hotels

THE new EES rules have caused chaos for Brits heading on their recent holidays with reports of three-hour long queues and even cases of missed flights.

So if you’re after an easy escape to a beautiful island with no biometric requirements, there is a European country which is hitting highs of 26C next week.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

EES has been causing chaos across Europe in places like Lanzarote and Greece, but Cyprus doesn’t follow these new rules.

Cyprus is an EU member state, but isn’t part of the Schengen area, and so it didn’t have to enforce the new EES requirement.

In fact, Brits with a valid passport can visit the country for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

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The island itself gets over 300 days of sunshine each year and is known for having beautiful beaches – including one of the best in the world.

In the Europe list of ‘World’s Best Beaches‘, Golden Beach found on the Karpaz Peninsula in the north of the island comes in at number 30 out of 50.

The beach has 2.4 miles of sand and is known for its wild beauty and sand dunes – it’s a place where you’ll find sea turtle nesting grounds.

Some of the most popular spots in Cyprus include Limassol and Paphos.

Larnaca is another, and it’s a favourite destination of singer Peter Andre’s who has his own villa there – and knows lots of great restaurants in the area.

Talking to Sun Travel, he said: “For anyone going to Larnaca, I have three recommendations. One is a new restaurants called Theta in Perivolia which is very near the airport.

“It does Mediterranean food, but done in the style of a Dubai 5-star restaurant.

“There’s another one called Opa Souvlaki Kiti, it’s not fancy, but if you want a proper Greek kebab done the Cypriot way, go there.”

When it comes to eating and drinking out in Cyprus, you can pick up a beer from €3 (£2.59) and an inexpensive meal can start from €15 (£12.97).

With UK temperatures dropping and potential drizzle forecast for next week, you might want to consider booking a last-minute break – and there are still some great deals about.

With On The Beach, you can jet off to Paphos for an all-inclusive break from £440pp – or £63pppn.

This is for a seven-night stay at the Hylatio Tourist Village which has a sun terrace, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and entertainment nights with live music.

The site has its own restaurant and bar – and the price includes all three meals and snacks as well as flights that depart on May 11.

The complex is a short walk from the Blue Flag Pissouri Beach.

Another deal from On the Beach is at Atlantica Panthea Resort in the Larnaca region which can be booked from £455pp – or £65pppn.

Minutes from the beach, the hotel also has its own swim spots from outdoor pool to heated ones indoors.

Rooms vary from doubles to family size and suites – all with neutral decor and private balconies or terrace.

There are multiple restaurants, bars and snack spots for guests.

Flights depart London Gatwick on May 13 returning on May 20.

FANCY holiday abroad vibes without actually leaving the country?

There’s some great hotels across the UK that feel like you’re somewhere like the Med or even Miami – so we’ve rounded up some of the best.

Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend -on-Sea

Roslin Beach Hotel is on the sandy beach of Thorpe Bay Beach is often compared to places in the US.

One previous guest said: “We could have been staying on the Florida Keys”.

It’s not the first time Southend-on-Sea has been compared to the US either.

In 2023, Tory councillor Daniel Nelson told the Southend Echo that tourism events played an important role “in the reinvigoration of the city and that Southend has the potential to become a Miami-on-Thames.”

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The Gallivant, Sussex

The Hamptons is known for its white wooden buildings and sandy beaches. And The Gallivant in Camber Sands is often said to be similar.

The American comparison to the Essex seaside is because of the shaker style it’s built in – and you can even book a room called the ‘Large Hampton’.

Not only that, but the dune-backed beaches of Camber Sands are a spitting image of the ones in Montauk, a hamlet in East Hampton.

The Times said “think New York’s Hamptons by way of Camber Sands” while House & Garden added it “brings a bit of the Hamptons and Scandi-vibe to Sussex”.

The Nici, Bournemouth

If you’ve ever wanted a slice of Miami without wanting to leave the country, then why not head to… Bournemouth?

The Nici Hotel, found on the seafront of the seaside town, opened in 2022.

There’s the South Beach Restaurant, which serves “champagne afternoon teas and classics with a Miami twist”.

