BY CATHERINE HANLY & GINNY CUMMING
where to stay: Paris
Living High
After guerilla restaurants and shops comes the latest in moveable trends; Hotel Everland is part hotel, part art installation. This sleek modern pod has been touring the world for five years and is currently to be found perched on top of the PALAIS DE TOKYO IN PARIS (see below). Inside you’ll find a double bed, lounge, bathroom and all-important minibar. The view of Paris is to die for, but booking requires serious cunning. Available nights pop up on the website at random and cost from €330 a night. In Paris until December 2008. www.everland.ch
what’s on: Nottingham
 It’s not often you get to enjoy Mother Nature and assault your eardrums at the same time – so thank goodness for the Forestry Commission’s decision to encourage live music concerts in its beautiful woodlands. Top of the bill this summer are the two nights at Sherwood Pines Forest Park, when Kiwi legends Crowded House take to the stage on Friday 20 June, and Platinum album artists The Zutons follow on Saturday 21 June. A surreal and laid-back way to catch some great music. www.forestry.gov.uk |
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what’s on: Gdanskwhat’s on: Bergamo
Many hundreds of years ago, a bishop laid a curse on the island of Isola Comacina on LAKE COMO (about 92km from Bergamo), which was only removed when a cunning British writer suggested an exorcism by fire to drive out the curse. It seems to have worked – the island’s restaurant, Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, is now one of the favourite haunts of Como’s celebrity resident George Clooney. Every night in summer, restaurant owner Benvenuto Pericelli performs the fire ceremony, setting fire to a concoction of brandy and coffee. Talk about dinner and a show! www.comacina.it/isola/locanda_inn.htm
what’s on: Madrid
If you enjoy watching grown men dice with danger (and who doesn’t?), then Madrid is the place for you this summer. THE RED BULL X-FIGHTERS’ 2008 TOUR – one of the most prestigious Motocross competitions in the world – climaxes with an atmospheric final showdown in Madrid’s Las Ventas bullfighting arena on 17-18 July. These self-styled “Moto-dors” don’t shed any blood if they can help it, but they do put on an amazing show with their freestyle motorcycle stunts. www.redbullx.#64257;ghters.com
what’s on: Jersey
 If your knowledge of ancient Gaul is based on the legendary feud between Asterix and the hapless Romans, perhaps it’s time to update your knowledge.From 24-27 July, top re-enactment group Vicus will transform Jersey’s ancient burial mound, LA HOUGUE BIE – which predates the Pyramids by some 2,000 years – into a scene pitting ancient Briton against the Roman invaders. And if sword-fighting isn’t your thing, you can always pop into the beauty tent for an ancient makeover! www.jerseyheritagetrust.org |
what’s on: Alicante
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The Spanish love their fireworks, and none more so that the citizens of Alicante who, every June, gather to see hundreds and thousands of euros go up in flames. THE HOGUERAS DE SAN JUAN fiesta features four days and nights (20-24 June) of deafening pyrotechnics. The finale sees a selection of ninots – huge papier-mâché figures several stories high and costing up to €50,000 a piece – torched, along with a spectacular range of fireworks launched from the town beach and Santa Barbara Castle overlooking the city. what’s on: Cardiff
Attention Madonna fans! Her Madgesty kicks off her new STICKY & SWEET TOUR in August, and guess where she’s chosen to kick things off? Cardiff! She plays the Millennium Stadium on 23 August, followed by a show at the Stade Charles Ehrmann in Nice on 26 August. Other dates on what promises to be an amazing tour include 2 September (Amsterdam Arena), 6 September (Rome Olympic Stadium) and 20 September (Paris Stade de France). But book quickly – we predict tickets will sell out fast!
