture everything.

David - Bring swimming stuff and load up your kindle or pack

a couple of books.

James - Get ready to chill, because it’s so relaxing.

Holly - Organise a chef to make your stay even more relaxing!

The James family weren’t the only stars of the show...

APHRODITE HILLS SUPERIOR 342 in Cyprus was the backdrop to our TV advert and photoshoot.

6

3

3

FREE A/C

FREE WI-FI

CAR ESSENTIAL

PRIVATE

Watch our advert featuring the J‘ ames family’ on TV and Youtube youtube.com/jamesvillas 27

OUT & ABOUT

Active

Holidays The flights are booked, your villa is waiting, now it’s time to fill your holiday itinerary...

Romantic strolls along the beach and pool days are a must, but how about going on an adventure? Whether you’re a pair of daredevils or you fancy a more chilled day out, you’ll find a great mix of activities across our destinations to get your hearts racing in 2018. From instructor-led fun for all, to slower activities just for two, we have some unique experiences perfect for pairs.

View of Praia do Camilo, Lagos - Algarve

Algarve coast exploration Jump into a new challenge and try your hand at Coasteering. A thrilling coastal experience, it’ll have you scrambling up rocks, jumping from cliffs, and exploring secret sea caves and passages. Lying between Sagres and Lagos, the magnificent Natural Park of Costa Vicentina will be your playground for the day.

When you’re ready to dive in, your instructor will kit you out in all the necessary gear and after a safety briefing you’ll make your way out to sea. Taking videos and photos

28

is encouraged so bring along your GoPro to capture the excitement (and the outfits!).

Nothing screams ‘romantic getaway’ quite like a day in a wetsuit and helmet!

The whole excursion will take around three hours so there’s plenty of time to pluck up courage and try more daring jumps as you make your way around. Book as a couple or join a larger group – either way it’s a great way to test both your limits.

Ponta da Piedade near Lagos - Algarve

OUT & ABOUT Palaichori, Nicosia District - Cyprus

Nature trails in Cyprus

Mallorca on two wheels

If heights aren’t for you, keep your feet on the ground and follow one of the Troodos Mountains’ geological trails. With 10 different routes of various lengths, you can choose one that best suits your level of activity. This mountain range is a result of tectonic plates colliding many, many years ago forcing the oceanic crust into the formation we see today.

Mount Olympus now stands at 1952m high.

Rocks, waterfalls, rare flora and fauna, and many other geological examples are dotted throughout these trails telling the island's history.

Mallorca has infinite routes for you to master on two wheels. From beginners to seasoned pros, cyclists just love this island. Rocky climbs, leisurely sea views and family friendly routes can be found all around.

And what’s more romantic than a great view?

See if you can spot Limassol, Paphos and Nicosia as you trek along the trails. Put your hiking shoes on, pack a picnic and weave your way around these impressive hills.

Looking for a full day of riding? Cycle the flat 40km Llucmajor loop which takes you past orange groves and traditional Mallorcan fincas.

For a more chilled back ride head to Alcudia.

You’ll find the promenade filled with cyclists taking a break from their bikes.

You can rent bikes in all the main towns and if you’re lucky a tandem could be on offer for a romantic ride for two.

Cycle along the promenade near Palma - Mallorca

A round or two on the Silver Coast Switch tea time for tee time at one of the Silver Coast’s amazing golf courses. Rolling sand dunes, green pine forests and uninterrupted sea views set the scene on the Praia D’el Rey golf course.

Abseil Lanzarote’s dam For something a little drier, northern Lanzarote offers an experience like no other.

Not only does the Presa del Mala dam play an important part in the island’s water supply but this 1.1 million cubic metre slab of concrete is a daredevil’s playground.

A day on the green here will have you breathing in the fresh sea air as you take on the 73 par course. If golfing is not for both of you (and you don’t want to take up the role of caddie), the beach is just a stone’s throw away. It really is the best of both worlds.

Under the watchful eye of your guide get hooked up and abseil down the dam’s edge.

Feeling brave? Why not let go of the ropes, lean back on your harness and take in the views as you make your way down. Once you’re at the bottom you’ll be raring to do it all over again.

So go on, start making memories and say yes to some adventure!

29

INSPIRED BY JAMES

The BIG Holiday We asked: ‘What does a BIG Holiday mean to you?’ and you did not disappoint. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried and we’ve even attempted to replicate some of the BIG Holiday competition entries ourselves, but one thing is for sure – you all know how to holiday the James Way. While there could only be one lucky winner of the £3,000 voucher prize, we cherish all of your interpretations on what makes your holiday BIG. With over 1,500 entries to share, we want to show you some of our favourites

AND THE WINNER IS...

Lorraine Morgan who captured this fantastic shot at Los Hervidores on the volcanic island of Lanzarote.

“The inspiration for the photo was an amazing coastline where the waves were crashing over the rocks. I had already taken a few photos of the waves in action then challenged my sons to try and jump in time with the waves. It took us a few attempts but finally managed to get this fabulous photo - all with a simple point and push camera! I am very proud of my camera skills, my boys ability to jump at the right time and the fact that they didn't get wet!”

Inflatables - you either love them or hate them!

30

INSPIRED BY JAMES On your BIG Holiday, live life to the full Sharing precious moments with family and friends

Not taking life too seriously

Celebrating Christmas on the beach

Sometimes a hand drawn picture sums it up better

BIG Holidays are always worth celebrating

Pedalo to the metal

Wherever you are, ice cream is always a must on holiday

Do something different that you’ll never forget

Thank you for all of your amazing entries! Keep sharing your BIG Holiday moments with us on our social channels #TheBigHoliday

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ENTERTAINMENT

i nspiration Destination

TAKE OUR HOLIDAY QUIZ TO FIND A DESTINATION THAT SUITS YOUR STYLE

1

3

From the menu

Pick the dish that leaves your mouth watering...

A SEAFOOD PAELLA B MOUSSAKA C PICI PASTA

D BURGER, HOT DOGS & FRIES

4

2

A

Laying on the beach, drink in hand.

I came, I saw, I sunbathed.

B

Filled with learning. You'll find me at a museum or historic site.

C

Getting back to nature! I'll need an early start, I've got a whole world to explore!

D

One long adrenaline rush - I want to do as many fun activities as I can.

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Pick your perfect film for the plane...

