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Countries, Deals, Europe

When it rains on the Sun God’s island

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So where to go when it rains on the Sun God’s island of Rhodes?

What we’d done to offend Zeus on Mount Olympus or whether Helios was away, we need shelter from their wrath.

And that means a visit to the Throne of Helios opposite the harbour off the Old Town.

For the 9D spectacular of the history of Rhodes, the first of its type in Europe, and a very special chariot race.

Hair-raising stuff

Spooktacular: History lesson in Throne of Helios

You literally don’t have to leave your seat for a rocky thrill ride.

Although even inside the repurposed original Rhodian cinema, 100 years old next year, you won’t be entirely dry.

As you’ll get sprayed with water from the sea.

Caught up in a battle, rocked by an earthquake and sprayed with smoke.

And bumped from the back.

All of which might illicit a scream of ‘what, I’ve just done my hair.’

Up close with Helios

The Throne of Helios is a 20-minute riproaring thrill ride which will occupy kids and big kids, rain or shine.

And for just €13 of our modern coin you’ll forget that Helios has taken a day off and believe he is actually in here.

Of course, all good things must come to an end and it’s back out into the elements.

Stone me: Larking in the Archaeological Museum

But there is immediate help at hand in Umbrella Corner, where you have a choice of brolly good specialist shops.

With your Bandanaman hooded and Medusa covering her strands with her newly acquired brolly we go to have a word with Helios.

Where he was, or perhaps his spirit still is, between the two piers where the 80m Colossus in his memory is said to have stood.

At home among the old fossils

Peering enviously at the big yachts with Russian names nyet no reprieve.

We trudge back into the Old Town for our next stop.

And a step back in time at the Archaeological Museum.

And an education, and then some, of the civilisations which have passed through Rhodos.

For the overgrown schoolboys (guilty) and schoolgirls (a group of giggly gals from my hometown of Glasgow) there are naughty bits.

Greek busts and phallises but also beautifully preserved amphoras or jugs.

And on the grander scale statues to the gods and headstones.

The ancient and the modern

It is though in the small things that we often find God’s most wondrous hand.

And it takes some comprehending that the tiniest hedgehogs and frogs from thousands of years ago are preserved so beautifully.

Whether Helios had a late one he is arisen and shining now and we are ready to embrace his creation again.

Which for my goddess means a refuel at our now favourite stopping off point, Socrates Garden.

Before a shopping expedition around some very well-thumbed stall items.

Now that’s a whole different odyssey of epic proportions.’

Deal me in

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Better lute than never to the Bouzouki party

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And when in Rhodes better lute than never to the Bouzouki party.

If bouzoukis strike a Greek chord with you then it’s probably because of Zorba the Greek.

Filmed in Rhodes which is where we’re billeting for the week on our loveholidays odyssey.

Its unmistakeable hook draws us into Socrates Garden in Rhodes Old Town.

Where we go full Hellenic with an oiled and olived-up Greek salad.

Although our waiters resist the temptation to smash plates.

Zorba dancing at the Amphitryon

We have a Greek night later back at the Amphitryon Hotel presumably for that.

With local group Buzuki playing for the international clientele by the pool.

And captured for posterity here by your Bandanaman even if his posterior was not.

Because somebody in the organisation took the executive decision that that was not fit for family viewing.

The Amphitryon family

The Amphitryon family were out in force to lead the dancing with one particular toddler holding court.

And for our entertainment too the band’s main and veteran bouzouki player looked like he grew up with Socrates himself.

While straight out of central casting ‘Archbishop Makarios’ with his beanie hat as a nod to modernity joining in the clapping.

While tour guide Rosa from group Travel One The Amphitryon took the mic to belt out Hellenic standards.

Before Manolis and his bar staff brought the evening to an end with complimentary ouzos, Greek medicine, for all cures.

Deal us in

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

YAMAS AND MEET YOU ON THE FLOOR

Countries, Deals, Europe

The Lindos Hop

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And because there’s whole civilisations out there we’re heading out of Rhodes Town on our loveholidays odyssey… on the Lindos Hop.

Now you’ll need good boots as it’s a fair old hike up to the 4th BC acropolis.

