Host Report

By Judy Sanis First for Bridge welcomed over 100 guests to the Pestana Bay Hotel in Madeira. We had the most beautiful weather and guests sat outside for breakfast and dinner and sunbathed by the pool. Madeira is a truly spectacular island and everyone appreciated the trips organised by Atlantic Travel or made their way on local buses. We had a courtesy bus which ran regularly to Funchal where it was possible to enjoy the old town or take a flat stroll along by the sea.All the staff in the Pestana Bay were very welcoming and helpful and we also thank Rita, our travel rep. for her help and thoughtfulness in planning our trips around the island. We all found time to play bridge although most guests only chose to join us in the evenings. We had a range of competitions organised by Andrew, our bridge director, and his seminars were well supported. Continue reading →

Host report from Menorca

By Bob & Jacky Baker S’Algar remains as picturesque and peaceful as ever and we were fortunate to enjoy beautiful clear blue skies and sunshine for much of our fortnight there. There were, as usual, many guests who were returning and they all agreed that the hotel and in particular the dining was better than ever. Continue reading →

            By Andy & Chris Simmons This was First for Bridge’s first visit to the Chateau des Comtes de Challes. Located in the French Alps, the Chateau has stunning views from spacious gardens to the valley below and to the backdrop of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Continue reading →

by Judy & Allan Sanis

It was a pleasure to be back on Celebrity Line’s beautiful ship “The Eclipse”. The staff welcomed our “First for Bridge” group and we were once more looked after in the stunning bridge room with floor to ceiling views. Even bridge had to take second place to the sighting of a whale but we played through waterfalls and spectacular fiords! We had the benefit of being a smallish group and we all got to know each other and played bridge in harmony and friendship. The trips our guests chose were varied and included swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, experiencing amazing geological formations dating back to the ice age and four by four off-roading. All the ports we visited were immediately accessible from the ship’s gangway and so walking around and finding a coffee was always an alternative to the organised trips. Once back on the ship the food, the entertainment, the bars and the shopping filled a gap between our twenty bridge sessions. All our regular players won a prize during the two weeks bridge.  So everyone shown in our pictures is a winner. Continue reading →

The Athena Royal Beach Hotel, Paphos, Cyprus - Host's Report

by Jacky Baker Back to Cyprus once more for yet another superb holiday. The staff at the Athena Royal Beach Hotel couldn’t do enough for us, and the guests remarked how they went out of their way to do all that was asked of them and more besides. “Happy Hour” in the hotel bar and lobby area was popular before dinner and the resident pianist was enjoyed by all. After the bridge sessions there was a variety of first class entertainment to enjoy as the players discussed the hands they had just played. Continue reading →