A B C D

Lilo and Stitch Captain Corelli's Mandolin Life of Pi Star Wars: The Force Awakens

What's in your suitcase?

What you pack says a lot about you and how you holiday...

A B

Your perfect day on holiday is...?

Choose your in-flight entertainment

Bucket and spade, sun cream, beach towels and inflatables.

Destination guide, comfortable footwear, camera and a phrasebook.

C

Hiking boots, a small backpack, nature trail guides, insect repellent and a microfibre towel.

D

Poncho, waterproof wallet or bag, wet wipes or sanitiser and a portable phone charger.

ENTERTAINMENT

5

your holiday hashtag Cause some serious holiday envy by sharing your getaway greatness on social media. But which hashtag sums up your holiday best?

MOSTLY

A

Loving that the beach is just a short walk from our villa.

B

I wonder how many monuments and museums we'll

A

#SunSeaAndSand #JamesVillaHolidays

MALLORCA

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE CYPRUS & THE ALGARVE

tick off today … #CultureVultureOnTour #HistoryLover #JamesVillaHolidays

C

Packed my bag and I'm ready to explore. #TheGreatOutdoors #ExploreMore #JamesVillaHolidays

D

Time for some more thrill-seeking for this #Adrenaline Junkie #Action #Adventure #JamesVillaHolidays

6 A B C D

7

MOSTLY

B

your holiday becomes a documentary... who do you pick to present it?

GREECE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE MALTA & SICILY

Choose wisely, it could be a huge success.

Gary Lineker & Caroline Flack Michael Portillo & Alex Polizzi Matt Baker & David Attenborough Steve Backshall & Davina McCall

MOSTLY

C

The view from your villa We know it's hard to choose, as they're all so mesmering. But pick a villa view that fills you with that holiday buzz.

TUSCANY

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE ISTRIA & PROVENCE

b

A

MOSTLY

D

c

FLORIDA

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THE CARIBBEAN

d Manta® at SeaWorld®

33

ENTERTAINMENT

On holiday with Pixie Lott HI PIXIE! HOW WAS MALLORCA? It was slightly different to normal actually as we went to an amazing wedding at the Yacht Club right in Puerto Pollensa. The coastline and beautiful sandy beaches in the north of the island were just amazing.

I love Mallorca especially the north of the island around Pollensa town and Puerto Pollensa. It’s so scenic and beautiful and I love where the sea meets the mountains. As always whenever we visit Pollensa we go to the Son Brull Hotel & Spa for amazing cocktails at the seated outside bar area followed a fabulous meal overlooking the swimming pool and rolling hills with vineyards. It’s one of my favourite spots, plus they have a fantastic spa.

HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF STAYING IN VILLA SON FERRAGUT DE BAIX? I loved everything about it! This would be my dream villa to own! It was quiet and overlooked olive groves with mountains in the background. It was so big, bright and airy along with total privacy.

FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THIS VILLA? My favourite things about this villa would have to be the outside pool area and the main bedroom with ensuite.

34

“This would be my dream villa to own!”

Singing sensation Pixie Lott is no stranger to a BIG Holiday.

So, when she decided to take not only one but two getaways with James Villas, we couldn’t have been more excited!

We caught up with Pixie on living the villa lifestyle in Mallorca and Ibiza.

Villa Son Ferragut de Baix, Mallorca

ENTERTAINMENT

Villa Martona, Ibiza

PIXIE’S VILLA MOMENTS...

“...together enjoying a barbecue with music, playing games or having fun in the pool! ” TELL US ABOUT YOUR IBIZA HOLIDAY. Going with my family to Ibiza was a mixture of late nights combined with chilled out days! My family and I went on an amazing boat trip to Formentera for more of a chilled day and had a fantastic lunch at Juan y Andrea. I even did yoga on the beach at Aiyanna.

Ibiza is alive with fun and parties!

There are lots of cool clubs and fun music bars.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THIS VILLA? My favourite thing about Villa Martona would be the outside pool area and the resident huge gold swan in the pool!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS THAT YOU SIMPLY CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT? Suncream, sunglasses, swimwear, my fiancé and family!

TELL US YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY MEMORY. My favourite holiday memory would probably be when I went to the Florida Keys and Disney World with my late Nanny Martin, Grandad Martin, Mum, Dad, sister CharlieAnn and brother Steve. Disney is such a magical place and one of my favourites.

WHERE ARE YOU OFF TO ON YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY? My next holiday will be to Val d’Isère in France. Every Christmas my family, fiancé and I go skiing - it’s such great fun!

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND JAMES VILLAS?

pixielott Mallorca

WHAT MAKES A VILLA A GREAT CHOICE? Hiring a villa is something that my family and I love as it gives you privacy and allows you to all be together enjoying a barbecue with music, playing games or having fun in the pool! pixielott sunshine state of mind @jamesvillas #OurMoments #Pollenca

I would definitely recommend James Villas and would travel with them again. Our Travel Adviser Alexis was very polite and efficient at organising everything including car hire.

The Villa Managers were great at both villas but Laura really was amazing in Ibiza, nothing was any problem for her.

PIXIE’S LATEST SINGLE...

Won’t forget you

Listen...

pixielott.lnk.to/WontForgetYou

Watch...

youtube.com/pixieofficial

35

TRAVEL FEATURE

Exploring

Istria

Rovinj

Once overlooked by holidaymakers, Croatia now features high on Mediterranean wish lists. Split and Dalmatia are up there with the most prized European cities of course, but in hot pursuit of its popular neighbours is Istria.

Seek out secret side streets in Rovinj

Fly to Pula from LONDON GATWICK ... 2HRS 10MINS LONDON STANSTED ... 2HRS 15MINS LEEDS BRADFORD ... 2HRS 35 MINS MANCHESTER ... 2HRS 40MINS EDINBURGH ... 2HRS 50MINS Holidays to Istria depart on

SATURDAY

Fall in love with this heart shaped peninsula’s unique culture. While the atmosphere is nonchalant, the passionate locals are anything but. Setting themselves aside from other Croats, being Istrian is something to shout about! With picturesque towns set on the Adriatic Sea and rural villages inland creating a beautiful melting pot for escapism, you can hardly wonder at them placing their pedestal so high.

g

Penned by our very own Danielle Cheney

36

TRAVEL FEATURE

Discover...

