WHAT SHALL WE DO TODAY? Helpful Holidays’Free Guide to Things to See and Do in the West Country

West Country cottage specialist, Helpful Holidays, produces a free annual guide for its holidaymakers to help them make the best of their time away. Entitled What shall we do today? it contains discount vouchers and deals for 80 major attractions throughout the South West and is sent to guests before their holidays so they can plan their outings in advance, saving valuable research time and money while on holiday.

This year the booklet features a wonderful variety of places to visit throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset including gardens, historic houses, castles and family adventure parks, as well as wildlife and activity centres. New this year is Extreme West, which is offering a 10% discount on their South West activity gift vouchers – experiences range from Tiger Moth flying to quad biking, sailing and falconry.

Attractions don’t pay for inclusion, but are selected on their willingness to offer a financial incentive to visitors; deals range from discounted entry for one free child with every full-paying adult, or group rates for individual entry.

Helpful Holidays has also included its own top ten suggestions for walks, beaches, places to eat, houses and gardens to visit, children’s attractions and West Country wonders such as the Eden Project, Minack Theatre and Lundy Island.

Other useful pages list farmers’ markets, walking and cycling trails, eateries and a selection of the most interesting events, as well as award-winning beaches for each of the four counties.

For information about Helpful Holidays’ portfolio of over 600 places to stay in the West Country, visit www.helpfulholidays.com or call 01647 434063 for a brochure.

Award winning luxury holiday specialists, Cornish Gems, are launching a new service in April that will showcase some of the most desirable accommodation in Cornwall, with the help of Simon Weston OBE.

Labelled “Cornish Cribs”, the service will be dedicated to managing multimillion pound properties joining their portfolio. With lavish price tags, the properties will rent in the region of £2000 – £8000 per week, making them some of the most exclusive and elite destinations in Cornwall and the UK.

Boasting gadgetry that rivals any Bond film, home cinemas, swimming pools, saunas, gyms and hot tubs with sea views, the Cornish Crib collection will be complemented by a range of guest holiday concierge and lifestyle services including gourmet private catering and helicopter/limo transfers – creating the ultimate holiday experience in the Duchy.

Director of Cornish Gems and Cornish Cribs, Julianne Shelton said, “We are launching Cornish Cribs in response to the highest calibre of properties that are joining our portfolio. Cornish Cribs will combine the very best in exclusive and luxurious accommodation in the county, with a professional and bespoke service, resulting in the ultimate Cornish holiday experience.”

These select few holiday homes of distinction will soon be available to view and book through the dedicated new website www.cornishcribs.com which will be live in March.

With a black tie dinner featuring a charity auction on the 23rd April at the prestigious Carlyon Bay Hotel’s Golf Club, Falkland’s veteran Simon Weston OBE has confirmed that he will be hosting the occasion to celebrate the launch.

Simon Weston, OBE said, “I am pleased to be able to attend this event to celebrate the launch of Cornish Cribs. The way that the Gems team are using this to raise funds for charities is fantastic and I hope that we can raise significant amounts for the charities whilst having a great time on the night. I am looking forward to what is going to be an amazing event and meeting Cornish Gem’s guests.”

Co-director of Cornish Gems and Cornish Cribs Nadia Durrant said, “We are delighted that Simon Weston will be attending our event. We want to give something back to the region, so a charity auction is the perfect way to mark the launch of Cribs. We hope to raise significant funds for Cancer Funding for Cornwall, Mullion Gym and Lizard Lifeboat, as well as national charity Help For Heroes, which has touched many people locally as well as nationally.”

Further information about the dinner and tickets will be available by contacting the Cornish Gems team on 0844 800 2813 or visit www.cornishcribs.com

Treat your mum to a 2 or 3 night weekend break at Retallack Resort & Spa in Cornwall this year.

With two fabulous packages to choose from, mums are guaranteed to feel thoroughly spoilt and the whole family can enjoy some quality time together. Offering a decleor spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness studio, tennis courts and 9-hole golf course, Retallack is the ideal place for mums to be treated to some time to relax and rejuvenate.

The resort is perfectly positioned only a few minutes drive from Padstow and Watergate Bay where Rick Steins and Jamie Olivers restaurants can provide a very special meal out whilst the rugged Cornish coastline and stunning beaches are the perfect place for long walks and plenty of fresh air.

