Families looking to go away with water-babies of all ages need look no further than Tropical Sky Family Diving Holidays (www.familydiving.co.uk) who offer a wide selection of diving holidays around the world that the whole family can enjoy.

The focus is on parents who want to dive whilst on holiday and want the reassurance that their children will be safely looked after by qualified carers. All resorts in the Family Diving portfolio have children’s clubs and some also offer qualified childcare or a fly-and-stay nanny service where a personal nanny is made available for the duration of their holiday.

Tropical Sky Family Diving Holidays have excellent availability during peak holiday weeks, such as to Egypt during the summer holidays or October half-term:

Depart on 17, 24 or 31 July and stay at the four-star Sierra Hotel from £719 per adult and £546 per child or on 23 October for half-term week from £909 per adult and £639 per child. Included is seven nights’ accommodation in a Garden View room on an all-inclusive basis, flights from London Gatwick with British Airways, transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Set on White Knight Beach, the hotel offers two restaurants, five swimming pools, floodlit tennis, a wellness centre and spa and a nearby 18-hole championship golf course. Children’s facilities include a kids’ club, swimming pool, playground and indoor games room equipped with various entertainment including PlayStation sets. Babysitting is available on request.

Diving for a qualified adult or older child can be added-on with six boat dives for £99 per person and a ‘try dive’ at £60 per adult and child (aged 10 or over). What’s more, parents who wish to introduce their children to the wonders of the underwater world can do so as there are various beginner courses aimed at those aged eight upwards. In Egypt it includes:

PADI Bubblemaker (Aged 8+): This introduction to scuba diving uses scuba equipment specifically designed for youngsters. Children are taken to a maximum depth of two metres under the care and supervision of a fully-qualified PADI professional. Cost: £60 per child.

PADI Scuba Diver course or Junior Scuba Diver Course (Aged 10+): This two-day course combines classroom and pool work and culminates with an open water dive. Those that complete the course are issued with a license allowing dives to a maximum depth of 12 metres with a diving professional. Cost: £160 per person.

PADI Open Water Course (Aged 10+): This four-day course combines the principles of scuba diving with learning basic scuba skills in a pool or shallow beach. It culminates with an open water dive and a license which allows children aged 10-11 years to dive to 12 metres and up to 18 metres for those aged 12 plus. Cost: £235 per person.

To book visit Tropical Sky Family Diving Holiday at www.familydiving.co.uk or call 01342 310585.

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.

The Mediterranean’s Newest Luxury Family Resort Is About To Open

Borgo Egnazia Hotel Villas Spa & Golf Resort, positioned to become one of the leading luxury family resorts in the Mediterranean, is proud to announce the opening of its eagerly anticipated OurSpace Children’s Club.

Opening in June 2010, Borgo Egnazia’s OurSpace Children’s Club offers a full range of childcare for children aged 8 months to 13 years. It is one of only a handful of Children’s Clubs in the world catering to the very young, as well as teenagers. The OurSpace specialists are friendly, multilingual, and most importantly, highly trained and qualified. For children under the age of two, there is one nanny for every two toddlers; ratios which ensure children are looked after every minute of the day, and with a maximum of just 45 children, personal attention is guaranteed.
With the family facilities opening just in time for the summer holidays, Borgo Egnazia will showcase an array of accommodation for all ages.

Divided into three areas, the Resort features a luxury 63 room hotel with a 2,000m² Raison d’Etre spa (perfect for Mum); an 18-hole Championship golf course (great for Dad); 28 three-bedroom private villas with pools and butler service; and the piece de resistance for families: a traditional Apulian Village, with 91 one and two suite townhomes; a beach club, Italian cooking school, and of course, designed to keep the children and parents happy, the OurSpace Children’s Club.

OurSpace activities, run by UK-trained specialists, take place in the indoor Children’s Club located next to the family-friendly swimming pool within the Village. There is an additional dedicated outdoor area, a walled, secret garden where a 300m² ‘lost city’ will entice and excite the little ones with zipwires, climbing frames and swinging bridges.

