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Fishermen in Gaza are using dinghies made of reclaimed fiberglass, wood, and doorframes salvaged from rubble left by Israeli airstrikes to help revive the territory’s struggling fishing industry amid material shortages.

They call this place the Sunshine State for a reason. It beats down with a fierce intensity, allowing little air to puncture it… until a fierce thunderstorm hits.

Such sweltering conditions were exactly what Clarke wanted, though, as he stressed the importance of “acclimatising” this week to the conditions his squad will face throughout their tournament.

The Scots start against Haiti (Sunday, 14 June, 02:00 BST) – live across the BBC – and also play Morocco in Boston, before returning to Miami to face Brazil on Wednesday, 24 June (23:00).

“It maybe would have been a shock if we had came out to the Miami game because it hits you as soon as you come off the plane, the humidity and the heat,” Hendry told BBC Scotland at the team’s hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

“So it’s good that we can come out here for this week, prepare and get used to it and I’m sure that will put us in really good stead going into the game.”

Water breaks will be in operation, and Hendry stressed the importance of “using them efficiently”.

“They’re certainly going to help us from a recovery point of view, but maybe tactical. as well,” he said.

“I’m accustomed to it in Saudi; we have these water breaks and it might disrupt the rhythm of the game a wee bit, but from the players’ point of view it definitely helps.”

By the time the Scots return south following back-to-back games in Boston, it could be they have already done what no other Scotland side have by reaching the knockout stages of a World Cup.

It’s undoubtedly the aim for this talented, together squad, but they’re not looking too far ahead. They’re still Scottish after all.

“It’s just trying to get as far as possible, I think,” Hendry said of what success for the country looks like this summer.

“It’s difficult to look too far ahead. The main ambition is going to be trying to get out of the group. Then we see where we can go afterwards.

“We can’t look too far ahead, just take it game by game and if we do that, enjoy it and play the best we can, then we should be able to achieve that.

“We’ve got to make the most of it and make sure we don’t come out of this with any regrets.”

IF YOU are looking for somewhere to stay on your next staycation, you can now opt for one of Britain’s most expensive homes.

Built for the former director of Rolls-Royce, the 1920s Beach Manor in West Sussex sits on the Bognor Regis coast.

Having featured on Channel 4‘s ‘Britain’s Most Expensive Homes‘, the house has everything you could possibly want for a great staycation.

Throughout the house you can expect parquet flooring, ornately carved wood panelling and leaded windows.

But modern perks aren’t forgotten about, with super-fast WiFi and air conditioning in the bedrooms.

There are eight bedrooms in total – each has a TV and most have sea views and en-suites.

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As for entertainment rooms, in one you’ll find a cinema with a huge 226cm TV screen.

And in another, you can get competitive with your family and friends with a pool table, chess and table football.

If you want to keep your fitness up during your stay, there’s even a gym as well.

The ultimate indulgence though is the indoor spa with a full-size swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub.

Ideal for the summer, the garden boasts a gazebo with a log burner and an outdoor kitchen complete with a barbeque and another hot tub.

In the garden, guests will also find a self-contained cottage, right by the sea.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the house and cottage also have direct beach access onto Aldwick Beach.

Found just west of central Bognor Regis, the beach boasts a mix of shingle and sand and is known for its colourful beach huts.

Compared to the other beaches nearby, it is often quieter and your furry friend won’t be left out as it is dog-friendly year-round.

Heading towards Bognor Regis, you’ll find the Aldwick Beach Cafe, which serves classic seaside meals such as scampi and chips.

And for a pub spot there’s The Waverley, with views across the beach.

Beach Manor costs from £6,050 for three nights and while that might sound a lot, that is based on 20 people sharing.

So the cost per person, per night actually is £101 – you’ll just have to find 19 people to come with you.

Gareth Allen, Founder of Big House Experience, says: “Not only are you right on the beach, but there’s also the option of splashing in the indoor pool or outdoor hot tub, plus there’s so many spaces for entertaining – from the outdoor lawns to the multiple reception rooms.

“It’s a really special place for friends and family to spend some time together, and the Rolls-Royce history is just the cherry on top.

“We anticipate this being one of our most popular beach homes this summer.”

SITTING on the beach pier with a chippy tea, washed down by a pint of something cold, is what I believe to be the best-of-a-British-day-out.

If that’s what you’re after, there’s a seaside spot that boasts the world’s biggest chippy and smallest boozer within a half-hour walk.

I headed to Cleethorpes on the Lincolnshire coast to check out the UK’s biggest fish and chip shop, which takes up the whole of the pier.

The 150-year-old boardwalk itself -won Pier of the Year after its refurb a decade ago and Papa’s Fish and Chips opened in its historic pavilion the same year.

It’s so big the restaurant can feed 500 at a time and now attracts two million diners annually – but was still heaving in the hot weather .

It’s definitely not your average chippy, with mood lighting, plush fixtures and fittings and a bank of windows looking out over the sand and sea.

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We decided to use the takeaway and eat alfresco, but even that took an hour before we were tucking into our tasty treats – a testament to Papa’s popularity.

The staff were wonderful, serving everyone with good grace despite the fact that it must have been sweltering behind the counter.

My top tip would be to sign up online for a loyalty card, which not only saves you cash, but also gives you the option to order online to pick up at your chosen timeslot to beat the queues. 

I got a £5 off birthday voucher, so feeding my family of four only came to £18.50 – we split an £8.50 Papa’s Combo (a small haddock, sausage, portion of chips and a side of peas, beans, curry or gravy), a £10.50 Papa’s Classic (medium haddock, chips and a side).

That also included a £4.10 portion of cheesy chips and a couple of 20p sauce sachets.

It was well worth the wait, but next time I’ll order in advance or book a table to eat in if it’s cooler weather.

Outside of the chippy, there’s a seal sanctuary down the coast at Donna Nook so if the sands aren’t full of holidaymakers and daytrippers, you might even spot a bit of local wildlife bobbing past or basking on the beach.

And just around the corner from the pier is the Coliseum Picture Theatre, now a Wetherspoons, boasting a gorgeous 1920s frontage, chandeliers inside and even a rooftop terrace.

Downstairs is very much a typical Spoons, but upstairs feels light and airy with a Roman-style fresco as a nod to the building’s past, so if you like a bit of whimsy with your Wetherspoons, I would take a seat up there if you can.

We opted to visit the smallest pub on the planet to wash down our takeaway, with space for just three punters inside the Signal Box Inn at the town’s heritage railway.

