WINTER 2020
P L AY | E AT | S H O P | R E L AX | E X P LO R E
E XOTIC
Egypt
RCI Extra Holidays from only $309 per week
Remember, you don’t need to use your weeks to book these holidays. Availability is limited so hurry and book today!
RED SEA, EGYPT
EL-METN, LEBANON
KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA
Lillyland Beach Club (3240)
Mena House Club (4081)
Vacation Village at Parkway (4940)
from
from
from
per week
per week
per week
$359
$309
$559
Visit RCI.com or call +2 0 224635500 (Arabic and English) 80004442357 (Arabic - UAE residents only) 80004442354 (English - UAE residents only) to book No week deposit/exchange required. Extra Holidays are accommodation only and do not include travel or any other expenses. Not all resorts are available for all months. For up-to-date availability visit RCI.com. All prices are rounded to the nearest currency and are subject to change. Details correct as of 5.11.19 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 and booking conditions apply. We reserve the right to amend, withdraw or extend this offer without notice. For full terms and conditions including pricing, please visit rci.com/ev-terms 2 WINTER 2020
New For You
Welcome In my first few months with RCI, I’ve met many of our staff around the world and I’m excited to be a part of the team who work so hard to send our members off on the holidays of their dreams. The beginning of a new year is a great time to start planning holidays and we have lots of inspiration for you in this, my first issue of Endless Vacation. For sun, sea and sand holidays, our cover feature focuses on the Egyptian beach resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. For those who prefer mountain highs, you will enjoy reading about the Indian Himalayas, and for holidaymakers looking for fun in the sun, check out our Turkey article. Wherever you go on holiday, I wish you safe journeys and a fabulous time.
Each year, RCI signs up new resorts to our Holiday Exchange programme to give you even more holiday destinations and experiences to choose from. And there have been some interesting newcomers in exotic places this year. RCI added 24 new resorts to destinations across Asia and India, bringing the number of resorts in this region to 613. These resorts are located across a wide range of popular up and coming tourist destinations, such as Vietnam, Malaysia and China. The beautiful country of India welcomed 18 of those new resorts, giving our members the opportunity to book into some exotic Indian city locations, such as New Delhi and Mumbai. We hope that many of you will take the time to look into these exciting new RCI Holiday Exchange options, with a view to widening your holiday horizons. Watch out for these new places becoming available in your Resort Directory on RCI.com in the coming months.
Paul Mulcahy, Managing Director, RCI Exchanges in Europe, Middle East and Africa
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING RCI Visit RCI.com or call us today!
MEMBER SERVICES: +2 0224635500 (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
Auto-Deposit launched Here at RCI, we are always looking to make your holiday booking journey easier, so we’ve now launched Auto-Deposit for selected RCI Weeks members. By enrolling into Auto-Deposit, RCI will deposit your fixed holiday week on your behalf, 12 months in advance of its start date each year. It will then give you the maximum Deposit Trading Power for your week, which means you will get access to the greatest choice of RCI Exchange Holidays - and you won’t have to worry about remembering to deposit each year!
So we can get you on holiday quicker, please ensure that your maintenance fee payments are up to date with your resort. Enrolling into Auto-Deposit not only makes it easier to plan and book your holiday, but you also have the flexibility to opt out of a particular year if you would like to return to your home resort. Find out more by visiting RCI.com/autodeposit-ae
On RCI.com Never lose your username To make it easier for you to sign into your online member account, your RCI.com account username will now appear on your monthly account statements, as well as in most of the emails you receive from us. Just scroll to the end of your email where you will see your username. Rest assured, our security measures ensure that your account and password remain secure. Print your own membership ID card Should you find yourself without your RCI membership ID card - and needing it - all you have to do is to sign into My Account on RCI.com which will take you to your account overview page, where you will find a link to print off another one, there and then.
4 WINTER 2020
All videos in one place You can now watch all of our educational and inspirational videos in one place. Sign into your online account and go to our Help Library home page, where you’ll see the box to select ‘View our Help videos.’ Compare your favourite resorts When searching for your next holiday on RCI.com, you can select up to four resorts to compare alongside each other. When you’re looking at a list of available resorts, tick the ‘Compare’ box to select your shortlist. You can remove selected resorts by clicking on the red cross, if you find other resorts which suit your holiday requirements.
