The Gambia News

Enjoy an elegant hotel by the sea during the Wine Festival of Monti

Jenny Adams - — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist tour operator, Sardinian Places is offering a short break to Sardinia this summer from £599pp, resulting in a saving of £172pp.

This price is based on two sharing a Deluxe Room with Balcony at the 4* Hotel Villa Margherita in Golfo Aranci, North East Sardinia, and is based on a three night duration with breakfast, arriving on Friday 3rd August 2012. The travel deal also includes return flights Gatwick-Olbia with Easyjet, taxes & airport transfers. This travel deal is subject to availability – please call to book 0845 330 2050.

Book Hotel by the Sea & enjoy Wine Festival of Monti

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hotel Villa Margherita: 3 nights from £599pp (save £172pp)
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/villa-margherita
Specialist tour operator, Sardinian Places is offering a short break to Sardinia this summer from £599pp, resulting in a saving of £172pp. This price is based on two sharing a Deluxe Room with Balcony at the 4* Hotel Villa Margherita in Golfo Aranci, North East Sardinia, and is based on a three night duration with breakfast, arriving on Friday 03 August. The travel deal also includes return flights Gatwick-Olbia with Easyjet, taxes & airport transfers.
This travel deal is subject to availability – please call to book: CALL SARDINIAN PLACES RESERVATIONS ON 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, Golfo Aranci is a seaside resort with a charming port. Perfect for couples, Hotel Villa Margherita is centrally located and directly positioned by the sea.

More on the wine festival of Monti this summer:
Monti is a century-old wine village. On the first Sunday of August the sweet smell of grapes is in the air, grapes which produce the pale yellow local wine*. People gather in the square near the 1956 Vermentino Cellar (the first on the island to have sold bulk bottled wine), for this two-day festival sampling the wine and folk dancing to local music, with vast bottles uncorked, open air cooking and fresh produce stalls to enjoy. Those staying at the hotel may take the TrEnoArchè – the historical train - from Golfo Aranci to the festival.

* The wine is delicate and refined, and in 1975 Vermentino's wine was confirmed by DOC (Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and in 1996 it also received recognition from the DOCG (Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita).

Why Corsican Places appeals to Families

Press Office - Corsican Places — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Leading, independent specialist Corsican Places offers the widest range of villas, apartments and hotels across the island of Corsica. The tour operator’s portfolio of accommodation and flight schedules, along with the island’s beaches, present a few factors as to why this destination and Corsican Places in particular appeals to Families:

Corsican Places Charter Flights
Corsican Places exclusively charters two flights into Calvi, North West Corsica: one from London Stansted with Titan Airways, and one from Manchester with Flybe. These two charter flights have many positive selling points for families, becoming a preferred choice compared to no-frills carriers operating into different airports on the island. Advantages include convenient morning departure times; pre-assigned seating; comfortable seat pitches; luggage allowance for infants* and creative resources (‘Kids’ Packs’) for children on board. Corsican Places also co-charters a flight into Figari, Southern Corsica with bmi. Sharing many features of the above, the flight schedule of this route perfectly coincides with accommodation check-in and check-out times.
As the UK’s closest Mediterranean island, the flight time to Corsica is short being no more than two hours, twenty minutes, which along with easy accommodation transfers makes it a very low stress destination.

Corsican Places Property Portfolio
With over 140 property choices within its portfolio, Corsican Places presents a ‘Property Guide’ to highlight those which are most suitable for families – villas with pools being a year on year favourite. In Corsica, all swimming pools are securely fenced, covered or alarmed as per French regulations. Foldable high chairs and cots (excluding cot linen) are provided free of charge in Corsican Places self-catering properties. Baby and booster seats can be requested in Corsican Places hire cars although the tour operator does advise taking the family’s own car seat and pushchairs – which can be carried free of charge on Corsican Places charter flights. The tour operator is able to arrange a babysitting service for those staying in self-catering properties (service on request).

Beaches in Corsica
Corsica has 1000km of coastline and close to 200 beaches, all of which are incredibly clean both in terms of the beaches themselves and also the quality of the water. The island’s diverse landscape means there is a similar variety in the makeup of beaches. White and gold sand beaches contrast with pebbles; main town beaches are complimented by hidden coves reached only by boat and foot. The shaded and gently shelving nature of many of the beaches offer peace of mind for families wanting to bathe and explore.

Suggested Family Days Out
With experienced staff in the UK office and a knowledgeable resort team based on the island year-round, Corsican Places is on hand to advise tried and tested fun and memorable family days out.
A ‘Top Ten Family Days Out’ is shortlisted in the tour operator’s brochure with headings such as ‘Coastal Train’, ‘Tortoise Sanctuaries’, ‘Treetops & Mountain Climbing’; ‘Craft Workshops & Local Produce’ and ‘Horse-riding, Pony Treks & Donkey Rides’.

Sample Family Property & Child Discounts
Corsican Places applies Child Discounts (children 02 – 12 years) throughout the whole season ranging from 10 – 15% with one child discount available per full fare paying adult. Call Corsican Places for more information & details. Family-friendly properties are plentiful and include the three-bedroom Casa Cassaninca in Calvi Town which from its elevated position offers far reaching views of both the sea and Calvi Citadel. New to the Corsican Places 2012 programme the air-conditioned villa comes complete with patio and enclosed private swimming pool and is just a twenty minute stroll from the sandy beach, centre of town and quayside. This season, 7 night holidays at this villa start from £574pp based on six sharing and including return flights London Stansted – Calvi or Manchester – Calvi, taxes, welcome pack and car hire.

Robert Ashton-Kane, Corsican Places island manager and parent who has lived permanently on the island for six years comments:
“The first thing that sets the island apart from many holiday destinations is the lack of “artificial” attractions that pervades many islands in the Mediterranean. There are no theme parks or water parks, no amusement arcades, only two go-kart tracks, hardly any nightclubs and a distinct absence of the “youth culture”. One of the underlying reasons for this is that Corsicans love children and the family is one of the most important things in their lives, so most of a child’s leisure time is spent with friends and family.”

For more information on holidays to Corsica, please contact Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

* Available on London Stansted – Calvi only.

Go with the Flow

Christopher Wakling - The Independent — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Children rarely scream at the sight of me. My own offspring, faced with my anger, might quiver a bit. But I'm not often that cross. I therefore didn't understand the terrified wailing when I first saw it in The Gambia. I was in a small village called Tubakulam, just north of the river which gives the country its name. A local mechanic, Ousman Camara, had kindly offered to show me around.

We had a cup of brutally strong green tea with his uncle, Nuha Darbo, while sitting on a wall and watching the sun dip towards the scrubby football pitch. Then we entered his family compound. Gambians mostly live together in communal extended-family groups: "best social security", Ousman explained. I met his sister, mother, aunts and assorted nephews and nieces.

All were astonishingly welcoming. I was invited to pound some rice, forgiven when I tired comically quickly in the heat, and – to change the subject, as much as anything else – shown the luscious cassava planted in the back-garden-field. The older children clustered around me yelling "Toubab!" ("it means white man, or tourist, in a nice way") and tried to hold my hands. I felt special. But the youngest child took one look at me and burst into tears.

I crouched down and smiled. The toddler screamed louder and buried his face in his mother's arms. She thought this very funny and thrust the child at me again. When he refused to calm down I beat a retreat.

To read the remainder of Chris Wakling's feature, please click to view the online version on The Independent website.

February Savings at Iberostar Club Boa Vista

Press Office - The Cape Verde Experience — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Independent, specialist The Cape Verde Experience is currently offering strong savings on holidays to Boa Vista, in particular to stay at the 4* hotel Iberostar Club Boa Vista.
www.capeverde.co.uk/iberostar

This club style resort is situated on the Areja de Chaves beach on Boa Vista - arguably one of the best beaches in the Cape Verde archipelago. Operating on an all-inclusive basis, the hotel offers the high quality facilities and service, as expected from the international Iberostar name.
Facilities include swimming pool & children’s pool; waiter drink service; spa; daily activity programme and evening entertainment. There is also free access to the tennis and multi-sports courts, as well as a weekly Cape Verde party on the beach.

Once again the Iberostar Club Boa Vista has triumphed as The Cape Verde Experience’s most popular hotel, according to the tour operator’s holiday questionnaire scores for November & December 2011.

Sample holiday packages with good discounts next month include 7 nights at the Iberostar Club Boa Vista from £829pp, valid for departures on 16 February and resulting in a saving of £260pp from brochure price. This price is based on two sharing a standard double room on an all-inclusive basis and includes return flights Manchester – Boa Vista, taxes (including visas) and transfers. Departures from London Gatwick, Birmingham, East Midlands and Glasgow may also be quoted for travel throughout February.

Call The Cape Verde Experience Reservations Department on 0845 330 2071 or visit www.capeverde.co.uk

5 Of The Best

Richard Trillo - ABTA Magazine — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Early Booking Offers - Expire 31 Jan

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places – Early Booking Offers for 27 May Departures (book by 31 Jan)

Sample Offers include:

Perfect for Couples ~ Hotel l’Onda, Calvi: 7 nights from £640pp
www.corsica.co.uk/londa
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the 3* Hotel l’Onda in Calvi from £640pp, valid for departure on 27 May and resulting in a saving of £50pp (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan). This price is based on two sharing a standard room with breakfast and includes return flights London Stansted – Calvi with Titan Airways or Manchester – Calvi with Flybe, taxes and transfers.
Situated in Calvi, Hotel l'Onda is only steps away from the beach and a ten minute stroll to the centre of town and marina.
CALL CORSICAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Perfect for Families ~ Villa Cléa, St Florent: 7 nights from £501pp
www.corsica.co.uk/villaclea
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the five bedroom Villa Cléa in St Florent from £501pp, valid for departure on 27 May and resulting in a saving of £50pp (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan). This price is based on nine sharing the property on a self-catering basis and includes return flights London Stansted – Calvi with Titan Airways or Manchester – Calvi with Flybe, taxes and car hire. Villa Cléa is a modern villa set on the heights of Fromentica enjoying a panorama of the sea and mountains beyond.
CALL CORSICAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Early Booking Offers - Expire 31 Jan

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist tour operator, Sardinian Places and sister company Corsican Places offer the widest selection of holiday accommodation to the UK market across the two islands of Corsica and Sardinia. There is still time to book an Early Booking Offer on 2012 holidays, valid if booked by 31 January 2012.
Sample Offers include:

Perfect for Couples ~ Hotel Arathena, San Pantaleo: 7 nights from £649pp
http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Accommodation/19000372/51372/Hotel-Arathena.aspx
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Arathena in San Pantaleo from £649pp, valid for 05 May departure and resulting in a saving of £193pp (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan).
This price is based on two sharing a standard room with breakfast and includes return flights London Gatwick – Olbia, taxes and car hire.
Presented in a traditional Sardinian style, Hotel Arathena houses à la carte restaurant ‘Balbacana’ serving a selection of local Sardinian dishes. The bars, market and boutiques of San Pantaleo are just a ten minute walk away.
CALL SARDINIAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Perfect for Families ~ La Mendula, San Pantaleo: 7 nights from £379pp
http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Accommodation/19000372/51634/La-Mendula.aspx
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the four bedroom La Mendula in San Pantaleo from £379pp, valid for departure on 05 & 12 May and resulting in a saving of £150 per person (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan).
This price is based on eight sharing the villa on a self-catering basis and includes return flights London Gatwick – Olbia, taxes and car hire.
Peacefully located in the Galluran countryside between Arzachena, San Pantaleo and the beaches of the Costa Smeralda, La Mendula offers a great setting for family holiday.
CALL SARDINIAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

All offers are subject to availability.

The Smiling Coast

Laura Cartledge - etc Magazine — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Peering out of the egg-shaped plane window at the grey, heavy sky and rain soaked runway it is hard to believe that in just six hours I will be in a completely different world. Yet sure enough as we start our decent the clouds part and beneath us Africa unrolls it’s warm red earth to welcome us.
The Gambia, known as the smiling coast of Africa, lives up to its reputation instantly as passengers exchange excited grins, eager and excited to get out and explore.The adventure begins with the baggage reclaim as a three-deep crowd clambers to be reunited with their belongings.And as boring black suitcase after boring black suitcase rolls past I regret not having brightened up my luggage.
Finally we make it to the bus and are given a very welcome ice cool bottle of water and a handmade wicker fan by The Gambia Experience team – and as I take my first sip it becomes clear we are going to be very well looked after. All aboard we make our way to the Coco Ocean Resort & Spa located in the coastal resort of Bijilo. It is only a 30 minute drive but it flies by as we all press our noses to the glass already captivated by the country. The roadside rolls past like a film reel with scenes of shop fronts adorned with hand painted signs, and men relaxing under trees while women with children strapped to their backs walk along balancing buckets on their heads. Before long we turn into our resort where the bustle of the streets is replaced by an instant air of calm. It is easy to see why the hotel is regarded as the most luxurious one in The Gambia and has become the place to stay for celebrities and discerning holidaymakers. The cool white walls, marble lined interior, domed roofs, high ceilings and abundance of lanterns create a Moroccan feel which at first seems strange, yet the way they all work together to maximise the natural light has something magical about it.
Following welcome drinks we are shown to our rooms and it is all I can do to keep my jaw hitting the floor when the glass front slides back to reveal floating, full length, white cotton curtains which reveal just a peek of what lies beyond. The floor was a checkers board of marble with a step up from the area with two sofas to the biggest bed I have ever seen. While the wall behind had two doors, one on each side of the bed, which concealed the ensuite - as luxury means not having to walk around to get to the bathroom. After a quick shower and change it was time for dinner. The hotel has a tasty choice of restaurants and menus with international chef cooking up the best cuisine from around the world. The main restaurant offers al fresco or more formal dining and with the weather being the perfect balance of balmy with a breeze we settle outside and tuck into a tasty avocado salad followed by succulent fish.
Well fed and worn out we retire for the night. The next morning I would like to say it was the cheerful bird song outside my room which awoke me but I am afraid nature was a bit closer than that, as a spider has been tempted by the plush pillows and massive mattress of my bed and it was he, crawling along my arm, that saw me spring into the second day.
After a breakfast of freshly baked pastries, freshly squeezed juice and perfectly poached eggs it was time to explore what else the hotel had to offer. Including tiered swimming pools stepping down to the sea, beach cabanas, rooms available for event hire which are understandably popular for weddings and a beautiful spa with everything you would expect and more. In fact there was so much to see it was almost possible to forget the wonders of the country just beyond the resort walls. Luckily our itinerary for the day began with a trip to Makasutu Cultural Forest, a 1000-acre conservation area and home to a unique eco resort in the heart of the African bush. Despite the growing heat we did manage to explore the dense palm forest and learn about the plethora of wildlife that called it home.
Our guide Mucki from West Africa Tours, provided a unique, informed and hilarious commentary, spotting a kingfisher he announced The Gambia boasts seven varieties of the bird, in comparison to England’s one.“That’s The Gambia seven, England one,” he would repeat. Meaning every sighting, be it of bird, lizard or baboon, would see England lose as he announced the score, football-style, with a grin of delight.
We then took to the water in canoes made from hollowed out silk trees to get a great view of the mango groves before returning to land and being entertained by a troop of baboons. At Makasutu we also saw the Mandina lodges, which have previously been awarded “Best Overseas Eco Development Project” by the British Guild of Travel Writers. Situated on stilts along the water edge the floating and jungle lodges look almost as if they have grown there rather than being built. Over a delicious lunch we meet owner Lawrence Williams whose passion for the area, and Africa, has fuelled a street art project called Wide Open Walls which works to bring art to the local communities. Lawrence came to the area as a backpacker after university and has never left, and when the time came for us to tear ourselves away and get back on the bus it was easy to see why.
For dinner we headed to Ngala Lodge, a stunning small intimate boutique style hotel which radiated an authentically African feeling from its rich red walls and tastefully picked traditional features. The food was equally as spectacular from the spoonsized amuse bouche, to the goats cheese and spiced vegetable spring rolls served on pickled cabbage with a garlic dip.They were honestly the best I have ever tasted and I could quite happily have eaten a bowl full, however that would have meant missing out on the delicious thai style banana crème brulee.
Day three of my stay coincided with Tobaski a public holiday with biblical foundations which has unfortunate repercussions if you are a ram… luckily our day didn’t include making any sacrifices instead we took a two hour catamaran trip up river from Lamin Lodge to Sitanunku Lodge. A new addition to The Gambia Experience portfolio Sitanunku is the perfect place for birdwatchers, fishers or those seeking a romantic hideaway. While some of us cool off in the plunge pool others take to the river in kayaks before we sit down, once more, to eat. On our return trip the sun is just beginning to set and the light at Lamin Lodge is captivating, making it the perfect end to another great day. After a breakfast of banana and chocolate pancakes we pop into Omakan hotel which is ideally placed for guests wanting to be closer to the Gambian village community. Something our next stop also includes as it is time for the part I have been looking forward to the most – the school visit.
First we head to a secondary school which has been helped by The Gambia Experience before visiting the primary school in Brikama which has been made possible, in part, to the work of Bognor Regis based charity Nyodema. Everyone was so welcoming and excited within minutes I found myself sat behind a little desk surrounded by smiling faces. It was exactly how a primary school should be full of life and fun.Too soon it was time to go. In fact time is a funny thing in The Gambia, to the point it is opening joked about. If you are told a journey, for instance, may take half an hour “Gambian time” you can expect it to take anywhere between ten minutes and two days. Of course this is partly due to the fact there are only seven sets of traffic lights in the country and that rams and cattle will always have right of way. However the relaxed pace does have its benefits as it feels like you are there for longer than you are. My four days honestly felt like it was a fortnight – but in a good way. The country still has so much for me to uncover which is just as well as I definitely plan to return.
www.etcmag.net

A Warm Welcome

Dominic Smith - The Argus - Saturday Magazine — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Through watery, bloodshot eyes, Papa Sang Jatta explained the only thing to do was return home with gifts.
“You’ve problems with your relationship,” he explained through our translator and guide, Mucki Bojang. “You don’t listen. You need to start giving to charity. Take some presents home for your family.” He was holding the palm of a curious Westerner in his left hand. In his right hand he had a wooden ivory tusk shaker which he rattled to call the spirits. The sweating patient gripped a mirror to help the shaman inspect his wrinkles and lines. The witch doctor stroked the fluffs of white hair on his chin and rubbed his wool hat. He patted down his blue shiny dress. Wrapped his white linen shawl tighter. Then cast out an inquisitive stare. “Well, it’s true I argue a lot,” replied our guinea pig, rapidly becoming self-analytical as some chickens scuttled away from baboons nosing about the bamboo shack. “He’s right, though. I’ve got to get my daughters something. Now, how much do I owe him?” We were in Makasutu Forest, in the west of The Gambia, a few hours’ drive south of the administrative capital, Banjul. Once the site of a bloody tribal battle and still haunted by demons and devils (there is a dead king buried somewhere beneath the cashew trees, apparently), the area is now notable for its playful monkeys who swing from trees like children in a jungle playground and splash about in the tributaries of the River Gambia. The place is not so isolated that old Papa Sang can’t receive post. The savvy man of 90 or 91 rains (no one can remember, especially not him) has his own PO box number. But such is the privacy available here Lawrence Williams, an Englishman who has travelled to every corner of Africa from Sudan to South Africa, is trying to turn the 1,000-acre forest into a cultural hideaway. He first visited The Gambia as an uncertain tourist 20 years ago and fell for Africa’s second smallest nation – bordered only by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean – immediately. Now he owns a bunch of exclusive floating residences, Mandina Lodges, not far from Papa Sang’s hutch. The reason: “It’s the only place in Africa I didn’t feel like an outsider.” But Williams is no khakiclothed colonial. The giant expander earrings and butterfly hand tattoos (surely to local jewellery tastes) suggest a love of street culture and art. As well as the luxury lodges, he runs Wide Open Walls: an art project whose first installation saw eight Western graffiti artists empty 1,000 cans of paint on Kubuneh village in the hope of beginning a trail whose profits will be reinvested in health and education programmes. The dream is to establish artled tourism in a country where cultural pursuits are scant. Good luck to him. Few come here for anything other than sun. But when it’s virtually guaranteed, why would you? Well, as well as intrigue and isolation, there is the varied and myriad wildlife: more butterflies than a keeper could count; rare birds, lizards, monkeys; and, in the cocktail bars on the Kololi strip, the wonderful syrupy Guinness you only find in Africa and local lager JulBrew. To reach Kubuneh, take a wooden canoe downriver, past the upside-down amber mangroves which have oysters (smoked to make the fine soup at Jo Jo’s restaurant in Kololi) clinging like leeches to their roots. Before setting sail, though, try the palm wine. The thick white goo, with its bitter lemon and lychee taste, can be drained and drunk immediately, while after three days’ fermenting it comes in at a fruity 13%. The locals call it zum zum juice: drink the lot and your head goes zum zum. Once we’d lowered ourselves into the slightly leaky vessel, my head was certainly humming something.
Things cleared up back on dry land at my hotel, Coco Ocean, where staff outnumber guests by three to one. It’s the biggest employer in the country and its aim is luxury. The presidential suite – popular with Moroccan royalty and Nigerian capital Lagos’s high society – is yours for 1,900 euros per night. Whether it’s thanks to the pools and spas and beachside service or perceived threats outside the complex (the “bumsters” who befriend visitors in exchange, they hope, for money), tour guide Mucki said most visitors keep to the hotels and their immediate environs. Shame. Almost every soul you meet – at Brikama market with its rainbow colours and withered but GM-free aubergines, in Serrekunda, beside the silk cotton tree and wrestling arena with contenders in loin cloth, in the local schools filled with mischievous children so adorable a couple from Bognor were moved to pay for
their new school – wants only to find out about you and your world.
The Gambia is a flat, watery country whose name comes from the main river British colonialists once mistook for the Nile. We dragged ourselves away from Coco Ocean on the southern bank for a blissful three-hour catamaran (£55 per person) journey over the River Gambia to the North Bank. As we sailed on to another scruffy paradise, Sitanunku, the only sound was the swoosh of dolphins riding the bow. No major resort, with only plump baobab trees and modernist huts to distract from the beachside plunge pool, Sitanunku is the place to write that novel.
For inspiration, there are kayaks to reach uninhabited Dog Island. But most people come for the fishing. Living off shore are captain fish, barracuda and yellowfin tuna so large they’ve stopped counting world records. It sounded like a fisherman’s tale worthy of Hemingway, but Alhagie Sarr said he once spent 12 hours fighting a tarpoon. There were four men in the boat and at 7am the beast was hooked. By 7pm, after a series of long, exhausting shifts, the crew landed a fish as big as the boat and as wide as three men. Still, there was no regret when he wriggled out. There is a café where the chef will cook your catch or serve you one of the meaty white fish such as benachin or butter-fish that seem to be on every menu. Fishing is the last thought over at Sanyang beach, where the Atlantic is warm, if never calm, and the long stretch of sand seems to wrap its way around the entire coastline. For £45 West African Tours will drive you there and organise a beachside buffet lunch, before securing you an invitation to a traditional family compound, be it brick or mud, containing up to 40 people.
Lamb, sacrificed and spiced for the most important day in the calendar, Tobaski, was dished out at the compound we visited. And because sharing is the essence of the feast, which commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah and the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, we all sat round with greasy fingers and big smiles.
As we drove back to the hotel and on to the airport, past hundreds of skinny goats left over from the festival, the words from Papa Sang Jatta rang around my head. I contemplated giving one a new home, but instead reflected on how my own spiritual journey was over.

