T LEISUREA ISSUE NO. 1AMORI TRAVEL MAGAZINE SCENIC CYCLING Special Feature Group Accommodation The Rise of the Hot Tub Unwind in Style! Robin Hood’s Bay to Scarborough Download our mobile-friendly route & map TRAVEL TALES A holiday with an unexpected plot twist! STARLIGHT MAGIC Discover the dark skies of Northumberland WIN a £15 voucher Enter our easy competition!

A day to smile, a day to be free A day at leisure, just for me To laugh, to dream - to feel carefree To feel the joy, and simply be... AT LEISURE AT LEISURE | 2

at leisure07101611171927 contents07 the rise of the hot tub16 take a twirl with aerial hoop18 quick quiz - travel trivia19 special feature - group accommodation27 starlight magic - the dark skies of northumberland29 competition Email: contact@amoritravel.com the amori travel magazine10 responsible tourism - eco-friendly properties11 travel tales - a holiday with an unexpected plot twist! Follow us on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram www.amoritravel.com13 scenic cycling in yorkshire17 beach buzz spotlight on carneAll rights reserved. The content of this magazine is protected by copyright and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any form without explicit written permission from the publisher.

GOLDEN HUES Bourton-on-the-Water basking in the early morning sunlight

Hello and welcome to this brand-new magazine, which showcases some of our fabulous holiday properties, and is dedicated to one of the things we love most in life - our leisure time. I'd like to introduce myself and tell you a little of how ‘At Leisure’ and Amori Travel came into being. I'm Denise - originally (and still!) the owner of Amori Gift Studio. It was whilst engaging with holiday let owners through sales of my guest books, that I started to realise something quite unexpected: operating in the holiday let environment has become very challenging indeed. So challenging in fact, that some owners are now selling up. I thought to myself - this is no good - we in the UK love our holidays, and we need these businesses to thrive. I could see that one of the many challenges owners face, was needing somewhere low-cost to showcase their properties. So, one day in April the idea for Amori Travel was born, and within months has become a place that offers a much more beneficial synergy for both owners and their guests than some other platforms that tend to add rather large fees to your booking total. These fees don't exactly add appeal to the booking process do they! I wanted to provide a better way for owners and customers to find each other. A way that would support direct bookings so that both owners and their customers can benefit. Amori Travel is that place. A place where a good percentage of owners are now encouraging their customers to book direct - by rewarding them with an Amazon Gift Card via the 'bonus extra' scheme. Not every owner is geared for direct bookings - and that's okay, because everyone is welcome at Amori Travel. But we believe in providing the opportunity for owners to take direct bookings - and many are starting to make that move. So, to sum up - in the last year a website was built, a travel platform launched, and ‘AT LEISURE’ was created. This was all done without considering if the water was warm - or whether I could even swim. Luckily though, I learned to float pretty quickly! Stick around and travel along with us - the journey is just beginning! W E L C O M E B E C H A N R E T R E A T S L e f t : B e c h a n R e t r e a t s L u x u r y l o d g e s w i t h h o t t u b s A b e r b e c h a n , S o u t h W a l e s C o v e r : S e a s c a p e C o t t a g e , N o r t h Y o r k s h i r e D e n i s e x

Special Offer 15% OFF NOTEBOOKS ENDS 01/06/25 CODE: NOTES15 WHAT’S YOURS FOR? Travel Journal Guest Book Recipes Mind Maps Doodling Study Notes Crafting Notes Book Club Notes www.amorigiftstudio.co.uk Wedding Plans Spelling Tests Things to Remember Shopping Lists To-do Lists Sketchbook Lyrics & Music Notes

