Overview

Skiing
Skiing is divided into two main sectors, with the Markoudjik sector offering the best skiing above the tree line, the highest ski point reaching 8,333ft (2,540m). Borovets has a total of 22 miles (35km) of ski pistes, and has recently installed new lift facilities with lighting and sound systems, which allows for night skiing and snowboarding. The resort also boasts modern snowmaking machines ensuring that conditions stay excellent. Snowboarders enjoy the Rotata half-pipe with a vertical drop of 1,050ft (320m), suitable for advanced riders at its upper end and beginners at the lower end.

Shopping
A burst in popularity as a winter sports wonderland in recent years has meant a boom in the retail industry in pretty Borovets town, as well as an influx of visitors doing holiday shopping. The busy shopping street in front of the Rila hotel is a beehive of open-fronted small shops, with a colourful market atmosphere, selling all sorts of goods from ski gear and souvenirs to cigarettes and cheap CDs. Most visitors find prices here much lower than elsewhere in Europe.

Restaurants
The number of taverns, eat-in pubs, take away joints and outdoor restaurants is growing in Borovets every season and holidaymakers can take full advantage of the dining scene. The choice has become very eclectic, from Kentucky Fried Chicken and pizza to Chinese. Establishments like ‘The Hungry Horse’ cater deliciously for British tastes. Other recommendations are Mamacita’s on the main shopping street where the steaks are legendary, and White Magic, opposite the Samokov Hotel, with good food and a great atmosphere. Visitors should not forget to indulge in some of the Bulgarian fine wines along with their dinner. Eating out in Borovets is also very good value.

Nightlife
Every night is party time in Borovets, which has a reputation for being one of the ‘hotspots’ for nightlife on the European ski circuit and highly popular with holidaymakers. The fun is fuelled by the fact that drinks are cheap, there are long happy hours and sometimes drinks are even offered for free. All the bars, clubs and discos serve the well-known international brands as well as local beers like Astika, Zagorka and Kamenitza. Beware the national drink, Rakia: it is rather strong! Recommended party palaces are Club Slide in the Hotel Mura, the renowned Buzz Bar, favoured by Brits, and the Black Tiger karaoke bar.

Activities
Off the ski slopes Borovets has all the usual amenities of a winter holiday resort, and many hotels offering indoor swimming pools, saunas and gyms. Night skiing is also available from 5pm to 10pm. Visitors can also take excursions to nearby resorts or places of interest, like the Rila Monastery. Ice-skating and skidoos are also an option for chilly fun in the sun.

It’s worth bearing in mind that long-haul flights are set to offer the best bang for your buck this year, so let your imagination run wild and think far and wide. Meanwhile, the eurofree zone continues to surge in popularity as the pound wobbles, and travellers appear enticed by adventurous holidays of discovery rather than beach-bound lounging.

With these trends firmly on our radar, we’ve come up with the top five must visit destinations for 2010. Just see below for inspiration.

Lebanon
Lebanon hasn’t had an easy time of it over the last couple of decades, but somehow, despite the odds, it remains one of the Middle East’s most exciting destinations. Since Israel’s 2006 attack on Beirut and its suburbs, the country has bounced back, rebuilding infrastructure, creating new roads and opening spectacular hotels. Head to the capital (only four hours away from the UK) for a taster of the indomitable Lebanese spirit and to party hard with Beirut’s beautiful people. Elsewhere, there are ski slopes, historical sites, ancient mosques and gorgeous landscapes.

Cuba
Since Fidel Castro stepped down as leader in 2008 the country has seen its political stance against capitalism relaxed. Couple this with Obama’s more amiable approach to the Caribbean hot spot, and you have a Cuba that is ever more enticing to tourists. If Cuba’s vintage cars, humble tourism infrastructure and laid back, friendly reputation appeals, this year might be your last chance to enjoy it – expect the Hummers, luxury resorts and American tourists to roll in soon.

South Africa
With the FIFA World Cup taking place in South Africa this year, the country is braced for a mass influx of tourists. Sure, flight prices will be up, and hotels hard to book, but the atmosphere will be unbeatable! If football really doesn’t interest you, avoid the month of June and travel either in early spring, or late autumn. This way, you’ll get the best of the improved hotels, restaurants, events and lively atmosphere without the hullabaloo.