For the ultimate indulgence why not give mum some much deserved time off cooking/serving and washing up and allow Retallack to organise a private chef to cook up a feast in the privacy of your own lodge, complete with local Cornish produce, a waitress and somebody to clear up along the way?
Package 1 ‘spoil her rotten’:
2 nights from £289 or 3 nights from £295 for a 2 bedroom lodge (sleeps 4)
Includes accommodation in a luxury 2 bedroom self-catering lodge, welcome hamper on arrival, complimentary bunch of spring flowers delivered to the lodge on mothering Sunday plus a half bottle of champagne and a half an hour Decleor aromatherapy facial.

Package 2 ‘Mums go free’ – Book a 4 bedroom lodge and mum will stay for free*.
2 nights from £259 or 3 nights from £267 for a 4 bedroom lodge (sleeps
Includes accommodation in a luxury 4 bedroom self-catering lodge, welcome hamper on arrival.
*Based on 8 sharing and includes a discount allowing mum to stay free.

Blue Chip Vacations has released its top ten new Cornish properties for 2010 including stunning period houses, cosy cottages, chic coastal apartments and contemporary custom-built lodges, all of which are available for press visits and reviews.

1. By Farthi Best – New for 2010
Farthings is a stunning three bedroom cottage, which features a charming additional child’s room and bed.
Located right on the beach at Ready Money Cove in Fowey, Farthings house has good access to the National Trust Coastal Path, the beach, which is 30 yards away, and Fowey town centre.

Inside, Farthings has a beautiful open plan living, dining and kitchen area on the first floor, which has double doors that open up onto a balcony overlooking the sweet and secluded beach. A lovely wood burning stove keeps guest toasty and warm at night, and the flatscreen TV, DVD player and IPod sound system help to entertain in the brief moments away from the beach. The bedrooms are quirky and use the unique shape and features within this wonderful house to stunning effect.

Outside, Farthings has a hot and cold outdoor shower, perfect for washing off sand, and an enclosed courtyard, which acts as a perfect sun trap.

Farthings sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £788 (£131pp), or for three nights from £557 (£92pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/penzance/golden-sands.html

2. Grand Design – New for 2010
Curlew Point is one of those properties that could so easily have featured on Grands Designs. This amazing four bedroom house enjoys uninterrupted views of the South Cornwall Coastline and is only a short walk from the traditional Cornish village of Downderry, situated on the outskirts of Looe between Saltash and Liskeard.

Inside, the spacious living spaces each have access to the impressive balcony, which leads out to the lower decked and garden areas. A wood burning stove helps to make for a warm and cosy atmosphere during the winter months, and the 42” flatscreen TV, DVD player, CD player and IPod docking station provide plenty of entertainment at night or on wetter days. The open plan kitchen and dining areas each enjoy spectacular views. The bedrooms are large and spacious and the bathrooms have every convenience imaginable.

Outside, the property has direct access to the South West Coast Path. The beaches of Whitsand Bay and Seaton are both within a short walking distance, and Whitsand Bay Golf Course at Portwinkle, is close by.

Curlew Point sleeps eight and can be booked for seven nights from £788 per week (£98pp), or for three nights from £557 (69pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/whitsand-bay-downderry/curlew-point.html

3. Classic Cornish Cottage – New for 2010
Bryher Cottage is a beautiful barn conversion situated in the picturesque village of St. Mawgan. It has beams throughout, large bright and airy rooms, a toasty log burning stove and a fabulous 70 foot enclosed garden, which is a great sun-trap during the warm Summer months. A travel cot, high chair, stair gate, night lights, children’s cutlery and crockery are all provided, making this the perfect spot for a family getaway.

St Mawgan has a popular pub with a lovely beer garden and a great little village shop. For those looking to build sandcastles, swim, learn to surf or just relax, Mawgan Porth Beach and Watergate Bay – home to the Extreme Sports Academy and the Jamie Oliver inspired ‘Fifteen Cornwall’ – are within a five minute drive. Alternatively, the pretty harbour town of Padstow, home to Rick Stein’s sea food restaurants, is just a short trip around the coast.

Bryher Cottage sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £678 (£113pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/watergate-bay-mawgan-porth/bryher-cottage.html

4. Stunning sea views – New for 2010
28 Mount Brioni is a Mediterranean-styled self-catering house, which is situated in the village of Seaton on the coast of South Cornwall. It has stunning sea views and is thoughtfully designed to an exceptional standard, including lavish internal fixtures and fittings. Features such as under floor central heating, which is fuelled by a green ‘air exchange unit’, help to keep this property’s carbon footprint low.

