weekender supplement

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE

WEEKENDER · �SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT · SPRING / SUMMER 2009

Rural Retreats

Manchester

City Breaks

Morocco

How FarCan YouGo?

Q U I C K B R E A K S C L O S E T O H O M E · U K · S PA I N · M O R O C C O · P O R T U G A L

WEEKENDER

2 · WEEKENDER SPRING / SUMMER 2009 · SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT

La Herriza is perfectly situat-ed for exploring the region with its Natural Parks and

charming white villages like Gau-cin where you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or horse riding, or merely escape the strains and stresses of modern living.

Whilst still being close to all the amenities of the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar, at more than 600 metres above sea level, you are far enough from the hustle and bustle of the mass tourist sites to enjoy a truly relaxing stay sur-rounded by natural beauty and clean, fresh air.

The hotel offers 17 spacious and charmingly equipped An-dalusian Cottages and Spanish Cortijo Suites with 1 or 2 double bedrooms, a fully fitted bathroom and a separate drawing room to make you feel at home and re-laxed in one of Andalusia’s most romantic settings.

The Restaurant-Grill “El Ha-cho”, named after the main peak surrounding La Herriza, is fa-mous for serving the finest Medi-

terranean and regional food, incorporating Haute Cuisine el-ements and complemented by a first-rate selection of Spanish and International wines. The restau-rant’s chefs each specialising in their own particular style. If there is anything you would particu-larly like, or you have special di-etary needs, contact them before you arrive and they’ll be happy to accommodate you.

The dedicated wedding depart-ment is able to coordinate, assist and advise with all the services required for the event, including accommodation, menus, DJ, pho-tographer, hairdresser, transport, live music entertainment, out-door activities, ceremony, lorist and much more. One of the expe-rienced Wedding Planners at the hotel can provide as much or as little assistance as is needed.

La Herriza lies on the edge of the last natural forest in Europe, “Parque Natural de Los Alcorno-cales”, is perfectly situated for ex-ploring Andalucia and enjoying swimming, tennis, clay pigeon

shooting, fishing, hot air balloon-ing, and hunting.

Alternatively you may prefer to simply enjoy reading a good book whilst soaking in the natu-

ral silence of the woods, attend a Yoga class, take a relaxing massage or sip your favourite drink whilst watching the sun-set. s

La Herriza

Going Away Has Never Been EasierOpened in 2000 and set in 25 acres of natural woodland, Hacienda La Herriza reminds one of an Andalusian Manor House.


WEEKENDER · �SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT · SPRING / SUMMER 2009

VOLUME 1SPRING / SUMMER 2009

The Weekender Supplement is published in conjunction with The Gibraltar Magazine bi-annually in May and September each year.

Published byGuide Line Promotions Limited, PO Box 56�,PMB 6�77,Gibraltar.

Tel: +�50 200 77748Fax: +�50 200 77748Email: [email protected]

Editor: Andrea MortonArt: Jonathan Bull

Copyright © 2009 by Guide Line Promotions Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of Guide Line Promotions Limited.

Content >> Feature >>

You’re Going

For the WeekendWHERE

p4?

United Kingdom>>

p6Spain >>

p8Morocco >>

p12

MOSEY AROUND IN

MANCHESTERCityBreaksjust adrive away

Spain >>

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Retreatsrural

THE MAGIC OFMOROCCO

Rural Retreats

Manchester

City Breaks

Morocco

How FarCan YouGo?

Q U I C K B R E A K S C L O S E T O H O M E · U K · S PA I N · M O R O C C O · P O R T U G A L

read it online!

www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

The Gibraltar Magazine and

supplements are all available in flip-page format. Pay us a visit!

WEEKENDER


Few travellers, with the ex-ception of the suitably ano-raked enthusiast, want to

spend any longer than necessary sitting in airports. On that basis, the destination would have to be reached by just one flight; no en route changes permitted! By the same token, the term ‘week-end’ can be open to a degree of interpretation designed to both get the most out of valuable time and compensate for the vagaries of airline schedules. For the pur-pose of this exercise, the weekend has therefore been ‘maximised’ to potentially run from Thursday to Monday! After all, there is still Tuesday and Wednesday to allow for time in the office!

From Gibraltar’s own North Front airport the answer to this question is a very simple and a very brief one! With the loss of Iberia’s relatively short-lived service to Madrid in September, travellers from Gibraltar are left with a choice of which only Hen-ry Ford would be proud. You can go to any destination from Gib as long as it is in the UK! Setting aside any notion of a weekend in London via Gatwick or Luton, go north and opt for Manchester. Monarch Airlines re-introduced flights to the city in September last year and the service now operates three times a week. From the real world of Coronation Street via Old Trafford to the slightly un-

You’re Going

For the WeekendWHERE?The brief was a simple one. Come up with some

suggestions for the furthest you can travel from Gibraltar by air for a weekend away.

real world of cosmopolitan Canal Street, be in no doubt that Man-chester is a great place for a short break. Leaving Gibraltar at 11.40 on Friday morning, you’ll be in Manchester just before 2pm with a whole three nights ahead of you. The only fly in the ointment is the relative brevity of the third night as your flight back home is scheduled to leave Manchester at 06.55. There is one consolation, arriving in Gib at 10.55 gives you the chance to go to work on Mon-day afternoon and use the leave for another trip away.

