pools

I’M on Cloud Nine, floating blissfully between infinity pools and saunas, with panoramic views of a perfectly still lake.

I am at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Hotel in the Lake District.

The rejuvenating adventure promises to refresh my senses and entire being. It does.

I hop between the two-tiered heated outdoor infinity pools and explore three sauna set-ups – eucalyptus, salt and natural mineral – then move between a number of pools at different temperatures.

Finally, I meander over to the bar, where I find an enticing range of cocktails, mocktails, beers, soft drinks and upmarket snacks.

Luckily, my luxurious suite at the hotel’s Winander Club is only a short plod away, behind and above the main hotel with views of mighty Lake Windermere.

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Those staying in The Winander Club area of the hotel not only benefit from fancy rooms with luxury additions such as freestanding bath tubs, they also enjoy exclusive dining spaces.

You won’t be short of decent food options in the hotel, though, even if you are staying in the main area.

There’s fine-dining cuisine at the W Restaurant and chunky ciabatta sandwiches and bar snacks in the very cosy public bar.

My favourite, however, was the popular Blue Smoke, with its centrepiece wood-fired grill.

Think steaks, fish served whole and maple-glazed salmon fillet all dished up with The Blue Smoke’s special chunky chips and slaw.

I’m still dreaming about my starter of butterfly king prawns, which were the size of fingers of Bownessie Monster – the myththical creature said to inhabit Lake Windermere.

Visitors could easily spend a weekend holed up in this cosy spot but the real highlight of the hotel is its location in the rolling Cumbrian countryside.

After a hearty full English brekkie – special mention to the very tasty Cumberland sausages – I got ready to explore the charms of Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere.

But be prepared to queue if you want to take a boat trip across Lake Windermere.

Most depart from Bowness, serenely gliding over the water alongside the paddle boarders and private boats.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, this time of year is great for a stroll.
Autumnal hues

As I strapped on my walking boots and struck out up the fells, I soaked up the glowing autumnal hues on the hills.

Ambleside is also well worth exploring.

This busy but quaint town has many upmarket shops and boutiques alongside local businesses ranging from homemade-chocolate stores and lambswool outfitters to traditional watering holes.

There’s even a Michelin-rated restaurant in the cellars at The Old Stamp House where Lake District bard William Wordsworth once worked as Distributor of Stamps.

As the sun began to set over Windermere, trimming the hills with a fiery orange, it was back to the Winander Club for a sundowner.

The perfect way to end a day.

GO: Standard Willow rooms at The Low Wood Bay & Spa cost from £216 per night.

Thermal journey spa packages cost from £60p.

See englishlakes.co.uk.

IT’S 11pm and I’m at the all-night cafe in pyjamas and slippers, unsure whether to order six or eight chocolate-chip cookies.  

The lady next to me, by contrast, is dressed in a glamorous ballgown and buying an espresso. 

Peering down into the Piazza below — my eight cookies in hand — I spy a lively crowd who are throwing their best shapes to dance music at the silent disco. 

A cruise is like no other holiday. 

While I was preparing myself for a girls’ night in, with room service and a movie, other passengers were rolling out of glitzy restaurants and heading off in search of late-night fun in the Piazza or pouring out of the theatre after another West End-style show. 

Couples were taking a stroll around the outside deck in the warm Mediterranean air and the casino’s bright lights were still drawing in crowds.

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Where else can you get such varied fun rolled into one small(ish) space? 

That’s why, when it came to deciding our girls’ trip this year, a voyage on the high seas came out on top.

My work pals and I can’t take credit for coining the girls’ trip at sea. 

More and more women are swapping long weekends sipping pina coladas in Marbella for action-packed sailings. 

And major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, have begun flogging packages designed solely for female groups — championing the on-board shopping and sleek bars and the appeal of the multiple destinations in one trip. 

Princess Cruises’ Suzanne Korff says: “It’s the ultimate girls’ trip — the perfect blend of luxury, laughter and adventure, all with incredible value.”  

It’s certainly true that cruises offer more bang for your buck — a huge perk in a time when people are more cash-strapped than ever.

My week’s Mediterranean sailing on board Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess cost my pals and I around £900 per person.

When we weren’t pounding the sunny streets of Palermo in Sicily, or gobbling up pizza in Naples, we were aboard the 21-deck ship soaking up the sun.  

That included not just our flights and cabin, but all of our food and all the entertainment — from Broadway musicals in the large theatre to Celtic bands in the traditional Irish boozer. 

