stayed

THE HOLIDAY inspired hotel rooms? Check. Free fudge after check in? Check.

If both of those have you tempted, here’s everything you need to know about a stay at The Feathered Inn.

What is The Feathered Nest like?

This 350 year-old former malthouseturned-inn with a fine dining restaurant is a cosy bolthole in a chocolate box village overlooking the rolling hills of the Evenlode Valley.

What are the rooms like?

The inn has four tastefully decorated rooms where homemade cookies and fudge will await you.

For those wanting a Kate Winslet moment, inspired by movie, The Holiday, the inn features a gorgeous honey-coloured cottage that sleeps four guests.

It features flagstone flooring, an open fireplace and a huge freestanding bath.

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Rooms start from £235 per night, including breakfast. Stays at the cottage are from £350 per night. See thefeatherednestinn.co.uk.

Dogs are allowed at the cottage for an additional £25.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

The inn’s award winning 3-AA Rosette restaurant sources the best seasonal ingredients, such as Welsh lamb and Yorkshire rhubarb and is where head chef James Erasmus works his magic.

Breakfast can be served in either the pretty garden room or the grounds.

What else is there?

The nearby village of Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town featuring quaint antique shops and traditional tea rooms.

David Beckham‘s favourite sausage roll can be found at The Cotswold Guy in the village of Guiting Power.

The Feathered Nest has lots of information about circular walks or, if you’re up for it, take on The Cotswold Way – a 102-mile hiking route between Chipping Campden and Bath.

It’s surely one of the best kept secrets in the Cotswolds.

Is it family friendly?

The cottage fits 4 people which families will want to book to make their stay easy. 

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The ground floor of the Inn can be uneven and requires the use of short staircases throughout the building.

Guests that need a room with easy access should contact the bookings team to discuss requirements for the stay.

However, there is level access to the dining terrace and the Garden Room, although guests should let the booking team know that easy access is needed. 

IF you want an affordable hotel that feels way above its pay grade, you’re in luck.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at Holiday Inn Bloomsbury.

Where is the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury?

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the capital, Bloomsbury is known as a literary hub.

And the newly refurbished hotel has rooms inspired by 20th century British writers, artists and other creatives.

What are the rooms like?

There are 317 in total, each of which is fresh and bright.

I stayed in a Premium Room, which was bigger than typical London hotel rooms with enough room for a small sofa, desk and a bathroom of dreams.

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It also had little extras that make a trip special: earplugs, an eye mask and pillow spray.

I felt as though I was staying in a luxury hotel without the huge price tag. Rooms start from £199 per night for a King Premium. See ihg.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

Dinner is served in the Artful Critic, which has a laid-back vibe and is open for food and drinks from 10am until 1am.

The menu showcases British classics: burgers, pasta, pizzas and curry plus daily specials. If you’re travelling with kids under 12, they eat free. Bonus.

Breakfast is served in a different area and as well as fruit, pastries, cold meats and cheese, there was an extensive hot selection.

There’s also an on-site Starbucks concession.

What else is at the hotel?

The hotel has an onsite gym and if you are travelling for work, the WiFi is really good.

Rare for London, there is an on-site car park.

But the hotel couldn’t be better placed for getting around London.

It is just a few steps away from Russell Square tube station and five minutes away from The British Museum.

Is it family friendly?

Kids under 17 eat and stay free. There are also family rooms where connecting rooms and cribs are available on request. 

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

For easy access there are a variety of features like wheelchair accessible rooms accompanied with grab bars, tall toilets, and handrails in bathrooms. 

MY childhood summer holidays began and ended with me squashed into a hatchback car with tents, campbeds and pool floats, as my family travelled to Europe for a week’s camping.

The only luxuries were a wine and cheese evening (for my parents), the morning croissant run to the bakery on site (my sister and I) and our mains-powered coolbox (my dad).

Oh, how the world of camping has changed since then.

This summer, a school-mum pal and I took our kids to one of the top-rated sites of camping specialist Eurocamp — and 5* Les Prairies de la Mer, on the French Riviera, just 15 minutes from St Tropez, could not have been more different from those breaks of my early years.

This huge beachfront site even has its own spa, that bakery on site, which also features seven kinds of fresh bread, a seriously glam pool and a supermarket stocking about 30 different types of rosé wine.

Oh, and some of those wines were just 4.50 euros a bottle — and perfectly drinkable.

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There are also further delights — a petting zoo, small fairground, two beachfront bars and restaurants, a hair salon and an inland bar that plays really decent live music every night.

If you can hack the heat, there are plenty of sporting activities, too, from sailing and archery to tennis and football.

I could lie and say I did all of the sports — but I didn’t.

In 35C heat in May, with three seven-year-old boys in tow, most days we pinballed between pool and beach, fairground and playground.

The huge, lagoon-shaped beachside pool, with its own palm tree, is a joy in itself — and only more so for its stylish bar, serving enormous pitchers of rosé for six euros, and French fries.

But it would be criminal to visit the French Riviera and not explore.

Les Prairies de la Mer is next to Port Grimaud, a car-free seaside town with waterfront Provencal-style houses that each have their own mooring for a boat.

You can see why the place is nicknamed the Venice of Provence.

We had a great time wandering the streets and visiting the Sunday market, which sells everything from local olives to honey and flowers.

The campsite also lays on a land train (€10 adults and €6 kids) to the medieval hillside village of Grimaud where you will find cobblestone streets, a 12th-century church and an even older ruined castle, all with great views over the surrounding countryside.

We also made it down to glamorous St Tropez, famed for its annual film festival.

The place is worth a visit just to ogle the huge yachts in the marina, wander the old town and eyeball the rich tourists who head to upscale shopping street Rue Francois Sibilli for high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Hermes.

But my favourite day was when we rented a speedboat — through SamBoat, an app that bills itself as “the AirBnb of boats”.

It allows you to search locations, near where you are holidaying, for more than 50,000 chartered boats and yachts, that come with or without a captain.

We opted for a large speedboat that could take up to 12 people, as it could pick us up from the neighbouring marina — and it was super-easy to book.

The speedboat hire was 380 euros without a skipper, otherwise 630 euros.

We opted for the latter and, if there are 12 of you, this works out at just over 50 euros a head — not bad for a day on the water.

We bought cheese, wine, cakes and other goodies beforehand, at the marina supermarket, then toured the beautiful coastline before mooring in one of the many bays, where we swam, played on lilos and generally had the best time.

On the way home, we stopped off in the St Tropez marina to check out again the beautiful people and yachts.

This fabled French town is also the setting for the upcoming fourth series of TV hit The White Lotus, expected to air next year — and this corner of France is a serious magnet for celebrities.

Indeed, on our flight alone there were THREE famous faces.

Glamour girl Kelly Brook was in Business Class with actor husband Jeremy Parisi, while Pixie Geldof and sister Tiger Lily Hutchence-Geldof roughed it with us in Economy.

They were all (like us) taking advantage of British Airways’ newest route from London City Airport to Toulon-Hyeres in the South of France, which operates twice-weekly during the summer months.

The seaside city of Toulon is a taxi ride away from St Tropez and other A-lister holiday destinations such as Grimaud and Sainte Maxime.

Or if you don’t have deep pockets like the celebrities, there is a coach to St Tropez that leaves twice daily from the airport and costs 2.50 euros per person.

It also stops at a number of other holiday destinations en route.

It took us nearly all the way to our Eurocamp site, from where it was just a ten-euro cab ride.

So, plenty of spare cash for the lashings of rosé.

SHE’S in her eighth decade but Chaka Khan has no intention of slowing down. 

In fact, the legendary singer, 73, is about to release her 13th studio album, a record she describes as “ageless music”. 

Called Chakzilla, she believes it can connect with “everybody, every age”. 

And after 50-plus years of making music, when asked about her proudest achievements, the Grammy-winning star says: “My legacy is that I stayed alive and that I’m still here. That’s a big deal.” 

She is chatting from her home in Georgia where she is resting on her 80-acre farm before she heads back to the UK.  

Tomorrow she headlines Radio 2 In The Park in Stirling, a week before the release of her new album, her first in seven years. 

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“I didn’t plan it, or anything like that,” she says. “It just happened. I was just working — you know, working hard with my band. 

“We were doing a lot of gigs, and that’s always fun. Everybody’s happy because they’re getting paid. And in that time, it just so happened that I met Sia.” 

