Ocean View January 2014

OCEAN VIEW Interiors, Lifestyle, Food, Sailing, Cruising and so much more...

Issue 9 Volume 1 2014

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OCEAN VIEW 9

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BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II SWAROVSKI OPTIK SUPPLIER OF BINOCULARS

28/01/2014 09:41 28.01.14 07:47

Welcome

We’re diving in in more ways than one with this issue of Ocean View!

If you’re taking the plunge and tying the knot with the one you love, your honeymoon can seem like an afterthought that’s a long way off and on the other side of this huge event.

However, if you’re keen on travel, this can also be a fantastic opportunity - or excuse, if you like - for the trip of your lives!

One option that seems increasingly popular is cutting down on wedding expenses and organisation by getting married at your honeymoon destination with a small handfull of your friends and family, so that you can continue your celebrations without the punctuation of a trip to the airport, potential delays and transfers.

Of course, you don’t need a special occasion or even a partner to plan the trips you’ve always dreamed of. On our list of excursions that are just as much fun solo are the dazzling sights of Dubai, the cultural feats that is a weekend in Austria or perhaps you’d prefer the closer-to-home comforts of the west country? We’ve done a little bit of exploring on your behalf and I have to say, despite ‘staycationing’ not being the most glamorous of your holiday options, it definitely has its merits and there is just so much to do on our fair isle that it can’t be beaten on value for your stay, particularly if you are holidaying with a young family. Our diving feature highlights what to look for in a diving trip and picks out some of the very best places to go, tried and tested by divers at all levels of experience.

Of course, it’s not all about holidays all the time - more’s the pity! - and we have our usual complement of shopping, driving, reading and cooking for you to dip into and enjoy.

In the meantime, if you’re at home, stay dry and enjoy your Ocean View!

Dubai, page 14

Laura Knight Editor OCEAN VIEW 3

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ISSUE 9, VOLUME 1 2014

CONTENTS Horseback Riding, St Maarten

OCEAN VIEW Interiors, Lifestyle, Food, Sailing, Cruising and so much more...

Issue 9 Volume 1 2014

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IT’S TIME TO ENJOY AN OCEAN VIEW

OCEAN VIEW 9

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Cover Image: Hillside Beach Club www.hillsidebeachclub.com

Ocean View Magazine Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Commercial Director: Simon Skinner simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk Operations Director Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk Media Director/Advertising Sales: Linda Grace linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk Editor: Laura Knight laura@lifemediagroup.co.uk Design: Harriet Weston harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts: Amelia Wellings: amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk Subscriptions: subs@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by: LMG SE LTD Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3YD 01323 411601 Printed by: Gemini Press Unit A1 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6NZ 01273 464884 All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Ocean View Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Ocean View Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Ocean View Magazine. All prices featured in Ocean View Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group 2014 ©

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Waves: Marvel at the immense power and natural beauty of the sea Spring Watch: If you’re shopping for the spring, take a look at these Destination - Dubai: Find yourself drawn to this glittering desert gem Recipes: Learn to cook up a taste of Sardinia at home!

Honeymoons: Get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip and don’t waste a minute!

Weekend Breaks: Soak up some culture in Austria’s beautiful cities of Vienna and Salzburg Holidays at home: If you don’t fancy leaving the UK, don’t worry! The West Country has it all Diving: Choosing where to take the plunge? Let us help!

Giveaways: Get your hands on some free goodies, courtesy of Ocean View!

Competiton: Get your hands on some Hello Kitty goodies!

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BurkardPhoto.com ©

Perfect waves are even more spectacular when seen from a surfer’s perspective. This spot is in the Caribbean.

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Briny Beauties... and Beasts Great photos of incredible waves never fail to enthral

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O

f all the physical marvels on this planet of ours, ocean waves are surely among the most beautiful and spectacular. The parabolic curve of the lip as it pitches and throws. The stacked lines of an incoming swell. The surreal silver cylinder of a glassy barrel shot from underwater. The technicolour hues of a tropical sunrise reflected in a glassy wave face. Awesome. Amazing. Enticing. Inspiring.

Ocean waves have awed mankind for millennia, and artists have attempted to depict their majesty and power for thousands of years. Ancient Greek mosaics and frescos show ships negotiating stormy seas and monsters in the Mediterranean and Aegean. Petroglyphs carved into rocks by native Hawaiians feature wave-like swirls as well as turtles, canoes and human forms. In the 1770s, English artist William Hodges sketched pictures of surfers riding waves in Tahiti and Hawaii during Captain James Cook’s third voyage to the Pacific. And a century later, Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai painted The Great Wave Off Kanagawa – now one of the most iconic images of a wave on the planet.

When the camera was invented in the mid 19th century, early photographers struggled to capture images of the ocean because the emulsions used on the glass plates couldn’t simultaneously record a correct exposure for the sky as well as the sea. But by the 1900s companies like Eastman Kodak and Graflex had made huge technological advances. When affordable mass-produced cameras became available, the first images of surfing were captured on film. American surfer and part-time photographer Alfred Gurrey Jr is credited as being the first person to take photos of surfers from the lineup, way back in 1910. Shooting from an outrigger canoe, Gurrey documented the carefree waveriding of famous surfer Duke Kahanamoku and other members of the Hui Nalu Surf Club at Waikiki. He later self-published the first ever book about surfing, The Surf Riders of Hawaii, which comprised eight of his best photos...together with descriptive prose and poetry!

The development of fibreglass boards in California in the 1950s heralded the dawn of the golden era of surfing. As the popularity of the sport grew around the world, magazines like The Surfer and Surfing World appeared, and a small band of dedicated surf photographers emerged. Celebrated American surf lensmen Leroy Grannis, Bud Browne and Ron Stoner recorded the action at spots like Malibu and The Ranch, while Bob Weeks, Barrie Sutherland and Bob Evans were among those to document the emerging scene in Australia. Countless others followed in their footsteps over the subsequent decades.

Half a century on, both surfing and surf photography have changed beyond all recognition. Today, with the Internet awash with a glut of surf imagery, the world’s leading lensmen realise 8 OCEAN VIEW

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Dale Staples ©

SURFING

South African surfer Dale Staples took this selfie in Mozambique using a waterproof GoPro camera.

OCEAN VIEW 9

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Spencer Hornby ©

SURFING

that their work has to be truly exceptional to stand out from the rest. So guys like Chris Burkard go the extra mile – literally – travelling way off the beaten track to destinations like Russia and Iceland. Creative types like Tim McKenna think up new ways to shoot well-known breaks, looking for new angles and using new techniques. Others like Russell Ord and Clark Little take a different approach, confronting heavy waves head on; their images of psycho spots like The Right (in Western Australia) and Ke Iki (in Hawaii) have to be seen to be believed.

Now, surfers themselves are getting in on the action, photographing their own aquatic adventures using POV cameras manufactured by companies like GoPro and Ion. GoPro currently sell more cameras than any other camera manufacturer in the world; given the popularity of the format, there’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing a whole lot more ocean imagery from POV cameras in the years to come.

Whatever kinds of cameras and techniques photographers use to capture images of ocean waves in the future, the best shots are guaranteed to captivate and enthral viewers. Always have, always will.

ABOVE: Plucky Brit James Hick takes the bull by the horns at a heavy reef break in Western Australia.

