Living Wow #4

WOW

WINTER 2019

LIVING

+ BIG VARIETY IN GOZO'S VICTORIA

FREE FOR MEMBERS

5 SUBLIME SPA BREAKS ESCAPE TO ENCHANTING PRAGUE

The 2020

Winter Wishlist

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Contents

NEWS

6 / LATEST NEWS FROM ACROSS OUR NETWORK COVER STORY

11 / WINTER SUN VS SNOWY WONDERLANDS MALTA

24 / MALTA AT THE MOVIES 26 / BIG VARIETY IN LITTLE VICTORIA 34 / HISTORICAL HENRI: WILLIAM THACKERAY IN MALTA 36 / UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH...

38 / WHAT'S ON IN MALTA

MEMBERSHIP

40 / MASSAGE ME YOUNGER

78 / LIFE LIKE THE RIVER FLOWS

MOTORING

44 / THE NORTH COAST 500 BOATING

50 / MAKE LIKE A SHEIKH TRAVEL

82 / OUT & ABOUT 84 / RESALES IN THE SPOTLIGHT 87 / THE LOWDOWN ON CLAIMS COMPANIES 88 / XP EXPLAINED

56 / 5 SUBLIME SPA BREAKS

92 / AZURE TV IS ON

64 / 48HRS IN PRAGUE

93 / GIVING: THE SECRET TO LIVING

70 / GLEN'S TRENDS 72 / HOLIDAY HACKS: HOW TO SELFIE

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WELCOME TO THE WINTER EDITION OF LIVING WOW MAGAZINE We love chatting travel and holidays whenever there’s a moment to spare at the Living WOW offices. If it’s not the newest global travel trends or stylish resorts that have caught our eye, we’re rambling on about off-the-beaten-path eateries we’ve recently stumbled upon.

But in the build-up to Christmas, the topic du jour has again and again turned to our own holiday plans over the coming months. It quickly became apparent the team was divided, the winter sun worshippers and the white Christmas dreamers, and it was fascinating to listen to the two camps battle over the merits of each.

Never ones to waste a contentious topic, we decided to dedicate an entire feature to the sun vs snow debate in this, our final issue for 2019. And what a feature it’s proven to be.

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, we’ve made sure to throw in something special for holidaymakers of all types—snowy city breaks, sun-kissed beach escapes, safaris, carnivals, as well as action-packed mini-adventures ranging from swimming with turtles in Barbados to monster hunting in the Swiss Alps.

Keeping with the spirit of the season of giving, we’re giving you a true bumper issue. We roll out the red carpet for Malta’s most cinematic locations. We yacht it up in glamorous Dubai. We motorhome around Scotland’s winding NC500. And anticipating that many of us are going to need a revitalising post-Christmas binge detox, we’ve even cherrypicked a handful of sublime spa resorts to help get us back in shape for a new year of adventures.

It was also a personal honour for me to meet with Kevin and Diane Millward, two Azure members who have decided to dedicate their retirement to travelling and exploring the world, and who have even moved onto a riverboat to sail the Britain's waterways with ease whenever the wanderlust strikes. I hope you’ll be as inspired by their can-do attitude as I was.

And what of your 2020 travel plans? Booked any special trips or chic staycations? Share your stories with us at livingwow@azurex.com.We always love to hear from you.

Happy Christmas and New Year from all of us at Living WOW.

Dean

Dean Muscat EDITOR

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EDITOR Dean Muscat

SUB-EDITOR Mark Pearson

CREATIVE DESIGNER Kimberly Micallef

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jon Grafton Glen Stacey Henri Diacono Kimberly Micallef Melanie Woodward Natalie Cuschieri

GET IN TOUCH

We’d love to hear from you. Tell us what you like, or would like more of!

Email us on livingwow@azurex.com or write to: Living WOW Magazine Azure Marketing Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands l/o Mellieha MLH 5510 Malta

WOW LIVING

Original articles and contributions may be reproduced or transmitted only with written permission from Azure X. No responsibility is accepted by Azure X for any losses or other consequences resulting from advertisements or other material appearing in this publication. All offers are subject to availability and may change without notice. In the event of a pricing error, or any other misrepresentation or omission, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing or make any other corrections. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in Living WOW magazine, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is correct at time of going to press (December 2019) © Azure X 2019.

A FESTIVE MISSIVE FROM AZURE

Here’s to 2019, bring on 2020!

Looking back at the year, it was case of full steam ahead for Azure all the way to the finish line. The Azure team is always thinking outside the box. Coming up with innovative ideas designed to take Azure to the next level. Those who know us well, know we’re never satisfied with ‘good enough.’ We’ve been in the continuous process of creating pioneering, standout products over the years. Products that have placed the Azure flag right in the epicentre of the shared ownership map. What this means is that we’re in the perfect position to do great things in the decade ahead.

But first with Christmas around the corner, it’s a good time to take stock and look back at the highlights of 2019. Stylish Spanish resorts. Hotels in top Scandi cities.

Outstanding Sicilian villas. Shepherd’s Huts in the English countryside. Luxurious Sunseeker yachts in Dubai. These are just a few of the exciting new products we’ve added to Azure X. Next year, look out for an extended range of motorhoming destinations.

What’s more, 2020 will be the third year selling Azure X and its ground-breaking leisure currency XP. We knew Azure X wouldn’t be for everyone, but have been continually amazed at the uptake by new and existing members alike. With only a limited number of XPs released each year, it’s been a challenge to keep up with demand

due to an ever decreasing amount of developer inventory here at Golden Sands.

An important development for Azure going into 2020 has been the company’s decision to cut down its new business drive and concentrate exclusively on servicing its current member base. Azure has developed many incredible products over the years, and the project at Golden Sands has been very successful. Due to the lack of advanced developer inventory, Azure now needs to downsize and concentrate on servicing its members. So we will be shapeshifting our company to fit this new brief where Azure will continue to supports its member base with incredible experiences into 2020 and beyond.

By the way, if you aren’t already fully up to speed with XPs—what they are, how it all works and their numerous benefits—don’t miss the handy article on page 88. In fact, we’ve gone one better and introduced a new Azure Membership section to Living WOW. We wanted to grow the magazine to accommodate your suggestions and questions. It’s very important that we have a platform to communicate and share exciting news with you. Keep your feedback coming to livingwow@azurex. com you may even see a spotlight feature dedicated to a topic you’ve raised.

great to see the Azure Team lighting up our social media channels once again with fun and engaging content. Check out what we’ve been up to on pages 36 and 92.

We’re really looking forward to Christmas.

For us, it’s about treasured moments with our family and close friends, a break from the ordinary. So as you start thinking about your 2020 holiday plans, remember, your membership can be shared with friends and family too. It makes a great Christmas gift if you’re stuck for ideas (see page 93).

Talking of sharing, we’ve also got some exciting plans for the Wildcard. The response to Wildcard this year has been phenomenal, and we’ve seen many of you enjoy some truly amazing experiences from Sicilian getaways to magical Cirque du Soleil shows. And this Christmas, we’re going to make a lot of people very happy with our Stocking Fillers, where you can win fabulous prizes to gift to the special people in your life.

All that’s left for us to say folks is have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with unforgettable memories.

TEAM AZURE

We’re also using this bumper festive issue to announce the relaunch of something very close to our hearts—Azure TV. It’s

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LATEST NEWS 6

OUR NETWORK

FROM ACROSS

PRAISE TO THE SANDS

SPRUCED UP SUNRISE

The Radisson Blu Golden Sands has been the recipient of several industry plaudits in recent months. During an internal Radisson brand audit, the hotel was singled out

by Vice President Lars Gericke for its first-rate service and hospitality among all Radisson hotels worldwide.

Furthermore, the hotel ranked 2nd among all hotels across Malta in the Global Reviews Index. General Manager Ernest Barry commented: 'I am extremely proud of these results and I wish to congratulate the entire team for their tireless work and commitment to enhancing the hotel and its services for our guests.'

The Radisson Blu Golden Sands is continuing an extensive refurbishment project, which began with plastering, painting, and galvanisation and re-spraying of metalworks on Block C (Sunrise) earlier in the year. Maintenance works will now continue on Blocks A (Sunset) and B (Twilight) starting mid-November, projected to be completed by the end of March 2020 with a short pause during the festive season. The hotel will also be replacing carpeting in some 50 apartments, while plans are in place to give the water sports and dive centre an upgrade. All in all, â‚Ź1 million is being invested into the works.

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YACHT IT UP, DUBAI-STYLE Azure X is expanding its luxury motor yacht portfolio across the Persian Gulf with three Sunseekers—My Serenity, Notorious and Daydream—berthed in Dubai’s Bvlgari Marina. As with X’s Mediterranean charters, guests can expect exceptional comfort and privileged perks on board. Charters include coastline cruises to Burj Al Arab, Al Sufouh and the Palm; five-star captain and steward service; use of water skis, canoe, fishing and snorkelling gear; and complimentary gourmet BBQ lunches. Optional extras include Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix from a yacht and excursions to Moon Island, Sir Bani Yas and Oman. Head over to page 50 for more details.

RITZY ROOMS IN ROME Corinthia Hotels is set to increase its five-star hotel portfolio after entering an agreement to develop and operate an ultra-luxury hotel in central Rome. The property is the former seat of the Central Bank of Italy on Parliament Square. Plans are in hand for the conversion of this historic building, which will feature restaurants and bars wrapped around a central garden as well as a spa and rooftop amenities. Corinthia CEO Simon Naudi said: ‘We are very pleased to be adding yet another flag to our portfolio in one of the most visited cities worldwide.’

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NO PLEASURE WITHOUT SPAIN X members can now book stays in two fabulous resorts located in sunny Spain, recently added to Azure X’s growing hotel portfolio. Set on the west coast of the island of Menorca, Sunconnect Hotel Los Delfines is a chic hotel offering an exciting mini-aquapark for the kids and easy access to Cala'n Blanes cove with its sandy shore, rocky coastline lined with trees and shallow turquoise waters. Holidaymakers looking for peace and quiet throughout their Spanish sojourn may wish to head to the adults-only (16+) Palma Beach hotel in Mallorca, which lies a stone’s throw from the soft cinnamon sands of Playa de s'Arenal. For more info log into www.azurex.com.

MANY MORE ROADS TO FOLLOW In 2020, Azure X will be launching a hugely expanded range of motorhomes and motorhome destinations, spanning from the rustic beauty of the Nordics to the warmth of southern Europe and everything in-between.

Azure X members will be able to plan unique and exciting holidays that encompass the culture, cuisine, nature and history of many top motorhome destinations through carefully curated road trips. Well-equipped, quality motorhomes will also provide personally scheduled pick-up and drop-off times, 24/7 roadside assistance and airport transfer service.

More details on all destinations, itineraries and motorhome models will be revealed soon.

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Wake Up To The Horizon Discover the new Sands Tower suites WWW.AZUREGOLDENSANDS.COM TRAVEL / ISSUE N O. 04 / 9

THE

JOURNEY IS THE

DESTINATION

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BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE NOW WITH AZURE X

WINTER SUN VS SNOWY WONDERLANDS It’s a battle that’s raged ever since the Golden Age of Flying: where to holiday in winter? Snow bunnies long for white wonderlands.

Sun seekers are forever blue-sky dreaming. At Living WOW, we know better than to take sides. Instead, allow us to tempt you with a range of wowsome winter getaways that span all climes.

Our Snow ‘n’ Sand Shakers showcase the best beach and city breaks for the low season. Animal lovers will go wild over our Wild Weekends. For a harlequined holiday, pick a flamboyant carnival from our Costumed Capers. And our Chillout Mix and Sunshine Allsorts selections are perfect for adventurers looking to shed the post-Christmas pounds with a variety of fabulous outdoors activities. So, who’s the ultimate winner? Jack Frost or Mr Golden Sun? That’s entirely for you to decide.

CONTENTS SNOW ‘N’ SAND SHAKERS WILD WEEKENDS COSTUMED CAPERS CHILLOUT MIX SUNSHINE ALLSORTS

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SNOW 'N' SAND SHAKERS CITY BREAK IN ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Winters in Russia’s cultural capital are certainly not for the faint-hearted. But for those willing to brave the sub-zero temperatures, this magical, snow-flaked kingdom of the Tsars is set to stun.

