island

POWDERY sands, vibrant wildlife, crystal waters and less crowds – one Caribbean island has it all.

South Caicos is one of the islands found in Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic Ocean.

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The picturesque island often known as the fishing capital of the archipelago, with a variety of sea life including eagle rays, hawksbill sea turtles, nurse sharks, parrotfish, bonefish and conch.

Despite historically having a prominent fishing and salt industry, today the island remains largely untouched and according to Travel and Leisure, it is becoming the next Caribbean hotspot.

When it comes to things to do on the island, a lot of the top activities revolve around the local wildlife.

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For example, you can go bird watching at the salt ponds across the island.

These salt ponds were operational until the 1960s, but today stand still as a haven for birds including wild flamingos.

The salt ponds aren’t just home to birds though; you might even catch a glimpse of a wild donkey.

Another wildlife-based activity you can do from the island, is heading on a boat tour to see whales such as humpbacks, between January and April.

Thanks to the island being largely underdeveloped, it is also a great spot to stargaze as there is little light pollution.

Cockburn Harbour is the main town on the island and here, visitors can expect to see dramatic cliffs and reefs – which make for great snorkelling spots.

The town itself boasts Bermudian style buildings as well as stone walls down each street and is the best place to try some of the local cuisine such as conch fritters and conch salad, spiny lobster in garlic butter and whole boiled fish.

Another popular spot to visit nearby, is The Boiling Hole, which is a tidal pool connected to the ocean via underground caves.

If you head to the outskirts of Cockburn Harbour, you’ll see the salt salinas (marshes and ponds) as well.

Away from the main town, head to Highland House and Government Hill, where you’ll find a ruined colonial home that has views of the town as well as the surrounding area.

Down from Highland House, you can visit Highlands Beach – a rugged spot backed by limestone rocks and sand dunes, that also makes a great start or end point for hikes.

At the north end of the island, there’s the remote Plandon Cay Cut and beach, and if you want a more swimmin-g friendly spot, head to Long Beach, which stretches on for 1.25 miles.

This spot is often thought to be the best on the island for snorkelling as well.

If you happen to be on the island in May, you can experience the Annual South Caicos Regatta where there are a number of parties, boat races and games.

There are even beauty pageants, Maypole dancing and float parades as well.

In fact, it is the oldest native festival across the Turks and Caicos islands.

When it comes to places to stay in South Caicos there are a few options – though be warned they do come with a bit of a price tag.

For example you could stay at the Sailrock South Caicos, an SLH Hotel, from £611 per night.

The hotel features a variety of suites and villas as well as a spa, Ridgetop Spa Cabanas, sailing experiences, snorkelling and sand volleyball.

There’s also Marriott’s Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa which was named one of the best new hotels of 2025 by Travel and Leisure.

Inside, there are around 100 rooms for guests to choose from as well as a sprawling swimming pool, spa and a number of experiences including sunset cruises and flyfishing sessions.

A stay at the resort costs from £525 per night.

The best way to get to the island is by catching a short 20-minute flight from Providenciales.

A one-way flight between London and Providenciales in June costs from £362 per person.

OK!’s Samantha Reilly took a one-hour flight to Jersey for a spa break with her mum, packed with sun, sand and seafood delights

A tiny emerald jewel in the English Channel, neither quite part of the UK nor part of the EU, Jersey has an out-of-time feel, as though our short flight has taken us not only across the water, but some 20 years or so into the past. It feels gentle, rolling, sun-kissed… and like there might be a Famous Five adventure happening somewhere nearby.

The largest of the Channel Islands, and only 14 miles from the French coast, Jersey beautifully blends British and French influences. Think charming seaside cafés serving overflowing bowls of wine-laced moules or butter-glazed Jersey Royal potatoes. Life moves at a slower pace, but there’s so much variety on this one tiny island. One moment you’re in a lively town, and the next you’re surrounded by sea air, winding country lanes and peaceful villages.

READ MORE: I found one of Britain’s best road trips, and tried it in an electric car’

It’s spotlessly clean, incredibly friendly and full of natural beauty. There are dramatic lighthouse dotted coastlines, sandy bays and green fields where golden Jersey cows munch endlessly.

There is also, and this appealed greatly to my mother and I, a host of beautiful spa facilities to indulge in after you have finished exploring.

How to get to Jersey and around the island

Rather than traipse to one of the major airports, we flew direct from London Southend (the route is brand new) and you’re barely up in the air before you’re coming down again.

Ryde Taxis, Jersey’s answer to Uber, were there to pick us up, whisking us to our hotel in 20 minutes (the whole island is less than 40 minutes away, to be fair) and they chatted away about some island gems we shouldn’t miss. It’s a great way to get your bearings.

Places like St Brelade’s Bay offer pure relaxation, especially with the Sandytoes sauna, while Gorey Harbour has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with alfresco dining and ice cream spots. The capital, St Helier – home to around a third of the population, is bustling with its markets, shopping and excellent bus links to everywhere else.

Away from the towns, there’s plenty to explore, from castles to coastline. And the great thing is, because the place is only five miles by nine, you can cover so many in one trip.

The best places to stay in this golden island

Eager to try all the island offered, we started at The Club Hotel & Spa in St Helier. It’s a luxurious boutique stay, complete with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, Michelin-starred restaurant and a rooftop cocktail bar (their whisky sour is excellent). We treated ourselves to a facial at the spa – easily one of the best I’ve had.

It’s a great place if good food is central to your holidays. First, you’re handy for a wander through historic St Helier Central Market and Beresford Street Fish Market, both integral parts of Jersey’s heritage, where independent traders have been selling for over 200 years.

Plus the hotel’s Bohemia Restaurant offers Michelin-starred dining, with seaweed sourdough and Bordier butter, and a cauliflower cheese doughnut I’ll never stop dreaming of.

For our final night, we headed east to The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant in Gorey. It was absolutely stunning, with spectacular sea views. A place to relax and drink it all in, we made the most of the sunshine with lunch on the terrace, followed by drinks in the cosy bar by the fire.

It’s the team who make this place so special. They told us about a hidden spot for locals on the beach, which we took full advantage of.

Where to find the best Jersey seafood and local delicacies

Apart from the hotels’ own eateries, we highly recommend slotting in times for three other gems. At St Brelade, The Oyster Box is right on the beach to tempt you after a sauna and swim.

The hollandaise crab on toast was a standout. The Salty Dog in St Aubin’s village came highly recommended by our taxi drivers – and didn’t disappoint. A great atmosphere plus fantastic artwork to buy alongside the food.

At Gorey harbour, Sumas Restaurant is casual but exceptional, with views of the castle. Mum, a huge seafood fan, said the lobster and scallops were the best she’s ever had.

Don’t miss these Jersey gems

The Sandytoes Sauna is my top tip. This Finnish-inspired, wood-fired sauna is right on the beach. Paired with a cold sea dip, it’s the most invigorating experience.

We also walked part of the Jersey Tidal Trail, which trundles the 48-mile circular coast, in eight scenic sections. We started at St Catherine’s Breakwater before heading out with Jersey Seafaris to the uninhabited islet of Les Écréhous, spotting seals along the way.