www.livenation.co.uk
It may not boast WAGs like Aintree or glamour like Ascot, but the BALLINROBE RACES – 35km from Knock – will give you a real flavour of a fun day out, Irish-style. This tiny racecourse nestles on the shore of Lough Carra, and for the main summer meeting – from 21-22 July – the whole town decamps to the racecourse for a flutter and to generally shoot the breeze. www.goracing.ie
what’s on: Edinburgh
You’re in a cocktail bar, there’s been a murder, and there are 10 suspects. Can you solve the crime? “DEATH BY CHOCOLATE” – playing at this year’s Edinburgh Festival, is an interactive murder mystery… with chocolate tasting! It relies on the audience to act as detectives, interviewing the suspects, sifting through the evidence and soothing themselves throughout the “trauma” with chocolate – which is actually a key ingredient in the murder! Huge fun, this innovative, interactive show is destined to be a big hit at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival and runs for 14 performances from 2-23 August at The Cabaret Bar at Zoo Southside, 117 Nicolson Street. Tickets (including detective kit and chocolates!) are £14. www.edfringe.com
what’s on: Paris
If you’re in Paris, head to the Disneyland Resort for a shot on the new Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. It’s based on a lost episode of the hit 1950’s cult TV show The Twilight Zone – where on a dark and stormy night in 1939, lightening strikes the landmark Hollywood Tower Hotel and five hotel guests in an elevator are dropped 13 stories into the fourth dimension. If you’re a thrillseeker and want to experience the rush of a 13-story drop, head to the City of Light now! www.disneytowerofterror.com
What’s hot: vintage style
If you’re a fan of vintage-inspired jewellery, look no further than Catherine Best’s award-winning brooches and pendants. Part of a collection called “FIREWORKS” is this limited-edition 18-carat white gold Peridot pendant (£1,055). It also comes in yellow gold – and with gemstones if you fancy some bling! www.catherinebest.com
We Love Ferraris
Driving one of the most desirable cars in the world is something few people ever get to do – let alone someone who hasn’t even passed their driving test yet!
When we heard that Red Letter Days – the company that specialises in amazing experiences – was holding a Junior Ferrari Day just down the road from East Midlands Airport, we knew we had to check it out! Our willing volunteer, 14-year-old William Nicholls, from Aldwincle in Northamptonshire, took to the track and told us all about it…
Q. So, what’s the Junior Ferrari Day all about?
A. It’s a special day when kids aged
12–16 get the chance to drive an actual Ferrari on a racing track at Prestwold Hall, near Loughborough [about 20km from East Midlands Airport].
Q. How many other young drivers took part in the day?
A.Twelve.
Q. Did you get training?
A. Yes, the day started off with a briefing and safety talk from qualified instructors. It was actually really interesting – nothing like school! The instructors were fantastic – great fun and encouraging, but you could tell they really knew their stuff.
They made us all feel very reassured. After the briefing I got into a Mini Cooper S to help get familiarised with the track and the manual gearbox. Then we got further training in a BMW Alpina D3. I was the first to drive the BMW out of our group, so it was quite nerve-wracking – but I didn’t stall, which made me more confident in my driving abilities.
Q. Did you already know how to drive?
A.Yes, I’ve been able to drive for about two years. But I’m obviously too young to get a license, so I don’t get to practise much!
Q. What happened next?
A. Finally, after all the training, I got to drive my dream car! A bright red Ferrari 360 Modena (it’s only a Ferrari if it’s red, in my books), with an engine howling to be driven to the max. It was quite scary at first: I mean, this is a car worth £380,000, with 425bhp – that’s a lot of horses! I drove it for four laps – with the instructor telling me to go faster and faster!
Q. How fast did you go?
A. 80mph – it seemed a lot faster as the car’s so low to the ground, and you’re tearing around corners.
Q. What was the most surprising thing about the car?
A. The size. It was a lot bigger than I’d expected – there was lots of leg room and it was actually quite spacious.
Q. And the hardest part?
A. Trying not to stall!
Q. The best tip you received from your instructor?
A. Speed up!
Q. In five words, how did you feel when you were driving?
A. Scared, excited, exhilarated, amazed, cool!
Q. What happened next?
A. Aftewards, we were in for a special treat: the instructors took us for a spin in a Porsche 911 Turbo and a Subaru Imprezza rally car. It was brilliant, they were driving so fast – 93mph around the bends!
Q. Any other perks?
A. We had lunch in a 1950s-style diner, plus we got a photo, a DVD and a certificate of our experience.
Q. The best part of the day was…
A. Getting to drive a Ferrari (duhhh!).
Q. Okay, so you’ve just passed your driving test and been given a brand new Ferrari. Who’s your dream passenger?
A. Jessica Simpson, she’s hot.
Q. The verdict?
A. A-MAZING. I reckon it’s worth three times the money. It was the best experience of my life and I’m already planning to go back. It was a dream come true: at 14 years of age I drove a Ferrari – fast!