Weatherproof Petersburgians see the winter season as an invitation to head outdoors and keep warm with an abundance of ice-themed activities: ice skating on frozen lakes, ice fishing on the Neva River, skiing at Tsarskoye Selo. There’s simpler pleasures to enjoy with snowman building in the gorgeous Mikhailovsky Garden, backdropped by the colourful bauble-domes of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled 12 \ ISSUE N O. 04 \ COVER STORY

Blood. Give your snowman a Russian twist by popping a furry ushanka on its head.

Come February, there’s the Maslenitsa festivities to look forward to. This weeklong version of Pancake Day sees the city come alive to colourful rag dolls decorating the streets, folk games, balalaika music, bonfires and, of course, vendors flipping melt-in-the mouth blini (pancakes) into the air. Try your blini filled with everything from caviar and salmon to sour cream and an assortment of sweet jams and fruits.

St Petersburg also boasts a treasure trove of historical and cultural spoils. Wander around imperial palaces and lavish cathedrals. Marvel at magnificent museums housing everything from Egyptian mummies to masterworks by Rembrandt, Titian, Michelangelo and other greats. Delight in ballet, opera and classical concerts widely regarded among the finest in the world.

SNOWTOWNIA Dial the snow factor down a notch with a trip to two fairytale towns. Meander down medieval lanes crowned with snow-dusted Gothic church towers and castle turrets in Tallinn, Estonia. Prague is also especially enchanting at this time of year. Head to page 64 for our in-depth city-break guide to the city of a hundred spires.

BEACH BREAK IN ST PHILIP, BARBADOS Barbados is a pageant of showstopper beaches. And there’s none more dazzling than Crane Beach, set in the diamondshaped St Philip parish on the island’s sparsely populated east coast. With its soft pink sands and gorgeous aqua-blue waters cradled by lush coconut groves, Crane Beach is regularly listed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

The beach has also become a popular body surfing destination due to its moderate waves. Further along the shore is a protected cove better suited to children and less confident swimmers.

After a morning of bronzing and bathing in the cool Atlantic Sea, head out to explore an island fizzing with heady experiences. Savour the intense flavours of Caribbean cuisine. Step back in time with a trip to the 17th-century Sunbury Plantation House, chock-a-block with priceless antiques. Enjoy afternoon tea over a game of cricket, the island’s national sport.

BEACH PLEASE Want more beach blissage in the winter sunshine? The Seychelles are an Edenic archipelago of sandy shores fringed by other-worldly cliffs and swaying palm trees.

And for slow-mo days of dozing under the shade of mango trees, head to the dunes of Jericoacoara Beach in vibrant Brazil.

While in Barbados, it would be a sin not to imbibe the sweet golden nectar of its legendary rums. Visit St Philip’s famed Foursquare Rum Distillery nestled in eight acres of a former sugar plantation.

Here you can explore the important role that sugar and rum have played in the island’s colourful history. Learn first-hand how rum is produced and barrelled. And of course, spend a lazy, hazy afternoon sampling the many subtle flavours of this authentic Caribbean spirit.

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WILD WEEKENDS HIGHLAND SAFARI IN CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK, SCOTLAND Cairngorms National Park experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in all of the British Isles. Snowfields stretch as far as the eye can see. Lochs and waterfalls freeze solid. The entire park transforms into a unique wintry wonderland, especially remarkable for animal lovers. That’s because the Cairngorms is home to some 25% of Britain’s most threatened species.

Throughout its smoky mountains, ancient forests and foggy moorlands roam snow leopard, capercaillie, arctic fox, red deer and

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pine marten. Some have even spotted packs of grey wolves frolicking in heaps of snow.

from the experience. No two trips are ever quite the same.

The Cairngorms is also an excellent place to come face to face with Scotland’s legendary Highlander—the coo. Highland Coos (also known as heilan coos) are a shaggy haired breed of horned cattle that rank only behind the Loch Ness Monster as the creature that visitors to Scotland most hope to catch a glimpse of. Unlike the majority of wildlife here, the coo has a friendly disposition and is known to approach visitors in want of petting and attention. So go ahead and give that bonnie beastie a great big hug.

BRASS MONKEYS

With nearly 50,000 acres, and trails reaching high into the hills, the easiest way to get to grips with the park’s vastness is on a 4x4 Land Rover. The park itself organises several such 4x4 safaris, and tour guides will take time to see what you want

Should a Scottish safari feel too close to home, why not fly to the Far East and watch red-faced monkeys having a bath? Jigokudani Park near the village of Yamanouchi in Japan is home to a species of snow monkey that loves soaking in onsens (natural hot springs) while fluffy snow settles on their grey-brown fur.

SAFARI IN MAASAI MARA, AFRICA True, you can head on an African safari at almost any time of year. But there’s some added perks to opting for the winter season.

For one, it’s more affordable. Plus, there’s the fact that the continent experiences its slowest season for tourism, practically guaranteeing a more exclusive trip.

Oh, and there’s a hell of a lot less mosquitoes zipping about. Surely a deal breaker for even the most Bear Grylls of adventurers.

With 54 countries crammed into this elephant’s ear of a continent, each just as fascinating as the next, choosing where to safari can prove overwhelming. If you’re a

newb, we’d heartily recommend journeying to the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya.

Plan your Maasai Mara safari early enough in the winter season and you’ll be treated to the greatest wildlife show on earth, as herds of mammals begin migrating in search of fresh pastures across the harsh Kenyan plains and the strong currents of the mighty Mara river.

As you hurtle across the vast savannah on your open-sided Jeep, you’ll (hopefully) happen on Africa’s Big 5—the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. You’re also bound to spot a motley critter crew of cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, hyenas and zebras going about their day to day business. And if all that wildlife wonder wasn’t already glorious enough, Africa offers some of the most jawdropping sunsets on the entire planet.

KANGALAND Already crossed off the African safari from your bucket list? Then it’s time to go Down Under. Over 80% of Australia’s mammals, reptiles and amphibians are found nowhere else on earth. Get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, quokka and wallabies. A word to the wise, keep at arm’s length from the crocs and poisonous snakes.

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COSTUMED CAPERS FASNACHT IN BASEL, SWITZERLAND ‘Drey scheenschte Dääg’ (three best days) is how the citizens of Basel describe Fasnacht.

This madcap carnival has been celebrated in Switzerland for over seven centuries. Its cultural, historical and creative significance was further cemented when Fasnacht was added to the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list in 2017.

Festivities kick off on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4 am. Thousands of masked Cliques (formations of marching bands) emerge into the darkened, chilly streets brandishing illuminated, handpainted lanterns, while costumed pfeifer (pipers) and tambouren (drummers) bang out blaring guggenmusik so loud they could raise Lazarus.

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This strange dead-of-night parade is known as Morgenstreich and marks the beginning of 72 hours of continuous partying all around Basel.

There are a few unwritten rules. Make sure to purchase a Fasnacht Badge and wear it where it’s easily visible, lest you wish to receive a face full of confetti from a masked Clique member.

And it may sound odd, but it’s generally frowned upon for adults to participate. The Cliques take care of the carnival-ing; visitors bask in the merrymaking.

The weather does get pretty cold here, so keep nice and warm by tucking into a range of Fasnacht treats. It’s traditional to eat Mehlsuppe (flour soup) for the first time in the year after Morgenstreich. You’ll also spot many food stalls selling Fasnachtkiechli (disk-shaped sweet crackers dusted with icing sugar) and Faschtewajie (pretzel-shaped pastry with caraway seeds), which will certainly help keep your munchies at bay throughout the day.

MONSTA MASH For a touch of the bizarre, steal away to Lötschental valley in the Swiss Alps for Tschäggättä carnival. Every night between Candlemas and Shrove Tuesday, the Tschäggä—locals dressed up as hideous 10 -foot tall monsters cloaked in animal hides— take to the snowy streets to frighten the bejeezus out of villagers.

KARNIVAL IN VALLETTA, MALTA When future British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli visited Valletta in 1830, he described the Maltese capital as ‘a city of palaces built by gentlemen for gentlemen.’

Clearly Disraeli hadn’t seen Valletta during its annual Karnival revelry when it transforms into a topsy-turvy City of Fools in the midst of a glow paint explosion.

The feast was introduced to Malta by Grand Master Piero de Ponte in 1535 and has remained a staple on the island’s religious and cultural calendar ever since. Held during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, Karnival is a jubilant jamboree of masked balls, marching bands, fancy dress, late-night parties and colourful, ticker-tape parades.

And of course, there’s the famous float

parades to delight in, presided over by the Carnival King. The time-consuming art of float building is passed down from generation to generation, and local craftsmen take great pride in their work with families and teams forever trying to one-up each other.

These towering, mechanised, neon-tinged papier-mâché constructions are broughtto-life caricatures of celebs, politicians, animals and mythical creatures. They roll through City Gate into Freedom Square loaded with tinnitus-inducing PA systems and elaborately costumed dancers. There’s also a host of competitions to determine the best costume, dance troupes, masks and floats. It’s a lot of fun.

SAMBA DE JANEIRO Turn the carnival heat all the way up to sizzling with a visit to Rio de Janeiro. Held in February, carnival in Brazil is essentially one-long samba celebration with dance troupes competing for a multi-million dollar prize pot. City streets host vibrant parties called blocos, some welcoming close to a million skimpily-costumed partygoers dancing until the small hours.

A few carnival candies to look out for include prinjolata, a white domed cake drizzled in chocolate and sprinkled with cherries and glacé fruits, and perlini, pure almonds coated in pastel coloured icing sugar.

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CHILLOUT MIX Who needs hibernation anyway?

Take your pick from these ice-cool outdoor adventures guaranteed to set your winter wanderlust aflutter.

HUSKY SLED RIDES, LAPLAND Experience the Arctic beauty of the Laplands as you’re driven by a pack of ebullient huskies on a sled ride like no other.

Husky sled expeditions have become an increasingly popular activity in this part of the world.

Glide past reindeer and moose roaming freely in magical snow covered forests. Some popular Lapland destinations offering husky rides include Kemi, Luosto and Ylläs.

ICE FISHING, GREENLAND As one of the world’s remotest ice fishing destinations, Ammassalik Island truly thrusts you into the ice cold heart of Greenland’s fjord and mountain wilderness. With food being scarce on the island, fishing remains a popular livelihood and the catch is especially excellent. Grab a rod, cut a hole in the ice and drop your line for Greenlandic shark, spotted wolf fish and halibut.

GLASS IGLOOS, FINLAND Snuggle up in a cosy bed while stars twinkle in the inky night sky and glowing Aurora Borealis dances above you.

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to immerse yourself in Finland’s majestic Urho Kekkonen National Park, which could have been plucked straight out of the Narnia books. They may seem small, but these modern Eskimo houses are kitted out with essential creature comforts for a truly relaxing break.

POLAR EXPEDITION, ARCTIC ISLANDS Cruise the four Arctic Islands of Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland and marvel at the indigenous wonders this vast canvas of sapphire and ice has to offer.

On board your oceanographic vessel you’ll spot mighty whales and swift seabirds. On land are ancient Inuit settlements and varied wildlife including the mighty polar bear, the sabrefanged walrus and bearded muskoxen. Every spectacular nautical mile is studded with glaciers and jagged icebergs that glitter like diamonds.

SNOW MOBILING, MONTANA West Yellowstone in Montana, USA has become a snowmobiling mecca thanks to its impeccably groomed trails that never cease to surprise.

The Lionhead Mountain Trail is an ideal gateway trail that will help you get to grips with the ins and outs of snowmobiling. Watch out, there’s tree goblins about!

Keep an eye out for these snow encrusted trees frozen in all sorts of eyebrow-raising poses.

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SUNSHINE ALLSORTS It’s always sunny somewhere.

Stuff your fur hooded coats back in the wardrobe, dig out the swimwear and take a dive into the endless blue of these winter sun hotspots.

YACHT CHARTER CRUISE, DUBAI Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Dubai on board a luxurious Sunseeker yacht charter that will whisk you away to the city of tomorrow’s finest ports of call.

