Sinkers: This fascinating little dive site is probably the most unique in Egypt, as it was an accidental man-made contribution that the coral took advantage of and claimed. It is in fact, a large buoy that was accidentally submerged due to its anchor chain being too short. When the anchor was dropped, it pulled the buoy under to a depth of about four metres. This happened during the 1970’s and since then, coral has spread around it. It now looks like a floating reef and it teems with all sorts of marine life. It’s definitely one of the world’s most interesting sites.

El Magana: This beautiful reef offers two excellent dive sites that are located just 20 metres from the shore. The reef begins at a depth of around 5 metres and then drops to a depth of around 35 metres. You will notice a canyon here that’s more than wide enough for you to swim through and this will give you superb views of the surrounding coral, as well as the unique sea life. There’s a lot to explore here, so you won’t be able to take full advantage of the views in just one diving session.

Abou Lou Lou House Reef: One of the most popular dive sites in the area is the Abou Lou Lou House Reef. This is because it’s not only close to the centre of the resort but it’s great for all levels, from beginner to pro, so if you’ve never dived before but would like to learn, this is the place to start! It’s also convenient to get to, as it’s located next to the wooden jetty here, so you can walk up and dive from the jetty itself. The reef starts at around 5 metres below the surface and continues dropping to around 20 metres. The coral is of course, very beautiful and it’s home to a vast range of sea life including lionfish, puffer fish, crabs & shrimps.

If you’ve never dived before there’s no need to worry, as diving lessons are available at all of the popular diving resorts. You will be taken through the basics and a professional instructor will be with you at all times. This is a great way to learn something new and experience Egypt’s underwater world like never before!

To find out more about Nuweiba holidays, please contact one of our friendly holiday advisors direct at Sunmaster or search for your perfect package on our website.

Vilamoura is also a great destination for beach holidays thanks to its three soft, sandy beaches that spread out along the golden coastline. Praia de Marina is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches within the Algarve region, as it boasts stunning light golden sand that’s wonderfully soft and clear blue water of the Atlantic that is surprisingly warm. Praia de Oura is another fabulous beach that’s only a short distance away. Here you will find the same light golden sand and if you fancy keeping active, why not try some of the exhilarating water sports.

Another great way to keep active & explore the beautiful countryside around Vilamoura without over exerting yourself is to pay a visit to the Vilamoura riding centre and have a go at horse riding! It’s the perfect activity that’s sure to entertain the whole family, with no previous riding experience required.

If entertaining nightlife is your thing then you’ll be please with Vilamoura’s choice of different bars. These are primarily located around the lovely marina that can be found towards the centre of town and many are themed with some bars offering sports themes focusing on football & golf, as well as an Irish bar. There is often live music available and there is also a large Casino where you can enjoy a quiet drink while playing some of the classic games. When you start feeling peckish there are many lovely restaurants to be found around the resort, each offering a different menu with a variation of dishes, so no matter what your tastes, you will no doubt find something to suit.

If you would like to find out more about the availability of our Vilamoura holidays, contact one of our holiday advisors today!

Los Boliches is Fuengirola’s most northern beach, offering everything you would expect from a very popular beach, including showers, toilets and trained lifeguards. The golden sand here is fine & soft and will lead you down into the clear, blue waters of the stunning Mediterranean where you will be able to enjoy a calming swim or have a go at the fine selection of water sports.

Further to the south is the more central beach of Las Gaviotas. The beach here boasts the same golden sand as Los Boliches and is conveniently flat, allowing for comfortable sunbathing. Here you will find a selection of water sports including windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing and more! The third beach in Fuengirola is Santa Amalia. At 1.5km long, this stunning stretch of sand offers everything you will need to enjoy the perfect beach holiday and thanks to it being so close to many of the main hotels, you won’t have to travel far at all to reach it.

