Read the August 2016 edition of my monthly column Tourist in my Town featured in Blank GC magazine. This month I visit Dracula’s on the Gold Coast to see their brand new show Retro Vampt!
From the moment you walk through the gate at Dracula’s you are transported into a spooky immersive theatre performance. Met at the door by ghosts and ghouls, you are then taken inside the Transylvanian castle in groups to begin the evening. I won’t give away the surprises, but since the renovation there have been some new additions, so prepare for a fright or two before you reach your table! Read more….
Read the July 2016 edition of my monthly column Tourist in my Town featured in Blank GC magazine. This month I learnt how to fly, somewhat gracefully, through the air on a circus trapeze…
I must have driven past Circus Arts at the side of the M1 a thousand times, always thinking “I really must give that a go.” Then one sunny Sunday afternoon I finally got around to it. I was going to take a trapeze lesson. Not being the most coordinated of people I had little to no expectation in terms of results, but as the saying goes, you should try everything once apart from incest and folk dancing. Read more…
With the recent rise in Shark attacks both in Australia and other parts of the world Sarah Loughlin finds out just how Sharky it really is out there.
The most dangerous thing about surfing in Jersey was the chocolate milkshakes from El Tico’s. Those things were seriously addictive. Learning to surf in the UK seemed a tremendous feat at the time, but looking back the worst thing that could happen was you would get a weaver fish, or be washed up on the beach a bit battered and bruised.
Growing up in the England I had never given sharks much of a thought. But the recent move to Australia has bought these issues to the front of my mind. The week we moved over to the Gold Coast, a surfing mecca, was just after World Champion Surfer Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark in South Africa. Mick is from the Gold Coast, and can often be seen out on the water when he is in the area.
Before heading in to the water I wanted to find out exactly what I was up against so I caught up with Josh Fuller, a pro surfer who now runs his surf schoolfrom Kingscliff, NSW. One of the first things Josh explained is that is it a small selection of shark species that are normally involved in shark attacks; Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, and Great White Sharks. Most other species are completely harmless. Josh explained that there are risks involved with surfing, as there are with most sports, but if you take the time to learn about basic ocean safety you are more likely to enjoy surfing and stay safe in the water.
One of the first Aussie phrases I came across moving over here was ‘Sharky’. Not commonly used in other parts of the world, I still wasn’t quite sure what it meant. ‘It’s more of a feeling’, explains Josh, ‘when the sky is grey and overcast, and the water looks really dark, it just feels sharky’. One of the first points covered in Josh’s ocean safety run down is to avoid surfing at dusk and dawn, as this is feeding time for sharks. After our pep talk on the beach I was ready to hit the surf.
Heading out for a solo surf in Dbar, NSW. Sarah 1: Shark 0.
Splashing about in the shallows in the warm, clear waters it was hard to imagine that there were huge predators swimming probably not that far away. Josh explained that although sharks are often close by, the number of attacks on surfers compared to the number of surfers is very low. After picking up a few tips from Josh on my technique and spending time in the water with a local, I felt confident that I could take to the beach on my own, but I still couldn’t get the thought of sharks out of my head.
To get over my fear I wanted to see what was going on under the water, and get a feel of what might be lurking underneath me. I felt that if I could see one up close I wouldn’t be scared anymore. It’s more the fear of the unknown than anything else. Sort of like falling off your bike for the first time when your a kid, once you have done it, and it doesn’t hurt that bad, and you don’t have to be scared of it.
Swimming with Sea Turtles @ Cook Island, NSW.
Heading out on the boat to Cook Island, a local diving spot known for being a bit sharky, I had mixed feelings. I wanted to see a shark, but at the same time I felt like hunting them down was asking for trouble. Never the less I hopped into the water and sunk down with the dive instructor to have a look around. I will never tire of diving and seeing at the marine life going about their business, swimming about, its mesmerising. About 10 minutes in, almost forgetting why I was there, I saw one. Small, but most certainly a shark, it swam by in the distance, not giving us a second glance. After thinking of nothing but sharks for the last few weeks, it seemed almost an anti-climax to have the shark be so uninterested in us.
I blame my irrational fear of Australian wildlife on being addicted to Steve Erwin’s TV show. Before I moved here I imagined that everything in Australia would kill you as soon as look at you. But with one fatal shark attack per year in Australia you are far more likely to come to a sticky end using a vending machine!
