Stories Magazine Issue #PB005

STORIES

by P O W D E R B Y R N E

ISSUE FIVE

FEATU RE

Summer Sun 2022

Discover your options for that long awaited summer holiday this year.

F E AT UR E

Best Maldives Restaurants

We take a look at some of the finest foodie spots in the Maldives.

#PB005

F E AT UR E

Mountain Hut Adventures

Allow us to introduce our exciting summer programme in the Swiss mountains.

FEEL THE FREEDOM It’s time to hit the slopes this season for an unforgettable experience.

Everything’s possible with Powder Byrne.

FESTIVE

SKIING

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HALF

TERM

SKIING

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EASTER

SKIING

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WEEKEND

SKIING

POWDER BYRNE

Powder skiing back in the late 1990s

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STORIES

We are delighted to share ideas and inspiration for your next adventure and provide all the reassurance you need that your holiday is in the safest hands with Powder Byrne.

Over the past 35 years, we’ve remained true to our founding ethos, delivering the highest quality, personal service for our clients as we create ever more unforgettable experiences.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created new challenges for travellers and we’ve responded with the personalised support from our Client Concierge team that is synonymous with our holidays. Think of us as your safety net, pro-active and ready to help answer all your questions. We’ve been delighted to hear how invaluable that support has been for all our clients travelling last summer and over the festive period and the confidence it has given them to relax and enjoy their holidays. We are constantly seeking to improve, anticipate the latest developments, curate all the relevant pre-travel details and support every client throughout their journey.

As more destinations open up, we can’t wait to welcome more clients back to our award-winning programmes, ensuring every member of your party has the holiday they deserve.

We look forward to hearing from you - we’re excited to welcome you on your next adventure.

EMILY DICKSON, HEAD OF CLIENT EXPERIENCE

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POWDER BYRNE

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Our Philosophy

Our Powder Byrne Private Flights

Passing on our Passion to the Next Generation

Revel in space and comfort on our private flight PB-01 for February half term.

Let us guide you through our award winning ski programmes exclusively available to Powder Byrne clients for children of all ages.

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PA G E 16- 1 7

PA GE 2 2 - 2 3

Easter Skiing Highlights

Festive Skiing 2022

The New Eiger Express in Grindelwald

What started in Switzerland as a passion for powder skiing has developed into a global business focused on providing the highestquality, flexibility and service.

We’ve rounded up a selection of our best options for Easter 2022, there’s something for everyone.

Join us in Arosa to celebrate a magical Christmas in the mountains this year and let us take care of every little detail.

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Discover the impressive and innovative new V Bahn project in Grindelwald, a resort which has 35 years of Powder Byrne heritage.

STORIES

PA GE 4 0 - 4 1

Give your Kids a Digital Detox this Summer Our action-packed summer programmes will give your kids a healthy break from their virtual worlds and the pressures we’ve all been facing.

PA GE 4 2 - 4 3

Our Cretan Paradise Discover our north-eastern corner of Crete that we’ve made our own for over twenty years, Porto Elounda and the Elounda Penninsula.

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Hotel Ulli – Interview with Lukas Muller

PA GE 4 4 - 4 5

We catch up with the grandson of the hotel’s original founder, who has taken over the management of this Powder Byrne favourite.

Read why The Hermitage Hotel in Elba is a long term favourite for Powder Byrne clients, who return with their families year after year.

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PA GE 4 6 - 4 7

Discover our Japanese Ski Safari

A Cultural & Historical Tour of the Maldives

Introducing our exclusive Ski Tour of Japan for keen skiers who wish to take on and experience skiing the famous light powder of Hokkaido, Japan.

Here we discover that there’s a whole lot more to the Maldives than five star hotels and turquoise waters.

Our Tuscan Treat

PA GE 4 8 - 4 9 PAGE 30-31

The Best Restaurants in the Maldives

Mountain Hut Adventures in Grindelwald

A selection of our favourite restaurants in the Maldives, showcasing a global selection of cuisines from crab shack on the beach to fine dining and fine wine.

Bringing you a Swiss adventure for the summer, take a look at our action packed itinerary including overnight stays in some spectacular mountain huts.

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PA G E 36- 3 9

PA GE 5 0 - 5 5

A Taste for Skiing in Alta Badia

Our Private Ranch in Andalusia

Gourmet ski destination Alta Badia is holding some mouth-watering events this season both on and off the slopes.

Experience ranch life at our exclusive private ranch where you can enjoy delicious cuisine, countryside hacks and even learn to play polo.

Via Ferrata – An Unexpected Family Adventure

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The Italian resort of Cortina plays host to our exciting summer programme for 2022. Read about how this unique landscape offers so many activities.

POWDER BYRNE

Our philosophy

O U R P H I LO S O P H Y

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ory Byrne founded Powder Byrne in 1985 because he wanted to provide something better for discerning clients who were looking for dedicated personal service that would enhance their holidays. What started in Switzerland with a passion for Powder skiing has developed into a global business focusing on providing the highest quality, flexibility and service for a wide range of clients: from individuals and families to groups and corporates. We’ve come a long way since those early days in Grindelwald but we have never lost sight of our founding ethos that ‘Nothing is too much trouble’. You’ll find this same spirit still underpins everything we do, whether skiing in the Alps, relaxing in one of our summer resorts or exploring a new adventure destination.

Everything we do is focused on creating the best possible experience for our clients. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve all faced unprecedented challenges, however, we’ve tried throughout to protect the interests of our clients and respond with practical support and flexible solutions when travel plans had to change. As travel opportunities have opened up, we’ve identified the critical

role we play in providing the latest information on entry requirements, researching and advising on all the additional paperwork and changing details so our clients can travel more confidently. We believe the services of our Client Concierge team pre-travel are equally as important as the support delivered by our dedicated in-resort teams when it comes to your peace of mind.

Our Philosophy

As confidence in holiday travel continues to build in 2022 our focus on adding value and protecting your precious holiday plans continues as our main priority. We’re draworyall Byrne founded Powder Byrne in 1985 becauseour he ing on the experience we’ve gained from operating wanted to provide during something better2020 for discerning summer programmes Summer and 2021,clias ents who were looking for dedicated personal service that well as our Piste to Profession Ski Instructors Academy would enhance theirlast holidays. programme through winter. What started in Switzerland with a passion for Powder skiing has developed into a globalmore business providing highest quality, Now than focusing ever it is on essential youthe consider the capaflexibility for a wide rangewith of clients: from indibilities of and whoservice you choose to trust your holiday arviduals and families to groups We’ve come rangements.

We remain readyand andcorporates. prepared to rise to the a long wayand since days on in Grindelwald but exwe challenge ourthose aim isearly to deliver and exceed your have never lost sight of our founding that ‘Nothing pectations.

We are only satisfied whenethos we know we have is too much You’ll find this same spirit still undermade all thetrouble’. difference. pins everything we do, whether skiing in the Alps, relaxing in one of our summer resorts or exploring a new adventure destination.

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Everything we do is focused on creating the best possible experience for our clients. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve all faced unprecedented challenges, however, we’ve tried throughout to protect the interests of our clients and respond with practical support and flexible solutions when travel plans had to change. As travel opportunities have opened up, we’ve identified the critical role we play in providing the latest information on entry requirements, researching and advising on all the additional paperwork and changing details so our clients can travel more confidently. We believe the services of our Client Concierge team pre-travel are equally as important as the support delivered by our dedicated in-resort teams when it comes to your peace of mind.

As confidence in holiday travel continues to build in 2022 our focus on adding value and protecting your precious holiday plans continues as our main priority. We’re drawing on all the experience we’ve gained from operating our summer programmes during Summer 2020 and 2021, as well as our Piste to Profession Ski Instructors Academy programme through last winter.

Now more than ever it is essential you consider the capabilities of who you choose to trust with your holiday arrangements. We remain ready and prepared to rise to the challenge and our aim is to deliver on and exceed your expectations. We are only satisfied when we know we have made all the difference.

POWDER BYRNE

Easter Skiing Highlights Don’t Miss Out This Season Easter Sunday 2022 falls late on April 17th but the earlier school holidays give you a choice of two excellent holiday weeks commencing Saturday 26th March or the 2nd April, or why not come for a long weekend over the Easter break to really maximise the bank holidays?