HOT TUB HEAVEN H o t t u b s a r e o n e o f t h e m o s t r e q u e s t e d a n d p o p u l a r h o l i d a y a m e n i t i e s - b u t j u s t w h a t i s i t t h a t m a k e s t h e m s o a p p e a l i n g ? T H E S O O T H I N G R E V O L U T I O N Ahhh, what bliss… Anyone who suffers with aches and pains knows the sheer bliss of sinking into a warm bath and being infused with the relaxing heat. Add to that the pulsing bubbles from hot tub jets, and you don’t have to think very hard to understand the allure of taking a holiday where your very own private tub is waiting outside. Known for their many positive effects, hot tubs have earned their therapeutic badge due to the triple benefits of heat, buoyancy, and massage jets - the combination of which can help to improve both physical and psychological wellbeing. This combination coupled with the social aspect, gives a healthy boost to our endorphins too. Who wouldn’t feel happy when they’re cocooned in that oh so relaxing environment, whilst chatting with friends under the stars - or gazing out over a fabulous view! With outdoor swimming pools being out of action for a large part of the year in the UK, a hot tub holiday offers a different and more reliable way to get some water ‘action’. So, next time you are booking a holiday - consider how the humble hot tub can add that touch of luxury to your stay, you may come home feeling more like you’ve been pampered in a 5* hotel! Check out the Amori Travel list of hot tub havens - many in quiet locations and with stunning views. Take some time out - you deserve it! N O M A D I C | 2 4 A T L E I S U R E | 7 R E D R O O F S B A R N N E W A R K N O T T I N G H A M S H I R E

T E A L L O D G E P E R R A N P O R T H , C O R N W A L L A T L E I S U R E | 5 E A S Y O N T H E W Y E L L Y S W E N , W A L E S D E E R C O T T A G E T H O M P S O N , N O R F O L K T O P P I C K S 1 - b e d , s l e e p s 2 R u r a l l o c a t i o n L o g b u r n e r V i l l a g e p u b n e a r b y P e d d a r s W a y c y c l e r o u t e a n d P i n g o T r a i l w a l k o n t h e d o o r s t e p B o n u s e x t r a r e w a r d 1 - b e d , s l e e p s 2 R u r a l l o c a t i o n P e t s w e l c o m e L a k e v i e w s L o g b u r n e r F i r e p i t B o n u s e x t r a r e w a r d 2 - b e d , s l e e p s 4 C o a s t a l l o c a t i o n 3 M i l e s f r o m P e r r a n p o r t h I n d o o r p o o l o n s i t e P e t f r e e a c c o m m o d a t i o n C h i l d r e n s p l a y a r e a B o n u s e x t r a r e w a r d

R E D R O O F S B A R N N E W A R K , N O T T I N G H A M S H I R E 2 - b e d , s l e e p s 6 A d d i t i o n a l S h e p h e r d s H u t a v a i l a b l e - s l e e p s 2 O p e n c o u n t r y s i d e v i e w s C o u n t r y s i d e w a l k s f r o m t h e d o o r N e a r S h e r w o o d F o r e s t P e t f r i e n d l y A T L E I S U R E | 5A T L E I S U R E | 9 M I N - Y - M O R C A R D I G A N , W A L E S 1 - b e d , s l e e p s 2 S e a v i e w s S t u n n i n g r u r a l l o c a t i o n P e t f r i e n d l y P a t h f r o m p r o p e r t y l e a d s t o T r e s a i t h a n d t h e c o a s t a l p a t h B o n u s e x t r a r e w a r d 9 T H E N E W L A N D S M A T L O C K , D E R B Y S H I R E 3 - b e d , s l e e p s 6 R u r a l l o c a t i o n P e t s w e l c o m e T i k i b a r F i r e p i t C h i l d r e n s p l a y a r e a B o n u s e x t r a r e w a r d T O P P I C K S