To get out surfing on the Gold Coast visit in2surf.com.au and book your lesson!
Having caught approximately three waves in my surfing career so far, here is one of my terrific paddling.
Sarah Loughlin’s top tips on where to stay and what to do on two of Hawaii’s most popular islands.
In Waikiki, the relaxing sound of Hawaiian music floats on the breeze. You can hear it as you walk the busy shopping streets, relax on the beach or wait for your next wave surfing in the bay. It has been Hawaii’s most popular destination since the first hotel was built in 1901. Read More…
Read the June 2016 edition of my monthly column Tourist in my Town featured in Blank GC magazine. This month I spent some time in the rainforest at Mount Tamborine, being outdone by small children…
There is nothing like spending time in the rainforest, with the lush green leaves as a backdrop, and the birds as your soundtrack for the day. Living on the Gold Coast it’s easy to take for granted that we not only have white sandy beaches and warm water year round, but we also have miles and miles of hinterland to explore. Right on our doorstep. Read More…
Read the May 2016 edition of my monthly column Tourist in my Town featured in Blank GC magazine. This month learn about Wine Group and Co., a company that runs fun informative wine workshops on the Gold Coast!
I really like wine. But I usually choose my bottle the way I pick a horse at the races, based on the appearance and an interesting name. Like any sort of gambling this sometimes pays off, and sometimes results in a $20 bottle being relegated to cooking wine. Read more….
To see more of my Blank GC Tourist in my Town articles click here.
Read the latest edition of my monthly column ‘Tourist in my Town’ featured in Blank GC magazine. Each month learn about fun, interesting things for locals to do on the Gold Coast!
Find time to make the most of this amazing place we call home this summer, starting with a boat trip up the Tweed River. Read More…
Dolphin spotting on the Tweed River, NSW Australia.
Read the latest edition of my monthly column in Blank GC! ‘Tourist in my Town’ features fun, interesting things for locals to do on the Gold Coast each month.
Sarah Loughlin looks the coast from a new perspective with a hot-air-balloon trip to remember. Read more…
Ballooning in Lamington National Park, Queensland.
All islands have a story to tell. Sarah Loughlin swaps life in Jersey to explore the islands of the Adriatic and find out about Croatia’s history, culture and holiday hot-spots.
Sarah Loughlin talks to Joanne Reid Rodrigues, nutritionist and author of Slim, Happy Free about how to eat healthily while enjoying yourself on holiday.
Hotel breakfasts will be the death of me. I am a sucker for a buffet. I promise myself I will just have a bit of toast, but before I know it I am tucking in to three different types of eggs and a mound of bacon. This wouldn’t be a problem if hotel breakfasts were a rare occasion, or a special treat, but when you have one everyday of your two-week holiday you can quickly start piling on the pounds.
Jersey’s own Joanne Reid Rodrigues from Slimming Together has been teaching islanders how to live a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying themselves for 30 years; I caught up with her to see how she copes with travel.
SL:What do you think is the most common downfall for frequent travellers when it comes to eating healthily?
JRR:Some folks panic a little bit when they are out of their own kitchen; but in reality, nothing finds its way into our stomach unless we put it there! On short trips in particular, there are various ways to keep choices health-oriented. However, if the trips are pleasure-oriented, we might feel more relaxed and have an alcoholic drink at the airport to get the holiday started; if our mindset is focused on having fun or relaxation, our food choices might reflect this.I would say our mindset is both our greatest strength and downfall, depending on how we approach situations.
SL: If like me people have eyes bigger than their stomachs, what is the best tactic to tackle a hotel buffet situation?
JRR: Ask yourself how you want to feel after your meal or in the morning. Being mindful that too much food can cause us to feel bloated and tired can help us make balanced choices. I love buffets, but I usually take a look at all the appealing foods and remind myself that it’s not all for me! Eating is a pleasure, but if we overdo it we might diminish our enjoyment of our day or evening ahead. Everything in balance.
SL:How can eating healthily benefit you while away?
JRR: We benefit from eating healthily in numerous ways – most typically, our mood and energy levels are affected by our dietary choices. It’s important to avoid any foods we have an intolerance of, since many folks feel sluggish and tired if they eat foods their body has an immune reaction to. Our dietary choices affect our cognitive state, our feelings, and even our behaviour. Making healthful choices helps us have clear thinking and sharper concentration.