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POWDER BYRNE

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ith so many skiers missing out on their end of season tracks in the last two years we’re predicting Easter 2022 will be a very popular time to travel thanks to a combination of clients rolling their arrangements forward a year alongside new bookings. We’re ready to help recommend the best options for your family, whether it be a private apartment or the luxury of a hotel stay. Here are just some of our favourites...

Private apartments offering space and privacy Priva Alpine Lodge, Lenzerheide With everything from 2 bedroom apartments to 4 bedroom chalets and penthouse apartments, ski-in/ski out Priva Alpine Lodge is a fantastic solution for families and groups both large and small. 10 traditional alpine style buildings are centred around an atmospheric village square, complete with an authentic Swiss dining hut, Berghüttli, serving Swiss cheese classics and Grisons specialities.

Clients staying at Priva enjoy full hotel-style services with the option to stay on a bed & breakfast or room only basis, two restaurants which also allow you to order take-away meals, on-site mini-market and a lovely swimming pool and gym. The apartments themselves are extremely well equipped, spacious and luxurious, with modern kitchens, beautiful big en-suite bedrooms with alpine-chic decor, family bathroom and plenty of communal space for relaxing and enjoying the apartment. The open-plan living spaces are well designed and cosy with larger apartments including their own log burner, balconies and some even boasting a private sauna.

With our pb crèche operating from Priva’s fabulous kid’s club and the meet and greet point for our children’s ski programmes and ski guiding all taking place in the village square, Priva really is the perfect apartment option for Easter.

Our most popular 4-star hotels for Easter: Lenzerheide The Schweizerhof and Valbella Inn, Lenzerheide both offer refined and beautifully appointed bedrooms. The Valbella lies in a peaceful hamlet just a short drive from the lifts and offers excellent facilities for children thanks to its amazing Kids Inn Lego space. The Schweizerhof by contrast is in the main village and walking distance to shops and restaurants and offers you the largest hammam spa in the Alps - perfect for relaxing those tired muscles.

Contact us today to start to finalise your Easter plans for 2022 and learn where our children’s programmes and ski guiding services will be running so every member of your family has a holiday to remember.

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Flying with our Private Flight W

e launched our new concept ‘All-Business Class’ private flight in February half term 2020 following consultation with clients who wanted to upgrade their flight experience and enjoy more privacy, space and convenience from the very start of their holiday. We’ve been delighted with how the new service was receieved and we’re looking forward to delivering our PB upgrade again for February 2023.

family is seated together as we have complete control of the seating plan.

Of course, little did we know what challenges lay ahead of us and the new focus that socially distanced travel would receive.

We’re excited to offer the additional benefits and distancing that PB-01 affords and we’re confident it will be the right solution for clients who are looking for reassurance in February 2022.

The concept for PB-01 is simple: we’ve taken all the positives and learnings from our Private Flight programme over the past few years, operated in partnership with British Airways, and created a flagship option that elevates the flight experience to a new level, whilst keeping the cost competitive with other options over this high-demand period.

Flying at the most convenient family-friendly times from London Heathrow Terminal 5 departing midmorning and returning to Heathrow mid-afternoon.

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‘Business Class’ seat formation, meaning the middle seat in each bank of three is left vacant to afford you more space and privacy. We’ll also guarantee that your

Priority Club Class check-in desks at T5 overseen by our Powder Byrne team, including enhanced luggage allowance and free ski carriage.

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Fast Track channel though security for your convenience.

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A warm welcome to the BA Club Lounge in T5 for all your family so you can relax before your flight.

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Club Class menu upgrades, complimentary bar and newspapers on board as you settle into your flight.

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On your return flight from Zurich you’ll also enjoy Club Class check-in, Fast Track security channel and a Champagne gate-reception before you board, hosted by members of our senior Powder Byrne team.

Our private flight schedule consists of a selection of private planes for the main half term week serving all of our resorts in Switzerland and Austria.

Our service remains exclusive to Powder Byrne clients and we aim to keep seat prices as competitive as possible at a time of very high demand. We are taking pre bookings for February 2023 prior to the full launch of our schedule later in the year and you can reserve your seats now to avoid disappointment.

The benefits you’ll enjoy on PB-01: •

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Contact our sales team to discuss your half term ski plans and secure your seats.

We’ve taken all the positives and learnings from our Private Flight programme over the past few years... and created a flagship option that elevates the flight experience to a new level

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T H E N E W O R D E R : F LY I N G W I T H P B - 0 1

SAFE & SOUND Our PB One flight in February 2020 operated as an all business class flight for the first time.

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Festive Skiing for December 2022

PLAN YOUR BIG FAMILY CHRISTMAS Celebrate with a big family Christmas you’ll never forget Our private Swiss chalets and apartments offer generous space for extended families to gather together and enjoy a seamless holiday.

With complete flexibility to design our services around your precise needs, we’ll coordinate private shuttles, dining at the best tables in the resort, with childcare and ski guiding throughout your stay.

Start planning your festive skiing plans for 2022 - booking now.

FAMILIES

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COUPLES

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GROUPS

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CELEBRATIONS

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CORP ORATES

POWDER BYRNE

Festive Skiing 2022 in Arosa

Celebrate a magical Christmas in the mountains this year and let us take care of every detail, from bespoke skiing arrangements, decorating a Christmas tree in your hotel room, Santa on skis, sending presents to your resort in advance, or leading you on a guided snow-shoe safari to explore your own winter wonderland.

Everything’s possible this Christmas with Powder Byrne. the top of a narrow valley and a firm favourite with Powder Byrne clients. With extensive skiing thanks to the links to neighbouring Lenzerheide, it enjoys an excellent snow record for early season skiing. Enjoy exceptional mountain dining, hand-picked hotels and easy access to the slopes

The best options for festive family skiing are always snapped up quickly, but we have some wonderful solutions in handpicked hotels with suites and connecting rooms as well as luxury private apartments, so contact us today for a bespoke quote for Christmas 2022. Arosa is a very special village at

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FESTIVE SKIING 2022 IN AROSA

Pre-christmas Escape from the 10th December 2022 If you are keen to get away as soon as possible, join us for a pre-Christmas skiing holiday in Arosa for an early season adventure. We will be running our full Powder Byrne in-resort programmes and services in Arosa prior to Christmas, with long and short stay options, all meaning you’ll be home in time for your traditional celebrations.

Christmas & New Year Reunite with family and celebrate Christmas and New Year in the mountains with us this year. We will be running our full Powder Byrne in-resort programmes in Lenzerheide and Arosa over the festive period. We would also recommend Zermatt, Flims, San Cassiano and Grindelwald, where our Client Concierge team would happily assist you in planning your ideal festive holiday.

Our suggested options in the high altitude, snow-sure resort of Arosa:

Hotel Cristallo:

Valsana Hotel:

Located just off the main street right in the heart of the village is the intimate Hotel Cristallo. This boutique family-run hotel has a charming personal touch and relaxed atmosphere which can be felt throughout.

Traditional styling with natural materials provide an authentic feel that our clients love.

The Valsana is one of the most in-demand properties in the Swiss Alps, recently winning the accolade of the World’s Best Green Ski Hotel thanks to its eco-power source, an ingenious ice battery that recovers, stores and reuses waste heat. Combined with its fresh design concept, excellent gym facilities and a celebrated restaurant with a focus on healthy menus, the lakeside location and proximity to the slopes make the Valsana an allround winner.

Tschuggen Grand Hotel: The Tschuggen Grand Hotel is one of the leading 5-star hotels in the Swiss Alps, combining understated style and elegance with luxurious rooms and suites. Home to 5 unique restaurants including Michelin starred cuisine at La Vetta, superlative spa & wellness facilities at their Tschuggen Bergoase Spa, breath-taking mountain views and the luxury of a private mountain railway.

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Chesa Forma: Chesa Forma is Powder Byrne’s latest development of luxury chalet-style apartments situated in the beautiful resort of Arosa. Chesa Forma enjoys peaceful yet convenient surroundings, admiring the magnificent view up the Schanfigg valley towards the slopes.

Passing on our Passion to the Next Generation

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PA S S I N G O N O U R PA S S I O N

Choosing a holiday with your family can often seem like a daunting process, especially if you have very young children.

