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Hot Holidays For 2009
May 6, 2009 by Fractional & Shared Ownership Property News & Reviews · Leave a Comment
The blustery days of winter have taken up residence for now, but don’t despair your next RCI Exchange is just round the corner and this year it will be hotter than ever, writes SARAH LEE as she reveals 2009’s RCI hot list.
Sizzling Cyprus
It seems Aphrodite knew a thing or two. The Greek goddess of love and beauty chose the most breathtaking bay from which to emerge from the sea.
We reached Petra Tou Romiou, near Paphos, after a day-long jeep adventure in the Akamas peninsula. We’d been dwarfed by the ridged sides of the Avakas Gorge, shouldering an Indiana Jones-style enormous boulder high above our heads at its heart. We’d then headed to a turtle hatchery in Lara which protects the eggs of green and loggerhead turtles, then high up into the Troodos Mountains to observe its stunning vistas
before driving to Aphrodite’s Baths. After being told that the waters there gave you eternal youthful looks, vanity got the better of me, and I hastily splashed a handful of the cool water over my face before we were off again. As we headed back from our relaxing swim at Petra Tou Romiou, bumping our way along rocky terrain high above the indigo blue of the Mediterranean, a song played on the radio as if on cue ‘…And we live in a beautiful world…’.
With Aphrodite’s Mediterranean spread out before me, I had to agree.
Hot date
Enjoy an evening of classical opera at the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, running at the town’s medieval fort throughout August.
Turkish delight
Turkey’s always sat at an interesting crossroads. Its capital Istanbul sits on two continents – Europe and Asia, and it’s this heady mix of European charm and Asian spice that makes it a fascinating destination.
The resort of Antalya oozes hedonistic self-confidence and its stylish resorts have made it the hot destination with in-the-know Turks. But you don’t need to hang with the in-crowd to visit this mediterranean gem. Antalya is perfect for families and has lots to do including castles, canyons and waterfalls to explore. The area is also awash with history – Termessos, 35 kilometers from Antalya is reputedly the most magnificent necropolis on the Mediterranean, while Phaselis is an ancient Lycian city located between the Bey Mountains and the forests of Olympos National Park.
Hot date
Join Turkey’s glitterati at the Antalya National Film Festival from October 23-29.
Fun in the desert
Some people might say it would be a bad bet to build a city in the desert but then they’re probably the same people that would lose their shirt on the tables at one of Las Vegas’ 95 casinos.
The city has all sorts of head-spinning sideshows. It’s not just the screaming neon signs, or the dizzying reverse-bungee jump at the Stratosphere Hotel, nor the constant ding, ding, ding of slot machines paying out their winnings. Las Vegas is a full on assault on the senses, that’s all about fun, exuberance and a certain delight in all things kitsch. After all Elvis Presley performed sell-out concerts in the city in what was perhaps his most kitsch phase from 1969 to 1976.
A number of artists still hold a residency in Las Vegas and this year Cher, Barry Manilow and Elton John are among those performing.
Hot date
Sample Las Vegas kitsch at the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive, September 10-13, at Palace Station Hotel & Casino.
Tantalising Tenerife
Saharan breezes have always ensured that Tenerife got more than its fair share of hot weather and it’s this along with it many attractions that have made it such a popular destination.
This year attractions such as Mount Teide and Loro Parque have been joined by Siam Park. More than just a place to cool off, Siam Park water kingdom features enough rides and flumes to more than excite the average thrill-seeker.
The Jungle Snakes are four twisting slides which follow the park’s terrain, while older parkgoers will enjoy The Giant – featuring twin bowls where a centrifuge force spins you in a powerful twin cyclone.
You can test your speed on the Naga Racer, a six lane water slide, or plunge down the Mekong Rapids in a family sized raft. Or if you’re really looking for a white knuckle ride take a leap of faith off the Tower of Power – a 28 metre drop water slide to take your breath away.
Hot date
Don’t miss the best carnival this side of Brazil. Tenerife’s carnival runs from 15 February – March 1.
Strike gold in Dubai
They say that all that glitters isn’t gold, and that may well be true, unless you’re in Dubai, where gold encrusted shopping malls are now just a little passé.
To see Dubai now is to witness history in the making but as you do, you realise that with this privilege comes the fact that you probably won’t recognise it when you next visit. Dubai is undergoing perhaps the greatest transformation the world has ever seen as glittering glass palaces shoot up into the skyline. It’s this though that makes this desert Emirate such an exciting place to visit.
Added to that Dubai’s unremitting mix of Middle Eastern tradition and unusual attractions afford it an enduring fascination. Where else could you shop at a gold souk in the day then ski down indoor slopes in the evening?
Hot date
Shop till you drop at Dubai’s Summer Surprises. Shops will be offering major reductions between June and August.
Miami spice
It’s not just average year-round temperatures of around 27oC that make Miami hot. With over 80 per cent of the city’s population originating from Latin America, the city sizzles with Latino influences.
The Miami Beach area is the perfect place to pick up a Cuban cigar, sip on a mojito, take a class in Argentine tango, or eat baleada con carne – a tasty Honduran meat-filled tortilla.
Miami Beach has a fun and outgoing nature and the area transforms itself as the sun sets over the Atlantic into a vibrant party town. When you’re exhausted from all that partying relax on the long stretch of sandy beach backed by Miami’s Art Deco district.
Every building here vies for your attention with an exuberant splash of colour and architectural lines that send you back to the 1920s.
Hot date
Take your partner to tango at the biggest festival outside of Buenos Aires. Miami Beach Tango Fantasy Festival runs from May 21 to 26.
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