Endless Vacation Autumn/Winter Middle East 2015

AUTU M N / WI NTE R 2015

P L AY | E AT | S H O P | R E L AX | E X P LO R E

EGYPT DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE EGYPTIAN COASTLINE

SPA SANCTUARY FLORIDA FUN

The Ultimate

Indulgence…

With RCI Extra Holidays you can live the luxury lifestyle without breaking the bank. Here’s a taste of RCI Gold Crown resorts waiting for you.

For travel between October 2015 and April 2016

ONLY $279

FROM

PW*

TENERIFE TREASURES

M AG I C A L M E X I C O

E XOT I C I N D I A

Hollywood Mirage Club (2429)

All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana (A791)

Sterling Terrace Greens (3720)

from

from

from

per week

per week

per week

$419

$279

$469

Visit RCI.com or call us on +2 0 224178323 (Arabic & English), 80004442357 (Arabic – UAE residents only), 80004442354 (English – UAE residents only) to book Terms and Conditions: *Not all information is applicable to Clubs members. No week deposit/exchange or points required. Extra Holidays are accommodation only and do not include travel or any other expenses. Resort 2429 price is based on 1 bedroom (for 4) for 7 nights starting 27.11.2015. Resort A791 price is based on Hotel bedroom (for 4) for 7 nights starting 21.10.2015. Resort 3720 price is based on Studio bedroom (for 3) for 7 nights starting 28.01.2016. All prices are rounded to the nearest dollar and are subject to change. Prices for resorts in North America are subject to local tax. Validity for all: Details correct at time of print (August 2015) but are subject to change and availability which may be limited during peak times and school holidays. All bookings are subject to availability and Terms of Membership, booking conditions apply. We reserve the right to amend, withdraw or extend this offer without notice.

New Places and Spaces…

RCI continues to bring you more resort choices and new experiences to try.

Welcome Fun in the sun doesn’t have to be restricted to the summer months, especially if you are an RCI member with the widest choice of fabulous year-round resorts.

Why not make a winter getaway or early spring break part of your winter planning to give yourself something to look forward to? Egypt is a firm family favourite, from water parks and diving to evening attractions to entertain, see page 6.

For sheer indulgence, retreat to one of our affiliated spa resorts. We present three very different types of pampering on page 11 offered by resorts in Turkey, Finland and Mexico. Refresh mind, body and soul without moving a muscle… the beautiful surrounding landscape is a bonus!

RCI members love to share holiday ideas, so why not tell us about a special RCI Exchange Holiday at EV@rci.com?

Enjoy the pool and spa at Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments (A695) in Dubai, plus other leisure facilities on the rooftop of this fabulous resort, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Get active at Leonia Holistic Destination (D904) in India, home to dozens of experiences such as archery and lazy river rafting, with beautiful resort guest areas for relaxation.

Mirette Touristic Village (2420) in Egypt has recently undergone a transformation, bringing a fresher look and updated facilities to RCI members.

Sean Lowe, Managing Director RCI Europe, Middle East, Africa and India

NEW LOOK RESORT: Mirette Touristic Village in Hurghada has had a resort makeover.

Login to RCI.com

or call us today!

MEMBER SERVICES: +2 0 224178323 (Arabic and English), 80004442357 (Arabic – UAE residents only), 80004442354 (English – UAE residents only)

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 3

N E WS CO M P E T I T I O N

PRIZE DRAW Welcome to our new Prize Draw, exclusive to RCI members.

Simply tell us in which city you will find this Gaudidesigned park: A. Valencia B. Madrid C. Barcelona You could WIN one of three fabulous prizes: FIRST PRIZE A one-week stay at Landal GreenParks Coldenhove resort worth $786 SECOND PRIZE A Canon Powershot SX600 camera worth $209 THIRD PRIZE Amazon Fire HD 6 Tablet worth $122

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HOW TO ENTER*: Send us your answer to this question, along with your name and member ID. Email us at EV@RCI.com or write to: The Editor, RCI Europe, Kettering Parkway, Kettering, NN15 6EY, England, UK. Prizes will be drawn at random from all eligible entries received. Closing date is 10 November 2015.

GOOD LUCK!

*For full terms and conditions please visit rcitc2.com. Entrants must be 21 or over. Entry confirms participants’ agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions. Competition is governed by English law.

Wish You Were Here...

