pools

OCTOBER half term is right around the corner and if you’re looking for a last minute holiday to entertain the kids, this hotel is for you.

It has eight pools, plenty of slides, a kids club and daily mini disco, families will never be bored.

Globales Playa Estepona sits on the Costa del Sol, and it’s the biggest waterpark hotel in the region.

Scattered across the hotel are eight swimming pools, three of which are made for children.

There’s also daily entertainment like the aqua gym, aqua sports and organised competitions.

Other activities include tennis and beach volleyball, there’s an on-site gym for guests – or if you want to relax take a stroll around the gardens.

There’s lots to see as the hotel site is across 40,000 square feet.

If guests want to escape the hotel there’s a free shuttle bus to Puerto Banús, a luxury marina and resort town in Marbella.

As for food and drink, the hotel has a main buffet restaurant which serves up breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Mostly the food is Mediterranean-style, but there are other international options too.

There’s also the Terrace Bar and poolside bar for drinks and snacks, and the Beach Club is where guests can enjoy al fresco dining.

There are plenty of room choices from Double for single use without balcony, to Double without balcony, Superior Double with or without a balcony and Premium Doubles.

Each room features a bathroom, satellite TV, Wi-Fi service, air conditioning and comfortable beds

The hotel is just half an hour away from Marbella which is not just the place to go for a party.

Marbella has lovely beaches like Nagüeles Beach, Cabopino Beach and Fontanilla Beach which is known as a popular family-friendly option.

A week-long all-inclusive stay during half-term week in the hotel for a family of four in a Double Superior with Balcony costs €1,077.78 (£938.87) – which is £234.72pp.

To get to Globales Playa Estepona, Brits will have to fly to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport.

TUI offers package holidays to Globales Playa Estepona over half term week which works out at £637.71pp (including flights).

October half term is still a great time for a break in Spain as temperatures reach highs of 23C.

For more waterparks in the UK, check out the country’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark where it’s always 30C.

Plus, the new £200million indoor waterpark arriving in the UK with 4-storey slides could open in 3 locations.

Pontins Holiday Park in Prestatyn, Wales was once a thriving tourism hotspot, but now it lies dormant and soulless after it was closed permanently in November 2023

Countless memories were made by families up and down the country at Pontins Holiday Park in Prestatyn, Wales.

A once thriving tourism hotspot with its own private beach, swimming pools and playground — but now the “filthy hellhole” lies completely dormant, and a shadow of its former self.

Having been open since 1971, the park closed permanently back in November 2023, and speculation would continue to swirl about future plans.

There have been rumours of redevelopment into a new attraction, or perhaps to be knocked down for flats and houses, but no decision of any substance has ever truly been made, and it has been left to rot away.

Photos emerged over the years, showing an overgrown, sad and dilapidated site with run-down buildings dotted throughout.

News of the park’s unexpected closure hit the local community hard. Britannia Hotels, who owns Pontins, had not only brought the shutters down on the Welsh site, but also its Camber Sands park in East Sussex.

Local residents spoke to North Wales Live earlier this year where they explained what they would like to see done, with Pete Davis, who owns a cleaning business that once operated at Pontins, saying: “It ought to be used for something. I think it should be a holiday camp again. The council could issue a compulsory purchase order (to help that happen).”

Another agreed, adding: “It’s empty and I’d rather it was a holiday camp again. We moved here in 1973 and it was never any trouble to us.

“I don’t want it knocked down for more houses as I don’t feel there are enough doctors’ surgeries and schools, not enough infrastructure to support them.”

But a grandmother-grandson duo labelled it a “decrepit” and an “eyesore”, saying: “It’s quite decrepit and an eyesore for the local community. Something needs to be done. It should be reborn as a holiday camp or used for modern apartments.

“Something needs to be doing to it otherwise it’s going to become a drug den or a place for flytippers.”

The people are not the only ones who wish to see change at the abandoned holiday camp, with the Mayor of Prestatyn, Cllr Adrian West, adding: “I want to see the site brought back into some form of productive use again.

“For it just to be lying idle is doing nobody any good. I would not want it used for some sort of industry, given that it’s right next to the waterfront.”

