Mallorca Rocks

If you are planning a "party animal" holiday to Magalluf in Mallorca, then the Mallorca Rocks may be just the hotel for you.   Sister to the popular Ibiza Rocks, the Mallorca Rocks celebrated its opening earlier this month with a gig from The Kooks.   Future acts include the likes of Calvin Harris and Dizzee Rascal.

You can even book a stage-view room to watch in comfort from your own balcony. 

The hotel has a total of 328 rooms and is an adult-only hotel with 3 bars and is a rock's throw away from the centre of Magalluf.

Corona Holidays can offer you flights to Palma de Mallorca with hotel accommodation - just give us a call on 0800 5 677688 for more details or send us an enquiry.

James Bond - a load of Bollingers!

From this week onwards, if you are on your Tenerife holidays at the Abama Golf & Spa Resort in Guia de Isora, you will be able to view a showcased bottle of Bollinger encased in a bullet-shaped cover which celebrates the launch of the new James Bond film.

So, instead of the famous Martini - shaken not stirred - take a look at what James Bond prefers to drink in private - Bollinger.  The producers of this exclusive champagne have created a limited edition to coincide with the launch of the latest 007 film, and the Abama has acquired 1 of the 200 bottles which are collectors' items.

Stay at this luxury 5 Star hotel during July for £365 per person for 7 nights on Bed & Breakfast in an Abama Deluxe Room [flights are available at a supplement].  Just give Corona Holidays a call on 0800 5 677688 or send an enquiry. 

Formentera Fair and Market

If you are on your holiday in Formentera in the Canary Islands at any time during July and August 2010 then head to La Savina [located in the northwest of the island] for one of the busiest seasons for street markets.

The small island of Formentera is well-known for its local crafts and you will have the opportunity to buy some as souvenirs of your Formentera holiday, such as knitwear, ceramics, cheese, honey and the island's own hierbas drink.

Formentera is a smaller - and much quieter - island than its neighbour Ibiza, and is better for those looking for relaxing days on the beach, a good meal and and evening stroll rather than hectic nightlife.  A Formentera holiday is therefore popular with families and has beaches to suit everybody. You will find windsurfing, sailing and water-skiing available and some beaches have pedalies for children.

So if a holiday in Formentera is something you may be interested in, just give us a call.

Waterpolo in Palma

If you are on your Mallorca holidays and are in Palma de Mallorca between the 25 and 27 June 2010, then pay a visit to the Son Hugo swimming pools complex in Palma where the II Open Waterpolo Trophy competition is being held.

The competition aims to promote waterpolo in the Balearic Islands.


The following teams will be taking part:

Proinosa Mallorca Waterpolo Club
Club Waterpolo Campus Esport
Club Natacio Ciutat de Palma
City of Cambridge Waterpolo Club
CP Albacete
CN Pozuelo de Alarcon
XN Sant Andreu
Waterpolo Estiu Gironi

The Beatles come to La Orotava, Tenerife

If you are on your Tenerife holiday and in the resort of La Orotava on the 23, 34 and 26 June then head to the Rural Hotel Victoria where the hotel is holding a 3 night "Beatles" special themed menu put together by chef, Richard Etherington.  The menu comprises:
"Twist and Shout"
A non-alcoholic gin & tonic with whitebait

"Back in the USSR"
Steak tartare

"Octopus's Garden"
Warmed salad from the vegetable plot, with octopus and roasted sweet potato seasoned with a sauce of parsley and coriander.

"Yellow Submarine"
Seafood mousse with saffron and calendula covered in a prawn stock and 5 spices.

"Sergent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club"
Sirloin of lamb with green peppers and lavender

"Stawberry Fields Forever"
Carpaccio of strawberries with Flor Electrica, a balsamic reduction and white chocolate cream.

Corona Holidays can offer accommodation at the Rural Hotel Victoria in La Orotava - just give us a call or send an enquiry.  The hotel runs many themed nights thoughout the year.

Paradors in the Canary Islands

Did you know that 5 of the Canary Islands are home to a Parador?  Paradors are famous throughout Spain and other countries for their distinctive brand of luxury accommodation and are often converted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings.  Some Paradors are modern, although they are built in traditional styles. Corona Holidays can offer you accommodation in each Parador in Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria.

We will start with the Parador de Canades del Teide in Tenerife.  Located inside the crater of a volcano with views of the summit of nearby Mount Teide, this Parador is located 7,200 ft above sea level and is the only building in the Teide National Park.  Take advantage of its location and beat the queues to the funicular that ferries passengers to the top of Mount Teide.  The Parador also has its own telescope, and holds regular nights for guests to star-gaze.

The Parador de La Gomera can't be matched for its elegance and luxury.  Converted from an old manor house with an interior courtyard and fountain, the wood-panelled walls are hung with colonial paintings.  The interior is packed with maritime references and has navigational instrumentation from the Columbus era [La Gomera was Columbus' last port of call before heading for the New World].  The bedrooms, swimming pool and garden all have fantastic views towards Mount Teide.

