Maldives

THERE’s a beach in the UK that people often compare to the Maldives – and it has just been named one of the UK’s cleanest too.

Porthmeor Beach in Cornwall was recently awarded a Blue Flag status and is often thought to be one of the best beaches in England.

Near to St Ives, the beach is a crescent shape and features pale, soft sand.

The spot is ideal for families as well as budding surfers.

Thanks to being west facing it also is a great spot for watching the sunset.

On some days, visitors even spot dolphins.

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For the little ones, head to the west end of the beach and you’ll find rock pools with creatures in.

Along the beach you can also join the South West Coast Path, where you can head on to the top of cliffs and see amazing views of the beach below.

One recent visitor said: “The best sand I’ve stepped on to date.

“It’ll give the Maldives a run for their money. The water is so clear and pure.

“The pictures won’t do it justice – would definitely recommend a visit if you’re ever in the area.”

Another person added: “This beach is absolutely stunning, on a hot day you could imagine you were in the Maldives or somewhere far more exotic!

The beach backs onto St Ives town, where you can head to the Tate St Ives gallery from £14 per person.

And at the end of the beach you can explore The Island, which is a small park with a chapel.

There are a number of other beaches nearby as well, including Porthgwidden Beach and Bamaluz Beach.

Head to the harbour and you will see the town’s historic lighthouse, too.

Across the streets that sit back from the beaches there are a number of places to grab a bite to eat, from cafes to pubs.

Make sure to head to Pedn Olva, which recently reopend.

The pub overlooks Porthminster Beach with a rooftop bar that has views of the sea.

Inside, visitors can cosy up in ‘snug’ areas or check in to one of the 27 bedrooms that all have sea views (rooms cost from £185 a night).

SWIMMING with sharks in the dark and no cage? Well that is a Jaws-droppingly bold idea.

Just a couple of hours after arriving at the Sun Siyam Iru Veli resort in the Maldives, and being wowed by my over-the-water villa, I’d plunged straight into the aquatic action with an intense but exhilarating experience.

My group of five guests would be night swimming by a coral reef with nurse sharks, which are generally docile around humans.

But they are up to 10ft long and have around 75 teeth!

As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, we gathered at the dive centre to get kitted out and be briefed by guides Alex and Ammaday.

I’m an experienced snorkeller, but it took me a while to get the hang of following the group and coping with the current and waves.

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I was definitely not hanging back to avoid being first on any shark buffet.

Armed with underwater torches, we spotted colourful fish and corals before several nurse sharks swam towards us, some of which were 8ft in length. Absolutely fin-credible.

It is one of various extra-charge activities (£80pp) at the cosy five-star all-inclusive resort in Dhaalu Atoll, now with Privé Collection status after Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam rebranded to mark its 35th anniversary last year.

And now that the Foreign Office has scrapped its advice against travel to destinations such as Doha, flights to this sun-soaked hotspot will be smooth again.

The bucket-list experiences don’t end with sharks.

Another on offer at this resort is the chance to be “cast away” on a desert island, a couple of miles offshore and only accessible by speedboat.

Just us and a resort host on a 200-yards-long by 30-yards-wide sandbar surrounded by pristine sea that’s perfect for snorkelling.

Like the radio show, your Desert Island Discs-covery comes with a “luxury item” — a Japanese bento box and prosecco lunch under a sunshade to refuel you while you enjoy blissful seclusion (experience costs £158pp).

There are plenty of activities included in the price of a stay, too, including guided daytime snorkel tours of the house reef (I found Nemo) and a trip to neighbouring island Ban’didhoo, where some of the 125-villa Iru Veli’s staff live.

Most of the 600 inhabitants work in the fishing industry and our guide Altho showed us the marina where mackerel, yellowfin and bluefin tuna are landed.

To stop overfishing, only rod and line is legal.

After checking out the 17th-century coral-walled mosque, kids’ parks, outdoor gyms and a football ground financed by Sun Siyam, I nosed around a souvenir shop, a 24/7 convenience store (Maldivian WD-40, who knew?) and the small shipyard by the beach.