Luckily there’s a big beer garden to make up for the small inside space.

We ordered two pints and two soft drinks for less than £15, so it’s not too pricey, and it’s a lovely spot to enjoy the comings and goings at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.

Trains run down to Humberston, where you’ll find England‘s biggest Haven holiday park Cleethorpes Beach.

Home to 1827 caravans and lodges, it is also home to one of the first Wetherspoons on a Haven site, The Humber Stone, which opened last year. 

If you ask me, Cleethorpes’ secret weapon is the location of its mainline railway station, a few steps away from the pier and right by the beach.

I can’t think of many other towns where you hop off the train and straight onto the sand.

At only two hours’ train ride from Nottingham, this could be a brilliant bet if you want a day at the beach but don’t drive.

I loved the look of the original railway waiting room, now the Mermaid fish and chip shop – it’s had extensive work done recently to its ironmongery, roof, wood and stonework, with a striking paint job in heritage colours ahead of its centenary next year.

It feels like the whole town is undergoing a bit of a makeover, with the Pier Gardens currently closed while they are dug over and new planting put in.

The market place is also being pedestrianised so I look forward to returning to see what these redesigns bring to the town. 

Near the smallest pub is the historic boating lake, which celebrates 100 years in 2028, with a project to clean up the waters on the cards.

Hopefully the 2020s will end up being as successful for attracting visitors as the 1920s obviously were.

As a Midlander who grew up visiting Skegness and Mablethorpe just down the coast, I’m not sure why a trip to Cleethorpes hasn’t been on my radar before.

But one thing that I think has made a huge difference is the two holiday parks in Humberston being reinvented in recent years.

Away Resorts, where we stayed, took over the Beachcomber caravan park and renamed it Cleethorpes Pearl, while Haven’s site was previously called Thorpe Park, which caused some confusion with the theme park of the same name down near London.

Families of up to six can stay in a Luxury Caravan for as little as £6pppn for a five-night stay in September.

I’m a little bit in love with this Lincolnshire location – it’s the Costa del Clee for me if you love a chippy tea and a pint by the sea.

Brent crude edged 2.5% higher on Tuesday and seems to have steadied around $100 per barrel at the time of writing, as US-Iran negotiations stall.

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On the other hand, WTI dropped over 4% and is trading around $92.6 per barrel.

Overall, oil prices were declining since last Wednesday as the framework for a peace deal, or at least a longer and more encompassing ceasefire, between the US and Iran was seemingly on the verge of being agreed.

However, Iran accused the US of breaching the current ceasefire after Washington carried out what it described as defensive strikes in the southern part of the country.

Iran’s foreign ministry stated that the US attacks in the Hormozgan province, where Iranian media reported hearing explosions early Tuesday, amounted to a “serious violation” of the fragile ceasefire that has been in effect for almost seven weeks.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations aimed at ending the conflict could require “a few days” to reach an agreement.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump also reiterated nuclear demands in a social media post, as tensions continue to surround the fundamental aspects of a possible agreement.

Investors appear to have mixed reactions to the developments with some markets seeming to price in a decrease in the probability that a deal is imminent.

In Europe, the Euro Stoxx 50 has fallen more than 0.7% while the broader pan-European Stoxx 600 is trading around 1% lower as we approach the close of Tuesday’s session.

The UK’s FTSE 100, Germany’s DAX 30, France’s CAC 40, Italy’s FTSE MIB, the Netherlands’ AEX and Switzerland’s CH20 have all dropped between 0.1% and 0.7%.

Over in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Taiwan’s TAIEX closed flat, but South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 2.5% primarily driven by a continuous demand for AI-related equities.

However, US markets appear completely decoupled from other indices and the broader situation. Not only have WTI prices continued to fall on Tuesday but the S&P 500 also opened 0.6% higher.

Latest on the Strait of Hormuz

Both the US and Iran had signalled headway toward a memorandum of understanding that could end the conflict and resume maritime traffic through the blocked Strait of Hormuz, while allowing negotiators a 60-day window to tackle more complicated matters such as Iran’s nuclear activities and supplies.

In his latest remarks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Strait of Hormuz must remain accessible “one way or the other” as traffic through the chokepoint has dropped sharply, with only a few dozen ships currently using the route each day, compared with the usual 125 to 140 vessels.

Iran has continued to permit limited shipping, prioritising vessels connected to allied or friendly nations and arranging passage through state-to-state agreements.

Continuous reports of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz underscore how far from the normalisation of energy flows and other supplies the global economy still is.

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker experienced an external blast near the waterline on its port side.

According to the agency, the vessel was located about 60 nautical miles from Muscat, the capital of Oman.

UKMTO said the tanker and all crew members were unharmed, although a quantity of bunker fuel spilled into the sea.

This is the most recent reported incident near the Strait of Hormuz at the time of writing.

It was far from a convincing performance against Thistle, hardly surprising given what was at stake, and the relief from fans and players alike was obvious after the game.

“We wanted to make sure the players were remembered as legends at this club after winning the League Cup,” McLeish said.

“We didn’t want that black mark against our name.

“First half was nervy, cagey and full of mistakes. It wasn’t really tactical, just us controlling our emotions. We did that better in the second half.”

McLeish won three of his nine league matches after Robinson left, but he was unable to keep St Mirren out of the play-off spot as Kilmarnock shone after the split.

A change of approach initially yielded an upturn in performances, but results started to slide and a run of four defeats without scoring cost them.

The 36-year-old stand-in boss was unable to completely solve the goalscoring issues that plagued their season.

Key defender Alex Gogic says McLeish could do more with greater time, though, and would be happy for him to stay on.

“Yeah, of course, whatever the club chooses,” Gogic said.

“If he has a pre-season, it will probably be better than what it is. If the club decide to go his way, we’ll all be behind that.”

Former Dundee United and Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall says McLeish has done his chances no harm by steering St Mirren to safety.

“I don’t think he had any chance of getting the job if St Mirren were relegated,” McCall said.

“What he has done is conducted himself really well and given himself a real chance of the job.

“The power-that-be here took a real chance appointing a young lad like that. But he has come through it really well. He has talked really well.

“He came through one dodgy moment when Kilmarnock won here 3-0. But he’s come back from that really strongly.

“It didn’t just plummet when Craig McLeish took over. It was a bad run of results when Stephen Robinson was there after the cup final which brought this on. He certainly has a chance.”

Turkiye’s main opposition leader Ozgur Ozel has vowed not to leave party headquarters after a court ruling removed him from power. Speaking to supporters in Ankara, Ozel accused judges and prosecutors of carrying out a coup attempt against his party.