I loved our visit to La Mare Wine Estate. This vineyard and cider farm offers tastings of award-winning wine, cider and the famous Jersey black butter (which absolutely lives up to the hype), along with apple brandy liqueur, served in a chocolate cup.

And finally, Mont Orgueil Castle (known locally as Gorey Castle) is a fine medieval fortress. Towering over the harbour for more than eight centuries, it’s not for the fainthearted. The climb is steep – but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views.

How to book this relaxing spa break

Fly from London Southend Airport to Jersey Mon or Thurs, from £17 one way. B&B at The Club Hotel & Spa in St Helier, from £209 for 2. Rooms at The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant in Gorey from £150pn. see visitjersey.com.

This remote island was once a thriving town – but now all that remains are ruins.

Hidden away in a far-flung Scottish archipelago lie the remains of a once-bustling settlement, deserted by all who called it home. The island of Hirta in the Outer Hebrides was occupied for 2,000 years, but during the 1930s, its final inhabitants evacuated due to health concerns.

It’s so isolated that it’s often omitted from maps altogether and can only be reached by boat – weather permitting.

It’s one of 40 islands in the St Kilda archipelago and now hosts the world’s largest gannet colony alongside some of the biggest puffin populations. During its inhabited years, islanders depended heavily on these seabirds – not merely for sustenance but for commerce.

They traded every component of the birds from feather to flesh.

Today, the population has vanished but a handful of military structures remain scattered across the island, overshadowing the crumbling stone cottages that once housed the community.

The structures line what was formerly Hirta’s main thoroughfare – now occupied solely by sheep, reports the Express.

Existence there was extraordinarily harsh, with severe weather conditions and scarce resources available.

To stay warm throughout the lengthy winters, inhabitants would bring livestock inside their basic stone dwellings and allow the waste from cattle and sheep to serve as insulation.

At its height in 1851, Hirta was inhabited by 112 people but this number rapidly dwindled over subsequent years.

Medical provision on the island had always been severely restricted, and as visitors began arriving on the isolated outpost as tourists, they introduced unfamiliar illnesses that the islanders were poorly prepared to combat.

During the 1930s, following the death of a young woman from appendicitis and pneumonia — conditions that might have been treatable on the mainland — the inhabitants of Hirta took the difficult decision to abandon the island.

The residents were evacuated by vessel in August that year and transported to mainland Scotland.

Following their local custom, islanders left a plate of oats and an open bible in every dwelling before stepping aboard the ship.

The final surviving former inhabitant of St Kilda, who was eight years old when the island was evacuated, passed away in 2016.

When San Juan native Rafael Rodriguez opened Señor Big Ed in Cypress in the mid-90s, there were few Puerto Rican restaurants in Southern California.

“A lot of customers were driving long ways to come to eat at Señor Big Ed,” said restaurant manager Veronica Coronado. “They would get very emotional when they would eat the food, because it reminded them so much of their childhood.”

While cities like New York and Miami have come to be veritable hubs for Puerto Rican cuisine, the food community here in Los Angeles — more than 3,000 miles away from the island — still remains relatively small.

And yet, demand for Boricua cuisine is on the rise locally, due in part to a growing Puerto Rican population — about 47,000 residents, according to the Los Angeles Almanac — and rapper Bad Bunny’s recent Super Bowl halftime show that paid homage to his homeland and made history as the most-watched Super Bowl halftime performance of all time, with more than 4 billion views globally.

“His whole movement and everything that he’s been doing for the island … has really been this big boost for global awareness of the Puerto Rican identity and culture,” said Carmen DeLeon, the actor and chef behind Capicu, a Puerto Rican pop-up in L.A.

While longstanding restaurants like Señor Big Ed have anchored communities for decades, newer spots like Taínos in Woodland Hills and La Casa de Iris in Long Beach are expanding the Boricua food landscape in L.A.

“Everyone comes to look for this food because this is like gold,” said Edwin Torres, chef at Taínos in Woodland Hills.

In addition to traditional guisados, mofongo (mashed green plantains) and banana-leaf-wrapped pasteles, Taínos shares Puerto Rican dishes rarely seen outside of home kitchens. Soon, co-owner Odessa Rodriguez plans to add guanimes con bacalao, boiled flour dumplings with salted cod, a Taíno dish that traces back centuries.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. We are just trying to bring back essential plates that our ancestors ate,” Rodriguez said.

DeLeon, known as the Not Starving Artist on Instagram, started her pop-up in 2023 with her sister Anabel, serving small bites at bars, farmers markets and local events. The siblings grew up in Arizona cooking Puerto Rican food with their island-born parents, and DeLeon said she’s passionate about making the cuisine accessible to others.

“I want to attract people first, and then I can talk about where these dishes derive from and where the inspiration comes from,” she said.

The current menu features pizza empanadillas, vegan arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), vegan tostones and gazpacho, and mini sandwiches with ham, cheese and sweet pimiento peppers.

DeLeon hopes more people will grow excited about Puerto Rican food as they discover the culture and meaning behind the cuisine.

“There’s so much history and structure and love behind this group of people, this environment, this culture, this food, this identity,” she said. “I hope that when people eat this food … I want your belly to feel full, I want you to feel as if you’re sitting at my house with my family.”

Similarly, Rodriguez hopes Taínos will become a cultural hub for Boricuas in L.A.

“It fulfills me to feel that I am providing a sense of comfort, nostalgia, home,” she said. “It’s bigger than food.”

Whether you’re craving nostalgic flavors from home or looking to experience L.A.’s small but growing Puerto Rican food scene, here are four restaurants serving up a taste of the Isla del Encanto. — Angela Osorio

I COULD feel my body softening with each wave of my masseuse’s hand.

She scrubbed in circular motions, massaging the salt into my skin until it sparkled like the sea just beyond the spa door.

Salt, it turns out, is so much more than just a seasoning to sprinkle on your food — especially here on this picturesque stretch of Majorca’s southern coast.

I was staying at recently-opened five-star hotel Iberostar Selection Es Trenc, in the town of Colonia de Sant Jordi, half an hour’s drive from Palma airport.

It oozes relaxation, with its seafront location, ocean-coloured decor and knock-out spa treatments.

The hotel is also big on using local produce — including the nearby salt flats’ Flor de Sal.

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This is used in massages and scrubs, as well as food served at the hotel and even cocktails.

Keep your eyes peeled for the picante salt, used to rim some of the hotel’s signature cocktails like mezcalitas and spicy margaritas.

Should you wish, you can visit the salt flats — a 20-minute cab ride from the hotel and home to fabulous wildlife.

You can even try harvesting some salt — it’s harder than it looks, but you’ll leave with your own jar of the flakes.

If that’s not enough physical exertion, the Iberostar Selection Es Trenc also offers rental bikes.

I weaved my way along the sun-drenched local roads for a gentle ten minutes toward the Far de la Colonia de Sant Jordi lighthouse.

The views from here are breathtaking and great for photos.

