The 27th annual Dubai International Boat Show sets sail today [TUESDAY]! Dive deeper into a life at sea by exploring sumptuous superyachts, affordable boats, rip-roaring sea-toys and have-a-go fun for all the family

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The show’s 2019 theme of “Let’s all live a little” encourages all marine enthusiasts and families to enjoy all the sea has to offer –  as doors open on the region’s leading five-day leisure marine event packed with live experiences, thrills and spills

The Dubai International Boat Show is back…and it’s ready to get people taking to the water, by whatever means necessary!

Opening today (TUESDAY, Feb 26th) at Dubai Canal, the hugely popular annual show will welcome more than 800 global brands showcasing every possible route to living your best life by the sea.

Naturally, that includes boats – in excess of 400 – that visitors and buyers alike can size-up, ranging from fishing boats and weekend pleasure-craft, to jaw-dropping 50 metre superyachts, brought to Dubai exclusively by the most prestigious boat-builders from around the world.

It also means the show is a market for everything else you would find either on or alongside a yacht or boat – plus others you wouldn’t even believe existed! From SEABOB’s fastest ever underwater sled; to the Awake Rävik, a 35-mph electric surfboard with a wireless hand-held throttle; or the world’s first active shark deterrent band, the Sharkbanz – it’s safe to say that the 2019 Dubai International Boat Show has every route to your new life in water mapped-out.

The show will be easier than ever to get to. Hop on one of the constant stream of free shuttle buses departing from Dubai Mall directly to the venue, or find your sea-legs early with a cool journey down from Al Habtoor City Station by complimentary water-taxi! The show site on Dubai Canal will have vast car-parking space too, making it a breeze getting in and out of.

Running from today (TUESDAY, Feb 26th) through Saturday March 2nd, the 27th edition of the Boat Show will showcase an incredible Dh1.5 billion worth of yachts and boats. It will host 38 global and regional launches, fitting the needs of all customers, from first time boat buyers to seasoned ocean-adventurers.

As the region’s premium lifestyle event, it will also be home to swathes of unique performances, live entertainment, races and have-a-go fun throughout the week, put together to appeal to all ages, families especially.

It will feature a number of out-at-sea sailing experiences, plus sea-toy taster sessions in its debut WaterSports Village. Always a favourite, the show’s Super Car Promenade will present the most exclusive cars to ever hit the tarmac, as will two brand new hyper-car parades.

Come the weekend, the dial will be turned to ten with a thrilling live fly-board competition, starting at 6pm. Then throughout the day on Saturday, the show’s adjacent beach will be the place to be to watch the rip-roaring International Aquabike Competition, which will welcome more than 70 world-class athletes and past champions from across the world, all coming face-to-face with genuine world titles up for grabs.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibition and Events Management of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The Middle East and the UAE in particular has grown into a must-visit destination for seafarers and is entering a new golden era of recreational boating and watersports.

“As Dubai grows as an international boating destination, the Dubai International Boat Show is thrilled to be the hub of everything that makes up the ocean lifestyle. We are seeing more and more newcomers to this vibrant community, and we welcome first-time buyers, dreamers and adventurers alike to experience all that the Dubai International Boat Show has to offer.”

The show is backed by key sponsors, including Dubai Harbour by Meraas, Feadship, Yalıkavak Marina, SS Marine, Gargash and Mercedes, and hosts exhibitors from 41 different nations.

The 27th Dubai International Boat Show takes place at the Dubai Canal Jumeirah, and is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9pm daily from February 26th to March 2, 2019. Tickets will be available at the gates for AED 60 each or visitors can pre-register online to save 15%.

Seeking the Sun – Lanzarote

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By Shereen Shabnam

Lanzaroteis the perfect weather destination for holiday seekers almost all year round with diverse landscapesthat range fromvolcanic caves, lava lakes and craters, sandy beaches and transparent waters.
The natural heritage areas, dramatic landscapes, bustling tourist towns, parks and long sandy beaches makes Lanzarote an island of exceptional beauty and an ideal place to visit. If you are a nature lover, drop in at the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, (Timanfaya National Park) which is one of the island’s greatest tourist attractions.

With excellent year-round climate and unique landscape, Lanzarote allows sun and the beach lovers to enjoy a series of activities likediving,surfing, windsurfing, swimming and kite surfing. It is a paradise for surferswith powerful waves and on calm days, visitors can dive anywhere in Lanzarote.

