Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog » Special breaks Torquay

Middle Eastern Sunshine

Tracy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:01:15 +0000

Despite the chilly climate we wait patiently for the sunnier months ahead. Don’t worry sun lovers as International dance teacher Afra Al Kaihira will be bringing some Middle Eastern sunshine next month to Torquay!

Trying out belly dancing is an amazing experience and something a little different for filling the dull winter weekends off .

Locals have an opportunity to learn this graceful and elegant dance throughout a weekend in March at the Toorak hotel, Torquay.

Host Afra Al Kahira is a renowned teacher and performer, with over 30 years experience. She has danced for top politicians, members of the royal family and other VIP’s and dignitaries. She is also highly respected for her warm and approachable teaching style.

The dancing weekend includes tuition and a talk on the history, costume and styles of belly dancing. During the Saturday night, you will be entertained with a GALA show, featuring performances by Afra and invited guests in a variety of different styles. At the end of the weekend you will be able to put all of your skills learnt together to perform a routine.

You also have the option to dine at the hotel during the Friday and Saturday evening.

What a better way to drive the winter away. It could be the girlie-get-together that still hasn’t been arranged yet, a fun way to exercise or the chance to surprise your partner with some exotic moves!

Learn to Belly Dance Weekend 2-4 March 2012.

Check out the TLH website for more details or call 01803 400500.

Middle Eastern Sunshine is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Belly Dance Break

Vicky — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:35:02 +0000

Not sure about booking the male stripper for your hen night?

As brides we want a fun and memorable occasion for the last fleeting moments of our ‘freedom’. The lively and even racy nights with flowing alcohol may not be up everyone’s street. Some may just want a simple and quiet dinner with the girls or a weekend away of pampering or encountering a new experience with close friends. There are so many hen experience packages available from cocktail making, learning to surf and even learning a new dance.

Trying out Belly dancing would be an amazing experience and something a little different from the usual pampering hen party weekends.

Afra - Silk Wings

Hosted by International dance teacher Afra Al Kahira, you and the girls can enjoy a new and exciting Learn to Belly Dance break at the Toorak Hotel. The break includes welcome drinks, tuition, dinner and a talk on the history, costume and styles of belly dancing. On the Saturday night, you will be entertained with a GALA show, featuring performances by Afra and invited guests in a variety of different styles. At the end of the weekend you will be able to put all of your skills learnt together to perform a routine.

What a better way to surprise your guests and even your husband on the big day! If that sounds scary, maybe persuade your girl friends to perform instead!

Check out the TLH website for more details or call 01803 400500.

Belly Dance Break is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

War Horse Putting Dartmoor On the Map

Nigel Beck — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:59:02 +0000

Dartmoor is set to become a must see destination in 2012 thanks to the release of the new Spielberg film War Horse.

The film is released in the UK on 13th January and focuses on the moving story of a Devon farm boy who joins the army in an effort to search for his horse, Joey, after he is sold into the cavalry and shipped to France during the First World War. The Michael Morpurgo story has already been adapted for the stage and has been a hit in London’s West End. The ambitious film will definitely be a tearjerker and early reviews tip it for an Oscar.

Steven Spielberg spent many weeks on Dartmoor, back in August 2010 and by all accounts was spellbound by its beauty, saying, “I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor.”

In fact, South Devon has been the site for scenes shot in many films and TV shows. Torquay and indeed the English Riviera as a whole have inspired such hits as Fawlty Towers as well as being the backdrop for such things as Miss Marple, Churchill: The Hollywood Years (Christian Slater & Neve Campbell…), Blackball (Paul Kaye, Vince Vaughn, Johnny Vegas…) and TV programmes such as the BBC’s The Zoo Keepers (filmed at Paignton Zoo) and Channel 5′s Milkshake Monkey (Children’s prog, 2009). Those of us on the wrong side of 40 will also no doubt remember the Onedin Line, shot in Dartmouth! And bringing us bang up to date, we have Channel 4’s The Hotel causing quite a stir and the recent episode of BBC’s Sherlock showed Dartmoor in all it’s haunting beauty.

Some of these locations are on your doorstep when you stay in Torquay and even those in more rural locations are still only within a short driving distance. You too can experience the beauty that Devon has to offer, visit the sites and inspiration for so many films and set the scene for your own great holiday by staying at TLH Leisure Resort , so well placed for access to many parts of Devon and Cornwall. Why not come down and plan your own location break? There’s nothing quite like visiting the places you’ve seen and enjoyed on the big screen.

Take a look at your holiday options here or call 01803 400500 to find out more.

War Horse Putting Dartmoor On the Map is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Anyone for Tennis at the Toorak Hotel Torquay?

Nigel Beck — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:31:16 +0000

January is traditionally the time to plan and scheme for the year ahead. It’s all so easy whilst curled up with a cup of tea in a nice comfy armchair! You imagine what the ‘new you’ may be capable of. Are you going to get fit, lose weight, book a holiday or try something new?