While there are no resorts on this local island, there is one guest house, the friendly Divhoni, with clean rooms from £55 a night B&B. It’s well worth seeing where Maldivians actually live and work.

As for the other excursions, guests staying at Iru Veli are also entitled to a complimentary sunset cruise to spot dolphins, and £77pp spa credit or scuba, if PADI certified.

All of the swimming and snorkelling requires high energy and the resort’s restaurants can certainly help with that.

Much as I liked the food at the Aqua Orange main buffet, which is included in the price of a stay (the butter chicken curry with ginger pickle was awesome), the most memorable meal was at extra-charge Japanese-themed Teppanyaki, with incredible egg juggling, groan-worthy jokes and stellar chicken, steak, lobster and yellowfin tuna from chef Irvan (set menu £108pp and veggie £71pp). No prizes for guessing where the tuna came from.

One paradise island is never enough, though, and I spent the second half of my week at Sun Siyam’s five-star Iru Fushi resort in the North Male Atoll; like Iru Veli, a 45-minute seaplane transfer from the international airport.

And no sooner had I arrived than I was leaving!

Wild horses couldn’t normally drag me away from a tropical beach, but the throbbing 200 horsepower of a four-seater white “Rolls-Royce” jet car was irresistible.

After a briefing, I was behind the wheel of the £51,000 car-boat, driving across the ocean and getting 007 vibes like the scene with the aquatic Lotus Esprit in the movie The Spy Who Loved Me.

But you don’t have to be a secret agent facing down metal-mouthed baddie Jaws to bag this showstopper.

Starting at £94 for two, you can take the jet car out (escorted by a guide on a jetski) for a thrilling 45mph blast across the ocean that you’ll be telling your mates about for months.

Add drone videos to smash it on socials.

It’s one of various extra-charge activities at the gorgeous Luxury Collection all- inclusive resort.

Others include an Insta-fave floating breakfast in your villa’s infinity pool (£108 for two with fizz).

But there’s so much already included, you can have a brilliant week without spending more than the cost of your holiday in this archipelago of 1,200 islands.

Top of your list will be the Secret Sundowners pop-up bar (alcoholic and non- alcoholic cocktails at Sun Siyam resorts are terrific), wine tasting, kayaking and SUP, guided reef snorkelling and the excellent Sax On The Beach music session.

Food is also a highlight of any Maldives getaway and Sun Siyam’s inclusive restaurants and buffet are so good, you don’t necessarily need to visit a la carte venues.

However, the prawn thermidor I had at Islander’s Grill was sensational.

As was my accommodation, an over-the-water butler-service villa larger than some flats I’ve lived in and with an infinity pool, spa bath and direct sea access.

Iru Fushi has 221 villas and you will rack up your daily steps count getting around this sizeable resort, be it to the dreamy, award-winning Thalgo spa, Fluid bar and its terrific family pool, the adults’ pool and adjacent beachfront No Mistake bar (an unmissable spot), the highly-rated (and included) curry and pan-Asian restaurants or the water sports and dive centre.

You could just lie on the blissful beaches in the Maldives — or you could also drive on the sea like Bond and swim with sharks in the dark.

The choice is Jaws . . . 

Package holiday provider TUI is launching a new direct flight from London Gatwick to a sunshine island in the Indian Ocean that has been likened to a cheaper Maldives or Mauritius

TUI is launching a new non-stop flight to a sun-drenched archipelago likened to the Maldives.

From July 2, sunseekers will be able to get their hands on the package holiday provider’s latest offering – direct flights to Zanzibar in Tanzania.

The new route will depart from London Gatwick twice weekly, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 November 2027, with the last outbound flight of the season on 22 March 2028, giving customers four months to check out the Indian Ocean winter-sun destination.

