beach

A handful of aviation photographers got a suprise eyeful of a very sleek and large aircraft silhouette on Thursday night at Long Beach Airport. One of them was Ricky Schol, who saw the mysterious airframe emerge from a hangar, prompting a double take. It was the first time in his 16 years of aviation photography at the historic airport he’d ever seen anything like it.

“I was driving home past my local airport Thursday evening here in Southern California when I saw a bright light coming from a hangar I haven’t seen open in a long time, so I doubled back to check it out,” Schol told us. “I was blown away when I pulled over and saw the future in front of my eyes. I had no clue what I was looking at. I jumped out of my vehicle and started taking pictures immediately.”

“At first glance I thought it was an F-117 Nighthawk when driving by,” said Schol, a plumber by trade. “That’s why I doubled back to see. And to my surprise I saw something I’ve never seen before, having no cockpit. It left me with a very curious feeling.”

Schol said he did some asking around and learned more details. He would soon learn that the mysterious aircraft design was the RAVN X, an aircraft meant to launch payloads into space, made by Aevum Aerospace of Huntsville, Alabama. Schol was kind enough to share some of the photos he took of the aircraft, which he said he saw from about 100 feet in the distance. You can find his work on Instagram at @aggressoraviation_.

As you can see from the images below, the aircraft bears the FAA N Number N567RX, which has been reserved by Aevum to an address at the airport, but it appears to be a mockup — one we have likely seen before.

A mockup of the drone was introduced online with great fanfare in 2021 and described at the time by company CEO Jay Skylus as the “mothership” for a two-stage rocket able to carry a payload of just over 1,000 pounds. 

From our story when the RAVN X was unveiled: “The twin-engine Ravn X drone — described by the company as the first stage of the system — reportedly weighs 55,000 pounds, is 80 feet long, and has a wingspan of 60 feet — roughly the size of an A-5 Vigilante. The sleek drone… has seemingly been tailored for speed.” 

During the mockup roll-out, the company described what we noted back then was a “very ambitious, if not almost bizarre timeline” for getting Ravn X into the air. The plan was to start with “vehicle-level testing” to obtain the required airworthiness certification and launch licensing for operations, a process that should take 18 months, Skylus claimed. From there, Aevum planned to secure airworthiness certification for the first-stage drone from the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Following that, the next step was to commence orbital launch tests from Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, Florida, by late 2021. 

Aevum Ravn X Autonomous Launch Vehicle Rollout

It is unclear whether AEVUM achieved any of its goals. There are no details on the company website and the most recent information about RAVN X is from Gunter’s Space Page, a website that tracks launches.

“In December 2020 Aevum rolled out a mock-up of the Ravn-X carrier plane (although claimed to be a real prototype), but no further activities have been noticed so far,” noted Gunter’s Space Page. “It is doubtful, that any real hardware has been produced so far. By August 2024, all activities seem to have stopped.”

We reached out to Skylus and Aevum for more details.

Given that RAVN X has all but disappeared from public notice, Schol and a few other photographers at the airport caught a rare glimpse.

“I was there from the time they pulled it out to the time they pulled it in,” he told us. “They lined it up on the runway. It moved a little bit, but not much.”

Schol said he didn’t hear the engines or see any exhaust.

“I don’t know exactly what they were testing or trying to accomplish that night,” he proffered.

Mockups can be modified for limited ground tests and other important work, which could be the case here. Regardless, RAVN X does appear to be still alive as a program.

If we find out any details, we will pass them along.

Contact the author: howard@twz.com

THE Portuguese love a summer spent in the Algarve as much as the rest of us.

But instead of the better-known Albufeira, Faro and Lagos, they head to the quaint fishing town of Tavira.

On the eastern end of the famous coastline, it has calmer, cheaper and more cultured experiences than its neighbouring tourist hotspots.

And with easyJet having launched new routes from the UK this summer, it’s the perfect time to explore new Algarvian shores.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

Put simply, for the numerous beaches. Tavira is a paradise within the Algarve, which was last year crowned the World’s Best Beach Destination 2025.

These numerous wild, sandy stretches are largely unspoilt and crowd-free, even in peak season.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Notably, they include the beautiful Praia da Ilha de Tavira, which spans eight miles, leaving plenty of room for your beach towel.

Here, the sea is famously warmer as it is more sheltered from the chilly expanse of Atlantic Ocean.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

To reach Praia da Ilha de Tavira, you will need to take a ferry or, if you feel you like splashing out, a water taxi.

From Tavira, the easiest place to hop on is at the town’s pier.

Ferries, which operate between March and October, take 20 minutes and cost around £2 for a return trip.

Back on dry land in central Tavira, however, the town’s winding, cobbled streets can be easily explored on foot.

Make sure to stroll along the picturesque Gilao river, which runs through the centre, flanked by traditional tile-covered buildings.

And linger to take in the live music at golden hour on the old Ponte Romana bridge.

Want to rest your legs? You can travel past the town’s key landmarks on a traditional hop-on, hop-off “tourist train”.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?

For those who like to relax on holiday, the port town’s beaches include the option to rent sunloungers, as well as surfboards, and enjoy beach club drinks served while you sunbathe.

While you’re between the sandy dunes and saltwater lagoons, you may even see the flamingos, dolphins and turtles that call this area home.

If you often get itchy feet and like to immerse yourself in the local culture — or need to walk off the traditional dessert of a freshly baked pastel de nata — then this is a Portuguese spot rich in history.

The ruins of a Moorish castle can be found in Tavira, and they are free to explore.

Plenty of architectural evidence also remains of the sailors and fishermen who came to inhabit the town in the Middle Ages.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

Given its proximity to the coast, seafood is the most popular choice here.

Try Mesa Farta, which has a modern take on traditional Portuguese food, including homemade sourdough and mackerel, as well as fresh chocolate mousse.

Special occasion? You can’t beat A Ver Tavira. Situated near the castle and with the best views in town, it is one of only seven Michelin-starred restaurants in the Algarve, with mouthwatering dishes that take culinary inspiration from the local area.

A particular favourite of the locals is Restaurante Pedro, in the nearby village of Cabanas de Tavira.

I FANCY A DRINK

There are no shortage of bars in Tavira. One popular option is Arcada, positioned on the main square, which serves freshly-shaken cocktails.

Meanwhile, the Black Anchor is an Irish bar with a terrace that overlooks the river, with the Portuguese beer Sagres on the menu — or even a Guinness on tap if you must.

If you are more of an early bird than a night owl, the town is brimming with cafes where you can get your caffeine fix for less than a couple of euros.

Flat white or matcha more to your taste? Then head to speciality coffee shop, The Table.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

For complete tranquillity, head to the 4* Quinta dos Perfumes, with its rooms and pool area nestled in an oasis of orange and avocado trees.

It is less than a ten-minute drive from the centre, a 15-minute walk to the boats at Cabanas de Tavira and close to Benamor golf course.

BOURNEMOUTH is one of the most popular seaside towns in the UK, pulling in millions of visitors every year to its pretty beaches.

But there’s so much more to it than just its coastline, as Michael Regenhard, who manages the Bournemouth Highcliff Hotel, reveals.

Michael Regenhardt left Germany for Bournemouth 20 years ago and he’s lived there ever since – what did he make of it when he first arrived?

He told us: “I’m German, so you look at the English and think they do all these weird and wonderful things. Then when you live here – I eat my lamb with mint sauce now – my mother will never forgive me for that.”

Michael continued: “I wear brown suede shoes now too. And when I came to Bournemouth – it was the first time I went to an amusement arcade I was given a bundle of coins and I thought ‘what do I do with this?’

“But now, when I have friends come to visit, I take them on the lift down to the beach – then we go there and their eyes light up.

ALL IN

UK holiday parks where you can go ALL INCLUSIVE from £25pp with shows & waterparks

RETRO RATES

Our fave childhood holidays that have stayed ridiculously CHEAP – from £9.50pp

“I see it with Brits too because it’s nostalgic – it takes them back to their childhood. It’s a lovely experience – then we go for fish and chips afterwards.

“You can’t get more English than that.”

Here are his top Bournemouth recommendations.

Hotels

Being the Multi Property General Manager of the beautiful Bournemouth Highcliff (and the Portsmouth Marriott) – Michael has to recommend it to visitors.

“The Highcliff is 150-years-old and was initially just four townhouses then it was converted into a hotel. Next to us we have the original coastguard cottages that Bournemouth had when the smugglers still came across the sea.

“They go back to around 1830 – and they’re part of the hotel as well. Now they’re rooms, with a little garden in front of them.”

“Winston Churchill stayed here at the beginning of World War Two – he was actually declared wartime leader at the hotel.”

Michael continued: “We have 160 bedrooms and the hotel sits on top of the cliff, so we get the best views out of most of the hotels I would say.

“We have Brasserie Blanc, it’s our restaurant partner, and we have an outdoor swimming pool.”

Restaurants

“I have one in the summer which is called El Murrino – it’s right on the beach. But it’s only open from April until September.

“It has good vibes, it has good food – it’s very simple, pizzas, burgers, salads, cocktails and beers. But it’s one of the only restaurants right on the beach.