Activities include cooking lessons, arts and crafts, watersports, tennis and golf lessons; there are computer and console games for the older ones, and soft crèche areas for toddlers, whilst fun archaeological digs in the neighbouring ruins of Egnazia will ensure dressing up as a Greek goddess or Roman warrior has never been so true to life!

Looking for inspiration for your next trip, or need some help finding the right place? Stylish Places to Stay is a  booking service specialising in stylish hotels and accommodation worldwide. We represent small collections of  stylish, outstanding and unique properties and provide informative, transparent descriptions and a personal  multilingual concierge service to professionals, business executives, A-list celebrities and their families. We  don’t charge booking fees. Our services are free.

STYLISH PLACES TO STAY 2009/10 ANDALUSIA COLLECTION

MARBELLA Hotel Villa Padierna, five-star GL hotel
Recommended for top business events, couples, families, golfers, weddings, foodies

Stylish 5-star grand luxe hotel with an enviable reputation for excellence in service, elegance and luxury. Built  in the style of a Tuscan villa, it has 112 rooms and suites, 1131 m2 of impressive conference space ideal for  business events, outstanding cuisine, one of Spain’s most exquisite spas, pool and water gardens, a championship  golf course on the doorstep and a Roman-style amphitheatre for romantic weddings. An experience in itself.

Where: Valley estate and golf courses 10 mins. from the beach, Marbella 24 km., Puerto Banús 13 km. 81 km. from
Malaga Airport, with direct flights from all over Europe.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/5-star-hotel/Stylish-and-luxurious-5-star-hotels.html

MARBELLA Casitas Villa Padierna, luxurious private villas and suites in the grounds of a five-star GL hotel.
Recommended for: top business events, couples, families, golfers, weddings, foodies.

A brand new concept from the prestigious five-star luxury Hotel Villa Padierna. 11 private villas and 3 suites in  unique and elegant surroundings near the Roman amphitheatre offer clients a private second home with 24-hour  butler service just a push of the button away. Golf courses, square km. of spa facilities, pools and water  gardens, kids’ club, restaurants, bars and five-star hotel facilities next door.

Where: Valley estate and golf courses 10 mins. from the beach, Marbella 24 km., Puerto Banús 13 km. 81 km. from  Malaga Airport, with direct flights from all over Europe.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/villa/The-privacy-of-staying-in-your-own-villa.html

ESTEPONA Hotel Kempinski Bahía Estepona, five-star luxury beach holidays with plenty of pampering
Recommended for couples, families, relaxing getaways
There are stunning panoramic sea views to Gibraltar and Africa from the Kempinski’s 147 rooms and suites. The best  view is from the penthouse bar of the exclusive Poniente Suite, where guests also have a personal butler and
private lift. Spacious semi-tropical gardens with three pools run down to the beach; four restaurants, spectacular  buffet and fine dining plus sophisticated comfort, friendly service, Kids’ Club and water sports add up to  pampering time, Kempinski style.

Where: On the beach between Marbella and Estepona, 82.3 km. from Málaga airport. Transfer by private chauffeur  driven car or private helicopter direct to the Kempinski helipad. In-house stable of luxury sports cars for hire:  BMW, Mercedes, Maybach, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/5-star-hotel/Stylish-and-luxurious-5-star-hotels.html

CASARES Hotel Finca Cortesín, a new hotel with designer-style Andalusian living

Recommended for romantic weekends, detox getaways, foodies, business incentives, serious golf and full-time  relaxing
The Finca Cortesín’s cobbled courtyard, fountains, perfect proportions and stone-flagged floors give the feel of a  charming private finca several hundred years old. The 67 suites and public areas with soaring ceilings are  decorated with restrained luxury, complemented by classic gardens, a delicious spa, gym and inspired cuisine.
First-class events take place here in the 450 m2 of designer meeting and function space. Serious golfers are also  a fixture: the 7,000-metre course is home to the Volvo World Match Play Championship and has some of the world’s  best greens.