Known as the ‘Spice Island’ thanks to its farming industry history, Zanzibar offers a mix of white-sand beaches, thick green forests, mangroves and flat grasslands – all within an hour’s drive of each other. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town in Zanzibar City adds a rich culture, helping the island blend relaxation with discovery.

Year-round temperatures of 23°C to 32°C make the destination a brilliant winter sun option for both families and couples alike. It also offers a more affordable alternative to Indian Ocean favourites like the Maldives and Mauritius.

The cost is one of the major draw factors of Zanzibar.

Visitors typically spend between £21 and £109 per day per person, with an average of around £50, covering accommodation, sightseeing, food, and local transport, according to Budget Your Trip.

This compares well to the Maldives, where a typical traveller spends around £265 per day and a one-week trip for two averages about £3,800, Budget Your Trip notes. Typically, meals cost about twice as much in the Maldives as in Zanzibar.

The Maldives earns its premium through private-island resorts, overwater bungalows, and a more exclusive feel, but if you want stunning beaches and turquoise water on a more modest budget, Zanzibar is a great bet.

TUI has paired up its new breaks on Zanzibar with a safari. The experience begins with a short flight from the island to neighbouring national parks Nyerere and Serengeti. From there, holidaymakers can head out in search of elephants, lions, and giraffes.

TUI Musement also offers its own National Park and Spice Farm Tour, where customers can spot rare red colobus monkeys, visit a local upcycling centre and discover more about Zanzibar’s history as ‘The Spice Island’ through guided visits and a traditional lunch at a community-run spice farm.

The holiday company owns a number of properties across the island, including TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar, , known for its beachside setting on the north-east coast, and The Mora Zanzibar, which is a five-star resort. It boasts private pools and family rooms that sleep up to five guests.

How much does it cost?

All-inclusive package holidays to Zanzibar departing on 17 November 2027, including direct TUI flights, transfers and a seven-night stay at TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar start from £2,085 per person, based on two adults sharing.

All-inclusive package holidays staying at the Zanzibar Bay Resort departing on 1 December 2027, including direct TUI flights, transfers and a seven-night stay start from £1,615 per person, based on two adults sharing.

TUI is not the only operator on the island.

The Lost and Found Hostel sits on the east coast and offers very cheap accommodation for those who don’t mind forgoing a little luxury. It has beds for just £16 a night.

Makofi Zanzibar costs roughly double that, but is a little fancier. It is a standout budget pick for the beach. One minute walk to the sea, dorms and private rooms, reliable electricity, and a good restaurant on site.

Several major carriers fly from the UK to Zanzibar, including Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. All current routes require one or two layovers, with the average journey taking about 12 to 17 hours.

You don’t need to take a 12-hour flight to enjoy a luxury Maldives-style resort. This adults-only hotel in Greece is just a four-hour flight from the UK and offers similarly Instagrammable overwater bungalows and floating breakfasts

If you’ve dreamed of soaking up the sun in an overwater bungalow or swim-up room, then the good news is that you no longer need a long-haul flight to enjoy an island paradise.

Just a four-hour flight from the UK, Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa could easily be found on a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. But it’s actually set in the north of Crete, sitting on a long stretch of beach on the sparkling Med. This vast, adults-only resort has a lagoon that meanders through the mega-resort, which is so large that there’s a fleet of golf carts to zip guests around.

But the lagoon is just the start of the watery fun. There are eight pools in total, most of them outdoors, and you’ll find plenty of spots with wooden decking and sunbeds set up for those relaxing days by the water enjoying the Greek sunshine.

Opt for a swim-up room and your accommodation will be set directly on the edge of the lagoon pool, meaning you can swim your way around the resort. There’s no need to find a sunbed in the morning; you can simply relax on your private deck from the moment you get up until bedtime if you want to.

If you don’t feel like walking to the vast breakfast buffet, you can get it delivered right to your door by a mermaid. Nothing quite beats having your morning coffee and a selection of fresh pastries and fruit delivered on a vast floating tray by a mythical creature.