Happy Holidays

Jon Reeve - Southampton Daily Echo — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

SOMETIMES, you just can’t help smiling. You know that feeling when, quite unconsciously, you find yourself wearing a huge grin on your face? Well if you don’t, then after a few days in The Gambia you soon will.
It’s not so much the glorious weather, the wonderful wildlife, fantastic hotels or the stunning scenery – although they obviously all play their part. No, the thing that really stands The Gambia aside from the drudgery of a typically cold, grey and miserable English winter just a six-hour direct flight away, is its people.
The country, which snakes inland from the Atlantic Ocean along the course of the river from which it takes its name, is known as the continent’s smiling coast. And it doesn’t take long to realise why. It’s quite simply infectious, and everyone’s at it. If you’re not smiling, you’re the odd one out. The Gambian people pride themselves on their sunny good nature, and there is no more obvious a sign of their warmth and friendliness than the beaming smiles that seem to be a default on everyone’s faces.
Everywhere you go, people seem to be incredibly happy. Whether they’re serving you dinner, driving a taxi, or just going about their daily business, there’s an overwhelmingly positive outlook on life. And watching African life in action is fascinating. Driving through towns, the streets are lined with improvised-looking huts and shacks, as well as sturdier brick buildings, which all house bars, cafes and shops, with groups of men sitting around outside seemingly setting the world to rights.
As you head into the countryside, which is surprisingly green after the summertime rainy season, the buildings become scarcer, only to become replaced by sporadic stalls selling fruit and vegetables, and people waiting to catch a ride in a brightly coloured taxi or one of the many ramshackle and crowded minibuses that dominate the roads. But it’s when you get out of the car that you really get a feel for the extraordinary country and its people.
The market at The Gambia’s second largest city, Brikama, was such a hive of activity it made Southampton’s WestQuay look like a library. We visited on the busiest day of the year, the eve of Tobaski – which is the predominantly Muslim country’s equivalent of Christmas – and it was extraordinary. Everywhere we turned, there were impeccably dressed people swarming through a seemingly disorganised hotch-potch of street displays and stalls accessed through narrow pathways, offering everything from traditional clothing to electrical goods to a few peppers or onions. And despite the apparent chaos, those smiles and good humour continued to shine through.
The hustle and bustle of the busy market couldn’t have contrasted more than with the relaxed tranquillity of hotel life on offer in The Gambia. We stayed in the serene Coco Ocean, an oasis of calm sitting alongside the golden sand Atlantic Ocean beach, just a couple of miles and a short taxi ride from the main tourist area of Kololi, with its lively strip of restaurants and bars offering alternatives to the laid back resorts. Opened three years ago, the colonial-style five-star spa and hotel complex boasts a range of suites and facilities to cater for guests on a variety of budgets, ranging up to the palatial Presidential Suite, which as its name suggests, has hosted heads of state and celebrities from across Africa
and beyond. Coco Ocean’s striking whitewashed and distinctively domed buildings are spaciously laid out among palm trees and green gardens, creating an oasis of calm for the perfect winter getaway. Coco Ocean has a mixture of open-air and covered restaurants offering the option of eating African, European and Thai cuisine indoors or in the open air, and bars where you can unwind by the pools or fountains, with only the sound of crashing waves to disturb you.
Further afield, the choice offered at the exclusive complex is replicated across The Gambia, which boasts plenty of hotel options to cater for different tastes and varied holiday experiences. A few miles up the coast from the Coco Ocean, the boutique suites at the quaint Ngala Lodge provide a perfect child-free couples’ retreat.
Away from the coast, guests are outnumbered by the cute and fascinating baboons wandering around the exclusive Mandina Lodges in the 1,000-acre Makasutu Forest. Its eight various lodges sit on stilts or float on the water of a tributary of the River Gambia, where visitors get an authentic feel for the African bush and its wildlife.
Taking a leisurely catamaran trip across the river to the north bank, passing the time sunbathing on deck or watching the playful dolphins leaping from the water in front of the boat, you are whisked off to the remote haven of Sitanunku. Here, just five lodges and a small bar and restaurant are set on a picturesque peninsula, providing guests with the ultimate back-to-nature getaway.
Or for those wanting to explore the true Gambia, the delightful Omakan Hotel is hidden away in the small village of Sukutu, where staff are only too happy to provide guests with information needed to see the country. But however you choose to experience this wonderful country, I bet it leaves you smiling.
FACTFILE
The Gambia Experience, based in Whiteley, is the UK’s only specialist and biggest tour operator to The Gambia, operating from Gatwick. Call 0845 330 2087 or visit gambia.co.uk
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa costs from £1,035 per person for a seven-night B&B stay in a junior suite, including flights, hotel transfers and airport taxes.

Happy Holidays

Jon Reeve - Hampshire Chronicle — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Gambia Experience

Tim Metcalfe - Limited Edition - Kent — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Walking along Sanyang beach with my feet in Atlantic surf, I fell into conversation with one of The Gambia’s so-called 'bumsters' – grifters who make a living selling trinkets to tourists. These sort of conversations usually result in an exchange of cash for an item you do not need. And that is exactly what happened here — but in the course of my chat with Kalilu Camara I learned that his dream was to become a teacher and build a school in his village of Sanyang.
Was this a line he spun to all the tourists dropping in to sample the delights of his country, I wondered? Pondering this question later it seemed to me that this young man scraping a living on the beach appeared pretty genuine. As well as wanting cash for his seashells, he also asked if I could send him a copy of the Oxford English Dictionary — once we had shared information about what part of the UK I was visitng from.
The beauty of the palm-fringed beach and the circumstances of young Kalilu summed up the contradictions you may discover on a visit to this still developing West African country. The main tourist season in The Gambia runs from November to April — perfect for getting away from the cold, damp and sometimes snowy UK. Humidity increases between July and October, and the rains arrive from August to September. So visitors can experience luxury accommodation in the tourist hotels while soaking up some guaranteed winter sun.
Coco Ocean — where our party of visiting journalists stayed — is a 'village' style resort right on the beach in the tourist area of Bijilo. Designed using a Moroccan architectural theme, it has a spa, offering all kinds of treatments, several swimming pools, bars and restaurants, with rooms and suites to suit most pockets.
Coco Ocean is billed as The Gambia's most luxurious hotel, and has attracted royal visitors from the Middle East and has proved a wonderful location for weddings with a difference, with couples tying the knot in beautifully appointed marquees on the beach. My suite was decorated Moroccan-style, with an amazingly comfortable bed, essential air-con, and a tiled bathroom with a wet-room style shower. Other suites within the resorts did have baths, should guests prefer one.
Facilities at the top-end hotels, such as the Coco Ocean resort and spa, match anything you would find at European or Caribbean resorts. Restaurants within the resort offered a mix of dishes — making good use of the local fish, while catering for European tastes. Gambia may be a Muslim nation, but the country has its own brewery, producing a fine lager called Julbrew — which became the drink of choice among most of our group. If large resort-style hotels are not your scene, The Gambia also offers many smaller guest houses and intimate boutique hotels, such as the beautiful Omakan in the village of Sukuta, owned by the charming and enthusiastic exmusic producer Peter Vanderhallen, or the elegant Ngala Lodge in Fajara. If you wished, you could spend an enjoyable winter break in the sun without moving away from your hotel. But, by not stepping outside your hotel, you would miss experiencing the colourful, fascinating and sometimes chaotic culture of The Gambia found away from the tourist areas. My trip coincided with the Muslim festival of Tabaski, in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ismail, in the name of Allah. Every married man or head of household is expected to buy a sheep or other suitable animal for sacrifice.
Tabaski is a massive nationwide barbecue – with visits to the mosque and family celebrations throughout the day. Gambians wear their finest clothes and visit their family and friends. Flocks of goats lined the roadsides and the local markets were packed with people doing last-minute shopping. Imagine our supermarkets on Christmas Eve, add the smells and sounds and bright colours of Africa, and you will get the idea. I experienced the crush first-hand on a bewildering whistle-stop tour of the busy market in the conurbation of Brikama — a labyrinth of stalls and meandering alleyways. You will need the services of a local guide (your travel company will be able to supply details) but this is an experience not to be missed. Stand still long enough amid the bustle and you will also inevitably fall into conversation with friendly passers-by, mostly interested in what you are doing in their country.
English remains the main language of The Gambia, and is taught in schools, so communication is not generally a problem. You can also easily mix a beach resort-style holiday with something a little more adventurous. For example you can get back to nature within the Makasutu Cultural Forest, a 1,000 acre conservation area which is where you will find the Mandina Lodges, a unique eco-resort set in the heart of the Gambian bush. Makasutu was founded by two British men, the late James English and his nephew Lawrence Williams. Originally the well-travelled pair had the idea of setting up a backpackers hostel, but ended up successfully attempting to prevent degradation of the forest by creating a popular tourist destination. Lawrence is also a founder of the Wide Open Walls project, an innovative scheme with has brought street artists to The Gambia.
At Makasutu you can get really close to nature while staying in luxurious lodges, either floating or on stilts over the river or within jungle lodges set back from the water in the bush. The Mandina Lodges have been voted Best Overseas Development Project by the British Guild of Travel Writers. The forest is still home to the indigenous people of the area, who visitors can meet on guided walks through the bush. I enjoyed a trip through the mangroves in a dug-out canoe (known as pirogues) seeing a variety of birds and wildlife. The Gambia has become popular among birdwatchers, with the likes of Autumnwatch presenter Chris Packham leading groups who want to see some of the country's exotic bird life — which includes many species of hornbills, various kingfishers, large and small, plus the fantastic glossy blue starling and some beautiful birds of prey, including the osprey.
While The Gambia may not have big cats or elephants – you will encounter many species of monkey. We were lucky enough to see some rare Western Red Colobus monkeys leaping through palm trees in the Tanji reserve. Fishing is another big attraction for visitors to The Gambia – and a perfect place to base yourself for a trip with rod and line is the new Sitanunku Lodge — a collection of simple (solar-powered) riverside lodges on the north bank of the River Gambia. It will take you a couple of hours to reach Sitanuku by boat. You might be lucky enough — as we were — to see pods of dolphins surfing the bow wave of your boat. Sitanunku is a wonderfully peaceful place, with two pools to relax in and a bar/restaurant area where you can sit in the shade of 400 year-old baobab trees populated, at certain times of the day, by green parrots. The perfect place to sit and write that best-selling novel if you have one in you. But if you are feeling more active you can loan a kayak and explore the river further. Keen anglers visiting The Gambia can hope to catch Cubera Snapper, captain Fish, Barracuda, Lady Fish, Cassava and even large rays. The river around Sitanunku is also home to big Tarpon (upwards of 150kg) which provide a real challenge. Fish is a big part of the local diet and you can enjoy it fresh from the river in the many good restaurants in the Senegambia tourist area. The variety of food on offer was perhaps the thing that surprised me most — you can try local Gambian dishes or go for a combination of European and international menus at the lively restaurants on the Senegambia 'strip'. I tried and enjoyed a Gambian speciality called Benachin — a tasty dish of fish, rice and vegetables.
Of course, The Gambia does have its problems. People are, largely, very poor and climate change could be having an impact on the country. The water table is falling and there are problems with deforestation — which The Gambia Experience is helping to address by supporting environmental management projects in villages where wood is the primary fuel source. But, only six hours away from UK airports, The Gambia provides a great introduction to West Africa, and, if you get hooked, could be the launch-pad for further exploration. Many people return to the country year-after-year, enchanted by the people and the culture. I think I could be one of them.

Blue Sky Thinking

Tim Metcalfe - Oxfordshire Limited Edition — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Normal Service Resumes at Kombo Beach

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Kombo Beach Hotel is back in full working order following a fire on New Year’s Eve which damaged some of the beachfront public areas. Where appropriate food and beverage services were relocated to other areas within the hotel by New Year’s Day and a comprehensive clean-up operation is well underway. Disruption to hotel guests at the time was kept to a minimum with many holidaymakers praising the hard work of the staff to ensure the continued smooth running of the hotel.

Bonifacio - Unforgettable Cruise Excursions

Gillian Thornton - The Travel Editor — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Perched on high cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is spectacular from any angle, but especially from the water. Take a one-hour cruise excursion beneath the sheer cliffs or spend a relaxing few hours on the unspoilt Iles Lavezzi.

Introduction to Gillian Thornton's Corsica feature as appears on The Travel Editor website.
To read her article in full please click on the below link

Start your African Adventure Here

Nicola Fairhurst - Kent Messenger — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE roar of the Atlantic welcomed me to the Coco Ocean resort & Spa on the Gambian coast. After a relatively short journey from London – the flight is six hours – you can be sipping a sundowner in the West African heat by tea-time, leaving the British winter well and truly behind you.
Gambia has emerged as a winter destination to rival traditional out of season hotspots but it offers more than just sun, sea and sand. The Gambia is one of Africa’s smallest countries, sandwiched in the middle of Senegal and divided by the River Gambia which first attracted the British to its shores. It’s coastline is a sliver of golden sand, lined with palm trees and lush vegetation, the air filled with the sound of exotic birds and the call of monkeys.
My short break was arranged by The Gambia Experience who have been showing visitors the delights of West Africa for 25 years. Their choice of hotels and lodges cater for all tastes and budgets but also bring guests closer to the real Gambia. I was staying at the Coco Ocean, considered the most luxurious hotel in The Gambia. The opulent Moroccan-inspired architecture, with domes, whitewashed walls, and tiered gardens sloping toward the sea, offers guests peace and tranquillity. And if the beach-side cabanas aren’t enough to help you unwind, the spa offers a range of treatments to tempt you away from your sunbed. As it wasn’t my first visit to Africa, I was not surprised that the suites were a little rough round the edges but the facilities, service and enthusiastic staff justify the five-star rating.
The one thing that sets The Gambia apart from its rivals are the people, who are friendly and seem to want to personally welcome every visitor to their country. My tour guide Mucki, with a passion for all things Gambian, was keen to boast of all of the country’s many hidden secrets, from the many species of butterfly, to the rare Western red colobus monkey only found in this part of Africa. We dropped in for lunch at the Mandina Lodges after floating upstream in a hollowed-out canoe and found an oasis in the African bush and a world away from the cold and rain at home. Hidden in the midst of Makasutu Forest, guests are assigned a guide for the duration of their stay to explore the tributaries of the River Gambia by canoe or wander through the forest to spot their nearest neighbours – a troop of baboons.
The following day after my jungle adventure, I travelled by catamaran to Sitanunku Lodge on the north bank of the River Gambia. The simple lodges are nestled under Baobab trees and surrounded by vibrant pink and red flowers, with views of the river. While away an afternoon in the plunge pool, or take to the water as I did on a kayak and paddle around the headland. After working up an appetite on the river, I tucked into seafood tapas and beautifully grilled butterfish. On the return journey down river, dolphins danced under the bows of the boat as the sun set on another day in paradise.
So the secret is out, The Gambia offers more than just winter sun and will be the perfect place to start your African adventure.

Factfile
The Gambia Experience is a trade name of Serenity Holidays, established for 24 years. They are the UK’s only specialist and biggest tour operator to The Gambia, operating year round from Gatwick. Contact: The Gambia Experience Reservations - phone 0845 330 2087 or visit www.gambia.co.uk
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa www.gambia.co.uk/cocoocean is exclusive to UK visitors throughThe Gambia Experience. Prices for a seven-night stay start from £1,035 per person (November 28- Dec 11) or £1,097 (April 13-30). Prices include flights, hotel transfers and airport taxes.
Daytime flights with Monarch fly from Gatwick departing on Tuesdays and Fridays during winter 2011/12. All excursions can be booked locally through your representative at the hotel and are operated by West African Tours. The day trip to Sitanunku by catamaran costs £55 per person and includes a BBQ lunch.

Fly south for the winter

Judith Edwards - Reading Chronicle & Bracknell News Christmas Supplement — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Endless sunshine, expansive beaches, gourmet dining, breathtakingly delightful hotels, a palatial spa, wildlife and nature. This is The Gambia and its delights are just a six-hour flight away

Sardinian Places 2012 Now on Sale

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places, the UK’s leading Sardinia specialist has released its 2012 holiday prices ahead of its new brochure arriving with customers in the New Year. The 2012 Collection is available to view online at www.sardinianplaces.co.uk, with clients able to book through the website or by telephone.

The tour operator continues to offer the largest portfolio of Sardinian properties to the UK holiday market (over 80 choices), with hotels, villas and apartments across the island. There are ten new property additions for 2012, which include:

Wine Resort Leda d'Ittiri, Alghero
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/leda-dlttiri
Set in 18 hectares of grounds filled with vineyards and olive trees, Wine Resort Leda d’Ittiri is a renovated farmhouse - complete with antique furniture - offering just five guestrooms. Guided tours of the vineyards and olive groves, as well as wine tastings can be arranged by the hotel, which also has a swimming pool, as well as hire bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside.

Villa Montemoro, Santa Teresina
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/montemoro
Occupying a vantage point 300m above sea level, the three-bedroom Villa Montemoro enjoys one of the finest sea views within the Sardinian Places collection. The views encompass the coastline and mountains for miles around – from the Costa Smeralda on one side, to the Gulf of Arzachena, the Archipelago of la Maddalena, and as far as Corsica on the other side.

Apartment Vista Mare, Porto Istana
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/vista-mare
The two-bedroom Apartment Vista Mare is situated in the small seaside resort of Porto Istana, just south of Olbia. The covered balcony – running the length of the property – affords views across the
Golfo di Porto Istana. Nearby there is a choice of unspoilt creeks - all with views across to the islands of Tavolara and Molara - offering opportunities to swim in crystal clear waters.

The flight capacity into Sardinia has slightly increased year on year for 2012, and will include a second London Gatwick – Olbia Easyjet flight operating on Saturdays from mid-July. However, despite this increase, flight prices are higher, particularly on key dates such as Half Term, therefore Sardinian Places advises early booking to avoid higher prices closer to departure dates.

The specialist is currently offering three choices of Early Booking Offers on its 2012 holidays, valid if booked by 30 December 2011. These include savings of up to £200 per week on accommodation-only bookings; savings of up to 20% per person on hotel-based bookings; and 10% child discounts available per full paying adult on package holidays. Conditions apply - please contact Sardinian Places for more details. http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Savings.aspx

Sardinian Places can book packages (including any of the UK direct flight routes into the island –subject to availability), as well as accommodation-only for its customers. Next season, (2012), 7-night holidays with Sardinian Places start from £399 per person, based on eight sharing self-catering accommodation at the four-bedroom Sardinian villa, La Mendula, located in the seaside resort of Cannigione. This price includes return flights, car hire & welcome hamper.

The 2012 brochure is available to pre-order online at www.sardinianplaces.co.uk or by calling Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050.

Philippa Clarke explores the Cape Verde islands

Philippa Clarke - The Daily Mirror — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Just six years ago, the little known Cape Verde islands were hailed as the great new winter sun destination.

Ideally situated off the West Coast of Africa, kept cool from the stifling tropical heat by gentle trade winds, and with mile upon mile of white deserted sand, it was dubbed the “European Caribbean”.

With only a five-and-half hour flight from the UK, it seemed a new paradise had been discovered.

This is the introduction to Philippa Clarke's Cape Verde feature as published in The Sunday Mirror in November 2011. To read this feature please click on The Sunday Mirror web link.

Cape Verde: sun, sea and lots and lots of sand

Tracey Macleod - The Independent — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Families of Britain, gather round. I have found it – the holy grail of holiday destinations. It's hot. It's cheap. And it's less than a six-hour flight away. I'm talking about... Cape Verde! (Cue embarrassed silence, and some shuffling.)

That's pretty much how it went after we came home, when my burbling enthusiasm for our recent destination was met by blank looks and polite murmurs. Name recognition of this archipelago of mid-Atlantic islands 310 miles off the coast of Senegal is almost zero, and most of those who've heard of it know it only as the homeland of the footballer Nani, or the just-retired world-music goddess Césaria Évora, the "Barefoot Diva".

But for anyone looking for guaranteed tropical sunshine, miles of unspoiled white-sand beaches and a low-key, laid-back family experience, it's a fantastic option; like discovering the missing link between the Canaries and the Caribbean. Cape Verde's 10 islands, formerly Portuguese colonies but independent since 1975, have only recently opened up to mass tourism, with the completion of international airports on Boa Vista and Sal. Some of the islands are lush and jungly. Our destination, Boa Vista, is basically a lump of parched volcanic rock. But it has beaches – oh boy, does it ever have beaches.