Egypt
Egypt enjoyed something of a boom in 2009 as cash strapped holiday makers looked for destinations beyond the eurozone. Expect this to continue for Egypt (as well as Morocco, Tunisia and much of Eastern Europe) well into 2010. Take advantage of stellar package holiday deals, bargain flight prices and perennial sunshine.

Dubai
The reports of Dubai’s fall from financial grace may be raging on, but the Arab Emirate continues its flashy assault with the world’s tallest building, the world’s biggest theme park and an ex-pat paradise of plush bars and fancy hotels. Its spirit may not have broken, but flight prices are certainly crashing. It’s also a good time to score good deals at hotels and good value package deals. If Dubai doesn’t appeal, try its neighbour Abu Dhabi – a country that is currently hawking its wares (stunning desert landscapes, impressive heritage and welcoming people) and is definitely not short on cash. essentialtravel

Luxury Spa

Spread over two floors in the Burmanska Palace wing of the hotel, the 1400m² spa features eight treatment rooms and uses organic and natural treatment products, many custom-made and sourced from the local forest such as birch, blueberry, buckthorn and lingonberry. There are three main treatments known as Our Own Experiences – Be Rested, Be Balanced and Be Renewed. These have been developed over a course of three years and Raison d’Etre Spa is the only place in the world where these can be experienced.

2. Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort, St. Ulrich (Southern Tirol)
The Alder Dolomiti offers its guests multiple wellness and nature baths. Located in Grodnertal in the north of Saint Ulrich, this five star resort offers a unique experience in the middle of the Dolomites. In Aguana guests can relax in the 35 degrees warm saltwater pool, enjoy the large outside swimming area and hot whirlpool, which includes a panoramic view of the Alps. Inside the hotel the water fun continues: A saltwater pool, an indoor pool with crystal water and an aromatic steam bath are available for guests. The hotel also has a lot to offer; stylish architecture, luxurious rooms and local cuisine make a mountain vacation in the Adler Dolomiti an unforgettable experience.

3. Ubud Hanging Gardens, Ubud (Bali)
At the Ubud Hanging Gardens on Bali numerous pools extend over multiple levels like hanging gardens. Hotel guests do not only bathe in impressive surroundings; each room has access to its own private pool. This resort that consists of private luxury villas is located in the exotic Ubud gardens, in the artistic centre of Bali. From the rooms and terraces of the resort, guests have a magnificent view of the surrounding nature. A private aerial ropeway grants guests access to the luxury resort. Holidaymakers experience a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu culture everywhere on the Indonesian island: In the south-west of the island the Hindu temple Pura Tanah Lot can be found on a petruding rock in the sea and at 950 metres the mother temple of all Balinese temples “the Pura Besakih” can be found on the volcano Gunung Agung.

4. Gran Hotel La Florida, Barcelona
The infinity pool at the Gran Hotels La Florida high above Barcelona has amazing views far across the touristic Spanish metropolis. In the 37 metre long pool made entirely out of pure metal guests can relax in the highest located hotel in Barcelona.  The five star hotel lies on the mountain Tibidabo 500 metres above the city. After an eventful day in the city this is the perfect spot to relax in the evenings. A Buddhist spa, the restaurant L’Orangerie as well as its exclusive design make the hotel a high-class destination.  The original building from 1925 has undergone a complete renovation. Behind the historical walls, a new modern design with contemporary art now awaits guests.

5. Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos
The five star Cavo Tagoo on Mykonos captivates travellers with its white interior and luxurious atmosphere. At the lounge deck by the pool, guests are under the illusion that the pool merges with the horizon. Holidaymakers are able to relax to the sounds of lounge music on sun loungers at the edge of the pool or float on wooden blocks on the surface of the water. At night minimalistic lighting effects set the scene. Guests can then enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar and admire the fish in the integrated aquarium. The architecture and the colour palette of the hotel reflect the typical construction style of the island. The buildings on the Greek island are illuminated in white.

