SPANISH ISLANDS
Clockwise: An old seminary on Menorca; Sa Caleta beach, Menorca; Ibiza Town
> Classic Collection Holidays reports a growing
increase from groups travelling to Majorca, which has long been a favourite destination of keen cyclists and walkers. One of its most popular hotels, the Bon Sol in Illetas, has introduced yoga courses which are proving particularly popular (three nights from £321 in October).
There has also been interest from
pilates and tai-chi groups which is being pursued with the Bon Sol. Prestige Holidays points up growth in spa business to Tenerife thanks to the great choice of spas. These have made the island increasingly fashionable with the more discerning hen groups looking for relaxation and pampering. Prestige is the top UK tour operator to the Abama and has also seen impressive sales to Bahia del Duque. For winter it has added the Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador in Tenerife, and Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso in Gran Canaria.”
Spanish Islands Dynamic Packaging
Dynamic packaging now dominates demand, helping operators such as Youtravel, with Majorca its top seller this summer. Sales and marketing director Paul Riches says: “People may have stayed away from the Spanish islands to avoid the euro zone, but these destinations are the bedrock of the UK holiday industry and don’t stay out of favour for long. They are easily accessible, familiar and offer a fantastic climate, and increasingly they are offering better value for money.
Michael Vinales, managing director of group seat- only operator Avro, said: “The range of flying we have with Monarch Airlines to the Canary Islands this winter will provide agents with the right product to meet the demand for dynamic packaging.” Youtravel prices in October start from £39pp per night for half-board at the four-star Isabel Family Hotel and Apartments in Gran Canaria, with all- inclusive at the four-star Lucana Hotel from £45 (0871 426 1681,
www.youtravel.com). Monarch flights booked through Avro are quoted from £157.50 return (0871 423 8550,
www.avro.co.uk). Alternatively, companies like Mallorca Farmhouses offers villas. Villa Boquer, for example, has panoramic views of Puerto Pollenca bay and a mountain backdrop. This four-bedroom, contemporary villa costs from £4,359 per week (£485pp). (0845 800 8080;
www.mallorca.co.uk).
> 36 Autumn 2010 •
www.shortbreaksholidays.com
Sort the seasons: Hotels in Palma and some other locations in Majorca
open year-round, but Menorca and Ibiza hotels open only from May to October
Think small: Smallest of the Balearic islands is Formentera, reached by ferry
from Ibiza. Smallest of the Canaries is El Hierro, reached by internal flight from Tenerife or Gran Canaria
Play it cool: The temperature in the Canary Islands is fairly constant
without the extremes of summer heat that is experienced in the Balearics and mainland. Tenerife has two climatic zones caused by Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spanish territory. The south tends to be hot and dry, the north cooler
In the swing: Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Majorca are major golf destinations
thedeal seal
TURESPAÑA
LAURA GELDER
TURESPAÑA
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