stayed

SHOREDITCH has never been short on style – and this hotel in its centre captures the vibe perfectly.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Hart Shoreditch.

Where is Hart Shoreditch?

This hotel is in London’s Shoreditch – the creative heart of the city that blends the best of fashion, street art and nightlife into one gritty, industrial setting.

Hart Shoreditch sits on Great Eastern Street, just a fifteen minute walk from must-see spots Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market.

Liverpool Street, Old Street and Shoreditch High Street stations are all about half a mile away, giving you access further into the city.

What is the hotel like?

This swanky hotel leans into Shoreditch’s industrial, cabinetmaker heritage – the interior mixes exposed metal and wood details with soft warm lighting, warm orange and red tones, plus plenty of bookcases packed with carefully-chosen items that nod to the area’s history.

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If you’re into your interiors, you should check out the huge wrought iron spiral staircase, illuminated by moon-shaped chandeliers.

In fact, the hotel regularly puts on immersive art exhibitions that use this staircase to stage the artist’s works – it is currently displaying the works of artist Mali Mowcka.

What are the rooms like?

The hotel’s 126 rooms follow the theme – inside you’ll find crisp, white beds topped with orange throw pillows, plus copper details and familiar wooden flooring.

You’ll also find a Marshall Acton III on your bedside table – possibly the coolest Bluetooth speaker that looks like a mini vintage guitar amp.

Your tea and coffee making station is actually done properly here, too. You’ll find great-quality mugs and espresso cups, plus a Nespresso machine and tea from Brighton-based blenders, Hoogly.

Rooms start from £207 per night on a room-only basis. See hartshoreditch.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

If you’re visiting for the weekend, don’t bother researching somewhere to go out for lunch.

Walk just next door to the hotel’s Asian restaurant, UBA, and sit down to enjoy one of the best bottomless brunches out there.

The new Weekend Brunch offering is far from your typical dry toast, cheap Prosecco and mushy avocado with eggs.

Here, you’ll feast on dishes like Korean crispy fried chicken, rock shrimp tempura, kimchi loaded fries, buttermilk chicken katsu buns, seafood dumplings and more.

The bottomless offer costs £68pp, and includes two small plates, one bun or dim sum, two sides, dessert plus unlimited drinks – including a selection of cocktails.

Considering one cocktail in London can set you back £20 nowadays, you’re getting your money’s worth on drinks alone.

And trust me, the small plates were far from small – and I could have easily eaten just one side as my main meal.

Pair that with bottomless, high-end cocktails like the Blushing Geisha, infused with Asian flavours, and you’ve truly got yourself one of the best-value bottomless brunches out there.

What else is there to do there?

This hotel offers much more than just a place to sleep.

There’s a 24-hour gym with plenty of cardio machines like treadmills, an elliptical and exercise bike, plus strength machines, free weights and benches.

Plus there’s quirky wellness sessions like infrared sound healing, plus guests can claim 20% off on massage at a nearby wellness centre.

You can get involved in making art yourself, too, with oil painting classes, collage and sculpting workshops.

Check out the What’s On page to see upcoming events.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel offers queen-sized, interconnecting rooms which are ideal for families.

There’s even summer screenings of kid-friendly shows and films in the Byrd Lounge on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the school holidays.

And when it comes to food and drink in UBA, children can enjoy a kids’ bento box.

Is the hotel accessible?

The hotel is fully accessible, with wheelchair-friendly rooms and a step-free entrance.

Make sure to mention any specific requirements you may have when booking.

The five-star KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort on Kos, Greece, is a world away from the party scene – and rooms start from £220 a night

Like countless Brits, my initial encounter with the Greek island came via an 18-30 holiday. I recall cheap cocktails, sticky dancefloors and a hotel where staff flat-out refused to hand out more than one deflated pillow per guest. It was enjoyable in that uniquely carefree way only your early twenties can deliver, but I’d mentally categorised Kos with the other party islands I’d ticked off and left behind.

So when the invitation arrived to return this summer, I’ll confess my expectations were modest. I certainly wasn’t anticipating discovering one of the most peaceful hotels I’ve ever stayed in.

Situated high above the Aegean Sea, KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort feels like it exists on an entirely separate island. There’s no thumping music poolside, no inflatable flamingoes floating about and definitely no wristbands.

Instead, it offered supreme luxury through serene infinity pools, premium dining and wellness experiences – all at a sensible price point, reports OK!.

Stay in style

Launched in 2023, the five-star adults-only sanctuary boasts just 51 suites, meaning it never feels overcrowded, even at full capacity. Built into the hillside overlooking Agios Fokas, roughly a 12-minute drive from Kos Town, the resort draws inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Hippocrates, who was born on the island, with wellbeing woven into every aspect.

Suites span from pared-back Cave Suites to more generous Sea View Suites featuring private infinity pools or outdoor whirlpools, all styled in soothing neutral shades, natural stone and timber. The appeal of the hotel lies in the fact that every suite provides full or partial vistas across the Aegean, meaning there’s genuinely no disappointing room.

Thoughtful details such as a pillow menu, rainfall showers, smart-controlled blinds and room-service dining choices really reinforce the sense of ‘private luxury’. In terms of facilities, there are two pools – one indoors within the spa and a main pool – plus a gym.

The food

Despite there being just one restaurant, Thyme, I never found myself craving additional dining choices, which speaks volumes about how exceptional the food was. For breakfast, a generous buffet featuring local fruit, pastries and made-to-order dishes can be savoured with uninterrupted sea vistas.

Come evening, Thyme becomes an elegant à la carte restaurant showcasing Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood and regional wines. I’m not exaggerating when I say I requested the shrimp linguine four times.

Lunch is also available there, but with a completely different menu from evenings, offering plenty of variety through fancy sandwiches and grilled options. Throughout the day, my book and I set up camp at the pool bar for iced coffees between dips, before relocating to the sophisticated Elixir Bar at sunset, where cocktails are served with a backdrop of one of the finest views on the island.

What’s on

If you need more than a pool and a good book to keep you occupied, the carefully curated range of activities on offer are well worth booking in advance. From open-air morning yoga overlooking the glittering sea to a traditional baking class with Thyme’s head chef, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

I headed to the hotel’s Ydor Spa (on the one overcast day we had) and relished the chance to privately hire the Himalayan salt room and sauna cabin before treating myself to a full body massage. I’d also highly recommend the floating breakfast experience. I’ve never consumed so much food in a single morning, and there truly is nothing more delightful than chasing your strawberries as they drift across your private pool.

Further afield

Reception can point you towards hiking trails leading to the medieval ruins of Palio Pyli or the summit of Mount Díkaios, where breathtaking sunset views from the island’s highest peak make the climb thoroughly worthwhile. Kos Town offers an entirely different tempo, boasting Roman landmarks such as the beautifully preserved Odeon of Kos and Casa Romana, alongside some superb tavernas to dine at. If you have a hire car, venture out to the island’s thermal springs, located at the northern tip of the island at Therma Beach, where the seawater bubbles.

Why I’ll be returning

It’s uncommon to experience a genuine sense of magic from a hotel, yet that’s precisely what I encountered here. A tranquil retreat, ideal for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle.

Perhaps the greatest revelation was discovering it on an island I’d previously dismissed as a party destination. Its intimate size lends itself to a wonderfully personal level of service, and within just a few days, the staff already knew my preferred morning coffee and favourite sunbed spot. Worth noting too – from August 2026, guests can also look forward to a brand-new Greek restaurant, a second pool and newly added suites.

Book it

A Junior Suite with Sea View and Hot Tub starts from £220 per night, and a Sea View Suite with Private Pool starts from £256 with breakfast included. Book via koiaresort.com to make the most of offers like complimentary airport transfers. Half board and full board dining also available. Flights to Kos from major UK airports operate daily May-October with return pricing from around £60.

After a day spent walking around Alton Towers, I was happy to be spending the night in their iconic hotel on the resort – here’s my honest review of a stay for our family of four

A day at a theme park is knackering, especially with two kids in tow who can seemingly have the best day of their lives while also complaining every single second. Nothing is worse than getting to the end of a day out and facing the drive home exhausted.

So, if you’ve got a day at a theme park planned, you may be considering staying in one of the park’s onsite hotels. Arguably, Alton Towers has one of the best selections of accommodation out of any UK theme park. It has hotels, woodland lodges, treehouses, and stargazing pods, so there’s all sorts of places to stay, and you’re right on the park’s doorstep so you’ve got somewhere to rest after a long day.

Recently, I stayed with my two kids at the Alton Towers Hotel, a three-star property that’s one of the park’s three hotels. Themed around a fictional Victorian explorer, Sir Algenon, the hotel has a sort of steampunk, historic look, although my kids thought it was pirate-y more than anything, but either way, the detail that has gone into it is impressive.

Stepping into the hotel, there’s a huge atrium with a large ship-shaped stage, and checking in late afternoon there was already entertainment and live music in full-swing. We went back later and the entertainers were playing some fun games with the kids, and it had a really joyful, slightly chaotic atmosphere around the bar.

