We went straight from The Oasis Music Festival at 3.30am to our pick-up point to head for the desert – who needs sleep anyway? On arrival it was time for coffee & croissant (very French) in a beautiful Berber tent (very Aladdin), whilst the crew cranked up the burners to fill the balloon and get everything ready for take off. Our aim? Hitting 1000m altitude to watch the sun rise over the Atlas Mountains – magical! The man to take us up there is called Ya-Ya for a nickname, and happens to be the youngest hot air balloon pilot in Morocco…we were wondering if that was a good thing or not? Anyway, he was super charismatic and never short of a joke, as some on board found the whole experience a bit much to comprehend: open air, altitude, just a wicker basket holding us… you can imagine the rest.

The reward was a mind-blowing sunrise in eerie silence, which was quite humbling…until Ya-Ya played the Lion King’s theme song, and we all fell about with laughter. Explaining what all the different ropes were about to manoeuvre the balloon was really interesting, as you can’t ‘fly’ a balloon like a plane. Excellent stuff…before we knew it, the first balloon from our group had already landed, when it was our turn.

The 45 minutes flight, up in the open air, literally flew by. The 4x4s had already driven out into the fields, where we were expected to land. And then, the pilot announced, that he’s going to land the balloon on the trailer for us! We all looked at him in complete disbelief – and yes, the first attempt was aborted, Ya-Ya was not happy with certain aspects of the landing, so he yanked the burner up once more and we took off again. The second time around, he performed a text-book-landing, and we couldn’t believe our eyes and what had just happened. Watch the vid to see for yourself and the start dreaming about where to go on holiday first, once lockdown is over…a total no-brainer, of course!

TA-DAH.TV Go Hot Air Ballooning in Marrakech!

What an amazing trip we had there! Straight from The Oasis Music Festival out to the desert
between Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains for a once in a lifetime adventure: hot air
ballooning to watch the sunrise over the mountains at 1000m altitude…and riding camels!
Not everybody was at ease with it all, as some of our fellow passengers thought this trip
could be quite scary. But the scintillating views and beautiful silence, once up in the air,
soon got us all relaxed, feeling quite chilled actually!

Hot Air Ballooning

We first travelled into the desert just outside of Marrakech, which was located at the feet of
the stunning Atlas Mountains. Once we had all settled down for coffee & croissants or fresh
peppermint tea inside the traditional Berber tents, tensions began to ease and the jokes
started doing their rounds – yep, we were going to be just fine! With the food now warming
our bodies, we were introduced to Morocco’s youngest hot-air balloon pilot; his nickname
being Ya-Ya! Alongside 12 other , by now buzzing, travellers from France, Ireland, Germany,
England, and America, Ya-Ya welcomed us onto his hot-air balloon after the the crew had
checked and prepared the so-called ‘envelopes’, the proper terminology for the actual
balloon. Ours was just one of 10 flights to take off at 6.30AM! We were asked to crouch
down for take-off, which we couldn’t understand at first. But then, this is all open-air, and
whilst standing up sounds cool, it isn’t cool when people start bringing their breakfast back
up, so we all got the drift. As the balloon started to gain height and momentum, we were all
so excited but still slightly nervous at the same time – this was a major first for all of us!

What none of us expected, however, was the eerie silence that was to follow once we were
at 1000m altitude. We were all speechless in sheer admiration of the 360 view we had of
the desert, mountains, and skyline – truly incomparable. And then, to get us back in full
voice, Ya-Ya began to play the Lion King theme song whilst the sun rose, which was just
hilarious! It had us in stitches! As well as providing humour, Ya-Ya then showed us his
talents by landing the balloon perfectly on the trailer at the back of the 4×4. Didn’t quite
work out the first time round, but the second landing was proper text-book stuff. Once back
on solid ground, we were ‘awarded’ our certificate, so it’s official: we all survived…and so
that our friends had proof we weren’t telling them any porkies. With our Western names
written in Arabic, we thought it was quite a cool thing to walk away with, before the 4x4s
took us back to base camp through the gritty fields and rough terrain, being shaken about
from left to right. Ya-Ya’s final contribution: ‘Guys, it’s what we call a perfect Berber
massage!’