Enjoy ...

Rovinj

Truffle hunting

Fishing port Rovinj resembles a model town.

Colourful buildings line the waterfront and the cobbled streets wind between packedin houses. Towering over this Venetian old town is the Church of St Euphemia and its magnificent bell tower. Follow one of the cobbled streets to the top and the reward is a view definitely worth the walk!

Wander the local markets and you’ll come away ladened with delicious, fresh produce - ideal for cooking up back at your villa.

Being by the turquoise tones of the Adriatic also means when (and if!) you tire of the culture and pretty sights, you can relax on one of its shingle beaches.

Search the fields of Istria for truffles, one of the most prized foods on Earth. Join a professional truffle hunter, like those from the Karlić family, who’ll take you out to their land in Paladini with trained dogs to sniff out these treasures.

Pula

Pula amphitheatre

Sitting pretty at Istria’s southernmost point is the largest city, Pula. Bursting with history and beauty, its pride and joy is its Roman amphitheatre. Pula Arena dates back to 27BC and is the only one remaining to have four side towers, making it one of Croatia’s proudest monuments. Festivals and concerts take place here during the summer months.

Pula is also home to the world’s biggest collection of amphora - containers used to transport wine, olive oil and sometimes dry goods. An amphora collection sits under the amphitheatre, but you can find preserved pots all over the capital - even pieces of pottery on the beach!

Commercial and bustling, Pula is more urban than Croatia’s other cities, but it still retains a small town charm. it’s no surprise that an air of sophistication carries through the island.

Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park

Take the ferry from Fazana and cruise to the hidden paradise that is Brijuni National Park.

Made up of 14 islands, visitors are allowed on just one - Veliki Brijun. Will you wander at your leisure, hire a golf buggy, or hop on the miniature train? Either way, you’re about to discover a real gem, as the elite of the celebrity world already know. Big names flock to a handful of exclusive haunts on Veliki, so

If classy lunches by the water just aren’t you, don’t fear. The attractions on the island are endless! Get up close to wild animals in the safari area, visit the boat house (complete with interactive museum), or just cruise around taking in the stunning views.

There’s also a Jurassic Park-style experience that kids will love. Cleverly guarded by daunting gates, the dinosaur area is brandished with warning signs: “No riding the T-Rex”! Venture in and take the nature walk along the rocky cove, find real dinosaur footprints along the way and look out for the life-sized T-Rex.

If you’re lucky enough to come across a truffle, take it back to the tasting area and tuck in to several wonderful ways of enjoying them. Truffle cheese drizzled with honey, scrambled eggs with grated truffle, and pasta dishes topped with this treat are some of the best. For dessert try the traditional Istrian ‘Fritule’, sweet bite sized donuts, fried and deliciously dipped in white or dark chocolate spread with truffle. Finish off with a glass of cherry grappa for the complete experience!

Wine tasting

Istria is fast becoming a celebrated wine region. Local producers are winning international awards left, right, and centre, as they prove themselves among their famous Italian and French winegrowing counterparts.

Family run wineries are dotted across the region, so an Istrian wine tasting experience is a must! Damjanic Winery offers a sampling session starting with easy to drink whites, up to their intense fruity reds.

Olive oil tasting

The northernmost olive tree growing area and Mediterranean climate means Istria is perfectly placed to know a thing or two about good olive oil. Family run olive oil production is as much of a way of life as winegrowing, and the passion of producers from the region is reflected in the taste.

In Fazana you can visit the home of Chiavalong Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Take a seat in the stylish, dedicated tasting room to sample their lovingly made and now hugely popular oil with some delicious bites. Sample the green, spicy, bitter and fruity tones, stored in dark glass bottles to stop the exposure to light changing the flavour. We bet you can’t resist taking a bottle or two home!

DISCOVER ISTRIA WITH 53 HANDPICKED VILLAS IN THE REGION TO CHOOSE FROM

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LET US TAKE CARE OF THE LITTLE THINGS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO...

Choose from over 2900 handpicked properties across 50 destinations. Plus, we’ll organise all your holiday extras - packaged to suit you.

ABTA No.W3940

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Villa Blue, Corfu

THE

LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A

BIG HOLIDAY

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK

0800 970 44 64

33

FOOD & DRINK

‘warmers‘

‘

‘

winter

RECIPES TO WARM THE HEART FROM CHARLIE CLAPP

Spice up your winter menu with comforting dishes inspired by our destinations. Food stylist and recipe writer Charlie Clapp takes your taste buds on a trip to Greece, France, Morocco and Portugal. What’s better than a big portion of something delicious to warm your belly when dreaming of hotter temperatures?

Mou ss 40

ak a -

The w o r ld’s mo st p op ular G

h s i d r eek

FOOD & DRINK

Greek moussaka French tartiflette SERVES 4

SERVES 6

For the ragu: 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the aubergines 1 large onion 2 cloves garlic 1 sprig rosemary, leaves picked 5 fresh sage leaves 1 tsp dried oregano 600g lamb mince Glass of red wine 2 x 400g tins whole tomatoes

2 medium aubergines 3 medium potatoes For the white sauce: 50g butter 50g flour 500ml milk Good grating of nutmeg 1 large free range egg 25g pecorino cheese 50g feta cheese

1 Heat the oil in a large pan. Finely chop the onion and garlic, add to the pan and stir well. Roughly chop the herbs and add to the pan with the dried oregano. Stir and allow to gently cook on a low heat for 10 minutes until softened. Turn the heat up high and add the lamb mince. Break it up with your spoon and stir regularly allowing the meat to brown.

2 Pour in the wine and bubble away until it’s reduced slightly. Add the tins of tomatoes with a good splash of water and stir everything together well. Bring up to a boil then reduce the heat and allow to gently bubble away for an hour. Season to taste.

1.5kg floury potatoes such as King Edwards or Maris Piper Knob of butter 200g smoked streaky bacon 1 large onion 3 cloves garlic 300g Reblochon or Raclette cheese Glass of white wine 100ml double cream Sprigs of rosemary Fresh salad, to serve 1 Peel and slice the potatoes into thin slices and drop into a pan of boiling salted water for 2 minutes. Drain and lay the slices out on a tray or kitchen paper so they dry and cool.