SL:Airport delays are one of my down falls, what are the best choices at the airport?
JRR: Many airports are now catering for health-oriented travellers and I would often choose vegetable soup or a baked potato with salad. I’ve even been able to find porridge at many airports. On long flights, I’d recommend avoiding wheat-based foods like bread and pasta since wheat encourages fluid retention, which can be more of a problem during a long flight. Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are excellent and a piece or two of fruit – these make good snacks.
SL:I am the worst for trying to eat my way through jetlag, if you get the post flight munchies what are the best types of food to go for?
JRR: When we feel extremely tired we might have strong coffee to give us a kick and perhaps some chocolate or sugary pastries for that little sugar rush. But it’s the worst thing really, because caffeine and sugar actually deplete our energy and the more we have, the more exhausted we feel. The body needs sleep, and a good natural sleep aid is tart cherry juice which is a natural source of the hormone melatonin and also contains the amino acid tryptophan. Drinking half a glass before bed typically aids sleep and mood. As at all times, the best food choices include plenty vegetables and vegetable juices, fruits and other unprocessed complex carbohydrates, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins such as fish including salmon and mackerel and white meat.
SL:Another potential downfall of holiday eating is the pre-dinner drinks, have you got any advice to avoid over indulging on the canapés and aperitifs?
JRR: It’s not what we do upon occasion that creates weight gain – it’s what we do on a regular basis. If you go on trips occasionally, having an aperitif and canapés typically isn’t a problem. But if you go often, and if you’re concerned about your weight or aspects of your health, I would simply make a decision to drink San Pellegrino – a clear head helps us maintain control over how much we eat. To avoid feeling ravenous which of course naturally leads to us eating lots at a party or gathering, we can even have a small healthy meal before going to the event – a couple of oat cakes lightly spread with mashed avocado or even a small bowl of porridge takes the edge off our appetite and helps us maintain control.
Two Guernsey newbies discover the second biggest of the Channel Islands on a bicycle built for two.
Possibly the best thing about a tandem bicycle is that no matter how fast the person in front of you Pedals, they can’t get away. As much as Drew, my boyfriend, and the captain of our tandem, might have liked to as I sang the chorus of A Bicycle Built For Two on repeat.
We had picked up our tandem bike, fondly named Barry, at the airport. After a quick coin toss to see who would have to steer it, we set off. It was our first time on the island and from the moment we landed, with no airport queues or passport control, I knew we were going to get along with the place.
With my face pressed firmly into Drew’s backpack, I couldn’t see a thing, It was a strange sensation peddling but having no idea what the up coming road was like. There was almost something quite relaxing about pedalling, but not having to worry about navigating the country roads.
Our first port of call was the campsite, flying over to Guernsey from London and packing only as much as we could fit in our backpacks had meant we couldn’t take a tent or camping equipment. That is not a problem at Fauxquets Valley Campsite, which is about 10 minutes ride from the airport. Started in 1974 as a family business, the campsite runs between May and October offering pre-made tents, which they call Hire Tents, equipped with cooking facilities and proper beds with bedding included.
The campsite owners, Teresa from Wales and Roland from Guernsey, met in the French Alps about 10 years ago and took over the campsite from Roland’s parents in 2008. Fauxquets is ideal for families or couples alike, with a heated swimming pool and farm animals for the children; and a relaxing sun terrace and bar area for the adults. This campsite has full facilities, and they really have thought of everything including ironing boards, irons and free hair driers. They offer pizza and BBQ nights, as well as a small farm shop and cafe where you can pre- order fresh bread and pastries.
Once we had dumped our bags in the tent we set off to explore the Island. Back on the tandem, we had got the hang of getting the bike going with only a few hiccups, mostly at traffics lights with long queues of friendly islanders behind us chuckling to themselves. I had decided to captain Barry for our second trip, but I was starting to regret it.
‘Stop trying to steer from the back!’
‘I’m not’
‘You are, stop it. Why are you peddling, we are going down hill, stop peddling!’
I had never noticed before but Drew has a rather unique way of cycling which involves his entire body in a strange wiggling motion that starts somewhere around his shoulders and somehow results in the bike moving. This did not bode well with him as the passenger on the tandem, as he wobbled like jelly inadvertently steering the tandem from the back, more often than not into an on coming hedge.
