The Moulin Rouge, the famous Paris entertainment venue is unveiling a secluded room inside the iconic red windmill. It has been sumptuously designed to transport guests back in time to the late 19th century. Mark 17 May, 17.00 CEST time in your diary for an opportunity to book the Moulin Rouge’s windmill room, an Airbnb Experience. Moulin Rouge Paris – An Exceptional Belle Epoque Stay Few people are aware of the space inside the famous windmill, which has never been open for public access and is now bookable for an overnight stay on Airbnb.   The windmill interior has been transformed into a Belle Époque inspired boudoir, reminiscent of the cabaret era. Guests will experience a peek behind the velvet curtains of the fabled landmark, including backstage access to the theatre.  They will also enjoy a traditional French three-course meal, the best seats during the Moulin Rouge’s acclaimed show Féerie and an overnight stay inside the iconic windmill, all for just €1 a night.  Lead dancer Claudine Van Den Bergh will open the doors to the handsome hideaway and host three individual one-night stays for two guests each on June 13, 20 and 27.  About this Special Space  Situated in the heart of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge is best known as the birthplace of the French Cancan. A delightfully energetic cabaret and a performance that is symbolic to the Belle Epoque Era.   When recreating the decorative and stylistic details of this celebrated time in history, Airbnb worked with the renowned 19th century French historian, Jean-Claude Yon, to authentically renovate the windmill, exactly as it would have been.  Throughout its colourful history, the windmill – which was first constructed in 1889 as a nod to the site’s rural origins and reconstructed three decades later following a fire – was never opened to the public, until now. Guests will travel back in time to experience:   An opulent boudoir filled with exquisite art nouveau features including a miniature paper stage to immerse guests in the spirit of The Cabaret.  A dressing area featuring glamorous accessories from the Belle Epoque, including vintage costumes, fragrant perfumes and effusive letters from admirers.  A private rooftop terrace adorned with an ornate pagoda and garden furniture characteristic of the time period – an ideal setting for an après show cocktail!  About the Stay Upon their arrival guests will be treated to a carefully curated evening designed to embrace the grandeur of the illustrious cabaret. Highlights include:  A private tour of the Moulin Rouge: its history, its costumes makers and its backstage area.  An aperitif on the romantic rooftop terrace followed by the Belle Époque menu three-course dinner prepared by resident chef Arnaud Demerville. A classic Parisian petit déjeuner will also be provided the following morning.  A meet and greet with lead dancer and Airbnb Host, Claudine Van Den Bergh in her dressing room and photos on stage with the cast of the show.  The best seats in the house during the Moulin Rouge show, Féerie : a fantasy world of feathers and French opulence, featuring sensational performances, sumptuous sets and original music.  And of course, an unforgettable overnight stay inside the renowned red windmill.  Guests can request to book the three individual one-night stays on June 13, 20 and 27 beginning Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 PM CEST here.  Y our host Claudine Van Den Bergh

Solo travel has a wealth of benefits; it offers travellers the opportunity to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings, but it encourages them to escape their comfort zone. For travellers wanting to experience moments of pure solitude in safe surroundings, below is a round-up of eight solo travel ideas that offer opportunities for travellers to boost their confidence and make long-lasting connections. Experience Solitude with these Solo Travel Holidays Solo Japan  Solitude is a great way to soak up Japanese culture. Contemplate zen at one of Kyoto’s tranquil rock gardens, or hike in peace to the top of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island. Dining alone is common practice in Japan, and the country is one of the safest places to travel in the world. The ‘Japan Solo’ adventure with Inside Japan takes travellers by bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and Hiroshima, and includes a visit to the sacred island of Miyajuma and a stay in the buzzing city of Osaka. While journeys and stays are alone, this trip has a selection of group activities to foster friendships – from a cooking class in Tokyo to a samurai sword lesson in Kyoto, and a nighttime street food tour in Osaka.  Inside Japan offers a ‘ Japan Solo ’ trip for 11 nights from £2,750 per person. Travelling solo in The Islands of Tahiti Pure and untouched Fakarava in  The Islands of Tahiti  is a well-kept secret, perfect for those travelling alone. Take it all in and enjoy the pristine paradise when visiting the UNESCO biosphere lagoon; waters in Fakarava boast vivid corals, myriads of fish and the famous Tumakohua pass known as the ‘wall of sharks’. There are plenty of other activities for solo travellers to experience. Whilst travelling alone, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of a Polynesian family by staying in a family-run Tahitian Guesthouse. Being hosted by a local is the perfect way to discover hidden gems unbeknown to the average traveller, whilst receiving valuable advice on what to see, understand, feel and experience around the islands. Tahitians love to welcome guests into their country and local communities to teach them about the heritage that has shaped island life that we see today. Audley Travel  creates tailor-made holidays to The Islands of Tahiti for those looking for a solo trip of a lifetime. Embark on a Solo Adventure to the Golden State Despite its size, California is one of the best states for solo travellers. Its international entry cities, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, are brimming with affordable accommodation. It is a welcoming and friendly place where solo travellers will rarely be alone. Exploring Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs is for city lovers, where urban exploring, zingy food and a dash of surf culture are top of the agenda. Venice Beach is just one of many destinations where travellers can have some fun in the sun; stroll along the boardwalk and shop at the many boutique stores. The sheer number of amenities alone makes Venice one of California’s best places to travel alone.  BA Holidays  offers seven days car hire and return flights to LA from £679 per person. Set Sail Alone Travelling by sea opens up a world of endless opportunities for solo travellers. Travellers can island hop between idyllic gems and experience unspoiled white-sand beaches and colourful fishing villages with Click&Boat, the global leader in boat rental. From sampling rich cuisine and visiting historic sites in the Mediterranean, to sailing endless blue waters and relaxing on the shore, Click&Boatis the perfect solution for solo sailing holidays this summer. Click&Boat offers their clients the possibility to book a boat with or without a skipper and a crew when they want it, even if it is last minute.  Travellers can rent a motorboat in the Mediterranean from £130 a day. Explore friendly Colorado alone With welcoming locals, peaceful open spaces and endless outdoor pursuits, Colorado naturally lends itself to a solo trip. Embark on a ten-day escorted tour throughout the state with American Sky. Experience natural wonders such as Mesa Verde National Park, hike in landscapes that vary from mountains to hot springs, and sample the sights and flavours of state capital Denver.  American Sky  offers a ‘Welcome to Colorado’ trip for nine nights from £2,889 per person. Walk your Worries Away in a Solo Trip to Slovenia For those looking to travel alone, Global Peace Report ranked Slovenia as the 5th safest country in the world in 2021. Discover some of the country’s most renowned landscapes from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj on a moderate grade two walking holiday in the Julian Alps, travelling through Slovenia’s Gorenjska region. Magical backdrops are formed by the summits of the Julian Alps in Triglav, the country’s highest mountain.  Inntravel  offers a ‘The Lakes & Julian Alps’ trip for seven nights from £795 per person. Discover Seattle Solo Nicknamed the Emerald City because of the vast amount of greenery which surrounds it, Seattle has plenty for outdoor lovers to enjoy from cycling in North Cascade National Park and kayaking on Alki Beach. For those solo travellers wanting to immerse in the culture, Seattle has a vast range of art attractions from the Museum of Pop Culture to Chihuly Garden and Glass, both located in the Seattle Centre. British Airways offers a flights and hotel package for four nights at the Stay. Pineapple at The Maxwell Hotel and flights from London Heathrow at £2,084 per person. Experience Authentic Pittsburgh Pittsburgh has many authentic experiences which can only be found in the city! From the seven floor Andy Warhol Museum – the largest museum dedicated to one artist to Frank Llyod Wright’s Fallingwater, an architectural masterpiece. Named the city of bridges with 446 in total, travellers can opt to visit the Heinz History Center, have lunch at the famed Primanti Bros and Kayak under the three yellow bridges which connect one end of the city skyline to the next.  Purely Travel  offers tailor made expeditions for four days. Prices are provided on enquiry.