2 Meanwhile put the butter in a pan over a medium heat until melted. Slice the bacon into lardons and add. Stir and

allow to cook and turn golden for a few minutes then finely slice the onion and crush the garlic and add to the butter.

Cook over a low heat for 10 minutes until soft and translucent.

3 Heat the oven to 180°C. In a mediumsized ovenproof dish arrange a generous amount of potatoes over the bottom. Scatter over some of the garlic and onion mix. Slice the cheese and lay a third over the potatoes or drizzle over some cream and wine. Season. Then repeat the layers until you have used up all the ingredients finishing with a layer of cheese. Top with rosemary and pop in the oven, bake for 1 hour until golden and bubbling. If it’s getting too brown then cover with foil. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 15 minutes to cool slightly.

4 Serve with fresh crunchy salad.

3 Meanwhile, heat a splash of oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Slice the aubergines lengthways into 1/2cm slices and fry in batches on each side for 1 minute until golden. Set aside on kitchen towel to soak away any residual oil. Peel and slice the potatoes and plunge them into boiling salted water for 2 minutes then drain and lay out to dry and cool.

4 To make the white sauce heat the butter in a pan until melted, add the flour and give it a vigorous stir so it’s well mixed. Over a low heat very slowly add the milk, stirring constantly until you have a lovely smooth sauce. Turn the heat up slightly and allow to boil – stirring constantly to avoid any lumps – for 5 minutes to cook out the flour. Stir in the feta and whisk in the egg. Season to taste with salt, pepper and some finely grated nutmeg.

5 Preheat the oven to 180°C. 6 To assemble, line the bottom of a large baking dish or oven tray with the potatoes. Pour over half the ragu and line the top with half the aubergines. Pour over the remaining ragu and layer with the remaining aubergines. Pour over the white sauce – using a spoon to push it over to create an even layer all over the moussaka. Finely grate over the pecorino. Then bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until bubbling and golden. Remove and leave to rest and settle for 15 minutes then serve.

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FOOD & DRINK

Portuguese fish stew SERVES 4

Moroccan spiced vegetable tagine G saffron

SERVES 4

2 medium aubergines 1 medium sweet potato 2 large carrots 1 tsp paprika 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp turmeric 2 tsp ground cinnamon Large pinch saffron 2 tsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 1 Mix the dried spices together and heat gently over a low heat for 30 seconds or until aromatic and set aside.

2 Begin with the tomato sauce. Finely chop the onions, crush the garlic and peel and finely grate the ginger. Add 2 tbsp of the olive oil and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes until softened. Turn up the heat and add the tomatoes, chickpeas and their water, roughly chop the apricots and add together with half the spices. Allow to come to the boil, season well then put the lid on. Allow to slowly bubble away for at least 45 minutes, stirring regularly until the sauce is rich and thickened.

3 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Meanwhile, peel and cut the carrots and sweet potato into 2cm thick ‘fingers’. Repeat with the courgettes but without peeling. Tumble into a roasting tray, toss with the remaining spices and drizzle over with the remaining 2 tbsp

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Thumb sized piece fresh ginger (or 1 tsp dried ginger substitute) 1 x 400g tin whole tomatoes 1 x 400g tin chickpeas 140g garden peas 100g dried apricots 1 tbsp honey Handful of coriander and mint leaves 300g couscous 500ml vegetable stock for the saffron sauce + 400ml vegetable stock for the couscous olive oil. Place in the oven for 30-45 minutes until the vegetables are golden and cooked.

4 Meanwhile, put the saffron in a small dish and pour over 2 tbsp of the hot stock and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. After the required time, remove the vegetables from the oven and pour over the saffron, all the stock and the peas. Return to the oven for 5 minutes then remove and season to taste.

5 5 minutes before you’re ready to serve pour over enough hot stock to cover the couscous, if you have any left over then pour into your sauce, season and add a splash of olive oil then cover with a tea towel and leave for 5 minutes. Remove the tea towel after 5 minutes then fluff through with a fork.

6 Serve everything separately; the saffron vegetables in a bowl scattered with chopped mint and coriander, the rich Moroccan spiced tomato sauce and the couscous.

2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion 3 cloves garlic 1 red pepper Handful coriander and parsley 1 red chilli 2 bay leaves 1 large potato Glass of dry sherry Good pinch saffron 1 x 400g tin whole tomatoes 600g white skinless and boneless fish 350g large prawns 500g cleaned mussels 300g squid 1 Heat the oil in a very large pan. Finely chop the onion and garlic, add to the pan.

Deseed and chop the red pepper into small chunks, finely chop the stalks of the parsley and coriander and add. Stir to combine. Deseed (or not depending how spicy you like it) and finely chop the chilli and add. Allow the whole lot to cook over a low heat for 10 minutes until soft. Throw in the bay leaves.

2 Peel and chop the potato into 2cm chunks and add to the pan with the sherry and saffron. Stir and bubble away for a minute or until reduced slightly. Pour in the tinned tomatoes. Using a wooden spoon break up the tomatoes and bubble over a gentle heat for a further 10 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Cut the white fish into bite sized chunks and carefully push into the stew along with the remaining fish.

3 Put the lid on and cook for 6-8 minutes until the fish is flaky, the prawns are cooked, the mussels are open and squid is tender. Remove any un-opened mussels and discard. Scatter with chopped coriander and parsley and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some bread to mop up the juices.

More recipes can be found online at

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK/ BLOG

FOOD & DRINK

Cata p la

e m o s r u o v a l f d n - heart y a w e t s P o r t u g u e s e f is h

na

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OUT & ABOUT

Love is in the air

Our favourite songs follow us in life like great memories. Feelings are sparked when you hear a catchy tune reminding you of a special time, place - or even a person. Holidays follow the same formula. Senses and sounds bring back fond memories long after you’ve returned home.

Whether it’s your first time away together, you’ve managed to carve out some free time in a hectic schedule, or the kids have gone off to uni – there’s always an excuse for a holiday for two. Add in a villa and the stage is set for a romantic break away. With plenty of properties for two across our collections, we bring you a few of our favourites. In these destinations one thing is guaranteed, romance is everywhere you look around…

Puglia

It’s simply not possible to write about romance without including the passionate Italian way of life. Puglia is an expert in love, the perfect playground for indulging your other half.