When we weren’t pounding the sunny streets of Palermo in Sicily, or gobbling up pizza in Naples, we were aboard the 21-deck ship soaking up the sun.  

And there were plenty of places to gather for a good dip and gossip.

There are two sparkling pools on the Lido deck, complete with plenty of loungers, as well as a fantastic Wake View pool with infinity edge overlooking the back of the ship. 

Mixologist tricks 

For those chillier, early-morning swims, the indoor/outdoor pool in the glass-ceilinged Dome was perfect — again with plenty of places to chill with your pals. 

Those wanting to really up the ante can splash out on a suite, which will give you access to the Sanctuary Club.  

Think your ultimate Mediterranean beach club but with a chilled, tranquil atmosphere and cushioned beds and loungers, scattered between hot tubs. 

There’s also a decent-sized pool, as well as a bar that can whip up all manner of cocktails, including an excellent frozen daiquiri.

Some afternoons, a DJ or live singer appear, perfect to lull you into a serene snooze while you tan.

But the highlight of this exclusive zone is undoubtedly the prosecco wall.

Several times a day, during the afternoon, guests are encouraged to ring a large bell protruding from a plant-covered wall.

Moments later, a hand will emerge from the shrubbery, as if by magic, clutching a complimentary flute of prosecco for the bell-ringer.  

On sea days, the magical wall even serves up mimosas from 9.30am to 11am. 

Of course, drinks can be delivered directly to your sunbed. Food can be ordered anywhere within the Sanctuary Club, too, so you really needn’t lift a finger. 

But with 30 restaurants and bars on board, you would be mad not to dine around.  

Among complimentary options are Soleil and Eclipse dining areas, each serving a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner in a grand two-level setting.  

For something more casual, The Eatery is Sun Princess’ take on a buffet, where you can flit between Mexican, Italian, American and almost every other cuisine imaginable.  

Elsewhere there’s sushi, pub grub and a gelateria, all included in the price of your cruise. And that’s before you get to the specialty joints, for which guests pay extra.  

Spellbound, created in partnership with American arts venue Magic Castle, is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar where mixologists perform tricks. 

The teppanyaki restaurant is well worth the dosh. Sat at a horseshoe-shaped bar, around a huge steel griddle, we watched as our chef turned dinner into a show — tossing eggs with a flick of his fish slice and transforming an omelette into a snake that slithered before our eyes. 

The magic did not end there, though. What makes this cruise ship truly stand out lies behind an unassuming door on the eighth deck.

Spellbound, created in partnership with American arts venue Magic Castle, is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar where mixologists perform tricks. 

Welcomed into a cosy, low-lit room with a flickering fireplace and panelled walls covered in black-and-white photographs, we were transported back in time to the roaring Twenties.

We were listening as an ominous voice recalled the story of a family of magicians — when suddenly the wall ahead slid open, revealing a hidden bar. 

Every detail within, from paintings that follow you while you walk, to the ghost of a pianist who even takes song requests, has been carefully schemed. 

And the sorcery doesn’t end there. Smoke-billowing cocktails are accompanied by card tricks — leading up to a grand finale that will have you gasping in awe. 

Not even the sunrise view from our cabin balconies could top that magic. 

GOOD evening, Miss Ruth, house Bubbles?

Yes please, I tell my lovely waiter Noor.  

My seven-day cruise around the English Channel was getting off to a sparkling start — and I felt pampered from day one. 

The cruise was for the over-50s and I soon discovered that you don’t have to be young to have fun.  

Many of my fellow Boomers told me they return to Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience to take in “the warmest welcome at sea” again and again. 

Ambassador, launched four years ago, specialises in no-fly sailings from home ports including Tilbury, Essex, just an hour’s drive from home for me. 

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Its Ambience ship has capacity for 1,400 passengers, so it’s smaller and less crowded than many of the mega-liners of today.  

Our ports of call were all places I had on my wish list. Fowey in Cornwall, the Isles Of Scilly, Guernsey in the Channel Islands and Honfleur in France. 

The food on board was exceptional. On the first night I enjoyed a special of steak and lobster for a small extra cost, served by waiter Adie.

He and Noor felt like friends by the end of the trip. After dinners, drinks in one of the many lounges or bars beckoned, or even a quiz, ending the evenings with a theatre show. 

My Expedition Drinks Package took away any worries about a drinks bill at the end of the trip. 

