What to do for a break this autumn in Ireland

With so many lovely places to stay in Ireland it's difficult to choose - these are three of my favourites and some places that you can visit while you stay there.

Cork and Fota Island Resort

I escaped to Fota Island Resort with my friend Cheryl and our daughters Nicole and Sarah a short while back. Our accommodation was a family room with large king size and single bed but with plenty of room for another pull out bed where my daughter had a very cosy sleep. There was plenty of room in the en suite with a large walk in shower and generous sized bath − a priority for the kids. While our daughters swam in the hotel pool, under the supervision of a lifeguard, it was time for Cheryl and I to explore the spa. The spa is well presented with good variety in the thermal and hydrotherapy suites. I was whisked into a treatment room by Kasa my therapist for a soothing Indian Head Massage. The bed was heated by an electric blanket and as Kasa worked her magic, the back-to-school-blues became a distant memory. After the hour long treatment I was brought to the relaxation room and served a passion fruit yogurt with fresh melon. Looking out of the relaxation room at a colourful garden of trees and grasses I almost forget that the kids were with us.

hydrotherapy pool at Fota Resort

Our little mermaids were so enamoured with the selection of shampoos and conditioners at the pool that they were showered and ready for the night before leaving the spa. The hotel offers kids clubs and it wasn't so long ago that our daughters would have needed that kind of attention to give their mother's a break. But at 11 years of age they wanted to dress up and with appetites whetted they could not wait to see the menu in the dining room. The sun came out and we had the option of sitting outside too.

The dining room welcomed with a piano in the corner. The steak was too mouth-watering to ignore so we ordered two while the kids opted for delicious homemade burgers from the children's menu. It isn't often that I refuse dessert but the main course was so satisfying and delicious I hadn't the room or inclination for pudding. Babysitting facilities are also provided so parents can get a real break. Cheryl and I settle into the bar safe in the knowledge that our mermaids were happy upstairs in the room. A passing waiter asks if we would like cocktails and we didn't want to appear rude so we agreed. As we sat back in our leather armchairs we sipped away any thoughts of making school lunches the following week.

My daughter Nicole loved the baby cheetahs

Next morning, after a long and colourful breakfast that includes, waffles, pancakes and plenty of fruit, the girls insist on another swim before check out. The skies clouded over in typical Irish fashion and it starts to pour as we drive our short trip to the wildlife park. Fota Island Resort offers free entry into the park with special packages, so this is worth checking out on booking. Surprisingly the sky clears and we see the tigers and rhino in the Asian sanctuary at leisure. This is a lovely sized park where the animals are happy and have the choice to hide away or come see the spectators if they choose. A little train runs around the rim of the park taking passengers to the reasonably priced cafe. The highlight for our daughters is the two new baby cheetahs, they send the girls into a frenzy as they frantically post pictures on their Instagram accounts. We realise on our return that we have taken so many photos of the animals we have almost none of the girls.

Taking a right out of the park brings us to the historic town of Cobh, only five minutes away. This town is a huge treat for kids who are fascinated by the Titanic story and the museum is a must see. The great thing about Fota Island is the variety of family friendly activities so close together. There are three golf courses on the resort and a stately house with one of the finest art galleries outside the National Gallery in Dublin. As we set off home on the long road back to Dublin we all agree that one night on Fota Island just isn't enough!

Fota Island Resort is an oasis with lovely facilities and a zoo close by. Terrific for couples or families.
There is a FOTA Wildlife Park Package - Prices for midweek for 2 adults and 1 child start from €235.

Current prices for Two Nights B&B with Dinner on one evening start from €685.

Prices for a self-catering lodge for 2 adults and 2 children start from €485.

Cobh is close by so why not bring the kids to the Titanic Experience - they will love it!
find out more here http://www.titanicexperiencecobh.ie/

Belfast and The Culloden Hotel

The Culloden is the jewel of Hastings Hotels in northern Ireland and being only ten minutes from Belfast city centre you can really enjoy all that the city has to offer. Listed are prices for a stay and some fun things to see or do this autumn including the CS Lewis tour which I took with my daughter last year.

·         Fans of Game of Thrones are also in for a treat when they visit the Causeway Coast, and they will find several locations used in the filming of the series, such as The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Dunluce Castle and Cushenden Caves to name but a few.