Our destination was Fermain Bay, about 20 minutes ride from the campsite. As we approached the beach the road got very steep so we abandoned poor Barry at the top of the hill and continued on foot. After about 15 minutes the woody path opened up into a beautiful bay with the bluest sea I had ever seen. The contrast to the pebble beach, the cliff face and the leafy trees that topped it made it all the more impressive. Dumping our stuff by the sea wall we walked out to the water.
Guernsey has a lovely atmosphere, everyone is friendly and even on a warm summers day the beach was not crowded. It’s also a great place to cycle because cars and their drivers seem very easy going and are very courteous. I noticed this not only when on the bike but when crossing the road as well. No one really seems to be in a rush, which is nice. Even the bus drivers waited patiently behind the tandem as we trundled up the hill.
Heading back to the tent for dinner we stopped off for some ‘hedge veg’ from one of the many veg stalls in people’s front gardens dotted around the island. They sell home grown produce and have honesty boxes for payment. The peppers and courgettes we picked up were a fantastic accompaniment to our campsite feast.
Back on the plane again I felt the trip had gone far too quickly. ‘Gosh, my legs are so sore!’ Said drew as he gingerly settled into the plane seat. Doing a quick mental check of all my limbs, they seemed to be fine. Perhaps I wasn’t peddling quite as hard as I thought on those long old hills!
Sarah Loughlin ventures to Taghazout to check out the world famous waves and the developing surf culture in the small Moroccan town.
There is nothing in life both as thrilling and frustrating as surfing. After spending the winter battling through the frosty waves in the Channel Islands, trying to get the hang of this new hobby of mine, I thought I would take my own advice on learning a watersport and add a bit of sunshine to the mix!
Taghazout, a small fishing village turned surfers paradise, is about an hours drive from Agadir Airport. Having never been to this part of Africa before I had no real idea what to expect. The village itself is bustling with people, cars and mopeds and the small square is surrounded by restaurants, and surf shops. The coast is not as picturesque as other places I have visited, but it has a great atmosphere; local families, tourists and surf schools all mingle together on the long sandy beaches. The snack-sellers on the beach are a bit intimidating at first, as they can be a bit pushy, but are actually very friendly and provide much entertainment with their haggling and joke telling. The macaroons and candied nuts they sell are perfect for a post-surf snack!
As those who have been following my previous surf posts will know, I am not a great surfer, I am not even a good surfer. So I had arranged lessons via Surf Maroc; a surf school started by Ollie and Ben, two English surfers, back in 2003. Our surf class was an interesting mix of nationalities and people from different professions and backgrounds. Chatting on the beach at lunchtime was almost as educational as the surf lessons as I learned about the best bars to visit in Krackow, and how the Swiss school system works.
Being largely self-taught I have no concept of ‘surf chat’, and so for the entire first day I assumed wave ratings must be the same as ski slope ratings; green wave must mean beginner wave. I was mightily confused pushing myself into tiny white foamy waves as my teacher yelled from the beach at me to catch a green wave. On day two it clicked, green wave doesn’t mean beginner wave at all, it’s super cool surfer lingo for a wave that has not yet broken. You have to have good timing to catch these as opposed to white waves (the foamy ones), thus they are the mecca of intermediate surf waves.
Part of my problem, like most of the beginners I meet, is that waves are terrifying. Going head on with a huge unbroken wave while attached to an eight foot cumbersome floaty board was seeming more ridiculous the more I thought about it. But I had got this far, board in hand, I was determined to make it out to find one of these sought-after green waves. Alas it was not to be, and I went back to the beach in search of some candied nuts.
Back out in the surf again and I was constantly amazed at how patient and enthusiastic our teacher was with us, despite our consistent face plants into the beach. When my arms had run out of juice he even let me hold on to his ankles so he could paddle me outback to meet the rest of the group – now that is service! Surf Maroc employ a lot of local staff from Taghazout and surrounding villages; this helps improve the local economy and quality of life by providing jobs as well as offering training and opportunities for young entrepreneurs, who sometimes go on to open their own surf businesses. The teachers at Surf Maroc, who have all grown up surfing in the area, have great local knowledge which is huge benefit to the customers. They always managed to hunt down the waves, despite the forecast being not so great, and made sure we were in our wetsuits and out surfing before the beach got too busy.