Although maybe it wasn’t these boots they were advising… the 1litre glass boots of lager you can buy for €9 in old Rhodes Town.

The rumour is that I’ve matured in the 36 years my Medusa has been ruling my life.

Although I echo more the sentiments on the t-shirt in that kerching store…

‘I’m not 60 but 18 with 42 years experience.’

Have boots, will travel

My first couple of experiences of the glass boot being part of a party game in Austria with Aussies and Kiwis at Oktoberfest.

Of course, just like 40 years ago I digress and we are on an hour-and-three-quarter ride on Vangelis’s coach.

Where we are to spend three hours climbing up to the 116m settlement dedicated to Athena Lindia.

Which can be negotiated by donkey, but and we don’t want to be an ass about it, it’s work for Eeyore.

Acropolis now

Better then climbing up through the pristine old Lindos town to the rocky outpost.

For the best views of this stretch of the south-east Med and the beach in the bay.

The remains of the acropolis which must have made an imposing fortifications to visitors is kept is beautifully preserved.

Now the generations of invaders have stopped chipping bits off.

The biggest danger these days is getting a shrill whistle from curator Maria who guards a selfie-loving tourist from falling off the cliff.

Captain’s calling

A Kalispera (afternoon), Yassou (hello/goodbye), Parakalo (please) and Efharisto (thanks) go along way with Rhodians.

Though a haway is more the currency with the Geordies we met in The Captain’s House Bar.

A charming Lindos house bar with a traditional showpiece island living room/bedroom at the back to visit.

Take a seat: Back of Captain’s House Bar

Lindos is more frosted glasses for Mythos beer or tumblers for ouzo, or Greek medicine as mine host calls it.

And with a Yamas, or cheers, we while away an hour before I get the hook.

Because my goddess feels an hour will be a stretch to get in the shopping she needs.

And as stunning as the acropolis is I definitely don’t want to become a stone for tourists to slip on.’

Deal me in

We booked a three-hour Lindos day out with getyourguide for £27 for two.

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

All Rhodes lead to… getting lost in the Old Town

14th April 202614th April 2026 funtime65

Kalispera and when we’re around then all Rhodes lead to… getting lost in the Old Town.

And all because the lady loves a holiday and loveholidays and it’s 32 years since we honeymooned in the Greek islands.

And she feels a debt to Saint Phanourios for finding her set of keys from the recycling bin after Christmas.

When I prayed to the heavens for intervention which is as we all know is where you go for lost and found.

Mapping Phanourios’s journey

And so we’re pounding the cobbled stones of Rhodes Old Town looking for the chapel dedicated to Phanourios.

Only to find that we’re going around in circles.

Sure, we find the excellent Path of Gods museum, an old Turkish library and Stavros sports bar.

But Phanourios’s pad, no chance.

Now, a word or a dozen here while she’s turning her map around, on Phanourios.

When you’re lost

The saint is revered on the island of Rhodes where he revealed himself in icon form when the invading Turks ransacked a chapel.

The rest has been handed down to us about the seemingly hundred different ways he was martyred.

And how the spectre of the holy man came to the rescue of three priests.

After a right odyssey with our old stomping ground Kythera also getting a name check.

And then the vengeance he sent on their captors.

It’s all in the name

Where he gets tied up with finding lost things is rather more prosaic.

With the name Phanourios deriving from the Greek verb ‘phanerono’ or to reveal or to disclose.

Which means that the islanders, and further afield, pray to Saint Phanourius to help them find lost objects.

And the object is retrieved, they bake a sweet bread and share it with the poor.

And offer prayers for the salvation of saint’s mother.

Anthony’s partner in rhyme

Now if there are shades of the Saint Anthony of Padua’s secret powers about this story we reckon that’s no coincidence.

And that Western Catholicism’s finest Anthony and the pride of the Eastern Orthodox church Phanourius likely divvy up the requests.

So efcharisto Phanourius for finding her keys back then at Christmas.

And maybe you could help her with her map which she left somewhere when bending down to pet one of Rhodes’ many cats.

Or maybe ask them because they seem to have the run of the streets.