This article is an extract from Incredible Waves: An Appreciation of Perfect Surf, published by Orca Publications, £24.99. www.orcashop.co.uk OCEAN VIEW 11

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If you’re shopping for the spring, take a look at these 8

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1. Swarovski Optik, £1,570, uk.swarovskioptik.com 2. RSPB 8 x 20 HD monocular, £99.95, www.rspb.org.uk 3. Visionary Freebird 10x42 binoculars, £189.99, www.opticalhardware.co.uk 4. Hama Daytour 180 SLR Camera Backpack, £69.99, www.lovecases.co.uk 5. Ornate Steel Bird Bath, £29.95, www.primrose.co.uk 6. Bushnell Night Vision 4x40mm Equinox, £449.95, www.bushnell.com 7. MINOX DTC 1000 Trail Camera, £399, www.minox.com 8. Nikon Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR, £15,599.00, www.nikon.com 9. Canon Lens: EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, £1,939.99, www.canon.co.uk 10. Optical Hardware Cleaning Kit, £10.49, www.opticalhardware.co.uk 11. PRAKTICA Aves 8 x 42 WP Binoculars, £129, www.praktica.de 12. Birdball Seed Feeder, £44.50, www.shoponyourdoorstep.com 13. Orion Padded Telescope Case, £99, www.telescope.com 14. Celestron COSMOS 90 GT WiFi Telescope, pre-order for February, www.celestron.com 15. Giottos Silk Road YTL Vertical Column Tripod, £229.00, www.giottos-tripods.co.uk 16. Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG CIRCULAR FISHEYE Lens, £799.99, www.sigma-imaging-uk.com 17. Nikon 7x50CF WP/7x50CF WP Compass Binoculars, £339.00 18. Sky-Watcher EXPLORER-200P telescope, £479, www.opticalvision.co.uk

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Camels on a Dubai Beach under a beautiful cloudy sky

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Breathtaking Dubai Sample a taste of Arabic luxury, with surprises around every turn and beauty that will astound the most seasoned traveller

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I

t is always unbelievable and fascinating to see a desert and a highly developed city immediately adjacent to each other, which is perhaps what makes Dubai such an amazing destination. A heavily tourismoriented city, the local government has made it a point to have most of the best structures in the entire world built in Dubai alone: world famous structures such as the steel structure called Burj Khalifa, the sail shaped Burj Al Arab and also the artificial island of Jebel Ali. Dubai, which until relatively recently was a small-time trading and fishing port, has literally risen from the sand, creating a vibrant and developed city to rival Las Vegas.

Today, Dubai’s most distinctive features are its fabulously over-the-top hotels and shopping malls. For those expecting an exotic taste of the Middle East, its ubermodern elegance can be something of a shock, but it must be remembered that Dubai is a major port of embarkation for cruise travellers embarking on increasingly popular Middle East itineraries. As such, it’s gently accommodating: all sign postings are first in Arabic then in English, then thirdly in German, so Arabic lessons won’t be needed, although CruiseCritic.com helpfully notes that attempting “shukran,” for thank you, is always appreciated.

Outside the cosmopolitan thrall of Dubai, the sand of the surrounding desert make a welcoming getaway for locals and tourists alike.

Companies such as Dubai by One World Travel offer desert safaris, which specifically aim at introducing tourists to the thrilling and adventurous fronts of the desert in Dubai by providing fun-filled desert activities to all in the form of dune drives, dune buggy safaris, overnight desert safaris and camel rides in Dubai.

The desert really comes to life towards late evening, when it’s time for music and feasting. Traditional Middle Eastern entertainment is found exclusively in desert camps and comes in the form of

“Outside the cosmopolitan thrall of Dubai, the sand of the surrounding desert make a welcoming getaway for locals and tourists alike” fire dancing, Tanoura dancing and belly dancing.

The method of food preparation used in the desert is very traditional and therefore different from the fast food or processed food that the people living here usually consume, mostly consisting of rich barbecued meats and greatly enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

When packing for a trip to Dubai, many western visitors are concerned about “appropriate” wear, and there are laws about revealing clothing and immodest behaviour, but CruiseCritic lists long-sleeved tops, neat slacks and long cotton skirts for women were comfortable and acceptable solutions.

As first-timers’ foray into the Middle East, Dubai, which straddles both the worlds of the West and the East, offers a comfortable transition with familiar luxuries and indulgences but with exotic tastes of Eastern mystery close by.

Many Dubai trips are customisable so that you can choose your own balance of these delights and visit Dubai on your way to many Arabic destinations, or stop and experience the fascinating duality of Dubai in its own right.

Whether you are making your first trip to Abu Dhabi, or are on a return visit, the Emirati city of Abu Dhabi is full of varied,

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DUBAI

City of Dubai, with reямВection on water surface

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“The Emirati city of Abu Dhabi is full of varied, appealing and sometimes unexpected delights” appealing and sometimes unexpected delights. The many attractions of Abu Dhabi, both natural and manmade, draw in a constant flow of tourists from different locations and cultures all around the world.

Whether exploring the region’s many natural islands, watching and learning about the ancient art of falconry, feeding an adrenaline addiction by braving the world’s fastest rollercoaster or marvelling at the stark beauty of Jebel Hafeet, the region’s highest, visitors will discover a destination that intrigues and captivates them enough to insist on another visit.

Beach fans will want to head to the Corniche: a world-renowned Blue Flag rated beach with floating fences and lifeguards to ensure the safety and comfort of the bathers there. The 50,000 visitors to the beaches per month have access to segregated beaches for singles, families and the general public, bike hire and free parking to make a day at this seaside paradise as enjoyable and easy as possible.

Abu Dhabi’s not an entirely modernised area, though: those looking for a more traditional Emirati taste will enjoy the Oasis City of Al Ain, and the massive dunes of the western region’s desert in Al Gharbia which embody the culture, history and adventure are encapsulated in the emirate.

The architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is just one popular highlight of an emirate dotted with ancient forts and historic sites – several of which have been listed as official UNESCO World Heritage Sites –

Emirate Palace

and steeped in rich history.

From pristine, untouched nature reserves to championship-standard golf courses, Abu Dhabi offers the attractions of many resorts in one, so should not be missed by anybody travelling to the UAE! MSC Cruises offers a 7-night cruise in the United Arab Emirates, with prices starting from £699 per person, including regional flights with Emirates.

Next year MSC will have an ever bigger ship, MSC Orchestra, sailing in the UAE with more balcony cabins for you to fully enjoy your holiday and the stunning surroundings you will be in. In addition, kids 17 and under sail free all year round with MSC (as long as they are sharing with 2 full paying adults) only having to pay port taxes and flights.

With a rapidly-growing tourist trade, Oman is one of the most popular destinations on the Arabian Peninsular.

It’s lined with amazing beaches, classed amongst the best in the Gulf. Not only do they offer reliably enjoyable weather, but the local geography makes them ideal for swimming, kitesurfing, diving, snorkelling, boating, surfing, beach combing and shell Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai

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collecting. The world-famous Intercon Beach is popular for family holidays, whereas the popular Al Sawadi Beach offers a luxurious escape with facilities for watersports and swimming.