As you sip on bubbly champagne, marvel at the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, the white sands of the man-made Palm Jumeirah archipelago, and the shimmering high-rise buildings on the banks of the Dubai Canal. Skip over to page 50 for more yachting in Dubai.

TURTLE & SHIPWRECK SWIMS, BARBADOS Carlisle Bay is a crescent shaped natural harbour on the west coast of Barbados. The turquoise waters are the perfect spot to swim with tranquil hawksbill sea turtles, a truly once in a lifetime experience. More experienced snorkellers and divers can also explore six nearby shipwrecks sunk at varying depths, which are home to schools of technicolour fish, including the distinctive black-striped sergeant major.

ZIPLINING, THAILAND Feel like a modern day Tarzan as you whizz through the trees of Thailand. The hillsides of Phuket overflow with thick forest making it an excellent ziplining destination. Many ziplining 20 \ ISSUE N O. 04 \ COVER STORY

centres here organise varied adventure packages offering everything from multi-level zipwire platforms and sky bridges to abseil points and stairways spiralling high into the treetops.

There’s also wilderness treks to enjoy. See if you can catch a glimpse of the cheeky macaque monkey in its natural habitat.

SCUBA DIVING, MALDIVES With its crystal clear waters offering great visibility, the Maldives has steadily become a scuba diving nirvana. Swim with hammerhead sharks at Kuramathi Kandu. Snorkel with graceful Manta rays at Moofushi Point.

From dive to dive, explore sunken tropical gardens teeming with rainbow-hued clownfish, oriental sweetlips, parrot fish, bluestripe snappers and more. Between your underwater quests, get lost on a booty of beaches, each one more heavenly than the last.

WATER SPORTS, FLORIDA KEYS Florida Keys is a coastal wonderland that stretches some 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida. This string of five tropical islands has made a splash with aquaphiles looking to spend sunsoaked days fishing, swimming and snorkelling. There’s also a boatload of water sports to enjoy here.

Kayak and paddleboard in remote nature sanctuaries as dolphins drift up beside you. Feel the rush of the wind with exhilarating parasailing.

Zoom off into the sunset on a high-powered jet ski.

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Malta

Winter, spring, summer or fall, Malta has it all. We roll out the red carpet for Malta’s finest cinematic locations, hop on over to sister island Gozo to explore the big variety within little Victoria, while our resident historian Henri chronicles William Thackeray’s stay in Valletta in the 19th century.

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MALTA AT THE MOVIES POPEYE In 1980, Popeye the spinach loving sailor man rowed into quiet Anchor Bay and left that corner of Malta forever changed.

The set for the live-action comedy starring the late, great Robin Williams was built from scratch in Mellieħa. Timber was shipped in from Holland and Canada. Eight tons of nails, 2000 gallons of paint, and a 165-strong crew’s worth of TLC were used to bring the cartoon village of Sweethaven to life. No wonder no one wanted to dismantle it once filming wrapped. Today, Popeye’s Village has expanded into a kooky amusement park with rides, memorabilia museum, water games and more.

Popeye’s Village is also a popular wedding venue.

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THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO Perched on Comino’s highest peak, Santa Marija watchtower was built by the Knights to ward off pirates. The tower enjoyed its moment of Hollywood glory when it doubled up as the prison fortress of Château d'If in 2002’s The Count of Monte Cristo. Should you see the white-cross flag flying from the turret, take it as read you can enter inside. Head up the staircase to reach the tower top for stunning views of the archipelago. Just be careful not to get mistakenly imprisoned inside like poor old Dantès.

Visit the actual Château d'If on a boat trip in Marseille.

MUNICH A film called Munich was shot in Malta? Quite a chunk of it, in fact. Steven Spielberg’s 2005 flick dramatised the real-life events surrounding Operation Wrath of God, the Israeli government's secret retaliation against Palestine after the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. Despite its globe-trotting story, much of the production was filmed around several Malta locations. Sliema’s promenade masqueraded as coastal Tel Aviv. Republic Square in Valletta stood in for Athens while a Rabat piazza was passed off as Rome. For the Cyprus hotel that was bombed, the crew used one in cheerful Buġibba.

Munich received 5 Oscar nods, including for Best Picture.

Not content on just being a Mediterranean hotspot, Malta has carved a career for itself as a much in-demand Hollywood starlet.

See how many of these film locations you have ticked off from the list.

TROY With its rugged landscapes and other-worldy coastline—not to mention its playset of medieval forts—Malta has found favour with many sword and sandal epics. You can spot Malta hogging the limelight in the original Clash of the Titans, all-conquering Gladiator and underrated toga movie Agora.

But the film in which it enjoys the most digitally unaltered screen time is 2004’s Troy. In this Greek myth retelling Fort Ricasoli acts as the impenetrable city of Troy. And Brad Pitt, playing feeble-heeled Achilles, wades in the waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon alongside his sea nymph mother Thetis.

Brad Pitt has starred in 3 films shot in Malta.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

GAME OF THRONES

This nail-biting 2013 bio-drama starring Tom Hanks, dramatises the true story of Somali pirates hijacking the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama. Malta’s waters formed the film’s main backdrop, posing as the African coast where the incident took place. The crew also stumbled upon the perfect ship double docked in Malta’s ports—the Maersk Alexander.

Early on in the film you can spot the cargo ship sailing around the Grand Harbour in Senglea and the Freeport Terminals in Birżebbuġa and Marsaxlokk.

TV's Game of Thrones filmed all across Malta in its debut season.

Catelyn Stark rides through Mdina Gate, while deeper in the silent city Mesquita Square fronted as Littlefinger’s titillating House of Pleasures. Fort Manoel is where Ned Stark meets his headless end. There’s also plenty Dothraki stomping grounds to explore. Gozo’s now fallen Azure Window can be seen during Khal Drogo and Daenerys’s matrimonial revelry. Mtaħleb Cliffs is where Daenerys emerges from the flames swathed in nothing but her baby dragons.

Until the 1500s, barren Comino was a secret pirate hideout.

The collapsed Azure Window arch is now a top dive site.

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Big Variety IN

Little Victoria Wandering an immaculate medieval hilltop citadel once conquered by Napoleon. Watching Tosca at the opera.

Catching the latest movies in modern auditoriums. Shopping for designer names in sleek, multi-storied shopping malls. Enjoying a picnic beside a tinkling fountain in a cobbled, tree-lined park.

Like London, Rome or Paris, Gozo’s capital Victoria (Ir-Rabat) has it all. But, as Gozitan resident MARK PEARSON explains, the big difference is that everything's within easy walking distance.

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#1

STROLL TO A FOOTBALL MATCH With a total area of 1.1 miles (in contrast to London’s 607 miles) Victoria’s many attractions are just a saunter away. At the southern end, I can grab a few spring rolls from a Chinese, buy a noisy bike horn at a hardware shop, nip into Lidl for some refreshments, and be merrily tooting away for Victoria FC, in the compact and welcoming Gozo Stadium—all in under 10 minutes walking time.

#2

EAT MED FRESH Around the central parking area, you’ll find independent vendors selling sea-fresh catches of the day, in addition to fruit and vegetable stalls with the crispest, sweetest Mediterranean sunripened produce you could wish for.

My wife always goes to Carmen for her greens, Sicilian watermelons, artichokes and cherry tomatoes, and Carmen always throws in something gratis and gives the little kids something tasty from her counter. Inside nearby Duke’s Mall is Greens, an upscale, family-run supermarket that features a deli counter with everything from fresh Gozo cheeselets and cured Sicilian hams, to lobsters you can select from a tank and freshly baked bread and rolls.

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#3

WANDER THE CITTADELLA Among Victoria’s many attractions, you just can’t miss the vast sandstone walls and imposing medieval bastions of the Cittadella. Like Valletta's Grand Harbour in Malta, the Cittadella is Gozo’s focal point and totally dominates the skyline from its perch atop a promontory. Since 2008, €14 million has been spent on renovating this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site and the impressive Visitor Centre has won numerous international awards in the process.

It’s also a pleasure to simply saunter around the labyrinthine cobbled streets within the Old Town, take in the great views of the coast and surrounding scenery, and contemplate in the cool of the 13thcentury Cathedral of the Assumption.

The cathedral is said to have been built upon the foundations of a temple to Juno, which dates back to when the Cittadella was a Roman settlement named Gaulos. Overall, it's an archaeological marvel and a must for any day trip to Gozo.

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#4

DODGE THE DEVIL Although a decidedly non-saintly Catholic, I attend Maltese mass every now and then even though I only understand a handful of Maltese words. The singing is enchanting (think traditional hymns sung in Arabic) and the churches awesome. Father Daniel conducts services at the Rotunda of St John the Baptist, the Xewkija parish church with the dome you can see from Malta. Another great church is the Basilica of Saint George in Victoria.

Completely covered in marble, gilt with gold and bronze, with painted scenes on the ceiling and dome, along with an ancient wooden statue of Saint George, it’s a real spirit lifter. Plus, there’s a great little piazza outside for a post-mass cappuccino and pastry with friends and family.

#5

TAKE THE SQUARE ROUTE TO ENTERTAINMENT

Independence Square, locally referred to as it-Tokk (meeting place), is where you can enjoy events such as cultural dance groups, brass band ensembles, fancy dress fandangoes and New Year’s eve celebrations, with the renowned DJ Jonas Blue helping Victoria welcome-in 2019. The square is also where the yearly February Carnival comes to life with carefully choreographed dance groups of all ages.

And, if you’re after something a bit more classical, 100 metres downhill is the classy Astra, a wonderfully intimate old-world theatre that hosts operas studded with renowned stars.

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#6 SHOP WITHOUT THE DROP

‘My feet are killing me,’ or ‘I’ve been on my feet all day’ are phrases you just don’t hear from Victoria’s shoppers. Whether it’s a casual weekend spree or a last-minute Christmas shop, Victoria beats the world’s top cities hands down as it has everything and it’s all close by, which is why many mainlanders hop on the ferry for some easy retail therapy.

Duke's has a George, Adidas, Original Marines, Artigli and Bata among others. Walk down the hill past a Celio, Mothercare, New Look and Emporio and you’ll find the multi-story Arkadia mall, complete with a Waitrose, McDonalds, Urban Jungle, Next, Orsay, Peacocks, Piazza Italia, Dolce e Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger and many other high street names.

If you’re after designer chic boutiques and craft shops, the cobbled alleyways behind Independence Square are crammed with treasures, from traditional lace and glassware, to hand-made knits and eclectic gems such as Spoonman, where the turntable spins classical tunes on vinyl while you browse genuine and enchanting crafts, including rings, earrings, wooden spoons and little houses.

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#7

CAFÉ HOP & GARDEN CHILL

#8 SITE HOP

BY BUS

When searching for a hotel in Gozo, visitors not looking to hire a car will do very well staying in Victoria.

Along with all the supermarkets and shops closeby, you also have the central bus terminus on your doorstep, taking you direct to all the island's best beaches, ancient buildings and temples, fishing villages, impressive cliffs, scuba diving spots and much more.

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Being so close to Italy and Sicily, it’s no surprise café culture rules in Victoria.

The city is packed with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. Always good for value and variety is Café Jubilee in Independence Square. Outside Arkadia is Mojos, which catered for Brad and Angelina while they were filming the imminently forgettable By the Sea. Inside Duke's is The Hog, where the kids swear the burgers taste better than McDonalds.

Right next to that, is the lovely Villa Rundle Gardens, with fountains and a beautiful collection of native and exotic trees. During Christmas, the park is lit up and decorated with handmade crafts

by Gozitan schoolchildren, making it a winter wonderland with a magical, Mediterranean twist.

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HI STO RI CA L H E N RI

WILLIAM THACKERAY IN MALTA

O

In his time William Thackeray Makepeace was ranked second to Charles Dickens as a writer, but today, despite his extensive bibliography, he is arguably best remembered for his social satire Vanity Fair. The British novelist visited Malta during a journey to the Levant in the mid-1800s. Writing under the pseudonym Michael Angelo Titmarsh, he chronicled his voyage in his Notes on a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo.

n the 20th of August 1844, William Makepeace Thackeray attended a farewell dinner for a close friend, one Mr James, who was about to embark on a voyage to the Mediterranean and the Levant.