It was the sheer quantity of sand that came as a shock when we first arrived. Acres of the stuff, dumped over the Atlantic by winds from the Sahara, stretched away in every direction in front of our hotel by the pristine Praia De Chaves beach, on the island's west coast. To a family whose last five holidays have been spent combing Mediterranean islands in vain for a pebbly strip to swim from, it wasn't so much a beach as a mind-blowing parallel universe. A constant wind naps the sand into a desert-like landscape of ribbed undulations and heaps it into spectacular Saharan dunes that tower over the beach.

On the other hand, the wind also whipped the sea into huge breakers – the kind of conditions only a kite-surfer could love – making it a place for children to paddle and splash in, rather than swim. Our hotel, the Royal Decameron, operated a flag system, indicating when the sea was safe. It seemed to be red-for-danger most of the week, though I did get a couple of opportunities to push myself through the broiling white foam to the clear green water beyond the breakers.

A beach where you can't really swim sounds disappointing, but it wasn't. Just sitting and watching the waves, and the zip-wire effect as cross-currents ripped across the surface, was blissful, and there was always the possibility that a humpback whale might put in an appearance.

"No stress", we were told several times, is the Cape Verde motto, and the package offered by the Royal Decameron delivered on that promise. We'd never been on an all-inclusive family holiday before, but after a week, we were converts. What had we been doing all these years in our self-catering villas, renting cars, and shopping, and cooking, and washing up (the use of "we" is a formality, obviously), when we could have just been lying around by the pool drinking unlimited beer? In Cape Verde, we got a proper, relaxing break, with all the convenience and ease of a package holiday, but without any of the crowds.

Best of all, from a "no stress" point of view, was the lack of fuss and fretting around mealtimes. Usually on holiday, I torment myself and my captives, forcing everyone to drive for miles to sample the amazing grilled sardines in some far-flung taverna I've read about on TripAdvisor. What a liberation to be limited to only three restaurants – the one in the hotel, the other one near the beach, or the snack bar. When I explained to my 10-year-old, who was tucking into his second pizza, that you didn't even need to pay for anything, he breathed: "This has got to be one of the best hotels in the world."

We were one of only a few British families, our native tongue signalled by a coloured wristband. Most of the staff spoke a little English, but our nationality meant we could move around almost unnoticed, safe from the forced jollities of the dreaded "animation" team. By day, this tireless troupe of French and Cape Verdean youngsters staffed the kids' club and conducted exercise and dance classes by the pool. At night they put on dance shows, and dragged lumpen Europeans up to salsa with them.

Music is everywhere in Cape Verde, from the jaunty piped Afro-pop that was played by the main pool all day, to the visiting musicians who performed murmuring fado-like mornas at night. Like so much about the islands, the music fuses influences from Europe, Africa and South America – a product of the islands' history as an important provisioning call for sailing ships en route to South America, and later a trading post for the West African slave trade.

The last century hasn't been kind to the Cape Verde islands: economic emigration, mostly to Portugal, became the only option for many of its men. Boa Vista, whose only natural resource is salt, was plagued by droughts. A few years ago, members of a remote coastal community were desperate enough to resort to eating the rare loggerhead turtles that breed there. However, in recent years, the Cape Verdean government has been investing heavily to promote the poorer islands as tourist resorts. Boa Vista opened up to international flights in 2007, and new roads and hotels are springing up. While the island still feels undeveloped, it probably won't do for long.

The main town, Sal Rei, still shows its colonial bones beneath the gaudily painted concrete and rubble, but it has a long way to go before it's a tourist destination in its own right. I joined a French excursion from the hotel to watch a service at the evangelical church. The poverty, and the persistent attentions of hawkers trying to sell me bad art (and in one mortifying encounter, trying to arrange a night-time rendezvous on the beach), made for a dispiriting experience.

Much more fun was a day-trip we took with a local guide, Dada, to Santa Monica beach, 11 miles of undeveloped white sand. Reachable by 4x4, down miles of bumpy track, it's on the southern, sheltered side of the island, which means no wind and no waves. We finally got our swim.

The journey home – with Dada driving straight at vertical sand dunes, the car straining to the top and careening down the other side – the boys declared to be the best adventure they'd ever had.

Our last day in Boa Vista presented us with the ultimate leaving gift. As we sat on the beach, I spotted a burst of white water, then a flash of white belly, and a humpback whale came cresting out the water quite near to shore. We watched it pass along the length of the bay, twisting and diving, as 500 excited guests came pouring out of the hotel to film it.

At my children's insistence, we are planning a return to Cape Verde. Boa Vista isn't smart, or cool, or designery. Nor is there a huge amount to do, unless you're prepared to throw your lot in with the French, and allow the animation team to teach you to Charleston, or zumba, in the broiling mid-morning heat. But it's hot, it's fairly close to the UK, and it's relatively cheap. And we loved it.

Price Match Guarantee for October Bookings

Press Office - The Gambia Experience — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist tour operator, The Gambia Experience has introduced a Price Match Guarantee*, valid for winter holidays (November 2011 – April 2012) if booked in October 2011. The guarantee means that if a holidaymaker finds the same holiday cheaper anywhere else, The Gambia Experience will match the price. NB: Must be based on same departure date, departure airport, hotel, board basis and room type.

The Gambia Experience is pleased to announce that holiday questionnaire feedback for the winter season 2010/11 has revealed that 95% of its customers said they would return to The Gambia, and 97% of its customers said they would recommend The Gambia Experience to their friends.

For more on The Gambia Experience’s ‘superior holiday service’ and holiday packages for this winter, please visit www.gambia.co.uk or call The Gambia Experience Reservations Department on 0845 330 2087.

* The Price Match Guarantee excludes the Kairaba Hotel for stays over Christmas & New Year.

2012 Holidays now on Sale with Early Booking Offers

Press Office - Corsican Places — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places, the UK’s leading Corsica specialist, released 2012 holiday prices today [Monday 03 October] ahead of its new 2012 brochure arriving with customers next month. The tour operator continues to offer the largest portfolio of Corsican properties to the UK holiday market – currently 140, but with more to be added to the Corsican Places website, www.corsica.co.uk
Highlights of the new 2012 collection include:

NEW PROPERTIES
Six new hotels & eight new self-catering properties including:

Le Moulin de Borgolaccio – Ville di Paraso
www.corsica.co.uk/borgolaccio
New for 2012, Le Moulin de Borgolaccio is a renovated flour mill set in the mountainous villages of La Balagne, affording views across the Regino valley. This three-bedroom house – retaining original features such as a grinding wheel – is a must for those seeking a character property in a rural location.

La Tour de Calanca – Olmeto Plage
www.corsica.co.uk/calanca
The most unique property in the Corsican Places collection is la Tour de Calanca - dating back to the 15th century and originally a watchtower, it was designed to protect the Corsican coast from pirate invasion. This one-bedroom house comes complete with rooftop terrace and views over the Valinco Bay and is just a stroll away from a secluded beach.

NEW FLIGHT: MANCHESTER – CALVI WITH FLYBE
Corsican Places is pleased to announce that it will charter a new flight route for 2012: Manchester – Calvi with Flybe, aboard the airline’s brand new E175 aircraft.
Next season (2012), Corsican Places will also continue to charter its London Stansted – Calvi flight with Titan Airways, as well as again offer the London Heathrow – Figari flight with bmi British Midland. Corsican Places can book holiday packages incorporating any of the UK flight routes into the island – subject to availability.

EARLY BOOKING OFFERS
Corsican Places is also offering a range of Early Booking Offers on its 2012 holidays, valid if booked by 30 November 2011. These include savings of £50 per person on flight inclusive holidays* staying at chosen properties, for travel on selected dates in May, June or September 2012.
Increased Child Discounts and Free UK Airport Lounge Access are also available. Please see www.corsica.co.uk for more details.

Next season, prices start from £399 per person (four sharing), based on seven nights self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment, including flights and transfers. For more information, call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk.

* must include either the Stansted – Calvi; Manchester – Calvi OR London Heathrow – Figari flights.

Small is beautiful on this African adventure

Derek James - Norwich Evening News — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Small is beautiful on this African adventure

In the smallest mainland African country, small really is beautiful. Derek James reports on new resorts in The Gambia, a far cry from the bold and brash all-inclusive hotels which are now dominating the winter sunshine market.

There was a time when many people who visited The Gambia spent most of the time lying on the beach or around the pool with the occasional wander to the bar and the odd excursion into the “bush.” Local culture came from a visit to the hotel by dancers and musicians and a trip to the local market to stock up on African souvenirs. That’s fine but some of you may think that is a crying shame because outside the hotel there is a country which could change your life. Many visitors who did venture outside, meet and make friends with Gambians and discover their way of life, found their own lives taking on a new course. Yes of course there is poverty – this is Africa – but there is also laughter, lots of it, and Gambians are among the most friendly and welcoming people in the world.

The granddaddy of tourism to the Smiling Coast of West Africa is The Gambia Experience which has been sending people there for almost a quarter of a century. They have the biggest and best resort team, led so well by Joyce Stavroulakis, and offer more hotels than any other operator.

Earlier this year I visited the country to take a look at two new resorts on offer for the first time this season and called in at an old favourite. Three very different places to stay which illustrate how this country is reaching out to holidaymakers looking for more than just sun this winter. It may be a little land but it has a big heart.

NGALA LODGE
“Stop!” I said.
The taxi driver, who told me he knew “every inch of my land,” screeched to a halt.
He had been bowling along the coastal highway running towards Cape Point and had driven straight past the modest entrance to Ngala Lodge. It’s not often you get one over on a taxi driver, especially a Gambian one in his own country. “Just checking you knew where it was,” he laughed as we turned around. To be fair this isn’t a glitzy hotel with a flash entrance. It’s a colonial mansion which has been turned into a wonderfulplace to stay – and if you want to relax in stunning surroundings then this is the place for you. There is nowhere else quite like it. A smile and a handshake awaits you at reception and from then on, until the day of departure, they will look after your every need.
Most of the staff have been at the lodge for a long time and many of the guests who return every year, have become a good friends. Staying here is more like being a guest of a wealthy friend rather than staying in a hotel. It is discreet, intimate with a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a perfect position overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean. By day you can enjoy the gardens, the pool, or the beach and at night sit on your large balcony enjoying a drink and listening to the waves roll in. There are only 18 rooms. You can stay in one of the suites in the main lodge or in upgraded Manor or Atlantic rooms, with gardens and Jacuzzis. The working town of Bakau, a great place to visit and not spoilt by tourism, is
within walking distance. Oh, and I forget to say the restaurant at Ngala, overlooking the ocean, is one of
the best in the country. View the menus on www.Gambia.co.uk/ngalarestaurant

OMAKAN HOTEL
Most tourist hotels overlook a beach which is fine if that is what you are looking for…but the Omakan, being offered for the first time by The Gambia Experience, is very different. As a guest here you will be surrounded by the real Africa well away from the coastal area packed with tourists. So much thought and care has gone into designing this small, first class hotel, which offers magnificent rooms and facilities. Once again the welcome by owner Peter and his staff is as warm as the weather. They will meet you at the airport and take you straight to the Omakan, in Sukuta, a place they are all so proud of. It is made up of 15 beautiful suites clustered around a swimming pool. It oozes style and sophistication. You will be staying a couple of miles inland but all around are the sights and sounds of Africa and the staff and the locals are only too pleased to show you their country, their customs and traditions. Be warned – it’s a way of life you could fall in love with and you know what that
means: you’ll be back.

FACTFILE
The Gambia Experience offers year round flights to the Gambia, with twice weekly departures from Gatwick during the winter enabling popular 10 and 11 night holidays – ideal for twin centre stays.
Prices for a seven night holiday staying at the luxury boutique hotel, Ngala Lodge cost from £982pp, based on two sharing an air-conditioned room on bed & breakfast, inclusive of flights and inflight meals, hotel transfers and airport taxes.
Prices for a three night add-on stay at Sitanunku Lodge will cost from £295pp or, for a three night add-on-stay at Omakan Hotel – prices cost from £199pp.
Both three night add-on packages include half board accommodation and hotel transfers. The company also offers other hotels to suit all tastes and pockets in The Gambia and neighbouring Senegal.
Visit www.gambia.co.uk or call 0845 330 4567.

Our friends in The Gambia

Derek James - Let's Talk Magazine — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our friends in the Gambia
More winter sunshine hotspots are offering big and bold 5* all inclusive deals in large hotels but in the smallest mainland African country, small really is beautiful. Derek James reports from The Gambia.
There was a time when many people who visited The Gambia spent most of the time lying on the beach or around the pool with the occasional wander to the bar and the odd excursion into the “bush.” Local culture came from a visit to the hotel by dancers and musicians and a trip to the local market to stock up on African souvenirs. That’s fine but some of you may think that is a crying shame because outside the hotel there is a country which could change your life. Many visitors who did venture outside, meet and make friends with Gambians and discover their way of life, found their own lives taking on a new course. Yes of course there is poverty – this is Africa – but there is also laughter, lots of it, and Gambians are among the most friendly and welcoming people in the world.

Sweet Senegal

Jane Labous - Real Travel Magazine — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The first thing I notice as we take a taxi from Dakar airport into the city is the lack of car horns. There's an eerie silence; just the metallic hum of the driver's radio and the limpid stillness of the African dusk as we pull onto a roundabout (a roundabout!) and drive along the new highway that runs along the once dust road lining the corniche. It's a surprise, for the African roads I'm used to are a cacaphonous, often terrifying riot of noise and unruliness. Ten years ago I lived in Dakar for a year, and what was once a hair-raising ride through an array of decrepid cars, motorbikes, scooters, carts and pedestrians, with a background of indiscriminate hooting, is now, um, not unlike driving along a country road in Surrey...
“Hooting is as important as the brakes in Africa!” agrees the taxi driver cheerfully when I comment on this unusual phenomenon. “But Dakar drivers are learning...”
There are other things afoot in Dakar, West Africa's most developed, most forward-thinking city. It may still have its street hawkers and its chaos, but it's now a thoroughly modern metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene and, in a city always well-known for its beautiful, exceptionally chic women, fashionistas galore.
Indeed, the Senegalese are a truly beautiful race. Wandering, we find ourselves gasping at the mere sight of these long-legged, gleaming-skinned, finely-boned creatures crossing the road. Meanwhile, the city's distinctive yellow and blue minibuses which have formed Dakar’s intercity bus service for years still trundle along streets crowded with boys selling oranges from wheelbarrows; women roasting sweetcorn on oil stoves and outdoor hairdressers. It's just that all around, modern apartments are springing up and adverts celebrate mobile networks, sports centres (from wrestling to running, weight lifting and football, Senegalese men love to work out) – and cigarettes.
That said, don't under-estimate the African heat and the African, well, chaos – for it is still at large. One sight a day is generally enough, with plentiful stops for water, lunch, a cold Coke and snacks. For some reason the combination of 30-plus degree heat, a dusty city and lots of people will always have you craving the stillness of your hotel and a dip in the pool by mid-afternoon.
Most tourists visit Ile Gorée, an island just off the coast and reached by a ferry from the city port. Its colonial prettiness – all palms and pastel-painted houses - sits unsettlingly with its history. Gorée was West Africa’s main slave trading post during the 18th and 19th centuries and the Maison Des Esclaves is a preserved Dutch colonial house dating from 1776, where slaves were kept in chains on the ground floor while the owners lived in luxury upstairs. The door leading directly out to sea, where les esclaves were loaded onto boats and sent across the Atlantic to South America, is particularly disturbing.
But Dakar is a city that must be delved into to be appreciated. Some of the best musicians in Africa – guys like Cheikh Lo, Pape Diouf, Pape et Cheikh or Toure Kunde, who pack out places like the Royal Albert Hall in London - play impromptu gigs at hidden bars. You'll find the music swings until six in the morning as ebullient audiences dance Mbalax to the beat of the drum. Dakarites know how to party and if you want to see a good time in this city, it's best to join them.
So we do. Sunset is long gone when we head out to Just 4 U, easily missed if you're not looking for it, hidden behind a shabby wall in the Point E district. Inside, trendy Dakarites sip Coke and chat around plastic tables laid out beneath the palms. The band saunters on stage unhurriedly at about quarter past 11, the bass guitarist drawing on a cigarette. It's an inauspicious start but when they get going this place reverberates with colourful counter-rhythms and incredible improvisations, all a background to soulful Wolof lyrics.
When the drummer hoists his tama, the talking drum, onto his shoulder and taps out a rolling beat – question answer, question answer – the crowd claps and cheers and rocks. A man in a long purple boubou gets up and dances the Mbalax as the talking drum rolls on. It's a strange, beautiful dance, chaotic and graceful all at the same time, derived from a mixture of traditional Sabar Senegalese dancing and more modern styles. In the days to come we see it many times – the suggestive, comical swirl of the dancer's buttocks (known mystifyingly as the “electric fan”); the almost robotic movements of knees and legs to match the beat of the drum and the jelkati - a move in which the dancer moves his upper arms, bent at the elbows, in parallel motion from left to right to the beat of the drum.
It's not the only music we see in Dakar. When he's in town, Youssou N'Dour, he of the Neneh Cherry duet Seven Seconds and a big big star in West Africa, plays live on Saturday nights at his club Thiossane. His gigs draw heaving crowds of excited fans who dance until the early hours. We go, we dance, we cheer, we sweat to the fast-driving, interweaving sound of Youssou's traditional sabar drummers. It is one of the best concerts I've ever seen in my life.
The road north out of Dakar takes us through the former colonial trading town of Rufisque, where goats are traded on the dusty square amidst a hubbub of traffic and fruit stalls; hawkers sell everything from peanuts to papayas; lorries rumble past and carts pull passengers and goods. You can still gather the colonial elegance of the crumbling buildings lining the road; their roofs are caved in and their colours faded by the sun and the dirt, but they still tell the tale of what was once one of the most important French settlements in Senegal.
A few kilometres away is the Lac Rose, or pink lake, widely vaunted as one of the country's main tourist attractions. I have to admit that on both occasions I've visited, I've found it rather underwhelming – its water is ten times saltier than the sea but in the bright midday light it's more light beige than rose pink and the touts round the edge make the experience a little wearing.
Much more worthwhile is the village of Kayar, further up the coast, a working fishing village with thousands of colourful pirogues parked on the beach. You can see the entire process here, from the boats being launched to the catch being landed. Seabirds swirl overhead and children rush along the shore as we walk along the sand, being lightly chatted up by a couple of locals. We ignore them and watch a group of fishermen enlist the help of the whole family to haul in one of the boats. In the shade of a boat bow, two women and some toddlers pick tiny shrimps from the nets as a lady in colourful robes sways past with a bowl of fish on her head.
There's every reason to hire a four-by-four in Senegal; not only will it have all-important air-conditioning, but it will cope with the rough roads which often veer off from the main drag. Yamar, our extremely knowledgeable guide and driver, is not only a mine of information but a skilled off-road driver. He takes us into one of the country's hidden and largely unvisited regions, the Lompoul desert.
When I lived in Senegal I didn't even know this area existed. We spend almost four hours driving along the area's off-road “piste des charettes”, or horse cart tracks, past fields of bissap (hibiscus – known as “Senegal's Red Bull”, it makes a bright red, sweet soft drink that can be found everywhere from street corners to bars), cassava, beans and mounds of harvested peanuts. I am astonished to arrive at a vast, dune landscape that resembles a mini Sahara. One hour before sunset the dunes glow gold. We take our shoes off and sprint up and over them as the wind ruffles the sand into patterns. Gradually the sun becomes more intense, the place lights up, and I realise why there's really no better place to watch a sunset than in the desert, surrounded by golden light.
We stay at a the Camp du Desert nestled behind the dunes, where we're given a beautiful bedouin tents simply but perfectly equipped with a double bed, rush matting, pretty Moroccan lamps and a private outdoor shower and loo. The evening is a blur of stars and spirits. Over dinner the friendly bedouin chef offers us “fruit punch”. I have no idea what happened next, apart from a vague memory of lying on a mat outside pointing out the constellations. Yamar later assures me (with a wry grin) that he doesn't get tourists drunk on purpose. The next morning we both concluded (with slightly heavy heads) that it was the best possible night in the desert one could have.
St Louis is Senegal's second largest town; the first city in West Africa to be colonised by the French in 1659. By the 1790s it was a thriving trading town for goods and slaves and its colonial past is still very much evident in its architecture.
On St Louis island, the former European quarter, we find grand old four-storey buildings, pastel coloured, with wrought iron balconies and regal windows; quiet, dusty streets where goats stray and dogs lounge; gaggles of children in pink overalls chattering back from school. Most impressive perhaps is the rusting Pont Faidherbe bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel in 1897. It links the mainland and island and is being refurbished in an extremely slow project (think years not months).
Further on, the Pont Mustapha bridge links the island to the coastal African quarter and affords a picturesque view of the pirogues along the river and the higgledy-piggledy roofs of the market stretching along the banks. Once across, you find the usual chaos of an African town, but it's down on the beach where it all happens. Kids play in the breaking waves as the women gut fish and boys play football. Further along, all the town's menfolk seem to be involved in a wrestling competition. A lithe, gleaming boy in orange pants beckons me over and motions for me to photograph him, mid-wrestle, proving that a poser is a poser, wherever you are in the world.
Further on, nets have been hung out to dry and the afternoon heat lessens as the sea mist from the incoming tide envelopes the beach. We stroll back, keen to avoid the fish heads and other miscellaeous items being washed in around our feet.
The best part about St Louis is arguably the Langue de Barbarie, a long stretch of sand straddled by the city which runs south separating the river from the sea. A pirogue shuttles us out to an island - immediately dubbed Crab Island because of the crowd of almost transparent crabs who come scuttling out to welcome us the minute our boat draws up at the jetty.
There's no-one here but us (you won't find many British tourists in Senegal – those who come are normally French, and even then, they tend to stay in the big resorts), the crabs and a barman. Oh, and a golden labrador who seems to like nothing better than to chase the crabs about. It's stunning.
Our hut, decorated in dark wood, colonial style, overlooks the river. On the other side of the narrow island is the sea, a strange wild beach where crabs pop up to check for intruders before waltzing sideways across the beach. That night dinner is served is a big Mauritanian tent – chicken, rice and to finish, Senegal's famous three tea ceremony. The ritual, in which three small glasses of tea which gradually get sweeter and sweeter are served to the visitor, is a traditional form of welcome in Senegal and other parts of West Africa.
“The first,” says the waiter huskily, handing us a small glass, “is “amere comme la mort.” Bitter as death. “La deuxieme est doux comme la vie” Soft as life. “Et la troisieme,” he pauses and winks, “est miel comme l'amour.” Sweet as love.
We head out the following morning and I close my eyes and trail my hand in the water as we zoom back across the river in the tranquil morning sunshine. It takes us three hours to drive back down the coast to our next stop – Toubab Dialao – a place where I used to come on the weekends as a student ten years ago. I'm interested to see how it has changed.
It has changed... Where once lay a small village with two tiny “campements” and a wild, uninhabited beach, there's now a burgeoning tourist centre. The banks of the beach, once inhabited only by prickly pear bushes and stray dogs, is now dotted with impressive holiday homes built by “toubabs” - tourists. The stray dogs still abound but nowadays there are a few more toubabs to hassle. We stay at Sobo Bade (www.espacesobobade.com), the clifftop artists' colony that has been there for years. It is entirely decorated with seashell mosaics and overlooks the ocean, deep blue at midday against the shimmering white of the shell walls and roofs. Today the sea is calm and warm. I notice the way the coast has eroded in the years since I visited. A rocky outcrop that used to jut far into the sea is now nearly entirely worn down, testament to the big waves and rips which often hit this untamed coast.
But it is hot in Toubab, too hot in the un-airconditioned rooms after a while (perhaps my student self was more tolerant...), and we leave the next day for the relative cool of the La Madrague hotel (www.hotel-madrague.com) on N'Gor beach in Dakar. It's my favourite place to stay; the suburb of N'Gor is a retreat from the city centre and at not much more than £40 for a clean, airy double, it's a real bargain.
The small island of N'Gor is reached via a five minute pirogue ride, costing CFA500 return. Tourists and locals bundle on – it's a favourite on the weekend amongst city folk. Over on the island the water is clear and perfect for snorkelling and there are numerous chilled-out beach restaurants serving all sorts of fresh, grilled fish and vegetables, the very best kind of Senegalese food.
Also worth a visit are the Iles de la Madeleine, a small crop of islands about four kilometres off the coast west of central Dakar. It's problematic getting here. After an incident last year in which a fisherman was shot out by the island's warden, local fishermen have largely stopped taking tourists. But thanks to a few negotiations from Yamar, a fisherman agrees to take us across. From the sea, the island looks like a great lump of rock. But chugging into a tiny peninsula we find deserted lagoons of sparkling turquoise water, one palm tree and a spread of grainy sand covered in bleached white sea urchin skeletons.
The ultimate desert island experience, it is only enhanced (well, in retrospect) by the fact that our esteemed captain manages to maroon our boat on the rocks as the tide goes out and the evening draws in. Much debate ensues as to how to solve the problem. Captain hugs us both. I, vaguely sun-stroked, burst into tears. Two urchin hunters appear on the horizon and we all pull it out. Two hours later we set sail.
But of course this is Senegal and never, in Senegal, do you quite know what's going to happen next. Sweet as love, I think they say...

