stayed

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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We just missed out on staying at the new Banksy-style suites where the walls are adorned with some of their famous artwork, as well as each package including tickets to the exhibition.

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.

IF you fancy a stay right by one of the UK’s most historic cities without breaking the bank, you’re in luck.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at the Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House.

Where is the Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House?

The hotel is just two miles from the city of Oxford, so it is a great stay outside of the bustling centre.

What is the hotel like?

We loved the character and comfort of this property in village suburb Iffley.

Two of its three buildings are converted 19th-century manor houses and Arctic explorer Frank Bickerton was born in one, The Elm House.

It’s a nice balance of contemporary amenities and a retro ambience, with easy access to the city.

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What are the rooms like?

We immediately felt at home in our Privilege double, with decor nodding to Oxford-style vintage fashion.

Our upgrade from a Classic came with complimentary soft drinks, a Nespresso machine, robes and slippers.

All rooms have free fast wifi, bottled water, a mini fridge, hairdryer, tea/coffee facilities and a rainfall shower.

Classic rooms start from £116 a night. See all.accor.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

The breakfast in Frank’s was excellent, with both continental and full English options and a great juice station.

However, we found Frank’s a bit disappointing for for dinner, with an unimaginative menu offering British fare such as fish and chips and pie of the day. I had the sirloin steak (£35).

The Terrace bar is nice for light bites or afternoon tea (£25pp) with an outdoor area for warmer days.

Hawkwell House was refurbished in 2021 and its vintage fashion design includes quirky details such as the story of the Oxford brogue, which I found fascinating.

What else is there to do there?

The pet-friendly hotel – popular for weddings – has three acres of gardens for walkies, with or without your mutt (£20pn).

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has family rooms that sleep up to four people.

There is also the Family Fun Package from £149 which lets kids eat free as well as includes cuddle toys for kids.

Is it accessible?

There are accessible rooms on the ground floor as well as step free access across the hotel.

More than 100 days into the Iran conflict, 20 percent of the world’s energy flows remain disrupted, with the scenario described as the biggest supply shock in history.

For now, the nightmare scenario has been avoided. Oil prices are still at approximately $100 a barrel.

Many analysts have warned that a prolonged disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could send oil above $200 a barrel, triggering a global economic crisis.

Various countries have released their strategic reserves, exporters have found alternative routes and weaker demand has helped contain prices. But the buffers are thinning.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns the economic impact could linger well into 2027, even if the conflict ends tomorrow.

Samantha King visited a fancy five-star hotel in one of the cheapest cities in the UK for a luxury break to see whether she’d get a good deal for her money

Illuminated by candles and boasting a valet service, swanky on-site restaurant and enviable Leeds city centre location might sound like it would set you back a hefty sum, but it is actually one of the cheapest luxury stays in the UK.

Leeds has just been named as one of the most affordable places to go if you want to sleep in five-star accommodation, with Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index revealing that the average cost of top lodging in the northern metropolis totals around £145 per night.

Situated just a four-minute walk from the city’s train station is Dakota Leeds, a boutique hotel that offers cost-conscious travellers a quiet cocoon right next door to some of the city’s most talked-about nightlife spots. Its immediate neighbour is the revered Chinese restaurant, Tattu. Better still, rooms can be found for even less than that average nightly rate.

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

The glossy black building on Russell Street houses a dimly lit and lightly scented hotel lobby offering a calming atmosphere evocative of a spa, and I was welcomed like an old friend as I spilled through its front doors sweaty, flustered and just a tad sunburnt on a particularly hot Saturday afternoon for my one-night stay.

Thankfully, a quick and efficient check-in service awaited, and I was swiftly directed to my balcony room on the ninth floor, accessible via a lift. As a big light hater, I loved that the subdued lighting wasn’t confined to the lobby. The corridors on each floor were dark too, with the lights only switching on one by one to mark the way to your room.

The room itself, I stayed in 907, had a generously sized corridor that opened up into the cosy double room, which had all the essentials and then some. There was a sofa with a sumptuous wool throw, a chair, a table and a desk which featured a particularly thoughtful detail: a built-in piece of slate to pop your hot curling tongs on.

A mysterious black box that looked like it could house two cufflinks was also waiting on the table. I discovered it contained salted caramel chocolate drops, which I would go so far as to say were the most delicious I have ever tasted. I washed them down with an espresso rustled up from the room’s generous drinks station, which featured two complimentary packets of chocolate cookies and an array of Teapigs teas, all of which I had gratefully consumed by the time I checked out the next day.

The bathroom was frankly gorgeous, with soft grey tiles, a rain shower and a separate bath, plus Molton Brown toiletries and a basket full of towels of all sizes. There were also two hotel robes hung up ready to use.

Staying on a Saturday night meant the party was in full swing around the hotel, truly testing its soundproofing. Despite the thrum of the city below, I heard only the faint sound of buskers drift up to the outdoor balcony, plus the occasional faint growl of a plane coming in to land at the nearby airport. Sliding the balcony door shut effectively blocked out the sound of the outside world entirely, which was reassuring given how much of a light sleeper I am.

