DREAMING of five-star winter sun without the five-star price tag? Check out Morocco’s wild north-west coast.
The Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is vast. Sprawling across 250 hectares — roughly the size of 350 football pitches — it sits alongside four miles of empty and pristine Atlantic coastline.
The resort is built in the style of an ancient Moroccan citadel, with ochre- plastered walls capped with crenellated roofline and towers.
Rooms are set around central courtyards and landscaped gardens.
Long reflecting pools, marble fountains and rows of manicured palms are framed by grand horseshoe arches decorated with intricate, carved plasterwork.
With 15 restaurants and bars, an 18-hole golf course, spa and endless activities, my stay revealed a luxury hotel that comes at a surprisingly affordable price, with rooms from £145 a night.
And you get a lot of room for your money. My spacious, modern room had fabulous ocean views with delightful Moroccan-inspired touches, including hanging lanterns flanking the king-size bed.
Sliding open the balcony doors rewards you with a sweeping panorama of the Atlantic surf crashing against the sand.
Early morning, with a sweet tea in hand, I caught sight of horses galloping along the beach.
Surf instructors were waxing down their boards and lining up life jackets ready for a day of training tourists how not to topple into the swell.
But there was no time to dawdle, with so many activities at my finger tips.
First stop was the resort’s award- winning spa for a double dose of indulgence.
I was treated to a deeply relaxing hot stones massage, followed by a traditional grand hammam ritual. Inside a glowing, marble-clad steam room, I was bathed, scrubbed and polished top-to-toe with black soap, oils and eucalyptus.
Staff said the locals insist on scrubbing down with one of these treatments at least once a week — and after seeing the glow on my own rejuvenated skin, I can certainly see why.
Suitably refreshed, it was time for some high-octane adventure.
And that’s where Mazagan feels less like a hotel and more like a high-end luxury playground.
The golf course, designed by Gary Player, is the longest in Morocco, stretching over 7,400 yards.
Then there is North Africa’s largest casino (housing 37 gaming tables and nearly 400 slot machines open 23 hours a day), a 22ft climbing wall, go-karting tracks, paintball fields, pickleball courts and more.
And at the centre of the maze of courtyards that connects the more than 400 rooms, a glistening pool invites you in for a dip — though I had barely any time to kick off my flip-flops before I was on to the next activity.
I upped the ante with a thrilling quad bike ride along the resort’s flat, wide sands, feeling the salty Atlantic spray as we neared the water’s edge before heading into the rolling sand dunes and scrubland surrounding the resorts.
On longer drives, your guides will even take you inland to zip through the neighbouring eucalyptus and pine forests that fringe the coastline.
And after some serious speed, I switched to a very different horse power with a gentle ride along the beach.
The hotel’s onsite stables are home to local barb and Arab-barb horses.
Historically bred by the North African cavalry and Berber horsemen, these magnificent beasts are sure-footed in the soft sand, calm-tempered and well-accustomed to the heat and Atlantic winds.
Heading out on to the broad, tidal flats we were soon trotting along at a fair pace on the wide open, empty sands before steering our steers towards the coastal forest trails, lined with fragrant mimosa.
All that activity means treating yourself when it comes to food and drink and Mazagan doesn’t disappoint.
Trying just a fraction of the resort’s 15 restaurants and bars, I feasted on rich, fragrant tagines, fresh seafood and mountains of velvety houmous.
Sel de Mer was an absolute highlight. Here, the catch of the day is transformed into culinary perfection.
Select your own from the fresh, tempting line-up resting on a bed of crushed ice and then choose to have it grilled on the plancha or oven-baked, served up with a choice of sauces.
For a more relaxed dining experience, the Beach Barbecue serves up freshly-grilled meats, fish and vegetables while your feet are in the sands.
Alongside the barbecue there’s a buffet of fresh salads, Moroccan cooked salads, couscous and freshly-baked flatbreads.
And for a truly Moroccan touch, Al Firma offers an open-air setting with traditional Bedouin and Berber carpets, low seating and lanterns as well as traditional tagines with vegetables from the onsite farm garden.
I topped it all off with cocktails at the Casablanca-inspired lounge bar — swathed in royal green velvet drapes and playing some live weekend jazz.
With adrenalin-charged activities alongside top-tier pampering, Mazagan delivers a great winter break option without breaking the bank.