The Culloden Estate and Spa is located in a prime position for anybody who wants to get out and about during their stay to see all that County Down has to offer. Here are five of the main picks:

·         Mount Stewart is a stunning country house next to Strangford Lough, with beautiful gardens and rooms to explore. In particular, if you’re around for Jazz in the Garden which takes place in the grounds one Sunday a month, this is a great day out. You can bring a picnic and enjoy the great music in the picturesque settings.

·         The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra is a fun and educational day out for all the family. Both museums in the complex offer a real feel of stepping back in time, with the Folk Museum bringing you back to past ways of life in the early 20^th century, and the Transport Museum hosts impressive displays of transport from over the years.

·         Pickie Family Fun Park in Bangor has been a summer favourite for many generations, and is just as much so now. Kids can enjoy the train, the swings or the swans and their accompanying parents can have the added nostalgic value of days spent there when they were younger.

·         Those of an active inclination can visit the Mourne Mountains for a day. All the peaks, including Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain, are reachable in a few hours, so it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Those who take on the climb are rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views at the top.

·         Finally, the long-awaited reopening of Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry arrives in August. Exploris is a great interactive opportunity to get up close and personal with the array of marine life in Strangford Lough, and a fun and educational family day out. Exploris will re-open on August 15.

A Voyage of Discovery in Belfast with CS Lewis

Nicole with the searcher statue dedicated to CS Lewis, do you spot a certain wardrobe?

Every city has its literary giants and Belfast is no exception. Authentic Ulster promotes a tailormade CS Lewis tour which takes a fascinating three hours.  While my 11 year old daughter, her friend and I enjoy the wisdom of our entertaining guide Sandy Smith, we discover that the mountains at Cavehill provided the inspiration for one of the most famous giants in literature. 

Cavehill is visible from several parts of the city and resembles the profile of a giant lying on his back. Sandy informs us that while Jonathan Swift was visiting Belfast and looking at the same mountain he found inspiration to create the character Gulliver. It's the perfect start to the tour, as we stand at the site where the young Clive Staples Lewis spent his early childhood. My daughter is already enthralled without the need of a flashing screen or interactive exhibit. The Chronicles of Narnia is undoubtedly the series that CS Lewis is best known for and Sandy is quick to question the children in our group about The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe. He then takes us to Lewis's Grandfather's house which was the rectory attached to St Marks Church. 

We stand at the front door and see that the young Lewis would have been at eye level to the beautifully moulded door knob − the head of a lion. The wardrobe story is next and we are taken to Belmont Tower which is only around the corner. A permanent exhibition holds all the information needed to become proficient in the CS Lewis story. Here we learn it was Lewis's other grandfather, who worked at the Harland and Wolfe shipyards, that crafted the famous wardrobe where he used to play hide-and-seek as a child.
To experience the CS Lewis Tour visit www.authenticulster.co.uk ,

Dublin and the Marker Hotel

The Marker in Dublin has some exciting packages if you are looking for a weekend in our capital city

Room only €219 per room per night

Breakfast inclusive €249 per room per night

Other packages we would do –

·         Bord Gais Energy Theatre package (tickets not included) – overnight stay with pre-theatre menu & complimentary glass of bubbles and breakfast the following morning – from €319 per night

·         Luxury Lie in & Le Drunch – stay on a Saturday night, complimentary late check out the following morning and then Le Drunch (which is our late lunch / early dinner offering on a Sunday) in our Brasserie – from €279 per night

·         Food Fetish – dinner, bed and breakfast – from €319 per night

·         Urban Escape – dinner, bed and breakfast and two one hour spa treatments – from €519 per night

·         Sumptuous Stayover – overnight stay with breakfast and two 30 minute spa treatments – from €399 per night

One of the great new attractions in Dublin which opened this summer is Epic.

Epic Visitor Museum at CHQ Building Custom House Quay

Open 7 days per week 9am-6pm

There's an Epic new attraction in the CHQ described as Dublin's newest immersive visitor museum. I brought along two pre-teens, to see how Ireland's Diaspora changed the world, and was surprised and impressed at how the interactive displays kept them busy.

