PEM002511 Endless Vacation magazine Spring/Summer 2017 UK

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SPRING / SUMMER 2015 7

Bold Copy: Non-bold copy

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

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Fabulous Finland REVEALING SECRETS OF THIS NATURAL WONDERLAND

COVER LINES THIN BOLD COVER LINES COLOURS LIGHT BOLD OF THE CARIBBEAN COVER LINES

BOOK THE BOLD STAR ATTRACTIONS OF TENERIFE

Island Hopping with RCI Extra Holidays Here are our top picks in Europe that are just waiting to be discovered. Remember, you don’t need to use your weeks or points to book these holidays.

BEAUTIFUL ISLES OF SCILLY

CAPTIVATING CYPRUS

INSPIRING IBIZA

Karma St. Martin (DB57)

Aphrodite Hills Resort (A691)

Las Terrazas De Cala Codolar (2727)

M A R -O CT

MAR-OCT

from

from

per week

per week

£459

£439

M A Y , J UNE , SE PT & OC T

from

£379 per week

TERRIFIC TENERIFE

MAGNIFICENT MADEIRA

LOVELY LANZAROTE

Club Tenerife (2389)

Alto Lido of Madeira (1883)

Diamond Club Calypso (1915)

MAY-SE P T

A PR - OC T

from

from

per week

per week

APR-JUL

from

£239 per week

£319

£269

GIVE THE GIFT OF A HOLIDAY Let your friends and family experience the joys of an RCI holiday by purchasing a Guest Certificate.

Call RCI for more details.

Visit RCI.com or call 0845 60 86 111 to book *No week deposit/exchange or points required. Extra Holidays are accommodation only and do not include travel or any other expenses. Not all resorts are available for all months. All prices are rounded to the nearest currency and are subject to change. Prices are correct as of 10.01.17 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. For full terms and conditions including pricing, please visit rcitc2.com.

We hope that our cover feature - Fabulous Finland on page 16 - gets you thinking! Over the time I’ve been editing your RCI magazine, I have become intrigued by this country, which is now on my holiday bucket list. Did you know that Finland is one of Lonely Planet’s top ten holiday hot spots for this year? It is and that’s because, contrary to popular belief, Finland is not just for Christmas! It is a sensational year-round family holiday experience and RCI member, Philip Hakim, shares his memories of a very special family break in this mesmerising wonderland in this article.

If you are tempted by Tenerife’s many attractions, see Coast to Coast, on page 42, why not enter our competition on page 8 to win a stay in the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife worth £2,500, plus £1,000 spends to help get you on your way, and your year off to a great start?

On the distant shores of the US, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic you can relax into a completely different holiday experience.

Lose yourself in the riot of colour that is Jamaica, fly and flop on a secluded beach under palm fronds on the white sands of the Dom Rep, or explore the lush wetlands and marshes of the New Jersey Shore in the US, right on the doorstep of New York.

And, to get into the real holiday spirit, try some of our drinks of the world featured on page 52. So let’s raise a glass to a year of fascinating travel adventures and new horizons.

Cheers!

Helen Foster, Editor EV@RCI.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLICATIONS

Will Hall MANAGING EDITOR

Claire Williams EDITOR

Helen Foster EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE

Leigh Connelly STUDIO MANAGER

Helen Gurney DESIGN TEAM

Charlotte Semark Ginny Knight Trevor Lewis Charlie Hayes MARKETING MANAGERS

Shelley Burton Jo Smith CAMPAIGN MANAGERS

Gemma Gregory Rachael Noam Gabriella Ilia Sonal Patel Kara Keating MARKETING EXECUTIVES

Leia Unwin Danielle Millar Rebecca West

The paper contained within this publication is sourced from chain-of-custody certified suppliers, to ensure sustainable production.

Please recycle.

Endless Vacation, The RCI Magazine, is published twice a year by RCI Europe. Original articles and contributions may be reproduced or transmitted only with written permission from the Publisher. No responsibility is accepted by RCI Europe for any losses or other consequences resulting from advertisements or other material appearing in this publication. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in Endless Vacation, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is correct at time of going to press (January 2017). RCI Europe reserves the right to accept or reduce advertisements at its discretion without assigning any reason for doing so. All offers are subject to terms and conditions, and limited availability. © RCI Europe 2017. For full terms and conditions see rcitc2.com

4 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

COVER PHOTO: VISIT FINLAND.

Editor’s Note

IS THE OFFICIAL TRAVEL PUBLICATION OF RCI

16 Spring/Summer

2017

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S

30

16

FABULOUS FINLAND Sensational holidays for all seasons

30

CARIBBEAN COCKTAIL Taste the tropics in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

38

REMINDERS OF A MEMORABLE ADVENTURE Quirky souvenirs to take home

42

COAST TO COAST Tenerife - a small island, big on adventure

48

SCILLY ISLES A place of peace and solitude

52

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT Favourite holiday toasting tipples

58

ROMAN REMINISCENCE Fall in love with Rome

60

SHORE THINGS & MOUNTAIN HIGHS Highlights of the New Jersey Shore and Pocono Mountains

I N E AC H I S S U E

4 6 8 10

52

EDITOR’S NOTE WELCOME COMPETITION NEWS

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

Welcome With spring on the horizon, we all look forward to feeling the warmth of the sun on our backs, as we begin to plan this year’s adventures.

Will you take that big trip you’ve always dreamt of in 2017, return to a much-loved destination, or jet off somewhere on impulse?

Whatever journeys you make, by the end of the year, I hope you have many fabulous holiday memories to look back on.

This issue of Endless Vacation magazine provides lots of holiday inspiration, with a host of wonderful destinations. Remember, you can take an RCI Extra Holiday without using your weeks or points, see page 2, or upgrade to RCI Platinum membership to receive a range of excellent benefits, see back cover. Why not recommend RCI membership to your friends who own timeshare too, so they can also gain access to thousands of resorts worldwide, plus you’ll both receive a £50 credit, see page 14.

Whatever this year brings - I wish you safe and happy travels.

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

Make Things Easy With Direct Debit There’s no easier way to renew your RCI membership than paying by Direct Debit.

Using Direct Debit isn’t just simple, secure and hassle-free, it saves you money too!

And it means that your RCI membership is always up to date, so you can book Exchange Holidays whenever you want.

It also means you’ll be ready to take advantage of any of our special offers.

To make things even simpler, you can also manage your Direct Debit online at RCI.com.

Visit RCI.com to set up your Direct Debit payment.* *You must be within two years of the expiry date of your membership to set up Direct Debit payments. Eligibility rules apply.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING RCI Visit RCI.com

or call us today!

MEMBER SERVICES: 0845 60 86 380

6 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

RCI TRAVEL†: 0845 60 86 121

New Direct Flights Launched To Lapland As we go to press, we are pleased to pass on the exciting news that Finnair has launched non-stop direct flights from London Gatwick to Lapland from winter 2017.

A twice-weekly service will run from London to Ivalo in Finnish Lapland, from mid-December 2017 to March 2018.

Finnair is the only airline serving all of Lapland, and the new flights have been launched due to increasing interest in the area for winter breaks.

The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer Juha Järvinen said: “In addition to

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multiple alternatives via Helsinki, these new non-stop flights will offer great additional opportunities for UK holidaymakers visiting Lapland.”

Direct flights to Lapland can be booked through RCI Travel†. Why not ask about booking some exciting excursions too?

Now it is so much easier to get to Lapland, turn to page 16 to read our cover feature, Fabulous Finland, and discover this beautiful country in all its year-round glorious colours. Call RCI Travel† to book on 0845 60 86 121.

†RCI Travel uses the name under licence from RCI Europe and is operated by ICE Europe Limited and fulfilled by Contemporary Travel Solutions, an Accredited Body member of Advantage Travel Centres (“Advantage”) – registered office: 21 Provost Street, London N1 7NH – company registration number 04698963. Advantage is an ABTA and ATOL bonded company and RCI Europe is a separate entity to RCI Travel and does not supply any travel services and is not responsible for any of the products or services sold by RCI Travel. All bookings with RCI Travel are subject to their booking conditions. Not all RCI Travel products are available in all countries.

Switch On To RCI! If you want to find out how to make the most of your RCI membership, check out our great new video at RCI.com.

To view the video, Weeks members should visit RCI.com/explained-weeks, and Points members RCI.com/explained-points.

The animated film explains, in a lighthearted way, how to use our exchange system. It shows how your timeshare ownership, coupled with RCI membership, is the key to unlocking thousands of holidays all over the world.

The fun and friendly video shows how easy it is to choose and book an RCI Exchange Holiday, meaning you can spend more time planning what to do when you get there!

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 7

CO M P E T I T I O N

Snap Happy!

SEND US THE HOLIDAY SNAP YOU LOVE THE MOST AND YOU COULD WIN ONE OF *

THREE GREAT PRIZES! 2 1

FIRST PRIZE

SECOND PRIZE

3

Kindle Fire HD 8, 8” HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8GB

THIRD PRIZE

WORTH £129.99

7-night family holiday at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife

Amazon vouchers

WORTH £50

WORTH £2,500

lands. anary Is and C e h t lts tel in r 2 adu sor t h o new re Junior Suite fo d. s u lo u e fab in a lud dation fast inc s at this n night hts’ accommo s), with break e v ! e s d year 7 nig Spen monereysort. g cludes dren (up to 13 n i in d e w n iz e r n e P us 2 chil 0 sp fabulo

1,00t more about this ou PLUeS11 £ to find

See pag

CO M P E T I T I O N

SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES BY 31 MARCH 2017 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

H OW T O E N T E R Visit facebook.com/RCI and post your favourite photo along with a caption telling us where it was taken and why it was so memorable.

Email us at EV@RCI.com

Write to: The Editor, RCI Europe, Kettering Parkway, Kettering, NN15 6EY, England, UK. *For full terms and conditions please visit rcitc2.com. Entrants must be 21 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.

Prize stay must be taken between 1 May and 31 October 2017, and booking reservation made by 30 June 2017.

Prize cannot be exchanged for cash or any other alternative.

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 9

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Great New Holiday Options At RCI we’re always aiming to give you the very best, and widest, choice of holiday resorts, which is why we’ve added more than 100 new resorts to our exchange programme last year. Here’s a selection of the latest exciting additions:

The Balkan Jewel, Bulgaria

Forte da Oura, Portugal

Grand Muthu Golf Plaza, Tenerife

Karma Cay Tre, Vietnam

The Balkan Jewel (DB70) in Bulgaria is nestled in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, close to the ski resort of Bansko, but is very much a year-round destination. Ideally located for family and adventure holidays, the resort overlooks an Ian Woosnam-designed 18-hole golf course and activities such as horseback riding, fishing, river rafting, biking and hiking can all be enjoyed nearby. There’s a fitness and spa centre, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools on site.