Those who prefer a more intense workout can pick from kickboxing, TRX gym work and Zumba classes.

I opted instead for a dip in the pool on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, also used for sunrise yoga classes.

I’m sadly not a very nimble yogi, but did join a session and felt serenely relaxed.

Not that I needed to unwind any more — the hotel is designed so every room has a sea view, and I opened my curtains each morning to soothing views of the waves.

Another treat is the hotel’s a la carte restaurant, Salvient, which has a homely feel.

It takes its name from the Spanish word for salt — sal — and you will not struggle to guess why.

If you’ve developed a taste for Es Trenc’s “white gold”, as the locals call it, make sure to order the dentex — a sea bream-style fish cooked whole and served on a huge bed of salt.

The large fish can be shared with family or friends, but was so light and flaky I reckon I could have eaten the entire thing by myself.

Or the hotel has a buffet-style restaurant — and there’s plenty of restaurants in town, too.

5Illes restaurant, by the town beach and about a 15-minute walk from the Iberostar, is well worth a visit.

It specialises in rice dishes and my paella was one of the best I’ve ever tasted, served sizzling in a large pan and stacked with seafood.

Tummy well and truly satisfied, I ended my Majorca getaway with a private boat trip around the island to soak up my final sunset.

I’m not sure what was better — the view from the Iberostar rooftop or this one from the sea.

As long as I have a salt-rimmed cocktail in hand, who cares?

NUUK, Greeland — Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Monday that he had a respectful and positive meeting with President Trump’s special envoy to the Arctic territory, but that he made it clear that the Greenlandic people continue to insist on self-determination.

Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and Trump in the past has frequently insisted that the U.S. should take control of the island for security reasons, which has raised sovereignty concerns and pushback from Greenlandic and Danish leaders.

“The Greenlandic people are not for sale. Greenlandic self-determination is not something that can be negotiated,” Nielsen was quoted by Danish TV 2 as saying after meeting on the island with the envoy, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry.

Nielsen also reiterated that the Greenlandic people “seek good cooperation” with the U.S., and said his “courtesy meeting” with Landry took place with “mutual respect and in a positive atmosphere.”

Landry reportedly said upon his arrival in Greenland on Sunday that Trump had told him to “go over there and make as many friends as we can get,” public Danish broadcaster DR reported.

Greenland’s Foreign Minister Múte B. Egede told reporters Monday that a working group involving the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark continues to try to find a solution to the repeated U.S. demands for control over Greenland. Trump has suggested that Russia or China may be on the verge of seizing Greenland, a notion that regional experts have dismissed.

“We haven’t been the ones creating obstacles to cooperation between the United States and Greenland,” said the Greenlandic foreign minister, who also participated in the meeting with Landry and his delegation in the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk.

“So if we are to continue down this positive and constructive path, we must await the working group’s report,” he said, according to TV 2, adding that the work in the group appears “more promising” than before.

U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Ken Howery, who is also part of the American delegation in Greenland, is expected to inaugurate the U.S. Consulate’s new offices in Nuuk, and both he and Landry are to attend a business fair on Tuesday and Wednesday, local media reported.

OFF the coast of Northumberland is a remote, tidal island that you’ll have to time right to visit – as it is cut off from the mainland twice a day.

Called Lindisfarne, or by its other name, Holy Island, it might be familiar to fans of horror movies.

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The island off the coast of Northumberland was used to film post-apocalyptic film, 28 Years Later, which came out just last year.

The 2025 movie was about a group of survivors of the rage virus living on a small island starring actors like Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes.

Filming spots included the tidal causeway and Lindisfarne Castle which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

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The National Trust took over the property in 1944 and it has been open to the public ever since.

Inside the castle, visitors can explore the different rooms, including a dining room, a kitchen, and bedrooms, as well as the upper battery, which has panoramic sea views.

In addition to exploring the interior of the castle, there are plenty of other things to see.

Entry to the castle is £14.30 for adults and £7.20 for children (between 5-17).

The island is also referred to as Holy Island, and it got its nickname after becoming the centre of Anglo-Saxon Christianity in the 7th century.

It was home to saints and it’s considered a very religious place.

But for those who want to move away from its history, there’s plenty to do on the island, like visit its coffee roastery, Pilgrims Coffee.

The business first set up in a yurt, but now even has a cosy cafe on the island too serving up caffeine hits and homemade cakes.

The family that runs Pilgrims Coffee moved from the mainland to Holy Island in 2022.

Another spot to visit is St Aidan’s Winery, where Lindisfarne Mead is made, and visitors to the island can pop in for tastings and browse the shop that sells its wine and beer.

The island has around 160 permanent residents, but it does have places for visitors to stay from hotels to holiday lets.

One of the top spots on Tripadvisor for Holy Island is Belvue Guesthouse which sleeps two guests.

One guest on Tripadvisor wrote: “We had such a lovely stay in Belvue, I think it was one of the best guesthouses we have ever been to!”

There are also cosy B&Bs as well as rooms in the local Ship Inn Pub.

The pub dates back to the 18th century with a dedicated dining room and a beer garden to the back.

It has also made an appearance on TV and was featured as the fictional ‘Seahorse Pub’ in ITV’s Vera.

Visitors can walk the historic Pilgrim’s Way or visit the Gertrude Jekyll Garden.

For seal spotting, head to the harbour or the sand flats around Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve where there are thousands of grey seals especially between February and October.

To get to Lindisfarne, you have to cross the causeway from the mainland which is only accessible at low tide from the town of Beal.

While the tides can be predicted, holidaymakers will need to check the crossings on the day on the Northumberland County Council website.

LOVE Island stars Whitney Adebayo and Yamen Sanders have split after five months.

The pair found love in the ITV All Stars villa in South Africa in January – finishing in fifth place.

However, rumours have swirled of their break-up after the couple were navigating a long-distance relationship.

Whitney was based in the UK while American footballer Yamen was in the US.

A source told me: “Whitney and Yamen did try and put everything into their relationship.

“But it has inevitably been tough to keep up their romance long-distance.

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“Whitney has been spending more time with her girls and has been leaning on them while navigating her break-up.”

Earlier this week, Whitney was spotted on TikTok with fellow Love Island star Millie Court having a girly night in.

The pair were seen in their pyjamas clinking glasses of red wine together with the audio ‘so we’re going to heal’ playing.

Sounds like Whitney has a hot girl summer pending.

May 15 (Asia Today) — Hyundai Motor Group said Friday it has launched a vehicle-to-grid pilot service for general customers on Jeju Island, using electric vehicles as mobile energy storage systems.

Vehicle-to-grid technology, or V2G, allows electricity to move both ways between an electric vehicle battery and the power grid. The system can store surplus power in EV batteries and send it back to the grid when demand rises.

The pilot program will involve 40 Jeju residents who own Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Kia EV9 vehicles equipped with V2G functions. Hyundai Motor Group selected customers in cooperation with the Jeju provincial government.

The company will provide bidirectional chargers free of charge and cover EV charging costs during the trial period.

Hyundai said it selected participants with different occupations and residential locations to test the service under a range of real-life conditions. The participants include early adopters interested in clean energy and new technology.