Where: Estate and golf course between Marbella and Sotogrande, near the village of Casares and 2 km from the  beach. Málaga airport 91 km., Algeciras airport 51 km., Gibraltar airport 41.7 km.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/5-star-hotel/Stylish-and-luxurious-5-star-hotels.html

JEREZ de la FRONTERA, Hotel Villa Jerez, the classic place to stay in Jerez
Recommended for romantic getaways, culture bugs, foodie tourism and weddings, singles, couples and small groups.

Formerly a traditional country house attached to the bodega of one of the sherry families, the Hotel Villa Jerez.
18 large rooms with oversized beds, traditional décor and generous bathrooms; spotless housekeeping, charming  service, good food and plenty of local atmosphere. Unbeatable location within walking distance of the Royal  Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, the González Byass and Domecq cellars and the Exhibition Centre (Recinto  Ferial). A memorable stay.

Where: Exclusive residential area 15 minutes from the centre of Jerez. Jerez airport 13 km., Seville airport 107  km., Gibraltar airport 111 km., train station 5 mins.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/boutique-hotel/Stylish-boutique-hotels-cool-chic-luxury.html

VEJER de la FRONTERA, Hotel V…, small luxury boutique hotel
Recommended for singles, couples, fully-staffed rental as private residence for groups

Once a 16th century casa-palacio, this luxury 12-bedroom boutique hotel opened its doors in February 2009. Its  intimate, elegant and exclusive interiors with serene whitewashed walls are furnished with extra large beds,
Portuguese antiques, teak and rosewood. Avant-garde designer bathrooms, spa services and attentive staff are some  of the other ingredients of this warm, tranquil haven. The hotel may also be rented as a private home with  fully-staffed five-star service.

Where: The charming, quaint Moorish-Andalusian village of Vejer de la Frontera, 10 km from the beach, 57 km from  Cádiz. Jerez airport 82.3 km, Gibraltar airport 83.8 km, Seville airport 166 km.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/boutique-hotel/Stylish-boutique-hotels-cool-chic-luxury.html

SANLUCAR la MAYOR, Hacienda Benazuza – El Bulli Hotel, five star grand luxe hotel with two star Michelin
restaurant La Alquería
Recommended for foodies, romantic getaways, couples, one-night experience, weddings, conferences, high-end  business events, photoshoots.

One of Andalusia’s most historic hotels, the Hacienda Benazuza is a reformed X century alquería, or fortified  manor farmhouse. Rich colours, antique furniture and works of art fill the public areas and 44 rooms and suites,  complementing the Benazuza’s Moorish-Andalusian neorustic architecture. XVII private chapel, dreamy gardens and  pool, La Alquería 2* Michelin restaurant and heliport, some of the world’s most acclaimed food.

Where: 23 km from central Seville in the hilltop town of Sanlúcar la Mayor, surrounded by 40 acres of olive groves  and farmland. 36 km. from Seville airport. 24-hr private limousine service available, heliport in the hotel  grounds.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/5-star-hotel/Stylish-and-luxurious-5-star-hotels.html

SEVILLE: Hotel Corral del Rey, sophisticated small boutique hotel
Recommended for romantic and cultural getaways for singles, couples and small groups; superbly organised
excursions.

Stylishly bohemian and sophisticated small boutique hotel tucked away behind iron-bossed mudéjar doors in  Seville’s Barrio de La Alfalfa. Lovingly converted from a XVII century casa palacio, it has six cool, spacious  rooms with hi-tech mod cons, supremely comfortable beds and large marble bathrooms with walk-in rain showers.
Contemporary Spanish cuisine is on the menu. Ideal for private functions, house-parties and high-profile guests  looking for a discreet town address a stone’s throw from the Giralda.