The full package

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Ibiza for girls and big girls blouses

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And because I’ve always been comfortable enough to explore my feminine side I’m taken here with Ibiza for girls and big girls blouses.

So let me explain.

When an invitation came in for a week in a thalassotherapy break in Biarritz I shot my arm up.

And disappointed the girls in the office who said that no man should be shoulder-charging their way into a wellness break.

Not put off by being the only man in the Sofitel village or being wrapped up in seaweed I signed up for more girls’ trips away.

And partied at Crop Over in Barbados with the must fun party of ladettes.

While my old Scots-Trinidadian university buddy Jevan made sure I manned up.

For the islanders’ own through the night party, Foreday Morning.

Women only… and no Scotsmen

Of course, there are some gigs you can’t blag your way on to.

And I decided to pass on a once-in-a-lifetime International Women’s Day trip to Ethiopia.

With an all-female Ethiopian Airlines crew.

And not even the explanation that as a Scotsman with a kilt.

That I could maybe pass myself off got me on that trip.

Modern girls’ getaway

Now our travel provider friends who represent Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza, are billing their offer as a modern girls’ getaway.

Why it should be just for girls they don’t say but I guess they had their reasons.

Well, the fun all kicks off for the summer season on April 24.

Where Amare has redefined the modern girls’ getaway as a grown-up, design-led escape.

With style, music and meaningful moments coming together on the shores of the White Isle.

Musical Tur de force

The adults-only hotel is located in the heart of Cala de Bou, Sant Josep de sa Talaia.

Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza is a haven of bohemian style, excellent cuisine, wellness and relaxation, sunshine and good times.

And new for 2026 is a real female powerhouse in Anna Tur.

A native of the Med madhouse and one of the island’s most influential musical talents, she is the new curator of its music selection.

You might know her, of course, from some of Ibiza’s most prestigious clubs.

At international venues such as the Kit Kat Club in Berlin and at some of the world’s biggest festivals.

Anna is also a music producer, founder of her own label ‘LOWLITA Records’ and radio host.

Her selection of Balearic beats will flow through the hotel’s spaces for the entire season.

Party with panache

Overlooking San Antonio Bay, Amàre we’re told, is where girls on a sunshine getaway can experience a more refined side of the party destination.

Mornings can start with sea-view yoga, afternoons can be spent poolside with chilled cocktails and listening to DJ sets.

And golden hour is the time for epic sunset dinners and rooftop DJ sets that ease guests into the night.

While the amenities at Amàre Club’s Lounge are recommended.

As are the pool and beach areas, outdoor Jacuzzi, gym with personal training available.

Yoga classes and relaxing beauty and treatments at the Wellness area by Germaine de Capuccini.

Eat, drink and be happy

Several restaurants, include the rooftop Hayaca curated by Michelin Star awarded chef Mauricio Giovanini.

While Argentine mixologist Diego Cabrera is standing by at the Belvue Rooftop Bar with his cocktail menu.

Amàre Ibiza is one of three Amàre Hotels.

The other properties are Amàre Marbella, located in the centre of Marbella.

And Amàre Sancti Petri, located in Novo Sancti Petri área of Chiclana, Cádiz which is opening soon.

Prices start from €140B&B for the ‘I Was Here’ room type, per night.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Scalextric at 70 and forward to Monaco

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We’ve raced off in different directions, but as we look back on Scalextric at 70 and forward to Monaco, wherever you are now Paul DiFazio I trust you’re still on a fast track.

I used to always look forward to visiting my cousin Greg’s part of Glasgow.

But big reveal here I enjoyed going to his neighbour Paul more.

As I’m sure he did on account of Paul owning that most sought-after Seventies toy Scaletrix.

Which no matter how much badgering I could never get my parents to buy for me.

Now Scaletrix allowed us to transport ourselves in our imaginations.

On the fast track

To the exotic tracks around the world, the Monzas, Monte Carlos and Melbournes.

If those early days zooming your cars around the tracks of your living room or your cousin’s neighbour has pricked a lifelong interest.

And you too have got on the fast track and can afford to join the fast set in the likes of Monaco.

Then you’ll likely have come across and called on the services of Keith Prowse Attractions.