Getting passports at emigration

On entering the fully accessible building, we were handed our passports, which instantly gave the girls something to do. The adults seemed just as amused with the task of stamping their passports as they completed each section of the exhibition.

Stamping passports as we passed through the museum

The ambience and initial imagery is unmistakably celtic, and I did wonder if this was going to be fun for the kids, Our island's tragic history makes gloomy reading and the story of emigration even more downbeat and ever cyclical. However, the constant stamping got the kids through the initial horrors of famine, destitution and poverty without determent, and the girls had their phones out from the initial display. Using their cameras and social media is as much a part of an experience for this generation as the exhibits, and because the displays became more fun and interactive as we passed through each section the girls stayed longer to find out more.

The layout of the exhibition is cavernous which neatly blocks the themes of music, arts, sport and literature into tidy separate sections that are easy to navigate.

I was especially impressed by the books in the literature rooms which recounted tales from various classic novels when pulled from the shelf. The guides were especially helpful in this part of the museum and eager to show off the novelties.

Those Diaspora who had achieved acclaim on the silver and small screens were recorded especially well and I was so engrossed that I lost the girls at that stage. They were more amused by the sports room and found a place to make better use of snapchat and instagram.

The images taking me through Italia 90 made me quite reminiscent of our innocence as a nation and I was even emotional watching the pope in the Pheonix Park in 1979. Although, I'd imagine the JFK speech will impact largely with the American Visitors to the museum.

The girls were getting into the swing of the museum by the time we reached the sport room

I was genuinely astonished to see the Irish Diaspora's contribution to science and astronomy and this particular display was the most innovative with fluorescent light effects.

The room of notorious Irish was possibly the most fun for the girls and they were educated about historical facts while they partook in the interactive quiz. I have to admit that I danced around from option A to B a couple of times myself. Every bit of space is used with the displays in all the rooms making the floors, walls and free standing surfaces equally interesting and informative.

We did spend over an hour at the museum which made the entry fee of €16 for adults and €8 for kids good value.

With plenty of opportunities to see their names in lights the girls got involved with the personalised postcards and twitter feeds. If you do visit this summer be sure to use the hastag #epicireland to see your tweet in lights. Some heavyweight social media experts like @tedrubin have been to visit here already! It's good to see a top quality attraction like this in Dublin. With the range of healthy eating options upstairs at the CHQ I really hope that visitors are directed to this attraction this summer and it will put in an interesting afternoon for those living in Dublin or visiting from the rest of Ireland too.

Another new attraction to open this summer in Dublin is The Witness History Exhibition at the GPO

Struggling to keep the kids entertained this summer? Come explore the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out the whole family can enjoy, why not stop in and check out the GPO Witness History visitor centre this August. Located in the historic GPO building on O’Connell Street in Dublin, the centre is a great place for the whole family to learn more about the seismic events that shaped Ireland’s modern history.

The centre uses timelines and artefacts to show visitors the circumstances that led to the Rising, including the cultural revival and struggle for Home Rule. There is something for everyone to see and enjoy no matter if you are a tourist or a local. The extensive list of things to do and see is sure to captivate people of any age. View an original copy of the Proclamation, and learn the interesting story of how it was printed. See one of the Mauser guns used by the rebels during the Rising, and learn about Ireland’s complicated relationship with Germany at the time.

GPO Witness History is interactive and engaging, with the centrepiece being an immersive 15 minute audio-visual experience which puts you in the midst of the action at various battles between rebels and British forces around Dublin, including inside the GPO itself. Feel the tension inside the GPO as the roof starts shaking under British bombardment, and watch as the rebel leaders make decisions that have impacted this country to this day.

A character in period costume roams the centre, happy to tell you all about his or her life in 1916 Dublin.

Children and adults alike may enjoy the various touchscreen games. Can you avoid British soldiers as you seek to deliver a message to rebel strongholds? Can you sort letters to New York, London and Galway faster than the rest of your family? There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition!

See the conflict from both sides and through the eyes of the bystanders, with many eyewitness accounts available to enable visitors to draw their own conclusions on the events of Easter week. Video booths showing short interviews with some of Ireland’s most preeminent historians give balance to key themes from the Rising. Compare life for a wealthy child in Dublin at the time with the life of a child of the tenements, with mock-ups of both children’s living arrangements side by side.

