ENG Winter 2023 : simplebooklet.com

L A T E S T N E W S F R O M V C M SMark Galea VCMS Managing Director2Dear Members,This is the time of the year when we look backat closing off the current year and shift ourfocus on to the next.We hope all Members have used their 2023entitlement by now, we have sent multiplereminders to all. We look at the holidayexperiences we managed to create forMembers and lessons learnt so we can createbetter or new experiences next year. However, we also believe that our role needsto move on from receiving and processingreservation requests. We are continuallylooking for ways to add value to attract newMembers and improve Members’ experiences. This is probably a good place to share wherewe are placing our efforts and the directionwe are taking. The quality and standards of the apartmentsat the home resort, here at Golden Sands hasbeen at the centre of our attention for thepast year. By now I am sure you are all awareof the newly refurbished apartments on the7th floor of Sunset Tower A and the plans torefurbish all the other floors of Tower A.We look forward and enjoy speaking toMembers however we also recognise that ourWebsite and Members’ Portal need attention,so clients and Members can enjoy easy accessto VCMS products and services online andconveniently at any time. During 2024 we areplanning to have a revamp of our websites andupgrade the systems that sit behind them.We continue to work with new and existingpartners with the aim of offering Membersalternative destinations. This remains anongoing challenge since we need to find adifficult balance offering alternatives whileincreasing the numbers at these destinations. Look out for new stuff herein and others we willcommunicate shortly. We have new locationswhere the Membership Wild Card is acceptedand the Winter Exchange for IRC Memberswhere a summer membership could be usedfor additional weeks in winter. You will note that we are stepping up ourefforts to attract new Members to the Clubs,making the most of the winter months andpromoting the Resales Programme for weeksand XPs. We genuinely hope you are enjoying ourJourney, these pages include offers andinformation about destinations which webelieve are important to you. As the year comes to an end, we would like toexpress our gratitude and appreciation for yourcontinued support and cooperation. We hopeyou have a wonderful Christmas and a happynew year.Mark

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3T H R E E B E A U T I F U L M O T H E R SF R O M C R O A T I A F A L L F O R M A L T AHeads were turning in Valletta, Mdina, andother Maltese beauty spots in October as thethree winners of the ‘Najljepša MamaHrvatske' NHM, (Most Beautiful Mother ofCroatia) toured the island.With their striking looks attracting attentioneverywhere they went. Jadranka Luketa,Ankica Biondić and Patricija Lukšić, werevisiting all of Malta’s top sites courtesy of apartnership between VCMS Malta and theNHM organisers. The trio of beauties loved the ‘time travel’feel of Malta, how one could cross fromancient solar temples, to the time of theknights, and right up to the modern scene ofPaceville. Accompanied by an entertaining andknowledgeable guide, Jadranka, Ankica andPatricija were given the full Malta charmtreatment. In addition to experiencingMaltese traditions, such as arts and craftsand the national cuisine over a gala dinnerhosted by VCMS, the three couldn’t resisttaking some souvenirs back to remind themhow they fell in love with Malta. 3For VCMS, having the three Croatian Mumsfall for Malta means our initiative has comethe full circle. As VCMS Managing DirectorMark Galea and NMH License Owner MajaGnjidić Verdecchia explained, there’s anotherCroatian beauty behind this initiative VCMSXP members may already know as Šibenik.In a presentation, Mark and Maja pointed outthe many treasures of this Mediterraneantown on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. As a newVCMS destination featured on our XPwebsite, we’re sure members will be asimpressed with Šibenik as the three beautieswere with Malta.