Otherwise other nods include retro cocktail cabinets in the rooms, faux palm trees throughout and even art of Che Guevara.

Previous guests have raved about it too – one said: “Beautiful setting and very cool decor. Feels like Miami!”

Gara Rock, Devon

A rarity in the UK, Gara Rock has its own private swimming pool overlooking the ocean more comment in the Med.

Grab some pizza and a glass of rose wine and you’ll feel like you’re hundreds of miles away.

It even has a private beach too, if you fancy an ocean dip, or plash out on a “beach butler” and you can get unlimited cocktails delivered straight to you.

Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall

In St Mawes is Hotel Tresanton and at first glance may not look much like Italy, but head down to the hotel’s own Beach Club which overlooks the cliffs and, with the blue and white striped umbrellas, will transport you straight to the Italian Riviera.

The website states: “The Mediterranean style brings a feel of the Amalfi coast, with blue and white striped umbrellas and semi-tropical planting.”

Or, splash out on the classic Italian sailing yacht–Pinuccia where you can spend the night onboard with dinner and breakfast – and a bottle of champagne.

One person even said:  “It’s like a perfectly decorated small Italian hotel on the Amalfi Coast but further north on the sea in Cornwall.”

Art’otel, London

One of the new hotels to open in the Battersea Power Station, Art’otel has some of the best views from the top.

The rooftop infinity pool could even double for Dubai, with its luxury sunloungers and skyscraper views.

Of course, it is usually only open to hotel guests although they do have some open events to non-guests.

This includes as aqua aerobics, aqua board pilates and yoga, all of which come with breakfast and start from £25.

WITHIN minutes of landing at Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, we were picked up by . . . Ronaldo.  

No, not that one, but a taxi driver who said he was actually named after former US President Ronald Reagan, not the footballer. 

And he wasted no time in pointing out one of the island’s most famous landmarks, another Ronaldo.  

The bronze statue of the footballer outside the Pestana CR7 hotel in Funchal, the island’s main town, is certainly memorable — not necessarily for the reasons the sculptor intended.  

The two-metre, 800kg statue has a noticeably polished groin. Rubbing this delicate spot is meant to bring good luck, so it was obviously important I gave it a try.  

But Madeira — a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic — isn’t just a shrine to football greatness, it’s been attracting Brits long before free kicks and trophies.  

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According to our wonderfully knowledgeable guide, Graca Lopes, Victorians flocked here in the 19th Century for health reasons.  

Madeira’s mild, subtropical climate (16C to 22C year round) and pure air make it ideal for respiratory health. The wild volcanic views, lush forests and fresh sea air are great for mental health and longevity too. Anti- ageing and an escape from rainy Britain? Count me in!  

I’d heard Madeira described, slightly unfairly, as a haven for “energetic retirees with hiking poles”. And yes, there are plenty of older people and spectacular walks, but there’s definitely more on offer too. 

Madeira is surprisingly compact. At 35 miles long and 14 miles wide, it’s roughly the same size as Greater Manchester. 

The roads twist and climb at angles, often narrowing to only the width of a decent hallway. There is fun to be had on these winding roads on the island’s famous — and slightly bonkers — toboggan ride.  

It involves a wicker basket hurtling down steep streets from hilltop area Monte, steered by two men in straw hats using nothing but their shoes as brakes. It’s in equal parts terrifying and hilarious but in the 19th Century it was the quickest way to travel.  

There are plenty of other adventures to be had in Madeira. A Jeep safari along the rugged northeast coast, with AdventureLand tours, shows off the island at its most dramatic. 

One minute the open-sided truck is climbing steep, muddy tracks, the next you are looking out over sheer cliffs to the vast swathes of the Atlantic.  

The tour also includes a chance to admire the unique triangular-shaped houses at Santana with their traditional, red, white and blue paintwork and steep, thatched roofs. 

There’s whale and dolphin watching too. We spent the morning with Rota dos Cetaceos Tours. A marine biologist on board explained more about these incredible creatures. 