“We have a place for Tiien Thai, which I have to say, is in my hotel. It’s not part of the hotel, but it is inside. It’s been around for almost 12 years and I think it’s the best Thai restaurant in the south.

“I’m a Panang man – it’s what I have every time I go. And they have the best crispy squid, or calamari.”

Bars

When it comes to beach bars, he said there aren’t many, but praises Aruba which overlooks the pier, saying there is “always a good vibe in there during the evening”.

He added: “We have a place called The Botanist now in the square in the old Debenhams building – it’s very beautiful and it’s on the rooftop.

“You take an old staircase up, and it is a restaurant too but they have a lovely outside bar – you overlook the square and the Lower Gardens.

“Our hotel has a bar as well, it’s part of Brasserie Blanc, they have a fantastic terrace – but that would be biased from me!”

Pubs

“One in the town centre is called The Sun which has recently been refurbished, it used to be called 60 Million Postcards.

“It has a good look to it with a big terrace.

“Then there’s a couple up in The Triangle, they’re a bit older; The Branksome is one of those.

“There’s two pubs in the main square too – like the Wetherspoons. It depends what you want.”

Date night spots

“Go back to the Urban Garden as a restaurant because you can go on a romantic walk there too through the gardens, take the staircase, it’s half in the jungle.

“Afterwards, if you’re a bit younger, I’d say go down to 1812 which is next to the BIC.

“It’s a huge building and there’s a cocktail bar inside there – it gets busy on Fridays and Saturdays.

“But it’s a nice setting, especially if you sit outside.”

Best beaches

“One really nice beach is if you go towards Sandbanks, the beach is beautiful, there aren’t any stones – but it is busy.

“During the week, it’s much quieter.

“Branksome is a lovely beach with two lovely restaurants there and it’s a nice, family-friendly spot. It’s not too busy – and you can only park in the Chines.

“I don’t think there’s a bad spot in Bournemouth though.”

Hidden gems

“One of those is Sobo Beach, which is in Southbourne. It’s very much a neighbourhood beach and is usually quiet, but busy enough that it has a good vibe.

“SOBO Beach Bar and Restaurant is great too – it’s very quirky, a bit Miami, very colourful with good music on the weekend.

“During the week it’s part of the neighbourhood where people go for coffees in the morning and so on. That’s a great beach and it’s not busy.

“If I give one tip – if you ever go to the beach, avoid the piers. Go 200 metres one way or the other, it’s just too packed.

“There are miles and miles of beach.”

Local experiences

“Past Southbourne is a little place called Tuckton, and when you speak to all the English tourists they talk about Tuckton Tea Garden – but that’s not the experience I’m talking about.

“They have a mini marina there and from there you take boat trips up to Mudeford Spit. It’s like little boats for eight or nine people, then you drive up the river a bit, go part Christchurch and come out on Christchurch Bay.

“It’s a beautiful little trip. Then when you get there you have England’s most expensive beach huts, which go for around £250,000 and over.

“They are the only beach huts where you can stay overnight and some of them have dual aspect so you can see the Isle of Wight and Christchurch Bay.

“It’s a beautiful trip. There’s a little train as well which goes to Hengistbury Head and from there you can take a bus or a cab back.

“Not many people know about that.”

Family attractions

“There’s the Oceanarium – it’s something for the whole family. It’s right on the pier, they have penguins there.

“It’s nicely done with lots of activities, quite educational – it’s a nice thing to do as a family.

“The pier has a zipwire, and a climbing centre now too. Overall, the pier has lots of little activities for families.

“As for attractions – it’s really all about the beach.”

Shopping

“I’d say Westbourne which from the hotel is a five-minute drive away.

“It’s a very nice, older kind of neighbourhood; it has an arcade with shops inside and the high street isn’t one long road, it’s more of a loop.

“They’re all very individual shops, with nice cafes, lovely restaurants – it’s all a bit quirky.

“It takes you away from the classic shopping centre – which we do have.”

Cheap food spots

“Where the pier is, there’s the Pier View Kitchen and it’s got a huge terrace, it’s half self-service and half service.

“But they have everything you need and you can pick up a bacon butty and a coffee for £5.

“It does what it says on the tin and you can look over the whole pier approach.”

Sweet treats and coffee

“There are two places that aren’t far from each other – there’s a place called Fika on Westover Road.

“It’s where the Pavilion is, and they’re really individual coffee shop, it’s a lovely place to eat, they do ice creams too – it’s very cute.

“Then there’s another coffee spot I recommend called BigWigs – it’s a family bakery that have a few places dotted through Bournemouth.

“Great pastries, cakes and great coffee – they serve Bad Hand coffee which is a local coffee roastery.

“Then you have Bad Hands itself which is up towards the Triangle, that’s where their roastery is, and they have a coffee shop now too.”

Cheap activities

“We had a group recently that hired some bikes and went all along the promenade from one end to the other. And the best time to do that? 8 o’clock in the morning – it’s stunning.

“That’s a nice way of doing some sightseeing while in Bournemouth. If you’re looking for something free to do, head to the beach.”

Cultural activities

“There’s the Russell Cotes Museum on Eastcliff in a beautiful old building which goes back over 100 years.

“It used to be family owned and the people in there loved collecting art and sculptures and it was slowly turned into a museum.

“It’s very beautiful and inside, it’s fantastic and it’s Bournemouth-centric.

“That’s from the pier, five minutes up the hill – there are also some art galleries on Westover Road if that takes your fancy.”

Best views

“So if you go over to Mudeford Spit, that is attached to Hengistbury Head – and you want to go to the oppositesidee of Sandbanks.

“It’s not a mountain, it’s a hill and it’s beautiful to walk, you can go along the beach and around it – or up and over.

“Once you’re on top of it, you see the Isle of Wight and The Needles, Swanage and Christchurch – it’s absolutely beautiful.

“When the regatta is on over on the Isle of Wight you can see all the ships too.

“The best time to do it in the early morning when it’s clearer – you can see for miles.”

Michael has some final tips as a local…

“I just say prepare for the weather! It’s one of the main things that people do wrong.

“It could be sunny and then it gets cold – which it always does in the evenings.

“As I said before there’s never the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes – and I’d say Bournemouth is just as lovely in the autumn and winter.

“It’s lovely in the summer months but it can be a bit too much – if you come out of season, October, November – it doesn’t matter, it’s still lovely. Just put your jacket on.”

By the time I reached the top, my shoulders were burning, my calves were screaming and I could no longer say exactly how many steps I’d climbed.

On the way down, I had counted 223. On the way back up, balancing a sack across my back, I arrived at 225. I chalked the discrepancy up to exhaustion.

The route at Thousand Steps Beach in South Laguna gains roughly 250 feet in elevation within a quarter mile from the sand to the highest point of the Ninth Avenue hill. And I was one of around 60 people making the climb again and again with sandbags weighing anywhere from 5 to 50-plus pounds.

Co-creator Joey Finiguerra sets out some gear before the workout begins.

A participant fills a bag with sand.

This was Sandbag Saturday, a free training session founded by brothers Dante and Joey Finiguerra. There’s no registration required — attendees just show up and grab one of the heavy-duty, polypropylene sacks the brothers provide and fill it with as much beach sand as they want. A portable luggage scale allows the more serious athletes to keep track of their progress week after week.

My quads and I were intimidated. But it turned out to be one of the friendliest workouts I’ve ever done.

The workout got its start in December 2023, when Dante, a former Navy SEAL and fitness coach, posted an invitation on Instagram for what was originally supposed to be “Water Jug Saturday.” He encouraged his followers to fill 5-gallon jugs and join him and Joey, a triathlete, for military-style drills on the sand, in the water and up the stairs and adjacent hill.

When a friend pointed out some weighted bags lining the path at the bottom of the staircase one day, the siblings quickly abandoned the water jug idea. Sandbags were easier to sling over shoulders and balance on heads. And perhaps just as importantly, “Sandbag Saturday” rolled off the tongue a lot better.

Long before Dante joined the military and Joey started running marathons, Thousand Steps Beach was always where they got their best workouts. As teenagers growing up in the area, they climbed the staircase barefoot, sprinted the hill overlooking the Pacific and stretched their limbs on the shoreline. They spent nights camping on the sand after long days of surfing. Joey later proposed to his now-wife there.

1

2

3

1. Participants prepare to walk down a hill. 2. A close-up of a sandbag. 3. The workout consists of hundreds of steps.

“The beach really has meaning to us,” Dante told me when asked about the workout’s origins. “From 18 to 22, I trained for the Navy here almost every day. I always wanted to come back and give this to the community and to anyone who I felt would appreciate it.”

After serving for nine years, Dante’s military background is evident in the fitness sessions he designs for Sandbag Saturdays. Participants perform duck walks, suitcase carries, bear crawls and overhead holds reminiscent of the log and boat carries in Marine boot camps. But despite its inspiration, the atmosphere couldn’t be further from the “Full Metal Jacket”-esque training days that might come to mind.

“We don’t do the typical hardcore yelling at you,” Joey told me before leading the group on a recent Saturday. “Everyone can go as slow or fast as they want.”