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is from £639pp including flights with Royal Air Maroc from Stansted on December 1.
See loveholidays.com.
MORE INFO: Rooms at the hotel start from £145 per night.
Two adults and two children can stay for five nights’ B&B from £850 in total (based on stays from now until May 2027).
EVERY traveller knows the main airport terminal is essentially a giant, chaotic waiting room where a sad sandwich and a pre-flight pint can set you back a small fortune.
But tucked away from the crowds is a world of plush sofas, Prosecco refills, buffet spreads and hot showers – and getting past the velvet rope is cheaper than you might think.
The trick to bypassing the terminal madness is a Priority Pass membership.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll get access to more than 1,900 premium airport lounges across the globe.
And right now, savvy Sun readers can bag 20 per cent off their first year by clicking here.
This includes major UK airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, East Midlands, Manchester, and Birmingham. In fact, Priority Pass covers 85 per cent of the world’s top 100 airports.
Read more on travel hacks
Instead of battling for a plug socket in a busy terminal, the smart holidaymakers are hiding out in spaces like the Aspire, No. 1, Skylife, and Escape lounges.
Inside these lounges you get access to food as well as alcoholic drinks, comfy seating, fast Wi-Fi and plenty of places to charge your devices.
But it’s far more than just filling your boots at the buffet. Depending on where you’re flying from, these spaces are kitted out with hot showers, exercise zones even nap pods to counter that gruelling early morning start.
And for even more pampering, at airports with Be Relax spas you can squeeze in a pre-flight massage or a fresh manicure, ready to show off on holiday.
And if that’s not enough, Priority Pass members also get free access to the WithU Fitness app.
The app normally costs £79.99 a year, and includes personalised audio coaching and workout programmes that you can take home with you.
A standard plan usually costs £69 a year, but drops to just £55 with our 20 per cent discount.
That works out to less than a fiver a month, coming in a £4.60.
After that, with a standard pass you pay a flat £24 entry fee each time you visit a lounge – giving you access to those all-you-can-eat buffets and free-flowing drinks.
Priority Pass members get access to:
£69 £55 for first year (20% discount) / £4.60 per month
£229 £206 for first year (10% discount) / £17.17 per month
£419 per year / £34.92 per month
Prices correct at the time of publication.
CALLUM Turner’s bid to bag the role of James Bond has had a boost — he’s advertising luggage for a fashion brand with links to the films.
The 36-year-old actor is the face of Louis Vuitton’s new trunk collection.
Bond author Ian Fleming incorporated their suitcases into 1963 book On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
And a set of the brand’s luggage appeared in 1985 Bond film A View to a Kill.
A source said: “Louis Vuitton is exactly the kind of fashion house Callum wants to associate himself with.
“The fact that Ian Fleming also mentioned Vuitton in his books is a clear indication that Callum is aligning himself with all the right campaigns.”
Bond casting director Nina Gold was spotted at Bray Film Studios in Berkshire yesterday as screen tests for the role were understood to be taking place.
Callum’s odds of becoming Bond were 2/1 last night.
The Brit, who is married to singer Dua Lipa, 31, co-starred in the Fantastic Beasts movies.
Scottish actor Jack Lowden, 36, is the bookies’ favourite to take over as Bond with odds of 4/7, according to Ladbrokes.
Sinners actor Jack O’Connell, 36, and The Crown’s Josh O’Connor, 36, sit at 12/1.
Daniel Craig stepped down after the release of his fifth Bond film No Time To Die in 2021.
winhorse
LVMH (LVMHF) updated investors that third-quarter revenue reached €18.50B, slightly above analysts’ €18.46 billion consensus. Organic sales growth of 1% was reported, down from the 3% pace seen in the second quarter. Strength in the U.S., Europe, and Japan offsets weaker demand in China.
LIKE many, I have longed for a Rimowa suitcase, but the brand’s premium prices puts it out of my price range.
I simply can’t justify spending over £1000 on a suitcase, so I was understandably thrilled when I spotted the same luxe aesthetic for just £60 at Dunelm.
Constellation Cabin Suitcase with Front Opening, £60 at Dunelm
The Constellation Silver Cabin Case caught my eye with its sleek silver finish and modern linear hard shell, which gives it a similar, minimalist look to the iconic Rimowa cases.