I had booked to eat at the on-site restaurant that night, with the menu boasting an array of steaks and other lovely-sounding dishes from the grill, though forget affordability if you are looking to dine in, as it is expensive.

The usual restaurant area had been booked out for a private function the night I was there, so I was offered a spot on the covered outdoor terrace to eat. The space was decorated tastefully, with twinkling lights, faux olive trees and sheepskin throws over each chair, creating an intimate and romantic dining spot. Sadly, no amount of plastic plants could subdue the sound of revellers on the other side of the wall.

Despite the party atmosphere jarring with the upmarket dining experience, the food was still divine and the service top-notch. I enjoyed a starter of Fritto Misto (£12), a perfectly cooked medium-rare 12oz rib-eye steak (£45) for my main, with a side of truffle and Parmesan chunky chips (£8.50) and onion rings (£5), and a chocolate tart (£8) for dessert. The meal alone cost a little over £200 for two diners with drinks and the service charge on top, but it is easily something to swerve if you want to keep costs down, though you will not be disappointed should you choose to indulge.

With a full belly, I had a fantastic night’s sleep on a satisfyingly firm mattress with just the right amount of give, and the following morning I finally got a look at the restaurant area as I headed down for breakfast.

Aside from the room itself, the £24 breakfast was one of the trip’s highlights. I could not believe how much you got for your money. Warm and beautifully presented breakfast dishes such as eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were available to order and have served to your table, as well as a buffet laid out with fresh fruit, yoghurts, juices and cakes to pick at.

Would I stay at Dakota Leeds again? In a heartbeat. But I would be more savvy about when I would go. As the Hotel Price Index advises, the best deals can be had by booking one week ahead and opting for a Sunday night stay.

Staying at off-peak times such as Sundays means you can bag a room at Dakota Leeds for as little as £125 before adding any optional extras such as breakfast. Signing up to the hotel’s free loyalty scheme brings that down even further to £110, meaning it rivals the prices of the UK location deemed most affordable of all in the Hotel Price Index, Brighton, which comes in at an average of £115 per night.

Earlier this year, I paid £60 for a hotel room on the other side of Leeds that had a fire escape for a front door. I can hardly believe that for about £50 more I could have stayed at Dakota Leeds, which feels welcoming and warm and is a perfectly situated sanctuary for anyone looking to soak in all the city has to offer in style.

The cheapest UK cities for a 5* hotel stay

1. Brighton: £115
2. Bristol: £115
3. Chichester: £120
4. Llandudno: £125
5. Worcester: £125
6. Bournemouth: £130
7. Cornwall: £135
8. Leeds: £145
9. Cardiff: £155
10. Liverpool: £170

THE premise was sound, I still insist. Whisking sociable teens Reggie and Stanley away from distractions in the run-up to their A-levels and GCSEs for a week of intense relaxation and revision.

And so we headed to Tui’s Magic Life Jacaranda beach-front complex in Antalya, the jewel of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

I realised my “no distractions” argument was a mistake as soon as the boys’ jaws dropped when we rolled up outside the stunning, marble-floored hotel and glimpsed our new home for the week.

We might as well have checked into Alton Towers, or Chessington World of Adventures.

Only those popular family theme parks don’t boast 5H opulence, eight swimming pools, a thrilling aqua park, sandy beach, huge buffet diner and six à la carte restaurants.

And for sports-mad youngsters, the complex — the size of 18 football pitches — boasts a gobsmacking array of facilities which makes it feel like you’re living in an Olympic Village.

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From tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, badminton and table tennis, to football, archery, darts and cycling, there’s something for everyone.

The hotel puts on daily group sessions and courses, with expert coaches on hand if guests want to pay for extra tuition.

There’s also canoeing or windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing or wakeboarding off the “Turquoise Coast”, aptly named for its stunning blue waters.

A well-equipped gym is open for more than 12 hours a day — a dream for an 18-year-old and 15-year-old needing to let off steam between hitting the books.

There’s a big indoor pool and spa offering treatments, while classes can also be booked for zumba, Pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics, spin cycling, shuffleboard and trampolining.

And dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs leave parents free to soak up the sun.

With the boys finding a window between the fun activities to do some revision, I tried out the “abs-blast workout”.

Despite the language barrier between the different nationalities, we were united in grunting and groaning as we were put through our paces in an outdoor fitness hut overlooking the sea.

Meanwhile, the Nordic walking class had a dozen intrepid guests gripping poles and striding off down the beach for a 45-minute cardio-busting thrashing.

Teenagers love their food — and with so many activities going on it’s easy to work up an appetite.

The main buffet was a dream for Reggie and Stan, with chefs rotating special cuisine nights including Turkish, Italian or Tex-Mex.

The fresh salads were incredible and cooks prepared pasta, grilled meats and flatbreads while we waited, mouths salivating.

With breakfast from 7am till 11am, lunch from 12.30 till 4pm, and dinner stretching from 6.30pm till 9pm, it’s hard to imagine ever feeling hungry.

But a coffee house, beach and pool bars offer snacks all day, and the dedicated Wunderbar opens 24 hours, providing drinks and food to insomniac guests.