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Resting close to the golden sands of Oura Beach in Albufeira, Portugal, the Forte da Oura (DB67) is the perfect resort for beach lovers. The Algarve resort offers easy access to miles of sandy shores, as well as Albufeira’s wide-ranging attractions, from the lively bars and restaurants of The Strip to the laid-back streets of the Old Town.

You can also relax with a dip in the pool and a meal and drinks in the on-site restaurant and bar.

You’ll really get in the swing at the Grand Muthu Golf Plaza (DB68) in Tenerife, which is made for a seaside holiday – and not just for golfers!

The resort’s beautiful terraces and gardens are the perfect place to relax and enjoy lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean, or you can play a round at one of two courses on the Golf del Sur, which is right next door. Other nearby attractions include San Miguel de Abona Harbour, where you can explore the waters on a scuba diving or submarine tour. There’s plenty to enjoy on site too, as the resort has its own spa, gym and outdoor swimming pool.

Beautiful boutique resort Karma Cay Tre (DE41) is RCI’s latest resort in Vietnam, and a wonderful combination of old and new, traditional and contemporary. Here you can unwind under coconut trees by the pool, eat a variety of international cuisine in the Banana Restaurant, or explore the nearby historic town of Hoi An.

Picture Perfect

Thanks to everyone who took part in the competition from our last issue, when we asked you to send us your most colourful holiday photographs.

The winner was Caroline Longman from Ceredigion, whose image of Quarry Park in Shrewsbury, was the judges’ favourite.

Caroline wins 14 nights’ accommodation at the Risata Bali Resort & Spa (3691) along with £1,200 spending money.

The runner-up was Steve Lowndes from Wirral, with Simone Newlove of Nottingham in third place, who won a Kindle Fire HD and £50 in Amazon vouchers respectively.

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COMPETITION PRIZE The newly-opened Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife (DE27) is the perfect place for a sunshine holiday getaway, especially for music-lovers!

Spread across the Oasis and Nirvana, the ultra-modern hotel has to be seen to be believed; its chic rooms offering iPhone docking stations, LED TVs, high-speed internet access, whirlpool baths and more. You can even have musical instruments, including a Fender guitar, delivered to your room!

Set on Tenerife’s southern coast near Adeje, the beachfront resort also has a range of exciting facilities, including three swimming pools, gym, spa and saltwater lagoon.

There’s a range of activities to keep all the family entertained, a beach club with Balinese beds for the grown-ups, regular live music, and displays of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia for which Hard Rock is renowned.

You’ll find food from all over the world in the resort’s six restaurants, and there are six bars too, including a rooftop lounge bar where you can sip a cocktail while enjoying some of the best views of the island.

Peace of mind We all know life is full of surprises and not always the good kind!

If unforeseen circumstances mean you have to cancel your Exchange Holiday, you’ll have less to lose by taking out Trading Power or Points Protection. These protection plans are exclusive to RCI and ensure that if your holiday is cancelled for any reason, you’ll receive 100% of your RCI Trading Power or Points back, no questions asked. So you can reschedule for another time.

RCI Trading Power or Points Protection starts at £29 – a small price to pay for peace of mind.* For more information, weeks members visit RCI.com/protection-weeks or points members visit RCI.com/protection-points

Top Tips for Travellers A little forward planning and our clever tips will ensure you make the most of your holiday and your RCI membership!

BY S TE V E A DA M S

12 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK & CHARLOTTE SEMARK (1)

*Terms and conditions apply.

Take the trip of a lifetime If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, or something you want to celebrate, either independently or with family and friends, what better way to mark the event than by taking the holiday of a lifetime?

There are lots of options to do so with RCI, and don’t forget you can combine deposits and borrow points from different years to really push the boat out – and there are lots of ways to do this with RCI. You can use those extra weeks or points to take an extended break, live it up in a more luxurious unit, or get extra units so family and friends can join you.

To find out more about combining deposits visit RCI.com/combine-weeks and for borrowing points, visit RCI.com/options-points

Share the experience If you’re not planning to go away this year or are simply feeling generous, why not give the gift of a holiday, using your timeshare, to friends or family members?

You’ll be the most popular person around – after all, who wouldn’t love the chance to take a holiday? It’s easy to do with RCI Guest Certificates - the perfect way to give the gift of a wonderful RCI holiday at a fraction of what it would cost to take a similar break elsewhere.

Guest Certificates cost just £35, plus the relevant exchange fee.

Get your bases covered

To find out more, visit RCI.com/guestcerts-weeks or RCI.com/guestcerts-points

Holiday planning and organising can be lots of fun, but it can also take over our lives. Once you’ve confirmed your RCI Exchange Holiday, that’s when the leg work begins, as there are flights, car hire, airport parking and more to sort out.

Make things easy and get it all done in one call by contacting the specialists at RCI Travel†, who can organise everything you need and take the strain out of all the planning and booking.

They can help with everything, from airport transfers to city hotels, helping to make your holiday extra special and ensure you’re taken care of – from door to door!

Contact RCI Travel† at 0845 60 86 121

†RCI Travel uses the name under licence from RCI Europe Limited and is fulfilled by Contemporary Travel Solutions.

For full terms and conditions see page 7 or visit rcitc2.com E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 1 3

Share holiday memories with the people who mean the most Recommend a friend to join RCI and earn £50† It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3...

As a valued member of RCI, you belong to a group of people who love their holiday time. Why not expand your holiday-loving community, and invite your friends and family to join RCI and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime – time after time.

1

Your friend signs up at rci.com/rfrl and includes your RCI member ID

2

RCI enrols your friend as an RCI Weeks member

3

Once the enrolment is complete, you’ll both receive credits

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If you have friends who own timeshare, the good news is that they can enrol as RCI Weeks members, online at RCI.com, in just a few clicks*. Then they can begin enjoying all the great services and benefits which you do. The resort they own at must be affiliated to the RCI exchange programme, this can be easily checked on the Resort Directory on RCI.com.

Joining is simple... There’s no need to call their resort to request forms to fill in.

Becoming a member through RCI.com cuts out the hassle of having to make phone calls and juggle paperwork. Our new online member enrolment facility also supports RCI’s ‘Green’ policy by being an environmentally-friendly way to join.

If your friend decides to join RCI, we will add a credit of £50 to both of your RCI accounts. This can be used towards an RCI Exchange Holiday, Extra Holiday, Late Deal or RCI Guest Certificate.

Now is the time

for you both to start planning your next adventure with RCI - visit rci.com/rfrl Terms and Conditions: This offer is not available in conjunction with any other promotion, offer or discount. The offer is not open to Wyndham Group employees or to Wyndham Group suppliers and their employees and cannot be offered commercially and/or for payment of any kind. We reserve the right to amend, extend and/or withdraw this offer at any time, without prior notice. †Referring Member: To be eligible to receive an RCI credit worth £50, the timeshare owner you refer must join and be accepted into the RCI Weeks Exchange Programme. The Credit can only be used as payment for selected RCI products and services being: Exchange, Extra Holiday, Late Deal or Guest Certificate and cannot be refunded or converted to cash. RCI Travel services are excluded. By recommending the Referred Member you confirm that you have their permission to do so. There is no limit to the number of timeshare owners you can recommend. The Referring Member must remain an RCI member to receive their ‘Recommend a Friend’ credit and must not breach any of RCI’s Terms. The credit will be awarded to the Referring Member only after the referred timeshare owner has paid their enrolment fee(s), has been accepted by RCI as a member of its RCI Weeks Exchange Programme and any relevant ‘cooling off’ period has elapsed.

The credit will be valid for a period of six months from enrolment. The offer will be invalidated if the referred timeshare owner, fails to comply with any requirement of RCI, cancels their RCI membership within any relevant cooling-off period, is rejected by RCI or has their RCI membership terminated for any other reason. New Members: Applicants must properly complete the enrolment process on rci.com, be accepted by RCI and comply with RCI’s Terms to qualify for this offer. The new member application process can take up to eight weeks from receipt of the completed online enrolment form. Only one new member per household will be eligible for this new member offer and the new member cannot reside in the same household as the referring member. New members must own a timeshare week(s) at an RCI affiliated resort. The new member must not have been an RCI member in the six months immediately prior to application. The offer will be invalidated if the new member cancels their RCI membership within any relevant cooling-off period, is rejected by RCI or if their RCI Membership is terminated. * Online self-enrolment is not available in the Middle East region at this time. For full terms and conditions visit rcitc6.com

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Fabulous Finland

If you've never thought about visiting Finland, you should. Lonely Planet has named Finland as one of its top three countries to visit in 2017. Finland earned the award thanks to a host of events planned in every region, as the country celebrates its centenary of independence this year. Expect some amazing festivals and events throughout 2017, all designed to bring the locals and visitors together.

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"We included Finland in this year's list of top ten countries because it deserves to be recognised on the global stage. With a host of centenary events, a new national park, a fascinating food scene and wonderfully magnetic landscapes, the country has something for everyone."

- TOM HALL, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, LONELY PLANET.

Oulanka National Park.

Springing to Life Spring arrives late in Finland, particularly in Lapland, Europe’s last great wilderness covering 30 per cent of Finland’s land mass. When the snowy straitjacket yields to the growing warmth of the April sun, the countryside bursts into life. From 22 May to 20 July, the sun shines supreme and Lapland never grows dark. You soon get used to what the Sámi, the indigenous Lapp people, call ‘yÖtÖn yÖ’. For nature lovers, Lapland offers a host of migrating birds to spot. Siberian jays, Arctic redpolls and the Gyrfalcons are busy nesting in the forests of pine, birch and spruce.

If you’re staying in Kuusamo, there’s a new attraction to visit, Hossa National Park, which

opens in March. The latest of 40 spectacular parks that Finns regard as their national treasures, Hossa takes you back to Finland’s stone age, with the rock art at the cliffs of Värikallio, created some 5,000 years ago.

Oulanka National Park, lying between Kuusamo and Salla, comes into its own in the early months of the year when rare plants such as the white calypso orchid start to flower, and the rapids of the Oulankajoki River swell with the melting snow to form Finland’s most impressive waterfalls. The 50-mile Karhunkierros Trail through the middle of the park is Finland’s most popular hiking route, and spring is the best time to walk over the

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hanging bridges and through the forest with little, apart from elks, beaver, wolverines and hawks, to keep you company.

Northern Lapland takes you into remote country and to the heart of Sámi culture at Inari. Lake Inari, is the third largest in the country, known as the ‘land of a thousand lakes’, and has 3,000 islands of its own. It’s sacred to the Sámi people – and to author Philip Pullman, who chose Inari as the home of the witch Serafina Pekkala in His Dark Materials series. Step into Siida, the Inari Sámi Museum, for a walk through the art and culture of these northern peoples who still live by herding reindeer, fishing and hunting.

Get a flavour of what life was like before the comforts of the 21st century, stroll around the old wooden buildings, hunting traps, boats and sleds from the 1800s. The gold prospector’s cabin is a reminder of the riches of this part of the world, which are still there for the taking; try the ancient, and extremely cold, art of panning in icy waters at the Tankavaara Gold Village south of Saariselkä.

