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THE JOURNEYAugust 2023Issue 4With VCMS

L A T E S T N E W S F R O MV C M SAs I write this note, I have received somepics from the hotel of the refurbishmenttaking place on the 7th floor of SunsetTower A. Yes, they are ready, and memberswill be allocated these units shortly andwe’re sure you will all love the end result.We will also continue to contact membersin the coming weeks to change theirmembership to the newly refurbishedapartments in Sunset Tower A. We stillhave a few apartments available, howeverthey are filling fast. Members who wouldlike to change, or even upgrade theirmembership, are encouraged to reach outto us and look out for upgrade offers. W H A T H A S H A P P E N E D I N T H EH O M E R E S O R T ?Dear Members,We are pleased to share with all of you animproved and easily shareable version of thenewsletter, now rebranded “Journey”. We areplanning to share this quarterly with a wideraudience starting next year in an attempt togrow our member base and support theResales Programme. “Journey” will feature and promote newbenefits, destinations, and hotels available tomembers, including updates on new placesand experiences added to Wildcard discountscheme. We’ll also share members experiences,and blogs highlighting our availabledestinations in the genuine belief that it servesas a valuable promotional tool for the Clubs. Naturally, the Radisson Golden Sands Resort &Spa Malta remains the preferred choice formost members, and we continue to welcome asteady number of both members and non-members, arriving through exchange or rentalevery year. Summer 2024 is filling up fast, so I’dstrongly recommend you book Golden Sands asearly as possible. What’s more, members of the Island ResidenceClub and The Heavenly Collection areincreasingly enjoying the benefits of theinternal exchange and we’re seeing a trendamong members of opting to use theirmembership elsewhere around Europe. Withdestinations like Spain and Greece, this newprogramme is a great alternative for those whowish to join other XP members in experiencingother countries as breathtaking as Malta.B O O K I N G S 2 0 2 3 / 2 0 2 4A final note from me is to strongly urgemembers who haven’t booked theirholiday for 2024 and especially 2023 to doso. Contact our member experience teamif you need help choosing dates, or justwant to discuss options with us aboutpossibilities and destinations. Or just callus to find out what’s new, it never hurts tobe in the know!Have a great summer.MarkMark Galea VCMS Managing Director2

T H E J O U R N E Y T O M I S SM A M M A It all started with a trip to find out moreabout Croatia, particularly the city ofŠibenik, one of the Mediterraneandestinations now available to all VCMSmembers. We immediately fell in love withthe historical centre, romantic alleywaysand, most of all, the locals. It was actuallythe welcoming locals who opened oureyes to this unique place on theDalmatian Coast simply by sharing theirexperiences with us. We stayed at the five-star Bellevue Hotel,set in a fantastic seafront location incentral Šibenik. We were greeted by thelocal Tourism Authority who kindlyorganised a guided tour both of the cityand the world-famous Krka National Park,best known for its waterfalls and widevariety of both flora and fauna. The reason we were in Šibenik was toattend an event that our ambassador fromthe city, Maja GV, alerted VCMS to lastyear. It not your usual beauty contest, notat all. Instead, mothers from all overCroatia, regardless their age, arerecognised and awarded for their hardwork and dedication to their families andalso to the larger community. VCMS isalways ready to support unique andexciting projects, so we decided tobecome one of the sponsors of thiswonderful event. Thanks to us, the winners of Croatia's mostBeautiful Mom (Patricija Lukšić), Croatia'sMost Beautiful Diamond Mom (AnkicaBiondić), and the Most Beautiful Mom ofCroatia Platinum (Jadranka Luketa) will bevisiting our home resort in Golden Bay inthis October.We feel blessed to have the opportunity tosupport this amazing project and, most ofall, to welcoming the Miss Mamma Croatiawinners to Malta. In the meantime, weurge all our members to learn more aboutŠibenik, it truly is an unforgettableexperience, mammas or not! JoanaJoana Goncalves Members’ Experience &Business DevelopmentManager3

S T A I R W A Y T O H E A V E N L Y C O N T A C T C L U B A D M I N T O F I N D O U T M O R EC L U B A D M I N @ V C M S M A L T A . C O M