The project fits Jeju’s power structure because the island relies heavily on wind and solar energy. Surplus electricity generated during the day can be stored in EV batteries and supplied back to the grid at night when demand increases.

Hyundai Motor Group previously operated a V2G demonstration project in Jeju with mobility platform Socar in the second half of last year. The latest pilot expands the test to ordinary customers.

Industry officials say V2G commercialization could turn electric vehicles into key assets in the energy industry, supporting local energy independence and distributed power systems rather than relying only on centralized power plants.

“We expect this pilot service, directly involving Jeju residents, to contribute to local energy production and consumption in the region,” a Hyundai Motor Group official said. “It will also play a meaningful role in achieving Jeju’s 2035 carbon neutrality vision.”

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260515010004112

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping demands for confidential transgender patient information from Rhode Island’s largest hospital that provides gender-affirming care to minors.

U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy’s Wednesday ruling is the latest setback for the U.S. Department of Justice, where at least seven other federal courts have agreed to quash or limit the expansive civil subpoenas sent to more than 20 doctors and hospitals last summer.

McElroy’s decision also echoed similar concerns raised by judges surrounding the expansive scope of the subpoenas, describing the Justice Department as having “immense prosecutorial authority and discretion” but no longer trustworthy it will enforce its power fairly and honestly.

“DOJ has proven unworthy of this trust at every point in this case,” McElroy wrote.

A Justice Department spokesperson said Thursday that it would appeal and continue with its investigations.

“The Rhode Island court’s attack on the professionalism and integrity of DOJ attorneys is outrageous and unjustified,” the department said.

According to the subpoenas, the Justice Department had demanded Rhode Island Hospital hand over the birth dates, Social Security numbers and addresses of every patient who received transgender care over the past five years. It also included instructions to provide all documents detailing adverse side effects in minor patients who received gender-related care, assessments that formed the basis for prescribing puberty blockers or hormone therapy, as well as patient intake forms and guardian authorization.

The Justice Department has repeatedly argued that the information sought in the subpoenas is needed to investigate possible fraud or unlawful off-label promotion of drugs. Most recently during a hearing in Rhode Island, the DOJ said that the investigation was taking place in the Northern District of Texas, where the court’s chief judge ordered Rhode Island Hospital to comply with the subpoena before McElroy’s decision voided the subpoena.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Brantley Mayers told McElroy during the hearing that the Justice Department is investigating potential “misbranding” of drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, such as puberty blockers for young people. While off-label prescribing is legal, Mayers said that the DOJ is concerned that pharmaceutical companies are providing “financial incentives” to Rhode Island doctors to prescribe the drugs.

The subpoenas were crucial in getting the names of children and their families so the Justice Department could interview them.

McElroy rejected that argument.

“The administration has publicly characterized gender-affirming care for minors as abuse, directed the DOJ to bring its practice to an end, and celebrated when hospitals curtailed such programs as a result of this subpoena campaign,” McElroy wrote.

The Rhode Island decision is the latest development in the fight over transgender youth health records. Earlier this week, 11 families filed a class-action lawsuit seeking to block the Justice Department from obtaining the documents. The lawsuit, filed in Maryland’s federal court, is backed by families with transgender children who have received care from hospitals across the U.S.

And separately, a New York hospital announced that it received a grand jury subpoena from federal prosecutors in Texas seeking information about children who received gender-affirming care and the medical providers who administered it.

NYU Langone is the first hospital system to publicly acknowledge receiving a subpoena for such records as part of a federal criminal investigation. But the institution said in its statement Tuesday it was one of several that received a subpoena out of the Northern District of Texas on May 7. It said it was deciding on how to respond.

“The government cannot use its subpoena power to intimidate families out of seeking lawful medical care. To trans and gender-diverse children and their families, we want you to know that you are valued, you are not alone,” Kevin Love Hubbard, an attorney with the Lawyers’ Committee of Rhode Island, who represented the plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement.

Gender-affirming care includes a range of medical and mental health services to support a person’s gender identity, including when it’s different from the sex they were assigned at birth. It may include counseling, medications that block puberty, hormone therapy to produce physical changes or surgeries to transform chests and genitals, although those are rare for minors.

Most major medical groups say access to the treatment is important for those with gender dysphoria and see gender as existing along a spectrum.

At least 27 states have adopted laws restricting or banning the care for minors, while several others have adopted laws or policies protecting access to transgender healthcare.

Kruesi writes for the Associated Press.

‘We have lammerullepøllse – lamb rolled sausage – today,” says Daniel Hesseldal-Haines, chef at Det Lille Sommerhotel on the Danish island of Samsø. “It tastes better than the translation sounds. And,” he gestures towards a woman sitting by the window, “the lamb is from Camilla’s farm.”

Camilla gives us a friendly wave, and my eyes fix upon her sweater, featuring row upon row of colourful motifs. Think Fair Isle but less orderly: each stripe holds a different design. “Oh, I made this,” she says. “It’s hønsestrik – chicken knitting. You can use it to tell your story – so this one is about hiking,” she adds, pointing to each section: “These are my footprints, this is my tent, my coffee flask …”

Samsø, just 43 sq miles (112 sq km), lies off the coast of the Jutland peninsula, an hour’s ferry ride from Aarhus, and is something of a poster child for sustainability and the good life, being known as “Denmark’s vegetable garden” because of its fertile soil and beneficial climate. It’s been energy-positive since 2007, thanks to community buy-in to initiatives including windfarm ownership and biomass heating systems powered by agricultural waste. The aim is to be completely fossil fuel-free by 2030 – two decades ahead of Denmark’s goal of carbon-neutrality by 2050.

Centuries ago, Samsø was a site of strategic importance during the Viking age: the Kanhave canal, hand-hewn through its narrowest point to facilitate maritime passage, is testament to that. But for many Danes, Samsø is simply a summer holiday destination – not only because of its reliable sunshine, but also because of its beaches, Guinness World Records-certified world’s largest maze and protected northern hills. For almost 100 years, mainlanders’ families have owned summerhouses here and, during the warmer months, the population of about 3,500 inhabitants swells, with visitors numbering more than 300,000.

My visit is in early spring and Det Lille Sommerhotel, in the busy harbour village of Ballen, is my base. Run by Daniel and his wife Lea, who took it over from her mother five years ago, its cosy, seaside theme fits its location perfectly. Spring is a great time to visit – the island is just beginning to wake up. Small groups of walkers pace the lanes. Crops are being harvested, and honesty boxes full of leeks and onions are set up outside homes. Everywhere, hedges and trees are studded with tight green buds on the brink of unfurling.

I head out in the spring sunshine to meet Aage Madsen, the owner of Samsø Bær, on the north-east coast. He makes juices, jams, oils and liqueurs from the island’s natural bounty (the schnapps even comes from the plumules from the birch tree in his back garden). You can tour the factory’s premises with tastings included, as well as stocking up on products to take home, and like many businesses on the island, there’s an honesty system with mobile-pay in place when the shop is unattended.