NATURE’S AWAKENING: 1. Siberian jay. 2. A bear family. 3. Arctic redpoll.

4. Oulanka National Park.

5. A Sámi man in traditional dress. 6. Finnish summer meadow.

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Summer Highs In summer the Finns retreat to their summer cottages. Everywhere in Finland’s vast and beautiful Lakeland you come across little wooden red-painted houses with an outdoor sauna, an outside grill and a small rowing boat tied up to the jetties that dot the lakeside.

Lakeside pleasures don’t get much better than the annual summer Opera Festival at Savonlinna (7 July to 4 August) held in the 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle, a half hour drive from Punkaharju. For the centenary, Finnish works will be premiered for the Bolshoi Theatre and Teatro Real Madrid to perform.

Of course there’s Jean Sibelius, Finland’s greatest composer whose music, inspired by nature and Nordic mythology, helped foster Finland's national identity and, ultimately, independence.

South of here, impossibly romantic Imatra beckons. The Art Nouveau city where spies and their masters met to exchange secrets during

the Cold War. The Vuoksi River is dammed here, but just before 19:00 hours the power station dam is opened and the water cascades into Lake Saimaa to the music of... Sibelius, naturally.

Find your own inspiration in Lapland, with open trails, the sun on your face and the lakes glittering, it is a magical place in summer.

Finland’s ‘Everyman’s Right’ law comes into its own when mushrooms and wild berries appear in all their glory. Wherever you go, take a basket and forage for wild purple bilberries in July, dark red lingonberries in mid-August and bright red cranberries in September.

The most elusive, and highly prized of all, is the pale orange cloudberry, born when the last ice melts in May and ready to pick at the end of July. The cloudberry capital is the city of Rauma, just under two hours from Kuusamo. The tourist office has maps and can arrange guided walks to collect the shy cloudberry treasure.

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When the summer sun is at its height, the cities in the south empty, so it’s a great time for an urban adventure. The former capital of Turku on the west coast is divided by the Aura, a gently meandering river with the cathedral at one end (look for the coffin of the splendidly named 17th-century cavalry hero Torsten Stålhandske, as well as fellow soldiers, Samuel Cockburn and Patrick Ogilvie) and the castle at the other. Walk along the tree-lined banks, particularly on days when there’s a festival or fair, or drop into the Sibelius museum for its musical instruments, introduction to Finland’s greatest classical composer and the rousing music of Finlandia. Turku looks out onto the spectacular Åland Archipelago, dotted with 6,500 skerries and islands between Finland and Stockholm. Take a boat trip from Turku

Harbour or, if you’re particularly sporting, hire a kayak and slip between the rocky outcrops and tree-covered islands at your own pace.

Take the ferry to pretty seaside Naantali for the Moomin World theme park, then return by bus to Turku. Those lovable characters, created by Tove Jansson in the 1940s, will get a whole new fan base when Moominpappa, Moominmamma, Moomintroll, Little My (pronounced Mew), Snuffkin and Snorkmaiden move into their new home in Tampere on 9 May. Multimedia exhibits alongside the Moomin house bring the world to life for children – and for parents who grew up on the comic strip series in British newspapers.

SUMMER’S FRUITS: 1. Russala mushrooms.

2. Cloudberries.

3. Lingonberries. 4. Turku.

5. Moomintroll’s house in Moomin World.

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AUTUMN’S SPLENDOUR: 1. Autumn colours across Finnish marshes. 2. Sauna accessories. 3. Feeding reindeer at Kuusamo.

4. Cooking sausages over the fire.

Autumn Colours As summer's warmth fades and evenings begin to darken, Finland bursts into its last great colour show, known as ‘ruska’ to the Finns.

Lapland’s vast forests and marshes turn to glorious reds, oranges and golden browns as the clouds skud across the sky bringing the first hint of snow. But take advantage of the often warm days, when you can still walk the forest paths and sit beside a crackling fire to cook sausages on sticks.

The further north you go, the earlier the colours appear. From Kittila and Yllas you can reach Finland’s oldest conservation area, established in 1916 just before independence.

The highest fells in Finland around EnontekiÖ is where you’ll see rare Arctic and Alpine flora and fauna. There are autumn markets full of local produce, or visit a husky farm to watch

the dogs start their autumn training before the winter sledding season starts.

Further south in the Lakeland region, the rolling hills of Koli National Park take centre stage at the end of September. Uncut for a century, tall trees of spruce, pine, birch and aspen reach up to the skies. Take the Shepherd’s Trail from the Koli Nature Centre to pass farms still using traditional farming methods, mowing meadows by hand and herding cattle and sheep the traditional way.

Little wonder it was the inspiration for the Kullervo symphony by Sibelius.

At the end of the day, indulge in that most traditional of Finnish past times: the sauna.

Many RCI Finnish resorts come with a sauna as standard and, as a non Finn, this is a rare opportunity to run from the sauna and leap

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into a nearby lake. When winter comes, it’s only the seasoned locals who brave the icy waters.

The autumn sees the reindeer move from their rich summer pastures in the marshlands to the forests for their diet of lichen and moss. Before the snow arrives they gather in herds and the Sámi, the only people who can own reindeer in their ancestral Lapland

home, start their autumn round-ups to select which will be kept for breeding, and which will end up on your plate. This is the time to visit the reindeer farms, to photograph and feed the half-tame fell deer which, like the huskies, wait for the winter season to show off their paces as they pull your sled through the forest paths.

The snow arrives early in Lapland, silently covering the fields and forests. The days shorten and the nights become almost endless, but there’s a magical quality to the darkness. Thousands of stars stretch as far as the eye can see, and if you’re lucky, the remarkable aurora borealis flashes across the sky in nature’s greatest light show. The northern lights are spectacular, forming an emerald, red and green halo that dances across the sky. The electrical power created when the solar wind, hot ionized gas from the sun and our own magnetic field collide, produces more than 1,000 times the electrical power of the world’s largest power plant.

If you see the light show on a reindeer ride through the frozen countryside, you’ll enjoy the ultimate Lapland experience. If you’re driving a team of barking, seemingly unstoppable huskies, you won’t have time to admire anything but your own skill in mushing the team!

The Finnish winter brings skiing in all forms, both downhill and cross-country. The season starts in late October, so die-hard skiers make for Lapland, before the main European ski resorts open, to storm down the fells or glide silently through the crosscountry runs past sparkling frozen lakes.

This year, Finland’s Independence centenary events culminate on 6 December, the day and

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night of the biggest events. But for most of us, it’s the prospect of the arrival of Santa Claus that sets hearts beating. He lives in Rovaniemi, a city designed by the architect Alvar Aalto and laid out in the shape of a reindeer’s head, just five miles from the Arctic Circle.

Children can say hello to Santa, discover how he manages to visit every child in the world in one night - he stops the giant clock on display - and shop in the boutique. Grown-ups might prefer the excellent Arktikum Science Museum and science centre to see how the Arctic northern people manage life in this harsh environment, then sit back in comfort for a fabulous film of the northern lights.

A 90-minute drive takes you to coastal Kemi where the world’s largest snow castle is open in all its shimmering, icy glory from 21 January to mid-April. Then drive the six-mile journey to the Port of Ajos for a trip on the mighty icebreaker, Sampo, into the Gulf of Bothnia.

The ship crashes through the ice before stopping to let you drop down into the frozen, silent sea and float in survival suits. It’s an odd experience, but one you will never forget. But that’s Finland for you, a country of contrasts and excitement, of real seasons and quite unique experiences.

PHOTOS: ALAMY (1); ISTOCK (3); GETTY (3); SHUTTERSTOCK (13) VISIT FINLAND (2); PHILIP HAKIM (1).

Warming to Winter

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WARMING TO WINTER: 1. A traditional Sรกmi Lavvu dwelling under the aurora borealis. 2. Reindeer in the snow. 3. A husky.

4. A drink in the Ice Castle.

5. Dogsledding. 6. The Sampo icebreaker from a unique perspective.

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FINLAND FOR THE FAMILY: 1. The Hakim’s cabin. 2. Family snapshot.

3. Inside the snow castle.

4. Cosy up in the cabin.

5. Feeding reindeer.

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A Winter's Tale

PHOTOS: PHILIP HAKIM (5).

BY PHILIP HAKIM, RCI MEMBER

RCI member, Philip Hakim, headed off to Finland on his first ever RCI holiday exchange. An adventure into the unknown turned into a thrilling holiday for all the family, as he explains.

It was with some trepidation my wife, Michele, our eight-year-old twins, Zara and Daisy, and Annabel aged 10 - set off to visit Santa in the December of 2014.

We stayed at Holiday Club Yllas 2 (2425) in Äkäslompolo, which is in Finnish Lapland.

It is a world apart from Barnsdale Country Club (2932), our home resort. This was our first RCI exchange and we were impressed from the start. Our accommodation exceeded expectations; it was a fabulous timber cabin, which was spacious and well appointed, with our very own sauna which we used every day, and a heated drying cabinet for our clothes.

To make this special for the girls, we tried as many different adventures as we could; husky sledding, reindeer trekking, snowmobiling by night and day, snowshoe walking and, of course, called on Santa himself in Rovaniemi.

Because we planned to see as much as we could, I hired a car. After flying from Gatwick to Helsinki, we took an internal flight to Oulu airport - we could have flown directly to an airport close to our resort, but we couldn't make the flight times. So we drove to our resort from Oulu - and what a pleasant surprise that was. Hire cars come with studded winter tyres and Sat Navs. I was a bit nervous about driving on compact ice, but it felt surprisingly stable. We motored past vast expanses of icy woodlands and pretty townships along the way.

Finland is not overly expensive and, having such wonderful accommodation, the self catering element of our holiday gave us flexibility and made it even better value. Each

day we ate a hearty breakfast before setting off on a winter wonderland adventure, then returning to our comfortable cabin to chill in our steamy sauna in the afternoon. There was no rush, we took everything at a gentle pace and filled each day with wonder!

The days seem somehow longer and the light brighter in the winter than I expected.

The mellow long dawns and dusks were incredibly relaxing, sitting by our cosy cabin and marvelling at this strange beauty while the reindeer wandered by.

I would recommend contacting an activity centre to plan your trips. Our resort put us in touch with reputable companies and our trips were well organised, leaving us nothing to do but enjoy ourselves. Some activities were expensive, but we knew this was to be an extraordinary holiday so we decided to do as much as possible. Besides, only having the RCI exchange fee to pay, we saved more than £1,000 on accommodation rental costs.

And what a terrific holiday we had. Dining at tables made of ice in the Snow Village; viewing illuminated ice sculptures at night; walking over a vast frozen lake towards a halo of blue hues across the far end of the snowcovered valley - you have maps, follow clear markers and can't go wrong. It is fantastic and magical. Santa and his elves were less magical for me, but the girls loved them. Staying on a ski resort, we were just 15 minutes away from the nursery slopes, so we rented a sledge from the resort and had so much fun. Then it was back to our cabin and roaring wood burner for hot pancakes and Glühwein.