W H A T ' S N E W ?E L E G A N T G E T A W A Y T O G O Z ODiscover the perfect getaway on Gozo atThe Segond – a classically elegantproperty overlooking the bright blue Medwithin walking distance of one of theoldest UNESCO World Heritage sites in theworld, Ggantija. The Segond’s elegance isa real departure from the typicalvilla/farmhouse-style properties found onthe islands, and the result is a boutiquehotel offering a harmony of luxury withhorizon-spanning views of the beautifulGozitan coast. C A P I T A L C U I S I N ETucked away on a quiet street in the heartof Malta’s capital Valletta is Casa Ellul, anexquisite former merchant’s villa subtlytransformed into boutique hotel. Forlocals and visitors to Malta seeking a trulyrefined dining experience steeped in oldworld elegance, Risette at Casa Ellul issomething of a national treasure. Freshness is key at Risette, meaning themenu changes weekly depending on whatproduce is in season. Combined with chefSteve’s passion for flavours and Frenchcooking style fused with Japanese culinarytechniques and ingredients, Casa Ellul iswhere exceptional cuisine meets chicMediterranean dining ambience.I B E R & C OWildcard members will be thrilled to knowwe’ve partnered with Iber&Co. Thishusband-and-wife-operated Spanishtavern in Valletta’s Old Bakery Street is amecca for both homesick Spaniards inMalta, and connoisseurs of the country’sauthentic cuisine. Feast on fabulous tapasand more as the owners create dish afterdish from their homeland using authenticIberian cheeses, hams and sausages. Addone of the best selections of wine on theisland, a great atmosphere and, of course,flamenco, and it’s easy to see why Iber&Coget great reviews like these:“Food was outstanding and reminded us ofour time in Spain.” Anna Vaccaro. “Highly recommended for those nostalgicfor our land and to get to know Malta.” Christopher Mena Heredia5A N E W A D D I T I O N T O T H E W I L D C A R DA N E W A D D I T I O N T O T H E W I L D C A R DA N E W D E S T I N A T I O N

R E N T A LP R O G R A M M E2 0 2 4If you’re not planning on using your 2024entitlement, please note that the 2024 RentalProgramme will open on the first of September,2023. To apply, interested members areencouraged to use the Member Login on ourwebsite. Simply go to Programmes and thenchoose Rental Programme. Kindly note that the application form will onlybe available on days the Rental Programmeapplication period is live, namely from the 1st ofSeptember till the 15th of September. Members interested in applying can view theterms and conditions of the Rental Programmeon the members portal in the applicationsection. 6

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 M .HOW CAN I LOGIN TOTHE MEMBERS’ PORTALANSWERThese are common asked by our members which we thought you might find themuseful.Quite easilyTo log into the Members' Portal, click onMember Log In. This found onwww.vcmsmalta.com. If this is your first time logging in, simplyclick on Forgot Password and enter yourOwner ID. A verification code will be sentto your email address found on yourprofile.At least a year in advanceMembers of the Island ResidenceClub can book a year in advance,while Heavenly Collection and XPmembers can book up to two yearsin advance, all as of 1 January.WHEN CAN I BOOK?ANSWERIn so many interesting places!We’ve added so many new partners toour VCMS Wildcard MembershipProgramme that you can now enjoygreat discounts on restaurants, activities,and much more across the Malteseislands. View some of the fantastic offersonwww.vcmsmalta.com/vcmsmembershipswildcard.WHERE CAN I USE MY VCMSWILDCARD? ANSWERA handy member convenience When Weeks members wish to experiencedestinations other than the home resort, it’s donethrough the Internal Exchange Programme.Simply select either an XP destination orexperience found on https://www.vcmsxpholidays.com/destinations Alternatively, contact our Member ExperienceTeam with on reservations@vcmsmalta.com orcall on +356 2033 0106 with your preferreddestination,and we’ll happily assist you. WHAT IS THE INTERNALEXCHANGE PROGRAMME?ANSWERReserve one in advanceBefore you arrive, let once of the VCMSteam know you require a parking passand it will be waiting for you in yourwelcome pack. HOW DOES THE PARKING TICKETWORK AT THE HOME RESORTANSWER7

