Luxury Lifestyles Magazine, Adrenaline Rush
7 Aug 2008
KITE SURFING IN SPAIN
Want a beach break with a twist? Try a kite-surfing weekend in Tarifa. This wonderful windswept point, where the Atlantic meets the Med, basks in sunshine all year round and a stunning 14-kilometre golden beach is the backdrop to a dazzling choreography of kite and wind-surfers, practicing on the reliable air-currents. Beachside bars and tapas restaurants make for lively 'apres surfing', or the charming, former fishing village of Tarifa, with sleepy cobbled streets and cafe life, is the perfect place to unwind.
SURFING SAFARI IN BRAZIL
Head over the Atlantic to Bahia in Brazil for a week long beach party. Staying on the coast near the town of Itacare you can enjoy the surf, encounter wildlife such as tamarin monkeys and the three-banded armadillo, and take advantage of the vibrant nightlife offering the best of Latin spirit. Black Tomato will arrange for your own tailor-made surfboard to be designed, shaped and waiting for you on arrival. Adapted to your measurements by a world-famous Quicksilver shaper, it will ensure that you get the most out of the top quality surf.
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NEPAL
From snow-capped Himalayan mountains and arctic landscapes, down the world's deepest gorge following the Kali Gandaki River, through rural farms and terraced fields to a sub-tropical surrounding: mountain biking in Nepal is the ultimate adrenalin-fuelled downhill adventure. Dropped off by helicopter, take in the breathtaking sights of three of the globe's highest mountain ranges, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu - each more than 8000m high - as well as the many other picturesque vistas as you cycle through the region. The local cider, brandy and apple juices are welcome refreshments, not to mention dunks in the hot spring pools.
VOLCANO SURFING IN NICARAGUA
For the best adventure break of your life, look no further than Nicaragua and its stunning beaches, lush tropical jungle and flaming volcanoes - all of which can be enjoyed up close and personal. Zip line through the jungle canopy, trek around the Masaya Volcano range and finish with arguably the most incredible extreme activity in the world: volcano surfing. In Cerro Negro it is possible to ride the 'ring of fire' as you surf down the side of the volcano, passing over still warm ashes.
RAFTING IN SLOVENIA
Unknown to many, Slovenia is Eastern Europe's hidden gem for back-to-nature action. Hike or bike through Triglav National Park, climb through waterfalls and caves in expert-lead canyoning trips and relax by the still waters of lake Bled. Climb and go rafting in the Julian Alps before resting your well-used muscles in the hot mineral springs nearby. Stay at the intimate Hotel Villa Bled with magical views of the glacial lake, and row across emerald motorboat-free water to the pilgrimage church on its own island in the centre.
ICE CLIMBING IN FRANCE
Based in the French Alpine resort of Chamonix, spend a week climbing some of the most beautiful glacial terrain in the world. From deep crevasses to vertical cliff faces, this awesome environment will have your adrenaline levels racing. End the trip with three days in Grenoble at the foot of the Alps, where the mountain views, combined with the typically French culture, atmosphere and gourmet food, will give you a real taste of the area.
TREKKING IN ROMANIA
Imbued with history and set in 34 hectares of private parkland at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, the Machine House, part of Count Mikes Estate, is a secret Transylvanian gem waiting to be discovered. See the stunning lake and crumbling castle within the vast, peaceful grounds as you had out trekking through the Carpathian Mountains. Pass abandoned railways, fallen bridges, 'bottomless' lakes and wild horses roaming the landscape before finishing off your day with a gourmet feast.
Tom Marchant is a director of luxury specialist, Black Tomato.