On the first day at sea I swam in the seawater pool — nippy but refreshing. But there are lots of other ways to relax too, including spa treatments. I was treated to an excellent Indian head massage.  

On the first of two formal dress-up nights I was lucky enough to dine with Captain Hugh Maynard, who was great company.  

For more laid-back, buffet-style meals, Borough Market serves fish and chips, roasts, curries, stir fries, salads and more.

I also loved the luxury of dining in the upmarket Sea And Grass restaurant. The seven-course tasting menu was fabulous.  

Saffron is another speciality restaurant for curry fans. Worth paying a little extra for. 

Our first stop was Fowey in Cornwall and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. We also passed author Daphne du Maurier’s former home in this very pretty town — no wonder Dawn French bought a house there too.  

Cute puffins 

The subtropical Lost Gardens are about 40 minutes from Fowey. Giant ferns, palm trees and exotic plants dominate on the 200-acre site created in the 18th and 19th centuries.  

Our next stop, and my favourite of the trip, was the Isles of Scilly.  

As the ship sailed past the outer, uninhabited islands, they were swathed in mist, making them look more mysterious.  

Our last stop was in Honfleur in Normandy. Popular excursions included Monet’s house and gardens, the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry.

We dropped anchor outside the harbour of the biggest island, St Mary’s. There are five inhabited islands and over 140 smaller uninhabited ones and rocks here. 

We were picked up directly from the ship for a wildlife tour onboard an open-decked vessel of the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association. Over an hour and a half we spotted Atlantic grey seals and an array of birds, including cute puffins.  

Other guests had chosen a boat trip to the island of Tresco to see the spectacular subtropical gardens there. This small taste of these stunning islands — with their white, sandy beaches and clear, turquoise seas, more like the Caribbean than Cornwall — will definitely lure me back. 

Next stop was Guernsey. Docking in the capital St Peter Port, I did a spot of VAT-free shopping along the town’s pretty cobbled streets.  

Other passengers chose to discover the island’s wartime history or its beautiful landscape by vintage bus.  

Our last stop was in Honfleur in Normandy. Popular excursions included Monet’s house and gardens, the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry, but a simple stroll around this beautiful place is a delight.  

With its timber-framed houses and pretty Old Harbour and cafes and restaurants lining the quays, it is perfect for a lunch or just a beer. Also worth a peek is the 15th-century Saint Catherine’s Church — the largest wooden church in France.  

Leaving France on the last night of my cruise, I had plenty of special memories — and plans to make for my next sail-away adventure. 

IT might be coming to the end of the year, so now is a great time to book a holiday – and here are the best places to visit.

One On the Beach expert named his ‘best kept underrated secret hotels’ with aquaparks, private beaches and panoramic sea views.

Luna Vista Belek, Turkey

In the very popular Turkish resort of Belek in Antalya is this new 5-star hotel that opened earlier this year in May 2025.

The Luna Vista Belek is a 5-star resort on the coast of Belek and even has its very own private beach and reviews at 4.9 out of 5.

Despite this, On the Beach revealed there are still plenty of spaces with a low booking rate.

On the Beach expert Rob Brooks said: “This place barely gets booked compared to the big Belek names – but the people who do absolutely rave about it”.

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The hotel has six pools, an aquapark and entertainment from festivals to karaoke, and even cinema nights.

It also has ultra all-inclusive options with gourmet meals all day and night.

A seven-night stay at the Luna Vista Belek starts from £770pp including flights from London Gatwick.

3HB Faro, Portugal

The five-star luxury 3HB hotel is in downtown Faro but is still quiet enough that it won’t feel like its in the heart of the city.

Rob said: “If you want a city break that feels like a beach resort, this is it”.

Common mentions in the reviews are the modern rooftop pool area and ‘ridiculously good breakfasts’.

The hotel has two restaurants as well as a rooftop bar that looks over the city and is a five-minute walk from the centre of Faro.

A seven-night stay at the 3HB Faro starts from £830pp (room only) with flights from London Gatwick.

Eagles Nest Studios, Kefalonia

The Eagles Nest Studios is in the tiny village of Lourdas in Kefalonia at the foot of Mount Ainos – which means you get amazing mountain and sea views.

Rob calls it the “definition of an underrated Greek gem” and reviews compliment the “unbelievably kind owners”, “panoramic hillside views” and “simple but spotless rooms”.

It’s even been lauded as a ‘four star experience at a two star price’.

The Eagles Nest Studios is a perfect stay for anyone looking for simplicity – it has an onsite pool and local tavernas.