If you really enjoy surfing, head to Famara Beachwhere both beginners and advanced surfers gather and head to the sea to get practice. Sailingin Lanzarote is also perfect in the summer when the island receivesTrade Winds, ensuring you can sail without risk and enjoy the full experience of being out on the water.

The weather in Lanzarote is perfect for hiking, running, golfing, trekking, bikingand much more when exploring the local outskirts. The cycle network routes to suit all levels of bikers who can enjoy the view the island offers of volcanoes and unique landscapes. Runners can enjoy trails through mountains as they come across wild coasts, cliffs and nature trails as well as shops and cafes to enjoy local food.

If you enjoy golfing, Lanzaroteis known for enjoying each hole against an unbelievable backdrop formed by sea and volcanoes.  Golf can be played year-round in favourable climatic conditions, thanks to the island’s average temperature of 22°C. The two golf courses in Lanzarote are built in perfect harmony with the landscape and close to beaches, restaurants and other leisure activities.

Families can enjoy spectacular crystal-clear waters and superb stretches of white, golden and black sand. Popular beaches are Papagayo, Puerto del Carmen and Matagorda, Famara, Arrieta, Caleton Blanco, Orzola and the island of La Graciosa.

Because of the lush vegetation and natural resources, food in Lanzarote is fresh and mostly organic and visitors can try local traditional cuisine contemporary gastronomic dishes featuring fresh seafood, vegetables and meat.

If you are my type of a holidaymaker who makes spas a reason to go on holiday, you will not be disappointed in Lanzarote which has serene and sophisticated wellness centres, spas and thalassotherapy with massages and treatments that help your mind and body reach unwind and relax.

If you like celebrations, the traditional festivals and the famous Carnival should be perfect for you and on a smaller scale, the popular markets held every Sunday morning are fun with food and music.

Another place to go with children is The Atlantic Museum, the first underwater art museum in Europe that has a large artificial reef formed by 300 sculptures made with the neutral pH concrete that will in time increase marine biomass.

For nature lovers, Cueva de los Verdes is a fascinating cave to visit, created by the eruptions of the La Corona Volcano and The Cactus Garden is perfect for walks. Then there is the Mirador del Río, whichhas a balcony from where spectacular views over the Chinijo Archipelago can be enjoyed.

If you have time, the island of La Graciosa is a must visit as it is the most distinctive island in the Canaries, with only 600 inhabitants and is an idyllic destination full of peace, nature and serenity both in the popular areas and by its many beaches. Lanzarote is indeed a destination that has all one needs in one place for visitors of all ages.

 

 

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Valentines Day Gift Guide from Anker

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A selection of innovative practical gadgets that eases the life of your loved ones

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Anker with the perfect gift for your loved ones that lasts a lot longer than flowers and chocolates. Gifting gadgets for special occasions satisfies any personality from Anker Innovations where products range from Bluetooth speakers, headphones to power banks.The products are now in major retail stores in the Middle East.

Soundcore Flare:

Soundcore Flare is a cylindrical Portable Bluetooth speaker that provides immersive 360Oall around sound with BassUpTMTechnology. The uniquely designed Flare is water proof with IPX7 protection and comes with a beat driven ambient light show as well as offers 12 hours of continuous use on one charge. A perfect gift for someone who loves music on the go.

Liberty Air:

Liberty Air, true wireless in-ear headphones come with two built-in microphones with uplink noise cancellation and filters out ambient noises to ensure you sound crystal-clear even in noisy spaces. The latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology and a FPC antenna create a rock-solid connection for skip-free music. One-Step Pairing ensures automatic connection to your device. A seamlessly concealed sensor in both the earbuds allows you to effortlessly answer calls or adjust music without reaching for your phone. The charging case provides a longer battery life on the go for the earphones.

Soundcore Space NC:

The Soundcore Space NC, the state of the art over-the-ear headphones, are affordable, extremely comfortable and have a collapsible design making them perfect for travelling. Withleading active noise cancellation technologyand exceptional battery life, it is the perfect choice for the ultimate listening experience. The convenient touch controls on the on-ear touch pads and buttons allows users to have easy control on the music playback and effortless call answering. Soundcore Space NC is perfect for long haul listening with 20 hours playtime of uninterrupted music.

PowerCore IQ 5200mAh:

The PowerCore IQ 5200mAh is compact and perfect for charging your phone on the go. Equipped with High Speed Charging Power IQ technology, it detects the optimal and fastest charge speed required for the device.  It comes in incredibly compact candy bar size with cutting-edge technology and has enough charge to power your average smartphone up to 2 times. The intelligent high-speed charging, premium battery cells, together with advanced materials ensure reliability.