Without being able to think ‘outside the box’ or indeed ‘The Rock,’ this article would now be already over, cut off in its prime! Other more imaginative answers lie over 100km up the coast at Málaga airport. This gateway and the places to which you can fly prove the cliché that low-cost airlines have opened up Europe to an extent previously unheard of. Boarding a Boeing 737 of Blue Air at 11.05 on Thursday morn-ing will see you arriving blink-ing and somewhat disbelieving in Bucharest at just before 4pm that afternoon. The capital of Ru-mania, a country now part of the European Union, is a fascinating blend of the old and new with a rich cultural heritage. Your return flight does not leave until 2.30pm on Sunday allowing you plenty of time to explore. As an alternative,

Thursday morning will see you arriving blinking and somewhat disbelieving in Bucharest

By Brian T. Richards


WEEKENDER · 5SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT · SPRING / SUMMER 2009

?leaving Málaga with Finnair just after noon on (a different) Thurs-day will see you heading north to Helsinki, arriving just in time for dinner. Finland’s capital and most populous city is built for the sightseer and the sauna enthusi-ast! With a flight time of four and half hours, Helsinki is a world away from the Costa Del Sol but you can still be back for lunch on Sunday.

The airlines providing the flights for my third city break are a testament to recent successful de-regulation among European carriers. They reflect an interna-tionalism of which the UN would be proud. In September 2008, the high profile Danish low-cost air-line Sterling Airways, fell victim to the Icelandic banking crisis and ceased operations. A number of carriers from different countries across the EU have spotted the opportunities and have launched flights on former Sterling routes. Leaving Málaga with Norwegian Air Shuttle on Friday morning at 11.50am will have you in Co-penhagen just before 4pm. Af-ter a weekend of exploring this compact picturesque city, with obligatory stops at the Tivoli Gar-dens and the Little Mermaid, the

Dutch airline Transavia can have you back on the Costa at 7.10pm on Sunday evening.

The outright winner of this competition is a flight that cur-rently operates four times a week but which is proving so popular

that an additional service will be added later this year. In June 2008, Delta Airlines launched a non-stop flight to New York JFK. The ‘Big Apple’ can be reached just under nine hours after leaving Málaga. Because of the prevailing

winds, it is even quicker coming back! For those tired of getting to the US via Madrid, London or Paris, this direct link is a welcome relief. Delta uses Boeing 757 air-craft with 158 seats in Economy and 16 in BusinessElite class. I don’t need to wax lyrical about the attractions of the USA’s iconic metropolis, suffice to say that it is indeed possible to go stateside for the weekend. Leaving Málaga at 12.40 on Thursday will have see you landing in JFK at 3.25pm. Af-ter a fun packed three night break, you’ll head home at 7.25pm on Sunday arriving back at just after 9.30am on Monday.

If you accept all the usual ca-veats that airline schedules are subject to change and that indeed nothing is set in stone, it remains true to say that getting a long way away from Gibraltar and the Costa Del Sol has never been easier. Indeed, heading away for the weekend has rarely been more fun! s

Brian T Richards is a freelance air travel consultant and aviation photog-rapher offering an advice and research service covering all aspects of the air-line business. www.briantrichards.com email [email protected]

The “Big Apple” can be reached in just under 9 hours after leaving Malaga on

Delta Airlines’ non-stop flight

WEEKENDER


Few places can match Manchester’s incredible retail experience. Anything is possible. From browsing white label records and vintage clothing in the Northern Quarter, to personalised shops and designer labels at Harvey Nichols. You can wander around the monthly farmers’ market, or have a manicure in Triangle, and everything in between. Perfect for those shopaholics.

MOSEY AROUND IN

MANCHESTERShopping is not the only thing

going on in Manchester. A buzzing night life, a whole

host of attractions and a wide selection of festivals and events which you might like to take note of when you’re working out when you really want to be there.

The first festival coming up from the 9th to 25th May is Queer Up North (www.queerupnorth.com). Venues across Greater Manches-ter host the international queer arts festival, an annual festival of events – mainly performance – that are all in some way provoc-ative, a bit edgy, or experimental. This overlaps somewhat with Fu-turesonic (www.futuresonic.com) which runs from 14th-16th May.

As the name suggests, the event is about future trends in modern culture: newly commissioned artwork; world-renowned music from art-punk to hip hop and up-and-coming artists.

Eurocultured (www.eurocul-tured.com) is an ongoing event throughout May. This growing annual festival brings together

the very best of European bands, DJs and graffiti artists. Live per-formances, plenty of stalls and on-site art turn this event into a colourful celebration of new and established talents.