After passing through the commemoration gallery, detailing how the rising has been remembered in the 100 years since, take some time to sit down and discuss your GPO Witness History visit over refreshments in the café, and don’t forget to find a memento from the shop, stocking a variety of beautiful Irish-made goods.

If you are interested in learning more about this unique exhibit of Irish history, visit the GPO Witness History website at www.gpowitnesshistory.ie to book tickets and to find out more about the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre. 

Some novel travel suggestions for summer reading!

There's nothing like a good book to take you away somewhere and holidays are often the only time many people get to read these days. With so many books to chose from often many good reads join the long list of 'to be read' while we are distracted to read the newest books on the shelves. That's why I've picked three books that have been around for a while. They have been made into movies but there is a different experience to be enjoyed from flicking through the pages of a novel and conjuring up images in your own head.
I've picked three books set in three different destinations that are popular all year around and even if you are not going to these places, reading these books may well inspire your next trip.
We discussed these books on Midday on Tuesday 26th July and you can see the clip here Midday TV3 discussing Novel Travel

Parc Guell Barcelona

First up is Barcelona and the book I chose to give a reader that sense of place is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruis Zafon.

Set in post civil war Spain the main character Daniel Sempere is brought to an old library called the cemetery of forgotten books by his father where he is allowed to take only one book. The book inspires the young boy to find out more about the author and it brings him on an adventure where he finds love and danger but it takes the reader to many of Barcelona's great sights.
There is a fully guided tour available which will give fans of the book a chance to relive Daniel's footsteps. /The-Shadow-of-the-Wind-Walking-Book-Tour-in-Barcelona
Barcelona is a great city to take the kids to visit. A big hit with my son was the Nou Camp stadium, home to Barcelona FC. Another treat for all the family or romantic couples is Parc Guell. The Spanish architect Gaudi is responsible for much of the magical architecture around the city and it will amaze even the most reluctant sightseer.

My son, Mark in Nou Camp

If you have time the red bus tour takes about two hours and really gives a sense of the enormity of this city and will help to get your bearings. But if you would rather just relax then a stroll along the ramblas and stop off for churros and hot chocolate - the kids will love you for it.

Las Ramblas

A landmark restaurant in the Gothic Quarter that will transport you to a cultural feats is 4 Cats where artists like Picasso and Gaudi hung out in the early twentieth century.
If you are heading to one of the popular resorts close to Barcelona then it is worth even taking a day trip to this beautiful city.
For more information see Spanish Tourist Board
Barcelona pops up in my novel Six Postcards Home - in fact it opens in a scene in the Placa Reial - if you would like to take a read it's available on amazonSix-Postcards-Home

Few places capture the imagination like Rome with all its romance and ceremony. I've picked a book that has been around a long and time. Dan Brown has certainly had his critics over the years but he did something similar for books as JK Rowling did with the Harry Potter series and got people reading. Any author that has people turning pages rapidly is incredibly talented.

 Angels and Demons is the second in the Robert Langdon series and I think one of the best reads to find your way around Rome.

Vatican city , St Peter's Basillica

The plot takes readers at break neck speed around Vatican City, The Castel San Angelo and The Piazza Navonna which is easily my favourite place to people watch in Rome. If you have plans to visit there is so much to do with incredibly food and the best handbag shopping you will ever find.

Piazza Navonna

Rome has so much to offer the lover of art and culture and must sees include the Colloseum and Trevi Fountain mean that you can be busy running around the city trying to fit it all in - much like Robert Langdon. I recommend taking a slower pace and leaving something to return to for next time.

Trevi Fountain credit FOTOTECA ENIT.

CARACALLA THERMAL BATHS OPERA SEASON IN ROME

Rome 22 Jun – 10 Aug 2016

www.operaroma.it

This year the Caracalla Opera Season will present a rich programme of opera and ballet in the magnificent Caracalla Thermal Baths in Rome. The spectacular backdrop will enhance the enjoyment of operas such as: Nabucco, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Madame Butterfly and ballet such as Nureyev tribute and a recital by the acclaimed dancer Roberto Bolle. Performances by the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, and legends like Lionel Ritchie and Neil Young are also in the programme.   This year, with the MyCaracalla initiative it is also possible to combine a guided visit to the Caracalla Thermal baths at night and a gourmet aperitif before an opera or ballet of your choice.