Over a coffee in Aage’s kitchen, I recognise the work of Samsø potter Sigrid Hovmand on the shelf; the previous day I had spent time in her Nordby studio (open year round by appointment), learning about how she shapes her hand-thrown ceramics into irresistibly tactile, organic yet practical forms.

Even in the warmth of summer, temperatures rarely crack 22C, but springtime sunshine makes a perfectly respectable 15C seem quite balmy. It’s ideal weather for hiking and biking – two of the best ways to explore – and indeed, Samsø is set up for both, with myriad routes to tackle on foot, plus multiple cycling routes and rental stores. Peaceful country roads take me on a leisurely cycle from Ballen to Vesborg Fyr, a striking white lighthouse built in 1858 on the island’s south-western point. When I climb the coiled staircase to the top, the views in every direction are wonderful: breeze-ruffled fields, sparkling sea and the lazy cartwheeling of wind turbines. Only occasionally do I spot a vehicle purring through the landscape. Indeed, there’s not a single traffic light on the island – although there are a lot of electric charging points, most in Tranebjerg, Samsø’s “big city” – a relative term, but where the tourist office, hospital and supermarket are located.

It’s also the site of Sams Island Distillery. Established in 2017 by Mads Nielsen and a former business partner, the brand prides itself on sourcing its ingredients locally. Mads even grows his own beets to provide the “sugar” for his rum, creates small-batch liqueurs with seasonal berries and hunts Lasius fuliginosus – ants with a citrusy secretion in their abdomen – to give his gin a lemony kick. We venture into the woods and he shows me his gathering ground: here, inspired by the of ants in Copenhagen’s former restaurant Noma’s botan ebi (jumbo shrimp dish), he spent months crawling around in search of them.

Before I leave, I hike out along the Besser Rev spit. At 3 miles (5km), it’s an overground reef, formed of glacial marine deposits and forming a narrow, stony path, tufted with scrubby, low-lying vegetation. Brushed on its western side by the shallow waters of Stavns fjord, and by the stronger currents of the Kattegat Sea on the east, passage is sometimes denied by tidal activity. Although I’ve timed my walk carefully, I’m prevented from reaching the reef’s final stretches by signs forbidding access from 1 April until 15 July: it’s nesting season and this area is a vital breeding ground for sea birds. My progress thwarted, I’m content to sit on the sand by the adgang forbudt sign with my face tilted towards the gentle sun, listening to the sounds of nature and contemplating Googling “properties for sale on Samsø”.

The trip was provided by VisitSamsø and VisitDenmark. Det Lille Sommerhotel has B&B doubles from 745DKK (£86) a night

MAURA Higgins turned heads at Cannes film festival as she was seen for the first time since quitting Love Island USA.

The brunette beauty looked as flawless as ever as she put on a leggy display in France.

Reality TV star Maura has confirmed she’s walked away from her Love Island USA: Aftersun hosting job after three years.

As she continues to make big moves cracking America, Maura has revealed she’s ready for a fresh start.

The 35-year-old stepped out today at the festival wearing an incredible structured white shirt dress.

She flaunted her sizzling figure as the dress, with pops of aqua and hot pink, cinched her waist and flashed her legs.

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Maura kept the rest of her ensemble simple, donning a pair of matching white heels, some silver studded earrings and opted for no bag.

The Celebrity Traitors US star had her locks scrapped back into a sleek bun, leaving one piece to frame her face.

She gave the cameras a sultry pout as she posed for snaps.

Maura looked very glamourous, opting to have her makeup glowy and bronzed and finished with a nude pink lipstick.

The Irish star – who is heading for the Dancing With The Stars ballroom – told Vulture that she won’t be returning to Fiji for the upcoming eighth season.

She said: “You won’t. I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different.

“I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door.

“I think it’s time to say good-bye. But you know what? I won’t say forever.

“I’ll still be watching from afar and I love them and miss them. It’s just time to move on.”

Maura has been dominating the US since her successful stint on Celebrity Traitors US.

She has certainly been busy, appearing on US chat shows, red carpets and has even been seen rubbing shoulders with Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker and model Emily Ratajkowski at industry events.

Irish beauty Maura skyrocketed to fame after debuting on season five of Love Island in 2019 – she’s among the show’s most successful participants.

I’M dancing in the midday sun, frozen margarita in hand, while the DJ plays top tunes to complement the incredibly beautiful Bahamian backdrop.

I’m at the new Royal Beach Club, on Paradise Island, a private party pad in the Bahamas owned by cruise company Royal Caribbean.

This 17-acre stretch includes three differently-themed areas and the world’s largest swim-up bar.

And the beach club is exclusively for passengers travelling on board Royal Caribbean ships.

It’s booked similarly to a cruise excursion, and the £126 fee buys you food, and drink all day, as well as access to three temperature- controlled pools and two huge white-sand beaches.

For those who don’t want alcoholic drinks, it’s £96.

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Transfer to the club from ships docked at Bahamian capital Nassau are by bright-pink water taxi — ours was dubbed Flirty Flamingo.

After a few daiquiris by lunchtime, we were loving the upbeat atmosphere, with a real Las Vegas pool-party vibe.

As well as the Party Cove — by far the liveliest zone on the island — there is the Family Beach, designed with kids in mind.

The pool is perfect for younger children who want to play in shallow water and there is live music, and games, so parents can have fun, too.

For those who would rather kick back with a book and a beer, the Chill Beach is more relaxed.

But most come here to party and, with ten bars dotted around the island, it’s very easy to do that.

The food didn’t disappoint either.

Each area has an island grill, serving Bahamian favourites like coconut shrimp and jerk chicken.

After a day dancing in the sun, we were grateful to be able to amble on to one of the multi- coloured ferries back to the ship.

We were sailing on the 18-deck Wonder of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise vessels — and there was plenty on board to keep us busy, including 20 restaurants, five live shows, a surf simulator, zipline and ten-storey slide.

The ship is capable of hosting almost 7,000 passengers, in its 2,600 cabins.

Our balcony stateroom was bright and breezy, with the benefit of some outside space.

While there are plenty of venues for you to enjoy the tasty included dining, we splashed out on one of my favourite venues that come at an extra cost.

Seafood restaurant Hooked is around £36 extra per person if booked in advance, but is definitely worth it.

Delicious menu options included Alaskan salmon, Maine lobster and freshly shucked oysters, as well as a fantastic surf-and-turf.

After dinner, we managed to get a seat at the popular inTENse show, whose all-female performers include synchronised swimmers, acrobats and martial-arts specialists.

With a larger ship, the challenge can sometimes be getting your bearings, but on Wonder of the Seas the eight “neighbourhoods” mean you quickly get into the swing of things.

My favourites included Central Park, a serene open-air courtyard, adorned with trees and plants; The Boardwalk, a fun, fairground-themed zone; and the Royal Promenade, a social space with shops, bars and restaurants.

It’s easy to see why a Royal Caribbean cruise appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers.

Whether you are cruising as a family, a couple or with friends, there is a lot of fun to be had.

The karaoke lounge is a must — even if you don’t want to roll out your inner Jane McDonald.