Where: Five minutes’ walk from the Cathedral in Seville’s historic town centre. Seville airport 10.7 km., Jerez  airport 93.9 km., Gibraltar airport 195 km, Seville train station 3.8 km. Chauffeur-driven car service available  for airport/train station transfers and excursions.

More info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/boutique-hotel/Stylish-boutique-hotels-cool-chic-luxury.html

LAS CABEZAS de SAN JUAN, Hacienda San Rafael, five-star rustic sophistication

Recommended for romantic, cultural, relaxing and country getaways for singles, couples and active adults.  Exclusive use, photoshoots.Superbly-organised excursions.

The 300-year old, 14-room Hacienda San Rafael is a recently-renovated haven of rustic chic. Oriental antiques and  artefacts blend with the Anglo Spanish owners’ art collection and family memorabilia. 11 stylish duplex rooms with  peaked ceilings and galleried bathrooms surround the cobbled central courtyard, and three casitas share an  infinity pool in a private garden. The whole Hacienda can be booked for private functions and weddings, with  catering for up to 100 guests. Many guests visit regularly, drawn by the personal service and fresh, simple  Mediterranean cuisine.

Where: In open countryside 54 km south of Seville. Seville airport 62 km., Jerez airport 36 km., Gibraltar airport  154 km., Santa Justa train station in Seville 63.7 km. Private chauffeur-driven car service available.

Info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/boutique-hotel/Stylish-boutique-hotels-cool-chic-luxury.html

GRANADA:
Hotel Villa Oniria, five star hotel
Recommended for romantic stays, culture bugs, foodies, singles, couples and small groups.

The intimate city-centre Hotel Villa Oniria in Granada retains all the welcome, charm and romance of the 19th  century palace it once was. Neutral, modern interiors by Pascual Ortega have a special magic, and new technology  has been skilfully incorporated into the 31 rooms. The hotel offers first-class inventive Andalusian cuisine and  is a favourite local meeting place for coffee, an aperitivo and an informal business chat.

Where: The hotel is in the historical centre of Granada just 5 minutes from the Cathedral and the famous tapas  area, and 2 kms from the world-famous Alhambra. Seville airport: 17 kms.

Info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/boutique-hotel/Stylish-boutique-hotels-cool-chic-luxury.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA, Hotel Palacio Blanco, affordable luxury
Recommended for couples, family get-togethers and weekend groups

This small boutique hotel 30 minutes from Málaga offers luxury with a pricetag that won’t break the bank and  regularly attracts guests from outside Spain who want to experience the real Andalusia. The Hotel Palacio Blanco
is a converted 17th century bishop’s palace, one of the finest townhouses in this historic old town near the coast. The entrance is through an imposing mudéjar door into a central courtyard, around which are eight impeccably-presented en-suite guest rooms.

Where: In the old town of Vélez-Málaga, 50.2 km from Málaga airport.

Info: http://www.stylishplacestostay.com/type/boutique-hotel/Stylish-boutique-hotels-cool-chic-luxury.html

Half-term may only just be over, but with seven night breaks in top locations across Europe from just £357 per party, there’s no reason not to get cracking and book an Easter treat for the whole family.

French Fancy– Seven nights in the Vendée, just £357 per party
With artisan chocolatiers and pretty villages adorned with festive decorations, France at Easter is a real treat, and Keycamp’s Port Bourgenay on the Vendée coast is an ideal base to soak up the atmosphere. This superb apartment resort is just 2km from the beach, and with a pool complex, free kids clubs and a golf course, there’s plenty to keep families entertained.

Seven nights from 6 April for a family of two adults and up to three children staying in an apartment at Port Bourgenay will cost £357, accommodation only. Ferry crossings or fly-drive packages can be arranged at a supplement.

La Dolce Vita – Seven nights at Lake Garda, just £378 per party
A lakeside setting, a five-pool waterpark with waterslides, discos, games and sports including basketball and beach volleyball, ensure Keycamp’s Bella Italia is the perfect spot for an Easter getaway. Out and about, families can also enjoy biking and walking in the nearby countryside, as well as daytrips to Verona and Gardaland Theme Park.