Manchester has a reputation for being at the forefront of inno-vation, being the city where the UK’s first repertory theatre was

established in 1908. The 24:7 The-atre Festival which runs between the 20th-26th July ties in with the city’s rich theatrical history and celebrates new and original work in a variety of non-theatre ven-ues. There’s more information at www.247TheatreFestival.co.uk

July also sees the Manchester Jazz Festival. The programme is

The Manchester Jazz Festival in

July champions new ideas from

young musicians and showcases

exciting collaborations

which are unique to the city.

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FACT FILE

Founded in �65� the Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the English speaking world.

Canal Mania’ began in �76� when The Bridgewater Canal became the first man-made waterway in Britain. In Manchester today the existing network of canals are now home to uber chic apartments, restaurants and bars. The tranquil canal-side culture of Castlefield is a beautiful experience.

In �80� John Dalton developed his atomic theory in the city. The first atom was split by Ernest Rutherford at Man-chester University in �9�9.

Inspired by the sermons of Rev. William Cowherd the vegetarian movement be-gan in �809 in Salford Bible Christian Church. The Altrincham-based Vegetar-ian Society holds events all year round. Manchester is now a culinary city with a burgeoning restaurant scene offering a multitude of cuisines.

The Duke of Wellington opened the world’s first true railway in �8�0. The success of the Liverpool to Manchester railway began the railway revolution.

Founded in �858 Manchester’s Hallé is Britain’s longest established symphony orchestra.

The first general meeting of the Trades Union Congress was held in �868 in the Mechanics Institute, Princess Street.

In �888 the world’s first professional football league was set up at the Royal Hotel, Piccadilly. Manchester is now home to four premiership football teams including Manchester United and Man-chester City Football Clubs.

Trafford Park was the first purpose built industrial estate in �896.

In �90� Mancunian Emmeline Pan-khurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union, later know as the Suffragettes. Emmeline dedicated her life to the campaign for women’s votes. The Pankhurst Centre displays the work and struggle of the women suffragettes. The museum is previously the home of Emmeline Pankhurst.

It was in �904 that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce first met in Manchester’s city centre Midland Hotel. Two years lat-er the Rolls-Royce Ltd was formed. The hotel was also allegedly Hitler’s prefer-ence for a British Nazi headquarters.

In �948 at Manchester University Professors Tom Kilburn and Fred Wil-liams developed the first computer. Nicknamed ‘The Baby’ it was the first computer to have a stored programme and memory. It has made the computer what it is today. A replica can be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

In �954 a series of tunnels was con-structed under the city to withstand the effects of an atomic bomb.

Manchester’s many steam powered cotton mills instigated its growth to be-come the world’s first industrial city.

Didsbury’s ABC studios was home to Bob Dylan’s first live UK show in �964.

just as cutting-edge as the city’s attitude and the organisers of this annual event are committed to championing new ideas from young musicians and showcas-ing exciting commissions and collaborations that are unique to Manchester. Check out www.man-chesterjazz.com for more.

The Manchester International Festival (www.manchesterinterna-tionalfestival.com) from 2nd to 19th July is the world’s first festival of original new work and special events from across the spectrum of performing arts, music, visual arts and popular culture. The biennial festival is returning to Manchester in 2009, with a new programme of world premieres and major artists.

Manchester Pride from 21st-31st August is the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival that is held over the August bank holiday week-end. Manchester Pride has tradi-tionally been a fund raiser for the LGBT and AIDS/HIV communi-ties and is the only Pride event in the UK that has consistently done so. Recently voted Best Event, the ten day festival is full of festivi-ties, events and activities, games, markets, pride parade and the final Big Weekend brings along headlining acts. Look up www.manchesterpride.com

THEATREFrom 1st April through to the

beginning of June, the smash hit Queen and Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You will be staged at the Palace Theatre. Lord of the Dance, which been a phenomenal success speaks to all at the Opera House between 22nd to 27th September if you’re thinking that far ahead. The Opera’s universal appeal has made the show one of the modern day wonders of the world, a myth to a living legend. More infor-mation on both these shows are available from www.livenationthe-atres.co.uk.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIESThe Prisoners of War exhibi-

tion which runs from May right through the year at the Imperial War Museum tells the extraordi-nary stories of Prisoners of War during the Second World War, featuring British prisoners in Eu-rope and the Far East, and civilian internees. Encounter the powerful stories of endurance, friendship

and survival from a wide range of prisoners experiencing very dif-ferent conditions, from the Isle of Man to Japan.

If you’re an art lover though, you might find the Angels of An-archy exhibition at the Manches-ter Art Gallery an interesting stop off. Running from 26th Septem-ber through to the new year, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see outstanding works by artists including Frida Khalo, Dorothea Tanning, Leonora Carrington and Lee Miller, from public and pri-vate collections around the globe. This major new exhibition is the first of its kind and explores what made these artists radically dif-ferent to their male counterparts. www.manchestergalleries.org

Apart from events which are time limited, Manchester still has a lot to offer. With a vibrant night life in the Northern Quarter, the creative hub of the city and other areas such as Canal Street, Deans-gate Locks, or the old Manchester printing factory (converted into one of the UK’s leading urban en-tertainment centres) which hosts a range of bars and night clubs as well as an IMAX 3D cinema and

various restaurants. You’ll find there’s plenty out there to enter-tain yourself into the early hours.