Well TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay has a whole range of special interest breaks for 2012, which may just tick all these boxes. You get to come on holiday to the lovely English Riviera, maybe learn or improve a skill or hobby and you could even become fitter and leaner in the process.

Our professional tennis coach, Heath Parkin

Amongst some of the breaks on offer are a series of Tennis Breaks at the hotel group’s 3 star Toorak Hotel. Tennis Pro and LTA coach Heath Parkin hosts the weekend breaks which include an amazing 11 hours of coaching.

The weekends are ideal for improvers or intermediate players, looking to improve their technique, rather than complete beginners. The tennis courts are set in a stunning location at Torre Abbey Meadows overlooking the sea and conveniently directly opposite the hotel.

Your break starts at 6pm on the Friday with a ‘meet the coach and welcome drinks’ session, followed by dinner. Then it’s down to the serious business of drills and practice, with coaching starting at 10am on the Saturday. All the key strokes are covered and the day ends with competitive drills and match play tips.

Sunday’s coaching will reinforce these skills, but there will be more emphasis on tactics which will nicely set everything up for a competition towards the end of the day, either singles or doubles depending on numbers.

Superb indoor pool

It’s not all about the tennis though – you can enjoy the superb food and comfortable surroundings of the Toorak plus take advantage of the fantastic on-site leisure facilities of TLH Leisure Resort, including the 25 metre indoor Aztec Pool complex, gym and spa, as well as nightly entertainment.

If you’re sat in your comfy armchair reading this now and imagining how you may clean up at the local tennis club this summer, or are looking to resurrect your rusty backhand, then this is a perfect weekend break for you!

Tennis Breaks are on the following dates: 4-6 May, 13-15 July and 28-30th September.

Prices from £185 pp for 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast and including all coaching.

Call 01803 400500 to book or find out more here.

Anyone for Tennis at the Toorak Hotel Torquay? is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Dancing Duo

Vicky — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:35:56 +0000

Henry and Jeannie Clark, known as Dancing Duo, are among the latest additions to our dance hosts at TLH Leisure Resort and will be at the Toorak Hotel this December and again in March. The couple have been running dance breaks and evening classes around South Devon for over 12 years.

It was the dire need for a hip replacement some years ago which stopped his dancing, that led to a new retirement career fro Henry and his wife Jeannie. By running dances, he reasoned, they could still keep in touch with their many friends in the dancing world.

So from small beginnings, with afternoon tea dances, the hobby shared by the couple has grown into a rewarding business with a busy schedule.

Nowadays, seasoned dancer (on two artificial hips) Henri and Jeannie often partner single people in their dances, while Henry simultaneously plays the very best of CD music for Ballroom, Latin and Social Sequence dancing.

The Torquay based couple are great believers in making every dance evening feel like a special event with an ambience created by themed stage decorations and attractively dressed tables around the ballroom. The music is always carefully selected to appeal to enthusiastic dancers at all levels.

Up to six dance holidays a year and even their more local dances, attract support from far and wide. Henry and Jeannie aim to provide ‘quality dancing with an element of fun’. By mixing closely with their dancers, they both encourage great social evenings. Only the best hotels with good well-sprung dance floors are selected for their breaks in coastal resorts such as Newquay, Dawlish, Bournemouth and now the Toorak Hotel in Torquay.

Before their retirement hobby became a new career, Henry was a farmer at Staverton near Totnes and Jeannie, a former journalist and public relations officer in TV and publishing, was a hotelier in Totnes.

You can join Dancing Duo at the Toorak Hotel on the 11^th December for 3 nights and again on the 12th March for 4 nights. To find out more visit www.tlh.co.uk/dancing

Dancing Duo is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Vicky — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:22:44 +0000

Does ‘learning’ conjure up school desks and musty old books? It’s a word we often associate with our school days but it is something we can carry on in to adulthood and gain a lot of pleasure from.

In fact, studies have shown that learning new skills can help fend off dementia and ease depression. Our brains act a little like a muscle and need to be used and challenged in different ways in order to grow and become stronger.

Learning something new needn’t be confined to books or evening classes, what about a skill you’ve never considered before such as painting, flower arranging or baking? Or it could be something more physical like dancing, playing tennis or skiing. Perhaps putting a specific time aside to take a ‘learn to’ holiday is a way to get a taster of your new hobby.

So why don’t more of us venture into new territory? Is it fear of failure maybe? Or lack of time? A few of these quotes may help you to reconsider:

Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.-Brian Tracy
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. – Gandhi
You learn more quickly under the guidance of experienced teachers. You waste a lot of time going down blind alleys if you have no one to lead you. – W. Somerset Maugham
You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself. – Galileo Galilei

Taking a break to discover new things will benefit mind, body and soul. What new things will you learn to do in 2012?

Benefits of Lifelong Learning is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

The only way is Fit Camp!

Lee — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:02:41 +0000

Beach running

Anyone who has been watching ITV’s The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) will no doubt been familiar with Gemma and Arg going to Boot Camp to help with them their weight issues.