Sia is the Australian singer-songwriter behind huge hits such as Titanium and Unstoppable, who Khan met through her sister and manager Tammy McCrary. McCrary is a huge fan of Sia, who became central to the album’s creation. 

“I didn’t have to work hard at all,” says Khan. “It was just easy for me and for her. She loves to write poetry and she’s a brilliant lyricist. 

“I haven’t met anyone like her ever. I’m just happy that she’s my goddaughter now.” 

The pair clicked so well creatively, they became family after Sia asked her to be her godmother and Khan agreed. 

“I’m just happy that we’re together and that we’re part of each other’s life,” says Khan. “I’m really, really blessed.” 

And it was this close relationship that started Chakzilla, with Sia bringing in celebrated producer Greg Kurstin to shape the album’s sound. 

Khan says: “Greg did some writing with Sia and when she played these songs to me, it was just the most beautiful thing. I mean, she gets me. She knows me. 

“And Tammy and I listened to the album a lot in the car. We keep playing it over and over again. We don’t get tired of it. 

“When I am not tired of listening to my own music, that says a great deal because I often get tired quickly. That’s deep. That’s a beautiful thing.  

“It’s fun for me to sing. All the songs are so good. My background singers and my band feel the same way. Everybody loves it. We’re feeling really special about this. 

“So, I think people are going to feel the same way and they’re going to discover songs they like. 

“They’re very sincere songs and very true about me. Heart Of Gold is the sweetest song and Dreamy Stuff is really true about me too. Curious Subject is another good one — because I am. That’s what my family is always saying about me.” 

That sense of fun also runs through the album’s title, Chakzilla, inspired by Khan’s lifelong love of monster movies.  

“I’ve loved horror and monster films my whole life,” she says. “I’ve been watching Godzilla and Mothra (the giant moth-like creature from the Japanese Godzilla films) since I was a little girl and I never got tired of them.  

“I loved the fact there were good monsters and bad ones — the ones that tore things up and the ones that fixed things. 

“So, I thought, ‘OK, I could be the Zilla that comes and fixes everything up. A positive monster, because I’m not a curlicue, I’m not a sweetie pie, so it works for me. 

“Chakzilla is something I really love.” 

The new record is packed with collaborations. The sultry Cool U Down sees Sia guest, while the joyous Boogie’s In My Soul has Snoop Dogg. The funky Bring The Party features Lenny Kravitz on guitars and vocals. 

“Sia told me she wanted to write a song called Boogie’s In My Soul and I thought, ‘Oh that sounds horrible’,” Khan says honestly.  

“Then I heard what she had in mind and thought, ‘This is brilliant’. She said, ‘All we need is a good rapper’. And I thought, ‘Oh yeah, I know just the guy’.  

“I really admire Snoop. He’s so smart and such a great guy, so it was perfect. And the words are brilliant. She says, ‘Show the world your light. Show the world of joy’. 

“I thought, ‘Yes, right on, sis’. It’s beautiful. It’s like old school.” 

Snoop opens the track with a playful nod to Khan’s 1984 Prince-penned hit I Feel For You, echoing Grandmaster Melle Mel’s famous “Chaka Khan” chant. 

Khan says: “Yeah, it sounds great, even though I’m so sick of that song. But it fits. It fits.  

“I’m just glad he’s not saying ‘Chaka, Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan’, like the start of that record.” 

Straight-talking with a larger-than-life personality, Khan is refreshingly honest when asked whether it was fun making the video with the rapper. 

“No, I worked my ass off. Let me tell you that thing went on until the night.” 

Working with old friend Lenny Kravitz on Bring The Party was long overdue, she says, as he is someone who shares much of her outlook on life.  

“I’ve known Lenny for many years,” says Khan. “I have friends, but I don’t really have friendships in the way I’d like to because of the life I lead. 

“He pulled up some songs from an album he did over 20 years ago. It was some old rock and it was brilliant, and I sang on some of that old stuff with him. I guess he’s going to bring some of it into the future now. 

“So, he then played guitar and sang with me on this cut. It was great to bring in some friends that I love and do good work. 

“And Lenny lives a lot like I do. If I wanted to go and hang out with him, it would be easy and vice versa. We live in similar ways. 

“He’s living on an island (Kravitz, lives part of the year on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera), growing beautiful plants and food, with a great studio in the middle of it all. 

“He’s moved, like I am, by being in the real world and loving what God has put here for us.” Around four years ago, Khan left California for Georgia, where her grandma was from and where she lives a very different life. 

She says: “I came back to Earth, to the trees and lakes and plants, to real living, with no sirens and craziness around me. It’s brilliant. 

“I can look at the sky every morning when I wake up. I look at my lake every day, my animals, and I’m eating right. 

“My sister and I are in the middle of opening a plant-based restaurant, and I’m growing my own food. I’ve got greenhouses and I’m learning how to live on the planet and from the planet, rather than having to go to stores and buy crap.” 

Georgia has given Khan space, peace and proper time with her family.  

“I really am enjoying it,” she tells me. “I’ve never felt so happy to come home off the road before. 

“Touring is hard work. It always has been. But now I come home, close the gate and it’s really nice. My family can come and stay for a week or two and we get proper quality time together. 

“I just spent a whole month with all my grandchildren and great-grands. They wore me the hell out but I had the best time ever.” 

Last year Khan joined soul legends Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills for the historic Queens tour, which had extra dates in May this year. 

“It was an amazing feat that we finished it,” says Khan. “I took it on because I thought, ‘This is a one-time thing — Gladys, Patti, Stephanie and myself. A one-off. 

“It was an amazing show. It was tough because we were working like back in the day.  

“Stevie Wonder came to the opening night and sang with me, which was lovely. 

“We were really cool. Nobody was tripping, there was no drama. It was beautiful. And between the four of us, you could imagine how diverse the audience was. I saw families, I saw men bringing their sons. It was really special.”  

Earlier this year, I’m Every Woman — The Chaka Khan Musical opened in London starring Alexandra Burke as Khan.  

Did Burke nail the role? 

“What could Alexandra do wrong? She’s amazing. She’s really something. I didn’t realise she was already such a big star. She’s no joke. 

“I was amazed by her staying power. She and the whole cast had stamina like you’ve never seen.  

“Nia Hill, who wrote the book for the show, is an old friend. She knows me inside out. We’ve had very deep conversations, and she’s been there for me through some really hard knocks.  

“She would ask me which songs we should use, and I suggested songs that people don’t often get to hear. 

“That’s what I’m trying to do now, bring back songs I did years and years ago that I still love. 

“I’m going to do a show with that old stuff. Young kids today are so savvy, they know a good song when they hear one.” 

Khan’s admiration for younger generations also connects back to her own political awakening. 

As a teenager in Chicago, she was involved with the Black Panther Party and says the battles facing young people today feel both familiar and far broader.  

She says: “It was crazy then too, but in a different way. With the Panthers, the focus was mostly on fundamental racism. Today, it’s that and so much more that these kids are dealing with. My heart goes out to them because they’re not afraid. They’re fearless, beautiful beings and they get it. They understand what’s right and what’s wrong.  

“I’m really happy about young people today. I love that they’re not afraid, because fear will tear it all down.” 

With our time up, Khan says how much she is ready to return to the UK this weekend. 

“I love Scotland and love the big shows, I can’t wait. I’m going to play the favourites. Absolutely.  

“It’s important to keep the music going. I’m still here. Yeah, in every way.  

“We lost Prince, and the big stars like Aretha and Whitney. 

“There are not a lot of those musicians and artists like that any more. So, I’m enjoying that I’m still making new music and playing shows. 

“I’m up for the challenge. Absolutely, that’s how I live. That’s me. 

“I love that line, ‘I may be small, but I’ve got this’. 

“It doesn’t matter what size you are, it’s what you’ve got.” 

•  Chaka Khan headlines Radio 2 In The Park on Saturday night and the set will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Radio 2, and at 10pm on BBC Two. The album Chakzilla is released on September 18. 

CHAKA KHAN 

Chakzilla 

★★★★☆

I NEVER ever thought I’d be into geology – but after a week on a nature reserve in Tenerife, I’m officially an earth geek.

Admittedly, the ice-cold margaritas served inside the tranquil oasis of Barcelo Tenerife oiled my educational rediscovery of the island’s natural wonders, but now I am well and truly hooked.

My last memory of visiting Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, was marred by an over-excited, elderly sailor who threatened to throw my beloved teddy bear into the path of an approaching pod of pilot whales when I was only eight years old.

But after touching down 31 years later, I rediscovered my love for it.