If the widespread chaos at international airports has proved one thing – it is that, with the relaxation of Covid restrictions, demand for overseas travel is back with a bang; and luxury is high on the list of priorities for many travellers. With that in mind, here are 10 of the best bucket-list adventure suggestions. Drive Across Volcanic Japan Easily reached by land, sea and air, the dynamic island of Kyushu is Japan’s third-largest island, located south-west of Honshu. Closer to Korea than Tokyo, but easily reached from every major Japanese city, Kyushu was an early centre of Japanese civilization and offers historic treasures, modern cities and natural beauty. Explore the beautiful volcanic mountains and dramatic Mount Aso caldera at Aso-Kuju National Park, take a boat ride down the Takachiho Gorge amidst waterfalls and unwind in the hot springs of Kurokawa. Explore Mountains and Healing Spas in Greater Palm Springs Take in this desert oasis during a Southern California tour and experience its renowned spas, mountains and natural beauty. Arrive in Greater Palm Springs and go straight into the wilderness to experience a once-in-a-lifetime dining adventure under the starry night sky atop Mount San Jacinto. Over the next few days, enjoy the heart of Palm Springs with its trendy galleries, boutique stores and luxury spas before visiting the diverse landscape of Joshua Tree National Park and its unique wildlife. Head to the Breathtaking Colorado Rockies Home to towering peaks, glistening lakes, welcoming mountain towns and a wealth of wildlife, Colorado is a must-visit for outdoor lovers and thrillseekers alike. Discover Colorado’s magnificent landscape with Audley Travel’s  Colorado Rockies Explored  tour. Itinerary highlights include a visit to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, learning about Colorado’s gold rush era in Breckenridge, whitewater rafting in Aspen, and wildlife watching in Rocky Mountain National Park. Tackle Route 66 and Celebrate In West Hollywood  The road that drastically reduced the distance from Chicago to Los Angeles can be experienced first-hand with this self-drive tour. Take the historic route over 15 nights with  Premier Holidays  visiting world-famous West Hollywood along the way. The city hosts a number of bucket list activities ready and waiting to be ticked off. Whilst in town visitors can explore the Sunset Strip and its famed shops as well as discover the city’s renowned music scene. Those with a passion for film can now brush up on their film knowledge at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures before heading to any one of the city’s incredible rooftop bars. Conquer the Epic Highway 1 In California California is renowned for epic road trips, and Highway 1 from San Francisco to Fort Bragg is one of the best routes for travellers to explore the Golden State. Covering 175 miles, the drive begins with the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and Marin County, where travellers will encounter the coastal hills and redwoods of  Muir Woods National Monument , followed by the dramatic sea cliffs and remote beaches of  Point Reyes National Seashore . From there, they can drive through the rolling vineyards of  Napa Valley  and  Sonoma County ’s wine country. Then, explore the seemingly untouched beauty of the North Coast, from the craggy coastline at  Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands  and through the rugged terrain at  Mendocino Headlands State Park , to the quaint, Victorian-style town of  Mendocino . Next, travellers can head north on Highway 1 to  Fort Bragg  and explore MacKerricher State Park to see seals,  migrating whales  (from November to April) and Glass Beach. Cycle from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.  A world-class path for all kinds of adventure-seekers, The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) encourages every type of outdoor recreation from cycling, running and hiking. The 150-mile route begins in Pittsburgh and winds through valleys, snakes around mountains and plays witness to some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. The GAP Trail connects to the C&O Canal Towpath that links Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for launching or concluding a journey along the GAP, with opportunities to explore the city’s Downtown and South Side. Travellers can indulge in the culture at the Andy Warhol Museum or experience the city’s ever-growing craft scene. Escape on your Own Private Island in  The Islands of Tahiti Nukutepipi  is considered one of the most beautiful private islands in the world. An idyllic and unspoiled paradise 6,000 km from the closest continent, the island is owned by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté who welcomes guests to make “Nuku” their exclusive escape from reality. Available only for exclusive rental, the resort features 16 beachfront bungalows and villas offering elegant accommodation with high-tech amenities and expensive artworks. Guests can kitesurf, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, sail, go deep-sea fishing and whale-watching, stargaze at the island’s observatory and visit the lush spa. Indulge in True Luxury in California Wine Country If you want to experience the best of California’s wine country, led by the state’s coolest winemakers, then a visit to San Luis Obispo County, aka SLO CAL, should be on your bucket list. Your stay should start at the 29,000 sq ft residence of JUSTIN Winery founder Justin Baldwin. SLO CAL’s most expensive nightly property (roughly €12,000 a night) sits on a hilltop with four bedrooms, magnificent rare art, a private chef-in-residence, housekeeper, and private concierge to attend to your every need. The only way to travel in style is to fly to your favourite winery.  Paso Air Tours , by Sinton Helicopters, will take you on a custom flight as you vineyard hop between three of 20 approved wineries to land at. Add on a decadent picnic lunch, and your afternoon journey could reach upwards of $4,170. For dinner, make sure you get a reservation at the 12-seat restaurant  Six Test Kitchen , located in Paso Robles at hip neighbourhood  Tin City . You’ll enjoy an eight-course tasting menu that evolves seasonally for $129 per person, or you can push it to 12-courses with the Grand Tasting Menu for $154 per person. Ski with Olympians in California  At 11,053 feet, Mammoth Mountain boasts the highest summit of any California resort, making for deeper, better snow, and beautiful vistas over California’s High Sierras. With 3,500 skiable acres, an average of 400 inches of snowfall, 300 days of sunshine per year, and a season that typically stretches from November to June, a trip to Mammoth Lakes should be on every skier’s bucket list. You might even bump into an Olympian, as it’s the home of the US ski team. The Unbound Terrain Park, a favourite of pros like Shaun White and Chloe Kim, has three halfpipes, 100+ jibs and up to 50 jumps spread across seven unique parks. Those looking for a more serene experience should try cross country skiing with majestic views of ice-covered lakes and snow-clad peaks of Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest. Hug a Giant Sequoia in Yosemite Mariposa County  Located in the southern portion of Yosemite, the  Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias  is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Among the most popular specimens in the grove is the Fallen Monarch which was made famous for an 1899 photograph of the US Cavalry officers on their horses up on top. Another must-visit tree is the Bachelor and Three Graces, a cluster of Giant Sequoias which can be visited via the Lower Loop hiking trail. The trail starts at the Fallen Monarch continuing on through the Redwoods and eventually coming to the Bachelor and the Three Graces. The most famous tree in the grove is the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest trees in the Mariposa Grove and, at an estimated age of 2,700 years, is one of the oldest living sequoias.