Participants run while carrying sandbags on their heads.

Among the regular participants are active-duty firefighters, lifeguards, professional boxers, National Guard personnel, yoga teachers and locals just looking for a fun way to get their cardio in. For some, the gatherings are family affairs. When I was there, Dante and Joey’s mother and sister joined in, and a handful of young children carried tiny sacks too.

“I think people see us and it looks like there’s a barrier of entry with the sandbags and all,” said Anthony Gudenau, who joins Sandbag Saturdays regularly. “But I’m amazed at the different types of people that show up regardless.”

The group’s growth might be due to the sense of inclusiveness that becomes especially noticeable on the staircase. While doing the steps myself, I noticed participants regularly inviting curious, inquiring beachgoers to join in the following weekend.

Running in sand adds to the challenge.

Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace.

“I love how we all pump each other up when we pass one another going up and down,” said Carmen Benedick, a local who has attended every Saturday for the past six weeks. “It’s not unusual for strangers who aren’t even part of it to also encourage you. The sense of community is amazing.”

Perhaps that’s why so many people keep coming back. Sandbag Saturday has evolved into a kind of outdoor third place, where the endorphin-releasing workout is only part of the draw. For all the sore glutes and calves, what lingers most is the appeal of turning this into a weekend ritual.

“I just want to keep doing it for free every Saturday,” Dante told me. “As long as it’s bringing a positive force to people’s lives and making them feel proud for doing something extremely hard.”

When the morning finally wrapped up and the temperature started to climb, participants stacked their sandbags into a towering formation. A few climbed onto the pile to practice gymnastics-style balances while others headed into the water.

The workout includes bear crawls after running into the water.

Then, one by one, the bags were sliced open, and the sand spilled back onto the beach where it had come from. I grabbed my belongings and headed up those 223 — or maybe 225 — stairs one last time.

People have been left horrified after they were unable to get off the ferry when they arrived at a Greek beach as the popular destination was packed with tourists

Imagine going on an excursion when you’re on holiday, only to be unable to get off the boat you arrived on because the island is too busy. You’d likely be furious, wanting a refund for the trip, and wondering why so many others had been allowed to travel on the same day as you to visit the island.

But that was the reality recently for disgruntled tourists as they arrived at Balos Beach in Crete, Greece, only to be unable to disembark from their boat. It was described as “hell on earth,” and people are blaming influencers for the beach pile-up.

The beach is renowned for its “hypnotising turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape,” however, it has been so heavily promoted and plastered across social media that many believe this is the root cause of the overwhelming crowds.

Visitors were pictured crammed along the shoreline, and as they queued to make their way onto the island, yet more tourists continued to pour in by boat, creating absolute chaos.

Local media have reported that authorities are now taking steps to regulate visitor numbers in order to protect the environment and guarantee the safety of those who do make the trip.

It has been proposed that a maximum of 1,200 people should be permitted on the island at any one time, according to The Daily Mail.

On X, one user shared the shocking footage, writing: “Balos Beach, Greece, a queue of tourists waiting to board the return boat, while other boats keep arriving loaded with new visitors”.

One visitor recalled that a trip in May had been a “different universe,” describing the beach as completely peaceful at that time of year compared to now.

However, many families have little choice but to holiday during the peak summer months, as parents face penalties for taking children out of school during term time.

“This is the harm that influencers do,” one man claimed, given that this beach has been branded a seriously Instagrammable destination in Greece, which has contributed to its soaring popularity.

Others described it as “horrifying,” with some arguing that entry fees should be increased to manage visitor numbers.

While some remarked it didn’t appear “very relaxing,” others drew comparisons to “attending a concert,” pointing out that queuing is sometimes part and parcel of popular experiences.

It’s not the only location that has sparked debate in Greece this summer, as one woman revealed she had to wait for two hours just to capture the perfect Instagram photograph in Oia, Santorini.

People begin queuing as early as 7am in the hope of securing the ideal shot of the iconic blue-domed buildings and stunning azure waters, but is it genuinely worthwhile?

Influencer Luiza Parente recently visited Santorini herself and documented the enormous queue required to snap a photograph.

Nevertheless, she believed it was worth the wait, as she successfully captured the perfect shot – and she even dressed in blue to commemorate the moment.

Balos Beach in Chania, Crete, was inundated with tourists at the end of August, many of them struggling to keep steady among the intense throngs attracted to the pretty spot

A beautiful Greek beach has gone viral for all of the wrong reasons.

Some people are bucket-and-spade beachgoers. Others prefer to relax on the sand, enjoying a glass of wine. Some can spend hours splashing about in the waves.

However you prefer to enjoy a day at the beach, it’s unlikely your ideal seaside trip involves getting crushed by hundreds of fellow sunseekers scrabbling not to fall into the water.

That was the scene at Balos Beach in Crete at the end of August. Footage taken at the beautiful coastal spot shows it inundated with tourists, many struggling to keep steady among the intense throngs.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

In the roasting hot Greek weather, beachgoers were unable to move, packed as they were onto an increasingly popular beach on the north-east of the island. More tourists kept arriving by boat, even as it became apparent that Balos was full.

A video of the beach shared on Instagram has attracted more than a million views and hundreds of comments, many of them despairing about the crowds.

“I get that it’s beautiful and everyone wants to see this… BUT it’s a protected area! Maybe just let a few groups of people at a time go … and not a whole invasion … I’m Greek and this makes me sad … so please if you visit… respect that beautiful place,” one person wrote.

Another added: “Poor Balos. In a few years, this beautiful natural environment will be destroyed.” A third wrote: ” Pathetic. At least leave an unspoilt corner for us Greeks and go to Mykonos. Please.”

Efforts have been made to protect some of Crete’s best-loved beaches from the impacts of overtourism.

Balos Lagoon, Elafonisi and Falassarna are all protected under the European Union’s Natura 2000 network due to their ecological importance and rich biodiversity, according to Kathimerini.

Balos is known for its shallow turquoise waters and white and pink-tinged sand.

Giorgos Koukourakis, a special environmental adviser to the Municipality of Kissamos, told the publication: “We have had a problem with overpopulation for the past three or four years. Because these areas have such a good reputation, too many people go there.”

Some steps have already been taken, including limiting the number of sun loungers at Balos to 150, down from 400.

“But even this measure is not enough. When you have to manage 4,000 to 5,000 people a day, it is frightening,” Koukourakis added.

There are now proposals to control beach visits through an online booking system. Officials hope to have it ready next year.

HAVE you ever struggled to get to sleep on a plane? Well, what if the plane was actually a hotel?

A new hotel has just opened in Malaysia where you can stay on two planes.

In Johor Bahru – the third-largest city in Malaysia – you’ll find the new 1975 Avenue & Hotel formed of two Boeing 747 planes once used by Pan Am and Japan Airlines.

The planes – nicknamed Bove and Bey – form part of the new hotel, which has 38 rooms in total.

To get on each plane, guests will have to board via a jet bridge from the main hotel.

Each plane then has nine suites onboard designed around different countries including Indonesia, China, England and Thailand.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

In the Premium Suites, guests will be able to enjoy two levels of accommodation including a king-sized bed, a freestanding bath, a rain shower and a separate lounge area.

Even the cockpit on each plane has been transformed into a lounge area, complete with original details.

The suites cost from 1,706 Malaysian Ringgits (£267.36) per night.

The two planes sit in the middle of the wider hotel complex where you can book into regular rooms – many of which have views of the two orange-painted planes.

And below the wings of the planes is where you will find a man-made beach pool, a kid’s waterpark and bar.

The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool, sunken hot tub, a fully equipped gym and a spa as well.

When it comes to grabbing something to eat, the hotel has an all-day dining restaurant as well.

The hotel isn’t too far from Singapore either, as well as just 20 minutes from Senai International Airport.

LOUISE Redknapp has shown her toyboy ex what he’s missing as she posed in a green bikini on the beach after the split.

The Eternal star, 51, took to Instagram to share a sneak peek into her holiday as she posed up a storm in the green number.

Louise looked beach ready in the bikini which she paired with a cream and brown monogrammed skirt as she gave a peek of her midriff.

She wore a chocolate brown long-sleeved top which she left unbuttoned to reveal her two-piece.

The singer accessorised with some chic sandals and a black bag with tassels.

She went make-up free for the beach day as she popped a pair of sunglasses on her head as well as several necklaces around her neck.

READ MORE ON LOUISE REDKNAPP

new chapter

Pals reveal why Louise Redknapp really walked away from toyboy boyfriend

LUXE LIFE

Louise Redknapp rocks skimpy bikini beneath plunging dress

The Strictly Come Dancing star appeared to be moving on from her break-up as she flashed her pearly whites for a sweet snap.

She captioned the post: “Making the most of the last days of Summer, happy bank holiday.”

Her loyal fans flocked to the comments section to compliment her as one gushed: “Beautiful as always Louise.”

Another person enthused: “You’re literally sunshine personified!”

Somebody else wrote: “Oh jeez, you look phenomenal.”

While a fourth social media user added: “Stunningly beautiful.”