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s parents ourselves, we know what needs to be considered before entrusting someone to look after your brood, so we are here to help provide you with all the information you need and to reassure you that your holiday will be the fabulous experience you are all looking forward to. With over 35 years’ experience, our childcare programme will reassure you from the outset that we’ll deliver the best possible experience.

We continue to respond to the challenge of keeping everyone safe and happy in our programme so you as parents can relax knowing your children are in the safest possible hands. Of course, we’re adapting our already very thorough policies and procedures in light of the challenges Covid-19 presents and taking all the necessary steps to follow best-practice advice as well as all local requirements. This includes a full audit of all working practices with a leading international childcare consultancy, and measures will be reflected in the size of our ski groups, which have historically always been small, and rarely above 7 children skiing with one instructor and one Powder Byrne assistant. This small group dynamic will not only ensure safe ‘bubbles’ on the slopes, but is essential to ensure the children receive the right support on the mountain, allowing the instructor to teach, whilst our assistant provides pastoral support, encouragement, deals with the inevitable loo stops and always has water and a biscuit to hand when energy levels need a boost.

Because we employ all the Powder Byrne staff who are involved in delivering our programmes directly, it gives us control to ensure they are trained and prepared, and the flexibility to adjust our procedures as necessary in the future as local regulations evolve. The role our staff play in liaising and managing our local suppliers, ensuring they deliver services to the quality we expect, will continue to provide great reassurance in our approach.

For new clients, part of our process is to talk through your specific needs and advise and explain how the Powder Byrne experience works, as it is likely to be quite different from anything else you have experienced.

Clients regularly tell us that they couldn’t have anticipated just how much additional help and support our local teams provide, and it is this attention to detail and support for every aspect throughout the holiday that sets us apart and allows everything to run so smoothly.

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POWDER BYRNE

Award winning Ski Programmes exclusively available to Powder Byrne Clients Since we first started providing our services for discerning families we’ve given thousands of young skiers the skills to enjoy a lifetime of skiing. Our unique approach allows us to create the right environment around the children to ensure they relax and enjoy themselves whilst mastering the skills they need to improve on the slopes.

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e’re often asked to advise on the right age to start children on the slopes. In truth, parents know their children best and there is no perfect age in our view, it is what is right for your child. Children develop at different speeds, develop natural coordination at different times so we’ll be led by their physical capabilities as well as their appetite to learn and take on new skills. We believe that the first experiences on the slopes should always be fun, and we try to remove any worries or pressures that might distract them. The first experiences are crucial of course, and for those who are ready at age 3 to take their first tentative steps on skis, our carefully designed Yeti Primer programme gives them the perfect start. Over three decades it has been tried, tested and developed with the input of our most demanding clients (the toddlers, of course).

Our primary objective in our Yeti programme, for young skiers aged 4 - 9 years, is to build a friendly group environment with new friends, so children feel safe and supported and can learn at their own pace. Whilst we always deliver serious instruction and our objective is to teach the building blocks for a lifetime of enjoyable skiing, we do so in a way that doesn’t feel like ‘ski school’... after all, this is their holiday too. We find many children pick up the essential skills of balance and spatial awareness on the slopes through play and discovery, rather than repeating drill after drill after drill... and this theme runs through our approach before novices are ready to be pushed a little further.

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PA S S I N G O N O U R PA S S I O N

As they progress with their skiing, we ramp it up with more technical sessions and stronger skiers will be pushed to discover new skills and disciplines as we seek to make them rounded skiers in all conditions and terrain. Mountain awareness and safe skiing is the foundation of our SnoZone (10 - 14 years) and PB Ski Academy (14 years +) programmes which offer structured group instruction through to their teenage years.

Our renowned Piste to Profession courses, the pinnacle of our ski programme, are aimed at school and university leavers who want to turn their passion for skiing into an accredited qualification. With over a decade of experience crafting a programme which includes a wide-range of winter sports disciplines and experiences so students feel totally immersed in mountain life, we’re proud of the achievements of our alumni and celebrate the many skiers who have come full circle through our programme, starting as Yetis with their first tentative steps, and now inspiring the next generation as guides and instructors.

Contact us to find out further details about our unique approach to kids’ skiing and how we can help you pass on your passion to your children.

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POWDER BYRNE

Join us in Grindelwald this Season and Ride the New Eiger Express

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And so it has happened, thanks to the vision and tenacity of Herr Urs Kessler, CEO of Jungfrau Railways, who has made the CHF 470million V-Bahn project a reality. The audacious project includes the construction of two new modern high capacity ski lifts and an integrated railway station hub at Grund, just below Grindelwald village. The first lift in the development, a high-speed 10 person gondola with 144 state-ofthe-art cabins, opened in December 2019, runs from the new railway station in Grund to the Männlichen peak and reduces the journey time from 30 to 19 minutes.

mbedded in a unique alpine landscape under the imposing north face of the Eiger, Grindelwald was the very first Powder Byrne ski resort back in 1985. The pretty village resort now prepares to welcome skiers back and showcase one of the most eagerly anticipated ski lift improvement projects ever undertaken.

Grindelwald has a long and rich mountain history, the allure of its dramatic peaks and fabulous skiing drawing adventurers from far and wide since the early pioneers in the 19th century. The construction of the Jungfrau Railway from 1896 and the completion of Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454m at the Jungfraujoch, finally opening in 1912, heralded a new age of Swiss mountain tourism, with Grindelwald playing a starring role.

However, as the decades passed and other resorts invested in speedy new lift systems, Grindelwald’s network of quaint mountain trains and ageing gondolas gave it a yester-year feel and slower access to the extensive ski areas linked with Wengen and Murren held back its fortunes.

There can be no doubt about the quality of the skiing on offer, nor the breathtaking views of the dramatic Bernese Alps, and those who know Grindelwald always new her day would come again.

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J O I N U S I N G R I N D E LWA L D

The second and much larger Eiger Express tri-cable lift has now opened for the 2021/22 ski season to huge fanfare and it is widely expected to put the resort of Grindelwald firmly back on every skiers map. The Eiger Express tricable runs from the base station to the Eigergletscher, shortcutting the existing rack and pinion railway, reducing the journey time from 40 to 15 minutes and significantly increasing capacity (doubling previous uphaul, it will move 1800 skiers an hour in 44 enormous panoramic cabins), in true comfort (each has 26 heated seats!) and delivering stunning views as it sweeps below the impressive Eiger north wall (the panoramic windows are anti-fog!).

Thanks to the tri-cable technology, far fewer support towers are required to be built in the landscape, preserving the natural habitat and enhancing the projects already impressive green credentials - only seven towers were needed over the distance of nearly 7 km!

“The V-Bahn project is the most innovative and exciting construction project in the Alps, one of the biggest lift projects worldwide and true to the tradition of visionary pioneering achievements in the construction of the Jungfrau Railway between 1896 and 1912.”

Remo Käser, Jungfrau Railways

The vast and ambitious V-Bahn project has put Grindelwald back on the map, breathing new life into the entire Jungfrau region and restoring its reputation as one of the finest ski resorts in the Swiss Alps. With many charming familyrun hotels and a pretty, historic village, Grindelwald is an excellent choice for families and offers amazing skiing for all abilities, with access to 591km of downhill skiing on 131 pistes across the linked ski areas of Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren. We particularly recommend Grindelwald for families who are new to skiing due to the excellent beginner slopes and facilities and our exclusive programmes for novice skiers, Learn to Ski in Style and SnoZone Beginners operate during selected weeks during the season.

After 35 years of Powder Byrne heritage in Grindelwald we’re delighted that this pioneering alpine region is marching into the new decade with confidence.

Grindelwald is a much loved and hugely popular part of the Powder Byrne Original Skiing programme and with the impressive new V-Bahn project we expect its popularity to grow and grow.

Grindelwald is back!

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SUMMER HOLIDAYS 2022: BOOKING NOW Allow us to present the perfect summer escape for your family, where all the little details are taken care of. Combining hand-picked hotels with our award-winning children’s programmes, active kids will be in their element as they try new experiences with new friends.

Contact us today to find out more about our summer programme.