Prices at the hotel tend to compare favourably with luxury Maldives resorts. Outside of peak season, standard rooms with a pool view start at £257 a night based on two sharing on a half-board basis. Overwater nests start at £434 per night for half-board, or £547 for all-inclusive, if you book directly with the hotel.

You can also book the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa as a package with TUI or other holiday operators. Deals with TUI include a 7-night break for two, departing October 29 from London Gatwick including easyJet flights and a sharing a double luxury room on a half-board basis. This is currently priced at £1235.97 per person, and if you’d like to upgrade to all-inclusive this is an extra £342 per person for the week.

Stella Island is set in the Analipsi area of Crete, a traditional seaside village with cosy tavernas, mountain scenery and Cretan archaeological sites. If you prefer more lively vibes, Hersonissos is just a short drive away, where you’ll find sandy coves, waterparks, museums, and lots of fun days out.

There are also other accommodation options in the area, such as the NEMA Design Hotel & Spa, a modern, adult-only resort that has rooms with private jacuzzis or pools and a restaurant serving elevated Crete cuisine. Those bringing older kids could also consider Lyttos Mare, a premium all-inclusive that caters to guests over 12 years old, and has room options with private pools.

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FANCY some Maldives scenery this summer but don’t fancy the long haul flight or the pricey holiday?

You can also experience a same-style sitting on a small uninhabited island in the Mediterranean.

Suluada – which means ‘water island’ – is often dubbed the ‘Turkish Maldives’ thanks to its pristine blue waters (caused by microorganisms called foraminifera) and stunning beaches.

The unique island used to be volcanic and while the island has no restaurants, bars or hotels, it is a great spot to explore bays and relax on the beach.

And if you are lucky, you might even spot some turtles visiting.

Instead of the long-haul flight, you could fly to Antalya which takes between four and four-and-a-half hours.

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And while the island is a great day trip – be warned it is a little difficult to get to.

From Antalya, you can book onto a £11 per person day trip with GetYourGuide to the island, which includes a pick- up from your hotel in the city, the two-hour drive to Adrasan Port and then the boat trip across to the island.

As part of the day trip, you’ll get to explore the island by boat for an hour before hopping off for a couple of hours to swim in the water and chill on the beach.

And it is not the only pretty spot you’ll get to see on the excursion – the boat will also take you to another hidden bay on the island later in the day.

Once back onboard you’ll be given lunch before sailing back to Adrasan.

Don’t worry – most of the boats have loos, so the lack of facilities on the island shouldn’t be an issue.

This boat trip is one of many on GetYourGuide, with others taking place at sunset instead with dinner included or you could book onto one from either Kemer or Belek, if you aren’t staying in Antalya.

Different tours will also provide different things, so make sure to check before booking whether you need to bring your own snorkelling gear and food.

One recent guest said: “This excursion was, without a doubt, my favourite of the trip!

“I absolutely loved the boat tour and was particularly impressed by the swimming stops, which were definitely the highlight for me.

“The boat itself was perfect, with plenty of comfortable seating, sunbathing areas, and a bar.

“I also have to mention the lunch selection, which was by far the best I experienced during my stay.

“It was an absolute delight from start to finish.”

Flights to Antalya in June cost from around £50 per way and if you are looking for a hotel, there are lots of different options.

For example you could stay at the Crowne Plaza by the beach, with both an indoor and outdoor pool, from £109 per night.

A NEW airline has revealed plans to launch flights to some dream holiday hotspots.

Global Airlines – which is the UK’s newest airline – is planning on adding flights from the UK to the Maldives before Christmas.

Speaking with Metro, the airline’s founder, James Asquith, said: “Ask anyone in the UK, do you want to go to the Maldives? I think everyone would say: ‘I’d love to, it’s my dream holiday, or I want to go there on honeymoon.’

“And it’s so underserved from the UK.”

The Maldives is known for being a popular destination for British tourists, with flights taking around 11 hours to reach the islands which feature pretty white sand beaches and famous bungalows hanging over crystal clear waters.