A four-night stay at the Eagles Nest Studios starts from £420pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

Basar Hotel, Turkey

The three-star Basar Hotel is tucked slightly inland from Dalaman in Turkey very near to Marmaris.

Rob reveals that the reviews compliment its “family-run vibe with homecooked meals” .

The hotel has twin, double and triple rooms – each has an ensuite and balcony.

There’s a main restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating – and both breakfast and dinner are buffet service.

Outside is a swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds and inside is even a TV lounge.

A seven-night stay at the Basar Hotel starts from £345pp (for a B&B) with flights from London Gatwick.

La Concha Boutique, Lanzarote

La Concha Boutique is a three-star adult only apartment complex on the beach in Lanzarote.

The white-washed peaceful complex has an outdoor pool, guests can stay in one of the roomy apartments that’s equipped with speedy Wi-Fi.

Reviews have described the place as a “luxury Airbnb” and Rob reveals the reason that it isn’t as booked up because it’s slightly tucked away.

A seven-night stay at La Concha Boutique starts from £565pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

Hotel Iliana Panormos, Crete

The Hotel Iliana Panormos is a two-star hotel on the island of Crete with a central courtyard and swimming pool.

Reviews say it’s a “proper Greek family run gem” in the village of Panormos near pretty tavernas.

The hotel looks classically Greek with white walls with terracotta rooftop tiles and bright blue doors.

It’s only 150m from pretty sandy beaches as well as watersport spots, and it’s within walking distance of local tavernas and shops.

A seven-night stay at Hotel Iliana Panormos starts from £370pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

A Suite Side, Turkey

A Suite Side is a three-star complex in Side, Antalya that has self-contained apartments with a shared pool.

Rob reveals that guest reviews say it feels a “boutique design hotel but with Turkish value for money“.

The hotel is missed because it doesn’t have sea views – but it’s a very short walk away from the beach front.

There are plenty of rooms up for grabs including those with garden and pool views, others come with Jacuzzis – but all come with a furnished balcony or terrace, an open-plan living room and kitchen.

At the hotel are multiple pool areas, one for adults and a smaller one for children.

A seven-night stay at A Suite Side starts from £455pp (on a self-catering basis).

Idyll Suites, Gran Canaria

The adults only Idyll Suites is found in sunny Gran Canaria which has sunny terraces and incredible ocean views.

In fact, the 24 deluxe suites and 23 superior suites, all face the sea and have beautiful panoramic views.

Reviews say it feels like a “luxury suite at a mid-range price” with many guests stating they return year after year.

It’s self-catering, but nearby is the Delicias restaurant and a place to enjoy Mediterranean specialities – and hotel guests get an exclusive discount.

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It’s in the quieter part of Gran Canaria near to Puerto de Mogan’s pretty harbour, and 4km from lively Puerto Rico.

A seven-night stay at the Idyll Suites starts from £435pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

WE watched from our balcony as the sunset bled into the sky, transforming its blue hues into a vibrant shade of pink.

We weren’t expecting a visitor, but a sudden arrival only made this serene moment more magical.

From the trees above, a fuzzy owl had swooped down, perching on the edge of our balcony just feet away from where we lay. He seemed to be enjoying the views as much as we were.

We weren’t shocked by his arrival — after all, this was just one of many incredible wildlife interactions my partner and I had here on Portugal’s south coast.

As well as spotting dragonflies and lizards roaming between the hotel’s ten swimming pools, we stumbled upon dozens of turtles sheltering in the shady streams while walking down to the beach one day.

The wildlife is certainly a highlight of a visit to the Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, in Portugal’s Algarve.

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But it’s not the main reason holidaymakers head here. The sprawling resort is famous for its 18-hole golf course, one of the most challenging in the country as well as one of the most scenic, sandwiched between a beach and a nature reserve.

We were not here to practise our putting, though. Instead, R&R was at the top of our agenda.

With a state-of-the-art gym, huge spa hub and a health foods cafe which specialises in zero waste food, we couldn’t have picked a more appropriate place for our weekend of wellness.

Better still, at this time of year, flights start at just £42 and the journey only takes two-and-a-half hours.

We’d opted for a garden view room which overlooked the pool and an abundance of tropical greenery.

The suites here, which start at a bargain £116 per night, come decked out with a proper kitchen, including fridge and a washing machine.

There’s also a modern living area and large balcony complete with padded armchairs for soaking up the last of the afternoon rays with a glass of fizz.