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM How eco-conscious holiday let owners are helping the planet Like to be eco-conscious on holiday? If you do, you’ll be pleased to hear that an increasing number of holiday property owners are doing all they can to make sustainable choices for their guests. Take Joanne for instance - the owner of Our Place in Portland in Dorset. When you holiday at this lovely property you will find eco-friendly toiletries, cleaning products, toilet rolls - and a complete absence of single-use plastics. Joanne was also the winner of the Level 6 Litter Free Dorset sustainability award in 2024 - proving just how much she cares about the environment. Well done Joanne - what a fantastic achievement! Also based in Dorset, the fabulous Snug at Caphays studio provides guests with eco-friendly toiletries, energy from a ground source heat pump, and also has an EV charger installed. Set in idyllic countryside, The Snug can sleep up to 4. Another of our properties - Eames Cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, is doing their bit by using solar power. This beautifully modern cottage uses solar panels to generate electricity and is electric vehicle friendly too - with it’s own EV charger on site. There’s no doubt that eco-friendly practices are on the rise. Many holiday let owners are passionately pursuing their eco-conscious goals of helping the planet, whilst also providing a ‘touch of luxury’ with eco-friendly toiletries. So it seems that guests, owners - AND the planet can all benefit from this rather rewarding synergy! The award received by the owner of ‘Our Place in Portland’ The Snug at Caphays Caundle Marsh Sherborne AT LEISURE | 10

I recently caught up with Carpenters Barn owner Berni Newcombe, who has led quite an interesting life it seems. Berni was quite the high flyer back in the 80’s and 90’s - with a successful career in the tourism industry. Chatting with her left me with the distinct impression that she’s someone whose presence guarantees never a dull moment! She told us about one particularly unfortunate ‘adventure’ which as you will read - left her feeling that flying is better off left to others! These days Berni keeps her feet firmly on terra firma in the UK, and prefers to gather her travelling tales from guests that come to stay with her. I’m one of those weird people who never really enjoyed travelling. Even as a child - from the age of around 13, I would opt to stay with a friend and work at the local riding school, while my parents went off on their annual holiday without me. I lived and breathed horses and always worked for my rides. I have no idea where that love came from, having been born into a London family - but it has been a strong influence over my life. Working in the tourism industry in the 80’s and 90’s (Tourist Board Development Manager and Chief Executive of the Farm Holiday Bureau) entailed a lot of driving around the country, especially to FHB regional meetings. This phase in my career happened to coincide with my boy racer phase…I remember turning up to a meeting on a farm in the Welsh borders in my Lotus Excel with my exhaust back box and tail pipe in the boot, took a lot of living down - they could hear me coming from 5 miles away! As CE of the FHB I was also the UK representative for the European Federation of Farm Tourism, which always held annual conferences in great locations. Paris, Iceland and Tenerife were especially memorable. I totally loved Iceland and took a few extra days to thoroughly enjoy driving around Reykjavik and the environs in a little 4x4 with snow chains. Batsford Arboretum 14.2 miles British Motor Museum 7.3 miles Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park 4.4 miles Upton House & Gardens 6.6 miles Redwings Oxhill Horse Sanctuary 3 miles TRAVEL TALES Places to visit near CARPENTERS BARN Pillerton Hersey Warwickshire BERNI TENDING TO HER BEES - THE PRODUCERS OF LEAPING SHEEP HONEY The Misadventures of a Reluctant Traveller - by Berni Newcombe WHEN TRAVELLING - ALWAYS EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! AT LEISURE | 11

I had one epic holiday back in the '80s, flying around Kenya in little, old and rattly De Havilland Twin Otter planes - hopping between safari lodges. However, that was an experience never to be repeated! On one of the flights, a poor French lady in the seat behind us had a panic attack, and sadly died 10 minutes after take off. The dozen or so other French tourists in the party with her went into hysterics for the next 30 minutes or so - while the pilot flew doggedly on, determined to set the rest of us down safely. Needless to say, I’m not a fan of flying now! I suspect that incident really put me off travelling for good, but my love of the British countryside grew stronger and stronger as a result. We have so much variety of landscape, geology, history, scenery and space - in what is a relatively small island. We really are blessed. My family and I have lived in our rural hideaway here in Warwickshire for over 25 years with a few ponies over the years, along with sheep and bees. The sheep are a bit special in more ways than one – they are Soay, an ancient breed dating from the Bronze Age, having been brought over by the Vikings to colonise St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides - and to be honest they still think that they live there! Feral, feisty and fiercely self-sufficient they are a joy to be guardians of, but you’d never own one, and they are great levellers. We have kept bees for around 12 years now, and they really are a labour of love. They need time and patience and are so calm to work with when you respect them. Our bees are very generous, we have a bountiful supply of pollen around the smallholding and their honey reflects the variety of plants on offer to them. We always pop a small jar of our own Leaping Sheep honey into our welcome basket, which will change in flavour through the year - from early crocus, primrose, bluebell and snowdrop through chestnut, acacia, lime and onto ivy with the odd bit of extra oomph added in from who knows where. So it seems inevitable now that we don’t travel far these days. Running the smallholding and still occasionally having our ponies back home, (we have Mallow and Poppy in wonderful loan homes and they still return for a holiday from time to time) has been our lifelong dream. And now that my parents have moved on, we also spend our time thoroughly enjoying hosting our guests at Carpenters Barn, and sharing our love of the countryside with them. THE STUNNING GARDENS AT CARPENTERS BARN Berni x AT LEISURE | 12