Organised by the Peninsular and Oriental Company—who are still in business to this very day as P&O Cruises—the voyage was dubbed the Grand Tour and, as Thackeray wrote in the preface to his travel journals, ‘as many men and cities were to be seen as Ulysses surveyed and noted in ten years.’ The cruise would stop at Gibraltar, Malta, Athens, Smyrna, Constantinople, Jerusalem and Cairo.

In the throes of their inebriated dinner conversation, it struck Mr James that Thackeray absolutely must join the travelling party to the Levant: ‘In all your life you will never probably have a chance again to see so much in so short a time.’ Saying yes wasn’t straightforward, however. Thackeray had only 36 hours to prepare. He had prior engagements

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at home. Above all, he simply couldn’t afford it. But when Mr James—somewhat presumptuously it must be said— convinced the novelist that he could persuade the cruise directors to gift him free passage, all difficulties magically vanished, and on the 22nd of August, Thackeray found himself aboard the Lady Mary Wood waving goodbye to gloomy Southampton port.

Thackeray, James and company arrived in Malta on September 5th by way of Lisbon and Gibraltar. Thackeray found in Valletta 'a most stately and agreeable scene ever admired.' He noted the hustle and bustle of port life. The blue waters were busy with the ebb and flow of boats and ships, and all around the perimeter rose rocky formations and every imaginable device of fortification.

However, before he could explore the capital properly, he had to endure quarantine at the Lazzaretto to safeguard the islanders from potential plague.

As he walked around Valletta, Thackeray

found the streets thronged with a lively, comfortable-looking population. The whole city was alive with cries and stench.

He witnessed the dresses and chatter of all nations. The soldiers in scarlet and women in traditional black faldettas, known locally as għonnella. Even the poor seemed to inhabit handsome stone palaces, known in Maltese as kerrejja.

However, on closer inspection there were signs of Malta’s economic deprivation and destitution. On the left-hand side of Victoria Gate in the Harbour, a flight of steps known as Nix Mangiare, literally meaning nothing to eat, is where Thackeray noted ‘the sad state of the beggars lining the steps.’ The beggars exhibited all forms of deformities and every grade of dirt and squalor. Today, only the name of Nix Mangiare stairs remains, a sad reminder of the bygone Les Miserable days of Malta.

Elsewhere in Valletta, splendour abounded. Of the Church of St. John he noted: ‘not a handsome structure without,

is magnificent within—a noble hall covered with a rich embroidery of gilded carving.’ Thackeray was particularly struck by the floor paved over with sprawling heraldic devices of the Knights buried there. He paused to admire the decorated monuments of Grand Masters and the lovely paintings which adorn the chapels of the eight Langues of the Order, lined on either side of the church.

Following St John’s, Thackeray visited the former Grand Master’s residence: ‘lofty halls and corridors of which some portraits of Grand Masters still remain, a very fine one by Caravaggio, of [Grand Master De Wignacourt] in gilt armour, hangs in the dining room, near a fulllength of poor Louis XVI, in royal robes, the very picture of uneasy impotency.’ In the Armory he marvelled at the thousands of pikes and halberds, old cannons and war pieces, helmets and cutlasses, which the Knights wore.

One afternoon, Thackeray also went out for a ride in Malta’s barren countryside, ‘where fields are rocks, and the hedges are stones.’ San Anton Palace, he found more agreeable, and he commented on the beauty of the country house fringed by orange trees, plump golden grapes, lush flowers and thick, cool shrubberies.

Thackeray and company paid Malta a subsequent visit on the return journey in November, their party slightly diminished as ‘the Giver of life and death had removed two of our company.’ He was struck by how ‘November climate of Malta is like the most delicious May in England.’

Told in ornate, vivacious prose, Thackeray’s Notes on a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo remains a fascinating window into what life was like in the Mediterranean and beyond in the mid 19th century.

Henri

'The lights and shadows, the cries and stenches, the fruit-shops and fish-stalls; the soldiers in scarlet, and women in black mantillas; the beggars; the shovel-hatted priests and bearded capuchins; the statues of saints and little chapels which jostle the stranger’s eyes as he goes up the famous stairs from the Water-gate, make a scene of such pleasant confusion and liveliness as I have never witnessed before.'

William Thackeray’s first impressions of Valletta in Notes on a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo.

Guest Experience Manager Golden Sands Resort & Spa

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”

Up Close & Personal with...

In this new series, GLEN STACEY will be getting up close and personal with the real people behind the familiar faces seen around the Golden Sands Spa & Resort. First up, Glen finds photos of a glamorous blonde bombshell who looks exceedingly familiar. He heads over to the jewellery shop to investigate.

GLEN: HI SANDY, DO YOU MIND IF I INTERRUPT YOU?

G: DO YOU MISS YOUR MODELLING DAYS?

Hi Glen, nice to see you. Are you looking for something special today?

S: I miss being young. So I guess that would be a yes.

G: WELL, SANDY. I’VE JUST STUMBLED UPON THESE PHOTOS. CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS WOMAN?

G: WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST MODELLING INSPIRATION?

S: Oh! [laughs] Well, that takes me back.

G: I’VE HEARD YOU WERE A GLAMOROUS MODEL IN YOUR YOUNGER YEARS, SANDY. S: Yes, I did some promotional modelling and I was the face for an Autoguard calendar working alongside legendary British boxer Henry Cooper. It was a lot of fun.

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S: There were so many girls and so many magazines that I’d look at and admire. But my career was never in fashion or anything like that. I was far too short. I always worked in the world of advertising.

G: WELL YOU LOOK VERY TALL IN YOUR PHOTOS SANDY. S: That’s the trick of photography.

G: WHAT'S YOUR FONDEST MEMORY FROM YOUR

PHOTO SHOOTS?

”

S: Probably when I went to Tokyo in Japan, that was a fun trip.

G: NOW SANDY, DON’T TELL ANYONE BUT MY DREAM IS TO BECOME MALTA’S NEXT TOP MODEL. WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR ME?

S: [laughs] Well, I think you’re just a lovely handsome man and you should definitely go for it. I’m not sure if I could give you any tips.

G: OH, BLESS YOU! FLATTERY GETS YOU EVERYWHERE SANDY. I’VE ALSO HEARD YOU WERE ONCE A BIT OF A BODYBUILDER STRONGWOMAN SANDY. S: Yes, I was!

G: WOW! DO YOU THINK YOU COULD HAVE LIFTED ME? S: In my heyday, yeah probably. But those days are long gone I’m afraid.

G: SO YOU’VE TRAVELLED ALL AROUND THE WORLD WITH YOUR MODELLING. WHAT FINALLY BROUGHT YOU TO SUNNY MALTA?

S: [laughs] I’m afraid not Glen. But if you are an Azure member you do get a 10% discount, which comes in handy when buying someone special a nice gift. We always look after our Azure members here.

G: AND WHAT’S THE ONE ITEM YOU SECRETLY WISH YOUR HUSBAND WOULD GET YOU FOR CHRISTMAS?

S: The love of a good man, who I eventually married.

S: Well there’s a nice diamond ring that would look particularly good on me.

G: AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING IN THE JEWELLERY SHOP?

G: SANDY, YOU LEAVE THAT WITH ME. I’LL MAKE SURE TO PASS THE MESSAGE ON.

S: Eight years.

G: THAT’S A LONG TIME. WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT WORKING IN THE GOLDEN SANDS RESORT? S: Well, working with the jewellery itself and seeing all the beautiful, shiny gold and diamonds. And also working in a holiday atmosphere with guests looking to have a wonderful time by the beach.

AZURE TV Watch the full interview on the Azure TV channel on www.youtube.com/user/ AzureMalta. Remember to subscribe for even more fantastic new content coming each month.

G: I CAN SEE ALL THE GLITTERING RINGS AND NECKLACES THERE IN THE WINDOW. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE? S: Definitely the Maltese Crosses.

They’re the most popular item we sell, especially in 18k gold. And I always print a paper that explains what the eight points of the Maltese Cross mean, which is very interesting.

G: IS THERE A NICE MEN’S WATCH YOU COULD RECOMMEND FOR ME? S: I think I could find you a nice IceWatch or a Swatch. It depends how chunky you like it.

G: OH, I SAY SANDY! DO I GET MATES RATES?

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WHAT’S ON IN MALTA NEW YEAR'S EVE 31 December, Valletta Waterfront End the year with a bang with fantastic celebrations at the charming Valletta Waterfront. A range of entertainment for young and old will take place around the promenade overlooking the historic port and fortifications.

At the stroke of midnight, fireworks pop, colourful confetti rains down and thousands of gatherers sing and party until late.

VALLETTA BAROQUE FESTIVAL 10 to 25 January, Valletta Classical music lovers will revel in this magnificent two-week festival, which sees firstclass soloists and ensembles from around the world performing masterpieces by Bach, Vivaldi and beyond. More than 30 concerts will take place in Valletta’s finest baroque venues. Get your tickets from kultura.mt.

FEAST OF ST PAUL'S SHIPWRECK 10 February, Valletta This major Maltese public holiday commemorates St Paul’s arrival in Malta in 60 AD and the island’s subsequent conversion to Christianity. Special masses, processions and firework displays are held around Valletta’s churches and streets.

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KARNIVAL 21 to 25 February, Valletta & Nadur, Gozo Experience a colourful whirlwind of fluorescent floats, magnificent masks, elaborately costumed dancers and boisterous marching bands.

Malta’s official Karnival celebrations take place in Valletta just before the start of Lent.

Alternatively, head to Nadur in Gozo for fun festivities with a grotesque twist.

FEAST OF ST JOSEPH 19 March, Mdina & Rabat This charming religious feast celebrated in Mdina and Rabat is the perfect way to experience a traditional Maltese festa minus the throngs of summer tourists and clammy heat. Wander beautifully lit, festooned streets and enjoy marching bands, religious processions and impressive fireworks.

SPRING EQUINOX AT MNAJDRA TEMPLES 20 March, Mnajdra Temples, Qrendi Greet the first rays of spring with a break of dawn visit to the prehistoric Mnajdra Temples.

As the sun rises on the horizon, the south temple’s central corridor becomes fully bathed in golden, fire-like sunlight. A truly magical experience that needs to be experienced at least once. Book your tickets through HeritageMalta.org.

FREEDOM DAY REGATTA 31 March, Grand Harbour, Three Cities As part of Malta’s Freedom Day celebrations, the Grand Harbour comes alive to highly-competitive rowing races with teams vying to take home the coveted Regatta Shield. Thousands of spectators from the Three Cities (Birgu, Bormla and Isla) gather beneath the bastions around the coastline to cheer their local teams on.

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MASSAGE ME YOUNGER The secret of health, longevity and age reversal in holistic massage treatments

T

he mental and physical health benefits of massage have been an open secret for centuries. All established lifestyle philosophies around the world incorporate massage as an effective therapeutic technique against a multitude of ailments such as joint pain, muscle tension as well as modern day stresses and anxiety, which are all major factors that contribute to premature aging.

ANDREI DANTIS, our resident expert from the Myoka Spa team, gives an in-depth explanation as to why massage can significantly improve your quality of life, put your mind and body at ease, and help you regain comfort and inner balance.

IMMUNITY BOOST One of the key benefits of massage is that it boosts our body’s immunity by improving lymphatic circulation and increasing our body’s cytotoxic capacity.

The lymphatic system plays an important role in our body’s waste removal and in aiding an efficient immune system response to excess fluid, pathogens, dead blood cells and toxins. Our cytotoxic capacity also helps our bodies fight off viruses and tumour cells.

Unfortunately, our immune systems are easily compromised when our emotions run high and when we are stressed. Regular massages help calm us, and thereby leave a positive, lasting effect on our immune systems by allowing them to function properly, with less unnecessary interference.

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CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

MUSCULAR STRAIN PREVENTION

Our cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood and therefore helps distribute oxygen and nutrients to all tissues.

As we age, the cardiovascular system declines due to build-up of plaque, reduced elasticity of vasculature and stress, which can result in high blood pressure and poor circulation to various tissues.