G E T S O C I A LW I T H V C M SFollow us on FacebookGrab your favourite device and join our socialmedia pages where the latest VCMS conversationswill keep you up to date with current topics thatmatter to you. To discover what we’re all about, why not join oursocial media communities with these easy steps! 1.Like our Facebook Page and join the VCMSCommunity Page Facebook page : www.facebook.com/VCMSMLTCommunity Page: www.facebook.com/groups/VCMSMalta On our Facebook platform you’ll find regularupdates about the home resort, along with holidaysnaps of our other sensational internationaldestinations. We also enjoy receiving commentsand photos from members (as our member storyon the last page proves) so make sure to tag us inany of your photos during your VCMS - organisedholidays. Don’t miss out on all the fun and facts,join our Facebook community today!2. Follow us on InstagramVisit www.instagram.com/vcmsmalta/?hl=en Join our community for discovering breathtakingVCMS destinations and little-known facts. 8

The first photo is of my mum! Not sure of the year it was take - 2006/7maybe - when mum & dad first “bought in” toGS. Sadly my mum passed away 13 years ago butshe loved this place. Her & dads membershiphas eventually been passed on to their theirdaughters.The second photo is of me. Her eldestdaughter taken today in the same spot! Weare here on holiday this week for the first “revisit” since Covid. The third photo is of my Mum's eldestgranddaughter taken also today in the samespot. Photo four & five are of her two greatgrandchildren,which sadly she never met.Emotionally sad for me but equally happymemories created today!M E M B E R S S T O R YC . C H A P M A N 9

With its fairytale castles, Gothic cathedrals andavant-garde landmarks, the capital of Bohemiahas inspired travellers and artists for over amillennium.Stand on Prague’s iconic Charles Bridge at thebreak of dawn—a good few hours before it getsswamped by selfie stick-waving daytrippers—and you’d be half forgiven for expecting a bell-swinging town crier to materialise from themorning mists and bellow out news of golemshaving laid waste to a nearby hamlet in thedead of night. Even in today’s ultra-technologicworld, there remains a folkloric magic to theCzech capital with its cobblestone lanes, housesof many styles and colours, and looming spiredsilhouettes that pitchfork the skyline.Any first time trip to Prague deserves to beginwith two things: a visit to the ancient PragueCastle, and a foam-headed stein (or two) ofCzech brewed, world-beating pilsner. Onceyou’ve ticked off these glorious basics, the city’smany other delights beckon. Fall under Prague’stimeless spell with a little help from theseessential and off-the-beaten track highlights. 4 8 H O U R S I NE N C H A N T I N GP R A G U E B Y M A R K P .10

TWO SIDES OF THE SAME CITYPrague’s locket of architectural gems opensout on either side of the lazy Vltava river.Staré Město (Old Town) is the capital’smedieval heart. Labyrinthine lanes branchingout from the town square blossom withBaroque and Gothic splendour, especiallymagical once floodlit by night. From the loftyHall Tower brandishing its blue and goldAstronomical Clock, head over to the rococoMunicipal House for a spot of lunch. Insideand out, this civic building is adorned withpaintings and sculptures loaded withallegory. The nearby Jewish Quarter is hometo a cluster of historic synagogues, museumsand the famed Bethlehem Chapel of Jan Hus.Once you’ve exhausted Staré Město, it’stime to squeeze through the throngs oftourists and gauntlet of buskers packingCharles Bridge to make your way intoMalá Strana. The name literally translatesas Lesser Town, but this Renaissancewonderland watched over by theverdigris-spired Prague Castle is theepitome of ‘more is more.’ Step into thegrandiloquent Church of St Nicholas togape at empyrean ceiling frescoes and a4,000-piped organ played by maestroMozart himself. Also in the vicinity is theWallenstein Palace, art galleries galoreand an endless ribbon of come-hithercafés and old-timey gastropubs.SWALLOW THE GREEN FAIRYPrague has long been entangled in themystique of absinthe. The anise andwormwood-flavoured spirit originated as aremedial elixir in 18th-century Switzerland,but it fast became drinko primo for a sozzledcoterie of pen and paintbrush-wieldingbohemians across Eastern Europe whonicknamed the alcohol ‘the Green Fairy’ dueto its emerald hue and hallucinogeniceffects.(Un)fortunately its psychoactive propertieshave been grossly exaggerated. Today, theCzech Republic boasts some of the finestabsinthe distilleries in the world. Souseyourself in the green stuff with a visit to TheAbsintherie on Franz Kafka Square. Samplesome 100 varieties of the spirit. Surprise yourtaste buds with weird and wonderfulabsinthe-laced ice cream, chocolate andcoffee concoctions.11