Click here to visit Seafern Cottage

AERIAL HOOP-LA! TAKE A TWIRL WITH Step out of your comfort zone and learn this unique art form Aerial hoop, also known as Lyra, is a thrilling and captivating form of artistic expression that combines acrobatics and dance. Performing on the hoop allows individuals to experience the exhilaration of defying gravity as they soar through the air with grace and strength. The circular apparatus serves as a canvas for a myriad of stunning poses and fluid transitions, creating visually mesmerizing performances. The dynamic movements on the aerial hoop require a blend of physical strength, flexibility, and balance, providing a full-body workout that leaves participants feeling empowered and accomplished. The challenge of mastering new tricks and sequences can be both mentally stimulating and deeply satisfying. F F O S M A S C A L R H Y A D E R

Location: Ffosmascal, St.Harmon Road, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5NR Phone: 07939 674321 Aerial Hoop Instructor Katharine Hart Email: trapezekate@gmail.com AT LEISURE | 16 Moreover, the creativity involved in choreographing routines and expressing oneself through movement adds an artistic dimension to the activity. Each performance is a unique reflection of the individual's style and personality, making aerial hoop an endlessly exciting and fulfilling pursuit. If you feel like life needs a bit of excitement and are looking for a new leisure time activity, then give aerial hoop a go! Lessons are available with Katherine Hart, who is an experienced instructor - either indoors at the Carad, East St, Rhyader studio, or outdoors at her home nearby where the stunning scenery will only add to the thrill of the experience. Not local? Not a problem! Katherine also runs a 2- bed holiday let property - Ffosmascal, so just book yourself in, and add this exhilarating activity to your stay. You won’t get a warmer welcome anywhere!

CARNE Beach buzz SPOTLIGHT ON Carne Beach is a stunning wide bay with shallow waters, located on the Roseland Peninsula in South Cornwall

Easy parking close to the beach in the National Trust car park (free for National Trust members) Car park machines only take cash - option to also use the app PayByPhone Beachfront parking available on the road (some disabled spaces) Public toilet (accessible) On the South West Coast Path (walk to Nare Head) Beach access is via a steep ramp with hand rail Dogs allowed all year round If Carne car park is full then try nearby Pendower Beach - less than 1 mile away, sandy, dog friendly, disabled access CARNE BEACH VISITOR INFO T R A V E L T R I V I A A N S W E R S O N P A G E 2 8 01. The island of Bali is part of which country? (9) 02. Which country is known for its festive celebration of Las Fallas, a holiday featuring large paper-mâché sculptures? (5) 03. What is the German location of Charlemagne's tomb? (15) 04. In which country would you find the famous cherry blossom festivals in spring? (5) 05. Summer holiday treat - ice _ _ _ _ _ 06. What are the twin peaks in St. Lucia known as? (6) 07. Heroes bid true (anag). Clue: Scottish islands 08. Alabama's fifth largest city (10) 09. Cumbrian village where Wordsworth lived from 1813 to 1850? (10) 10. What is the name of Ian Fleming's home in Jamaica? (9) 11. Alaskan islands (8) 12. Welsh lake whose river runs through Llwydiarth (6) 13. Small island off the South coast of England - famous for it’s red squirrels (8) 14. Brazilian river and retail giant! (6) 15. Common holiday footwear made of rubber (plural) (9) AT LEISURE | 18

Then take a look at our gorgeous group accommodation - gather your groupies, and get ready to make memories! Bury Hill Farm Near Bristol WANNA BE A GROUPIE?