POWDER BYRNE

Hotel Ulli

– Interview with Lukas Muller –

With a perfect position at the foot of the slopes and near to the ski school, the friendly ski-in/ski-out Hotel Ulli is a fabulous property that is a client favourite in the Powder Byrne portfolio. Here we caught up with new General Manager Lukas Muller, grandson of the hotel’s original founders.

1. What is your position, how long have you been with Hotel Ulli and what were you doing before?

3. What makes Zurs so special as a resort to you?

I have taken over the management of Hotel Ulli from the winter season 2021/22, I am the grandson of the hotel founders Ulli and Helmut and so a family tradition continues.

After several years of working in various leading hotels in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Spain, I am pleased to be the third generation to run our family hotel.

Zürs is a small but beautiful resort and is a winter wonderland.

As one of the highest ski destinations in the Alps, plenty of snow is guaranteed. Located in the heart of the famous Arlberg, the biggest ski area of Austria, Zürs offers pure winter fun with countless downhill possibilities, both onand off-piste. Furthermore, it has a rich history in Alpine ski culture, dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

2. Tell us about the changes you’ve made to the hotel over the past year?

4. Where is your favourite spot on the mountain or in the resort (other than your hotel of course!)?

We have made good use of the Covid-19 lockdowns and have fully renovated a third of our rooms. Furthermore, a new whisky/cigar lounge was built, and our bar and lounge have had a facelift.

I love to step out first thing in the morning, take the lift up to Hexenboden whish is right next to our hotel, and draw the first lines in the fresh powder. Then I like to go to lunch at the BBQ station of the old mountain station Trittkopf. This is something very special for me, because my grandpa Helmut built this lift 40 years ago.

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HOTEL ULLI

5. What makes Hotel Ulli unique in your eyes?

7. What’s your favourite dish/es on the menu?

Hotel Ulli is an alpine retreat for discerning guests who are looking for class instead of mass. Situated directly on the ski slope, it offers the perfect starting point for all winter sports enthusiasts. In addition, there is a first-class cuisine with Austrian specialties and selected dishes from around the world. The family flair is noticeable throughout the whole hotel and connects guests from all over the world.

Definitely Kaiserschmarrn - a typical Austrian dish that cannot be missed after a ski day. Kaiserschmarrn is a lightly sweetened pancake served as a dessert or as a light lunch.

8. What are you most looking forward to in the 2021/2022 season?

After a year without guests in the Arlberg, I am very much looking forward to a reunion with many friends and guests of the Hotel Ulli.

6. Tell us a little about your philosophy around the hotel?

Hotel Ulli is a feel-good place for a winter vacation without stress and worries. The Zürs ski school is located only a few meters from the hotel, so children can also return to the hotel during their lunch break. The special children’s menu in the evening followed by a movie night and popcorn leaves nothing to be desired. I try to continue the hotel in the spirit of my grandparents as a family hotel, of course with some new ideas from my experiences and work at other hotels all over the world.

9. Where else in the world do you and your family like to travel to? Do you have a favourite holiday destination?

My stays in different hotels have also led me all over the world but I would say a highlight is Argentina, South America. I have great memories of big barbecues there with family and friends, so I would say it is one of my personal favourite destinations.

Get in touch for more information about Hotel Ulli and for availability please contact our team.

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POWDER BYRNE

Discover our Japanese Ski Safari We are delighted to introduce our exclusive Ski Tour of Japan for keen skiers who wish to take on and experience skiing the famous light powder of Hokkaido, Japan. This truly is a once in a lifetime ski experience across the snow-sure north island, traveling for 10 nights with your Japanese Powder Byrne Ski Guide to taste the ski offerings of Kiroro, Furano, Tomamu, Rusutsu, and of course, the famous Niseko resort.

About the tour where the humidity of the Sea of Japan mixes with the cold air blowing in from the Siberia, which creates the famously dry, fluffy, knee-deep powder snow that settles almost every day in the winter. This is truly a skier’s dream, where you can enjoy almost the exact same run time and again, each time with a fresh coat of powder.

Skiing in Japan is very different from skiing the traditional Alpine experience that many of us are used to. Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, is one of the world’s most perfectly situated locations for its continuous and impressive amounts of snow each winter. The most famous resorts are situated near the North West of the island,

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D I S C O V E R O U R J A PA N E S E S K I S A FA R I

Day 5

After skiing in the west side of the island, you will travel by private car to Otaru (40 mins). Otaru is well known for having the best sushi in the region and a fascinating traditional glass production experience. After a short sightseeing tour and lunch, you will drive on to Furano (2h20 mins) where your Powder Byrne Ski Guide will meet you.

Day 6-7

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ur Japan ski tour is designed for good to expert level skiers who enjoy the idea of an all-mountain skiing adventure. Once you have arrived at New Chitose Airport, you will meet the rest of the tour group and your dedicated Powder Byrne Ski Guide who will travel with you around the north island for 10 days to experience some of the best skiing across four of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido.

This ski adventure is designed with a minimum number of people as one small group, all sharing one dedicated ski guide throughout their skiing and sightseeing adventure.

as opportunity to add on sightseeing tours at the end of the programme should you like.

Our hosted ski tour is available for adults only and is ideal for anyone looking to push themselves with a new challenge. Ideal for friends, couples, families with adult children, and solo travellers alike, you must be a confident black run skier with some off-piste experience.

Day 2

Our Japan Ski Tour is based on 10-nights B&B-based accommodation and includes all private long-distance group transfers, all in-resort transfers (where required), all ski passes for each region, night skiing options in resorts, a professional Japanese-speaking Powder Byrne Ski Guide throughout the tour, and additional private tour guides. The tour is based on 3 to 4 star accommodation and there are upgrade options available too as well

Here’s a taster of what you can expect!

Arrival day

Arrive at Tokyo Haneda International Airport and connect to the domestic terminal for your flight to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. You’ll be greeted by your English speaking assistant and escorted to your private transfer to Kiroro (1hr 30mins). You’ll meet your PB Ski Guide at your hotel on arrival who will assist you with all your rental requirements.

Your Powder Byrne ski guide will introduce you to the best slopes in Kiroro with a special lunch for the group.

Day 3

You’ll travel by private vehicle to Niseko (1 hour) and enjoy a full day skiing with your guide across each area of the resort with a quick stop off for lunch. In the evening return back to Kiroro for a relaxing onsen and delicious dinner.

Day 4

You’ll travel by private vehicle to Rusutsu resort (1 hour 10 minutes) and enjoy a full day skiing the range of mountains that make up the resort, stopping off for a photo opportunity of the great views of Mount Yōtei in the distance.

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Your guide will ski with you across the next two days around the more authentic resort of Furano. Experience a more traditional Japanese back-country resort famous for the vast amount of powder snow to enjoy. Relax in the evening, perhaps enjoying a traditional hot spring Onsen, then head for dinner in hand picked restaurants. Night skiing options available here too.

Day 8-10

Travel by private vehicle to Tomamu (1h 30 mins) where your Powder Byrne Ski Guide who will introduce you to this wonderful resort offering two mountain areas, great Onsens and night skiing.

Day 11

Return back to New Chitose Airport and fly to Tokyo Haneda airport you will have an option to return home or we would be delighted to help you extend your trip with an additional tour around the sights of Tokyo or perhaps a journey to Kyoto Contact us for further details or visit our website for pricing information and provisional dates.

Mountain Hut Adventures in Grindelwald POWDER BYRNE BRINGS YOU A SWISS ADVENTURE FOR THE SUMMER

Grindelwald, a Swiss chocolate-box village surrounded by the magnificent mountains of the Bernese-Oberland, has for decades been a mecca for walkers, climbers, nature lovers and thrill seekers once the snow has thawed.

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Most will have heard of the legendary Eiger ‘north face’ which towers over the village, but only the initiated know the true extent of the possibilities available for summertime adventures in this stunning natural playground.

Your itinerary highlights: - Private transfers from Zurich airport to Grindelwald (2.5 hours) - 2 nights at the Hotel Belvedere, Grindelwald

This summer, we’ve launched a tailor-made adventure designed to showcase the best of Grindelwald’s hiking routes, including a hand-picked hotel (think luxury base camp), and guided walking and biking with all equipment provided.