London, Paris, Prague, Rome.. all are among the most popular, interest-packed city breaks, but another destination is rapidly gaining a justified reputation as an exhilarating centre for spending three or four days:  Nantes in Brittany.  Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly there from Dublin and the journey takes little over an hour. A city of around 300,000 people, Nantes sits near the mouth of the mighty Loire, France’s longest river, and is the centre of the region which produces the acclaimed Muscadet wine. It was formerly known as ‘the Venice of the West’ because it was criss-crossed by canals and inlets of the Loire, but for health reasons the waterways running through the city were drained in the 1920’s, their legacy still visible here and there with grass banks and wide boulevards. Nantes has all you would want and expect from a city break: a medieval heart; The Bouffay, with its maze of twisting alleyways; a good selection of restaurants and bars and boutiques and craft shops; the elegant squares and shopping areas of the more upmarket Graslin quarter, with the spectacular Passage Pommeraye renovated to its 1843  Belle Époque glory; and of course more historic attractions than you will have the time to see, unless you are staying for a week or more and using the city as a base for further travels in the region. To ensure you visit as many sites as you wish, the tourist people have painted helpful green lines on the pavements which you can follow, or deviate from, at will.  Add some fine museums (the Jules Verne Museum celebrating one of Nantes’ most famous sons, is a must), art galleries, gardens, parks, and a superb cheap public transport system, based largely on frequent, Luas-type trams – the city is extremely pedestrian  friendly – and you have more than enough to occupy you for a number of days. Above all, the city tingles with an artistic energy which is infectious, and even though Nantes is very much a ‘fun’ place for the younger set – there are over 50,000 students from the university – you will find yourself engaged by the friendliness of the people and the ingenuity and sheer creativity of what’s been achieved in the last 10 years or so.  Artistic installations in public places seem to spring up overnight: one day you will see a team of workers with drills and cranes positioning lengths of spike-ended timber into metal sockets; the next day their work becomes a huge porcupine on the banks of the Loire; admire the stunning facade of the 18th-century Theatre Graslin in Place Graslin with its seven Corinthian columns, return a day or so later and the portico could be back-dropped with multi-coloured, shimmering panels.  But the greatest achievement and success of modern Nantes has to be the Ile De Nantes Quarter which is an island, circled by two stretches of the Loire, on the southside of the city. This is a vast, ongoing regeneration project on 350 hectares of land which formerly housed ship building yards, factories and warehouses. The set-piece is a huge arts and events centre, workshops and studios, strikingly accommodated in the frame of the ship building shed. Elsewhere there are random open spaces, apartment blocks, hi-tech corporate buildings, picnic areas, bicycle tracks, wild gardens, cafes and restaurants. The La Cantine du Voyage is housed in a temporary structure constructed from industrial greenhouses and represents great value for a bite: for around €10 you get a salad, chicken and potatoes, and glass of wine, or beer or a soft drink; the same menu will cost you €15 in the evening.  There are more eateries nearby in what used to be a banana warehouse. The star attraction of the island is the great mechanical elephant: 12 metres high, it carries 49 passengers as it lumbers around the open spaces, screeching and belching plumes of steam from its trunk. It’s a ‘creature’ which could have been invented by Leonardo da Vinci, or dreamed up, appropriately, by Jules Verne. It’s not a one-off: a ‘zoo’ gallery in a hot house is inhabited by real plants and animals and visitors can ride a giant ‘insect’. Don’t worry, it’s all good fun and not scary or dangerous. Across the way you can ride on the most spectacular carousel, with its three levels representing the ocean floor, the water and the sea and boats. The area takes on a new life at night, the atmosphere fuelled by the banter from bars, cafes and restaurants and some particularly attractive and ingenious lighting features. A great place to have a meal, or just a coffee or a glass of wine as you observe from the banks of the Loire. Recommended to visit: The Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne. Known locally as ‘the castle’. It dates from the 15th century and is the last castle on the Loire before the river reaches the sea.  There is a fine museum inside and there are audio guides. The courtyard is particularly attractive with a fine restaurant. Jardin De Plantes. The city is well served by parks and gardens but this is the most interesting and impressive and admission is free. It is set in 7 hectares and boasts over 10,000 species. It is ranked in the top four of French public gardens and has an internationally acclaimed collection of camellias. Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and Saint – Paul. This is a stunning building with dual towers and a massive knave which rises almost 40 metres – higher than Notre Dame in Paris. The interior is simple and elegant and free of ostentation.  Le Lieu Unique This is another arts area on the conjunction of the river and an old canal near the Bouffay district of the Loire and should be on your itinerary. It is an arts centre, with a theatre, shops, bars and a restaurant in what used to be a biscuit factory  whose eccentric tower is a city landmark Trentemoult Quarter Just across the river from Nantes and well worth visiting after a 10 minute ferry journey is Trentemoult. Originally a fishing village it is now a popular riverside marina with bars and restaurants, and is characterised by its brightly painted cottages with picket fences Estuary arts trail This is a highly recommended 60km river excursion from Nantes to Saint Nazaire. It takes about two hours and offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the power and the beauty of the Loire as it snakes seaward, widening all the way, always revealing something different around the next bend.   But it’s more than a pleasant river trip:  the journey is enlivened by 29 large scale installations and sculptures and constructions on both banks; among the most quirky is a half-submerged house, a ‘sea serpent’ modelled from Wavin-type piping, a boat bent over the side of a jetty as if made of rubber and a pendulum swinging from a cement silo.  (www.estuaire.info) The only downside to this trip is that you have to spend a good few hours in Saint Nazaire which is not the most interesting  place  in Brittany; it was almost bombed to destruction during WW2 and is now largely characterised by bland 1950s and 60s boulevards. Oh, and don’t go on a Sunday, or you may find it difficult to find a restaurant which is neither closed nor booked out. Pornic Well worth a day trip by bus which takes just an hour.  