Va-va-voom with Keith Prowse

KP offers a full weekend of VIP treatment at the Monaco Grand Prix with two day suite access across June 5-7.

Enjoy the Shangri La rooftop on Saturday, offering panoramic views of the street circuit and starting grid.

Sunday offers unrivalled views of the start/finish strait.

And, of course, you’ll enjoy gourmet all-day dining, premium drinks and an exclusive suite setting across the weekend.

The starting grid package is sold out.

But KP is tempting us with a Vantage Monaco del from £4,590p.

Eleve Monte Carlo from £5,065pp, The Apex from £6,580ppm, Elite Day Experience for eight from £8,270pp.

And a Harbour Club 30M Yacht from £2,170pp.

While if you’re on a different scale, which Paul very might well be.

Gullivers travels

Then Keith’s sister company Gullivers Sports Travel will take you to a whole different level.

By enhancing your experience and including flights, private jets or helicopter flights.

Of course, there is nothing wrong though with just replicating the race.

On your Scalextric tracks in your living room… and saving up.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Food & Wine, Ireland

If Ireland did boozy St Patrick’s Day breakfasts

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If Ireland did boozy St Paddy’s Day breakfasts… well, they do, and the Ruby Molly has promised to get the party started early.

So early, in fact, that they’re starting the night before on March 16, with what they’re billing a Pre-Parade celebration.

The action gets going with an hour of free welcome drinks between 4pm and 5pm and a Dublin feast of food.

Featuring those Irish classics Guinness, Jameson whiskey and, er William Grant.

See they do cater for their diaspora from Scotland.

While it wouldn’t be Dublin if there wasn’t a singalong.

And the Ruby Molly has Jerry Miles to entertain you while you scoff your specially curated menu inspired by Irish classics.

Tour de force

You’ll be perfectly situated for the Dublin Grand Parade, just ten minutes from the hub that is Temple Bar.

And the Guinness Storehouse within strolling distance for the best panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar, and best pint of plain.

Although family loyalties will always mean we point in the direction of the Liffeyside institution that is the Workshop bistro bar, next to the Tara Street Dart (or train) station.

While if you’re wanting some culture, or just get away from the crowds for a breather.

Then Trinity College and its Book of Kells and the National Gallery are havens of peace.

Of course, it’s no coincidence that the Ruby group dedicated their hotel to arguably Dublin’s most famous citizen, one Molly Malone.

Molly’s Dublin

As its location in Oxmanstown on the north of the river is solid market trading land.

Where you’d not be surprised to find Mrs Brown or her boys.

Once the site of an abbey, the rediscovery of parts of its vault in the 1880s, 7 feet under the street, adds to the mystical allure surrounding the hotel.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant covered market of 1892, Ruby Molly channels former market trader Anna Lawlor’s story.

A place where farmers sold their fresh produce.

Including the much-coveted strawberries that adorned the tables of Dublin’s finest hotels.

And well-endowed Dublin lasses sold their cockles and mussels, alive-oh.

Rates from €345 (16–18 March). Images and further details available on request.

Caribbean, Countries, Deals, Flying

Woah, we’re going to Aerbados

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And with apologies to soft reggae revellers Typically Tropical… woah, we’re going to Aerbados, woah, Aer Lingus Airways.

Yes, you read that right… Ireland’s national airline carrier have stepped up to fill the gap.

Where floor fillers Typically Tropical gave us Coconut Airways.

Which Son and Heir and Daughterie will recognise the tune from being repurposed in Woah, we’re going to Ibiza.

Now the Balearic Island has always had its charms which we enjoyed on family holidays long before it became Rave Central.

Bridging the gap

But we have long hoped and believed that the Caribbean could more than match it.

Once we opened it up for Irish travellers with a direct route.

England’s loss here, and more specifically Manchester’s, will be Ireland’s gain.

When Aer Lingus opens up a temporary seasonal route connecting Dublin and Bridgetown from 31 March to 31 May.

With fares available from €229 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges and departing Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Now it might be a small window but there’s a world of fun waiting through it once you get out there to Bim.

Just promise us that should you get along to say Club Barbados and you see a dapper dude.