Small country, big welcome

Derek James - Eastern Daily Press — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SMALL COUNTRY, BIG WELCOME

More winter sunshine hotspots are offering big and bold 5* all inclusive deals in large hotels but in the smallest mainland African country, small really is beautiful. Derek James reports from The Gambia.

There was a time when many people who visited The Gambia spent most of the time lying on the beach or around the pool with the occasional wander to the bar and the odd excursion into the “bush.” Local culture came from a visit to the hotel by dancers and musicians and a trip to the local market to stock up on African souvenirs. That’s fine but some of you may think that is a crying shame because outside the hotel there is a country which could change your life. Many visitors who did venture outside, meet and make friends with Gambians and discover their way of life, found their own lives taking on a new course. Yes of course there is poverty – this is Africa – but there is also laughter, lots of it, and Gambians are among the most friendly and welcoming people in the world.

The granddaddy of tourism to the Smiling Coast of West Africa is The Gambia Experience which has been sending people there for almost a quarter of a century. They have the biggest and best resort team, led so well by Joyce Stavroulakis, and offer more hotels than any other operator.

Earlier this year I visited the country to take a look at two new resorts on offer for the first time this season and called in at an old favourite. Three very different places to stay which illustrate how this country is reaching out to holidaymakers looking for more than just sun this winter. It may be a little land but it has a big heart.

NGALA LODGE
“Stop!” I said.
The taxi driver, who told me he knew “every inch of my land,” screeched to a halt.
He had been bowling along the coastal highway running towards Cape Point and had driven straight past the modest entrance to Ngala Lodge. It’s not often you get one over on a taxi driver, especially a Gambian one in his own country. “Just checking you knew where it was,” he laughed as we turned around. To be fair this isn’t a glitzy hotel with a flash entrance. It’s a colonial mansion which has been turned into a wonderfulplace to stay – and if you want to relax in stunning surroundings then this is the place for you. There is nowhere else quite like it. A smile and a handshake awaits you at reception and from then on, until the day of departure, they will look after your every need.
Most of the staff have been at the lodge for a long time and many of the guests who return every year, have become a good friends. Staying here is more like being a guest of a wealthy friend rather than staying in a hotel. It is discreet, intimate with a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a perfect position overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean. By day you can enjoy the gardens, the pool, or the beach and at night sit on your large balcony enjoying a drink and listening to the waves roll in. There are only 18 rooms. You can stay in one of the suites in the main lodge or in upgraded Manor or Atlantic rooms, with gardens and Jacuzzis. The working town of Bakau, a great place to visit and not spoilt by tourism, is
within walking distance. Oh, and I forget to say the restaurant at Ngala, overlooking the ocean, is one of
the best in the country. View the menus on www.Gambia.co.uk/ngalarestaurant

SITANUNKU LODGE
“Take the wheel,” said Marcel as the speed boat almost flew through the waters of the mighty River Gambia. I hadn’t got the heart to tell him I hadn’t even got a driving licence and hadn’t been behind the wheel of a car for more than 30 happy years. But I took the wheel and as we twisted and turned around the arteries of this great African river with the water spraying our faces, I was really stating to enjoy myself. I was on our way back to “civilisation” from an all-too-short visit to the Sitanunku Lodge, the first tourist lodge on the North Bank of the river most of tourism has turned its back on. The most many tourists see of this river is a day trip, such as Roots, but now you can stay in one of the five lodges built by Marcel and his team overlooking the river near Dog Island. This is thoughtful eco-friendly tourism involving the local community and it provides many of them with much needed work. The lodges themselves are a joy to stay in and you have the river on your doorstep. You can canoe or fish, go bird-watching or explore the local village. And there is a plunge pool with fabulousviews next to the bar and restaurant where the freshly cooked food is delicious.
Leave Gatwick in the morning and by early evening you could be sitting outside your lodge. It’s that close. Just an hour’s journey by road and boat from Banjul Airport, less than six hours from Gatwick. And it is extremely good value…for a holiday like no other head for Sitanunku.

OMAKAN HOTEL
Most tourist hotels overlook a beach which is fine if that is what you are looking for…but the Omakan, being offered for the first time by The Gambia Experience, is very different. As a guest here you will be surrounded by the real Africa well away from the coastal area packed with tourists. So much thought and care has gone into designing this small, first class hotel, which offers magnificent rooms and facilities. Once again the welcome by owner Peter and his staff is as warm as the weather. They will meet you at the airport and take you straight to the Omakan, in Sukuta, a place they are all so proud of. It is made up of 15 beautiful suites clustered around a swimming pool. It oozes style and sophistication. You will be staying a couple of miles inland but all around are the sights and sounds of Africa and the staff and the locals are only too pleased to show you their country, their customs and traditions. Be warned – it’s a way of life you could fall in love with and you know what that
means: you’ll be back.

FACTFILE

The Gambia Experience offers the widest choice of year round flights to the Gambia, with twice weekly departures from Gatwick during the winter enabling populat10 and 11 night holidays – ideal for twin centre stays.
Prices for a seven night holiday staying at the luxury boutique hotel, Ngala Lodge cost from £982pp, based on two sharing an air-conditioned room on bed & breakfast, inclusive of flights and inflight meals, hotel transfers and airport taxes.
Prices for a three night add-on stay at Sitanunku Lodge will cost from £295pp or, for a three night add-on-stay at Omakan Hotel – prices cost from £199pp.
Both three night add-on packages include half board accommodation and hotel transfers. The company also offers a host of other hotels to suit all tastes and pockets in The Gambia and neighbouring Senegal including a number of mix and match deals.
Visit www.gambia.co.uk or call 0845 330 4567.

DID YOU KNOW?
Gambia is surrounded by big brother Senegal – another fascinating African country and one well worth visiting. The Gambia Experience offers a number of two-centre holidays including a brilliant Rivers of West Africa Cruise and stay tour. Pick up a brochure or see their website for details.

Nyodema Fifth Festival Fundraising Success

Press Office - The Gambia Experience — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Nyodema’s fifth annual festival - organised by Kathryn Burrington from The Gambia Experience and her friends - was 'a great day of diverse and inspiring music' according to festival goer Kevin Short.

An array of artists entertained the crowd at Nyodema's World Music and Arts Festival held last Saturday [20 August 2011] at The Waverley on Bognor¹s seafront.

The day started on the verandah with rock n roll from Slim Jim and the Wildcards against a back drop of blue skies and the glistening sea. A variety of musical genres followed including Slim Lightfoot¹s delta blues, a guest appearance by two Gambian drummers, the beautiful voice of Daisy Mouatt, medieval/Spanish guitar from Claude Bourbon, the West African rhythms of the Nyodema Drummers, and songs from around the world including traditional gospel and a spine-tingling Baka chant from the Nyodema World Community Choir. Morgana Villen Castro performed a stunning fusion of flamenco and belly-dancing, as well as holding a popular workshop. The children¹s percussion workshop led by Chris Diallo from Hands on Skin brought out some fabulous young talent.

"Nyodema's choir and drumming group is going from strength to strength. The weekly workshops held here in Bognor have proved a great success and both groups thoroughly enjoyed performing to such a receptive audience. New members are always welcome and no experience is necessary." said Geraldine Allchurch, the choir's director.

The evening's entertainment in the function room had everyone up and dancing. "What a great vibe - the whole day - then capped with Rattlin' Bone's feel from 'The Big Easy' ending perfectly with reggae from Planetman and the Internationalz!" said Stewart Nicol, compere for the day.

The raffle, stalls, workshops and donations collected throughout the day raised over £1,000. These funds will be used to provide children with insecticide treated mosquito nets and to continue developing the school in Dairuharu that Nyodema has built (with the assistance of the charity Karmic Angels) in The Gambia, one of Africa's poorest countries.

"Nyodema would like to thank The Waverley and their staff, the ROX charity for the loan of equipment, all the artists, volunteers and sponsors, including The Gambia Experience, and everyone who contributed to making this a really wonderful day" said Nyodema treasurer, Shelagh Hamilton.

For more information, please visit www.nyodema.org or call Kathryn on 07974 472 137.

Untamed indulgence: Seduced by Sardinia

Julie Burchill - The Independent — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The start to my Sardinia trip was not an auspicious one; having consumed two champagne breakfasts before 11am, I left my make-up bag on the plane after the drink-and-you'll-miss-it two-hour flight. I can imagine all you super-smart, let's-be-AVing-you Indy readers looking well sneery at that, but for a blue-collar Beryl Cook character made flesh who's been staggering around dumb with lipgloss and blinded by kohl since the age of 12, it was quite a culture shock. Also, NIGELLA GAVE ME THAT MAKE UP BAG! Black sequins! I cursed, as I reflected how my one legit source of dropping Nigella's name – "Ooo, that's pretty!" "Yes, Nigella gave it to me" – was now quite possibly the property of some heedless trolley dolly.

But within 30 minutes of landing we were splashing about in the beautiful, colour-changing pool at the Hotel Relais Villa del Golfo and Spa resort in Cannigione, on the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) overlooking the bay of Arzachena, without a care in the world.

The Villa del Golfo is a tiny bit rustic, and at home even a whiff of rustic bread would be enough to send me cross-eyed with rage – we are an urban island, and only ocean-going ponces pretend otherwise; the sort of saps who can only have an orgasm on Cath Kidston bed linen. But in this almost viciously verdant setting, leavened by the sophistication of a library, a bridge room and an American Bar, the golden threads of the wall tapestries shimmering in the glow from the granite fireplace, suddenly it all made sense. It must be the sensuality of the Mediterranean that makes gorgeous a mode of decoration that in rainy old England just seems ditsy, mumsy and clumsily executed. That's the thing about rustic charm, I find – if it don't fit, don't force it!

Sardinia's brand of rustic charm is the opposite of the dread Kidstonia, thank the Lord. Looking out from the lushness of the pool over the sunset beauty of the bay, this place lets you know from the get-go that it can be as wild as you want it to be – not as in Girls Gone Wild, but as in untamed. Here, in the place DH Lawrence described as "outside the circuit of civilisation", many shepherds speak Latin and some breezes blow in from Africa, and the landscape is scattered with Neolithic monuments.

Even the flag is scary-beautiful: four blindfolded heads, called "Four Moors" and thought to represent captured pirates, similar to the flag of Sardinia's neighbour, Corsica, which is just an hour away by sea. I don't know Corsica well, but they appear to have much in common; wild terrain, beautiful beaches and extreme pride worn like a national costume. Replacing some silly make-up was now the last thing on my mind; seeing as much as I could of this amazing island – we were only there for three nights – was all I could think of. And our tour started just a few steps from the bar, in the hotel's Il Miraluna restaurant.

I'll admit that the food side of things was where I thought that Sardinia's wildness might be a problem. Since I was a teenager I have been struggling ineffectually to be a vegetarian, and over the years I have succeeded in cutting those animals which I find beautiful – pigs, lambs, ducks – out of my diet. Paradoxically, I don't eat animals who I consider ugly either – no turkey! This leaves me in the admittedly morally ludicrous position of eating only animals I find moderately attractive – cows, chickens and fish. (Reading this back, it's actually the first time I have considered the possibility that I may be actually insane.)

So imagine my dismay on finding out that we were heading for a region of Sardinia – Gallura – which boasts such regional specialities as PIGLET ON A SPIT and KEBAB OF LAMB ENTRAILS! And imagine my joyous relief on seeing what actually awaited us. The menu note that "our chef proposes a selection of Italian and international cuisine, revised in Sardinian style" hardly begins to describe the scenic tour through the empire of the senses which was about to transpire.

There are two reasons I have spent more than three decades failing at vegetarianism; one, no willpower and two, MEAT SHOULDN'T TASTE SO NICE! That's the thing about a really great cheeseburger; the dead bit doesn't taste dead, it tastes more alive than the bits that never lived or died. Almost anyone can make meat taste nice – come on, its meat! – but to my mind the test of a great chef is making a meat-free, not meatless (it's the difference in attitude between being child-free and childless) menu look like there's absolutely nothing missing.

This is exactly what Il Miraluna's chef, Susy Farina, does. We started with an asparagus pudding, sharp as a knife and soft as a sigh; eating asparagus in England just feels like a prelude to a fetish, but here... like the song says, "O sweet mystery of life, at last I've found you!" The tagliatelle with mussels and clams and the dory fillet were made with pescatoria so fresh that I wouldn't have been all that surprised if they'd stood up and sung a chorus of "Under The Sea" from The Little Mermaid. I felt momentarily sad that they would never get to do this, but was massively cheered up by the bitter chocolate pie with orange sauce. Susy Farina came out to take a bow, and I felt like requesting her shoe, and some champagne to drink out of it, as those pervy old stage door Johnnies did with particularly brilliant ballerinas. But I merely mumbled drunken superlatives instead.

The next day was bright and sunny and we could have punished some poor horses by riding them along one of the breathtaking trails that take in the Capo d'Orso, lighthouses, fortresses and beaches (there are two-hour trail rides for beginners, trekking at sundown for the saddle-sure and ponies for kiddies). But it's hard to drink on horseback, so we happily trotted down to the marina and boarded the hotel yacht BonAria.

I don't mind admitting I'm a bit kinky for boats. I have the opposite of seasickness, and basically no matter how rough I feel on dry land, I perk up the minute I get on board – this goes for anything from a Crazy Sofa to a cruise liner. So I knew I'd have a good time, but I had no idea HOW good. My travelling companion Miss Petrovic and I were about to embark not just upon a boat, but also upon one of the most memorable days of our lives, thanks to the crew – the smokin' Aussie, Captain Andy, and his elegant American mate, Mari.

In my experience the one dodgy thing about getting on a boat is that if the company turns out to be crap, you're screwed. How lucky, then, that Andrew and Mari were two of the funniest, most fascinating people it's ever been my privilege to meet. As we talked, laughed and even sang our way around the amazing beauty of the Emerald Coast, which could double for the Maldives on a good day, eight hours went by in a blur of chillout mix-tapes, white wine, pasta salads and pineapple as we sailed around the Maddalena Archipelago. We saw everything from Garibaldi's house to the place where James Bond drove the amphibious car up on to the beach in The Spy Who Loved Me. Who says history can't be fun

On our final day we grabbed a cab to the mind-blowingly beautiful and brilliant restaurant Madai Restaurant (also a café, lounge and winery) in nearby Arzachena. They say that if you can remember the Sixties, you weren't there – and that's what Madai is like, such a blur of pure bliss that I would mistrust anyone who could actually describe what they ate there. The chef, Elio Sironi, came here from the Bulgari Hotel in Milan and the simple symphony he played on our palates was world-class.

Thinking about the food in Sardinia, I had a sudden insight. Why WAS Naomi Campbell in SUCH a permanently hideous temper back in the day? A woman with her looks and wealth? IT WAS BECAUSE SHE SPENT SO MUCH TIME IN SARDINIA (with then-beau Flavio Briatore, who spends much of his time swanking around the Costa Smeralda) AND WASN'T ALLOWED TO EAT! That's gotta make ANYONE angry – or "hangry", as the models have it.

On paper, I could have had a rotten time in Sardinia. It was early in the season and very little was open – certainly not the International White Trash malls and bars I am developing a tragic weakness for as I get older. It rained for one whole day, hard, and we were only there for three. I don't ever want to see a piglet on a spit as long as I live. But I really can imagine going back every year, for decades – it was that good.

Some places, though beautiful, one mentally ticks off as one checks out; done that, onto the next one. Sardinia isn't like that. In travel writing, "enigmatic" is the word that comes up time after time (as opposed to the flamboyant, emotional image of Italia in general) and I totally get it now. The smell of Sardinia, the macchia, a combination of myrtle, pine, juniper just coming into flower at the end of April, is as vivid yet as elusive as the island itself. I have the feeling that you could never really get to know Sardinia. But you could have a brilliant time trying.

A Corsican Odyssey

Nigel Farrell - The Sunday Telegraph — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly 40 years ago, I was working as a deckhand on a sailing ketch owned by an Italian ice-cream millionaire. We were cruising the Mediterranean, and the first stop after leaving Italy was a place that left an indelible memory in my impressionable teenage mind – the breathtaking Golfe de Porto-Vecchio on the south-east coast of Corsica.
We swept in under full sail, past the lighthouse on the Pointe de la Chiappa and into the glorious bay, swathes of undulating forest running right down to the bleached white beaches like great green eiderdowns, and, behind, the first of a small army of mountains which dominate so much of the interior of this verdant, olivine island.
The sheltered, sandy coves, guarded by stubby ranks of palm trees; the multicoloured verandas of the little luxury hotels overlooking the marina; the ancient walls of the tiny Genovese town clinging to the cliffs high above the harbour; I fell in love with the place and vowed – one day – to return.
Now, for the first time since the early Seventies, I was back in Corsica, flying into Calvi airport in the north, and aiming to spend a week on a leisurely drive down the famed west coast, with the lovely Porto-Vecchio, along with those treasured memories, as our final destination.
My first surprise was how little the island has changed. Our journey up to our first stop at the little hilltop village of Feliceto was a delight: poppies and vivid violet borage line the road, alongside great orange and green nets spread beneath the olive trees, ready for an early Corsican harvest, and rows of miniature pillared villas that turn out to be old family mausoleums, a clue to the wealth this northern part of the island must have once enjoyed.
Our hotel was like stepping into a 19th-century town house; there’s a chapel on the ground floor, and a sitting-room on the first filled with the Ranucci family’s paintings and furnishings. The current Monsieur Ranucci can be found pottering around the garden in the early morning, watering the plants while his daughter Mireille works on the reception desk. They also make their own wine, from a vineyard we could see from our balcony, produced in the cave next door.
Forty-five minutes’ drive down to the coast led us to Ile Rousse, with its huge, perfectly dimensioned main square, dominated by the magnificent Marché Couvert, built in 1844 to resemble a vast open Greek temple, where a morning market is still held (there aren’t many daily markets in Corsica, and this is the best).
In the square is a bust in honour of “P de Paoli, Liberatoire… La Patricia Riconoscente” – the famous Pasquale Paoli, who created a free republic of Corsica before the French invaded in 1768. The name Paoli lives on – it appeared in one form or another virtually everywhere we went in Corsica.
At a little bar looking out across the square to the harbour beyond, we discovered a bottle of white “Enclos Des Anges”, which is not only delicious but is produced by an Englishman, Richard Spurr, at a small vineyard just outside Calvi. We found the man himself at the end of a dirt track, in a chaotic, musty old cave. He seemed happy to spend all day chatting to visitors, while observing closely as they sampled his wonderful wines, which he produces from a mere 15 acres. He has a growing reputation as a major contributor to the recent resurgence of interest in Corsican wines.“I’m the only foreign wine producer in Corsica,” he said with pride.
Heading south, we found ourselves on one of the most lovely and exciting roads I’ve ever driven, twisting and turning endlessly through the mountainous coast road towards Porto. Most Corsican roads have recently been lavished with EU grants and beautifully upgraded, although you need to allow at least twice the time you’d expect to get anywhere.
We stopped at the Col de la Croix overlooking the exquisite Golfe de Girolata. Way below, we could see the tiny, isolated village of Girolata itself, which is only really accessible by boat. The inhabitants make twice-weekly excursions by ferry to Porto for supplies. You can walk down a track named after Guy Le Facteur, who is said to make the journey each day on mule to deliver the post, but it takes two hours down, and considerably longer coming back up.
Farther south still, we stopped at a wonderful little hotel on the seafront of the sprawling capital, Ajaccio. The approaches to the town are lined with superstores but the centre was a delightful surprise, resembling a slightly faded, pre-war Côte d’Azur, and here we found our two best meals. At a cool little restaurant behind the port where the cruiseliners line up in serried ranks, we enjoyed delicious one-year-old veal (quite pink and robust), along with a light, locally caught fished called a mustelle.
Amazingly, the chef was another Englishman, Simon Andrews, who came here “for the diving” eight years ago and never went home. Then, just by Napoleon’s birthplace, on the Rue Saint-Charles, we found a fabulous pizza joint that had the feel of a private party.
After a bracing trip out to sea on the most southerly tip of the island to photograph the extraordinary village of Bonifacio, perched like an eagle’s nest atop the sheer limestone clifftops (they filmed some of The Guns of Navarone here), at last we reached Porto-Vecchio. It’s a deep natural harbour that lies beneath what once must have been an exquisite little 15th-century hilltop town. Now it’s in danger of being ruined by just too many souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants being squeezed into its tiny, cramped streets.
For most of its history, the place was well off the beaten track, only thriving after the allied military forces cleared local mosquito-ridden swamps of the curse of malaria at the end of the Second World War. Corsica was the first department of France to be liberated, and a street here is named after that famous date, September 9, 1943.
We escaped to one of those little luxury hotels down by the water that I’d ogled from the deck of my yacht all those years ago, and then spent an idyllic afternoon on the virtually empty beaches of Cala Rossa and Bennedettu I’d spotted around the bay – still empty, still lovely, still utterly unspoilt. This was no anticlimax; it was a real joy to be back.
Sitting on the sand, sipping the chilled local beer, only one disturbing thought clouded my endless blue horizon, the kind of thought that creeps up on you unexpectedly during what you had thought in every other way to be a great, relaxing holiday: just where did those 40 years go?

Packages
Corsican Places (www.corsica.co.uk; reservations 0845 330 2113) offers an extensive range of villas and apartments as well as hotels, with or without flights; it also provides the only weekly charter flight between the UK and Calvi (in the north-west of the island), from Stansted, in partnership with Titan Airways. Seven-night packages cost from £349 per person, including flights and transfers).

Early Booking Offers - Book by 31 July

Press Office - The Gambia Experience — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Early Booking Offers for Winter 2011/2012 - Valid if Booked by 31 July 2011
Sample Early Booking Offers include………

The Unique Collection Winter Offer (save £75 per person)
www.gambia.co.uk/omakan
www.gambia.co.uk/sitanunku
The Gambia Experience is offering discounts of £75 per person on two properties within its new ‘Unique Collection’: Omakan Hotel in Sukuta and Sitanunku Lodge on the North Bank of the River Gambia. The discount is available on 3, 4 or 7 night holidays throughout winter 11/12*. Inclusive of the discount, 7-night holidays (based on two sharing) start from £823pp (Omakan, b&b) and £1069pp (Sitanunku, half board), including return flights**, taxes and transfers.

The Luxury Collection December Offer (save £133pp per week)
www.gambia.co.uk/ngala
The Gambia Experience is offering a Free Upgrade from a Standard Suite to a Manor Suite for guests staying at the boutique Ngala Lodge near Bakau - part of the tour operator’s Luxury Collection – during the period 02 - 23 December 2011.
7-night holidays at Ngala Lodge (inclusive of the discount) start from £982pp. Price is based on two sharing with breakfast and includes return flights**, taxes and transfers.

Premium Class Flights Offer (save £50pp)
The Gambia Experience is offering savings of £50 per person on its Premium Class Tuesday flights from London Gatwick – Banjul throughout the winter*. Inclusive of the discount, a 7-night return Premium Class flight ticket starts from £245pp.

These offers exclude stays over Christmas & New Year and cannot be combined with any other offers except a loyalty discount (if applicable) and are subject to availability.

For all of the above offers, call The Gambia Experience Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2087 or visit www.gambia.co.uk

* The winter season runs from 01 November 2011 – 30 April 2012.
** Flights are available from London Gatwick and Manchester.

Authentic Corsican House – 7 nights for £1500

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Southern Corsica
10 July Accommodation-Only Offer

Rural & Affording Great Views
Authentic Corsican House – 7 nights for £1500 (save £350)
www.corsica.co.uk/a-tighiaccia
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the two-bedroom Villa A Tighiaccia – an authentic stone house in Southern Corsica – for £1500, valid for arrivals on Sunday 10 July, and resulting in a saving of £350 from brochure price. This offer is for the property for the week only and excludes flights & car hire.
Set in the countryside, perched high above the village of Tarrabucceta, A Tighiaccia commands views over the Cagna mountain range and the Extrême Sud coastline.
The glorious Santa Giulia and Palombaggia beaches are within 20 minutes drive.

Win a Holiday to Lantana Resort, Southern Sardinia

- Tesco Magazine Online — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Perfectly located in the middle of the warm Mediterranean sea, Sardinia is a beautifully unspoiled island that’s perfect for a summer escape. Enter our prize draw and you and a partner have the chance to win a seven-night holiday at Lantana Resort in Sardinia including return economy flights, courtesy of Sardinian Places, resort/airport transfers and breakfast each morning.

Lantana Resort Hotel & Apartments is a family-run four-star resort on the south west coast of the island, close to the historic town of Pula and a short distance from one of Sardinia’s best stretches of coastline which boasts white sandy beaches and crystal clear seas. The resort is made up of the hotel and several two and three-bedroom apartments, all set in lush botanical gardens which are filled with the colourful flowers and exotic scent of the Lantana bushes which give the resort its name. Visit Sardinian Places for more information.

Return economy flights for two adults departing from London Stansted to Cagliari, Sardinia, are provided courtesy of Sardinian Places (www.sardinianplaces.co.uk 0845 330 2050), which features Lantana Resort & Hotel within its collection, as well as villas, apartments and hotels across the whole island of Sardinia.

IMP - Click to view the article online to enter the competition through the Tesco Magazine website.

*All fields mandatory, your data will only be used for the purposes of this prize draw. See below for special terms and conditions. Please submit your details by 11.55pm on 3 August 2011.

Corsica included in top 10 destinations for July

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corsica is one of the top 10 holiday destinations for July according to CN Traveller. Here's what they have to say about the island:

"Also in the Mediterranean, Corsica - the 'Isle of Beauty' - is only 180km long and 80km wide but home to superb hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and exhilarating watersports."

Also included in the top ten are: Cornwall, Tallinn, Reykjavik, Folegandros, Puglia, Bali, the Seychelles, Vancouver Island and Kenya.

Sardinia included in Top 10 holiday destinations in August

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinia has been voted one of the Top 10 holiday destinations in August according to The Conde Naste Traveller. Here's what they said: "Over on Sardinia, the Costa Smeralda is a romantic and dazzlingly beautiful holiday destination" "The Aga Khan turned Sardinia's Costa Smeralda into a eco-sensitive millionaire's paradise in the 1960s. On this north-eastern stretch of coast, where rugged landscapes meet pampered living, the rich rarely venture far from their villas or yachts. Infamous as the summer headquarters of the Italian paparazzi, who hunt for the starlets and celebrities who flock here, the Costa Smeralda is nevertheless a romantic and dazzlingly beautiful holiday escape." Also included in the Top Ten are: Cote d'Azur, Ibiza, Mayan Riviera, Karala, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Cairo, Bhutan and Montana.

Inspirational Ideas - Estivoce festival

Jolyon Attwooll - The Daily Telegraph — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Traditional music in Corsica
From July 6 to 10, the annual Estivoce festival of summer voices takes place in Corsica, with a series of outdoor concerts, including traditional national music, as well as singing, dancing and theatrical productions from other countries.
The event is based in Pigna, one of the most important places for music on the island – but there are shows in the picturesque villages all over Balagne.
The tour operator Corsican Places (0845 330 2059; www.corsica.co.uk) offers accommodation in the area. More information: www.visit-corsica.com/en

NEW: The Gambia Experience 2011/12 Brochure

Press Office - The Gambia Experience — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Independent tour operator, The Gambia Experience launches its November 2011 – October 2012 brochure this month. The brochure again incorporates sister company The Senegal Experience due to an increasing number of customers choosing multi-centre holidays (within either destination or across both). With 24 years experience, The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience offer the UK market the widest range of flight and hotel options to West Africa. The strong selling ‘Luxury Collection’ is presented for both The Gambia and Senegal, and includes exclusive hotels, and those complete with spa facilities. Highlights of the new brochure include:

New - The Unique Collection
The Gambia Experience ‘Unique Collection’ is new to the 2011/12 brochure. Featuring lodges and boutique hotels located away from the main tourist areas, the selected properties bring guests closer to the culture, people and wildlife of The Gambia. Sharing many characteristics of the Luxury Collection, but with a sense of relaxed indulgence, there are four properties to choose from: The Mandina Lodges at Makasutu; Sandele Eco Retreat in Kartong, and NEW for this season, Omakan Hotel in Sukuta and Sitanunku Lodge on the North Bank of the River Gambia.

Re-opening of 5* Lamantin Beach Hotel, Saly
Offering its own private white sand beach, marina, spa, and renowned for its gourmet cuisine, the 5* Lamantin Beach Hotel in Senegal has long been considered the most luxurious hotel in Saly.
This year (2011) the hotel has been closed for major refurbishment, but is due to re-open at the end of the year, when it will boast a new Beach Club complete with à la carte restaurant, fitness centre, and floodlit tennis courts.

New - Rivers of West Africa Cruise departing from Banjul
For the second winter running, The Gambia Experience / Senegal Experience - in collaboration with Variety Cruises - will offer the Rivers of West Africa cruise aboard the MY Pegasus. In addition to the nine-night itinerary departing from Dakar, including 2 nights at a Dakar hotel, there is now the option of a five-night cruise departing from Banjul. The cruise offers an alternative way to explore the region, all from the comfort of a 23-cabin mega yacht, complemented by optional inland excursions.

Chris Packham Birdwatching Tour
BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham will once again lead his annual birdwatching tour for The Gambia Experience in February 2012. With a maximum of 17 places on the trip, there is ample opportunity to learn from Chris’ extensive knowledge of wildlife, as well as photography. The tour breaks down into two three-day itineraries, available to book separately or together, with the supplement starting from £345 per person.
Additional birdwatching tours can be booked with Gambian guide Malick Suso – Chris Packham’s ‘local’ guide of choice.

Additional All-Inclusive & Dining Options
The introduction of all-inclusive holidays continues to prove successful in The Gambia and Senegal with additional hotels now offering all-inclusive upgrade options, as well as a variety of dining packages.
Also, from this winter - in addition to rooms and suites - the popular 3.5* Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu will also offer ground floor studios, complete with kitchenette and living area.

Sustainable Tourism Update
The Gambia Experience is accredited with 5-star AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) Sustainable Tourism status - the highest level possible. The Gambia Experience’s own registered charity - the School Development Fund established in 1989 - continues to support school projects within The Gambia, and as of 2011, has also set up its own school partnership scheme twinning UK and Gambian schools.

Early Booking Offers – Book by 31 July 2011
A number of Early Booking Offers are available, valid for November 2011 – April 2012 holidays, booked by 31 July 2011. These include £150pp savings; free suite upgrades at Ngala Lodge; twin-centre savings and discounts on Tuesday London Gatwick – Banjul Premium Class flights. Please contact The Gambia Experience / Senegal Experience for full details and conditions.

This season, The Gambia Experience offers 7-night holidays from £525 per person (based on b&b); The Senegal Experience from £979 per person (based on half board). Unique / Luxury Collection holidays start from £898 per person (The Gambia, b&b) and £1184 (Senegal, half board) - all including flights & transfers. For more information, please call The Gambia Experience Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2087 or visit www.gambia.co.uk or call The Senegal Experience Reservations Dept on 0845 338 8706 or visit www.senegal.co.uk

NEW 2011/12 Brochure for The Senegal Experience

Press Office - The Senegal Experience — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New - The Unique Collection
The Gambia Experience ‘Unique Collection’ is new to the 2011/12 brochure. Featuring lodges and boutique hotels located away from the main tourist areas, the selected properties bring guests closer to the culture, people and wildlife of The Gambia. Sharing many characteristics of the Luxury Collection, but with a sense of relaxed indulgence, there are four properties to choose from: The Mandina Lodges at Makasutu; Sandele Eco Retreat in Kartong, and NEW for this season, Omakan Hotel in Sukuta and Sitanunku Lodge on the North Bank of the River Gambia.

New - Rivers of West Africa Cruise departing from Banjul
For the second winter running, The Gambia Experience / Senegal Experience - in collaboration with Variety Cruises - will offer the Rivers of West Africa cruise aboard the MY Pegasus. In addition to the nine-night itinerary departing from Dakar, including 2 nights at a Dakar hotel, there is now the option of a five-night cruise departing from Banjul. The cruise offers an alternative way to explore the region, all from the comfort of a 23-cabin mega yacht, complemented by optional inland excursions.

Chris Packham Birdwatching Tour
BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham will once again lead his annual birdwatching tour for The Gambia Experience in February 2012. With a maximum of 17 places on the trip, there is ample opportunity to learn from Chris’ extensive knowledge of wildlife, as well as photography. The tour breaks down into two three-day itineraries, available to book separately or together, with the supplement starting from £345 per person. Additional birdwatching tours can be booked with Gambian guide Malick Suso – Chris Packham’s ‘local’ guide of choice.

Additional All-Inclusive & Dining Options
The introduction of all-inclusive holidays continues to prove successful in The Gambia and Senegal with additional hotels now offering all-inclusive upgrade options, as well as a variety of dining packages. Also, from this winter - in addition to rooms and suites - the popular 3.5* Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu will also offer ground floor studios, complete with kitchenette and living area.

Sustainable Tourism Update
The Gambia Experience is accredited with 5-star AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) Sustainable Tourism status - the highest level possible. The Gambia Experience’s own registered charity - the School Development Fund established in 1989 - continues to support school projects within The Gambia, and as of 2011, has also set up its own school partnership scheme twinning UK and Gambian schools.

Early Booking Offers – Book by 31 July 2011
A number of Early Booking Offers are available, valid for November 2011 – April 2012 holidays, booked by 31 July 2011. These include £150pp savings; free suite upgrades at Ngala Lodge; twin-centre savings and discounts on Tuesday London Gatwick – Banjul Premium Class flights. Please contact The Gambia Experience / Senegal Experience for full details and conditions.

This season, The Gambia Experience offers 7-night holidays from £525 per person (based on b&b); The Senegal Experience from £979 per person (based on half board). Unique / Luxury Collection holidays start from £898 per person (The Gambia, b&b) and £1184 (Senegal, half board) - all including flights & transfers. For more information, please call The Gambia Experience Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2087 or visit www.gambia.co.uk or call The Senegal Experience Reservations Dept on 0845 338 8706 or visit www.senegal.co.uk

NEW: The Cape Verde Experience 2011/12 Brochure

Press Office - The Cape Verde Experience — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Independent tour operator, The Cape Verde Experience launches its November 2011 – October 2012 brochure this month. The specialist features six out of the ten islands in the Cape Verde archipelago (in total fifteen hotels) and can arrange single-island and twin-centre trips, as well as a selection of programmed and tailor-made island-hopping itineraries. Highlights of the new brochure include:

Increased UK Flight Capacity to Cape Verde
This winter (11/12) there is a 100% increase in UK flight capacity to Cape Verde. The key departure airports are London Gatwick and Manchester, both offering additional direct flights into the islands of Sal or Boa Vista. UK regional departures are also available from Birmingham to Sal, and - new for this season - from East Midlands and Glasgow to Boa Vista. The Cape Verde Experience is able to book any of the above flights on behalf of its customers, subject to availability. (Flights are operated by Thomson Airways, with the exception of a Manchester to Boa Vista flight with Thomas Cook).

New Sal Hotel - 5* Meliá Tortuga Beach & Spa
The Cape Verde Experience has added a new 5* all-inclusive resort on the island of Sal to its programme. The Meliá Tortuga Beach & Spa - a member of leading hotel chain The Sol Meliá group – enjoyed its grand opening in May 2011. Positioned on Ponta Preta beach, the resort features a total of 220 luxurious residences, including hotel rooms, one and two-bedroom suites, and deluxe villas complete with private garden and plunge pool. Suited to couples and families, facilities include two freshwater swimming pools, four restaurants, four bars, gymnasium and Yhi spa.

Early Booking Offers – Book by 31 July 2011
A number of Early Booking Offers are available, valid for holidays booked by 31 July 2011 for the travel period 01 November 2011 – 30 April 2012. These include savings of up to £200 per couple at the Meliá Tortuga Beach & Spa and of £150 per couple at the 4* Hotel Morabeza on Sal and 4* Iberostar Club Boa Vista on Boa Vista. Conditions apply - please call The Cape Verde Experience for more details.

The Cape Verde Experience core hotel portfolio is based on Sal and Boa Vista due to flight routes from the UK operating directly into these two islands. The Cape Verde Experience customer favourite - the 4* Hotel Morabeza on Sal - has added Executive Rooms to meet demand. Located beside the sea, the rooms come complete with shared swimming pool.

This season (winter 11/12), 7-night holidays with The Cape Verde Experience start from £699 per person (£669pp with Early Booking Offer). This is based on two sharing a room on a bed & breakfast board at the 2.5* Hotel Pontão on Sal and includes return flights from London Gatwick, taxes and transfers, as well as contact with an English-speaking, local representative. For more information, call The Cape Verde Experience Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2071 or visit www.capeverdeexperience.co.uk

£399pp for 7 nights departing on 18th June - save £196pp

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Late deal for June departure!

Sardinian Places has some great late deals for departures in June. Save £196pp on holidays at Casa delle Palme, a 3 bedroom villa that sleeps 6, situated on the hillside just above Alghero. This fantastic offer is based on 6 people sharing and departing on 18th June for 7 nights. The price includes flights from Gatwick to Alghero, car hire and a welcome pack.

For full details and other late deals visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx

Traveller's Guide to Sardinia

Eliot Stein - The Independent — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tucked deep into the jagged fjords of Sardinia's north-eastern tip lies some of the most expensive real estate in the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast). In high season, three-storey yachts putter around pools shimmering a kaleidoscope of azure hues, oligarchs occupy faux Arabian villas, and trophy wives glide from boutique to boutique. The result is a pseudo-idealised Mediterranean village, the artificiality of which allows scarcely a bougainvillea out of place. This Moorish-kasbah-meets-Mykonos wonderland is the island's most famous attraction. Yet it has almost nothing to do with the rest of Sardinia.

According to Sardinian legend, after God created the Earth, he gathered all the leftover pieces from everywhere else, threw them in the sea and stepped on them to create Sardinia – or, as the Greeks called it, Ichnusa, meaning "footprint". Since then, the island has been walked on by anyone who has ever sailed through the Mediterranean. Invaded in name but never conquered in spirit, Sardinia has managed the clever trick of absorbing a cultural buffet of influences while holding its head high with independent pride.

Lying 178km from the nearest mainland, slightly closer to Tunisia than Italy, no other island is as marooned in the Mediterranean as Sardinia – a fact that has shaped the island's character and brought a history of guests with the changing tides. While the Sardinians, or Sardi, have adopted the Italian tongue of their latest landlords, they cling fiercely to Sardo, their native language, and are recognised as a distinct ethnic group from their mainland counterparts. In effect, Sardinia is a sort of Italian Hawaii. It boasts the Romanesque churches, tile mosaics, medieval castles and fine wines associated with Italy, but also pulsates with an undiscovered and unscripted spirit that the mainland lost long ago.

Foreigners usually find it difficult to move beyond the 2,000km of Mediterranean coastline – and for good reason. The island is ringed by a shimmering shoreline of jaw-dropping beauty. But to limit your visit to the beaches is to miss the essence of an island whose people have traditionally turned their backs to the sea, fearful of those coming to exploit them and, until fairly recently, of the malaria outbreaks that plagued the coastal lagoons. Instead, many Sardinians have long sought refuge in the interior, a landscape of deep chasms, impressive massifs and impenetrable macchia (maquis) brush that nurtures the Sardinians' defiant character and hides the most compelling evidence of their secret history: more than 7,000 nuraghi stone towers and prehistoric villages built by one of the world's most advanced and mysterious Bronze Age societies. The best of these are Santu Antine in Torralba, the Unesco-protected site of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, Losa in Abbasanta and Arrubiu in Orroli, all of which are available to the public without a guide. Italy's least "Italian" region is an enchanting recipe of striking beauty and rugged brawn — one that secluded Sardinia has guarded fiercely until recently.

Eliot Stein is the author of the Footprint Travel Guide to Sardinia. To receive a 50 per cent discount (excl P&P) off any Footprint Italian guidebook, visit footprinttravelguides.com and enter Inde11 in the coupon code at checkout. Valid until the end of July.
To read the remainder of this Traveller's Guide, please click to view the online version.

Calvi Jazz Festival

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The line-up for the Calvi Jazz Festival has been announced – to see the full programme visit http://www.calvi-jazz-festival.com/Programme2011.htm

We currently have availability at Apartment Georges which is in the heart of the citadel for the week of 19-26 June to coincide with the event. Right now there is also a discount of £81 per person on package holidays with 7 nights now from £489 per person, based on 4 sharing. Find out more

School Charity Day Success - over £600 raised for gambian classroom

Press Office - The Gambia Experience — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist tour operator, The Gambia Experience [part of Serenity Holidays] held a fancy-dress ‘School Charity Day’ last Friday (20 May) in order to raise money for its own registered charity, ‘The School Development Fund’.

A total of £618.50 was raised (£118.50 by staff and a contribution of £500 from directors) with the specific aim of supporting the Kitty Upper Basic School in The Gambia, in particular the completion of its school roof prior to the onset of the rainy season.