6. Rogner Bad Blumau, Steiermark
Two springs feed the thermal springs of the hotel Rogner Bad Blumau in the Steiermark. Inspired by the artist Hundertwasser the hotel is a piece of art by itself. Its colourful design is noticeable right away. In between this, hotel guests can relax in the warm water of the thermal spring. The spa invites guests to relax in the salt cove, enjoy a rose pack or decide for a more active approach to relaxation such as an ayurvedic cooking course. The Steiermark is not only famous for its healing thermal springs, but the Austrian state also offers vast amounts of hiking and trekking paths, as well as wild water rapids. Also golfers get to practice their swing on a glorious 25 hole golf course. The old town of Graz invites for romantic walks.

7. Rio Calma, Fuerteventura
Rio Calma is located on the sandy beach of Costa Calma. The hotel which has been built in a colonial style matches the dune landscape and offers 384 cozy rooms and suites. On the extensive grounds of the four star hotel, guests do not only find an amazing pool, but also a saltwater lagoon. When sunbathing at the beach in the lagoon guests have the impression of being able to swim across the Atlantic to the horizon. The white beaches of the peninsula Jandia go on for miles and different types of water activities are offered for every taste. Fuerteventura is also a popular destination for surfers.

8. Golden Nugget, Las Vegas
Guests at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas experience a different kind of adventure: The waterslide goes through the middle of the aquarium “The Tank” past sharks and other marine life. Only a glass wall separates the swimming pool from the sharks that watch the holidaymakers. The hotel is located in downtown Las Vegas, in the old district of the city Nevada. There is a showdown every night: The Freemont Street Experience consists of twelve million LEDs that transform the Golden Nugget and the surrounding buildings into an ocean of lights. Las Vegas is not only known for the innumerable amount of casinos but also for the large number of wedding chapels, that many vacationers use for a quick wedding in Vegas.

9. Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa, Sedona (Arizona)
The Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa in Nevada lies in the midst of spectacular Red Rocks. The architecture matches the smoothness of the Boynton Canyon Mountains, as the small bungalows look like caves spread around the area. In the centre of the resort the bathing oasis with panoramic views of the historic rocks can be found. At Mii Amo Spa guests do not only experience some of the finest wellness treatments, but can even get a glimpse of the their own future: “Connect with Spirit” is a highlight of the hotel where tarot cards tell guests more about their aura. Guests are located in their own small house including a kitchen, Haciendas, Casitas or Junior Suites with a living area and king size bed.

10. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
The flagship of the hotels on the artificially made island The Palm in Dubai is The Atlantis with a water park, dolphin bay and aquarium. A signature of the resort is the waterslide that plummets 28 metres into the water. At dolphin bay guests can get up close with the popular sea creatures: Dolphin fans can swim with dolphins for 30 minutes. In the lost chambers guests will understand where the hotel got its name – the real Atlantis which according to legend sank more than twelve thousand years ago.  65 thousand marine creatures in an underground aquarium make for a spectacular scene. The water attractions at the Atlantis are not only available for hotel guests; special daily offers are available for the general public.

10. Saturn Vue: The Saturn Vue was in a relatively good position when it launched in 2002. Unfortunately, the Vue was underwhelming. The 2008 Vue redesign garnered a reaction more often attributed to the all-new Chevy Malibu: “This is a GM interior?!” The classed-up Vue is worlds better than the original.

9. Cadillac Escalade: 10 years ago Lincoln was dominating pop culture with a concept any reasonable auto exec would have thought ridiculous: a full-size luxury SUV. GM saw the popularity and promptly slapped some Cadillac badges and leather on a Chevrolet Tahoe and called it the 1999 Escalade. Not enough lipstick, too much pig. But Cadillac went all-out for the 2001 model, which leapfrogged the Navigator in terms of power and interior quality, and before long it was the Caddy that you saw in the hands of hip-hop artists, real and imagined. For posterity, drive a late-model Escalade or Escalade Hybrid before they’re extinct. You’ll be impressed.