Camel Ride

From our base at the Berber tent, we then got taken for another ride – a camel ride, to be
precise. Our next mode of transport was much closer to the ground…and had 4 legs, thank
god. Wondering what would be more frightening: a hot air balloon flight or a camel ride (on
a living thing), we finally arrived at our destination, a lot closer to Marrakesh. My camel was
called Daisy – quite contrary to her mannerisms! We all had a complete laugh bumping up
and down on the camel’s backs whilst they strutted their stuff across the terrain! Although
the camels were extremely well behaved, some of the passengers were quite scared, as this ‘machine’ seemed to have its own mind, although there was absolutely no need to fear.

There’s something rather entertaining about the concept of surrendering your livelihood to
a camel that you’ve just met, it merely adds to the fun and excitement! By the time that we
had to leave, some of us grew quite fond of our camels, realising that after all, they really
are quite good natured ‘beasts’. I ‘kissed’ Daisy good-bye and before we knew it, some of us
had already burnt, as the sun was extremely hot by mid-day – so we advise taking some
factor 50 if you wish to live through this experience unscathed! After all, we really would
recommend a trip like this – it was an adventure of a life time and definitely one to tick off
the bucket list!

So, whilst on extended lockdown, we hope you’re all staying sane and safe through these
unprecedented times. TA-DAH.TV wish you all the best, good health and keep supporting
each other! But above all: start planning your next adventure or holiday trip now, so you’ve
got something to look forward to, once lockdown is over…have fun!

Where To Stay

OMG – what a wicked year it’s been for TA-DAH.TV! On the road literally non-stop, we’ve partied & danced the days and nights away in Spain, the UK and Morrocco, crossed the seas to rave about fashion in Ibiza and its design talent lasting decades, whilst also reporting about hot and happening artists, from pop art to street art. We prayed to God when paragliding from snowy slopes in Switzerland, and prayed some more when Hot-air ballooning at 6am in the morning outside Marrakesh. We joined in some crazy fun on a street parade in Germany and watched precious wildlife in the Strait of Gibraltar, hanging out with dolphins and whales – an utterly awesome experience! Closing 2019 for Christmas in London, what more can you ask for when sampling Xmas delights in world-famous Leicester Square and Southbank, with its monumental buildings and impressive views from the Thames. Watch the video now to relive a great selection of last year’s highlights, hopefully whetting your appetite for more wanderlust and foreign adventures to come on TA-DAH.TV

TA-DAH.TV’s Best Moments of 2019

Wowiee! What an amazing year 2019 was! Ranging from whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar to paragliding across the sublime Swiss Alps, TA-DAH.TV has had the pleasure of covering a fantastic and vast array of events this past year. Spanning different walks of life, we covered all the channel’s categories that are: MUSIC; FASHION; LIFESTYLE; ART & CULTURE. Let’s have a look at just a few of TA-DAH.TV’s highlights from 2019!

Music

• TA-DAH.TV met Alfie and Billy Goffey, a pair of cousins from Bristol. Mixing sounds of disco, punk, acid and house, the new kids on the block have a good laugh with us! We talked about everything from mayo in the fridge to touring with Fatboy Slim!
• We jetted down south for the end of the summer sun at The Oasis Festival in Marrakesh. As one of our favourite festivals in the whole world, we had an amazing time dancing to the best music with the most amazing views! We also bumped into the extremely talented DJs Optimo and Seth Troxler!
• As lovers of house music, in September we indulged in Cuttin’ Headz’s day rave at Tobacco Dock! A day revolving around two-stepping and stomping beats, we had the time of our lives feeling the music with DJs Jody Barr and Cassy in the ‘Last Night on Earth’ DJ booth!

