Let's Go to Guia de Isora in Tenerife

Guia de Isora [image courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Abama]

You may be doing some research on which resort you would like to stay in on your Tenerife holiday and come across the small resort, or market town, of Guia de Isora.

Located in the western part of Tenerife, between Buenavista del Norte in the north and Playa de las Americas in the south, Guia de Isora is inland. When you visit you will adore the tiny streets, squares and houses. There is also evidence of this town's past in the old ovens dotted around the town in which bread and tiles were made.

The Top 10 Things to do in Barcelona

The Top 10 Things to do in Barcelona

Hans Christian Anderson, when visiting Barcelona in 1862 said : "We crossed spacious streets, with buildings resembling palaces, in La Rambla promenade; the shops were well illuminated and there was movement and life ... I did not decide to go to sleep, even though I wished to, so I would rise early and contemplate, in daylight, this city unknown to me: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia"

 

So, that was over 150 years ago. Today, there is a vast selection of things to do in Barcelona, but we have selected our Top 10 to give you just a taste of what the most popular city in Spain has to offer.

Deya - An Idyllic Village in Mallorca

Deya - La Residencia Hotel

Idyllic and rural Deya [Deia] is probably the most famous village on the island of Mallorca and is paradise for people who enjoy walking, and who do not wish to spend their entire holiday lazing on a beach. Located just inland on the northwest coast, approximately 32km from the airport you enter into a different world, totally away from the hustle and bustle you expect from other popular resorts around the island. Today, you will probably see many artists sitting quietly amongst the pretty streets and steep paths that lead past houses adorned with vines and flowers, and all this with the dramatic backdrop of Puig d'es Teix standing at a height of 1062m.

It is very difficult to find fault with this pretty village, perched on high ground with the steep terraced hillsides packed with vegetable gardens, orchards of fruit trees, almond and olive trees as well as the occasional vineyard.
  

A Holiday in the Exciting City of Bilbao, Spain

Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

What was once seen as an industrial blot on the Spanish landscape, Bilbao has transformed itself into an exciting, and vibrant city. The Guggenheim Museum was undoubtedly the catalyst to Bilbao's renewal and the city is now a bustling place to see with an excellent range of bars, restaurants, shops and architecture.

Bilbao [known locally as Bilbo] can be found on the eastern side of the north coast of Spain, about 70km west of San Sebastian. The airport is located just 9km north of Bilbao. There are many attractions worth visiting in this interesting city, and we have shown below our top 6 ideas that will keep you occupied during your break.

St Mark's Square in Venice - A Few Highlights

Venice - The city that floats in a world of its own

With 150 canals, 400 bridges, palaces and elegant squares, Venice is sometimes referred to as the most romantic city in the world.  America writer - Fran Lebowitz - said of Venice "If you read a lot, nothing is as great as you've imagined.  Venice is - Venice is better".

Venice is divided into 6 districts with Piazza San Marco [St Mark's Square] being the most popular place to start as it is in the centre of Venice.

So join us as we explore just a few of the highlights of St Mark's Square, and also recommend 2 different hotels in which to stay so that you can be near to the Square.

Hotels in Tenerife - A Touch of Tradition

Emblematico San Agustin Hotel - Icod de los Vinos

Think of a typical hotel in Tenerife, and you will probably conjure up a vision of a large, modern building with lots of marble and clean lines, located in a busy resort within a short distance of the sea.  

However, we are finding that more and more people are turning to the more traditional style Tenerife hotel, normally housed in an old building with lots of wood, intricately carved balconies, cosy bedrooms and patios adorned with palms.

With this in mind, join us while we take you around 5 individual hotels - all located in different resorts, to see if we can tempt you.

Rural Hotels, Houses and Villas



Rural Finca Salamanca in Guimar

 The average high street travel agency will normally be able to offer you the popular resort hotels and apartments, with a few specialising in more specific markets such a cruises, tours and long-haul luxury holidays ... to name but a few.  

Corona Holidays are not only specialising in holidays to the Canary Island and Balearic Islands, but also in rural hotels, houses and villas.  More and more customers are wanting the escape the hustle and bustle of the touristic resorts and head for the more tranquil regions where rest and relaxation are a top priority for a good holiday.  An example of a rural hotel would be the Rural Finca Salamanca in Guimar, Tenerife [about which we have received some excellent comments] 

Roca Negra Hotel and Spa in Gran Canaria

Roca Negra Hotel and Spa

We have just added to our portfolio of spa hotels, the Roca Negra Hotel and Spa in Gran Canaria.

Located in the quiet resort of Agaete [in the northwestern part of the island], this is an ideal getaway for holidaymakers looking for a peaceful break at a hotel with all modern facilities and lots of activities to hand if you wish.  It is 4 star hotel with only 87 rooms and a mere 5 minutes walk to the local pebbly beach.

Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis Hotel Changes Its Name

As of 8 May, the Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis Hotel changed its name to simply the Riu Palace Oasis and is now a 4.5 star hotel.