Set in beautiful South-facing gardens and spectacular coastal surroundings, Mount Brioni is within yards of the Coastal Path. The beach is a 100 yard stroll away, where rock pools that are ideal for crabbing can be found. The beach is also a popular spot for anglers throughout the year.

28 Mount Brioni sleeps four and can be booked for three nights from £398 (£99pp), or from £418 (£104pp) for seven nights.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/looe-polperro/28-mount-brioni.html

5. Way impressive!- New for 2010
Wayside Cottage is a delightful single-story cottage, which is nestled on a country lane on a cliff above the beach at Cawsand. Inside, the living and dining rooms both possess impressive coastal views, while outside the real winner for this property is its large sea-front decking area and landscaped gardens.

Situated in the pretty village of Kingsand and Cawsand on the Rame Peninsula, Wayside Cottage is set in haven of peace and tranquillity. The beach is just a few minute’s walk away as is the village, which is blessed with pubs, narrow streets, charming colour washed cottages and a lovely selection of local shops.

Wayside Cottage sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £548 (£91pp), or for three nights from £389 (£64pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/kingsand-cawsand/wayside-cottage.html

6. Fore! Great Sea Views and Golf – New for 2010
9 Headland Point is a superbly located apartment that has fantastic sea views from the living room and patio area. Inside, the living area is styled with chic contemporary furniture and a modern open plan kitchen. The bedrooms are generously proportioned with large double beds that can be separated to provide twin beds.

Fistral Beach is just a 2 minute walk away, offering some of the best surfing conditions in the world. Also close by is Newquay Golf Course, one of the finest links courses in the area, offering 18 challenging holes with truly breathtaking views over Fistral Bay.

9 Headland Point sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £458 (£76pp), or for three nights from £326 (£54pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/newquay/9-headland-point.html

7. Goldrush! – New for 2010
Golden Sands is a fantastic holiday home situated just a few steps from the gorgeous Praa Sands near Penzance. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the sea and beach life, and there are plenty of water sports on offer close by.

Inside, the house is beautifully furnished. The living room has some of the best sea views in Cornwall, and the chic kitchen makes the most of natural light, provided via a clever room-length glass ceiling. The bedrooms are large, have beautiful seasoned wooden floor boards, and each has their own views.

Outside, the impressive large decked terrace is a perfect place to relax with a cool drink on balmy summer evenings. And, on arrival, guest are greeted with a traditional cream tea.

Golden Sands sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights or less from £718 (£119pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/penzance/golden-sands.html

8. Terraced stunner – New for 2010
18 Tregaskes is a stunning two-bedroom terraced house, which is situated just a ten minute walk from the beaches of Cooklets and Summerleaze, and the picturesque town of Bude on the North Cornwall coast.

The property has been beautifully appointed throughout combining exciting, modern architectural design with ecologically friendly features. Inside, the kitchen, dining and living areas are chic and contemporary, while upstairs, the bedrooms are large, funky and fun. The patio and rear enclosed garden are accessed from the sitting room.

18 Tregaskes sleeps four and can be booked for seven nights from £398 (£99pp), or for three nights from £284 (£71pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/bude/18-tregaskes-parc.html

Bookings can be made by calling Blue Chip Vacations on 0844 5612001 or by visiting www.bluechipvacations.com

9. The Height of Coastal Chic – New for 2010
Harbour Heights is a beautifully converted 1930’s coastal house, which is perched on top of a hill above Victoria Pier overlooking the stunning, historic fishing harbour of Mevagissey. Recently refurbished, this five-star property matches its art-deco charm with chic contemporary features and furnishings.

Inside, the property has a large and spacious living and dining area, both of which enjoy impressive sea views. Loaded with the entertainment technology throughout, including a 50” Flat-screen Plasma screen, a Playstation 3 for gaming, HD movies, 5.1 Surround Sound System, Sky TV, Wifi and LCD TV’s & DVD players in every bedroom, even if the weather comes in, there’ll never be dull moment.

The contemporary high-spec kitchen has fabulous quartz work surfaces. Patio doors lead onto a side deck with stunning views over the harbour, and a six seat table for al-fresco dining. The bedrooms are of the highest calibre and the bathroom is made for indulgence, long soaks and hot showers.

