happiest

TUI is opening its very first hotel in Bhutan next month.

Called TUI Blue Paro Taktsang, it will be nestled in the Himalayas and in a small village in Paro which is found west of the country’s capital, Thimphu.

Inside the hotel will be 32 suites, a restaurant, two bars, a ballroom, indoor swimming pool, spa and gym – all decorated with traditionally Bhutanese design.

Rooms will have incredible views of the mountains and nearby waterfront.

The first-look images also reveal a huge outdoor dining terrace.

The landlocked country between India and China is known for pretty temples, Himalayan mountains and being a very happy place to live.

PARK UP

Holiday park expert reveals her top UK resorts and how to get cheap stays

CRACK ON

Book last-minute Hols From £9.50 at top UK holiday parks THIS Easter school break

The hotel is near some major landmarks like Tiger’s Nest Monastery, whose official name is Paro Taktsang.

It’s a sacred Buddhist site which is perched 900metres high on a clifftop.

For any keen visitors, it’s only accessible by foot and a round-trip hike takes between five to six hours.

Another nearby site is the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, which is the oldest temple in Bhutan; its main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century.

It’s also considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country.

Nearby is Ugyen Pelri Thang Palace, which is the private residence and often used by the Queen Mother.

Tourists can’t go inside, but visitors can still take in its incredible architecture and gardens from the outside.

Check out our favourite holiday offers from On the Beach…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Bellevue Club, Majorca

There are more pools than days of the week at the Bellevue Club in Alcudia. With 11 swimming pools, a 24-hour bar and a garden theatre offering evening entertainment, you’ll hardly want to leave this resort once you arrive. Nearby, there’s the family-friendly Alcudia Beach as well as the historic old town and promenade of Port D’Alcudia to explore.

BOOK A BREAK

Catty Cats Garden Hotel, Side, Turkey

This fun hotel has three swimming pools and several water slides to entertain the whole family. If zipping down slides wasn’t enough to tire out the children, they can enjoy the kids club and mini discos, whilst adults can unwind in the Turkish bath. Plus, the family rooms here feel more like an apartment, as they come with a handy kitchenette too – great for cooking up cheaper meal options.

BOOK A BREAK

Htop Olympic, Costa Brava, Spain

This Calella hotel is the perfect base for a cheap and cheerful sun holiday, with comfy air-conditioned rooms just a few minutes’ walk from the bustling bars of Costa Brava. Make use of the hotel buffet stocked with plenty of family favourites like fresh salads, grilled meats and chips.

BOOK A BREAK

Corona Roja Aparthotel, Gran Canaria

The Corona Roja Aparthotel sits on Gran Canaria‘s Playa del Ingles, one of the most popular beach resorts among Brits – and for good reason. Whether you’re the type to set off parasailing or prefer a sunset catamaran trip, there’s plenty on offer in this lively resort town.

BOOK A BREAK

Bhutan itself is considered the ‘Land of Happiness’, but it won’t appear on any of the official Happiness Index.

Instead, Bhutan has goes by its own “Gross National Happiness Index” which focuses on factors like psychological well-being, health, education, good governance, ecology, time use, community vitality, culture and living standards. 

The philosophy was introduced in the 1970s to focus on wellbeing and environmental conservation which is valued more highly than things like economic growth.

Just last year, Bhutan revealed plans for its new international airport at Gelephu complete with forests and yoga lounges.

Its initial design plans reveal a building that represents a mountain range with huge gardens and an open-air forest splitting the terminal in half.

One side will operate domestic flights, the other, international.

Across the four zones will be yoga spaces, outdoor lounges and even meditation and sound bath areas.

The hope is that it will open in 2029.

The best time to visit Bhutan is between March and May or September to December when the weather is at its most mild, which can be up to highs of 25C.

The best time of the year to avoid is June to August as this marks monsoon season when it’s humid with high rainfall.

Currently there are no direct flights between the UK and Bhutan with the average journey length taking around 15 hours with at least one stop.

For more on Asia, here’s an often-forgotten country named the world’s cheapest place to travel this year with £5 hotels and 80p beers.

And, one of the world’s cheapest holiday destinations with new Wizz Air flights has scrapped expensive entry rules.

Finland has been crowned the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, and it’s just three hours from the UK with direct flights from £17

The world’s happiest nation has been unveiled, and it’s just three hours from the UK with £17 flights available.

For the ninth year running, Finland, with its varied terrain and exceptional quality of life, has been crowned the happiest country of 2026. The Scandinavian nation claimed top spot in the World Happiness Report 2026, released by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.

The findings emerged after a survey of approximately 100,000 individuals across 140 nations, with Finland singled out for freedom to make life choices, social support, and life expectancy. Additional factors thought to contribute to Finland’s satisfying way of life include its minimal crime levels, unpolluted environment, and work-life equilibrium, alongside its stunning natural splendour.

The Nordic nation boasts thousands of unspoilt lakes with sparkling waters and captivating woodlands that blanket over 70 per cent of the territory. The varied scenery is genuinely spectacular and undeniably elevates the standard of living for Finnish residents, providing abundant prospects for outdoor pursuits and wellness.

It’s not exclusively those residing in the nation who can discover its marvels. Finland has emerged as a sought-after holiday spot for visitors eager to observe the shimmering northern lights, trek through its remarkable landscape, or sample its extraordinary saunas, with over 3 million scattered throughout the country.