- First day guided hiking to acclimatise - Second day guided hiking to first mountain hut - Overnight Berghaus Baeregg Mountain Hut (spectacular views of the Eiger and Aletsch Glacier) - Third day guided hiking

Once you are all acclimatised to the trails, you’ll embark upon three days of spectacular high-altitude hikes, with overnight stays in two of the best mountain hunts in the region. Your private guide will accompany you at all times and along with our Client Concierge team, will take care of all your arrangements and ensure you get the most from your adventures.

- Overnight Lobhorn Mountain Hut (the best views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau) - Fourth day guided hike back to Grindelwald - Overnight Hotel Belvedere, Grindelwald - Option to extend and enjoy further activities

Best suited to adventurous families and groups of friends looking for something different this summer, you’re in for a shared adventure you’ll never forget.

Our Mountain Hut Adventures are available throughout August and September and our Client Concierge team will tailor-make your stay to suit the needs of your party.

Enjoy a 5 night Mountain Hut Adventure programme from £3,325 per person based on a family of 4 travelling this summer.

Includes airport transfers, accommodation on a half board basis and your Powder Byrne private guide throughout.

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POWDER BYRNE

A Taste for Skiing in Alta Badia

Europe’s leading gourmet ski destination, Alta Badia, is celebrating the news that Sky Alps is launching a brand-new flight between London Gatwick & Bolzano this winter, bringing the region’s slopes within even easier reach for UK visitors. coming chefs invited from across Italy. Full of fresh ideas and best interpreting the concept of ‘revival’ in their plates, each ‘A Taste for Skiing’ dish this season will make use of some of Italy’s top produce and give clear alignment to a sustainable approach to food and drink, with each chef asked to create their dish by reducing waste and with a particular focus on protecting our planet.

Also this season, young charismatic chefs will take the leading role at Alta Badia’s twelfth edition of ‘A Taste for Skiing’ and the region also boasts famed gourmet events including Gourmet Skisafari, Wine Skisafari and a new look ‘Sommelier on the Slopes’. Eight Michelin starred chefs will each be assigned to one of Alta Badia’s mountain huts for this year’s ‘A Taste for Skiing’, led by a group of up-and-

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A TA S T E F O R S K I I N G I N A LTA B A D I A

NEW FOR 2022, there are also three new Sommelier on the Slopes events taking place at a partner mountain hut, where tutored tastings of four South Tyrolean wines will be conducted alongside a four- course menu.

The one day ‘Gourmet Skisafari’ event launches Alta Badia’s season-long ‘A Taste for Skiing’ and this year, the eighth edition, will take place on Saturday 11 December 2021.

Taking Michelin-starred cuisine to 2,000m above sea level into the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites, three chefs, will take part to create their dishes in person. Taking place on each huts’ outside terrace, skiers will have the chance to ski from one mountain hut to another, trying each creation and meeting the chefs in person. Tickets can be purchased at the first hut visited on the day, or at Alta Badia’s tourist offices.

As the season draws to a close, on Sunday 20th March 2022, Alta Badia will be bringing South Tyrol’s finest wines to the mountains for an exclusive tasting session at its Wine Skisafari. Set to take place from 10am until 4pm in the Piz Arlara, Bioch, I Tablá and Pralongiá mountain huts, the event rounds off the winter season in style, with ticket holders having the opportunity to taste some of the best South Tyrolean red, white and sparkling wines, with over 60 wines offered for tastings.

Please see our top picks for hotel accommodation below:

CIASA SALARES A traditional, family-run hotel in a tranquil spot just opposite the Armentarola lift, Ciasa Salares is the most conveniently located hotel where skiers and walkers have direct access to the slopes with just a short walk across the road from the boot room.

From £18,596 for a family of four travelling at half term, a Standard Room next to Standard Room, on a Half Board Basis.

HOTEL GRAN PARADISO - JUNIOR SUITE The Gran Paradiso is a cosy and traditional, family friendly hotel, just 100m from the slopes. Set in a beautiful and secluded location of wintry forests and meadows, Hotel Gran Paradiso affords stunning views of the surrounding Dolomites. The family Junior Suite has a separate room for kids with bunk beds.

From £13,466 for a family of four travelling at half term, a Family Junior Suite on a Half Board basis.

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POWDER BYRNE PISTE TO PROFESSION Discover our unique programmes for committed skiers who want to take their skiing to the next level with an accredited ski instructor qualification.

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW FOR THE 2022/2023 SEASON Do you know someone who is looking for the opportunity of a lifetime?

Find out more at www.powderbyrne.com/p2p

POWDER BYRNE

Our Private Ranch in Andalusia EXPERIENCE RANCH-LIFE AT AN EXCLUSIVE POWDER BYRNE DESTINATION

Join us for a memorable family adventure at our private ranch in the Andalucian outback, just moments from the world-class sporting estate of Sotogrande. Stay at our authentic Spanish Finca and enjoy delicious local cuisine, countryside hacks and river rides, outback glamping with firepits under the stars, celebratory asado BBQs, exclusive beach clubs and day trips to captivating Spanish cities.

Join us for a memorable family adventure at our private ranch in the Andalucian outback, just moments from the worldclass sporting estate of Sotogrande. Stay at our authentic Spanish Finca and enjoy delicious local cuisine, countryside hacks and river rides, outback glamping with firepits under the stars, celebratory asado BBQs, exclusive beach clubs and day trips to captivating Spanish cities.

Book with Powder Byrne and you’ll enjoy exclusive use of our private ranch for your family and friends, with a bespoke programme of rides, hacks and activities tailored to your precise requirements.

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O U R P R I VAT E R A N C H I N A N D A L U S I A

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ur private ranch is a truly unique holiday destination and the perfect place to immerse your family and friends in a once in a lifetime holiday adventure.

Accommodation in the Guesthouse is located just steps away from a working polo farm, where older children and adults alike can learn to ride, play polo or go on hacks through rivers and the local countryside. No previous riding experience is necessary and everyone is welcome.

The nearby resort of Sotogrande offers country-chicmeets-cosmopolitan experiences, from the El Mercando de Levante flea market and the pristine boutiques to the local Marina, exclusive beach clubs and various championship golf courses.

Our Guesthouse is situated within the beautiful grounds of the ranch and sleeps up to eight people in comfortable en-suite bedrooms, with a private swimming pool and fabulous dining terrace elegantly set within relaxing gardens. Best of all, the Guesthouse is expertly run by two local cooks who serve up delicious Spanish cuisine such as gazpacho, tortilla, paella, colourful fresh salads and special Argentinian-style Asado BBQ. Together with the on-site concierge team, they take care of all your requirements throughout your stay at the Finca.

The Finca provides a wonderfully secluded location to get away from it all and enjoy a laid-back family holiday

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POWDER BYRNE

Enjoy our learn together programme Older families or groups of friends may be interested in a new challenge, trying a new sport and learning something new together - the feedback we’ve had from clients who have joined us for a bespoke ‘Learn Together’ programme has been outstanding.

Almost everyone who tries polo is inspired by the speed, the connection with the beautiful ponies, and the thrill of the new challenge. There is something appealing for everyone; the riding, the skills needed for stick and ball control, the camaraderie of playing in a team, the speed and adrenaline and the social scene around the sport – it is a phenomenal sport for so many reasons. For anyone who has ever been interested in a taste of this unique sport, Polo Valley is for you. Everything is accessible, all the kit and equipment is provided and the tuition and encouragement from our professional instructors will have you relaxing into your saddle in no time.

Our Learn Together programme is structured around a week with 5 days of activities and a break day in the middle. Everyone can develop at their own pace and it is anything but ‘intensive’. Two hour morning sessions cover horsemanship skills, riding with hand mallets, basic shots and technique. Polo lessons cover rules, tactics and strategies and as your confidence improves you’ll move onto mini-chukkas on our full size practice ground.

Sessions tend to start early morning to avoid the heat of the day, which means you are free to relax around the pool, enjoy some long lunches or head out to the beach or local region for further discoveries. Seville, Granada, Jerez, Gibraltar and Marbella are all accessible for day trips tom add some local flair.t.

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he polo ponies are the beating heart of life at the Finca and other daily routines of the grooms, the ponies and polo professionals create a special buzz and atmosphere that is exciting to be part of. In the evenings local players arrive to take part in competitive chukkas, a great spectacle to watch with a gin & tonic in hand from pitch-side seats.

