The Co-operative Travel is offering double membership points on any summer holiday booked from its new tour operation before 31 March – which means a point for every pound spent. Last year each point was worth two pence, meaning a £20 return on a holiday costing £1,000.

For details call 0844 742 2030 or visit www.co operativetravelholidays.co.uk

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!

As the Winter Olympics continue to inspire a new generation of snow enthusiasts, self catering ski accommodation specialist Pierre & Vacances has released its round-up of the best ski festivals and events a little closer to home. The French Alps are this year playing host to a variety of events – from six-day comedy festivals in Meribel to extreme sports competitions in Tignes – where snow fanatics can combine a day on the piste with top-class evening entertainment. Pierre & Vacances properties have limited availability during some of the festivals, so customers are advised to book now to avoid disappointment.

Below we have listed Pierre & Vacances’ top choices for ski festivals in the Alps this winter:

Winter X-Games Europe, Tignes
10th – 12th March 2010
Tignes plays host to one of the world’s biggest alternative and extreme sports events this March – Winter X Games Europe. The first Winter X Games to take place outside the United States, the world’s top sportsmen and women will be competing against each other on two wheels, in the air, on skis and on snowboards for both medals and prize money. There will be eight different competitions over three days, including Ski and Snowboard SuperPipe and Slopestyle for men and women as well as a Snowmobile demonstration.

Accommodation: Pierre & Vacances offers one weeks accommodation in Pierre & Vacances Premium Tignes L’Ecrin des Neiges from 6th – 13th March 2010 for £1,717 (previously £2,020) for a two bedroom apartment suitable for up to six people. All apartments boast a fully fitted kitchen and living area and a balcony with mountain views. http://bit.ly/99YvBe

Little World Festival, Meribel
13th-19th March 2010
Organised by top British act, The Feeling, Little World Festival combines five days of skiing and snowboarding in the largest ski area in the world with entertainment from Europe’s biggest bands and DJ’s. With over 40 live gigs during the week and free outdoor concerts on the piste, the festival is an ideal choice for music lovers. This year’s festival includes music by Sophie Ellis Bextor, Glenn Tilbrook and, of course, The Feeling.

Accommodation: A weeks accommodation at Hotel Latitudes Le Savoy in a twin room between 13th – 20th March 2010 costs £1,088 (previously £1,280). The Hotel is located in the centre of the old village, just 30m from the slopes.

Altitude Festival, Meribel
20th-26th March 2010
Featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, the annual Altitude Festival offers the ultimate in après-ski entertainment and is one of the best-loved winter festivals in the Alps. The festival boasts stand-up comedy from some of the UK’s most popular performers, screenings of comedy films and live music throughout the week. This year’s line-up includes performances from Newton Faulkner, comedy from Phil Jupitus and music from DJ Yoda.

Accommodation: A weeks accommodation in Pierre & Vacances Meribel Les Crets from 20th – 27th March 2010 starts at £829 (previously £975) for a one bedroom apartment sleeping up to four people. The property offers ski-in-ski-out access to all ski lifts and all apartments include a kitchen area, terrace or balcony. http://bit.ly/bbCU8E

Three Valleys X-Wing Rally Finals, Three Valleys
5th April 2010
The main resorts in the Three Valleys region, including Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens join together for this one-day event in which the slopes are open to everyone, regardless of ability. Having fun is the order of the day, with the only requisite being that the Three Valleys region is explored and admired. Events and competitions are organised throughout the day with ski passes and holidays to be won.

Accommodation: A weeks accommodation in Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Chalets du Forum starts from 3rd -10th April 2010 starts from £1,473 (previously £1,733) for a one bedroom apartment sleeping up to five people. The property is located in the heart of Courchevel, just 100m away from the ski lifts. All apartments include a kitchen area and a balcony or terrace.

Grab some last minute snow once the half term crowds have dispersed. The Tyrolean village of Dobbiaco ticks both the cultural and quality skiing boxes thanks to its overlap of Italian and Austrian influences – from painted houses and onion-domed churches to Baroque castles and chic coffee bars – and the all-important presence of world-class ski trails, the most extensive network in the Dolomites.

Dobbiaco is a great place to enjoy guided cross-country skiing as well as independent skiing, with trails even starting at the hotel door. While ideal for beginners to the sport, the snow mecca has hosted the World Cup Cross Country Ski Championships four times making it equally suited those keen to finesse their skills.