8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The painfully plain 2000 C-Class counted among its engines a supercharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that had all the refinement of a burr grinder. Its aesthetics were as appealing as a larger Mercedes, which is to say … yawn. Thankfully, a 2001 redesign updated the C’s exterior styling, though it still looked like an S-Class that had shrunk in the wash. For 2008, Mercedes got the message, and the C-Class leaves the decade with edgier styling, more interior space and even some sporty reflexes to lure buyers away from Audi and BMW.

7. Cadillac CTS: When the Cadillac CTS hit the market in 2003, American auto writers went overboard with praise. The car’s handling was the closest any domestic car had come to competing with European luxury sedans, which was promising, but the exterior styling looked like it had been yanked off the drawing board unfinished. The CTS makes the list because of the brilliant 2008-09 model, perhaps the most world-class vehicle ever to come out of Detroit. The styling, performance and interior quality are stunning and quintessentially American.

6. Kia Sportage: Kia resurrected the Sportage name in 2005 after a two-year hiatus, so perhaps this is a technicality. We’re citing the Sportage compact SUV because it represents a couple of important milestones: the move from truck-based to car-based SUVs, and Kia’s transformation from a punch line to a formidable market competitor. Though a decent-looking little SUV, the 2000-02 Sportage was based on a rear-wheel-drive truck platform with old-fashioned recirculating-ball steering, an unrefined drivetrain, a noisy interior and — at best — 19 mpg. The 2005-09 Sportage is a roomier, more refined car-based model that gets 22 mpg despite its added features and improved crashworthiness. The Sportage has come a long way.

5. Nissan Altima: A little-known fact: The Nissan Altima is the third-best-selling midsize sedan in the U.S., nipping at the Honda Accord’s and Toyota Camry’s heels. Its accomplishment since 2002 is how it’s provided sportier looks and driving than the big dogs have, without sacrificing livability.

4. Hyundai Sonata: The 1999-2005 Sonata wasn’t exactly exceptional. It was a step up from the previous generation, yes, but it had a lingering low-budget finish and was a step behind the class leaders in crash tests. The 2006 redesign was a sucker-punch to the competition — a bargain-priced entry loaded with standard features, including six airbags and stability control. It had sharp styling and competitive interior quality, both of which improved in 2009, along with power and efficiency.

3. Toyota Prius: The 2004-09 Toyota Prius is a marvel — not simply because it’s so efficient, affordable and reliable, nor because it has single handedly brought about global acceptance of new and scary technology. No, it’s a marvel because even when it yielded its position to the next-generation 2010 Prius, it still reigned as the most efficient and affordable hybrid on the market. The original Prius that was sold in the U.S. — from 2001 to 2003 — was a technological triumph for its time, but it was nothing like the phenomenon that soon took its place.

2. Ford Mustang: The Mustang’s redesign for 2005 made it a very good car — and, at the time, the only remaining model in the muscle-car class. It’s on this list, though, because its predecessor was beat. The 2004 model year was the car’s 25th year on a platform Ford had long since abandoned for other purposes. Those ‘Stangs shuddered out of dealerships as if bolts and welds were missing. The seating position and interior quality were equally unrefined. Come 2005, the new Mustang’s retro styling was the highlight of auto shows and the driver of many, many sales, but the new chassis is what really kept this model in the game.

1. Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu has been a critical and sales success since its redesign for 2008, especially in terms of its interior quality and refinement. It’s not only competitive with leading midsize sedans, it surpasses a few in some respects, including mileage. Its spot atop our most-improved list, though, has more to do with its poor showing in its prior two generations. It was a rental-car staple through 2003, followed by an overly hyped redesign in 2004 whose peculiar styling, vague steering and interior quality didn’t deliver.

Chauffeur drive services in stretch limousines, Rolls Royce, Daimler, Jaguar or Mercedes plus other luxury executive hire cars. Coaches for sporting events, mini coaches for holiday outings, day trips and people carriers with a driver. Pick up at airport arrivals hall, hotel or business and home address. Multi lingual drivers for tours in London, Manchester, Birmingham or other major UK cities.