Expertly Crafted – Predator 74

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By Shereen Shabnam

Sporty and sleek, Sunseeker’s largest Predator model is back with a 40-knot capability and crafted to perfectly balance style with practicality. The new Sunseeker Predator 74 epitomizes the latest Sunseeker design cues and sets new standards and benchmarks for yachting enthusiasts.

The exterior of the Sunseeker Predator 74 boasts sleek, yet oversized windows down to the side deck, which floods the interior with light and provides uninterrupted views from the saloon.

Central to its appeal, the cleverly engineered cockpit door mechanism allows it to open conventionally, but also lowers itself into the sole of the yacht. Depending on the owner’s wishes, the Predator 74 can be transformed into an ‘open’ yacht in warmer regions or a ‘closed’ yacht in cooler climates.

Relaxation areas are often the primary focus for yacht lovers and the generous saloon in the Sunseeker Predator 74 includes a sumptuous seating area, ample storage and comprehensive port side bar console; all below an extraordinary glass sliding roof.

Below deck from the saloon, there is a generous galley and three spacious en-suite cabins, comprising an aft master, starboard twin and forward VIP. The master cabin benefits from an optional walk-in wardrobe or office area.

The below deck offers complete flexibility for owners with an option to have an extended galley arrangement complete with lounge and breakfast bar seating or an additional twin guest cabin which would allow the yacht to accommodate up to eight guests in a four cabin arrangement.

The vast foredeck features a superb sunbed for soaking up the rays complete with optional pram hood canopy. Behind the Predator 74 transom, directly below the vast sunpad, the tender garage provides the space to house a new Williams 390 jet tender or Jet Ski with a hydraulic bathing platform to make launching effortless.

The transom area features an optional ‘Beach Club’ with parasol which is a Sunseeker signature feature. This area offers an inviting space for family and friends to enjoy the built-in BBQ, overhead ‘rain shower’ and fold-down transom seating.

Piercing through the waves, this yacht is powered by MAN V12 1550 horsepower engines, which give an impressive top speed of up to 35 knots. Alternatively, for the thrill seekers, the performance engine option with the MAN V12 1900 engines offers a breathtaking top speed of up to 40 knots..

From the dynamic Sport Yacht models, through its luxurious Manhattan range, iconic Predator models and its majestic Yachts range, each Sunseeker is the result of an uncompromising approach to innovative design and engineering excellence. The brand’s spirit of excellence has hence driven Sunseeker to a prominent position in the leisure marine industry.

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MARQUIS YACHTS, LLC, ANNOUNCES NEW STRATEGIC VISION

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As part of the recent sale of its Larson Boat assets to Polaris Industries, the Pulaski, Wisconsin builder of Marquis, Carver and Lexus Yachts has announced a strategic reorganization. Under the guidance of President and CEO, Rob Parmentier, the company will now concentrate exclusively in the luxury yacht segment through its continued expansion of the Carver Yachts brand and relaunch of its Marquis brand with a new line of sport yachts. In addition, the company will continue its partnership with Lexus, the luxury automaker and will introduce its first production Lexus Luxury Yacht in the fall of 2019.
“Based upon years of successfully building European styled boats, and our recent partnership with Lexus Yachts, our company is in an excellent position to capitalize on the growing world-wide market for luxury sport yachts,” Parmentier said.
Parmentier went on to say that since the company is no longer in the small boat business, Marquis Yachts LLC will now be able to concentrate the efforts of all its skilled employees and resources to these three brands which best fit the evolving global marine market.  The expected result is increased market share and profitability, he said.
As a consequence of its strategic realignment, a new Marquis 42 will be introduced at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) to be followed by 50 and 60-foot models currently in the planning stage.
In conjunction with Nuvolari-Lenard, more than 20-years ago Marquis Yachts was one of the first boats, if not the first, to use European designs and look from an American boat manufacturer.  Once again, Marquis will introduce a new line of boats taking shape right now to be the first American builder to design, engineer and build an upscale, assertive and stylish “day boat” with striking lines and shape.  As announced in July, these new day boats will relaunch the Marquis brand.
Set to be introduced at FLIBS is the new 65-foot Lexus flybridge.  The Lexus is built in Marquis’ Pulaski facility with distribution to be handled through select Marquis and Carver Yachts dealers.  A coupe version will follow a few months after the launch of the LY650.
A new 46 Carver Command Bridge is on the drawing board scheduled to appear in early 2020.  This new Carver design will set the stage and direction for the Carver models to follow.
“This aggressive expansion of new models and the redefining of existing brands, is now possible because of this important strategic refocus of who we are and what we do,” Parmentier said. “Marquis Yachts LLC will continue to be a significant marine industry player as we go forward.”