For those who prefer the natural aspects of the coast, the region is ideal for turtle and dolphin watching, as several species swim the length and breadth of the Indian Ocean and return every year to lay their eggs on the beaches of Ras al Hadd, Ras Al Junayz and Masirah island. Dolphins frequent the seas of the Oman and whales such as the Humpback and the Orca can also often be spotted there.

The geography of the Oman makes it a fascinating destination for cavers, and the limestone-rich area includes a number of famous cave systems. Oman is home of the world’s second largest cave, Majlis Al Jinn (Genies meeting place). It’s also a great area for rock climbing enthusiasts, with routes of all grades encompassing mountains, cliffs, paths and canyons with breathtaking scenery.

The culture and history of Oman also adds to its appeal as a destination. For instance, nearly every Omani city and town has a fort, most of which were built during the Al-Yarubi and represent the fine Omani architecture and prosperity at that time. The area is scattered with ancient tombs and the remains of settlements, along with evidence of the Oman’s ancient frankinsense trade.

You can also see the five Omani falajs, which were created by the Omanis over 2,000 years ago and are the oldest irrigation structure in the region, still standing as a major source of irrigation in the Sultanate and a water source that can be relied on in most Omani cities and villages.

For those looking to take home a souvenir of their trip, Souqs (local markets) are a popular place for tourists and locals to purchase handicrafts, including precious metalwork, textiles and local specialities such as daggers, all of which are made with historical artistry, passed down through families and embody the region’s bright and delicate aesthetic.

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Visionary binoculars & telescopes

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Featuring full multicoating and NATUREPHASE coated prisms, in a waterproof, nitrogen purged, light weight and easy to handle openbridge design producing crystal clear images.

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For more information, and to find your nearest Visionary stockist visit www.opticalhardware.co.uk/stockists All models and offers are subject to availability. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice/ E&O.E. Your statutory rights are not effected

23/01/2014 16:24

ESSENTIAL RECIPES

Taste of Sardinia Learn to cook up a taste of Sardinia at home

Stuffed Artichokes (Carciofi Ripieni) Serves 6 as a first course 1 lemon, halved 12 globe artichokes 100 ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 200 ml Vermentino (see page 219) or other dry white wine Stuffing 20 g prosciutto 20 g flat pancetta 20 g guanciale (see page 220) 20 g capocollo 20 g sopressa 1 small brown onion, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, sliced ¼ teaspoon dried chilli flakes 100 g crustless stale sourdough bread, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary leaves ½ teaspoon thyme leaves 2 tablespoons finely sliced flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 egg 30 g parmesan, freshly grated salt flakes, to taste

At the restaurant we use a mixture of cold cuts for the stuffing, including capocollo (also called coppa) or cured pork neck and sopressa salami, but you can use 100 g of whatever Italian cold cuts you have on hand.

Parmesan ranges from the finest Italian Parmigiano Reggiano to the worst, pre-grated, rancid-smelling powders in supermarkets. Try to find a good Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano for this recipe; if unavailable, use an aged Italian pecorino.

To make the stuffing, place prosciutto, pancetta, guanciale, capocollo, sopressa, onion, garlic, chilli, bread, rosemary, thyme and parsley in a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Add egg, parmesan and salt and pulse to combine. Set aside.

Add lemon juice and squeezed lemon halves to a large bowl of cold water.

Working with one artichoke at a time, peel off the dark outer leaves until you reach the tender light-green ones. Using a sharp paring knife, cut off the top third of the artichoke. Trim the stalk so that it’s just a couple of centimetres long, peel it. Using a teaspoon, scoop any hairy choke out of the centre of the artichoke. Rub the artichoke with one of the lemon halves from the bowl, then place in the acidulated water. Repeat with remaining artichokes.

Drain artichokes upside down on paper towel. Pack stuffing firmly between the leaves and in the centre of each artichoke, mounding it up slightly on the top.

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil and, when hot, add artichokes, stuffing-side down, and cook for about 5 minutes until the stuffing forms a slight crust. Pour in wine, bring to the boil, reduce heat to lowest setting, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until a wooden skewer can be inserted into the base of the artichokes without any resistance.

Remove artichokes from the pan, place onto plates and serve with pan juices and a drizzle of olive oil.

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

Sardinian Seafood Soup (Sa Cassola) Serves 6 1 × 600 g piece blue-eye trevalla fillet, skin off 3 × 100 g squid, cleaned and skinned 100 ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling ½ brown onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced 1 small red chilli, finely sliced 1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano (see page 220) 6 baby octopus, cleaned and halved 3 small blue swimmer crabs, cleaned and halved 12 raw prawns, peeled and deveined, but with tails left intact 12 saucer scallops, trimmed 24 vongole (clams), purged (see page 221) 24 blue mussels, scrubbed lightly with a scourer pane carasau (see page 6), for serving salt flakes, to taste 1 cup (250 ml) Vermentino (see page 219) or other dry white wine 3 cups (750 ml) Passata (see page 218) 20 basil leaves, torn Seafood soups that are so hearty they’re more like stews are served as main courses all over the Mediterranean. The general Italian name is “zuppa di pesce” (literally ‘seafood soup’), but in Sardinia such dishes are called burrida in the south, and cassola in the north, where I come from. It’s very important that you don’t stir the soup once the seafood goes in – at the most, give it a shake to make sure everything is cooking evenly – otherwise the seafood will break up and ruin the appearance of the dish.

Preheat oven to 200ºC. Remove any small bones from the fish fillet using a pair of fish tweezers, then trim off and discard the belly flap. Cut into 6 pieces.

Cut squid hoods open. Using the back of a knife, scrape off the membrane from inside the hoods. Trim off the base, score the inside of the hoods in a cross-hatch pattern and cut into 3 cm pieces; halve tentacles.

Heat a large saucepan, add oil and, when hot, add onion, garlic, chilli and oregano and cook over medium heat until onion is soft but not coloured. Add all the seafood to the onion mixture, and cook for 1 minute.

Meanwhile, drizzle pane carasau with oil, sprinkle with salt flakes, wrap in foil and place in oven for about 5 minutes, until warm.

Add wine to pan and cook for a minute or two until it starts to boil. Add passata, return to the boil, then reduce heat and cover. Shake pan well and simmer for about 2 minutes, shaking occasionally, until most of the mussels and vongole open and the crab shell turns orange.

Remove from heat. Fish out any mussels and vongole that haven’t opened and, using a blunt knife such as a butter knife, gently prise them open: if the meat is plump and intact on one side of the shell, use them; otherwise discard them.

Remove meat from half the mussels and vongole shells, pull off the ‘beards’ from the mussels, then return all the mussels and vongole to the pan.

Scatter basil over the soup and serve with pane carasau.

“Seafood soups that are so hearty they’re more like stews are served as main courses all over the Mediterranean”

OPPOSITE: Sardinian Seafood Soup

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Saffron and Potato Doughnuts (Frisciolas) Makes about 30 100 g desiree potato (about 1 small potato) ½ cup (125 ml) full-cream milk ¼ teaspoon saffron threads 35 g fresh yeast or 17.5 g dried yeast 1 cup (220 g) castor sugar 450 g plain flour, plus extra for dusting pinch fine sea salt juice and finely grated zest of 2 oranges 1 egg, lightly beaten 50 ml grappa vegetable oil, for deep-frying mascarpone, for serving Note If you don’t have a potato ricer, you’ll need to peel the potato before mashing it.