Chauffeur driven cars and mini coach hire in London and the home counties including Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and in Essex. Chauffeur drive for business travel or holidays in major UK cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol through to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Find chauffeur driven car hire in Southampton, Portsmouth and Leeds through to Stoke upon Trent, Newcastle and Cardiff. Coach hire for Liverpool, Nottingham and throughout Yorkshire. Executive hire with a driver, stretch limo or minibus with driver in Maidstone, Brighton, Sheffield, Chester, Leicester and Northampton.

We can provide airport transfer pick ups at Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, City airport near the Docklands, Biggin Hill, Farnborough airport and Northolt. Also main regional airports for vip chauffeur driven cars at Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh airport or at Glasgow international. Also at Inverness, Manchester and at Newcastle. Security trained chauffeurs can be specified for offering a full service for business and private travel. We offer chauffeurs for evening hire such as trips to restaurants, concerts, theatres and sports events or concerts. Chauffeur guides for private sightseeing tours of London, Liverpool or Manchester. Private day tours outside of London in luxury limousines and passenger vans driven by chauffeur-guides. All types of limo service, chauffeur service and chauffeur driven car hire in the UK. Find limousines for hire in London, Glasgow and Nottingham through to Liverpool, Manchester and throughout Yorkshire.

We offer a special sporting events service for football matches, olympic events and racecourse or other events, details at Sports and stadium events. Hire a minibus for Wimbledon or Wembley, hire a coach to go to the grand national race at Aintree near Liverpool. Golf events at Wentworth and St Andrews or racing at Sandown, Newmarket, Derby or Ascot race course.

Just some locations taht are offered:
Heathrow – We have a large selection of cars at Heathrow airport for hire, from Lexus or VW vans to Mercedes and BMW. Ring our sales team for details or get an online quote at Car rentals at Heathrow airport with more details available. London Heathrow airport is a very busy car hire location, so book your auto early. Unlimited mileage with most hire cars.

Glasgow – From vans or minibus hire to executive cars, cheap hire cars – estate car and people carrier. For cheap online deals go to Car hire at Glasgow airport and book your car online. Tour around Scotland and enjoy the Scottish hospitality. Hiring a car in Scotland is easy. We have car hire at Inverness, Edinburgh or Glasgow. We can also deliver a hire car or van hire to many areas on the UK mainland, Liverpool to London, Heathrow to Manchester.

The hire cars offered during the reservation request process are generally less than 3 months old / have less than 18,000 miles on the clock – the exact terms for each car are displayed according to dates/times/location as you proceed for a quote. Select hire vehicles with unlimited mileage for your rental duration, whether you hire from from Edinburgh airport, Glasgow airport, Stansted airport or Gatwick airport. Clean and serviced hire cars, having been checked plus contain a full tank of fuel. Covered with 24hr breakdown assistance for your piece of mind adn trouble free motoring.

Stansted airport – Fly into stansted airport near London and book a car and move quickly from the airport terminal. Book your car at car hire Stansted airport online or speak to our sales team for more information about hiring a car at Stansted airport. Drive into London and leave the car using our one way car hire facility.

Manchester airport – We have cheap car hire available at Manchester airport plus van, minibus and luxury car hire. Manchester airport is a busy airport so book your car rental early. Do a Price Comparison car hire quote – so that you know you have the best deal!

Bristol airport – For holiday or business hire, tour Bristol and the surrounding counntryside in England or Wales. Find Car Hire at Bristol airport and book your auto or van at discount internet rates. Cars are picked up just outside the Bristol airport terminal, making the whole hiring process very convenient.

Edinburgh airport Scotland car hire is available at cheap rates and online discounts prices. Car hire at Edinburgh airport) for touring Scotland or local business use in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Travel to Inverness airport and get a return flight using our one way car hire option.

Birmingham airport – Find a VW, Ford, Mercedes or BMW cars may be on the rental fleet at Birmingham airport car rental and choose your vehicle online via our booking service. Payment is by credit card and insurance is included. Check all details and conditions when you book, these will appear during the car booking process. Birmingham airport is a busy destination with many flights each day, so hire a car early to avoid disappointment. Drive your car to London, Glasgow or Manchester and if necessary book for us to arrange a home pick up service to save you returning it to a rental depot. One way hire is available over most of the UK. Van and minibus hire is also available at Birmingham.