And for some of the most stunning beaches I’ve seen, take a day trip over to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. It’s a two and a half hour ferry ride away but you’ll be rewarded with incredible beaches, including Calheta Beach, with its 9km of soft sands surrounded by unique rock formations. 

These adventures were complemented by our gorgeous base, The Vine, a sleek, stylish boutique hotel in the centre of Funchal. 

The interior design is inspired by wine. The furniture mimics twisted vines, there are grape-purple fabrics and the spa offers vinotherapy massages and facials.

The five-star hotel’s rooftop has a pool, Bali beds and bar, along with stunning views of the bay.

We took a walking tour of the town with guide Gracia. The cobbled streets lead to sea views and every corner seems to involve either food, history or both.  

One must-see is The Painted Doors of Rua de Santa Maria — where artists decorated 200 of the street’s doors as it rises to the church of Santa Maria Maior. 

In the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos we had lunch at the Restaurante Vila do Peixe. With incredible views, customers can choose fish fresh from the counter. The platter is around £35. 

Another traditional treat is the tipple ­poncha. According to locals it’s the answer to any problems life can throw at you. 

Got a cold? Poncha. Heartbreak? Poncha. Existential dread? Double poncha. 

By day two I was fairly certain it could also strip paint and power small machinery. 

We had dinners at various restaurants including the Three House Bake — a boutique hotel, restaurant and rooftop bar with a DJ and BBQ in Funchal town.  

The Jard.in Magnólia in Quinta Magnólia, a 19th Century estate with huge botanical gardens, served up a great steak and seabass with lime risotto, with prices from around £22 for a main.

But Avista, probably the poshest restaurant in Funchal, set on a clifftop, was sensational.

The staff were incredible and the food was too. We had a seven-course pairing menu that featured Algarve red prawns, black Angus steak tartare and a chocolate tangerine dessert. 

The tasting menu isn’t cheap, at around £80pp, but it’s definitely one for a special celebration.  

Our final day saw us exploring a levada walk — unique hiking experiences using Madeira’s 1,350miles of 15th Century irrigation channels that now double as scenic trails.  

There’s a huge variety of walks that promise strolls among lush forests, dramatic mountain scenery and stunning waterfalls. 

Among the most popular is the Levada das 25 Fontes, a popular trail near Rabaçal leading to a cascading waterfall lagoon. 

And then, just like that, it was time to leave. A final breakfast, a last look at the sea, and I’m back at the airport half expecting Ronaldo (either one) to wave me off.

Sadly, neither does. But Madeira has already done enough to win me over. 

OUR Spotlight On Column shines a light on both the little known and the much loved holiday destinations.

This week we’re talking Singapore, including some hidden gems and new hotels.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

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

She explained: “I didn’t expect to love the city as much as I did, but I loved how safe and clean it felt compared to other major cities.

“It’s the kind of place where you’ll never struggle to find amazing food, no matter what your budget it.

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“Make sure to look up too – most buildings have living walls or rooftop gardens as strict rules mean any new structures must replace greenery it builds on.”

Here are some of our other top tips if you fancy a trip to the stopover city.

MUST SEE/DO:

The most fun way to get around the city is with a Singapore Sidecar (sideways.sg) where you are driven around by experienced riders.

With options of different tours, one of the best takes you everywhere from the finance district to the huge murals of Yip Yew Chong, who depicts scenes of traditional Singapore.

The tours include numerous photo stops, and the guides know all the answers to any questions you might have too.

Wait for night to fall and then hop over to Garden by The Bay to watch the light show of the famous trees.

HIDDEN GEM

The neighbourhood of Joo Chiat is no longer a hidden gem, after being named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

But tourists often skip over Tin Yeang Restaurant, despite it being a great place to mingle with the locals.

It’s loud, its busy, but you can learn a lot about the culture while enjoying prata (crispy pancakes) with fish curry for just a few pounds.

It’s right by the multicoloured Peranakan houses too, so you can explore the mix of Chinese and Malay heritages afterwards.

BEST VIEW

When it comes to gardens, Singapore goes up by putting them on top of skyscrapers. 