This is a very popular, attractive seaside town buzzing with life and with a great choice of restaurants. Some interesting walks and there is a British military cemetery minutes from the quayside. Eating out There are numerous restaurants of all types around the city to meet varying tastes and pockets, with what appears to be a disproportionate amount of crepe and pizza eateries, probably catering for the huge population of students. For what it’s worth I will recommend four restaurants: La Cigale in Place Graslin. This is not a novel choice as it is a Nantes institution, its breath-taking, listed interior featuring 19th century ceramics and mosaics.  This is very much a restaurant for a special occasion or perhaps your last night, with the immaculately-clad waiters and waitresses in their black livery and long, white aprons adding to the period atmosphere. Not cheap, but not expensive by top fine dining Irish standards, and this is emphatically fine dining. Expect to pay €60 per head with wine.  Booking essential. Le Select on Ru du Chateau. An ordinary looking bistro from the outside but with a distinctly eccentric interior décor bordering on the kitsch . Good selection of dishes at reasonable prices. Les Oubliettes , the restaurant in the courtyard of the Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne. Lunch only, but great atmosphere and good, reasonably priced food.  A sun trap and magical on a nice day – you won’t want to leave. Restaurant le Lieu Unique , the restaurant in the Le Lieu Unique Arts Centre.  Large, Informal and reasonably priced with also tables outside facing the canal. No booking.  Gets busy, arrive by 7.30. More information There are three tourist offices in the centre of the city, but you can get more information by visiting nantes-tourisme.com. Email: info@nantes-tourisme.com Tel: 0033 272 640479 Passe Nante You can buy a Pass Nante for one, two or three days , which will save  you plenty if you intend using  public transport frequently and you are interested in visiting as many historic attractions as possible.  You can buy these passes at any of the tourist offices. Accommodation I stayed at the Park & Suites Elegance on rue des Petites Ecuries in the Bouffay quarter, literally yards from the Bouffay tram stop. This is a basic, clean and very reasonable, no-frills hotel where you can get a twin bed or double and breakfast from around €60 pps a night including breakfast.  Recommended. (Tel: 0033 228081020).  Nantes Tourism will provide you with a full list of accommodation choices.  Ask about the special three nights for the price of two package which they organise. Getting there Aer Lingus (aerlingus.com) and Ryanair (ryanair.com) fly from Dublin to Nantes.  A shuttle bus runs from the airport to the city centre every 20 minutes. John Low is editor of Senior Times magazine

A country with endless open spaces, beautiful architecture, authentic gastronomy and a wealth of outdoor pursuits, Slovenia is waiting to be discovered. For travellers looking for a weekend getaway this summer, here’s how to spend a perfect 48 hours in Slovenia.  Day one Arrive in the City Centre, Ljubljana Direct flights from London with British Airways, easyJet and Wizz Air mean that UK travellers can arrive in  Ljubljana  in as little as 2 hours 10 minutes. Easy to navigate, walking is the best way to get around the capital city. The Ljubljanica river runs around the old castle, with local bars and restaurants winding through the endless historic architecture. Must-visit activities include Tivoli Park, Opera House, open air theatre and the botanical gardens, not to mention the delicious Slovenian delicacies available in the old town. Check into Zlata Ladjica, Ljubljana  Located in one of the oldest hotels in Ljubljana,  Zlata Ladjica  is a boutique hotel with luxurious amenities. Each of the 15 rooms have been designed to maximise space and light whilst the hotel’s gastropub offers a fine dining menu with Slovenian dishes made using locally sourced ingredients. There’s also a spa with a sauna and zero gravity flotation bed for guests to truly unwind and relax.  Rooms start from £184 per night. Discover Jože Plečnik This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jože Plečnik, one of Slovenia’s most important architects who was responsible for transforming Ljubljana. Dotted around the city centre, travellers should look out for his notable designs such as the Triple Bridge and Central Market. Take a boat ride across the turquoise waters of the river to see the Cobblers Bridge, another one of his famed works. Explore the cultural ins and outs of the city with the ‘Moustache Tour,’ travellers can learn about the moustached giants of Slovenian culture including Jože Plečnik, Ivan Cankar, and Rihard Jakopič – all great artists. Taste Authentic Cuisine at Odprta Kuhna Make the most of the sunshine and eat at the city’s famed open kitchen which runs only in the summer. The Pogacar Square at Ljubljana’s central market is transformed into Odprta Kuhna, an open kitchen which is filled with food stalls from Slovenia and surrounding countries. Bringing together Europe’s best eateries, guests are spoilt for choice with the authentic flavours on  offer . Head to the Museum of Illusions  In a townhouse on Congress Square,  Museum of Illusions  offers a new way of seeing the world. Drawing guests into a world of illusions, no two rooms are the same. With 40 exhibits, highlights are the Anti-Gravity Room and the Vortex Tunnel which spins visitors around, making it a challenge to keep balance. Visit Ljubljana Castle  First built 900 years ago, Ljubljana Castle holds so much of the city’s history. The castle seems daringly high however the views make it all worth it. Overlooking the beautiful city, it’s a great place to watch the sunset fall over the iconic Baroque architecture. The main courtyard is free to enter and is home to a cafe, nightclub, galleries, and a restaurant. Fine Dine at One of the Many Michelin-Starred Restaurants With 53 Michelin Stars across the country, it’s a must that travellers visit one of the famed restaurants. Atelje prides itself on cooking in a natural way, using local ingredients, keeping up with the season and creating 90% of its products in-house. Only serving a tasting menu – they sometimes take inspiration from old traditional Slovenian recipes, whilst other times they take a different approach. Nestled in the centre, Atelje is headed by famed chef, Jorg Zupan. Day Two Spend the Morning at Lake Bled  Just over an hour’s bus journey from the city, breath-taking Lake Bled is a glacier-formed, crystal blue lake which is famed for its castle and panoramic views. Travellers can choose to kayak on the serene waters or experience solitude with a swim in the balmy 22 degrees water. Earlier this year, Lake Bled was named one of the most welcoming destinations in the world by Booking.com. Head to Triglav National Park Nearby, Triglav National Park is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Europe. Offering picturesque views and outdoor activity year-round, Triglav stretches across the northeastern part of Slovenia and encompasses the