We stayed in a Moon Voyage room, which had a similar theme to the hotel with lamps that looked like Victorian gaslights, lots of gears and levers, and explorer-themed murals. The room was clean and the beds comfy, and I liked that the kids sleeping area with bunk beds was slightly sectioned off and had their own TV. It meant we could lie in bed and watch some grown up TV while they could watch a bit of CBBC before dinner.

For dinner, we headed to the Splash Landings Hotel to try Flambo’s Jambo, an all-you-can eat buffet that had a bit of everything from peri peri to tacos, roast dinners, and Chinese dishes. The atmosphere was fun, with a giant waterwheel and the sounds of some very lively entertainment going on in the background, and the food was OK, with the kids more excited about the ice cream machine than anything else.

While we slept well and the room was comfortable, I woke up early to find the bathroom door had locked itself from the outside. I had to run down to use the loo in the lobby and find hotel staff, still in my pyjama bottoms and my hair looking even more dishevelled than usual. It did get fixed within an hour, but obviously that kind of thing is a pain when you’re up early with kids.

Breakfast was included and is served buffet style at the Secret Garden Restaurant. It had quite a basic selection of hot food, plus some cereal, pastries, and pancakes, which the kids were happy with. Again, the food wasn’t amazing, but it kept us going on the way home.

If you’re visiting Alton Towers and have a long drive, a stay at the hotel or its other accommodation is worth considering. For us, driving there and back would mean five hours in the car as well as the long day exploring the park, so it was nice to crash overnight and split the journey up.

I’ll admit, the hotel is expensive, and some parts felt more worth the price than the others. Packages include one day at the theme park, 9-hole golf, and breakfast, and there are deals on such as free child entry to the waterpark if you book an adult ticket. The hotel does have an incredibly fun style and is well-maintained, and kids are enchanted by the style.

But other things felt like they needed a little work. The themed rooms feel a little basic, and while they have nice décor it felt a little like they were missing something. I would have liked to have some bottled water in the rooms for example, as there were no refill points in the hotel and at £3 a pop, it’s expensive to rehydrate after a day in the sun. But I think most visitors know to expect theme park prices when they stay somewhere like this, and really, it’s the location that’s the main draw when you’ve spent all day on your feet in the summer.

Rooms start from £106pp for an Explorer Room at the Alton Towers Hotel this summer. You can currently book and take advantage of their Kids Swim Free offer. Find out more and book at altontowers.com.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

IF you fancy a trip to the Cotswolds, then how about a stay in the quaint village of Burford?

Here is everything you need to know about staying at one of its hotels, the Prince of Burford.

What is the Prince of Burford like?

We loved this super cosy 4* hotel in the historic market town of Burford, in the Cotswolds.

The former 18th-century coaching inn is packed full of original features, including dark wood wall panelling and an impressive wooden carved staircase.

The hotel has been recently refurbished, with a big bar area and a more formal dining room – but we loved the squidgy sofas by the fireplace, the perfect place for a glass of red.

What are the rooms like?

We stayed in the spacious Family Suite room, and were blown away by the humongous bed – it was one of the best night’s sleep we had in a long time.

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The neutral-coloured furnishings made the room feel warm and bright, while the plump velvet armchair tucked away in the corner made for a perfect place to have our morning cuppa.

The toiletries smelt amazing and we enjoyed the rainfall shower. All rooms come with an ensuite, desk, TV, hairdryer and ironing board.

Double rooms start from £136 per night, including breakfast. See princeofburford.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

You won’t be disappointed by the grub.

The hotel won a 2025-26 Rosette Award for culinary excellence and the menu features pub classics like a pie of the week as well as more adventurous options, such as venison, swede mash and kale.

It was a little on the pricey side – I had a large Jerusalem artichoke risotto for £18.10 – but you won’t walk away hungry as the portions were huge.

My husband had the rump steak with mac and cheese for £38.50.

Next time I’d give dessert a miss – while the Brantley Apple Choux bun (£9.20) was decent, I didn’t think it was worth the money, and wish I had tried the dark chocolate and pecan brownie (£8.90) instead.

Breakfast was the star of the show. The ingredients were top quality – the fry up was perfectly cooked with a juicy sausage and hot buttered toast.

What else is there to do there?

While Burford was a quaint little market town, it was small – we finished looking around in under an hour.

It was posh and felt like the Mayfair of the Cotswolds, and you should expect to pay similar prices too.

We paid a painful £7.50 for a sausage roll at a nearby cafe, and £15 for two pints at The Bull along the high street.

I’d recommend going to Blenheim Palace nearby – an impressive stately home with huge grounds to keep the kids busy.

I’d love to go back around Christmas – the hotel’s rustic charm would be perfect for a cosy festive stay.

Is it family friendly?

From the Suite or Family Room where pullout beds can be made available to dedicated children’s menus makes this a family friendly option.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

For guests with disabilities, it is advised to contact the bookings team at Prince of Burford to discuss requirements for their stay.

IF you love both quaint English pubs and period films, then a stay at the Pilsley Inn is a must.

Here is everything you need to know about a stay at the pub in Derbyshire.

Where is the Pilsley Inn?

In a sleepy Peak District village, this charming country pub and hotel is on the Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth Estate with its stunning house and 1,000 acres of woods and parkland just a five-minute drive away.

What is the hotel like?

Known as The Devonshire Arms until a year ago, the hotel has been renamed with the addition of five new barn conversion rooms, designed by Lady Burlington.

Staff were warm, friendly and helpful, offering us a selection of nearby walks to make the most of the stunning Derbyshire countryside.

Dogs are welcome in the pub and to stay in the farmhouse and family rooms and there is free on-site parking.

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What are the rooms like?

There are 18 individually designed bedrooms either in the main inn or the converted adjoining barn and farmhouse.

We stayed in one of the farmhouse rooms.

Most of these rustic yet stylish spaces feature high four-poster beds, rich fabrics and plush bathrooms and come with a flatscreen TV, fridge and hot drink facilities and wifi, plus Chatsworth biscuits and toiletries.

Ground floor rooms also have an outside area to sit and soak up the countryside views.

The Chatsworth Experience package, from £124pp, includes overnight stay, dinner and breakfast along with tickets to Chatsworth House.

See chatsworthescapes.co.uk/pilsleyinn.

What is there to eat and drink?

Definitely eat here – the cosy restaurant, with tables around the bar area, serves classic British fare with food locally sourced from the Chatsworth Estate.

Sat near a roaring fire, we enjoyed carrot and coconut soup, duck breast with sweet potato croquettes and cherry sauce and Derbyshire beef and ale pie, all of which was delicious and well presented.

For breakfast, which is served in the restaurant, there are a range of continental or cooked options.

What else is there?

Stunning Chatsworth House, famously used as a location for the 2005 Pride And Prejudice movie, is close by and well worth a visit.

From May to October, The Pilsley Inn offers a Chatsworth Experience package that includes a tour of the house, which was a big highlight of our visit as well as the garden, parkland and farmyard with free parking.

Is it family friendly?

Find designated Family Rooms on the ground floor with bunk beds for 2 children and a children’s menu that even fussy kids will love – definitely ticks the boxes for a family friendly stay.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

There are Farmhouse Rooms located on the ground floor and the Hilltop room has a walk-in shower making it easily accessible.

The Chatsworth Escapes team are also happy to talk through any specific needs. 

COSY pub rooms, fantastic British food and nearby hikes – all the makings of a quintessential UK break.

So here’s everything you need to know about staying at the Welldiggers Arms.

Where is the Welldiggers Arms?

On the outskirts of beautiful Petworth in Sussex, there are stunning views of the rolling South Downs National Park through the picture windows while enjoying the warm and cosy interiors.

What’s the hotel like?

The pub with rooms is packed with traditional country charm and a healthy dose of ‘sink into an armchair’ comfortable chic.

Recently refurbished, while the stone building might be 300 years old the décor is up to date.

Original features include the original namesake water well. Think enveloping and relaxing rural style.

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What are the rooms like?

The fourteen rooms – including dog and child friendly options – are all beautifully appointed and decked out with the kind of furnishings that look like they’ve been there forever, but you know that someone has given them a great deal of thought.

Think muted and matt rustic paint colours, patterned upholstery, Bramley toiletries and ‘spare room at a country house’ vibes.

Sizes range from Snug doubles to Signatures with private terraces. Or book the Superior suite and you’ll even find a claw rooted bath at the foot of the bed.

Choose between sleeping above the pub itself or if you prefer more peaceful acoustics opt for the annexe alongside.

It’s worth noting that not all have rolling green views, with some bedrooms overlooking the road alongside.

Rooms start from £99 per night, including breakfast. A Muddy Paws dog-friendly package starts from £130, including sausage brekkie for your mutt. See butcombe.com/the-welldiggers-arms-west-sussex/

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

Locals flock here to enjoy the delicious gastropub fare on offer so definitely stay put.

There’s a delicious, ever-changing menu of fresh and seasonal British dishes with as much produce as possible sourced locally.

From the bread with whipped butter to fish and chips with booze-laced Butcombe ale batter you are in for a treat.

The Sunday roast is famous – best enjoyed by a roaring fire if you can snag a coveted table.