He added how Pontins Prestatyn holds the keys to bringing life back to the town’s streets, increasing footfall which would be a mega boost for shops, as well as increasing the number of employment opportunities in the area.

But not everyone is upset the park has brought the curtains down after more than half a century of operation, with one Tripadvisor review admitting: “Thank god this rancid filthy cesspit has shutdown. Awful, worn out and really dirty. and it needed knocking down years ago.”

A second under added: “As time has gone by all the rooms are filled with mold, vomit, worse than a dog kennel. It looks like a garbage dump,” while someone else confessed: “There are no words to describe how awful this place is. A prison cell would be preferable to the chalet.

“The areas outside are overgrown, potholes in the car park, pavements cracked and overgrown. Concrete on stairs broken, support for stairs rotten, nails sticking out.”

Beachgoers love the ‘hidden gem’ swimming spot with clear water and stunning views

With more sunny weather on the way, beachgoers will be searching for the perfect spot to get away from it all. For anyone lucky enough to find themselves near Cornwall, a social media user has found a ‘hidden gem’ spot.

Of course, there is no shortage of stunning bays along the Cornish coast, and most will be familiar to locals. However, for those travelling from further afield, Treyarnon Bay Beach might be a lesser-known spot that’s well worth a visit.

Found in North Cornwall, the beach is approximately 11 miles from Newquay, and dogs are allowed all year. The Cornwall Beach Guide says: “Treyarnon Bay Beach is an excellent family beach with lots of sand and rock pools and can be used for surfing.”

The stunning spot was recently showcased in a TikTok video by @hannahrebecca__, who told followers: “You need to visit this hidden gem in the UK.” Meanwhile, her video showed families jumping off rocks into the clear water. An impressed commenter wrote: “Soooo blue.” Hannah replied: “Just so pretty.”

Treyarnon Bay Beach is popular with visitors on Tripadvisor, where it is ranked as one of the best things to do in St Merryn. One reviewer wrote: “What a stunning place. If food and drinks are your thing, visit Treyarnon beach. If diving into blue lagoons and rock pools is your thing, visit Treyarnon beach.

“If lounging around on beautiful sandy beaches watching the sea wash up onto the sand is your thing, visit Treyarnon beach. Rock pooling, building sand castles, swimming, relaxing, what ever you like to do – you don’t need to go on a plane to anywhere else in the world with places like this in England. Breathtakingly stunning. A must visit if you’re in Cornwall!!”

Another praised: “Incredible bay with beautiful beach and surfers worth watching! Dog friendly enabling our Staffy to have a great time chasing his football up and down the beach. With the tide out there are some amazing “secret” rock pools with some large and deep enough to swim in!”

A different response read: “What a fabulous bay. Great for wave watching/jumping/boards although strong currents so make sure you stay between the lifeguard flags. The tide goes out a long way revealing rock pools as well as a tidal pool.

“All day parking was £5 (June 2025) and there is a little shop, burger van (great burgers!) and ice cream van. Toilets were available at the YHA. Coastal path takes you round to Constantine bay which is also lovely.”

Someone else said: “Superb beach. Probably my fave beach along with Mawgan Porth, with Constantine a short yet beautiful coastal walk away. Great facilities, lots of rock pools to discover. A definite must to visit if you love sandy beaches and crystal blue sea and waves to surf/bodyboard in.”

The postcode for Treyarnon Bay Beach is PL28 8JR.

Queenstown is the most tranquil destination in the world, thanks to its low levels of noise and light pollution, cleanliness rating and quality of green spaces

If you’re seeking a holiday where tranquillity, breath aking scenery and utter relaxation are the order of the day, then one destination should be at the top of your list.

Tucked away on the other side of the globe, nestled between the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu and the majestic Southern Alps, is the New Zealand city of Queenstown. Recently crowned the most serene spot on earth by TravelBag, this enchanting city is a pristine paradise waiting to be discovered.

It offers an unspoilt environment that encourages you to truly unwind, disconnect, and immerse yourself in nature.

The travel experts analysed 26 locations to identify the most peaceful, using key indicators such as noise and light pollution, cleanliness, and the quality of green spaces, with Queenstown emerging victorious.

