A Personal View – Costa Brava 2006 with Paul and Carole Eden of Holidays 4 Dancers The Pyrenees from the air was one of many surprises we were to enjoy on our first dancing holiday to the Costa Brava. The spectacle of those snow covered peaks was a joy to behold, but a tailwind sped us on to one of the most delightful dance holidays we have ever experienced. The flight landed early and our luggage quickly danced and fell through those plastic straps, and before we knew it we were being welcomed by our hosts Carole and Paul Eden of holidays4dancers. Within minutes, the coach was full and we were on our way from Barcelona to Platja D'aro. Arrival and registration at the hotel was again brief and stress free due to an easy label system, and less than half an hour after arrival we were at the poolside with a cool drink. This holiday had clearly been meticulously planned by our hosts and we waited for the restaurant doors to open to see what else, was 'on the menu' for us. Our first meal, with complimentary wine from our hosts, was just the ticket, and at 9pm we danced through to some fabulous music …. and slept soundly. Breakfast, from 7.30am to 10.00am, was followed by a Welcome Meeting with Carole, Paul and Anna the Resort Manager. The itinerary for the week, together with all the 'do's and don'ts' was well presented and at 11.00am we were on an orientation walk around the resort, conducted by local tourism officers. Platja D'aro beach is stunning, as are the pathways either end of the promenade, one taking you into wonderful secluded sandy coves and the other, a stunning Marina. By Midday we were free and at leisure and it perhaps told its own story that many of those on the holiday, without prior arrangement, ended the tour by returning to the hotel pool, and chilling out before a second night of dancing. The relaxed and easy personable nature of our hosts, (often found by the pool), who had taken the trouble to know every one of our Christian names for our arrival at the airport, were forging a social bond between us all, and I commented then to my husband that I was pleased we had booked the two weeks and not one. At the Welcome meeting, Carole and Paul expressed that it was their dearest wish that we were to have a wonderful, "holiday". Yes, there was dancing, and indeed there was no doubt in my mind, they invest heavily in their music, because every night was a different dancers heaven, full of infectious Latin, some stunning waltzes and foxtrots and fun and lively sequence, but as we got to know them, we realised their 'business,' their purpose in being there, was that we enjoy a holiday The dancing is why we choose such breaks, but for those of us relying on these two weeks for our yearly break, we will know in future that our savoured summer break is safe in this couple's hands. The excursion the following day was an eye opener for everyone who took part.(sadly we missed it but are going next time) Barcelona is a wonderful "day out" destination, and the guide, collected at the city limits, was a Frenchman who had resided in the city for 25 years. I won't relate the detail as given to us and therfore spoil the trip for others who are to follow but would just say, 'It was an experience not to be missed.' The previous night in the restaurant, being a Friday, there was a huge choice of fish dishes, and it has to be said, the range and diversity of hot and cold food presented at the buffet must have satisfied every palate and desire. Fish was on the menu most nights, together with a wide choice of meat and vegetarian dishes, and one had to be disciplined if we were dancing later. Saturday evening was a free evening and we could enjoy the in house entertainment or browse the busy shops and restaurants just literally 5 minutes from the hotel. I know many of the dancers made their way to the beach-side restaurants and saw the sun go down as they 'people watched' the night away. Sunday became Monday and we staggered our time between early morning and late afternoon sun-bathing by the pool, with exploratory walks around the maze of shops just off the high street. Platja D'aro which is only 70K from the French border is nicknamed "Millionaires' Row", and I can see why. Every other shop is either a clothes or shoe shop, with a vast range of luxury clothes and footwear. For the ladies, retail therapy at it best, but I don't know if the gentlemen would agree, as their wallets must have taken a pounding, as quality does indeed, have its price. The resort is totally unspoiled and has a real quality feel with few high rises except on the sea front. The local Carrefour Supermarket just around the corner from the hotel supplied our every other need. Tuesday took us to the old town of Gerona, and it must be said, this beautiful provincial capital, just 45 minutes from the hotel, is a stunning excursion, both culturally and exploring the intimate shops, boutiques and restaurants that abound in every nook and cranny of this refurbished medieval city. After another night at leisure, some fellow holidaymakers were feeling the blues as they were returning to the UK the next day, but Paul and Carole had timed their finale well, and after dancing we were treated to a Flamenco Show - a real quality affair with fine dancing which had us all applauding and stamping our feet in appreciation of their skill. Thursday, we said our goodbyes to those leaving, and our hellos to the new arrivals later that day, and once again Paul & Carole soon had us all talking and chatting, and by the evening's dancing, everyone had blended into one, and the holiday rolled gently into Friday and a second delightful week. Our hosts who accompanied their guests on all the excursions took a large group to visit the town of Figueras, home of the Salvador Dali museum and this was again highly praised as a wonderful and worthwhile excursion at the dinner tables that night. I understand all of these excursions plus several new ones which include some magnificent walking tours around the beautiful countryside of Catalonia have been included in next years visit which we and many of our fellow holidaymakers have already rebooked. I have to pay tribute to our hosts who made the holiday so relaxed and stress free. Carole is a genuinely delightful and unpretentious lady with no airs and graces and with great natural poise and elegance in everything that she does, and we all felt her kindness and thoughtfulness throughout the break. Paul, her husband, is a big man with an equally big personality and everyone soon relaxed with his easy demeanour and dry wit. His reputation as a professional, knowledgeable and entertaining dance host is well deserved and as I mentioned earlier, his music is the most up to date we have experienced, and he made sure every night was a dancing pleasure. They both genuinely care about your holiday, they set aside time to get to know you and are truly interested whether you are enjoying the break. They dined with a different table every day, were always pleased to see you, always available, yet they did not impose or intrude. This was a holiday every dancer of every standard will enjoy and although relatively new to the dancing scene (1999), Paul and Carole are naturals for this people business and those who book with holidays4dancers whether in the UK or abroad will I am sure recognise their right to be a leading light in the dance holiday world. We will certainly be booking their holidays again. Linda Cutcliffe