African tea estates planted by Scots named as world heritage sites
Tea from Mulanje can still be bought in the UK. It is a remnant of a colonial history of industrious — and brutal — Scottish planters and Presbyterian missionaries, whose legacy in the area includes the name of Malawi's second city, Blantyre.
The region now carries an added significance. The Mount Mulanje cultural landscape was recently designated a world heritage site — one of five new sites in Africa named by Unesco as annual committee meetings ended in Paris.
'Revered as a sacred place inhabited by gods, spirits, and ancestors, [Mulanje] holds deep cultural and spiritual significance,' the Unesco inscription reads. 'The mountain's geological and hydrological features are connected with the belief systems and cultural practices of the Yao, Mang'anja, and Lhomwe peoples.'
The number of African world heritage sites has boomed in recent years, from just a few in 1978 when the list began, to 93 in 2018 and 112 as of this week.
Unesco also awarded the prestigious designation to the Diy-Gid-Biy cultural landscape of Cameroon's Mandara mountains, the coastal and marine ecosystems of Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós archipelago — Omatí Minhô, and the Gola-Tiwai complex in Sierra Leone. It also extended the designation from South Africa's iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Mozambique's Maputo National Park.
Complex colonial histories linger at many Unesco sites in Africa, where European powers had a footprint for hundreds of years and maintain historical ties.
This can have a stark symbolism, such as the dramatic degradation of world heritage sites linked to French history in Senegal, which is among the many West African countries now distancing themselves from their former colonial masters.
• French rediscover their love of tea — and want to supply Britain
Traces of British influence also remain in Sierra Leone, which was established as a colony for freed slaves in 1808 and was the main base for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron, which was pivotal in anti-slaving operations.
Sierra Leone's Gola-Tiwai complex is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting more than 1,000 plant species and 55 mammals. According to Unesco, 19 of the mammal species are globally threatened, including key species such as the pygmy hippopotamuses of recent viral video fame.
British naturalists such as Henry Smeathman were dispatched to Sierra Leone as early as 1771, and the area that is now the Gola Rainforest National Park — part of the new Unesco site — was commercially logged under the colonial administration.
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Times
2 days ago
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19 of the best family hotels in Spain
It's hardly surprising that Spain remains a top choice for British holidaymakers year after year. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, visiting families receive a famously warm welcome, with restaurant staff treating children like VIPs and an abundance of activities designed to keep teens entertained. Spanning sandy beaches, historic towns, spectacular ski resorts and cosmopolitan urban hubs, the country's accommodation is as diverse as its landscapes, offering something to suit every taste and budget. On the ever-popular coasts, choices abound, whether you're looking for a cheap-and-cheerful crowd-pleaser or a five-star grande dame. Luxury properties are particularly prevalent in the Costa del Sol hotspot Marbella, while Costa Brava and Costa Dorada have plenty of bang-for-your-buck options that feature kids' clubs and babysitting services. 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Wake to the sound of birdsong, linger over a sumptuous breakfast — watching your eggs, pancakes and churros being whipped up to order at the live cooking station — then make the most of your surrounds, pootling between the outdoor pool, tennis court, fitness centre and ping-pong tables. Dinners at the hotel's Els Capellans restaurant are a highlight, with fresh, seasonal Mediterranean dishes designed to please guests of all ages, while the terrace is the place to round out days with cocktails, mocktails and chill-out music under the stars and palm fronds. Best for adventures on two wheels Estival ElDorado is that rare thing: a lively, family-focused beachfront hotel geared towards cyclists. In verdant grounds in the Catalan fishing town of Cambrils, a 20-minute drive from Reus airport, the four-star property offers bike rentals, repair stations, cleaning areas and guided routes to suit all skill levels. Flexible dining options and picnics to go will make early starts a breeze, while mini golf, a kids' club and multiple pools — some with rapids and slides — ensure plenty of entertainment off the saddle. Rooms are simple but comfortable, while the spa's physiotherapy treatments will sort out tired muscles and the international and Mediterranean cuisine served across four restaurants (and at themed dinners) provides ample evidence for why Cambrils is known as the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada. ££ | POOL | SPA | KIDS' CLUB | Best for a rural escape This authentic Andalusian hideaway near Loja began as a destination restaurant, and the food on offer still delights all ages. Dishes make liberal use of Bobadilla's olive oil and the most casual of the four restaurants, El Mirador, has a next-level kids' menu. The suites are particularly spacious for families, and the spa offers special sessions for children aged under 12. Parents in need of some child-free spa time, fear not — the summer-only 'mini club' is free. Once rejuvenated, try a game of petanque or a freewheeling bike ride through the 800-acre estate, which is dotted with almond trees. • Best luxury villas in Andalusia £ | POOL | SPA | Best for active families Sharing coastline and half its name with spectacular Cabo de Gata-Nijar National Park, the