This follows recent news that although Riu had been granted a provisional demolition permit for the hotel and a building permit for the new hotel, they were presented with a statement from the island government of Gran Canaria advising that the area surrounding the hotel was environmentally protected.   Due to this, Riu will have to present a new proposal.


Riu Palace Oasis Hotel in Maspalomas

In the meantime, the newly named Riu Palace Oasis is open as normal.

The hotel is located just 100m from the nearest beach, accessible by walking through the garden complex.  In the hotel grounds you will find a swimming pool, a children's pool, snack/pool bar, sun lounges and parasols, whirlpool.  There is also a sauna, jacuzzi, gym and for an additional fee you can enjoy the use of the health and spa centre.  There is an entertainment programme for adult and children [including a mini club and playground] with live music being held during the week.

All of the 332 rooms and suites come with air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, direct dial telephone, satellite/cable TV with music channels, minibar, safe and balcony or terrace.

If you would like more details on the Riu Palace Oasis Hotel, just click here for a full description.  You can also book online, but for a more competitive quotation just give Corona Holidays a call on 0800 5 677688 [or if you are calling from a mobile you will need 01582 421117] and we will be delighted to take you call.

ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria to Undergo Facelift

The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria in the resort of Meloneras, Gran Canaria is to undergo a Euros 20 million facelift shortly.

ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria in Meloneras

The Hotel will close in April and the refurbishment programme will last through to July when it is planned to re-open with a new children's pool with water games, new bars and restaurants so it may be a great time to book early for when the Hotel re-opens for the school summer holidays.

The complex is ideal for families as it offers a 24 hour all inclusive programme and is located right next to the beach.  The activities during the day include table tennis, aerobics, shuffle board, bowls, mini golf, squash, bowling, darts, rifle shooting, volleyball, golf and aquatic games for people of all ages.   There is also an art workshop as well as a fitness centre.

In the evening you are entertained by shows, live music and a disco so there is no need to leave the complex as there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy.   However, if you want to have a change of scene, then you can take a stroll to the nearby resort of Maspalomas [only 900m from the Hotel] and enjoy the famous sand dunes that can be found here.

So if you are interested in staying at the ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria following its facelift then give us a call on 01582 421117 or on 0800 5 677688. 

Discounts at the Mallorca Rocks Hotel

We are pleased to announce that we have discounts available for the Mallorca Rocks Hotel of up to 20% for stays during the summer season.

Mallorca Rocks in Magalluf

The Mallorca Rocks Hotel is a popular accommodation for the "young and lively" in the busy resort of Magalluf in Mallorca.  Located only 300m from the beach and in the heart of the nightlife and entertainment venues Magalluf has to offer, this will be an ideal holiday for those wishing the relax during the day and then visit an endless selection of clubs during the night through to the early hours of the morning.

The Mallorca Rocks plays host to a number of well known artists as well as DJs playing international music [their full 2013 line-up is still to be finalised].

Your apartment will have a twin bedroom, lounge area with sofa bed, balcony or terrace with furniture, bathroom, fully equipped kitchenette, telephone and safe.   On the complex itself, you can relax around the large swimming pool and enjoy a drink from one of the pool bars.

So, if you want to party the night away then contact Corona Holidays for up-to-the-minute prices and benefit from our 20% discount on accommodation prices.  Remember you can book the Mallorca Rocks with or without flights - the choice is yours.  Call us on Freephone 0800 5 677688 or its 01582 421117 from a mobile.

For an idea of prices, we have 7 nights on self-catering for just £355 per person including flights departing the UK on 4 September 2013.

Paradores in The Canary Islands

For a complete change, why not consider staying at a one of the Canary Islands' Paradores for a chance to experience another side of Spain other than sun, sand and sangria.

With more than 90 hotels across Spain and the Canary Islands, many of the Paradores [sometimes seen as Paradors] are restored castles, palaces and country houses, or even converted monasteries and convents. Others are more modern and can be found in remote areas of coastline or in national parks.   The Paradores are government owned and due to the current economic crisis being experienced by Spain, this may mean that some or all of the hotels might be sold.

Top 10 Canary Island Hotels for August

Each month, we publish our Top 10 Hotels for each of the Canary Islands so that you can see at a glance what other customers have been asking for.

Below is a list of the top requested hotels and apartments during the month of August 2012.

Discover Canary Islands Spirits at the Abama Golf & Spa Resort

If you are on your holiday in Tenerife and are staying at the Abama Golf and Spa Resort in Guia de Isora, then  head to the Wine Bar to learn everything there is to know about the best spirits and brandies of the Canary Islands.

Each Thursday, guests will be able to to learn about the production process, all under the guidance of the Gomera Distillery.

If you would like to stay at the Abama Golf & Spa Resort, then Corona Holidays have some excellent offers available throughout the month of October which includes:

• FREE half board
• 7 nights for the price of 6
• 14 nights for the price of 12

Take a look at the hotel or give us a call on freephone number 0800 5 677688 [from a mobile the phone number is 01582 421117]. 