And the best free view is found at Henderson Wave Bridge, the highest footbridge in the city,

Join the other joggers and dog walkers to get views of both the city and nature, without paying a penny.

RATED RESTAURANT

Keng Eng Kee is an institution of a restaurant.

Family-run for more than 50 years, sibling Paul, Wayne and Jia Min are joined by the rest of their relatives when it gets busy.

Plastic bibs are supplied (and needed) for the most popular dishes, the chilli crab, a well as the marmite chicken. Unusual, but salty and delicious.

Make sure to book, as they can easily serve up to 800 tables a weekend.

On a budget? Don’t forget Hawker Chan, an indoor market food hall where you can get Michelin meals for less than a fiver.

BEST BAR

If you only go to one bar, it has to be Jigger + Pony, often named one of the best in the world.

Think speakeasy interiors and pretend magazines that disguise the menu, peppered with articles of the bar’s history.

The Clover Club is a must but staff are also on hand if nothing takes your fancy, to mix something up for you.

You’ll find yourself spending hours there, with fantastic music and service encouraging you to stay late into the night.

HOTEL PICK

Mama Shelter‘s first hotel in Asia, the new opening last year is bringing French flair to Singapore.

The 115 rooms include an unusual two-person bunk option, the perfect option if staying with friends.

Mama’s restaurant is just as fun with eclectic interiors and live music. Try the Szechuan Crispy Chicken and a Ms Violet cocktail (followed by a hungover coffee at Mama Kiss cafe).

Rooms cost from £120 per night. See mamashelter.com.

ON August 12, a total solar eclipse will sweep across northern Spain and the Balearics – the first to cross mainland Europe since 1999, and the first visible in Spain since 1905.

For UK holidaymakers, it’s a rare chance to pair a week in the sun with a once-in-a-lifetime moment – totality arriving with the sun just degrees above the horizon, creating what astronomers are calling a “sunset eclipse”.

Astro-tourism is tipped to be big for this year off the back of this — but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

TravelSupermarket has done some digging to discover the perfect holidays to pair fun in the sun with a chance to view the eclipse.

Head of Holidays Chris Webber says: “What makes August 12 special is the timing.

“Because the eclipse arrives just before sunset, anyone on the Balearics will see totality with the sun sitting just above the horizon.

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“Our advice is simple — if you want to be there, book now.

“The eclipse falls in the peak of the school holidays, and west-facing hotels on Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are already getting snapped up.”

Here, LISA MINOT, Head of Travel, shines a light on six great places to see the phenomenon.

NOJA, CANTABRIA

TUCKED on Cantabria’s north coast, Noja is a proper Atlantic surf town and an under-the-radar shout for eclipse watchers.

Playa de Ris faces north-west, picking up clean swell off the Bay of Biscay and giving a clear, unbroken sightline as the sun drops — so you could even be out catching waves when it happens.

It’s not a polished resort town, more of a wild, local and friendly vibe.

Stay at La Casona de Noja, a small, intimate bolthole a short walk from both the town centre and the beach — plain but comfortable, with an on-site restaurant and bar.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 2* La Casona de Noja is from £779pp including flights from Gatwick on August 6.

See travelsupermarket.com.

MADRID & TOTALITY DAY TRIP

MADRID sits just outside the path of totality, but it makes a brilliant base for combining a city break with the main event.

From the capital, it’s a straightforward run north into Castilla y León, with Burgos and Valladolid both in the path of totality.

Zaragoza is another well-connected option. On the day, the priority is an open view of the low western sky.

For your city stay, the 4* NH Madrid Balboa is a great choice in the upscale Salamanca district, minutes from the Retiro Park and the city’s designer shopping streets, with light, wood-floored rooms and a daily breakfast buffet.

GO: Three nights’ room-only at the NH Madrid Balboa is from £354pp including flights from Stansted on August 11, hand luggage only.

See tui.co.uk.

SALOU, COSTA DORADA

FOR families who want the eclipse built into a classic Med beach holiday, Salou is the pick.

The Costa Dorada sits in the path of totality, and Salou’s long, west-facing promenade means you can watch the eclipse without leaving your hotel terrace.