Anyone serious about weight loss and getting started with a healthier lifestyle should take a look at a new Fit Camp break in Torquay, taking place in January 2012.

The Carlton Hotel & Spa, part of TLH Leisure Resort, have brought in Jon Sims who is one of Devon’s top personal trainers and food nutritionists, to run a 5-day intensive health and fitness “fit camp”.

Activities include Kettlebell, Zumba, Aerobics, circuit training and yoga, all held by professional trainers and under Jon’s watchful eye! All food and snacks for the week are provided to make sure you are getting the best start to your new healthy lifestyle. Plus there will be workshops and plans for you to take home to keep you on track.

So if you want to really make a change in 2012, have a look at the details on our website.

Places are limited, so book early!

The only way is Fit Camp! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Kick-Start to 2012 with Fit Camp in Torquay!

Vicky — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:13:11 +0000

Boot Camp – sounds terrifying doesn’t it?! It definitely has overtones of military training or correctional facilities and conjures up images of extreme exercise, denial and general misery!

Originally the term ‘boot camp’ was used by the military and incorporated the initial indoctrination and instruction given to new military personnel. Often, but not always, it involved a punishing regime of exercise and drills to really separate the men from the boys!

In recent years the phrase has been coined by the fitness industry to describe group fitness classes that promote fat loss, camaraderie and team effort. They are designed to push people a little bit further than they would normally push themselves alone and participants can expect to see dramatic results in a short space of time.

Beach running

TLH Leisure Resort believes that there is a less scary and more accessible alternative to a true ‘boot camp’. It’s called Fit Camp and comes to the hotel group’s Carlton Hotel & Spa in January, perfect timing for those New Year’s Resolutions! Whether your goals are weight loss, pushing your fitness boundaries or just needing a period of ‘time-out’ from the hurly burly of everyday life, Fit Camp will invigorate and motivate you.

Hosted by professional trainer and fitness expert, Jon Sims, the 5 day break incorporates a range of exercise classes, nutritional advice and a spa treatment in the hotel’s luxury Aztec Spa. Jon has devised a disciplined series of activities designed for weight loss and toning and will certainly kick start your fitness plans for 2012.

If you’re looking to kick start your 2012 call us on 01803 400500 and find out more or check out a more detailed itinerary here.

Kick-Start to 2012 with Fit Camp in Torquay! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Torquay – the place to be for kids this summer!

Nigel Beck — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:35:35 +0000

If you’re looking for something entertaining and energising for your little ones this summer, TLH Leisure Resort is the place to be. Our Aztec Active weekly programme has been extremely popular with families of all ages, offering activities from Zorbing to Scuba diving.

Not only do we offer fantastic indoor and outdoor activities with our Arena Games, swimming pools, outdoor adventure and much more, there is now an added bonus for your kids this August. Just across from us on the Sea Front at Torre Abbey Park they are hosting children’s activity days with qualified coaches, providing training in Tennis, Golf, Football and outdoor Bowling – there will even be competitions and medals!

The days are run from 10am to 4pm on the 18th, 22nd and 30th of August and are suitable for children between the ages of 7 and 14. The cost of the day is £17 per child and an extra £5 will provide a trip on the Torquay Highflyer!

If you would like more information on the activity days, contact Heath Parkin on 07956 983980 – let him know you have seen our blog!

So what are you waiting for? Guaranteed family fun both in- and outside of TLH Leisure Resort; the kids will have a fantastic time and so will the grownups! For special offers and availability click here or call reservations on 01803 400500.

Torquay – the place to be for kids this summer! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

RAF Reunion Weekend

Nigel Beck — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:47:17 +0000

The Toorak hotel in Torquay has been host to the reunion weekend for the RAF Transport Command Veterans Association for several years now. The Veterans Association was formerly known as the RAF Lyneham Old Boys Association and has been an established association for the past fourteen years.

The popular weekend which is held at the Toorak hotel in Torquay provides a chance for ‘old boys’ to catch up with past comrades and to become reacquainted with those that they may have lost touch with. The weekend includes a formal dinner followed by entertainment on the Saturday – truly a night to be enjoyed by all – and on Sunday morning the AGM association will be held.

Did you serve in the RAF? The Transport Commands Veteran Association are always on the lookout for new members, particularly those who served at the following RAF stations:

Abingdon – Akrotiri – Benson – Binbrook – Bramcote – Brize Norton – Bushey Park – Dishforth – Down Ampney – Eastleigh – Fayid – Habbanyia – Hendon – Ismalia Kai Tak – Khomaksar – Luga – Lyneham – Manston – Northolt – Steamer Point – Stoney Cross – Topcliffe – Upper Heyford – Upavon

The next reunion weekend will be held at TLH Leisure Resort in the Toorak Hotel on Friday 18th May 2012 – Sunday 20th May 2012.

If you at interested in the weekend or membership with the association please contact Jim Semple 01703 728206 or visit the association website.

RAF Reunion Weekend is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog