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New Year, New You - Visit the Isle of Wight in 2008

In 2008, why not combine an Isle of Wight break with a brand-new learning experience? There are weekend and midweek activity courses in yachting, windsurfing, golfing and paragliding and if you prefer something creative, how about a 'Watercolour Weekend', a crash-course in gourmet cooking, or a photography course on location in the stunning West Wight?

Some courses include accommodation in the price while for others you can opt to stay at luxurious on-site accommodation. You can of course choose your own by visiting www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/accommodation, or calling Isle of Wight Tourism's accommodation staff on 01983 813813.

With its unspoilt scenery and a wealth of fascinating attractions, the Isle of Wight is a fantastic location for a learning holiday. There are around 350 ferries per day from Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington and Southsea so getting there couldn't be easier. And the minute you step on board the ferry, you will feel a sense of 'chilling out', ready to embark on your new experience.

Weekend courses start at just £50 and run throughout the year making them an ideal birthday or anniversary present for friends and family.

So what are you waiting for? Visit the Isle of Wight in 2008 and it could be the start of a whole new you!

TAKE TO THE HIGH SEAS

Where: The UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) in Cowes, the 'home of yachting'.
When: Start Yachting: 16 and 23 February.
What: Start Yachting is a taster course for complete beginners. You will experience steering a yacht, rope work, sail trimming and safety onboard. The course can count towards the full RYA Competent Crew certificate. The UKSA's Start Windsurfing weekend is the ideal starting point for anyone new to windsurfing. With their expert guidance, the UKSA instructors will quickly get you up and sailing a training board with confidence. Note: students attending these courses must be either competent swimmers or water confident.
Cost: Start Yachting from £180 (Sat/Sun) Start Windsurfing from £195.
What else: Prices include modern, on-site accommodation and meals. Facilities on-site include a heated indoor swimming pool and a gymnasium.
Contact: UKSA on 01983 203038, www.uksa.org

SWING INTO ACTION

Course title: Island golfing breaks
Details: Available to everyone from complete beginners to advanced, adults and children. Provision Golf offer one-to-one tuition, group tuition, ladies only groups and kids groups.
Where: The Priory Bay Hotel, St Helens, near Ryde.
When: Throughout the year - phone or visit the website for details.
Cost: Tuition packages tailored to duration of stay, prices start from £35, but please call for a quote.
Accommodation: Accommodation can be arranged at the Priory Bay, a luxurious country house hotel with private beach. Prices start at £75 per person (weekend rate based on double occupancy including breakfast). Tel. 01983 613146, www.priorybay.co.uk
To book: Telephone Provision Golf on 01983 408000
For more info: Visit www.provisiongolf.co.uk

MEET THE INNER YOU

Course title: 'Yoga awareness weekends'
Details: A hands-on approach places an emphasis on using the breath, an awareness of your inner process and how to use your body efficiently. This combination of approaches will ease you into the postures making classes suitable for all levels.
Where: The Grange by the Sea, Old Village, Shanklin
When: 28-30 March, 2-5 May, 31 October to 2 November 2008
Cost: £60 (note May Bank Holiday weekend price is £110).
Accommodation: From £44 per person per night, including breakfast (based on shared occupancy of a twin or double room) at the 4-star Grange by the Sea.
To book: Telephone the Grange by the Sea on 01983 867644
For more info: Visit www.thegrangebythesea.com

Course title: Phenomenal Life Changing Weekend Retreat -
Details: Get More Out of Your Life 2 Nights Accommodation 8.Price Includes Luxury Accomodation, Mouthwatering Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch & Full use of Health Club Facilities along with a Comprehensive and Dynamic Course (Fri pm to Sun lunch - download flyer for course details) and even a Spa treatment!
Where: Melville Hall Hotel, Sandown Isle of Wight

When: 18-20 January 2008
Cost /
Accommodation: Book Now for £245 (normally £295) - Single Room Occupancy or £210 (normally £225) - Twin/Double Occupancy
For more info: Visit www.melvillehall.co.uk

Course Title: Look Good, Walk Tall, Feel Fabulous
Date / Time: Friday 22nd February - Sunday 24th February 2008
Description: How we look, how we behave depends on how we feel about our lives and about ourselves. That's the first base so much of what we do in life we do instinctively, without noticing, without thinking. It is behaviour we have long learned. It is not always helpful behaviour. Our self-consciousness tends to be built up around critical voices rather than encouraging ones.
Where: The Grange, Shanklin
Cost: £75.00
Contact: For more info or to book Tel. 01983 867644 or visit www.thegrangebythesea.com

Course Title: Writing and Yoga Day
Date / Time: Sat 8th March, 10am - 4pm
Description: An exploration of our creativity through yoga and writing
in the inspirational setting of an Island manor.
Where: Northcourt Manor, Shorwell.
Cost: £25

Contact: For more info or to book contact Lydia 01983 740980 or
email: lydiafulleylove@dsl.pipex.com

CREATE AN AWARD-WINNING DISH

Course title: Cookery and wine classes
Details: Learn the 'tricks of the trade' from Head Chef Graham Walker - a veteran of Michelin-starred establishments - while Restaurant Manager and Sommelier, Frenchman Ludovic Pech, advises guests on food and wine matching. The afternoon begins at 3pm with chef showing you how to take the raw ingredients and turn them into an award winning dish - including starter, main and desert. Following Champagne and Canapés in the drawing room, your five course gourmet dinner is served at around 7.30pm with guests being able to view and visit the kitchen throughout the evening
Where: The Seaview Hotel and Restaurant, an attractive Victorian retreat in the picturesque Isle of Wight village of the same name.
When: 16 January, 12 March and 21 May 2008
Cost: £55 including half-day cookery class, Seaview Hotel apron, tea and pasties, wine tasting, Champagne and canapés followed by dinner.