Staff and management at the Serenity Holidays Hampshire office were asked to come dressed as a school pupil, teacher or dinner lady. Throughout the day staff enjoyed homemade biscuits, egg & spoon races, guess the member of staff from the Serenity School Photo competition, and the unlucky few also experienced a five-minute detention!

Kathy Burrington - graphic designer at Serenity Holidays and member of the School Development Fund committee - who posed as ‘Headmistress’ for the day, commented:
“Immense fun was had by everyone last Friday. Above all, we are delighted to have made a difference to our most recent school project in The Gambia – Kitty Upper Basic School. We have now raised enough money to complete the outstanding building works, as well as carry some across to the next school which needs our help.”

For more information on The Gambia Experience, visit www.gambia.co.uk as well as www.thegambiablog.co.uk and on its School Development Fund - established in 1989, and now having assisted over 100 school projects across The Gambia - visit www.schooldevelopmentfund.org
To view Serenity Holidays staff enjoying the School Charity Day, please see The Gambia Experience Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/GambiaExperience

Grand Opening for MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa

Press Office - The Cape Verde Experience — Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The UK’s leading specialist tour operator to the Cape Verde islands - The Cape Verde Experience - attended weekend celebrations to mark the official opening on Saturday 7th May by Prime Minster José Maria Neves of its newest hotel addition, the 5 star MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa. 400 guests were wined and dined in style at the luxurious beachfront resort on the island of Sal, courtesy of overseas property developer The Resort Group plc and Sol MELIÃ, the world’s largest resort-hotel group.

Accompanied by Rob Jarrett Honorary Chairman of the Resort Group plc and Gerardo Bordoli MELIÃ Tortuga General Manager, the Cape Verde Prime Minister unveiled the first of the three planned MELIÃ operated resorts to be delivered by The Resort Group on Sal. To mark the event, guests were treated to a spectacular firework display and live performances from chart songstress Sophie Ellis-Bextor and dance group Diversity, winners of the “Britain’s Got Talent” TV competition. Cape Verdean legend Tito Paris was also there to perform his distinctive blend of traditional Cape Verdean music and DJ Danny Rampling played his ‘Sunset Set’ as the party continued at the resort’s Beach Bar.

Attending the opening, The Cape Verde Experience managing director Chris Rowles commented:
“The MELIÃ Tortuga is a welcome addition to our year round programme, offering the finest 5 star resort so far on the islands which is suited to both couples and families and perfect for our customers. Providing a wonderful holiday location and great mix of facilities, we are confident it will be a huge success and holiday bookings so far reflect strong interest."

Located on Ponta Preta beach, just ten minutes’ drive from Santa Maria town, the resort features a total of 220 luxurious residences including one and two bedroom suites and three and four bedroom villas. Facilities include two large freshwater pools, four restaurants, gymnasium and luxury YHI Spa. Gourmet dining is offered, plus a variety of bars which include a lobby bar, sports bar, beach bar and swim-up pool bar - the Beach Bar and Grille, providing the perfect location to capture the island’s renowned sunset. Activities such as diving, trekking, fishing and windsurfing can be arranged locally.

The Cape Verde Experience is offering 7 night all-inclusive holidays at the Melia Tortuga Beach & Spa from £949 per person with flights and transfers included. UK departures to Sal are available from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester. (NB: Above price is per person based on two sharing and is subject to availability).

For more details call The Cape Verde Experience on 0845 330 2046 or visit www.capeverde.co.uk

World Rally Championship in Sardinia

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only one week to go until the World Rally Championship round takes places in Sardinia – from 5th to 8th May 2011. There’s still time to make sure you’re there watching as Sardinian Places has availability at the nearby Villa Oro Verde, a premium 3 bedroom villa that sleeps up to 6. Read more about the villa and get prices here.

French driver Sebastien Loeb is currently top of the Championship leaderboard, whilst Britain's Matt Wilson is in 7th place. For more information about the rally visit http://www.wrc.com/calendar-and-rallies/2011/rally-ditalia-sardegna/overview/

The secrets of magic at Ngala Lodge

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Guests staying at the boutique Ngala Lodge in The Gambia this May will be able to enjoy some magic over dinner and also pick up tips on how to do some tricks of their own.

Magician Mr Celsius will be performing his magic at Ngala Lodge from 13th to 20th May, sharing the secrets of a few of his tricks. Find out more about Mr Celsius and watch some videos of his television work at www.Celsiusmagic.nl

A week at the luxurious Ngala Lodge from 10th-17th May is currently discounted to £699 per person, a saving of £105pp. A week from 17th-24th May costs £799 per person. These prices include return flights from Gatwick, transfers, twin bed & breakfast accommodation, in-flight meals, 20 kg luggage allowance, Air Passenger Duty and Government Tourist Levy.

Bergerie Olivella included in "25 of the best villas in Europe"

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bergerie Olivella is included in a feature by Condé Nast Traveller entitled "25 of the best villas in Europe".

Here's what they say about this Premium Villa:

"Bergerie Olivella (sleeps 6), near Propriano

Hidden in dense Mediterranean shrub and forest (holm oak, buckthorn, juniper and myrtle), this secluded old bergerie (dating from 1954) has its peace disturbed only by chirruping cicadas. The nearest town is Olimeto, a five-minute drive along country roads, with bars, restaurants and shops. Thick stone walls and a pantiled roof supported by solid wooden beams keep the interiors cool, with the help of ceiling fans and gauzy door drapes. Floors are tiled, walls are painted in earthy colours and the furniture is dark wood. Bookcases, reading lights and a haphazard collection of pictures give the cottage a relaxed and welcoming feel. An oval-shaped pool in the landscaped gardens overlooks the Gulf of Valinco.

Price £761-£1,169 per person per week including flights and car hire (based on six sharing) Book through Corsican Places (0845 330 2113; www.corsica.co.uk)

On the doorstep Sandy coves of the Valinco: Plage de Cupabia is one of the most scenic beaches in the region; good seafood at Terra Cotta in Propriano.

Best for romantic breaks"

Package prices now start from £499 per person, saving £262 per person

An eye-opening introduction to Africa

Oliver Smith - The Daily Telegraph — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

My taxi driver, Katim, led me into the front room of his home on the edge of Serrekunda, Gambia's largest city. Twenty chairs were arranged in a horseshoe, each facing the property's most prized possessions: an ancient-looking television and a battered wireless perched on a creaking credenza. My arrival caught the attention of three cheeky youngsters. They rushed towards the doorway to greet me, their shrieks of delight disturbing the silence of the home and the slumber of older relatives napping in adjacent rooms.
Soon I was sitting in a courtyard enjoying the afternoon sunshine with a coterie of aunts, great aunts, nieces and nephews – a space we shared with a skinny heifer, a clutch of chickens and a tethered goat. A matriarchal figure stirred a mighty pan of couscous as it warmed over an open fire. A baby in a brightly coloured sling clung to her back.
The children begged me to take their pictures. They craned their necks to see the results on my digital camera. I asked the eldest to take a picture of Katim and myself. Another photograph for his album.
It's not often I accept an offer of late lunch from a taxi driver, but a day spent with Katim, and a week in Gambia, had made me less suspicious than I am in London.
I hadn't envisaged this scenario three months previously, when my girlfriend, Sophie, and I decided on a trip to this tiny strip of West Africa.
Whereas Sophie looks for nothing more in a holiday than some sun-scorched stretch of sand in which to disappear into a decent novel and – ideally – five-star accommodation, I crave distraction. Here, six hours from a sodden Gatwick, was the perfect compromise. With April temperatures in excess of 86F (30C) and good beaches, she could unwind while I explored monkey-filled forests, meandering wetlands and a sleepy Third World capital.
But our research also unearthed off-putting warnings about sex tourism (Gambia is considered a place where middle-aged ladies can meet muscular and willing young men) and "bumsters" – locals who tout themselves as holiday guides.
Informing friends and family of our decision, we were greeted by raised eyebrows. "Do take care of yourself," urged my grandmother. After all, wasn't this the country where Britons suspected of criticising the government were sentenced to hard labour and whose head of state claimed he can cure Aids by administering banana extracts to the patient's chest?
We chose to take the risk. Steer clear of the bumsters, avoid denouncing the establishment, and we would get on just fine.
Sophie's fears were forgotten within five minutes of our arrival at the hotel. Once "cheap and cheerful", Gambian accommodation has improved, and the Coco Ocean Resort and Spa can only be termed luxurious. We were whisked by golf buggy past fountains and manicured gardens to a cool, airy suite overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In the fading light, we spotted lizards scuttling from the undergrowth and egrets stalking through the grass in search of one last edible insect.
The following morning we claimed two sunloungers beside the hotel's infinity pool – a spot that became Sophie's command centre for the duration of the holiday.
To read the remainder of this feature, click to view the online version.

Wild at Heart - A Journey Through Corsica's Rugged North

Harriet O'Brien - The Independent — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Gunfire cracked loudly from the valley below the church. As I stopped the car, another shot rang out and a couple of shiny black choughs flew from their perch on the bell tower. More fire was followed by the barking of dogs. In the recesses of my mind I conjured an act of Corsican vendetta taking place below me.
Yet the canine accompaniment was, I realised, a likely indication of rather less dramatic scene – in all probability an afternoon game shoot. From the shelter of the car I peered warily down the slopes clad in scrub and spindly holm oaks.
But on hearing a distant shot and fading barks, I reckoned there was little risk of encountering stray bullets, so I got out to explore the church that I had come to see.
Built in a random arrangement of green and white stone and set on a neatly clipped sward of grass, the little church of San Michele looks as if it has been transposed to its site in northern Corsica from another world, arriving slightly jumbled, which isn't far off the local legend. The story goes that the residents of the village of Murato woke one morning to find that the thick wood crowning a hill beyond their cottages had disappeared. In its place was a strange and wonderful church. It had been built by angels.
The more pragmatic explanation is that San Michele de Murato was constructed in about 1280, during the tail-end of the era when Corsica was governed by the city-state of Pisa – and long before France laid claim to the island. The simple, barn-like structure is typical of the Pisan Romanesque style (the bell tower is a later addition). It is remarkable, though, not only for its asymmetrical stone patterning, but also for its embellishment of small carvings. Snarling animals, primitive-looking human figures and strange symbols adorn the entrance archways and the high arcades around the exterior. Above one narrow window recess a naked Eve with enormous hands is given an apple by the serpent. Below it, a band of vines is flanked by an angel and a knife-wielding man. When you gaze at the carvings you tune into a primeval, slightly eerie quality that resonates with the landscape around.
Wild, ruggedly beautiful Corsica was acquired by France only in 1768. I had read of how, for centuries before, it had been a Mediterranean magnet for raiders and invaders – Vandals, Pisans, Genovese and British had variously fought hard for this territory. But even so, I had little expectation of how un-French the island would be.
Corsica lies about 160km from mainland France and it remains defiantly, idiosyncratically, a culture apart. They speak French here, but the Corsican language – a direct offshoot of Tuscan-influenced Latin – is also used widely. To read the remainder of Harriet's feature, please click to view the online version.

Welcome to the jungle

Lynn Storey-Smith - Essex Chronicle — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Just a six hour flight from Gatwick, the smallest country on mainland Africa offers a sub-tropical climate, cultural experience and a warm welcome. What’s more, there’s no time difference from the UK so there’s no jetlag making even a week’s stay in The Gambia, a relaxing option for a quick fix of winter sun.
They call it the Smiling Coast of Africa and yes, it might be a slick marketing phrase dreamed up by the tourism authority, but nevertheless, it’s an accurate description.
A walk along the beach or just from my room through the gardens to the hotel reception never passed without a cheerful greeting: “Hello, how are you? What do think of The Gambia?” Soon I discovered that this sunny disposition wasn’t confined to the coastal, tourist areas around Kombo Beach Hotel where I spent four nights; the further we went off the beaten track, the greater the enthusiasm and the bigger the smiles.
As our 4x4 safari truck lurched its way down dusty, rutted tracks and we tried, sometimes unsuccessfully, to dodge the branches of the cashew trees lashing out at us through the open sides, crowds of children appeared and ran alongside waving and calling out to us. Adults too, stopped and greeted us politely and it became obvious that hospitality is as deeply ingrained in the Gambian culture as is the refreshing scent of wild mint in the fertile Gambian countryside.
When we climbed down from the truck we were in Makasutu Forest, a wonderful ecological and cultural project, where we met up with its joint founder, Englishman, Lawrence Williams who first came to The Gambia in 1992. His original plan to build a surf camp on the beach was scrapped when he realised that despite the Atlantic Ocean edging the coastline, there’s no real surf.
He was travelling around the country with his business partner, James English, when they came across Makasutu which means Holy Forest and decided to buy four acres of land on a bend in the river with the idea of building a small lodge for back-packers. As we glided along the river in a small boat, he explained how this modest venture grew. “We went to the UK for a couple of months and when we arrived back we found that about 200 palm trees had been cut down on the land surrounding ours,” he said. “We met with the tribal owners of the land and they suggested that if we wanted to protect the area, we could buy it and fence it all off. That’s how our four acres became the 1,750 we now look after!” Our boat passed by two of the lodges now on offer to tourists here in Makasutu. All built with local materials, the Mandina Lodges number just eight in total, some set back from the river and some floating on the water or raised over it on stilts. As part of a twin centre holiday, you can opt to spend three or more days in the tranquil setting of Mandina just relaxing by the pool, birdwatching, fishing or exploring the forest where as I discovered first hand, you can unexpectedly come across a family of baboons.
More than 15 years of hard work dedicated to protecting the forest and the surrounding Ballabu area has resulted in widespread recognition and several prestigious eco-tourism awards for Lawrence and James. The latest venture to come to fruition was the focus of our trip downstream. From October 12 to 26 last year, just a few days before our arrival, the Wide Open Walls project had turned the village of Kubuneh into a work of art created by eight of the world’s leading street artists working in cooperation with the community. As I hopped off the boat and balanced precariously on a narrow log to reach the sandy riverbank, the first images came into view. Standing in the shade of a tree and taking care not to walk on any of the tiny crabs busily digging in and popping out of the muddy sand, I could make out an animal, possibly an antelope, painted on the wall.
A fan of graffiti and a keen artist himself, Lawrence went to art college before studying architecture then film and television set design at university. “About a year ago, I sent a late-night beer-inspired email to the website of one of my favourite artists, Eelus, telling him about the idea I had to turn a Gambian village into a living art project,” said Lawrence. Eelus replied and got behind it, taking part and helping to bring the vision to reality.
Our arrival in the village caused some excitement among the children especially when one of my companions produced a packet of mints. They walked with us as we discovered art on the walls of buildings including homes and the school, and even on trees. Figures and faces, lettering. landscapes, abstract patterns, birds, animals, and strange human/animal hybrids were all portrayed in a variety of styles.
Now the aim is to turn the Wide Open Walls project into an annual event encouraging art enthusiasts to watch the work in progress at another of the local villages. There are also plans to run excursions in the area including a tour of Kubuneh with an entrance fee so the village will benefit directly.
For tourists who want to explore beyond the confines of their hotel, there are numerous excursions which offer the
opportunity to see more of the country while benefiting the local population. Our excursions were organised by West African Tours whose guide Mucki provided us with a great insight into the culture and customs and imparted his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Gambian whenever the chance arose.
Our four wheel drive adventure included visits to a primary school where we learned about the education system and were entertained by the children singing, then to a compound where saw how a typical extended family lives and farms the land. Lunch was a barbecue served at a beach bar on a wide sandy beach miles from the tourist
areas, followed by a swim in the ocean or a snooze in a hammock. Now that’s relaxation.
Factfile
The writer was a guest of The Gambia Experience. Accommodation was at the Kombo Beach Hotel, a 4
grade hotel ( www. gambia.co.uk/kombo). Excursions are bookable locally with West African Tours through hotel reps. For more details and other hotel options, call The Gambia Experience on 0845
330 2087 or visit www. gambia.co.uk

Save 45% on stylish & secluded Alghero Villa

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the three-bedroom villa Casa delle Palme in North West Sardinia from £298 per person, valid for departures on 07 May, and resulting in a saving of £250pp from brochure price.
This price is based on six sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick - Alghero, car hire and a welcome pack.
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/casadellepalme
Situated on a hillside just above Alghero, the stylish Casa delle Palme is set within its own secluded gardens complete with a large swimming pool and offers distant sea views across to Capo Caccia. Please note that all offers are subject to availability.

Iggy & The Stooges, Tom Jones & Beach Boys to play Corsican Festival

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Les Nuits de la Guitare festival in Patrimonio near St Florent has just announced some of the acts playing at this summer's event. Their website is in French but you'll recognise some names: The Beach Boys, Iggy & The Stooges, Tom Jones & more. Check out http://www.festival-guitare-patrimonio.com/ .

Villa Puccinasca is close by and still available during the festival which runs from 16-23 July http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000235/51334/Villa-Puccinasca.aspx

St Florent Premium Villa from £399pp this May

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

www.corsica.co.uk/lancrebleue
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the six-bedroom villa L’Ancre Bleue in St Florent from £399 per person, valid for departures on 22 May, and resulting in a saving of £228pp.
The price is based on ten sharing and includes return flights from London Stansted – Calvi, taxes and car hire.
Perched on the Fromentica hillside, L’Ancre Bleue is a stylish property commanding panoramic views out towards St Florent bay and the Désert des Agriates. Perfect for a larger group or those seeking extra space & quality. Includes a private pool.
Please note that all offers are subject to availability.
In 2011, Corsican Places - with Titan Airways - is chartering the UK’s only direct flight to Calvi (North West Corsica) for the second year running.

The Independent’s pick of luxury hotels in Sardinia

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

La Coluccia and Petra Segreta Resort have both been selected as amongst the top luxury hotels in Sardinia in The Independent’s feature last Saturday “The Big Six: Luxury hotels in Sardinia” by Laura Holt.

Here’s what she had to say about the Petra Segreta Resort in San Pantaleo:

“Sunbed fidgets will find this rustic hilltop retreat hard to abide. Fans of spa treatments and gourmet dining will not. It's a hamlet of tiny stone outhouses, centring around a small pool, with the spa as linchpin. “

And this is what she says about La Coluccia in Santa Teresa di Gallura:

“A red wave meets a bleached Mediterranean sculpture at La Coluccia, which cuts no corners in the style stakes. Rooms are minimalist, sharp and to-the-point. The pool area is similarly smart, leading to the beach."

Senegal win Africa Nations Cup qualifier

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Senegal now lead their group by five points after beating Cameroon 1-0 in Saturday’s Africa Nations Cup qualifier in Dakar. Demba Ba of West Ham scored the only goal in the game during stoppage time. Get all the scores and group results at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/8613171.stm

Rivers of West Africa cruise feature

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Read about the Rivers of West Africa cruise and see some great images of what to expect. Free Press Travel writer Ellen Creager has written an account of her experience on the Rivers of West Africa cruise which starts in Dakar and travels through the Sine Saloum Delta and up the River Gambia.

In her article in the Detroit Free Press she talks about visiting Janjangbureh, a village school and Baboon Islands and there are some great shots of the ship and also some of the sights: the monkeys, birds, people and sunset over the river. If you’re interested in the cruise it’s well worth taking a look http://www.freep.com/article/20110320/FEATURES07/103200336/1004/NEWS02/Cruise-line-sends-yacht-up-Gambia-River-toward-home-Roots-hero?odyssey=nav%7Chead

The next cruise departs in December 2011 and will also operate in January, February and March 2012. For details of the itinerary and prices see http://www.senegal.co.uk/Hotel/19000398/51696/Rivers-of-West-Africa-Cruise.aspx?Booking=false

Rivers of West Africa cruise feature

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cheap flights to The Gambia

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There are some great flight only prices to Banjul, The Gambia in the next few weeks worth highlighting.

The cheapest return flights from Gatwick to Banjul depart on 8th April and cost £399 per person for either 7 or 14 night durations. The cheapest return flight from Manchester to Banjul departs on 13th April and costs £349 return for a 7 night duration. The cheapest one way flight departs from Gatwick on 6th May and costs £149.

For all the latest flight offers see http://www.gambia.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Flight-Only.aspx

Prices are per person and include inflight meals, airport taxes and luggage allowance of 20 kilograms from Gatwick in May and Manchester. Luggage allowance of 25 kilograms for Gatwick departures in April.

There is a £10 TOD charge for bookings made within 7 days of departure. Flight prices can change and some departures are already full.

New 5* Sal Hotel - save on May Travel Offers

Press Office - The Cape Verde Experience — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Cape Verde Experience is offering 7 night holidays at the 5* Meliá Tortuga Beach & Spa in Sal from £749 per person, valid for departures on 11, 18 or 25 May and resulting in a saving of £170pp.
http://www.capeverdeexperience.co.uk/melia-tortuga

This price is based on two sharing a double room on an all-inclusive basis and includes return flights from Manchester, taxes and hotel transfers. Please note that the same package with flights from London Gatwick or Birmingham is also available at a supplement.

The Meliá Tortuga Beach & Spa - a member of leading hotel chain The Sol Meliá group - is the latest addition to The Cape Verde Experience collection and is the only 5* hotel within the specialist’s programme. Located on Ponta Preta beach, just ten minutes’ drive from Santa Maria town, the Meliá Tortuga Beach & Spa features a total of 220 luxurious residences. Suited to both couples and families, the resort offers a choice of restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, gymnasium and the YHI Spa. Activities such as diving, trekking, fishing and windsurfing can be arranged locally.

New Southern Sardinia Hotel added to Collection - 7 nights from £699pp

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places is pleased to announce that it has just exclusively added a new hotel to its collection. The 4* Relais Villa del Borgo Hotel is a small (12-room) boutique hotel located on the South Western Coast of Sardinia.
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/relais-villa-del-borgo

Tucked away between the popular resorts of Pula and Chia and set in beautiful gardens, this converted manor house exudes an air of understated luxury.
The Relais Villa del Borgo is ideally positioned to sample the best beaches in the area – ‘Chia’ with its silky sand, white dunes and turquoise sea, and ‘Nora’, an exquisite horseshoe bay lapped by crystal clear water.
Hotel facilities include a swimming pool and wellness centre. Please note that the hotel does not house its own restaurant, but there are highly recommended trattorias in the local vicinity.