The Barcelo Tenerife, my home for the trip, is set within 124 acres of almost untouched land in the San Blas Environmental Reserve — and it fully takes advantage of its rural surroundings.

It’s not just the decor that sets the tone for rustic Tenerife — guests at the resort can book a guided tour through the reserve that will showcase the best of Tenerife’s wild scenery.

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During my two-hour or so trek through the fascinating landscapes, I touched stone formed by molten lava as well as compressed volcanic ash, a type of rock that created the foundations of the island after the (still active) Mount Teide volcano erupted millions of years ago.

It was one of the best experiences I’ve had — and reminded me that this gorgeous island offers so much more than just sun-drenched beaches and cocktails by the pool.

Make sure to try and catch a look at Teide on your flight in — the mountain top peeps out above the clouds.

While it is still active, the last eruption happened in 1909 and there’s nothing to suggest it’s going to happen again in the next 100 years or so, so visitors need not panic.

When it comes to history, the mighty volcano isn’t all the island has to boast about, though.

Travellers visiting the San Blas Environmental Reserve can observe the archaeological remains of the Guanches, an indigenous community who first inhabited the islands.

Fans of The Lord Of The Rings will also recognise many of the rocky pastures as sets from the show.

It’s well worth exploring this striking landscape — if you can tear yourself away from the seven luxurious swimming pools at the hotel.

The Barcelo Tenerife manages to exude luxury without stomping on thousands of years of history — as the incredible scenery has been incorporated into the hotel’s earthy design.

The beauty of the land is seen in every inch of the hotel, from the terracotta plant pots on the terraces to its clay-coloured buildings.

Barcelo Tenerife also prides itself on its eco-friendly ethos, with sustainability built in, not tacked on — and walking through the building, you feel immersed in the natural environment.

Along with solar power energy, the hotel relies on energy-efficient lighting and ethical food supplies.

And with a 500,000-square-metre nature reserve on your doorstep, you could walk a different route every day and still feel like you have explored more of Tenerife than anyone else.

The food options include an impressive and tasty buffet for breakfast, while fine-dining restaurant La Dolce Vita Trattoria brings a taste of Italy while using superb Spanish produce.

Creamy burrata served with locally-reared beef carpaccio was a highlight, as was a tasting menu inside the Arrozante Restaurant — where I had a truly wonderful paella.

The hotel is a five-star — and worth it — but if you fancy spending a little more, upgrading to the Royal Level is worth saving your cash for.

A private pool and access to a premium bar and restaurant give you a chance to live the high life without breaking the bank too much (from just £160 per night).

Rooms have a slightly more elevated feel to them, too, with chic, sandy-toned furnishings inspired by the nature reserve and fabulous views of the ocean.

But the hotel is so well proportioned and the nature reserve so vast, I don’t think you could ever feel cramped, even during the high season.

Now is the best time to visit, too, with the weather in the UK finally taking a rather more drizzly turn, announcing the official arrival of autumn.

In Tenerife, by contrast, temperatures tend to stay balmy throughout this time of year — with highs of 26C in October perfect for both sunbathing and exploring the island — and even into winter.

My helpful hotel guide informed me that Tenerife has only had five days of rain in the last four years, so the sunshine is pretty much guaranteed.

It’s a go-to destination for winter sun and I, for one, am sold.

See you again in November, Tenerife — and this time, I’ll be bringing along my walking boots.

DID you know of the UK’s most affordable hotel chains was actually inspired by first class plane cabins?

Here is everything you need to know about staying at Yotel London City.

Where is the hotel?

A short walk from London Farringdon station, you couldn’t get much more central when visiting the capital.

What is the hotel like?

The modern hotel has all the trimmings – on-site restaurant, rentable umbrellas, underground gym and hundreds of rooms to choose from.

Check in whenever you get there; the lobby is 24 hours or there are self-service machines.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are minimalist, decked out in clean white and the famous deep purple of the brand, albeit with some essentials such as large Smart TVs and hairdryers.

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The highlight is the reclining bed which goes from upright to fully reclined with the click of a button (another cheeky space saver).

Otherwise the toilet and shower are in separate smaller cubicles, kitted out with eco-friendly Urban Jungle toiletries and towels.

Forgo the room service on longer stays and you even get added discounts.

Each room comes with complimentary towels and Urban Jungle toiletries, as well as a safe and fridge, iron and hairdryer.

Rooms range from single beds for solo travellers, to 2-3 person rooms with queen beds or even bunk beds. Ask for the VIP suite to get 399sqft of space to yourself.

Rooms start from £119. See yotel.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The on-site restaurant Revolve has a limited, but perfect menu for food that ticks all the boxes.

I went for the classic pepperoni pizza and it came out fresh from the oven with the perfect level of charred crusts.

It’s also where you will find the bar, with a very extensive list of cocktails, wines and beers.

(I was sold by the elderflower and grapefruit Solar Boom).

If you’re short on time, there is a 24-hour Dine and Dash area with snacks and hot drinks you can buy to take with you.

What is there to do at the hotel?

Make sure to try Yotel’s Anti-Appy Hour, a collaboration with app-blocking keycard Bloom.

Sign up, tap the card on your phone and it blocks your chosen social media for one hour – the perfect time to take advantage of a now-discounted drink at the bar.

There are even postcards throughout the hotel so you can spend time writing them for your loved ones during your off-screen time.

Is the hotel family-friendly?

Cots can be requested at no extra cost, with some rooms sleeping up to three people including a bunk bed.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The hotel has lifts between all of the floors, as well as accessible rooms including Accessible Queen and Accessible Premium Plus.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

THERE’S nothing worse than a 3am alarm clock before a long flight – which is where airport hotels come in.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn at London Gatwick Airport. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the hotel like?

A very comfortable, convenient modern hotel for those wanting to grab more sleep before a flight.

There’s a shuttle bus running every 15 to 20 minutes most of the day and every hour from midnight to 3am, providing a direct link to check terminals.

What are the rooms like?

Clean, modern rooms with more facilities than you’d expect for an overnight stay.

There’s tea and coffee, free water, a mini bar and work desk with lamp.

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The iron will ensure you’re presentable for any flight and there are also plenty of plug sockets and USB points. Room service is 24/7 too.

It took the sting out of our 6am flight and we managed to grab a few extra hours’ sleep before heading off on our trip feeling rested.

Book through Holiday Extras and with their Flextras policy, if you need to cancel or amend, you can without charge.

One night’s stay in a standard room at the Holiday Inn Gatwick is from £121 in total.

Or for one night plus four days Maple Meet & Greet parking, prices start from £244 in total. See holidayextras.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

Great for a quick dinner before heading off for an early night, there’s a buzzy restaurant and bar.

The menu features comfort food from burgers (£18.50) and stuffed flatbreads (£12) to curries, steaks and salads.

Food arrived quickly and service was efficient and friendly. Breakfast served from 6am.

What else is there?

For those looking to drive, Holiday Extras can package up a stay at the hotel with a range of parking options from longstay to Meet and Greet.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has connecting rooms, cribs on request and kids can eat free making this a family friendly hotel.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Guests can find accessible bathrooms equipped with grab bars, tall toilets, handrails, and a clear turning space for wheelchair users.

As well as easy access for wheelchairs, there are also conveniently located door locks.

I’M walking down the M1 in my flip flops, the trilling of birdsong above me as a cheeky monkey throws fruit skins from the trees.

The only motors on this brick-lined path winding through the jungle of the Rayavadee Resort in Krabi are those powering the sunset chorus.

And while the bright lights of Thailand’s big cities may mean chaotic tuk tuks, the only traffic jam I see is a family of spectacled langur monkeys running from one tree to another before scampering across the beachfront.

“It’s 5pm, it’s their home time,” a staff member tells me. In the slow lane is the water monitor lizard, lazily crossing the path before slinking into the pond to cool down.

This beautiful resort in the heart of Krabi’s Phra Nang Peninsula on the border of the marine national park delivers laid-back luxury with not one but three stunning beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea.

My home off the M1 pathway was a circular, two-storey, dome-roofed wooden pavilion designed to echo the unique rounded cliff rock formations that pepper the surrounding landscapes.

RIDE ON

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Downstairs, there’s a living room with plush seating and garden views.

Up an open, spiral staircase is the spacious bedroom, with the pavilion’s curved glass windows welcoming the jungle indoors.

Those naughty monkeys are just as keen on the luxury digs — make sure to keep your terrace doors locked otherwise you might have a visitor raiding your minibar.