On a January morning in 1938, Pitmiddle’s last resident, James Gillies, closed the door to his cottage for the final time and walked away through the snow. High on the south-facing slopes of the Sidlaw Hills in Perthshire, the village is now little more than a jumble of half-ruined walls gradually being reclaimed by the land.

My children pick around the overgrown stones like explorers discovering a lost civilisation, before scampering back through the gate and over the grass to our cabin in a neighbouring field. Called the Pitmiddle Hut, it’s the latest addition to Guardswell Farm, which spans 81 hectares (200 acres) of countryside halfway between Perth and Dundee (an hour and a half from Glasgow or Edinburgh). “People gradually moved away from Pitmiddle’s way of life,” says Anna Lamotte, who runs Guardswell with her husband, Digby Legge, often aided by their four-year-old daughter and a smiley 10-month-old in a vintage pram. “Villagers each had a pendicle, the small area they could farm, a system of outfields, infields and ‘kailyards’ – a Scots word for a kitchen garden.” Anna and Digby grew up on farms and small-holdings nearby, and today they rear cattle, sheep, goats and chickens and tend to the vegetable gardens, alongside welcoming guests to stay.

The Pitmiddle Hut sits in the old village’s pendicle field and the slim volume Pitmiddle Village and Elcho Nunnery in our cabin inspired the names of Guardswell’s huts: the Pendicle with its wildflower roof, the Infield with a stargazing window above the bed and shepherd’s hut the Kailyard. They can be rented alongside two cottages and a large farmhouse, all clustered around the Steading, once a dilapidated barn that is now a smart events space for weddings, craft and cuisine classes including cheese-making, and a popular monthly market. It’s also home to a small shop (stocked with the farm’s meat, eggs and Diggers cider), smart washrooms and a cosy room filled with games and wellies.

All the existing cabins were made for two, but as Anna and Digby’s family grew, and couples who married at Guardswell returned with first a dog then a baby, a bigger hideout made sense. The Pitmiddle Hut is a 10-minute stomp uphill and has a mezzanine bed up above the kitchen for grownups and a second bedroom for children to pile into the set of bunks and a double bed. The two are linked by a central indoor-outdoor space, with sliding doors for sunnier days. It’s the end of March when we stay, and the thick blankets (made with wool from Digby’s parents’ farm) and douglas fir planks lining the cabin give it a deep cosiness.

As a somewhat reluctant camper in a tent-loving family, it’s an ideal balance. We build fires in the Esse Bakeheart stove to cook dinner and keep the wool-insulated cabin toasty (there’ll soon be an outside kitchen and a firepit for toasting marshmallows too). My son dashes in and out fetching ingredients from the giant coolbox on the deck. The hut is off-grid, but uses solar-power for lights and the single induction hob. There’s a proper loo, but it’s a walk down to the Steading in the morning for a shower. It quickly becomes our favourite part of the day, saying good morning to fluffy Shetland cows, dinky Hebridean sheep, donkeys Ollie and Hugo, and cheeky pygmy goat Jimmy, who once escaped his pen and crashed a wedding. It feels as though we have the farm to ourselves.

There’s no wifi, no TV and, on my phone at least, blissfully little phone signal. Instead, a basket beside the kindling is filled with Uno, playing cards, drawing pencils and a watercolour set. My daughter washes a page with streaks of blue sky and green fields that are framed by the hut’s huge picture window, before taking a nature scavenger hunt sheet around the farm, checking off pine cones and primroses.

It would be easy to simply roam here for a couple of days, foraging for wild garlic, helping feed the animals and exploring the Big Wood at the bottom of the farm, counting the 198 steps cut into the hillside among the trees. But with all of Perthshire on the other side of the Sidlaws and Fife across the River Tay there’s plenty to get stuck into, from sandy beaches at East Neuk to Highlands hills just beyond the foodie town of Dunkeld, where the Taybank pub and Aran Bakery make a delicious detour. We swerve the Munros and instead stride out on the nearby Scone circular, starting at Old Scone Church, rebuilt stone by stone in 1805 when the village moved a couple of miles east from its original site next to Scone Palace, and climbing through gorse-thick moorland to MacDuff’s Monument and the Lynedoch Obelisk with their sweeping views to Perth beyond.

We get back to the farm just as some wet weather blows in and hole up in the boat-turned-bothy called Girl Linda’s cabin at the top of a field. Scooping up a bottle of Diggers cider and apple juice from the hut, we run for it, the kids screaming into the wind. We light candles and the tiniest wood-burning stove – the valley below now so lost in mist that it feels like the River Tay might rise up and sweep us out to sea. We play Monopoly Deal as the rain whips against the portholes, before rousing a sing-song with the boat’s motley crew of instruments – bongos, guitar, glockenspiel and a giant metal triangle. “Let it go, let it go, I am one with the wind and sky …” My daughter’s favourite, suddenly apt.

We wake on the final morning to milk-glass skies and the rhythmic whirl of two woodpeckers in the trees as the sun rises through a fringe of woodland below us. There are recorded Guardswell morning meditations to start the day, a gentle prompt to pause. But stillness is low on my children’s agenda, so we throw on boots and fleeces over pyjamas and head for the swings on the hill above the hut. Pitmiddle’s simple way of life might not have survived against the advances of the modern world, but for a few days its slower rhythm feels within reach.

Accommodation was provided by Guardswell Farm. The Pitmiddle Hut sleeps six (two adults and up to four children) from £220 a night (two-night minimum), guardswell.co.uk

THE best family-friendly campsite in the country has been revealed, and it has a heated outdoor swimming pool and games room.

Trefach Holiday Park tucked away in Pembrokeshire topped the ranks when it came to the most family-friendly campsite in the UK – and it’s not hard to see why.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

Pitchup.com, the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation website, has found the best campsites for families across the country.

The rankings are based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 customer reviews. 

Trefach Holiday Park is tucked away in the Pembrokeshire valley, but is well-worth a visit for any families this summer and scored 9.3 for ‘child-friendliness’.

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When it comes to entertainment during the summer, Trefach Holiday Park’s star of the show is definitely its swimming pool.

The outdoor that’s heated pool makes for a refreshing dip in the summer and is open between May 25 and September 4.

Adults can watch as their children splash about from the courtyard terrace.

One visitor said: “The pool was a big hit with the kids and kept them entertained for hours.”

Another described the campsite as a “little gem” which was great for their “family trip.”