Make sure you leave room for a pudding too as interesting ingredients have been used to give some classic choices a contemporary twist.

Try the Sticky Toffee Carrot Pudding, or perhaps the Yuze Crème Brulee.

What else is there?

As well as the incredible walks on your doorstep there’s plenty of other places to explore nearby.

National Trust owned Petworth House, with its famous deer park and a famed art collection, is just a short two mile drive away.

History buffs can devour the medieval displays at nearby Arundel Castle.

Shopaholics will be spoilt for interesting independent shops to browse in the picturesque town of Petworth itself.

Is it family friendly?

Families will definitely find the Welldiggers Arms to be family friendly with kids menus and ground floor rooms for easy access – so no dragging strollers up and down stairs. 

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Guests with needs for easy access will be able to find a selection of ground floor rooms with walk-in showers. 

It is recommended to contact the bookings team before your stay to ensure your trip to Welldiggers Arms is as comfortable as possible. 

SOMETIMES all you want is a great nights sleep – enter The Akyra Bangkok 11.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at the new Bangkok hotel (and rooms are as little as £40 a night).

Where is the hotel?

The hotel is in the Nana district of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 11. It is a short drive to the city centre by taxi.

There is also a complimentary shuttle to the BTS Skytrain.

What is the hotel like?

Having only opened earlier this year, it feels extremely fresh and new. It’s simple in design, but still feels like a boutique hotel.

From the outside, it is unassuming – on the inside it is clean designs with a touch of warmth.

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Akaryn Hotel Group founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn said: “We designed it as a place where people can connect with each other and with themselves while still enjoying the pulse and possibilities of Bangkok.”

What are the rooms like?

The hotel’s ethos is to offer the best night sleep – with loads of features within the 100 rooms.

This means blackout curtain and even a “sleep butler” night time ritual.

My Deluxe room had a very comfortable king size bed, as well as a Smart TV, hair dryers, dressing gowns and a coffee making station.

Even in the muggy heat of Bangkok, I slept so well thanks to the easy-to-use air conditioning and the quiet location of the hotel.

Rooms start from THB 1870 (£41). See aleenta.com/akyra-bangkok.

Upgrade to Club and get early check in, late check out and a free evening drink and snacks.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The hotel restaurant E/R/N is where you will find everything from breakfast to dinner.

The extensive breakfast menu ranged from unique fantastic coffees to smoothies, as well as acai bowls and egg Florentine.

Dinner is Med inspired – I was seriously impressed by the massive juicy scallops, as well as my fruity house cocktail.

What else can you do there?

Wellness experiences can be booked for in your room, including massages and relaxing evening rituals.

You can also book experiences with the hotel from street food tours to canal boat trips.

Deals include free IV drips when staying two nights or more, or free signature experiences when staying three nights or more.

Make sure you save time for a dip in the swimming pool too.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has 18, two-bedroom family rooms with interconnected access.

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, there is lift access and accessible rooms with more spacious layouts.

During the June heatwave, we took a trip down to the great British seaside, where Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel had something special on offer

Bournemouth vastly expanded in the 1800s as wealthy Victorians came to convalesce among the town’s famous, inflammation-soothing pine trees.

Strolling through the town, I can’t quite catch the scent of those historic pines – but the sea breeze coupled with the olfactory overload of a nearby doughnut stand is equally reviving.

While the trees may no longer soothe my woes, there is a mountain of scientific research proving that being by the water really does boost spirits.

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, in his book Blue Mind, wrote how exposure to blue spaces – including the glorious British seaside – can act as medicine for the brain, effectively lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boosting overall happiness. For me, it is an undeniable truth: being by the sea brings a sense of calm that I simply cannot replicate anywhere else.

Luckily, I am soaking up all of these benefits from my seaside cottage at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel, which offers incredible, sweeping views from its hillside perch.

For many of us, 2026 is the year of the staycation. With thousands of holidaymakers enduring airport chaos and the EU’s troublesome new entry/exit system, opting to stay closer to home makes sense.

But while staying in the UK gets rid of most problems, it can still be a gamble: the fickle British weather, the uninspiring reality of holiday rentals that look fabulous online, and the long list of check-out demands by so-called hosts.

If you’re looking for the perfect compromise – which offers the privacy of a private rental, but with four-star luxury and no cleaning demands – the hotel’s new coastal cottages have cracked the code.

Marriott has revamped its 19th century former coastguard cottages into a set of stunning boutique retreats. Designed by Joanna Knight Interiors, they feature a gorgeous coastal aesthetic packed with sandy neutrals, retro Smeg fridges, and beach-hut-coloured front doors.

The service when we arrive after a long, sticky drive during the June heatwave is top notch. We arrived at a cottage where staff had already thoughtfully blasted the air conditioning, and were handed a kids’ activity pack at reception.

Best of all, there was no requirement to strip the sheets or empty the bins at the end of our stay, leaving us more time to enjoy the hotel’s perks, including a 24-hour gym and a well-heated outdoor pool.

Complete with a range of games in the garden for kids, including giant Jenga, while there’s a fully stocked pool-side bar for adults, along with grandstand views of the pier, it is remarkably hard to drag yourself away from the surroundings and into the town itself.

You don’t have to venture far to eat well, with the on-site Brasserie Blanc restaurant serving up an impressive feast for every meal.

For dinner, I followed a wise proverb: cheese is love, and cheese with cream is extra love, meaning I had to order the cheese soufflé (£8.50) – it was delicious, with a beautifully light, airy texture, while my guests opted for a tasty looking Devon crab and avocado with garlic croutons for their starter (£9.95).

The mains include a spectacular sirloin (£29.95) alongside an impressive Chateaubriand (£69.95) for two: succulent, perfectly seasoned, teamed with a punchy pepper sauce, and accompanied by very decent fries. For dessert, the lemon tart (£9.50) went down extremely well, as did the classic crème brûlée (£6.95). The mocktail menu is surprisingly strong – if often feels like an afterthought at most places, but here, I got to enjoy an alcohol-free margarita (£10.95) that left me reeling at how punchy it was.

Even the children’s menu is surprisingly decent, with a welcome absence of standard beige chicken nuggets; instead, it offers a large variety of healthy, delicious dishes including grilled trout and veggie bolognese. Thanks to the temporary summer VAT cut, it is also well-priced at £9.50 for two courses or £12.50 for three.

Dining on the large outside terrace where I could breathe in the sea air, I left the table feeling spiritually lighter despite the three-course meal.

That welcoming atmosphere carried me straight into a buzzy evening, with the hotel bar packed with drinkers ready for a fun night out before the England match.

The next morning, breakfast continued to the same high standard, with a vast range of hot and cold items, including an exceptional cooked-to-order omelette bar, a high-quality full English fry-up and a great Continental spread.

Fuelled up for the day, Bournemouth beach called to us. Helpfully, it is just a three-minute stroll from the hotel, which is a godsend when you’re travelling with kids. Its golden sands are stunning, and at seven miles long, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out.

Bournemouth is a town of brilliant dualities. While parts of the town centre can look slightly worse for wear, looking beyond the high street reveals world-class coastal beauty.

The nearby Hengistbury Head is well worth a visit, a sprawling nature reserve offering great views of the Isle of Wight and gentle walks.

Closer to the hotel, right by Bournemouth Beach, sits the Oceanarium. We found this to be very reasonably priced at £35 for a family and a perfect sanctuary during the heat. It is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy in the shade, while staring down sharks, stingrays, and penguins.

And of course, the iconic pier remains an absolute must for older kids, packed to the brim with traditional arcade, fairground rides and a set of indoor climbing walls.

By combining a private cottage with the luxuries of a landmark hotel, the Highcliff Marriott has set a new standard for the great British staycation.

Book it

• A private Coastal Cottage is available from £130/night (based on two sharing). Fine out more here.

CAMPING may conjure images of sagging tents, damp sleeping bags and a dreaded midnight trek to the communal toilet block. But that’s not the case at Lee Wick Farm.

Buried in St Osyth, Essex, this glampsite offers a compromise to satisfy my husband’s need for hot showers, a proper toilet and real mattress, while allowing the rest of our family and friends to embrace the wild.

Home to 20 glamping pods and cabins as well as a secret garden area, this is far from your average camping experience.

We opted for a sleek Lushna cabin, which comfortably slept our family of four and offered uninterrupted views across tranquil fields.

My husband Mark was relieved we had our own private bathroom, along with a compact but well-equipped kitchenette.

Guests can bring their own bedding, or those who like to travel light can add linen to their booking so their beds are ready for a snooze on arrival.

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Outside, the cabin boasts a private hot tub in an enclosed garden, providing plenty of open space for the kids to run around safely during the day – so the adults had a rare chance to sit down and actually relax.

Local attractions are just a short distance away, too.

On our first afternoon we took a walk down the lane and across the marshes toward the rugged Colne Point Nature Reserve, which felt like a proper expedition.

Wildlife is abundant along this shoreline, including local adders which bask in the grass.

It was a brilliant, old-school adventure that kept children and adults amused, but make sure you bring sturdy footwear just in case you lose a shoe in a bog (like one of our group!).