START YOUR ENGINES
Junior Ferrari Days run throughout most of the year, mainly around school holidays and half-terms. And they cost just £80! For more details, log on to www.redletterdays.co.uk
GETTING THERE
Junior Ferrari Days take place at Prestwold Hall near Loughborough in Leicestershire, just 20km from East Midlands Airport. From here, bmibaby flies to 14 different destinations across the UK and Europe. For more details and great prices, log on to www.bmibaby.com
We Love - Hot Hotels
Hip and happening new hotels sure to give every traveller a good night’s sleep
BY GEORGIA BARCLAY
Chic eats
Monachyle Mhor – a chic, stylish boutique hotel north of GLASGOW – is renowned for its award-winning restaurant serving up sustainable, local and delicious food. Now owner and chef Tom Lewis – who you’ll recognise from BBC2’s The Great British Menu – is showing off his cooking secrets at demonstration workshops. There are bi-monthly hands-on lessons, and what you cook depends on what’s in season that month. After cooking – and eating! – you can retreat to one of the hotel’s 14 cosy bedrooms. Double rooms start at £95 (€119); half-day cooking course including lunch, £75 (€94); www.mhor.net
Night with the Knights
For a touch of luxury, check out (and check into) the newly opened Capella Castlemartyr, a 17th-century manor house set in 220 acres just outside CORK. Once owned by the Knights Templar, on arrival you’ll be welcomed by two Irish Setters, Earl and Countess, who love being walked around the historic estate. If that sounds too taxing, more leisurely pursuits include a horse-drawn carriage ride around the grounds, or treatments at the hotel’s Auriga spa. Bedrooms don’t disappoint either; decorated in muted colours and blessed with decadent marble bathrooms. Double rooms start at €425; www.capellacastlemartyr.com
Love, love it, do!
Beatles’ fans alert! Under an hour’s drive from MANCHESTER, the Hard Day’s Night Hotel has recently opened its four-star doors in the heart of Liverpool’s “Beatles’ Quarter”, near the famous Cavern Club where the Fab Four first performed. The stunning Grade II-listed building has been beautifully transformed into 110 bedrooms, including a Lennon-themed suite that features a white baby grand piano, replicating the one that Lennon used to perform Imagine. The memorabilia-filled restaurant, Blakes, serves up typical British cuisine and is named after the artist Sir Peter Blake – the man responsible for the album cover for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Double rooms start at £170 (€213); www.avantgardehotels.com
Lacroix, sweetie
Following on the success of Hôtel du Petit Moulin, the latest venutre from French fashion designer Christian Lacroix’s is the Hôtel le Bellechasse [above]. Just a 10-minute walk from the Louvre and right around the corner from the Musée D’Orsay in PARIS, it’s perfectly positioned for culture vultures to get their art fix. Lacroix has once again created unique and magical rooms, using old engravings, paintings and frescoes as inspiration for his wow-factor ceilings and walls. The 34 bedrooms boast all the modcons and clever soundproofing to ensure serene slumber.
Double rooms start at €247; www.hotelopia.co.uk
In the news
Regulars at Portugal’s Monte do Casal hotel [right] on the ALGARVE will be thrilled to hear their home-away-from-home favourite is building a very cool lakeside holistic spa, with two heated swimming pools, deluxe treatment rooms and a private Hammam. www.montedocasal.pt
MANCHESTER’s five-star The Lowry Hotel [left] – a favourite with touring DJs – has racked up another award after being voted “Best Hotel” at the prestigious Northern Hospitality Awards. Congratulations! www.thelowryhotel.com
TRIPLE WHAMMY
Stein Hotels (www.steinhotels.com) has three glam new hotels planned to open this summer. Finca Cortesin [left], near MALAGA, will be surrounded by over 150 hectares of Mediterranean mountains; Sa Vinya de Son Net – a 15-minute drive north of PALMA in Mallorca – will have an opulent spa; and east of CORK, the bedrooms at the The Cliff House Hotel will all have stunning views over the sea.
GETTING THERE
For a glamorous stay at your dream hotel, you need to get there first! bmibaby flies to all of these locations and many more – for flights and fares, log on to www.bmibaby.com and starting planning a luxury break.