Fashion

• An iconic designer whose talent wanted women to feel free with what they’re wearing and helped shape the world of fashion today, Mary Quant was honoured with her first major retrospective fashion exhibition at the world-famous V&A museum in London in 2019. Paying homage to the late icon, a range of her unique fashion pieces were on show for all spectators to admire. What an inspiration she is!
• We travelled to Ibiza to check out the amazing Piluca Bayarri’s latest AW19 collection! As one of the most important names in Ibiza style fashion, we absolutely loved her originally designed skull jackets – which at the time fitted perfectly with Halloween! With camouflage prints and tie-die denim, wear her latest range to events, festivals or going clubbing, and you will surely stand out from the crowd – bang!
• Another highlight last year was TA-DAH.TV visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the famous gardens he created surrounding his house, when he lived there. Seeing his famous collections displayed so stunningly was awe-inspiring! Spanning his lifetime’s work from Haute-Couture to Ready-To-Wear, as well as accessories and many other aspects of his creative career, this is an unforgettable exhibition and a must-see for any fashionista. The sketches he created for dressing dancers in famous shows at the Moulin Rouge, as well as actors, in Paris during the 50s and 60s is utterly unique and hugely enjoyable and priceless.

Art & Culture

• We had a fantastic interview with the famous Spanish pop art artist Javier Melus – his art blends kitsch and current cultural movements into paintings, that will cheer you up any day of the week. His works are collected all over Europe and in the States as well, we just loved his stuff.
• Easily considered as one of the most influential artists ever, Banksy’s identity still remains a mystery to us all. That being said, his artwork is far from a mystery! We had the pleasure in 2019 of visiting Banksy’s ultra-cool ‘Art of Protest’ exhibition in Málaga. The exhibition displayed some of his most famous pieces and it was a real treat to see them displayed in their original form! The brilliantly layed-out exhibition at La Térmica, and old hospital, busted all expected attendance figures, so it was great to the universal appeal of the Bristolian, who wants to change the world.
• We ended the year in fantastic fashion! Through venturing into London’s Leicester Square and Southbank Christmas Markets, we were spoilt by the plethora of beautiful festive decorations and lights on show. Not only that, but we met up with the amazing Duchess of Candles too!

Lifestyle

• We were well and truly blessed to travel to the beautiful Gibraltar and watch in fascination as dolphins and whales graced the waters. Such beautiful creatures, this trip was perfect for any admirer of natural beauty. This should undoubtedly be on everyone’s bucket list!
• As the second most streamed Spanish artist, Juan Magan was at the opening of Opium Beach Club’s summer season in Marbella – and so were we! The list of amazing DJs and cocktails were only a couple of the reasons why this night was one to be remembered by all!
• We braved the ridiculously low temperatures in Iceland to go husky sledding – and boy was it worth it!! The huskies were as keen as we were to get out on the snow. Watching them joyfully glide across the landscape was a truly beautiful sight and experience!

To look back on the rest of this year’s highlights, visit TA-DAH.TV.

Dolphin and Whale Watching in the Strait of Gibraltar: A Marine Adventure Like No Other

We loved shooting this video: the sheer life force and physical power of the dolphins and the grace and presence of the whales was a sight to behold! Many people were so taken by the sight of these mammals in the wild, that the energy on the boat was one of sheer delight and happiness. Definitely a bucket-list thing to do, we can’t recommend this incredible experience highly enough. The work that firmm (Foundation for Information of Marine Mammals) does is incredible too, and so is their charismatic founder, Katharina Heyer from Switzerland. Looking for a present for someone special, whether it’s Christmas, birthdays or any special occasion really? Adopt a mammal in the Strait of Gibraltar, is what we say, and be part of this wonderful undertaking of protecting these special animals in the wild! Watch the video now to convince yourself…

The Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, is one of the most extraordinary marine environments in the world.

Known for its rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes, this narrow waterway is a gateway to unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts.

Dolphin and whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar is not just an activity—it’s a chance to witness the wonders of the ocean in one of its most dynamic and picturesque settings.

So we sent Claudia Peifer there to see if she could spot some wonders of the deep – it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it. Before we get into that though, what makes these waters so rich with marine wonders?