For a change of pace on a sunnier day, we headed to Curve Water Park. A few minutes from the farm by car, the park features an inflatable aqua assault course which resulted in plenty of competitive laughs and inevitable wipeouts.

For those wanting a more civilised pace, the park also offers paddleboarding and kayaking, allowing you to glide peacefully along the water before grabbing a drink at the dog-friendly lakeside cafe.

Lee Wick Farm is perfectly positioned for coastal and historic day trips too.

A short drive takes you to the sandy beaches of Holland-on-Sea where you can grab a bag of chips, or Clacton Pier where arcades and amusements offer entertainment as well as shelter when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Or head slightly inland to the picturesque village of Dedham. Located in the heart of Constable Country, it’s the perfect place for a stroll or boat ride along the River Stour.

And after an action-packed day, our cabin back at Lee Wick Farm allowed us to embrace the wilderness without sacrificing our home comforts.

We left with tired legs, bbq-filled stomachs and the realisation that the great outdoors is much more enjoyable when you have a warm cabin, private hot tub and a glass of cold prosecco in hand.

While every World Cup introduces viewers to new young stars, this tournament featured eight players who were older than 40 — one more than the number of over-40 players in the previous 22 World Cups combined.

Among them were Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Mexico’s Memo Ochoa, 40, who were playing in their sixth World Cups alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, a relative youngster at 39. No one has played in more men’s World Cups.

But while Ronaldo and Ochoa have gone home, Messi will be playing in his third semifinal in four tournaments Wednesday when Argentina, the reigning champion, faces England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The newfound longevity of elite soccer players has been made possible by advances in sports medicine, diet and analytics that measure everything from biomechanics and heart rate to muscular output and sleep cycles, all in real time. And injuries that once ended careers can now be repaired through outpatient procedures.

Argentina star Lionel Messi holds his jersey up and celebrates with teammates after a World Cup quarterfinal win over Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City, Mo.

(David Ramos / Getty Images)

“Over the past 10, 20 years, the sports science within the game has changed a lot,” said Liam Anderson, an exercise physiologist at the University of Birmingham in England, who has worked as an applied practitioner in top-flight professional soccer for more than a decade.

“Players are now definitely more aware of their bodies and I think the professionalism has changed quite a lot as well. But they’re also in tune with the things which are helping them recover, manage their training load and ultimately stay fitter and healthier for longer.”

Gone are the days when chain-smoking Dutch legend Johan Cruyff would light up a cigarette on the bench, French world champion Zinedine Zidane would smoke in the locker room and George Best would party and drink so hard he would disappear for days at a time.

“There’s a couple of reasons,” Dr. Michael Joyner, a specialist in the physiology of elite athletes at the Mayo Clinic, said of the growing lifespan of soccer players. “The first is that people just make a lot more money and as a result, there’s tremendous incentive to keep playing. The second is people are taking much better care of themselves.”

“You just don’t hear about people like George Best anymore,” said Joyner, speaking for himself and not the clinic where he works.

“Diet is huge,” Anderson added. “High-protein diets and fueling with carbohydrates for matches. Nutritional strategies have changed considerably in the last 10-15 years.”

And those diets are tailored by position since a midfielder, who may run more than seven miles in a match, burns more calories than a goalkeeper.

As the eldest player in Major League Soccer, Diego Chara has had to make some concessions to age.

“It’s a little detailed,” said Chara, a midfielder with the Portland Timbers. “Talking about recovery time, it maybe takes a little bit longer than before. Nutrition. Working in the gym, it’ll be longer than other players.”

But if Chara, 40, is an old man in a league where the average age is younger than 26, he would have been something of whippersnapper in this summer’s World Cup.

The Portland Timbers’ Diego Chará passes the ball under pressure from the Columbus Crew’s Wessam Abou Ali on Feb. 21in Portland, Ore.

(Amanda Loman / Associated Press)

Soccer isn’t the only sport in which 40 is the new 30.

Serena Williams returned to Wimbledon this summer at age 44 and at least half a dozen athletes 40 and older showed up at the Milan-Cortina Olympics last February hoping to medal. Four of them succeeded, including American Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, who became the oldest athlete to win an individual gold in Winter Olympics history in the women’s monobob.

It isn’t unheard of for athletes to be golden in their golden years. Ted Williams hit .316 at 41 and Gordie Howe played 80 games and had 41 points in his final NHL season at 52. Nolan Ryan threw a no-hitter and pitched 173 innings at 44 while Tom Brady quarterbacked the Tampa Bay Bucs to a Super Bowl title at 43.

But if those age-defying performances were outliers, playing into your mid-40s and even early 50s may soon become, if not common, at least less unusual.

“People are just staying in better shape, taking care of themselves,” Joyner said. “Career-changing or career-ending injuries are no longer career-ending injuries. It just goes on and on, all of this stuff combined.”

American Serena Williams, 44, serves against Australian Maya Joint during a match at Wimbledon on June 30.

(Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)

State-of-the-art training centers and access to top-line sports medicine have also become more accessible, even in poor countries.

“The elite level has spread and really become global, as opposed to where there used to be pockets,” Joyner said. “The opportunities to compete are so great.”

Few team sports are as physically demanding as soccer, though, which makes both the growing number of seasoned citizens and their performances noteworthy. Messi has averaged nearly a game a week for club and country during the past 23 years, yet he entered the semifinals of this tournament tied for the scoring lead with France’s Kylian Mbappé, who is 12 years younger.

Ronaldo has played even more games yet he became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout game when his penalty kick helped eliminate Croatia and midfielder Luka Modric, who will be 41 in less than two months.

“They’ve probably lost a little bit off the top, but their experience and their mind make up for that,” said Scott Trappe, a professor of human bioenergetics at Ball State. “So the overall package of them as a sports person is really they’re contributing at a high level. I think we’re going to continue to see this movement.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring a World Cup group stage goal against Uzbekistan on June 23 in Houston.

(Charlotte Wilson / Getty Images)

“They like playing the sport and as long as they can and contribute and they make these teams, they’re going to do it. I don’t see the trend going away.”

And that will not only change the way we think of sports and athletes, it will completely rewrite the record book. Messi, for instance, entered the semifinals of this World Cup as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 21 goals. But that was just one ahead of Mbappé, who could appear in another three or four World Cups.

“No question,” Trappe said. “You look what’s going on in pro cycling. We’ve got some guys in their upper 30s competing in the Tour de France, but we also have a teenager competing. So this lifespan, what used to be a five- to eight-year period for cycling at the at the highest levels is turning out to be, you know, double or triple that.”

Both Messi and Ronaldo have benefited from how they play as well, walking rather running for long stretches of the game to conserve energy for the burst they need to lose a defender. It’s a strategy Mbappé, Norway’s Erling Haaland and other young players have adopted and if they do that over enough games, the wear and tear it saves could add years to the end of their careers.

“We are expanding. The age will start moving up a little bit further up and players’ careers will definitely be longer,” Anderson said. “The sort of normal distribution of playing age will begin to move forward and that experience within the squad will be key.’

Argentina’s Lionel Messi dribbles the ball during the World Cup quarterfinal match against Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City, Mo.

(Charlie Riedel / Ap Photo/charlie Riedel)

Consider Wednesday’s semifinalists. In its quarterfinal win, Argentina used six players older than 32 and two — Messi and defender Nicolas Otamendi — who are over 38. The spine of England’s team runs from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford through defender John Stones to striker Harry Kane, who are all 32.

“We’re coming up with new ways on how to improve and maximizing potential,” Anderson said. “God gave us what we are and it’s maximizing that, not necessarily changing that.”

That knowledge won’t stay in the stadiums and locker rooms for long, expanding to others who choose to adopt the same wellness discipline as professional athletes.

“It cycles down,” Trappe said. “We’re studying that in the lab at a pretty high level. This sort of healthy lifestyle in terms of functionality and extending into our later years and having a higher quality life, there’s data starting to emerge there.

“These types of things are going to trickle into that for sure.”

LOST Property, part of Hilton’s fancy Curio Collection, has a very specific theme: the lost history of London.

Read on to find out everything from the restaurant menu to room prices.

Where is Lost Property hotel?

The Lost Property St Paul’s London hotel is in the heart of the city of London, and just a few minutes from it all.

There’s St Pauls Underground Station which takes you to all of the top attractions, and of course the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral right outside.

It is also right by the City Thameslink line which takes you directly to both London Gatwick and London Luton Airport.

What is the hotel like?

While unassuming from the outside, the interiors are a glam slap in the face.

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From the Murano glass lights casting a cosy glow in the lobby, to the fun herringbone carpets throughout, it’s almost tempting you to take pictures of it.

You may not even notice the image of Winston Churchill or the inspiring quotes subtly emblazoned on the wall in reception.

But take a closer look at and you’ll find little treasures hidden all over this 145-bedroom hotel.

Make sure to look down when heading to the lift, for some fun photo-taking opps…

What are the rooms like?

Ranging from Queen and King rooms to Junior Suites, the rooms are drenched in rich jewel tones of burgundy and navy.

The herringbone patterned carpets and red marble countertops were a masterclass in luxury, with gold fittings and mood lighting for when the sun goes down.