Medano Hotel in El Medano, Tenerife

The 3 star Medano Hotel in El Medano, Tenerife is one of our most popular hotels where customer return, time and time again.  The first hotel to be built in the south of the island, there is a lot of history behind the hotel.

The site where the hotel is now established was used for packing tomatoes - the most important agricultural produce in Granadilla de Abona [the municipality where El Medano is located].  Once the tomatoes were harvested, they were taken by lorry to El Medano, sorted, packed into wooden crates and then the trucks undertook the 70km precarious journey to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, to the docks.  If you ever got stuck behind one of these lorries, you knew you were in for a long journey as places to overtake were few and definitely far between. 

The owner of the packing plant - Don Francisco Garcia Feo - had the foresight to recognize that tourism was becoming a growth industry in the north of Tenerife and believed that the south of Tenerife would follow.  He therefore extended and transformed his tomato packing plant into a hotel and the first 3 star hotel opened, offering silver-service to its guests.

The Medano Hotel then became a training hotel, where member of staff received on-the-job training and soon, any staff who had received training here became highly desirable to other hotels over the island. 

The Medano Hotel today is a popular 3 star hotel which still retains its original facade of an older-style Tenerife hotel and offers simple accommodation.  It is the only hotel in the resort of El Medano that is located on the beach with the sundeck actually overhanging the sea by some 500 square meters.  Swimmers have direct access to the sea from the sundeck, or those just wishing to relax can hear the water below.

If you would like to visit this unique hotel, just give us a call on freephone 0800 5677 688 [or 01582 421117 from mobile] or send an enquiry and we will be delighted to help.  

Jardin Tecina Hotel in La Gomera

People who are going on their La Gomera holidays and are booked to stay at the Jardin Tecina Hotel may be concerned regarding the recent forest fire in La Gomera.

We have received a press release as follows:

"Please be aware that Hotel Jardin Tecina and Tecina Golf and Playa de Santiago are fully accessible and the area has not been affected."

The press release also advises that La Gomer has an extensive network of paths [approximately 100] of which 60 are recommended by Tourism of La Gomera and only 25% of these 60 paths have been affected by the fire.  

The La Gomera Tourist Board have said "Both La Gomera and its inhabitants are performing exemplary behaviour in these hard times, showing great strength and working together to recover the unique beauty of the island".

Newcastle Airport Has New Onsite Hotel

Travellers from Newcastle Airport can now benefit from a stay at a new onsite hotel - the DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport Hotel has just officially opened following a multi-million pount investment by the Cairn Hotel Group.

Just a few metres from the airport terminal, the glass fronted building has been designed for both business and leisure travellers.  The hotel offers a choice of 179 en-suite rooms, each with flat panel TV, free high speed internet access and soundproof windows.  Facilities include car parking, function rooms, a fitness suite and a choice of dining options and 24-hour room service.

If you would like to book a night at this hotel before your flight leaves Newcastle, just give Corona Holiday a call.

Arts Hotel in Barcelona - New Spa Treatments

The 5 Star Arts Hotel in Barcelona has recently introduced new treatments designed by the Spa by Six Senses Spas.  New "slow life" treatments include the hot-stone chocolate massage and lavender massage.

Six Senses Spas are considered to be one of the best companies in the world offering an extensive selection of exquisite beauty treatments and massages.  Facilities and services include:

* Split-level area on floor 43, with spectacular views and terraces
* A total of eight treatment rooms, several with natural light and all with chromotherapy
* Separate ladies and gentlemen’s changing facilities including saunas and Klafs colour therapy steam rooms, vitality pools and ice fountains.

If you would like to stay at the Arts Hotel and take a short city break in Barcelona then just give us a call and we can send a quotation.   Alternatively you can carry out an online search from our description of the Arts Hotel.

W Hotels Open New Hotel in Paris

W Hotels is to open its first property in Paris on Valentine's Day - 14 February 2012 - which will be located opposite the Opera Garnier.

This new hotel - The W Paris Opera - is a 5-story hotel located in the Opera area of Paris in an elegant 1870s Haussmann era building. It will have 91 guest room, including 20 suites and two Extreme WOW Suites.

Situated between the famous department stores in Paris, Galeries Lafayette and Le Printempts with the exclusive boutiques of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore nearby.  This means that world class restaurants and museums are just a stroll away.

Algarve's First Six Star Hotel

Quinta do Lago is to shortly benefit from The Algarve's first six star hotel - Hlton Resort & Spa.  Due to open in spring 2012 the resort will feature 164 guestrooms and suites designed to reflect a contemporary Portuguese style and the grounds will include themed gardens, swimming pools and lakes, a spa, health clubs, restaurants and bars.
Quinta do Lago in The Algarve is set amidst woodlands and near sandy beaches. It is also on the edge of a nature reserve [Ria Formosa Natural Park] and is also famous for its year-round championship golf courses, tennis and water sports.

Life in Quinta do Lago can be as active and varied as you wish. The golf clubs and 4 magnificent courses are a focal point although there is a wide variety of other sporting and leisure activities such as tennis, sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing on the lake, sailing, fishing and horse riding.