The beautiful waters of the Mediterranean are great for swimming in, however if you would like the kids to have a bit more freedom when swimming, there’s a brilliant water park just a short distance away from the coast that offers a safe environment for all ages. Water Park Mijas offers a selection of colourful slides and swimming pools with something for both kids and adrenaline seeking adults. These include the Labyrinth of Slides, Adventure River, Body Ski and the Kamikaze! There is also a Jacuzzi where you can relax after getting your fill of watery action.

For even more fun filled entertainment for the whole family, why not spend a day at Parquelandia. This British style funfair offers plenty to keep the kids entertained & the adults too, such as bumper cars, trampolines, go karts, mini golf and more! There are also plenty of places where you can grab a bite to eat & a refreshing drink.

Another great attraction that’s perfect for family days out is Fuengirola Zoo. This modern zoo is designed with the comfort of the animals in mind, as each enclosure was created to mimic the animal’s natural habitat as closely as possible. Bars have also been replaced by glass allowing you to get a much closer and better view of the animals that include lions, tigers, monkeys, reptiles and many more!

To find out more, watch out for Part 2 of our guide to Fuengirola holidays from Sunmaster

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Seaworld Orlando
As you’ve probably guessed from the name, Seaworld focuses on water-based attractions and boasts an impressive ‘marine zoo’ where you can get an up close look at Dolphins, Killer Whales, Beluga Whales and Manatees, as well as Parrots & Flamingos.
The park offers a number of different water shows where you can see some of these incredible animals in action but don’t get too close to the water, as you may get a bit wet.
You will also get the chance to satisfy your thirst for adrenaline, as there are several breathtaking rides that will have your heart racing. These include the Manta, a rollercoaster that positions your seat facing the ground as you fly around the track and the Kraken, a more traditional rollercoaster that’s still guaranteed to show you a good time.
Legoland Florida
If you love the Legoland that we’ve got here in the UK then you won’t be able to resist Florida’s super-sized version.
Once you enter, you will be able to enjoy several different areas including Fun Town, Miniland USA, Lego Kingdoms, Land of Adventure, Imagination Zone, Lego City, Pirates Cover and more! You will also have access to Legoland’s huge waterpark.
Wet n’ Wild
For those of you who love adrenaline inducing water slides, the Wet n’ Wild water park will be sure to keep you busy thanks to it’s selection of eleven watery attractions.
One of the most intense slides that you will find here is the Kamikaze! This slide will definitely get your heart racing thanks to it’s 80 foot drop that drops almost vertically down into the pool below.
If you fancy something a little less terrifying, Calamity Canyon will be the one for you, as you get to enjoy the excitement of speed & turns but in the comfort of an inflatable ring (with no sudden drops).
The other slides available are the Tornado, the Black Hole, the Abyss and don’t forget to try out the Tempest, the Mistrail, the Wave Canyon, the Cyclone and the Hurricane.
Discovery Cove
If you’ve always wanted to swim with dolphins then make sure that your first stop is Orlando’s Discovery Cove.
Enjoy a 30-minute reserved session with the parks dolphins and experience a level of interaction that many can only dream of and thanks to the park solely operating on a reservation based visit, you won’t have to worry about queuing.
Head on over to The Grand Reef and try out the snorkeling with the rays and exotic fish. This is a fantastic way to experience snorkeling with real fish without worrying about the open ocean, making it perfect for kids especially.
Continue the fun by taking a relaxing swim down the Wind-away River. The gentle current will carry you through the park past beaches, rocky terrain, waterfalls and rainforest but don’t worry; it’s not a real river!Once you’ve decided to dry off, you will have the chance to hand feed some exotic birds in the impressive free flight aviary. Once you arrive, we’re pretty sure that you won’t want to leave!

Why not search www.sunmaster.co.uk now for great holiday deals to Florida in 2013.

So why not make your perfect opportunity by booking one of our amazing City Breaks and enjoy a weekend, week, fortnight or even enjoy a little longer spending time in each others company in one of the world’s most romantic cities.