Both muscular strain and bad skeletal alignment can contribute to back pain. Any natural treatment which can help treat pain in general without the use of aggressive and dangerous medical interventions (medications, injections, surgery), needs to be considered. Massage therapy is an ideal preventative and alternative therapy for musculoskeletal issues.

Massage can help decrease stress on the cardiovascular system and improve vessel health by improving overall tissue nutrition. Seeing that cardiovascular disease is a strong risk factor for premature death (heart disease is still the number one cause of death in most developed countries), a natural way to help decrease influencing contributors is highly recommended.

Doctors are realising the efficiency and cost effectiveness of massage to alleviate patients of their chronic and debilitating disease related pain.

Many massage therapists report that their arthritic clients find better and longer-lasting relief from massage than from pharmaceuticals.

IMPROVED POSTURE Poor posture doesn’t just upset your grandmother; it causes some muscles to tighten and shorten, while allowing others to virtually wither away. Misalignment of your spine also puts added stress on your circulatory, digestive and nervous systems, and is also linked to increased pain in various joints and along the back and in the nerves.

Massage therapy programmes your body to better identify what proper alignment feels like.

During a massage, you experience natural muscle movements and skeletal positions. The more relaxed our muscles feel the more liberated our joints feel and our journey to better posture will be made easier. After your massage, it’s more likely you’ll naturally begin to seek out these healthier movements and positions which offer less discomfort, ultimately contributing to improved posture and its manifold benefits.

ADDITIONAL ANTI-AGEING BENEFITS OF MASSAGE: Increases endorphin release Endorphins are pain reducing neurotransmitters. Anxiety created by stress can cause increase sensitivity to pain. Endorphins help stop transmission of pain signals.

Decreases beta brainwave activity This leads to increased stimulated release of relaxing neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine as well as decreased release of cortisol levels.

Stimulates delta brainwave activity This type of brain activity is one which facilitates deep sleep induction, which explains the natural tendency to doze off during your massage session.

MASSAGE PLEASE! Treat yourself to a heavenly range of soothing massages on your next visit to Myoka Spas—Malta's leading wellness operator. For more information and customised wellness packages tailored to your needs, contact goldensands@myoka.com or call on (+356) 2356 1191. www.myoka.com TRAVEL / ISSUE N O. 04 / 41

Motoring

Get your Sat Navs out. Hit play on your favourite roadtripping playlist. And set off on a series of stunning motoring adventures that are about the journey just as much as the destination. This issue we explore Scotland’s North Coast 500 in a top-of-therange motorhome.

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The North Coast

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DAY 1: In v er Brewer y, D ness to Wick via B la u Laith Bro nrobin Castle & Ca ck Isle ch rn

A motorhome road trip across Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) had long been on our bucket list, writes NATALIE CUSCHIERI. After countless hours of surveying maps and meticulous planning, my husband and I finally put the dream into action last September. And what a road trip it was.

This jaw-droppingly beautiful route snakes all the way around the Scottish Highlands, beginning from Inverness heading up to northernmost John O’Groats and back down again. All along the winding 500 mile route are deserted beaches, artisan breweries, picturesque lochs, enchanting castles, and a rich abundance of uniquely Scottish flora and Scourie fauna. I made sure to capture as much of this once-in-alifetime adventure as I could on my trusty camera.

Lochinver

DAY 2: W ick & Duncan to Durness via Joh n sb y Head Lighthou O’Groats se DAY 3: Du rn Cocoa Mo ess to Ullapool via untain & S Ardveck C moo Cave, astle DAY 4: Ul lap Correscha ool to Torridon vi llock Gorg a e & Inver ewe Garde n DAY 5: To rridon to In Elizabeth II bridge verness via Queen

38

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Lairg

Dornoch

32

A83

Alness A9

e ewe

Golspie Tain

Dingwall

2 Kinloch-

A896

Wick

A9

A8

32

A8

Strath-

Muir of Ord

A8

90

Lochcarron

Beauly

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Ullapool

Applecross

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DAY 1

Our road trip begins as any road trip must,

Time to stretch our legs at Black Isle peninsula.

stocking up on snacks. Clear skies bode well. We

It’s only apt that we down a couple bottles of the

ease into our journey north driving past golden

NC500-inspired craft ale at the legendary Black Isle

wheat fields flecked with lazy haybales. We’re flanked

Brewery. Dunrobin Castle, cradled by beds of violets,

by the iron sea. Grazing horses, woolly sheep and

is fairy tale-esque. The grass-topped Carn Liath broch

shaggy coos are everywhere.

oozes druidy mysticism.

Up early as there’s miles of coastline to cover today.

Other day two highlights include Wick, the former

DAY 2

At John O'Groats we sit on the Nomadic Boulders, a

herring capital of Europe, and the Old Pulteney

cluster of seesaw sculptures that precariously balance

Distillery, where we sip on award-winning single

gigantic boulders. We take a short detour up to

malt whisky. The moody, moss covered ruins of

Duncansby Head lighthouse. Below, waves crash into the

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, seemingly flush with the

rugged cliff-face Magnificent.

cliff’s edge, are the stuff of Gothic ghost tales.

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DAY 3

The morning road leads us from Tongue to Durness. We

Onward to Ullapool. We picnic near Ardvreck Castle

savour every twist and turn of this picture-perfect

built by the Clan MacLeod in 1590. Hilly Knockan Crag

journey leading to Smoo Cave, all gushing waterfalls

exposes the bones of the earth and calls out for a

and wooden walkways. At Cocoa Mountain we explore

mini-trek. The trail offers up The Globe and Pipeworm,

cutesy craft shops and, naturally, stop for a warming

art installations inspired by the beauty of the

mug of hot chocolate.

unspoilt landscape.

DAYS 4-5

Today’s a medley of gorges, beaches and gardens. We

The final stretch is a laid-back drive around

tread across a Victorian footbridge suspended over

Applecross peninsula overlooking the Isle of Skye. We

verdant Corrieshalloch Gorge. On desolate Mellon

cruise down the alpine Bealach Na Ba road through to

Udrigle beach we build sandcastles. And Inverewe

Locharron village. As the sun begins to set, we arrive

Garden is alive with bees buzzing around blooms and

back where it all began—Inverness. Scotland, you’ve

red squirrels and deer scurrying between trees.

stolen our hearts.

TRAVEL / ISSUE N O. 04 / 47 MOTORING

Boating

It’s time to go WOW on the waves. We sail the seven seas in search of the best boating destinations and experiences. In this issue we showcase the delights of yachting in Dubai on luxurious Sunseekers.

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MAKE LIKE A SHEIKH

SUN SE EKERS IN DU BAI

On a crystal cobalt sea somewhere on the Persian Gulf, three Azure X Sunseekers are bringing the Arabian dream to life.

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Stroll the pristine white sands of Al Sufour Beach beneath the soaring sail of the Burj Al Arab. Discover artisanal boutiques and pop-up concept stores in Dubai Design District (D3). Watch the Stroll the pristine white sands of Al Sufour Beach beneath the soaring Abu Dhabi F1Burj Grand Prix from the boutiques top deck of a yacht sail of the Al Arab.

Discover artisanal and pop-up concept in Yas Marina. Spend coolDesign nights at (D3). sea Watch under stores in Dubai District thestar-studded Abu Dhabi F1 Grandskies and Prix from the top deckdays of a yacht in Yas Marina. Spend cool nights at sea enjoy endless blue-sky with watersports and complimentary under star-studded skies and enjoy endless blue-sky days with watersports gourmet BBQ feasts, served by your personal captain and and complimentary gourmet BBQ feasts, served by your personal captain stewards.

AzureAzure X’s three Dubai-based Sunseekers and stewards.

X’s three new new Dubai-based Sunseekers prise open the prise open the hidden hidden treasures of Gulf. the .Persian and just in time treasures of the Persian . and just in Gulf. time for.a.wintersun festive season. for a wintersun festive season.

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Palm Dubai from the air

Dubai Design District - a creative space dedicated to the fashion industry

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View of beach and Burj Al Arab

Sunseeker Manhattan 60

Sunseeker 70

Sunseeker 90

SWEET DAYDREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE Designed with royalty in mind, Daydream is a Manhattan 60 widely considered a Sunseeker masterpiece. Entertain in style with wall-to-wall leather seating and designer chic flybridge fitted with waterproof Bose speakers and hydraulic swim platform. Full-beam master, VIP and twin cabins add the ultimate finishing touch.

CHILLED DESERT CHIC Every square inch of the eye-catching, soul-soothing My Serenity is a deliberately understated triumph of contemporary design.

Chic-out in classy, Scandi-cool minimalist interiors. Enjoy meals with great views atop the vast fly-deck. Watch stars twinkle through portholes in cosy ultra-modern cabins.

REPUTATION ENHANCEMENT Notorious is what you get when you combine a sense of playful, ironic design with high society furnishings. Outdoors is huge fun. Contemporary Japanese furniture and miniature trees on the massive fly deck create the perfect party setting. Downstairs, the tone is more Beverley Hills Hilton, with classic furnishings and a 70� TV. All Azure X day charters depart from Bvlgari Resort marina and are fully crewed with red carpet VIP welcome aboard, 5-star service, complimentary gourmet BBQ lunch and drinks. Includes coastline cruise to Burj Al Arab, Al Sufouh beach and the Palm, and watersports from jet skis, water skis, wake surfboards, sea-bobbers, donuts plus fishing and snorkelling gear. Optional extras include Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix from a yacht, New Year charter and tours to Moon Island, Sir Bani Yas and Oman.

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Travel

Everywhere you go, always take the WOW with you.

This issue we look into Prague’s greatest hotspot hits, we unwind in style at some of the best spa resorts in Europe, and for some top selfie tips and tricks look into our nifty Holiday Hacks.

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5 SUBLIME SPA BREAKS Sometimes, a spa day is the only answer. So we’ve brought together five of the most outstanding European spas to inspire your next revitalising getaway.

From state-of-the-art facilities to centuries-old rituals, we’ve got a luxury spa experience to suit everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Slip on your robe and slippers, relax and indulge yourself in some of the best treatments available today.

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CHAMPNEYS EASTWELL MANOR Nestled in vast woodland with sweeping views of the rural North Downs, Eastwell Manor is a former royal residence turned boutique hotel boasting sumptuous interiors, stateof-the-art facilities, an AA Rosette restaurant and a nine-hole golf course.

The property offers a host of on-site leisure amenities, designated footpaths and walkways, and multiple outdoor pursuits for discovering the pleasures of the region.

PLUSH PAMPERING A team of experts is on hand to provide a range of body treatments, from cellulite busters to seaweed wraps. As well as an extensive range of massage options—including Swedish, hot stone, aromatherapy and bamboo—you can enjoy facials, manicures and pedicures.

Beauty treatments include waxing, make-up and spray tanning, as well as eyelash and eyebrow tinting and eyebrow shaping.

GARDEN OF ENGLAND Kent is known by many as the Garden of England and the setting of Eastwell Manor won’t disappoint. Plus, just four miles away is the beautiful Godinton House and Gardens. Take a tour of this grand Jacobean house and medieval hall and, afterwards, enjoy a peaceful stroll among the wonderful gardens and ancient parkland.

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MYOKA SANDS SPA

Head to page 40 for Myoka magic.

Part of Radisson Blu Golden Sands in Malta, slet overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean, Myoka offers a range of decadent treatments and rituals tailored to you. It specialises in traditional practices, boasting an Ayurvedic centre and a hammam, as well as an indoor heated pool, a Jacuzzi and a panoramic sauna.

EAST MEETS MED At the heart of Myoka lies its focus on age-old treatments and remedies.

Ayurveda is a massage practice based on a 5,000-year-old Indian health tradition, focusing on restoring equilibrium to mind, body and spirit. The spa’s pañpuri treatments are a modern take on ancient Asian spiritual and physical well-being remedies using traditional plants, roots and flowers. And Myoka’s hammam experiences are based on a centuries-old ritual of purification and relaxation.

BLUE FLAG BEACH BLISS The local area truly lives up to its name.

Within the cliff face under the hotel is a beautiful stretch of true golden sands and clear blue waters. The Blue Flag Golden Sands beach offers excellent snorkelling opportunities while a horse riding, hiking and a water sports centre are also convenient. Here you can also enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets on the island.