On-site is its own restaurant and cafe which in the high season (July and August) is open every day from 10am until late for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It also has a play area, games room, TV room, laundrette as well as toilet blocks and showers.

Location-wise, the campsite is close to the hills of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park so it’s a great base for those who like to take scenic walks or want to explore seaside villages.

The nearest fishing villages are the likes of Tenby and Fishguard, it’s also close to the town of Cardigan.

Around Cardigan Bay, visitors can take boats out to do some dolphin-spotting.

Pitch types vary from electric grass tent and touring pitches to electric gravel motorhome pitches. Tent pitches can sleep up to six people for £46 per night – or £7.60pppn.

For centuries, outsiders have been lured to the radiant hills and valleys of Andalucía, not least the Moors of north Africa who left such an impact on the land and culture. More recently, an influx of northern European aficionados has fostered a string of seductive, small-scale guesthouses to join some idiosyncratic Spanish-owned properties. These are idyllic, tranquil settings in which to de-stress and recharge, hike, ride, cycle, cook, swim or simply stargaze – the rural skies here are blissfully free of light pollution. Nor are cultural highlights ever far away, whether in Granada, Córdoba or Seville.

Starry nights at Casa Mimi

Near Gérgal, in the eastern mountains bordering the Sierra de los Filabres, this Belgian-owned bed and breakfast has three charming rooms with ample outside space, views and a pool. Although isolated, it has unbeatable access to regional highlights including Europe’s only desert, which surrounds the old film studios of Tabernas; Almería’s stupendous fortress; and the wild beaches of Cabo de Gata. A lesser known lure is the Calar Alto astronomical observatory, one of Europe’s largest, perched on a nearby mountaintop, where night visits are available. Mediterranean dinners (€25) at Casa Mimi are on request and use seasonal produce, guaranteed by these former restaurateurs, Priscilla and Ben. The entire property of four bedrooms can be rented.
Doubles from €70 B&B, casamimi.net

Hiking and biking from Hostal Pampaneira

Time-travel to old-school Andalucía in Las Alpujarras, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Almost 50 years old with local furnishings to match, this modest, 15-room family hotel overlooks the steep, whitewashed village of Pampaneira on dizzying bends high above Órgiva – an enclave for alternative lifestyles. Centuries ago, the Berbers developed farming in the area and Pampaneira’s intricate layout. The restaurant cooks hearty mountain produce in the form of stews and roasts (pork, lamb and kid goat) with vegetables from their allotment, their own olive oil and local wine. Cliff climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, guided treks and excursions to the snowy slopes of 3,479-metre Mulhacén (the highest mountain in the Iberian peninsula) are all on offer for the active, while peerless Granada lies to the north.
Doubles from €42, triples €50, breakfast €10, hostalpampaneira.com

Embrace nature at Casa Olea

This converted farmhouse hides in a stunning, secluded valley north of the delightful baroque town of Priego de Córdoba in central Andalucía. Over the years, the owners, Tim and Claire, have fine-tuned comforts and activities while upping the impressive environmental credentials. Six stylish rooms crown a restaurant with panoramic views over the river, olive groves, woods, two Moorish watch towers and a bronze age hillfort. The large pool is where to relax after self-guided hikes, cycling (bike rental and navigation app available) or birding from a hide. The coup de grâce is a gourmet dinner (€36) cooked by Claire, laced with the property’s own olive oil. And there is the opportunity to stargaze as Casa Olea is certified as a Starlight hotel. Midway between Granada and Córdoba, serious sightseeing is also on the agenda.
Doubles €154 B&B (two-night minimum), casaolea.com

On top of the world at Finca Serrato

Hidden down a dirt road in the Montes de Málaga near Colmenar, about 50 minutes from Málaga, the finca offers three apartments and two double rooms in the farmhouse or outbuilding. All have an attractive, understated aesthetic, some with woodburning stoves, air-con, kitchen facilities and private patio. A small pool has far-reaching views. The youthful French-Spanish hosts, Zélie and Nico, prepare delicious breakfasts, snacks and tapas, sourcing local ingredients. An hour away is Antequera and the surreal rock formations of El Torcal – an entrancing setting for hikes.
Doubles from €68, apartments from €77 (two-night minimum), breakfast €9, airport transfer €60, fincaserrato.com

Gourmet dining at Finca Las Encinas

With only three bedrooms, you could call this guesthouse intimate, but that impression changes when you’re under the pergola overlooking the pool and see a rippling sea of olive groves prized for their oil. Foodies should make a beeline here as Welsh chef Clive is passionate about Andalucían cooking, conjuring up fabulous seasonal dinners as well as cooking classes. The cosseting finca lies in a hamlet of La Subbética, a semi-mountainous region between Córdoba and Granada, with the Iznájar reservoir (for watersports) and castle just down the road. Maki, Clive’s Japanese wife and a knowledgable enthusiast of the region, accompanies guests to bodegas, olive oil mills and cultural hotspots. Cosy rooms are thoughtfully decorated, and Clive’s organic vegetable garden boosts the menu.
Doubles from €80 B&B (two-night minimum), dinner €33, finca-las-encinas.com

Serenity at La Dehesa Experience

Rest up in luxury glamping style in the heart of the Sierra Morena north of Córdoba, famed for Iberian pigs snuffling acorns beneath the oak trees. Scattered over the dehesa (fertile pasture for cattle and horses) are six wooden cabins raised on platforms with one or two bedrooms, a kitchen and a plunge pool outside. An alternative is the “tubbo”, a spacious transparent tube, all the better for total immersion. Slickly designed interiors contain fridges full of Andalucían wine and local gourmet produce, binoculars, and a telescope in some suites. Here, you are on your own and totally private, although the efficient staff are always on call to deliver breakfast, lunch or dinner (€35) and even offer massages. This is the ultimate retreat for total serenity, for romance and for immersion in nature.
Doubles from €189 B&B, ladehesaexperiences.com

Eclectic retreat at El Molino del Abuelo

At this transformed water mill, you will be warmly greeted by two brothers and their mother. The family project (the mill was set up by their grandfather – the abuelo) is an eco-friendly bubble in the village of Montecorto, just 20km west of Ronda. Out front unfolds the verdant Sierra de Grazalema, renowned for hiking, biking trails, birding, and sprinkled with classic pueblos blancos. Raúl and Florentino have curated an eclectic oasis of vivid colour and quirky craft and artworks – including murals by their sister. Five rooms, two pools, a shared kitchen for making snacks and a prolific garden of organic vegetables and fruit trees are all there, but number one is the gurgling stream which lulls you to sleep. Breakfasts are bountiful, so luckily yoga and bikes are options, along with tips on local sights.
Doubles from €70, breakfast €7.50, adults only, elmolinodelabuelo.es