Why the Strait of Gibraltar is a Marine Paradise

The Strait of Gibraltar is more than just a geographical marvel. With waters teeming with life, it serves as a natural corridor for marine species.

Migratory routes, abundant food supplies, and a confluence of ecosystems create the perfect conditions for observing marine mammals.

Here, you can spot resident species like the playful bottlenose dolphins and majestic pilot whales alongside migratory giants like orcas and sperm whales.

What makes this location truly special is its accessibility. Within minutes of setting sail, you’re likely to encounter pods of dolphins leaping through the waves or a whale gracefully surfacing, its sheer size leaving you in awe.

The dramatic backdrop of the Rock of Gibraltar, the Spanish coastline, and the hazy outlines of Morocco on the horizon only adds to the magic – and reminds us of that time we went hot air ballooning over Marrakesh and exploring the iconic Jardin Majorelle.

What You Can Expect: The Stars of the Show

Dolphin and whale watching tours in the Strait of Gibraltar offer an array of species sightings, each with its unique charm:

• Common Dolphin: Known for their speed and acrobatics, these dolphins often approach boats, riding the bow waves with infectious energy.
• Bottlenose Dolphin: The stars of marine wildlife documentaries, these dolphins are larger and more curious, often lingering near boats.
• Striped Dolphin: A seasonal visitor, recognised by its striking black and white stripes, they add to the visual spectacle.
• Pilot Whale: Although technically a large dolphin, pilot whales are more laid-back. They’re often seen basking on the surface or traveling in close-knit pods.

If you’re lucky, or time your trip right, you may also encounter some rarer migratory species like orcas or sperm whales.

The Experience: Setting Sail into the Blue

A typical dolphin and whale watching excursion begins with boarding a small, eco-friendly vessel at the bustling marina.

The air is filled with anticipation as the boat sets off, and within moments, the Rock of Gibraltar fades into the distance, replaced by open waters and a sense of adventure.

Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into marine life, sharing stories about their behaviours, habitats, and the challenges they face. The moment a dorsal fin breaks the surface, the excitement on board becomes palpable. Cameras click, children squeal, and even the most seasoned travelers are captivated by the beauty and grace of these marine mammals.

For the more eco-conscious traveller, tours often collaborate with organisations like Firmm (Foundation for Information of Marine Mammals). Their dedication to conservation ensures that these encounters are both educational and sustainable, preserving the natural environment for generations to come.

Why Conservation Matters: Be a Part of the Solution

The Strait of Gibraltar’s vibrant ecosystem faces challenges from shipping traffic, climate change and overfishing.

Supporting eco-tourism initiatives like dolphin and whale watching plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. By joining tours aligned with marine protection policies, you contribute to preserving this marine haven.

Looking for a meaningful gift? Adopt a dolphin or whale through programs offered by organisations like firmm. Your support directly aids research, education, and the protection of these incredible creatures.

Practical Tips for Your Dolphin and Whale Watching Adventure

Before you get your passport, here are some top tips for planning your adventure.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June to September) are ideal for spotting both resident and migratory species.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a good camera. Don’t forget a light jacket—it can get breezy on the water.
• Accessibility: Tours are suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family-friendly activity.
• Eco-Friendly Choices: Choose operators that prioritise sustainable practices, ensuring minimal impact on marine life.

But there’s more to do in Gibraltar than simply spotting majestic marine life. There’s a whole lotta fun to be had back on terra firma too!

Beyond the Waves: Exploring Gibraltar

While dolphin and whale watching might be the highlight of your trip, Gibraltar offers plenty of other attractions:

• Visit the famous Apes’ Den to meet the cheeky Barbary macaques.
• Explore the stunning St. Michael’s Cave, a geological wonder filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Take in panoramic views from the Top of the Rock, a vantage point that showcases the beauty of this unique region.
• Why not time your trip around Gibraltar’s National Day (10th September) and experience the awesome beats at Gibraltar Calling Music Festival too.