Leeds airport – Car hire for holiday rental or luxury business class motors such as Mercedes and Lexus range. Visit Leeds airport for your hire car and book online for Leeds or Midlands airport.

Liverpool airport – Car rental at the John Lennon airport in Liverpool. Pick up a car at Liverpool airport hire by booking online or talking to one of our car hire experts. You can have your car delivered in Liverpool or pick it up at the airport.

Insurance with reducible damage excess liability option and the possibility for a zero or reduced excess option on UK car hire may be offered. Cars hired from Heathrow airport, Liverpool airport or Manchester airport plus Stansted and Gatwick all have this option. Enter the booking engine for details and a quote. Young driver options from 21 years, check during your car hire booking process. Home / Office delivery and collection (which incorporates additional charges) for car rentals in the UK.

Cardiff airport – Car hire in Wales is available from all the major airports including Cardiff. Airport hire at cheap rates is available at Cardiff airport car rentals. Welsh car hire can be found at all major towns including Cardiff and Swansea in Wales.

London city airport – Hire a car in London from the airport or in central London at Marble Arch, Wandsworth, Highgate or the Docklands. We can provide cars near Waterloo rail station, Kings Cross railway station or Euston station. Rentals can be deliverred to a private London address or an hotel. If you wish, drive your car to Exeter, Glasgow or Birmingham and leave it there. One way car hire is available throughout most locations in the UK. Visit London city airport car hire and find luxury cars, cheap runabouts, van hire and minibus hire.

Gatwick airport – Luton vans, cars, estates, minibus and people carriers all available at Car Hire Gatwick airport with insurance included. Gatwick airport rental cars are clean and under 18000 miles. Fully serviced with safety checks, you can rely on being provided a safe vehicle for hiring. Gatwick airport is near London, you can book a car to pick up at the airport or you could take the train into London after a long flight and have your car hire deliverred to a London address.

A car hire delivery service (subject to additional charges) for car rental in the UK and a VIP meet and Greet at some major UK Airports can be found. One Day One Way car hire rentals to and from all major UK towns (please ask for details), UK cities and UK airports. Apply in the booking process or call us for this option.

Car rental in Ireland – Book an Airport car in Ireland online at cheap discount rates. Shannon, Belfast, Dublin or Cork car hire available. Tour Ireland in a minibus or luxury holiday car hire.

Birmingham – car rentals at the airport can be found at Car for Birmingham airport with cars within the airport terminal. Travel around the UK and leave your motor in Bristol, Cardiff or London, whereever it is most convenient.

Car rental Liverpool airport – A superb selection of cars for hire at Car hire John Lennon Liverpool airport with booking available online or call us. We can arrange for your car to be ready at Liverpool airport for you to drive away in minutes. Visit Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham or drive up to Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland. For an extensive touring holliday, visit Inverness and leave your car as a one way car hire arrangement.

One Way Car Rental – Collect your car in one location and return elsewhere. (i.e. collect car hire London Heathrow airport and return to car hire Edinburgh airport, or car hire Manchester airport to car hire Liverpool airport).

Airport Surcharges which are often passed on to the custoemr are included in the rental car prices. At most airports (and in some other premium locations like a ferry port) car hire companies have to pay the airport (e.g. Heathrow airport) an additional fee to use the airport infrastructure and services. Many companies pass this fee on to the car hire customer and must be paid in local currency. In nearly all locations we include the airport/Premium location fees in all our rental in accordance with “NO HIDDEN EXTRAS POLICY” All costs are highlighted in the booking/quote process. Please study all this information carefully. We try and be as transparent as possible!

Car rental in Glasgow – Rent a car at Glasgow airport online and get a great deal. Tour Scotland for a holiday or just arrange a weekend car hire holiday. Vehicle comparison and different services and or extras offered by varoius rental companies in the UK.

Car hire Luton airport – Luton airport near London is a popular airport for travellers to the Midlands or London area. Find Luton airport car hire and choose from small cars to large 7 or 9 seater car hire.

Cars can he rented in Ireland and the UK. For more choice visit Car hiring websites for a selection of car rental sites worldwide and Motor info for motoring sites in the UK.