Travel: Keep on dancing
LEARN HOW TO SALSA IN THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Best for… combining luxury with Latin dancing Imagine swaying to the sexy beats of the salsa in the beautiful surroundings of a castle on the French Riviera… Well, you could be doing just that if you sign up for a luxurious ‘Let’s Salsa’ retreat, led by two-time European and UK Salsa champion Laith Sami. On this four-day, all-inclusive retreat, which caters for beginners as well as more experienced dancers, you’ll be learning salsa, as well as the merengue and the cha-cha-cha – spicy! There’ll also be a range of activities available, from tennis to aerobics, all in the grand setting of a historic house near St Tropez, once used by Simon Cowell as a Judges’ House on The X Factor.
BOOK IT: Lou Casteou’s dance retreat, 5-8 October, is priced at £998pp ( based on two sharing). To book, visit loucasteou.com
WALTZ WITH THE PROFESSIONALS
Best for… mingling with the Strictly stars Imagine learning the steps for the waltz, tango, foxtrot or quickstep directly from some of the Strictly dancers themselves!
Two holiday companies offer the opportunity to watch the professionals in action; on a Warner Leisure Hotels Star Break, show faves Anton du Beke and Erin Boag will be on hand at the Lakeside Coastal Village in Hampshire to help amateur dancers find their feet. Meanwhile, Donaheys Dance Breaks offer hours of dancing and more expert tuition with other Strictly stars, from Karen and Kevin Clifton to Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara, at a range of UK destinations. You’ll be in your element.
BOOK IT: Warner Leisure Hotels’ Star Break is available for either three, five or seven nights from 1 June, with prices from £248.98pp. Book via warnerleisurehotels.co.uk Donaheys Dance weekends run from March to July 2018 from £429pp; book via donaheys.co.uk
STRUT YOUR STUFF AROUND THE MED
Best for… dancing at sea! Why not combine learning, improving, or showing off your best dance steps with a European cruise? P&O Cruises has a range of voyages starting next year, where you can stop off at a selection of stunning locations – from Rome and Barcelona to Gibraltar, then spend your evenings either watching some big-name dance stars show you how it’s done, or taking to the stage yourself! All while enjoying all-inclusive meals and access to first-class facilities, from fitness classes to spa treatments and a host of shore excursions. You can choose from an inside cabin to an outside cabin, balcony cabin or suite, and enjoy all your home comforts while you’re at sea!
BOOK IT: P&O Cruises’ Azura (A808) cruise departs from Southampton on 13 April 2018 for two weeks, from £969pp. To book, visit pocruises.com
Inspired by the new series of Strictly? Unleash your inner showgirl on a fab boogie break… BEST TRAVEL EDITOR LAURA MILLAR