One interesting thing about holidaying here is that Taghazout is a dry town, as a European this is a bizarre concept. But actually it was quite nice, I drank more Fanta than dentists would recommend, but it is the perfect place if you are planning an alcohol detox! You can buy alcohol in some near by hotels such as the Paradis Plage who have a great beach bar as well as beach side yoga sessions. Outside Paradis Plage the locals bring their horses and camels and you can ride down the long peaceful beach. The surfing in Morocco was great, but it was nothing compared to riding a Camel on the beach at sunset, I felt like a Princess riding through the desert on my trusty steed (one can dream).
If you like a post surf yoga session, Surf Maroc offer classes on their yoga balcony set into the cliffs at the Taghazout Villa. It was quite honestly the most relaxing place I have ever been. As the sun set over the sea, the sound of the waves crashing rhythmically into the cliff was the perfect accompaniment to the session. There is weekly schedule of post-surf evening entertainment at Surf Maroc , the BBQ on the balcony of the Auberge was a nice way to socialise with your surf group out of your wetsuit!
If your weary arms need a break from all that paddling why not head to Paradise valley; only a 45-minute drive from Taghazout. As you drive in to the valley there are cafes and restaurants dotted around next to the river with the tables and chairs in the shallow streams so you can keep your feet cool while you have a nice Fanta. A short hike from the car park at the top brings you through the trees into the valley, where you will find locals having big family days out, preparing and cooking their tagines on the rocks. There are also make shift shacks selling fresh tagines and cold drinks. You won’t be offered a menu, you just ask what they have (normally two different types of tagine!), they are very good value and the food is great.
Renting a car is very reasonable from Agadir airport, petrol is cheap and it’s not to difficult to navigate your way around. Make sure to keep some change handy for the car guards who will watch your car while parked in town or at the beach. If you don’t fancy driving, airport transfers are included in Surf Maroc’s packages and they offer excursions to Paradise Valley. The packages include everything but the flight which you will have to book yourself. If you are booking in advance try Easyjet for direct flights from the UK, or Thomson Flights can be really good for a last minute flight deal. The peak season for Surfing in Taghazout is November – April, so get booking for your mid-winter sunshine now for the best flight deals.
Sarah Loughlin hunts down the best travel deals for holidays in March.
March can be a very tense time in the office, being the final month of the holiday calendar for some companies. It brings to light that there are two types of person in every office. Person A has neither the time nor inclination to take vacation days. Person B works solely for vacations and uses up all allotted days in the first few months of said year…
Person A spends March complaining HR are insisting they take their remaining days off, even though they have far too much work to do (they will almost definitely come into the office on at least one of these ‘days off’); while Person B wishes March away staring longingly out of the office window and browsing last minute holidays that they can’t go on, trying not to throw office supplies at Person A.
For those lucky people who have squirrelled away some time, here are three great deals for this month…
A Weekend: Three nights in a prison cell in Stockholm, Sweden – Friday 20th March – Monday 23rd March £156.50
Flights from London Stansted to Stockholm Skavsta are just £50 return for next weekend. The bus from Skavsta airport to Stockholm takes 1h20 and costs £21.50 return; you can book your ticket in advance. The weather in the next few weeks doesn’t look too cold but it can get down to below freezing at this time of year so take lots of layers!
There are many different types of accommodation in Stockholm to fit every budget. For a quirky cheap get away why not stay in a prison cell! This hostel set up in an old prison is not ideal for couples because there are bunkbeds, but is definitely a quirky way to spend a weekend! And is great value, working out at roughly £75 per person for three nights based on two people sharing a cell with a private shower and toilet. If you don’t fancy bunk beds or just want to treat yourself why not upgrade to a double cell in the hotel part of the prison, £175 per person for three nights including breakfast. Both the hotel and hostel have good reviews on TripAdvisor.
If it’s not too chilly take a walk around the the old town (Gamla Stan) and maybe visit to the Royal Palace. There are guided tours of the Palace from Tuesday-Sunday between 11am-3pm included in the price of your ticket (£12), check out the website for more details.
The Vasa museum was my favourite part of our Stockholm trip; it houses the 17th century warship ‘Vasa’ which after sinking on her maiden voyage spent 300 years at the bottom of the sea. She is now on display and you can learn all about the history of the boat at the museum. If you have time head to Skansen, which is an open air history museum and zoo; well worth a visit!