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PAYMENT DETAILSANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FEES VCMS MEMBERSHIPS 2024Studio€609€764€838€918€1,0691 Bedroom Standard1 Bed Deluxe2 Bedroom/2 Bed Lock-Offs3 Bedroom Lock-OffsGOLDEN SANDS ISLAND RESIDENCE CLUB (GSIRC)ISLAND RESIDENCE CLUB HEAVENLY PENTHOUSES (IRH)2024 RATEVCMS Maltawww.vcmsmalta.comStarlight€839€923€1,010€1,176€ 1,514StardustMoonlightStellarGalaxyTHE HEAVENLY COLLECTION (THC)THE HEAVENLY COLLECTION SANDS TOWER (THCST)2024 RATEIRH Penthouses€8384

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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FEES VCMS MEMBERSHIPS 2024XP LEVEL 1€401€552€690€1,150€1,725XP LEVEL 2XP LEVEL 3XP LEVEL 4XP LEVEL 5XP MEMBERSHIPS2024 RATEVCMS Maltawww.vcmsmalta.comKindly note that the Annual Membership Renewal Fee needs to be settled by 31st December 2023.Should you have any queries. kindly contact us on accounts@vcmsmalta.com or via phone on +356 20330106/8.payment methods By credit or debit card (preferred) : 1.through the members' portal or call us(No credit or debit card details are recorded at any time) 2. VCS Bank DetailsEuro payments:Allied Irish BankBranch – DonnybrookAccount Name: FNTC - VCSLAccount Number: 28476282NSC: 93-10-39IBAN: IE10 AIBK 9310 3928 4762 82Swift: AIBKIE2D 3. EURO cheque payable to VCMS Company Ltd5

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W H A T ' S N E W ?7L A V A L L A T AA N E W A D D I T I O N T O T H E W I L D C A R DBackdropped by Telgha t'Alla u Ommu(the hill of God and his mother), Trattoriae Pizzeria La Vallata is one of the mostauthentic pizzerias you’ll find outside of Sicily. The modest restaurant belies the qualityof Italian and Maltese dishes prepared bythe passionate, knowledgeable chefspaying close attention to fresh, seasonalingredients and in-house preparationtechniques. Favourites include starters such as themelts-in-mouth Calamari Fritti, mainsincluding Beef Tagliata and SalsicciaSiciliana. Try the Maltese classic, oven-baked rabbit or pick up some of the housespecialties, double-loaded pizzas. On top of a fine meal in an authentictrattoria, you’ll also get 10% whenpresenting your Wildcard.

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U S E F U L T I P S F R O M Y O U RM E M B E R E X P E R I E N C E T E A MHere’s answers to some common questions we get asked by members that you might find useful:I AM NOT AN XP MEMBER, CAN I USE MYENTITLEMENT ELSEWHERE?ANSWERYes you can benefit from the externalexchange programme run by VCMS.Select a destination of your choice fromwww.vcmsxpholidays.com and contactour reservations team onreservations@vcmsmalta.comYes you can top up your VCMSPack.You can either top up yourreservation to the required Xps You can top up with aminimum of 500Xps and anyXps can be carried forward withthe new VCMS packMY XP PACK IS ALMOST EMPTY. CAN I TOP IT UP?ANSWERIn Malta, you can utilise your Xps foraccommodations, charters and alsoexperiences such as agri-tourismlunches, falconry experiences andexcursions. VCMS is also constantly working onadding new experiences in otherdestinations.CAN I ONLY USE MY XPS FORACCOMMODATION?ANSWERDue to member demand, we’velaunched a new (Gift a Getaway?) DreamEscape voucher programme. Now, youcan gift a holiday destination orexperience to friends and loved ones.Contact VCMS for more on this greatoption for birthday surprises or just togive someone you know a dream breakthey deserve. DOES VCMS OFFER VOUCHERS? ANSWERYes you can. Simply tell us your desireddestination and we will let you knowhow many Xps are required. If more Xpsare required than your pre-paid Xpsthrough the AMRF, an acceleration of€1.7/Xp apply.ANSWER10I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO A SPECIFICDESTINATION NOT LISTED ON THEWEBSITES, CAN I STILL UTILISE MY XPS?Benefit from 20% off rental prices whenbooking over your weekly entitlement atthe Home Resort. Simply contact us to find our more aboutdates and prices. CAN I RENT OUT ADDITIONAL NIGHTS?ANSWER