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ESPA AT CASTELLO DEL NERO Unwind in the heart of Italian wine country amid 300 hectares of rolling hills, world-famous vineyards and olive groves. Castello del Nero is a historic house just under 20 miles from Florence, Italy. Having been carefully restored to preserve its 900-year heritage, it is now a unique destination offering the highest levels of luxury, including an exquisite Michelin-starred restaurant.

TUSCAN TREATS The spa offers outdoor pools, a state-ofthe-art gym, and its very own signature treatment. Seasonal produce from the estate is used in this unique experience, including a sumptuous relaxation ritual with extra virgin olive oil and soothing lavender, and a Tuscan body exfoliation treatment with the estate’s rosemary.

Pure bliss.

HEART OF CHIANTI While in Italy’s Chianti wine region, renowned for its beauty, it would almost be a crime not to enjoy the many wine-tasting opportunities on your doorstep, including at Poggio al Bosco and Casa Sola. Or, for a truly magical experience, take to the skies in a hot air balloon to admire the region’s spectacular scenery.

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ROYAL SPA, CORINTHIA Known by many as the City of Healing Waters, Budapest is a destination famed for its thermal baths and hot springs. And Royal Spa is arguably one of the best spas in Budapest. Originally opened in 1886, it has been carefully restored to its original beauty. The elegant Art Deco building houses a stunning 15-metre swimming pool with a traditional mezzanine level, the spa’s opulent focal point.

ART DECO ZEN Offering a wide range of luxury treatments, with a key focus on wellness, the spa benefits from saunas, a steam bath, a Jacuzzi and several relaxation areas, as well as a fitness room offering yoga classes. What’s more, a team of dedicated experts are on hand to provide body, face and massage treatments, including Thai and Ayurvedic massages.

A BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Although taking the waters is a part of everyday life in Budapest, there is so much more to do and see in this beautiful bohemian city, from the Opera House and Buda Castle to the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, all within easy reach of your hotel. And for a uniquely Magyar feast, head for a fabulous choice of floating restaurants.

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THE SPA AT CAMERON HOUSE Lying on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond is The Spa at Cameron House.

Famed for its magnificent beauty and tranquillity, Loch Lomond has been a source of inspiration to many for centuries. Experience the magic and mystery of this idyllic place with some premier preening and pampering at an award-winning spa resort that also features a breath-taking rooftop infinity pool.

SCOTTISH SERENITY The spa’s 17 lush treatment rooms include a relaxation suite, a steam room with a private balcony, a VIP couple’s room with a mineral bath and a Rasul mud chamber with a steam room. As well as facials, massage and hand and feet treatments, a variety of beauty treatments are offered. Relax in the still waters of the infinity pool and enjoy views across the golf course and the resort towards the Scottish mountains beyond.

GOLF PAR-TEE Having admired views across The Carrick Golf Course, why not take in a round of golf? Although a relatively new course, Carrick is fast becoming one of Scotland’s must-play fairways.

Straddling the fault line between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands, the course uses the dramatic landscape to its advantage, offering stunning views across all 18 holes.

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MYOKA.COM

LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF: Welcome to Myoka Sands Spa. Leave the stresses of everyday life behind and embark on a journey of pure bliss. Restore tranquillity of mind and body through a selection of decadent spa treatments and exclusive rituals tailored to your individual requirements. Elevate your experience with our range of luxurious spa and wellbeing facilities including an indoor heated pool, Ayurvedic centre, hammam, Jacuzzi, panoramic sauna, steam room and fitness centre.

MINDFUL RETREATS: Dedicate a full day to your wellbeing. Upon your request, our expert will create a bespoke retreat day package for you to enjoy a complete synergistic combination of massages, oriental and holistic rituals, meditation, yoga classes and nature experiences to ease your whole being into a state of profound relaxation and re-establish the flow of deep energies.

MYOKA SANDS SPA A Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands, Golden Bay T. (+356) 2356 1191 (Ext. 1191)

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Prague 48HRS IN

With its fairytale With its fairytale castles,castles, Gothic cathedrals and avantGothic cathedrals and avantgarde landmarks, the capitalgarde of landmarks, the capital of Bohemia Bohemia has inspired travellers and artists for over has inspired travellers and artists for over a a millennium. millennium.

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tand on Prague’s iconic Charles Bridge at the break of dawn—a good few hours before it gets swamped by selfie stick-waving daytrippers—and you’d be half forgiven for expecting a bell-swinging town crier to materialise from the morning mists and bellow out news of golems having laid waste to a nearby hamlet in the dead of night. Even in today’s ultratechnological world, there remains a folkloric magic to the Czech capital with its cobblestone lanes, houses of many styles and colours, and looming spired silhouettes that pitchfork the skyline.

Any first-time trip to Prague deserves to begin with two things: a visit to the ancient Prague Castle, and a foamheaded stein (or two) of Czech brewed, world-beating pilsner. Once you’ve ticked off these glorious basics, the city’s many other delights beckon. Fall under Prague’s timeless spell with a little help from these essential and off-the-beaten track highlights. First off, where to stay.

RUN FOR THE HILLS Crowning one of Prague’s lush hills, the elegant Corinthia Hotel commands unrivalled panoramic views across the city of a hundred spires. The Communist era glass-and-steel façade is juxtaposed with crème et chocolat interiors that exude contemporary charm. Tuck into regional-inspired sweets and savouries with exquisite afternoon tea in Lounge 62. Unwind in an eyrie of pampering delights at the top floor Apollo Day Spa. From here you can soak up sweeping views from Petrin Hill all the way to St Vitus Cathedral while enjoying a lazy dip in the pool. Located a mere five minutes from the city centre by underground, you have easy access to the capital’s many marvels.

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TWO SIDES OF THE SAME CITY Prague’s locket of architectural gems opens out on either side of the lazy Vltava river. Staré Město (Old Town) is the capital’s medieval heart. Labyrinthine lanes branching out from the town square blossom with Baroque and Gothic splendour, especially magical once floodlit by night. From the lofty Hall Tower brandishing its blue and gold Astronomical Clock, head over to the rococo Municipal House for a spot of lunch. Inside and out, this civic building is adorned with paintings and sculptures loaded with allegory. The nearby Jewish Quarter is home to a cluster of historic synagogues, museums and the famed Bethlehem Chapel of Jan Hus. Once you’ve exhausted Staré Město, it’s time to squeeze through the throngs of tourists and gauntlet of buskers packing Charles Bridge to make your way into Malá Strana. The name literally translates as Lesser Town, but this Renaissance wonderland watched over by the verdigris-spired Prague Castle is the epitome of ‘more is more.’ Step into the grandiloquent Church of St Nicholas to gape at empyrean ceiling frescoes and a 4,000-piped organ played by maestro Mozart himself. Also in the vicinity is the Wallenstein Palace, art galleries galore and an endless ribbon of come-hither cafés and old-timey gastropubs.

SWALLOW THE GREEN FAIRY Prague has long been entangled in the mystique of absinthe. The anise and wormwood-flavoured spirit originated as a remedial elixir in 18th-century Switzerland, but it fast became drinko primo for a sozzled coterie of pen and paintbrush-wielding bohemians across Eastern Europe who nicknamed the alcohol ‘the Green Fairy’ due to its emerald hue and hallucinogenic effects. (Un)fortunately its psychoactive properties have been grossly exaggerated. Today, the Czech Republic boasts some of the finest absinthe distilleries in the world. Souse yourself in the green stuff with a visit to The Absintherie on Franz Kafka Square.

Sample some 100 varieties of the spirit and surprise your taste buds with weird and wonderful absinthe-laced ice cream, chocolate and coffee concoctions.

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FOLLOW KAFKA FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE Celebrate the life, works and influence of Prague’s most famous son, luminary 20thcentury writer Franz Kafka, with a fittingly Kafkaesque pilgrimage. Begin from his birthplace in Franz Kafka Square. A plaque near St Nicholas Church marks the spot.

The Kafka Museum houses priceless first editions, ink-blotted manuscripts and eerie art installations inspired by the author’s surrealist imaginings. Gawp at a giant metamorphosing Kafka head made from mechanised panels outside the Quadrio complex. Stop for a hot brew at Café Louvre, where Kafka would write and meet cherished confidantes. Pay your respects at Kafka’s final resting place in the New Jewish Cemetery. Signposts will lead you to the Cubist, crystal-shaped tombstone.

BLACK LIGHT MAGIC In darkened playhouses across twilit Prague, pitch black stages come alive to fluorescent man-eating suitcases, levitating playing cards and pirouetting lampposts. Welcome to the kooky world of Black Light Theatre.

This UV-lit, black box performance art was pioneered by Czech-born Jiří Srnec in the early 60s. These non-verbal shows are a colourful pick 'n' mix of music, dance, slapstick, puppetry and shadow play that deliver a mind-bending, gravity-defying experience set to dazzle audiences of all ages. You can check out Srnec’s very own troupe on Palác Savarin street. Other leading lights in Prague’s black theatre scene include HILT, WOW and IMAGE.

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TRDELNÍK AROUND THE ASTRO CLOCK No Prague trip is complete without a tasty trdelník treat. This local twist on the chimney cake has become an increasingly popular street snack in recent years and you’ll spot countless vendors sprinkled around the city’s cobbled lanes. Rolls of dough are wrapped around a trdlo (roasting spindle), glazed with caramelised sugar, dusted with cinnamon and spice, and left to bake over charcoaled flames. Seasoned sweet tooths may wish to stuff their chunky spiralled cones with soft serve ice cream. Delish!

Time your trdelnik snack with the chiming of Prague’s iconic Astronomical Clock.

Tourists have been quick to dismiss the hourly performance as underwhelming, but you’ll get a lot more out of the experience by familiarising yourself with the figureheads and intriguing symbolism surrounding the gleaming zodiacal clockface beforehand. Gather beneath the Old Town tower on the top of the hour to watch Death invert his hourglass and begin tolling the bell. The windows above open up to reveal the 12 apostles parading by, while the Chronicler, Angel, Astronomer and Philosopher watch on.

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GLEN’S TRENDS Season’s best everyone! Doesn’t the year 2020 sound exciting, like something from a Sci-Fi movie? As trends go, adventure travel will be all the rage in the next decade. It makes perfect sense. 70 is the new 50. We want to stay active, get off the beaten track and share more multigenerational experiences. Based on this, I’ve selected six bucketlist blockbusters for the New Year to blow off the cobwebs and hopefully add an exciting perspective to your 2020 vision.

Glen Stacey, Member Experience Manager

HIKING IN GOBLIN VALLEY Adventure travel isn't only for the high-octane loving, zip-lining, base-jumping, surferswith-a-death-wise type. Hiking, for example, has been named as the no.1 adventure travel experience. So, I recommend Utah. Not its Mighty Five national parks that are prone to overcrowding. Rather, Goblin Valley State Park.

With not many tourists and 1,000s of jawdropping red-rock formations weathered into goblins, mushrooms and other unmentionable shapes, it has a distinctly Martian landscape and has been described as ‘feeling like Alice in Wonderland wandering among oversized sandstone mushrooms.’

FINDING NIRVANA IN UMBRIA If you’re looking for a deeper travel experience, consider going it alone and finding your zen at Eremito Hotelito del Alma—'a little hotel of the soul’—a digital detox retreat in Italy’s Umbria valley. Founded by former fashion designer Marcello Murzilli and hewn out of a historic stone monastery on the edge of a vast forest preserve in the Umbrian hills, solo travellers dine silently, take steam baths, attend Morganic cooking workshops, go on mindfulness walks through the forest and discover answers to important life questions in inspiring surroundings.

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FEELING THE BUZZ OF TEL AVIV Virgin Atlantic UK's new service to Tel Aviv delivers a cosmopolitan city break with all the seduction of Paris under a desert sun. Head to Beit Romano for trendy dining and live outdoor music. Explore the lo-fi markets, galleries and gay-friendly nightlife of the ancient Palestinian port of Jaffa. Take a self-guided walking tour of Dizengoff Street, which stars some of the 4,000 iconic Bauhaus buildings of Tel Aviv’s UNESCO listed White City, or laze on palm-tree fringed Jerusalem Beach.