My last novel is set in Rome and if you would like to read a sample click here amazon.co.uk/7-Wishes-Rome-Irish-Fiction

For more information about visiting Italy go to http://www.italiantouristboard.co.uk/

My final recommendation is a book that isn't one of my favourites but the premise is similar in theme and style to many of the great women writers we have produced in Ireland, if this book had been writing by Maeve Binchy or one of the many other strong women writers such as Melissa Hill or Colette Caddle it may not have had such literary recognition. But it is a good story about a very real time in our history and a character that will resonate with many readers who have experienced emigration. It takes the reader back to Wexford too which is still a popular summer destination for those who holiday at home.

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn is one of the five Burroughs that makes up New York city. Traditionally the Irish have a history of congregating around mid-town Manhattan for our weekend visits but here is so much more to see and if you are taking a second or third bite of the big apple then make some time to explore one of the other Burroughs. One of the best views of Manhattan is from Brooklyn, framed by the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge. The Bus tour from Manhattan is a great way to cross the Hudson River and see the area from best advantage.

Beautiful Brownstone houses in the Cobble Hill district

This time of year is lovely in New York and it is also NYC Restaurant Week. If you are in town why not try out one of the 387 participating restaurants. In its 24th year, NYC Restaurant Week takes place this summer from July 25 through August 19 and features 49 new restaurants. For menus, photos and reservations visit nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

Coney Island is part of the Burrough of Brooklyn and home of the New York Aquarium and Luna Park fairground.

Coney Island Beach

One memorable scene in the novel is when Eilis goes on her first trip to Coney Island and see the world through her new sunglasses while sporting her swimsuit. It's difficult to imagine what life was like for her but it is easy to be transported back in time in this popular beach resort where the locals come to swim in the sea. Take time out on one of the fairground rides at Luna Park.

Luna Park Fairground Coney Island

 If you would rather a more sedate activity then the Botanic Gardens are beautiful and well worth a visit, especially in April and May when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. 

For all you need to know about visiting Brooklyn or any of the New York suburbs go to NYCGO.com

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Some great deals with Tour America at the moment include a stay at the hotel Beacon which is my favourite place to stay in Manhattan touramerica.ie/packages

Probably my favourite book baby is Three Nights in New York - written in 2008! .amazon.co.uk/Three-Nights-New-York-

Valentine's Day Deals Around Ireland

Are you stuck for somewhere to bring your loved one this Valentine's Day? Have no fear The Novel Traveller has been seeking out the some romantic deals countrywide and I will list my top three favourites picks on the Midday Show on TV3 this Friday 5th February so watch out for my next post...and the chance to win a special prize!

 - Europa Hotel Belfast - Valentine's Sensation Dinner, 

B&B at the Europa Hotel from £100 pp                                                                                                                        

Celebrate the magic of Valentine’s Day and treat your loved one to a romantic break at the luxurious Europa Hotel, Belfast. At the Europa Hotel we have created a very special range of Valentine’s Day packages that are full of the romance and magic required to help create a memorable occasion for you and your loved one!  The all-inclusive Valentine’s overnight package is valid from Friday 12th February – Sunday 14th February 2016 and includes:
- A romantic dinner for two in the Causerie Restaurant
- A glass of Prosecco on arrival
- A luxurious overnight stay
- Full Irish breakfast in the morning
- Hastings Welcome Love Slate and Love Duck in your room on arrival 

The Lovebomb at The Twelve Hotel


The Twelve boutique hotel in Bearna has a uniquely fun and quirky take on the world. It’s no surprise then that their attitude to romance is as generously dramatic and over the top as their approach to everything else, and the Valentine’s Lovebomb Surprise package from The Twelve is a loved-up treat, packed full of 12 different romantic elements! Beginning first with a gorgeous suite, with petals strewn across the bed and bubbles beside it, there are also two boldly red iced muffins from the Pins Bakery, a delicious packed picnic perfect for a romantic stroll inclusive of a bottle of pink prosecco, a candle-lit dinner in lovely West, pampering in-room spa treatments, Love Potion cocktails in The Pins bar, a discount gift voucher for Hartman’s Jewellers (just in case the need to drop to one knee suddenly presents itself!), a wrapped rose on checkout… And number 12 of the romantic notions squeezed into this Lovebomb package? Well that’s the wonderful Twelve itself and all that it entails! The Lovebomb package is available on February 13^th or 14th at a cost of €470 per couple, with the option of staying two nights for an extra €140 per couple.