PortAventura is half an hour up the road if you want to build the week around theme parks too.

The Cala Font hotel is perched above its own cove just outside Salou, with pools, a spa and half-board dining — solid, sociable and built for a family week.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the 4* Cala Font hotel is from £868pp including flights from Stansted on August 6.

For more info, see travelsupermarket.com.

PEGUERA, MAJORCA

MAJORCA is arguably the most exciting spot of the lot.

The eclipse will reach the island with the sun only a couple of degrees above the horizon — a true sunset eclipse.

The west coast is the place to be for the clearest sightline, and Peguera, on the south-west, ticks the box — a laid-back resort with wide, west-facing beaches at Platja de Palmira and Playas de Paguera.

For your perfect stay, the 4* Hotel Vibra Beverly Playa sits right on the coast in Peguera, with two outdoor pools, a kids’ club and buffet dining for a great family break.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hotel Vibra Beverly Playa is from £841pp including flights from Luton on August 11.

See firstchoice.co.uk.

SAN ANTONIO, IBIZA

SAN Antonio already has a reputation as the sunset capital of Ibiza — Café del Mar and the Sunset Strip exist for a reason.

That same west-facing orientation makes it one of the best spots on the island to catch totality as the sun drops into the Mediterranean.

The path of totality runs right across Ibiza, and San Antonio Bay delivers the open horizon needed to see it properly.

Stay at the THB Ocean Beach, a 4* adults-only on the seafront in San Antonio Bay, with a rooftop pool, Bali beds and direct access to O Beach Ibiza next door.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at THB Ocean Beach is from £1,374pp including flights from Gatwick on August 10, 22kg luggage and transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

CIUTADELLA, MENORCA

IF Ibiza is the party end of the Balearic eclipse trail, Ciutadella is the quiet one.

Sitting on Menorca’s west coast, the old capital is already known for some of the island’s finest sunset spots.

Castell de Sant Nicolau is a ten-minute walk from the centre, and Pont d’en Gil and the Punta Nati lighthouse are both a short drive away, all with wide, unobstructed views west across the Mediterranean towards Mallorca.

For travellers who want the eclipse without the crowds, this is it.

The 2* Alfons Hotel is in the heart of Ciutadella, a short walk from the beaches and the town’s cobbled centre, with a small spa, sun terrace and restaurant.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Alfons is from £998pp including flights from Gatwick on August 11, 22kg luggage and transfers.

See travelsupermarket.com.

Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Brits

Now that warmer weather is finally arriving, many of us are casting our eyes towards the summer months and planning holidays. Spain remains the most sought-after destination for British travellers, with millions descending on the European nation each year, eager to soak up the sunshine, lounge on its beaches and sample the local food.

When heading abroad, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with any local laws or regulations you’ll need to abide by during your stay. And if Spain is on your radar this year, there’s one balcony rule you might not be aware of.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) routinely issues travel guidance for Brits venturing to more than 220 countries and territories across the globe. Within its extensive advice for Spain, the FCDO makes specific mention of balconies.

While balconies are great for offering a view and giving guests a spot to unwind in the open air, holidaymakers are expected to conduct themselves appropriately. FCDO guidance for Spain reads: “Hotels and other establishments will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine.”

Those heading to Spain are also reminded that they must produce ID if requested by a police officer. The FCDO adds: “This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces.

“The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.”

Luxury hotel designer Tatiana Sheveleva, who has worked with brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, has been involved in some remarkable projects and knows a thing or two about hospitality

A luxury hotel designer has revealed the key feature in every room that guests might miss, but it can make a huge difference.

Tatiana Sheveleva, originally from Kazakhstan but living in Toronto, Canada, has been a luxury hospitality designer, including for hotels, resorts and yachts, for 15 years and runs her company, Chapi Design. During her creative career, she’s worked on incredible projects with major brands, including St. Regis Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, and The Luxury Collection.

These projects have taken Tatiana all over the world, designing interiors for hotels and resorts in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Antigua, Orlando, Nashville, and Toronto. She’s even designed a luxury yacht for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara, which boasts 226 suites with private terraces, five restaurants, seven bars, and a wine vault.