Like Rimowa, it also has a durable construction with a hard shell protecting the contents, while looking stylish in the Arrivals hall.
It also comes with a 360-degree spinner wheel system, meaning you can glide it along in pretty much any direction.
But there’s one particular feature that makes it extra appealing to modern travellers like me.
The front-opening opening offers speedy access to your tech essentials, so you don’t have to disturb your perfectly packed suitcase as you’re going through security.
As someone who travels with a laptop, I think that’s actually more useful than simply having a suitcase that looks pretty.
In terms of size, the Constellation Cabin Suitcase measures 55 x 35 x 22cm, including its overall product dimensions, while the Rimowa Original Cabin is 55 x 40 x 23cm.
While they’re the same height, Dunelm’s case is 5cm narrower and 1cm shallower, making it the more compact option.
You’re getting the sleek minimal aesthetic, hard shell construction, 360-degree wheels and a clever tech compartment for £60 rather than £1,090, pocketing £1030 in savings.
With half-term around the corner, this is the sort of cabin case I’d be looking at for a short family break or a European mini break.
Before buying, check your airline’s free cabin-bag allowance.
The Dunelm case fits Jet2 and British Airways’ larger 56 x 45 x 25cm allowance, but it won’t be free on every airline or fit under the seat in front.
If you’re looking for underseat bags that nail the designer look, I’ve rounded up some alternatives below.
CabinMax Underseat Cabin Suitcase, £39.95 at ASOS
What’s it good for? Weekend getaways, short city breaks, or business trips where you don’t need multiple outfits or heavy layers.
What you’ll like? It has wide suitcase-style opening, so you don’t have to dig through from the top like a regular backpack.
The Mykonos Hard Shell Vanity Case, £30 at M&S
What’s it good for? Carrying delicate toiletries without worrying about leaks or crushed packaging.
It could also work as a sleek standalone bag for overnight trips if you travel light.
What you’ll like? It has an elasticated rear trolley strap that slips over telescoping suitcase handles for effortless, one-handed wheeling.
Now, these suitcases aren’t Rimowa, so you won’t get the same premium branding, construction or engineering.
But if, like me, you’re mainly after the chic silver aesthetic and some of the practical features seen in expensive luggage, they’re a tempting alternative.
If you’ve had a Rimowa suitcase on your wishlist but can’t swallow the £1,090 price tag, my Dunelm find could be the more purse-friendly alternative.
If you are looking for more dupe deals, you need to read; Our favourite Dyson Airwrap alternatives in the Prime Day sale – including ‘amazing’ 4-in-1 styler down to just £37 and Dunelm launches mushroom lamp alternative to John Lewis version.
ANTIGUA, Florida and the Caribbean… what do they all have in common? Obviously they’re all beautiful, exotic destinations that typically cost thousands to visit.
They’re also some of the amazing locations currently being offered as prizes in some incredible competitions. We’ve rounded up all of the best ones to enter right now…
There’s something for everyone, from luxury staycations to five-star escapes abroad – plus all are free to enter.
So whatever your ideal holiday is, here are some of the best competitions currently taking entries offering a wide range of prizes…
Live like royalty on a family trip to Versailles
Le Shuttle is giving away a trip to Versailles for a family of four, with access to the Palace of Versailles, the Trianon Estate, Queen’s Hamlet and Gardens, plus a guided tour of the special Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola exhibition.
You’d stay at the Le Louis Versailles Château MGallery and get a VIP shopping experience with One Nation Paris.
To enter, create a free Le Shuttle account by 1pm on October 16 – click enter.
Travel in style on a Croatia long weekend
Win a short break on the Dubrovnik Riviera in Croatia, plus an Osprey backpack and a £250 Ellis Brigham voucher.
The winner gets a four-night trip and can choose between either a men’s Farpoint 55 or women’s Fairview 55 pack.
Just answer the question ‘what is the capital city of Croatia?’ along with your details by December 15 – click to enter.
Live in luxury on a French Alps family ski trip
Family Ski is offering a seven-night family ski holiday for four to the French Alps.
Included in the prize is £500 of Roarsome Ski Wear for Kids, accommodation in a luxury catered chalet at either Ardent, Portes du Soleil or Reberty, Les Trois Vallées (depending on availability), childcare and airport transfers.