After a more sober visit? Try the Cornerhouse on Oxford Street, an international centre for contem-porary visual arts and film. It cov-ers three floors of galleries and screens with the best of independ-ent cinema.

You can soak in the masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture of the John Rylands Library or browse one of the country’s finest art collections at the Manchester Art Gallery. Alternatively, take a look at the Manchester Museum with four floors of displays spread through 15 galleries including the world of nature, Egyptology and collections of fossils and minerals. The other museum worth men-tion is that of Science and Indus-try on Liverpool Road. Based on the site of the oldest passenger railway station in the world, the huge 7.5 acre site has five historic buildings packed with fascinating exhibitions, hands-on galleries and historic working machinery.

With free transport, discount shopping and special offers, Man-chester is an attractive option for a quick break away for those who enjoy the city scene. Look out for the Metroshuttle, the free city cen-tre bus linking shopping areas, hotels and train stations and don’t forget most of the museums and galleries are free entry. s

With free transport, discount shopping and special offers, Manchester is an

attractive option for a quick break away for those who enjoy the city scene.

WEEKENDER


BreaksCity

just a drive away

About the same size as Great Britain, it’s no surprise that there are some great destinations close to hand in Andalucia. Apart from the multitude of rural destinations, there are more than a few cities steeped in history and culture just waiting to be explored and re-discovered.

The capital of Andalucia, Se-ville, could well be top of your list for a short break

if you’re a city lover. The cultural capital of Spain has seen struggles and changes throughout the cen-turies. Each leaving their mark in art, architecture and monuments giving the city a character of its own.

With one of the largest number of churches and cathedrals in the country, Seville boasts a religious architecture second to none and will make you visit more than worth while — although you may want to think twice about visiting during Easter week, when the tra-ditional processions quite literally take over the streets and each pro-cession can take up to eight hours to pass any one spot.

But Seville is not just architec-ture. With a healthy heritage in the culinary line, tapas bars and restaurants abound. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

Festivals, dancing and nightlife are also well developed tradi-tions. With just a one week break after Easter to enable business to actually get some work done, the fair gets under way.

But night life carries on through-out the year and is a popular des-tination for stag and hen nights. Traditional Irish pubs can be found alongside night clubs which open their doors from two in the after-noon, and you’ll find venues open through until ten in the morning if your body’s up to it.

Taking the kids? The area built originally for the Expo in 1992

has been transformed into the pleasure park “Isla Magica”. You can also look up the Acropolis water park and there are numer-ous other attractions such as New Park, Camelot Park or the Zoo in the Carmona district, to name just a few.

Hungry? Casa Joaquin Marquez on Calle Felipe II is a favourite with the locals. Their whole menu comes well reccommended, but in particular try the Salmorejo or tuna.

Between the various theatres located in both historical and modern locations you’ll be able

to sample classical and contem-porary performances as well as jazz, rock, flamenco and classical music throughout the year. Check on-line at www.sevilla.org to find out what’s happening on the days you’re planning to visit.

A little closer to Gibraltar you’ll find Jerez de la Frontera, re-nowned for its bodegas and sta-bles — home of the famous Car-tujana horses.

For time immemorial, the horse, along with wine and flamenco has become one of the most em-blematic symbols of the town. The

horse fair, from 10th to 17th May, apart from taking on the usual Andalucian Feria atmosphere, in-corporates the towns equestrian traditions with a stunning partici-pation by the Andalucian School of Equestrian Art — also a good stop if your visiting at a different time of year.

The Jerez airport is a good point to jump to other cities throughout Spain, and over the past couple of years has been running regular flights to the UK too. Worth bear-ing in mind now the road from Los Barrios, known as “La Ruta del Torro” is complete, bringing Je-rez as close a car drive as Malaga these days.

As well as its cultural attrac-tions, Jerez is home to one of the top racing circuits in Spain. The first track opened in 1985, and the first major event was the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix which was held in 1986. Although Formula 1 is not held in Jerez any more, it’s a favourite testing ground for the cars during the winter months and in 1987 the first Grand Prix for motorbikes was held. Since then more and more spectators have crowded to Jerez for the spectacle, making it a favoured stop for bikers.

The Jerez GP will be taking place from 1st to 3rd May and bik-ers from across Spain and further afield will be heading to Jerez for the weekend — possibly not the best time for a touristic retreat as the traffic will be pretty heavy.