A Sardinian Cookbook by Giovanni Pilu and Robert Muir.

Photography by Anson Smart.

Published by Jacqui Small, £25.

These sweets are traditionally made for the celebrations of Carnevale, which runs from Giovedi Grasso (‘fat Thursday’), the Thursday before Lent, to Martedi Grasso (‘fat Tuesday’, Mardi Gras in French), the day before the Lenten fast begins. I remember my aunties shaping frisciolas like doughnuts with a hole in the middle, but they’re made in different shapes all over Italy. Frisciolas is the name for them in my dad’s dialect, but Mum calls them cattas, and they’re also known as zippulas and frittelle. At the restaurant we zest the oranges with a citrus zester, mix it with the sugar, spread it out on a tray and leave it overnight to dry, then pound it lightly; this produces a lovely orange-scented sugar to coat the frisciolas. This recipe makes a lot, but you can’t easily halve an egg – and the doughnuts are light, easy to eat and make great snacks; they keep well for a few days in an airtight container.

Put the unpeeled potato in a saucepan of salted water, and cook until a wooden skewer can be inserted without any resistance, about 20 minutes.

Drain well, then press through a potato ricer onto a plate and spread out to cool completely.

Place milk and saffron in a small saucepan and heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and set aside, whisking occasionally, until the milk has cooled to lukewarm, about 40°C. Add yeast to milk with a pinch of sugar and whisk until yeast is dissolved. Set aside for 5–10 minutes.

Sift flour and salt into a large bowl, make a well in the centre and pour in orange juice, egg, potato, grappa and milk mixture. Using a fork, mix the flour into the liquid until combined, then knead by hand to form a soft, sticky dough. Transfer to a clean, lightly floured workbench and knead lightly for a few minutes, dusting with a little more flour if the dough is too sticky to handle – it should be smooth, elastic and slightly sticky.

Place the dough in an oiled bowl and smear a little oil over the top.

Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until the dough has doubled in size.

Dust a baking tray with flour and, using floured hands, break off walnutsized pieces of dough and roll into balls. Place on tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap and set aside for 10–20 minutes, until they’ve risen to about 1½ times their original size.

Combine orange zest and remaining sugar well in a shallow bowl. Heat vegetable oil to 160°C (if you don’t have a deep-frying thermometer, test the temperature of the oil by dipping the handle of a wooden spoon into it – when bubbles form around the spoon, the oil is hot enough). Lower dough balls carefully into hot oil, 3 or 4 at a time, and deep-fry until underside is golden brown and crisp, then turn and fry other side.

Drain doughnuts on paper towel and toss in orange-scented sugar while still hot. Serve with mascarpone.

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The Stunning Taskonaklar Rocky Palace

CAPPADOCIA

The stunning Taskonaklar Rocky Palace is in fact a collection of ancient village houses and natural caves that were transformed into a boutique hotel in 2006 – a truly unique space where every stone, arch and chimney represents Cappadocia’s fascinating history.

Hewn from the very rocks of the region, Taskonaklar is part of the magnificent land of Cappadocia and provides a unique base from which to explore this one-of-a-kind area. Subterranean spaces, rustic walls, stone archways and luxurious decor combine to make this hotel a destination in its own right.

The hotel is in a perfect location to discover the area, to connect to trekking and hiking paths or start pedalling with a mountain bike, since it’s located in Uchisar, at the top of the Pigeon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to it dramatic volcanic landscape filled with underground caverns, fairy chimneys, monasteries and rock-hewn churches.

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Just the Two of Us

For many, it’s the most important and memorable holiday they’ll ever take. How do you make sure a honeymoon is the stuff dreams are made of ?

Decide on your budget (or Save or Splash) If you’re ever going to splash out, then the holiday of a lifetime with your new spouse may be the best time. Still, nobody wants to start married life with a mountain of unnecessary debt, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for any deals that will allow you to experience the heights of luxury for a discount. Some chains of hotels and resorts offer special deals and packages for honeymooning couples, so it’s worth mentioning that you’re celebrating to everyone you’re booking something with,

just in case it qualifies you for any special treatment.

Don’t rush You’ll spend plenty of time and effort planning the big day itself, and it can be tempting to just click and order a package deal for your honeymoon. But, once the bustle and bright lights of the wedding itself are over, you’ll need the break to relax, recoup and keep that newly-wedded glow going a little longer. Allow plenty of time to plan for your honeymoon, start well in advance and stay organised. This is

a wonderful part of your celebrations, not an afterthought, so make sure you divert a decent amount of your resources to your honeymoon. Once you’ve made your vows and you’re ready to set off, you’ll be glad you did.

Go Inclusive If you can’t wait to get away from it all with the one you love, why put it off until after the wedding? Getting married once you get to your dream destination can create beautiful memories – not to mention photographs – that you’ll treasure OCEAN VIEW 29

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for a lifetime. It’s a growing market, so many resorts, hotels and attractions are now legally able to host weddings. If you’ve already settled on somewhere that isn’t, you may be able to ask for a ceremony or blessing there… essentially, the legal marriage can take place at a registry office or similar at home, but the celebration you’d think of as the wedding can be done just about anywhere! Often, when you see people fulfilling bucket-list ambitions like getting married underwater or on a rollercoaster, this is usually what’s happening, so whether you’ve got lofty white knuckle ambitions or just want your wedding photos in front of a tropical sunset, it can be done.

Getting married on holiday also eliminates many of the stresses that can take the shine off planning for your big day: it keeps guest numbers down, takes the entertainment and catering arrangements out of your hands and allows you to fully focus on sharing this most special of occasions with your partner, and perhaps a handful of your closest friends and family. You also won’t have the few hours of airport security 30 OCEAN VIEW

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HONEYMOONS

“Many holiday destinations the world over are touted as romantic, with a few cities fighting over the claim to be the capital of love” and waiting around to puncture your bubble of newly-wedded bliss…. You’ll get married and instantly be on your honeymoon, ready to start the rest of your lives together in style and on the right foot!

Check what’s included in an ‘inclusive’ package. Is it room and board; room, board and drinks; room, refreshments and any daytrips or tours? Not having to watch what you spend or worry about getting out cash to pay for these things every day can be a really valuable luxury, particularly on an extra special holiday. Depending on where you’re going and the individual deals open to you, these options can often also represent a saving over what you’d spend paying for everything individually. Check what deals are available to you and, if it seems like you’d approach spending that much anyway, we’d recommend treating yourselves in this instance, and then you can enjoy that extra cocktail guilt-free when you get there.

Know where you’re going… and why!

Many holiday destinations the world over are touted as romantic, with a few cities fighting over the claim to be the capital of love. Our suggestion is that you put aside preconceived notions of what and where

romance is and go somewhere that’ll be special to the two of you. Do you want to return to somewhere you know you both like, or explore somewhere new together?

Would you like nothing more than to lay back on a beach sipping cocktails, or do you both itch to explore after a few days? Travel magazines and agents can give you new ideas and let you know what’s out there, but ultimately you shouldn’t let anyone else tell you what you should be doing on this most special of holidays. Whether you want a month on a private island or a weekend in Blackpool it is completely up to you!