Visit the hilltop town of Locorotondo - it even sounds romantic, doesn’t it? Rated as one of the most beautiful spots in Italy, wander the ivory stone streets and marvel at the perfection of white-washed houses decorated with flowers.

Peaceful and picturesque, it’s the ideal spot for a stroll arm in arm. Be sure to stop at the Church of Madonna della Greca right in the heart of town.

Puglia is known for its red wine, so raise a toast to each other and indulge in a glass or two during a tasting session.

But, if it’s the ultimate romantic experience you’ve been searching for, then head to the Puglia coast and set sail with your own private boat from Polignano.

Polignano a Mare along the Puglia coast

Fall in love with...

Cobbled streets of Locorotondo

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TRULLO CUPIDO is the perfect retreat for couples, as the name suggests. Located just outside the town of Locorotondo, this restored traditional trulli house is truly meant for two.

OUT & ABOUT

© La Posidonia, Spa, Ibiza

Ibiza

Ibiza has waved goodbye to its party image, and is now the island of choice for couples looking to fall in love all over again.

Chic and laid-back, super-stylish holidaymakers jet to Ibiza for the pick of the beaches, pinetree forests and fine eateries.

Aside from beach days and romantic dinners, the Cascadas Suspendidas has to be Ibiza’s most romantic offering.

A collection of eight different pools interconnected by waterfalls sit high on the Na Xamena clifftops, with spectacular views over the Mediterranean. This outdoor thalassotherapy treatment cannot fail to relax you and regenerate every single muscle in your body. Each pool is a different depth and heat, containing air jets that gently massage you from head to toe as you complete the 45 minute circuit – bliss!

Fall in love with...

Surrounded by pretty, well-kept gardens, VILLA SES SAVINES is a romantic bolthole two kilometres from the charming village of San Juan. The master bedroom has a balcony looking out over beautiful countryside.

In need of some extra pampering? Book other treatments at the La Posidonia Spa and stay for lunch.

Ithaka

The picture-perfect Greek island of Ithaka can only be reached by boat from nearby Kefalonia.

Take advantage of this peaceful island, leave the busy life, the crowds and the hectic schedule behind and take a ‘back to basics’ holiday. It’s the perfect location to focus on just the two of you.

Fall in love with...

Greek King of Ithaka King Ulysses was legendary, living on the island with his wife Penelope to enjoy the simple and natural pleasures still on offer today. Swim in the crystal clear Ionian waters, stop for freshly cooked local produce in a taverna, and explore the quaint villages. No set agenda required.

Marina at Vathy

Secluded Ionian bay

VILLA PISO AETOS VIEW sits on the hillside with views over the tiny port and bay of Piso Aetos, Kefalonia captures your eye in this distance. Dipping into the pool you feel as though you’re floating on the horizon. If you can bear to leave the villa, it’s the perfect base for exploring Ithaka.

ACROSS OUR DESTINATIONS WE HAVE OVER 500 COSY VILLAS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR COUPLES, OFFERING ALL THE SPACE, PRIVACY AND FREEDOM TO ENJOY A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY JUST FOR TWO.

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TRAVEL FEATURE

My

Kefalonia ia

We can all remember our first holiday without mum or dad. That sense of freedom together with the nervous energy of getting to the airport and on a plane all by ourselves. My love affair with Kefalonia started when I flew the parental holiday nest and stood on my own two feet as an adult. Stepping out of the plane into sunshine and a warm breeze, any apprehension washed away as the feeling of wanderlust took over. I had arrived in Kefalonia.

Kefalonia, Cephalonia or Kefallinia (whichever you prefer) is part of the Ionian island group, nestled between Zakynthos and Lefkas. The 254km coastline is coupled with a mountain higher than Ben Nevis and it’s a true paradise for lovers of beaches, hidden coves, epic scenery and calm azure seas. I was awestruck.

My holiday there was also my first experience of driving a car abroad. Carefully easing myself out of the car park I kept telling myself: ‘Susie in the middle, Susie in the middle’. For a newcomer to driving on the right, the beauty of this magnificent scenery kept me firmly in the driving seat. I couldn’t wait to see what was round the next bend or over the next hill!

Driving in Greece is a little like taking a step back in time. On smaller roads most locals will tend to stick in the centre as there are no pavements, leaving room either side for people and more interestingly livestock. In fact it’s not uncommon to find yourself tailgating a herd of sheep or goats as the farmer moves them from one field to another - this became a warm familiar sight of island life here. Plus, despite being the largest island of the group there’s very few people in sight, so it’s like having the place to yourself (and the sheep of course!).

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Fiskardo

Kefalonia is defined by its three unique and rugged coastlines. The picture perfect Venetian town of Fiskardo sits in the north, where pastel coloured hamlets sparkle beside the water.

The south eastern beach resort of Skala is a vast expanse of Blue Flag awarded sand and shingle. Over in the west the coastline is split

TRAVEL FEATURE by a gulf between the capital Argostoli and the neighbouring town of Lixouri.

The joy of driving meant we managed to cruise around the island and see all three. We took in the enchanting Melissani Caves and sunbathed on one of the world’s best beaches - Myrtos Bay. Stopping for a snack and to meander around in Argostoli, we noticed people by the harbour wall taking photographs. On inspection we discovered why. Huge wild loggerhead turtles were circling the fishermen’s boats for tasty titbits. It’s hard to explain just how jam packed Kefalonia is with wonderful experiences.

The towering Mount Ainos peaks at 1628m above sea level and is visible from pretty much everywhere on the island. Griffon vultures and owl eagles can be seen overhead, circling high above wild horses, indigenous violet orchids and ancient monasteries. A national park since the sixties, ‘Ainos’ is conquered by car, and boy what a drive! The last part is taken by foot on well-established paths and the view from the top is well worth the small hike.

Myrtos Bay

The walk had our tummies grumbling. So passing through the small tucked away villages we opted for one of the many traditional Greek tavernas offering ‘proper’ Greek salad, a heady combination of fresh fish, local stews like beef stifado, and traditional Kefalonian meat pie.

In the foothills of the mountain we also found the Robola Wine Cooperative. After swirling and sipping the red, a bottle or two was purchased to be enjoyed back at our villa.

Since that first holiday I considered it ‘My Kefalonia’, responsible for igniting a fire in me that has fuelled my passion to explore countries and cultures ever since. My second visit did not disappoint - it was exactly as I remembered and still felt like ‘My Kef’. Every Greek island offers something different and for me this is definitely the best. Perhaps one day it will become your Kefalonia.