And as tempting as it would be to simply pull up a lounger on one of the three stunning beaches it sits on — Railay West, Phra Nang and Nam Mao — part of the hotel’s ethos is to get you out there and interacting with the local community.

We set off bright and early in a truly unique transfer — a giant sea tractor to counteract the challenges of the low tide.

I hung on for dear life in the metal carriage contraption the tractor pulls along, before swapping to a longboat for part two of the journey as the savvy captain manoeuvred along narrow channels.

I’d survived, jelly-legged, but not for long.

A short drive away were the waterfalls of Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, a primary filming location for Jurassic World: Rebirth featuring Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey.

Our guide warned us it was a “bit of a challenge” to get there.

And, just like Thai people have a different definition of “spicy” compared to us Brits, what they call a slight challenge is an understatement.

I clambered up what felt like sheer rock faces, stretching my knees almost to my ears as I attempted to reach the summit. But it was worth it.

The steep path cleared and ahead was a beautiful, crashing waterfall and lagoon surrounded by trees.

I threw off my sweat-soaked T-shirt and slid into the pool (water monitor lizard style) to cool off in the 30C heat.

My only disappointment was the lack of Jonathan Bailey in it. No matter.

My afternoon took me to Klong Root, a haven for kayakers.

Paddling through mirror waters, the shade of the mangrove trees was welcome, with the splashing of my oars being the only sound.

This was followed by a local cooking class in the rural community Baan Nong Talay, the pounding of the chilli plant making my eyes water from the heat.

But the delights of the Rayavadee Resort were calling and I made it back in time to grab a table at the most sought-after spot to watch the sunset, The Grotto, nestled on the edge of Phra Nang Beach.

As a riot of bright pink and orange burst across the skyline, my lychee martini went down just as easily as the sun before a meal of freshly grilled steak and Andaman lobster straight off the coals.

After the luxe lifestyle at Rayavadee I was not ready to take on the buzzing streets of Bangkok after our flight there.

Bang Kachao is just 45 minutes from the centre but couldn’t be a bigger contrast.

This lush green oasis where the Chao Phraya River bends in a sharp U-turn is known as Bangkok’s “Green Lung”.

For just £1 you can rent a bike to cycle along the forest paths — the perfect pause before a whirlwind 24 hours in the most happening city neighbourhoods.

I braved the crowds of Song Wat — named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods — for copious amounts of coffee, photobooth snaps and funky souvenirs.

I mooched over to the historical Talat Noi, where honking scooters screeched past while I browsed local street art, devoured tiny coconut pancakes for 20p and Chang beers for £1.80.

I filled my bag with local Thai designer clothes in Siam before a late-night massage for a quarter of the price of in the UK.

My days of relaxation threatening to be forgotten about, the beautiful Park Hyatt welcomed me with air-conditioned arms.

It came in the form of rooftop infinity pools, rooms with just-as-amazing views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and one of the best breakfast buffets I’ve ever had.

Fresh pork congee, mango sticky rice and Thai tea waffles — I’d be coming back with more weight than just my suitcase.

But after some of the best food, people and sunsets of my life? Who could be Krabi about that . . . 

RECREATING your favourite childhood holiday doesn’t mean you have to pay modern, inflated prices.

From £9.50 stays in Great Yarmouth to £15 per night Cotswolds holidays, the Sun Travel team’s favourite childhood escapes remain remarkably cheap today. Bargains span across Europe too, with £16 flight deals and £18 per night South of France stays.

Even famously-pricey trips like Disneyland Paris can be had for a fraction of the cost by opting for off-site hotels instead of forking out thousands on on-site stays.

Here are Sun Travel’s favourite childhood holidays where the prices have barely budged and exactly how to book them right now.

Disneyland Paris

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

The first time I ventured into magical Disneyland Paris, I was four years old and it was in the depths of winter, so covered in snow.

But it goes down as one of my favourite holidays, getting to go on the rides and meet my favourite characters (according to my parents anyway as I can’t remember most of it).

But let’s face it, Disneyland Paris isn’t the cheapest spot to go on holiday. However there are ways to keep the cost down.

The first is choosing accommodation wisely. Rather than staying at one of the hotels on the park which are incredible, but also quite pricey, stay outside and take the train in.

Marne-la-Vallée train station is right outside the gates to the park and just a few minutes on foot to the Disney Village, and off-site accommodation often operates shuttle buses to the theme park too.

When planning accommodation, keep in mind that a room with a kitchenette will seriously cut costs too – as you won’t have to fork out for pricey park food.

For instance, StayCity aparthotels have family studios for up to four people from €299 (£259) for two nights – the rooms come with their own kitchen and the hotel has an outdoor pool, plus it’s just a free 8-minute shuttle ride to Disneyland Paris.

This means you can stock up food for breakfast, packed lunch and dinner at the local supermarket.

Or if you want to stick around at the park in the evening, check out some of the lower cost options like Hakuna Matata where you can get an adult meal for €16 (£13.67) and a kids’ plate from €10 (£8.54).

When it comes to booking travel, Eurostar offers children between 4-11 30 per cent off the price of peak travel and a discount of up to 50 per cent on off-peak travel tickets when booking with an adult.

We found a two-night stay at the Grand Magic Hotel Marne La Vallée in a family room for £410 – from there it’s a six-minute drive to Disneyland (there are regular shuttle buses). Click here to book.

Over the same two-night period, a stay at the Disney Hotel New York The Art of Marvel works out to £2,287 or £285.88pppn.

Camping in the Ardeche

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

As childhood games go, it wasn’t the most exciting. Flip Flop Harbour – as we sisters named it – consisted of attaching string to our flip flops then creating a very impressive stone harbour to sail our ‘boats’ in and out of.

Our ‘harbour’ was actually on the banks of the Ardeche River in the South of France and as children, this was our little piece of paradise.

The river itself sits at the heart of an astonishing landscape of dramatic limestone gorges, dense oak forests and ancient stone villages.

The river winds through the Ardeche Gorges – an 18 mile canyon of pale grey cliffs that lead to its most stunning point, the Pont d’Arc, a 54-metre-high natural stone arch that spans the turquoise river.

We stayed at Camping des Cigales at St Martin D’Ardeche. Facilities weren’t the priority, as long as we had a shower block to wash off the day’s adventures and a small shop to spend our pocket money on ice creams, we were happy.

Walking across the vast suspension bridge from the campsite into St Martin D’Ardeche, you could get right down to the water’s edge at the Grain de Sel beach.

It was the hours spent swimming in the clear, sparkling waters, white river rafting through the rushing waters and simply sunbathing at the water’s edge.

Things haven’t changed much to this day.

You can still enjoy camping at the same site, with just 26 pitches now for tents or campervans with the addition of modern glamping huts and lodges to enjoy as well.

And it doesn’t come at a huge cost. In peak season, a pitch for two adults for the night is just £18. Click here to book.

Great Yarmouth

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

If I concentrate hard enough, I can still hear the screams from the rickety rollercoaster and smell the toasted sugar wafting from the candy floss machine on Great Yarmouth’s pier.

My brother, step sister and I would tease ourselves by strolling past the sweet stalls daily, just to get a whiff, despite knowing full well that this was reserved as a last-day-of-holiday treat.

We’d try to savour it, but candy floss is hardly a snack that can be relished – a fizzle on the tongue and then it’s gone.

The memories of Yarmouth’s fun in the late 90s and early 2000s very much remain, though.

We’d have spent that morning on the seafront, putting all our might into building the biggest sand castle on the beach, plunging into the sea every thirty minutes or so with whatever float Mum had bought us from the promenade.

Back then, there were no pink flamingo inflatables, it was rubber rings only for us – although we did (successfully) campaign for the smiley-faced orca one year.

Another year, I saved up all my pocket money to splurge on a personalised hairbrush I’d seen at the market. The wooden frame had been embellished with sequins and a large glitter-shaped ‘S’ – it became the envy of my classmates on my return to school.

Rainy days were no bother. These were spent at the penny slot machines in the arcade, followed by vinegar-doused chips and a show at the pier – special mention to the 2003 Chuckle Brothers performance.

We would stay in a caravan each year, but I couldn’t tell you where. Back then I didn’t care, I was too focused on whether I’d win at the claw machine (I never did).

But if you want to book an affordable getaway to Yarmouth, you can stay at Parkdean Resorts’ Vauxhall Holiday Park with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50.