El Hierro has a Parador [the Parador de El Hierro] which is next to the sea and is backed by spectacular cliffs and the Roque de la Bonanza.  Many of the rooms have elegant balconies with sea views and the interior has been designed to represent the early history of the island.  In the gardens, you will find dragon trees, coconut palms and a swimming pool.

The Parador de La Palma is a more modern hotel, but designed in accordance with the traditional Canary Islands architectural principles   It is located on a hillside overlooking the sea and has tropical gardens with native plants, fruit trees and walkways.  There are wonderful views of the Atlantic and towards Mount Teide on nearby Tenerife.  Request a room in the east wing to benefit from the sunrise. 

Lastly, there is the Parador Cruz de Tejeda in Gran Canaria.  This is a traditional Canarian building situated in the mountains in central Gran Canaria.  The name comes from the huge stone cross which stands at the entrance to the Parador.  The Parador is famous for its views over the island and benefits from a terrace perfectly placed to watch the sun go down over the Roque Nublo.

So, if you would like to spend part of your Canary Island holiday at one of the Paradors, just give us a call on 0800 5 677688 or send an enquiry and Corona Holidays will be able to help.

Monarch - More Flights to Mallorca

If you are looking to go on your holidays to Mallorca and like to travel from Gatwick airport, then from the 17 July this year, Monarch will start to fly 3 times a week to Palma - on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is a popular destination due to the almost guaranteed fine summer weather and excellent beaches.  There's a wide range of accommodation on the island, as well as as excellent restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities.   A 2 hour flight from the UK takes you into Palma de Mallorca - the island's capital.  Palma is a bustling city with a Gothic cathedral and a medieval castle.  There's also a very chic marina packed with yachts.

Take a look at our holiday deals for Mallorca - we can arrange flights from all the major UK airports.

New Flights to Venice from Luton

It has been announced by Luton Airport that Venice has returned to its list of destinations with a new scheduled service from Wizz Air.

Flights are due to start to this popular city from 19 June 2010 with a flight operating three times a week.

Venice is built on wooden piles in the middle of a lagoon on Italy's Adriatic coast.  Explored by a gondola, or on foot, the narrow streets and backwaters of Venice reveal all its decorative detail which reflects its past wealth and importance.  Venice Lido is 15 minutes by boat across San Marco's basin and then a short bus trip or 15 minutes on foot.  The beach stretches for 5 miles and has very fine sand and is backed by an unbroken row of hotels.    If shopping is what you are after, there is a good range of top designer boutiques and numerous markets.  The main commercial area is in the San Polo district where the shops connect Campo San Polo with the Rialto Bridge.  Glassware and lace are local specialities - and not forgetting masks. 

Interested in a holiday to Venice? - Just give us a call or send an enquiry.

The World has stopped for the World Cup

Here were are - the opening games for the World Cup are due to start any minute - and the world has seemingly come to a complete standstill.   

The roads are free from traffic, the supermarket shelves are devoid of burgers, buns and beer .... and the topic of conversation is no longer Britain's Got Talent - but who is playing who, on which day and at what time.    Nothing matters in the world anymore apart from football.

Anyway - for those who have no interest whatsoever in spending the next 4 weeks listening to vuvezela horns then we have just the ticket - spend some time away for it all [let's hope that not all bars and restaurants have sky sports in-situ].  

Just give Corona Holidays a call, and we will look at the best option for you to escape to normality - for a while at least.

Selva Herb Fair in Mallorca

If you are on your Mallorca holidays, take a trip to Selva [approximately 3km north of Inca] on the 12/13 June where you will find the Fira de ses Herbes [Herb Fair].

This is an exhibition of medicinal plants with details on how they are collected and used.   People in Selva have collected and used wild herbs for medicine, cosmetics, cookery, magic and to adorn their festivals for many, many years. 

This festival began in 2000 and over the weekend you will find exhibitions, tasting of traditional good and drink, demonstrations and on the Sunday you will be able to purchase products related to the herbs.   The main event of the weekend is the collection of wild myrtle from the mountains which is then brought into the town in order to make Agua de Murta - myrtle water.  This was used in medieval times as an astringent and antiseptic.

You will find the houses, streets and squares of Selva decorated with herbs, plants and hand painted banners which relate to a group of 6 characters from traditional Mallorcan folklore and each character is connected to a particular herb.  Each character is accompanied by Pau and Rosa [the Selva giants] and children dressed as demons.   The first dance will take place at midnight on Saturday and involves fire, smoke and explosions.  The second dance is held on the Sunday morning at about 10:30 to welcome in the myrtle and each character does a separate dance accompanied by live music.

Corona Holidays can offer you accommodation in the vicinity - just give us a call or send an enquiry.

Menorca Lighthouses

A holiday to Menorca will probably mean that at some point during your holiday, you will come across one of the many lighthouses on the island.  They not only serve to light the way for boats on the coastline, but also as historic monuments for this popular holiday destination.