Walking wonders from Molinos de Fuenteheridos

In the Sierra de Aracena of western Andalucía, near Aracena, this 17th-century flour and olive mill has been converted in contemporary style to offer 10 huge, well-appointed rooms with luxury en suites. The mill room itself is now an atmospheric common area with plentiful seating lit by Moorish lamps. Outside, extensive grounds include lush gardens, a large saltwater pool, a smaller freshwater one and a river that nourishes fig, walnut, chestnut and apple trees. It is a picture-perfect area for hikes, coupled with Aracena castle, spectacular grottos and Museo del Jamón – a 15-minute drive away, and the bars and restaurants of Fuenteheridos within walking distance. Not least, the cultural riches of Seville beckon, a 90-minute drive away.
Doubles from €99, breakfast €7, molinosdefuenteheridos.com

Fiona Dunlop is the author of Andaluz – a Food Journey through Southern Spain (Interlink Publishing)

KATIE Price has touched down on home turf from her Dubai visit to see husband Lee Andrews.

Though it wasn’t the happiest of trips for the former glamour model, 47, who has been accused of refusing to stump up for her cosmetic surgery bills while in the UAE.

The Sun exclusively revealed she hasn’t settled her debts – despite hubby Lee claiming to be a billionaire.

The mum of five flashed a smile as she arrived in the UK’s Gatwick Airport, wearing a tight-fit grey crop top which clung to her curves and black joggers.

She pulled on a trendy pair of sunglasses and styled her hair poker straight, looking fresh from the long-haul trip.

Katie – who flashed her huge wedding ring in the Arrivals terminal – was accompanied by an assistant who wheeled three bags of luggage alongside her.

PRICE’S PROMISE

Sad reason Katie Price won’t ditch husband Lee despite his string of lies

NO PRICE

Katie Price accused of refusing to pay surgery bills and blocking Dubai business

There is ongoing speculation that her husband Lee, 43, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates city after allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend Dina Taji’s signature to secure a £200,000 loan – something he’s strongly denied.

Back in April, Katie appeared to confirm he is subject to a travel ban

As such, she is the one doing the graft with the long haul flights.

Though this time around, Katie’s spouse has been slammed by a popular UAE-based aesthetic clinician for failing to cough up the money for the cosmetic work they’ve had in recent months.

Katie Price surgery boxout

KATIE Price’s love for surgery is no secret – here’s the details

1998 – Katie underwent her first breast augmentation taking her from a natural B cup to a C cup. She also had her first liposuction

1999 – Katie had two more boob jobs in the same year, one taking her from a C cup to a D cup, and then up to an F cup

2006 – Katie went under the knife to take her breasts up to a G cup

2007 – Katie had a rhinoplasty and veneers on her teeth

2008 – Katie stunned fans by reducing her breasts from an F cup to a C cup

2011 – Going back to an F cup, Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers

2014/5 – Following a nasty infection, Katie had her breast implants removed

2016 – Opting for bigger breasts yet again, Katie had another set of implants, along with implants, Botox and lip fillers

2017 – After a disastrous ‘threading’ facelift, Katie also had her veneers replaced. She also had her eighth boob job taking her to a GG cup

2018 – Katie went under the knife yet again for a facelift

2019 – After jetting to Turkey, Katie had a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift and a tummy tuck

2020 – Katie has her 12th boob job in Belgium to correct botched surgery and a new set of veneers

2021 –  In a complete body overhaul, she opts for eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, fat injected into her bum and full body liposuction

2022 – Katie undergoes another brow and eye lift-and undergoes ‘biggest ever’ boob job in Belgium, her 16th in total

2023 – Opting for a second rhinoplasty, Katie also gets a lip lift at the same time as well as new lip filler throughout the year

2024 – Katie has her 17th boob job in Brussels after revealing she wanted to downsize. She performed at Dublin Pride just days later and surgeons warned the lack of recovery posed a risk of infection

Lee allegedly refused to pay the bill, however he insists the work was ‘complementary’.

The clinic specialises in facial contouring and liquid rhinoplasty among other surgical and non-surgical treatments.

In response to a recent Sun post about Lee using fake money to scam women, the clinician has shared his own experience with the couple.

Just days ago, the beauty clinic owner claimed that he had not received any money and was still chasing the couple.

But in a surprise move, he alleged that he had been blocked, without any explanation for their failure to pay.

He said: “This is expected as they both left without paying for their treatment and after multiple sent invoices, I was blocked.

“Although no mention of being unhappy with the results was ever brou- ght to my attention.

“What Katie is experiencing with her treatment is perfectly normal.”

But Lee has denied these claims when the The Sun reached out to him.

He has insisted that Katie was left “unable to move her mouth” following the procedure and disputes the charges.

Published on
05/05/2026 – 7:12 GMT+2

Oil prices fell back in early trade but remained elevated as investors kept an eye on escalating tensions between the US and Iran and progress on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

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At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading 1.38% lower at $112.86 while US crude, or WTI, was down 2.27% at $104 per barrel. US futures edged 0.1% higher.

Elsewhere, regional trading was thin overnight with markets in Japan, South Korea and mainland China closed for holidays.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.1% to 25,805.98. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.5% to 8,649.80, while Taiwan’s Taiex traded 0.2% lower at 40,626.22.

The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran was tested on Monday after the US military said it had sank six Iranian small boats targeting civilian ships, while two US-flagged ships successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The key waterway for oil and gas transport remains largely closed despite repeated demands from the US for Iran to reopen the strait and as the United States imposed a sea blockade on Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom” plan under which the United States would help guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz began on Monday.

Brent crude, the international standard, surged above $114 a barrel on Monday, gaining nearly 6%. Before the war began in late February, it was trading near $70.

Two weeks ago, LIV Golf did its best to conceal the fact that the Saudi Public Investment Fund would cease to bankroll the league after the current season, only to have LIV CEO Scott O’Neill let the truth slip during a television interview.

This week, the intentions of PIF and consequences to LIV are known by all.

LIV Golf announced Thursday that it has established a new independent board that will attempt to keep the league afloat utilizing a “diversified, multi-partner investment model.” In other words, a model that doesn’t include PIF.

PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan no longer will serve as LIV Golf chairman, another unmistakable signal that the Saudi sovereign wealth fund worth an estimated $1 trillion is cutting ties with financially troubled LIV.