If you want to sample real Anda-lucian culture, head to one of the



C/Chancilleria 21 11403_Jerez de la Frontera_España

[email protected] [email protected]

Tel.:(+ 34) 956 301 038 Fax:(+ 34)956 329 717

www.hotelchancilleria.com

many bars which offer good food, wine and flamenco shows, or Tab-laos as they are locally known. A good example would be the Tablao del Bereber, which offers afternoon and evening shows accompanied by Andalucian cui-sine. They’re open every evening except Sundays and are frequent-ly fully booked, so you might like to check their web site for details on how to reserve a table www.tablaodelbereber.com. Another central location is La Taberna Fla-menca on Angostillo de Santiago, 3 opposite the church of Santiago which holds shows Tuesdays to Saturdays every evening, and from May will be offering two shows a day, seven days a week, through to October. Again, due to their popularity it’s a good idea to reserve a table. More information at www.latabernaflamenca.com

Cadiz has a very different feel. Very much a student town, there’s a solid divide between the old and new sections. Apart from the obvious appeal of the long, sandy beaches, lovers of fine architecture should jump at the chance to take in the city’s cathedral which was constructed between 1720 and 1838. Once inside you’ll find the magnificent tomb of Manuel de Falla, a famous Spanish compos-er along with a museum which

houses a variety of arts and treas-ures originating from the New World.

The Cadiz museum is located in what was once a Franciscan convent along with another pur-pose built structure. With sections devoted to archaeology, fine arts and ethnology you’ll find 5th cen-tury BC Phoenician sarcophagi, headless Roman statues and rare

Phoenician jewellery.Other places of interest are the

Oratorio of San Felipe on Calle San Jose and the Museo de Las Corts de Cadiz, the city’s main historical museum which gives a fascinating insight in the local history.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, take a stroll through the old town and sample menus from the mul-

titude of tapas bars in the area. El Aljibe on Calle Plocia number 25, comes well reccommended with good service and an extensive and tasty menu.

For something a little more modern, you could try Balandro on Alameda Apodaca. They give great quality with creative ideas wich contrast nicely with the au-thenticity of Cadiz. s

The Jerez horse fair takes place between 10th and 17th May

WEEKENDER

�0 · WEEKENDER SPRING / SUMMER 2009 · SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT

Retreatsrural

There’s nothing like getting away to the countryside for a breath of fresh air, and Gibraltar is privileged by its position close to natural parks, mountain ranges and white villages which are just a few minutes away.

There are a hundred and one routes you can take to explore rural Andalucia.

By far the best way is by car to keep your freedom to decide on a whim where to visit next. But if you don’t have transport all is not lost.

Catch the bus from the Portillo in La Linea through to Algeciras and jump off at the bus station itself. You’ll find the train station just across the road.

The Regional Express line runs at 7am, 12:15, 15:15 and 18:50 running up through the Sierra de Ronda. The train stops at most of the white villages on the way up and you’ll find it extremely eco-nomical at just over 7 euros each way. The only drawback is the last train back from Ronda leaves just

before 8pm so a day trip is nearly out of the question if you want a decent time to explore the area. Having said that, the train ride is incredible as it winds up through the hills with some amazing scen-ery along the way. Maybe take the Friday evening train up and head back on the Sunday evening. There are plenty of places to stay, and not just in Ronda itself.

The Gaucin area is a beautiful area to explore, with fauna, flora and some excellent bird spotting too. If you are without the car you can just chill out in one of the white villages, or head up when there’s a specific event or festival taking place. Gaucin, for exam-ple, is holding a Flamenco festi-val on the 25th July entitled “Del Corcho” (of the cork) to coincide

with the local bark harvest which takes place a that time. The one day event includes acts from the best flamenco singers and guitar-ists from across Spain including El Cabrero, Carmen Linares, Niño Chaparro and many more. An excellent opportunity to taste the sounds of flamenco music.

If you’re in the car, you can head up the hills towards Ronda taking the turn-off past Estacion de San Roque and on up past Jimena de la Frontera. Having taken in the breathtaking views of Gibraltar from the mountain side at Gaucin, you could bear east and up towards Cartajima for a really secluded break away from civilisation.

Cartajima itself is extremely qui-et and peaceful. As you head up the road you’ll pass sites where

a Roman hot spring was suppos-edly located. Turning into the vil-lage you’ll find yourself at the site of the old Castle where very little remains from when troops were stationed there after the 1568 up-risings.

Probably the only feature of the town is the 16th century church Nuestra Señora del Rosario which occupies the highest point of the village, but you’re really here for the view.

If you’re up for walking, head-ing out of Cartajima, you can follow the medieval cart track and re-discover the hills once the home of the bandoleros, or ban-dits in the 19th century.

Horse riding excursions are an excellent option to discover more of the hills around Ronda and the

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www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

The Gibraltar Magazine and

supplements are all available in flip-page format. Pay us a visit!


WEEKENDER · ��SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT · SPRING / SUMMER 2009

Alcornocales Nature Reserve. You can arange trips from La Almuña, where Karen has stables alongside the hotel. You can take anything from a one day to seven day trip if you’re feeling up to it. She can be contacted on (+34) 663 155547.