Seven nights from 3 April for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a Supernova mobile home with decking will cost £378, accommodation only. Ferry crossings or fly-drive packages can be arranged at a supplement.

Bon Bon – Seven nights in the Dordogne, just £364 per party
For those seeking some thrills on their Easter break, Keycamp’s St. Avit Loisirs offers an array of activities including basketball, crazy golf, cycling tennis and volleyball, and is also ideally situated for canoeing or caving in the famous rivers and gorges of the Dordogne.

Seven nights from 3 April for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a Supernova mobile home with decking will cost just £364, accommodation only.

To book, or for further information, call Keycamp on 0844 406 0319 or visit www.keycamp.co.uk.

Essential Italy are pleased to offer the following mid-season offer on these beautiful villa holiday options in Sardinia.

OFFER: 10% discount on bookings at these villas between 27 March – 30 June & 17 September – 24 October, 2010

Il Pagliaio (Sleeps 6)- http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/il_pagliaio.php

Villa Il Pagliaio is surrounded by acres of countryside and offers a little bit of paradise with a good sized swimming pool and a characteristic restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. This original barn has been transformed into a stone-clad independent “villa” that is located close to the pool and comprises a spacious and comfortable lounge / dining area, kitchen 2 double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and two bathrooms. A private patio located at the back of the house ensures that you can relax under the fantastic dark blue starry sky.

Location: Arzachena 1.5km, nearest beach – Cannigione 10km, Pevero 18 hole golf course 15km, Olbia airport 35 kms, Alghero airport 150 kms

Prices: From £1050 – £2330 per week (high season price £2710)

Offer: 10% discount on bookings between 27 March – 30 June & 17 September – 24 October, 2010

Lo Stazzo (sleeps 6) – http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/lo_stazzo.php

Lo Stazzo is an old traditional farm building which offers wonderful accommodation for up to 6 guests. The original wooden beams and stone walls all add to the charm of this independant house and the accommodation comprises of a large lounge / dining area, a real country kitchen complete with original stone fireplace, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Going for perfection, Lo Stazzo has a great private external area at the back of the property with access to the gorgeous private pool sunk between the rocks.

Location: Arzachena 1.5km, nearest beach – Cannigione 10km, Pevero 18 hole golf course 15km, Olbia airport 35 kms, Alghero airport 150 kms

Prices: From £1480 – £2805 per week (high season price £3135)

Offer: 10% discount on bookings between 27 March – 30 June & 17 September – 24 October, 2010

The location of these properties is well placed for many of the famous stretches of coastline plus many more of the not so well known beaches and bays with easy access to local towns and villages.

Golfers can pay just one pound per hole to enjoy two rounds with an overnight stay thrown in for free thanks to Your Golf Travel.com

Once again Europe’s largest golf travel company is offering two rounds of golf and an overnight stay for just £36– the perfect deal to tempt golfers on to the fairways in winter months.

The unbelievable promotion gives golfers 36 holes for just one pound a hole and is available at Hertfordshire venues Manor of Groves and Shendish Manor, and Macdonald Hill Valley, in Shropshire.

The offer is valid until the end of March but availability is limited so anyone looking to grab a bargain should call 0800 043 6644 or visit www.yourgolftravel.com for more information.

This month, Asia’s original and best destination spa, Chiva-Som launches its brand new golf clinic. The new Chiva-Som Golf Clinic incorporates a thoughtfully designed series of all-in-one packages to suit all levels of golfer, from beginner to advanced players. Tailored to individual golfers’ skills and requirements, the packages will be offered in conjunction with nutritional consultation and analysis.

Chiva-Som’s resident professional golf coach will analyse the player’s game and technique, helping to fine-tune their swing and eliminate any slice or pull, in addition to giving expert tips on how to manage the game as players move around the course. Integral to the golf clinic packages are sessions on golf biomechanics, providing advice for guests on increasing their strength and flexibility, and opportunities to vastly improve handicaps through vital targeted fitness.