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One of Tatiana’s most recent projects was for St. Regis in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, which was completed last year. “I like to do big properties, and everything we design [at Chapi Design] is custom-made,” Tatiana told the Mirror, “I have been very fortunate to work on different properties around the world.

“But it’s still so surreal for me that I’m working on the most amazing properties in the world, even though I have been doing this for 15 years.”

With a wealth of expertise on luxury interior designs, Tatiana revealed that there’s one key element in every hotel room that guests regularly miss.

The designer said: “The most money is spent on the headboard. Typically, it’s the most expensive piece as it’s often a feature. How you design the headboard depends on the bed’s location, and it can be a strong element of the project’s narrative.”

Tatiana revealed another important feature of any hotel room. “I would say the bathroom, believe it or not. It always gives the guests a good impression, and it’s the first place they go when they check into the room.

“The bathroom area is important. If you design a very unique layout for the washroom, people will start to talk about it. In the washroom, you can create something very sculptural and unique.

“If you are successful enough to create this interesting washroom, first of all, people will be spending more time there, they will have a bath and feel more relaxed. And actually, we spend a lot of our time in there.”

She added: “The light in the bathroom should be accommodating for different scenarios, bright enough to put on make-up but cosy and romantic at the same time. For me, every single washroom I design is very unique.”

Another feature of a hotel room that Tatania argues warrants attention is the bed.

“The mattress has to be comfortable, and the bedding. Also, there might be special glasses by the bedside table; it’s these details,” she said.

The designer likes to add a special feature inside the closet, such as interesting wallpaper, a splash of color, or a pretty stone.

“That’s a unique element you don’t notice right away, but you notice it after,” she added.

For Tatiana, the joy of the job comes from travelling and working with different people. She said: “The whole process is quite fun, and during this process, you get to meet a lot of interesting people who are passionate about projects. I also like to investigate new locations and new countries, because when I was in Kazakhstan, I didn’t really travel much. So, my first project for St. Regis was in Mexico, and it was my dream to go there.

“Mexico has a very unique culture, it’s very colourful, there’s amazing food, and they use alot of bright colours – there’s a lot of celebrations. It was very different, and I was very excited about that. The Dominican Republic is the same. It’s very comfortable, the people and land, it’s very nice.”

And her travels aren’t stopping anytime soon. Tatiana is currently working on mega interior design projects for St. Regis in Costa Rica, The Luxury Collection Hotel in Mexico, and Luxury Hotels in Peru and Antigua, and some projects can take as long as six years to complete.

You can read more about Tatiana’s projects on the Chapi Design website. You can also follow their Instagram page.

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

ONE of the most famous hotels in the world is closing its doors until next year.

The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, which opened back in 1999 and is known for being a rare ‘seven star’ hotel. is to undergo a major renovation.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The major project comes after the hotel was damaged by a drone being intercepted near the hotel in late February, which caused a minor fire and damage to the façade of the building.

However, the renovation was already planned before this happened.

As part of the refurb works, the hotel will redesign all of its 198 suites.

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Some of the hotels key interior design features will be kept, including the large aquarium and marble cladding.

The hotel’s spa will also be upgraded, as well as other guest areas.

The project will be led by French interior architect Tristan Auer, who is mainly known for his projects in France but has also worked on redesigning the interiors of the Royal Scotsman Belmond Train.

In a statement on the hotel’s website, it states: “Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is currently undergoing a carefully phased restoration programme designed to refresh and upgrade the hotel’s iconic décor while preserving its distinctive character.

“The programme has been developed through long-term planning, following more than 25 years of continuous operation.

“We would be pleased to assist with an alternative reservation in one of our Jumeirah properties in town.”

The hotel will be closed from this month and is expected to reopen in late 2027.

When staying at the Burj Al Arab, guests can expect a 24/7 butler service, an adult-only infinity pool and 10,000 square metre terrace.

If that wasn’t luxury enough, the hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and an underwater aquarium experience.

It’s on its own man-made island and inside, some of its interiors even feature 24 carat gold.

