Travel
Slope off to these retreats
Where would you like to go in the next few weeks? We choose five holiday corkers
January 21, 2016 14:45
Where would you like to go in the next few weeks? We choose five holiday corkers
January 21, 2016 14:45Sleep to slope at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, USA
Located on Lake Tahoe's beautiful north shore, Squaw Valley is a modern ski village and a great choice for families. As clichéd as it sounds, the varied terrain means there is skiing for all skills. With access to six other ski resorts around the lake, including Heavenly and Kirkwood, Squaw is one of the few resorts in North America where nearly all the accommodation is ski-in ski-out.
The Village at Squaw is just a few steps from the slopes. There's a ski school programme, ice skating, snow tubing and mini snowmobiles.
How much: Get two free nights on a 10-night family holiday at the four star The Village at Squaw from £5,800 for a family of four (two adults, two children) in a two-bedroom condo, including return flights and resort transfers. Departs March 25. skisafari.com
Stop smoking programme at Vilalara Thalassa Resort, Portugal
This is an intensive programme to kick the habit. It comprises a six-day itinerary of combined therapies.
Aerosol treatments, auricular therapy, acupuncture, breathing exercises, homeopathic supplements and thalassotherapy will be integrated into this programme incorporating five star luxury in a breath taking setting on the cliffs of Pria des Gaivota.
How Much: The seven night stop smoking retreat at Vilalara Thalassa Resort starts from £2,899 for two adults on a bed and breakfast basis. essentialescapes.com
Mental health boot camp, Costa Brava, spain
Retreats which tackle mental wellbeing are a hot topic this year. In line with this SHA Wellness Clinic in the Costa Brava has unveiled a new week-long Cognitive Development Programme focusing solely on the cognitive health of guests; enhancing their memory and mental performance through a range of on-screen tests and personal neurotraining sessions.
How much: Seven nights are available from £2,962pp.
Thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk
Cruise to Cool Cuba
Cuba has barely changed in 50 years of communism while evidence of the pre-communist years can be seen in the garishly coloured American cars of the 1940s and 50s, the decadent buildings and the colonial past of Spanish rule. Star Flyer is one of the few ships to operate cruises to Cuba, calling in to colourful Havana and around the idyllic, paradise beaches of the west coast to the Caymen islands and back into the delightful Cuban colonial town of Cienfuegos.
How much: Departing on March 16 the 11 night sailing costs from £2,166pp, cruise only. starclippers.co.uk
Alsace cycling holiday
Alsace's wine routes may be more famous than its 1,500 miles of scenic cycle paths, but the two make an idyllic combination for an active holiday in north-eastern France.
This historical tour of the country's smallest region starts in Strasbourg, over the week's 160 miles, the colourfully painted half-timbered buildings of four of the official "Most Beautiful Villages in France" will punctuate each leisurely day's cycling adventure including the occasional hill along the base of the Vosges mountains.
How much: This self-guided seven-night tour operates from April 1 to September 30 (Monday to Saturday departures).Prices start from £459pp and includes two and three star accommodation on a B&B basis, luggage transfers, maps and route information. The trip is graded leisurely to moderate and bike hire is available from £58, including lock and pannier, with electric bikes available from £135.
flexitreks.com
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