The Twelve Hotel
Bearna Village
Galway
Tel: 091 597000


www.thetwelvehotel.ie

-La Mon Hotel & Country Club - All You Need is Love B&B from £69pp

Treat your loved one to a little extra with an overnight stay at La Mon...All you need is love and we will provide the rest. Check into your Deluxe Bedroom which is dressed with rose petals on your king size bed and a treat of La Mon bubbly with chocolate covered strawberries to compliment. After some time relaxing or dining in the hotels facilities return to your room where your bed has been turned down and curtains drawn for the evening. Next morning enjoy a full cooked breakfast in bed at your leisure before checking out at 2pm. The perfect treat for your special someone.
http://www.lamon.co.uk/

- City Hotel Derry – Valentine’s Overnight Package of £140 per couple

·         Celebrate the magic of St Valentine and treat your loved one to a romantic break in the Walled City of Derry. This special offer includes overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast, a candlelit dinner, a bottle of bubbly and chocolates in your room on arrival for £140 based on 2 guests sharing. Relax and enjoy our Health & Fitness club with swimming pool, gymnasium, Jacuzzi and steam room. Upgrade to one of our Superior rooms for £15 supplement per night or a Junior Suite or Executive room for an extra £50 per room per night. Live music in Coppins Bar on Fridays and Saturdays.

http://www.cityhotelderry.com/index.html

Enjoy a Starry-Eyed Break with your loved one this Valentines at 

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Enjoy a twinkling, sparkling, starry break with your loved one this Valentine’s at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. The stunning setting of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa overlooking the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beach of Inchydoney, makes the perfect romantic backdrop in itself for your Valentine’s break, and the good folks at the hotel have added in plenty of extras to ensure an unforgettable getaway: A beautiful guestroom with your own private balcony with sea views; A candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream Restaurant overlooking Inchydoney beach; An evening kayaking adventure together under starlight in Lough Hyne; a Diamond and Gold Skin Revival Facial for the ladies and a Sensual Elemis Back Massage for the gents as well as Afternoon Tea for two. This break costs from €359 per person sharing.

There’s plenty more to do in the hotel – snuggle up in the lounge with a drink in front of the fire, take a walk hand-in-hand on the beach, or enjoy a swim in the heated seawater pool and allow the jets and bubbles to massage your muscles. Inchydoney is a place for people who value time together, so let it work its magic on you and you’re both sure to leave starry-eyed.

·      2 nights bed and breakfast in a guestroom, with a private balcony overlooking Inchydoney beach

·      Candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream Restaurant

·      Starlight kayaking with Atlantic Sea-kayaking

·      Afternoon Tea for two people

·      Diamond and Gold Skin Revival Facial for the ladies and a Sensual Elemis Back Massage for the gents

·      From €359 per person sharing www.inchydoneyisland.com

Delphi Resort a destination for romance

this Valentine’s Day

A truly unique place, set amongst some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, Delphi Resort is one of Ireland’s most stunning venues. With incredible views across the surrounding landscape and a beautiful property etched into the picturesque mountains, Delphi Resort invites couples to spend some quality time together away from all the distractions of modern living, in truly breath-taking surroundings.

This Valentine’s Day treat your special someone to a romantic escape, they’ll never forget. Enjoy a one or two night stay in one of the beautiful bedrooms overlooking the majestic Mweelrea and Twelve Bens mountain ranges.  Spend your day hand in hand exploring the landscape, unwind together in the luxurious Delphi Spa with a range of luxurious VOYA treatments to choose from while taking in sweeping views of the landscape from the relaxation room or simply cosy up together in front of the fire over a crossword. Home to delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, make some memories over a 3 –course dinner by candle light in the hotel’s 814 Brasserie or for an added €15 per person treat yourself to a unique dining experience with a  5-Course meal in The Chef's Table by Stefan Matz.