Penned by our very own Susie Goss

My love affair with Kefalonia started in part because it was the first holiday on my own that exceeded all expectations. But the car I decided to hire at the last minute because ‘that’s what adults do’ really made it memorable.

I hoped that the place in my heart I held it so dearly would not let me down when I returned recently with the James team. Did I remember the island through rose tinted glasses?

Mount Ainos

Fly to Kefalonia airport from...

L O N D O N

G A T W I C K

3 H R S

3 0 M I N S

L O N D O N

S T A N S T E D

3 H R S

4 5 M I N S

M A N C H E S T E R

3 H R S

4 5 M I N S

E D I N B U R G H

4 H R S

5 M I N S

t Tues, Sa n u &S

Holidays to Kefalonia depart on

TUESDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

We have over 90 VILLAS in Kefalonia

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Valletta OUT & ABOUT

European Capital of Culture 2018 Penned by our very own Bethan Evans

Valletta takes the European Capital of Culture crown in 2018. Expect this tiny walled city to come alive with an unmissable line-up of events, telling the stories of past, present and future Malta.

Elegant and packed with historic gems, Valletta is worth a visit on any Malta getaway. But to mark this extra special year, 2018 promises to bring music, theatre, film and the arts to its charming cobbled streets. So there’s even more reason to stop by!

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IT’S GOING TO BE A YEARLONG FIESTA, SO WITH SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO WE BRING YOU OUR TOP PICKS FROM THIS CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA. VALLETTA GREEN FESTIVAL

SCIENCE IN THE CITY

Date: 4th - 6th May 2018

Date: 28th September 2018

Location: St. George’s Square, Valletta

Location: City Gate, Valletta

A new addition to Valletta’s calendar in recent years, this annual festival transforms the urban capital into a carpet of colour. And 2018 is set to be its biggest yet. In a city made mostly of bricks and mortar, locals are encouraged to create their own green spaces, led by example with an explosion of floral splendour. Over 80,000 potted plants will cover the square in a huge floral installation – you won’t want to miss it. Wander the secret gardens at the Archbishop’s Palace otherwise not open to the public.

Malta’s science and arts festival comes to the capital for one evening only. From City Gate to St. George’s Square, scientific encounters will line the route to delight visitors of all ages. The street art, science busking, music, children’s puppet shows, live experiments, talks, theatre and much more is all free to be enjoyed.

VALLETTA FILM FESTIVAL Date: 16th - 25th June 2018 Location: City wide Crime, romcoms, thrillers – whatever genre makes you take a seat with a tub of popcorn, you’re sure to find it at the Valletta Film Festival!

Open-air cinemas perfect for balmy evenings will show films, documentaries and shorts from all over the world as they compete to be named ‘best in show’. With over 90 screenings, Valletta will be a film buffs must see in June.

VALLETTA PAGEANT OF THE SEAS Date: 7th June 2018 Location: Grand Harbour, Valletta Pomp and circumstance meets modern culture in this amazing seafront spectacle. Take a seat along Valletta’s Grand Harbour waterfront for whacky races, carnival floats, a regatta of yachts and much more. Or jump on a boat yourself for a front row view! And as the sun sets it really comes alive as fireworks are set off to the sound of canons from the historic city walls. It’s a must see.

ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT Date: 1st June - 12th September 2018 Location: Citadella, Gozo Island of Enchantment is a Gozitan musical created, performed and directed by citizens of Gozo and runs for 8 weeks in the summer. Island life is told through singing and dancing in this enchanting and powerful production. Take the ferry and visit beautiful Gozo for the day, fitting in a show before heading back to the Maltese capital for lots of other events.

Images provided by Malta Tourist Board and Valletta 2018 Foundation.

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FASHION, BEAUTY & WELLBEING

Villa Coral Blue, Marina del Cantone - Amalfi Coast

WINTER BLUES

Calming, tranquil, fresh - the colour of the sea and sky takes on a whole new meaning in our favourite winter blues pictures.

Aquarela, Garajau - Madeira

Villa Morango, Eden Resort - Algarve

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FASHION, BEAUTY & WELLBEING Villa Mirante II, Olhos d’Agua - Algarve

Villa Azul, Corralejo - Fuerteventura

Buddha, Playa Blanca - Lanzarote

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FASHION, BEAUTY & WELLBEING

MORNING MOMENTS

YOGA BY THE POOL

Mornings can be busy, but on holiday there’s no need for breakfast to go and no train to catch. Sit down with your tea or coffee, take a sip and savour the moment. Prepare your breakfast slowly and eat it slowly. It’s all about reducing the pace right down to get you into holiday mode. Take your breakfast al fresco by the pool or on the terrace and start the day with a breath of fresh air.

The choice is yours, but take it easy.

You don’t need to be a bendy pretzel to enjoy the benefits of yoga. By embracing a little poolside yoga before bed, you can give yourself the best holiday gift ever - a good night’s sleep! You can unwind, stretch tight muscles and increase your flexibility at the same time. Forward folds are great for inducing a sleep-like state and these four simple poses can be practiced every day. Hold each pose for 10 breaths and repeat each twice:

Good

ng

m or n i

Ultimate unwinding

MEDITATION

Even if you wake up groggy, 10 minutes of meditation first thing will make you spring to life. Starting a meditation routine on a villa holiday is ideal as you have no schedules or alarms. Download the headspace app and use their free ‘how to’ guide to keep you focused, optimistic and at peace. It’ll guide you through all of the steps. Simply listen as it goes through how to sit, where to be, the meditations and visualisations.

GET INTO HOLIDAY MODE WITH MINDFULNESS PRACTICES Phoebe Greenacre is a travel and wellness blogger who has clocked up 51 countries on her travels. She brings mindfulness practices and her yoga teaching everywhere she goes. Now she’s bringing you five easy tips to help make your next James Villas holiday your most relaxing one yet…

Your flights are booked, the villa is waiting - all you need to do is arrive and unwind.

As easy as that sounds, switching into holiday mode can be hard for some of us.

Life is busy after all, and we always seem to be ticking off a never ending to-do list! But, it’s time to enjoy your hard earned freedom and the sooner you unwind, the sooner you can make the most of it. Luckily for you these simple techniques will help you destress, unravel and take it easy.