Outside, Harbour Heights has a large elevated sun deck with seating for sun loungers, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Harbour Heights sleeps six and can be booked from £618 for seven nights (£103pp) or from £438 (£73pp) for a three night stay.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/mevagissey/harbour-heights-house.html

Bookings can be made by calling Blue Chip Vacations on 0844 5612001 or by visiting www.bluechipvacations.com

10. Penthouse passion – New for 2010
No. 52 Bredon Court is an impressive penthouse apartment with views over Newquay Golf Course down to Fistral Beach and out to sea. The apartment has two balconies; one from the living area and one from the bedroom, giving stunning sea vistas day or night.

Inside, the living and dining areas are stylishly finished with chic furniture and fittings. The sitting room has enviable views and a grand double height apex ceiling, which pours light in during the day. The bedrooms are large, comfortable and beautifully appointed.

52 Bredon Court sleeps six and can be booked from £508 (£84pp) for seven nights or from £361 (£60pp) for three nights.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/newquay/52-bredon-court.html

Cornwall’s leading beach sports venue has unveiled an adrenalin-charged calendar of events for 2010.

The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay have already confirmed six events, including a brand new kitesurfing race and the return of the award-winning Polo on the Beach.

The beach will also entertain some of the country’s best surfers, longboarders and surf boat rowers in a series of events taking place in the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

For Will Ashworth, Managing Director of The Hotel & Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay, the events are becoming an increasingly important aspect of life at the beach.

He said: “Each year our events seem to attract people to Watergate Bay in ever larger numbers – it’s great to be able to offer something different and we’re really proud to build on our history of introducing new sports to the region. Over the years we have held Europe’s first professional kitesurfing competition, and Polo on the Beach was the first event of its kind in the UK, so we’re really pleased to have to a new kitesurfing event for 2010.”

And first to hit the water is the new course racing competition run by the British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA) from 16 to 18 April. Up to 30 competitors will take part in each heat, which, similar to windsurfing races,sees kitesurfers navigate a course marked by buoys.

Westcountry kitesufers will be well-represented at the event: Cornishman Denzil Williams, from Par, is the current British course racing champion and no stranger to kitesurfing at Watergate Bay; while Exmouth’s Steph Bridge will be a strong favourite in the women’s event as the reigning world course racing champion.

National champions will be decided in the 38th English National Surfing Championships, held over the May Bank Holiday (1 to 3 May). The event is one of the biggest draws on the domestic surfing circuit, with plenty at stake: the winners will qualify for the national team travelling to Peru in October to compete in the World Surfing Games.

As the water temperature rises, Britain’s best longboard surfers will be showing the style and poise of their graceful art in the Extreme Academy BLU Midsummer Classic (26 and 27 June) – the third of five legs in the British Longboard Union series. British longboarding currently boasts several world-class competitors amongst its ranks, not least the 2009 BLU Open division champion Ben Skinner, who is expected to defend his title.

Crews from all over the country will be taking part in Round 3 of the UK Surf Rowers League Summer Series on Saturday 10 July. Not for the faint hearted, surfboat racing is a tough sport to take part in but much less demanding on the spectator who can enjoy watching the crews race out to sea through breaking waves, turn around a marker buoy, before trying to surf a wave in to the beach.

Then, as the first autumn swells begin to pound the beach, surfers will give way to ponies for the fourth edition of Polo on the Beach on 16 September.

Founded on the premise of bringing the exciting sport of arena polo to a new audience, Polo on the Beach has transcended its original remit to become an established highlight on the calendar, with the 2009 edition attracting over 3000 people to the beach and winning Silver in the “Best Event” category at the South West Tourism Awards.

Still free to attend, Polo on the Beach features an exhibition match between two teams of top international players, supported by sponsors Veuve Clicquot and Midas Construction.

The final event of the year will see British champions crowned in the deciding round of the British Stand-Up Paddlesurf Association (BSUPA) Championships. Held on the weekend of the 16 -17 October, the Extreme Academy BSUPA competition will showcase the skills of leading Briitsh exponents of this burgeoning sport which has its origins in the beaches of Hawaii.

Full details of all events at Watergate Bay can be found at www.watergatebay.co.uk

2010 events at the Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay

16 to 18 April
British Kite Surfing Association National Course Racing and Wave Jam
Kitesurf course racing comes to Watergate Bay for the first time.

1 to 3 May
English National Surfing Championships
The country’s best surfers compete for national team berths.

26 & 27 June
Extreme Academy BLU Midsummer Classic
The mid-way point of the British Longboard Union’s series of surfing competitions.