Though, this doesn’t come cheap as it usually costs over £1,000 per night to stay at the hotel.

The Burj Al Arab is not the only hotel getting upgraded in Dubai either.

The Armani Hotel Dubai was closed on April 1 for a major refurb and is expected to reopen later this year.

JW Marriott Marquis is also partially closed to redesign all of its 1,608 rooms and suites.

Then, the Park Hyatt Dubai will close for a short period from May 2026 to finish off its renovation works that include upgrading rooms and refreshing the guest areas.

And finally, the St. Regis Dubai The Palm hotel is also currently temporarily closed for improvements.

However, Dubai remains on the do-not-travel list by the UK Foreign Office due to the ongoing Iran war.

In other travel news, here are what all the UK airlines have said about fuel crisis concerns including Jet2, TUI, BA, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair and easyJet.

Plus, Brits are set to face a steep £350 cost in new rules for travelling to Europe with pets.

STAYCATIONS are on the rise once again, as nervous Brits look for a holiday closer to home.

Yet a trip exploring the beauty of the UK doesn’t have to be expensive – if you know where to look.

According to Hotels.com, searches for stays across Britain that are under £100 are up 21 per cent compared to last year.

Expedia Group expert Melanie Fish shared some of her top tips on how to find the cheapest hotel room stays, such as booking business hotels on weekends for lower rates.

She also said: “One of the simplest ways to save is checking in on a Sunday night, which is often the cheapest day of the week, helping travellers stretch their budgets further while racking up rewards.”

Here are ten of the best hotels across the country where all the stays are under £100 (so less than £50 each a night), ranging from city centre stays to rural vineyard retreats.

Malmaison Manchester – £94 a night (£47 each)

One of the fanciest on the list, the four-star Malmaison in Manchester, is still an affordable option.

Right in front of the city’s main train station, the hotel is built in a converted Victorian warehouse.

It makes you want to never leave, from the fancy Brasserie serving a British-French menu, to the stylish Mal Bar.

Of course, it’s right by all of the city’s top attractions too, from the Arndale Centre to Old Trafford.

Maldron Hotel, Liverpool – £83 a night (£41.50 each)

Despite also being a four-star hotel, the Maldron Hotel is the cheapest on the list.

The Liverpool hotel is no frills, but central – rooms have everything you need from hairdryers to coffee machines.

There’s an on-site barista-coffee cafe, as well as an all-day dining restaurant.

It’s in a great location too – you can easily get to attractions such as the M&S Bank Arena or Royal Albert Docks.

Lumley Castle, Durham – £92 a night (£46 each)

The 14th-century Lumley Castle is now a hotel and venue space, and is a bargain to stay at.

The hotel has 72 rooms, many of which will transport you back to Ye Olde times with spiral staircases and grand four-poster beds

Settle in for a spot of brunch at the Library Bar, or experience a full classic menu at the Knight’s Restaurant.

You can even try out themed murder mystery nights or medieval knight dinners.

Aldwick Estate, Bristol – £95 a night (£47.50 each)

Still a working farm and vineyard, Aldwick Estate is set across 300 acres.

Guests can not only stay on-site at a number of apartment options, but they can also book some wine tastings.

The 90-minute tours include the history of the estate, as well, of course, some tastings of the award-winning sparkling wines.

It’s less than 10 minutes from Bristol Airport, too.

Rodway Hill Eco Pod, Gloucester – £96 a night (£48 each)

If you want to get back to basics, you can go glamping at the end of a golf course for under £50 each.

Rodway Hill Eco Pod is ideal for keen golfers as you step out right onto the grass from the front of the room.

They’re no frills – you need to take your own towels, and there are shared ensuite facilities.

But with breakfast also included (expect all the classic hot and cold options) – you can be first to put on the day.

Ty Milford Waterfront, Pembrokeshire – £96 a night (£48 each)

Right by Milford beach is Ty Milford Waterfront, with all the hotel rooms kitted out with everything you need

Try Dulse, the on-site restaurant for some of the freshest seafood (and a unique rhubarb and custard profiterole), or work it off at the hotel gym overlooking the water too.