Queenstown scored an impressive cleanliness rating of 91.7, outshining all other destinations, and a high green space quality score of 94.4.

With relatively low traffic congestion and minimal light pollution, Queenstown is an ideal location for stargazing, reports the Express.

It’s also a fantastic destination to visit throughout the year.

During the winter months, visitors can enjoy superb ski fields and cosy eateries, while the summer sees the city transform into a sun-drenched haven boasting numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as stunning swimming spots.

For thrill-seekers, there’s bungee jumping, ziplines and paragliding.

And for those who prefer a more tranquil experience, there are hot pools with breathtaking views over the alps, as well as spas and wellness centres.

If you fancy visiting this stunning location and experiencing all it has to offer, bear in mind that it is somewhat off the beaten track.

A flight from the UK to Queenstown takes approximately 25 hours, but departures are available daily.

If you’re after a winter getaway, the optimal time to travel is between June and August, whereas for a summer holiday, December through to February is the best period to visit.

Ranking top of the list for overall dog-friendliness is the beautiful Perranporth Beach, located on the North Cornwall stretch of coast. It offers plenty of rock pools to nose about in and waves to splash in

Perranporth Beach in Cornwall has been named the best dog-friendly beach in the country.

In pursuit of helping dog owners finding the best beach destinations to visit ahead of the summer, the Canine Cottages team looked into beaches across the nation to reveal the UK’s most dog-friendly beaches based on factors such as traveller reviews, dog-friendly activities, car park accessibility and terrain.

Ranking top of the list for overall dog-friendliness is the beautiful Perranporth Beach, located on the North Cornwall stretch of coast. It offers plenty of rock pools to nose about in and waves to splash in. It is a haven for dogs and their seaside-loving owners, the beach is dog-friendly all year round. However, dogs are required to be on leads in July and August on the main beach area, but this still leaves a wide expanse of dunes and beach where they can be let off, particularly at low tide.

There are also plenty of dog-friendly eateries for owners to choose from, including The Watering Hole for handmade burgers and Cornish craft ales. Or, if you fancy a spot of afternoon tea, head to The Tea Room, where you’ll even find pup-friendly ice cream.

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Perranporth Beach also recorded the highest average temperatures of the beaches analysed, at 11.5 degrees, perfect for catching some Vitamin D. However, make sure you keep your pup hydrated and allow enough time in the shade when the weather heats up.

Perranporth is a favourite amongst UK beachgoers, renowned for its breathtaking Atlantic vistas, three-mile stretch of golden sands, and superb surfing conditions. It was named the sixth most beautiful beach in the UK by Iglu Cruise, based on Tripadvisor reviews, and offers a variety of activities from swimming and snorkelling to horse riding.

Haven Holidays provides family-friendly escapes at picturesque UK coastal spots, offering a plethora of activities and entertainment. One of its most frequented parks, Perran Sands, is just a stone’s throw away from Perranporth Beach.

Perran Sands boasts a wide array of activities, including two heated swimming pools and a private beach that’s perfect for surfing. There’s also an activity hub brimming with sports and leisure options to keep everyone amused.

In close proximity, you’ll discover some of Cornwall’s top attractions, such as the Eden Project, home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, and Paradise Park, a popular wildlife sanctuary housing tropical birds and animals.

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On location, guests can relax at the Surf Bay restaurant with a traditional Cornish cream tea, savour chicken accompanied by blues music at Slim Chickens, or enjoy beverages at the Coast Sports Bar.

With various lodging options available, a four-day midweek getaway begins at £170 for a budget caravan in June. Guests can alternatively embrace glamping in a safari tent, yurt, or geodome for £119, or opt for chalet accommodation at £175.

As another option, Sykes Cottages offers an extensive range of self-catering holiday properties situated along the Heritage Coast, featuring delightful dog-friendly retreats near the shoreline.

For travellers seeking luxury treatment, the renowned Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa serves as an exclusive adults-only sanctuary beside the ocean. Located just 20 minutes down the coast, visitors have described it as “an amazing place” in a “beautiful location.”