Flying Colours Corp. moves into fifth St. Louis hangar as customer demand grows

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Flying Colours is open for business at the company’s fifth St. Louis hangar.  Hi-res available on request

Flying Colours Corp., the North American maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions business has taken up residence in its fifth hangar at the Spirit of St. Louis airport. The existing building, which is ideally located adjacent to the KSUS runway, adds a much-needed 30, 000 square feet to the St. Louis footprint, and complements the expanded cabinetry and interiors workshop opened at the facility in January 2018.

Since taking over the hangar lease in December 2018 the local team has been outfitting the building, installing new state-of-the-art tooling and supplementary maintenance equipment as well as revamping the office décor. The completed facility accommodates up to three parallel large-jet maintenance, avionics upgrades and interior projects at once. It is initially expecting to support heavy maintenance work and two Bombardier Global aircraft are already in-situ for 120-month heavy maintenance checks.

A recruitment drive is ramping up to source more than 50 extra maintenance engineers, technicians and administrative support personnel, bringing the St. Louis workforce to more than 200 in total.

The addition of the fifth hangar runs in parallel with the construction at Flying Colours’ Peterborough, Ontario headquarters of a fourth hangar which will be large enough to manage completions, refurbishment, maintenance and paint work in a new dedicated paint shop for Bombardier and Gulfstream large jet types, as well as executive airliners.

“Our business continues to grow as we build our reputation for maintenance, refurbishments and completion projects on time and on budget. Our customers also value the fact we can run interiors and maintenance simultaneously, so reducing down time. We were turning work away in St. Louis so it’s great to have the hangar ready and open for operations,” says Sean Gillespie, Executive VP Flying Colours Corp. The addition of the St. Louis hangar, and the building of new workshops in Peterborough, represent Flying Colours ongoing expansion plans driven by growth in customer demand.

 

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New Pershing 8X: The Carbon Fibre Revolution

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The masterpiece of the “X Generation” debuts at BOOT Düsseldorf 2019

Pershing continues to accelerate on the course of innovation and contemporary aesthetics.

Like its predecessor 9X, the new 8X is made of the same material that the most advanced nautical dreams are made of: carbon fibre. This material not only means lighter weight, greater speed, and lower fuel consumption, but also more volume due to the ability to design larger, more comfortable spaces.

The on-board comfort is extraordinary, thanks to the many benefits offered by the new system that integrates propulsion control with the manoeuvring, navigation, and monitoring systems. With the new 8X, “piloting” a Pershing, even at high speeds and without the support of the captain, is fun and accessible. 

25.55 meters in length (approx. 83’) and 5.86 meters wide (approx. 19’), Pershing 8X stems from the collaboration between yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni, the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee, headed by Mr. Piero Ferrari, and the Group’s Engineering Department. Pershing 8X expands the current range of the brand, as it is situated in the under 30-meter market segment as an innovative product that represents a true evolution in terms of stylistic-functional aspects and performance.

Made of carbon fibre, this new model features lines that are even sleeker and sportier, enhanced by characteristic Pershing elements like imposing side wings and the aerodynamic profile of the sundeck. The result is a yacht in the sport-fly range with an unrivalled combination of quality and innovation.

 

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Natural Perfection – Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Maldives

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By Shereen Shabnam

There are very few countries in the world that come close to the beauty of my home country Fiji Islands and theRepublic of Maldives is one of few that does come close. Located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives has 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atollswith almost 400,000 inhabitants.

We recently ventured into Maldives to visit the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a paradise resort known for luxury, romance, water sports, picturesque clear blue sea and tropical bliss.

We started our journey as a group together at the Etihad Business Lounge in Abu Dhabi sampling delicacies and getting to know each other better. From Check-in to the lounge and to aircraft, our experience was seamless and the attentive service by the crew was a bonus.

Being an islander I love the sun, sand and sea when on holiday and the marine world in Maldives is known for its beauty, especially the coral reefs that are home to a variety of marine ecosystems.

During my first two days at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, I explored the cool and contemporary spaces, stylish interiors, and beautiful gardens around the island. I was offered water based activities such as scuba diving, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wind surfing and snorkeling but I opted for a sting ray feeding experience and a boat ride to spot dolphins at play – both experiences were magical.