The marble bathroom was just as impressive, with fancy Urban Apothecary toiletries.

The rooms have it all – delightfully squishy beds, a stocked mini bar and some even come with a view of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Don’t want to be disturbed? Hang on your door the “Kindly Get Lost” sign for some peace and quiet.

Rooms start from £184 a night. See hilton.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

A dinner at the hotel’s Found Bar is a must.

Combining French and British classics, the watermelon vichyssoise was the perfect dish to cool me down in the heat.

The beef ribeye was cooked to perfection, while the zesty lemon posset cut through it perfectly.

Ask for the cocktail menu too, which leans into it’s theming of being lost – complete with am ’empty’ menu and a laser pen to help you find the cocktails.

For breakfast, head to the front of the hotel to Tattle Coffeehouse.

Drinks are made with Monmouth coffee, some of the best in London (and best chased by a freshly baked and flakey croissant…)

What else is there to do there?

For those that fancy a workout, there’s a very nice gym with Peloton bikes and treadmills.

They sit under large windows in the ceiling so you can soak up the natural light while you cycle.

The hotel is a short stroll from some top tourist attractions like the Tate Modern (15-minutes walk), the London Eye (30-minutes walk) and Somerset House (18-minutes walk).

Is the hotel family friendly?

There’s everything from kids menus at the restaurant to connecting family rooms and cribs on request – so definitely family friendly.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

There is lift access to all floors as well as step-free access to the restaurant and accessible adapted rooms.

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

AS the train rumbles out of the station, our heads turn to admire the stunning views from the dining car’s windows.

When the conductor announces each new destination, a feast of flavours is served up while we admire the changing landscapes.

But what’s even more incredible is the fact I am currently on board the largest cruise ship in the world — and sailing the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean.

The Royal Railway is the latest immersive dining experience to be savoured on board Legend Of The Seas.

You’ll begin your journey at the station — with the chance to pick up a cocktail or two from the bar — before entering an authentic train carriage and sitting down to a five-course feast as the train travels along Marco Polo’s ancient Silk Route including China, India, Turkey and Italy.

With some culinary corkers on the menu such as butter chicken, grilled lamb chops and Silk Road Shrimp, plus to-die-for Italian desserts, it’s a world away from a soggy sarnie on platform three at Clapham Junction.

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Like everything on this gargantuan ship — the third Icon-class vessel from Royal Caribbean — the attention to detail is staggering.

With 28 restaurants, eight neighbourhoods, six waterslides and room for 5,610 passengers, the multi-billion-dollar floating city certainly made an entrance in Malaga earlier this month. And I was one of the first on board the largest cruise ship in the world.

Billed as the ultimate family vacation, this next-generation newcomer is a riot of colour and energy from dawn to dusk, and there is something to float everyone’s boat, from lazy beach retreats to thrilling theme parks.

Holidaymakers of all ages will easily keep hunger pangs at bay grazing on food from 28 venues — the most you’ll find at sea — with every neighbourhood bringing something to the table.

Other new eateries include Hollywoodland Supper Club. Inspired by old Hollywood, this multi-course dinner is accompanied by live jazz and craft cocktails, giving guests the chance to get glam.

While this and the Royal Railway come at quite a hefty extra cost — around £144pp — there are a staggering 13 complimentary eateries included in the price of your cruise.

In the AquaDome Market you can take another global foodie tour with stalls serving up everything from Korean rice bowls to tapas bites and crepes, plus a new juice and smoothie bar for health-conscious sailors.

I also worked my way around some of the bars including 1400 Lobby Bar, which is inspired by the history of shipbuilding, and Lou’s, which evokes moody New Orleans and New York jazz bars with live performances and cocktails.

Those wanting a livelier tipple should head to the brilliant Dueling Pianos, which buzzes well into the early hours.

Outside, the mega resort facilities are designed for non-stop family fun — minigolf, rock-climbing and a surf simulator can all be found on decks 16 and 17 — and thrillseekers can dangle daringly over the water on Crown’s Edge, a part skywalk, part zipline experience 154ft above the ocean.

This playful ship is certainly making a splash, with Category 6 holding the crown as the largest waterpark at sea, while Royal Bay is the largest pool on the waves.

Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay are nestled in the purpose-built Surfside family neighbourhood, while it’s strictly adults-only at The Hideaway with its suspended infinity pool and DJ, and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.

Early nights are out — the last thing you’ll want to do is sleep for fear of serious FOMO.

The ship’s entertainment offering is next level and I was captivated by everything I watched. This included Roald Dahl’s West End-worthy Charlie And The Chocolate Factory complete with a 15-strong live orchestra, AquaTheater’s Shockwave, where synchronised swimmers, high divers and aerialists highlight the power of water, and the ice-skating spectacle with drones at Absolute Zero’s show, Fusion.

Alongside live music and tribute bands, there are themed parties including a Y2K dance party, karaoke sessions, live trivia and silent discos.

Those familiar with Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships will be pleased to see the return of well loved spaces including Royal Promenade with its floor-to-ceiling ocean views.

There’s also the Pearl — the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture — weighing as much as a Boeing 747 — and the open-air Central Park, with over 30,500 lush plants as well as restaurants, live music, and pick-up windows for sushi and champagne.

With 29 types of accommodation, when it comes to hitting the sack, you and your tribe will slumber in style. On Legend Of The Seas, there are more rooms with ocean views and for groups of three, four, five and more.

The Surfside Family Suites are ideal for two adults and two kids, with the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabins accommodating six, and Surfside Family View Balcony cabins sleeping three or four.

To really push the boat out, check into the exclusive four-deck Suite Neighbourhood or the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three- storey pad that can sleep up to eight people.

Inside there’s a slide, dedicated entertainment spaces, and three balconies — lucky residents even get a money-can’t-buy experience with Royal Caribbean’s second Chief Dog Officer, a playful golden retriever pup named Skipper.

This showstopper of a ship is truly the stuff of Legends.

The ‘UK’s poshest Premier Inn’ has all of the perks of a budget stay, but there was one feature that impressed me before I’d even dropped off my bags

I checked into the ‘UK’s poshest Premier Inn’, and was impressed before I even got to my room.

As the UK’s largest hotel chain, Premier Inn promises a restful night’s stay in more than 85,000 rooms across the country in over 800 locations. Owned by Whitbread, the brand is known for its budget-friendly accommodation, plush white crisp beds, and those iconic Lenny Henry adverts that are hard to forget.

Offering even more choice to Brits, they’ve expanded even further with Zip by Premier Inn and hub by Premier, which provide smaller rooms at a lower price. While they might be more compact, they certainly don’t compromise on comfort.

One hub has even earned a reputation as the ‘UK’s poshest Premier Inn’, despite only opening in February this year. Its location in a former Victorian Old Bailey in the heart of London might just have something to do with its label, that and its trendy interiors that could easily compare to an independent boutique, as I found out.

Finding a hotel in London can be somewhat of a minefield, with thousands to choose from, so when the hub by Premier Inn London Farringdon (Old Bailey) hotel popped up, I was intrigued. Not only was it nestled in a lively and convenient area of central London, with plenty of amenities nearby, but it also proved to be much more than a hotel.

That’s because this particular hub, or hotel, is housed inside the former Snow Hill Police Station, a 1870s Grade II-listed building that combines its original Victorian features with contemporary interiors for a unique and affordable stay. With rooms starting from £75, you can’t fault the price, and as soon as I peered up at the historic Old Bailey and walked through its grand doors, it felt far from a budget hotel.

What really stood out among its authentic features was the striking white-tiled stairway, with tall ceilings, arched windows, and a concrete floor that made me feel as though I was about to turn myself in rather than check in. It even boasted a historic blue, square police lantern that once guided residents to the station.

It genuinely felt as though I had travelled back in time as its heritage permeated every corner. It was only when I reached reception that I remembered it was a hotel, as its modern design gleamed throughout.

Just to the side of the front desk is a communal lounge where guests can unwind on one of its elegant sofas and armchairs. Beneath its white, ornate ceiling, the space is thoughtfully divided by a metal shelf adorned with vibrant cases and plants, making it feel like a home from home.

There’s also a bar serving up drinks and a dining area where breakfast is served up – I was even able to get my hands on one of their pizzas when I returned to the hotel at 1am – what more could you want?

For my stay, I checked into one of their standard rooms, boasting a double bed and en-suite. While it was compact, it certainly made full use of the 11sqm space I would call home for the night.

There was storage under the bed big enough for a large suitcase, alongside a pull-out drawer, and opposite a small desk area with even more space to keep bags out of the way, shelves and a built-in wardrobe without a door. Even the glass-door bathroom with its green tiles made use of its space, with the bin tucked neatly out of the way.

The double bed was fixed up against the wall to maximise the room, with the wall decorated in a funky London map, and the duvet neatly rolled up at the foot of the bed – perhaps to really show off its clever simplicity. There was even a small shelf beside the bed, along with plug sockets, to easily charge and store personal items.