LIV Golf was supposed to be a key component in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” plan to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil. PIV lured megastar golfers Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and others away from the PGA Tour by shoveling hundreds of millions of dollars into their bank accounts.

Al-Rumayyan, Prince bin Salman’s trusted technocrat, was charged with implementing the plan, but LIV Golf has failed to attract significant viewership or commercial sponsors despite innovations such as a 54-hole format and a team model.

When LIV and the PGA Tour came to a short-lived, tentative agreement to end pending litigation and potentially join forces in 2023, Al-Rumayyan was a key figure in the negotiations.

A last-ditch effort to broker a merger between the rival leagues took place in the White House in February 2025 when President Trump hosted Al-Rumayyan, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Tiger Woods. No agreement was reached.

Now, apparently, PIF will attempt to turn its attention to initiatives that don’t bleed billions. The fund has invested more than $5 billion into LIV Golf since it was launched in 2022 and is reportedly spending $100 million per month this year.

The wealthy but suddenly unmoored LIV golfers have been left to scramble like a weekend hacker trying to salvage a bogey after chipping into a sand trap.

LIV Golf Louisiana announced that the tournament scheduled for June 25-28 in New Orleans has been postponed. A new date hasn’t been set. However, an official told ESPN on Thursday that next week’s tournament at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, D.C., will take place as planned.

Six other tournaments remain on the schedule that concludes with LIV team championships on Aug. 27-30 at The Cardinal at Saint John’s in Michigan. Tournaments outside the United States are scheduled for South Korea, Spain and Great Britain.

Hired Thursday to come up with a financial model to keep LIV afloat sans PIF are Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, described in a LIV statement as “seasoned experts with proven track records of navigating complex situations and unlocking value for global organizations.”
 
LIV Golf’s contorted spin on acknowledging that PIF will no longer subsidize the league was a statement saying it will focus on ”securing long-term financial partners to support its transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model.”

Davis, the newly appointed chairman of the LIV Independent Directors Committee, sees opportunity in the face of a PIF-less future.

“LIV Golf has built something truly differentiated — a global league with passionate fans, world-class talent, and demonstrated commercial momentum,” he said in a statement. “The executive leadership team, along with Jon and I, see a clear opportunity to help the league formalize its structure, attract and secure long-term capital, and position the business for growth while continuing to promote the game across the world.

“ We look forward to positioning LIV Golf for future success.” 

Leeds: Miller; Hall, Bird, Handley, Sivo; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, Levi, Palasia, McDonnell, Hankinson, Watkins.

Interchanges: Holroyd, Jenkins, O’Connor, Smith

Catalans: Staines; Makinson, Aispuro-Bichet, Faataape, Darrelatour; Sexton, Dodd; Fa’asuamaleaui Leeming, Navarette, Garcia, Lipowicz, Bousquet.

Interchanges: Satae, Condon, Allen, Wilson.

Referee: Liam Moore.

Home Bargains is selling a £5 travel organiser for ‘hassle-free holidays’

Travel fans can keep their holiday essentials organised with a £5 Home Bargains storage item. Most high street stores are stocking new lines in time for summer, and Home Bargains could have just the thing for holidaymakers.

The discount retailer has updated its travel range ahead of the summer holidays – and there’s a ‘compact’ travel organiser that could impress jet-setters. Whether customers are travelling solo or with family, the product could help shoppers to ‘stay organised on the go’.

Home Bargains says the £4.99 Travel Hanging Organiser is ‘compact and practical’ for holidays. The product description explains: “Stay organised on the go with the Travel Hanging Organiser from the Simple family, featuring 24 mesh pockets and four hooks for versatile, compact storage wherever your holiday takes you.” The description says the design is “compact and practical for hassle-free holidays.”

Alternatively, travel lovers could shop the store’s selection of travel pouches and laundry bags if they prefer a different way to keep their items organised. For shoppers looking for bags, the retailer sells a set of three Travel Mesh Pouch Organisers for £1.99.

There are several colour options available. The product description for the blue pack says: “Keep your travel essentials neat with this lightweight three-pack of blue mesh pouches in small, medium, and large sizes—ideal for effortless packing on the go.”

For shoppers looking to simplify their packing for the return trip, there’s also a £1.99 Travel Laundry Bag, which could be ideal for separating clean and dirty clothing. Home Bargains says: “Keep your dirty laundry organised on the go with this simple, roomy Travel Laundry Bag featuring a handy drawstring design for easy packing and unpacking. Perfect for stress-free travel.”

Elsewhere, Dunelm also offers a travel range, including items that could be considered rivals to Home Bargains products. For £10, Dunelm shoppers can get a set of seven Travel Storage Packing Cubes to keep their belongings organised.

The product description says: “Organise your travels with our Seven Piece Travel Storage Bag – its stylish grey colourway and sleek design make packing a breeze. Lightweight and easy to carry, this set is water repellent and boasts a large capacity to accommodate all your essentials. Plus, for your convenience, it’s machine washable, ensuring a hassle-free journey from start to finish.”

Rating their purchase, a Dunelm shopper wrote: “I have just got back from a trip where I used these travel bags for the first time and am really happy with them. There is a good variety of styles and sizes and they are better made than I expected for the very reasonable price.

“They definitely helped me keep my suitcase organised over a two week holiday. The only thing I will do next time is attach tags to the zips to remind me what is in which bag.”

Another reviewer said: “On my last holiday, my case was a mess and my friend had these bags and everything was organised and stress free! I can’t wait to go on holiday and try them out!”

Passengers have been following these instructions for years, but a cabin crew member has now explained the important aircraft safety reason for keeping window blinds open during landings take offs

Have you ever wondered why cabin crew insist we keep the window blinds up when planes are taking off and landing? If you have, you’re certainly not alone – even frequent flyers are only now learning the reason behind this rule.

The explanation came to light following a video posted by traveller Quinn Kuntz. In footage filmed from her seat, she asked: “Can someone explain why European flights require the window shade to be open for landing? They are so strict about it.” Quinn concluded by pondering whether the rule applies “everywhere”, adding: “I just wanna know why.”

In response, cabin crew member Amelia Richardson was swift to provide a thorough explanation.

“Cabin crew here – lights off in hours of darkness – your eyes are adjusted to darkness in case of evacuation,” she began. “Window blinds open – danger can be seen outside and emergency crews can see in. Tray tables and bags under seats – saves critical seconds in an evacuation.”