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When Malta and Gozo’s rocky hills arecovered in lush greenery andcarpeted in wild flowers, there’s nobetter time to explore the islands on foot.Winter brings out the Maltese Islands’hidden charms, and with the perfecttemperature for light exercise, itmeans you can walk comfortably forhours.These eight awesome winter walks inMalta and Gozo range from 3-5 hoursand offer you a mix of history, nature,and the chance to explore littlevillages with welcoming, family-runrestaurants where you can put yourfeet up, absorb the local culture, andsample traditional Maltese foods.E I G H T A W E S O M EW I N T E R W A L K S I NM A L T A A N D G O Z OB Y M A R K P .11

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GORGEOUS GIRGENTI, MALTAThis picturesque walk starts in the BuskettGarden, the only woodland in Malta. Alongthe way, you will come across a variety ofinteresting sights, including cart ruts, Romanquarries, and the traditional village ofSiggiewi. The lush greenery and sereneatmosphere of the gardens create theperfect setting for a relaxing stroll. As youmake your way through the park, native floraand fauna is all around, making it the idealplace to spot some of Malta’s unique wildlife. The Buskett Garden path eventually leadsto the Girgenti Valley, where breathtakingviews of the surrounding hills andcountryside await you. This is a great walkfor nature lovers and those who enjoy agentle, leisurely pace.BEST OF BAHRIJA, MALTAStarting in Rabat, the Bahrija Walk takes youthrough the beautiful countryside of Malta.We’ve selected this walk for its outstandingviews, including scenic cliffs, the uninhabitedisland of Filfla from afar, and rolling hills thatstretch as far as the eye can see. The walkalso passes by several charming villages,where you can stop for a bite to eat or take abreak and chat with the friendly locals. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunityto see some of Malta’s most importanthistorical sites, such as Punic tombs, andlearn about the rich cultural heritage ofthe island. This walk is perfect for thosewho enjoy getting off the beaten trackand exploring the countryside on foot. Thetotal length of the walk is approximately 5hours.12

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COLOURS OF MELLIEHA, MALTAStarting and ending at the Red Toweroverlooking Mellieha Bay, the Mellieha Walktakes you through some of the mostspectacular landscapes in Malta. You’ll betreated to incredible views of thesurrounding hills, dramatic cliffs, andseascapes as you make your way along thepath. You may even have the chance to visitthe Red Tower itself, a historic tower thatoffers panoramic views of the surrounding area. 13WALK THE DWEJRA LINES, MALTAStarting at Mgarr and ending in Mosta, theDwejra Lines Walk is a scenic route that takesyou through some of the most inspiring partsof Malta. As you make your way through thehamlet of Bingemma, you’ll have theopportunity to see Punic tombs, animportant reminder of Malta’s rich culturalheritage. The highlight of the walk, however,are the Dwejra Lines themselves, a unique geological formation that also offersbreathtaking views of the surroundingcoastline. The walk ends at Mosta Dome, oneof Malta’s most famous churches, where youcan admire its impressive dome and learnabout its history. This walk is perfect forthose who enjoy learning about the localculture and history while getting somerewarding exercise.As you walk, you’ll pass by a variety ofhistoric structures, such as Selmun Palace,including fortified walls and towers. Thiswalk is perfect for those who enjoy a mix ofnatural beauty and history and aninteresting glimpse into Malta’s past.