With such extensive cooking facilities, you needn’t spend a penny on meals out if you don’t want to. But, with our focus on relaxation, the hotel’s buffet restaurant, In Season, became our go-to.

Ripe goodies

Daily breakfasts here were an exciting affair, with a fresh omelette station stealing the show. The fruit bar piled high with ripe goodies, freshly-pressed juices and a vast bread and pastry selection kept us more than satisfied until lunch.

The dinner options at In Season are limited to a small but excellent spread of buffet foods including a delicious freshly cooked tuna served in a salsa verde sauce and scorched BBQ chicken skewers.

While the options for vegetarians were more limited, the salad bar and cheese plates more than made up for it with every salad topping you could think of plus a variety of dressings.

If you get the chance, make sure to visit the Italian joint in the neighbouring hotel, too — but don’t forget to book in advance.

Elsewhere, within the resort, there’s an Indian restaurant, pizzeria and, my personal favourite, Green Artisan cafe.

Treat yourself to a body scrub, foot bath or facial if you have cash to splash, although the calming atmosphere of the place is enough to soothe away troubles.

This wellness restaurant was our favourite of the bunch, serving made-to-order tropical fruit smoothies, healthy snacks and home-baked cakes, all made with natural and nutritious ingredients.

This isn’t where the wellness ends, though. Complete with hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and ice cold bucket shower, the hotel’s spa is an ideal spot for whiling away the hours in blissful peace.

Entry isn’t automatically included for guests but it is well worth the additional 20 euros, with access from 9am until 7pm.

Treat yourself to a body scrub, foot bath or facial if you have cash to splash, although the calming atmosphere of the place is enough to soothe away troubles.

If you’re travelling with little ones, there’s a small splash pool and outdoor play area, as well as a kids’ club for children aged between four to 12, which costs an extra 45 euros a day.

And for those who are keen to venture further afield, you’ll find plenty to do in the neighbouring town of Albufeira which is just a 15-minute taxi ride away.

While it’s known for its wild party scenes, the old town is a pleasant place to take a stroll with colourful cobbled streets flanked by teeny shops and markets.

We booked a sunset boat cruise via GetYourGuide (£40pp, getyourguide.co.uk) which took us along the coast on a small yacht, watching the sun dip slowly behind the horizon while we bobbed peacefully on the water.

For those with a more adventurous streak, the local tour site has everything from Jeep tours and horse riding to parasailing and day trips to Seville for really decent prices.

We preferred to spend most of our days at the beach by the hotel, though.

During peak season the hotel offers a shuttle service to the sea, but why risk missing out on the wildlife?

The walk only takes about 20 minutes through the hotel’s gardens, following various streams down to the sea.

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The yellow beaches of the Algarve rarely disappoint, but this one was particularly beautiful.

And with the chance to spot baby turtles, it couldn’t get better.

A ROLLING mist was hugging the Somerset Levels beneath a crisp autumn sun as I opened the curtains and stepped out on to my balcony.

We had arrived in the dark the night before, to a welcome reception of hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows by a roaring fire pit at the Windmill Retreat Spa & Estate in Bridgwater.

We had been impressed by the state-of-the-art outdoor hot tub, cold plunge and private barrel sauna in the newly-built Avanto Spa Garden, for the exclusive use of six new Elements suites.

But waking up to these views – and catching a glimpse of the larger spa below – we knew we were somewhere extra special.

Rested from a good night’s sleep in the Thyme suite – with its king-size bed, and lounge with complimentary handcrafted gin infused with herbs from the garden – we headed down to the Levels Country Kitchen.

Guests can choose from a continental breakfast on their balcony, or a hot breakfast and coffee in the Kitchen.

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It was followed by a morning of yoga and meditation in the Wellness Dome, which has been built at the top of the site, with views over the local villages.

Suitably relaxed, we went for a stroll around the estate, picking up a hand-made necklace from the shop before returning to the cafe – where guests get ten per cent off.

There we had lunch of French onion soup and hot honey goat’s cheese and walnut salad.

The extensive seasonal menu includes a selection of sandwiches, salads and quiches as well as an all-day brunch and burgers.

As the afternoon rolled in, it was time to experience the main Windmill spa, where sessions start from £35 per person.

It is open to just 12 people at a time, so it never feels overcrowded.

We started in the main hydrotherapy infinity pool overlooking another beautiful garden, before venturing outside to the hot tub with a glass of ice-cold prosecco.