There are currently direct flights already from the UK to the Maldives, including from London Heathrow with British Airways.

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Asquith also shared that the Maldives is just one of a number of long-haul destinations being considered and that the airline is looking to launch flights from a number of UK regional airports such as Manchester and Birmingham.

In addition to the latest flight route news, the airline is currently buying another plane.

The airline’s only plane at the moment, is an A380 – the world’s largest passenger plane.

The airline’s founder revealed that Global isn’t focusing on short-haul routes but instead, on flights to America and transatlantic destinations.

Though he also joked that they might give “a crack or two” at flying to Honolulu in Hawaii, which usually takes between 15 and 16 hours.

The airline already previously launched a route last year; however, only two flights took off and since then, there have been no other flights.

After initially launching in 2022, Global Airlines wanted to start flying from London Gatwick by 2023 and have around 100 planes flying across Europe by 2025.

However, due to several delays, only two commercial flights have flown to date, which were between Glasgow and New York in May 2025.

Since then, Global Airlines’ only plane has remained at Tarbes Airport in France, in a storage hangar.

Asquith mainly blames the delays on maintenance check wait times, but he remains confident that the Maldives route will be up and running before 2027.

A beautiful UK beach that’s perfect to visit in May has been compared to the Caribbean, thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoiled sand – and even locals agree

You don’t have to hop on a long-haul flight to lap up the pristine shores and azure waters of the Caribbean, as there’s a stunning beach right on our doorstep that starkly compares.

The coastline of the UK is perhaps one of the most diverse and striking. There are dramatic whitewashed cliffs in Devon, stretches of golden sand beaches in Dorset, azure waters in Scotland, and traditional Victorian piers stretching out to sea in Somerset.

Yet among these picturesque shores is Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, which has been compared to Caribbean vistas, thanks to its sugar-white sand and sensational, crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a sheltered oasis with rugged cliffs encircling the sandy shores, and thanks to its south-facing position, it offers a natural shelter from coastal winds, alongside warming temperatures.

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It’s often been dubbed one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, and the experts at GO Outdoors ranked the Cornish beach, near Land’s End, among its top 10 for the ‘best UK beaches to visit this Spring’. It’s ideal for a day spent at the beach, whether you’re building sand castles, having a picnic, playing games, or simply reading a book against its scenic backdrop.

Dubbed a UK paradise, one fan shared on TripAdvisor: “I am Cornish born and bred, and can recommend lots of lovely beaches to visit in Cornwall. But Porthcurno beach wins hands down every time! It is truly stunning! We visit as often as we can – you could well be in the Caribbean!”

Another wrote: “The most amazing beach, beautiful white sand and turquoise sea. Breathtaking views and definitely one of the best beaches you will ever find.” A third also noted: “An absolutely beautiful beach in Cornwall with really clear water and white glorious sand and some stunning scenery, a very special beach, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in the UK.”

With notoriously clear waters, it’s ideal for a paddle or swim, and has often been a popular spot for bodyboarding. There’s also a small stream that runs down one side of the beach, ideal for young children and families as a safe place to play in the water.

For those looking to explore the coast on foot, there are ample coastal paths that wind around Porthcurno. The South West Coast Path is situated just behind the beach, where ramblers can stroll west to Porthgwarra, “a reclusive cove”, or walk east to discover Treryn Dinas, “the iconic headland that features a promontory fort that dates back to the Iron Age”, as Visit Cornwall notes.

Yet visitors to Porthcurno Beach may also find themselves transported to Greece, thanks to its renowned open-air theatre overlooking the breathtaking coast. Minack Theatre, which dates back to the early 1930s and still runs performances from May to September, sits atop the rugged cliffs with its magnificent architecture echoing that of the famous Theatre of Dionysus.