Located in some of the most beautiful spots on Menorca such as Punta Nati and Cap d'Artutx where they are located on the cliffs, or the Cavalleria lighthouse which dominates what looks like a lunar landscape.  There are another 2 on the island - the Favaritx and the Illa de l'Aire [the latter located opposite the beach of Punta Prima.

The photogragphers amongst you will find each lighthouse a different opportunity as each one differs architecturally.  They also provide excellent opportunities for walkers and tourists looking to escape to the peace and quiet.

Corona Holidays have lots of offers avaialble for your next Menorca holiday - just take a look.

Dinner on us at the Jardin Tecina Hotel

Don't forget that if you book to stay at the Jardin Tecina Hotel in La Gomera during June 2010, Corona Holidays are offering you complimentary half board for your stay.

The Jardin Tecina is a lovely 4 Star hotel located in Playa de Santiago, La Gomera.   Located only 50m from the sea on a clifftop, this hotel offers guests tranquility but with all the facilities you would expect from a 4 star hotel. Enjoy spending time in the indoor pool, the two pools with a children's paddling area and making use of the snack bar, sun loungers, parasols, the jacuzzi, sun terrace and sauna. Various sports are on offer including a gym, tennis, table tennis, aerobics, basketball, volleyball, billiards (charges apply), bocce, minigolf (charges apply), diving courses (also for a fee) and squash. The hotel also features a golf course which is only 5 minutes away, while a walk through the hotel gardens also comes recommended.

A 7 night stay from 15 June 2010 in a double/twin superior sea view room is from £295 per person per week with complimentary half board.  Flights are available at a supplement.  If you are interested in this excellent offer, just give us a call on freephone 0800 5 677688 or send us an enquiry.

A Taste of Spain in London - Sunday 6 June

If you are in London this Sunday - 6 June - the Spanish Festival, A Taste of Spain, is taking place in Regent Street from 12:00 - 19:00 ... be whisked away for a day to Spain's sunnier shores.

Supported by the Spanish Tourist Office, the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, this free festival will welcome many of Spain's regions including Andalucia, Balearic Islands, Gran Canaria, Valencia to name but a few.

Events feature giant paellas, flamenco dancers, medieval food markets and a range of interactive sports challenges and events to demonstrate Spain's sports.  Also, visitors will be able to walk through 80 years of Spanish sporting history and experience the range of sporting activities currently available in Spain.  You will find in the interactive area a chance to carry out an F1 tyre change against the clock, an F1 simulator featuring the Montmelo F1 track in Barcelona.  The footballers amongst you can test your aim in the kick point challenge and tennis stars can compete for the fastest serve, and golfing fans can take part in the "nearest the pin" competition.

Gran Canaria offers the change to pick up a sunny holiday snapshot and people can try virtual horse riding in the Balearics.

So head down to Regent Steet in London for an afternoon of Spanish festivities.

For more details visit A Taste of Spain or download a programme.

Heathrow Express advise How to Pack

With the summer season just started, Heathrow Express is offering free advice on how to pack for holidays.

They have produced 5 short video demonstrations of how to fold and pack items of clothing to avoid creases and also how to effectively use the space in the suitcase or bag.  Their MD - Richard Robinson - has said that they wanted to give customers some clear and concise advice that is highly visual and relevant to business and leisure passengers.

So, why not take a look at the videos - it may help you beat one of the top 3 stresses of travelling.

Potatoes are on the Menu

If you are on your holidays in Mallorca and are in the area of Sa Pobla on the 4th and 5th June, then Corona Holidays suggest that you take advantage of the 2nd Potato Gastronomy Night Fair when local bars and restaurants will offer more than 40 potato dishes for between 1-3 euros.

This is mainly taking place in the Plaza Major in Sa Pobla [approximately 8km from Alcudia, Playa de Muro and Pollensa].  Click here for a menu which sets out the bars and restaurants which are taking part, the dish being served and the price.  A great few nights out for the potato lover!

Competition - Win £20 in Love2Shop Vouchers

Take part in our June Competition for a chance to win £20 in Love2Shop vouchers.  Simply answer the question below.  All correct entries will be placed into a draw to be held on the 1 July and the winner will be announced in our Blog and by email.

Question:   Which of the following in "not" in Mallorca?

[a]  Palma     [b]  Alcudia    [c] Vienna

Please send an email to info@coronaholidays.co.uk
Closing date is 30 June 2010.   Good Luck !!

May Competition Winner

Congratulations to Martin O'Neill from Rugby who was drawn from all the correct entries received to our May competition.

Martin correctly identified that Andalucia is a region of Spain and has won a copy of Jamie Oliver's new book - "Jamie Does". A copy of the book will be with Martin by the end of the week.

Watch out for details of our June competition coming out tomorrow!  A chance to win £20 in Love2Shop Vouchers.