Holiday Highlights for 2016 It is never too early to start planning a holiday so now is the time to get online. Here are our top three destinations to light up 2016: • Always a fun-pleaser, ORLANDO is a must-visit next year, with a new Frozen ride opening at Disney’s Epcot Park and a King Kong ride at Universal Studios Orlando • One of the best places to see the Northern Lights is in LAPLAND in September to March, where they appear, on average, for 200 nights of the year • Experience colourful flamboyance at the Santa Cruz Carnival in TENERIFE, held across two weeks in June, where the streets come alive in a fiesta of fun.

Visit RCI.com to start planning now, and enjoy some of the enhancements we have made to the site for managing your account. These include dropdown lists when depositing floating weeks and auto-filled information to save you time form-filling, leaving more time for your holiday browsing! Plus, should you ever forget your username or password, it’s now even easier to recover them.

Hundreds of resorts become available each day, so visit RCI.com regularly to find your match in holiday heaven!

OT H E R N E W S Peace of mind Add Trading Power Protection to protect your Trading Power if you should have to cancel your holiday.

Purchase during checkout on RCI.com or ask your RCI Guide for more information.

Make it Special Deposit credits left over? Remember to combine these with your current Trading Power to book an extra special break for you and your loved ones.

Photo Competition Winners from last issue!

Resort Stay at Club Aphrodite at Erimi Gardens (2152): László and Dora Cserteg, Hungary Free Exchange Reservation: JeanClaude and Nadia Simoneau, France RCI Platinum membership: Christine Seed, England.

Late Escapes

For an extra boost of sun and sand, or some time in cooler climes, book an RCI Late Deal from only $275.

Search online or talk to an RCI guide today.

Santa Cruz Carnival, Tenerife

Keep in touch We love to hear your RCI holiday stories, email us at EV@rci.com and tell us all about your adventures!

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 5

Underwater discovery in Makadi Bay, Hurghada.

CAIRO H U R G H A DA

S H A R M E L- S H E I K H

E GY P T

EXTRAORDINARY

EGYPT Round up the family and head for Egypt to discover the wonders of its coastline and the underwater delights of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

BY EMMA G REGG

B

asking beside the world’s northernmost tropical sea, the Red Sea Riviera is quite a playground. Beyond its modern resorts and sun-drenched beaches are ancient desert landscapes and coral-rich waters, home to dolphins, turtles and clouds of fish.

For world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, the sophisticated Sinai resort of Sharm el-Sheikh never goes out of style. But increasingly, the place to watch is Hurghada, on the mainland Red Sea shore.

In 2015, the Arab Centre for Tourism Media voted Hurghada the world’s best destination for Arab tourists, an award that’s previously gone to Dubai and Salalah in Oman.

What clinched it this year was Hurghada’s great airport connections, tempting shops and oodles of entertainment. Hurghada, once a runner-up to Sharm, is now a rising star. There’s never been a better time to gather the family and dive in to visit one – or both of these fabulous regions.

PHOTO: ALAMY.

Water fun Scuba divers adore this stretch of Hurghada and the Red Sea, but diving is by no means the only way to enjoy it. Opt for a glass-bottom boat cruise and you can chill out in comfort, cool drink in hand, while gliding over beautiful coral gardens.

Look closely through the observation windows and you may see clownfish darting among anemone fronds and anthias shimmering over the reefs like confetti. Alternatively, book a

dolphin-watching and snorkelling trip with a specialist operator such as Dolphin Dancers (dolphindancers. net) – with luck, you’ll get close enough to a pod of wild dolphins to swim and snorkel beside them.

For something a little more active, the sheltered bays and consistently windy open water make the Red Sea a prime destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing and standup paddleboarding. If you and your children have never tried these sports before, you’ll find Hurghada a great place to learn the ropes. Whatever your level of confidence, multilingual instructors will guide you through the essentials and help you fine-tune your technique. Conditions are excellent all year round, but experienced kitesurfers prefer June to October, when the breezes have real bite.

Splash out Still less than ten years old, Hurghada Marina Boulevard (hurghadamarinaredsea.com) is known locally as the New Marina.

Wander the promenades of this crisp, modern waterfront development and you’ll find plenty of enticing boutiques, ice cream shops and places to grab a coffee or a lazy lunch.

Dotted with palms and graced with arches in soft shades of ochre and gold, the quarter is designed to evoke the spirit of traditional Egyptian towns. There are plenty of glossy boats to admire, and regular events such as flea markets and familyfriendly concerts keep things lively.

