ANNIVERSARY IN PARADISE

Celebrations are taking place in paradise this year, as the island of Bermuda marks its 400th anniversary. It was visited by Mark Twain in 1877, who said “You go to heaven if you want to. I’m staying here in Bermuda” and it has managed to retain much of its unspoilt charm in the intervening years.

It is Britain’s oldest colony, dating from when a British vessel was shipwrecked there in 1609. This means it has some familiar aspects to its attractions, not least in its love of cricket and pubs. But golf is also one of the island’s specialities and this year it is hosting the PGA Grand Slam once again.

Fresh from a glamorous $14 million make over, the Port Royal Golf Course, where the Grand Slam will take place from October 19-21, has just reopened. Boasting one of the most beautiful courses in the world, sweeping along the Bermuda coastline, it will have Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as two of the players attracting big crowds.

Above, from the golfing collection by Dunhill, a fine knit sweater worn by Jamie Redknapp, footballer and golfing amateur, with handicap of 8. Left, the Port Royal course.

But there are plenty of other attractions in Bermuda for those not interested in golf, quite apart from the idyllic beaches, and plenty of special events to mark the 400th anniversary. Classic Collections will arrange tailor-made holidays in a range of hotels across the island, using scheduled flights or private jets. www.classic-collection.co.uk

TOURING THE ZULU BATTLEFIELDS

The enduring popularity of the film ‘Zulu’ will no doubt feed interest in a new trip being marketed by Somak Holidays which travels through Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa. The programme follows in the footsteps of legendary chieftain Shaka, across the Isandlwana battlefields, and on into some of the regions beauty spots.

Shaka was dead by the time of the battle of Isandlwana but his influence lived on in the warriors who defeated the British there, and who engaged them at the Battle of Rourke’s Drift in 1879, made famous in the movie.

The Somak tour starts at a safari lodge with a chance to see wildlife and then goes on to the battlefields, the coastal reserve of Maputaland and the Elephants Coast, before heading off for a spot of relaxation on the beach.

This is but one of a number of programmes that Somak will tailor to group requirements. Price for this 11-night holiday is from around £2,300. www.somak.co.uk

FARES LOWERED FOR SKI RUN

Fares have been reduced this year for skiers whizzing direct to the French Alps by train with Eurostar. The service starts operating daily from December 19, the nightly one on January 1, and fares are from £149 return, down from £179.

From St Pancras to a variety of top ski destinations, it allows easy transport of skis at no extra baggage cost, and offers a great train journey through Burgundy to the French Alps. Very popular with skiers, it is advisable to book early. www.eurostar.com