The Sun exclusively revealed earlier this month that she had split from boyfriend Drew Michael earlier this year after two years together.

They had been dating since autumn 2023 but called time on the relationship and he is believed to have left the UK.

It was her first serious romance since the breakdown of her 19-year marriage to football pundit Jamie Redknapp, 53, almost a decade ago.

A source said: “Louise and Drew decided to end things a little while ago.

“Things had been really good between them but it felt like their relationship had run its course and they both thought it was best to move on.

“It was all very amicable and although it’s never fun when a relationship ends, Louise has thrown herself back into her social life and her busy work schedule.

Drew’s thought to have moved abroad for work so it’s been a clean break.

“She’s in no rush to jump back into another relationship because she feels very fulfilled with her life right now, but she’ll see what happens.”

Several times over the past many years, I’ve ended a column about California’s greatest natural asset with the same words:

The coast is never saved, it’s always being saved.

Today I’m beginning with that thought.

The words are not mine. The late Peter Douglas, former executive director of the California Coastal Commission, uttered them many years ago. He was pointing out that it would take constant vigilance to fend off repeated attempts to chip away at the protections he helped enshrine in the Coastal Act.

Over the last few days, the person doing the chipping was Gov. Gavin Newsom, who pushed a bill that would have shredded a page of the Coastal Act in a way that would have benefited a longtime campaign donor.

Odious, yes, but if you’re thinking of running for president one day, why not go for broke?

Coastal protection advocates held their breath late into the night Friday as the clock ticked at the end of the legislative session. But before I let you know how it played out, I’m going to back up a bit.

I’d just returned last week from a trip back east, where I’d taken photos of signs blocking my access to some beaches in Connecticut and New York. A typical under-handed tactic they use is to prohibit parking in beach lots unless you show proof of residence.

If you’re not a resident, goodbye. The parking lot could be nearly empty and they’ll send you away, and then you’ll discover there is nowhere else to park within easy or safe walking distance. It’s a surefire way to essentially privatize beaches.

So I came home eager to remind everyone that we have something special in California, and that we should all be lighting candles on the cake celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act.

That’s the framework that established guidelines regarding public access, conservation and development. And it came about because more than half a century ago, when it appeared that the coast was becoming too privatized and industrialized, a citizen uprising led to the protections we enjoy today.

Now back to Gov. Newsom.

I’d barely unpacked my vacation bags when a gaggle of sources and news reports grabbed my attention, and the Calmatters story and headline neatly summed things up:

“Newsom pushes environmental carve-out for campaign donor’s Santa Monica project.”

The project, Calmatters reported, “belongs to Jeff Worthe, who, along with his wife, Kristin Worthe, has donated more than $274,000 to Newsom’s campaigns and inaugural fund between 2018 and 2022, according to state campaign finance records.”

Susan Jordan, of the California Coastal Protection Network, was aghast.

“You don’t expect to have a governor do something so under-handed as this, and now that it’s out in the open, there’s no shame about it,” she told me. ”And he would be the first person to carve out an exemption in the Coastal Act, that has survived all these other attacks over the last 50 years.”

Nice timing, Mr. Governor. I’d just written last month about how President Trump has launched his own attempt to torpedo the Coastal Commission and California’s long-established authority on matters of coastal conservation and development.

You’d like to see the California governor stand tall rather than come off like Trump’s caddy, kicking sand in the faces of those who have taken up stewardship of the coast.

Look, not everyone loves the Coastal Act or the Coastal Commission, which is seen by many as obstructionist and slow-footed. Sometimes, finding the right balance between sensible development and coastal conservation can be complicated.

But in essence, California is about the idea that the coast is not owned by anyone, it’s owned by everyone.

In the case of the Santa Monica project, Jordan asked the right question.

“Why the exemption?”

Is there something so odious about a reworked design that the only way to hustle it across the finish line is to give it a free pass?

“If you want to build in the coastal zone, you need to go through the Coastal Act,” Jordan told me. “That’s why we have the Coastal Act, and I don’t think it should be corrupted by this developer or by the governor.”

Newsom, when asked recently by a reporter to explain what he was up to, had this to say:

“I’m not going to comment about any pending bills.”

Why not? If you’re going to tear up the rule book on coastal development, doesn’t the public deserve an explanation, even if you’ve already got one foot out the door?

The Worthe project would sit just up from the beach in Santa Monica, and, in previous incarnations, it has included a luxury hotel, apartments and a Frank Gehry museum. The Coastal Commission signed off on it a few years ago after extended tussles and finally an agreement regarding low-cost housing provisions. After getting the green light, Worthe pulled back, and his permit expired.

But then Newsom came to the rescue with a trailer bill that aides were still pushing as of Thursday, sources tell me. It would have allowed for an unnamed project in that same location to be put forward again, this time without normal regulatory review in the event that Santa Monica failed to complete its own local coastal plan (LCP) by 2028

And since it could be difficult to meet that deadline, Newsom’s bill essentially provided a way to escape the kind of critical review demanded by the Coastal Act.

In anticipation of a Friday meeting between Newsom and the leaders of the Senate and Assembly, Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) rallied legislators to implore the governor to back off.

Zbur, who had been working on his own coastal development and public access bill and helping assemble Santa Monica’s LCP, was one of a dozen legislators who signed a salty missive that was sent Friday to Newsom, Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limon and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.

“We are frustrated that, once again, we must devote time and energy to working to defeat this harmful proposal that creates unprecedented exemptions from the Coastal Act,” the letter said.

It must have made an impact. Late Friday night, when the last whistle blew at the sausage factory, the Newsom exemption had been pulled back.

Victory for the coast.

Zbur told me Saturday morning that it was not clear how the matter had played out when the governor met with the two legislative leaders Friday, but Zbur was grateful to all three of them for letting the matter drop.

“This wasn’t about the project,” Zbur said. “It was about the precedent that would have been set on having people come in and exempting a certain project from the Coastal Act. It would have been a terrible precedent.”

Despite this threat and the recent big-footing by Trump, there’s a silver lining in all of this.

“As long as there are people who want to monetize the coast for their own benefit, you’re going to need people to rise up and say no,” said Kim Delfino, an environmental attorney and founder of Earth Advocacy.

And people did rise up.

Last week, dozens of organizations signed a letter to the governor opposing any “last-minute legislation to create dangerous exemptions to the Coastal Act.” Among them were Heal the Bay, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, L.A. Waterkeeper, Azul, the Surfrider Foundation and Orange County Coastkeeper.

I can think of several ways to end this column, but at the risk of repeating myself, I don’t think I can do better than to lean on this reminder:

The coast is never saved, it’s always being saved.

steve.lopez@latimes.com

ONE tiny village in the North of England has been dubbed one of the best places to visit.

It’s surrounded by ‘Little Switzerland’s‘ rolling hills, not to mention it has a wild swimming spot that’s is considered England‘s highest beach.

The Independent put the village of Todmorden in top spot when ranking its ‘best places to visit in summer‘.

It said: “Hebden Bridge, up the road, is a tourist magnet. Happy Valley put Calderdale on the TV pilgrims’ map. But Todmorden at the eastern end of the valley has retained a down-to-earth, organic quality.“

It continued: “With the historic Lancashire-Yorkshire border running through the town – even cutting the Town Hall in half – it’s a mix of rural and urban, Mancunian and West Riding, poshed-up and proletarian.“

Found in Lancashire, Todmorden sits in the Upper Calder Valley in West Yorkshire.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

It has a few pubs like the Golden Lion, Hare & Hounds and The Polished Knob as well as cafes, an indoor market.

Some of the houses sit on the waterfront as the River Calder runs directly through Todmorden.

The village is also very close to Hardcastle Crags, a wooded valley managed by the National Trust.

It’s often referred to as ‘Little Switzerland‘ thanks to its steep Alpine-style hills, valley, streams and rock ravines.

It also has a 19th-century mill that is open to visitors.

One of its most popular attractions in Todmorden is Gaddings Dam which is a Victorian reservoir high up on the moors.

At 1,150 feet above sea level, it’s actually considered the highest beach in England and is a wild swim spot managed by the local communities.

One visitors said: “Wow! Went here one sunny, but windy day in July. Took about half an hour to walk to the top but well worth it when we got there!

“Make sure you take water and refreshments as there is nothing at the top apart from beautiful scenery! Only a small beach and only a handful of people there but was really peaceful.”

Another added: “Gaddings Dam is a fab place to go for a walk, swim, and picnic.”

Another popular site near Todmorden is Stoodley Pike, a landmark along the Pennine Way.

It overlooks both Todmorden and the neighbouring town of Hebden Bridge.

Lots of hikers say the spot ‘gets windier every single time you visit’ but is worth the walk for the ‘unreal’ views.

Meanwhile, Hebden Bridge is Todmorden’s more well-known neighbour considered ‘quirky’ and ‘bohemian’ thanks to its many artists, crafters, brewers and beekeepers.