Back closer to Gibraltar, you’ll find similar facilities available in the San Martin area, just in-land from Sotogrande at Cortijo el Papudo, or you could take a different track (quite litterally) if you head up past Malaga to the Axaquia area, where the inland roads wind through cork oak and pine forrest and out into the rural areas famed for olives, almonds and honey production.

Colmenar takes you a little off the beaten track and has a long history of honey production, in-fact the name itself is derived from “Colmena”, the Spanish for

Bee hive, and the name of one of the original farms on the land.

Fountainhead is a mini hotel tucked away in this beautiful and unspoilt landscape, and this unique and special place offers privacy, great food and relaxa-tion. The perfect oasis in which to unwind, to rejuvinate or just sim-ply to get away from it all.

The hotel has just four suites which are wonderfuly dramat-ic, each with their own living area, kitchenette, private terrace, plunge pool and mountian views. The combination of outstanding surroundings, a unique natural spa and award winning cooking make Fountainhead a very dif-ferent weekend escape into the honey country. You’ll find more information on their site, www.fountainheadinspain.com or call them on (+34) 696 183309. s

You’ll find a range of riding excursions available from La Almuña

WEEKENDER


THE MAGIC OF

MOROCCO

Undoubtedly your first stop will be Tangier. An old, charming port on the

northern coast which you can ei-ther stop to explore, or head on inland on one of various routes to the charm of Rif mountain vil-lages or further south to the fast paced, cosmopolitan Casablanca.

Tangier is well worth the stop though. The Petit Socco is great for coffee and an excellent start-ing point for finding your way around the old city. If you want to relax and soak in the sun, the beaches to the west stretch for miles and many have excellent spots for surfing and other sea sports too.

Turn inland and up into the Rif mountains where you’ll come across the quaint mountain village of Chefchaouen. A calm and relax-ing village in the Rif mountains, you’ll be instantly enchanted by the old, blue-rinsed architecture, a tradition which comes from the town’s former Jewish population.

Wool garments, woven blan-kets, lamp shades and other na-tive handicrafts are on offer along the straight wide streets. Dotted throughout the old medina you’ll discover wood workers engrossed

With Africa under an hour away by ferry across the Strait, the opportunity to immerse yourself in Moroccan and Arabic culture

beckons temptingly.

in their craft or bakers firing their stone ovens. For a more in-depth history, visit the museum in the Kasbah where you’ll see collec-tions and artifacts which bring the diverse Moroccan history to life.

The Berbers of Chefchaouen have a distinctive dress too. Men will wear thick, woollen, earth-toned djellabas to keep them warm through the long winters in high altitudes, whilst the women wear distinctive colourful straw hats and ribbons round their waste.

Chaouen, as it is kown, is a photographer’s paradise, but also a nature lover’s dream come true. Take a turn out of the town into the Rif mountains and discover the wildlife, walks and incredible views.

Volubulis and Meknes are the next logical stops heading south. Volubulis is one of the oldest Ro-man ruins still remaining relative-ly intact in Morocco, with arches which frame the fertile farmland and incredibly well preserved mosaics make this an obligatory stop if you’re on the road.

Meknes was once called the Versailles of Morocco and its royal palace fills a considerable

You’ll be instantly enchanted by the old,blue-rinsed architecture, a tradition which comes

from the town’s former Jewish population.

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WEEKENDER · ��SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT · SPRING / SUMMER 2009

Officially the Kingdom of Morocco. The capital is Rabat, even though Casablan-ca is the largest city. Covering 447,000 square kilometres, Morocco’s official language is Arabic although French is commonly used. You’ll find you can get by in English and in many areas, such as Casablanca, Spanish can be useful too.

TIME:GMT with no summer time change.(1 or 2 hours behind Gibraltar)

Visa and Entry RequirementsYou will need a passport valid for at least 6 months. You’ll have to fill a cus-tom-form given out free of charge upon entering and leaving the country. No visa is required for E.U. citizens, for a stay not exceeding 3 months. For E.U. registered cars, the green card is valid in Morocco. If your insurance does not cover the country, you will have to take additional coverage. No vaccination is needed for travellers coming from Eu-rope.

CUISINEHeavily influenced by the Berber tradi-tions, Moroccan cuisine also includes tastes from Turkish, Middle Eastern and Andalucian cuisine which was brought in by the Moriscos when they left Spain. Laced with spices, chicken is the most widely eaten meat and cuscous, pastil-la, tajine and harira are the most popular dishes. You can’t talk about Moroccan food without mentioning their popular tea made with fresh mint leaves and hard cones or lumps of sugar.

TRAVELFerries run from Algeciras, Tarifa and Gibraltar.Algeciras: Approximately every two hours from 7am to 7pm in both direc-tions.Fast ferry: 30 minsRegular Ferry: 90 minutesOnline booking in English at www.tras-mediterranea.esTarifa: Every two hours from 9am to 11pm both directions. Journey time 45 mins. Online booking in English at www.frs.esGibraltar: One trip per week. Leaves Fridays 23.30 and returns Sundays at 20:00 from Tangier. Journey time 90 minutes. Tickets are available from Turner & Co, 67 Irish Town, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 78305.