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GHARB GETAWAY, GOZO14NADUR CIRCLE, GOZOOur Gozo island walks starts with Nadur. Thiscircular walk begins and ends outside thetown’s grand parish church. The walk takesyou through charming countryside, passingby valleys, fields, and the outskirts of Qala,where you’ll discover to some trulyremarkable views. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity tovisit Dahlet Qorrot Bay, a serene covesurrounded by lush greenery and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.If you’re interested in history, there are alsoseveral historical sites that you can exploreduring the walk, including ancient tombsand ruins.This 4.5-hour hike starts and ends in the tinyvillage of Gharb, taking you on a journeythrough the scenic countryside of Gozo. Oneof the highlights of this walk is the stunningGordan Lighthouse, which offers panoramicviews of the surrounding area. You will alsopass by the beautiful Ghasri Valley, a lushgreen area filled with lush vegetation, andthe historic Ta’ Pinu church, which is knownfor its architecture and miracles. Along theway, you can also stop to take in the scenicviews of the island and enjoy the peace andquiet of the countryside.TREASURES OF RAMLA BAY, GOZOThis 4-hour walk starts and ends in Nadurand takes you on a journey through thescenic valleys and archaeological sites of theMaltese Islands. The highlight of the walk isundoubtedly Ramla Bay, one of the mostbeautiful beaches in the area. Lushvegetation and crystal-clear waters surroundthis red sand beach, making it the perfectplace to stop and relax. As you’re hiking, youwill also come across several ancient ruinsand tombs, offering a glimpse into the richhistory of the island. Whether you’re a naturelover, history buff, or simply looking for apeaceful and scenic walk, the Ramla Walk isan excellent choice.SALTPANS BY THE SEA, GOZOThis 5-hour Gozo coastal walk starts and endsin the city of Victoria. The walk showcasesthe oldest basilica in Gozo, the beautifulGhasri Valley, and the traditional salt pans atXwejni Bay and Qbajjar Bay. As you walk,admire the scenic views of the island andexplore the unique geological formationsand historic sites. You can also learn aboutthe rich cultural heritage of the area and therole that salt has played in the island’seconomy for centuries. Whether you’relooking for a peaceful walk or an adventure-filled day, this walk is highly rated.

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Join RCI For Only €30SCANTO JOINAs a Golden Sands Island Residence Club owner, you canjoin RCI for just €30 for a 2-year membership and getMORE for LESS! Enjoy the small big travel difference, plus50% off your first exchange holiday†To take advantage of this amazing offer, click hereBIGGER CHOICE of holidays for less Access to 4,200 affiliatedresorts, 600,000+ hotels andcruises from all the majorcruise lines!BIGGER VALUE Just €30 for two years membership plus our Best Price Guarantee* on selected hotels.BIGGER SERVICE Our dedicated team are experts at helping find the perfect holiday for you. Book all your new experiences in one place!Terms & Conditions: This offer is open to non-RCI members at Golden Sands Island Residence Club Resorts. *Best PriceGuarantee is only applicable on hotel exchange resorts booked via Alliance Reservation Network. Two year standard RCImembership for €30 instead of €285 and 50% off first exchange is €125 instead of €250. †The exchange must be booked duringthe first 6 months of membership to receive the 50% discount. This offer is subject to RCI’s normal Trading Power rules and RCI’sstandard Terms of Membership (www.rci.com). Please refer to your ownership rights certificate for correct details when inputtinginto the system. RCI reserves the right to extend, amend or withdraw the offer without prior notice. Offer valid until 31/12/23.DON’T MISS OUT – JOIN BY 31/12/23Transform the wayyou travel in a BIG, BIGway by joining RCI.small fee16