The eight day “Cross Country Skiing in Dobbiaco” holiday starts from £899pp, departing 27 February 2010. The price includes four-star accommodation for seven nights with breakfasts and dinners, five two-hour cross country skiing lessons, weekly trail pass with free transport on the regular ski bus, ski equipment hire (skis, boots and poles) and airport transfers. With flights, prices start from £1,148 per person for travelling Gatwick to Innsbruck with Thomson Airways but can be arranged from most UK airports.
? Call Headwater on 01606 720199 or book online at www.headwater.com

February 2010 – Fluffy bunnies, cheap sparkling wine, singing cards, love shaped chocolates, table for two, the lovers set-menu, roses…. the list of utter rubbish goes on and on. And let’s not forget the ultimate embarrassing moment; the huge bouquet of flowers arriving at your desk that’s guaranteed to generate a few smirks or raised eye-brows, particularly if it’s sent from your hidden admirer who shares the same office. Enough of this, Eros can carefully draw his bow and send his arrow of love… elsewhere.
Travel search engine nowfly.co.uk has picked out some great weekend destinations that provide all that’s required to escape the hype.

The below are edited versions, but for full details click:

http://www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/65-top-anti-valentine’s-day-picks.aspx

Berlin
The German capital is a fast-paced, vibrant party town. Austere architecture and war reminders are successful in banishing any fluffy, romantic sentiments. As the wall fell, the über-chic culture rose. Berlin is a must-visit for hardcore clubbers and shoppers. Don Dr Martins and think fun in this charismatic city.

For flights to Berlin:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Berlin.aspx

Miami
A vibrant party town, Miami provides entertainment at every turn. Beautiful people, fast cars and big boats epitomise this Latino corner of the USA. Drive to South Beach via Ocean Drive to take in the striking Art Deco buildings. Food in Miami characterises the melting pot of cultures that come together in Florida. Italian, Latin American and Caribbean are all on offer. Don’t leave without puffing on a Cuban cigar.

For flights to Miami:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Miami.aspx

Marrakech
Marrakech will propel you headfirst into a dusty, intoxicating, walled world. Haggle for bargains in the honeycomb of intricately connected alleyways in the souks. Here, a plethora of goods can be sourced – antiques, leather, street food and much more. For those who want more activity than shopping, head to the Atlas Mountains for hiking. The fresh air is sure to blow away any love-blues.

For flights to Marrakech:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Marrakech.aspx

Madrid
Madrid is often underrated and overlooked in favour of coastal rival Barcelona. However, it would be hard to find a city that lends itself more readily to the pursuit of hedonism. Locals love to get dressed up, meet with friends and talk (loudly). Experienced with a group of friends, Madrid is an ideal place to begin your pursuit of happiness.

For flights to Madrid:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Madrid.aspx

New York
The city that never sleeps will leave you no time to think about your lack of love. New York is many cities in one, with distinctive charms and identities found in every one of the five boroughs. As far as the good life goes, there is no finer place to chase down your dreams or indulge your fantasies. And if it all gets too hectic, sink your teeth into a hot dog and watch the world go by. You’re sure to feel refreshed in a New York minute.

For flights to New York:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-New-York.aspx

Acorn Family Holidays new Inspirational Family Holidays brochure is out now!

Acorn’s new brochure (our biggest yet!) features pages of hand-picked, fun-filled holidays for families only – Activity Camping holidays, Snowsports holidays and Worldwide Adventure holidays.

Activity Camping Holidays – a fantastic choice of exhilarating water and land activities for all the family to enjoy together. The fun of camping is a highlight for everyone, with a village of tents set up ready for our customers when they arrive. Our outdoor locations in Brecon Beacons in Wales, the Ardèche in France, the Aosta Valley in Italy and Two-centre adventures in Italy and France form a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable family holiday. These holidays are a fantastic value, with everything included in the price (all activities, instruction, full-board accommodation and insurance).

Snowsports Holidays – a hand-picked selection of popular family-friendly resorts and hotels around the world, with all ski packs, ski lessons, lift passes, travel and half board accommodation as minimum included in the price. There is no doubt that some resorts are better suited to family skiing than others and our great selection really stands out from the crowd – choose from Killington in the USA; Jasper in Canada; Bormio and San Sicario in Italy; St Gervais and Montgenevre in France.

Worldwide Adventure Holidays – we have created unbelievable family adventures that allow you to explore exotic destinations, meet the locals, try the local delicacies and see the world as it really is. Our brochure gives a selection of our holidays, including the Nine day Nile adventure in Egypt, the Sun-soaked Aegean in Turkey, Exploring the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, Indulging all senses in India; Having an active adventure in Nepal and discovering the Berber Trail in Morocco, in addition our website features many more far flung destinations.