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CARIBBEAN JAMAICA

SAINT LUCIA

ANTIGUA

BAHAMAS

GRENADA

BARBADOS

MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS ON THE PLANET

Love Nest Suites with Personal Butler Service

The Caribbean’s Best Beaches

Unlimited Scuba Diving for certified divers

Check into a Sandals Resort and you will be treated to our Discovery Dining programme, where anytime dining in up to 15 restaurants per resort awaits you. We pride ourselves in our European and International cuisines using fresh and local ingredients, each of which comes with its own Head Chef that specialises in their area. Unlimited snacks, white glove service and exclusive Butler Service are also available.

We even offer Private Candlelit Dinners^ on the beach or on your terrace if you prefer. These are just a few of the personal dining touches that come with your next Sandals holiday, the rest we call Luxury Included®.

TO BOOK THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL - INCLUSIVE RESORTS

World's Leading All Inclusive Resort

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18 Years Running

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Call 0800 742 742 | Visit sandals.co.uk See your local travel agent

FOLLOW US ON

*Restaurants vary per resort. ^At cost.

03/02/2014 15:18

HONEYMOONS

Ocean View’s Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations 1. Indian Ocean If palm trees, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters are your idea of heaven, then the Indian Ocean is the place to spend your honeymoon. Some of the islands such as Mauritius the Maldives and the Seychelles are established honeymoon destinations, but Zanzibar, Sri Lanka and Madagascar can make great additions to your trip, particularly if you’re into wildlife watching.

For the laid back party that will carry on your reception celebrations well into your married life, the Caribbean is the place to be.

Sumptuous food, world famous music and a beautiful climate for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing make this the perfect fun-filled getaway for the young and the young at heart.

3. Belize

Team lazing on beaches with exploring the jungle in this tropical paradise, where newlyweds can explore fantastical terrains together and feel like the only couple in the world. A great adventure to begin your lives together.

Cappadocia

5. Europe

Caribbean - British Virgin Islands

Belize

4. Cappadocia This intriguing and unique region in Greece offers romantic sights like nowhere else. Take an early morning hot air balloon ride to see the surreal geological structures in all their glory for a trip that you and your lover will never forget.

Europe - Paris

Photography by www.sxc.hu - 001099 ©

2. Caribbean

Seychelles

Endless flights for sunny climes and crystaline beaches are not for everyone, and European cities are world-famous for their romantic atmospheres. Go for the classics of Venice or Paris, or buy a rail ticket and hop from place to place as your hearts desire, exploring the best known capitals and the most secluded retreats!

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COVER STORY

Heaven on Earth

S

et within the secluded Kalemya Bay, Hillside Beach Club is a 330 room resort surrounded by the staggering pine forests of Fethiye. The resort has mastered the art of pampering every guest.

Be it young children or honeymoon couples, fun-seeking teenagers or activity loving adrenaline junkies, Hillside Beach Club offers something for everyone. It’s a year-on year favourite for luxury-seeking holiday makers and boasts an impressive 55% repeat guest rate.

The perfect choice for every generation Hillside Beach Club offers an exclusive and stylish take on an all-inclusive resort. Perfect for families, its extensive Young Club,

Junior Club and Kidside facilities run by professional coaches keep kids and teens of every age bracket entertained. Meanwhile, grown-ups seeking rest and relaxation will love the privacy of the adult-only Silent Beach, set within private bay away from the bustling heart of the Club.

An action-packed holiday To make the most of the turquoise waters and blue flag beaches, extensive sports facilities are on offer including scuba diving, wakeboard, windsurf, water-ski, sailing and kayaking. Guests can also enjoy land sports such as archery, horse riding, trekking as well as leisure activities including a jeep safari tour, tennis lessons or revitalizing spa

treatments. The variety of complimentary activities includes fun-packed Zumba fitness parties and soothing Yoga classes on the pristine beaches.

The ultimate spa retreat At SANDA Nature Spa and SANDA Spa, guests can find a calming and peaceful oasis. Set away from the beach, within the pine forest canopy, the SANDA Nature Spa will ensure renewal of body and mind with traditional Balinese massage treatments. Guests can also visit the SANDA Spa, located in the heart of the resort, which offers an authentic Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi and massage rooms.

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One of the most popular resort hotels in Turkey, Hillside Beach Club is a first class international destination for families and couples alike

Mediterranean gourmet After a day spent sunbathing and relaxing, Hillside Beach Club offers its guests a festival of food with full board dining in three restaurants - showcasing a locally sourced, seasonal menu inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean specialities - and seven different bars to choose from. The warm and attentive customer service of a luxury resort combined with the guest focused philosophy has been key to Hillside Beach Club’s success over the years.

Under the stars entertainment Gather your friends and family and relax as the sun sets and the show begins. Hillside Beach Club enchants its guests with splendid

classical music concerts on a stage built over the sea. During the balmy Turkish evenings guests can also watch their favourite movies lying on the beach at a Cinema screen under the stars.

Pasha on the Bay, the entertainment hotspot of the resort, is romantically set amidst luscious white pelargoniums.

Featuring white furnishing combined with minimalist wood elements, this is the venue of choice for guests who want to make the most of the starry Mediterranean evenings with lounge music, colourful cocktails and the finest cuisine.

In perfect harmony with nature Hillside Beach Club reflects traditional

architecture which seamlessly blends in with the surrounding natural landscape.

The rooms offer spectacular sea views over the Kalemya Bay, while yellow bougainvillea drapes almost every surface of the hotel.

www.hillsidebeachclub.com

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City of Culture If you’re looking to pack a weekend with culture, there can be few better choices for a destination than Austria!

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ot everybody planning a quick break fancies sunbathing and sandy beaches, so if you’re finding all the travel agent’s window ads for hot getaways leave you a little cold, perhaps a city break, somewhere that’s a treat for the mind and spirit, might be more your cup of tea.

Weekend visitors to picturesque Austria tend to favour a couple of cities – Vienna and Salzburg – for good reason. These areas are where some of the most recognisable figures in classical music and dance were born and bred, and their legacy lives on in the fixtures and events that highlight the calendars in the cities they called home.

Music might be considered the principal legacy of Vienna, and it is most famous for being where many great composers, including Motzart, Beethoven, Schubert, Hadyn and Brahms did their best work.

The theatre and opera scenes in Vienna are worldrenowned, and even the smaller theatres that are dedicated to less mainstream plays and performing arts are of the very highest calibre.

Vienna is also home to a number of opera houses and is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, most famous for its worldwide-broadcast “New Year’s Day Concert”. If you have particular favourites amongst the audio treasure trove that is Viennese music, many of the concert venues offer ‘hilight’ concerts aimed at tourists, featuring the best-known works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss 36 OCEAN VIEW

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CITY BREAKS – AUSTRIA

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the father, and Johann Strauss the son.

If you like to participate a little more physically in your music, there is plenty of dancing to be done in Vienna as it is the last remaining great capital of the nineteenth-century ball. There are more than 200 major balls in the calendar each year, each featuring anything up to nine live orchestras. Whilst the principal venue is the Hofburg Palace at Heldenplatz, they are in fact held all around Vienna. These all-night

celebrations feature a number of themes and different audiences.

A trip to Vienna can be a feast for the eyes too, as there are more than 100 art museums in the area, which together attract over eight million visitors per year. Historical sites are also a major draw for the city. Some of them tie in with other cultural highlights: Beethoven’s residencies and the Central Cemetary, where a great many famous people are buried, and the many beautiful

churches in the city are all popular with visitors.