FOLLOW KAFKA FROM CRADLE TO GRAVECelebrate the life, works and influence ofPrague’s most famous son Franz Kafka with afittingly Kafkaesque pilgrimage. Thisluminary 20th-century writer was born inPrague. Begin from his birthplace in thenow-named Franz Kafka Square. A plaquenear St Nicholas Church marks the spot. TheKafka Museum houses priceless first editions,ink-blotted manuscripts and eerie artinstallations inspired by the author’ssurrealist imaginings.Gawp at a giantmetamorphosing Kafka head made frommechanised panels outside the Quadriocomplex. Stop for a hot brew at Café Louvre,where Kafka would write and meet cherishedconfidantes. Pay your respects at Kafka’s finalresting place in the New Jewish Cemetery.Signposts will lead you to the Cubist, crystal-shaped tombstone.TRDELNÍK AROUND THE ASTRO CLOCKRolls of dough are wrapped around a trdlo(roasting spindle), glazed with caramelisedsugar, dusted with cinnamon and spice, andleft to bake over charcoaled flames.Seasoned sweet tooths may wish to stufftheir chunky spiralled cones with soft serveice cream. Delish!No Prague trip is complete without a tastytrdelník treat. This local twist on the chimneycake has become an increasingly popularstreet snack in recent years and you’ll spotcountless vendors sprinkled around the city’scobbled lanes.Crowning one of Prague’s lush hills, theelegant Corinthia Hotel Prague commandsunrivalled panoramic views across the city ofa thousand spires. The Communist era glass-and-steel façade is juxtaposed with crème etchocolat interiors that exude contemporarycharm. Tuck into regional-inspired sweetsand savouries with exquisite afternoon tea inLounge 62. Unwind in an eyrie of pamperingdelights at the top floor Apollo Day Spa.From here you can soak up sweeping viewsfrom Petrin Hill all the way to St VitusCathedral while enjoying a lazy dip in thepool. Located a mere five minutes from thecity centre by underground, you have easyaccess to the capital’s many marvels.CORINTHIA HOTEL PRAGUE12

“ P R A G U E I S T H EP A R I S O F T H E ' 9 0 S . ” M A R I O N R O S S # V I S I T P R A G U Ewww.vcmsxpholidays.com

W I N E T A S T I N G & W I N E R YT O U R S M A L T A Contact VCMS on events@vcmsmalta.com to find out more.

2 September 2023Jum Ir- Rabat (Rabat Day)From 7:15 pm to 10:00 pmRabat, MaltaUniting Rabat's Local Council, BandClubs, Political Clubs, Parish Church,other churches, convents, and the peopleof Rabat, we foster a vibrant communitythrough music, singing, and painting.11 September 2023Stage & Proms on the Sea - 8th EditionFrom 8:30 am to 11:00 pmMgarr Marina Yacht Club Bar, TriqMartino Garces, Ghajnsielem, MaltaThe Gozo Youth Wind Band (GYWB)within the Gozo Youth Wind Band &Orchestra is proud to present once againthe 8th Edition of Stage and Proms onthe Sea.Audience may enjoy a galore ofexcerpts and medleys from musicals asalso classic encores performed in the BBCProms Final Night held at The RoyalAlbert Hall. The concert will feature popsingers – Sarah Bonnici (Gozo) and LudwigGalea (Malta) interpreting various roleswhile special light effects willcomplement the evening. 16 September 2023 - 17 September 2023Festa QarghaselFrom 10:00 am to 9:00 pmMosta, MaltaFesta Qargħasel is an annual event on thecalendar of the Mosta Local Council. Thisevent, which is held in Septemberalongside Jum il-Mosta, promotes localculture, traditions, food, and talent. It alsofosters inclusion within the entirecommunity.10th June - 9th SeptemberCemetry Night ExperienceFrom 9:00 pm to 10:30 pmMsida Bastion Historic Garden, Floriana,MaltaUnveiling Shadows: A Fascinating Journeythrough Maltese History20/06/2023 - 22/09/2023MOSTASERAFrom 7:00 pm to 11:00 pmMosta, MaltaVisit the Rotunda of Mosta and Mosta WorldWar II Shelter during the evening. An eveningexperience not to be missed!01/07/2023 - 30/09/2023Dinner in the Sky ExperienceDifferent Entry TimesFloriana, MaltaAn extraordinary aerial culinary experience inthe heart of Malta. The Most sensationalconcept Dinner in the Sky. With Extremestunning Views, the 22-seating platformteamed up with multi-award-winning Caviarand Bull, will elevate 40 meters above theground.4 August 2023 - 6 August 2023Remembering Operation HuskyFrom 7:00 pm to 1:00 pmMediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta,Malta80th Anniversary of Allied Invasion of Sicily17/08/2023 - 20/08/2023From 6:00 pm to 11:59 pmTriton Fountain, Vjal Nelson, Valletta, MaltaA celebration of one of the oldest drinkingcrafts in the world between the 25th and the28th of August 2022 at Pjazza Tritoni, Valletta.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 A15