It was a brilliant holiday, not as cold as we expected and, wherever you went, the Sámi people were delightful. We agreed that we would definitely return one day.

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 2 5

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

FINLAND

Holiday Club Katinkulta 2247 member review:

"Great place to visit with family. Located in a very large area and has magnificent views."

Holiday Club Hannunkivi 2940 member review:

"If you are looking for a peaceful and pleasant lakefront location in a wooded setting, this resort is ideal."

 RCI.com

Holiday Club Saimaa C642 member review:

"Great family holiday very close to nature with easy access to outdoor activities."

member review:

"There's plenty to do amongst the breathtaking scenery.

The variety of activities changes with the seasons, so you can enjoy a different type of holiday if you chose to revisit!"

Holiday Club Yllas 1 2418

Holiday Club Salla 3939

member review:

member review:

"Beautiful place to enjoy your surroundings!"

"We have been to this resort three times and still enjoy returning! It's in a wonderful location - ideal for families."

For more resort information, and to book.

Or see page 6 for contact details

26 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki 2591

GETTING THERE You can fly direct to Helsinki from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester from just £155!

Here are some examples of great fares being offered from May 2017, and including hold luggage* From £155 with Norwegian Airlines from Gatwick Airport From £210 with BA/Finnair from Heathrow Airport From £219 with Finnair from Manchester Airport * Flight prices are based on the average cost for one person and are subject to change and availability. Visit rcitc2.com for full terms and conditions.

FLIGHTS with RCI TRAVEL† Visit rcitravelstore.co.uk to book your flights

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK (3).

†RCI Travel uses the name under licence from RCI Europe and is operated by ICE Europe Limited and fulfilled by Contemporary Travel Solutions, an Accredited Body member of Advantage Travel Centres (“Advantage”) – registered office: 21 Provost Street, London N1 7NH - company registration number 04698963. Advantage is an ABTA and ATOL bonded company and RCI Europe is a separate entity to RCI Travel and does not supply any travel services and is not responsible for any of the products or services sold by RCI Travel. All bookings with RCI Travel are subject to their booking conditions.

MARKING A CENTENARY OF INDEPENDENCE EVENTS THROUGHOUT FINLAND, THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, INCLUDE:

Nature Days

New Moomin Museum

Visitors are invited to explore the stunning landscape in Feb, May, Jun and Aug.

Opens in Tampere on 9 May and showcases over 2,000 pieces in its collection, with a dedicated children's area.

The World Nordic Ski Championships Taking place in Lahti from 22 February to 5 March and hosting 700 athletes from 60 countries to compete in 21 events.

100 Days 'Til 100 Feast in Helsinki on 26 August, when visitors are invited to join locals to celebrate in the streets.

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 2 7

Get more for your money with more than £2,800 worth of added value Become an RCI Cruise & Resort Holidays† package holder and gain access to savings you will not find on the high street!*

PLUS the first 100 purchases will receive a FREE European city break worth up to £600^

Each RCI Cruise and Resort Holidays† package includes:

£2,000 SAVING CREDITS To use towards a tour, hotels or lifestyle products, such as wine, golf and spa breaks.

ONE 7-NIGHT RESORT STAY Thousands of resorts to choose from worldwide.

ACCESS TO CRUISE PASS+ Receive cruise exchange savings without the use of points or trading power and no exchange fee.

ALL OF THIS FOR JUST £999, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF £3,800*

Call 0800 587 2188 to purchase today Lines Open: 09:30 – 19:30 Monday to Thursday, 09:30 – 18:00 Friday Terms & conditions: RCI Cruise & Resort Holidays packages require a pre-payment which can be paid in instalments, giving you access to large discounts on hotels, tours and cruises. ^FREE City Break Offer: is subject to availability and is capacity controlled to the first 100 members to purchase a package and is up to the value of £600. This offer is not combinable with any other promotions, offers or discounts. Other terms and conditions may apply. †RCI Travel is operated by ICE Europe Ltd (ICE) trading as Our Holiday Centre and uses the name RCI Travel under licence from RCI Europe. RCI Cruise and Resort Holidays are brands and services operated and provided by RCI Travel. RCI Europe is a separate entity and does not supply any travel services and is not responsible for any of the products or services sold by RCI Travel. ICE is an ABTA bonded company. Registered office: 79 College Road, Harrow, HA1 1BD. Registration number 3793995. All bookings with RCI Travel are subject to their booking conditions. Not all RCI Travel products are available in all countries. *Member Value of £3,800 is made up of £2,000 savings credits, £800 value from redemption of the resort week, £1,000 attributed savings for the yearly cruise pass. Based on an average £500 saving per cabin on two cabins a year. High street savings are based on saving credits being redeemed on Hotels purchases (market rate benchmarked against Expedia lowest market price) which would equate to over £2,800 of added value. Visit rcitc2.com for full terms and conditions.

CARIBBEAN COCKTAIL A zest for life and neon-bright beaches characterise much of the Caribbean, but Jamaica and the Dominican Republic deliver a tropical punch like no other.

BY LORR AINE K AR ABIN

Montego Bay - Doctor’s Cave Beach.

O

JAMAICA GLOW

ur daydreams often turn to far-flung shores to get away from daily routines. There can be few better escapes than the Caribbean, with its chilled-out vibes, fabulous resorts and the finest Instagram-ready beaches – no filters required.

Considered the liveliest of the former British islands, Jamaica is also the biggest in the Caribbean with a whole lot to offer.

If your intention is to fly and flop, Montego Bay should be your base to relax and unwind.

The sheltered bay of Doctor’s Cave Beach attracts few tourists, except on Fridays in winter, when cruise ships dock in the harbour.

Beaches are besieged by cruise tourists, so it’s best to give the area a miss on those days.

Pick a spot to be dazzled by the blue

curaçao-like waters and the near-white sands, and you’ll soon be in a state of hypnotic bliss.

It is worth the small charge of $6 to enjoy this private stretch of beach and its fullystocked beach bar and grill.

After a few hours lounging, take a browse around the shopping district which conveniently overlooks the beachfront. And when hunger strikes, the sunset patio at Margaritaville is a great vantage point to watch thrill seekers plunge down the restaurant’s waterslide. Meanwhile, sit back, relax and sample the colourful cocktails.

Doctor’s Cave Beach is a melting pot for tourists and locals alike, but you also have the option to go a little more local at Dead End Beach, beside Kent Road. Also known as E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 3 1

Buccaneer Beach, this narrow strip of sand doesn’t have much in the way of commercial facilities, but the real treasure lies in its uninterrupted sunset views.

Both beaches are part of the protected waters maintained by the Montego Bay Marine Park, and part of a fabulous coastline to explore life beneath the waves.

Don your snorkelling gear to get a good look at the rainbow coral reefs and fish, or relax on a glass-bottomed boat to get a good look at the almost unimaginable spectrum of colour.

It won’t be long before you adjust to the rhythm of life in Jamaica, not least its five-star spicy twists on culinary dishes. Sampling the local food is a great way to accustom yourself to local culture and here, it goes way beyond jerk chicken or curried goat.

Head for the casual surroundings of waterfront restaurant, Pier 1, the place to dip your toes into national dishes, which are fused with international cuisine. Start off with a seafood chowder before indulging in a fruity kick. Order the jerk mango salmon for a light but fiery bite, not forgetting a side of batty (flatbread) and plantain (banana with a potato-like consistency).

But a taste of the real Jamaica lies in its heritage. Bellefield Great House & Gardens is

one of the nation’s oldest sugar plantations, tucked away in the hills of Montego Bay (tour for four people at $40 minimum per person).

As you wander around the Great House and admire the sprawling gardens from the veranda, it will unveil the contrasting lives of the estate owner and Jamaican planter in the 18th century. Following the tour, a plantation lunch is served on the lawn with a sweet serenade from the estate’s Mento band.

An important part of history also awaits at Sam Sharpe Square along Fort Street in Montego Bay. The cobblestone square is named after national hero Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe, who famously led the Christmas Rebellion of 1831, urging slaves not to work on Christmas Day. This resulted in his execution along with hundreds of slaves, but his bravery was posthumously recognised in 1975 with a title of honour.

Today the square is a riot of colour and chaos, but as you observe Sharpe’s statue and glimpse at ‘The Cage’, used to imprison slaves before auction, you are taken back to 18th century life.

From its darker shades, deriving from its less than peaceful periods of history, to the vivid colours of every day island life today, Jamaica is just like a colouring book – all you have to do is enjoy colouring it in!

DOMINICAN DAIQUIRI Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is the staple ingredient for every tropical island fantasy. The gently swaying palm fronds, silk-like carpets of white sand and the soothing rush of the sea are laid out each morning like a film set.

32 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

And once you arrive and revive, you will soon be swept into the fantasy. Uvero Alto is the stretch made for seclusion, with over 30 miles to lounge on. Unspoilt sands are hugged by untamed forest and coconut groves, while the

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CARIBBEAN COLOUR: 1. Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay. 2. Montego Bay sunset.

3. Native Mango hummingbird. 4. Jamaican seafood chowder. 5. Jerk chicken and mango.

6. Coral reefs with colourful fish.

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natural playground.

Book your adventure with Seavis Tours from $120 per person which includes your transfers, a visit to three different beaches, followed by lunch, a village tour and a visit to Mano Juan to discover the island’s sea turtle project.

And the pièce de résistance: Canto de la Playa Beach. Lounge, snorkel and admire the underwater views around the protected bay, with an all-star line-up, including puffer fish, butterfly fish, sea horses and turtles.

Back in port, book a private taxi transfer back to your hotel so that you can stick around for an hour or so to enjoy some sundowners at El Cafecito Lonza, a Dominican-French restaurant and bar serving simple and modern dishes for sharing. Opt for its famous passion fruit mojito to toast a great day and the wonderful views as the sun sets over the marina.

Following a day tour on land or at sea, a little siesta time is the order of the day. Enjoy a power nap back at your hotel, before getting ready to be whisked off for an evening of dazzling entertainment.

The Coco Bongo Show and Disco is a concert, theatre and disco all rolled into one, featuring a menagerie of performances from trapeze artists and gymnasts, to dancers re-enacting scenes from iconic movies.

Standard tickets start at $70, but if you’re in the mood for a little more luxe, book a gold table for $200 per person, which includes your own host, bottle service for unlimited premium drinks and exclusive views of the stage for a night you will remember.

With the promise of another day in paradise, life doesn’t get much better than the lush lands of the Dominican Republic. From the forests in their shades of crème de menthe to the ample sprinkling of coco colada beaches – they mix into a brilliant visual cocktail we would gladly raise a glass to!

PHOTOS: ALAMY (5); SHUTTERSTOCK (10). ISTOCK (2).

calm and shallow aquamarine waters invite you in like a warm embrace.