A Week Skiing: Seven nights skiing in La Plagne, France – Saturday the 14th of March to Saturday 21st of March £399
Although the sun is out there is still plenty of skiing to be had! The snow in La Plagne looks good, with just under 10cm of powder forecast over the next week. for £399 you can stay in the Chalet Vidal for seven nights including flights from London Gatwick, return transfers to resort, and chalet board. Which includes breakfast, afternoon tea and six three course evening meals with wine. The chalet is in Plagne 1800, and is a short walk from the ski lifts. There is currently a special offer for this week which means that for £210 you get an area lift pass instead of a local lift pass, giving you access to the whole Paradiski area, rather than just La Plagne.
For a mid afternoon beer on the piste try Bar Fort Colorado a wooden fort on the piste just above Plagne Centre with deck chairs and music playing, ideal for sunny spring afternoons!
From where the chalet is in Plagne 1800 you can easily access other villages in resort such as Plagne Centre. Buses run every 15 minutes from 08.30am to 00.50am. So if you fancy a bit of cheeky apres at Scottys you don’t have to worry about getting back to the chalet in time for tea!
A Week in the Sun: Seven nights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Tuesday 17th March – Wednesday 25th March £745
Fly with Oman Air from London Heathrow to Dubai for £288 return. There are cheaper flights available but these flights strike the balance between convenient timings, flight length and price. Leaving the UK just after 9pm on Tuesday evening means you can go from work to the airport and travel over night; arriving in Dubai to start your holiday just after 11am on the Wednesday.
As with the flights, there are definitely cheaper hotels available, but Dubai is all about spoiling yourself a little bit! Stay at the 5* Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers for £457 per person based on two people sharing. Located close to the old town this hotel is good value for a bit of luxury, with great views and an outdoor pool. The hotel is located only a ten minute walk to the metro station, so if you are budget conscious this is a great way to get around; the metro is clean and cheap. Taxis in Dubai are also fairly cheap compared to London so if you are travelling with a group it works out cheaper. The metro is not extensive so you may have to get taxis depending on where you want to go. From one side of Dubai to the other should cost no more than about £10, make sure you get a regular taxi and not a Lexus or hotel taxi as these will cost more. The best places to grab a taxi when out and about are at the entrance to a big hotel or shopping mall.
Catching some rays… Although the public beaches in Dubai do not have the services of the swanky private beach clubs, they are free, clean, and full of lovely white sand! For a nice chilled out beach day try Umm Suqeim Public Beach which has views of the Burj Al Arab.
Dubai is home to a number of water parks, including Aquaventure, which is part of the Atlantis Hotel on the Palm. I am not one for water parks normally, but this place is incredible! Definitely an all day affair, it is roughly the same price as theme parks in the UK, so get there early to avoid queues and make the most of the day! After a hard day of sunbathing on a rubber ring in the lazy river, treat yourself to a Cold Stone Creamery on the way out of the hotel. If you have never been to one before, and you like ice-cream, this is the place for you. Choose your own flavour combinations and then watch them skilfully juggle your ice-cream and throw it into a cup without even looking! Best. Day. Ever.
Best ice-cream experience of my entire life.
However, if you don’t fancy venturing out why not just have a pool day at the hotel with a good book!
Fancy a spot of shopping? From the Sheraton it is just a 25 minute meander along the waterfront to the famous spice souk. From the spice souk you can take an Abra (small wooden boat) over to the textile souk for only one dirham (about 20p). This area of town is great to see a bit of the history of Dubai, but remember to cover your shoulders and knees when out and about in this area because although very liberal, it is arabic country. Not only is it respectful to the local culture, you will also feel more comfortable because you may get people staring at you if you wear something revealing in this area of Dubai. If you want to learn more about the culture and heritage, why not stop for breakfast or lunch at the cultural centre. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers a chance to have a traditional Emirati meal in old Dubai and find out about the culture and history, prices start from about £15 and you have to book in advance.
Spice Souk
Dubai is also known for its modern shopping malls, housing not only every shop you could ever want but also attractions such as an indoor ski slope, an aquarium, and a waterfall! The malls are open late so a great place to go for a post dinner stroll.
Eating and drinking… Where to start? There is so much going on in Dubai, you cant try everything… but here are my fave picks through out the week. For a full list of ideas see Time Out.
