Travel 51

and even the Blue Whale, which is known to migrate to the area. For bird watchers, a visit to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve is a real treat. The Rock is a staging post for an extensive array of species including eagles, vultures and buzzards and residents include the Blue Rock Thrush, Peregrine Falcon and the Barbary Partridge.

Choosing a place to stay is always a dilemma but I was most fortunate to secure a gorgeous suite at the Rock Hotel. The hotel, (recipient of four of the highly regarded AA stars), was built by the Marquis of Bute in 1932 and wellknown guests include Winston Churchill. The hotel presents a rich colonial style décor and provides an excellent level of comfort and service, which makes for a perfect retreat. The views across the Bay of Gibraltar, the Spanish mainland and the Rif Mountains of

Morocco are quite simply breathtaking. The hotel also holds two RAC dining awards as well as the RAC White Ribbon. The restaurant is of course very popular with locals and visitors alike and offers an extensive menu with British, Iberian and Moorish dishes served in relaxed surroundings. After indulging in one too many courses, I took a dip in the open-air seawater pool, which is in a secluded spot within a lush tranquil garden. This activity was followed by a few cocktails and then a long leisurely snooze! Visit Gibraltar, and experience a little piece of England on the Mediterranean.

Our Travel

Images courtesy of the Gibraltar Tourist Board. visitgibraltar.gi

The Rock Hotel Accommodation