If you like your coast with a dash of action, just up the road lies Macao Beach. Refreshment stands sell cold drinks and the freshest lobster, while vendors hawk water sports activities and romantic horseback rides on the beach.

You would be forgiven for thinking that the Dom Rep is just about the beaches, when in fact there is much more to do in and around the island.

Escape the heat of the day and visit the Parque Nacional del Este for a rainforest and jungle tour with Seavis Tours ($120 per person, including transfers). Expert rangers guide you through the dense jungle of lush green foliage, treating you to a bitesize lesson on indigenous flora and fauna, as well as a short history of the Taino settlers who once lived in the forest.

At the end of the trail, the freshwater springs and underground lake within the cave, Cueva de Chico, are a stunning display of natural art and it’s impossible not to be amazed by the raw beauty before you.

Afterwards, a traditional Taino lunch is served, with a big-appetite line up, including pork chops, chicken wings and traditional Dominican rice. Be sure to pack your swimming gear beforehand to revel in the height of luxury after lunch, with a lounge in the jungle top Jacuzzi, enjoying views over the River Chavon.

The tour also includes a stop off in the village of Benerito to browse and buy handmade jewellery, before finishing up in Bayahibe to pick up the finest rum at local prices.

For living life in the fast lane, a speed boat excursion from Bayahibe to Saona Island is the way to go. Set off and explore the coastline of the national park and keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, starfish and dolphins in their

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DAZZLING DOM REP: 1. Canto de la Playa Beach. 2. Macao Beach fresh lobster.

3. Native sea horse. 4. Saona Island.

5. Native turtle. 6. Passion fruit mojito.

7. del Este.

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E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 3 5

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

JAMAICA

Secrets Wild Orchid by UVC C560

Secrets St. James by UVC C562

member review:

“This resort truly has something for everyone. With great services, fantastic food, many activities and superb sunsets. We’ll be visiting again!”

member review:

Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica by UVC DE20

Breathless Montego Bay

by UVC DD69

Resting on a private beach with crystal clear waters, Zoetry is perfect for peace and calm, and features a fabulous all-inclusive programme.

If you’re looking for some ‘us time’, this adults-only resort provides luxurious lifestyle amenities and entertainment for the ultimate indulgence.

36 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

“We had an amazing time at Secrets St. James in Montego Bay. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly.”

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana by Karisma DD91

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

member review:

With 15 pools, 9 dining options, a nightclub and the largest casino in Punta Cana, you can expect rockstar entertainment abound at Hard Rock.

“A great resort for all

the family.”

Check out RCI member offers from this resort on RCI.com

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa by UVC C552 Dreams is the best of both worlds, whether you want to relax or be part of the action. Add great food and wonderful staff, it makes the perfect combination.

RCI.com

Paradisus Palma Real C682 member review:

“One of the best holidays of our lives, and we travel every year around the Caribbean. The resort is pure luxury, we made the most of the beautiful beaches and fabulous pools.”

For more resort information, and to book.

Or see page 6 for contact details

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 37

Reminders of a

Memorable Adventure Local handmade souvenirs make great gifts or keepsakes from your travels. If you’re visiting a destination with fresh eyes or returning to a treasured place with renewed vision, here are some unique finds to surprise and delight.

BY LORR AINE K AR ABIN

J

ust the word ‘souvenir’ conjures up images of gaudy slogan t-shirts and shot glasses.

But if you venture beyond the typical tourist haunts you will unearth quality crafts for an everlasting reminder of your trip.

Here are some fabulous gems from Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Las Vegas, featuring a shopping list from the traditional to quirky, to help you look back fondly on your visit.

Souvenirs from Spain The Spanish got it right with recuerdo – the word used for souvenir which translates as ‘reminder’ – of those places you visited and people you met.

The Costa del Sol in Spain offers up a treasure trove of experiences for everyone, from the beachykeen to the culture vulture. With seaside towns and charming cities perched along the coastline, each are home to a variety of local artisans vying for your attention.

Málaga has an illustrious past in the wood, metal and textile sectors, which are all still very much alive today. You may be overwhelmed by the handicrafts proudly displayed in shop windows, from fashion items to homewares, but for something friendly on your luggage allowance, a chic Spanish shawl is a great buy. The Spanish love these silk accessories, and the most exquisite designs are handcrafted in Seville. There are several stores in Málaga where you can pick one up, but for something particularly luxurious, Artesania Florencia on Santa Lucia should be your first port of call. Typically, the silk creations are designed with flowers and birds which are a firm favourite with Andalucians.

A set of castanets make a unique present for the musically-minded, or just because... Otherwise known as castañuelas, owing to their similarity to chestnuts, and contrary to popular belief they are typically used in the performance of Spanish folk dance Sevillanas, rather than the flamenco.

Elaborately carved and decorated, display them in pride of place as a fun ornament that nods at your travels when guests come to visit.

Mementos from Mexico A week in an all-inclusive resort without a care in the world sounds like a slice of heaven, especially at this time of year. If you can bear to tear yourself away from the unlimited bar and fabulous pool you should venture out to enjoy the local crafts scene.

Visit any market in Mexico and you are sure to see vibrant handmade bowls for sale. Choose one (or several!) to take home, as they will make a wonderful

eye-catching addition to any table. As you browse, keep a look out for coral necklaces and bracelets for an exotic and colourful treat to remind you of your adventures in paradise.

Achiote is a distinctive feature of Mexican cuisine and is an earthy spice made from ground annatto seeds. Pick some up at the market ready to impress your friends back home with a Yucatán-style dish, such as the popular pollo pibil.

Finish up with some tequila, such as the Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo Tequila. Infused with chocolate, vanilla and hazelnut, it makes the perfect after-dinner aperitif and will give your guests a boozy sweet kick. Plus it comes in a beautiful bottle for a keepsake to remind you of friends and faraway places.

Light-hearted gifts in Las Vegas We may have hinted at wanting to avoid all things tacky when it comes to souvenirs, but if you’re visiting Sin City, Bonanza is a must-see on the northwest corner of Sahara Avenue, close to the Stratosphere hotel. With the shopfront emblazoned with ‘if it’s in stock we have it’, inside you can expect just as much humour and a whole host of fun gifts, from coffee mugs to bottle openers.

Following a spending spree on gimmicks, cover off something a little more luxe along the Italianinspired streets of the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. It won’t be long before you’re tempted into handing over your plastic – not before a gondola ride of course.

Pandora fans can add to their collection with a cute gondola charm as a memento of Vegas.

Otherwise with a number of iconic US-designer brands under one roof, a little clothing and accessory expedition wouldn’t go amiss.

Pick up some new arm candy at Coach or Kate Spade New York, or head for Louis Vuitton or Dooney and Bourke for some indulgent accessories.

And for your final gamble on a quirky gift, purchase some playing cards from

your favourite casino which were once used on the poker tables.

Presents from Portugal’s Past Portugal is reported to have the oldest borders in Europe, and so its history can be felt throughout the country, from its postcard-ready villages to bustling cities. Everywhere you look on your travels you will spot azulejos, delicate hand-painted tiles in royal blue which adorn many public spaces.

Produced for more than four centuries, the ceramic craft is embedded in the culture here. Look closely and you’ll see many of them depict historic scenes.

Pay a visit to Fabrica Sant’Anna in Lisbon to invest in some designs and learn how these magnificent creations have been handmade using the same processes since 1741.

Before you leave Lisbon, invest in a bottle of azeite, a Portuguese olive oil.

It’s considered one of the best out there – unsurprising since the oil has been cultivated here since Roman times – so they’ve had plenty of time to perfect the batch. Pop a bottle in your basket at department store El Corte Inglés, or if cooking is not your forte, some Claus Porto soap is a luxuriously fragrant gift that is bound to be a winner.

This world-famous natural soap has been made in the same way since 1887 and wrapped in art deco-inspired paper, it makes an indulgent gift for that special someone.

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

SPAIN Heritage Resorts at Matchroom 1867 Acuasol 2970

MEXICO Pueblo Bonito Resort at Sunset Beach 5704 Hotel y Villas Solaris Cancún 1396

LAS VEGAS Grandview at Las Vegas 6923 Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort 0110

PORTUGAL Oasis Village 1145 Clube Albufeira Resort Algarve 2414

For more resort information, and to book.

RCI.com Or see page 6 for contact details

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 41

Coast To Coast The star attractions of Tenerife shine bright. Mount Teide, Spain’s highest volcanic peak, literally stands out among the throngs of tourist treasures, while colourful sands welcome bare feet and towels throughout the year.

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f you hop aboard a boat, the waters that lap these shores provide both a home and migratory stopovers for whales and dolphins. If you don’t have sea legs, don’t worry, you can visit Loro Parque, near Puerto de la Cruz, where dolphins frolic, penguins waddle and the attraction’s original star turns – the parrots – continue to chatter and charm. This Canary Island has more feathers in its cap than you might realise.

The south of the island is the most developed part of Tenerife, where hotels, shopping malls, bars and restaurants huddle along the coast in resorts such as Costa Adeje,

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Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.

Tell anyone you’re looking for a Tenerife away from the beaches and bars – an idyll of atmospheric village squares, family-run restaurants and authentic experiences – and they will probably direct you northwards, which is more faithful to the island of old and teeming with memory-making moments.

Hiring a car during your time in Tenerife puts everything on this miniature continent within easy reach.

Two main motorways link the main destinations, with just 45 minutes behind the wheel dividing north and south.

ON THE SOUTH SIDE The south of the island is rich in mountaintop villages among ancient forests, ravine walks via waterfalls, so exclusive that visitor numbers are kept to a minimum. Eat freshfrom-the-sea fish dishes in the shadow of traditional Canarian architecture. All this within minutes of modern-resort facilities.

The area of Adeje is home to coastal holiday favourites such as Costa Adeje, Fañabé, La Caleta and Playa del Duque, and is the perfect place in which to weave between the obvious and the obscure.

Its credentials as an all-round top holiday destination are irrefutable, with a collection of attractive seafront promenades, lined with welcoming places in which to eat and drink, plus family attractions and mile upon mile of sun-soaked sands. Playa del Duque, Playa Fañabé and Playa del Bobo are among the finest beaches on which to enjoy Tenerife’s gloriously warm year-round temperatures and plentiful sunshine, while Siam Park is ranked as one of the best water parks on the planet.

I absolutely love Tenerife; it has everything. You can have a busy time in the clubs, bars and shops, or a lovely quiet time. But most of all... sunshine all year round.

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SOUTHERN SUNSHINE: 1. A road leading to Mount Teide.

2. Sunset on a Tenerife Beach. 3. A splashing time at Siam Park.

4. Walk the Barranco del Infierno.

That slate-grey, peak-filled backdrop to Adeje’s holiday resorts provides an experience beyond the ordinary. Hiring a car and driving is the best way to reach your destination: the Barranco del Infierno – a pine-scented ravine walk of moderate ease. You could also hire a taxi, as it takes 15 minutes to reach the entrance from Costa Adeje. Only 300 visitors per day are permitted to tackle the four-mile trail, so it’s essential to book a place in advance.