10 July
UK Surf Rowers League Summer Series: Round 3
Surfboat racing at one of the country’s best surfing beaches.

16 September
Polo on the Beach
Surf meets turf in a reprise of one of the most spectacular beach events ever held.

16 & 17 October
Extreme Academy BSUPA Championships
British stand-up paddlesurf champions decided.

The opening races of the Zapcat powerboat season will take place in Cornwall this year, when the Blue Chip Newquay Zapcat Grand Prix race weekend kicks off the season at Fistral Beach on the weekend of 24 and 25 April.

Blue Chip Newquay, which has over 170 high-end self-catering properties in Newquay, has played a key role in securing the race for the town as the season’s curtain opener, working closely with Tourism Newquay, Bare Feet Promotions and the Zapcat Grand Prix race organisers, ZCR Ltd.

The Blue Chip Newquay Grand Prix weekend is the first major event for Newquay, which has become known as the UK’s experience capital, and will play a significant role in attracting early season tourists, generating valuable income for the town. Early estimates suggest that as much as £750,000+ could be brought into the local economy as a direct result of the race weekend.

On the evening of St George’s Day (Friday 23rd), a grand Zapcats Parade will take place through the town featuring competitors and boats, raising awareness of the Grand Prix, and attracting visitors to come to the event over the weekend.

Viewing will be free and a range of entertainment and freshly prepared food and drink will be available for spectators. Opportunities to meet the race teams and see the powerboats up close will also be laid on to encourage a growing following for the championship, which already has international status.

Practice sessions will take place on the Friday, followed by spectacular races on the Saturday and Sunday at the north end of the beach featuring around 40 teams; the southern end of Fistral Beach will remain open for public use. Up to 16 heats of racing will take place culminating in two divisional finals each day. Each daily round will earn the competitors vital points towards the prestigious National Championships, the Services, Rookie, and Team, Mixed, Home Nations and Surf titles, all of which will come to their tense finales in October.

Teams, including local Royal Marines from RAF St Mawgan, will cut through the surf, performing daring and spectacular aerial leaps as they propel themselves through the sea at speeds of up to 50 mph. The Course will take the Zapcats out to the Fistral Headland before turning south and then returning parallel to the beach giving spectators an excellent view from every vantage point.

Commenting on the race, Alan Taylor, Managing Director of Blue Chip Vacations and Blue Chip Newquay, said: “2010 is the tenth anniversary for both Blue Chip Vacations and Zapcat racing in the UK. As soon as we realised that there was a possibility of bringing this awesome event to Newquay, we jumped at the opportunity. We realise just how important it is to support events that grab the attention of visitors and inspire them to stay during weeks that they might not normally consider.

“Over the last three years, late April has been a belter for warm weather and we’re confident that, combined with low off-season rates available through www.bluechipnewquay.com the Blue Chip Newquay Zapcats Grand Prix weekend will be a draw for many thousands of visitors and spectators from across the South West and the UK.”

Blue Chip Newquay has properties in some of Newquay’s most iconic buildings, many of which are set overlooking the sea, the town or the golf-course. Properties that are particularly close to Fistral Beach, which will host the Zapcats event, include Zinc, Bredon Court, Ocean 1, Pentire Mews, The Vista, Pearl, Trehellan Heights and Headland Point.

Other properties within a 15 minute walk include Rocklands, Glendorgal, Golden Bay, Harbour View, Seapoint and The Old Edwardian.

Martin Jupp, Managing Director of ZCR and Race coordinator for the Zapcat Championship added: “This is the first time a Zapcat Racing event has been held at Fistral Beach and we are expecting a fantastic turnout of race teams, supporters and spectators alike. Zapcats in the surf is always great entertainment with plenty of thrills and spills!”

Richard Wilcox, Business Development Manager for Tourism Newquay said: “The Grand Prix is a fantastic spectacle and will help kick-start what we hope will be a great season for Newquay. This event is the perfect platform to show off all that is exciting, innovative and fun about Newquay, appealing to people of all ages from across the globe. And importantly, by engaging with Newquay businesses and organisations, we can ensure that the Zapcats weekend works for them and has a positive economic impact that is felt across the town.”

Guy Thomas, Cornwall Council Newquay Town Centre Manager, says: “The Zap Cat event is a great addition to Newquay’s events calendar and offers an exciting spectacle for everyone to go and see. The boats are great fun to watch and an event of this calibre helps to showcase the town as a venue for top quality sporting events of all natures. I hope this will become a regular event in Newquay and it is a very positive step for the town”.