Amelia went on with further instructions: “Emergency exits remaining clear – again saves critical seconds, emergency exits are a lifeline in an evacuation. Just remember an aircraft must be evacuated within 90 seconds. Listen to cabin crew, follow the rules. Everyone’s happy.”

A second person added: “Safety. There are no wing or rear view mirrors on a plane. It is so the passengers and crew can alert the pilot of anything untoward.”

A third concurred, writing: “In case the passengers notice something the pilot can’t or doesn’t see. Just an extra precaution.”

Meanwhile, a fourth TikTok user explained the rule has been implemented across the globe.

“Simple: if there a fire or emergency, flight crew needs to see what’s happening so they can better choose which side to evacuate passengers,” they said. “This is an international regulation. It’s worldwide they do this!”

Indeed, pilot school, BAA Training confirms this is correct in guidance on its website.

“The first reason is your safety,” BAA advises.

“If anything happens during a take-off or landing, your eyes will already be used to the day or night light outside, thus you will be able to react more quickly.”

The firm goes on to state: “Another reason for keeping the blinds open is visibility of aircraft outside. If any problems occur with the engine or wings, the crew can see it out of those tiny round windows in a cabin.”

“If the aircraft needs to be evacuated, passengers and the whole crew is able to see which side of the aircraft is safer for evacuation.”

Washington, DC – Requests for legal support related to pro-Palestine advocacy remained high in the United States last year, as President Donald Trump threatened activists and universities with penalties.

In an annual report released on Tuesday, Palestine Legal, an organisation that “supports the movement for Palestinian freedom in the US”, said it received 1,131 queries for legal support in 2025.

The figure is below the record 2,184 requests the group received in 2024, when pro-Palestine protests swept US campuses — and were regularly met with crackdowns from both school administrators and law enforcement.

Despite universities enacting new restrictions on protests across the country, the figures from 2025 show that pro-Palestine advocacy has persisted, according to Dima Khalidi, the executive director of Palestine Legal.

“Our 2025 year-end report shows that while universities have largely cowered and caved to coercive pressure from the Trump administration and its pro-Israel supporters, student activists for Palestinian and collective freedom remain a model of moral conviction and courage,” Khalidi said.

“Even when facing punitive consequences for speaking out, they are holding the line of dissent against injustice from the US to Palestine, because they understand the cost of surrender for all of us.”

Palestine Legal said that the “overwhelming majority of requests” for legal support came from university students and faculty in 2025, but a growing number, 122, were categorised as “immigration and border-related”.

The group received 851 requests from people or organisations targeted for their Palestine-related advocacy, as well as 280 more asking for legal guidance on conducting advocacy.

Despite the drop from 2024, the rate of complaints last year remained 300 percent higher than in 2022, the year before Israel began its genocidal war in Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Since then, at least 72,560 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.

Pressure campaigns

In 2024, Trump campaigned for a second term in the White House in part on a pledge to crack down on the pro-Palestinian protest movement, which sought to shine a light on the human rights abuses unfolding during the war.

He has framed such protests as anti-Semitic, and since his inauguration in 2025, he has led a campaign to penalise schools that played host to pro-Palestinian activism.

To date, five universities have struck deals with Trump after he threatened to withhold billions in federal funding. They include Columbia University, where a pro-Palestine encampment and resulting police crackdown drew international attention.

Columbia eventually reached a $200m settlement with the Trump administration and moved to make several policy changes it said were aimed at combatting anti-Semitism.

Rights groups have condemned such policies as conflating pro-Palestine advocacy with anti-Jewish sentiment. They also warn that Trump’s actions risk dampening free speech, a protected right under the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

All told, nearly 80 of the students who took part in Columbia’s protests faced serious academic discipline, including expulsions, suspensions, and degree revocations, as of July 2025.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration used immigration enforcement to target pro-Palestine protesters and advocates, including scholars like Rumeysa Ozturk, Mohsen Mahdawi, Badar Khan Suri and Mahmoud Khalil.

To date, the deportation proceedings against Ozturk, who was in the US on a student visa, and Mahdawi, a US permanent resident detained at his citizenship hearing, have been abandoned.

Ozturk has since voluntarily returned to her native Turkiye after completing her doctoral studies at Tufts University.

The government is still proceeding with deportation efforts against Khan Suri, a Georgetown University researcher, and Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and permanent US resident.

Separately, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided five homes connected to pro-Palestine activists at the University of Michigan in April 2025, sparking outrage. Federal authorities seized properties, but no arrests were made.

Legal victories

Despite the restrictive climate across the country, Palestine Legal hailed a string of legal victories in 2025 that upheld the right to pro-Palestinian protest.

Last August, for instance, a federal court dismissed a complaint that sought to penalise UNRWA USA, a non-profit that supports the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), under the Antiterrorism Act of 1990.

A separate lawsuit launched by Palestine Legal and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) charged that the University of Maryland had tread on the free speech rights of students by banning Students for Justice in Palestine (UMD SJP). That case resulted in a $100,000 settlement.

Meanwhile, federal judges have sided with Harvard University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in their challenges to the Trump administration’s defunding efforts.

“The fights that Palestine Legal and our partners have waged affirm that the Trump administration, universities, and Israel advocacy groups cannot, without consequence, run roughshod over growing demands to respect and protect Palestinian rights,” Palestine Legal said at the conclusion of its report.

“The developments throughout 2025 made crystal clear that if we allow our right to stand for Palestinian freedom to be trampled, all of our fundamental rights will be in jeopardy in the face of an authoritarian slide.”

The Jamieson Greer has told Mexican industry leaders that tariffs imposed by Donald Trump will remain in place, even as negotiations to revise the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement intensify ahead of a July review deadline.

The remarks, delivered during meetings in Mexico City, signal a major shift from decades of tariff free trade under USMCA and its predecessor NAFTA.

End of Zero Tariff Era

According to multiple sources, Greer made it clear that the United States does not intend to return to a zero tariff framework.

This marks a fundamental change in North American trade policy, where free trade in autos and parts had been the norm for over 30 years. The introduction of tariffs, including a 25 percent duty on automotive imports, has disrupted deeply integrated supply chains across the region.

Impact on Key Industries

The implications for Mexico are significant:

• More than half of Mexico’s auto and steel exports go to the United States
• Vehicle exports have already declined, with job losses in the auto sector
• Steel and aluminum industries face steep duties, some as high as 50 percent

These pressures have weakened Mexico’s competitive position, especially as the United States has negotiated lower tariffs with other partners.

Shifting Trade Rules

U.S. negotiators are also pushing for stricter rules of origin.