Guests at Iru Fushi can enjoy the unspoilt islands of Noonu Atoll, where Maldivian past life is reflected with boat builders working meticulously sanding wood to reveal a silken finish, children being educated about local marine species and farming of fruits and organic vegetables.

My room was a water villa on stilts with a small glass on the floor that gave me a view of the area below serving as personal coral garden and natural aquarium. The area felt like having a large natural swimming pool that protected me from the ocean waves and strong tidal currents beyond the villas. Close by, other guests enjoyed walking on the soft sand and sun bathing before jumping into the crystal clear waters.

Spas are my weakness and the resort offers a 20-room tropical spa with an enormous range of treatments, including massages, relaxation therapies and facials set in a tranquil environment. It is the perfect place for a beauty break.I enjoyed walking barefoot along the cobbled paths; the white sands and watched the palm trees as they gently leaned into the breeze after my massage session.

While waiting for my flight, I waited at the hotel’s private lounge near the airport where I tried a refreshing welcome drink, a quick snack and a short shoulder massage. Designed to be the one of the best airport lounges in the Maldives, the spacious private lounge can be used by guests arriving to The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi.  The lounge also has a children’s play room, outdoor balcony, free WiFi, computer stations as well as showers and changing facilities.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s Deluxe Beach has Villas with Pool, Pool Beach Villas, Sunset Horizon Water Villas or Infinity Water Villas. The resort features 221 luxury oceanfront villas, including 70 over-water bungalows, 14 restaurant and bar choices with a wide range of activities.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is 45 minutes seaplane journey from the capital, Malé, where Velana International Airport is located. Guests are met by a uniformed team member on arrival and then taken on a 10-minute drive by shuttle to the seaplane terminal to the designated seaplane lounge while waiting for the seaplane boarding call.

Visit Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and take in its vibrant local life, which has been influenced by various cultures and yet remains unique and a perfect holiday destination with relaxing days that are long and sun-filled and nights that are exciting and energetic.

We flew to Maldives with Etihad Airways because of the convenient timings and premium service and took a domestic fight to the Island. I just wish I could experience this mesmerizing award-winning resort for longer.

 

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Sicilian Vibes – Taormina

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By Shereen Shabnam

Seeing Sicily by road with a Jeep Cherokee proved to be one of the most exciting trips I did last month visiting the most famous areas in Taormina, staying on the bay with a picturesque view of the bay, going on a dinner cruise and exploring ancient ruins before continuing the journey to other parts of beautiful Sicily.

Taormina is one of Italy’s most historic holiday resorts perched on a slope high above the Ionian Sea on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is a popular and trendy destination with numerous attractions and dining options close to the site of one of the earliest colonies founded by the Ancient Greeks in Sicily. It is known for its favourable position, mild climate and captivating atmosphere.

The town is on the hill of the Monte Tauro, dominating two grand, sweeping bays below and on the southern side, the top of Mount Etna, the European highest active volcano. From my hotel room in Hotel Villa Diodoro, I still have a vision of a memorable view of almost one hundred miles of Mediterranean sea and the mountains in the distant.

We drove through the tourist town in the new Jeep Cherokee and stopped at the town cathedral to explore the town for a taste of Sicilian dolce vita and ended up indulging in the best home made chocolates, exotic cheeses and gourmet food while going through colourful art, roadside gelato stands and taking in the breathtaking vistas.

The best part of Taormina was visiting the stunning ancient Greek theatre, which although in ruins in most parts, has both a magical and mythical atmosphere, seeing the Roman “Naumachiae”, the 10th century Palazzo Corvaja, the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicolò, the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of Saint Stefano and the public gardens.

The preservation of history and culture is evident as we walked through streets with a charming atmosphere exuded from the old town pedestrian areas. We were given the option of seeing art performances at the Greek theatre, painting exhibitions held in local palazzi and churces but we opted to use the day to walk along the famous “Corso Umberto” with its classical music cafès and pastry shops.

Sicilian cuisine uses a lot of natural locally grown ingredients and this is reflected in the taste of the food in the restaurants, pizzerias and cafes. We tried local pasta dishes, gelatos and cafes that were delicious and worth going back for. The quaint shops sold typical Sicilian products such as the renowned hand made ceramics, local gourmet items, fine leather, wrought iron and wooden products.

When we reached the bay area in the evening for a dinner cruise, we noticed a lot of locals and tourists enjoying water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and canoeing. Our guide mentioned that the Town of Linguaglossa is the point of departure of most excursions heading into the Mt. Etna Nature Park. We never made it to the top but seeing the live lava at night on the top from a distance was special and brought home the message of how nature can be so powerful in its different terrains.