Make the most of underoccupancy offers! Cornish Horizons are promoting a 20% discount for 2 people off ALL WEEKS at Creek View Cottage sleeping six overlooking the waterfont at Little Petherick near Padstow, Cornwall.

The first floor balcony and sunny decked terrace of this well equipped contemporary Cornish cottage look right out over the tidal waters of the Saints Way as it opens into the Camel estuary at Padstow. Whether you enjoy messing about on the river or just want a romantic break, Creek View Cottage (sleeps up to 6) provides a delightful vantage for watching the wildlife, breakfasting in the morning sunshine, or raising a glass of something chilled and marveling at the glorious sunsets.

Example: seven nights commencing 19 March was £267, now £214 for 2 persons with Cornish Horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk).

Graphics and property information: http://www.cornishhorizons.co.uk/6_saints_way_waterfront_holiday_house_padstow.htm

Easter in Puglia, Italy

Truly quirky house for an Easter stay in Puglia

Spend Easter in Italy’s increasingly popular Puglia region staying in a `Hobbit’ style trullo house, the area’s characteristic and endemic conical roofed houses. Puglia is known for its natural beauty, ruggedly beautiful coastline and fantastic food and is far removed from the glamour of Porto Cervo or Capri. Over Easter enjoy day trips to local hill towns such as Ostuni and Locorotondo or head down to the coast for a swim on a quiet beach or to hire a boat. After the solemn build-up to Easter and some spectacular religions processions, Italians will be celebrating and eating out in force as Easter marks the end of spring and the start of summer. The lovely Parco del Vaglio is a collection of trulli houses set in gardens with its own pool, converted into a cool and quirky house for up to 7 guests and can be rented for £1545 for a week’s stay through CV Travel (020 7401 1039, www.cvtravel.co.uk) over Easter, excluding flights.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Italy/Puglia/Puglia-Coast–Countryside/Accomodations/Pages/Parco-del-Vaglio.aspx

Easter in Morocco

Easter escape

Escape the traditional Easter trappings and be waited on hand and foot by a staff that includes a cook, maid and steward in a luxury villa in Morocco. For arrival over Easter (April 4th) CV Travel (tel 020 7401 1045, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay for up to 6 guests at the fully staffed Villa Agama, a contemporary styled villa, 15 minutes from the centre of Marrakech, Morocco. This lovely house has been stylishly created by its Swiss architect owner and has its own gardens and beautiful swimming pool. Currently on offer for £4325 for a week’s rental for six, was £5410, saving £1085, including breakfast, other meals payable locally.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech/Accomodations/Pages/Villa-Agama.aspx

Easter in France

Cote d’Azur chocolate fix

Easter is one of the quietest times on the Cote d’Azur and a time to enjoy the otherwise bustling resorts and chic harbours away from the heat of the summer sun. For those who can’t do without a chocolate fix, book a top to toe chocolate treatment with a body scrub, chocolate massage and warm chocolate face and body envelopment in the comfort of `Villa Jasmine’ a gorgeous Provencal villa. CV Travel (020 7401 1044, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay for the whole family in this large, traditionally styled house close to Grasse for £1825 for up to 8 sharing (equivalent to £228 per person), set in a scenic location above the Bay of Cannes, 45kms from Nice airport. A two hour chocolate treatment can be pre-booked at the house for 195 euros. Rental excludes flights, which are available on request. CV Travel 020 7401 1044, www.cvtravel.co.uk

Easter in the UK

Family Easter house party
Gather together the family for Easter in a magnificent oak panelled, Jacobean Manor close to Chester and the Welsh border. A four night stay over Easter costs £2950 for 15 guests, equivalent to £196 per person, including a housekeeper to change beds and make fires. Guests also have free run of the 3 acres of gardens, in turn surrounded by 100 acres of estate land. CV Travel 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Great-Britain/Wales/Mold-near-Chester/Accomodations/Pages/Jacobean-Manor.aspx

A Cornish creek for Easter

Chill out over the long Easter bank holiday weekend, enjoy long woodland and coastal walks and stay one of 16 contemporary and chic apartments at Creek View in Lamorna, Cornwall, a beautiful period property amid three acres of land with an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and children’s playground. A four night stay over Easter costs from £692 for an apartment sleeping 2 – 4 people. Nearby yoga classes and spa treatments for a truly relaxing weekend can be arranged on request. CV Travel 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk
http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Great-Britain/Cornwall/Penzance/Accomodations/Pages/Creek-View.aspx

