What better way to spend your perfect holiday than by combining walking and sampling some of a country’s gastronomic delights. While walking South Africa you could be taken on a guided walk which will allow you to try out the authentic and distinctive tastes of South Africa and yet not even put on a pound in weight.

You don’t have to be a ‘foodie’ to understand the appeal of a tour which allows you to sample a nation’s cuisine. How a country’s cuisine has developed and what the population eats speaks volumes about its culture, history and way of life; and what could be a more delicious way to soak it all up? The regional differences, too, tell much about the area’s own influences, and when walking South Africa’s stunning and diverse landscapes the local delights will give you a more complete picture of the places that you are visiting.

As is the case in so many countries, the influences on South African cuisine come from far and wide. From the nomadic tribes who lived well on meat and game not to mention insects, caterpillars, worms and locusts, to the natives who lived solely on the fruits of the sea, and the European settlers who brought their own influences from, amongst other places, Portugal, France, England, Germany and Holland; all have played their part in contributing to what is often referred to as South Africa’s rainbow cuisine’, which expresses nicely its multicultural origins. Cape Dutch’ is just one of the cooking styles for which the country is known and is distinguished by hot peppers and spices such as nutmeg and allspice. From Cape Malay origins comes pickled fish, spicy curries, a whole range of fish stews and bobotie, which is spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping.

Indian labourers brought curries to the shores of the country too, along with a variety of Indian sweets and chutneys. As in most countries these days, visitors can find a whole range of cuisines from around the world. But the beauty of the tailored way of walking South Africa is, of course, that you get to experience the truly traditional and authentic tastes of the country during your stay.

Villas in Mallorca are always popular, though visiting the island at different times of year can yield very different holidays. Before booking your trip, you should consider exactly what it is you’d like to get out of your visit to the island. For anyone in need of some sun and sand, the long summer months remain the best time to go. However, if you’re more interested in the island’s, authentic flavours, off-season holidays could be exactly what you’re looking for. During the tourist months, Mallorca is forced to import much of its food, while in the cooler seasons of the year, most of the island is self-sufficient.

There are many local crops that make their way into Mallorcan cuisine including almonds, fruits and olives. This produces a cuisine that relies on various different nuts and vegetables. The variety of vegetarian food available is excellent, though omnivores are equally well catered for. For a real taste of Mallorca, nothing beats an ensaimada he famous spiral yeast bun sprinkled with icing sugar. The effect of the Mediterranean sea air on the dough as it rises means that this local delicacy is impossible to recreate elsewhere. Other local specialties include cocarrois pasties and sobrassada sausages.

There’s no doubt that Mallorca has some of the best villas choices in the whole of the Mediterranean. Why not get to know the local cuisine, experiment with new ingredients and put your own stamp on the national cuisine in your well-equipped Mallorca villas kitchen? You could try to recreate some of the classic Mallorcan dishes served at nearby restaurants, or use the island’s exotic fare to revitalise some of your old, classic recipes.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a week by the sea soaking up the sun or a fortnight exploring the array of local museums and ancient sites, Mallorca villas offer luxurious accommodation and an ideal place to rest after a busy day of walking. They not only provide a quiet, private retreat from the lively town, but they also keep you near to the action so that if the mood takes you, you can enjoy the vibrant night life. This really is a location to suit all tastes, making it ideal for families, groups or couples alike.