Taormina is easy to reach from Catania Fontanarossa. The journey takes about an hour and a half and our journey was particularly special as we drove the new Jeep Cherokee through different parts of Sicily and explored the best of the natural terrain.The mid-sized SUV offers the pleasure of the open-air driving experience withthe optional CommandView dual-pane power sunroof, an off-road attitude its capability to ease itself through in the city.

 

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Destination of choice – Laax, Switzerland

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By Shereen Shabnam

Switzerland is always a good idea as there are so many destinations within the country that have different attractions and vibes. One such place is Laax, a family-friendly haven dedicated to alpine adventures but offering more than just skiing. The area comprises the village of Laax, together with Salums, Cons, Laax Murschetg, and Laax Dorf.

Laax is part of the Weisse Arena Gruppe, which combines and markets the resorts of Flims, Laax and Falera under two brands. The winter programme is thus positioned under brand Laax, while the summer programme of Flims Laax Falera falls under brand Flims.

We enjoyed being there in the summer, as Flims Laax Falera becomes one large outdoor ‘playground’ for active guests.It offers a large network of hiking trails for walkers and has numerous wellness hotels. Falera, with its many patrician houses preserves the charm of a Graubünden mountain village, great for family holidays.

We especially enjoyed taking a Gondola to the summit of Crap Sogn Gionmountain 2252 meters above sea leveland toured the fascinating Galaaxy, which took us back to the past era of vinyl records, VCR videos and much more.

We then headed to the hiking trails, leading to beautiful lakes and enjoyed a culinary trail, which allowed us to sample some lovely local delicacies and organic, homegrown, innovative, gastronomic dishes.

We also spent a lovely afternoon visiting Lake Cauma, a breathtaking area where we walked through thick woods and relaxed by the exquisite turquoise lake, watching people swimming, chilling out, sunbathing and rowing. The Lake is surrounded by forests and contains a wooded island in the centre, where you can relax in complete tranquility.

Among the other beauty spots we came across here is Laaxersee or Lag Grond in the village of Laax Grisons, an excellent place for fishing in the summer.During one of our hikes, wealso managed to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking gorge, Ruinaulta, a canyon created by the Anterior Rhine between Ilanz/Glion and Reichenau and known as Switzerland’s `Grand Canyon’.

In the winter, visitors can enjoy 235 kilometres of snow-assured pistes across 100+ square kilometres around the ‘Crap Sogn Gion’ mountain. In fact, Laax attracts snowboarders and skiers from all over the world to its surrounding pistes and hosts important international snowboarding contests, such as the Burton European Open and the European Freeski Open LAAX.

Laax facilities include four snowparks, over 230km of pistes for all levels, as well as The Freestyle Academy, an indoor freestyle hall, which has trampolines, various skateboarding facilities, boulder area, airtrack, slackline and different sized kickers for skiers, bikers, snowboarders or skaters.

For bikers, Flims Laax Falera is a haven offering330 km of bike routes with marked trails and plenty of variety for every level, whether professional or beginner. An exciting way to explore the region is to book a bike guide and combine summer sports, such as hiking, downhill and mountain biking. 

The villages in the area are great places to have coffee, chocolates and make use of the facilities, including supermarkets, post offices, bakeries and various shops. There are around 40 shops spread through the three base villages, the majority of which are in Flims selling holiday essentials, ski gear, and local souvenirs. There are also food speciality stores where you can buy Swiss cheese and chocolate.

Both Flims and Laax have witnessed a design explosion in recent years, with architects favouring contemporary cool. In spite of this, traditional styles are still very much in evidence. The oldest surviving building in Laax was built in 1580 and the first hotel in 1880. Of particular interest is RestaurantCavigilli, Flims’ oldest house, dating from 1453, which comprises a Gothic parlour and an elegant dining room.

In Laax, we stayed at the Signinahotel overlooking a beautiful mountain panorama and close to great restaurants and places with a variety of recreational activities. We spent our evenings sampling Italian delicacies in the Ristorante Camino and other gourmet restaurants in the neighboring Rocks Resort, which, in addition to great eateries, features shops, biking tracks, skate boarding and roller-skating arenas.

To get there, Laax is only 45 minutes away from Chur by bus and roughly two hours from Zurich by car. We took the Swiss Pass and travelled from Zurich to Chur by train and then on to Signinahotel in Laax by bus – a wonderfully scenic journey in itself.