Whilst many associate Finland with its enchanting Lapland winter wonderland, particularly beloved during the festive season, the country is undoubtedly a year-round destination spanning its four distinct regions. From lakeside retreats to woodland escapes and seaside breaks.

Finland’s capital, Helsinki, makes for a perfect starting point for a pedestrian-friendly city break, boasting cutting-edge art galleries, legendary saunas, thriving eateries and stunning Nordic architecture. The city’s peninsula position, encircled by islands, provides convenient access to some of the nation’s finest natural attractions, from woodlands to islands and shorelines.

Direct flights to Helsinki in April start from £17 one-way, according to Skyscanner. Although you’ll need to layer up with temperatures hovering around 8C during spring, the city’s stunning scenery makes it well worth the journey, with countless walking routes through its peaceful, postcard-perfect landscapes.

Additionally, with an exceptionally strong sauna culture, you’re never far from a warming dip after a day’s exploration. Among Helsinki’s most sought-after destinations is Löyly, a striking waterfront sauna and dining venue, housed in a modern Nordic building with seaside panoramas.

Further notable Finnish destinations include Rovaniemi, celebrated as the Lapland gem, and Tampere, offering another stylish urban getaway. There’s also Kuopio for those seeking to retreat to the peaceful lakes, and Turku, famed for its historic castle and waterside dining establishments.

Beyond Finland, other Scandinavian nations, including Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, also featured amongst the globe’s happiest countries. Meanwhile, Costa Rica, boasting its tropical climate, rainforests and beaches, secured fourth position, with European destinations commanding the list.

Top 10 happiest countries in the world 2026

1. Finland
2. Iceland
3. Denmark
4. Costa Rica
5. Sweden
6. Norway
7. Netherlands
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Switzerland

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

The new Harry Potter series is being filmed in locations across the UK, including at a pretty market town that has been named ‘one of the happiest places to live’

The trailer for the new Harry Potter TV series has been released, prompting excitement among wizards and muggles. The HBO series is being filmed in locations across the UK, including in a picturesque market town that has been ranked as ‘one of the happiest places to live’ in Great Britain.

The highly anticipated Harry Potter series, based on the beloved books by J.K Rowling, will launch onto our screens in Christmas 2026, with the first trailer released this week. Ahead of its arrival, film crews have been spotted in various locations around the UK, as we get ready to welcome a new cast in the hugely popular Harry Potter franchise and watch the magic unfold all over again.

READ MORE: When is the Harry Potter series coming out?READ MORE: Beautiful seaside city is ‘best kept secret’ in Spain with £20 flights from the UK

Among the UK destinations set to be featured in the HBO series are London, Hertfordshire, Devon, and Cornwall. However, it came as a surprise to the residents of Skipton, in North Yorkshire, when Harry Potter film crews were spotted in the charming market town.

Skipton has often been dubbed the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, thanks to its position as the southern entrance to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its lush valleys and heather moorlands that stretch across more than 2,100 square kilometres. The market town is steeped in rich heritage, with a preserved 900-year-old medieval castle, so it’s no wonder it’s been used as a filming location for Harry Potter.

At the end of last year, Harry Potter film crews were spotted in Skipton, as an actor performed a spell with his wand on top of a rooftop along a terraced street. While various areas in Yorkshire have previously been used as filming locations, residents were thrilled that the Harry Potter production had arrived in the small town of Skipton.

One resident told the BBC: “We’ve had bits of filming before, but I was surprised that they’ve picked it for something as colossal as this, so I’ll be very excited to see the end result.”

The filming reportedly took place on Westmoreland Street in Skipton, but it’s unclear if any further filming was done in the area. Another local told the publication: “It’s always exciting to have film crews hanging around and maybe put Skipton a little bit more on the map than what it already is.”

While we’ll have to wait a little longer to see just how much of Skipton is featured in the series, with producers remaining tight-lipped about locations, the town is certainly worth a visit in its own right. The high street is packed with independent retailers and delightful cafés, while the town’s location along the Leeds and Liverpool canal provides picturesque walks for an idyllic day out.

The cobbled high street leads up to the historic Skipton Castle, and there are numerous eateries in the town, including Phoebe’s restaurant, The Cock & Bottle pub, and The Clubhouse café. But one of the town’s highlights is the award-winning Skipton Market, which is believed to be one of the oldest in the country.

The outdoor market has been running since medieval times and has earned considerable recognition as the ‘best small outdoor market’ in the national Great British Market Awards. Found on the High Street, Skipton Market takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, selling everything from food and produce to fashion and arts and crafts from local traders.

Yet it’s the residents who truly benefit from the charming town, as Skipton was named the ‘happiest place to live in Great Britain’ by Rightmove in their annual Happy at Home Index at the end of last year. Its convenient access to nature and green spaces was ranked as the top factor by Skipton residents, and there’s no shortage of landscapes to explore.

Beyond the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park, there’s Aireville Park, a nature reserve, Castle Woods, and breathtaking Skipton Moor. With its undeniable charm and status as a film set, Skipton is well worth a visit, whether that’s for a weekend break or a day out, and is conveniently located just an hour’s drive from Leeds.

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