After wandering the marina cool E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 7

off at Makadi Water World, Egypt’s biggest and best water park. The whole site is a riot of colour, with 50 ultra-modern, rainbowhued slides, some with panoramic views of desert, palms and sea. Youngsters can play on the Turtle Slide or Penguin Shower, while teenagers go wild on carefully engineered adrenalin-pumpers such as Twister, Space Boat or Kamikaze. For something truly eyepopping, try a water tunnel: translucent panels in the walls create amazing effects as you zoom through. It’s quite a ride.

In Egypt, when the heat of the day begins to wane, it’s time to go shopping. To rub shoulders with the locals, head for Hurghada’s old quarter, El Dahar, and explore the bazaar.

It’s a maze of fruit stalls, craft workshops and small shops, stacked to the ceilings with leather slippers, jewellery, perfumes and shishas. Others are piled high with painted papyrus and alabaster statues or festooned with lanterns and carpets. If you’re in the market for souvenirs, get ready for a little good-natured haggling – there are bargains to be found.

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EAT 1. Sinai quad bike Safari.

2. The stunning underwater realm of the Red Sea. 3.

Shopping in the Bazaars of El Dahar. 4. Wander the enticing promenades of Hurghada Marina. 5. Traditional Egyptian craftsman at work.

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Devastatingly delicious treats such as crispy bakalawa and creamy eclairs line the shelves of bakeries and patisseries in Hurghada – a perfect afternoon treat in between sightseeing.

For a nice lunch, opt for a feast of Lebanese mezze, freshly baked bread and subtly spiced dishes such as loubieh (green bean stew), rounded off with Bedouin tea.

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Meanwhile for a traditional evening meal, ful mudammas (creamy fava beans), baba ghanoog (grilled aubergine purée), molokhiyya greens and sesame tahini are some key ones to note, as well as spiced bean tameya (Egyptian falafels), which is often served with a generous portion of green salad and freshly baked flatbread.

Sensations of Sharm Pro scuba divers and hobbyists alike rate the waters of Ras Mohammed National Park among the best in the world, with good reason. The park protects deserts and mountains as well as reefs, islands and caves, allowing an entire ecosystem to thrive.

Snorkelers are entranced by the shallower coral gardens, while qualified divers can chalk up unforgettable marine wildlife sightings at Shark Reef, Anemone City and Jackfish Alley.

Sharm is said to have the best beaches in Egypt, but if you’d like to take a break from your sunlounger and see a different kind of E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 9

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

The park protects deserts and mountains as well as reefs, islands and caves, allowing an entire ecosystem to thrive.

EGYPT Lillyland Beach Club 3240 member review:

Mirette Touristic Village 2420

Shores Amphoras Resort 4127 SAVE $15 when you book online.

RCI.com Or see page 3 for contact details

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sandy landscape, try a quad bike tour with a desert safari operator such as Sinai Safari Adventures (sinaisafariadventures.com).

You’ll have an exhilarating ride through the Sinai desert, learning about Bedouin culture, sampling local refreshments and ending the day with a spot of stargazing.

Top off your day and visit Soho Square (soho-sharm.com), north of Na’ama Bay, it offers hassle-free shopping and dining in a clean, safe, modern complex. The central fountain with its hourly music and light show makes a striking focal point, and there’s often free entertainment with singers and belly dancers.

Sunrise at Mount Moses, Sinai.

PHOTOS, PREVIOUS SPREAD: ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK (4). THIS PAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.

“We had a great time. Already planning to return next year. Staff were so friendly and everything I asked for was granted.”

RELAX DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

SPA

SANCTUARY Jet off to a world of pampering and indulgent treatments to refresh the mind, body and soul at one of these three fabulous spa resorts.

BY LORR AINE K AR ABIN

The gym, sauna, and relaxation areas of Harmony Spa at Holiday Club Katinkulta (2247) set within forestcovered fells and lakes.

SOOTHING FINLAND If peace and tranquillity are firmly at the top of your list, then Holiday Club Katinkulta (2247) will tick all your boxes.

The spa hotel and holiday resort is set amidst the beautiful lakeland countryside of Kainuu Province, in the unspoilt area around Vuokatti, Finland. Picture a quilt of forestcovered fells and lakes and you will start to shake off the everyday life you left behind.

The aptly named Harmony Spa provides indulgent head-to-toe pampering. Treatments are bespoke to you and a spa afternoon is the perfect way to

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Treatments are bespoke to you and a spa afternoon is the perfect way to unwind after a day’s skiing or hiking. unwind after a day’s skiing or hiking.

With over 20 pools, whirlpools, fountains and massage showers, you are spoilt for choice. Plus the single-gender saunas and the hot tubs are alongside the outdoor pool, so you won’t have to go far to warm up.