A steam and sauna followed, then we reclined on the warm stone beds with an iced towel to cool off, before treating ourselves to an express facial (from £43) in one of the five treatment rooms.

Back in our suite we helped ourselves to pick ’n’ mix from the pantry, alongside a herbal tea and a slice of home-made Victoria sponge cake – baked freshly each day – before heading back out to the Avanto Spa Garden for sunset by the fire pit with another round of marshmallows and lashings of hot chocolate.

Hearty breakfast

After washing off the day under the rainforest shower and using the spa’s home-made toiletries, it only felt right to get into our robes to enjoy a delicious charcuterie board – delivered to our suite – and a bottle of red wine in bed with Strictly on the TV.

For those wanting something more substantial, the highly-recommended George Inn is just a 15-minute walk away, or you can order in a pizza from the local takeaway.

Lights out by 10pm, we opened the skylight above our bed to look at the stars before drifting off for another sensational night’s sleep.

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The next morning, after another hearty breakfast – this time a sausage sandwich – we handed back our suite keys with heavy (but relaxed) hearts, before making use of the spa garden for one final time and packing up a lump of cake for the road.

• From £197.50 per person based on two sharing.

THE best way to keep kids busy is to head to an indoor waterpark for the day.

So we’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best in Europe where is is always warm, with some as hot as 32C.

Suntago Water World, Poland

Having opened in 2020, Suntago Water World is now Europe’s biggest indoor waterpark.

Remaining around 32C, the 75,000sqm attraction has three zones – Jamango, Relax Suntago and Saunaria

Inside are 18 swimming pools, including a wave pools, thermal pools and baby pools.

And guests have a choice of 35 slides, ranging from big dual-riders to more gentle ones for smaller guests.

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Relax Suntago is for adults only, with thermal pools and hot tubs, while Saunaria is the spa area with steam rooms and saunas.

New this year was Crocodile Island, part of the Jamango area, which has climbing areas and games inside.

The rest of Jamango is great for smaller guests, with lazy rivers and baby pools.

Next year it will also be opening a new four-star hotel

Until then, guests can stay at the onsite ‘village’ with 92 bungalows sleeping up to eight people.

The best way to get to Suntago Water World is to fly to Warsaw, with the attraction around an hour by car.

Tropical Islands, Berlin

Tropical Islands was the largest indoor waterpark in Europe until Suntago opened.

Built inside a former aircraft hangar, it still has a number of record-breaking attractions.

This includes the world’s biggest indoor beach, and the world’s biggest indoor tropical rainforest.

The 10,000sqm waterpark has four sections – Water Worlds, Tropical Rainforest, Tropical Village and Amazonia.

Water Worlds is the main area with the large beach, sunglounger and palm trees as well as a swimming pool, water lagoon and water playground.

Tropical Rainforest has everything from 50,000 plants to flamingos and turtles while Tropical Village is the food, drink and souvenir area.

Themed by destination, it includes Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Bali as well as the new Hawaiian themed Ohana Town last year, with overnight lodges, bowling and karaoke.

Amazonia is the huge outdoor area, although most of this closes during the winter.

While there are lots of overnight lodges and camping areas for guests to stay in, there are plans for a new hotel although an opening date is yet to be confirmed.

The best way to get to Tropical Islands is to fly to Berlin, with the attraction around an hour away by car.

Rulantica, Germany

Rulantica is the waterpark of the Europa-Park theme park in Germany and opened back in 2019.

Spread across 32,600sqm, there are 14 themed zones a well as 50 slides and attractions.

It is always 32C so you can grab one of the 1,700 sunloungers to warm up.

For kids there are playgrounds, ‘water carousels’ and wave pools, with enough for both older children and toddlers.

Otherwise it has everything for adults too with swim up bars, steam rooms and saunas.

New last year was a huge outdoor water attraction although this is closed for the season.

The best way to get to Rulantica is to fly to Basel Airport with the waterpark around an hour away.

Sandcastle Waterpark, UK

When it comes to the UK, you need to head to Blackpool for the biggest indoor waterpark.

Sandcastle Waterpark opened in 1986 and sits at 29C all year round.

It is home to the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, Master Blaster, as well as a number of other slides.

Otherwise there are treehouses, lazy rivers, wave pools and even the biggest water cannon in the UK.

There are also treehouses and forts for kids to play on, as well as a wave pool and lazy river and the UK’s biggest water cannon.

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You can even hire Tiki Cabanas where you have a hot tub and drinks, or just visit the Waterfall Cafe for snacks.