Dive Into the Magic of Adventure with Our Dedicated Travel Channel

Dolphin and whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar is more than an excursion; it’s an encounter with nature’s majesty that leaves you inspired and humbled.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, the experience of witnessing these marine mammals in their natural habitat is nothing short of transformative.

Want to hear about more awesome adventures like this? Then you need our Travel Channel in your life!

This is indeed one of the hippest vintage racing events in the world! All participants take it quite seriously, so to relive the glamour of the past (girls and engines, that is) everybody goes through great lengths to make it an event to remember. The action on the tarmac is also super exciting, so check the vid above to get a flavour of what it’s like to race vintage cars – and by God, is the competition fierce! (goodwood.com)

Goodwood Races

Hidden in the stunning countryside of West Sussex, Goodwood house and estate are set across 12,000 acres and is considered one of England’s greatest sporting estates. The Duke of Richmond hosts the spectacular and historic events this estate has become famous for and they really are a must-note on any social calendar. The well-established estate has developed over decades to provide the perfect backdrop for thrilling sporting events, whilst also being able to offer a whole host of additional hospitality year-round!

Goodwood’s Famous Races

Festival of Speed – The Festival of Speed is considered by Goodwood to be ‘The world’s largest automotive garden party’, that alone is enough to sell it to us! having celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, this is a well-loved event and draws in crowds of around 200,000 people each year, it is an event not to miss. It has been designed to be a total celebration of motorsport, allowing guests to get up close to both cars and bikes as they zoom up a hill climb track. On top of this, guests have the chance to meet some of the most famous faces in racing today from across F1 and MotoGP, what more could you ask for? However, the Festival of Speed is not just for petrol heads and car fanatics, it really is great for the whole family. As an added benefit, kids under 12 go free! With some top-class hospitality, Goodwood Estate really do know how to host an event!

Goodwood Revival – Take a step back in time and explore the historic race meeting that is Goodwood Revival! This event is completely staged in a period theme and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The current Duke of Richmond opened this event in 1998, and it is the only historic race meeting to be hosted in a period theme. With the aim of recreating both the fashions and culture of the post-war years, this unique event is not just about historic race cars. Although not compulsory, we love the element of dress up Goodwood Revival allows its guests to take part in. Women could choose to go as a 40s housewife, 50s rock chick, or 60s Carnaby Street Fashionista! While men could choose 40s RAF Air Crew, 50s Teddy Boy, or 60s Mod Men Fashion. This element of the event really makes for a unique and spectacular affair. See you there!

Experiences at Goodwood

Whether you want to hit the racetrack, golf course, restaurant, or even the skies, Goodwood have a huge choice of experiences to book for you and your loved ones. Get an afternoon tea booked in at their famous restaurant for your special event or treat the golfer in your life to a special birthday round. Here are just some of the spectacular experiences you can book:

• Flying lessons
• Golfing with a pro
• Spa Packages
• Clay Shooting
• Dining at Farmer, Butcher, Chef – Goodwood’s flagship restaurant

The History of Goodwood: England’s Greatest Sporting Estate

As expected, Goodwood is rich in history, with the first Duke of Richmond buying the house in 1689, starting as a gentlemen’s residence. Over the years each Duke ,who took residency, saw to expand this vast estate. By the end of World War 2 the wartime Westhampnett Airfield was modified to become the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit which was then known to be Britain’s most prestigious circuit for an astounding eighteen years from 1948-1966.

By the 50s the 10th Duke of Richmond, as chairman of the Goodwood Group of Companies, saw the Goodwood Estate go from strength to strength. Overseeing the development of the racecourse and hosting the renowned international dressage championships for an incredible 21 years. Throughout the post-war years, Goodwood was slowly earning its well-deserved title as ‘England’s Greatest Sporting Estate’.

Taking us up to the modern day, the current Duke of Richmond strives to keep the Goodwood Estate a special place to be throughout the year, whilst bringing it into the 21st century with digital events and livestreams, the dedication is clear to see. Goodwood really is one of the best places to visit for all round thrills and experiences. The sporting events and hospitality are second to none and keep guests coming back year on year. All there is left for us to say is, get yourself down to Goodwood!