CO M P E T I T I O N
Holiday Moments To Remember HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN ONE OF TWO FABULOUS CASH PRIZES AND APPEAR IN THE NEXT EDITION OF ENDLESS VACATION AND ON RCI.COM? All you have to do is enter our competition by sending in your holiday photographs or videos capturing yourself, with your family and friends, enjoying an RCI Exchange Holiday.
$ 650 CASH PRIZE FOR THE BEST VIDEO
Send in your unedited video clips of you and your holiday party having a great time on your RCI getaway.
$ 650 CASH PRIZE FOR THE BEST PHOTOGRAPH
Send us your photographs showing some of your fantastic RCI holiday moments with your friends and family.
TO ENTER: POST ON: FACEBOOK.COM/RCIEURO EMAIL: EV@RCI.COM Whichever way you choose to enter, submit your videos and photographs by 3 February 2020. Don’t forget to tell us where your video or photograph was taken and we may share your story with your fellow RCI members on Our Blog or in the next edition of Endless Vacation. Your holiday memories could inspire other members to book holidays in places they may never have thought of! For full terms and conditions please visit RCI.com/ev-terms. Entrants must be 18 or over and must be RCI members. Entry confirms participant’s agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions. Competition is governed by English law.
E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 5
Sea, Sun & Fun In Egypt Here’s everything you need to know about two popular Egyptian holiday hotspots, Hurghada, and its glossy rival, Sharm El Sheikh. BY N I C K B O U LO S
6 WINTER 2020
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Shishas for sale in the local souks. Hurghada Beach. Hurghada Marina.
M
iles of perfect beaches, year-round sun, historical wonders and an abundance of adventures, Egypt’s fabled Red Sea coast ticks every box. But, with two leading resorts vying for your attention, which is the one for you?
H U R G H A DA Scene setting The jewel in the glistening crown of the Red Sea Riviera, is the resort city of Hurghada. With its desert climes ranging from warm and pleasant winters to sizzling summers, Hurghada buzzes with atmosphere all year round. Located some 463 kilometres south of Cairo, and enjoying a coastal location overlooking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Suez to its left, it’s defined by picture-perfect
beaches, lively nightlife and elegant eateries. It’s not surprising then that the well-heeled are turning their attention to Hurghada and you only have to look as far as the shiny Hurghada Marina, dotted with mega yachts and located in the central area of Sigala, to see evidence of that. Hurghada’s rise in popularity started in the 1980s and parts of the resort still pay tribute to its humble beginnings. The fragrant souks and stalls of El-Dahar Square offer a throwback to ancient Egyptian charm and a different side to the city. Be sure to haggle hard for the spice and trinkets. The real draw of the Red Sea is its crystal waters, rich in marine life. Expect teeming coral reefs that double up as living art installations alongside a wealth of watersports and other aqua-based activities catering for all ages and abilities. E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 7
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Kitesurfing is one of the many watersports you can take up. Roz bil laban rice pudding. The Red Sea and its marine life.
Things to do Get wet! Whether you’re a pro or a complete novice, head to Hurghada’s many snorkelling and scuba diving schools to view curious creatures, ornate coral and sunken wrecks in famously clear and calm waters. One of the top sites is the nearby shallow flats of AbuRimata; another, 45 kilometers to the south, is the protected shore of Sharm el Naga. Just offshore, the courageous can enjoy parasailing, kitesurfing and motor boating, while the less brave can opt for a relaxing glass bottom boat ride. Alternatively, learn about the rich marine life off Hurghada’s coast at the Marine Biology Museum, which comes complete with a small aquarium. Elsewhere you’ll find the fascinating Hurghada Grand Aquarium, with its fossil museum and underwater tunnel giving you the chance to get up close and personal with the creatures of the Red Sea. Away from the water, shop ‘til you drop. 8 WINTER 2020
From glossy designer boutiques to the bustling, perfumed markets, Hurghada Marina is the place to indulge in some retail therapy. Or, for something totally different, head to the Boulevard for a ride on Egypt’s only Rocket Bungee, which catapults you 55 metres into the air at a speed of 100kms an hour. Not for the fainthearted! Where to eat For classic Egyptian cuisine, head to the cheap and cheerful El Halaka for delicate seafood sourced from the nearby fish market, or the moody Bordiehn’s Villa Kunterbunt for ample mezze, succulent kofta and even local specialities, such as camel steak. For international dishes with a sea view, try the grilled meat dishes at the South Beach Bar and Restaurant before sampling the delicate balance of sweet and spice with Roz bil laban rice pudding and honey-drizzled baklava at El Zahraa Bakery.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Naama Bay at dusk. Hadaba Beach. The wreck of the SS Thistlegorm.