Guests returning from the fairway will experience a soothing Deep Tissue Massage delivered by one of Chiva-Som’s world-class specialist physiotherapists, designed to ease the common golfing ailment of tight, overworked muscles. During the second half of the course, players’ legs can feel heavy and tired which can result in more bogeys than pars. Chiva-Som’s renowned nutritionists will help put this right, giving expert advice on food intake to ensure optimum energy levels right until the 18th green. Balanced nutrition will provide core muscles with the requisite energy to perform and recover, bringing a positive effect to guests’ ongoing health and lifestyle, during and beyond their visit to Chiva-Som.

All Chiva-Som golf clinic packages include one 55-minute professional golf lesson at one of Hua Hin’s leading courses, including Royal Hua Hin, Banyan Golf, Black Mountain, Spring Field Golf and Palm Hill; one 55-minute biomechanics session; and one 55-minute Deep Tissue Massage.

Elegant Resorts (01244 897 538; www.elegantresorts.co.uk) offer seven nights at Chiva-Som from £3,110 per person, based on two sharing an Ocean View double room. Price includes three Chiva-Som spa cuisine meals per night of stay; daily massage; individual health and wellness consultation; use of the water therapy suites; and participation in the daily fitness and leisure activities. Price also includes return flights with Thai Airways from London Heathrow and onward private car transfers. Based on 9 July 2010 departure.

Golf Clinic packages are priced from THB11,887.70 (approximately £228) per person. The packages can be booked in advance through a UK tour operator partner or in resort.

Kitzbühel is proud to welcome a new star in Alpine tourism – namely Grand Tirolia Golf and Ski Resort in Kitzbühel where a refined ambience and warm, down-to-earth hospitality meet the rich sporting tradition of the Austrian town.

The prestigious 5 star Tyrolean hotel, which opened its doors at the end of 2009, lends new meaning to the concept of well-being, relaxation and pleasure. Set amidst a wildly romantic landscape, the Grand Tirolia offers a luxurious selection of suites and rooms, serves gourmet cuisine in outstanding restaurants and bars and includes a magnificent exclusive spa which leaves guests spoilt for choice.

The harmonious interplay of nature, sport and lifestyle is a key element at the Grand Tirolia. Situated at the heart of the 18-hole Eichenheim Golf Course and surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Tyrolean Alps, the Grand Tirolia permits a strong focus on outdoor activities.

The hotel’s private golf course, created by the star US designer, Kyle Philipps, takes players on a relaxing yet demanding journey through the beauty of the picture perfect Tyrolean Mountains. Currently ranked among the Top 100 golf courses in Europe, the 71-par and 6.092m long course is a challenge for even the most discerning of golfers and each hole on this renowned golf course provides a unique and often breathtaking experience.

Kyle Philipp’s philosophy that a golf course must fully incorporate the elements of the natural environment in which it is created is clearly evident in every stroke played at the course at Eichenheim. Gentle hills are followed by steep inclines. The bunkers are embedded in the lush green fairways. Deciduous forests and streams left to follow their natural course constitute challenging obstacles, set against the beautiful and varying backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser, the Hahnenkamm and the High Tauern mountains.

In addition to world-class golf in the summer, winter guests to the Grand Tirolia can revel in some of the most celebrated downhill pistes in the world. With a wealth of exhilarating and immaculate ski runs on the hotel’s doorstep, a wide range of bespoke facilities, services and treatments, such as ski equipment storage services, ski equipment booking services, and the issue of skipasses for the Kitzbühel skiing district, the Grand Tirolia ensures that skiiers needs are exceeded.

The Grand Tirolia lends new meaning to the concept of well-being, relaxation and pleasure. Not only does it offer the finest opportunities in Golf and Ski, but also boasts a 1,500m2 wellness area featuring an exclusive Aveda Spa.