majority of the Eastern Julian Alps. Whether on foot or two wheels, visitors can explore Mount Triglav, unspoiled beaches, and the serene valley of Triglav Lakes. Participate in watersports on Lake Bohinj  For those into watersports or wanting a new experience, the blue lakes of Bohinj, in Triglav National Park, are the perfect outdoor playground. From white water rafting and kayaking to canyoning and hiking, there’s something for everyone. Swimming in the clear crystal mountain lakes is an option for those looking for something a little more relaxing. Spend the night at Sunrose 7  An iconic heritage hotel and digital detox hideaway, a stone’s throw away from Triglav National Park,  Sunrose 7  has been welcoming guests since 1890. With 18 stylish rooms and suites, the hotel is equipped with traditional Slovenian architecture met with contemporary, minimalist alpine design. Sunrose 7’s wellness spa, Zlata Vila (or ‘Golden Fairy’), focuses on ‘seven elements’ of relaxation and  offers treatments such as Bohinj rain with hot-cold therapy and relaxing sound therapy with the sounds of Bohinj forests.  Rooms start from £169. For more information about Slovenia, visit  www.slovenia.info

John Low thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Haarlem, one of Holland’s most beautiful cities If you have ever visited Amsterdam and marvelled at the buildings, canals and museums but found it, well, a bit hectic then Haarlem awaits you. It is little more than a 20-minute train journey from Amsterdam and is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands with countless brick gabled buildings, and cobbled laneways, all leading to the stunning city centre with the stand-out set piece being the Grote Markt , a square studded with edifices embracing the best of Dutch architecture over the last four hundred years. Notable buildings include St Bavos Church, the medieval city hall complex and the  Vleeshal (Meat Hall), a former slaughter house with an arresting red brick façade. The gothic St. Bavos Church is the star attraction of the Grote Markt,  whose elaborately ornamented spire juts 249 feet into the sky. Inside, one of the notable features of the church is the silver Müller pipe organ that was once played by Mozart.  The floor is made up of nearly 1,500 gravestones, marking tombs below, including that of Frans Hals. St. Bavos Church (31-23-553-2040; www.bavo.nl ) can be visited from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (summer Sunday services, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.); admission €2. Try to visit on a Saturday when it becomes what is acknowledged as the Netherlands finest street market, featuring numerous food stalls; try the pickled herring roll with onions – delicious! Haarlem has been called ‘Amsterdam in miniature’ but that’s doing it a disservice as it has its own character and charm with the added bonus that you could –  and who would want to? – take in most of the major attractions in a day. The pace here is much more comfortable than in Amsterdam and you don’t risk being trampled by the masses. But watch the bikes! The Dutch are enthusiastic cyclists and none more so than the Haarlemmers , and the streets echo to the sound of ringing bells as riders come at you from all directions. You quickly get used to it, though, once you ensure you’re not walking on a bike lane. But overall it is a pedestrian-friendly city with cars banned from most of the most popular centre streets which allows you to enjoy the huge variety of independent shops and cool concept stores in the characteristic side lanes, offering everything from children’s clothes, books, vintage outfits and furniture, artisan foods, trendy art and design outfits and much more. In fact, Haarlem has been voted the best shopping city in the Netherlands with big brands to independent labels, as well as charming antique and curiosity shops around every corner; it’s no wonder that Haarlemmers call their shopping district ‘de Gouden Straatjes’ (streets of gold). And it’s nice to know that you are never far from fine bars, restaurants and cafes as well as coffee shops, some where customers puff away on exotic smelling cigarettes. Haarlem is a walkers’ delight and you can follow a number of themed treks around the city (leaflets  available in the Tourist Office and most hotels).  Three of the more interesting take in the Haarlem monuments, hidden green oases, and ‘Bavo to Bavo’ which is a walk between two of the most important churches in the city. The monuments tour includes 16 landmarks, and depending on your speed and how long you want to spend in each location, can take from two hours up to half a day. It starts symbolically at the Grote Markt and the City Hall (incidentally the Tourist Office is inside), and includes the Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem’s first department built in 1899 in a splendid Arts and Crafts style, Teylers Museum, the magnificent Gravestenenbrug drawbridge, before returning to the Grote Markt and the Meat Hall, ending at St Bavo’s church. The Hidden Oases walk showcases the numerous ‘green’ areas around Haarlem which are one of the outstanding features of the city. Once again it starts at the Grote Markt and includes the gardens of alms houses and takes you along concealed retreats revealing stunning courtyards. Most of the alms houses date back to the 12 th century and display a variety of attractive architectural styles. But, less formally, if you deter from many of the main thoroughfares,   you will also discover ‘green’ side streets, courtesy of the residents, vibrant with imaginative and colourful planting, and quirky sculptures, installations and street furniture. The From Bavo to Bavo walk bookends St Bavo’s Church in the Grote Markt and the catholic Kathedrale Basiliek St Bavo , a remarkable building whose architectural lineage is a combination of romanesque and early gothic, with elements of art nouveau . Along the way is Opener , a former church where Haarlem’s Open beer is brewed. Well worth a visit to try the various beers as well as admiring the interior. Other notable stops include Niue Kirk (New Church) characterised by a striking 17th century tower, and the Stadsschouwburg (Municipal Theatre) Frans Hals Museum One of the cultural highlights of Haarlem, the museum is housed in a most attractive building originally constructed as an alms house for old men and is named after Frans Hals who lived and worked in Haarlem and was one of the most influential painters of what is known as the Golden Age. The museum houses the largest collection of the artist’s paintings in the world which include huge group canvasses depicting the great and the good of the various civic guilds, revealing portraits and self-portraits, still lives, and landscapes. You can admire the vibrant, loose brushstroke treatment of Hals’ works which are  a million miles from many of the stuffy efforts of his lesser contemporaries, particularly in some of the tavern scenes where often the subjects are decidedly worse for wear, Chronologically the collection includes religious triptychs from the early sixteenth century right through to still lives from the end of the