You’ll need to book your own travel from the UK to Geneva, plus lift passes, ski hire and travel insurance.
To enter, fill out the entry form and follow Roarsome and Family Ski Company on Instagram by October 31 – click to enter.
Take the family to the alternative Lapland
Win a family trip to Swedish Lapland worth £4,648.
On Instagram, Letsgofaraway is offering a round-trip (flights up to a maximum of £1,033.09) to Grand Lodge at Blueberry Lodge Lapland for up to eight people.
One activity at the lodge for all guests in included, plus a private session in the relaxation area, which has a sauna, Nordic hot tub and a homemade fika.
To enter, follow @letsgofaraway_, @hospitality.guide, @danieltravl and @blueberry_lodge_lapland on Instagram, then like the competition post, tag two friends and repost/share.
The holiday must be for a date between 2028 and 2029 – enter by midnight on October 31 – click to enter.
Snowy holiday to Innsbruck
Monster energy drinks is offering a snow trip for two people to Innsbruck in Austria.
All you need to do is enter your details by October 31 – click to enter.
All-inclusive luxury holiday to Antigua
Win a seven-night all inclusive holiday to St James’s Club & Villa in Antigua, with Neutradol.
The resort spans 100 acres and features two “moon-white” beaches and three pools.
To enter, answer the question ‘What do Neutradol Laboratory tests prove?’ by January 10, 2027 – click to enter.
Bucketlist 16-day road trip to New Zealand
Via Waitrose, with Trailfinders, win a road trip in New Zealand lasting 16 days with return flights for two from London.
Included is two nights in a hotel, plus two weeks with a Maui Ultima Plus Motorhome.
Enter with your My Waitrose card number before October 13 – click to enter.
If you don’t have a card, that’s fine, you can sign up for free.
Luxury Saint Lucia holiday and Arsenal tickets
Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences is offering a seven-night round-trip to Saint Lucia from London.
You’ll also get two tickets to an Arsenal game hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and two Arsenal t-shirts.
Answer the questions ‘what is the name of Saint Lucia’s famous national landmark?’ and ‘which Arsenal legend has just visited Saint Lucia?’ by December 15 – click to enter.
Fabulous, personalised holiday toOrlando
Tripadvisor and Visit Orlando are offering an eight-night holiday to Orlando, Florida for two people, plus a free holiday planning session.
To win, enter your details before the end of December – click to enter.
Live like a millionaire in the Cayman Islands
Win a five-night condo stay at Harbour Heights, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands for up to four guests.
You’ll need to purchase your own flights though.
Fill out your details by July 30, 2027 – click to enter.
14-night all-inclusive cruise to the Canaries
Saga is giving away a 14-night all-inclusive cruise to the Canaries and Casablanca.
You’d set sail from Portsmouth on January 6, 2027 in a Twin Standard Balcony cabin, stopping at La Palma, Tenerife, Madeira and Gran Canaria.
All you have to do is be over the age of 50 – click to enter by November 20.
Cruise to France and Spain plus spending money
Via Ice Lolly, Cunard is offering two people a cruise worth £2,000 from Southampton to Spain and France.
Set sail on June 13, 2027, to La Coruña, Gijon and Getxo in Spain before visiting Le Havre in France.
With $250 (£188.65) to spend on board.
Click to enter before midnight on October 12.
14-night Caribbean cruise with food and drink included
Ambassador Cruise Line is giving away a two-week Caribbean cruise for two people.
Choose between three Ambassador Cruise Line sailings between November 22 and February 14.
The giveaway includes a twin ocean view cabin for two people, full-board and return Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow or Manchester.
Click here to enter your details by October 11.
Scenic river cruise worth £7,000
Win a river cruise through Europe on the Danube or Rhine with Scenic worth £7,000.
The prize includes suite accommodation, excursions, five dining venues, premium drinks, butler service, return flights and transfers and complimentary e-bikes to explore the destinations you stop at.
Click here to enter your details by October 31.
P&O Britannia cruise
Win a seven-night cruise for two onboard P&O Britannia, Via Vision Cruise.
Click here to enter by January 31.
Island hop in Greece on a cruise
Win a seven-night Greek Intensive Cruise with Azamara Cruises for two people, departing from Athens on October 9.
Stay in an Oceanview Stateroom, stopping at Patmos, Rhodes and Crete.