Salzburg is also an extremely popular destination. Internationally renowned for its baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Its beautifully scenic Alpine backdrop makes it an excellent choice for holidaymakers who wish to enjoy spectacular views and peaceful walks.

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CITY BREAKS – AUSTRIA

Of course, the city is not without its cultural attractions. Salzburg was, of course, the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and has maintained its excellent musical reputation to this day. If parts of it seem familiar but you’ve never been there before, it may well be because the city was the setting for parts of the musical play and film “The Sound of Music”. If you’re a fan, you’ll be able to find several companies offering Sound of Music location tours in Salzburg. You may also want to visit the Mirabell Gardens, which as well as being prominent in the film are well worth a trip on their own merit!

During the peak tourist season, visitors can outnumber locals in Salzburg by quite a large margin, and it’s no surprise. In addition to the city centre itself being a World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Mozart, its notable architecture includes the breathtaking Salzburg Cathedral; one of the largest castles in Europe, the Hohensalzburg Castle; St Peter’s Abbey and Nonnberg Abbey.

Should you tire of the beautifully sedate – and in Austria, that may take you longer than you’d expect – Salzburg is also home to Hangar-7, a multifunctional building owned

by Red Bull, with a collection of historical airplanes, helicopters and Formula One racing cars. Skydiver and BASE Jumper Felix Baumgartner, who set three world records during the Red Bull Stratos project on the 14 of October 2012, is yet another one of the hundreds of famous people born and bred in Salzburg, so this has become a popular pit stop for fans of high octane sports.

Although there’s plenty to keep you busy for longer stays, Austria is just a short plane ride away, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. Whatever the weather, whatever the time of year, there’s plenty to do and you’re guaranteed views and experiences you’ll never forget.

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Westward Bound

Where better for a ‘staycation’ than the beautiful, historic and action-packed west country?

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CITY BREAKS – AUSTRIA

A panoramic view of the coastal town of Newquay in Cornwall

T

here was a time when Cornwall was its own country, distinct from England, It had its own language.

It had – and still has – a flag.

Although we no longer view it as a land apart, Cornwall’s distinct geography and culture makes it one of the most popular counties for tourism in the UK, popular with visitors from abroad and from closer to home alike.

You don’t need to go all the way to Land’s End to experience the delights of the west.

Along the way, you’ll find everything that makes the UK delightful distilled into one area. There are hills and moors, beaches and countryside, cities and rural retreats… there’s plenty to do or NOT do as may suit you, and with more Brits choosing to holiday within the UK as airfares skyrocket, it’s a great destination for getaways without delay.

Beaches with Substance The UK may not be the first holiday spot

you think of when it comes to beaches, but that really does depend what you’re looking for. Admittedly, we’re not prone to yearround sunshine or reliable hot summers, but if anywhere’s bathed in sunshine, it’s usually the south west. Some of the country’s cleanest, sandiest beaches are dotted around the cost of Devon and Cornwall, and their culture has adapted to cater for the tourists this brings throughout the summer. You will not be short a bucket or a spade or indeed an arcade or an umbrella should the rain roll in.

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Greenway Lane Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6SL Open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm 01395 444434 horizon@cavannahomes.co.uk www.cavannahomes.co.uk

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Photograph taken from plot 34 on the development

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VISA Free Shore Excursions and Guided City Tours in St Petersburg, Russia and other Baltic ports www.st-petersburg-tours.ru TJ Travel has a great reputation and impeccable service with group tours and VIP clients. We offer a selection of shore excursions in different Baltic ports – St.Petersburg , Stockholm, Tallinn , Helsinki and Berlin. Check our website (www.stpetersburg-tours.ru) for more information about our tour and shore excursion offerings. We have special package shore excursions offers this season!

TJ Travel, 9ya liniya, 34a, 509 Saint Petersburg , 199004 Russia St.VIEW Petersburg Mobile: +7(921)953-23-78 42 OCEAN St. Petersburg Office: +7(812)325-65-31 USA Mobile: +1(262)719-19-43 Email: info@st-petersburg-tours.ru P OV West Country JAN 2014.indd 42

Register number is MBT 002395 in the Federal Agency of tourism of Russian Federation. We are a founding member of Cruise Industry Association in St Petersburg Recommended by Trip Advisor & Cruise Critic 30/01/2014 16:01

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WEST COUNTRY

The unique shape of the Cornish coast makes it a haven for surfers, with beaches suited to experienced surfers, like the world famous Fistral beach where international surfing competitions are held every year, and those which reliably provide gentler waves that are beloved of beginners and body boarders. Classes can be found on the best beaches for the job, if you’d like to get started!

The Jurassic Coast is so named because its 95 miles, from Dorset through Devon, encompass rocks spanning 185 million years of the Earth’s history. The UK’s first natural World Heritage site, this section of coast depicts a geological ‘walk through time’ spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and has yielded some of the most amazing and well known fossil finds the UK has ever seen. There are great

walking routes, both guided and solo, and the area’s a must for dinosaur-fascinated children keen for the chance to find their own fossilised ammonite or lay their feet within the fossilised footprints of dinosaurs which can be found along the coast.

Animal Attractions Wherever you stay within the west country, you’re not far from a zoo, which is great news for animal lovers and those with families who fear the spectre of boredom.

Many are similar to zoos you will find elsewhere – although there are some particularly outstanding examples in the area – but there are also some opportunities for animal encounters that aren’t so common. The coats of the west country are populated with seals and seabirds that vary the year round, and there are boat trips and

“The unique shape of the Cornish coast makes it a haven for surfers, with beaches suited to experienced surfers” BELOW: The naval town of Dartmouth, Devon on the River Dart

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WEST COUNTRY

Ladram Bay in the south coast, Devon

Historical monument Stonehenge

Avebury Stones in Wiltshire

sanctuaries that allow rare close up views of them. On the less exotic but just as important spectrum, the west country has always been an important agricultural area where farm animals thrive, and this has lead to some great attractions where kids and adults alike can learn about farm animals interactively by feeding them, petting them and understanding a bit more about sheep, cows, horses, chickens… plus play areas and tractor rides, of course.

Living History Like most of the UK, you can’t throw a stone in the west country without hitting something of historical importance, though few places can lay claim to showing such a broad cross-section of the UK’s past, beginning with the dinosaur skeletons found at Lyme Regis.

The historical depth of the west country is not only in its stories but in the longevity of its monuments. The Standing Stones at Avebury and Stonehenge are still… well, standing, after thousands of years and attract huge amounts of visitors even though nobody is absolutely sure how or why they were erected.

Bath Spa became an immensely popular destination for holidays and daytrips in the 1800s, but the eponymous baths were built by the Romans for the goddess Sulis Minerva, and remain remarkably well preserved to this day. You can walk around

St Mawes Castle built during the reign of King Henry the VIII in Cornwall

them, see original Roman artwork and the springs that bring the hot, mineral-rich water up to the surface, and even sit by the Roman bath pool. The modern version of the spa baths, just across the street, is an excellent place to relax for a day of pampering.