When we’re trying to think of somewhere romantic to visit, most of us will no doubt think Paris and rightly so, as this beautiful city is one of the most popular destinations for couples seeking romantic getaways and once you’ve visited for yourself (if you haven’t already) you’ll understand why! It boasts a huge selection of excellent restaurants, serving a selection of the most delicious food around that you won’t be able to resist.

Visit the famous landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Catacombs, the Pantheon and let’s not forget the Eiffel Tower! It will be the perfect opportunity to climb to the top (or take the elevator) and enjoy the amazing views of Paris that so many boast about seeing.

The city of Prague makes another great choice for you romantic excursion, as it offers many amazing attractions just like Paris, including an impressive number of museums & art galleries. There are also many architectural wonders to take it such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge that are definitely a must see!

Spend your time exploring the streets together, enjoying the sights and why not take advantage of the superb restaurants that can be found throughout this incredible city.

However, you don’t have to travel very far at all for a very romantic City Break, as one of the most popular cities for city breaks is right on our doorstep. Dublin is a beautiful city filled with stunning architecture that helps to tell the tale of its fascinating history.

It’s wonderful attractions include the Abbey Theatre where you can enjoy Irish plays, as well as contemporary and well-known classic theatre.
Just a short distance away is Dublin Zoo, which is Ireland’s largest zoo! It’s home to a very impressive selection of animals, sea life & insects, making it a must see if you love seeing these beautiful creatures up close.

Guided walks are available, giving you the chance not to miss a single thing! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or even explore by yourselves, as these are great ways to discover the many unique things about Dublin!

We also offer fantastic City Breaks to Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Pisa, Venice, Budapest, Amsterdam, Nice, Copenhagen, Zagreb, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid and Palma Majorca!

If you would like to find out more about our City Breaks or want to book yours for holidays 2013 – call one of our friendly advisors from Sunmaster holidays.

However, it’s important that you choose your destination wisely to avoid jetting off to somewhere that is also under a foot of snow! But don’t worry, as we will fill you in on where to go to maximize sizzling sunshine and to minimize the chances of experiencing a chilly breeze!

One of our top winter sun destinations is of course, Egypt! How hot is it? We hear you ask! Let’s just say there’s no need to fear the cold here, as average highs of around 25 degrees Celsius with clear skies are expected throughout January in resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country and suitable for all! Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches and clear, warm waters that boast some amazing dive sites, as well as having easy access to all of the modern amenities and entertaining attractions that you need to enjoy a brilliant holiday in the sun!

Another great destination (or destinations) are the Canary Islands! Thanks to their close proximity to the west coast of Africa, the islands boast a climate that barely changes throughout the year making it another fantastic choice If you’re after a sunny holiday in the middle of winter and if you’re present during one of their infamous Sirocco heat waves, you can expect temperatures to increase quite dramatically, even getting close to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer! However, winter averages  (without the heat waves) are much more comfortable at around 20 degrees. There’s plenty to keep you entertained and hundreds of fabulous beaches that include the black sand variety, golden Saharan sand variety and the imported Caribbean white sand variety!

Although you may be visiting in the winter, it’s still very important to take care in the sun by stocking up on sun lotion and bottled water, as it’s still just as easy to get sunburn and suffer dehydration, so keep slapping it on and drink plenty of bottled water during your stay.

For more information about these fantastic destinations, visit our Resort Guides page and discover what each resort could offer you!

If you would like to find out more about other destinations that are great for winter sun holidays, call one of our advisors at Sunmaster holidays now on 0871 700 00 30.

Perfect for beach holidays, Costa Teguise offers four beautiful beaches that are only a short distance from the town centre, so no matter where you stay, you’ll always be close to one!