And in its easy and efficient manner, the lighting and air conditioning are electronically controlled – so there was no need for me to wander around the room in the dark. The hub was the ideal place to spend a night in London, and I felt safely tucked away in my pod-like room, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, but perhaps just a little bit of space to secure a bargain stay.

Plus, not many people can say they’ve stayed in a former police station, or what I can now agree, is the UK’s poshest Premier Inn.

Rooms start from £75 a night. For more information or to book your stay, visit the hub by Premier Inn website.

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

I HAVE normally necked far too much Ouzo the night before to rise with the sun during a holiday in gorgeous Greece.

But my eyes are being opened, literally, to a much more wholesome and healthy way to start the day here on the island of Crete.

While my downward dog should arguably be put down, as my balance has gone walkies, the sound of the Cretan Sea gently lapping at the shore does make a sunrise yoga session surprisingly satisfying.

Never mind sinking sambuca shots, this is how holidays should be — relaxing, restful and geared towards recuperation.

I’m staying at Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza, a 4* adults-only hotel tailored to a quieter and more authentic Cretan vacation.

Superbly serene, with a calming, child-free environment, it’s right on the golden, sandy, Blue Flag-rated Agia Marina beach.

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My double room is small but comfortably formed, with an ensuite bathroom, TV and compact balcony to enjoy the sunrise over Kri-Kri island (more on that later).

With just 51 rooms and suites at this boutique hotel, even at full occupancy you’ll always get a sun bed.

The food is as good as you’d expect in Greece — super souvlaki, terrific tzatziki, outstanding olive oil — but the jewel in the crown is the hospitality.

From reception staff to the waiters and cleaners, this family-run resort is full of welcoming faces, attentive and always ready with a friendly “kalimera” (good morning) or “kalispera” (good evening).

The majority of guests are couples, over 50, enjoying the easy-going vibe.

By day, the only activity is people rising from a sun lounger for a refreshing dip in the pool or sea.

By night, it’s all about a game of cards on your balcony or a casual al fresco dinner by candlelight.

Crucially, this tranquil base is only 20 minutes — by bus, right outside the hotel, or taxi — from Chania, Crete’s charming old town, where ancient architecture meets a more modern city.

It’s an easy-on-the-eye cultural hub, with shops carved into honey-coloured stone walls, restaurants, cute cafes and churches.

After a few relaxed hours searching for souvenirs down its narrow, cobbled streets and snapping away at the beautiful Venetian harbour and 16th-century lighthouse, it’s time for a change of location, as I head west along the coast to Giannoulis’s sister hotel, Cavo Spada.

A much larger complex, with 150 deluxe rooms and suites, this sporty 5* leisure and spa resort is more suited to active holidaymakers. With tennis and padel courts, an assault course, a running track and indoor and outdoor gyms kitted out with top-quality equipment, its facilities are so good that the Swedish Olympic team use it for their training camps.

You can take part in a calendar of events ranging from spinning to body combat.

But that’s not my idea of a holiday.

Instead, I take advantage of the ­all-inclusive board to sample the decent cocktail menu at the bar overlooking the huge lagoon pool at the heart of the resort.

After over-exerting my right arm with the repeated lifting of a pina colada from table to mouth, I head to the on-site spa for a full-body massage, followed by a sauna and steam room.

Clearly a gem of a resort for keep-fit couples, it’s also a good option for families, with a kids’ outdoor playground and indoor play room.

And it’s just a short taxi ride from Kolymbari port, where I clamber aboard a catamaran for a half-day at sea. Destination — Kri-Kri island.

Our deckhand tells us of the ancient Greek mythology that Kri-Kri — AKA Thodorou island — was created when a massive sea monster and its child were turned to stone by Crete’s protector Poseidon, God of the Sea.

Now it’s a breeding ground for the protected Kri-Kri wild goat.

And while anchoring up for some paddleboard play and a snorkel in clear azure water, it’s fun to see if you can spot any of the cliff-climbing goats.

Having worked up an appetite thanks to all that, well, relaxing, back at the hotel’s Azzuro restaurant I really get stuck into a sensational a-la-carte option with Michelin star-worthy food.

After another cocktail workout (my right arm really is doing the heavy lifting on this break), I educate myself with two mainstays of Greek culture.

A complimentary olive-oil tasting session (FYI: trust the Cretan chef and store your olive oil in the fridge) is followed by wine-tasting with the hotel’s maitre d’.

I could quite easily finish a bottle of the white — an indigenous Vidiano.

But like I have done since arriving in Crete, I’m taking it easy — I’ve got another yoga session at sunrise.

WATCHING the morning sun sparkle on an immaculate padel court as the first players warm up, I can’t help but admire their dedication.

I, however, have a different priority in mind and a few minutes later I’m settled at a shaded table on a flower-filled terrace, enjoying breakfast of omelette, mini tortillas and crushed tomatoes on crusty bread.

Fellow guests in their pristine tennis whites head towards yet more courts as the Andalusian sun rises into a clear blue sky.

Perhaps later. For me, the comfy Balinese beds beside the terrace pool are calling.

And that’s the joy of the Higueron Hotel Malaga Curio Collection by Hilton on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

There are sporting and spa facilities that would put a posh country club to shame — and all sorts of indulgent ways to do very little but soak up all that sunshine.

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Don’t let the name fool you though.

While it has Malaga in the title, the hotel actually sits in the hills directly above the bustling, British beach favourites of Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

Malaga city itself — with its Picasso Museum and buzzing tapas bars — is an easy 30-minute drive away.

Meanwhile, the superyachts, designer boutiques and champagne-fuelled glamour of Marbella and Puerto Banus sit 30 minutes in the other direction.

Snag yourself a cheap hire car from the airport and the whole coast is your oyster.

But the joy of this hotel is just how much there is to keep you busy without ever leaving the grounds.

The extensive sporting facilities include not just the ten padel and tennis courts, but beach volleyball sand courts and three for basketball as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a huge air-conditioned gym.

The spa is just as comprehensive, with a hydro circuit in its heated pool with pressure jets, massage beds, Jacuzzi and waterfalls.

There’s also a sauna, steam rooms and dedicated rooms for treatments.

Luckily for me, the hotel had plenty to keep non-sporty guests busy.

As well as the main pools and terraces — including a stunning adult-only rooftop infinity pool — there’s also a private beach club on the coast.

A free hotel shuttle whisks you down the hill to yet more comfy lounging spots, a pool and two superb restaurants.

And what could be more indulgent on a sunshine break than food created by a Michelin-starred chef?

There are seven a-la-carte restaurants in the hotel and the beach club, three of which have menus designed by award-winning chef Diego Gallegos.

While the Michelin-starred Sollo has tasting menus at £150pp, you can still enjoy the chef’s creations at funky fusion restaurant Arara.

Its £51 tasting menu features Brazilian, Peruvian and Andalusian flavours with a South East Asian twist, with eight courses designed to be shared by diners.

For daytime indulgences, catch more chef- inspired dishes at the beach club, including clams cooked in sherry with flying fish roe and delicious prawns in a spicy pil pil sauce.

Rooms in the main resort are ultra-modern — opt for a deluxe for stunning views of the resort and Mediterranean beyond.

And if you’ve really got cash to splash, the exclusive Leiro Suites are another level.

There’s more space, Scandi designs and funky balcony furniture.

But you’ll also get the choice of breakfast at the rooftop Infinity restaurant and access to the Balinese beds there and at the Beach Club.

Also included is spa access, free guided sports activity, early check-in and late check-out and parking, as well as priority ­reservations.

The hotel offers the best of the Costa Del Sol and a host of sporting options to keep you fit and healthy.

For me though, those Balinese beds at the Infinity Rooftop are the reason

I’ll definitely be returning for the stunning views — and the most chilled of snoozes.

Less than two hours from Oslo airport, PAN’s sky-high forest cabins offer hot tubs, canoe trips, wildlife spotting and a lesson in slowing down.

What is the lure of a treehouse? Is it the memory of climbing trees, higher and higher into the secret world of pinecones and canopy? Or something more primordial – not just admiring nature from a distance, but becoming part of it?

In the depths of the Norwegian forests, there are many places to escape into wilderness, but few are as beguiling as PAN’s Treetop Cabins. Three futuristic prisms, eight metres up on metal frames. Up here, you’re level with the treetops, and the world falls away. They have an otherworldly, science-fiction feel, yet they’re discreet. You come upon them suddenly, before they merge secretively back among the pines.

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Less than two hours drive from Oslo airport, they stand on a hillside of Finnskogen, a vast forest nudging up against the Swedish border. These woods have an ancient feel – silent and still. It’s easy to understand Norway’s guiding philosophy of friluftsliv here – that wellbeing is found outdoors.

Sleeping in the sky

Inside, each lodge is the perfect tiny house – a pocketsize kitchen and living area at the front, the bathroom in the centre section with a spacious shower. The walls are pine-clad and it all has that Scandinavian sleekness: everything you need, nothing you don’t. On the upper platform, the double bed overlooks the triangular view.