The entertainment value for the audience here is high — with some very interesting performances from guests that have been sipping rum punch all afternoon.

There is more fun to be had off the ship, too.

All Royal Caribbean cruises to the Bahamas also stop at the cruise line’s own private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is included in the cost.

The perks included with your cruise continue on the island, too.

If you want a break from sunning yourself by the turquoise sea, you can also embrace your inner kid at the Thrill Waterpark, which does come at an extra cost.

Here, you can take on the third-highest waterslide on the planet.

This tube-slide is shockingly fast, with riders hurtling down at more than 30mph — taking just seconds to splash-land.

Which is a lot faster than it takes to climb the 255 steps to get to the top.

Back on the Wonder of the Seas, guests can take advantage of their last night at sea with the bars, pools and decks full of life.

With lots of fun things to see and do on board — and now with the Royal Beach Club giving you even more fun on land — a Royal cruise definitely offers the best of all worlds.

The cast and sex experts of Virgin Island spoke at the BAFTA TV Awards after the Channel 4 show was hit with criticism

The Virgin Island cast made a huge splash when the series first aired last year and instantly became a watercooler TV show, with many left questioning whether it was groundbreaking or exploitative.

The premise of the Channel 4 programme followed 12 adult virgins as they explored intimacy in a pressure-free environment, surrounded by experts helping to guide them towards breaking down barriers.

It led to emotional breakthroughs for the brave contestants, and sparked conversations across the UK, resulting in a BAFTA TV nomination in the reality category – which was eventually won by the Celebrity Traitors.

Speaking to the Mirror and other press on the red carpet at the annual ceremony, the cast and experts took the opportunity to hit back at the critics. Addressing the backlash, sex and relationship coach Celeste Hirschman told us: “The proof is in the pudding! The transformations are unbelievable, and in the second season as well!

Dr Danielle Harel agreed: “Exactly! There’s a little bit of a discomfort to see the methods, but honestly, when people see how it helps, they’ll really fall into it, they’ll love it. They’ll really understand why it’s so important.”

Discussing the biggest change in the latest episodes, they revealed that “hundreds and hundreds” of people applied to take part for the second season.

“I think they were much more ready in season two, so they dove in the deep end right away. And we had a little more time, which was nice,” Celeste continued. “And we have play time! We have a BDSM specialist coming in for episode five, so watch out!”

Dr Danielle interjected: “I think people came in more ready for the show, so they were ready to move faster.”

The contestants themselves also couldn’t rave about the series enough. Emma was met with cheers when she shared: “Well, I lost my virginity, so that’s an update, I think!

“Ever since, I’ve been exploring more with intimacy and getting more comfortable with it. Finding out what I like and don’t like. I’ve built so much more confidence and I’ve opened up so many more doors! It’s incredible!

“The pros taught us how it was done, I’m a free woman now thanks to these girls! I didn’t realise that would happen on a two week retreat but these are experts, so they know what they’re doing!”

Emma revealed that she first became intimate “about six months after” filming, during a “self-love journey” in Australia.

“That’s when I started to meet people and try it a bit more. I took away a lot of skills these girls gave me and I did my own learning in my own time, and then I blossomed in the outside world.”

Jason Thompson, who was also a guest at the sex retreat, proudly flashed a bejewelled cherry pin on his suit as he added:“I’m still a virgin, cherry is still in tact. I love myself again, a whole other level of confidence, I’m just all-round happier. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

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Satellite images have captured a suspected oil slick spanning dozens of square kilometres near Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export hub. Despite fears of a disaster, environmental observers say the slick is shrinking.

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.

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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.

Brijuni National Park in Croatia is one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations – from real dinosaur footprints and an elephant gifted by Indira Gandhi to the vintage Cadillac that once carried Queen Elizabeth II

Brijuni may be one of Croatia’s tiniest islands, but it boasts one of Europe’s most extraordinary travel tales.

Situated just off the coastline near Pula, it is home to Brijuni National Park, where visitors can discover genuine dinosaur footprints, an elephant presented as a gift by Indira Gandhi, a car in which Queen Elizabeth toured the island, and the former private hideaway of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.

For many years, the island was shut off from the public on the orders of the dictator, who resided there alongside a remarkable collection of exotic animals, bestowed upon him by world leaders.

With Tito long since gone, the island now welcomes tourists. And getting there couldn’t be simpler, with direct flights from London to Pula available from May, with prices beginning at around £35–£40.

Local guide and villa rental company Villsy founder Toni Hrelja explained: “Brijuni may look like a classic Mediterranean paradise, but its history is anything but typical,” says Toni Hrelja, local guide and founder of Villsy, a villa rental company.

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“Thanks to its time as a private residence for former Yugoslav leader Tito, the islands became home to exotic animals gifted by political leaders; and today, you can still see them, or their descendants, grazing freely. It’s a bizarre, fascinating slice of history you simply wouldn’t expect in Croatia.

“Spring is one of the best times to visit, everything is green, temperatures are mild, and you avoid the peak summer crowds. You get the full experience without the heat.” Brijuni National Park comprises 14 islands, with the largest, Veliki (Big) Brijun, home to the main attractions. Despite its name, it’s fairly compact (5.6 km2), making it ideal to explore in a single day.

More than 30 animals inhabit the island, including Lanka, a 54 year old elephant. She arrived in 1972 as a gift from former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and is renowned for her calm nature and engagement with visitors.

The zebras represent another legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement, a herd presented in the 1960s by an African leader.

One of Tito’s most cherished pets still resides on the island: Koki, an African grey parrot with a notoriously mischievous personality. Famous for “talking” to tourists, he’s equally likely to catch visitors off guard with the odd insult. He is also known for shouting “Tito! Tito! Tito”.

Alongside these star animals, the safari also features ostriches, llamas, Somali sheep and Indian cattle (zebu).

The animals serve as the walking and (talking) legacy of Tito, but there’s one mechanical memento of the dictator’s era.

If you’re prepared to spend a bit extra, you can hire a ride in a vintage Cadillac Eldorado, presented to Josip Broz Tito by Croatian emigrants in Canada. The 1953 convertible remains in immaculate condition and continues to be one of the park’s most sought-after attractions. “Tito used it to drive around the island, but what makes it special is who sat in it. Leaders like Indira Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth II were among its passengers,” Toni added.

“Once you’ve explored the safari, it’s time to discover the island’s other highlights. I recommend taking the tourist train (especially if you’re with kids), hiring a bicycle or a small electric golf cart. One of my favourite spots is the pine tree avenue.”

These pine trees are more than 100 years old and soar to heights of up to 25 metres, forming a striking landscape.

Brijuni boasted a fascinating history long before it became a political haven for Non-Aligned Movement leaders. During the 5th and 6th centuries, the islands served as a crucial strategic outpost for the Byzantine Empire.

“The Byzantine remains are another fantastic spot for photography and offer a glimpse into the island’s layered history. The ruins look like a giant stone puzzle,” Toni said.

Gandhi’s elephant isn’t the largest creature to have roamed Brijuni. The islands contain over 200 genuine dinosaur footprints, dating back approximately 130 million years to the Early Cretaceous period.