SHARM EL SHEIKH Scene setting Known as ‘The Pearl of the Red Sea’ – or simply ‘Sharm’ – the virtually rainless and family-friendly town of Sharm El Sheikh has, well, charm. And lots of it! Located close to the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, it’s lined with spectacular beaches hugging the Red Sea, including the bazaar-dotted Naama Bay, from where the world’s best diving beckons. It is backed dramatically by a chain of rugged, rusty red mountains that harbour sacred biblical sites. It hasn’t been the easiest of times for Sharm, but this resilient paradise is bouncing back with a level of flair and hospitality that’s both admirable and unrivalled. So, what awaits? Expect a bounty of unforgettable attractions that will delight children, both big and small; beaches lapped by warm, glassy waters full of hidden treasures, resorts fit for
royalty and unique desert adventures under purple starlit skies that stretch out forever. What more could you want? Things to do Sharm’s biggest selling point is its position as the gateway to the Red Sea’s most radiant marine life. As such, snorkelling and scuba diving here is well developed and accessible for all. For a truly iconic diving site, take a short drive down the peninsula to Ras Mohammad National Park, home to natural wonders, such as a mangrove forest, a saltwater lake and an aquatic ecosystem that supports 300 species of coral and 1,200 species of fish. There’s even the ghostly underwater wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, a merchant navy ship dating from 1941. If you fancy escaping the crowds, embark on the glorious one-hour boat ride from Sharm to the delightful little island of Tiran. Largely overlooked by tourists (it has no E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 9
permanent inhabitants and no running water), its peaceful bay boasts yet more fine sand beaches and shallows for splashing about in. Back on the mainland, visit Sharm’s largest Coptic church. The Heavenly Cathedral was built in 2010 and exudes age-old grandeur, with glittering ceilings, alive with intricate murals depicting biblical scenes. Be sure to also explore the parched golden landscapes that surround Sharm. An array of day trips cater for all tastes, from befriending a stately camel while crossing the majestic dunes of the Sinai Desert, before a refreshing glass of black tea beneath a Bedouin tent, to thundering across the plains on a thrilling quad bike tour. Where to eat Sharm’s varied culinary scene is the place to see and be seen, defined by an endless choice 10 WINTER 2020
of Instagram-worthy eateries. Feast on charcoal oven-cooked lamb at rooftop restaurant Tam Tam and don’t miss the hearty but healthy Moroccan and Lebanese dishes under the stars at sophisticated Arabesque within the Four Seasons hotel. Traditional cuisine can be sampled and enjoyed at El Masrien, a spot in the old market with tables that pour out onto the pavements and is hugely popular with Egyptians. Try the molokhia, an ancient plant-based stew often served with rice and chicken. Alternatively, book a table at On Deck, Naama Bay’s only floating restaurant, serving Mediterranean dishes overflowing with impossibly fresh seafood. The whole sea bass comes recommended.
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK (13).
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Ras Mohammad National Park mangrove forest. Quad biking in the desert. A cove on the island of Tiran.
STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?
EGYPT
Shores Amphoras Resort 4127
Sharm Bride Hotel And Residence D024
Lillyland Beach Club 3240
member review:
“This was one of the most enjoyable holidays we’ve ever had. The location of the hotel, the design, the activities and access to well-organised tours, all confirmed that we chose a good value for money holiday and we have to thank RCI for this.”
rci.com:
Located on Nabq Bay, offering hotel rooms and private residences, the resort is ideal for couples and families alike. It offers a range of services and amenities, including a heated swimming pool, a restaurant, bar, and children’s club.
member review:
Mirette Touristic Village 2420
Regina Beach 2392
Royal Beach Resort 3075
rci.com:
rci.com:
rci.com:
The resort’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom spacious units all come complete with a partial kitchen and separate living room area. There are two pools, a gym, tennis courts, water skiing and windsurfing on site, and a children’s club will keep the little ones entertained.
This beautiful Egyptian resort is located on the shores of the Red Sea. On site, there are two swimming pools, a marina, shopping arcade, diving centre, two squash courts and a health club. There are also three restaurants and a poolside snack bar.
“Staff were very friendly. We had a really nice holiday and there were so many positives. The landscape, beautiful beach area where you can swim and snorkel, and the Aqua Park was a good addition for the kids. Overall I recommend it.”
This resort boasts a private beach on the shores of the Red Sea, which makes for a perfect base for scuba diving enthusiasts. The resort offers several restaurants, horseback riding, swimming pools and water sports. The rooms all enjoy panoramic sea views.