To relieve tension, Sauna Yoga is a silent workout which blends a relaxing heat treatment with gentle exercise so be sure to give it a go before you leave.

And of course, what could be better than some fresh air in the great outdoors? The resort offers all kinds of recreation, so after a day’s activities, you will relish the chance to enjoy a spa session.

Thermal pools, mud treatments and more at Hitit Ayas Termal (D617) in Ankara, set in an area famed for its natural thermal springs.

TEMPTING TREATS IN TURKEY The birthplace of the Turkish steam bath, Turkey is a natural selection for a spa retreat.

Picture vibrant mosaic tiles in the soft glow of a lamp, creating an oasis of calm.

Hitit Ayas Termal (D617) in Ankara, is set in an area famous for its health-giving thermal springs. This is just one of a number of RCIaffiliated resorts offering RCI members a range of Turkish bath experiences.

Relax in single-gender Turkish baths, spas and swimming pools. There is also a sauna, steam room, mud room, exotic massage room and aromatherapy treatments. A specialist therapist will create a programme for your relaxation to relieve aches and suggest alternative medicines.

Modern facilities are also thrown into the mix. A sauna, relaxation room and the wood and oil burning rooms will speed up your metabolism, remove any toxins and refresh the body and mind.

To cool off, try the popular mineral pool and a whirlpool hydromassage to ease any muscle tension.

To cool off, try the popular mineral pool and a whirlpool hydro-massage to ease any muscle tension.

After your spa time, the Vitamin Bar should be your final port of call.

Enjoy some refreshment with one of the many natural juices, or a warming herbal tea, to boost the healing effects of your spa session.

An all-inclusive retreat at Club Velas Vallarta (2688) with beachside massages, ocean views and lush gardens.

PAMPER ME MEXICO For a couple’s stress-free pampering retreat, an all-inclusive resort in Mexico is the perfect escape.

Club Velas Vallarta (2688) is a fabulous resort in Puerto Vallarta on the west coast of Mexico.

On arrival, you will be greeted with the warmth of Mexican hospitality.

You will feel like royalty, with your own pillow menu and white goose down comforters for the best sleep. Floating on cloud nine, you will be well rested for whatever the day ahead holds.

Upon waking, you are greeted with glorious views of Banderas Bay, and a wander around the tropical gardens will soothe the soul.

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The azure waters, gentle breezes and music of the waves restore calm…

And this is before you have even entered the spa!

Unwind in the whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms and feel like a celebrity clearing any after-effects of overindulgence – you do have a well-stocked mini-bar and seven dining options to choose from after all!

To reach the beach cabanas and spa, stroll down the grassy path, infused with aromas of lavender. The azure waters, gentle breezes and music of the waves restore calm, and are the perfect setting for a sensual experience.

Finish off your celeb-style day with a Moonlight Massage with organic oils under the moonlight and stars – seventh heaven!

Blazing Trails on Tenerife TREKKING PUTS YOU IN TOUCH WITH TENERIFE’S RICH HISTORY. HERE ARE THREE WALKS WHICH REVEAL THE ISLAND’S MANY FACES… B Y R E G I N A W I N K L E - B R YA N A N D L O R R A I N E K A R A B I N

A N AG A R U R A L PA R K

M A S C A V I L L AG E

MOUNT TEIDE

The mountain village of Masca.

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UNDER THE VOLCANO Teide Volcano Summit Mount Teide, a dormant volcano, is the highest point in Spain (at 3,717 metres) and the crown jewel of Teide National Park.

Teide (pronounced tay-dee) can be crowded in summer and, because of the high elevation, snowy in winter – the latter will prevent any ascent to the crater. The best time to hike Teide is in spring and autumn, when it’s not too hot or too cold.

There are several ways to reach the crater. The easiest is to ride the cable car most of the way up and then walk the remaining 167 metres on the Telesforo Bravo trail.

It’s especially rewarding on a clear day, when the other Canary Islands shimmer in the distance.

You’ll need a permit (free) to access the crater; only 200 people are allowed on the peak daily. Permit processing takes at least two weeks, but check to see if your tour provider will sort the paperwork.

Couple hiking in Teide National Park.

Views of Anaga Rural Park.

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Sendero de los Sentidos Excellent for families with young hikers, the Trail of the Senses consists of three historic paths through Anaga Rural Park, at the north-eastern end of the island. The longest trail, about 1.5 kilometres, passes several lookout points.

Signs at designated spots suggest that hikers stop and use one of their five senses. Children will enjoy touching a beard of moss or bark as prickly as stubble. One sign asks visitors to close their eyes and use a rope to guide themselves while cocooned by woodland sounds.

