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Mark Warner Ski Review: Beginner Ski Holiday

Thinking of booking a beginner ski holiday? Find out more about learning to ski on a Mark Warner holiday in this first hand account.

All the gear and no idea. That’s how I’d describe myself as I headed to Heathrow Airport on a dark January morning ready for my first ever ski trip. I’d signed up to a beginner ski holiday with Mark Warner.

Kitted out in newly purchased snow boots and a borrowed ski jacket, I felt like a massive fraud. I’ve never skied in my life. I struggle with activities that involve balance or co-ordination. Don’t even ask about my track record on a bike…

Despite this, I like to think of myself as a bit of adventurer, yes really! I’ve hang-glided in Rio De Janeiro, volcano boarded in Nicaragua and I’m an adrenaline freak when it comes to rollercoasters. I’ll try most things once. So why did the thought of hitting the slopes fill me with fear? Well for a start, who learns to ski at the age of 30?!

SKIING FOR BEGINNERS

Thankfully this was a ski trip to ease anxious sorts like me into this bizarre concept of sliding down a mountain with two planks strapped to my feet. From London, I travelled to the Mark Warner resort in Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps. It was a beautiful journey – with fir trees dusted in white powder, frozen lakes and frosty mountain peaks. My home for the next few days was the chalet-style Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret (full review coming soon). Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the hotel was beautifully cosy with large lounge areas, an inviting fireplace and a luxurious spa. I started to think I could fit in here.

Spectacular snowy drive in the Alps… Feels like Christmas all over again! #mwmoment

A photo posted by Chloë Gunning (@wanderlustchloe) on Jan 13, 2016 at 3:31am PST

Hotel L'ecrin Du Val Claret — Hotel L’ecrin Du Val Claret

The most exciting new festival to hit the capital – Lumiere London has attracted big crowds wanting to see London’s light festival.

Top artists from around the world were tasked with illuminating the city’s most iconic streets and landmarks with a mix of 3D projections, interactive installations and illuminated art works.

Thousands of Londoners and tourists alike braved the freezing January temperatures, in the hope that the neon glow would warm them up!

Lunch is served at La Maison Arabe Marrakech

From tasty breads and delicious tagine, to sweet treats, this is the best cooking class in Marrakech.

After a week exploring the Atlas Mountains, Moroccan seaside towns and the Sahara Desert, it was time to head back to Marrakech for a few days of culture and relaxation. I checked into one of the city’s top hotels – Es Saadi Gardens and Resort, but I was craving something…

Incredible pool at La Mamounia, Marrakech

What’s it really like to visit La Mamounia Marrakech – one of the city’s most famous hotels?

La Mamounia’s reputation preceded it. Before THIS epic trip around Morocco, I’d never visited Marrakech… but somehow I’d still heard of La Mamounia.

I knew this was a hotel that was constantly winning awards… “The Best Hotel In The World” (including the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Awards), “Top Hotel For Honeymoons”, “Best Spa In The World”… the list goes on. It has one of the most photogenic swimming pools on the planet, oh and it was Winston Churchill’s favourite place to stay in Marrakech. So when I was in town, I couldn’t wait to pop by and see what all the fuss was about!

Recently renovated, the hotel is more luxurious than ever, with plush décor, Moorish opulence and some of the best dining options Marrakech has to offer. However, beyond the rich fabrics, Instagrammable-tiled courtyards and pristine swimming pools, it’s also an oasis of calm.

When you wander through La Mamounia Hotel’s 20-acre park with its fruit trees, tall palms and brightly coloured flowers, it is easy to forget you’re in one of the world’s most hectic cities.

Stunning courtyard @lamamouniamarrakech… I wonder how many Moroccan tiles I can fit in my luggage?!

A photo posted by Chloë Gunning (@wanderlustchloe) on Nov 14, 2015 at 9:18am PST

I visited the hotel on a Saturday afternoon in November, pleased to be enjoying some warm winter sun. I took a peek in the legendary Churchill Suite which had incredible views over the gardens. I loved the melange of English style and Moroccan traditions, particularly the Chesterfield desk and distressed leather sofa with the impressive Moroccan handiwork covering the ceilings.

Wanderlust Chloe at Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Follow this Slovenia itinerary and you’ll see the best sights, eat the best food and have a great time in an extremely beautiful and underrated country.

Slovenia is the only country in the world with love in its name…

You know that magical moment when you’ve flown somewhere at night, only to open the curtains the next day and see an incredible, unexpected world outside your window. That’s how my time in Slovenia began! ALMOST.

Mark Warner Ski Review: Beginner Ski Holiday

Thinking of booking a beginner ski holiday? Find out more about learning to ski on a Mark Warner holiday in this first hand account.

SKIING FOR BEGINNERS

Lumiere London – A Round Up Of The Best Installations From The Light Festival

The most exciting new festival to hit the capital – Lumiere London has attracted big crowds wanting to see London’s light festival.

Moroccan Cooking Class at La Maison Arabe, Marrakech

From tasty breads and delicious tagine, to sweet treats, this is the best cooking class in Marrakech.

Why Visit La Mamounia Marrakech, Morocco?

What’s it really like to visit La Mamounia Marrakech – one of the city’s most famous hotels?

The Ultimate Slovenia Itinerary – Food, Wine, Mountains, Lakes And More

Follow this Slovenia itinerary and you’ll see the best sights, eat the best food and have a great time in an extremely beautiful and underrated country.