Offering a multitude of fitness and wellness applications as well as a selection of massages and naturopathic treatments, the Grand Tirolia spa includes nine treatment rooms, two chocolate spa treatment rooms, interconnected indoor and outdoor pools and Jacuzzis, a Finnish sauna, Turkish baths, a cold air room, ice cave and ice fountain and much more besides.

Explaining his vision Chief Executive Ulrich Drewitz comments, “Our aim in developing the resort was to create a vibrant symbiosis between sports, recreation, relaxation and the lifestyle that is so characteristic of our marvellous Alpine surroundings. Our luxurious design, natural building materials and sophisticated choice of colour and lighting are just a few of the ways in which we have realized a truly exclusive ambience of well-being.”

The style of the hotel and its rooms blends an international atmosphere with the region’s great tradition of tourism and architecture. Throughout both public spaces and bedrooms, a combination of tradition and modernity, luxury and homeliness form a unique concept. The entire architecture of the hotel is characterised by materials produced locally, such as wood and stone, which are combined with sophisticated design elements and state-of-the-art technology.

The combination of tradition and modernity can also be found in the Petit Tirolia gourmet restaurant in which chef Bobby Bräuer creates unforgettably delicious experiences for the taste buds. Regional specialities are exquisitely combined with international dishes, whilst service retains the fine tradition of authentic Tyrolean hospitality.

From the very first day of opening, the Grand Tirolia Golf & Ski Resort’s philosophy has centred on the client and on providing the ideal combination of exclusivity and authenticity that makes the hotel so unique.

Agriturismo is a form of holidaying in farm house resorts. This type of holiday is very popular with the Germans, French and Dutch and is slowly becoming an interesting holiday choice for the British. An agriturismo holiday is perfect for the whole family although many options can be very romantic and also very luxurious. An Italian agriturismo will usually serve food to guests prepared from produce direct from the farm or at least produced locally.

Essential Italy are pleased to recommend the following two agriturismo options in Sardinia.

Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/tenuta_pilastru.php

Situated in the middle of the beautiful ‘Gallurese’ countryside amidst the time-weathered rocks, Tenuta Pilastru is both stylish and comfortable in a real oasis of peace and tranquillity. With a superb fresh water swimming pool set below stunning granite rock formations (with their own grottoes) and just a 10 minute drive to the beach this is an ideal base from which to enjoy a Sardinian holiday. All 32 rooms are charmingly furnished to a very high standard with local and natural materials and are situated in the gardens in three groups.There area also 3 suites which comprise of a small kitchen and dining area plus a separate bedroom – perfect for families.

The restaurant offers a delicious selection of local dishes and delicacies. Choose from the hotel menu or to experience a true Sardinian meal, the restaurant also offers various hand made pastas and suckling pig roasted on the spit.

Location: Arzachena beach 10 km, Arzachena town centre 6km, Costa Smeralda 15kms, Olbia Airport 35kms, Alghero Airport 150kms

Prices: From £35 – £82 per person per night B&B (depending on season).

Lu Ciaccaru http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/lu_ciaccaru.php -
This is beautiful accommodation and pretty upmarket for an agriturismo. The owner has converted her childhood home into a small and elegant residence with bed and breakfast accommodation so that she can share with guests the magnificent Mediterranean countryside that surrounds the carefully restructured buildings (2 villas) and suites / bedrooms. The spacious grounds are all grassed and roll over to the fantastic pool. All the local vegetation has remained untouched, and the whole ambience is one of peace and tranquillity.

The fantastic restaurant, with a vast terrace for al-fresco eating serves a tasty continental breakfast and local fare for evening dining. An à la carte menu is also available along with a comprehensive wine list.

Location: Arzachena 1.5 km, nearest beach Cannigione 10km, Pevero 18 hole golf course 15km, Olbia airport 35kms, Alghero airport 150kms.
Prices: From £95 – £172 per person per night B&B (depending on season)