century by acknowledged masters such as the remarkable Jacob van Ruysdael, You can easily spend half a day here, and if the weather is kind there’s a splendid courtyard adorned with box hedges and ornamental trees. Or if you wish you can relax in the pleasant café. Frans Halsmuseum (Groot Heiligland 62; 31-23-511-5775; www.franshalsmuseum.nl ) is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission, €7.50. Teylers Museum The Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in the Netherlands and it is a true treasure trove, located on the bank of the River Spaarne which runs across the city. The initial impression is not promising as you are confronted with displays of fossils and bones, but persevere and what’s to come will knock your socks off. Because the museum houses the collection of wealthy industrialist Pieter Teyler, there is no ‘theme’ to what’s on view as ancient artefacts rub shoulders with prints and drawings – including works by Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Watteau–, scientific instruments, rare books, coins and medals and much more. The items range from the weird to the urbane. There are skeletons, tusks, crystals and scientific inventions, many displayed in the light-filled Oval Room. Teylers Museum (Spaarne 16; 31-23-516-0960; www.teylersmuseum.nl ) is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday; admission €7. The Corrie Ten Boom House Unlike Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam you won’t have to wait for hours to look around this house. During World War II, the Ten Boom family provided a hiding place for Jewish people and members of the resistance in their home on Haarlem’s Barteljorisstraat. The family was betrayed, imprisoned and deported to concentration camps – only Corrie survived, wrote 22 books about her experiences and died in 1983 on her 91st birthday. Her house is now a museum, the majority recreated to how it would have looked in the 1940s. Visitors to the Corrie Ten Boomhuis can view the hiding place located behind a fake wall in her bedroom, used to conceal Jewish people in hiding and others on the run from the Nazis. Corrie Ten Boom Museum (Barteljorisstraat 19; 31-23-531-0823; www.corrietenboom.com ) has free tours from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Close to the beach If you want to a break from sight-seeing and feel the wind in your hair, the coastal town of Zandvoort is close. Or if you are to up to it you might want to try a cycle ride – cycles for hire all over the city – through kilometres of wild dunes. You might even spot some highland cattle as you travel the winding cycle paths. In the summer months Zandvoort throbs with activity, while in the winter it is popular with walkers. Haarlem is at the centre of the Dutch flower-growing district and is a main export point for flower bulbs. The famous Keukenhof Gardens and flower fields of Lisse and Hillegom are nearby. It is also very close to historic  Leiden , the cheese markets of Alkmaar and an hour from The Hague. This makes Haarlem an excellent base when exploring North and South Holland GETTING THERE Ryanair and Aer Lingus  and KLM fly from Dublin to Amsterdam. You can take one of the frequent trains from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Haarlem and the journey takes around 20 minutes, costing around €10.  You can also take the 300 bus from the airport and the journey takes 30-40 minutes, costing around €5.   A taxi will cost you around €60.  Buses stop outside Haarlem railway station and it is then a ten-minute walk to the historic centre or you can get a taxi for about €7.  WHERE TO STAY I stayed at the very central Amrath Grand Hotel Frans Hals which is literally a stone’s throw from the Grote Markt square. This is a four-star establishment, with incredibly friendly staff and reasonable prices. Tel: 031 23 5181818. Email: info@hotelfranshals.nl www.hotelfranshals.nl MORE INFORMATION VVV Haarlem is the tourist body which will answer all your queries about the city, where to stay, where to eat, places to visit etc. Tel: 031 235317325. Email: info@vvvhaarlem.nl Visithaarlem.nl John Low is editor of Senior Times magazine

There’s nothing like a heatwave to get you in the mood for a trip to the beach. Paired together, sand and sea offer the perfect way to relax in the sunshine. From white beaches in Tahiti to a seasonal beach in Colorado, grab your towel and discover five scenic beaches around the world. Five Worldwide Beaches for Sun, Sand and Sea Playa de Patacona – Valencia, Spain In Valencia, travellers can combine rich culture, phenomenal food and golden beaches into one perfect city break. This east-coast city’s Mediterranean sands get the morning sun before almost anywhere else in Spain, and the sea is warm enough for swimming as early as April and as late as November. Within easy reach of the city centre, Patacona beach is the best in the city for a quiet and tranquil experience. As the sun rises over the Mediterranean, rest amongst the palm trees and watch horseback riders trot past. Tigertail Beach – Florida’s Paradise Coast With 30 miles of award-winning coastline, Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – and its beaches can be enjoyed year-round with the ever-felt sunshine and glistening gulf water. Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach is a truly unique spot due to its sand bar shape and access route, either around the lagoon or through shallow waters. Once on the beach, visitors can enjoy the pristine white sands and clear waters, or go shelling or kayaking. It’s also a popular bird-watching spot, listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in Southwest Florida. Yonehara Beach – Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan An island beach in Southern West Okinawa, Yonehara beach is a wild oasis ideal for keen snorkelers and lovers of nature. Situated on Ishigaki, known for its sandy beaches and coral reefs, the island is home to dense jungle landscapes as well as the largest mountain in the Okinawa Prefecture. Of the area’s coastline, Yonehara is one of the nicest, free to access, and has facilities such as showers and equipment hire. Enjoy the peak of summer between April and November for the best and safest weather to swim in. Toaroto Beach –  The Islands of Tahiti Located 30-minutes west of Papeete, Toaroto Beach is one of the island’s best stretches of white sand, and its protected waters make it sensational for most beach activities including paddleboarding, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. The beach is conveniently located near a park with public showers and restrooms as well as several restaurants nearby. Medano Creek – Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a secluded swimming beach in Colorado. Every spring, the gentle flowing Medano Creek emerges from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind the pristine sand dunes. Forming an oasis for travellers wanting to build sand castles and cool off in the waters, popular activities include swimming, sand sculpting and discovering the famous sand dunes. Travellers need to be quick, as come late August the oasis disappears for another year.