The holiday park recently received a multi-million pound makeover with a new sports bar, fairground golf, Bear Grylls-themed escape rooms, upgraded soft play and more. Click here to book.

Alcudia, Majorca

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

You know that annual family holiday abroad – the spot you return to year after year – to that very same hotel that you love?

For me and my family, that was a trip to TUI’S Hotel BQ Delfin Azul in Alcudia.

I loved holidaying there as a kid. Getting up on stage and making friends at the kids mini disco, playing mermaids in the pool, singing ‘Choco Choco Chocolate’ to my heart’s content.

My sisters and I would get our hair braided, and I’d soon be begging my parents for a souvenir to remember our holiday. My eyes lit up for spotty flamenco dresses and castanets, or anything with ‘I love Majorca‘ or a dolphin plastered over it.

My granddad, on the other hand, loved loading up on desserts at the all-inclusive buffet, and relaxing on a lounger with a newspaper in peace and quiet until we came back. He still visits year after year, and very much looks forward to that buffet spread!

When it comes to Spanish resorts, Alcudia is a near-perfect pick for families of all ages.

Exploring the Old Town and Roman Ruins of Pollentia keeps parents and history buffs happy, whilst Hidropark Alcudia has waterslides and trampolines adored by kids. This hotel is only a 12-minute walk from the waterpark.

It’s also remained a super affordable part of Majorca to visit, with a meal from the menu del dia at restaurants along the Bellevue Strip costing only around €10 (£8.70).

In fact, you can stay seven nights at this exact hotel with TUI from £457pp, which includes your return flights. For a week away under £500pp, that’s an absolute bargain. Click here to book.

Cotswolds Caravan Holiday

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

It was the summer of 1976 – the last great heatwave. The unique, baking hot conditions saw an invasion of ladybirds.

And in an idyllic little bit of the Cotswolds I can vividly remember clutching an old Quality Street sweet tin, filled to the brim with the bright red bugs we’d collected on our adventures.

As a family, we’d spend many weekends in our caravan at a working farm at Grafton, a tiny historic hamlet between Clanfield and Bampton in Oxfordshire.

The farmers, Mr and Mrs Wooliams, ran a Classified Location (CL) for caravans called Grafton Hive – essentially a field that would host no more than five caravans.

The facilities were minimal – somewhere to fill up our water carrier and empty our waste. But for us as youngsters from London’s suburbia, this was pure heaven.

We had the freedom to explore the farm, riding our bikes across fields and exploring tiny streams and ancient woodland.

Mum would rustle up eggs and bacon in the caravan in the morning. Lunch or dinner was chicken in a basket at the local pub.

While Grafton Hive no longer runs as a CL there is still an alternative very close at Friars Court Island.

Part of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s CL offering, this unique little site sits on a three-acre island with the river Thames to the south and a backwater to the north.

Sitting right on the river front, the field allows up to five caravans and you can even launch dinghies and paddle boards from the riverbank as well as fish.

Prices start from just £15 per night for a caravan and all occupants. Click here to book.

Lake District – Lake Windermere

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Staycations might be on the rise again, but when I was a kid it made up the majority of my summer holidays.

Trips to the often wet and wild Lake District in the summer holidays are ones I’ll always remember.

From feeding the birds at Lake Windemere to sitting at the bottom of a hill eating sandwiches in the car because it was too rainy to outside or on the other extreme, hiking up hills in the scorching sun.

If we were feeling flush, there was also a chance to get out onto the water at Lake Windermere on one of its boat cruises or water sports activities.

Or for those who are fans of Peter Rabbit, it’s close to the World of Beatrix Potter too.

One of the best ways to keep things cheap is a long walk to see the views from Orrest Head – make sure to take a picnic to keep everyone happy.

In my opinion, no trip to the Lake District is complete without a cosy cabin because let’s face it, the weather can be very up and down.

The Rowan Lodge in Cumbria is perfect for a family of four, it’s a great place to be amongst nature and it’s near both Ambleside and Windermere.

A four-night break in October starts from £383, working out to £24 per person per night. Click here to book.

Carcasonne

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Like many families growing up in the 90s, my rare holiday abroad was only ever to France every few years.

One that we still talk about to this day was our trip to Carcassonne, complete with all the troubles you’d expect of a multi-generational trip.

There was the car sickness from me and my sister (that my dad always forgot about before piling us into a 13-hour car journey), there was the lack of electrics in our villa after we arrived, and of course all of us being bitten to shreds by mosquitoes.

But despite all that, it was still one of those great holidays where we spent the days eating baguettes and exotic snacks from the local store, or playing volleyball in the pool followed by a game of cards.

While I can’t remember the exact villa we stayed at – I was barely a teenager after all – it remains a great affordable option for larger families wanting some R&R.

You can get private homes with a swimming pool for as little as £948 in September for an entire week – that works out to £33 each a night. Click here to book.

Or you can splash out and stay in some beautiful private houses on the grounds of medieval castles or glamorous apartments, if you’re happy dropping a few thousand.

(Just maybe skip the car journey if you have car-sick kids – while not an option in the 90s, Ryanair have gloriously cheap £16 flights to Carcassonne Airport from the UK).

HOW does quad-biking through the wild Sahara desert sound, or dolphin-spotting at sunset?

Or perhaps you are more of a lavish spa dweller, who dreams of whiling away your holiday hours on a massage bed being gently pummelled by hot stones?

In the millionaire’s playground of El Gouna, you can do all this and more.

And best of all, here you can live the champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget.

El Gouna, around 25 miles from Egypt’s Hurghada airport, literally translates as The Lagoon — and it’s not hard to see why.

The luxury town is made up of 36 islands with more than six miles of scenic coastline and lagoons interwoven throughout.

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SHELL YEAH

Inside the Norfolk hotel famous for oyster festival and GIANT seafood platter

There’s so much water surrounding the gorgeous hotels that some visitors have even compared it to the Maldives.

But it’s much more vast and far less isolated.

With four marinas, over 100 shops and restaurants, two championship golf courses and 18 international hotel resorts and chains, it’s impossible to get bored here.

And the town is still expanding at a rapid rate.

El Gouna only came into existence in the 1980s when billionaire entrepreneur Samih Sawiris decided to transform what was then just a vast area of desert into an area his family and friends could enjoy.

Fast-forward to today and the peaceful spot is the perfect winter sun escape for Brits.

It’s just a short five-hour or so flight from the UK and even in January, temperatures hit 23C.

El Gouna, just a 30-minute drive from Hurghada and with security checks at the town’s few entrances, is also one of the safest destinations in Egypt for tourists.

Entry is only granted for hotel guests, staff and visitors with dinner reservations, so you can stroll back to your hotel in safety.

You can take your pick of luxury hotels within the gates — although the highlight for me was The Chedi.

This 5* luxury resort has its own private beach, luxurious spa and multiple restaurants — including Japanese eatery, Nihon — among its 82 suites and rooms.

A short walk from the lobby will take you to various idyllic sunbathing spots, with the beach just steps away from the pools.

And if you get restless on a sunbed, The Chedi has paddleboards and kayaks for guests to take into the Red Sea, as well as fun beach games like volleyball.

The luxurious rooms come with an affordable price tag compared to similar 5* hotels in Europe, if you’d rather save those pennies to splurge on excursions, check in to the 4* Cook’s Club instead.

While it doesn’t quite match The Chedi in terms of room size, it certainly has the monopoly on water space with a huge pool and beach area offering direct access to its own private lagoon.

Regular live music poolside caters for the younger crowd of 18 to 30-somethings, but if you prefer an even livelier atmosphere, El Gouna’s town centre is right on your doorstep.

The hotel’s hearty breakfast buffet — which includes an omelette station — has enough grub to soak up any hangover, plus the baristas here can whip up an excellent brew.

But it’s well worth pottering into town when you get the chance.

The newest restaurant, La Botanica, has a farm-to-table concept serving elegant dishes of beef carpaccio and lobster.

If it’s the wow factor you’re after though, head to The Steigenberger Tower where you can soak up 360-degree views of the resort.

Everything looks especially gorgeous at sunset.

And when you’re not indulging in fancy food or a five-star massage, the list of action-packed activities are endless.

Alex Safaris does an incredible quad-biking excursion that will send you hurtling over dunes to a traditional Bedouin camp.

Here, visitors can dabble in shisha and other traditional experiences.

And if you’ve always dreamed of spotting wild dolphins, they’re in abundance here and you’ll be spoilt for choice with boat tours.