Here’s the full list of the best places to visit in the North of England…

1. Todmorden, Lancashire
2. Ouseburn, Newcastle
3. Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham
4. AND festival, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
5. The GM Ringway, Manchester and surroundings
6. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
7. Pub Festival, Preston, Lancashire
8. Queen Street Mill, Burnley, Lancashire
9. Whitehaven, Cumbria
10. Lune Valley, Lancashire and Cumbria

OUR Spotlight On column shines a light on the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as some lesser known spots.

As Brazil sees a record breaking number of British tourists flocking to the country in 2026, this week we’ve set our sights on Rio de Janeiro.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the iconic city.

She explained: “I’ve never been to a place that looked exactly like it did in the movies – enter Rio.

“From the 5am pink sunrise of Copacabana Beach, to the men selling teeny tiny bikinis all tied to a huge stick, the city welcomed me with vibrant colours and beautiful chaos.

“Make sure to do some shopping – Havaianas are a steal here compared to the UK, with too many shops to choose from – or just rent an umbrella and lounger for the day for less than £20.

CHECK IN

Sunny European city breaks cheaper than a night out… £14 flights & £3 JUGS of wine

SWIM UP

Europe’s fastest growing holiday destination that has Maldives-like beaches

“Thanks to the many beach vendors, they’ll all come straight to you, serving cocktails, snacks, meals and even accessories.”

Here are some of our other top tips for a trip to the Brazilian capital.

MUST SEE/DO

Hop in a taxi and head over to the district of Santa Theresa, nicknamed Little Lisbon.

The resemblance comes from the very quaint yellow tram that runs the length of it to the fantastic independent shops and cafes.

Street art brings colour to the roads, alongside sellers hawking Brazilian football shirts and rogue monkeys swinging through the trees.

Make sure to order delicious acai bowls and ‘pão de queijo’ a cheesy bread, at Cultivar for a true Brazilian breakfast.

HIDDEN GEM

One of the famous Brazilian clothing brands is Farm Rio – but one has a hidden rooftop that no-one knows about.

Casa FARM rooftop is set across four floors but go to the top and you will get an amazing view of the beautiful Green Lagoon and Christ the Redeemer without the crowds.

BEST VIEW

You can’t visit Rio without going to see the famous Wonder of the World, Christ the Redeemer.

Make sure to check the weather before going up – any fog up there and you’ll only see half the man – but the massive statue surrounded by the city of Rio will leave you in awe of its grandeur.

Then head over to Sugarloaf mountain for just as fantastic views, after hopping in two cable cars to take you up the 1,299ft.

Rio express tour with Christ Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, from £70. See tuimusement.com.

RATED RESTAURANT

Make the most of the beautiful Rio beaches and eat at Tropik Beach Club, which is on Copacabana Beach with hearty bowls of shrimp rice and fresh ceviche, chased by a local caipirinha cocktail and live music as the sun goes down.

If you get snacky on your walk home, try and catch one of the nearby street vendors for a bag of Biscoito Globo a strangely-morish cassava beach snack.

BEST BAR

For a good night out, join the locals in the neighbourhood of Botafogo.

One of the most popular bars is Casa Tão Longe, Tão Perto which serves local Brazilian wines from small distilleries.

You have to be quick here. The tiny rattan seats line the pavement and are in short supply, but it is worth it for the friendly English-speaking staff.

For something a bit finer, head around to Belisco Bar de Vinhos, which serves up fantastic Chilean and Argentinian wine as well.

HOTEL PICK

The Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana couldn’t be better placed, straddling both Copacabana and Ipanema beach.

The rooftop infinity pool has a great snack menu as well as live DJs and beautiful views from the many sunloungers.

The rooms are simple but classy and spacious, many of which have seaview balconies.

Make sure to spend time at breakfast – the buffet is extensive – and book in for a glorious massage at the on-site spa.

Double rooms at Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana cost from £277 based on two sharing on room-only basis. See fairmont.com.

Vape pens and other disposable e-cigarettes soon could be illegal in California.

On Wednesday, the state assembly approved Assembly Bill 762, which, if signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, will make the battery-powered disposable devices illegal to manufacture, distribute or sell in the state. The bill passed the senate Tuesday.

“We are hopeful the Governor will recognize the threat these devices pose to our communities and that the costs of cleaning up the mess these devices leave are borne by ratepayers,” the bill’s sponsor, Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), said in a press release.

The bill targets single-use, battery-embedded electronic cigarettes that contain tobacco products. Cannabis devices are exempt. To be legal under the new law, a vape device must be both refillable (or use replaceable pods) and have a rechargeable battery. Otherwise they couldn’t be sold after Jan. 1, 2028.

Vapes have become a trash plague on streets and beaches and in parks where they leak toxic chemicals such as lead, lithium, cobalt, cadmium, chromium, copper, zinc and nickel as well as microplastics and battery acid.

According to consumer advocacy group CalPIRG, 500,000 disposable vapes are thrown away every day in the U.S. That’s almost 5.8 devices per second.

Vapes use a small, lithium battery to heat liquids such as nicotine for users to inhale. Disposable vapes can be used only a few times before they become useless and have to be discarded.

The vaping industry says the technology saves lives and the cartridges are not nearly as bad a blight as cigarette butts.

Neither the Vapor Technology Assn., the largest industry trade group, nor the American Vapor Manufacturers, an industry group representing independent vapor manufacturers, could be reached for comment.

However, in comments last spring, a spokesman for the manufacturers, Jim McCarthy, said: “Vaping is the single most popular and effective method for Americans to quit smoking cigarettes, and it’s an absolute outrage that states like California are trying to deprive ordinary people of that life-saving product, and no state has driven more people back to combustible cigarettes than California has.”

Research shows while vaping helps more people stop smoking than conventional methods like patches or gum, it is dangerous for youths, young adults and people who don’t already smoke, since the long-term effects remain unknown. The devices deliver addictive nicotine, and the vapors can cause lung and throat irritation. Long-term use is linked to blood vessel and cardiovascular impairment.

In 2021, researchers at the Yale School of Public Health examined the consequences of San Francisco’s 2018 ban on flavored vapes. They found that after the ban took effect, the odds of underage high school students smoking conventional cigarettes more than doubled compared to school districts without a ban.

The study looked at all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and reusable e-cigarettes.

But California’s Department of Public Health does not consider vape a positive quit-smoking method and treats e-cigarettes as a severe public health threat. The department actively works to counter the normalization of vaping, particularly among youth, and has campaigned to discourage young people from taking it up.

State health officials have said they are concerned that the nicotine in modern vape devices is highly addictive and harms adolescent brain development, affecting learning, memory and attention.

E-cigarettes also are a growing cause of fires in waste facilities. Industry analysts have coined the term “the vape effect” to describe this rise in fires, estimating billions of dollars in cumulative damages to the global waste management infrastructure.

When disposable vape cartridges are put in garbage or recycling bins, they can be crushed by garbage trucks and sorting equipment at waste facilities. This can puncture the batteries, causing them to short-circuit, overheat and potentially ignite surrounding materials.

The National Waste & Recycling Assn. (NWRA) and Resource Recycling Systems estimate more than 5,000 fires occur annually at recycling facilities, driven heavily by lithium-ion batteries.

“We don’t let other industries design products with embedded fire hazards and walk away when they fail. Vape companies shouldn’t get a pass either,” said Tony Hackett, a policy associate at Californians Against Waste.

According to the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, a national group that advocates for reduced government spending, roughly 2.2 million adults used electronic vapor products across the state in 2022 — a 40.4% increase from the year before.

The California Youth Tobacco Survey found that in 2023, vapes were the most prevalent tobacco product among high school students. It reported that 10% of students in rural areas vape and 6% in nonrural areas.

The governor’s office said it would not comment on the legislation.

IT’S not often you’ll find a sprawling holiday park with a lake in the middle- but you can on the Isle of Wight.

The Lakes Rookley holiday park is a short distance from some of the Isle of Wight‘s prettiest beaches, making it the ideal family break away from home.

Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

Even better, the holiday park is available to book as part of The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50, meaning you can bag yourself a seriously affordable stay to check out all the new upgrades.

At the park, there are plenty of things for families to do including having a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool.

If the weather is nice, there is also an outdoor pool.

Other daytime activities to try out are watersports – thanks to the lake in the middle of the park guests can have a go at kayaking or paddleboarding.

Read more on travel inspo

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

Though, if you want to keep the kids dry then there is also a huge Adventure Playground.

There’s an activity centre too, where you can drop into messy craft sessions, pottery painting, slime workshops and even archery.

When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, you can head to The Lakeside Bar and Eatery which even has a veranda that overlooks the lake.

Settle in for the evening at the Spinnakers Entertainment Lounge, where there are live family shows to enjoy.

There are a number of different accommodation options at the park including The Lakehouse, which is exclusive to the park and sleeps up to four people.

Alternatively, you could stay in a comfort caravan sleeping up to six people, with a lounge and kitchen area as well as sea views.

Fancy a dip in your own hot tub? Then make sure to book either a Luxury Caravan sleeping up to six people or an Island Cottage sleeping up to six people also.

One recent visitor said: “The park is just stunning, sat outside the restaurant overlooking the lake, sun shining and cocktail in hand you feel like you’re abroad!

“Stayed in a cottage, very sweet accommodation like a home away from home.”