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08/12/2023 - 07/01/2024FairylandShow Times VaryValletta, MaltaWhether you’re looking for an iconicbird’s eye view of Valletta from Rudolph’sWheel or putting your balance skills tothe test at our real Ice-Skating Rink,Fairyland has something for everyone. TheArtisan Market will fill your stockings tothe brim and the Festive Food and Drinksoptions will leave your stomach fullysatisfied. Santa Claus, together with hiselves, will be in residence at Fairyland,ready to meet children from all over theworld and deliver special gifts to all theNice kids on their list! Fairylandguarantees a magical outing for all thefamily.11/01/2024 - 28/01/2024Valletta Baroque Festival 2024Show Times VaryValletta - Various LocationsSince 2013, Valletta Baroque Festival hasoffered top Baroque music in authenticvenues for three weeks each January,directed by Kenneth Zammit Tabona. Itcelebrates Baroque's versatility, with itsstrength in Valletta and the Maltesearchipelago's stunning settings.Ongoing till the 26th December Magical MostaBetween 10.30 to 15:30Mosta Rotunda, Mosta, MaltaDiscover the magic of Mosta and explore thecity of the famous Rotunda in your ownunique way! This experience is available everyTuesday, between 10.30 and 15.30 hrs, and isdesigned to be enjoyed as an individual, asmall team, or a larger group.25/11/2023 - 07/01/2024The Magical Illuminated TrailFrom 5:00 pm to 09:00 pmVerdala Palace, Siġġiewi, MaltaExplore the captivating Mythical Tree, stepinto the ethereal Flower Land, wander throughthe enchanting Fantasy Garden, embark on acosmic adventure with the Space ExplorerWorld, witness the beauty of the first ever life-size Illuminated Crib in Malta, be surroundedby the magical glow of thousands of twinklingfairy lights and encounter countless amazingcartoon creatures.28/11/2023 - 08/12/2023Festa tal-KuncizzjoniFrom 6:00 pm to 10:30 pmTriq il-Pellegrinaġġ, Bormla, MaltaDuring the first week of December, Cospicuacelebrates the Feast of the ImmaculateConception, the Patron Saint of this City.U P C O M I N G E V E N T SH I G H L I G H T S O F E V E N T S I N T H E N E X T F E WM O N T H S I N M A L T A18

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Line with baking paper baking tray, 28cm. Put the busquit crumbs mixed with the coconut oil and press them well to the bottom of the tray.In a high speed blender add the pumpkin puree, sugar, the crushed tofu, lemon juice, vanilla ,spices, coconut butter andthe corn flour separately mixed with a bit of water to dissolve. Blend until smooth. Gently pour on top of the busquit base and tap the tray few times on the working counter to release the air bubbles, if any.Preheat your oven at 150C and bake for about 45 minutes. While the cheesecake is baking, caramelise the orange slices by caramelising sugar in a pan, once the sugar is ready add theoranges and flambé them with 2 tbsp of rum,add water and let it cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. Decorate your cheesecake with the already cooled down oranges and keep it in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.Enjoy ! I N G R E D I E N T SD I R E C T I O N SC H E E S E L E S S P U M P K I N C H E E S E C A K E 4 cups busquit crumbs(you can add sugar,orange zest, coconut and cacao powder,up toyour liking)1/2 cup coconut butter (melted for the busquitbase)6 tbsp coconut butter (melted for the cream)460 gr silken tofu850 gr pumpkin puree1/2 cup corn flour 1 1/2 cup sugar4 tsp lemon juice 3 tsp vanilla extract Spices(cinnamon, cloves,nutmeg, tonka beans)2 1/2 oranges (thinly sliced)S E R V I N G S : 1 2W I L D C A R D P A R T N E R19

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B E S T O F E U R O P E ’ S T R A D I T I O N A LC H R I S T M A S M A R K E T S I NP I C T U R E B O O K P R A G U EIf you could wish for one of Europe's most beautiful historiccities to preserve itself at the height of its charms, that citywould be Prague. The Czech capital has survived the region'spolitical turmoil physically unscathed; its old city having lostnone of its former glory. And when better to visit the City of One Hundred Spires thanwhen snow powders the ancient rooftops and the cobbledstreets fill with festive spirit like they have for over 1,000 yearsEUROPE'S FESTIVE MECCAFor centuries, the finest seasonal produce, handcrafted gifts,decorations and traditional culinary specialties from across theland today officially known as Czechia, lures thousands from allover to Prague Christmas market. For XP members based in the UK, a Czech Christmas marketsbreak in Prague is ideal. Under two hours flight time plus achoice of accommodation that includes the elegant CorinthiaHotel Prague for the most magical city views, including ofPrague Castle. The Corinthia is just five minutes away from the old city centreby the underground metro. Here you'll find the Old Town Squarewith its broody Gothic churches, colourful baroque buildings,and medieval Astronomical Clock and, during the festive season,Prague's oldest Christmas market.21