Castles, forts, abbeys and monasteries are scattered throughout and its medieval history is fabled. Parts of it, in fact, are thought to be where stories of King Arthur and Camelot originated and throughout the landscape and architecture of the region you can trace the lines where history blurs into legend and legend finds its roots in history. There’s certainly plenty to explore for fans of fact and mythology alike.

Ports and shipping have sustained much of the area into the modern day, and many

The sea front at Plymouth Hoe Devon

of these settlements on the sea have been established for a very long time. Plymouth is where Sir Francis Drake launched his navy to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588, and the more secluded coastal inlets of Cornwall are notorious for having been frequented by smugglers as well as the honest fishermen who made their living there.

For those living in most of the UK, the beautifully rural west country can offer a quieter, slower pace of life. Why not try it out for a week or two?

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Experience...

...a chic new hotel on the edge of Salcombe Estuary, complete with 50 luxury bedrooms, many with private balconies to enjoy the unrivalled views, cinema room, coastal retreat spa, new Jetty restaurant and wide outdoor terraces; all taking in the panoramic vista, overlooking one of the most dramatic coastlines in the UK...

Winter stay packages from £149 per couple, per night.

Please call 0844 858 9187 quoting ‘Ocean View’ to book your stay. Terms and conditions apply.

Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa For more details or to book please call 0844 858 9187 Visit us online at www.salcombe-harbour-hotel.co.uk

Follow Us

Christchurch | St Ives | Sidmouth | Salcombe OCEAN VIEW 45

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We’re Magical.

We’re Serene.

We’re Egypt.

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Egypt - The Diving Destination of the Year 2012 23/01/2014 16:44

Join us by the Red Sea TABA - DAHAB - SHARM EL SHEIKH - HURGADA - MARSA ALAM

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www.egypt.travel

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Take the Plunge

There are many features that make for a great dive, and some places have them all. If you’re thinking about your first diving experience, here’s some food for thought.

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reathtakingly beautiful above water and below, Raja Ampat “The Four Kings” – is an area of Indonesia that offers an incredible diversity of habitats for underwater explorers. Within a relatively confined area, divers can see the dramatic cliffs and slopes of the Wayag and Uranie areas; deep bays thriving with life in Mayalibit, Kabui and Aljui to the “blue water mangrove” channels of Kofiau and Gam to the plankton-rich and as such marine-life popular areas of Misool and the Dampier Strait.

Between these areas, Raja Ampat is home to a list which amounts to the most impressive catalogue of marine species lists ever compiled for a coral reef system of this size. There are 1,430 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat, 5 species of endangered sea turtle and the region is home to 75% of all known coral species.

Indonesia, and Raja Ampat in particular, is currently promoting marine tourism in order to boost conservation efforts in the area.

Historically, a large amount of the region’s income has come from mining, logging and fishing. However, overfishing has become an issue, more sustainable income streams are needed for the future. Marine tourism is a great alternative because it takes nothing from the environment in the way logging, fishing or mining does; it raises money for the local economy and helps to promote awareness of the ecological conservation efforts of these magical islands in a sustainable manner.

Belize is well known for its variety and abundance of reefs. These attract different types of wildlife and present a beautiful and other worldly array of shapes and colours for the diver. Underwater photographers love the area for its intriguing variety of corals and the coral skeletons embedded in the shoreline rocks.

Fringing reefs are typically found close to mainland shores. The only fringing reef

LEFT: Marine Life in the Red Sea.

“The Belize Barrier Reef is a nearly continuous wall of coral for almost 140 miles from Mexico in the north to the Sapodilla Cayes in the south” in Belize is found at Rocky Point on the northern end of Ambergris Caye, rising out of the water at Rocky Point, and is understandably popular with divers because of its unique views.

Patch reefs, on the other hand, are widespread throughout the costal zone and especially common in the south, and they range from small clumps of coral to huge, sprawling reefs. The larger patch reefs show different coral colonisations on either sides of their slopes, making them fascinating, and there particularly well-developed examples in the Mexico Rocks off of Ambergris Caye.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a nearly continuous wall of coral for almost 140 miles from Mexico in the north to the Sapodilla Cayes in the south. The best developed sections of the barrier reef are south of Columbus Reef east of Dangriga, so these sites are hotspots for divers.

Belize also has examples of faroes - a ringed reef or angular atoll on a continental shelf, also known as a shelf atoll. Like an atoll, a faroe is steep sided and encloses a central lagoon, providing shelter for many types of exotic plant and animal marine life.

The best example of a faroe in Belize is Laughing Bird Caye.

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their type in the Caribbean Sea”. They cover a huge area, so you may not be able to take it all in within one trip but the sheer scope of these structures guarantees a variety of amazing sites wherever you choose to begin your exploration.

Turneffe Islands, the largest of the atolls, has a maximum length of 30 miles and varies in width up to a maximum of 10 miles. Numerous mangrove covered sand cayes, in a variety of sizes, rim Turneffe.

The interior of the atoll is carpeted with vast meadows of seagrass. If you only have time to visit one spot, concensus is that diving is excellent off the southern tip of the atoll.

You will not be disappointed.

The Egyptian Red Sea is another destination to consider if you want a dive that has everything. It offers beautiful and

diverse coral, an incredible complement of fish, fantastic visibility, sheltered reefs, towers, pinnacles, walls, coral gardens and even wrecks, making it one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.

There are three main areas offering different benefits but the same wonderful chance to experience the Red Sea’s abundance: The Northeastern Red Sea Coast (El Gouna, Hurghada and Safag); the Sinai Peninsular (Sharm el Sheik, Dahab and Nuweiba) and the Southeastern Red Sea Coast (El Quseir, Marsa Alam and Hamata).

Of course, which one you want to dip into can also be tied in with the treasures you’d like to explore on land, and this area is famed for its holiday resorts as well as its historical attractions…

Known as the Egyptian Riviera, the

coastal area runs from the Israeli border at Taba around the Sinai Peninsula, through the popular vacation spot of Sharm el Sheik to the Suez and south along the coast to the border with Sudan. Each area has its own delights to promise divers and great places to stay and to enjoy the mystery of Egypt on land. Divers have access to the beautiful reefs, drops and walls around Giftun and Ramada Islands, and a boat trip to the Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard, wreck of the Salem Express and Panorama Reef are well worth organising, wherever you choose to stay.

ABOVE: Coral and fish in the Red Sea, Egypt

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23/01/2014 15:23

An extraordinary ocean race to a most extraordinary island The Governor’s Cup is an exhilarating downhill dash from Simon’s Bay, South Africa to James Bay, St Helena Island.

THE NEXT RACE IS DECEMBER 2014. " THE GREATEST OCEAN RACE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF." Yachting World

"Start planning immediately and get prepared for three holidays of a lifetime, all in one – the race, the beautiful island and its delightful people, and the luxurious voyage back on the RMS St Helena."