Enjoy a variety of outside spaces for socialising Accommodates up to 14 guests Bury Hill Farm offers an exceptional space to host your celebrations and gatherings. Set in 8 acres - the house is reached up a long driveway from a country lane. With 3 pubs within walking distance, and lots of interesting activities available nearby - nobody will be stuck for entertainment ideas if they need a breather from partying! bury hill farm Enjoy a fun stay at this delightful property - perfect for hen parties, birthday parties and special occasions WINTERBOURNE DOWN

AT LEISURE | 21 “Step back in time...” s tep back in time when you stay at this sumptously stylish former vicarage. The Old Vicarage in Vowchurch, Herefordshire is set in a stunning location, with views towards the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. The house is nestled within expansive grounds spanning 4 acres of garden, with an orchard and paddock - offering ample space for both indoor and outdoor group activities. Guests can relax in the 5-person hot tub, allowing for soothing soak sessions under the stars. The sauna and games areas also offer lovely ways to relax and unwind. With its fabulous amenities and picturesque surroundings, this house offers a versatile and inviting space, perfect to use for a wide variety of group gatherings - from family reunions to artists retreats.

The Tallet Barn is a beautifully converted Cotswold stone barn that is furnished in a contemporary style with oak beams throughout. The barn features a spacious, bright reception room that welcomes you into the heart of the home, a light- filled study area, and a cosy dining room seating 12. The fabulous amenities include lifesize chess, boules, croquet, a firepit and picnic area - and a childrens play area with trampoline. This stunning property is set in 17 acres of grounds which include a peaceful riverside walk, and a variety of outdoor areas to relax in. The picturesque surroundings and quality of the accommodation make this a superb property from which to host your special occasion. The Tallet Barn at Cotswold Mill near Cirencester "Set in 17 acres of grounds which include a peaceful riverside walk”

IDEAS FOR YOUR GROUP GETAWAY Organise a film weekend where everyone chooses a favourite film to watch. Don’t forget the popcorn! Turn back the clock with a school reunion weekend. Take a crafting break with your crafting buddies. An artists retreat, with a group visit to a local gallery. Gather the family for an Easter themed break - complete with an Easter egg hunt! Turn a hen night into a long weekend and spend some quality time with your friends. Love cooking? Arrangea culinary break and make it all about the food! Make an elderly relative feel special. Take them away for a surprise break with the family. Got a group of fitness pals? Arrange a keep fit weekend, and book a local instructor to come and give a talk, or take a class. ABOVE: Moorsholm View in North Yorkshire is a luxury 5-bedroom converted church, sleeping 12. With a large open-plan living area, this absolutely stunning property is perfect for a wide variety of gatherings. The bedrooms are split between the ground floor and the mezzanine level. BELOW: Chester Apartments, 31 Bold Square, Chester. Luxury accommodation with hot tub, sleeping up to 18. AT LEISURE | 23

Talk to us! We’d love to hear about your travel tales and favourite leisure activies. Send your letters & images to: contact@amoritravel.com

# 1 2 O C T 3 5 E N A M E L M U G S £ 1 2 . 5 0 OLIVE WOOD BOARDS FROM £25 A WIDE RANGE OF PERSONALISED AND PRINTED GIFTS FOR: RUNNERS | CAMPERS | TEACHERS | CYCLISTS | CLIMBERS WWW.ELLIEBEANPRINTS.CO.UK TOTE BAGS FROM £6.50 F I N D T H E S E G I F T S A N D M O R E A T E L L I E B E A N P R I N T S ! AMORI TRAVEL EARNS A SMALL COMMISSION FROM PURCHASES MADE USING THE ABOVE LINK *prices correct as at 01/02/25