While there is plenty to do at the park itself, there are also some great spots to visit in the local area.

For example, you could visit Carisbrooke Castle in Newport, which was used to imprison Charles I during the English Civil War.

Or, a 20-minute drive from the park, head to the beach and explore Sandown Pier – home to mini golf and lots of arcade machines.

For something a little different, 10 minutes down the road you will find The Garlic Farm, which is free to visit.

You will get a full garlic-themed experience, including a playground, restaurant and shop.

The easiest way to get to The Lakes Rookley holiday park is by hopping on the ferry, which the park has even partner with to get guests discounts.

You can get the Wightlink ferry from either Portsmouth or Lymington, the Red Funnel from Southampton or the Hover Travel from Portsmouth.

Depending on the ferry port you then come into, it takes between half an hour and 40 minutes to drive to the holiday park.

YOU could be sunning it up on a beach right now, cocktail in hand with 28C sunshine – all for the price of a three-course dinner in London.

Wowcher‘s £99 beach break deal lets you spend two nights abroad, and will even throw in your return flights.

The £99 European Beach or City Break lets you pick from a number of destinations across Europe, from seaside destinations to popular city breaks.

For example, why not spend the weekend in the Algarve with a glass of Portuguese wine?

Book Wowcher’s £99 European Beach or City Break

Or head to Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach, known for being one of Europe’s most affordable seaside resorts?

Of course, some of the other classic destinations include the Costa del Sol , Costa Blanca and Costa Brava in Spain, as well as both Lake Como and Lake Garda in Italy and St Paul’s Bay in Malta.

£1 CHEAT CODE

The £1 travel hack for VIP airport lounges, FREE food & drinks plus £59 trips

BE QUICK

UNREAL last minute Loveholidays deals with infinity pools & 5* hotels – from £129

Each of the Wowcher £99 deals include two nights at a two or three-star hotel, as well as return flights from UK airports.

These include London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester.

If the beach isn’t calling you and you want a bit of culture, the holiday deal also includes two-night city break stays instead.

Fourteen iconic cities across Europe (along with Morocco) are included, which are:

• Athens
• Barcelona
• Berlin
• Bratislava
• Bucharest
• Budapest
• Krakow
• Marrakech
• Milan
• Prague
• Venice
• Warsaw

The deals are perfect for everything from “romantic weekends to friends splitting the cost to see somewhere new”.

Book Wowcher’s £99 European Beach or City Break

Not only that, but they are also a great way to try out a city for the first time to “dip your toe” before committing to a longer holiday there.

Each booking includes a minimum of 40 hours in the destination, with basic hand luggage included depending on the airline.

You might even get a free upgrade to a four-star hotel, with every purchase of the £99 holiday entered into the draw.

Lots of dates are available, although some Fridays and school holiday dates are not.

Each booking must include two vouchers as the bookings are based on two adults sharing.

A MUCH-LOVED Devonshire beach and pier could soon be forced to close.

Teignmouth beach and pier in Devon are popular spots for holidaymakers in the summer months.

However, both could soon disappear.

It comes as work to stop erosion taking parts of the beach away may not be completed until 2030.

According to the Mid-Devon Advertiser, the Environment Agency (EA) is working on a case to secure Government money for the work.

Reportedly, erosion has sped over the past few years and as a result, some of the structural piles holding up the pier have been exposed.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

SO FLY

Our fave beach hols under 5 hours from UK with Caribbean dupes & £2 bottles of wine

A petition calling for urgent action to save the beach and pier has been signed by over 900 people.

While coastal erosion is natural, there is a risk of safety if it continues at Teignmouth Beach.

A spokesperson for the EA said: “Teignmouth seafront is an important local landmark.

“This work is ongoing, but the funding needed to develop the project further is not currently available.”

A decision on funding is unlikely to occur before 2028/2029, according to the EA.

If it is approved then, work would be set to be completed by 2030.

Back in January, part of the historic pier washed away and the sea wall next to the railway line crumbled due to storm damage.

In fact, over the years the pier has suffered several closures due to storm damage.

One of the most notable closures was in 2014, when massive waves and high winds damaged multiple parts of the pier forcing it to close for seven months.

Since 2014 and to date, the wider 30- metre deck at the end of the pier has been closed as it is deemed unsafe.

This is the part of the pier that then fell into the sea earlier this year.

With the pier’s structure now exposed, if another storm were to happen it could damage the pier further.

This could result in the local council cordoning off the beach and shutting the pier for safety reasons.

Teignmouth Grand Pier was built between 1865 and 1867 and used to be a landing stage for steamboats.

The 190-metre-long pier then became a popular tourist destination.

At one point, the pier was home to a ballroom at its end, however this was later destroyed in a fire.

There would be performances on the pier too including ‘Peg-leg Pete’ who was a one-legged performer that would set himself on fire before jumping into the sea.

Today, the pier features a range of amusement arcades and penny slot machines.

We now have our first look at the Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC), a new medium landing craft for the U.S. Marine Corps. Australia-headquartered firm Birdon announced last year that it would be supplying two of these vessels to the Marines to help the service further refine its concepts for future distributed island-hopping operations.

The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) released pictures yesterday of what appears to be the first ASC, based on the hull number (ASC-1), in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. The photographs of the vessel, also sometimes referred to as the Ancillary Surface Connector, were taken last week during a distinguished visitor day event. Marine Corps personnel, as well as representatives from the Australian Army and industry, were in attendance.

It is unclear whether or not the Marines have formally taken delivery of ASC-1 and when the second example might be set to arrive. TWZ has reached out to the Marines and Birdon for more information.

“The [distinguished visitor day] event provided an opportunity for senior leaders, Marines, allied partners and industry personnel to observe the ASC’s capabilities and discuss its potential to support distributed maritime operations and sustainment in contested littoral environments,” according to the caption accompanying one of the pictures. “The ASC is being developed through U.S.-Australian industry collaboration to support experimentation and inform future amphibious modernization.”

“The ASC is a significant step towards achieving a capability organic to the Marine Corps for maneuver in the littorals without reliance on large high value Naval assets,” it continues. “This craft, coupled with smaller landing craft, will demonstrate the capability needed by the Corps to maneuver medium, light, and ultra-light tactical vehicles from shore-to-shore and distribute all classes of supply to disbursed forces in archipelagic regions.”

The overall design of the vessel reflects what was seen in a rendering that Birdon released last year when it first announced that it would be supplying the two ASCs to the Marines. However, that rendering did show the vessel with at least two remote weapon stations armed with 30mm automatic cannons, at least one .50 caliber M2 machine gun on a traditional deck mount, and an angular mast structure on top of the pilot house, features that are not present in the images that have now been released of ASC-1.

There is a pole-like mast, as well as rotating maritime navigation radar and what looks to be a searchlight, on top of ASC-1’s pilot house. The actual vessel also has truncated catwalks around the pilot house, as well as an additional boxy structure with ventilation slats on top, compared to what is depicted in the rendering. It is very possible that Marine ASCs could gain additional features as time goes on.

Birdon has previously said that the ASC can carry up to 40 troops and 54 tons of cargo in its open main deck area. The vessel is also reportedly 150 feet long and 30 feet across, with a bow ramp that drops down for loading and unloading right onto a beach.

“To ensure safe landings on uncharted beaches, Birdon worked with a specialist sonar company to develop and integrate an advanced forward-looking sonar system, allowing operators to detect obstacles and assess beach gradients well ahead of the vessel,” the company also said of the ASC in a press release last year. “The vessel is designed to beach and de-beach in gradients significantly shallower than existing landing craft can support, providing enhanced, safe amphibious operations capability.”

“Birdon’s ASC design also features a cutting-edge fuel delivery and transfer system that allows for efficient vessel-to-vessel or vessel-to-land fuel transfer, supporting extended operational range and flexibility in challenging environments,” the release added.

The ASC is broadly in line, at least in terms of general dimensions, with other existing medium landing craft designs on the market globally. As a point of comparison, the new Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700s that the Navy is in the process of acquiring from Austal are around 139 feet long and 31 feet wide, but have a higher stated payload capacity (350 combat-equipped troops or 170 tons of cargo). Birdon itself is also developing a new Landing Craft Medium (LC-M) for the Australian armed forces, renderings of which show a similar, but larger design compared to the ASC.

As noted, the Marines’ stated plan is to use the two ASCs to help with the development of its still-evolving expeditionary and distributed concepts of operations, collectively referred to as Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO). A central aspect of EABO is to rapidly position and reposition relatively small units between what could easily be far-flung forward locations, especially small islands dotted across parts of the Pacific. These so-called ‘stand-in forces’ would be readily deployable as a deterrent ahead of a potential conflict, and then be better placed to act if needed. The distributed nature of the EABO concept would also create targeting challenges for opponents and, by extension, reduce the vulnerability of friendly forces.

As TWZ wrote after Birdon’s initial announcement about the ASC in May 2025:

“Not having to rely on large traditional Navy amphibious warfare ships to conduct these maneuvers in littoral environments, where established port facilities are also likely to be absent, is essential to the EABO concept. Depending on the exact distribution of Marine forces and the distance between operating locations in a particular area, vessels like the ASC-M could be used to move personnel and materiel between sites and/or act as ‘connectors’ between larger ships and the shore.”