Spa heaven in a Cotswold cottage
Especially for spa lovers CV Travel has a four night stay from 2nd – 6th April at a choice of twelve beautifully restored stone cottages converted from the stables of a ruined abbey. The cottages all share an indoor pool complex and spa centre, so beauty and relaxation treatments are right on hand, including facials, scrubs, wraps and massage treatments, such as an Aromatherapy massage, (50 mins, £60) and `The Stables’ signature treatment, a two hour full body Thai massage using heated herb compresses (120 mins £135). A four night stay costs £1551 for two at Cope Cottage, or £1284 at Sara Cottage, which also sleeps 2. CV Travel 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Great-Britain/Cotswolds/Milton-under-Wychwood/Accomodations/Pages/Wychwood-Cottages.aspx

Easter in the Caribbean

Easter in a family villa 100m from Caribbean sands
For arrival on 31st March CV Travel has a week’s stay at Hawksbill House, Tobago, a traditionally styled Caribbean house with masses of terraces and a circular pool, overlooking Grafton Beach, just 100m away. A week’s stay for 6 costs £929 per person, including return Gatwick flights, transfers and villa rental, including a saving of £345 per person. CV Travel 020 7401 1050, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/CARIBBEAN/Tobago/Accomodations/Pages/Hawksbill-House.aspx

Spice up Easter with a stay in Grenada
Spice up Easter with a stay on the spice island of Grenada where CV Travel has a £345 per person saving off a week’s stay at `Spice of Life’, a family villa for 6, now available for £1026 per person for departure on 31st March, including return Gatwick flights, transfers and villa rental. CV Travel 020 7401 1050, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/CARIBBEAN/Grenada/Accomodations/Pages/Spice-of-Life.aspx

Easter in Corfu
This year, unusually, the Greek Orthodox Easter coincides with our own. Corfu is one of the most popular and colourful destinations in Greece for experiencing Easter and has a number of its own unique traditions, such as throwing 1m high specially made ceramic pots of water out of house windows and processing through the streets with sacred relics.

Party sized villa with chef to prepare a Greek Easter feast

For a spectacular and traditional gathering of friends and family at Easter CV Travel is offering a private chef to prepare a Greek Easter feast in a glorious contemporary villa for up to 12 guests with a large, private pool on the island of Corfu. Villa Lefki Thea is set in a hillside location above the popular harbour of St. Stephano with far-reaching views over the water towards Albania’s mountains. A week’s rental is currently on offer for £4680 (usually £6060), including the Easter Day chef service (excluding food), a welcome champagne reception, welcome hamper, daily maid service and luxury toiletries. Flights available on request. Contact CV Travel, 020 7401 1026 and www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Greece/Corfu/St-Stephano/Accomodations/Pages/Lefki-Thea.aspx

Villa for 6, and take a trip to see the Easter pot throwing

Close to the popular harbour of Kassiopi on Corfu’s north east coast, Villa Lithari is a lovely family house for up to 6 guests, set in the middle of pretty lawned gardens, with views to Albania’s mountains and the coast. The house provides a convenient base in spring for walking, visiting Mount Pankrator and the inland ruined village of `Old Perithia’ or take a trip down to Corfu Town to witness the Easter Saturday pot throwing festivities. Villa Lithari is available for £1620 for up to 6 sharing for a week over Easter, excluding flights. Contact CV Travel, 020 7401 1026 and www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Greece/Corfu/Kassiopi–Kelia/Accomodations/Pages/Lithari.aspx

CV Travel has come up with its top Mother’s Day short breaks and holidays from the UK to the Caribbean, including holidays with spa treatments, a visit to the perfumeries in Grasse or a stay in a fully staffed house in Morocco, with its own cook, maid and steward. Read on for more details…

Mother’s Day in the Caribbean

Girlfriends and Mother & Daughter special in Jamaica
For arrival on 13th March CV Travel has a `girlfriends’ and `Mother & Daughter’ special stay in Jamaica with a £221 per person saving off a week’s stay at the Jamaica Inn, Jamaica, a beautiful and friendly luxury hotel on Jamaica’s premier private beach. The price of £2499 per person includes a 2.5 hour spa treatment per person, return flights from Gatwick, 7 nights in a Premier Veranda Suite with breakfast and transfers, based on 2 sharing. CV Travel 020 7401 1050, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/CARIBBEAN/Jamaica/Accomodations/Pages/Jamaica-Inn.aspx