Aside from its picture-postcard scenes, that is enough to warrant a visit, the experts at GO Outdoors found that Porthcurno Beach has an average spring temperature of around 10C and an average of 7.3 hours of sunshine per day. While it may feel a little brisk along the coast at times, it’s well worth exploring one of the ‘best beaches in the UK’ to feel as though you’ve stepped onto the sandy shores of the Caribbean, minus the scorching heat.

Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, offered advice for anyone looking to enjoy a beach day trip. “As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to explore the stunning coastlines across the UK. From Druridge Bay Beach in the North East to Immeridge Bay in the South West, there are breathtaking beaches to discover all around the country,” he said.

“When planning your spring beach trip, keep in mind that British weather can still be unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry in case of sudden showers, choose supportive, waterproof footwear for any slippery sand or rocks, and layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.

“Sun protection is also important, even in spring. Apply a generous layer of suncream before you head out, and don’t forget a cap and sunglasses to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.”

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PUSSYCAT Doll Ashley Roberts has an eye on the Maldives after her time in the South African bush.

The singer, 44, is on a luxury break on the paradise islands and posted snaps in a tropical pink bikini, as well as relaxing on the sand and cooling down after a shower.

It comes ahead of a big week on I’m A Celebrity’s all-stars series, which she filmed at the end of last year.

Hosts Ant and Dec have hinted contestant Ashley takes centre stage in tonight’s drama.

She seemed to win a solitary biscuit after her triumph in Friday’s Balance of Power trial.

But Ant said: “That’s not the end of it!”

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Dec added: “That’s not all she has won.”

Over the years I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Ashley Roberts has made a number of wild sex confessions.

From a steamy dream about romping with Harry Styles, to revealing her turn-ons in the I’m A Celeb Jungle, the Pussycat Dolls star, 44, is known for not holding back.

It’s fair to say Ashley has made a career out of being sexy.

The star oozes sex appeal, thanks to being in the sizzling girlband the Pussycat Dolls.

Since her rise to fame in the early noughties, Ashley, who thrilled fans when she was first to strip off for the I’m A Celebrity South Africa shower, has revealed some sexy details about her life.

The singer and dancer has made a number of racy confessions that would make anybody listening blush.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an update for a sun-soaked holiday hotspot and warned that there have ‘been fatal accidents’ in the area

The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for a hugely popular holiday destination that welcomes thousands of Brits every year.

On Wednesday, 15 April, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for the Maldives. They warned about swimming safety in the Indian Ocean, with the Maldives renowned as a hotspot for snorkelling, swimming and watersports due to its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

While the waters around the Maldives are appealing, the FCDO warned that they “can have strong tidal currents that can drag you away from the shoreline.” They noted that more than eight Brits have drowned in the area since 2021, and urged everyone to be aware of the risks and understand how to minimise them.

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In an updated warning, they said: “You should read the security information provided by your tour operator and make yourself aware of local swimming conditions on arrival at the resort. Keep in regular contact with resort staff to see if these conditions change.

“Only swim in well supervised areas, areas designated as safe for tourists, or where lifeguards are available. Pay attention to warning signs or flags and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents, high waves or dangerous underwater conditions. If something does not feel right, get out of the water at the earliest opportunity.”

They further highlighted: “Being aware of the potential dangers will help you to stay safe. Always take local advice before going into the sea.

“There have been fatal accidents involving boat propellers in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) and nearby whale shark tourism sites. Regulations requiring propeller guards are not yet fully enforced. Take extra care when swimming or snorkelling near boats and follow local safety instructions.

“See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.”

The FCDO doesn’t advise against travel to the Maldives, but it has warned that “escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption”. This has resulted in airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, which could impact “connections to and from the Maldives.”

For anyone planning a trip to the Maldives, the Foreign Office advises the following before travelling:

• “Check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling
• Review your travel insurance policy to confirm what is covered
• Monitor local and international media and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts”

In further travel advice for safety in the Maldives, the FCDO highlight that terrorist attacks “cannot be ruled out”. They state: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”

For more information on travel advice to the Maldives, visit the Foreign Office website.

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