With the backdrop of ranch-life, surrounded by unspoiled nature and the peaceful Andalusian countryside, the Finca provides a wonderfully secluded location to get away from it all and enjoy a laid-back family holiday full of new discoveries. Popular family activities include horse riding lessons from beginner to expert, guided countryside hacks with picnic stops, river rides that include dipping in and out of the Guadiaro river (a highlight for the ponies and their riders), polo lessons and taster sessions for those who can’t resist giving it a go.

You can enjoy Polo Valley year round with special exclusive rental opportunities over the Festive period, spring and autumn half terms and of course throughout the summer months when the polo programme really heats up. We’d love to share our passion for this extraordinary sport so please contact us to discuss how we can create a unique stay.

As the estate has grown over the last 5 years, the addition of a beautiful lake opens up other water-based activities such as SUP and wild swimming, and there are luxurious bell tents so families can incorporate a magical clamping adventure as part of the stay. The Polo Valley concierge team will take care of all the arrangements, set up your private tented camp, welcome the evening’s arrival with sundowners whilst they prepare an authentic Argentinian aside. A night under the Andalusian stars will be a special memory you’ll never forget.

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POWDER BYRNE

Give your Kids a Digital Detox this Summer W

a lovely pool and delicious food. With over three decades of experience of getting all then little details just right, you can trust us to craft all the essential elements and provide the dedicated services of our local resort team to maximise your precious family time. It’s the personal touches throughout that truly make the difference and we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure that everything is just right for you. Contact us today to discuss your perfect summer escape and lean more about our unique approach to family summer holidays.

e’re cranking up the fun this summer with a focus on action-packed programmes that will give your kids a healthy break from their virtual worlds and the pressures we’ve all been facing. Carefully designed and overseen by our dedicated local teams who are hand-picked for being on the right wave-length, they can look forward to making new friends, trying new things and enjoying special holiday memories regardless of which summer destination you choose from our programme. We know that then perfect summer holiday requires more than a beautiful destination,

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G I V E Y O U R K I D S A D I G I TA L D E T O X T H I S S U M M E R

Find your stress-free summer escape Keep your kids entertained non-stop throughout the spring and summer holidays with our fantastic children’s clubs in Crete, Portugal and Elba. Run by our outstanding teams, we take great care of your children, from four months-4 years in our pb crèche, 4-7 years in Scallywags, 8-11 in The Zone and from 12 years in our PB Adventure Academy. We also run our PB Tennis Academy for 8 years plus in Elba and our PB Scuba Academy for 10 years plus in Crete. Anyone wishing to hit the waves and try their hand at surfing can enjoy the beautiful beaches and breaks of the Estoril coast in Portugal in our PB Surf Academy - in fact we often arrange instructors for the whole family to have a go, it is always a great experience to learn something new together.

Summer holidays are all about relaxing and enjoying new experiences together and our Client Concierge team are here to ensure you do just that. They will talk through your requirements and make first-hand recommendations, taking care of all your pre-travel considerations and the latest Covid-19 guidance, from booking spa treatments and holiday activities to making restaurant recommendations and reservations and organising babysitting and childcare so your schedule is perfectly prepared for your arrival. If there is something special you wish to arrange, please just let us know. We’ve a whole host of special treats and enhancements up our sleeves from a helicopter sightseeing tour, to private yacht charter to a remote picnic spot - everything’s possible with Powder Byrne.

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Our Cretan Paradise D I S C O V E R T H E S E C LU D E D E LO U N D A P R O P E R T I E S

We’ve made the north-eastern corner of Crete our own for over 20 years since we first started sending clients to the beautiful Mirabella bay, and it’s no surprise it has become so popular with many returning clients year after year. The tranquility and slow pace of life strike you immediately at the picturesque Porto Elounda Resort, where the attentive staff and stunning surroundings set the scene for a magical holiday where you can really switch off and recharge your batteries.

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out into the bay and comprised entirely of luxurious suites and villas with private pools, Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel enjoys stunning views and offers complete privacy and exclusivity. You will experience unparalleled service as well as access to all the facilities and restaurants of the Porto Elounda on your doorstep. The larger villas are particularly popular with extended families or groups of friends travelling together.

Porto Elounda and the Elounda Peninsula You’ll find our in-resort teams at the family run 5* Porto Elounda Resort during May half term and the summer holidays.

Porto Elounda was transformed last summer with the addition of the largest seafront pool on the island of Crete, complete with 420 square metres of gentle curves winding through native trees and comfortable loungers in the shallows. The protected bay offers a gently sloping sandy beach which is perfect for little ones to play safely in the shallows and there are lots of water-sports to enjoy for older kids from SUP and pedalo rides to waterskiing and scuba try-dives.

The incredible Six Senses Spa at Porto Elounda features 21 treatment areas including an authentic Turkish hammam, the Temidarium – a bravura space that excites all the senses, plus private Thalassotherapy Suites complete with stateof-the-art facilities to balance the senses. We’d be happy to book you in for your favourite massage, which you’re welcome to have in the spa itself or in a secluded area on the hotel’s private beach.

The recently refurbished rooms and suites are simple yet elegantly decorated and finished with wooden or marble floors and large luxurious bathrooms. Each room or suite has a private balcony or terrace, many with shared or private pools and views of the Mediterranean. They are all designed to capitalise on the stunning views with lots of natural light flooding in from floor to ceiling windows.

Porto Elounda’s gastronomic offering is truly outstanding with several of their restaurants winning numerous awards and the hotel’s extensive dine-around programme means you can enjoy a wide range of specialty restaurants across three sister properties. Our team will be delighted to tell you more about our restaurant recommendations including those in the local towns of Elounda and Plake and be happy to manage all your reservations.

The Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel is one of the most exclusive hotels in Greece. Built on a peninsula stretching

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Our Tuscan Treat D I S C O V E R T H E H E R M I TA G E I N E L B A

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lba is a treasure; an island paradise with a rich history where well-heeled Italians choose to holiday thanks to its timeless and authentic charm, secluded beaches and wonderful cuisine. Situated an hour from the mainland, you enjoy a scenic ferry ride and arrive in another world.

Our exclusive Tuscan hideaway, the Hotel Hermitage, has wowed our clients for over 2 decades and many regular visitors return year after year. Situated right on the beach at the end of the secluded bay of Biodola, this exclusive 5-star retreat boasts exquisite Tuscan cuisine, a beautiful private beach and an old-world charm that oozes La Dolce Vita. The pretty landscaped gardens, pools, tennis courts and other sporting facilities offer everything you need for a relaxing stay and you’d be forgiven for not leaving the property once you arrive.

You’ll enjoy mouth-watering Italian cuisine, sumptuous breakfasts on the terrace overlooking the beach, laid-back beach lunches and 5-course evening meals to create an incredible gastronomic experience. The open-air Fuoco di Bosco plays host to various gala meals and open air barbecues throughout the summer which are not to be missed. For an informal beach dining experience visit La Ghiotta offering an amazing array of fresh seafood specialties - look out for the catch of the day.

The majority of the rooms at the Hotel Hermitage are located in private cottages, set amongst the pines just up from the beach, all with private balconies or terraces. The rooms are decorated in a classic yet simple Italian style, with cheerful colours and tile floors. Choose from garden view rooms, sea view rooms, spacious suites or family rooms, we will be happy to help you find the best option to suit your needs.

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POWDER BYRNE

A Cultural & Historical Tour of the Maldives In developing our new winter sun programme, we were keen to learn more about the history and culture of our Indian Ocean destinations.We discovered that there’s a whole lot more to the Maldives than five star hotels and turquoise waters (although these are pretty special), and so here we look at the history and some interesting cultural aspects of the island nation.

Buddhism, Islam, Trade, Colonialisation & Fishing The Maldives lies at a crossroads in the Indian Ocean between trading routes from Africa, The Middle East, India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. The first settlers came more than 2500 years ago from India and some elements of the Maldivian language (Dhivehi), share similarities with Tamil and Malayalam from southern India as well as some cultural traditions. The Maldivians have traditionally always been seafaring people with their economy and way of life being based around fishing before the arrival of tourism. and dances are found in Southwest Africa, and are usually performed by around 20 people to the music of the common people. Songs can be about Heroism, Romance or Satire and the drum used to accompany the songs and dances is made from wood from the coconut tree.