MAY TRAVEL OFFER
Sardinian Places offers 7-nights at The Relais Villa del Borgo Hotel from £699 per person, valid for selected departure dates between 01 – 20 May* 2011 and resulting in a saving of £109pp. This price is based on two sharing a classic room with breakfast and includes return flights Stansted – Cagliari and car hire. All offers are subject to availability.
* Currently available for departures 01 – 09 May inclusive, and 17 or 18 May

Corsica flight deals

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here are our latest cheap flight prices to the island of Corsica for departures this spring and summer:

Flights from Stansted to Calvi in partnership with Titan Airways:
£249pp for 7 night durations departing on 22nd May
£299pp for 7 night durations departing on 12th, 19th, 26th June and 3rd, 10th July
Prices include return flights departing on date specified, taxes and 23 kilograms luggage allowance. Snacks & drinks are available to purchase on board this flight.

Flights from Heathrow to Figari in partnership with British Midland (BMI):
£349pp for 7 night durations departing 19th June and 3rd July
£389pp for 7 night durations departing 31st July
Prices include return flights departing on date specified, taxes and 23 kilograms luggage allowance. In flight meal also included.

Other departure dates and durations also available, call or use the online booking engine for prices.

All offers apply to new booking only, cannot be combined with any other offer and are subject to availability. Current brochure terms and conditions apply. Offers can be withdrawn at any time.

Save up to £920 on Accommodation-only Offers

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NORTH EAST SARDINIA PREMIUM COLLECTION VILLA
ACCOMMODATION-ONLY OFFERS: save up to £920
BOOK BY 01 APRIL

www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/lu-triuzzu
Lu Triuzzu – part of Sardinian Places’ Premium Collection is located in Santa Teresina on the outskirts of the Costa Smeralda. This three-bedroom house was built around an existing rock, which now forms the centrepiece to this unique hideaway retreat, whose additional character features include a juniper tree left in its original position inside the main doorway. The house has an elevated position, meaning that the pool terrace in particular takes in the panoramic views of the rural surroundings.

SAVE ON ACCOMMODATION-ONLY BOOKINGS:
Valid on selected Saturday departure dates throughout the season, Sardinian Places is offering great savings on its accommodation-only prices for Lu Triuzzu.
For selected MAY* dates, prices start at £1990 for the property for the week (saving £510).
The largest saving is applicable for selected JULY / AUGUST dates, where 7-nights accommodation-only at Lu Triuzzu is available for £3680 (saving £920).

The above prices include a welcome hamper and the services of an English-speaking representative if desired. Please note that Sardinian Places can also quote for flights and transfers / car hire if requested. All offers are subject to availability.

Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk
* 07, 14, 21 May arrivals

Northern Sardinia April / May Offers

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NORTH EAST SARDINIA OFFER
San Pantaleo Villa: 7 nights from £469pp - save up to £126pp
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the two-bedroom villa Casa Qandra in North East Sardinia from £469 per person, valid for departures on 30 April or 7 May and resulting in a saving of up to £126 per person.
This price is based on four sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick-Olbia, car hire and a welcome pack.
Set in extensive gardens, the traditional Sardinian property Casa Qandra is perfectly positioned between Arzachena and the quaint village of San Pantaleo.
Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

NORTH WEST SARDINIA OFFER
Alghero Hotel: 7 nights from £499pp - save £145pp
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the 3* Hotel la Playa in Alghero from £499 per person, valid for departure on 07 May and resulting in a saving of £145 per person.
This price is based on two sharing a room with breakfast and includes return London Gatwick – Alghero flights and hotel transfers.
Small and family-run, Hotel la Playa is ideally located in central Alghero, 20 minutes walk away from the old quarter and the lively harbourfront, and only a few steps from the beach.
Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

22 May Calvi Offers

Press Office - Corsican Places — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Calvi Citadel Apartment from £349 per person – save £190pp
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the two-bedroom Apartment Georges in Calvi Citadel from £349 per person, valid for departures on 22 May, and resulting in a saving of £190pp.
The price is based on four sharing and includes return flights from London Stansted – Calvi, taxes and transfers. This spacious and modern third-floor apartment offers impressive views out over the Revellata Peninsula and towards the Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste at the high point of the Citadel.

Calvi Town Apartment from £499 per person – save £140pp
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the studio apartment Le Home in Calvi Town from £499 per person, valid for departures on 22 May, and resulting in a saving of £140pp.
The price is based on two sharing a studio and includes return flights from Stansted – Calvi, taxes and transfers. Le Home studios and apartments offer a great value for money option in the heart of Calvi. Housed in two-storey buildings, the properties are set within gardens in a quiet location, just a short walk from the centre of Calvi and the beach. Facilities include two shared swimming pools.

Call Corsican Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Sheraton Gambia turning out the lights for Earth Hour

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Sheraton Gambia Hotel in Brufut will be turning out their lights on Saturday to take part in the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF’s) Earth Hour which is recognised all around the world. The event aims to raise environmental awareness internationally – in 2010 a record 128 countries took part. Earth Hour will take place at 8.30pm (GMT) on Saturday 26th March 2011.

You can view some great images of last year’s event, including world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Paris; Trafalgar Square, London; Table Mountain, Cape Town; and the Empire State Building, New York. Go online at http://www.earthhour.org/mediasite/imageresults.aspx?category=Archive&country=&date=&keyword=&page=1

New Manchester to Boa Vista flight on sale

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Another new flight is now on sale for next winter, departing from Manchester on Fridays for the Cape Verdean island of Boa Vista. The flight commences in November and will operate throughout the winter season until the end of April 2012. The flight is operated by Thomas Cook and adds to the wide choice of flights now available through The Cape Verde Experience.

Holidaymakers now have the choice of 10 flights to Cape Verde next winter including departures from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and East Midlands. Those travelling with The Cape Verde Experience can fly on any of these departures or use a combination of flights to Boa Vista and Sal to arrange twin centre or island-hopping itineraries – the best way to experience the diversity of the islands.

Corsican beach included in The Guardian’s “Top 10 beaches in France" feature

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Porto Pollo in southern Corsica has been selected as one of the top 10 beaches in France in a feature in today’s Guardian. Jacqueline Mirtelli of the France Tourism Development Agency recommended the beach and says:

“As a native of the French Riviera, I am very keen on the sea. For me, Corsica is a true paradise for beaches and it's only a two-hour flight from London or Manchester. Between Propriano and Bonifacio in sunny southern Corsica is Porto-Pollo beach, a long white arch of sand in a bay sheltered by green hills. I have been lucky to go to the Seychelles and Mauritius and it's like that – OK, a little bit less wild! Snorkelling is a must as the water is crystal clear and filled with fish.”

Branching out: an ecolodge in Senegal

Rose Skelton - The Guardian — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It was still early morning and I had dozed off while keeping vigil on our route. "I seem to have lost the way," said my friend. "I was following the track for a while but the salt flats seemed smoother to drive on…"

Looming around us were baobabs, the largely leafless, bulbous-trunked trees that locals say were stuck in the ground upside down by the devil. They looked as if they were made from elephant hide, grey and tremendous, casting their great fingers up to the sky. The headlights picked up a shape ahead – a donkey pulling a wooden cart, piled with salt and millet, which came to a stop beside us. "Excuse me," I said in French to the two passengers, wondering what language they spoke. "Can you tell us where the road is?" The young men politely pointed to the north. "Follow the telegraph wires," one said. "That'll show you the way."

We were travelling through the Siné Saloum region, south of Dakar, to the Siné-Saloum delta. The area is a jigsaw of salt flats and shallow waterways that eventually give way to the rolling waters of the Atlantic and while there is a road – a red gravel route that snakes inland from the coast and between several villages – it's not a very comfortable one.

Around three hours after we had set off from Dakar we turned off at a tiny junction where a sign pointed us to Collines de Niassam Lodge, an eco-lodge on the edge of the warm delta waters at Palmarin. The sun was just about up as we arrived and were greeted with coffee and freshly baked bread. Just to remind myself I was in the tropics, I washed them down with a glass of baobab juice made from the seed pods of the tree: cream in colour, strangely grainy and supposedly with powerful stomach-settling properties.

The baobab trees were to be our home for the next few days. While tree hotels might be popular in the east of the continent, out here in the wild west, they are something of a rarity. This is Senegal's first and so far only tree-hotel – a handful of beautifully crafted wood cabins perched in the wide branches of the baobab trees. Almost everything inside the rooms has been made in the local area.

West Africa has long been popular with backpackers who travel around the region through Mali, Ghana and Burkina Faso in rickety bush-taxis, sleep in fleapit hostels and revel in the fact that this is tough, proper travelling. More recently, however, tourists have made their way tentatively to Dakar, perched on the western tip of the continent, for its thriving music scene, which has produced musicians such as Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal. As east and southern Africa have traditionally attracted the wealthier tourists, lured by the big game and sparkling Indian Ocean coastline, west Africa was left with a lot of bad PR, not helped by civil wars.

But what goes on in countries hundreds or thousands of miles to the north or south should not put people off Senegal's charms. Not only is its culture thriving and quite unlike anywhere else in Africa, some interesting small hotels are opening up. The Collines de Niassam was built by a French couple eight years ago. Its electricity comes from solar panels and almost all its food is grown in the hotel garden or supplied locally. We soon discovered the food is exceptional – local fish known as capitaine cooked with bissap (hibiscus flower) was my favourite – prepared by a laughing storm of a woman who, if asked nicely, would divulge her culinary secrets.

But the choice of where to sleep posed a problem. In one of the round houses on stilts perched above the shallow, lapping waters of the delta? Or high up in the branches of these magical baobab trees? When I saw that the treehouse bathroom was encased in a wooden cabin around the trunk of the tree – you take a shower snuggled up against the baobab – my mind was made up. The stairs leading to the bedroom wind up its trunk, past the second-floor "living room" – a hammock and breakfast table mid-way up the branches – and to the room cradled at the top of the branches, with a four-poster bed.

We soon settled into a chilled out lifestyle for a few days. It is easy to do nothing – the silence that hangs over the delta can pleasantly stupefy a visitor after the hectic pace of Dakar – but there is a range of things to do in the area. We were invited to watch a traditional wrestling match in a nearby village, where the whole community gathers and, with drums and song, cheers on the young men, and offered the more indulgent option of a flight in a microlight plane above the salt planes to see the salt wells sitting like coloured inkpots across the land.

But we opted for kayaking in the mangrove lagoons with a local guide, Pierre. We paddled through the clear narrow waterways before arriving at an island with pristine white sand. We pulled our kayaks ashore and Pierre picked oysters from the mangrove roots for us to roast on a fire and eat, admiring the setting sun. A monkey cackled at us from the high branches of a baobab tree. For the wild west, things seemed very easy and gentle from where I was sitting.

• A lagoon hut or a baobab tree house at Collines de Niassam Lodge (niassam.com) costs €90pp per night, half-board. The Senegal Experience (0845 338 8706, senegal.co.uk) has seven nights' half-board at the lodge from £1,149pp, based on two sharing, including Heathrow-Dakar flights and airport transfers

Gambians return home from Libya

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Last week more than 500 Gambians returned to The Gambia from Libya. Flights chartered by the Gambian Government arrived at Banjul International Airport on Thursday, Friday and Saturday carrying 164, 175 and 172 nationals respectively. Apparently another three charter flights are due to return more Gambians home safely in the coming days.

Hotel Morabeza early booking offer runs out soon

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An early booking offer for the popular 4* Hotel Morabeza runs out soon – so hurry to book your summer holiday and save up to £90 per person on 14 night holidays and £50 per person on 7 nights. The 4* Hotel Morabeza is The Cape Verde Experience’s most popular hotel - it is situated beside Santa Maria beach on the island of Sal in the Cape Verde archipelago.

7 night packages now start from £899 per person on Bon Appetit basis which includes breakfast and three evening meals. This price is valid on 3rd & 10th May 2011 departing from Birmingham and 11th May from Manchester for bookings made by 31st March 2011.

For more details about the hotel and prices see http://www.capeverdeexperience.co.uk/Hotel/19000347/50967/Hotel-Morabeza.aspx

For other special offers seehttp://www.capeverdeexperience.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Default.aspx

Corsica pick of spring breaks by Condé Nast Traveller

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Condé Nast Traveller has picked the mediterranean island of Corsica as one of the top holiday destinations for some early sunshine in their feature Here comes the sun – The best short-haul destinations for a warm and sunny spring break. Corsica is chosen alongside Essaouira in Morocco, Lisbon, Mallorca, Seville, Sicily, Tunis and the Turkish Mediterranean.

Here’s what they say about Corsica:

“A little over a century ago, Henri Matisse arrived on Corsica and got the shock of his life. Amazed at the clarity of the Mediterranean light, he later declared this was where his passion for colour began. Corsica, the 'Isle of Beauty', is only 180km long and 80km wide, but the contrasts are mesmerising. To appreciate the lure of Corsica fully, allow enough time to explore the far corners of the island, from the isolated northern fishing villages of Cap Corse to the beautiful sandy beaches near Porto-Veccio. You'll discover superb hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and exhilarating watersports.

When to go
The loveliest months are June and September, when you avoid the summer onslaught. But you may prefer Easter when a number of unusual religious processions take place (like the famous Catenacciu in Sartène) and the island is quiet.”

To read the feature in full go to http://www.cntraveller.com/recommended/beaches/short-haul-spring-sun

150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow Italy will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the unification of the country and to mark the occasion, the 17th March 2011 has been declared a national holiday in Italy. Although many banks and shops will be closed in Sardinia and across Italy, tourist attractions and museums will remain open. Although most of the events will take place in Turin, Florence and Rome, there will be smaller scale celebrations across the country. The events will be known as il Risorgimento or “The Resurgence”.

National unity was declared on March 17th 1861in Turin, which became the country’s first capital. Prior to this Italy was divided into several states, some ruled by foreign powers until Nationalists led by the Kingdom of Sardinia, Piedmont’s ruling House of Savoy and Prime Minister Camillo Benso di Cavour fought for a united country. Many of the campaigns were led by hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, who retired to the island of Caprera in La Maddalena archipelago off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Today the island is a tourist destination with a museum dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, which is currently being revamped.

2011’s tourism hotspots: What to do in Cape Verde?

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Independent has a great new article online: “2011’s tourism hotspots: What to do in Cape Verde”. As well as a little background information on the archipelago, there are ideas for things to do whilst on holiday including climbing a volcano on Fogo, visiting the nesting site of loggerhead turtles on Boa Vista, swimming in the salt baths on Sal and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cidade Velha. Read the article in full.

Children’s book raises money for schools in The Gambia

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Author Neil Griffiths marked last week’s World Book Day by reading his new children’s book ‘Fatou Fetch The Water’ to a group of pupils at Swindon Library. The book is about a girl in The Gambia and at least 10% of the money from book sales will be donated to schools in The Gambia and to a charity run by Neil – Starfish Malaria Project which provides malaria nets to families in The Gambia.

Fatou Fetch The Water has been nominated for a Dundee picture book prize. Order a copy online at http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=fatou+fetch+the+water&tag=mh0a9-21&index=stripbooks&hvadid=24180729&ref=pd_sl_72etej2gwq_e

Find out more about Starfish Malaria Project at http://www.cornertolearn.co.uk/starfish-malaria-project.html

Sardinia rated in top 10 for travellers from New Zealand

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Online travel company expedia.co.nz has highlighted Sardinia as one of the top 10 up and coming destinations in the Northern Hemisphere for New Zealanders to visit during their winter months.

The top ten reads as:

1. Alaska
2. Turkey
3. Scotland
4. California
5. Sardinia
6. Lebanon
7. Madeira
8. Canada
9. Slovenia
10. Norway

Here’s what they had to say about Sardinia:

5. Sardinia, Italy
Often overlooked, the island of Sardinia is seeing a resurgence in popularity because of its turquoise seas and white sandy beaches.
Travellers will marvel at the rugged beauty of the Southwestern Sardinia islands, Sant’Antioco and San Pietro. Equally as impressive is the cosmopolitan historical city of Cagliari, which is surrounded by an evocative medieval centre with cobbled piazzas, bars and restaurants.

New flight from East Midlands to Boa Vista

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thomson has announced a new flight from East Midlands Airport to Boa Vista in Cape Verde for next winter. The service will operate every Friday between November 2011 and April 2012 and adds to the choice of flights available to the islands. The Cape Verde Experience is happy to book any available flights for its customers to put together traditional 7 or 14 night holidays as well as twin-centres, island-hopping and tailor-made itineraries. To find out more speak to someone who’s visited the islands on 0845 330 2047 or email holidays@capeverde.co.uk

St James Island renamed Kunta Kinteh Island

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

During last month’s International Roots Festival in The Gambia, the Island of St James (James Island) was renamed Kunta Kinteh Island to recognise the historical significance of the island.

The island is situated in the River Gambia, 30 kilometres from the coast, and is home to the ruins of a fort used to hold slaves before their journey across the Atlantic. The area is mentioned in the book “Roots” by Alex Haley as the home of his great great Grandfather Kunta Kinteh (or Kunta Kinte) who was taken to America as a slave. Tourists can now take boat trips to the region to James Island, the ancestral home village of Juffure and the village of slavery. For more details about the excursion see http://www.gambia.co.uk/Docs/Gambia-Holidays/Excursions/Roots.aspx

Getting ready for Carnival

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cape Verde is getting ready for Carnival which this year takes place on 8th March 2011. The Mindelo Carnival on the island of Sao Vicente is possibly the most famous and vibrant in Africa. Although not as well known as Brazil’s Rio Carnival, many of the floats and costumes are just as flamboyant. Whilst the costumes and party atmosphere is very Brazil-like, the music is Cape Verdean. Praia is also organising a carnival on the same date. Watch a video of last year’s Mindelo Carnival on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSx2dKc9ycI&feature=related

New villas near Alghero

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places has added two new villas to its programme in the north west of Sardinia, just 10 minutes from Alghero. Villas Valverde are two neighbouring villas each with two bedrooms, private pools and large gardens. The villas add another good choice of accommodation for couples and families and the two properties can be booked together (subject to availability) – ideal for two families travelling together.

A week including flights and car hire starts from £594 per person based on 4 sharing and departing on 7th, 14th or 21st May. Alternatively the villas can be booked on an accommodation only basis with prices starting from £990 for 7 nights. View images of the villas and find out more.

Porto Latino Festival dates announced

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The dates of this year’s Porto Latino Festival have been announced – the event will take place in St Florent in the North East of Corsica between Wednesday 3rd and Saturday 6th August 2011. Porto Latino is a lively Latin festival with open-air concerts held in the citadel each night.

The acts for this year haven’t yet been confirmed, however last year’s performers included Afro Cuban All Stars, Pierpoljak, Rachid Taha, Manu Dibango, Kassav’, Karamelo Santo, Ben L’oncle Soul, Hocus Pocus, La Cumbia Chicharra, DJ Oil and Tainos de Mayari.

Corsican Places has a number of self-catering properties and hotels in and around St Florent for holidaymakers wishing to experience the festival this summer. A Torra is a 3 bedroom villa in a quiet location beside the sea, but just a few minutes’ drive from St Florent. 7 night holiday packages departing from London Gatwick on 31st July 2011 cost £767 per person (based on 6 sharing) and include return flights, car hire and welcome pack. Alternatively the villa can be booked on an accommodation only basis for £2320 for the week.

To find out more about the festival go to www.porto-latino.com

Nuits de la Guitare dates announced

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The dates of this year’s Nuits de la Guitare festival have been announced – the event takes place in Patrimonio in the North-East of Corsica over 8 days between Saturday 16th July & Saturday 23rd July. This year’s acts haven’t yet been announced, however the event usually attracts international artists from all genres of music including Corsican, classical, jazz, blues, country, rock, gypsy and flamenco.

Last year’s festival included performances by George Benson, Simple Minds, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, Melody Gardot, Sylvain Luc, Louis Winsbery, BB Brunes, Richard Bona and many more. For more details visit http://festival-guitare-patrimonio.com/

Corsican Places has a number of self-catering properties and hotels in Corsica’s North-East with three properties actually in the village of Patrimonio which are currently available for a week between 17th & 24th July:

Villa Puccinasca – a 4 bedroom villa with private pool that sleeps up to 9
Villa di Ceppo – a 4 bedroom villa with private pool, sleeps 8
Villa Chassagne – a 3 bedroom villa with private pool, sleeps 6

Birdwatching in Senegal

Ron Toft - The Travel Editor — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After three days' birdwatching with ace guide Malick Suso in The Gambia, I crossed the Gambia River heading for neighbouring Senegal.

As soon as we docked, my driver efficiently negotiated his way through the crowded streets of the bustling port community of Barra. Before long we were out in the countryside. The border crossing, south of Karang, was heaving with people - some negotiating their way across the frontier and some just plying their trade. My driver took my passport and disappeared into a nondescript building. Shortly after he appeared at the doorway and beckoned me to follow him. Had I done something wrong? Was there a problem with my paperwork? No, I simply had to be there in person while the formalities were conducted. Finally, we were on our way.

After what must have been an hour or so, I arrived at my destination: Hotel Keur Saloum in Toubakouta within the 180,000- hectare Sine Saloum Delta. Later that day I met my birdwatching guide, Carlos, who admitted his English wasn't as good as his French and Spanish.

Senegal is primarily a French-speaking country, and as I don't speak more than a few words of this language, I was always struggling to make myself understood with the catering and bar staff in the hotel (a point to remember if you are planning a trip there yourself).

Keen not to waste any time (I had less than three days in Senegal), I immediately jumped at the chance of a late afternoon boat trip along the local bolongs (creeks). Hotel Keur Saloum is beautifully situated on the edge of one such bolong and has its own jetty. For the next two and a half hours, we powered along, stopping whenever Carlos spotted something interesting.

Among the many birds we spotted on the wing or lurking in waterside vegetation were ospreys, black kites (these are very common in the area), western reef herons, pied and blue-breasted kingfishers, Senegal parrots and yellow-crowned gonolek. The highlight of the boat trip was witnessing hundreds of mainly cattle egrets and western reef herons flying in to roost on a tiny island. Among the birds were also a few long-tailed cormorants and pink-backed pelicans. The noise was overwhelming and a fishy smell pervaded the air, but I wouldn't have missed the experience for anything.