Apparently, El Gouna’s unofficial motto is: “You’ll never want to leave.”

And with such affordable prices and so much to see and do, I can’t help but agree.

STRIKING orange sunsets over sage green marshes. Clear, starry skies and healing salty air. A seafront pub bringing all the party vibes and the best of local seafood.

This is The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe, a posh pub with rooms on the North Norfolk coast.

Norfolk locals like me will tell you this pub is famous for three things: Oyster festivals, blazing orange sunsets, and the colossal Seafood Platter that’s doing the rounds on social media. (And maybe that clip of General Manager Rob falling off his chair on Instagram).

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The White Horse.

Where is The White Horse?

The White Horse sits on the North Norfolk coastline in the seaside village of Brancaster Staithe.

This stretch of North Norfolk coast is known for it’s freshly-caught seafood such as lobsters and oysters, vast golden beaches and laid-back, friendly feel.

POSH PUB

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The seafront pub sits smack-bang on the Norfolk Coast Path, its garden leading straight out onto the coastal trail with its maze of creeks and pretty marshland.

Follow the trail along to Brancaster Beach to find a sprawling expanse of dog-friendly golden sand, where you can even spot the rusted wreck of a WWII ship.

What is the hotel like?

The White Horse has an impressive exterior, with multi-levelled restaurants directly facing the salt marshes.

This setup offers unbeatable sunset views for arguably the best outdoor dining on the North Norfolk coast.

Inside the beachy theme continues with rattan furniture, shell and sailing artwork lining the walls, as well as a balance of cool blue and warm orange tones to reflect those famous Norfolk sunsets over the sea.

Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee by the creeks, or enjoying a pint of golden Wherry by the roaring fire, the whole place operates at an unhurried coastal pace – what locals dub being on ‘Norfolk time’.

What are the rooms like?

There’s 15 bedrooms in the main building, many of which look out over the sea, offering views over the sandy stretch of Scolt Head Island.

The ‘Room at the Top’ comes with a stargazing terrace and telescope, letting you take full advantage of Norfolk’s clear, starry skies.

The pub’s eight garden rooms are pricier starting at £210 per night, but are super spacious, come with their own outdoor terrace, and are just steps from the sea.

Rooms start from £165 per night, including breakfast. See whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

There’s three main spots to eat here: the cosy bar, the swanky main restaurant, and the vibey Marshside bar.

The main bar is perfect for popping into after a breezy beach walk, where you can grab a pint of local ale or a hot drink and sink into the sofa.

There’s also light lunches and dinner on offer here, like focaccia sandwiches (£12.50), fish and chips (£22.50) and a local beef burger with fries (£19).

The raised main restaurant boasts panoramic views over the marshes, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sunlight to flood in, with touches of warm light and glowing candles.

Here you can order a locally-caught Market Fish of the Day (£28.50) served with Norfolk potatoes, three huge Brancaster Rock Oysters for £13.50, or the one that people travel far and wide for: the Seafood Platter.

The Seafood Platter comes with smoked salmon, oysters, crab, cockles, clams, tuna, crevettes, prawn cocktail, caviar, mackerel, sauces and focaccia for £89, and can easily be shared between 2-3 people. It’s a must-try!

Then there’s Marshside – the outdoor bar and restaurant where the pub’s festivals are held in summer, and cocktails are enjoyed with salty air and vibey music.

If you’re dining at Marshside, go for the chicken kiev and fries – or a cheeky Bloody Mary served with an oyster on the side for £15.

What else is there to do there?

This pub hosts very popular festivals over the summer and into September, including an annual Oyster Festival, Paella Weekend and a Lobster BBQ. Make sure to check the website for specific dates.

My favourite is the Sea Shanty Festival, where local crew Nelson’s Shantymen and touring shanty groups perform sea-faring favourites like Blow The Man Down and the TikTok-famous ‘Wellerman’ to raise money for the RNLI.

Outside of the festivals, there’s plenty of water sports to tackle nearby, from stand up paddling with Brancaster Boards to sailing with Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club.

If you’re looking to unwind, Wild Yoga Norfolk offers unique seaside wellness sessions like seaside sauna and swims in the saltwater creeks.

Twitchers will love nearby Titchwell Marsh, where you can spot birds like pink-footed geese, marsh harriers and avocets.

Sister pub The Jolly Sailors is just a few minutes down the road, and has a large beer garden with beach huts selling everything from unicorn ice cream to rum cocktails. They also serve generous bowls of local mussels, when in season.

Is it family friendly?

There are dedicated family rooms here with space for extra beds – just make sure to mention if you need this when booking.

There’s also a children’s menu in the restaurant with options for ‘Little Kids’ like haddock and chips (£9.50) and a chargrilled chicken burger (£9.50), or ‘Bigger Kids’ mains like a beef burger (£16) and even half a lobster with fries (£28).

Is the hotel accessible?

There are accessible garden rooms with ramps, as well as step-free access to restaurants.

Make sure to mention any additional needs you may have when booking.

TAKING it easy is a way of life for Croatians.

In fact, slow living is so ingrained in their philosophy that they even have a word for it — “Pomalo”.

I watch the sun set over 23 miles of unblemished coastline from the balcony of my hotel room in Porec on the Istrian peninsula. It’s not exactly difficult to relax in a place like this.

With its pristine pine-fringed beaches, ancient cobblestone streets and tranquil lagoons, this 2,000-year-old town has become a big hit with holidaymakers seeking a laid-back getaway.

And its newest 5* hotel — Pical Resort by Valamar Collection — takes relaxation to a whole new level. From the moment I walk into the lobby, it’s clear I won’t have to lift a finger during my trip.

The friendly, attentive staff are quick to grab my bags and carry them up to my room, while a brief wave of the hand from a sunlounger sends someone rushing over to take my order poolside.

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Set in more than ten hectares of Mediterranean greenery and with 514 rooms across three distinct wings, this mega-complex can cater for around 2,000 guests at full capacity.

But if I had any concerns about Pical’s size impacting the quality of its service, these quickly vanish when I learn it employs more than 800 staff members — one for every 2.5 patrons.

Making every guest’s experience personal is clearly something this resort prides itself on.

As I enter my spacious, modern room, one of the first things I notice is a “holiday scent” selection next to the bed.

I’m encouraged to pick a fragrance from a scratch-and-sniff card and tick off my favourite so that housekeeping can deliver a reed diffuser during their turn-down service. I enthusiastically opt for Floral Essence with notes of jasmine and violet.

My room is in the hotel’s main building, which is designed for couples and solo travellers.

But it also has a family building with an all-day childcare service and 8,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor play facilities, including ball pits, water slides and a giant gaming room.

For those with more cash to splash, the hotel boasts 113 premium “V-Level” suites which offer dedicated concierge services and special dining perks.

As soon as I am unpacked, my first move is to check out one of the resort’s 11 swimming pools.

There is no risk of sun-lounger wars breaking out here — with hundreds of beds to choose from.

It takes all my strength not to drift off to sleep as I sink into the cushions under the warmth of the sun, the distant noise of the bubbling jacuzzi lulling me into a zen state.

If you prefer a livelier sunbathing setting, however, the Puro Beach club is where to head.

Before I can even put my bag down, the staff have already laid a towel out on my reserved sunbed and are ready and waiting to take my drink order.

It’s easy to see how this resort has earned its five stars. My elegant sushi platter was top-notch and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than sipping on a hand-crafted mojito while listening to the club’s resident DJ.

That evening I swap my chopsticks for silverware as I head to the hotel’s culinary pièce de résistance — its new Michelin-star restaurant Harry’s Piccolo.

Created under the direction of chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, this gastronomic haven is heavily inspired by Porec’s unique geography, close to the borders of Slovenia and Italy.

Its seven-course tasting menu travels the tracks of the famous Parenzana railway which once connected the three nations by blending Italy’s fine-dining flair with Slovenian alpine herbs and world-class Croatian seafood and olive oils.

The result is sensational dishes like L-Astice: Adriatic lobster with pea liquor Bearnaise, asparagus, black truffle and green peppercorn.

The whole affair is rather pricey, at €190, but worth it if you’re celebrating or are really into your food.

And if fine dining isn’t your cup of tea, there are seven more restaurants on site.

The hotel’s main diner, More, offers buffet breakfasts and live cooking stations at dinner, while Quattro Terre focuses on local and Mediterranean cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.

As my five-day trip nears an end, I save Pical’s crowning glory — its ESPA wellness spa — until last.