“For years now, the Marines have also been working with the Navy on plans for the latter service to acquire a fleet of at least 18 and up to 35 Medium Landing Ships, or LSMs, to support the EABO construct. However, concerns about the costs of prospective designs and other issues have continually pushed back the LSM program schedule, with the first of those vessels now not set to arrive until the end of the decade at the earliest.”

In December 2025, the Navy did announce that it had selected Dutch shipbuilder Damen’s LST-100 design to be the basis of a new class of LSMs, and that it was hoping to accelerate the delivery schedule for those ships. However, the first LSM is still only now scheduled to arrive in 2029. At that time, the Navy also told us it was planning to buy at least one LSM of a separate design from Bollinger Shipyards, which could be based on the Israeli Logistics Support Vessel (ILSV) developed for Israel. The ISLV is itself a derivative of the open-ocean-optimized subclass of the General Frank S. Besson class Logistics Support Vessel (LSV) now in service with the U.S. Army as part of its obscure watercraft fleet, which you can learn more about here.

There may be a possibility for the Marine Corps to acquire more ASCs, or a further evolution of the design, depending on how experimentation with the initial examples proceeds. The partnership with Australia on this effort also underscores the potential for that country, as well as other U.S. allies and partners, to further leverage this work.

In 2024, Birdon announced another deal to provide a heavy landing craft, called the H260, based on a design the company had already been working on for the Australian military, to the Marines, at least for testing and evaluation. The current status of that effort is unclear. The Marines have already been using chartered stern-landing ships for years now to inform the LSM program and otherwise help refine littoral logistics requirements in support of EABO.

Vessels like the ASC and the LSM are just some of the components the Marines envision as supporting the logistics ecosystem necessary to enable its future distributed operations. The service is also acquiring a new family of cargo-carrying uncrewed aerial vehicles, as well as small uncrewed surface vessels, as part of those plans.

The first new ASC for the Marines has now been built, if not formally delivered, and will only help the surface further prove out its expeditionary and distributed operations vision.

Update: 1:02 PM ET –

The U.S. Marine Corps has confirmed the “technical acceptance” of the first ASC.

“Technical specifications validated during the acceptance process highlight the craft’s exceptional ruggedness and operational utility. Engineered for demanding ocean transits, the ASC is fully operational in Sea State 5 and designed to survive extreme conditions up to Sea State 7,” according to a release from the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. “To ensure safe navigation through uncharted, very shallow littoral waters, the craft is equipped with advanced forward-looking sonar that enables maneuverability across the battlespace. Furthermore, it can transport up to 46 tons of cargo and 40 combat-loaded Marines while executing vital shore-to-shore maneuver, mobility, and sustainment.”

The release also reiterates that the ASC represents a capability that would be complementary to the future LSMs, using its “very shallow draft to deliver logistical support to the ‘last tactical mile’ into landing sites beyond the reach of larger vessels, including shallow-gradient, unimproved, and unsurveyed shorelines where standoff would otherwise leave cargo stranded offshore.” ASC-type vessels and LSMs together will “give a Stand-in Force a route from an intermediate staging base to the beach without dependence on a port, a pier, or a causeway.”

“To support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), our forces must remain highly mobile and sustained without relying on fixed, vulnerable ports,” Col. Kenny Jones, Science and Technology Division Director at the MCWL, said in a statement. “This prototype allows MCWL to immediately execute hands-on experimentation, test tactical concepts, and put real hardware in the hands of Marines. By exploring the ASC’s traditional bow-first beaching physics alongside other experimental platforms, we are actively reducing programmatic risk and perfecting the requirements for the future naval fleet.”

“Following the technical acceptance of the ASC, the craft now moves into limited technical assessments (LTA) with Birdon America craft masters and engineers partnered with Australian Army crewing support and Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory oversight and assessments,” the MCWL release adds. “Initially, the craft will be operated by a hybrid crew pairing Marines with seasoned contracted mariners. This approach ensures that American service members are thoroughly trained as the Marine Corps prepares for an expanded role in the independent operation of small surface craft.”

Contact the author: joe@twz.com

THE sun was beating down on the harbour walls where parents and their children were perched, gawping down into the water.

One youngster was giggling with delight at her bucket, which was filled with scuttling crustaceans from her succesful attempts at crabbing.

Holidays in the UK don’t get much better than this.

And with Britain basking in weather as hot as the Med over the past few months, there’s been even less of a need to fork out on flights abroad.

I was in Wells-next-the-Sea, a quaint Norfolk town home to trendy boutiques, quayside pubs and a pretty beach backed by rows of colourful beach huts.

As a large family of five, we’d decided to ditch the pricey hotel in favour of Pinewoods Holiday Park, which occupies a gorgeous perch, set a short way back from the ocean.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

It was the first time in a while that a place had exceeded my expectations.

When we arrived at our six-person lodge, I heard a swift declaration of “I could live here!”

The spacious Saltmarsh Lodge — there was ample room for our group, plus the dog — embraced its position near the coast with its wooden panelling and white slatted ceilings, and its three cosy bedrooms were spotlessly clean.

The master bedroom came with a kingsize bed, spacious en-suite and chic dressing area while the other two had twin beds and a separate bathroom.

My favourite part was the open-plan dining, kitchen and living area, where light poured in from the glass doors, large windows and skylight.

We spent most of our evenings in here, settled on the squishy sofas and armchairs playing cards and board games in front of the coal-effect fire.

Afternoons were spent on the wraparound deck, which was delightfully cool thanks to the trees that offered shade from the sun.

The fact it was all enclosed was a big selling point as it meant our furry friend could pad about freely with little chance of escape.

And as we sat on the decking with a tipple, we couldn’t believe how quiet and peaceful the setting was.

Apart from the obvious visual giveaway, you’d never have guessed that there were more than 100 pitches surrounding us.

Around the corner from our lodge was an on-site playground, an allotment (reserved for holiday home owners) and a shop for all the essentials. We’d stocked up on everything we needed for tasty breakfasts, such as pastries, eggs and condiments.

When in Norfolk, you have to buy the locally made Krusty Loaf bread, which is baked fresh every day and raved about in the area.

The white loaf, with lashings of butter and scrambled egg, went down a treat.

After an indulgent first breakfast, we took a mid-morning stroll to the beach where the dunes are backed by brightly decorated beach huts and, beyond that, a pine forest.

With the sea reachable in just ten minutes, it meant that the dog could be frolicking in the water in no time.

You could easily spend a whole day here, with a pit stop at the Wells Beach Cafe, which serves up cracking bacon butties and frothy coffee.

It also has a pizza corner and an ice cream bar, as well as soft and hard drinks, including Prosecco.

But if you’re not much of a beach lover, the main town centre on the other side of the holiday lodge is well worth a potter around.

The port town has a history dating back more than 400 years and is still renowned for its fresh seafood.

I was drawn more to its trendy shops than the fish, though — Glitter & Mud does some excellent trinkets, from homeware to clothing.

Make sure to pop into The Golden Fleece for a pint, too, which we enjoyed on its small patio while seagulls squawked overhead.

Before we knew it, three nights had rolled by and we had to wave goodbye to our cosy lodge.

But we couldn’t leave until we had ticked off one British seaside staple: fish and chips.

A lengthy queue forms outside Plattens every evening — and for good reason.

Its batter is wonderfully crispy and its curry sauce packs a punch.

Like I said earlier, holidays in the UK don’t get much better than this.

A NEW Therme resort is under construction in the UK and is making huge strides towards opening.

Therme Manchester is set to be complete by 2028 and will have everything from huge swimming pools, waterslides and even beaches.

The Therme Group has announced that they have reached their first milestone of 12 tower cranes being built.

It said the progress marked “the start of an exciting new phase of construction for Therme Manchester“.

On social media it continued: “Over the coming months, these cranes will play a key role in bringing our vision to life. Creating an amazing destination where wellbeing, relaxation and fun come together.

“This is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we continue to build something extraordinary!”

HOL YES

Cheap holiday destinations with 86p beers, £15 flights & £129pp package breaks

CHEAP CHIC

Cheap UK stays from £9.50pp – with FREE bottomless wine & £11pp coastal cottages

One excited person commented: “Wow!!! Can’t wait!! We are watching the process everyday when we pass.”

Another added: “Can’t wait, no more going to Germany to the amazing spa.”

The Therme Group also announced it would be teaming up with Marriott International.

In terms of booking, Marriott Bonvoy members will be offered exclusive travel and lodging packages linked directly to Therme destinations – which when it opens will include Manchester.

The £500m resort will be set across 28 acres making it the “largest water-based wellbeing destination in Europe.”

Inside the resort, visitors can expect a large-scale waterpark with more than 25 waterslides as well as a wave pool.

It will be heated to 33C and will have lots of spa and wellness facilities that will be split into three distinct zones called Play, Relax and Restore.

The Play zone will focus on ‘next-generation’ water fun, as well as a a warm water pool, steam rooms, saunas as well as lounging and family dining experiences.