You will need to get your own flights though.
Click here to answer how many ships are in the Azamara fleet by February 1, 2027.
Seven-night Scandinavian cruise
In this Cotton Traders competition, two people and their guests will win a seven-night cruise to Sweden and Denmark.
You’d travel from London Cruise Terminal on April 24, 2027 with Ambassador Cruise Line.
Click here to enter your details by October 7.
Five star trip for two at Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
Old Course Hotel in Scotland is a five-star spot boasting views of the Fife coastline and a large golf course.
Win a one-night stay at the hotel for two people with a two-course dinner and a full Scottish breakfast – worth £700.
You’ll get a full day to spend at Kohler Waters Spa, with a spa pool, hydrotherapy suite with a thermal pool, steam room, sauna and plunge pool and the UK’s first Espuro Foam Steam Rooms.
Each guest will get a 50-minute treatment, from a custom massage, hot stone massage, classic prescription facial, reflexology session or a 25-minute facial and 25-minute massage combo.
You need to have a Muddy Stilettos account to enter (free to sign up) and click here to answer ‘what town is Old Course Hotel in?’ by October 14.
West End show and a 4-star London hotel stay
The Royal Mint recently launched a coin dedicated to the musical Wicked to celebrate 20 years of the West End show.
To celebrate they are giving away a one-night stay at The Clermont Hotel, a silver Proof Colour edition of the Wicked UK coin and two tickets to the London show.
Click here to answer ‘what is the name of the university that Glinda and Elphaba attend?’ by October 18.
Luxury hotel stay and £400 goodie bag
Salcombe Gin has teamed up with Harbour Hotels to give away an overnight stay for two at any Harbour Hotel, with breakfast included.
You will also get a Salcombe Gin Coastal Cool Bag Bundle, with a Salcombe Gin School Experience Voucher for two people (worth £160).
Also included is a £250 voucher to spend at fashion brand Beaufort and Blake.
Click here to enter your details by October 13.
Five-star countryside retreat and year’s supply of popcorn
Popcorn brand Jo & Sephs are offering a luxury trip to Devon, to celebrate the release of the new Sense and Sensibility movie.
The prize includes a three-night stay in a five-star hotel, a private horse-drawn carriage ride and afternoon tea, plus a year’s supply of popcorn.
Click here to answer the question: ‘in Sense and Sensibility, what are the names of the two Dashwood sisters at the heart of the story?’ by November 30.
A luxury stay at Andy Murray’s Scottish country house hotel
Discover Britain is running a competition to win a luxury stay at ‘Cromlix’ – Sir Andy Murray‘s country hotel in Scotland.
It includes dinner in the hotel’s new restaurant – The Garden Room.
Click here to enter your details by January 3, 2027.
A three-bedroom holiday home worth £60,000, plus £10,000
Park Holidays UK is giving away a 36ft x 12ft three-bedroom holiday home worth £60,000, plus £10,000 spending money.
Click here to enter your details by December 31.
Win your own holiday park lodge for a year
Park Leisure is giving away a 12-month ownership experience for a lodge worth £60,000, with £3,000 park credit to be used on site.
You will also get free Wi-Fi for the ownership period, plus all utility bills included.
Click here to enter by March 31, 2027.
Win a luxurious 2 night stay in the stunning Town Hall Hotel
Looking for the ultimate East London escape? We’ve teamed up with the award-winning Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green to give one lucky reader and a guest the chance to win a stylish two-night stay, complete with daily breakfast and dinner at the acclaimed Elis .
Housed inside the former Edwardian Bethnal Green Town Hall, this Grade-II listed landmark seamlessly blends grand historic architecture with cutting-edge modern design. Step inside to discover sweeping marble staircases, intricate Art Deco detailing, and a striking glass-and-steel extension—creating a boutique retreat like no other.
Experience the best of East London
Positioned right in the energetic heart of Bethnal Green, Town Hall Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring East London’s vibrant culture from the independent boutiques of Shoreditch, to the iconic Columbia Road Flower Market and historic Brick Lane.
When you’re not out exploring, unwind in the hotel’s breath taking 14-metre indoor heated swimming pool, squeeze in a session at the gym, or relax with a cocktail at the bar.
What you can win:
For your chance to win simply fill in the form below. if you can’t see the form, click here.
This competition closes on the 15th November.