View all affiliated resorts in Egypt » Book online or contact us
E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 1 1
Inspirational India India is so much more than its gorgeous Goan beaches and bustling culture-filled cities. For a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, the Himalayas are the perfect destination to get away from it all. BY N E E L I M A VA L L A N G I
I
magine this... A lonely path in the mossridden woods where the mist hangs like the silver shine on a full moon night. Tall pine trees disappear into that silvery haze and silence permeates every inch of the sylvan forest, except for pleasant bird song. When the haze of mist lifts, endless layers of mountains mark the horizon, where green hills gracefully give way to snowcovered peaks. Welcome to Mussoorie, the Queen of Hill Stations. India is known for its vibrant culture, opulent palaces and timeless traditions, but a little-known secret of this incredibly diverse
BELOW LEFT: Sunrise from the peaks of Mussoorie. RIGHT: Cable car above Mussoorie to Gun Hill.
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country is its stunning mountain scenery. With thousands of miles of Siwaliks (outer Himalayas), Lesser Himalayas and Great Himalayas, India is blessed with beautiful landscapes. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is in the north Indian hill state of Uttarakhand. A popular summer getaway since the British colonial times, the pretty hill station is known for its pleasant weather and nostalgic old-world charm, with its luxurious comforts, colonial attractions and beautiful views of Himalayan peaks.
Hill town delights Chosen as an escape from the heat of the plains, the British settled in Mussoorie in the early 1800s, leaving a distinct Victorian influence on the architecture and culture. Mussoorie, is packed with interesting sights and activities. For starters, a walk from the bustling Mall Road towards the serene Camel’s Back Road shows you two wildly opposite facets of the hill station – a gradual transformation from the glitzy market area to a secluded corner in the mountains. From the Mall Road, a cable car runs roughly 500 metres above Mussoorie to Gun Hill, a popular viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks.
ABOVE: Nag Tibba Trek is a delightful hike with rolling meadows and beautiful sunrises. BELOW: A Himalayan clouded leopard.
Getting high on nature Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is a privately-owned estate, where dense oak and pine forests play home to a variety of fauna, including leopards, black bear, martens and barking deer. Depending on which season you visit, you can be privy to blooming rhododendrons and over 300 varieties of flowers in spring, a stunning vista of snow-covered peaks during E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 1 3
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The stunning mountains of Mussoorie. Kellogg Memorial Church in Landour. The hills and homes around the picturesque town of Landour.
14 WINTER 2020
End, a moderate three-mile walk through the lush forests of Benog Hill to Jwala Ji Temple will take you through a charming trail where birds and trees will keep you company until you reach the peaceful summit point. Cultural charms Barely three miles from Mussoorie is the sleepy town of Landour. Hidden within lush green Himalayan cedar and pine forests, Landour was a cantonment area during British rule and still retains colonial influences which are apparent everywhere in the form of British cottages, to the names of streets and buildings. The alluring mix of nostalgia and nature in Landour,
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK (11).
the summers, a white wonderland in winters and a dreamy, rain-soaked solitary escape during the monsoon. Crisscrossed by several fascinating hiking trails, a day spent in the jungles of Jabarkhet Nature Reserve will rejuvenate every tired muscle in your body in a way that only nature can. One of the best ways to admire the beauty of Mussoorie is on foot. Lal Tibba is the highest point of Mussoorie and a popular attraction in the nearby Landour area from where you can see a vast array of several snow-clad peaks. Around four miles from Mussoorie, Cloud’s End is a private estate housing a 180-year old resort amidst a 400acre densely forested refuge. From Cloud’s
STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?
INDIA Club Mahindra Mussoorie 6755 Tuskar’s D901 Hill Stream Resort DC85
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The colourful city of Dharamshala. View of Yamuna river and the valley near Mussoorie. Tibetan Mani Wheels.