Nestled among the beautiful Delphi Valley, within 300 acres of forest, from the moment you arrive at Delphi Resort, you’ll feel as if it is just the two of you. Romance will be in the air with a trail of romantic gestures from Delphi Resort including a red rose on your pillow, delicious chocolates and luxurious robes and slippers laid out in your room. With complimentary late check out, you can savour your romantic escape for a little longer!

http://www.delphiadventureresort.com/

Fancy a day at the Exeter Races...then read on!

Luxury boutique hotel, Cary Arms in Devon, is celebrating the start of the Autumn racing season with an exclusive racing-themed break hosted by legendary Grand National winner, Bob Champion. 

The two night package is priced at £397.50 per person including accommodation, breakfast, an evening dinner with Bob Champion and a day at Exeter Races. Visitors can fly into Exeter from Dublin with FlyBe.  

THAT’S CHAMPION!

Cary Arms teams up with Legendary Jockey on Exclusive Autumn Break

·           Luxury boutique hotel, The Cary Arms, celebrates start of Autumn racing season with exclusive racing break

·           Guests to enjoy gourmet dinner with legendary Grand National winner, Bob Champion, plus day of top class winter racing at Exeter Races

SEPTEMBER 2015 – Devon’s Cary Arms, situated in the picturesque Babbacombe Bay, has linked up with racing royalty and nearby Exeter Races to create the ultimate holiday break for race-goers.  National treasure and Grand National winner, Bob Champion MBE is inviting guests to join him for a very special weekend where guests will have a chance to enjoy a three course dinner with the legendary jockey and hear all about his life story which is played out in the book ‘Champion’s Story’ and was made into a movie starring John Hurt. The next day, guests will be able to try out the top tips gleaned from the racing champ in a day at the nearby Exeter Races, along with luncheon and a free raceday tour. 

Fliss Crosby, general manager of the Cary Arms, said: “All of the team at the Cary Arms are so excited to welcome Bob Champion. We’re really looking forward to giving our guests the opportunity to meet this national treasure and learn the fascinating story of his life.’

Born into a hunting family, Bob was riding almost as soon as he could walk. With a racing career taking him to the States, Bob rode several winners and enjoyed a fruitful sporting career, until, at the age of 30, he was given the devastating news that he had cancer and was given six months to live. Bob came through the chemotherapy and returned to riding, against all odds, with several winners.

In 1981 Bob won the Grand National on Aldaniti, and two years later finally retired from racing after over 500 wins, including The Tote Eider Chase, The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, The Black & White Hurdle, The SGB Chase, The SGB Hurdle and the Whitbread Trial Chase.

Awarded an MBE, Bob formed the Bob Champion Cancer Trust which, to date, has raised over ten million pounds towards cancer research.

The offer includes:

·              2 night stay in luxury accommodation

·              Full English Breakfast on both mornings

·              Welcome cocktail and canapé reception

·              An evening with Bob Champion including a three course gourmet dinner

·              A Day at Exeter Races with the Cary Arms own Sponsored Race including a luncheon.

·              Transport to and from Exeter races or complimentary parking provided.

£397.50 per person

Available - Tuesday 10 - Thursday 12 November 2015

For more information please visit www.caryarms.co.uk

-Ends-

For more information please contact Minty Woolgar or Arwen Sellick at desavaryhotels@brightergroup.com or call 020 7326 9880.

About the Cary Arms

Sitting in the sheltered and sunny spot of Babbacombe Bay on the south Devon coast, the Cary Arms, a de Savary property, is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a stay by the sea.

With eight sea facing, en-suite bedrooms, each with an effortless seaside feel, most rooms have a spacious balcony or terrace, each with magnificent views of the bay. There are also four luxury cottages, ranging from one bedroom to five bedrooms, all boasting stunning views.

The onsite restaurant is passionate about fresh, local ingredients. Expect superb Devon beef, Lyme Bay lobster and line caught seafood. Guests can dine outdoors in the warmer months and watch south Devon life in the bay unfold.

For more information, please visit www.caryarms.co.uk