Kids even stay free this half term, and there is often both live music and pub quizzes on.

Want to splash out? Try the ‘floatels’ – four cabins that float on the water to be rocked to sleep by the tide.

The Grosvenor Arms, Salisbury – £94 a night (£47 each)

The Grosvenor Arms, built in a 17th-century former coaching inn, has all the best parts of a British pub, but a little bit fancier.

There’s just nine cosy rooms for both couples and families, which they say has more of the “charm of an inn than a hotel room”.

Eating at the pub itself is a must, if you love a menu of British food with a flair – or pop in on a Friday for freshly cooked pizzas.

Nearby attractions include the unusual hexagonal Wardour Castle, which was used to film the 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves film.

The Westbridge, London – £97 a night (£48.50)

The chic Westbridge hotel says it is a “home from home,” being in the London district of Stratford.

Dating back to 1740, many of the rooms are named after themed royal family members.

The lounge bar is limited – serving just pizza, some snacks and desserts – so you might want to head out for dinner.

Thankfully is right by all of the popular London attractions too, including the Olympic Park and ABBA Voyage.

The all-inclusive hotel in the middle of London – that’s £55 each a night

The Sun’s Travel Reporter recently tried out London’s ‘all-inclusive’ hotel which comes in at just over £100 a night.

Z Hotels, Gloucester Place, offers a room package that is all-inclusive – soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, lunch, dinner… You name it.

This sounded too good to be true, so, of course, I had to put it to the test.

I arrived to check in at 3pm – this is when they were offering an afternoon tea selection, which included ham and cheese croissants and a cake stand featuring macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.

I picked up a handful of sweet treats, including one of the croissants and helped myself to my second can of Fanta.

There was also a made-to-order selection on a dinner menu, which featured a wide choice of sandwiches and salads.

I ordered the salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta – it was simple but tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.

However, this would usually set me back £18 for a coffee, pastry or cake and sandwich.

Just an hour later, a selection of cheeses and crackers, with grapes, chutney, houmous and olives appeared.

I helped myself to the black bomber cheddar, with a dollop of caramelised onion chutney and some crackers.

For second helping I went for some olives, camembert and crackers.

Over the course of another hour, I went back and forth, helping myself to the selection.

As I enjoyed my plates of food, I also sipped on a glass of sauvignon blanc – one of three white wines on offer.

If I wanted to, I could have also opted for red wine, cider or beer as well.

When morning arrived, a breakfast spread included toast, flatbreads with omelette and bacon, fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, and pastries.

I opted for some cold apple juice and helped myself to a coffee, plus a tomato and cheese flatbread, some fruit compote and yoghurt.

Before leaving, I even grabbed a banana and coffee in a takeaway cup for the road.

My verdict? This hotel is a genuine find.

Totting up all the food I had, using the average prices usually found for each item in London, I spent way more than my £55-a-head price tag.

In comparison to other budget hotels, I would say the room itself is on par with Travelodge and Premier Inn, yet a fraction of the price.

Nunsmere Hall, Northwich – £95 a night (£47.50 each)

Inside the Edwardian country house in Northwich is Nunsmere Hall, surrounded by a 60-acre lake.

Usually used as a wedding venue, there are 36 hotel rooms, which are simple but affordable.

But you want to come here for dinner – voted ‘County Restaurant of the Year’ by The Good Food Guide, the ever-changing menu includes dishes such as steak and pasta.

Otherwise, grab a drink at The Captain’s Bar, some afternoon tea or have a wander around Northwich itself, a beautiful riverside town.

The Met Hotel, Leeds – £97 a night (£48.50 each)

One of Leeds‘ most beautiful buildings, The Met Hotel is built into the Victorian listed landmark dating back to the 1890s yet underwent a huge renovation last year.

There are 120 rooms, which have recently been refurbished, with classy interiors that make it feel much more expensive than it is.

Gott’s Bar & Kitchen feels like stepping back in time, with a mix of small plates, mains and grills.

Pop your head into the Met Ballroom too – it’s a beauty.