Mother’s Day in Morocco

Be waited on hand and foot; contemporary Moroccan villa with £1085 saving
Be waited on hand and foot by a staff that includes a cook, maid and steward. For arrival over Mother’s Day (14th March) and Easter (April 4th) CV Travel (tel 020 7401 1045, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay for up to 6 guests at the fully staffed Villa Agama, a contemporary styled villa, 15 minutes from the centre of Marrakech. This lovely house has been stylishly created by its Swiss architect owner and has its own gardens and beautiful swimming pool. Currently on offer for £4325 for a week’s rental for six, was £5410, saving £1085, including breakfast, other meals payable locally.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech/Accomodations/Pages/Villa-Agama.aspx

Mother’s Day in France

Chocolates and perfume on the Cote d’Azur
Rather than buying perfume visit the perfumeries of France’s scent capital, Grasse on the Cote d’Azur, instead of a boring box of chocoates, book a top to toe chocolate treatment with a body scrub, chocolate massage and warm chocolate face and body envelopment in the comfort of a gorgeous Provencal villa. CV Travel (020 7401 1044, www.cvtravel.co.uk) has a week’s stay for the whole family in a large, traditionally styled house close to Grasse for £1825 for up to 8 sharing (equivalent to £228 per person), set in a scenic location above the Bay of Cannes, 45kms from Nice airport. A two hour chocolate treatment can be pre-booked at the house for 195 euros. Rental excludes flights, which are available on request.

Mother’s Day in the UK

Spa heaven in a Cotswold cottage
Especially for spa lovers CV Travel has a three night stay from 12 – 15 March at a choice of twelve beautifully restored stone cottages converted from the stables of a ruined abbey. The cottages all share an indoor pool complex and spa centre, so beauty and relaxation treatments are right on hand, including facials, scrubs, wraps and massage treatments, such as an Aromatherapy massage, (50 mins, £60) and `The Stables’ signature treatment, a two hour full body Thai massage using heated herb compresses (120 mins £135). To stay over Mother’s Day a cottage for two costs £463 for min 3 night stay 12-15 March, and a cottage for four costs £629. CV Travel 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Great-Britain/Cotswolds/Milton-under-Wychwood/Accomodations/Pages/Wychwood-Cottages.aspx

Take up residence at Wiltshire’s oldest manor house
For somewhere really special for Mother’s Day the `Cockloft’ is a gorgeous stone cottage in the grounds of Wiltshire’s oldest inhabited manor house near Chippenham and is available for two nights over Mother’s Day for just £240 for two people. A local beautician can be pre-booked to provide facials, massage, manicures and pedicures, the spa town of Bath is close by while the grounds of the manor house itself provide a lovely setting for strolling around.
CV Travel 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

Hold a Mother’s Day family house party
Gather together mums, grannies and aunties for a Mother’s Day family house party in a magnificent oak panelled, Jacobean Manor close to Chester and the Welsh border. A two night weekend stay for Mother’s Day costs £2450 for 14 guests, equivalent to £75 per person, including a housekeeper to change beds and make fires. Guests also have free run of the 3 acres of gardens, in turn surrounded by 100 acres of estate land. For a special treat for mothers, a local massage and holistic treatment specialist can be booked at the house for a morning or afternoon for £250, for up to 4 persons. CV Travel 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

Chill out for Mother’s Day
A Daphne du Maurier novel would be the ideal Mother’s Day gift to accomopany a relaxing three night stay at Creek View apartments in Lamorna, Cornwall, in an evocative setting in the heart of the novelist’s homeland. These 16 contemporary and chic apartments are set in a beautiful period property amid three acres of land with an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and children’s playground. A three night stay over Mother’s Day costs from £519 for an apartment sleeping 2 – 4 people. Nearby yoga classes and spa treatments for a truly relaxing weekend can be arranged on request. CV Travel 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

The Newquay Discovery Trail enables you to explore the interactive maps before yourholiday to discover Newquay’s best kept secrets. Newquay may be best known for it’s surfing lifestyle, Cornishpasties and cream teas, but follow the cryptic clues on the engraved slate disks when you arrive, to discover 11
beaches surrounding the town, a river estuary rich in rare species of plants and birds and a diverse cultural maritime and mining history.

Perfectly positioned within walking distance of Newquay Zoo in the midst of the Newquay Discovery Trail, Riverside House has views over the River Ganel and glimpses of thesea and is just a short walk to both the famous surfing beach at Fistral and the summer passenger ferry toCrantock Beach. Cornish horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk ) are offering seven nights at Riverside House for up to 6 people from £404 in low season to £1097 in peak season.