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TREATS IN THE EAST Put fellow tourists in the rear-view mirror and take a scenic, half-hour drive to the east, past the wind-whipped shores of El Médano and the volcanic cone of Montaña Pelada, and on to fishing villages that have changed little over the years. Take a seat somewhere like San Miguel de Tajao. Don’t bother looking for a menu, just let the waiters serve up a platter of the freshest fish and the saltiest, wrinkliest Canarian potatoes.

Just 15 minutes from the sandal-stomped promenades of the main resorts is the quiet seaside town of Las Galletas. Here, the catch of the day is hauled ashore in view of the pebbly beach. The pretty marina and the local feel to Las Galletas illustrate the flipside of life by the sea in urban Tenerife.

While the municipality of Arona is renowned for the cocktail bars and thronged nightclubs of Playa de las Américas, the village of Arona is quite a revelation. A steady hill climb above the coast leads into valleys where bananas and potatoes outnumber people.

Modest indulgences, such as sipping a cool drink in the shade of a palm tree and relishing the near silence, are part of Arona’s charm.

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Go to Loro Parque, on a behind the scenes tour, to see how well-cared for the animals are. And finish off on the cable car to the top of Mount Teide - wow!

– K E I T H TAY LOR

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EXCITING EAST: 1. Playa El Médano Beach and Montaña Roja mountain. 2. Quiet valleys in Arona. 3. Las Galletas Marina.

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THE WILDER WEST Teide by night is an absolute must - even for those who are not keen star gazers. I would also recommend any of the Jeep adventures, especially in La Gomera and Masca.

– DIA NE BECKWI TH

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WESTERN WONDERS: 1. Giant cliffs at Los Gigantes. 2. Los Gigantes town. 3. The mountain village of Masca.

Head to the west coast and the ocean-side scenery suddenly takes on colossal proportions.

The resort of Los Gigantes – ‘The Giants’ – is dwarfed by the ashen cliffs that rise to 799 metres. For the best view, head up to El Mirador Archipenque (Carretera General Puerto de Santiago) for an affordable menu and a priceless vantage point.

Hairpin bends and stomach-churning heights must be navigated to reach the mountain village of Masca, north of Los Gigantes but, if you are a confident driver, it’s a breeze. If not, book a tour or a taxi - this ridge-straddling village is one of the most scenic spots on the island. While you’re at it, don’t miss the coastal town of Garachico, which exudes Canarian charm.

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NORTHERN SOPHISTICATION Love the Golf del Sur - plenty of golf, and good places to eat and drink.

– DE N I SE ORR

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Tourist throngs thicken as you skirt along the north coast towards the popular resort of Puerto de la Cruz, which started life as a port for the nearby town of La Orotava. Flowerstrewn gardens and laidback cafés provide ample resting opportunities between visits to ancient churches and absorbing museums in upmarket La Orotava.

In Puerto de la Cruz, highlights include Lago Martiánez, where, for an entrance fee 2

of around €5, visitors can relax in man-made pools alongside striking works of art. It’s like swimming in a living art gallery. It pays to work up an appetite, as dining in Puerto de la Cruz is some of the best on the island, with plenty of Canarian cuisine on the menu. The district of La Ranilla is a safe bet for authentic island bites, while the restaurants of Mesón el Monasterio in Los Realejos are worth the 10-minute drive – as are the valley views.

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PHOTOS: ALAMY (1); SHUTTERSTOCK (12).

NORTHERN ATTRACTIONS: 1. Puerto de la Cruz coastline. 2. Colourful street in Puerto de la Cruz. 3. Lago Martiánez.

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

TENERIFE

Club Casablanca 1668 member review:

“A very attractive resort in a good location, and within walking distance of the beautiful port and a selection of restaurants.”

Pearly Grey Ocean Club 1786 member review:

“A well-run resort, with a family-friendly feel.”

Callao Garden 2232 member review:

“A quiet resort, perfect for a chill out weekend.”

Club Marina 2378 member review:

“We highly recommend this family-orientated resort for a nice peaceful getaway.”

Hollywood Mirage Club 2429 member review:

“We have returned to Hollywood Mirage several times. It feels like a home from home.”

Vigilia Park 2802 member review:

“The location of this resort, and the views, are spectacular.”

RCI.com For more resort information, and to book.

Or see page 6 for contact details.

The Regency Club Tenerife 1658

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife DE27

member review:

WIN a 7-night stay at this resort – see page 8 for competition details.

“Perfect familyfriendly resort. Our kids loved the evening entertainment.”

E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 47

SCILLY ISLES A Place of Peace in a Hectic World

The Scilly Isles are made up of 200 small islands, but they are big on wonderful attractions. The scale of things to see and do is rather out of all proportion to the physical size of the islands.

BY SAR AH LEE

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ocated off the south-west coast of England, the Scilly Isles are a haven of peace and tranquillity, and it is with very good reason that they have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The archipelago combines rugged granite cliffs and headlands with sandy bays, hidden coves, shifting dunes and saline lagoons. With one of the mildest climates in the UK and a population of a little over 2,000 people, the Scilly Isles are a rare delight.

Find your beach on St. Martin’s Island One of the Scilly’s great secrets is the island of St. Martin’s. Though just two miles long, the island is renowned for its exceptional white-sand beaches.

NATURE’S BOUNTY: (Clockwise from left) Lower Town Beach in St. Martin’s. Cromwell Castle. St. Martin’s Vineyard.

Seals in St. Martin’s.

From Par Beach to Great Bay – which was voted the best in the UK for swimming – to Little Bay, and the delightfully named Bread and Cheese Cove, the island delivers plenty of toes-in-the-sand choices for even the most ardent beach lover.

With fewer than 150 island residents, peace is assured on St. Martin’s, and you can be as active or relaxed as you wish. The third largest of the Scilly Isles, St. Martin’s, is a great place for cycle rides or long walks, fishing, swimming or even kayaking around the coast. There is also a dive school if you want to explore the local waters. For a wild encounter, go snorkelling and meet the friendly locals – in this case the playful seals that revel in human visitors to their ocean home.

The exceptional microclimate of the Scilly Isles makes the south-facing slopes of St. Martin’s a great place to farm grapes.

St. Martin’s Vineyard was established in 1996 and is the most southwesterly in England. Today it produces five varieties of wine. You can tour the vineyard and sample its vintages on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For lunch or afternoon cream tea, visit the Polreath Tea Room, a five-minute saunter from white sandy Par Beach and Higher Town Quay.

The island is also home to the newly refurbished Karma St. Martin resort, resting on the south-western shore of St. Martin’s overlooking the waters of Tean Sound, and Tresco Island.

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Make time for Tresco Tresco is family owned, and home to Tresco Island resort – an escapist’s paradise with a collection of traditional coastal and rural cottages.

One of only five of the islands which are inhabited, it sits only 30 miles from Land’s End, in Cornwall. To the north, high heather covers the moors, which are a great place for walking. The island’s centre is wooded and has many bird hides beside freshwater pools - the Scilly Isles are renowned among birdwatchers, as they attract rare birds from around the world. The south of the island, meanwhile, is characterised by low sand dunes.

As the second largest of the islands, Tresco has four miles of secluded sandy beaches, but no cars – as a vehicular ban has created perfect escapism. Golf buggies and tractors serve the island’s transport needs instead. For those looking to explore, you can hire bicycles, or get your boots on and walk – it’s difficult to get lost on such a tiny island. If you are feeling more energetic there is tennis and, if you want 50 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

to take to the water, there are kayaks, boats or you can try windsurfing.

Tresco is the perfect place to unwind and take life more slowly, perhaps sitting back and peering out to sea to spot dolphins and seals playing off shore. One of the island’s main attractions is the sub-tropical Abbey Gardens.

Due to the closeness of the Gulf Stream, this haven for flora supports over 20,000 species of plants from 80 countries around the world.

Also within the gardens is a colourful collection of sailing ship figureheads. These have been gathered from the wrecks of ships that perished around the island over the centuries.

If you like a little history, visit Tresco’s castle ruins, including King Charles’s Castle, built in the 16th century and Cromwell’s Castle dating back to the mid-17th century – one of the few surviving Cromwellean fortifications in the UK. Getting there The escapism of the Scilly Isles is well within reach – they are just a short flight or ferry ride from the UK mainland.

PHOTOS: ALAMY (4); SHUTTERSTOCK (3).

PEACEFUL SECLUSION: (Clockwise from left) Neptune’s Steps at Tresco Abbey Gardens. A Tresco beach at sunset.

Heather on the Moors of Tresco.

COMPETITION WIN A 7-NIGHT STAY AT TRESCO

Worth £3,500!

All you have to do is to answer one simple question below and you could be enjoying a peaceful retreat in the Scilly Isles, plus FREE: spa treatment, one-hour jet boat trip, and bikes for the family The three- and four-bedroom converted period cottages of the Tresco resort are found nestling in both rural and beach settings. In addition to the tranquillity of the island, Tresco also features a beautifully-appointed spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and gym. A friendly team of trained therapists are on hand to talk through a range of treatments, from a simple pedicure to a marine flora body wrap. The spa uses products that are ethically sourced from around the world,

derived from natural plant sources.

You will never be short of things to do.

There are several dining options on Tresco, such as The Ruin Beach Café with its wood-fired oven for delicious pizzas and succulent roasts. There are boat trips for island hopping and, with two indoor and two outdoor heated pools, plus many pretty beaches, guests will be able to make a splash wherever they are on the island.

To win a week’s stay, can you tell us: What kind of oven will your meal be cooked in at The Ruin Beach Café? a) Gas

b) Wood-fired

c) Charcoal

Send your answer to us by 31 March 2017 Email us at EV@RCI.com or write to the Editor, RCI Europe, Kettering Parkway, Kettering, NN15 6EY, UK. The accommodation will be a three-bedroom property sleeping six people.

For full terms and conditions please visit rcitc2.com.

STAY ST. MARTIN’S Karma St. Martin DB57 member review:

“This is an upmarket resort in a beautiful location. Access is by boat only, as only essential vehicular traffic is allowed on the island, so an ideal place for relaxation.”

For more resort information, and to book.

TRESCO Tresco 0591 member review:

“I had a fantastic time on Tresco, visiting the Abbey Gardens, St Mary’s and Bryer. The spa was excellent. Lots of walking and fresh air, and for mid-October, the weather was great”

RCI.com

Or see page 6 for contact details.

The Holiday Spirit ENJOYING A TIPPLE OR TWO IS A FUN ASPECT OF MANY PEOPLE’S HOLIDAYS. BUT BEFORE YOU ORDER THAT BEER OR G&T, CONSIDER RAISING A GLASS OF LOCAL LIQUOR. TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE DRINKS FROM AROUND THE WORLD - THEN JOIN US IN A TOAST, TO MAGICAL HOLIDAY MEMORIES. B Y L E I G H C O N N E L LY

Hungarian Happy Hour Making a toast while holidaying in Hungary?