If you want to explore and be independ-ent, take the car, although the public transport system is pretty reliable. You can contact the Compagnie de Trans-ports Marocains (CTM) in Casablanca on +212 022 458080 or www.ctm.co.ma. Tramesa also have good links to the Spanish network (www.tramesa.ma)

MONEYYou shouldn’t have any problem finding ATMs which accept Visa, Mastercard. Electron, Maestro and other cards too. Using your card to purchase in shops and businesses often carries a 5% sur-charge.Tipping and bargaining are all part of the cultural experience. Push hard in the Kasbahs to get the best deal and be aware that most services warrant a tip. Restaurants will expect between 5 and 10% tips.

part of the old city. Erected dur-ing the tyrannical rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, he had almost as great an interest in buildings as he did for killing his subjects but never succeeded in making the town into a great imperial city.

It’s worth half a day to a day to check out Meknes before head-ing south towards Casablanca — the most cosmopolitan city in Morocco with a unique atmos-phere, hustle and bustle, wide boulevards and mixture of mod-ern and traditional architecture which brings the real Morocco to surface.

Casa, as it is known by most, is home of the Hassan II Mosque, built in 1989 for the 60th anni-versary of King Hassan II, it was designed by the French architect

FACT FILE

Michel Pinseau and decorated by the best craftsmen in Morocco. Its 200m minaret, which can be seen from over 20km away, makes the mosque the second largest religious building in the world — Mecca being the largest.

Casablanca’s old town was mostly destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and was rebuilt under the reign of Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Aballah in 1770. Known as Ancienne Medina, its tiny streets and alleys are full of shops — per-fect for testing your bargaining skills.

Just along from the el-Hank lighthouse you’ll find the Boule-vard de la Corniche with beaches, swimming pools, cafes, hotels and restaurants. You’ll find an evening stroll a pleasant way to cool down and enjoy some great views of the

mosque.If you’re really feeling adven-

turous and want to take in the extra travelling, you could head down to Marrakech, the gateway to the Sahara and the epicentre of Moroccan tourism.

Once the hub of the Camel trains which came through the desert from the south, Marrakech can be great fun to explore with or without a guide. Most tour-ist attractions are within walking distance, and the tourist police are extremely helpful. The Koutoubia Mosque is the major attraction for its architectural splendour, although entry is forbidden for non-muslims. Other highlights include the three main museums based in the medina or the Djemaa el Fna square where there’s a car-nival style atmosphere every day with musicians, snake charmers, fire eaters and dancers.

You’ll find plenty of excursions which will take you south into the dunes. Camel treks, horse riding, four wheel drive and even para-penting if you fancy the thrill of adventure with some incredible scenery.

The Dades Valley, to the east of Marrakech, also known as the Val-ley of the Roses, should be high on your agenda if you’re visiting the area. The season lasts from mid April to the end of May, where you’ll find the mass production of rose concrete from the thousands of rose petals brought to the plant at Khelaa des Mgouna. It takes around 350Kg of petals to make just 1 Kg of rose concrete and the Valley of the Roses produces up to 1 tonne each year which is ex-ported to France to be processed into Rose Absolute.

Africa is on your doorstep. s

WEEKENDER


Algarve

Vila Vita Parc Spa Hotel *****Alporchinhos P-8400-450 Porches Tel: 00 351 282 310 100 Email: [email protected]

91 rooms, 79 suites. 5 star luxury — golf, gourmet food at 8 seasonal restaurants!

MANCHESTER

TRIED AND TESTED ...

Didsbury House HotelDidsbury Park,Didsbury Village,Manchester, M20 5LJTel: +44 (0) 161 448 2200Email: [email protected]

27 rooms (4 suites) - chic urban retreat in the fashionable village of Didsbury, well known for its buzzing restaurant and wine bar scene all within easy walking distance from the hotel, or a 15 minute taxi ride takes you straight to the bustling city centre (Manchester International Airport is a 10 minute drive door to door) - So Spa treatment room.

United Kingdom

Spain

MALAGA

Cartajima, Ronda

Hotel Los Castaños , CALLE IGLESIA, 40, 29452 CARTAJIMA, (MALAGA), SPAINTel: 00 34 952180778Mob: 00 34 696081354Email: [email protected]

6 rooms - intimate hotel in Carta-jima, a small village near Ronda with rooms ranging from stylishly economic to pure luxury. A great escape!

San Martin del Tesorillo

Cortijo El Papudo11340 San Martín del TesorilloTel: 00 34 952 854 018Email: [email protected]/gardens/papudo

11 rooms - Restored cortijo/gra-nary famed for beautiful garden and birdlife. Heated pool. Great place to unwind.