Buddhism spread to Maldives around the 3rd century BC and there are various archaeological remains of Buddhist Stupas and monasteries on as many as 59 islands. Today these remains often lay buried under the sand and hidden in dense vegetation. It was in the 12th Century that the Maldives converted to Islam by African (Somali Islamic Scholar) Yusuf Al Barbari who was hafiz (someone who can recite the Quaran in its entirety by memory), the last Buddhist King converted in 1153 but some pockets of resistance quelled.

Gan, Addu & the South In the Addu Atoll, the Maldives southernmost atoll, the islands are connected by road network across the islands, from Gan all the way up to Addu National park.

The 16th Century brought a Colonial period with the Portuguese setting up a Garrison and trading post. They were replaced by the Dutch in the 17th Century and then the British who made the Maldives a British protectorate in the 19th Century. It wasn’t until the 1965 the Maldives gained its independence, now celebrated nationally on 26th July.

Boduberu

The British held a military base in the Southern Atoll of Gan until 1976. Due to Gan’s strategic position and access to the Indian Ocean, it became part of the theatre of war during the second World War and was used by the British as a secret naval base. Towards the end of the war the Japanese torpedoed and sunk a British ship called the Loyalty and it remains underwater and is an excellent dive site.

The traditional songs and dances in the Maldives are known as Boduberu, believed to have been introduced to the Maldives by sailors around the 11th century. Similar songs

Partly due to British influence, the Southern area of Maldives known as Addu developed quite separately from the

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A C U LT U R A L & H I S T O R I C A L T O U R O F T H E M A L D I V E S

Kuruhinna tharaagandu on the Island of Kaashidhoo This area lies about 86 kilometers north from Male and is linked to Male by a ferry service or private boat charter.

Kaashidhoo is known for its agriculture and is one the biggest suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables to Male’s market.

The island is the site of one of the largest archeological sites in the country that demonstrates the Buddhist past of the Maldives before the advent of Islam in the twelfth century. The site known as the Kuruhinna tharaagandu are the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery believed to have been in use in the pre-Islamic period. The excavation conducted between 1996 and 1998 revealed the ruins of what would have been a sprawling monastery complex with multiple structures. The excavated site is almost 1900 square kilometers and revealed more than sixty coral stone structures, which archeologists believe is just a part of the whole complex. As one would expect only the lower part of structures have survived during the nine hundred years since it has been abandoned.

northern parts like Male and to this day has its own distinct culture and dialect. There was even a brief Addu uprising in the 1970s where they tried to form a breakaway government with closer ties to the British. In resorts in these parts you will see that staff from Addu and indeed other regions of the Maldives are proud of their history and have a strong identity not unlike certain regional parts of the UK.

Maroshi Island Marosh Island is home to the Mangroves where Thakarufaanu hid his boat Kalhuohfummi from the Portuguese on the journey south – It is also home to the oldest tree in Maldives, the Thaani tree, where Thakarufaanu rested. It’s also a lovely local island and very different from the hustle and bustle of Male.

A TOUR OF MALE ATOLL Male City One of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Traditionally the King’s island and home to 227,000 Maldivians – the city is where most Maldivians live and work and where all politics takes place.

The wooden palace in which Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived and grew up is well preserved and evokes more than any other existing building in the Maldives, the lifestyle of the rich, centuries ago. The ancient woods used in the building date back from than 500 years and come from India. Visitors are escorted around the complex by a museum staff member to see the fascinating 500-year-old wooden interiors, including swing beds (used to keep cool in the heat), lamps that burn coconut palm oil and elaborate wooden carvings, plus a large palm-thatch shed used as a sleeping room for guests.

For more information about our new winter sun programme and the Indian Ocean, get in touch to talk to our team.

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The Best Restaurants in the Maldives Food and travel so often go hand in hand, and so when developing our new winter sun Indian Ocean programme, naturally we were keen to find some of the best foody spots. Here are a selection of our favourites in the Maldives, showcasing a global selection of cuisines from crab shack on the beach to fine dining and fine wine.

Anantara Kihavah Sea

Joali Saoke

Home to the world’s first underwater wine cellar which guests walk through before reaching a dining room totally surrounded by the sea, Anantara Kihavah Sea is spectacular.

Diners can watch sharks, turtles and tropical fish swim by while they savour gourmet dining at its finest.

The impeccably plated Maldivian lobster makes for a special lunch, while pan-seared Japanese wagyu completes a romantic dinner.

World-renowned restaurant architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu designed this distinctly Japanese restaurant. This restaurant specialises in Sake, Sushi, and Teppanyaki.

Millaidhoo Bathali Authentic Maldivian fine dining restaurant over the water on traditional Dhoni Boats. This is a completely magical experience and shows off the best cuisine the Maldives has to offer.

Finolhu the Crab Shack This shack is a 20 minute stroll along the sandbank from the main island, and is where hungry guests can enjoy shrimp and baked crab with a glass.

Hurawalhi 5.8 The world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant. ‘5.8’ dazzles and delights diners with a multi-course tasting extravaganza.

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Six Senses Laamu Leaf Perched above an organic garden, in a tree house, here you can enjoy fresh ingredients from the Six Senses Laamu chefs. The team works closely with Maldivian fishermen and farmers to source the freshest and finest local ingredients for inventive dishes.

One and Only Reethi Rah: Botanica Brent Savage is one of Australia’s most respected chefs and has designed Reethi Rah’s signature garden-totable restaurant which highlights fresh, natural produce in inspired dishes. Placing an emphasis on natural ingredients, much of the menu is sourced from the chef’s gardens. The Gin Bar is worth visiting, housing no less than 34 Gins.

the globe. Up above the Wine Cellar in the restaurant, you will find amazing views over Velaa, and Tavaru’s brandnew menu celebrating the Teppanyaki grill cuisine. Get a front-row seat as the chefs slice, dice, season and create bespoke menus with particular flair and finesse right under your nose aside the sizzling hot iron plates of the Teppanyaki grill.

Tapasake

Niyama The Nest Explore the surreal six metre high treehouse, tucked away in the jungle on a labyrinth of wooden walkways serving Asian fusion. For a theatrical meal, the teppanyaki table is the most desired in the house. Here you can also taste the world’s most expensive coffee, Black Ivory, and experience the sweet finale of Nest’s signature dessert: Luwak Coffee Brûlée.

Japanese / Peruvian fusion restaurant famous for sashimi and nigiri plates, elegant mains and its extensive sake collection. Tapasake offers Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences against a backdrop of panoramic ocean views and the restaurant even has its own exclusively blended limited-edition sake, called Naraman Daiginjo.

ARAGU

Waldorf Astoria Yasmeen Here diners can discover authentic Arabic cuisine with a focus from eastern Mediterranean to Maghreb (northwest African) specialties.

Savour piping hot Saj bread, mezzes, and succulent charcoal-grilled meat and seafood. The restaurant is adorned with antique decor in an Arabian village setting.

Velaa Tavvaru Tower The Wine Cellar here offers guests a rare opportunity to discover gems such as the 1956 Domaine de la “Romanée Conti”, a rare vintage Salon Champagne, and a centuries old fortified 1870 Blandy’s “Verdelho Solera”, both treasures from across

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Modern European Cuisines, culinary art mixed with awareness and sustainability. Chef Gaushan De Silva brings a twist on classic dishes from Europe to bring a lavish experience.

Get in touch to talk to our team about our new Indian Ocean programme for winter sun. For more details visit powderbyrne.com.

POWDER BYRNE

Via Ferrata An Unexpected Family Adventure in The Dolomites The Italian resort of Cortina plays host to our exciting summer programme for 2022.

Read on to discover how this unique landscape offers so many activities and new experiences that will have the whole family enthralled.

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We believe the most unexpected adventure awaits for families who join us for a Via Ferrata tour during their stay.