PHOTOS: ALAMY (4).

THE FIVE SENSES

MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAINS Masca Village Masca is a small mountain village, just an hour’s drive from Adeje and it is well worth the drive, owing to the stunning views. The odd cluster of traditional buildings sprinkled against the mountainside of lush flora and fauna, overlook the Bay of Masca.

As you enter Masca, breathtaking views suddenly open out, taking you by surprise, so make sure you have plenty of space on your camera. A range of tour providers organise the 3.5 hour Gorge trip, hiking down through the valley, to the Bay of Masca, where you catch the boat back to Los Gigantes.

Make sure you are wearing good footwear to walk around the village, even if you do not take part in the hike. You can simply admire the stunning views and the peace and quiet of the valley with the odd call of a bird for company – while you lose yourself in the spectacular landscape, far away from civilisation.

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

TENERIFE

Apartamentos Tropical Park 2403

Hollywood Mirage Club 2429

Wandering the craft shops in Masca.

Vigilia Park 2802

Save $15 when you book online.

RCI.com Or see page 3 for contact details

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TIME TO LIVE

TRACIE BUSHELL tells us how she uses her RCI membership to get the most for her family out of timeshare ownership.

O

n her first ever US holiday with daughter Shellie 19 years ago, Tracie was invited on a tour at Holiday Inn Orange Lake – West Village (0670) in Orlando, Florida, and she never looked back. She loved the spacious accommodation, the privacy it afforded her family, and much more.

“That first stay at Orange Lake really opened my eyes to how I could be holidaying.

It seemed amazingly luxurious and I really enjoyed the feeling of security being on resort gave me,” she explained.

Tracie and Shellie returned many times to Orange Lake, where Tracie valued the home comforts and Shellie loved the activities.

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“Those early years were all about Shellie.

As a younger child, she loved Disney and the rides, visiting SeaWorld and Universal Studios.

While on resort the swimming pools and space in the grounds to run around in were a thrill for her. For me, I was happy to kick off my shoes and enjoy the freedom to relax that you just don’t get staying in hotels.”

At Orange Lake, the fun is on your doorstep, as the resort offers guests nearly five hectares of tropical grounds embracing the Family Fun Zone, together with the many bars and restaurants in its River Island area – ideal to relax in after doing the rounds on the rides under the Florida sun. Guests can try a little of everything by using the daily shuttle service

(Clockwise) Poolside fun. Tracie, third from right above, on her first ever family holiday. Orange Lake in Florida is Tracie’s home resort. Colourful souvenirs.

People just don’t realise what you can get out of RCI membership. I love my holidays – it is worth putting in that bit of groundwork to get all the fabulous breaks I enjoy – T R AC I E B U S H E L L , R C I M E M B E R

which runs throughout the main areas of the resort.

Orange Lake is also a close neighbour of many of Florida’s family attractions, including Walt Disney World Resort and Animal Kingdom, and Tracie was impressed with what the family-friendly theme parks had to offer.

“The Downtown Disney area provided a

shopping thrill for me! Alongside the many bars and restaurants there are literally dozens of retail outlets which are great for gift and souvenir shopping, or just meander and take in the theatrical shop window displays,” she said.

“Holidaying at an RCI-affiliated resort in Orlando brings activities that family members of all ages can enjoy, together in one place.

Beyond the theme parks, there are Everglades experiences, museums, art galleries and more.

“People just don’t realise what you can get out of RCI membership. I love my holidays – it is worth putting in that bit of groundwork to get all the fabulous breaks I enjoy.”

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OVER $285 OF ADDED VALUE!

Experience the value of RCI Platinum for only $72…

Sneak previews…

Be the first to view our most popular Exchange Holidays, including city hotels with Wyndham Hotels or lodges with Landal GreenParks

More space…

For your next Exchange Holiday, request a FREE unit upgrade for more room to relax in

Receive $31 back when you book an Extra Holiday!

PLUS SO MUCH MORE, IT REALLY DOES PAY FOR ITSELF! Visit RCI.com or call +2 0 224178323 (Middle East), 80004442357 (Arabic - UAE residents only) or 80004442354 (English - UAE residents only) Terms and Conditions apply. RCI Platinum is not available to RCI Lite members or selected Clubs. RCI reserves the right to vary or amend benefits available. Some benefits may be subject to availability. Unit upgrades are subject to availability and resort restrictions may apply. Please visit www.aboutrci.co.uk/platinum/terms. For full details of how the $285 is made up, please visit rcitc2.com