During the next couple of days, Carlos took me to a variety of places off the beaten track - not reserves or recognised birdwatching areas but localities he knew from experience would turn up the avian goodies. And he wasn't wrong. I was blown away by the number and variety of different birds I saw - many of them new to me. ‘Lifers' included Bruce's green pigeon (I never did find out who Bruce was), northern anteater chat, Abyssinian and rufous-crowned rollers, lesser blue-eared glossy starling, cardinal woodpecker, a variety of delightful sunbirds, little swift, grey kestrel, mosque swallow, grasshopper buzzard and brown snake eagle.

My favourite moment was late one afternoon when we drove across a vast, golden brown savannah landscape that was actually farmland. As the sun slipped down the western sky, all manner of birds of prey took to the wing: martial eagle, marsh, montagus and pallid harriers and black-shouldered kites. It was difficult deciding which birds to look at first. Almost overlooked in the raptor rapture was what Carlos was pretty sure was a white-bellied bustard.

During my six full days in The Gambia and Senegal, I saw around 180 bird species. If you like big birds, colourful birds, exotic birds, Senegal and The Gambia certainly take some beating.

Useful information
I travelled with specialist tour operator The Senegal Experience whose seven-night holidays at Keur Saloum Hotel in the Sine Saloum Delta start from £699 per person*. This price is based on half-board accommodation and includes return flights between London Gatwick and Banjul in The Gambia and transfers. Excursions, including birdwatching trips, can be booked once at the resort hotel.

The Senegal Experience offers a selection of hotels in the Sine Saloum Delta and Saly regions of Senegal, as well as well as ‘tours'. Dakar flights from the UK can also be booked.
For more information, call The Senegal Experience reservations department on +44 (0) 845 338 8706 or go to www.senegal.co.uk

Birdwatching with Malick Suso

Ron Toft - The Travel Editor.com — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Gambia is one of the nearest and most accessible of all African countries for UK-based bird-loving tourists who want to sample some of this continent's diverse avian delights but spend less than seven hours aboard a plane.

Getting there is not a problem, thanks to the regular, direct service offered by The Gambia Experience. But how does the first-time or infrequent visitor know where to go and what to see without wasting valuable time?

When I last visited The Gambia, shortly before Christmas 2010, I had just three days to see some of the special birds that make their home in this ultra-friendly, English-speaking country, so I needed to hit the ground running. Thanks to The Gambia Experience, I was placed in the capable hands of professional bird guide Malick Suso - a Lenny Henry sort of guy who never stops smiling.

I knew that Malick came highly recommended. In fact, TV wildlife presenter Chris Packham often uses him when birding in The Gambia. According to Chris, Malick is "one hell of a birder," and has been "a fantastic asset to every trip I've made there." I would wholeheartedly agree.

Malick's knowledge of birds is nothing short of breathtaking. He can see more with his battered pair of binoculars, only one eyepiece of which works, than I can with the two eyepieces of my new, top-of-the-range bins. What's more, he can pick up the slightest tweet, warble or whistle and instantly identify the bird making the sound. Within just a few hours, I was in awe of the man.

Malick, who not only works for The Gambia experience but also offers a range of birding packages himself, has been watching birds since he left school. He was ‘trained' by his uncle - one of The Gambia's foremost authorities on birds. Malick, who says he is "deeply concerned for the environmental welfare" of his country but recognises "that conservation needs to generate an income for the local communities to be sustainable."

My birdwatching experience began before I had even left the airport in Banjul. While waiting for the coach to transport me to The Karaiba Hotel, I spotted cattle egrets, hornbills and several long-tailed/heavy-billed birds called piapiacs. The early bird, it is said, catches the worm, and that is certainly the case as far as birdwatching is concerned. If you want to see lots of birds, especially normally elusive ones, you need to rise early before other people are about. That meant, in The Gambia at least, rising at 5 am to be ready for a 6 am departure.

I and several other birdwatchers (not necessarily the same ones every day) were taken to six birdwatching hotspots during the three days: Abuko Nature Reserve, Kotu Stream, Tanji Bird Reserve, Brufut Woods, Makasatu River and associated jungle, and Kachikally Crocodile Pool and nearby rice fields. We went out in the morning for several hours, returning for lunch. After resting, swimming or shopping (I did yet more birdwatching in the hotel grounds), we gathered again in late afternoon for another two or three hours with Malick.

The number and range of birds we spotted was truly incredible - everything from vultures, herons, egrets, ibises, plovers, sandpipers and truly stunning rollers to various kingfishers (including the giant), iridescent sunbirds, gorgeous bee-eaters, well-hidden owls, shrikes, orioles, bulbuls, flycatchers, waxbills, firefinches, barbets, terns and cuckoos. My favourite birds? Probably the African harrier-hawk, Senegal coucal and yellow-crowned gonolek.

At the end of three days, I felt I had known Malick for years and very much regretted having to leave. I wasn't going home, though - simply across the Gambia River and into neighbouring Senegal for another birdwatching experience. My wanderings there will be the subject of another article.

Useful Information
I travelled with specialist tour operator The Gambia Experience (reservations 0845 330 2087, www.gambia.co.uk) whose seven-night holidays at the five-grade Kairaba Hotel in Kololi start from £799 per person (Dec 2010 prices). This price is based on two people sharing a deluxe room on a B&B basis and includes return flights from London Gatwick, taxes and transfers. Malick Suso Three-Day Birdwatching Tours start from £175 per person. This cost is added to the holiday price.

The Gambia Experience has been operating in The Gambia for more than 20 years and has always offered birdwatching excursions, as well as working with specialist birdwatching companies providing fully-escorted tours. In 2008 the company began offering its own tours with Chris Packham. "These proved very popular," said Gambia Experience product manager Karen Durham, "leading us to add on a secondary Chris Packham tour option, incorporating accommodation at the award-winning Mandina Lodges at Makasatu (a haven for wildlife)." In 2010 The Gambia Experience introduced three additional birdwatching tours with Malick Suso. "I am confident we will continue to see the interest in birdwatching increase over the next few years," added Karen.

Malick Suso can be contacted directly at malicksuso@hotmail.com
Also go to http://www.chrispackham.co.uk/Malick_Suso.htm

A good field guide is essential and one of the best is Birds of The Gambia and Senegal by Clive Barlow and Tim Wacher (published by Christopher Helm, an imprint of A & C Black) at £24.99 in paperback.

Villa Salondra in The Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas'

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Villa Salondra was included in The Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas' shortlist - the lead travel story running in the broadsheet newspaper today & repeated on Times.co.uk.

The Alghero villa - as featured in the Sardinian Places brochure - was praised for its superb views, open-plan living room, swimming pool and location.

This is the second year running that a Sardinian Places villa has had recognition within this much-anticipated Sunday Times travel article.

For more on Villa Salondra, please visit:
http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Accommodation/19000373/51642/Villa-Salondra.aspx

Bergerie Olivella in Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas'

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bergerie Olivella was included in The Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas' shortlist - the lead travel story running in the broadsheet newspaper today & repeated on Times.co.uk.

The Olmeto villa - Premium property new to Corsican Places 2011 Collection - was described by the newspaper as a 19th Century Farmhouse, with its 'superb views across the Gulf of Valinco' being one of the highlights.

This is the second year running that a Corsican Places villa has had recognition within this much-anticipated Sunday Times travel article.

For more on Bergerie Olivella, please visit:
http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000237/51704/Bergerie-Olivella.aspx

Celebrating 20 years of supporting The Gambia Fire & Rescue Service

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The founder of a UK charity, Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP), has travelled to The Gambia to celebrate the country’s Independence Day on 18th February and mark 20 years of the Partnership. David Hutchings, who is Patron of GAFSIP, founded the charity after witnessing a fatal road accident whilst holidaying in The Gambia in 1991. He has been travelling to the West African country regularly ever since and working hard to provide equipment and training for The Gambia Fire & Rescue Service – to date over 40 fire engines as well as other vital equipment have been sent from Avon to The Gambia. To find out more about the charity and how you can help visit http://www.avonfire.gov.uk/Avon/About+us/Charity+-+GAFSIP/

Corsica feature on hellomagazine.com

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you love Corsica as much as we do you’ll be pleased to hear there is a feature on the island on hellomagazine.com describing it as “an island paradise set amid crystal clear waters, where the spectacular natural setting is enhanced by the historical and architectural legacy” – we can’t argue with that!

One of the recommended places to stay is the Hotel La Villa in Calvi for its: “refined and tasteful decor, boasts excellent views over the bay and a variety of options for relaxation or more active visits. The private apartments ensure complete privacy.” To find out more about the hotel and to book see our Hotel La Villa pages

To read the article in full go to http://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/201102074904/corsica/mediterranean/paradise/1/

There is also a gallery of images – see http://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/gallery/201102074904/corsica/mediterranean/paradise/1/7/

Weddings in Cape Verde

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you are planning a wedding, the islands of Cape Verde could provide the ideal romantic location for the ceremony, the honeymoon and celebration for you and your guests. The Cape Verde Experience is now working with a company in Cape Verde who specialise in arranging weddings. For more details contact The Cape Verde Experience on 0845 330 2047 or email weddings@capeverde.co.uk

Gambia Celebrates Independence Day

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On 18th February The Gambia will celebrate its Independence Day. The Gambia officially gained independence from Britain in 1965 after 300 years of colonial rule. The day is a national holiday in The Gambia and across the world Gambians will be marking the occasion.

The event is usually celebrated in front of President Jammeh in McCarthy Square in The Gambia’s capital Banjul with a parade by school children, teachers, civil servants and the army.

Where the sun never sleeps

Katie McGonagle - East Anglia Suffolk Life Magazine — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Beautiful beaches, glorious sunshine, foods to suit every taste and a bit of culture thrown in to boot –what’s not to like about the Gambia?

More and more tourists are flocking to this hidden gem of Africa every year seeking a bit of winter sunshine at a price that won’t break the bank balance. And whether it’s the lure of a jungle adventure or a crash course in African culture – or simply lying on the beach with a cocktail and a good book – the country has everything you could ask for.

We flew into Banjul, the capital and site of the only international airport, and in no time at all, we were on a white sand beach in Kotu, in the northern tip of the country.

The Gambia’s popularity has skyrocketed with British holiday-makers in recent years and it’s not hard to see why. English is spoken everywhere – a leftover of its colonial history – and it is in the same timezone as the UK which, with its short sixhour flight, means jet lag isn’t an issue.

And as tourism grows in popularity, so too does the number of activities on offer. We particularly enjoyed a four wheel drive adventure, stopping in some of the villages to see palm wine tappers and cashew nut pickers at work, and a drive through the African bush to see monkeys, baboons and numerous species of brightly-coloured birds. These tours can be a bit hair-raising – the Gambia has only two main roads, with the rest of the trip taking place on bumpy dirt tracks which certainly weren’t for the fainthearted – but well worth it to get out of the tourist district and see a bit more of the real country.

There are some highlights, which simply can’t be missed. We got the chance to visit a Gambian school and speak to some of the children, and they even treated us to a performance of traditional African songs. And a visit to fishing village Tanji in the Western Division gave us an incredible insight into the lives of the locals, as we saw fish caught in long boats and smoked it right there on the beach.

Be prepared though – there is real poverty in some parts of the country, with about 70 per cent of the population living in mud brick houses roofed with elephant grass.

The disparity between rich and poor can be a bit of a shock to the system. The richest area, Kotu, is almost exclusively made up of ex-pat foreigners, many of whom also own the majority of businesses in the country, but it is worth remembering that each hotel worker or waiter is supporting up to 30 of his relations at home, so tourism is a really valuable commodity to the country.

For those keen to sample a bit of local life, some of the best activities include traditional drumming, a day-long Gambian cookery course and, for art lovers, a trip to the tiny village of Kubuneh.

The village is home to a fantastic collection of street art by people from all over the world as well as local Gambians, after the English owners of nearby guest house Mandina Lodges set up the first of an annual festival of street art in October.

I found walking around buildings covered in paintings of penguins drinking cocktails or birds lined up on a wire made for a slightly surreal experience, but one that shows off the wealth and diversity of cultural delights on offer and was certainly not what I expected from a tiny rural village.

The Mandina Lodges are an interesting option, comprising a series of eight large huts held up on stilts in the water. They might not be the most luxurious places to stay, but they guarantee a chance to get away from it all and be at one with nature. The forest that surrounds them, called Makasutu, was abandoned by locals a long time ago as it was believed to have been infested by demons following a tribal war.

But it now offers a unique opportunity for wildlife watching along the river, or simply relaxing in its calm and peaceful surroundings.

Hotel accommodation varies widely in both standards and prices, from the relatively basic such as Palma Rima to the ultimate luxury of spa hotel Coco Ocean and the Sheraton, the first international chain to open a hotel in the Gambia.

There is a lot of choice in between, however, with mid-range hotels such as Kombo Beach and exclusive guest houses such as Ngala Lodge and Hibiscus House, many of which are very focused on environmental sustainability.

But one of the biggest things that struck me and most visitors to the Gambia is the friendly and welcoming attitude of the locals, as waiters and hotel workers simply cannot do enough for their guests to ensure you have a pleasant stay.

Even outside the hotel district, where tourists are a rather rarer sight, the reaction was universally positive with residents happy to welcome us into their homes at a moment’s notice.

Such was the warm welcome that my arm even got tired from waving back at all the children and adults who greeted us as we passed by in our four wheel drive.

Of course for many visitors, the main attraction will be the region’s unspoilt and uncrowded beaches, offering a welcome chance to escape the British winter and relax instead under the hot African sun.

Most hotels boast their own beach while all have their own pools to allow guests a chance to cool down after a day in the sun. And with temperatures averaging 32C during the winter months and eight to ten hours of sunshine a day, it is no surprise that came as a welcome relief to many of us. Night-life is also developing quickly in the hotel district with exciting hotspots such as “The Strip” in Kololi, the liveliest part of the tourist area, offering a fantastic range of family-friendly restaurants and a mix of bars and clubs.

Although 90 per cent of Gambians are Muslim, drinking is widely accepted in tourist areas, and the country even has its own brewery making the refreshing local beer, Jul Brew.

Most night spots are easily accessible via the taxi ranks outside the hotels, although it is worth agreeing a price beforehand to avoid any nasty shocks at the end of a good night.

All in all, the Gambia is the perfect place to start for anyone new to Africa but keen to try something different this winter. With its fantastic range of activities, wonderful weather and welcoming staff, it has truly earned its reputation as “The smiling coast of Africa”.

Katie McGonagle visited as a guest of The Gambia Experience, which offers a range of deals starting at £399 for seven nights. Visit www.gambia.co.uk for more information.

Ends

Extended early booking offers

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places has extended some of its early booking offers until 18th February including:

£75 per person off package holidays travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari sud Corse flights on selected dates and staying at a choice of self-catering properties.
Up to 10% off hotel holidays when travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari sud Corse flights on selected dates.
Additional 5% discount for children aged 2 to 12 when booking holidays inclusive of flights from Stansted to Calvi or Heathrow to Figari sud Corse. Discounts now up to 20%.

For full details of early booking offers see http://www.corsica.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx#early

Extended early booking offers

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places has extended some of its early booking offers until 18th February including:

Up to £150 per person off self-catering holidays. Valid for both packages and accommodation only bookings at selected properties and on selected dates.
Up to 20% off hotel holidays
Child discounts – now save up to 50%. Get up to 50% off the cost of hotel accommodation or get a 10% discount when booking a full package holiday in a self-catering property. N.b. one child discount available per full paying adult.

For full details of early booking offers see http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx

Summer early booking offers

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Cape Verde Experience has early booking offers available on its summer holidays valid until 28th February including savings of up to £120 per person on all-inclusive holidays.

For more details see http://www.capeverdeexperience.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Summer-offers.aspx

Summer early booking offers

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Gambia Experience has early booking offers available on its summer holidays valid until 28th February including savings of up to £100 per person on all-inclusive holidays, free room upgrades and a 2nd week in a boutique hotel for just £99.

During May and June the weather is very appealing in The Gambia with maximum temperatures averaging 32°C with 9 or 10 hours of sunshine. The resorts are also quieter during summer and there are some excellent savings to take advantage of including:

£100pp of 14 nights and £50pp off 7 nights at the Sheraton Gambia Hotel in May and June on all-inclusive basis.
£50pp off holidays up to 14 nights at Kombo Beach Hotel for departures in May, June and July.
2nd week in a boutique hotel for only £99 when staying at Ngala Lodge on bed and breakfast basis from May to October.
Free room upgrades at Coco Ocean Resort and Spa from May to October.

For full details of offers see http://www.gambia.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/2011-Offers.aspx

Spring Holiday Offers

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CORSICA 21 MAY OFFERS

Bergerie Olivella: 7 nights from £619pp (save £142pp from brochure price)
Specialist tour operator, Corsican Places is offering 7 nights self-catering at the three-bedroom Bergerie Olivella in Olmeto, Gulfs of the West Coast, from £619 per person, valid for departure on 21 May 2011. This price is based on six sharing and includes return flights from London Gatwick – Figari, taxes and car hire. New to Corsican Places 2011 programme and part of its Premium Collection, Bergerie Olivella is an idyllic stone cottage exuding authentic Corsican charm, in a prized location. Please note that neighbouring (but also very private) property, Bergerie Murtetu is also available for the same departure date & price.

Villa A Tighiaccia: 7 nights from £489pp (save £140pp from brochure price)
Also new to Corsican Places collection and another authentic stone house, 7 nights self-catering is also available at the two-bedroom Villa A Tighiaccia in Tarrabucceta, Southern Corsica from £489 per person, valid for departure on 21 May.
This price is based on four sharing and includes return flights from London Gatwick – Figari, taxes and car hire. Perched high above the village of Tarrabucceta, Villa A Tighiaccia offers a true sense of seclusion, commanding views over the Cagna mountain range and the Extrême Sud coastline to the south.
Please note that all offers are subject to availability.
Spring is an ideal time to visit the island of Corsica, the days are longer early in the season and the scented maquis is in abundance.
Call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

The sound of Senegal comes to the UK

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Senegalese band is touring the UK in March. Les Frères Guissé consists of three brothers Djiby, Cheik and Aliou Guissé who originally come from Fouta Tooro in the North of the country and although their music has traditional West African roots, the poetic lyrics, close harmony singing, acoustic guitars and percussion should have wide appeal.

Les Frères Guissé are playing:

The Picket in Liverpool on 17th March
Rich Mix, London on 18th March
Tolbooth, Stirling on 19th March
The Compass Club at The Coliseum in Whitby on 20th March
MOMO, London on 22nd March
The West End Arts Centre, Aldershot on 23rd March
Boxgrove Village Hall, Chichester on 24th March
The Hawth, Crawley on 25th March
Wem Town Hall, Shropshire on 26th March

To find out more about the band visithttp://www.myspace.com/freresguisseofficiel

New all-inclusive hotel in The Gambia

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A second hotel in The Gambia is now offering all-inclusive holidays. The **** Laico Atlantic Beach Hotel in Banjul has just introduced the all-inclusive option which is available as an upgrade for £30.50 per person per night. Children aged 12 to 16 years receive a 50% reduction on this and children under 12 upgrade free of charge if sharing a room with their parents.

The all-inclusive package includes a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; a selection of snacks during the day; selected drinks; and all games and sports*. Customers booking a holiday on bed & breakfast or half board basis can upgrade to all-inclusive at any point during their stay and will need to pay the hotel for the upgrade during their holiday. 7 nights bed & breakfast at the **** Laico Atlantic Beach Hotel start from £449 per person.

All-inclusive holidays are also available at the ***** Sheraton Gambia Hotel in Brufut.

*For full details of included drinks and all other details please contact reservations on 0845 330 2060 or email holidays@gambia.co.uk

Early booking offers expire soon

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only five days left to take advantage of early booking offers from Corsican Places. There are a number of savings available for bookings made by 31st January 2011. Offers include:

£50 per person off package holidays travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari flights in May*, June or September, valid at around 20 self-catering properties.
Up to 10% off hotel holidays travelling in May*, June or September when travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari flights.
Additional 5% discount for children aged 2 to 12 when booking holidays inclusive of flights from Stansted to Calvi or Heathrow to Figari. Discounts now up to 20%.

For full details of early booking offers see http://www.corsica.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx#early

*Offers not valid on 29th May departure.

Two new 3-bedroom villas

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places has added two more villas to its programme for holidays in 2011. The villas are both in the North-East of the island of Sardinia, perfect for exploring the glamorous Costa Smeralda.

Villa Le Saline is a traditional Sardinian farmhouse which has been converted into stylish self-catering holiday accommodation whilst maintaining the character of the building. The property provides guests with a real home from home with wooden beams, quarry tiled floors, large fireplaces and antique furniture. Outside there is a spacious garden and a private swimming pool, plus there is a beach just a short walk away. Find out more

Villa Pineta will appeal to holidaymakers looking for facilities on their doorstep; it is in a great location in the heart of the popular resort of Cannigione, just a few steps from the sandy beach and a number of restaurants, cafés and ice-cream parlours. The villa is decorated to a good standard and outside there is a large garden with private swimming pool and fabulous views of the sea. Find out more

New 5* all-inclusive resort

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist tour operator The Cape Verde Experience has added a new 5* all-inclusive resort to its programme. The Meliá Tortuga Beach & Spa on the island of Sal is due to open in May 2011 and is set to be the most luxurious hotel in Cape Verde.

The Meliá Tortuga resort is situated beside the sandy Ponta Preta beach and will appeal to couples, groups and families as there are a wide range of facilities including 2 swimming pools, 4 restaurants, 4 bars, children’s pool, mini club, spa, gym plus regular evening entertainment. There are 220 rooms in total including suites plus 3 and 4 bedroom villas, some situated right beside the beach.

7 night all-inclusive holidays start from £919 per person; The Cape Verde Experience anticipates a lot of interest in this new hotel. Find out more