largest protected area in Andalusia, this palatial five-star hotel is a great base for families who want an action-packed itinerary. As well as the Olympic-sized swimming pool and paddle court on site, there are free-to-use paddleboards, kayaks and bikes, plus a nearby golf course and a spa offering Pilates and yoga classes as well as treatments. Decor in shared spaces and rooms — many of which are interconnecting — is immaculate, and there's a tapas restaurant as well as the obligatory buffet. ££ | POOL | SPA | KIDS' CLUB | Best for a beach break Spain's so-called Golden Mile is replete with high-end hotels, but this sophisticated beachfront property stands out. It is styled on an Andalusian village — and many guests never feel the need to leave its palm-dotted grounds — but is a short stroll along a seafront promenade to Marbella. There are good-sized rooms for those travelling with children, and a dazzling array of activities on offer for all ages — from yoga and Pilates to tennis and paddleboarding. There is also a family-focused swimming pool (one of three) and a kids' club, La Casita, which features devoted areas for tots and teens. Book them in and enjoy an uninterrupted meal at one of the 15 fantastic on-site restaurants, including a Nobu. • Best luxury villas in Marbella ££ | POOL | Best for a city break The outdoor-swimming season lasts longer in Madrid than most places, so families visiting the Spanish capital in the shoulder months will be glad of this hotel's gorgeous pool, surrounded by tall trees and potted greenery. Parents can supervise with a signature CoolRooms cocktail in hand before heading for the on-site El Patio de Atocha, a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Staff wear striped T-shirts teamed with braces and blazers — a uniform that epitomises their fun-yet-efficient approach to service. With nods to art deco, rooms are similarly period in style — for added space, choose a suite (adding a sofa bed for the children for £60). Super-central, the hotel is a ten-minute walk from the Prado Museum and less than 20 minutes' walk from El Retiro, one of the most magnificent parks in Europe. • Best hotels in Madrid• Best things to do in Madrid• Best affordable hotels in Madrid ££ | POOL | Best for a chilled city break From the valet parking to its rooftop pool, this well-located five-star Barcelona property, off Plaza de Catalunya, takes all the hassle out of a city break with the kids. Reception staff wearing fun floral shirts provide a warm welcome, while the concierge is ever ready with recommendations for family-friendly tapas bars or trips out. Shared spaces are colourful and eclectic, while rooms are gorgeously calm, with generously sized beds and big TVs to facilitate parental lie-ins. The greenery-filled Traca restaurant serves Mediterranean dinner options and the hotel's next-level breakfast, while Belbo Fasto has child-pleasing options including pasta and pizza. • Best family hotels in Barcelona• Best things to do in Barcelona ££ | POOL | SPA | KIDS' CLUB | Best for a wellness break Forty minutes by car from Barcelona airport, this generously proportioned property housed in a 1920s sanatorium is one of the country's loveliest beachfront hotels, sitting on a silkily soft stretch of coast. Guests can make use of the beach club loungers, borrow kayaks and paddleboards for excursions on the Mediterranean or swim in the hotel's elegant rooftop pool. Staff at the kids' club are buoyant and enthusiastic — delighted to engage your children in a game of ping-pong or Connect 4 while you make use of the sizeable adults-only spa. There are 144 rooms — book into a Premium Beachfront for magnificent sea views — and you can watch the waves crash from the restaurant's terrace. The dinner buffet is quite something, with everything from grilled prawns to paella whipped up on the spot. £ | Best for kid-friendly culture So close to the Guggenheim that Jeff Koons' Puppy serves as the hotel's guard dog, this is the perfect spot in northern Spain from which to visit the venerated modern art museum. Begin with a family breakfast on the roof terrace, which has a peerless view over the groundbreaking gallery — contemplate its silvery exterior as you dine on à la carte dishes such as eggs benedict. The property's art-filled atrium and corridors connect 145 rooms and suites, all of which are classically designed and very comfortable (book interconnecting suites for more space and a private terrace). Kids will love the mini-robes, slippers and gourmet sweets laid on for junior guests, not to mention the exceptionally friendly service provided by all staff. • Best hotels in Bilbao ££ | POOL | KIDS' CLUB | Best for all-inclusive luxury Banish your preconceptions about all-inclusive resorts at this five-star property, the Ikos chain's first outside Greece. Low-rise white buildings surround a plethora of pools, which give way to daybeds at the beach club on the shores of Playa de Guadalmansa. Of course there's a buffet, but there's also fine dining, crafted by chefs including Stéphanie Le Quellec. And it's all covered in your bill, even the sunset glasses of Taittinger, so once you're there you can say 'yes' to everything — the pedalos, the electric vehicle to tour local beauty spots, the mini-disco, kids' clubs including sports and creative activities, the round of golf — without fear of racking up extra costs. Rooms are predictably lovely, and the very best even have private pools. £ | POOL | KIDS' CLUB | Best for value Formerly the Palladium Costa del Sol, this large four-star hotel was renovated in 2019, bringing a light, bright look to its social spaces and 336 rooms. It's well worth paying extra for a sea view, as the hotel backs onto the aptly named Playa Bonita ('beautiful beach'). It's a prime spot for the clement weather in this part of Spain, but there's plenty to occupy non-loungers too — mini-golf, table tennis and a children's playground, as well as evening entertainment. Most