Proposals include requiring 100 percent North American sourcing for key components such as engines and electronics, up from current thresholds of around 75 percent. This would force manufacturers to further regionalize supply chains, potentially increasing costs but aligning with Washington’s goal of boosting domestic production.

Mexico’s Position

The Mexican government, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, is seeking relief from tariffs as part of the USMCA review. Officials aim to secure at least partial reductions, particularly in the auto and steel sectors, before finalizing broader trade revisions.

However, the latest signals from Washington suggest that while some easing may be possible, a full rollback is unlikely.

Why It Matters

This development underscores a broader shift in global trade policy away from pure free trade toward managed trade and economic security.

For Mexico, the stakes are high due to its deep economic integration with the United States. Persistent tariffs could reshape manufacturing patterns, investment decisions, and employment across North America.

What’s Next

Formal negotiations are set to begin in late May, with both sides aiming to resolve key disputes before the July deadline.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Tariff levels on autos and metals
• Rules of origin requirements
• Broader economic security cooperation

The outcome will determine the future structure of North American trade.

Analysis

The U.S. position reflects a strategic recalibration rather than a temporary policy shift. By normalizing tariffs, Washington is prioritizing domestic industry and supply chain control over traditional free trade principles.

For Mexico, this creates a structural challenge. Its export driven model, built on open access to the U.S. market, now faces persistent barriers. While some adjustments may preserve competitiveness, the era of frictionless trade appears to be over.

Ultimately, the negotiations will test whether North America can adapt to a new trade paradigm or whether tensions will deepen within one of the world’s most integrated economic regions.

With information from Reuters.

POP star Harry Styles and actress Zoe Kravitz are sleeping in separate beds during their stay in Britain. 

The singer was snapped showing his American girlfriend the sights close to his North London home on Sunday. 

But after grabbing a coffee and walking hand-in-hand, the pair split and went their separate ways. 

Harry, 32, was spotted dropping off Zoe, 37, at her hotel in the capital at 3.30pm on Sunday before heading to his Hampstead pad.  

He was then seen arriving to pick her up again yesterday morning. 

An onlooker said: “Harry and Zoe might be spending time together by day but at night they’re sleeping apart.

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“They were so loved-up in Hampstead, so it was odd the date ended with her going to a hotel and him heading home on his tod. 

“He was a proper gent though and came and picked Zoe up for another date yesterday.” 

Harry, whose new album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, went straight to No 1 when he released it last month, will be on tour in the coming weeks. 

He will start a ten-date residency in Amsterdam on May 16 before returning to London for a record 12 nights at Wembley Stadium across June and July. 

The singer will then fly to South America for a run of shows before he plays 30 more in New York and then five concerts in Australia. 

Insiders said Zoe, who is the daughter of rocker Lenny Kravitz, is busy with her filming commitments but that she would visit Harry when she could. 

A source said: “Harry and Zoe spend as much time together as they can and they’re massively supportive of each other’s careers.

“She will be at shows when she can. 

“Harry has made sure he’s got plenty of down dates in his schedule, too.” 

The Sun revealed the pair were dating in August. 

Onlookers spotted them snogging in Rita’s bistro in London’s Soho.

I KNEW Efteling theme park had a fairytale garden, but I didn’t realise a stay there would give me such a royal welcome, too.

The lobby of the newly opened Efteling Grand Hotel at this Netherlands attraction feels like its straight out of the classic storybooks my nan used to read me when I was a child.

A sweeping staircase circles an intricate, ­cascading chandelier made from tiny gold keys, candles flicker in the alcove and a 1920s bellhop — a mime-artist in full character — performs a slapstick routine pretending to dust off everyone’s suitcases.

It’s a welcome distraction for the kids, who were itching to bust through the back door and on to the rides. And even as a grown adult, I’m mesmerised.

Efteling first opened in 1952 and its mix of traditional fairground attractions, modern thrill rides and whimsical storytelling now attracts more than five million visitors every year.

Perched dominantly on the edge of the theme park, the Grand Hotel is a a castle-esque chateau that began welcoming guests last summer.

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It’s the first time in Efteling’s ­history that visitors have been able to stay the night within the park gates.

Unlike its other accommodation options — Efteling Wonder Hotel and the holiday villages Bosrijk and Loonsche Land — the Grand Hotel is slightly more premium for those who want some proper R&R — that’s rest and rollercoasters.

It doesn’t feel like a twee theme- park hotel, though.

The arty design was inspired by the park’s history and leans in to the visual style of film director Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel.

The 140 plush, modern, yet cosy rooms and suites look more like they belong in a stylish boutique hotel, although there are subtle nods to a princess theme.

Delicate vintage-style decor has been paired with ice-blue walls and brushed gold fittings. Elsewhere, there’s a great swimming pool, spa facilities and two fantastic restaurants.

Guests are also given unlimited, free access to the theme park throughout their stay, including on arrival and departure days and free private parking.

For those who don’t fancy driving, it’s incredibly easy to travel by train.
Eurostar operates direct services from London to Amsterdam, then it’s an easy change on to a local train that will have you at Efteling in less than an hour.

After a very early start, the fluffy linens in my room could have easily tempted me to have a duvet day, but the views of the park from my window were too much to resist.

Within minutes, I was out of the door and approaching my first ride of the day — the quirky and family- friendly Symbolica.

Revered as one of the best attractions at the park, it’s an absolute must-do.

The immersive experience sees visitors sit in floating cars on a modern, magnetic track, journeying through a Gothic palace that features some curious inhabitants.

It’s packed with optical illusions and special effects, perfectly pairing Efteling’s reputation for storytelling with enough excitement to appease the TikTok generation.

There’s plenty for adrenaline junkies too, and for children of all ages.

If you’re travelling with kids, keep your eyes peeled for Hooghmoed.

Set to open on May 1, it features three drop towers and is aimed at younger guests who don’t yet want to take on the white-knuckle rides.

And if you’re not a fan of rides full stop, there’s plenty more to enjoy at Efteling.

The theme park is set around stunning gardens and enchanting woodland, which is used to full effect to play out the fairytale theme.

Granted, parents don’t tend to leave a theme park feeling well rested, but somehow the Efteling Grand Hotel changes that.

The atmosphere feels serene, despite being literally next-door to six roaring rollercoasters and a donkey that poops gold coins (one of the park’s quirkier attractions).

At the end of each tiring day, I was made to feel like a sleeping beauty snuggled in that ridiculously comfy bed.

Although having endured upside-down loops, sudden drops and water rides, I’m not convinced I looked like one.