Playa de las Cucharus is the most popular beach in Costa Teguise and rightly so, as it boasts 600m of soft, golden sand curving around the coast and leading into the clear blue waters of the Atlantic. Here you will be able to relax without having to worry about finding a decent spot, as there is always plenty of room! The waters close to the beach are shallow making them perfect for children who want to enjoy a paddle. Further out to see the wind picks up making the ideal conditions for wind surfing enthusiasts!

The second largest beach is Playa Bastian, which offers stunning white sand with 400m to choose from. The water here is very calm thanks to the rocky headlands acting as a natural windbreak making it perfect for those who fancy a peaceful swim without the worry of high waves rolling in.

Playa El Jabillo and Playa de los Charcos are also worth a visit and although they are smaller than the two main beaches, they are just as beautiful and are wonderfully unique in their own way. Why not pay a visit and check them out for yourself next time you’re in Costa Teguise!

If you like to get wet but would rather avoid the sea, you’re in luck, as Costa Teguise boasts an impressive water park where you will find a selection of slides with something to suit the thrill-seeking adults, as well as the smaller children who would like to enjoy something a little less frightening than the huge water slides designed for grown-ups. There is also a selection of pools that vary in depth, once again with something to suit all ages! It makes a great day out for the whole family.

Thanks to the islands relatively unchanging climate, you can expect fantastic weather throughout the year. With average highs of around 26 degrees Celsius in the summer (not including heat waves, which can push temperatures well into the thirties) and average highs of 21 degrees during the winter, Costa Teguise makes a great choice if you fancy treating yourself to some winter sun!

Enjoy a great selection of different restaurants where you are sure to find something to suit your tastes at a more than affordable price and with many of them doubling up as bars when the sun goes down, you won’t be short of evening entertainment either!

If you woul like to find out more about our Costa Teguise holidays, contact a Sunmaster advisor now or search online for our very best deals!

Thanks to it’s great location as part of the Canary Islands that sit in the Atlantic just off of the west coast of Africa, you can enjoy beautiful weather all year round, as the climate barely changes throughout the year! Known as ‘The Islands of Eternal Spring’ you can expect average highs in the summer of around 28 degrees and if you’re on holiday when the Sirocco wind starts to blow then you can expect heat waves pushing the temperature up into the mid 30′s! Autumn stays lovely and warm with highs averaging at 26 degrees Celsius in October and 24 in November!

When December comes around, most of us would expect the temperature to fall quite a lot but thanks to the relatively stable climate you can enjoy average highs of 21 degrees with highs reaching the mid 20′s, giving you the perfect opportunity to soak up some sun and relax on the beach, while the rest of us back home are huddled around the gas fire! However, don’t expect to go out at night dressed like you would on a summer night, as the winter evenings can get quite chilly with average lows of around 14 degrees Celsius.

Take advantage of the winter warmth by visiting Siam Park, an entertaining water park that offers a great selection of water slides and swimming pools that are kept heated to 24 degrees and suited to all ages, so you won’t have to worry about cold water or anyone feeling left out! This makes it perfect for family days out and you will no doubt want to go back again and again!

Want an experience that you won’t forget? Then book a seat on the whale watching tour where you will get the chance to see pilot whales and bottle nose dolphins. Don’t forget to take your camera to get some amazing shots!

If you would like to find out more about our amazing Playa Americas holiday deals, contact one of our friendly advisors who will be happy to help arrange your holiday today!

After Vietnam Amy and I travelled to Thailand and stayed in Bangkok for a few days. Loved the place but after a while I began to crave a bit of peace and quiet…and a nice beach. SDo we got an overnight bus to Ranong and boarded a boat to Koh Phayam, a little island that we’d heard someone mention.

Two hours later the boat floated up to the island and I literally got goosebumps. You can keep your St Lucia and your Maldives – this place looks like it’s straight out of a bounty advert. Palm trees, white sand, blue waters and lots of sunshine.

No cars are allowed on Koh Phayam. It isn’t a big island and the tiny roads are only big enough to accommodate mopeds. You can either hire a moped or get on the back of one for a few baht – definitely an experience you need to try with three pieces of luggage, not!