Wednesday After a long flight from London you will need to rehydrate! Why not try Vida Downtown’s Cheese and Wine night. For just £28 you get three glasses of wine and a cheese buffet. The bar is small and relaxed with a great atmosphere.
Thursday – Head for dinner at Zaroob for the best arabic food you have ever had. And it’s a bargain to boot! Sit outside under the fariy lights a sip your lemon mint while chatting with friends – ideal! If you fancy a drink afterwards take a short taxi ride to the H hotel and head to the entrance of the 40 Kong rooftop bar – just to the right of the hotel. You will be whisked up in the lift and emerge on the roof which has a great atmosphere and panoramic views.
My friend Jess enjoying a Lemon Mint at Zaroob.
Friday – The Saturday of the Middle East, Friday is a tough one in Dubai. With so many things going on, how will you choose? For me its got to be brunch. Who doesn’t love getting all dressed up 11am in a fancy frock and eating and drinking all day long? There are brunches to suit all sorts of groups and budgets, why not try the quirky picnic brunch at Vida Downtown. Set in the chic courtyard next to the pool you collect your picnic basket full of drinks and then head to your table. Its a mix of buffet and table service. Both the service and food are great, and for £55 eating and drinking alcohol all day its a pretty good deal! Brunch is served from 1pm-5pm but people seem to arrive early to dig in to the picnic! You can also upgrade to a cabana by the pool for £18 per person. Best to reserve a table in advance.
Picnic Brunch at Vida Downtown
Saturday – After brunch you are going to need a bit of fresh air and a chilled out evening to recover. What better than a sunset cruise around the creek on your very own BBQ donut? The floating BBQ’s seat eight people and you need to book a time slot in advance. Incredible food, and relaxing atmosphere, perfect way to end the day!
BBQ Donuts on the Creek at sunset.
Sunday After the amazing donut feast you wont want to eat again for a while, but incase you do feel peckish head to the Mango Tree, a great Thai place with a terrace overlooking the Dubai Fountains. Make sure to call ahead and make a reservation; ask for a table on the Terrace so you can watch the fountain shows over dinner. Afterwards head to Calabar at the Address Downtown to the super relaxed garden and have a cocktail while chilling out on a bean bags.
Dubai Fountains.
Monday – Like Margaritas? Claw has 2-4-1 Margarita Mondays! And also a great food menu.
Tuesday – Ladies nights in Dubai are a mid-week treat for the credit card! With exclusive night clubs such as Mahiki offering free entry and free drinks for ladies there is no excuse not to have an amazing last night before sleeping it off on the plane the next day!
Sarah Loughlin hunts down the best travel deals for ski holidays this winter.
After a very green start to the winter the snow is here! Just as you were beginning to think that the age old vacation problem of ‘sun or snow’ was going to be answered for you by the unseasonable lack of the latter ingredient…. its only gone and dumped it down! Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Like many other people, starting at an early age meant skiing has always been a big part of my life. It’s not just the sport itself but the atmosphere and the people it attracts that keep you going back year after year. There’s nothing like sitting down at dinner to stuff your face full of cheese and chatting to everyone about their day up the hill. But saying that, every year around this time, normally on a chilly walk to work, I start to crave a beach day in the sunshine – just me and a good book!
If you still can’t decide whether to don your bikini or your snowboard, maybe these cheeky ski deals will help you out!
A Weekend:
Three nights in Avoriaz, France – Thursday 26th March-Sunday 29th March £267.26
This trip perfect is for you indecisive folk; can’t decide between sun and snow? Do Both! Thursday afternoon flights from Gatwick mean you only need one and a half days holiday to enjoy two full days of skiing! Plenty of holiday left for that dose of mid-winter sun!
Fly from London Gatwick to Geneva with Swissair for £64 per person:
Avoriaz is only about an hour and a half from Geneva. This means you can be up the mountain by 10ish to get an early night and awake refreshed for the first lift on Friday morning, or be there in time to catch a few drinks at aprés… which ever takes your fancy. There are quite a few transfer options around of varying reliability, you can in theory get a return transfer for about €50 but if you are only there for a few days best to pick a company with a good reputation. I traveled with Ski- Lifts, who offer a return shared minibus transfer for £71.76 per person. They were efficient, friendly, and after a short wait for the other passengers on my bus we hopped on board and were up the mountain in no time. I would love to tell you about the amazing scenic views on the way up the valley – but I fell promptly asleep before we left the car park!