View all affiliated resorts in India » Book online or contact us
makes it an enticing escape from the crowds of Mussoorie. Whether it is walking aimlessly around the forgotten forest paths or losing yourself in the historic churches, cemeteries and cafés, Landour has magnificent nature and intriguing culture written all over it. Almost two miles from Mussoorie lies Happy Valley where the Dalai Lama first settled after fleeing Tibet. Later, the Dalai Lama moved on to nearby Dharamshala with his entourage but he left behind a thriving settlement of about 5,000 Tibetan refugees. Today, the place rings with the notes of Mani Wheels (cylindrical Tibetan prayer wheel on a spindle), Buddhist chants and fluttering
prayer flags. An oasis of peace within the lofty trees and mountains, Happy Valley is a great place to go looking for some calming spiritual influences. Find your paradise Even though Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations in India, it remains a wonderful destination for a mountain holiday thanks to its healthy climate and a plethora of escapes deep in the spellbinding hills and forests. Depending on whether you feel like mingling with the crowd or getting away from it all, Mussoorie will charm you into falling in love with its wonderful scenery and mountain life. E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 1 5
A Turkish Delight Turkey has much to offer holidaymakers, thanks to its interesting historic sites, family-friendly resort towns and glorious sunshine. Marmaris and Bodrum are two of the country’s best picks. BY N ATA S H A H E G A R T Y
16 WINTER 2020
Marmaris The lively resort town of Marmaris is bursting at the seams with bars, restaurants and family-friendly entertainment, so if you have children, this is a great town to make your base. However, if you like your holiday peppered with a bit more than just the evening entertainment, it has plenty of interesting landmarks to explore. The popular Marmaris street market is held on Thursdays, where you’ll find everything, from fruit and vegetables, to textiles, leather goods, pottery and clothing. It’s a great place to pick up a bargain or two, but keep in mind that haggling is expected, so make sure you negotiate with the friendly locals. Marmaris Old Town is a lovely place for a wander, with its white-washed walls, cobbled streets and plenty of cafés and souvenir shops. You’ll also find Marmaris Castle, with its museum. The castle dates back to 1522 and boasts mesmerising views of the bay where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean Ocean. If you want to get out and explore further,
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Stunning view of Dalyan and İztuzu Beach. The Lycian Rock Tombs. Marmaris Castle. A beautiful cobbled street. The Old Town of Marmaris.
there’s no better place than the beautiful Dalyan for an interesting day out. Travel by boat and enjoy some time at İztuzu Beach – also known as Turtle Beach as it is where the loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. If you’re lucky, you might spot some turtles swimming while you’re there. Then, take a water taxi to visit the Lycian Rock Tombs, which are the last resting place of the Kings of Kaunos, and are encased in caves. Finally, you’ll stop off at the mud baths which are great fun. Get covered from head to toe in the mud, or even better, dunk the children and make sure you get some good photos. You can then go for a soak in the hot sulphur pool – it does smell but if you can handle that, your skin will thank you for it. Bodrum With the impressive castle and ancient ruins, Bodrum is packed full of historic sites for those who want a break from the beach. Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The ruins date back to the 4th century BC, where the grand tomb was built as an elaborate E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 1 7
STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?
TURKEY Club Armonia Bodrum Evleri 6770 Hattusa VTC Erzin D618 Holiday & Leisure Club - Kusadasi A689
View all affiliated resorts in Turkey » Book online or contact us
resting place for King Mausolus, making it a great landmark to tick off your travel bucket list. Nearby, is the Bodrum Amphitheatre, built during King Mausolus’ reign. It remains intact and still holds concerts and productions today, so it’s well worth checking to see what’s on during your holiday if you want to really appreciate the history of the place. Bodrum Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions, overlooking the harbour and built between 1402 and 1437 by the Knights of St John. Today, you can still see hundreds of painted coats of arms and carved designs on the walls above the gates, including those of grand masters, countries, religious figures and the coats of arms of the knights. No matter where you visit in Turkey, make the most of the children’s club at your RCI-affiliated resort and head off for some pampering in a Turkish Bath. It really is a must-do experience, and honestly, you’ll probably never feel more invigorated than when you walk out! It’s a great way to kickstart your holiday.
18 WINTER 2020
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK (8).
FROM TOP: View of Bodrum Castle and Marina. Bodrum Amphitheatre. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
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$31 reward
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Visit RCI.com/upgrade-me or call +2 0 224635500 (Arabic & English) 80004442357 (Arabic – UAE residents only) 80004442354 (English – UAE residents only) Terms and conditions apply. RCI reserves the right to vary or amend benefits available. Some benefits may be subject to availability. Please visit RCI.com/platinumtc. RCI Platinum is not available to RCI Lite members. *Member reward amounts may vary by local office. E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 1 9
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Visit RCI.com or call us on +2 0 224635500 (Arabic and English) 80004442357 (Arabic - UAE residents only) 80004442354 (English - UAE residents only) Terms and conditions: *Please visit rci.com/ev-terms for full terms and conditions. 20 WINTER 2020