Amy and I went to the opposite end of the island from the pier and it was there that we found Vijit Bungalows. Due to it being low season, we managed to get a beachfront bungalow for 400 baht a night – £8. With just two other bungalows occupied we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. We kayaked, we relaxed in hammocks and at night we had beach campfires with the local Thai people before going for a midnight swim to see the phospherence in the sea. Life couldn’t get much better.

After a couple of days relaxing like this we hired mopeds along with a couple we met along the way. Now, I’ve never driven a moped before so my new friend Laura gave me a crash course – crash being the operative word. A few bruises later and I was able to stroll into the moped shop, hire one and drive it away with relative ease.

Driving the moped was a huge amount of fun, I highly recommend it! Also, it allowed us to visit more of the island – we went looking for monkeys in the jungle and found our way to a beach that specialised in rasta bars and surfing.

I’ve never in my life had the urge to surf. I’ve always been a little bit wary of the sea, having watched Jaws one too many times. But in a place like this, how could I resist? Two days I spent surfing and let me tell you a couple of things – one, it’s a lot more difficult than it looks and two, the reason surfers wear wetsuits is to avoid board rash, ouch! I did manage to stand on the surfboard though – for about 5 seconds before the wave got the better of me!

One of the highlights of Koh Phayam was going to Oscar’s Bar. Run by a cockney bloke called Richard who’s lived in Koh Phayam for 30 years, this bar/restaurant is one of a kind. Amy, our new friends Laura and Gaz and myself all became part of the wierd and wonderful family that frequented Oscar’s bar. You’ll never find such an ecclectic mix of people…to find out just how ecclectic, well, you’ll just have to go see for yourself!

Although we’d only planned on two days in Koh Phayam we ended up staying for a week. Others who have visited for a few days have ended up staying forever. Maybe next time I visit, I’ll be one of those lucky few who never have to leave!

By Natasha.

Sosua is perfect for beach holidays thanks to Sosua’s beautiful sandy bay that’s split into two equally as gorgeous beaches. One of the beaches is Los Charamicos, which is popular with the younger nightlife loving crowd, as there is plenty of space for everyone and plenty of activities to take part in in the beautiful waters that include parasailing, banana boating and kite surfing! The second half of the beach is El Batey and offers a much more relaxing experience than it’s naighbouring beach, so you can chill out in peace on the beautifully soft sand and remain undisturbed for the duration of your sunbathing session! There are also a number of classy beachfront restaurants here where you can grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy an evening meal while gazing out onto the stunning waters of the Caribbean.

If you’re looking for great nightlife then look no further, as Sosua is home to some of the best bars and club in the whole of the Dominican Republic! They include the popular Bar X, Voodoo Lounge and Club 59 where you will be able to enjoy Latin Music. There are also plenty of low key bars that are perfect for enjoying a quiet drink should you prefer to avoid noisy nightclubs.

For entertaining, fun filled family days out, head on over to the Fun City Action Park, where you will have access to three fantastic Go Kart tracks that vary in size and difficulty that are sure to keep everyone entertained! There is also a play area for the smaller children, so no one will feel left out!

Due to it’s fantastic location in the Caribbean, you will be able to enjoy amazingly warm weather that barely changes throughout the year making it a great destination no matter when you decide to visit. In summer you can expect up to thirteen hours of sunshine each day with highs reaching over 30 degrees Celsius, as well as the skies remaining clear, humidity remaining low and a very minimal chance of rain. The summer begins in May and lasts until October but even in the winter you will be treated to an average daytime temperature of 22 degrees making it great for Christmas holidays away from the chilly winters back in the UK.

If you would like to find out more about our Sosua holidays, don’t hesitate to give one of our friendly advisors a call here at Sunmaster – who are standing by to help you find your perfect holiday! Don’t forget that all of our deals can be individually tailored to your needs free of charge!