Oh, that view. Pan is the kind of place where you can feel happy filling your time with very little. You can while away a whole afternoon curled up on the sofa, watching the birds flit between branches, and the sun peel out over the lake below. It’s fascinating in any weather. We had blue-sky sunshine, sunsets and a storm that rolled in over the horizon like slate sheets. It hit the lake and we watched from afar, cosy in our sky-high retreat. I put my phone down, opened the floor-to-ceiling window, listened to the hush of the forest and read a whole book in one sitting.

Embracing the cabin life

Meals can be as hands-on or hands-off as you choose. The cabins are stocked with essentials, but PAN can also arrange breakfast hampers and catering from local producers. We woke to a basket of fresh bread, pancakes, local cheeses and honey, and in the evening I made elk stew with juniper berries, to their neatly measured recipe.

In the simple, pared-back cabin life, cooking and eating together felt celebratory, with the panorama of forest and lake beneath us. As evening settled over the trees, we lingered over dinner by the window, watching the changing light on the water long after the plates were empty.

At ground level, we found a table dotted with tall candles in glass lanterns, to light up al fresco suppers. Off-season, you can barbecue here (not in summer, to prevent wildfires), but any time of year you can lie out on the fur-clad seats, pull up a blanket and watch a billion stars overhead.

Exploring Norway’s ancient forest

There is much to pack quiet days with. Bicycles await to pedal the wooded paths, but we loved just walking. This forest is special. Centuries ago, Finnish refugees were drawn here, bringing myths and folklore with them. The silence is immense, the lichen underfoot puffs green dust, and sometimes a strange mist hangs in the distance, as though a forest spirit has shifted its form, just as you came upon it.

There are still wolves, bears and lynx, moose, foxes and arctic hares. We saw the latter two – not the rest to my chagrin. Our host explained we wouldn’t – “They know how to disappear when they hear you coming,” she commiserated.

But the highlight for me was the ‘Room with Three Walls’ – the outdoor, wood-fired hot tub. The fourth wall is the forest, the ceiling is the sky, and sitting in the steaming water as the forest turns gold in the sunset, with a glass of something sparkling in my hand (which, heads up, I bought at the duty free in London because booze is mighty spenny over in Norway), was holiday perfection.

A river safari through the wilderness

We signed up for an evening canoe down the Fløgåa River, sharing a boat with our guide, Amund. We pushed off into the dark waters and floated quietly downstream. Along the journey, signs of beavers were everywhere – dams of muddled twigs and neat points on felled tree trunks you’d need a Black & Decker to be able to recreate, though the elusive creatures refused to materialise.

By now, we were used to the silent stillness of the Finnskogen, but on the river, with the gentle lap of the oar and the forested bank reflected in the depths, it felt closer than ever. As we approached the final bend, Amund hissed, “There. On the left,” and a fat beaver trundled down his slipway and submerged into the current with barely a ripple.

On the journey home: Norway’s famous buns and Europe’s only emerald mine

A final tip if you’re driving the route back to the airport, along the shores of Norway’s largest lake, Mjosa. There are two stops enroute, both bizarre… and unmissable.

For a sweet treat, pull into the service station at Espa (suspend your disbelief) for Norway’s most famous bakery, Bolleland. It’s packed with neon ‘I [heart] Bolleland’ merch that lends it a crazed vibe, but the chocolate and caramel buns are legendary.

Don’t scoff them in the car, head to the emerald mines – Ole Jørgen Bjørnstad Smaragdgruvene, where you can eat them on the stony lakeshore while you sift for small – yet genuine – emeralds. It’s the only such mine in Europe where you can keep anything you find. A viridescent souvenir of the forestlands.

How to book PAN’s treetop cabins

PAN’s Cabins are available from £480 per night. Breakfast and meals available at an extra cost. Book your river kayak (and other nature experiences) through Pan.

IF you need a central London stay but want all the perks of an apartment, then there’s Citadines Islington.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at the aparthotel.

Where is Citadines Islington London?

The hotel is just a short walk from Angel Underground Station in London, which is just one stop from London St Pancras.

Built inside the former Royal Mail postal sorting centre, it dates back to 1907.

What is the hotel like?

The modern hotel is in the heart of Islington Square, and hidden down a quiet side road.

The main lobby is popular with co-workers, and where you will find lounge areas, tables and a 24-hour cofffee machine.

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What are the rooms like?

Being an aparthotel, this means all of the rooms come with a kitchenette, so is perfect for longer stays.

My Studio Deluxe had wonderfully high ceilings so felt extremely spacious.

Inside the kitchenette is everything you’d need from a hob, mini fridge and microwave to crockery and cutlery.

My plush kingsize bed was extremely comfortable, and the floor to ceiling curtains blacked out any light for a great night sleep.

A coffee machine, complimentary tea and biscuits were all included, along with a seating area and huge flatscreen TV.

It was an extremely beautiful and cosy room – especially after some time spent in the walk in shower, followed by a fluffy dressing gown and slippers evening.

Rooms start from £198.90. See here.

What is there to eat and drink?

There’s no restaurant, although guests can enjoy a limited breakfast of fruit, pastries, cereals and some hot options.

But if you want lunch or dinner, there is loads to choose from in the area.

Right outside in Islington Square is everything from brunch at Megan’s to dinner at Rosa’s Thai.

Just round the corner is the main high street as well, with cuisines ranging from Chinese and Japanese to Italian and Mexican restaurants.

Wat else is there to do there?

The hotel also has an on-site gym, as well as laundry services on offer.

Otherwise outside the hotel is a huge Odeon cinema and attractions like indoor golf.

If is family friendly?

The hotel has family rooms that sleep up to four people, and each room can accommodate one extra bed or crib.

Additional beds cost extra but cribs are free.

Is it accessible?

There are accessibility rooms as well as wheelchair access and adapted bathrooms.

Lifts also go to all of the floors as well.

A Welsh couple decided to check in at the cheapest all-inclusive hotel they could find in Benidorm to see if they could find the reason why it’s the cheapest of them all

A Welsh couple who were travelling to Benidorm decided to stay at the cheapest all-inclusive hotel they could find in the popular tourist destination to see if it was worth the price. Benidorm is a popular holiday destination for Brits, and for good reason.

It’s located by the coast, got several amazing beaches, and is just a short flight away from the UK. But it’s also become famous from the popular TV show of the same name. But with it being so popular, the large variety of hotels you can stay at can vary massively in terms of quality and price.

So, during their holiday to Benidorm, ne Welsh couple named Ash and Kelsey, who often share their travels with their 74,000 YouTube subscribers, decided to stay in the cheapest all-inclusive hotel they could find to see if it was worth the price, or if it’s better to pick something a bit more pricey.

“We’re spending the next three nights in Benidorm’s cheapest all-inclusive hotel, the Sandos Benidorm Suites,” Ash revealed at the start of the video, explaining they were planning on testing out the various facilities, trying the food, and inspecting their room to find out if the hotel is worth the money.

The price and room reveal

Ash went on to say they’d booked their hotel stay last minute and had opted for the cheapest all-inclusive hotel they could find. But as they’d decided to go during half-term, there hadn’t been that much to pick from.

In total, they’d ended up paying £333 for three nights between the two of them for a room in the three-star hotel, which Kelsey said she still thought was a good deal, taking into consideration they were in a popular travel destination during half-term.

As they stood on the road outside of the hotel, they noticed it looked ‘a lot better than surrounding buildings’. But the question was, would it looked as nice on the inside?

“It’s very clean, very white,” Ash said as they walked into the building to the reception area. After checking in, they took the lift up to their room on the 20th floor, but predicted that they’d have to ‘wait ages’ for the lift as there was only one working.

“Wow, this is really nice! I didn’t realise we’d have a living room,” Kelsey exclaimed as they walked through the doors, with Ash saying it was better than he’d expected.

Despite being a ‘standard’ hotel room, it included a bathroom that was fully equipped with everything you might need, a desk, a sofa with a TV, and a large bed. They had also been given a free bottle of sparkling cider, waiting for them in the fridge. However, they quickly noticed that the accompanying glasses weren’t as clean as they’d want.

“I think the best part of this room has to be the balcony,” Kelsey said as she walked out to the balcony in question, which had four chairs and overlooked the city of Benidorm with the sea in the distance. Looking down, they could also see the hotel’s private pool. However, they also noticed a lot of rubbish laying in the green area next to the hotel.

All-inclusive perks

With their pink all-inclusive wristbands, they went on to get their first free drinks, with Ash explaining that most drinks were included with their all-inclusive deals. As for alcohol, the local brands were inclusive, while you’d have to pay extra for branded drinks. As for cocktails, there were 11 different drinks included in the all-inclusive package, which Ash was happy with.

“All in all, this is a pretty decent all-inclusive menu,” he said. “There’s enough options for everyone, good variety.

The all-inclusive package also includes of breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an international buffet, snacks between meals, on top of the unlimited domestic drinks that Ash and Kelsey had already explored.

For the food, the couple showed off the variety of food available at the different meals, which had everything you’d may want and more.

“No we know hotel food’s never the best food you’re gonna get, but as far as all-inclusive breakfasts go, I’d say that was pretty good,” Ash said after they’d enjoyed their first breakfast.