I begin my relaxation journey in one of its six Istrian-inspired saunas, infused with local herbs that release a heady scent, before moving into the Mediterranean steam bath, where I’m handed a home-made body scrub.

When the heat becomes too much to bear, I retreat into the aqua sensory room to cool off on one of the many floating water beds, before rinsing off in a sensory shower, which mimics a tropical rainstorm with red LED lighting and aromatherapy smells.

I’m also booked in for a 60-minute massage treatment with one of ESPA’s expert therapists, Sanda. After a lengthy consultation to tailor the treatment to my needs — including picking a scent from a selection of aromatherapy oils — she starts to work her magic on my achy shoulders.

And as I fight the urge to fall asleep yet again, I realise I may have taken “Pomalo” a bit too seriously.

THERE aren’t many places where you can watch the Grand Prix then have a round of golf before relaxing in a spa.

But at the Whittlebury Park Hotel — just a stone’s throw from Silverstone — you can do all that and much more.

The privately owned 4* hotel in Nottinghamshire boasts one of the UK’s largest spas, while its championship golf course has played host to some of the world’s top golfers.

And better still, it is just a ten-minute drive from the mecca of motorsport and its brilliant museum.

In fact, it’s so close to Silverstone you can hear the cars bombing round the track while you enjoy a clotted cream tea overlooking the 300-acre estate.

The central courtyard is a great spot in the summer, thanks to the buckets of games for kids — including a pickleball court I struggled to tear my seven-year-old away from.

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It also has two fantastic games rooms stuffed with table tennis, air hockey, darts, a giant KerPlunk set, PlayStation 5, and loads more.

And next-door, a movie room is set up with dozens of films, bean bags and complimentary popcorn.

You could easily spend a day just chilling there.

But my kids don’t chill and they are up at daybreak — which is when the early opening time (6.30am) at the swimming pool came in handy.

We left the kids splashing about to indulge in some much-needed quiet time in the sauna and steam room.

Budding golfers, on the other hand, will want to get themselves out on the championship course to practise their swing.

And if that’s not enough, the hotel is also home to a driving range, simulators, PGA professional coaches and an award-winning clubhouse.

If you’re a mega fan, make sure to book a room overlooking the course.

Our lovely family room had great views of the green so I could watch people putt while the kids tucked in to the welcome hamper full of sweeties and biscuits.

Aside from the golf and kid-friendly fun, one of the best things about Whittlebury is its location.

Silverstone Museum is just five minutes away in the car, with tonnes of interactive stuff.

This includes a state-of-the-art immersive VR experience called Black Cats and Chequered Flags where visitors can try out life in the pit lane before taking to the track alongside F1 legend Alberto Ascari.

There is also an incredible collection of classic racing cars and bikes.

And most days there is real-life action taking place on the circuit.

Guests can wander down to stand next to the Wellington straight and Luffield corner as the cars scream by.

When the kids tire of the car gimmicks, Warwick Castle is around an hour’s drive away.

The place tends to be heaving on Fridays in the school summer holidays (we learned the hard way) but the scale of the old fortress is certainly breathtaking — literally, that is, if you want to climb to the top of the tower and along the ramparts.

Its main hall is bursting with a staggering collection of weapons and chivalric suits of armour.

But the star attraction is the medieval jousting contest, set in a brilliant historical recreation of the War of the Roses.

There’s also a falconry show, archery and a terrifying dungeon experience (for kids aged ten and over).

Little ones don’t need to miss out, either, with Zog’s play area and a Horrible History maze.

At the end of our two-night stay, our very active children had barely had a moment’s downtime — racing round the attractions like the cars at the Silverstone race track.

So start your engines. You’re in for a great ride at Whittlebury.

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, one of the most affordable hotels has been revealed by an expert, having stayed at the park a staggering 36 times

A devoted Disney World Resort enthusiast has named the best budget-friendly hotel to book when visiting the beloved park, after staying there a whopping 36 times.

Hotels can be one of the most expensive parts of a holiday, even more so when it’s a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. As one of the most popular family attractions, attracting a staggering 76.7 million visitors last year, holidaymakers can pay up to an eye-watering £4,000 per person on a trip to ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’.

For a family of four, that could amount to £10,000 for a 10-night stay at the bucket-list destination, and for many, it’s worth it. Yet there are plenty of ways to keep those costs in check, including booking a budget-friendly hotel, without sacrificing on the experience.

Mark Patterson, who has been to Florida’s Disney World Resort a remarkable 48 times over the past six years and stayed at 36 different hotels during the trips, said there’s one particular area that offers an affordable option. “The Flamingo Crossings area is my favourite, it’s newer, and the hotels are all new, and they all have free breakfast. They offer good, reasonable prices there.”

While it’s a budget-friendly option, he did point out that, due to its location, visitors will need to drive, get a lift, or hop on a shuttle bus to reach the park each day. Nevertheless, with free breakfast thrown in, it could well be worth travelling a little further to keep the costs down.

During his own trips, Matt, who is based in Southern California, targets an average hotel price of around $100 (£74.71) to $200 (£149.42) per night to keep things affordable, while keeping a close eye out for any hidden fees. Another area he recommends is Disney Springs.

He explained: “The Disney Springs area has a range of hotels, right there within walking distance to the shopping area, and it’s where pretty much everybody goes to eat at night. It gets very busy and popular, so being able to walk to that is very handy.

“However, the bad thing about that, or something you have to trade off, is that only one of the hotels offers a free breakfast; all the others you have to pay for. So I might get a hotel for around $100 (£74.71) per night, but will then have to pay for breakfast, which is $28 (£20.92), along with paying for parking, which can be around $25 (£18.68) and a resort fee of around $40 (£29.88).

“So it can literally double the price of what I thought I was going to pay. Disney Springs area is great, but you’ve got those little hidden fees.”

In a bid to help holidaymakers save even more on their trip to Disney, Matt also recommends booking a hotel that has a kitchenette. “All the restaurants at Disney are expensive, so the hotels I like have a kitchenette with a stove and a full-size fridge, so you can buy food and cook it,” he shared.

“You can then take it into the park with you, and that can save a lot of money. Even if you just take two meals in for the family, that can save you easily $100 (£74.71) to $200 (£149.42) per day.”

Mark documents his numerous visits to Walt Disney World Resort on his website, DDadBudget, offering useful tips to fellow fans.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

IT’S officially the summer of staycations – and this posh gem in North Norfolk is well worth checking out.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market.

Where is The Hoste Arms?

The Hoste Arms is in Burnham Market, Norfolk, nicknamed among locals like me as “Chelsea-on-Sea“.

This affluent area on the North Norfolk coast is known for its boutique shopping, gastro-pub dining and sweeping golden beaches, making it the ultimate pick for a stylish seaside escape.

The village is easily accessible via the Coasthopper bus, which has a stop directly opposite The Hoste.

Make sure to hop on and off the Coasthopper during your visit, where you can stop off in popular seaside towns such as Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

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What is the hotel like?

This posh pub with rooms brings a touch of glamour to the coastline – yet it still retains a certain cosy charm.

Inside it’s all leather sofas, wooden beams and warm lighting. An antique clock sits above a large fireplace, and paintings of fossils, fish and seashells line the oak-panelled walls.

What are the rooms like?

There are 47 boutique bedrooms, all of which come with a rainfall shower and Nespresso coffee machine.

All have their own unique touches – mine had a standing bathtub directly opposite the grand four-poster bed.

Bathrooms are spacious and stocked with Bramley products that have an addictively fresh, herbal scent.

Atop your bed you’ll find a neatly-folded newspaper and delicious homemade brownies.

Rooms start at £104 per night. See thehostearms.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

At breakfast, pick from classics like a Full English or Eggs Benedict, plus you can grab tasty extras from the buffet table like buttery croissants, berry smoothies and freshly-baked banana bread.

For lunch and dinner, there’s fancy versions of pub favourites like a Ploughman’s Platter and cider-battered fish and chips.

There’s also day boat fish caught locally as well as meat supplied by renowned Norfolk butchers Arthur Howell’s.

For pudding? Go for the classic apple and rhubarb crumble.

What else is there to do there?

The pub sits smack-bang on Burnham Market’s famous high street, where you can have a nosy in high-end clothing, interior and hat shops.

Pop along to the next village, Burnham Overy Staithe, to go wild swimming in the saltmarshes and creeks.