Add everything in a mixer with kitchen aid. When crumbly need a bit by hand. Once done wrap in cling film and use the day afterCook everything together on a bain marie until scrambled. Approximately (1hr30min)Blend everything together and add 4 gelatine sheets, previously bloomed.Open the pasta with a pasta machine on the thinnest setting and cut with around cutter. Pipe in the filling and close into tortellini shape. Freeze. Cook in simmering waterfor 4 minutes.For the pasta dough:1.2.Comte custard:1.2.Assembly:1.2.Pasta dough :2 tbsp squid ink ( storebought)400g. ‘00’ flour200g semolina400-450g. egg yolks I N G R E D I E N T SD I R E C T I O N SC O M T E T O R T E L L I N IComte custard:280g yolks250ml cream350ml milk250g grated comteS E R V I N G S : 1 5W I L D C A R D P A R T N E R16

The Islands of Malta are rich in history! TheStone fortifications have secrets to tell, thosepaved streets are tainted with enemy blood andthe islanders themselves are riddled withsuperstition. House of Tours merges, quite elegantly, theislands history with theatrical story telling tooffer a different experience. How different? Perhaps you want to visit the capital of Maltawith a Knight of St John? Maybe head over toMdina with a nobel gentleman. Or dive deepedinto the devilish plots that plagues the islandwith a corsair.House of Tours will definitely offer you anunforgettable experience while you're on theisland. Contact VCMS to find out more onreservations@vcmsmalta.com17

A B O U T T H E H O M E R E S O R TR E V I E W SP . N I N D - 1 8 T H M A YJust wanted to congratulate you allon an excellent wine tasting eventwhich you organised. It was highlyinformative and extremely enjoyable. Thank you very much for inviting us. S . N E W M A N - 1 4 T H J U N EWe are back home now after afantastic week at the Radisson…it wasgreat to meet you at the VCMS Cluboffices and we were both impressedwith the efficiency and friendlinesswith which you sorted out ourrequests and for allowing us to lookaround a three bedroom option. Thewhole family is looking forward tonext year when we will be celebratinga ’special birthday’ at Golden Bay. We were so excited to visit Malta.Never did we expect our stay at theRadisson would be he highlight of ourtrip. From the minute we arrived tothe minute we left we felt sowelcomed and I must say pampered.We are telling all our friends theymust come and stay at the Radisson.Special thanks to you Analise,Henri,and Marissh (our roomattendant). Of course thanks to all thewonderful staff. Hopefully we will beback to experience the Radissonagain 18

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 . B U S U T T I L - A P R I L 2 0 2 3We had a wonderful time at theCorinthia Prague,we were well lookedafter thanks to you and yourteam.most appreciated. T . R A YWe love Golden Sands and can’timagine a year without at least acouple of visits, but we also love ourXpsWe have really enjoyed the past fewyears using them including: 2 Motorhome Trips To ScotlandDay on a BoatSpa Week at Whittlebury ParkCorinthia Hotel City Breaks in Londonand Prague Next year hopefully CorinthiaBudapest, A Greek Island and withVCMS Help put together a ThailandItinerary for 2025 We would love to hear from othermembers in how they have used XPSLovely 4 night stay at CorinthiaLondon highly recommend, verycentral.E . G U T H R I EAs always the team here at VCMS welcomeand look forward to your feedback, so ifthere are features that you would like tosee in forthcoming issues regardingmemberships, Malta in general or anythingelse, please let us knowsocial@vcmsmalta.com. S E N D U S F E E D B A C K19

T H E P R O B L E M W I T HG R E E C E I S T H A T S H E ' ST O O B E U T I F U L # V I S I T G R E E C Ewww.vcmsxpholidays.com