Alsace is well known for its beautiful scenery, good food (it has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other region of France other than Paris), wine, and welcoming people. Now it also has a growing reputation as a golf holiday destination. For the 2010 season the region has produced a new golf brochure (Let’s Go(lf) in Alsace) which includes information on a selection of Alsace’s attractive, uncrowded and value for money courses which are ready to welcome golfers of all standards from the UK.

Listed amongst the thirty most outstanding courses of continental Europe and ranked No 2 in France by the authoritative Peugeot Golf Guide is the 18-hole, championship standard, par 72 Kempferhof course (www.golf-kempferhof.com) at Plobsheim, 15 km from Strasbourg. It was designed by the famous course architect Robert Von Hagge and is set in over 200 acres. Adjoining the course is the 29 room Kempferhof Hotel, located in a 17th Century stately home. The accommodation includes five suites, each one being dedicated to a famous movie star.

Golfers who like a challenge should head for the Golf de Soufflenheim course (www.golfclub-soufflenheim.com) designed by former Masters Champion Bernhard Langer. The course, within easy reach of Strasbourg, has 18 lakes and is set in 270 acres of peaceful, undulating countryside. However bring extra balls as Soufflenheim has the reputation of being the third most difficult course in France! The course hotel has 15 rooms and there is a club house restaurant and bar. Golf coaching is available for children aged 8-18.

Golf de la Wantzenau (www.golf-wantzenau.fr)is also close to Strasbourg and is an 18-hole course which offers free lessons on Sundays and has a specially designed training school for under 18’s. The course has a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar plus a pro shop selling all the necessary gear. For beginners there is a compact four hole course and synthetic and grass practice areas.

The Ammerschwihr Trois-Epis course (www.golf-ammerschwihr.com) is only 10 km from Colmar and is situated in a beautiful setting, surrounded by vineyards and forests. The undulating 18-hole par 72 course is 5,386 yards in length and offers a range of different challenges. There is also a 9-hole compact course plus driving range and a Pro Shop and restaurant. The four-star Domaine du Golf Ammerschwihr Trois Epis hotel is next to the course.

The Alsace Golf Club course at Rouffach (www.alsacegolfclub.com) has a links feel and beautiful panoramic views of the Vosges Mountains and the stunning Alsatian wine route. The par 72 18-hole course has a practice area with three practice holes and a driving range and the clubhouse is set in a historic water mill complex.

A favourite family orientated course is Golf des Bouleaux (T: 3389555507; E: info@golf-bouleaux.asso.fr) at Wittelsheim close to Mulhouse. The par 72, 18-hole course has an academy which runs lessons for both adults and children. It was built in 1984 and claims to be the cheapest golf course in Alsace! The course has over 90 acres of breathtaking countryside and a delicious restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes and Alsatian specialities.

Another course just 30 km from Mulhouse is the Golf de la Largue (www.golf-lalargue.com) which was built in 1988. It has an 18-hole par 72 course and a 9-hole practice course designed in the heart of a magnificent forest surrounded by ponds and lakes and crossed by the river La Largue. The club features one of the best restaurants in the region and Le Petit Cohlberg hotel is a short drive from the course.

Golf Planet Holidays (www.golfplanetholidays.com 01277 824100) offers a four night self drive break at the Kempferhof Hotel from £599 pp. The price includes two rounds of golf at Kempferhof, one at Golf de la Wantzenau and one at Golf de Soufflenheim, bed and breakfast accommodation based on two people sharing and Eurotunnel travel for a car and passengers.

Independent travel to Alsace from the UK is easy with Air France flights from London City to Strasbourg while British Airways and Easyjet fly from Heathrow and Gatwick respectively to the European Airport near Mulhouse.The increasingly popular train takes just over five hours from London to Strasbourg( Eurostar to Paris and the TGV Est to Strasbourg,Colmar and Mulhouse).

For more information on golfing in Alsace visit www.golfsinalsace.com or to discover all that the region of Alsace has to offer visit www.tourism-alsace.com. Copies of the new Lets Go (lf) in Alsace brochure are available from both organisations.

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has recently launched ‘Crystal Clear’, an exclusive M&E programme designed for those looking to book a meeting, event, conference or training course at any of the UK hotels. Book your meeting or event by 30th June 2010 and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels will offer:

• Exclusive Day Delegate rates from £25 and 24hr Delegate rates from £99

• Price Match Guarantee

• No Cancellation Fees

• No penalty applies – for a shortfall in delegates

• Special Delegate Offer – 30% off Leisure Breaks

(Terms & Conditions apply to this offer)

Mark Halliday, VP Sales & Marketing for Europe, commented: “We are delighted to introduce this brand-new programme. We have listened to the needs of our valued corporate customers and believe that these exclusive benefits best reflect their requirements, whilst providing them with the reassurance and flexibility when booking a meeting or event.”