They also went on to see what facilities the hotel had to offer, which included entertainment areas, a large pool with sun loungers and seating areas, a play park for kids, a kids pool, as well as various bars and restaurant areas. The hotel is also located a 12 minute walk from the popular Levante beach, as determined by Kelsey and Ash, making it easy to walk to the beach if you so wish.

Was it worth it?

As they went to share their thoughts of the hotel, they noted that while their room was ‘pretty basic’, it was modern and clean, but with the large balcony being their favourite part.

“It is a three-star hotel, but it does have some pretty decent facilities,” Ash said, saying the pool and outdoor area both seemed ‘big enough’ for when it’s more crowded during peak season. He also mentioned there was entertainment shows on every night.

They were also happy with the food and drinks, especially praising the large variety of both meals and drinks.

“The only issue we’ve found with this hotel is waiting on the lift,” Ash said in the video, as there was still only one working lift that went to their floor.

But this doesn’t seem to have bothered them too much, as they both said they’d happily stay there again and were leaving the hotel happy and impressed.

WITH its pretty timber-framed walls and stained-glass windows, even from the outside you can instantly tell The Old Inn is something special.

It’s been welcoming guests since 1614, but that doesn’t mean the hotel in the village of Crawfords-burn, Co Down, is stuck in a time warp.

Inside, it has been transformed into an oasis of modern luxury, and it has proved such a hit since it was bought by the Galgorm hotel group in 2021 that it was recently crowned the AA’s Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland.

Now, with its stunning Treetop spa, it promises the ultimate romantic retreat – apt, because Narnia author CS Lewis chose it for his honeymoon in July 1958.

We stayed in one of the spacious junior suites, with a super-king bed and a stand-alone copper bath by the ornate bay window.

Antique furnishings maintain the 17th-century character, while the bathrooms are new and luxurious, with a marble sink and a vast rainfall shower.

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The attention to detail really makes it stand out from other 4* hotels, with lavish toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers, a GHD hairdryer, and free soft drinks in the fridge as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and minibar.

We spent most of our stay unwinding in the Treetop spa, which is without doubt the star of the show.

Hotel guests get access from noon on the day of check-in until check-out.

Overlooking the Crawfordsburn Country Park and surrounded by greenery, this outdoor haven features a heated hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Or you can also relax by a wood-fire stove in the cosy conservatory, taking in the forest views below, or indulge in a treatment such as a facial or massage.

But the best part is that you can order cocktails straight to the pool or your lounger.

On a Sunday morning, I was able to sweat out my multiple cocktails in the hotel’s new gym, which also offers various classes, including yoga.

As for food, the hotel’s charming 1614 Bar offers pub grub such as fish and chips and burgers.

For dinner, we headed into The Restaurant to try the a-la-carte menu.

It’s not cheap, but is excellent if you fancy splashing out.

To start, I had the white asparagus with shaved mushrooms, Irish coppa and truffled honey (£15), and for my main I had the monkfish with spring brassicas, mussels and buttermilk (£33) with a great bottle of white wine.

After dinner, we returned to the 1614 Bar for a nightcap or two with live music.

Breakfast is a continental buffet spread and guests can also order a la carte.

The hotel prides itself on its fresh food, so everything from fish to yoghurt at breakfast was local.

We then strolled through the park to Crawfordsburn beach.

A winding path takes you through woods, then the trees clear and you are on to the sweeping, sandy beach looking out over Belfast Lough.

You can see why CS Lewis chose this spot for his honeymoon – with stunning scenery on your doorstep and a warm welcome, it’s couples heaven.

United States president Donald Trump was expected by many to regularly feature at the World Cup.

But he is yet to attend a single match, despite the United States team winning two of their three group games, and qualifying for the knockout stages.

So is it a surprise? Why may he have stayed away? And will he appear before the final? BBC Sport takes a closer look.

“My fellow Americans, citizens of the world, the United States is honoured to play host to this magnificent celebration. The World Cup has captured the imagination of our country, as has the game itself in the last few years…So I welcome all who have come from all countries and all continents and all who will watch these games in the United States for the next 30 days.”

The words of president Bill Clinton on 17 June, 1994 at Soldier Field in Chicago when attending the opening match of the first World Cup to be held in the United States.

The day is remembered more for Diana Ross’ missed ‘penalty-kick’ during the pre-match festivities than Clinton’s address, but his presence now seems more notable.

Because 32 years on, the country is once again staging the event, and yet, with the halfway point of the tournament passed, the current president has stayed away.

Earlier this month, Trump hailed the number of tickets sold by Fifa, labelling it “the most successful World Cup they’ve ever had”, and reinforcing the widely-held view that he would be a highly visible and enthusiastic presence.

After all, in the build-up, the tournament had seemed very important to him. He even referenced it, external in an address at a rally staged on the eve of his presidential inauguration early last year.

And Trump then played a central role at the draw in Washington DC in December, where he was awarded Fifa’s inaugural ‘Peace Prize’ by the governing body’s president Gianni Infantino.

The two men have forged a close relationship in recent years, with Infantino welcomed to both the Oval Office and Trump’s Florida residence Mar-a-Lago.

Trump has also been a regular presence at several other major sports events in the US during his second term, from the Super Bowl, and last summer’s Club World Cup final, to the opening day of golf’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

However, when co-hosts the US played their opening match v Paraguay on 12 June in Los Angeles, following on from an opening ceremony, the president was notable by his absence, with secretary of state Mark Rubio travelling from Washington instead.

It appeared that Trump had prioritised an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the White House lawn two days later, celebrating his 80th and America’s 250th birthday.

A CENTRAL city hotel with fun rooms? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.

What is the hotel like?

The Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly is set over eight floors, so it has great views over the city.

It looks swanky too – with a curvy glass exterior, a huge bar and Elemis spa. We loved the nods to Manchester bands throughout the hotel.

What are the rooms like?

We had a lovely spacious family room on the eighth floor – with two double beds, lots of wardrobe space, big tv, table and chair AND, a big bathroom with separate bath and shower – which you hardly ever get in a city centre.

It was really clean, really fresh looking and had incredible views.

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A double room starts at £95 for one night. See marriott.com

What is there to eat and drink?

There’s a decent restaurant serving classic fare such as Lancashire cheese and onion pie and ribeye steak, but we chose to go next door to Freight Island.

Tagged an “urban market and festival space” it’s a huge old warehouse filled with bars, food trucks, massive screens, restaurants, a sports bar and roller disco. Nice prices too.

What else is there to do nearby?

There’s info about all the family-friendly activities in the area and a Banksy exhibition that opened on March 13 at Depot Mayfield. Families can explore more than 200 recreated works by the elusive street artist, including the shredding of Girl With Balloon.

Highlights include a fully “Banksified” London Underground carriage and interactive spaces perfect for visitors of all ages.

Is it family friendly?

Some of the rooms sleep up to four people, with ajdoining rooms possible.

Kids can also eat for free at the breakfast buffet, and even get a free goodie bag with an activity book.

Is it accessible?

The hotel has step-free access to the lobby, with lift access to all floors.

There are also 17 accessible rooms with a range of adapted designs such as widened doorways, lower electric outlets, and bathrooms with bath seats and grab rails.

IF you’re looking for an affordable stay that ticks all the boxes, a Premier Inn is one of the best.

Here is everything you need to staying at the Arundel hotel in Sussex.

Where is the Premier Inn Arundel?

This charming Premier Inn nestled on the edge of the South Downs, feels more like a cosy, country hotel than a convenient pit stop to explore East Sussex.

On the outskirts of Arundel, the hotel faces picturesque fields and is very conveniently located to explore Arundel Cathedral and Arundel Castle.

Both are less than a ten-minute drive away. 

What are the rooms like?

Premier Inn pride themselves on offering budget-friendly comfort in over 800 locations, and this country hotel is no different.

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Rooms, set over two floors, are simple but spacious, with double, twin, family and accessible options.

Considering the very competitive price for the area, the Hypnos beds are supremely comfortable and guests get a choice of firm or soft pillows.

With only 31 rooms, the stay was very peaceful too.

Double rooms from £113 per night. See premierinn.com to book

What is there to eat and drink?

The hotel has partnered with the Beefeater restaurant next door, offering meal deals for guests.

The offer includes a two-course evening meal, with a drink. Then, in the morning, breakfast is also included.

If you are travelling as a family, it’s even better value, as two kids eat breakfast for free, per adult.

If you want to venture into Arundel itself, the Black Rabbit pub is a local favourite.

Set on the River Arun near Arundel Castle, the pub has pretty views over the water and a great menu.

The sunday roast dinners are especially good. Arundel is also known for its quaint tea rooms.

Belinda’s has exceptional cakes and a cute outside terrace, if you can get a seat. 

What else is there to do there?

Being a Premier Inn, don’t expect any other frills like spas and gyms, so you are best to explore the local area.

As well as exploring historic Arundel, the location is an ideal base for Goodwood Races and you are around 20-minutes from the closest beach.

The free on-site parking is also a bonus, as most people come in by car. 

Is it family friendly?

Kids get to eat for free at Premier Inn hotels, and there are spacious family rooms you can book as well that sleep up to four people.

Is it accessible?

There are accessible rooms with wide entry bathrooms at the hotel.