Croatia, Greece and Slovenia are the best places to go, this summer, if value for money is a holiday priority. Research by travel intelligence company Mabrian shows Zagreb, Athens and Ljubljana were the cities offering the best value-for-money in June. The research is based on air connectivity, average hotel prices and visitor satisfaction levels. Where Zagreb lags on air connectivity, it more than makes up for in good accommodation prices and high customer satisfaction levels, according to Mabrian. It is largely the same case for Ljubljana, which suffers from a lack of air connectivity, but ranks high in terms of competitive pricing. Greece’s capital Athens ranked second to Zagreb, despite it having better air connectivity. However, Athens was deemed to have slightly higher average prices and lower satisfaction levels. Mabrian said the larger European capital cities all dropped down the list – rankings wise – due, mainly, to higher hotel prices. “London and Paris, despite being better connected, are penalised by a very high average hotel price among the destinations analysed,”  Mabrian said in its analysis. “In addition, the two capitals showed lower levels of satisfaction. Visitors are particularly dissatisfied with the hotel service in London and with the offer of tourist products in Paris .” High hotel prices and a growing demand for less crowded cities has also dented the rankings of big names like Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona, Mabrian said. The Top 14 Best Value for Money European Cities: Zagreb (Croatia) Athens (Greece) Ljubljana (Slovenia) Rome (Italy) Vienna (Austria) Lisbon (Portugal) Madrid (Spain) Milan (Italy) Dubrovnik (Croatia) Berlin (Germany) Amsterdam (Netherlands) Paris (France) Barcelona (Spain) London (United Kingdom)

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – already the most exclusive resort in the Dominican Republic – has unveiled a whole new level of luxury, in the Caribbean country, via its new Premier Club at Casa de Campo offering. Designed for exclusivity, personalised service and privacy, the Premier Club sets a new standard of excellence and luxury for the property’s most discerning guests. The Premier Club at Casa de Campo will include a total of 58 luxurious suites: 26 Premier Junior Suites (King Sized Beds), 27 Premier Junior Suites (Double Beds), four Premier One Bedroom Suites, and one overly spacious Premier Presidential Suite. Each suite will offer luxurious amenities not found in other parts of the hotel, such as an exclusive Premier Club golf cart for traveling throughout the 7,000-acre resort, private concierge service and nightly turndown service, and a customised pillow and aromatherapy menu. “The Premier Club at Casa de Campo will create an unprecedented level of privacy and exclusivity for our guests to enjoy,” said Jason Kycek, senior vice president at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. “From the moment they arrive, guests will be privately checked-in by our welcome receptionists at the exclusive Premier Club Lounge and be able to relax in seclusion while enjoying a drink or light appetizers at the Club Lounge Bar.  Featuring both indoor and outdoor areas, Premier Club guests will be able to maintain autonomy that is exclusive only to guests staying in our new suites. It is an exciting time for our company and guests alike, with all of the improvements we are making throughout the property.  We are grateful to be able to take Casa de Campo to the next level and raise the bar in luxury hospitality within the Dominican Republic ,”  Mr Kycek said.

Yosemite National Park, famous for its iconic granite monoliths and rushing waterfalls, has a quieter, less crowded side. A significant 95% of visitors only see 5% of the park, which has over 750,000 acres of outstanding scenery and bucket-list-worthy hikes to be explored. Over half of Yosemite is in Tuolumne County, where there’s plenty of room to roam away from the crowd, making it a perfect destination for summer visitation.  Until September 30, advance reservations will be required to enter and drive through Yosemite National Park for under €2.50. See below for a list of unforgettable sights travellers can experience – with or without a reservation.  Natural Wonders Head through the Big Oak Flat entrance of the park and enjoy a hike to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias . The smallest of the park’s sequoia groves, Tuolumne’s home to about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Growing only on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada, these giant trees can live for more than 3,000 years and are immense, majestic trees that have inspired travellers for decades. Reservation needed.  Even in the height of summer when Yosemite is being explored by visitors from around the world,  Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is an oasis of calm. Yosemite Valley’s slightly smaller twin is off the beaten track and offers spectacular scenery of granite monoliths. The water hides an additional 300 feet of granite cliffs and provides fresh drinking water for the San Francisco area. Tip – arrive early as parking is limited. No reservation needed.  Visit the incomparable open scenery of Tuolumne Meadows , a spectacular subalpine meadow surrounded by granite domes and cliffs. One of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, Tuolumne Meadows offers scenic views, hiking opportunities, ranger programmes and campgrounds for those looking to truly escape into nature. Reservation needed.  Hidden Hikes  Hike along the Tuolumne River to scenic Carlon Falls to enjoy the perfect place to cool off and have a picnic. Carlon is a nine metre-high waterfall with a pool at its base that’s perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day. The trailhead starts in the Stanislaus National Forest, meaning this hike is ideal for those who just missed a park reservation. No reservation needed.  Marvel at some of the park’s tallest waterfalls – Tueeulala, Wapama and Rancheria. One of the most popular hikes, the five-mile  Wapama Falls Rancheria Falls Trail offers spectacular views of all three waterfalls and the stunning valley that links them together. Reservation needed.  Getting there : The easiest way to get into the park is by booking a ticket on public transportation. The Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) includes entrance into the park with a ticket, so a park reservation is not needed for a park reservation. Or book a guided tour operator, which not only allows you entrance into the park, but a local expert who will be able to guide you through. No reservation needed.

The most quirky and unusual holiday rentals are booked well in advance, so with that in mind here are some suggestions of unusual places around Ireland, Europe and the United States to consider for future quirky holidays.  Quirky Holiday Rentals Worldwide Ireland – Hobbit Hideaway – Mayo Glamping Welcome to the Mayo Shire where you can experience life as a Hobbit. These Hobbits homes in Mayo are in Ballyvary near Castlebar, the fairytale homes are set into a hillside with colourful doors. Feel like Frodo and his friends when you stay here.   Mayo Glamping also has other unusual properties to rent including Nordic Cabins, and a railway carriage. Bookings include continental breakfast and there is a firepit, BBQ and outdoor cooking area. In addition, the adults will love the wood-fired hot tub and the sauna. There is an indoor play area for children with board games and a place to watch films, see here . St Johns Schooner Lighthouse Cottages in Donega l Kilometres from anywhere, a stay at St. John’s Point Lighthouse offers the perfect getaway. Enjoy a stay in one of the two characterful lightkeepers cottages managed by Irish Landmark Trust and experience the delights of wild and wonderful Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way.  Discover the pretty, almost pink, sands of Coral Beach. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Take in the fantastic views across Donegal Bay and towards Sligo, Mayo and far beyond. For the active or adventurous, dip your toe into what’s said to be some of the clearest diving waters in Europe. They say there’s great fishing here too. Sleeps four, see here . England – Rent a Barn The beauty of renting a property in England is the ease of access by ferry with your car, and most places take dogs too. Picture yourself in a beautiful barn with wooden beams, vaulted ceilings and big wood burning stoves. Let the children roam the countryside in freedom and enjoy a taste of country life. See a selection of converted barns around England, some with swimming pools and hot tubs ideal for families, see here .  