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Full board/Half board.

Q.   Two of your holidays abroad are full board. Can I book for half board ?

A.   Unfortunately no, all negotiations with the three hotels are on a full board basis. On the October holiday guests can have luncheon vouchers which are redeemable at snack bars and the hotel bar.

Insurance

Q.   Is insurance included ?

A.   Insurance is included for the Malta holiday.

Q.   What if I have my own insurance ?

A.   A deduction of £28.00 per person applies.

Q.   Do I have to have insurance for your other holidays ?

A. Yes. Both Celtic Line Travel and Atlantic Holidays offer insurance at competitive rates. As regards the UK breaks we recommend you have insurance but it's not mandatory.

Andrew Kambites

Q.   During the April holidays will Andrew Kambites be there the entire duration ?

A.   Yes

Q.   What is the standard of the bridge play during the two April holidays ?

A.   April is aimed at those who wish to improve all or any aspect of their game or confidence. The Improvers holiday at the S'Algar hotel and The Pestana Bay in November are suitable for any standard of player except for absolute beginners. We recommend that you should have played duplicate bridge regularly for at least 3 years. The feedback we have received is that the less experienced duplicate player finds on occasions that the pace is too quick. If you are confident enough to book the holiday armed with this information then you will not find it a problem.

The holiday held at La Quinta hotel during the week immediately preceding the improvers is to cater for the less experienced duplicate bridge player who is currently receiving lessons, has played for some time but is new to duplicate bridge or has received some tuition in the past but wants to brush up on modern techniques. It will compliment all teaching systems including "Bridge for All". The programme has been approved by The English Bridge Union. It is not suitable for absolute beginners.

Bridge

Q.   What is the standard of play other than April ?

A.   An almost impossible question that we believe is best answered by describing the standard like any reasonable size bridge club. You have some good players, reasonable players, those not so good and those that think they are better than they actually are. (According to my wife usually husbands) The emphasis will always be on enjoyment with the recognition that the bridge must be meaningful and professionally run. For all trophy events (most evenings) and for the qualifying rounds we use a duplimate machine to ensure consistency and fairness. Records of the hands are of course available. Bidding boxes are also supplied.

Q.  Are all bridge fees included in the price?

A.  Yes!

Partners

Q.   Can I come without a partner ?

A.   Yes. A partner will always be found for you.

Q.   Can you guarantee to find me a partner of my own standard ?

A.   No, but we will always do our best to assist to that effect.

Q.   If you find me a partner & for whatever reason we do not get on, will I have to play with him/her throughout ?

A.   No. We are very conscious that everyone, no matter what standard, should enjoy their bridge. If you did not enjoy your game it is likely your partner felt the same. We find we always have a number of singles and indeed some partnerships who wish to have a change during the holiday. In addition we have three members of staff available to play.

Q.   Your programme shows you play a proportion of teams, what about a partner and team mates ?

A.   Again that is no problem.

Accommodation

Q.   In October as well as the hotel you advertise apartments, what are the advantages/disadvantages ?

A.   The main advantage of the apartments are the size. They are designed to sleep 6 and consist of two double bedrooms. They are nicely appointed with a full size cooker and fridge.The main disadvantages are that they are not attached to the hotel and some are situated up a very slight incline.

Q.   What facilities are there in the hotel rooms ?

A.   Television, hairdryers, telephones and a balcony. All rooms have a bath with a shower. There is a safe available. A fridge can be obtained but it and the safe attract an extra charge. There are no tea making facilities. (Madeira is an exception in that all rooms are equipped with a kitchenette.)

Q.   Do the hotels supply beach towels/robes ?

A.   Towels yes; beach robes no (La Quinta Hotel provides bath/beach robes).