This zone will also have an outdoor beach.

In the Relax zone – which will be adults-only – there will be a “focus on premium wellbeing experiences” as well as indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall showers, mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas and casual dining.

Finally, in the Restore Zone – the second adults-only area – there will be “industry leading health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies”, “sauna rituals”, experience showers, wellbeing consultations and dining.

Therme Manchester is set to become “UK’s largest paid-for tourist attraction” and see just over three million people each year.

This will be the first Therme site in the UK, joining one in Erding, Germany and one in Bucharest, Romania.

A beach in the UK has been named among the top ten best in the world, beating all sorts of exotic destinations thanks to its white sands and clear turquoise seas that visitors love

If you were aiming to visit one of the world’s best beaches, you might think this would involve an extremely long flight, and possibly a boat to an island or trek through a rainforest to reach it.

But one of the best beaches in the world is right here in the UK, and it has been revealed in a ranking by Big 7 Travel. Its list of the 50 Best Beaches in the World includes many destinations you’d expect, from the Seychelles to Sri Lanka, but only two European destinations made the top ten, only one of which is in the UK.

The list explains the reason for the Cornish beach’s ranking, saying: “Hidden beneath towering granite cliffs in Cornwall, Porthcurno Beach is easily one of England’s most beautiful. The entire Cornish coast is known for its rugged coastline and significantly better weather than the rest of the UK, and with the clear waters and bright sands of Porthcurno Beach, it’s easy to imagine that you’re in the tropics.”

Found just a few miles from Land’s End, Porthcurno Beach is reached by a sloping coastal path and is surrounded by cliffs to protect it from high winds. This bay has soft golden sands and clear blue waters, and during the summer months there are usually safe places to swim marked out by the lifeguards.

When it’s low tide, the sea rolls back to expose a walking route to the neighbouring beach of Pedn Vounder; just be careful to check the tide times for your return, as people sometimes find themselves cut off. Overlooking the beaches is the iconic Minack Theatre, where a variety of plays and family shows are on the schedule, with incredible cliffside views as the backdrop. While it looks like something from Roman times, the theatre was designed by Rowena Cade and opened in 1932.

Another unique creation of Rowena’s was the Porthcurno Wendy House, which she designed for her lucky nieces and nephews. This playhouse was carved into the granite rockface of the cliffs and had a fireplace, glass windows, and two storeys of rooms. Sadly, it’s now closed to the public, but you can still see the exterior when you’re on the beach.

Porthcurno is a small village, which adds to its charm and the remote vibes of the beach. You’ll find a few facilities such as a pub and a couple of shops. But there’s one unique attraction that you might not expect. The village was once home to the world’s largest submarine station, and at the PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications you can learn about its role in WWII. You can even explore the tunnels that were built to protect its infrastructure in case of an attack.

Aside from Porthcurno, only three other UK and Ireland locations made it into the top 50. Luskentyre Beach in Scotland was praised for its white sands and rugged mountain scenery, while Keem Beach was named as “one of Ireland’s true hidden gems. Whitesands Beach in Wales was also on the list, with the guide stating: “While the coastline looks its wildest during winter, on a clear summer’s day, the sea views can rival those of any beach in the world.”

Ten best beaches in the world according to Big 7 Travel

1. Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles
2. Entalula Beach – Philippines
3. Pink Beach – Indonesia
4. Sandy Lane Beach – Barbados
5. Ee Motu Beach – Cook Islands
6. Whitehaven Beach – Australia
7. Matira Beach – Bora Bora, French Polynesia
8. Cala Macarella – Menorca, Spain
9. Porthcurno Beach – England
10. Mirissa Beach – Sri Lanka

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

OFFICIALS in Italy are cracking down on anyone attempting to bag themselves the best beach spot by leaving items on the sand all week.

From sunloungers to parasols, those caught trying to reserve a space in the morning or late at night could receive a fine over £400.

On a coastal suburb in Naples called Torre del Greco, officials like coastguard staff and police have been removing ‘reserved’ spots.

Tourists have been leaving items on the beach overnight in order to keep their place.

During a morning sweep of one of the beaches called Laghetto, authorities seized up to 40 items, as reported by The Guardian.

Others have complained that items like sun umbrellas and small tables have been left unattended for days by tourists reserving the space to use later on.

HOL YES

Cheap holiday destinations with 86p beers, £15 flights & £129pp package breaks

CHEAP AS CHIPS

10 UK summer holidays that are CHEAPER than a takeaway – all £12pp or less

The port authority said: “It is a practice that recurs each summer, but it is expressly prohibited.

It added that “occupying the beach in this manner violates the regulations governing the management of maritime public domain areas.”

Anyone caught leaving belongings on the beach after sunset to keep their spot will be fined up to €500 (£425).

Beaches in Torre del Greco include Spiaggia libera Il Laghetto and Moon Beach.

This isn’t the only spot to crack down on sunlounger hogging.

These rules are being enforced by the Calpe Town Council, which affects the Costa Blanca.

Local authorities in the Spanish resort have the right to remove sunbeds, towels and parasols put on beaches before 9.30am.

Anyone whose belongings taken away will have to pay to get them back and could face a fine of up to €250 (£216).

Across Europe, other crackdowns include smoking on beaches and wearing swimwear in public spaces that aren’t the beach.

Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz clinched an AVP Manhattan Beach Open three-peat on Sunday, sweeping Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft.

It was the tournament’s first three-peat since Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won four straight titles from 2005-08.

Brasher and Cruz, the top-ranked women’s pro beach volleyball team out of Louisiana State, rolled past Cheng and Kraft 2-1 (21-18, 21-16).

Brasher and Cruz took a commanding 4-1 lead to start the first set, the first of back-and-forth surges by both sides. Cheng and Kraft tied the set at 15, but Brasher and Cruz pulled ahead for the 21-18 win.

Kristen Cruz dives for a dig during the AVP Manhattan Beach Open women’s final at Manhattan Beach Pier on Sunday.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

Taryn Brasher, left, and Kristen Cruz celebrate after defeating Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft during the AVP Manhattan Beach Open women’s final Sunday.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

Brasher and Cruz kept the pressure on during the second match, pulling ahead early 8-6 and leading by as much as 17-12 before closing out the victory.

On the men’s side, Andy Benesh and Taylor Crabb defeated Thomas Hurst and Gage Basey in two sets (21-14, 21-13) to clinch the tournament title.

Crabb previously clinched a Manhattan Beach Pier bronze plaque, but it was Benesh’s first time winning the open.

Crabb and Benesh took a commanding 8-3 lead in the first set with all of the energy flowing on their side. Hurst and Basey rallied to cut the deficit to 8-7, but Benesh ended the scoring drought with a monster block.

Taylor Crabb dives for a ball during the AVP Manhattan Beach Open men’s final at Manhattan Beach Pier on Sunday.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

Andy Benesh, left, spikes the ball under pressure from Thomas Hurst.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

Andy Benesh and Taylor Crabb stand alongside friends and family after winning the AVP Manhattan Beach Open on Sunday.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

Benesh and Crabb added to their lead to 13-8 with back-to-back blocks and rolled to a 21-14 win.

The duo led early in the final set and had little trouble delivering a 21-13 victory.

Crabb had 10 kills and 14 digs during the match, with many of the kills coming during the second set. Benesh closed with 14 kills and eight blocks.

YOU’VE heard of the pink beach in Crete and the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico, but have you ever heard of the beach where stones look like stars?

On one tiny island, one popular activity is collecting the beautiful souvenir – although they’re not easy to spot.

Off the coast of Taketomi Island in Japan is Kaiji Beach, also called “Hoshizuna-hama” which translates to star sand beach.

Along with regular sand on its shore are tiny star-shaped fragments.

They might look like magical trinkets, but actually they are exoskeletons of microscopic marine organisms called Foraminifera.

As microscopic suggests, these stars are incredibly hard to find with many visitors saying “they’re really tiny”.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

But that doesn’t stop visitors from trying to find them – but there’s still a chance to see them as nearby stalls allows beachgoers to see them with a magnifying glass.

The beach itself is very pretty with white sands and bright blue waters.

On Tripadvisor one visitor called it a “beautiful beach with great views of Iriomote and Kohama islands.”

Another called it one of the “best Instagram spots in Okinawa“.

The only downside to the beach is that swimming is not allowed because of the strong currents.

If you do fancy a dip, head to nearby Konoi Beach on the western side of the island which has a huge beachfront and soft white sand.

The island itself is off the southwestern coast of mainland Japan and is actually closer to Taiwan.

Other spots to explore is its preserved Ryukyu village with lots of hibiscus and colourful bougainvillea flowers.

It’s essentially a small, open-air museum where visitors can look inside old Japanese houses with lots of traditional souvenirs and even eisa performances.

For anyone wanting to stay on the island, most accommodations are guesthouses or family-run B&Bs called minshuku.

There are regular high-speed boat rides to Taketomi Island from nearby Ishigaki which take just 10-minutes.

That’s the best way to visit as Ishigaki is linked to Tokyo by plane which takes under three hours.