VISIT PHOEBE’S BLOG AT

WOODANDLUXE.COM FOR MORE TRAVEL TIPS & WELLNESS TECHNIQUES.

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• Wide Leg Forward Fold • Sitting Forward Bend • Standing Forward Fold • Child’s Pose

e s o p s ' d l chi BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

Deep, mindful breathing exercises in a beautiful, quiet location can be the perfect way to unwind into the holiday mindset.

It helps your muscles relax, delivers oxygen around the body and releases those wonderful endorphins! A simple exercise is to breathe in slowly for five counts, hold for two, and then breathe out for five counts.

Find a nice spot by the pool or the beach, close your eyes and breathe.

DIGITAL DETOX Disconnecting from life’s stresses can pretty much be solved by hitting the off button on your devices. Flick on the ‘Out Of Office’ message as soon as you leave work and tell your coworkers that you’re not going to have reception. The sooner you stop checking your inbox or social notifications, the sooner you can settle in to your chill out time. See how many days you can keep them switched off.

Holidays that aren’t a la carte...

THE

LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A

BIG HOLIDAY

ABTA No.W3940

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK 0800 970 44 64

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Holiday FASHION, BEAUTY & WELLBEING

ON TREND

What’s next in holiday fashion? Stay ahead of the trends with our round-up of the hottest wardrobe picks for your 2018 getaway. From an exclusive look at the catwalk’s favourite colours, to must-pack accessories, we bring you the latest styles to shop.

Watercult Beach Roundie Towel

Sunseeker Fancy Solids Triangle £42 Fancy Solids Hipster £32 Melissa Odabash Bronze Flip Flops £60

EARTHY TONES

Pour Moi? Barcelona Padded Halter £28 Barcelona Brief £16

Opt for classic khakis, terracotta reds and soft blues by the beach for Spring Summer 2018. These muted shades will suit every skin tone and ensure you’re on trend in any destination.

Pour Moi? Barcelona Rope Top Barcelona Brief

£27 £16

£75

Ted Baker Plains Bandeau Swimsuit

£80

Watercult Indigo Shorts

£59

Watercult Indigo Tunic

£89

54 Shop the feature today at SIMPLYBEACH.COM

Pour Moi? Barcelona Rope Suit

£39

JOIN OUR TRIBE Go bold with pattern in ethnic prints inspired by traditional techniques and kaleidoscopic shapes. Striking monochrome or a splash of colour, this trend is a favourite for next summer.

Seafolly Indian Summer Action Back Tri £48 High Waisted Pant £53

Sunseeker Jungle Chalk Crop Top Hipster

£33

£51

Freya Texas Rose Plunge Bikini Top Bikini Brief

£23

£36

Sunseeker Rustic Craft Beach Dress

£76

DARING DETAILS Show a hint of skin with the hottest swimwear styles for Spring Summer 2018. Cut outs, mesh and added straps are huge trends. So snap up these pieces now, perfect for showing off your shape.

Watercult Urban Rib Zip Front Swimsuit £109

Watercult Batik Twist Cross Front Halter Cut Out Hipster

£59 £39

Watercult Pour Moi? Urban Rib Ladder Detail Glamazon Scoop Neck Top Swimsuit £109 Boy Short £18

£26

BACK TO NATURE Stick with neutral straw bags and hats paired with accents of brown and bronze for a timeless poolside look on your next holiday.

Ashiana Katie Bracelet £31.50 Ashiana Autumn Necklace £48

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FREE UK DELIVERY CODE: BEACHJV17

Melissa Odabash Jemima Hat £112 Seafolly Woven Tote £66 Enter at checkout. Minimum spend £30.

Heidi Klein Carlisle Bay Raffia Fedora £95 Seafolly Beach Bag £54 Valid until 28.02.2018. Visit www.simplybeach.com

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TRAVEL FEATURE

SCAM SAVVY

HOLIDAY BOOKING

It’s every holidaymaker’s worst nightmare. Your hard-earned holiday savings ending up in the hands of a fraudster. Over £7 million was lost to travel industry impostors in 2016, hitting the pockets of over 6,000 unsuspecting victims. So being scam savvy has never been more important! There’s plenty you can do to protect yourself – follow our tips and travel in confidence.

ABTA & ATOL Make sure that you’re booking with ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) members. This means that you’re covered if there’s an issue with your travel provider, protecting the money you’ve spent on your getaway whether you are yet to depart or are already abroad.

HTTPS

If there’s an issue with your provider before you travel, you’ll get a refund on what you’ve paid. And if you’re already abroad? No problem, accommodation and flights home would be covered. You’re never stranded or

out of pocket with ABTA and ATOL protected package holidays – even if you might feel like you could stay on the beach forever!

ABTA No.W3940 But beware, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated. Their slick websites might even include the ABTA or ATOL logos, making it look like the real deal. So if anything seems suspicious, simply get in touch with ABTA or ATOL. Checking the provider you are booking with is a genuine member will put your mind at ease – all you need is the ABTA or ATOL number they’re advertising. If you want a practice run before you book, why not look up James Villas? Our ABTA number is W3940 and our ATOL number is 2730. Holidaymakers one, fraudsters nil.

WHERE TO CHECK ABTA & ATOL BONDED COMPANIES ABTA: abta.com/find-a-member ATOL: caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection

But, if you book accommodation and flights separately you may not be fully covered.

Which brings us nicely onto the next tip…

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TRAVEL FEATURE

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY AS A PACKAGE Booking everything under one roof means hassle-free holiday planning, but it also offers an extra level of protection. You just don’t get the same guarantees on a DIY holiday by booking flights, accommodation and holiday extras independently.

Imagine travelling to your destination and everything is fine, picking up the hire car with no problems, only to arrive at your accommodation and find the booking for your villa was a scam.

The genuine villa owner may have no record of your booking, or the villa may not even exist!

Finding another place to stay and footing the bill is not the first day around the pool you had planned.

Package holidays booked with ABTA and ATOL members are completely financially secure.

But if you book everything independently then you won’t be covered by the ABTA and ATOL benefits. Plus, the Package Travel Regulations demand holiday packages are advertised honestly, and travel companies provide the holiday described. So there’s even more reason to play it safe and book everything together with a reputable travel operator.