guests go for the all-inclusive option, and the food and drink are excellent quality for the price. We particularly loved sundowners and snacks at the adults-only Nix Sky Bar, which has a 360-degree panorama over the coast. • Best hotels in Malaga• Best hotels on the Costa del Sol £ | POOL | Best for theme park fun Designed to look like a Mexican hacienda, this enormous 500-room property is one of the hotels officially affiliated to PortAventura World — the country's biggest amusement park. A stay here includes tickets for it, but there's a good deal else on offer once you've had enough of the rides. The kids' pool features a pirate ship and there's a well thought-out playground. There are even some Woody Woodpecker-themed bedrooms, in addition to more adult-orientated bars and restaurants where parents will find sanctuary. A standard room here sleeps four, so average-sized families won't have to fork out for an extra bed. £ | Best for food The culinary capital of Spain, San Sebastian is also exceptionally child-friendly — kids love pintxos, the Basque take on tapas, plus there's the city's mountaintop amusement park and many beaches. Less than a ten-minute walk from Playa Zurriola, this excellent-value property offers a cleverly designed duplex room split over two floors. All suites are family-friendly and each features a tiny terrace where young'uns can let off steam. The buffet breakfast is surprisingly abundant for a small hotel, with fresh orange juice on tap and bubbly staff serving great platters of scrambled eggs at the table. Parents can enjoy a complimentary glass of cava in the stylish foyer before setting out to explore the neighbourhood's pintxo bars — the Gros neighbourhood has some of the best in the city. • Best hotels in San Sebastian £ | POOL | SPA | KIDS' CLUB | Best for style Putting family holidays front and centre, this beachside property capitalises on the big Spanish selling points of sun and sea while injecting a side order of fun into the mix. The hotel offers endless amusement for all ages — kids' pools with slides, evening entertainment, including magic, and its Star Camp activity programme for children. The property was refurbished in 2020 and its breezy contemporary decor is in keeping with the atmosphere, featuring hanging gardens in the lobby and nautical touches in the rooms, some of which have sea views. If you can prise yourself away from the resort it is 45 minutes' drive to the Jerez sherry cellars, which make a good day trip. £ | Best for a mountain location The state-run hotel chain is best known for its heritage buildings and fine dining — neither of which tends to have much appeal for kids. However, we challenge them not to love this eco-friendly outlier in the foothills on the Picos de Europa. Less than a five-minute walk from a cable car that will whisk you towards some of the most dazzling mountain scenery on the Continent, this is a memorable base for an adventurous holiday with older children — with canyoning, rafting and other activities all on offer nearby. If the kids have any energy left at the end of the day there is also a play area on site — while parents will find repose in the traditional rooms and enjoy the good old-fashioned service. ££ | POOL | SPA | KIDS' CLUB | Best for a combined city and beach break Paella may be the national dish, but you can only eat the truly authentic version in Valencia. The most upmarket address in the city is this sparkling seaside property, which is also a winning spot for families. As well as a spacious garden and a devoted children's pool there is a summer-season kids' club suitable for ages four to twelve. The hotel can also arrange babysitting, facilitating nights out on the town, and there are two on-site restaurants — Brasserie Sorolla has an original painting by its namesake artist. As well as interconnecting family rooms there are triples on offer — ideal for a larger brood. • Best things to do in Valencia• Best hotels in Valencia £ | POOL | Best for babies and toddlers A little more than an hour's drive from Alicante and just back from the Costa Blanca in the Sierra de Bernia mountains, this property combines the facilities of a boutique hotel with the space you would expect from self-catering accommodation. Clustered around the pool are six stylish apartments with one or two bedrooms, each equipped with every bit of infant paraphernalia you could ever need. Children will love exploring the mini-farm, play area, trampoline and sandpit, while the nearest beaches are less than 40 minutes' drive away. Each evening the British hosts serve home-cooked Mediterranean-inspired meals, with separate sittings for kids and grown-ups and the option to dine privately. £ | POOL | SPA | KIDS' CLUB | Best for waterparks As well as use of a devoted kids' pool with slides and a pirate ship, guests at this property in Lloret de Mar benefit from free access to neighbouring Waterworld — a saving not to be sniffed at, with tickets costing from £20 each. On site there's also a splash park for little ones, while adults can make use of the water circuit in the spa or head for a cocktail in their cossie at the swim-up bar. Many of the 345 rooms are great for families — for maximum value book all-inclusive. £ | POOL | KIDS' CLUB | Best for a budget crowd-pleaser Though less well-known than the other Costas, the 'Warm Coast' — the stretch of sand in Murcia province — has plenty of appealing beaches. This seafront property is sandwiched between two of them, and there are also double rations on the swimming pools — one shallower, with play equipment and slides for children; the other surrounded by loungers and daybeds. Part of the 30° Hotels group, its simple rooms are decorated in subdued creams and greys with photography of local shores. As well as a kids' playground there are indoor games such as table football, and the buffet restaurant is appealingly light, bright and airy. • Best places to visit in Spain• Best cities to visit in Spain