With the flexibility of ‘Crystal Clear’ Millennium & Copthorne Hotels guarantees that no penalty applies if a booking decreases to a minimum of 10 delegates, which reduces the worry of booking external meetings or events. Furthermore, there are no cancellation fees if a meeting or event is cancelled within the Zero Penalty Period.

Along with the exclusive delegate rates and offers, ‘Crystal Clear’ is the ultimate programme in flexibility for booking meetings and events space in 2010.

£1035 (saving £115): Tuscany, Italy – is the revised cost – for bookings made before 31 January – of a week’s rental, starting 03 (Easter), 10 and 17 April, of Pruneta di Sopra – a four bedroom, three bathroom house sleeping up to nine – with Vintage Travel.

Set in 25 acres of grounds close to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, it has its own private pool, children’s swings, table tennis, table football, pizza oven and barbecue. Or, for a smaller party of up to seven, the revised cost is £855 (saving £95).

AMERICAN IDOLS WITH THOMSON TAILORMADE FANTASTIC USA DEALS, BOOK BY JANUARY 26TH

American Idol returns for its much-anticipated ninth season this month. Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the United States audition for a shot at stardom. Headed by Simon Cowell, the judging panel this year will be joined by guests including Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain and Ellen DeGeneres.
Why not skip the auditions and the judges harsh critique but visit the fantastic cities the show tours?
Tour Operator Thomson Tailormade has some great offers in Dallas, Boston, Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and Atlanta.

Thomson Tailormade offers 4 nights at the 3 Star Hotel Indigo Dallas from £649 per person. Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Heathrow with Continental Airlines. Departing 15th March 2010. Book by 26th January 2010.
A nationally registered landmark, Hotel Indigo offers true ‘Texan hospitality’, a chance to enjoy fun, fast paced city life in tranquil surroundings. Centrally located in Downtown Dallas, it’s a stylish urban oasis, close to an array of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s popular Phi Restaurant or pop out and enjoy the best Southwestern hospitality in one of Dallas’ fine eateries.

Thomson Tailormade offers 4 nights at the 4 Star Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles from £599 per person. Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. Departing 20th March 2010. Book by 26th January 2010.
Since it opened in 1923, the landmark Millennium Biltmore Hotel has been home to Presidents, Kings and Hollywood celebrities. Its classic décor can be found throughout the lounges and restaurants to the luxurious guest rooms. Located in the financial and cultural heart of downtown Los Angeles, the former home of the Academy Awards is within close proximity to the Music Centre, theatres, shopping and restaurants. Guests can relax in the elegant surroundings, away from the bustling city yet only a short drive to Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Universal Studios. Facilities include a swimming pool, health club, beauty salon, two bars and two restaurants.

Thomson Tailormade offers 3 nights at the 3 Star Plus Avenue Hotel Chicago from £599 per person. Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Heathrow with Continental Airlines. Departing 11th May 2010. Book by 26th January 2010.
The Avenue hotel Chicago, a new downtown luxury hotel, is situated next to Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile – perfect for shopaholics! The hotel décor is trendy and modern with a sleek finish to everything. Facilities include an outdoor rooftop pool, rooftop dining at the Sky Lounge, fitness centre and in room spa services.

Thomson Tailormade offers 3 nights at the 3 Star Plus Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers from £599 per person. Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Heathrow with British Airways. Departing 1st June 2010. Book by 26th January 2010.
This large hotel is home to some delicious restaurants including the famous Todd English’s Bonfire Restaurant. Relax with a Guiness at M.J. O’Connor’s Irish Pub after a day in this walking city seeing the sights. For those wanting to use public transportation, it’s all conveniently located just outside the hotel.
Facilities include Todd English’s Bonfire Steakhouse, Whiskey Park Bar and Night-club, McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, M.J. O’Connor’s Authentic Irish Pub, Finale – All Desserts restaurant, Swans Cafe Lobby Bar & Restaurant, a fitness centre, business centre, barber and beauty salon.

Thomson Tailormade offers 7 nights at the 3 Star Monumental Movieland Hotel Orlando from £549 per person. Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.
Departing 15th June 2010. Book by 26th January 2010.
It’s all about movies and shopping at this centrally located hotel. Just minutes away from the new Millenia shopping Mall, featuring stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, plus over a hundred shops and restaurants are all within walking distance on International Drive. Be treated like a moviestar at this friendly hotel with excellent facilities which include an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar and games room.