Plus you’ve got your pick of award-winning beaches on your doorstep, from the huge, pinewood-backed stretches of Thornham to family favourite Brancaster Beach.

On a rainy day, pop down into The Hoste’s own private cinema where you can watch a range of films and snack on unlimited popcorn.

The Hoste is a brilliant base for exploring the North Norfolk coast in the summer, but it’s equally alluring to book ahead for a winter hideaway.

Sitting in its cosy bar area, I imagined it would be perfect to return to from a bracing beach walk to enjoy a pint of local ale by the roaring fire.

Is it family friendly?

The Hoste Arms is very much a family-friendly option, with kid-friendly rooms that offer space for cots and pull-out beds.

If you add a child onto your booking, you’ll find a “Borrow Box” waiting for you in your room.

This goodie box is packed with fun games, books and colouring to keep the little ones entertained – just make sure to pack it up neatly for the next family to use again.

Kids under 2 stay for free, plus those aged 2-16 stay for £15 per night room-only.

Is the hotel accessible?

The Hoste Arms offers step-free access to most areas, plus wheelchair-accessible bedrooms.

Parking is within 50 metres of the entrance. Make sure to ask about any additional requirements when booking.

Three races into this season, after the Japanese Grand Prix, the frustrations of driving the new hybrid engines of this year boiled over in Verstappen.

The need to constantly recover energy to power the batteries, the impossibility of doing so to the extent that they are fully charged at all times, and the artificiality that had been introduced into the racing as a consequence, were too much for the Dutchman after a race at Suzuka, arguably the greatest circuit on the calendar.

“Is it worth it?” Verstappen pondered out loud. “Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”

By 2028, the split between internal combustion and electrical power will be 60:40 in favour of the internal combustion engine, when it is more like 53:47 now.

That will reduce – but not eliminate – the energy starvation suffered by the engines, and as a consequence make driving the cars feel more enjoyable.

Verstappen is the purist’s purist. He wants to drive on the limit all the time.

So it was total anathema to him having the engines run out of battery power, robbing them of 470bhp, before the end of long straights, needing to recover energy through the fastest corners, and having power off-sets between one car and another decide overtakes.

In May, he had an experience that underlined to him what F1 had lost, to his mind.

He raced a Red Bull-branded Mercedes AMG GT at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, and he was nothing less than sensational, particularly in a first stint that took the car he shared with two other drivers from 10th to first. Only a late driveshaft failure robbed him of victory.

This, to him, was what racing was all about.

Since Japan, the complaints of the drivers – Verstappen was far from the only driver to express his discontent – have been heard by the sport’s bosses.

Tweaks to the rules are being introduced over the next two years, to increase the proportion of the total power output of the engine coming from the internal combustion side.

At the last couple of races before the summer break, which is brought to an end by this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, a softening of Verstappen’s tone in F1 was discernible. And on Thursday he confirmed it.

“After the first few races, I said to Laurent [Mekies, the Red Bull team principal], ‘Don’t come to me with any kind of questions about the future’. Because I didn’t even know if I wanted to stay,” Verstappen said.

“I love racing. I had a lot of very good discussions with F1, but also with the FIA. And I think we are slowly working towards something that becomes better and better.

“Also from my side, of course, I adapted. I accept the situation that we’re all in and just trying to make the best of that.

“Also with the year that I signed to, it again opens up the door maybe, you know, when potentially the V8s come in to look at that again as well.”

That is a reference to ongoing discussions about the next engine regulations, due to come in by 2031 at the latest.

It says something about the mess the sport has got itself into with the latest engine rules that discussions about the next ones, due in five years’ time, started even before the first race of the new power-units.

The FIA, the sport’s governing body, was primarily responsible for the issues with energy starvation that have caused so much angst this season.

They were warned by teams and drivers for the last two years or more that this energy starvation situation would become an issue. But they did not listen, instead focusing on adding ever-more complexities to the rules to try to address some of the consequences of it.

Sitting in the heart of the city and surrounded by museums and bars, the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid manages to be entertaining enough on its own

Music is the lifeblood of the soul, I firmly believe everyone needs to listen to music to stay alive. But there’s people who love music (human beings, birds) and there’s people who love music (Radiohead fans). I always thought the Hard Rock Hotel catered exclusively to the latter group, until I made a trip to their Madrid location in July.

In fact, the Hard Rock Hotel is a haven for anyone who has been to a live gig all the way up to those people who camp outside Wembley Stadium, just so they can feel what it’s like to be squished against a barrier for hours with the force of a thousand fans.

Located in Madrid’s Atocha neighbourhood and a few minutes walk from the station that shares its name, it’s also just a 20 minute drive from the airport. This makes it an absolute sweet spot for exploring the city – that’s as soon as you’re done with the inside.

Room

Madrid is hot, but Madrid in July may as well be located on the surface of an exploding star. However, the air conditioning in this hotel is next level – and it’s the first thing I noticed as I walked in to their lobby. That was seconds before my eyes clocked the museum of artefacts in the lobby.

A gorgeous Menina sculpture statue covered in song lyrics from Spanish popstar Rosalia sits on one side of the entrance, with a giant bull greeting on the other. The lobby is a cornucopia of musical artefacts alongside the art, with guitars and pics from famous rockstars and little explainers for those less in the know.

It’s difficult to have so much stuff everywhere and not feel too kitsch, but while it certainly straddles that line, it feels more exciting than it does over-the-top. A wonderful touch I enjoyed was that all the staff have their favourite artist on their name tags. While checking in, I had a lovely chat with a guy about the new Madonna album – it was Pride season, after all, and Confessions II is this summer’s gay album.

One thing that struck me was how friendly and helpful all the staff were here. This is my favourite thing about the hotel: I never felt like a burden, even as I asked questions about how to get somewhere or if I needed toothpaste brought up to the room.

I stayed in a double-bed room overlooking the lobby. The beds are dreamy – I was clocking in 30,000+ Garmin steps (if you know, you know) and resting my head on a cloud and my body on another, bigger cloud, really helped me keep the party going. Despite music pumping from individual rooms and a Pride party on the Saturday afternoon, I could at most feel a murmur and a vibration.

The rooms aren’t huge, which while not unfamiliar to a city centre hotel, may be an issue for those bringing suitcases of clothes. I brought a backpack and fairly easily expanded into the clothes storage space.

However, this was mitigated by some lovely touches – the soundbar makes getting ready an absolute delight and if you don’t have any playlists, they provide you with one. The rain shower was, also, desperately needed after walking about in 40 degree heat. The cherry on top is the ring light mirror too – you best believe I did a photoshoot.

Amenities

The hotel boasts a restaurant and bar in the lobby area, as well as a rooftop bar and a pool with access to a bar and food. I dined at the Sessions restaurant on one Friday night.

Its definite plus point is a huge menu, meaning even the most fussy eaters will have something to eat, from patatas bravas to croquettes to onion rings and ribs. I would say this is fairly standard fare – if you’ve eaten in a Hard Rock Cafe, you’ve eaten the food here. But good for those in a pinch.

However, I cannot recommend enough going to the rooftop bar at sunset. The city sets alight with golden hour glow – sipping on a gorgeous cocktail as Madrid reveals its beauty to me is something I will never forget.

The pool, meanwhile, is good for jumping in to cool down, but is not the biggest I’ve ever seen. The real stars of the pool area are the bookable cabanas, making it ideal for decompressing, reading a book and hoping the hangover doesn’t kill you off.

Location

The location is an absolute highlight, with the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza all within walking distance.

It’s also on the edge of the huge El Retiro Park, with so much inside (including a botanical garden) that it would take several days to explore. On the edges of this I found a smaller, free version of the Reina Sofia too, proving art is foundational to a Madrid experience.

Sol station is a 20 minute walk from the hotel – I arrived during Pride, so while I didn’t get to experience the area’s restaurants, this was the epicentre of the entertainment, with live singers on a huge stage and hundreds of people dancing.

And no trip to Spain is complete without some churros – a 29 minute walk from the hotel is the famous Chocolatería San Ginés, which has existed since 1894. Here you can get affordable churros in chocolate so good I’m surprised Arthur Slugworth didn’t go in to steal the recipe. It’s so good in fact Madrid’s police officers are often spotted in there.

Is it worth the trip?

It’s hard not to recommend the Hard Rock Hotel. Not only is the location one of the best in the city, the hotel is just so exciting to stay in. Couple that with comfy beds you can sink into, the minor issues were outweighed by the force of its riff. If you like fun, you’ll like the Hard Rock Hotel.