BOOKING WITH AN ALTERNATIVE PLATFORM COULD MEAN YOU PAY THIS PRICE INSTEAD! SAME PROPERTY SAME DATES! £702 SAVE £152! BOOK DIRECT PRICE NOTE: Sales and dynamic pricing techniques used by some platforms, mean prices are apt to change. Amori Travel gives you the option to price-check all available platforms for your chosen property before booking. CHECK OUT OUR PRICES FIRST - THEN COMPARE! START YOUR HOLIDAY SEARCH WITH AMORI TRAVEL AMORI TRAVEL WANTS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE LOWEST BOOKING PRICE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY - AND GIVES YOU THE TOOLS TO FULLY CHECK PRICING FOR YOURSELVES PRICE-CHECK FOR A PRICE-DROP! BURNSIDE COTTAGE NORTHUMBERLAND BURNSIDE COTTAGE PRICE CORRECT AS OF 18/01/25 AT LEISURE | 26

magic Designated as a Dark Sky Park in 2013, it covers an area of nearly 580 square miles, making it the largest protected dark sky area in Europe. On a clear night, the sky comes alive with a dazzling display of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. The Milky Way stretches across the sky like a glowing river of light, and thousands of stars shine with a brilliance that is rarely seen in more populated areas. It is a place where you can truly appreciate the vastness and beauty of the universe. The park is home to the Kielder Observatory, a state-of-the-art facility that offers visitors the chance to explore the night sky through powerful telescopes and learn about astronomy from expert guides. The observatory hosts regular stargazing events, workshops, and talks, making it a hub for both amateur and professional astronomers. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, a visit to Northumberland's Dark Sky National Park is sure to leave you spellbound. Northumberland's Dark Sky National Park is one of the best places in the UK to experience the magic of the night sky, far from the artificial lights of urban areas. Starlight Visit Northumberland for an unforgettable stargazing experience .

Explore Northumberland 1. INDONESIA 2. SPAIN 3. AACHEN CATHEDRAL 4. JAPAN 5. CREAM 6. PITONS 7. OUTER HEBRIDES 8. TUSCALOOSA 9. RYDAL MOUNT 10. GOLDENEYE 11. ALEUTIAN 12. VYRNWY 13. BROWNSEA 14. AMAZON 15. FLIP-FLOPS Check out this fabulous place to stay in Rothbury - perfect for stargazing! QUIZ ANSWERS ADVERTISING & ENQUIRIES AT LEISURE | 28 Armstrong Cottage, 3-bed sleeps 6 T R A N Q U I L FOR ADVERTISING AND OTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE EMAIL: CONTACT@ AMORITRAVEL .COM location Your paragraph text

Talk to us! We’d love to hear about your travel tales and favourite leisure activies. Send your letters & images to: contact@amoritravel.com Win a£15 voucherto spend withAmori GiftStudioWin a£15 voucherto spend withAmori GiftStudio Win a £15 voucher to spend with Amori Gift Studio AT LEISURE | 29

07543 498893 www.suffolkcoastalescapes.co.uk Breathe deeply ...relax completely Book with us and leave your worries behind... 1-2 bed cottages in Pakefield Pet friendly Beach & pubs nearby

F Bank Barn is the largest accommodation, being detached and sleeping up to 5. Cherry Blossom sleeps up to 4, with Tilly’s House and Wren’s Nest sleeping 2. Perranuthnoe Beach is just 4 miles away, with The Cabin Beach Cafe providing fantastic sea views and al fresco dining. “Cornish countryside idyll - near the coast” Frythens Cottages 8 Long Lanes St. Erth, Hayle Cornwall www.frythenscottages.com rythens Cottages are a Cornish countryside idyll, conveniently located near the coast. This group of four modern and beautifully styled cottages makes the perfect base for exploring the many stunning areas of Cornwall. Two of the four cottages are dog friendly, and there is a communal field for guests use - ideal for family games and walking your 4-legged friends.