Raise your glass, say "Egészségére" and look your drinking partners in the eyes, but avoid clinking your glasses. During the revolutions of 1848, Austrians clinked their beer-filled glasses together, in celebration of defeating the Hungarians, who then vowed not to do this when toasting, particularly with beer, for 150 years. Though this time has passed, it's still not appreciated behaviour. But what are we toasting with, anyway?

Unicum, pronounced oo-nee-com, is the perfect pre-or-post dinner treat. Aged in oak casts and with a dark amber colouring, it's bitter in taste and its unique flavour is cultivated by the blending of more than forty herbs. It is also medicinally recommended for settling an upset tummy, and is comparable to other European stomach bitters, such as Jägermeister, but is less sweet.

Pálinka is a strong fruit brandy, produced from the variety of fruits which grow on the Great Hungarian Plains. It comes in a multitude of flavours, including apricot, pear, plum and cherry.

This drink is so popular that there are annual pálinka festivals, including the Budapest Pálinka Festival in May, where you can sample up to 300 varieties - but beware, this stuff packs a punch.

SAY "CHEERS!" - EGÉSZSÉGÉRE! (EGG-ESH AY-GED-REH)

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RAISE YOUR GLASS: 1. Pálinka, a strong fruit brandy.

2. An ornate Pálinka bottle. 3. Unicum.

4. Swedish Aquavit.

SAY "CHEERS!" - SKÅL (SKAWL)

Swedish Swig Many believe that the Scandinavian toast, skål is derived from the Vikings drinking from the skulls of the vanquished, during post-battle celebration.

However, skål also means bowl in Danish, Swedish and Norwegian and, in times gone by, wooden bowls would be filled with beer and passed from person to person at festivals and gatherings. This less grisly story is likely the word's true origin.

Here are a few of our boozy recommendations.

Aquavit, also called snaps, ranges between clear and a pale yellow colour. It's distilled from fermented potato, and is a dry, sweet and spicy

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drink, flavoured with dill, caraway or cumin, lemon or orange peel, and sometimes cardamom, aniseed and fennel. The drink is served ice cold and neat, and is traditionally paired with pickled herring or as an accompaniment to a smÖrgåsbord. At Christmas, don't forget to try glÖgg, mulled red wine with a generous slug of Aquavit.

Brännvin translates literally to burnt wine, but it's any alcohol which has been through the burning and distilling process. Try out flavoured or plain versions. This drink was born in 1935, following Iceland's prohibition, one brand had a label design of a white skull on a black background, to warn against consumption, earning it the name Svartidauði, meaning black death. The skull has since disappeared but the name has stuck - best to go easy with this stuff.

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SUNSHINE IN A GLASS: 1. Glögg.

2. Aquavit canapés.

3. Sangria. 4. Ageing Ribera del Duero barrels. 5. Rakı served with traditional Greek side dish. 6. Ouzo.

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SAY "CHEERS!" - SALUD (SAH-LUD)

Spanish Sip Before taking the first sip of your drink in Spain, it's customary to shout "salud", circle your glass around on the table or bar top, lift it, and then bang the tumbler back down - because the Spanish are nothing if they are not passionate folk. Then go ahead and drink, but don't forget at this point to make eye contact with those you are toasting with, it's considered bad luck not to.

Sangria, is a refreshing, fruity punch most of us will have tried at some point. You may have even made your own version for garden parties or barbecues. When in Spain, we know how touristy we look ordering this in a bar, as it's not what the locals will be drinking. But the allure of the sweet, cool concoction, makes it, quite frankly, worth it. Authentic sangria is strong, made with good quality red wine, traditionally Rioja, and served with a good slug of brandy. But these days, many Spanish bars in tourist areas, opt to serve a weaker, nonetheless refreshing version - red wine and lemonade with fruit and cinnamon to garnish. Technically, this is known as tinto de verano (summer wine) or simply tinto con limon - this is very popular during Spain's hot months.

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PHOTOS: ALAMY (5); ISTOCK (2); SHUTTERSTOCK (11)

Those who prefer the juice of the white grape - why not seek out the lighter, less full bodied sangria blanca. Seeking sparkles? Opt for white sangria made with cava.

Calimocho, is an odd sounding, yet popular alternative to sangria - it's just red wine mixed with Coca-Cola, and its worth a try.

If you are wondering why all this wine is being tampered with, feel free to keep it classy and simple with a bottle of Ribera del Duero or Rioja - straight from the vines of Spain's two best wine-producing areas. Rueda is a good option for white wine drinkers.

Greek Gulp Ancient Greeks commonly made three toasts honouring various gods - one to Hermes, son of Zeus and guide of the dead, a second to the Graces, daughters of Zeus and goddesses of beauty, charm and grace, and the third to Zeus, ruler of the gods, himself. These days, saying "yamas" and drinking to the health of your company, is sufficient. Greeks don't drink without eating, so accompany your drinks with small mezze dishes and enjoy a sociable evening.

Ouzo is Greece's most widely recognised alcoholic drink. Oil of anise is used to give ouzo its distinct liquorice scent and flavour and is also the reason that the liquid turns a cloudy, milky white when water or ice is added, as the oil is soluble in alcohol, but not water. Mixing ouzo with anything other than water is frowned upon - so best to keep it simple.

Tsipouro, known in some areas of Greece as rakı, is a strong distilled spirit made from the pomace of grapes, essentially the residue from wine presses. Sometimes aromatic seeds and plants, including fennel, saffron, walnut tree leaves and anise are added for flavour. It is believed that this drink was conceived way back in the 14th century, by inventive Greek Orthodox monks on Mount Athos in Macedonia.

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SAY "CHEERS!" - ΣΤΗΝ ΥΓΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ!

(YAMAS) 5

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SAY "CHEERS!" - SAÚDE (SAW-OO-DEE)

Madeiran Mouthful Back in the middle ages, poisoning was commonplace in many European countries, including Portugal. Proposing a toast was an easy way of exchanging liquids between glasses to prove they had not been spiked. The toasters said "saúde", drinking to each other's health, as reassurance that the drink wasn't intended to be harmful. While you're making your perfectly safe toast, try the speciality drinks of the island of Madeira.

Madeira wine, second only to the sponge cake, is probably what the island is most well known for, and when the US Declaration of Independence was signed, in Philadelphia on 4 July 1776, Madeira wine was the toasting tipple of choice. Today there is a good range of this fortified wine available, varying from dry through to sweet, the latter of which is often served with dessert, though it makes a great apéritif.

Nikita is the island's most popular cocktail.

First created in 1985, in the small fishing village of Camara de Lobos, the drink is named after the Elton John song released in the same year. It can be described as a sweet alcoholic milkshake, and with its main components being pineapple juice and vanilla ice cream, it's comparable to a piña colada.

Poncha is also very popular on the island. A sweet lemony drink made from distilled sugar cane juice and honey - some believe it to have medicinal qualities which can cure a cold.

TO GOOD HEALTH: 1. Madeira wine served in Funchal.

2. Poncha.

3. Madeira wine museum, Funchal.

4. A warm welcome.

5. Napa Valley.

6. St. Francis Winery in the Sonoma Valley.

7. Californian wine is served at a tasting.

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Cupful of California Wine enthusiasts, add California to your tasting trip list. The state's varying terrain provides soil to grow almost every type of grape and you'll find more than 100 types of unique and delicious wines available... You may or may not take this as a challenge.

The Napa and Sonoma valleys are commonly associated with producing the best grapes, and wines, including full-bodied reds, such as Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also 56 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

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refreshing whites, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

The wines and wineries of the southern areas of California, have begun to emerge from the shadows of Napa in the north, and the Temecula Valley wine region, south of Los Angeles, is becoming known for its RhÔne and Italian grape varieties, as well as 30 different wineries. Two that are noteworthy are Miramonte and Wilson Creek, at both you can take tours of the vineyard, and sample the produce. Time to get swirling those glasses.

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STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

HUNGARY Club Abbazia 2833 Club Dobogomajor 4193

SWEDEN Holiday Club Åre 7791 Fjallvattnet 1943

GREECE Creta Suites 6845 Villea Village 5895

SPAIN

MADEIRA

CALIFORNIA

Crown Resorts at Club Calahonda 1878

Alto Lido of Madeira 1883

Welk Resorts Palm Springs 2318

Sunset Beach Club 1469

RCI.com

Pestana Palms 2829

Vista Mirage Resort 2501

For more resort information, and to book.

Or see page 6 for contact details

1

Roman Reminiscence My second visit to Italy’s Eternal City was no less breathtaking and infatuating than the first. Take a look at a few of my recommendations for a taste of enchanting Roma, and fall in love as fast as I did.

B Y L E I G H C O N N E L LY

Vatican Veneration Even for those with no religious interest, a visit to Vatican City is a must. I began in St Peter’s Square, before heading to the Basilica. Gazing up at the ornate, Renaissance ceilings, I was aware that I’d never be surrounded by such riches again it’s rather humbling. The Vatican Museum is a maze of masterpiece artworks and historical artefacts. I took a guided tour, you can expect to pay between £35-50 for a reputable guide - but it’s worthwhile to navigate and pick out the highlights, plus you’ll get to queue jump. You could spend weeks ambling the galleries without a guide. Finish in the Sistine Chapel and prepare for neck ache staring up in awe at Michelangelo’s astounding frescoed ceiling.

Captivating Colosseum Colossal by name and nature, Italy’s ultimate landmark cannot be missed.

The gladiatorial arena ruins are a wonder to behold. Take a tour or simply wander

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Leigh at the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.

round, imagining the roars of both the caged animals and the 50,000-strong audience, and the fear of the warriors waiting in the hypogeum below. A top tip from me is to get to the area first thing in the morning, and take cappuccino and pastries in one of the cafés overlooking the Colosseum before entering - of course it’s cheaper to eat further away from the landmark, but honestly, you couldn’t ask for a more magnificent view. Don’t miss the Arch of Constantine just outside the Colosseum - a magnificent victory.

STAY ROME Carpediem Roma Golf Club 4267 member review:

“We have stayed at this resort twice now and the staff are very warm and friendly. The area is very quiet, which allows you to relax after a great day of sightseeing in the busy capital.”

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For more resort information, and to book.

R CI.com Or see page 6 for contact details.

PHOTOS: LEIGH CONNELLY, SHUTTERSTOCK (3).

ROMAN HOLIDAY: 1. The Vatican City. 2. Trevi Fountain. 3. The Colosseum.

Pretty Piazza Navona This is one of Rome’s most famous piazzas, with the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, (Fountain of the Four Rivers), at its centre. One of a trio of fountains, this one is pretty impressive, with four muscular sculptures representing the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Río de la Plata rivers. I visited in the summer and was delighted to see a scattering of street artists, buskers and art sellers. Relax fountain side and soak up the atmosphere before taking your pick of the various restaurants.