The Beach HouseUrb. El ChaparralCN. 340 km 20329648 Mijas Costa Tel: 00 34 95 249 45 40Email: [email protected]

10 rooms - directly on the beach be-tween Málaga and Marbella - swish decor, heated pool.

The Town HouseMarbella Old TownC/Alderete 7Plaza Tetuán 29600 MarbellaTel: 00 34 952 90 17 91 Email: [email protected] www.townhouse.nu

9 rooms - private intimate pensión in the old town, Marbella, close to Plaza de los Naranjos. Laid out as a private town house, all rooms are individually decorated on four floors.

Portugal

Tipi AlgarvePortimãoAlgarveTel: 00351 282 471535www.tipialgarve.com

Fun - tipis, yurts & camping - Moroc-can lounge life in the Algarve - eco-retreat at Monte Joao Afonso, a few minutes away from the bustling port town of Portimão in the foothills of Monchique - kids stay free! Spiritual healing, Chakra balancing, Mas-sage, Reiki and Reflexology - canoe-ing, bird watching, horse riding etc - loads to do nearby. Pool. Guests can buy and pick organically grown vegetables on 2.5 hectares of land.

Vila JoyaPraia Da Gale8201-902 AlbufeiraTel: +351 289 591 795Email: [email protected]

Award winning boutique hotel on the Portuguese coast of Albufeira. 21 rooms individually designs, spa, golf and good food.

Tangiers

El Minzah Hotel85 Rue De La LiberteTel : +212 (39) 333.444 Email: [email protected]

140 rooms. Built in 1930s by Lord Bute on the edge of the Kasbah. Great place for a couple nights in Tangier, and if you know where it is you can even walk to the ferry! Spa.

LONDON

22 Jermyn Street22 Jermyn StSt James’sLondon SW1Y 6HLTel: +44 (0)20 7734 0750Email: [email protected]

Small luxury townhouse hotel locat-ed at St James’s in the West End, 75 yards from Picadilly Circus. 13 luxurious suites and 5 double rooms. Excellent service and knowledgable staff. Morocco

Marrakech

Riyad El Cadi - Marrakech87, Derb Moulay Abdelkader Dabachi,B.P 101,Médina,Marrakech.Tel. : +212 24378655Email :[email protected]

12 rooms/suites - terraces, equipped with tents and deckchairs, good food. Minutes from the bazaars, but quiet and tranquil.

Chefchaouen

Riad Dar Hannanc/Kiklan, 11Bab SoukChefchaouenTel: +212 658 81 45 69Email [email protected]

Situated in the heart of the medina. guesthouse set out as a traditional Moroccan riad offering extremely af-fordable luxury.

20BESTOF THE


WEEKENDER · �5SHORT BREAKS SUPPLEMENT · SPRING / SUMMER 2009

If you like the idea of any of the destinations mentioned, take a look at our tried and tested reccommendations for board and lodgings.

Riogordo

FountainheadPartido del Rio el Terral, Riogordo, 29180 Malaga, SpainTel: 00 34 696 18 33 09Email: [email protected]

Small relaxing rural retreat hotel and spa - rustic charm and luxurious glamour, award winning restaurant.

CADIZ

Hotel ArgantonioCalle Argantonio 3,11004 CádizTel: 00 34 956 211 640Email: [email protected]

15 rooms - Restored traditional town house with Moorish feel. Great cen-tral location for tapas bars and tour-ist attractions in old centre of Cádiz.

Vejer

Casa la SiestaLos Parralejos, Vejer de la FronteraTel: 00 34 699 619 430 Email: [email protected]

7 rooms - Restored luxury country boutique hotel just 5 minutes from Vejer de la Frontera. Great food and service.

Prado del Rey

Cortijo Huerta DoroteaTel: 0034 956 72 42 91 www.huertadorotea.com

Countryside finca just outside Prado del Rey, Cadiz with the choice of 20 cabins sleeping up to 5 people and 6 bedrooms sleeping up to 3. Excel-lent Spanish food from the restau-rant which specialises in game. Just an hour’s drive from Gibraltar.

El Bosque

Hotel Rural Las Truchas Avda. de la Diputacion, s/nEl Bosque 11670 CádizTel: 0034 956 71 60 61

24 rooms, pleasant basic hotel. Great to stop off overnight to walk beside the trout river to the neighbouring vil-lage where you can have great sal-morejo and fresh trout for lunch.

Hotel ChancilleriaC/Chancilleria 21.11403 Jerez de la FronteraTel: 00 34 956 301 038www.hotelchancilleria.com

Eco-friendly hotel located in the heart of Jerez - combines tradition with contemporary design/technol-ogy and good food.

Petit Palace Santa Cruz **** PlusC/ Muñoz y Pabón, 18 (Plaza Ramón Ybarra Llosent), 41004 SevilleTel: +34 954 221 032Email: [email protected]

46 rooms — Boutique hotel set in three-storey palace laid out in traditional style with central courtyard. Located on the edge of the Barrio de Santa Cruz.

JEREZ

SEVILLE

WEEKENDER


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