We Love Madrid
yeahbaby spoke to Quintessentially, the world’s leading private members’ club and concierge service, about the ultimate things to do in the Spanish capital this June and July. With tips like these, how could you resist?!
the ultimate… event?
Without a doubt, there’s no place but Madrid if you’re looking for a musical extravaganza. ROCK IN RIO comes to Madrid from 27-28 June and 4-6 July, and will be host to an array of spectacular artists, from Amy Winehouse, Jamiroquai and Alanis Morissette, to Shakira and DJ David Guetta. You’d be a fool to miss it. www.rockinriomadrid.terra.es
… place to stay?
HOTEL PUERTA AMERICA is a design hotel with a difference – an inspired, radical and luxurious choice for the traveller. Situated just outside the city centre and near the airport, the lack of proximity to town may put off some people, but make the effort and you’ll be rewarded with an architectural mecca in which no expense has been spared. Each floor has been designed and fitted out by world-renowned architects, from Norman Foster to Zaha Hadid. The results are truly amazing – sit and marvel. Avenida de América, 41; www.hotelessilken.com/HPAM/index.php
… bite to eat?
Set in an historic street in Old Madrid, CASA LUCIO is where those in the know end up when they’re in the mood for delicious Spanish fare. Celebrities, politicians and the average Joe all come here for Castilian gastronomy.
Try the huevos rotos, a delightful mix of chips and eggs. Doesn’t sound like haute cuisine? You won’t be complaining when you taste it! Cava Baja, 35; www.casalucio.es
… shopping?
The Salamanca district in the city offers the crème de la crème of international and Spanish luxury brands. You may be on holiday, but make sure you keep tabs on your credit card here or you might find yourself going overboard! Fans of antiques should head to Cavestany Antigüedades, which specialises in 18th century furniture and is a true treat for the lovers of the old and the beautiful. Cavestany Antigüedades – Ayala, 6; www.cavestanyantiguedades.com
…for couples?
Take a walk in the JARDÍN BOTÁNICO – most people tend not to go here, opting instead for Retiro Park which can get crowded. Come here and you’ll be in Madrid’s own 20 acres of Eden.Take a romantic stroll while you admire the glorious flora. Plaza de Murillo, 2; www.rjb.csic.es
… night out?
Sip cocktails with the well-heeled crowd at RAMSES LIFE AND FOOD, design-supremo Philippe Starck’s quirky yet polished take on the bar-cum-restaurant-cum-club. You can either set up camp for the entire evening or head to LA REINA BRUJA – Madrid’s hip hotspot for the fashion conscious and oh-so-cool. Ramses – Plaza de la independencia, 4, www.ramseslife.com; La Reina Bruja – Jacometrezo, 6, www.reinabruja.com
… for kids?
Children love animals and there’s no better way to enjoy animals from around the world than at the ZOO AQUARIUM MADRID, considered one of the best zoos in Europe. It boasts fauna from all five continents – so the kids will see everything from gorillas to koalas! There’s also an Aquarium featuring a one-million-litre tank complete with sharks. Be sure to try and see the endangered White Tiger species too. Casa de Campo; www.zoomadrid.com
… place for coffee?
CHOCOLATERIA SAN GINES is a secret with Madrid’s locals and has an intimate atmosphere perfect for a quiet coffee. Order the chocolat con churros – a hot cocoa and special pastry made in Spain. Delightful. Plaza de San Ginés, 5.
… photo op?
Madrid is blessed with a wealth of photogenic buildings, and the most magnificent of them all must surely be The Royal Palace. If you thought Buckingham Palace was grand, one visit to the sumptuous XVIII ROYAL PALACE in Madrid, the largest in Western Europe, will make you change your mind. Head to the throne room, look up, and have your camera ready to capture the majestic Tiepolo fresco that covers the entire ceiling. Bailén; www.patrimonionacional. es/en/preal/preal.htm
ACCESS ALL AREAS
For information on Madrid – or anywhere else in the world – Quintessentially offers an unrivalled global network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Tel: +44 (0)870 850 85 85; www.quintessentially.com
GETTING THERE
bmibaby flies to Madrid from Birmingham and Manchester from just £24.99 one-way, incl taxes. Visit www.bmibaby.com to book your flights and get ready to enjoy a slice of Madrid’s summer action!