Accommodation: Special accommodation rates apply for those taking part starting from £50 per person per night, including breakfast
To book: Telephone the Seaview Hotel on 01983 712711.
For more info: Visit www.seaviewhotel.co.uk

REACH NEW HEIGHTS

Course title: Paragliding courses with High Adventure, a fully recognised and registered British Paragliding and Hang gliding association on the Isle of Wight.
Details: The aim of the one or two-day course is to get you flying as soon as is safe and practicable. After a couple of hours, you will be experiencing the thrill and exhilaration of your first flight from about 50ft. All flights are undertaken with full supervision and your instructors are in radio contact with you at all times. The two-day course allows you to develop further the skills that you have learned which means lots more flying. Minimum age 14 years, maximum weight around 120kg and you must have normal levels of fitness.
Where: High Adventure at Freshwater Bay. Collection service from the Yarmouth ferry.
When: Weekends (and some midweek) March until October (weather dependant)
Cost: From £89 for the day and £175 for two-days.
Accommodation: Call High Adventure or Isle of Wight Tourism on 01983 813813.
To book: Telephone High Adventure, tel. 01983 752322, or e-mail phil@highadventure.uk.com
For more info: Visit www.high-adventure.uk.com

PAINT TO YOUR ARTS CONTENT

Course title: 'Beginners' Watercolour Weekend' & 'Moving On in Watercolour'
Details: Have you always wanted to paint but not known how to begin? Or maybe you used to paint and need some help to get started again? This course is based on a mixture of short demonstrations and individual exercises accompanied by sympathetic coaching. 'Moving On in Watercolour' has been designed for people who have mastered the basic principles of watercolour and as far as possible, the content will be planned to meet the individual needs of the participants. It will also cover such fundamental topics such as basic technique, tone, colour, composition and the use of sketchbooks. Please bring your own paints, paper and equipment.
Where: Jubilee Stores, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight
When: Beginners course: 23/24 February, Moving on course: 29/30 March 2008.
Cost: £50 per weekend course.
Accommodation: Why not complement your creativity with luxury accommodation in elegant surroundings at Braunstone House? Conveniently located in the heart of Newport, prices start from £85-£95 per room per night (based on 2 people sharing a double room, breakfast included). Tel. 01983 822994.
To book: Telephone Quay Arts on 01983 822490 x 225.
For more info: Visit www.quayarts.org

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY

Course title: Creating Images with Chris Avery
Details: Improve your photography skills at a range of workshops and field trips held in and around the former home of Victorian photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron.
Where: Dimbola Lodge, Freshwater Bay.
When: 17 March 08 (Composition at Dimbola)
14 April 08 (Depth of Field at Dimbola)
16 April 08(Practical session on Composition and Depth of Field) 19 May 08 (Patterns at Dimbola)
21 May 08 (Practical session on Patterns, textures etc)
23 June 08 (Photography 1890-1950 at Dimbola)
15 September 08 (Photography 1950-2008 at Dimbola)
17 September 08 (Practical session on Photographer's techniques
13 October 08 (Experimental Photography at Dimbola)
15 October 08 (Practical session on experimental photography)
(Please wear sensible shoes and clothing for all field trips - minimum group size 12).
Cost: £10 per two-hour session (held mornings) payable by credit card or cheque made payable to JMC Trust. For more information and to book, call 01983 756814.

Accommodation: Make a short break of it and stay at nearby Farringford Hotel, located in Freshwater. Once the home of fellow Victorian, Alfred Lord Tennyson, prices start from £51.50 per person per night (breakfast included) and the hotel also offers ferry inclusive packages starting from £71 per person per night (breakfast included). Tel. 01983 752500, www.farringford.co.uk
To book: E-mail nicky@dimbola.freeserve.co.uk , telephone Dimbola Lodge on. 01983 756814
For more info: Visit www.dimbola.co.uk

First Contact Active Leisure

First Contact offer fun days and corporate activity weekends for friends and colleagues visiting the Isle of Wight. Activities include Clay Pigeon Shooting, 4x4 Driving, Mountain Biking, Laser Combat, Horse Riding, RIB Charter, Fishing, Motorboat and Powerboat Charter. First Contact can put together a complete package including accommodation and ferry tickets.

Prices on application: call 01983 752322, e-mail first-contact@high-adventure.uk.com , or visit www.islandactivities.co.uk