Croatia is a short-haul destination, roughly a 2.5-hour flight from the UK. From May onwards, reaching Brijuni is straightforward, with direct flights from London to Pula available from around £35 with easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair.

Direct flights also operate from Birmingham and Bristol. Pula Airport sits 13 kilometres from Fažana, the port where travellers can board a boat to the national park.

The most convenient way to purchase tickets for Brijuni National Park is online. Guided tours generally cost approximately £30–£35 for adults and roughly £13 for children, depending on the season, with marginally reduced prices in spring.

Lodging is available on the island, spanning from hotel rooms to luxury villas, although many tourists opt to base themselves on the mainland and rent a villa in Istria, treating Brijuni as a day trip.

YOU’VE heard of PortAventura, Efteling and Europa-Park, but there’s another European theme park that has just completed a 10-year makeover.

The little-known Walibi Rhône-Alpes attraction is just outside of the city of Lyon in France and has just reopened for the season with new attractions.

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The paradise-looking Exotic Island based on the Pacific Islands like Fiji and Papua New Guinea has had a €4.5million (£3.8million) upgrade, installing a family ride, adventure trail and botanical maze.

Its new family attraction is called RépaR’ Ta Kar and is said to be the ‘first-of-its-kind in Europe‘.

The attraction will be themed around a 4×4’s and be between the high-speed Mahuka rollercoaster and the park’s Tiki Village.

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The ride is described as having “off-road vehicles that bounce, rotate, and spin in a chaotic mechanical frenzy.”

Also ready to be explored this year are new walkthrough experiences at Exotic Island.

L’Expédition Perdue (which translated is The Lost Expedition) is a multi-level adventure trail with bridges, slides and climbing challenges.

Le Passage Oublié (The Forgotten Passage) is a sensory maze with underground tunnels.

This upgrade has been part of an overhaul that has been taking place since 2016 at the cost of €50million (£43.2million) – which has been marked by the completion of Exotic Island.

The French theme park has 36 attractions, shows, rollercoasters like Mahuka, Mystic, and Timber – and is divided into three themed zones.

These include Explorer Adventure which is themed around North America with a swinging ship and lazy river ride.

The Festival City zone is New Orleans-themed where visitors enter the ‘party world’.

Here are the likes of a traditional carousel, train and a swing ride.

The park that first opened in 1979 has attractions for children from age three and up, with family-friendly rides and some for the thrill-seekers.

Some of the biggest include the Mystic rollercoaster which has a 31metre vertical climb and top speed of 52.8mph.

Another is Mahuka which is a rollercoaster themed around escaping an abandoned temple.

Then there’s Le Totem, a high-impact drop tower which can be found in Festival City.

It has 12 food and drinks spots as well as shops throughout the park.

The shows include Les Plongeurs de l’Extrême where divers perform daring stunts and jump off platforms as high as 27metres.

At another show, the park’s mascot, Walibi, makes an appearance with meet and greet opportunities for children.

Visitors often leave happy reviews on Tripadvisor, one wrote: “A great park that improves year after year!”

Another described it as “a great park for the whole family.”

Theme park tickets start from €29 (£25.06) – if booked up to five days before the visit.

With Wizz Air, Brits can fly from London Luton Airport to Lyon from £16 in June.

From there, the theme park is around a one-hour drive away.

WHEN Brits choose to have a staycation, most will head down to Cornwall or Devon for their beautiful beaches, but there’s a ‘secret’ isle that has just as much to offer – or possibly more.

The Isle of Wight is the largest island off the south coast of England and Darragh Gray has holidayed there almost 100 times – speaking to Sun Travel, he reveals his favourite beaches and where you can find the UK’s only blue sparkling wine.

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Originally from Northern Ireland, Darragh’s family made the journey to the island every summer during the school holidays from when he was three-years-old.

Darragh explained: “I’ve been going as long as I can remember, every summer as a child we’d drive to Hampshire and take a ferry over.

“As a kid it always felt magical, like going to a secret island – and I fell in love with the landscape, the coastline and if anything, it’s only deepened as I’ve gotten older.”

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When the school holidays ended, Darragh continues to visit and has been to the island almost 100 times – he already has four trips planned for this year.

He added: “Even though it’s a really short ferry journey, it feels like going to a different world. It looks and feels like England, with a hint of the exotic.

“Parts of it almost feel Mediterranean. A lot of people say it’s like stepping back in time and I think there’s a lot in that.

“It’s full of history with its old buildings and villages, but it also has a vintage feel and a slower pace of life – but in saying that, it doesn’t feel stuck in the past.

“There are great restaurants, attractions and lots of lovely places to stay.”

The Isle of Wight is the largest island off the south coast and can be reached in as little as a 22-minute ride on the Wightlink ferry from Hampshire.

It doesn’t take long to explore the Isle of Wight as you can drive from one end to the other in one hour – but Darragh says there are so many places to explore in the middle, and around the coast.

When it comes to beaches, Darragh suggests heading to West Wight, the rural, western coastal region with dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches.

Darragh said: “Compton Bay is a lovely spot that feels remote, and you can go fossil hunting on the beach.

“Freshwater Bay is interesting because on a stormy day it looks wild with huge waves on the edge of the Atlantic – but on a calm summer’s day, you can feel like you’re on a Greek island.”

The Isle of Wight also has busier beaches with shores for building sandcastles and propping up windbreaks for a picnic.

“If you’re looking for a beach with all the fun of the traditional seaside – you can’t beat Sandown. It has miles of sand that run from a pier at one end to the cliffs at the other.

“Another great spot is a beach resort called Ventnor, which has the striking red and gold sand and shingle; that’s a lovely one to visit.”

When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, there are plenty of pubs on the island – but some of Darragh’s favourites are two you might not naturally stumble upon.

“What I love about the pubs on the island is there’s so many beautiful historic ones and lots with awesome sea views.

“In Shanklin, tucked under the cliffs, is the Fisherman’s Cottage; it’s a lovely pub away from the main beach – sitting on the patio is one of my favourite places to be.

“On the south side of the island, in Ventnor, is the Buddle Inn, which dates back to the 16th century and used to be a spot for smugglers back in its day. It’s lovely to sit by the fire in the winter, or in the garden in the summer.”

When it comes to food, the Isle of Wight makes a lot of its own produce from tasty tomatoes to fresh seafood, and uniquely, blue wine.

“There’s one commercial vineyard on the island called Adgestone, and what you can buy from there is sparkling wine: white, red, and blue.

“I once took the wine to a barbecue and everyone was fascinated by it.

“The colour blue comes from the skin of the grapes, and I don’t know how they do it – but it’s an incredible turquoise-blue colour – it’s very tasty.”

Of course a trip to the Isle of Wight wouldn’t be complete without at least one chippy tea.

Darragh told us: “There are two I really like, the Happy Haddock in Shanklin, and Stotesburys in Newport – both are great value for money.

“For ice cream, there’s a fantastic Victorian ice cream parlour in Ventnor called Crave – they make a whole range of ice cream on site every day.