When in Rome Visit the Spanish Steps at sunset, and find a space to call your own. If you fancy it, you’ll be able to buy a can of beer for around €1, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

Of course, a visit to Rome without a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain would simply be

incomplete. It’s beautiful after nightfall.

Remember to take three coins, one to ensure a return trip to Rome, a second for luck in love, and a third for a happy marriage.

Thriving Trastevere Once you are done with the main tourist attractions of central Rome, take a trip across the Tiber River, to the medieval town of Trastevere. With fewer crowds, it’s a great place to shop, and if you are anything like me, the stalls selling freshly-cut lavender, and sparkly costume jewellery will prove too tempting. Walk through the town and head up Janiculum Hill, the second highest hill in Ancient Rome, often considered the eighth hill upon which the city is built. Atop the hill, you can see the whole of Rome - it’s nothing short of spectacular.

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SHORE THINGS & MOUNTAIN HIGHS One of the great things about a holiday on America’s east coast is the amount of variety on your doorstep.

Some of the country’s largest metro areas are interspersed with idyllic green swathes of countryside, and the sea is never too far away.

BY D O N N A DAI LE Y

Brigantine Beach

Delaware Water Gap

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ur featured destinations – the New Jersey Shore and the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania – are a perfect example of the versatility of an east coast holiday in the US. Depending on the location of your mountain resort, you can be at the coast in three to four hours for a day at the seaside. Likewise, when the summer temperatures soar, the cool mountain breezes are a welcome change from the beach.

Or better still, opt for a two-centre holiday to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of each place. An impressive system of inter-city expressways and interstate highways means you can enjoy a great variety of scenery and experiences within a day trip distance from your resort.

NEW JERSEY SHORE

Atlantic City

With its glitzy casinos and nightclubs, Atlantic City is the east coast’s Las-Vegas-by-the-Sea. This gaming resort capital currently boasts seven large casinos and several smaller ones.

Add top restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, theatres and performance halls with world-class entertainment, luxury spas and championship golf courses, and you’ve got the makings of a decadent, fun-filled holiday.

Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk was the first of its kind in America. The original one was built in 1870 to help keep sand out of the grand hotels along the beach. Today the Boardwalk stretches five and a half miles; a bustling

promenade between the beach and the shiny modern hotels, casinos and attractions such as Boardwalk Hall and Ripleys Believe It or Not! museum.

Piers containing amusement arcades, a shopping mall and the Atlantic City Historical Museum also intersect the Boardwalk. While surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing are just some of the activities on offer along its sandy beach.

Though known for its luxury shopping, there are Boardwalk bargains to be had at Tanger Outlets, next to the train station. And be sure to try one of Atlantic City’s simple pleasures: E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 6 1

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A VERY DIFFERENT SHORE: 1. Atlantic City by night. 2. Absecon Lighthouse. 3. Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk.

4. Fishing boat in Stone Harbor. 5. Surfing at Brigantine. 6. A selection of saltwater taffy.

a saltwater taffy, which was concocted here in 1883.

Sights to visit include the Atlantic City Aquarium and the Absecon Lighthouse, erected in 1857 and the third-tallest in the country.

Although it’s been deactivated, the lighthouse still shines every night over this sparkling city.

To the north, over a bridge from Atlantic City, the island city of Brigantine was named 62 SPRING / SUMMER 2017

after a type of two-masted sailing ship frequently shipwrecked in the area. With its entire coastline fringed by beautiful sandy beaches, these days you might not mind washing up here.

At the south end are the Cove and the Jetty beaches, both facing the bright lights of Atlantic City’s skyline which glimmer on the water.

During the main summer season, the island has

nearly 20 swimming beaches. Biking, boating, kayaking, fishing and golfing are some of the other activities to be enjoyed here.

North Brigantine Beach is one of the region’s few undeveloped beaches, with over two miles of sand and salt marsh. A two-storey viewing platform here provides a perfect place to observe local and migratory birds, including endangered species such as the piping plover and American oystercatcher. You might even spot pods of bottlenose dolphin close to shore.

Diamondback terrapins also nest on bayside beaches. You can visit the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which has rehabilitated thousands of stranded whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles, to learn about its important work.

Set on the southern section of Seven Mile

Island, Stone Harbor is a resort community with lovely white-sand beaches, unique gift shops and restaurants. It also offers many activities, from tennis to watersports, and is known as a centre for pleasure boating from chartered fishing vessels to ocean excursion boats.

There are great spots for nature lovers too.

On the island’s southern tip, Stone Harbor Point is an undeveloped strand of sandbars, salt marshes and mudflats that attract birds and wildlife. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is a designated National Natural Landmark where maritime forest, meadows and wetlands are a haven for birds and butterflies. The Wetlands Institute offers activities and events that foster conservation of the local wildlife and coastal ecosystem.

THE POCONO MOUNTAINS

A view from the top of the Poconos.

With their proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, the Poconos have been a popular holiday spot since Victorian times. Spreading across 2,400 square miles in northeastern

Pennsylvania, these rounded mountains form a verdant landscape of stunning natural beauty, covered in forests and laced with rushing waterfalls, 150 lakes, and miles of meandering E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 6 3

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is a great place to beat the summer heat. It has nearly 40 thrill rides and water attractions for all ages. Nearby is Camelback Mountain Adventure Park, with zip-line rides, a mountain coaster, segways and more.

Along with extensive hiking and biking trails in nine state parks and two national parks, you can go horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or play a round on over 35 golf courses. In winter, the Poconos are a regional Mecca for skiing and snow sports, with several ski areas offering runs of varying difficulty and terrain.

The Pocono Mountains remain an area of small towns and resorts. Stroudsburg, with its traditional downtown, is the largest, and you’ll find numerous restaurants, art galleries, small shops and antiques stores. Nearby Tannersville is another good shopping place, with The Crossings Premium Outlets offering discounted designer wear and name brands.

The quaint, leafy town of Milford sits along the banks of the Delaware River. On the outskirts, Grey Towers National Historic Site was the former home of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the US Forest Service. The striking mansion, completed in 1886, was designed by leading Victorian architect Richard Morris Hunt. You can see it on a one-hour guided tour, and follow the Tree Trail through the landscaped grounds.

Other historic towns to visit include Hawley with its Victorian architecture and antiques. It’s located near Lake Wallenpaupack, a popular place for fishing, boating and water sports.

At Lackawaxen, you can tour the Zane Grey Museum, once home to the famous Western novelist, and see the Roebling Bridge, the country’s oldest suspension bridge, built in 1848 and used as the prototype for John Roebling’s Brooklyn Bridge.

Everyone’s favourite is the town of Jim Thorpe, a Victorian gem tucked away in the beautiful Lehigh Gorge. In its historic district you can tour mansions, museums and a miners’

PHOTOS: ALAMY (4); SHUTTERSTOCK (10).

rivers and streams.

The name Pocono comes from a Native American word meaning ‘stream between two mountains’. This stream, however, is the mighty Delaware River, which forms the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey on its way to empty into the Atlantic at Delaware Bay. On the eastern edge of the Poconos, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the area’s star attractions. Native American archaeological sites and the remains of early rural villages can be found amidst its 70,000 acres of wilderness.

The park is bursting with scenic beauty and outdoor activities: paddle a canoe, cast a fishing line, hike dozens of forest trails to spectacular viewpoints and waterfalls. You can even hike a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail. The diverse habitat makes this a prime birdwatching spot. Some 260 species of breeding and migrating birds have been seen here, including nesting pairs of bald eagles.

The park’s most stunning feature is the Delaware Water Gap, a mile-wide notch cut by the river through the Kittatinny Ridge. You can view it from several viewpoints along highway PA 611 and I-80.

The highest point in the region is Camelback Mountain, also called Big Pocono. At 650 metres, it’s covered by the ruggedly beautiful Big Pocono State Park. Drive the paved Rim Road for a fabulous scenic route that circles the mountaintop, affording grand vistas over three states.

By the mid-20th century, the Poconos had become a favourite honeymoon spot, known for its couples’ resorts. The heart-shaped bathtub was invented here by resort owner Morris Wilkins in 1963, and it’s still an iconic Poconos image.

These days, the Poconos are a familyfriendly destination, with a focus on outdoor activities and facilities such as spas and waterparks. Camelbeach Mountain Water Park

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THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF POCONOS: 1. Verdant landscape of the Poconos. 2. One of the many Poconos waterfalls.

3. The Appalachian Trail in autumn. 4. An 1860s Italian-style villa in the town of Jim Thorpe.

village, and enjoy wine tasting, restaurants, art, theatre and live music at the old opera house.

The town is also a centre for cycling. It anchors the southern end of the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail, a biking and walking route which follows the river north through the steepwalled ravine. The surrounding state park features more hiking trails, rock outcrops and waterfalls.

Just north of the gorge, Hickory Run State Park contains the vast, ancient Boulder Field, part of the National Natural Landmark

programme, as well as hiking trails and trout streams.

At Bushkill Falls, known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, you can hike a series of wooden bridges and trails that connect eight waterfalls, giving you amazing views of the tumbling cascades and surrounding forest.

The sprawling Delaware State Forest has glacial lakes, bogs and natural areas characteristic of the region. It’s another great spot to get away and experience the natural scenic beauty of the Poconos.

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STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS?

Atlantic Palace 5302

Fantasea Resorts at

Atlantic Palace D676

member review:

“Fantastic location on Boardwalk with spectacular views.”

The Villas at Fairway 1760 member review:

“Centrally located to all amenities in the Poconos. It’s a great trip for all of the family!”

RCI.com

member review:

“We had a great time in Atlantic City, and Philly. We’re already planning our return trip, as there is still plenty more to explore!”

Tanglwood Resort 5116

member review:

“The resort offers a great view of the lake. There are lots of things to keep you busy, we highly recommend hiking to enjoy the great outdoors.”

RHC - Brigantine

Beach Club 2919 member review:

“Nice resort in a good location with Atlantic City just a short drive away.”

Eagle Village Resort 5092 member review:

“Beautiful scenery and unique cabin settings make this resort a perfect base to explore the Poconos.”

For more resort information, and to book.

Or see page 6 for contact details

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Terms and Conditions: *Buy One get One Free. 1. Bookings can be made through the RCI call centre. To qualify for a free Extra Holiday week, bookings for a paid Extra Holiday week must be made between 27/02/2017 and 13/03/2017. 2. The paid Extra Holiday week applies to selected resorts and destinations only and is subject to availability and bookings terms. 3. The free Extra Holiday week is valid for departure dates between June and November 2017. 4. The free Extra Holiday week accommodation applies to selected resorts and destinations only and is subject to availability. 5. The booking confirmation of the free Extra Holiday week will be in accordance with RCI standard booking procedures. There is no cash alternative. The free Extra Holiday week is not transferable or valid for resale. 6. All prices quoted are per week for accommodation only. Prices do not include travel or any other connected expenses.  Full terms and conditions apply – visit rcitc4.com.

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