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Prague's Christmas markets were voted the world'sbest in 2015 by USA Today readers, and its nosurprise given the enchanting old-world atmospherecreated by the city's exquisite architecture and thetimeless appeal of handmade crafts, cuisine,Christmas carols, and demonstrations of traditionalsword making.As well as the markets at Pragues Old Town Square,you'll find the other main market stall on WenceslasSquare. Republic Square, Havel's Market, PragueCastle, Anděl, and Náměstí Míru are other smallermarkets offering Christmas gifts and decorations.Just follow the scent of cinnamon and clove to themassive square, where at its centre stands a giantChristmas tree, which comes from a different regionof Czechia every year. Lining the square are countless wooden stalls filledwith treasures from traditional Czech Christmasmarkets crafts including puppets, wooden toys,glass, ceramics, ornaments, and jewellery. Sample asweet-smelling trdelnik (pastry), some sugar-coatedroasted nuts, barbecued sausages, sweet dumplingsand pancakes, or the juicy cured hams. Raise yourspirits with a mug of hot mead, a cup of svarenevino (mulled wine), or a popular Czech beer. Outside of Europe's best Christmas markets, Prague has so much to offer, from monuments and architecturesuch as the wintry storybook charm of Prague Castle, to the Holescovice Docks, the only port in Prague. Tomake your stay even more memorable, take a lamplit Christmas Eve evening stroll along Charles Bridge, orhire ice-skates and skim across a frosty Vltava River. 22

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A B O U T T H E H O M E R E S O R TR E V I E W SJ . H A R T L E Y - 6 T H O C T O B E R23Just a note to say how much Brian and myself appreciatedyour help and kindness to us while we were staying at yourlovely hotel. .. you were all amazing, we can't thank youenough. .. you went over and beyond. Thank you to eachone of you. We are safely home now with lovely memoriesof our holiday. We wish you all well, sending love, health and happiness to you. Using our XPs we Stayed in a newly refurbishedHeavenly apartment in the sunset tower thathad been moved from the Sunrise Tower. Wesaw the resort from a new perspective and havehad a great time.We have been members since 2009 and beenthrough it all . After 13 years with numerous tripsevery year you would expect de Ja Vu but this issuch a special place.We had some plans this trip but just decided togo with the flow , the Weather was so good forthis time of the year , we were in a superbapartment , enjoying the friendliness from bothVCMS and Radisson staff that every day we feltthat we had everything we needed on resort .Agliolio , Flavours, Essence , MedAsia , Mokkaand the Lagoon Bar , we visited them all andhad some great food and in our opinion at goodvalue even with 10% Discount.To everyone arriving in the near future, Have agreat time xxT . R A Y - 2 7 T H O C T O B E RT . F A H R E N H E I M - 2 7 T H N O V E M B E RWe had such a lovely week while staying at your complex.The apartment was beautifully refurbished and servicedevery day. Any problems that we encountered were sortedimmediately and with no fuss.The apartment is very spacious and luxurious withspectacular views from all the windows. The bathroomswere also spacious with plenty of hot water at any time ofday. Having the beach, restaurants, spa and an indoor pool onsite made our family holiday a real pleasure and very easyfor us with 2 very young children. Malta is a beautiful island and we will definitely bereturning at some point.

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A B O U T O T H E R D E S T I N A T I O N SR E V I E W SE . C O L E I R OS E N D U S F E E D B A C K24The Hotel was fine as well as the serviceprovided. Besides its location is really fantasticwithin 2 minutes walk from the heart of theRamblas and within easy distance from themain amenities. I highly recommend it.As always the team here at VCMS welcome andlook forward to your feedback, so if there arefeatures that you would like to see inforthcoming issues regarding memberships,Malta in general or anything else, please let usknow on social@vcmsmalta.com.

ENG Winter 2023

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