AirBnB offers an Apartment in the center of town that sleeps up to six for £263; which works out as £131.50 per person based on two people sharing. One of the great things about Avoriaz is that they have no cars in resort, so pretty much everywhere is ski in ski out. All the roads around town are pisted into slopes and are dotted with skiers, pedestrians and the occasional piste-basher; the only thing you have to watch out for are the horse drawn sleds!
You can pre-order your lift pass online before you go to make the most of your time on the mountain. All you have to do is order a re-loadable Portes du Soleil card and then charge it with a two day lift pass which costs €93 for the area pass (+€3 for the card).
Eating: With only a few days up the hill its going to be hard to fit in all the essential mountain grub! So here are my faves; if you like omelet try La Grenouille du Marais, where they come served in huge frying pans straight to your table! If you don’t want to stop for too long grab a quick burger from Changabang, super tasty, but sometimes there is a bit of a queue. Or if you fancy somewhere a bit quirky be sure to check out Chez BaBeth a cosy chalet style restaurant choc-full of fur throws and alpine themed decor, they even have a bit of aprés on the terrace in the afternoon!
Skiing: Avoriaz is a huge ski area, spreading out into the Portes du Soleil. There is something for everyone, long gentle blues, parks and half pipes, and a lot of off piste. Including the famous ‘Swiss Wall’ if you fancy a challenge!
Aprés: When you are all skied out head to Globe Trotters for a few chilled out beers on the terrace, and if you fancy some music afterwards it’s a short stumble to Shooters who have a live band from 5-7pm.
A March week:
Seven nights in Kitzbühel, Austria – Saturday 21st March – Saturday £379pp
When looking for a week’s ski holiday I always aim to get a flight, transfer and accommodation package for roughly £350. Depending on the time of year you want to go you can normally find a nice place to stay in a good resort for that price. You can get them much cheaper but bear in mind, you get what you pay for. That self catering deal for £199 might look appealing, but you will be four to a room in bunk-beds on a corridor full of students vomiting in their own shoes.
This deal with Crystal Ski to Chalet Karlberger, in Kitzbühel is great value; the package includes flights from Manchester, transfers and accommodation with chalet board which includes breakfast, afternoon tea and three course dinner with wine. Gatwick flights available for £429 per person.
On the chalet staff night off head to Sigi’s for one of their famous burger’s and beer or two. This family run sports bar is part of the Hotel Jagerwirt, which has beautifully decorated alpine inspired lobby. The staff are all super friendly and are sure to show you a good time. If you like spicy food try the ‘Fire Burger’, but be warned it has more than a little kick to it!
Seven nights in Val Thorens, France – Saturday 7th February – Saturday 14th February £561pp
Having said that £350 is a reasonable price to pay for your package, I would definitely fork out the extra money for this deal! Val Thorens is the place to be at the minute with 50-60cm of snow predicted towards the end of this week! Travel with Skiworld from London Gatwick to the Chalet Verseau, located at the top of the resort with easy access to the slopes and town. The package includes flights, transfers accommodation and chalet board (breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner including wine).
Eating: The great thing about a chalet holiday is that the food is all included in the price of the package along with the wine, but you do get one evening to go out and try some of the local restaurants – best of both worlds! If you don’t want to venture too far from the Chalet go for a fondue at the l’Auberge, then when you are totally cheese out head over to the Red Fox for an digestif or two!
Skiing: What can I say about the Trois Vallees that hasn’t already been said – probably my favorite place to ski! Like most big French ski areas, there is something for everyone – park, piste, off piste; even a fab little cross country route on the lake at Les Menuires, ideal for beginners.
Aprés: There is almost far too much choice in Val Thorens its hard to know where to start! If you are a mid-afternoon aprés on the mountain fan there is a choice of 360 or the famous Folie Douce both with live music and great atmosphere. If you want to ski until the very last second possible then the center of town is where you want to head; the Frog has great bands and as much dancing on the table as you can shake a stick at, while Danish bar Cafe Snesko also its own theme song and sets fire to things at regular intervals through out the evening.
but it is the perfect place if you are planning an alcohol detox! You can buy alcohol in some near by hotels such as the 
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