The slopes around the area are crisscrossed by dozens of iron cable-ways which, accompanied by a local guide, can be navigated to give you a totally different connection and perspective of these stunning mountains. Each via ferrata route is different, some quite short and others much longer, some more of a gentle walk, others requiring skill and nerves of steel! We’ll design your experience to incorporate lunch at a beautiful mountain hut along the way, or even an overnight stay in a summer farm or rifugio if you want something truly memorable.

he pretty town of Cortina lies nestled in the Ampezzo valley, an important strategic route surrounded by soaring peaks. It has played a leading role in European history over many centuries and has many stories to tell of past glories. Glamorised on the silver screen, it quickly became synonymous with the jet set in the 1960’s and 70’s and its sporting credentials were secured after hosting the immensely successful Winter Olympics in 1956, the first Games ever televised.

Fast forward to today and Cortina hosted the 2021 Alpine World Champs and, with Milan, will jointly host the 2026 Winter Olympics once again. Thanks to new investment it is a town undergoing nothing short of a revolution, as new hotels open up and new ski lifts allow access to exciting new ski areas. Once again Cortina invites the world to experience the awesome beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Anyone who is reasonably fit and active can enjoy via ferrata, even people who are scared of heights. It’s great for active children and we’d recommend 8 years upwards as they do need to be able to take responsibility for their own safety as they move along the route, which are all graded by difficulty so we can design your experience accordingly.

You will always be accompanied by an experienced local mountain guide who will help you and share all their local knowledge and stories. The equipment is very simple and easy to use for adults and children and we work with a great rental partner who will provide you with everything you need: helmet, gloves and harness and can advise on the best clothing and footwear. You are connected to the cable-way the entire time and it is amazing how safe and secure you feel on terrain that you might otherwise never have dreamed of attempting!

The surrounding trails, lakes and peaks of the Ampezzo valley offer anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a seemingly never-ending choice. Take any path from the centre of the town and within a couple of minutes you’ll be winding through meadows, taking in beautiful mountain scenery from every angle. There’s amazing hiking, biking, horse riding, bouldering and climbing all on the doorstep and the infrastructure is in place to access all these pursuits with guides and equipment all coordinated by Powder Byrne locally. And because the town and surrounding villages are all linked by cycling paths, it is incredibly easy to get around without the intrusion of cars, allowing you to really slow down. For families looking for a healthy and active escape we don’t think it can be beaten!

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e recommend building your confidence on one of the gentler routes, for example a half day’s adventure to the Fanes waterfalls. You can approach the waterfalls by e-bike, with a gentle 1 hour ride from your hotel with your guide. You’ll then get into your harness and clip onto the via ferrata cable and follow the path for around an hour through beautiful scenery, eventually arriving at the waterfalls. On your return there are various options for lunch at one of the local mountain huts, or you can return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxing in the spa.

Once you have gained your confidence, you can embark on a full day programme. We recommend our local team drive you 20 minutes up the pass to Pass Val Parola, the location of the largest open air museum from the First World War. The route starts with a walk up through a tunnel blown out of the mountain during the war, with the via ferrata taking you up through the Austrian army trenches, which brings the horror of mountain warfare to stark reality. The ascent takes 2 hours and you are rewarded with sensational views across Cortina and the surrounding peaks. After a one hour walk back down your guide can arrange lunch in a local rifugio, access to the museum, or you can head back to Cortina to celebrate your achievements. If the kids still have energy to burn and want to brush up on their climbing skills, we can arrange a session at the enormous indoor climbing centre.

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What is your favourite location/view/ experience in the area?

I love mountain waters. Still lake waters of amazing different colours is something that is certainly not to be missed. Some examples? Troubled creek waters completed with waterfalls, canyons and pools are so impressive. So ‘Gores de Federa’ and ‘Fanes Waterfalls and Canyons’ are between my favourites, I can’t stop shooting. On the other hand, for an outstanding view: the top of the Lagazuoi could be considered one of the most impressive views in the Dolomites as well as the top of Tofana Terza with it’s 3,244m of height - on the very clear days it’s said you can see the Venice Lagoon from there. . .

But witnessing the sunrise on the top is a kind of magic.

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e spoke to Ute Dadie, a professional photographer based in Cortina who is responsible for most of the stunning images we are using to showcase the region. Ute, along with her husband Vito, advises us on the best routes and activities available and provides an invaluable source of local knowledge. Ute and Vito are part of the fabric of the valley, both coming from families with generations of history in the area and have brought their family up on the trails and slopes of Cortina, so they know exactly how to tailor ideas for the family dynamic.

What would you say to families who are thinking about a mountain adventure but a little apprehensive?

I can completely understand all the concerns about a mountain adventure but I can say that Cortina offers a wide range of mountain adventures from the easiest, but still absolutely amazing, up to the more challenging and incredible experiences in the heart of the Dolomites. You can just have a walk out in the green freshly cut meadows or walking barefoot in the icy waters of the main stream or on the white pebble stone shores.

What inspires you most about Cortina and the surrounding landscape?

The Cortina landscape is such a magic sight. Wherever you look, your eyes will capture outstanding beautiful scenes.

Every hour has its special moment and its special light which is such a precious element for a photographer. Every season has its highlights. Of course, the majestic mountain view is the most inspiring one - this gorgeous valley is surrounded by a crown of outstanding pure Dolomia limestone peaks and this is also the reason why it’s called ‘The Queen of the Dolomites’. Early in the morning or at sunset the ‘Enrosadira’ offers a special alchemy of colours and lights that gives birth to an incredible surreal effect - (so you don’t need to push it with photoshop, it’s simply natural!). You can admire the Ampezzo Dolomites from the bottom of the valley in town or reach the top of the mountains and let your sight and soul get lost... And this is the big picture...

Walking the hidden path looking for the legendary figures that are living in our traditional fairy tales. Visiting the theatre of the WWI where all the trenches and military position are still there witnessing the horror of the war. But if you want to push your limits the offer is outstanding. The via ferrata experience is something so special and really particular of this corner of the Dolomites. Created by the army during the WWI to bring the munitions and place military position on top of the mountains they remained as heritage to our mountains and the alpine guides used them to guide people up to the top of our peaks without being specialised climbers. Now, these iron ways are so well kept and well maintained that it’s a plus our mountain is offering to visitors.

When did you first pick up a camera to record your mountain adventures?

There are different kinds of via ferrata and they are classified from the easiest to the more challenging. An alpine guide will help you with all the suggestions and tips to start a very special experience - if you love it the choice is impressive and you can choose between different levels up to the more challenging ones which, of course, will bring you into a close to mystic experience since there will be all in it: challenge, effort, height, strength, fear, power, excitement but the reward will be worth it. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, just go and find out!

Actually, it’s hard to say but a few years ago I bought my first reflex camera with a couple of lenses. I wanted to record my kids’ activities when I realized my cell phone was not good enough to capture those special moments. I was immediately amazed by the capacity of a good camera of freezing the movement or illustrating the actions with such a sharpness and live details. I soon realised I couldn’t go out doing my own experiences and mountain adventures without my camera. I just wanted to vividly maintain my experiences with my pictures - and of course sharing this with my fellow adventurers.

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Can one still enjoy via ferrata if they are afraid of heights? Is it suitable for families to try?

It’s hard to say. I saw people who say they were afraid of heights going to via ferrata like walking in the town centre simply because the harness and carabiner clipped on the rope made them feel perfectly safe. But sometimes I saw athletic people just stuck by fear and unable to continue.

This is so personal and hard to predict. You need to try it. Of course, via ferrata is something so special and you can share this experience with all your family. This could become very interesting when you have teenage kids, always looking for something ‘big’ to do or to show and post. It’s always hard to convince them to go hiking or strolling together, but this will capture their attention for sure.

Are there any highlights during the summer that you would recommend to our clients, festivals for example?

During the summer season there are some important events, my favourite is on the first Sunday of July there is the local fair - this is quite an historical event and in the past times people from the nearby villages used to cross the mountain passes by foot, horses or mules to sell their products in the richer Cortina fair. Nowadays it’s more like a big market with interesting objects on sale. But what remains really historical on this day is the local Palio (like Siena) where all the 6 Cortina original hamlets will compete in different challenges wearing different colours and flags such as: a little run on the Cortina high street, tug-of-war, log cutting and sawing.

All the traditional dresses are present in town worn by locals, it is like a scene from a fairytale.

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