Billy Leisegang, Manager, False Bay Yacht Club

OPPOSITE: Views of the Kremlin, Moscow, Russia ABOVE: The River Neva, St. Petersburg,

For more information: Tel: +290 22158 Email: enquiries@tourism.co.sh www.sthelenatourism.com

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OCEAN VIEW 53

01/11/2013 10:19

23/01/2014 15:23

Play with Pattern this Spring

Keep it low key with just a hint of print and some co-ordinated one-colour pieces or get the wow factor in a dramatic all-over design

20% JOSEPH RIBKOFF SCARF PRINT DRESS £239

off

We’d like to offer you an exclusive 20% discount plus free P&P on your first order just quote ‘AJLG5’ when ordering. So take a look, be inspired and enjoy a new way to shop for enviable style

2 OCEAN VIEW

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03/02/2014 09:30

e’ve handpicked the best of the key trends this season – our brand new Spring collection is perfect for whatever W life holds. Whatever occasion you’re dressing for then visit

BETTY BARCLAY FLOWERS JERSEY TOP £50

www.grayandosbourn.co.uk to discover a fresh alternative to the high street.

ADELE MARIE FAUX CORAL NECKLACE £40

GERRY WEBER STRIPE-KNIT JACKET £140

JANE SHILTON PATENT TOTE BAG £89 MARTA JONSSON ANKLE-STRAP SANDAL £110

www.grayandosbourn.co.uk

20% offer is only available on your first order from www.grayandosbourn.co.uk using code ‘AJLG5’ at online checkout. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer and is not transferable. Offer is not applicable to any Clearance products. Offer ends 31/03/2014. Registered office: Griffin House, 40 Lever Street, Manchester, M60 6ES.

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GRAY & OSBOURN SPOT-PRINT TOP £55

OCEAN VIEW 3

03/02/2014 09:30

5 copies of Intermezzo by Stephen Rhodes on CD

We’re giving away 3 copies of the ‘A Sardinian Cookbook’ for you to create the taste of Sardinia in your own home

For those seeking the soundtrack to inner calm, we have five copies of The Stillness of Beauty by Stuart Michael on CD to give away. Float away on the relaxing tides of this album’s instrumental landscapes, with soothing strings to sing your tension away... bliss!

3

copies of ‘A Sardinian Cookbook’

Giveaways Monthly

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is email linda@lifemediagroup. co.uk with ‘Freebs’ in the subject line and your contact details in the body of the message so we can tell you if there’s a prize on its way to you!

We could all do with a little treat now and then... all the more so if it’s free! There’s nothing quite like a present arriving on your doorstep, so we are giving readers the opportunity to be one of lucky winners who receive one of these fantastic freebies!

Set of Binoculars and Cleaning Kit

You could get your hands on these Visionary Freebird 10x42 binoculars from and Cleaning Kit from Optical Hardware.

Worth over £190.

Don’t miss an issue of our new monthly-format for an entire year!

OCEAN VIEW Interiors, Lifestyle, Food,

6 readers can win an Ocean View subscription each

Sailing, Cruising and so

much more...

IT’S TIME TO ENJOY

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Issue 8 Volume 1 2013

FREE

AN OCEAN VIEW

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10/12/2013 14:29 3

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27/01/2014 10:53

1091

Support your tummy while abroad!

When travelling abroad, the local food, drink and climate can all have an effect on the balance of bacteria in your digestive system.

Bimuno® TRAVELAID is a unique and convenient formulation that has been specially developed for business and holiday travellers, to be taken in preparation for and during your time abroad.

Published scientific studies* have shown that some prebiotic Galacto-oligosaccharides, such as provided by Bimuno TRAVELAID, can help encourage and sustain a healthy level of your ‘good’ gut bacteria.

Next time you’re going away try Bimuno TRAVELAID soft chewy pastilles to experience the benefits for yourself.

Visit Bimuno.com for more information.

For the latest news and offers follow us on

TESTED IN PUBLISHED SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

Available from

and Bimuno.com

OCEAN VIEW *Studies on file. Bimuno TRAVELAID is the result of nine years of intensive scientific research with the University of Reading. Bimuno is a food supplement. Food supplements are intended to supplement your57 diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Bimuno® is a registered trademark which is the property of Clasado Inc for a Prebiotic Transgalactooligosaccharide.

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24/01/2014 13:02 27/01/2014 10:53

Competition

WIN!

FUJIFILM F900EXR COMPACT CAMERA

You could win:

Fujifilm’s latest F series compact camera, the F900EXR, is an excellent quality compact camera that’s perfect for those looking for high quality photos, a long zoom lens and advanced artistic features. Its lightweight but hardwearing construction means it can fit into a handbag or pocket easily.

It features a high precision 20x optical zoom lens, plus a powerful new sensor with advanced EXR Processor II technology. Its near-instantaneous reactions make it a ideal for capturing special moments every day but an especially great choice for travel.

The F900EXR can also record high definition movies at the touch of a button, and features built-in WiFi connection so that you can transfer images quickly and easily to your mobile, tablet or PC for viewing, editing and sharing straight away.

The impressive 20x (25mm-500mm) optical zoom is cleverly packed into the F900EXR’s slim body. Its highprecision FUJINON lens features advanced Optical Image Stabilisation which reduces blurring from camera shake or subject movement ensuring crisp, quality shots.

High definition video recording is just as easy as taking pictures thanks to a dedicated video button that you just have to press to start recording a video at 1080p/60fps. Just press the button again to stop recording and you can preview your footage, with sound, on the back of the camera.

Being able to transfer photos and videos quickly and easily to your SmartPhone when you are out and about ensures that you can post them online from where you are. You can also use the Wi-Fi to transfer images directly to your PC when at home, ensuring you always have a reassuring backup of all your photos.

Fans of apps like Instagram will love the F900EXR’s Artistic effects that can be selected and previewed on the LCD before you take your shot, allowing you to get really creative, really easily. Can you think of a better companion to take on holiday with you?

All you need to do, to be in for a chance of winning is answer this simple question:

What is the capital of Austria?

When you’ve got it, simply email the answer with the subject line ‘competition’, to linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk. Alternatively, send a postcard with the page number to Linda Grace, Park View House, 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3YD. Don’t forget to include your contact details so that we can let you know if you’re one of our lucky winners!

a) Paris b) London c) Vienna

Closing Date: Friday 1st March 2014 Winners will be drawn from correct answers a week after the closing date. Good Luck!

58 OCEAN VIEW

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30/01/2014 15:45

PD Adv

UK CRUISE TRANSFERS

WIN!

Cruise transfer specialists Ports Direct are geared to offer CRUISE LINES passengers a nationwide cruise transfer service to/from Dover, Harwich and Southampton ports.

Ports Direct offer the following:

• • • • • •

A range of vehicles from a saloon car to a fleet of executive coaches Our drivers handle your luggage from your chosen pick up location and ensure a porter is at hand to check your luggage in at the port terminal We will meet you at the arrivals terminal holding a name board clearly displaying your name, ready for your return Transfers are guaranteed to operate even when passenger numbers are low Shared door to door and private door to door service Transfers to/from other ports (ask for details)

Call for a quote on 0843 0843 or visit www.portsdirect.co.uk PD 1 2014.indd 59 P Advert.indd OV Comp JAN

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Proud to be members of

OCEAN VIEW 59

03/05/2012 30/01/2014 11:31 15:45

Swiss movement, English heart

The high-tech, high quality ceramic of the Coral’s bezel and bracelet creates a watch of both ethereal beauty and astonishing durability. The 24ct PVD gold accents add a delicate luxury to a timepiece as vibrant and precious as the “rainforests of the sea” from which it takes its name.

Showroom at No.1 Park Street, Maidenhead. To arrange a personal appointment, call +44 (0)1628 763040 60 OCEAN VIEW

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