Scotland – Castles and Stately Manors What else would you rent in Scotland other than a castle, stately manor, baronial house or lodge. Scotland has more castle per square mile than any other country in Europe. From the Lowlands to the Highlands and islands, find a very exclusive property, whether it is for small family or a big gathering. Olivers Travels are the experts in unusual holiday properties and all are vetted personally. Italy –Trulli – Quirky Conical Houses Trullis are some of the prettiest and most unusual property rentals in Italy; they are conical-shaped white-washed stone houses. You will only find them in the far south, in Puglia. Some are now holiday rentals and even come with swimming pools. The ancient Puglia region is a fascinating place to visit with great food, wine and sandy beaches. Rentatrulli are an Irish/English company and they have converted three of these historic places into gorgeous holiday homes. No cost was spared to make them into comfortable homes while retaining their historic style. They are located between Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica. In addition each house has a private pool, olive groves, landscaped gardens and shady nooks for reading a book. There’s great access from Ireland with flights to Bari and Brindisi and they will be flexible on check in days to coincide with the flights. They sleep 5 – 8, see here .   Spain, France– Cave Houses In the limestone regions of France and Spain you will find these quirky dwellings in caves. These cave houses are carved out of the soft rock and make comfortable year-round homes. Due to the rock the temperature stays the same all year round, about 20 degrees so you do not have big variations in heat You will find a lot of these homes to rent in the mountainous regions. Airbnb has a whole section devoted to Caves, see here . Netherlands – Canal Boat Cruising Canal boat cruising is one of the most relaxing and leisurely holidays you can enjoy. Imagine a gentle trip along the canals of the Netherlands, taking in the scenery and stopping whenever you feel like it. There is a great comradery on the canals and you will find yourself making friends as you overnight in pretty towns and villages. See a great selection of boats for hire. Europe – Camping, Glamping and Caravanning If the great outdoors is your idea of heaven, than a camping holidays is perfect. There has been a big increase in more upmarket glamping and yurts in recent years. Pitchup.com are the recognised go-to site to find what you looking for in Ireland, UK, France, Italy and Spain. They have huge range of properties to choose from and rates can be reasonable. Many of the campsites are stunning, beside beaches and with swimming pools and facilities for children, see here .   USA – Unusual Tree Houses In recent years there has been a surge in the building of tree houses in the United States. They have become a very popular quirky holiday home for many people. These tree houses are not a few planks nailed together, but very comfortable home in the treetops. Furthermore, the locations are usually ideal for family with lots of space for children to explore. You can see a variety of places to rent not just in the United States, but across the world. There is also a series of helpful articles of how to build a treehouse, see here .  Have you got a favourite quirky place you rent, let us know on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

Thinking of the Canary Islands, many reminisce of fond times along the Puerto Del Carmen strip, memories at Siam and Loro Parque or partying the night away in Playa de las Americas. We rarely think of the archipelago as a haven for those seeking healing and meaningful mindfulness. . Thanks to its incredible landscape and the efforts of the local people, the Canary Islands has become one of the world’s leading destinations for mindfulness. The calm atmosphere felt throughout the archipelago has led to the establishment of facilities specially designed for mindfulness, including yoga and meditation, as well as surfing, diving, and trekking and of course, there are few places better in the world to watch the sun go down. Meditate on Mount Teide, Tenerife Enjoy a meditation experience out of this world on Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and the world’s third tallest volcano. Climb Mount Teide and meditate during the early hours of the morning when the sun rises from the ocean. Alternatively, stay on the foothills, a unique landscape described by poets as resembling the moon. Our Retreat Pick:  Estilo Verde in Güímar deserves a mention for its yoga, mindfulness and meditation expertise. Located amongst volcanoes, avocado farms and the Atlantic Ocean, this centre offers accommodation and teachers of exceptional warmth and experience.  Bathe on the Beaches of Fuerteventura In the more than 150 kilometres of shoreline, no two beaches on the island of Fuerteventura are the same. For those who practice yoga, meditation and other mindfulness activities on the pristine sands and pebbly shores, it is soon discovered that each beach has its own personality. The main beach on the Isle of Lobos, La Concha, is an ideal place to practice mindfulness. This special beach, located on this 4.5km squared uninhabited island, is a picture of calm with virtually white sand and – at times – totally still Atlantic, offering over a kilometre of tranquillity. It can be reached in just fifteen minutes by boat from Corralejo in the north of Fuerteventura. Retreat Pick:  Casa de La Pared is a retreat which offers an eleven-day course of Mindful Surf and Yoga. The schedule includes daily yoga and meditation sessions as well as surfing lessons. A vegan menu is provided along with surfing and yoga equipment. Find yourself in Gran Canaria  Famed for its varied landscape, Gran Canaria boasts lush green scenery in the north and an arid south coast. The island is home to mountains reaching up to 2,000 metres, including Morro de la Agujereada, with envious views. Beaches in Gran Canaria vary from crystal clear waters and startling rock faces and yellow sand, like Guayedra, to black volcanic sand, like Güi Güi which overlooks Mount Teide. Retreat Pick:  The Mahalo Healthy House, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. A typical eight-day stay would involve nineteen hours of yoga classes, mindfulness and holistic workshops, and four excursions to notable locations on the island. Experience Nature in Lanzarote Lanzarote’s antidote to worries is its rare natural beauty, home to hundreds of volcanos, lava fields, palm-lined valleys, dreamy beaches with turquoise water and charming little towns with white houses. A 10-kilometre leisurely walk around the Caldera Blanca crater is a great place to disconnect and absorb the wonders of the natural world. In the south of the island, five minutes by car from Playa Blanca, the isolated natural pools of Los Charcones are a perfect place to take a dip, plunge under the water and remember the pleasures of life. For the ultimate experience, meditate on the rocks while you cool off. Retreat Pick:  In the interior of the island, surrounded by vineyards, Shama Retreats have a reputation for exceptional accommodation and healing activities. Their double cabins and vegan and vegetarian menus are ideally suited to the mindful traveller.   Stargaze in La Palma From the very early days of human existence, the night sky has been a source of tremendous exhilaration. La Palma is famed for its clear skies, which is why an astronomical observatory was built on top of Roque de Los Muchachos, a rock formation some 2,420 metres above sea level. Visitors to La Palma can join scientists in staring at the celestial phenomenon above our heads. To let go and gaze up at the stars is to imagine the origins of the earth and the universe. Restore Your Mind in La Gomera Laurel forests are a type of subtropical forest which date back millions of years and the island of La Gomera is one of the few places in the world in which they still survive. Besides this, the island is renowned for its lush ravines, valleys coloured by green palm trees, black sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush forests with springs. Along any stretch of the 650 kilometres of walking paths, ramblers discover the equanimity of being removed from the din of civilization. Retreat Pick:  The Parador de la Gomera offers retreats for tired minds with yoga, detoxes, meditation, massages, mindfulness talks and excursions. Sleep in restful rooms is provided along with food developed especially to purify the body.   Unwind in La Graciosa The sights of a dirt track stretching off into the distance, a fisherman’s house perched above a golden cover, and miles of turquoise sea are peaceful. La Graciosa is the ideal place for silence. The smallest of the Canary Islands has around 700 inhabitants and is the perfect setting for those seeking a holiday away from the world.  Retreat Pick:  Organized out of his little paradise hideaway, the retreats of Yogi José Antonio Machado (connected to Mundo Armonía Lanzarote) are a great place to discover this tiny island for the first time.   For more information please visit  www.hellocanaryislands.com