Suited and booted

In penguin suit and bow tie designed on to his t-shirt in the bar chaneling his Typically Tropical then say an Irie from us.

And he’ll be happy to let you join him at the mic.

Now Club Barbados is on Barbados’s prestigious Platinum Coast but you don’t have to be Midas to afford it like you might at next-door Sandy Lane.

And join the Club

Me-me and Dee-Dee: At Crop Over in Barbados

Club Barbados is all-inclusive and adults only and we found a Garden View room for £1830.14 (€2,102.45).

And an Aer Lingus return flight for the random dates of April 7-14 for €449.11.

Asia, Countries, Deals

Kyrgyzstan where it’s no mad

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With all sporting eyes focusing on the Winter Olympics in Italy what of Kyrgyzstan where it’s no mad?

The former Soviet republic will be gathering Asian itinerants for the World Nomad Games kicks off in August and September.

Who knew… well, our old friend Stans and Asian go-to Wendy Wu.

Who is putting on a brand-new, fully inclusive tour through Kyrgyzstan.

All in good time to coincide with those biennial 2026 World Nomad Games.

Wendy’s Games

Wendy has put together an itinerary which covers a country of towering mountains and red rock canyons to vast alpine lakes.

And another too… in Uzbekistan.

Wendy’s 2 September departure can be combined with an 11-day fully inclusive Ultimate Uzbekistan tour.

The Kyrgyzstan & the World Nomad Games
11-day fully inclusive tour is priced from £3,940pp.

Departing 29 August & 2 September 2026.

Giddy up

You’ll witness the beauty of the alpine heaven Ala-Archa National Park in the Tian Shan mountains

Bishkek is known for its Manas Monument and vibrant bazaar.

And we know you know that Issyk Kul is home to the world’s second-largest mountain lake and you’ll want to go on a boat ride.

You’ll spend a full day at the World Nomad Games.

Where you’ll soak up nomadic sports like horseback wrestling, archery and eagle hunting.

And take in village life in Tup and enjoy a tour and tasting of the region’s Kyrgyz cheese.

Before relaxing in the natural hot springs of Karakol.

Yurt to know better

Go native in the evening in Karakol with a local family for a home-cooked dinner of lagman.

Which we don’t have to tell you is a popular Central Asia noodle dish with stewed meat.

Now you can’t visit Central Asia without spending a night or, in this case, two in a traditional yurt camp.

Yours along the edge of Issyk Kul Lake has, of course, private en-suite facilities.

And how to make your own from a local family in Kyzyl-Tuu village.

You’ll even take part in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef.

That’s all folks

And what about a lunch in Kadji-Sai village with a family of local musicians.

And a lively folklore performance as you dine.

While Wendy also tempts us with a walk in scenic Chon-Kemin Nature Park.

Followed by a hands-on cooking class making Boorsok – a traditional Kyrgyz bread.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Our romantic beach shot for Valentine’s Day

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And when Vogue comes asking we’ll give them this, our romantic beach shot for Valentine’s Day.

And any one else who wants to promote romantic breaks which at this time of year means gifts to give on February 14.

Which it happens is our friends at Cassidy Travel.

Who are pitching a five-night package to our old hunting ground of the Algarve.

Where we took our first sun holiday in Cabanas.

And survived a circuitous road trip to Expo in Seville which almost ended up in Madrid.

Love in the Algarve

You’ll stay five nights at the 3* Soldoiro Apartments in Alubfeira.

With return flights from Dublin to the Algarve from April 5 with 10kg luggage included.With prices from €430pps.

Your favourite Irish travel providers seem to be mapping the course of our lives here with Malta on their radar too.

Maltese romancing

It was then that I knelt down in the searing sun only for Herself to yell ‘yes’…

And 33 years and two bank overdrafts (or children as we also call them we’re still here.

Now we’ve still to rekindle the magic of that time.

Although I have looked forlornly at the restaurant we pledged our troth in on a return visit with an Irish party.

Which in a roundabout way brings us round to their seven-night package in Malta on March 2.

Where you’ll stay all-inclusive at the 4* DB Sea Bank Resort & Spa.

Return Flights from Dublin with 10kg luggage included. Prices from €810pps.