Outdoor holiday specialist Eurocamp is offering five families the dream job of becoming official ‘Pool Testers,’ a role that requires them to try out its newest pools, waterslides, and aquatic areas this summer

You could escape the sweltering heat and cool off in some of the finest pools Europe has to offer.

Outdoor holiday specialist Eurocamp is offering five families the dream job of becoming official ‘Pool Testers,’ a role that requires them to try out its newest pools, waterslides, and aquatic areas this summer.

Families who are visiting one of five parks with new aquatic areas opening in 2025—Lac des Vieilles Forges, Le Domaine du Clarys, Saint Avit Loisirs, Rivages des Landes, or Le Port de Plaisance—can apply for the role, which involves reviewing the new pools and waterslides on camera.

The opportunity offers five lucky families from the UK and Ireland a chance to be among the first to try Eurocamp’s newest aquatic experiences, with successful applicants receiving €100 holiday spending money per day, up to a total of €700 per family, to enjoy during their stay.

Ross Matthews, chief marketing officer at Eurocamp, said: “Our pools and aquatic areas are something customers look forward to and remember most about a Eurocamp holiday, so who better to test them out?

“For the first time ever, we’re looking for five families with kids of all ages to review our newest additions and share with the world what they think. Their feedback will also help to inform the future development of waterparks across our catalogue for 2026 and beyond.

“All they’ll need to do is jump in and report back on the pools and waterslides at those parks, like the new shallow sprayground at Le Domaine du Clarys or the thrilling new slides at Le Port de Plaisance. As well as being confident in the water, they’ll need to be confident both in front of and behind the camera too—we’ll be sharing their reports across our social media channels and online to show other Eurocamp customers what they can expect.”

Holidaymakers can apply by submitting a short video (no longer than two minutes) to Eurocamp’s website, where they can find hints and tips for a successful application video, such as explaining why their family fits the bill, illustrating enthusiasm for their upcoming Eurocamp holiday, and showing how comfortable they are in front of the camera.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 6 July 2025, and will be reviewed by a panel of internal Eurocamp experts. The successful Pool Testers will be notified by midnight on 11 July 2025.

If you want, I can help make it more concise or more engaging too!

Eurocamp parks with new aquatic areas opening in 2025:

• Lac des Vieilles Forges, Ardennes, France
• Le Domaine du Clarys – Le Clarys Plage, Vendée, France
• Saint Avit Loisirs, Dordogne, France
• Rivages des Landes, Landes, France
• Le Port de Plaisance, Brittany, France

Getty Images

George Herd, BBC News, reporting from Eryri

Formerly a Hyatt Regency, this expansive resort underwent a $64-million property-wide renovation in 2024 and rebranded to fall under the luxury Grand Hyatt umbrella. The rooms, villas and restaurants all saw a major facelift, as did the poolscape with new decorative archways, landscaping and seating. The showpiece is the HyTides water park, which is a holdover from the Regency days with a 450-foot lazy river and 30-foot dueling waterslides that overlook a whopping eight pools, including an adults-only sanctuary. One of my favorite new areas is a newly refreshed hideout for kiddos with a splash pad, a mini waterslide and a 1-foot-high wading pool. Forgot swim diapers or a flotation vest? The amenity stand at the pool provides them for free.

At many times, the pool area takes on a summer camp vibe with free group activities ranging from chalk art to bracelet making, fishing, tie-dye and bingo. On many Friday and Saturday evenings, outdoor movies are screened under the stars with s’mores kits available to purchase.

Pool chairs are plentiful, even in peak season, and wherever you sit, food and drinks are served poolside or available to purchase at a walk-up counter. I especially like bringing my kids here, not just for the ample places to splash around, but also for the outdoor game area, which comes with oversized Connect Four, cornhole, foosball, ping-pong and giant Jenga.

Just know that parking is not included and costs an extra $12. You can buy your pass on ResortPass, but unlike most other hotels in the area, the Grand Hyatt also sells them directly on its website, and you’ll save $4 per adult and $2 per child if you do so. Plus, in my experience, this hotel sells out fast on ResortPass, so you might have better luck if you purchase entry through the hotel, though weekends in high season are often blocked out.

Day pass: $50 through the hotel, $54 on ResortPass