“There’s also a family business called Minghella, which has been going for years, and they make delicious ice cream. Their ginger ice cream is incredible.”

Places to stay on the island range from boutique hotels to Airbnbs, but another option is its holiday parks.

There are around 20 holiday parks on the island, some small, and others like Parkdean and Away Resorts, which offer affordable stays – Darragh has even booked week-long off-peak stays from £41.

And if you’re thinking about booking your own trip over to the isle and are wondering which season is best, Darragh has some advice.

“I go at all times of the year, and I love to see the island during different seasons.

During the winter, not everything is open, and it can be a bit more of a challenge getting about, especially on the buses.

“But it’s so lovely, quiet, and peaceful, and I would say if you have some time off and you’re worrying about if you’ll be bored during the winter, I’d say no – you can also get some great deals on accommodation.

“My favourite time, though, is around now, early spring and early summer. Everything’s green, there are lots of wildflowers, and it doesn’t have the summer holiday traffic.

“September into October is a lovely time to go, you still haven’t gotten into the depths of winter. It’s brilliant all year round.

“Even in peak summer, I’m always amazed, you don’t have to go too far for peace and quiet, there are so many hidden corners on the island to be discovered.”

THIS stunning Irish island has rugged coastal walks, homemade goat’s cheese and some of the best wildlife spotting in the country.

Cape Clear Island lies just eight miles off the coast of West Cork and is Ireland’s most southerly inhabited Gaeltacht island.

Visitors can reach the remote spot by ferry from Baltimore, with the journey taking around 40 minutes.

The island is known for its sparkling waters, dramatic coastline and wildlife-filled seas, where dolphins, whales and basking sharks can often be spotted.

And once on land, visitors can explore walking trails, visit the famous goat farm or enjoy a pint and a bite to eat before catching the ferry home.

Ferry tickets to the remote island start at just €9 for children’s tickets.

Cape Clear Island is three miles long and one mile wide.

As a Gaeltacht island, the majority of people living there speak Irish, or Gaeilge.

Adult return tickets from Baltimore to Cape Clear cost €20, while children’s tickets cost €9.

There are also special family packages, including two adults and two children, for €50 return.

The island is a popular destination during the summer months with secondary school students looking to improve their Irish language skills on immersion courses.

The hillsides are covered in heather, gorse and other wildflowers, while the water sparkles beneath.

While on the ferry, passengers have a good chance of spotting wildlife beneath the waves.

Dolphins, basking sharks and even whales are known to frequent the waters surrounding Cape Clear.

From higher ground on the island, harmless basking sharks can often be seen lazily gliding through the waters close to shore.

And a number of companies provide boat tours specifically for dolphin and whale watching.

GOAT FARM

Once you’re on the island, there’s plenty to do to keep busy — including visiting the Cape Clear Goat Farm, or Cléire Goats.

The quaint farm was established in 1979 and is located near the Cape Clear Heritage Centre.

Visitors can meet the friendly goats and try delicious homemade goat’s cheese and ice cream.

And if visitors attend the farm between 10am and 12pm, they’ll get a chance to see the goats being milked.

There’s also the main heritage centre, the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, which can be toured, and a world-renowned birdwatching observatory to visit.

There are also plenty of places to go for a paddle in the sea, or to kayak further out.

And on land, there are a number of walking routes that allow visitors to explore every inch of the island’s beauty.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

Cape Clear has a small number of restaurants and bars that provide hearty meals and drinks.

There’s a farmers’ market every Sunday, a small grocery shop and a tourist shop.

Many people who visit the island choose to do a day trip, arriving on the ferry in the morning and leaving again in the evening.

But for those hoping to stay overnight, there are some accommodation options.

There are a few apartments, cottages and houses to rent.

There is also the Chléire Haven glamping site, which is a family-friendly camping site open from April to September.

There’s the Ard na Gaoithe B&B, which provides an early breakfast for guests and encourages Irish speaking.

There’s also Cape Clear Hostel.

The Greek island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe’s largest marine protected area

A beautiful island with crystal clear waters and impeccable vibes has been named the most relaxed place for a holiday.

It’s a mad old world out there at the moment. And during mad old times, heading to a hectic, vibrant, crowd-filled holiday destination may not be at the top of everyone’s list.

If you’re looking for somewhere where the pace is slow and the atmosphere is calm, then Alonissos is the place.

The Greek island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe’s largest marine protected area. As the most remote of the Northern Sporades islands, it offers an authentic, laid-back experience far from the bustling crowds of nearby Skiathos.

The travel experts at Solmar Villas analysed over 160 global destinations to crown Alonissos as the most relaxing places for a chilled-out summer holiday in 2026, noting its lack of crowds, beautiful nature, the slow pace of life and its lovely climate.

Melissa, a travel blogger, recently visited the island and fell in love with it. She wrote: “Alonissos is one of those places you feel. It ended up being my favourite of the three islands I visited. It’s quiet, a little wild, totally underrated. Out of all the Sporades islands, it’s the furthest out, which probably explains why it’s still kind of a hidden gem. It’s way less touristic and definitely more laid back than islands like Mykonos. No cruise ship crowds, no overpriced cocktails. I paid on average 9€ for my Aperol Spritz, where in Mykonos, that’s gonna cost double.”

What to do in Alonissos?

First and foremost, time spent in Alonissos is best spent relaxing, kicking back on the beach and dreamily gazing into the middle distance. But if you do feel the need to do something, there is plenty to choose from. Including:

• National Marine Park: A 2,200 km/sq haven for biodiversity, home to the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
• You can take boat tours to uninhabited islets like Kyra Panagia, which features a 12th-century monastery.
• World-class diving and snorkelling: Alonissos is home to the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks” at Peristera, Greece’s first underwater museum, where divers can view thousands of ancient amphorae at 30m depth. The water is so clear that visibility can reach up to 50 metres.
• The charming old town of Chora: Perched on a hilltop with 360° views, the postcard-perfect Old Town was painstakingly restored after a 1965 earthquake and is filled with cobbled alleys and flowering balconies.
• Its pristine beaches: Agios Dimitrios, striking “horn-shaped” pebble beach with vivid turquoise water, Kokkinokastro, known for its dramatic red cliffs and deep blue sea, and Chrisi Milia: The island’s only golden sandy beach, featuring shallow waters ideal for families.
• Eco-tourism and nature: The island is a magnet for hikers, with over 40 km of signposted trails that lead through dense pine forests and olive groves to secluded bays. Alonissos is also a pioneer in sustainability, being one of the first Greek islands to go plastic-bag-free.

The findings revealed that Greece stands out as the best country to visit for relaxation in 2026, with destinations across the Greek islands and mainland dominating the rankings. In fact, 70% of the top 10 destinations are located in Greece, highlighting the country’s strong appeal for travellers seeking a more peaceful summer holiday this year.

There is no airport on Alonissos. To get there you need to travel by ferry from the nearest airports, which are on Skiathos (2.5 hrs by ferry) or at mainland Volos (3-4.5 hours by ferry). You can also fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and continue via internal flight or ferry.