KAYAKING IN VIETNAM

FRINGING 'N' MORE IN EDINBURGH

A very good friend has shared amazing snaps of his time in Lan Ha, Vietnam, a country very much on trend. Base yourself at Viet Hai, a traditional Vietnamese fishing village where you get a private jungle bungalow with A/C, Wi-Fi, hot water, the works. From your location in the heart of Cat Ba National Park you can kayak on emerald waters around 400 jungle-covered islands and inlets, visit the incredible Three Peaches Beach and go snorkelling at night when the waters light up with bioluminescent plankton.

Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival was voted the no.1 experience in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate UK Travelist. Bagpiping buskers rub shoulders with freaky contortionists, awesome acrobats, mimes, strongmen and more. You also get comedy, theatre, cabaret, circus, spoken word and genres so fresh, they’re not even categorised yet. Add a whisky-tasting workshop and learn how to blend your own miniature at Smoke Stack restaurant, or learn how to throw axes like a proper highlander at the Black Axe Throwing Co. While the latter sounds extreme, it’s loads of fun. Ask the 73-year-old grandma who mastered throwing two axes at once. Take a bow, ninja nan!

POLAR BEAR SPOTTING IN MANITOBA Lonely Planet named Canada’s prairie province of Manitoba a Top 10 Region for 2019. Nothing compares to spotting a polar bear in the wild for the first time.

Summer or winter, you’re practically guaranteed an encounter in Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital of the World. And, with Churchill a top three spot to view the Northern Lights, hop in a tundra buggy, head to a heated lounge or a cosy yurt deep in a boreal forest and watch the magic unfurl.

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H O L I DAY H ACK S

How To Selfie

So you’re on holiday and want to take a few selfies to remember the moment, and make your work colleagues jealous, of course. Thing is, no matter how many you take, you end up looking less like a Kardashian and more like Lou and Andy from Little Britain. Fear not. KIMBERLY MICALLEF has you covered for all the best selfie tips and tricks to capture your holiday memories with ease. Follow these time-tested basics and you’ll be selfie-ing with the best of them in no time.

ANGLES Hold your arms out and look up towards the camera. Keep the phone a little bit to the side.

Surprisingly enough, shots to the side always come out better than frontal shots. The higher the camera is, the better chance you have of getting a good angle of both you and the beautiful background you’re trying to capture. And remember, don’t look down … unless you want to add a few extra chins to your face.

Sometimes I add a timer while taking a selfie. It can be super tricky to press the snap button while stretching your arm out as far as possible and trying to not blur the shot. So yes, adding a timer of 3 to 10 seconds will give you ample time to find your pose and take a picture of you looking relaxed.

And if you’re not happy with the angle of the picture, don’t be shy.

Ask a friendly looking stranger for assistance. Always thank them and offer to return the favour once you’re done.

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LIGHTING If you’re in a situation where there is both sunlight and shade, pick a side. A photo with half the sun on your face and the other half in the shade will never look good. If you’re unsure which side to pick, go for the sun first then take a few in the shade, and see which you prefer. Usually, shade will work better. Avoid fluorescent lighting, natural lighting always works best.

If you’re going to take a picture in natural sunlight, mark where the sun is positioned in the sky, and make sure to face it. Never give your back to the sun because you’ll create too many shadows and end up looking like a silhouette, unless you intentionally want to go for that effect.

For night-time shots, try find a well-lit spot close to streets lamps or restaurant windows rather than using flash. Camera flash ends up making photos appear stark and cold, apart from the fact that it blinds you for a couple of seconds.

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SMILE Your expression makes all the difference. If you’re in doubt whether you should smile or not, always opt for a smile. After all, you want to remember how happy the place you’re visiting is making you feel, so why not smile? You can even smile with your mouth closed, but avoid taking pictures with a straight or serious face, which tends to make people look a bit miffed. You’re trying to capture memories that bring you joy.

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Star Power! John Bradley and Pilou Asbæk from Game of Thrones lend Kim a hand.

FINAL TIPS Oh and if you’re not satisfied with your photo, take two, three or a hundred more. We’re no longer in the era of developing costly film. You can always delete what you don’t like. And for even snazzier snaps, purchase a selfie stick. A selfie stick can really help with stabilising the camera and minimising the risk of blurry photos. Happy selfie-ing!

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The

Members Lounge For close to 20 years, the Azure Group has made it its mission to empower people to live the aspirational lifestyle they’ve always dreamt of by placing the finest hotels, luxury motor yachts, supercars, motorhomes and more within reach. This new section of Living WOW is designed to help you get to grips with the ins and outs of Azure memberships through special spotlight features, hot topic discussions and community stories.

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LIFE LIKE THE RIVER FLOWS

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Homes come in all shapes and sizes. For Kevin and Dianne Millward that specific shape and size is a 65-foot long, 12-foot wide riverboat berthed in the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes. The vessel was considerately christened The Redoubt. As they tell DEAN MUSCAT, the name refers to a military stronghold and serves as a loving reminder to their respective, flownthe-coop kids that they’ll always be welcomed with open arms on their parents’ floating abode.

K

evin and Diane met in their fifties and theirs is a story of a late in life romance kindled by a kindred passion for travel and adventure. Having dedicated their careers in service to others— Diane working in children’s mental health with the NHS and Kevin as a Sergeant Major in the British Armed Forces, or as he puts it ‘I was the man with the stick who did all the shouting’—the couple agreed to devote their fast-approaching retirement to travelling the world together. And what better way for two wanderlust-ful retirees to up and holiday at the drop of a hat than an all-purpose, custom-built riverboat.

‘We found these two men in a tin shed in the middle of a cabbage field and they were absolutely amazing, like the Hairy Bikers of Boatbuilding,’ laughs Kevin. ‘We spent four hours with them talking about our dream boat, and we left there thinking this is exactly what we want. When we finally got to a point where the boat was good enough to live on, we said sod it, let’s move onto the boat.’

The relocation proved revelatory. Kevin and Diane began sailing around Bristol, Portishead and the River Avon all the way across to London via the River Thames.

Along Britain’s winding waterways they’ve happened upon former military quarantines, gunpowder docks and canal-side graffiti that ‘make Banksy’s stuff look amateurish.’

‘That’s the beauty of being on a boat,’ Kevin says, ‘you see things you would never have seen before. And you learn so much more about your own history as you go on that journey.’

But as rewarding as The Redoubt has proven to be, the Millwards have even more aces up their travel plan sleeve. There’s hopes to build their own campervan and roadtrip across Europe. They also have an Azure X membership giving them access to myriad hotels, yachts and supercars. As Diane explains ‘Azure has enhanced our holidays across the board. It’s brilliant.’

Kevin and Diane first came in contact with Azure shortly after they started dating. They

were looking to go on holiday to somewhere neither of them had been before. No easy task. With 22 years of military service under his belt, Kevin had seen more of the world than most, having been stationed everywhere from the Middle East and Bosnia to Northern Ireland, Germany and America. So when an Azure holiday in Malta popped up on their radar, it seemed not only fortuitous but like a twist of fate.

‘My father served in the Royal Navy and was posted in the Grand Harbour in Malta,’ Kevin explains. ‘So my mother, elder brother and sister moved here, and I was actually born here. It was not long after I was born that we moved back to the UK though, as my father was reposted.’

With this hitherto unexplored link to his past and a promise of an unforgettable holiday at the beachfront Golden Sands Spa & Resort, the couple were happy to overlook the fact Kevin had technically been in Malta before. He certainly had no memory of it.

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‘If you’ve got a dream, you go for it, because if it doesn’t work out exactly as you’d hoped, what does it matter?’

River Avon in Stratford upon Avon, UK

To say the trip was lifechanging is not quite as hyperbolic as you’d imagine.

‘We fell in love with Golden Sands during the taxi ride from the airport, before we’d even seen the hotel. The lady who was with us convinced us of how beautiful Malta was,’ Diane recalls.

‘We’ve been coming here for nine years now and there are still things we have not seen. It took us three years to finally get to Gozo! Malta is an island of adventure, and even though it’s so small, we’re still on that adventure,’ says Kevin.

Since that first visit, they’ve invited family and friends over to experience the Azure treatment for themselves, their membership XPs providing them with the flexibility to cater for bigger or smaller groups as they wish.

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Kevin even had the pleasure of bringing his mother back to the island for the first time in 50 years.

‘Living here was one of the happiest times of her life. During the week she spent with us at Golden Sands, she was treated like a queen. She was escorted back to her room by the concierges. The staff really looked after her. They were fantastic.’

From building riverboats and sailing Britain to discovering Malta and getting married, the past 10 years have already been an adventure of a lifetime for the Millwards.

So what else is on the cards?

‘We’d like to bring The Redoubt to Malta, sailing down through France and along the Mediterranean coast,’ says Kevin with a glint in his eye. ‘It’ll be difficult, but a good challenge I think.’

And when Kevin and Diane decided to officially tie the knot last year, there was only one destination on the list for their dream wedding.

And what do their friends and family think of their newfound rolling stone ways?

‘We got married in Malta’s old city of Mdina. Forty of our family and friends joined us and Azure even helped out with the accommodation. They all said it was the wedding to remember and that Malta is the place to be,’ Kevin says beaming.

‘Some are encouraging, others think we’re mad,’ says Diane with a laugh, before adding on a more introspective note: ‘We’ve only got one life and you can’t afford to sit back.

If you’ve got a dream, you go for it, because if it doesn’t work out exactly as you’d hoped, what does it matter? At least you can say you gave it a go.’

BORN TO BE WILD Simply visit www.azurex.com to play and win.

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Smile on! Catherine Kirton relaxing on her recent Malta holiday.

OUT & ABOUT

The X Factor! Congrats to the Cavells who have won an amazing Norway Motorhome escape.

The Tillmans strike a pose with Living WOW at Golden Sands.

Paul & Janette Butler enjoying their Wildcard prize—a trip to sunny Spain.

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The Svanlรถvs cosy up with a wow-some read.

The Lockes kick back in style on a luxury Sunseeker yacht.

Rosemarie Meylaq takes in the Balkan mountain vistas.

Congrats to Mr & Mrs Harris who have won a fabulous Dalmatia cruise.

Wendy Houghton soaks up the sunshine at Golden Sands.

Cheers! Pink champagne for Pink October at Swizzles.

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Resales in the Spotlight Let’s take an in-depth look at the exit options available to members with Azure products.

Whether you own timeshare weeks, XP leisure currency, penthouse apartment lofts, short-term trial products, motor yachts, or fractional and freehold lodge ownerships, there are many ways to adjust or exit your membership should your circumstances change.

I WANT TO EXIT MY MEMBE RSHIP, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? We constantly keep our members in mind when creating innovative and beneficial exit options. Here are a few of our current options: * Allow friends, family or even a charity to make use of your membership when you are unable to * Transfer your full membership to a friend or family member * Donate your full membership to a charity * Total relinquishment * List your membership for free usi ng Azure's in-house resale facility * Sell through an RDO-endorsed pri vate resales company * Exchange to a fractional or freehol d ownership option in a UK lodge * Change your membership in whole or part to one closer to home * Change your membership entitlem ent size or season for better usage options according to your nee ds * Change all or part of your memb ership into XPs for more flexible usage options (Simply ask us about XP trial options) Remember, our exit team is on han d to work on a solution that best sui ts you. We are continually looking to add to the many options available.

Have an idea? Then get in touch and let us know.

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AZURE EVOLVING g, its While Azure is continually evolvin h plenty product line-up remains strong wit eshare of purchase options. These include tim hips and weeks, motor yachts, trial members leisure of course our most recent offering, XP ges are currency. Fractional and freehold lod bility. also still for sale, subject to availa

AZURE IN-HOUSE RESALES: WHAT'S NEW? Azure's in-house resales will also continue for 2020 and beyond. We've had a mixed response since opening the facility in 2015. For some, Azure products have sold for reasonable amounts and also well above reasonable amounts. For others, it has been frustrating when weeks haven't sold or hung around awhile.