WEBSITE SECURITY & BROWSER VERIFICATION Protect your big holiday fund by checking that the website you’re using is secure.

After all, this is where you’ll be entering your personal details and payment information.

Many unlucky holidaymakers have been caught out by searching for villa holidays online, browsing beautiful villa pictures on websites that seem genuine, only to enter their card details and send their money straight to a criminal’s bank account.

So now we’ve reached the point where we need to get technical. But bear with us! Just a few handy steps can go a long way to staying savvy online. If you can spot ‘HTTPS’ in the website URL, that’s a big thumbs up. It’s the ‘s’ on the end that’s important – it stands for ‘secure’ and means that the website is safe to use. HTTPS sites encrypt the information sent between the browser you’re using and the website. Then look out for a padlock and green text in the URL – this combination is your sign that the website can be trusted. This means that a digital certificate has been downloaded, verifying the company and their website.

Still in doubt about whether the website or a villa company you’re in touch with are genuine?

Avoid inputting payment or passport information.

You might be booking your holiday on the go, so keep these tips in mind when browsing on your mobile too.

96

%

OF 8869 CUSTOMERS WOULD USE JAMES VILLA HOLIDAYS AGAIN

READ THE REVIEWS Doing your research will give you extra holiday security and priceless peace of mind. It’s time to get ahead of the scammers! Reading customer reviews and investigating a company online puts you in the know. And it’s even more reassuring when this feedback comes from genuine customers - people who’ve tried and tested the service and feel strongly enough to have their say.

PR YO O T E C U T

BY R S E L SC BE F A M ING SA VV Y!

That’s why we work with the independent review service Reevoo. Every time you read feedback on our website, it comes from genuine James Villa Holidays customers. We don’t get to pick and choose which reviews appear - what you see is what you get!

These are honest accounts and the numbers speak for themselves.

96% of our customers would book with us again, so you know that you’re in safe hands with James. They’re the ones who’ve been there and seen it – so be sure to read their recommendations.

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‘Festival

‘

‘

ENTERTAINMENT

l l a b Fo o t of

The World Cup in Russia 2018

Summer 2018 is promising to be a festival of football, but that’s no reason to put your travel plans on hold. A villa holiday could be just the ticket to get close to the action! From villas with football facilities or academies next door, to stadium tours and museum visits, the footballing tourist will be in seventh heaven with one of our villa holidays.

VILLAS FOR FOOTBALL FANS Imagine staying in a villa with a pitch of its own where you can run around in the sun and imitate your favourite player. Well, we have three fantastic properties where you can do just that. Villa Diana in Crete, Casa de Pedra in Portugal’s Costa Verde and Casa Jasmin in the Algarve all have either a multi-purpose or football pitches attached to the property.

Just keep the rivalry friendly! We don’t want any holiday fallings out La Manga Club, Costa Calida

If your love of football doesn’t translate into sporting excellence however, fear not. No red cards, no offside rule and just a controversial no-spinning rule - we are of course talking about table football!

With 22 painted figures under your control you can stage your own mini tournament as you battle to become table football king or queen of the villa. Kick off a 2 vs 2 or 4 vs 4 match in more than 130 of our villas.

Villa Diana, Crete

VILLAS WITH FOOTBALL ACADEMIES NEARBY

La Manga Club on Spain’s Costa Calida is internationally renowned for its football academy and is the place to stay when it comes to footballing pedigree. But there are two other Holiday Resorts in our collection that offer stiff competition. The Santo Antonio Resort in the Algarve and Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus both run football academies for budding soccer starlets.

The kids will be happy, the parents get some peace, so surely Villa Superior 334 Aphrodite Hills, Cyrus everyone’s a winner here?

Why not book your 2018 holiday to coincide with next year’s World Cup? Follow the Three Lions as they battle to win! Tournament starts 14 June.

OUT AND ABOUT FOR THE FOOTBALLING TOURIST Any diehard football fan needs to have these three excursions on their travel bucket list…

The ultimate footballing pilgrimage, the city of Barcelona sits on the northern end of the Costa Dorada and its team needs no introduction. The Camp Nou Stadium is one of the greatest football cathedrals in the world. A tour of the stadium and its museum is a must for any footballing aficionado.

The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira has been firmly placed on the football landscape as the home and birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo. The MuseuCR7 is a celebration of one of the game’s finest players, with exhibits and attractions showcasing Ronaldo’s many achievements.

It even has a statue of him outside (even if it did get a round mocking when it was unveiled) - perfect for a selfie.

While Lisbon’s Stadium of Light has a name recognisable the world over, the Estadio do Dragao in Porto is equally impressive and a must-visit if you’re staying in the Costa Verde or Douro Valley. With a stadium tour and museum celebrating one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, getting under the skin of Portuguese football has never been easier.

Battle for the table football crown in more than 130 of our villas 58

ENTERTAINMENT COMPETITION

GUESS THE

Villa Collection COMPETITION

Match these 3 villas to their correct Villa Collection for your chance to win a £2,500 James Villas gift card*.

WIN

£2,500

If you’re reading this and thinking ‘villa what!?’ there’s no need to worry!

Turn to page 16 for your crash course in our Villa Collections. Once you’ve learnt a little more about them, you’ll be in the perfect position match them up.

GIFT CARD*

VILLA 1

VILLA 2

VILLA 3

• Built-in barbecue • Free air conditioning • Free Wi-Fi

• King size bed in master bedroom • Table tennis • Coffee machine

• Tennis court and private gym • Bathrobes provided • Impressive build

Enter our competition at JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK/GUESS-THE-VILLA-COLLECTION

Good luck!

*To enter you must complete a competition form and guess correctly the collection type of the three villas listed on the competition webpage at www.jamesvillas.co.uk/guess-the-villa-collection. There is one prize of a voucher worth up to the value of £2,500. The competition runs from 9am on 07/12/2017 to 23.59pm on 07/03/2018. The competition is open to all UK residents over the age of 21. For full terms and conditions please see www.jamesvillas.co.uk/guess-the-villa-collection.

59

THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A

BIG HOLIDAY Over 2900 villas with pools

0800 970 44 64 JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT

50 incredible destinations

Depart from 25 UK airports

All our package holidays are protected

ABTA No.W3940

Ylenia, Kefalonia