Azure sits between the developer and the resellers within this resales facility, never an easy place to be. There are high demands on both sales, with limited numbers listing at high prices. Therefore expectations can make things very competitive as everyone's looking to maximise on Malta's rising property and hotel room rates.

OK, SO WHAT ARE WE DOING? - For 2020, Azure is dissolving the listing fees to assist members’ costs. That means there’ll be no listing fees for 2020.

- Azure is taking away the time limit on listings. This means members can list any time of year with no cut-off date.

- Azure is looking to open a new online marketplace where members can list and sell memberships among themselves, with all prices available online.

- Azure is continuing to purchase member timeshare weeks to convert to XP digital currency through our trust company FNTC. - Azure is initiating the above changes and improvements to empower members and offer further support and transparency, putting the member in control.

BUT WAIT, NEW AZURE XP DON'T HELP THE TIMESHARSALES MEMBERS! CAN YOU EXPLAI E N? It's a fact that the new Azure XP leisure currency is supported by the company’s brick-and -mortar property. On a limited basis each year, Azure pur chases from member resales along with developer weeks which are then converted to XP to be sold to new and existin g members. Property is where we derive our digital XP cur rency, an e-currency underpinned by an actual value. Thes e XPs are held in trust for members, as a watertight safety net. All in all , this allows us to create yet another avenue to boost members resales each year.

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If it doesn’t say Azure on the box

...then it isn’t Azure in the box.

T H E A Z U R E G UA R A N T E E This is your guarantee that Azure memberships can only be purchased through Azure.

A market leader in the vacation ownership industry, Azure offers award-winning products within its portfolio. These include the Island Residence Club, The Heavenly Collection, Azure Ultra, and most recently launched Azure X - a unique leisure currency.

With Azure you are guaranteed that you are purchasing or reselling the genuine product.

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Not online, not over the phone, not out of a newspaper, and not from anyone else.

THE LOW-DOWN ON CLAIMS COMPANIES With regards to claims companies or CMCs (claims management companies), it’s a fact that these days the Internet is awash with rogue companies using all manner of dubious methods to obtain your details online, by email or over the phone. As you’re aware nowadays, you have to be very careful about what you search online and what you click.

These outfits are very clever at luring you in and getting you to interact with them and collecting your details—in many cases, without you even being aware of it.

While Azure offers many exit options, for some soon isn't soon enough. For one member couple, reducing the resale of their Azure week by a few thousand wasn't an option they were willing to consider. After a call from a crafty salesman, a browse around a slick website, and further contact from an alleged claims company rep, these particular members were willing to pay £8,500 upfront on the promise the company would file a claim and get all this money back for them.

Months later, the company disappeared along with the money. And guess what?

The week is still for sale.

Sometimes it’s better to re-evaluate the resale asking price than risk losing many thousands to rogues. So be sure to consider all exit options first.

If considering a claims company, be sure to deal with one endorsed by KwickChex UK or the National Trading Standards authority.

Here's our quick list of warning signs that you’re being targeted by rogues: - Unannounced phone calls or emails from people you don't know - A reluctance to tell you where they obtained your data and personal details from - Offers of a holiday abroad with a presentation to discuss your claim - Requests for any upfront large sums of money, it can't be a ‘no win, no fee’ if they’re asking for an upfront fee - Requests to come to your home and do a 'home-sit' - Aggressive, bullying nature through continual harassment by phone and email - Avoiding telling you how they actually got hold of your data?

'Months later, the company disappeared, along with the money'

Think carefully. These people are very clever, will call constantly, have websites, and may look very credible. Do not believe all you hear and see. For example, if they tell you they obtained your details from "the timeshare register", this should alarm you as there is no such register! If in doubt, call KwickChex or Trading Standards. Also, all companies who are regulated can be found on the FCA website. And of course, your Member Services team is always on hand to help.

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1. WHAT IS AZURE X AND XP? From time to time, and when developer inventory is available to turn into XP currency, we will offer XPs for sale.

Azure X is a totally new membership option being offered by Azure.

Azure X uses a digital leisure currency called XP, which can be used across all of Azure’s leisure products. This means members no longer need to buy into each new product. Now they can share in them all.

It also means that weeks from any time of year or units of any size can be used across all asset classes. This gives members access to boats, cars, motorhomes, lodges, cruising, hotels, resorts and more from our ever-expanding portfolio.

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Membership terms are 25 to 30 years. However should a member decide to utilise more XP yearly to have more experiences with family and friends, then membership is accelerated and the duration and end date are brought forward.

Azure X was designed for the current and future buyer who wants full access to luxury assets coupled with the flexibility to consume when, where, how much, and with whom they wish to create these special memories. With Azure X, you are in control.

2. DO I NEED AZURE X? We and many Azure X members feel this is a unique product and believe everyone should own it. But ultimately, that’s for you to decide. If you already own one of Azure’s incredible ownership options and you love it as much as we loved creating it, then no, you don’t need to buy into Azure X and XP.

3. WHY IS THERE AN EXTRA COST TO ACCESS AZURE X WHEN I ALREADY OWN AN AZURE PRODUCT? Azure X was developed over many years with much investment into the development of its blockchain technology which handles the many usage and luxury leisure product options for its members.

The mix of high-end products included in the membership means it wasn’t possible to open Azure X up to buyers of other Azure memberships for free. That said, we do accept trade-ins of any of our past memberships as part payment. You can buy developer stock

when available or by looking out for Member Resales Memberships available for purchase.

4. IF I ALREADY OWN AN AZURE PRODUCT, DO I NEED TO CHANGE? As a valued Azure member, whatever you own has been created with passion and we want you to have many years of enjoyment. There is no need to change. There is no requirement to change what you own. We have created many unique and exciting memberships over the years, with Azure X being our most current. If you own one of our memberships and are happy with it then that’s a joy for us. Again, there’s no need to change.

5. DO AZURE STILL SELL OTHER PRODUCTS? Of course! We’ve created some really awesome stuff over the years and it’s all still on the menu.

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H OUS E S P ECI A LS TIMESHARE WEEKS

We take this humble, much-maligned dish and totally reimagine it.

Expect a moreish fusion of fixed apartments, floating time periods and affiliated resorts.

FRACTIONAL YACHT OWNERSHIP

Bursting with the finest flavour in all the Seven Seas, this award-winning masterpiece is served on the Mediterranean in proudly British Sunseeker motor yachts.

HEAVENLY COLLECTION

Open wide for a real slice of paradise with scrumptious penthouse suites infused with layers of luxury, from Venetian whirlpool tubs to Italian espresso machines.

SANDS TOWER

Our pièce de résistance, these melts-in-the-mouth Miami Beach-style loft suites are snapped up as fast as we can make them.

UK LODGES

A traditional British classic with a contemporary twist, this full-flavoured favourite offers a hearty taste of the country, garnished with luxurious trimmings.

UK LODGE FREEHOLD

Riffing off our popular country classic is this more substantial creation, where you can literally have your cake and eat it, again and again.

AZURE X (ALL YOU CAN EAT)

A sensational smorgasbord of the finest luxury ingredients, from supercars and motor yachts to motorhomes and castaway resorts. A truly moveable feast.

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TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS (TASTER MENU) Bite into one of these little starters and your senses will explode in ecstasy as the various textures and flavours of an Azure X membership burst into life.

6. WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? No matter what you own with Azure, as we evolve, improve, and grow, so do you!

With the introduction of Azure X and XP, the Azure family has continued to grow to incorporate a range of unique benefits with increased value only accessible through Wildcard. These include:

XPERT SESSIONS

BEHIND-THE-SCENES FACTORY TOURS

Our Xperts can help enhance any experience with Azure.

Get insider tips and advice on getting the most out of your membership. Request a session online, over the phone or by visiting any of our locations that have an Xpert Centre.

Azure has access to some of the finest vehicles on the planet, including elegant Sunseeker yachts and classy Aston Martin cars. Look out for rare behind-the-scenes tours of where these luxurious brands are crafted.

CLUB LOUNGES

WILDCARD EXPERIENCES

Unwind in style at your newly refurbished members-only Club Lounge at Golden Sands.

Apply for regular, completely free experiences. Secure VIP concert tickets, seats at sold-out sporting events, romantic getaways and much, much more through the Wildcard mini-site.

EXTENDED DISCOUNTS

MEMBERS COMMUNITY

Benefit from unique members-only discounts on a whole host of first class services, from leading airlines to car hire companies.

Also enjoy food and beverage discounts during your stay at Golden Sands.

We could go on and on about why Azure holidays are the absolute best. But we reckon our reputation speaks for itself. Let the Azure community share their holidaying adventures with you, through our regular editorials, Azure TV and social channels.

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Azure TV is on

Coming to your screens as we speak is Azure TV (ATV). We take a walk down memory lane with the ATV hosts who share some of our past exploits before bringing you up to speed on what we’ve got up our sleeve for 2020.

What’s been the most popular ATV feature?

Oh definitely the Blue Flag beaches. It went viral and caused a bit of a controversy! Alison Davie and I had people stopping us in the supermarket asking why we didn’t pick their favourite beach in Malta.

Hello people, Blue Flag beaches! It created a huge buzz ... was so much fun and who doesn’t like being on a beach in a bed with a beautiful woman?

What’s been your most memorable ATV feature?

God we’ve done almost 50 ... wait, the ziplining one. It was my first time and came about after a member suggested it. It was the first time we did something adventurous rather than just talking. Even though I hate heights it was an amazing experience and I achieved something for myself. If you happen to think of an experience you’d like me to try out on ATV, feel free to drop us a line—just as long as it doesn’t involve yoga poses, I feel a blush coming on just thinking about that!

What’s your personal favourite ATV feature?

Definitely the Books4Kids charity feature we did. And not just because we flew to gorgeous Jamaica, but the reception we got from all the little kids so thrilled to be getting books was unforgettable. Jamaica has the second highest homicide rate in the world, which has a massive financial impact on families, resulting in many pre-school children relying on charities like Books4Kids to provide them with reading and writing material. Another bonus was pulling one of the cabin crew.

Talk about crushing on the Caribbean!

What can we expect from you and the ATV team in 2020?

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The unexpected! We’re ripping up the script and theming 2020 as Up Close & Personal, as I get live and directly involved with members. It’s going to be an absolute blast, filled with lots of laughs, prizes, surprises, Wildcard winners, you name it. So if ‘someone’s knocking on the door, somebody’s ringing the bell’ it could be little old me!

Giving:

THE SECRET TO LIVING ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give’ WINSTON CHURCHILL

‘It was a fantastic surprise, I was so not expecting it, I actually started crying,’ explains Nancy Gorringe from Uttoxeter, the recipient of an Azure Ultra cruise and a week at Golden Sands.

‘Nancy is a neighbour who has grown into a dear friend. She had a very difficult year and we thought a trip to Golden Sands would cheer her up,’ comments Eileen Clarkson-Fletcher.

‘She sent pics daily and it made us so happy to see her having fun,’ said Eileen.

With Azure X, you can gift XPs to any deserving person you like. Imagine what a Mediterranean cruise, a sunny getaway or weekend’s pampering could do for someone you care for?

We’ve heard it before in many different ways. The joy is in the giving.

In giving we receive. Psychology researchers Ed O'Brien from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Samantha Kassirer of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management conducted two studies that conclusively proved that the more you give to others, the happier you are. Giving actually makes us both happier and healthier.

Maybe there’s a special someone out there who’s helped you through a hard time? Maybe it’s a close friend like Nancy, or a treasured member of the family who could use a surprise in their life? Your daughter might love a Bentley on her prom night. For their wedding anniversary, your parents would probably love a weekend away at Kentisbury Grange, with a meal at the Michelin-starred Coach House.

You may even have a favourite charity like Help For Heroes, and your Azure X concierge would be able to assist you in donating a special experience for a former soldier and his or her family.

Eileen and Duncan Clarkson-Fletcher spoke of the ‘wonderful feeling’ they experienced when gifting some of their XPs to Nancy.

Why not surprise someone with a special gift this Christmas? Gift some of your XPs and rediscover why giving is the real secret to living.

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IF YOU THINK ADVENTURE IS DANGEROUS, TRY ROUTINE;

IT’S LETHAL

www.azurex.com

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