It’s tempting not to leave the complex. But for guests choosing a break from the idyllic swimming pools, there are day trips offering a chance to learn some of Turkey’s incredible history.

I chose a half-day trip to the nearby ancient port city of Side and its 1,400-year-old ruins.

There’s a huge Roman amphitheatre which used to seat 20,000 locals cheering on gladiators, while the 2nd-century seafront shrines, the Temples of Apollo and Athena, were simply awesome.

Strolling through the modern-day Side, stopping to browse the bazaars selling sizzling kebabs and chunks of delicious Turkish Delight, we stepped on glass walkways, revealing the ancient Roman streets below.

Back at the hotel, the rooms are airy, bright and comfortable.

The vast, five-floor main building offers beds close to the buffet and gym, and glorious views across the sprawling complex.

Smaller, quieter rooms are available, spread throughout the gardens and closer to the gorgeous beach.

Some lucky guests can even opt for “swim-up” apartments, with a balcony stepping into one of the many shared pools.

The staff are friendly and happy to help.

A huge amphitheatre hosts professional shows at night, as well as movie nights and live music.

There are also themed parties and discos on site, and an indoor nightclub for guests wanting to boogie into the early hours.

Magic Life Jacaranda offers a classic “something for everyone” heavenly holiday — even for youngsters preparing for exams.

What the boys missed out on study hours, they more than made up for in memories that will last a lifetime.

Like most guests who have been lucky enough to experience this perfect holiday destination in southern Turkey — boasting blazing sun for more than 300 days a year — we’ll be returning as soon as possible.

It may be one of the most unusual hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in – and it came with some quirky features that I’ll definitely be telling stories about for a while

Dropped off in the middle of a pine forest, miles away from the nearest major town or the rush of city life, I found myself in the middle of the Lithuanian wilderness.

With the tranquil sound of silence and occasional bird song only interrupted by the wheels of my suitcase clacking behind me, I made my way down a rocky path, unsure of where I was going.

But fortunately, I wasn’t lost. This was my home for the evening, as I arrived at what may be the most unusual hotel rooms I have ever stayed in.

You find me in Anupriškes, beside Lake Gilušis in the country’s medieval heartland, having just checked-in to TonyResort, a fairy-tale-like, remote, woodland retreat.

The one thing locals have pointed out to me about their country during my time touring Lithuania, is that it should be celebrated for its relaxation and adventure.

And I found all that and more when I arrived at the resort.

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The room

The tone was set as I walked into my room and found myself immediately drawn, almost magnet-like, towards its panoramic windows.

It may have been raining heavily, but that was not about to stop me from drawing open the curtains and stepping out onto a private terrace to marvel at probably the most beautiful picture-postcard views of nature I’d encountered anywhere.

Eventually, deciding not to catch a cold, I stepped back inside and poured myself a coffee, getting acquainted with the home comforts of the room itself.

Contemporary yet understated, the design of its interior was in typical Scandinavian-Baltic fashion, with pale woods and soft greys in keeping with its location.

It is clear that relaxation is a priority, as I lay back on a large, soft, and cosy plush mattress with soft bedding that felt like a good night’s sleep was assured.

The room was fully-equipped with the modern-day creature comforts you’d hope to find in your home away from home, from a flat-screen TV equipped with satellite channels, a powerful en-suite shower and free Wi-Fi. Across the site, it has 34 rooms, with VIP, family and standard variations.

The food

Despite its remote location, you are not far from finding a good meal, with its on-site restaurant just a two-minute walk from my lodging. Its menu largely leans into ‘comfort food’ serving up grilled dishes, ranging from its most expensive beef entrecote (€29) to its half chicken (€16).

What’s unique is that in some cases, guests can catch the fresh trout from a nearby lake themselves, before having it prepared for them. Personally, I found its secret weapon to be in its dessert menu, with its apple pie particularly flavorsome and moreish thanks to its rich cinnamon pastry.

Away from the kitchen, everything is driven towards embracing the outdoors, with lakeside walks, cycling trails, rope courses, horse riding, fishing and water sport possibilities. There’s also a sauna, hot tub and jacuzzi to enjoy.

Out and about

An enormous advantage of staying at the resort is that you are only a short drive away from what surely must be one of the most striking landmarks in the Baltics.

After a fifteen-minute journey through the countryside, I found myself at Trakai Castle, which, rising from the middle of Lake Galve, is on its own island.

Built in the 14th century, it felt very much like being in a fantasy film set as, joined by Lithuania Travel, I crossed its awe-inspiring drawbridge before entering its red-bricked, Gothic grandeur.

Despite extensive reconstruction in the 1900s, the museum features plenty of evidence of its time as one of Lithuania’s most important strongholds during the 14th and 15th centuries.

There was armour, coins, weaponry and artefacts on display as I wandered around its courtyard and tower rooms. But what I wasn’t expecting was that the highlight of my trip to Trakai wouldn’t be the castle.

Walking through the town itself was almost as visually memorable as the grand fort, with a collection of brightly-painted, green, red, and yellow wooden cottages creating the most beautiful streetscapes.

Teeming with nature, natural beauty, a sense of adventure, and an unmissable historic fortress within an easy distance, Tonyresort is a hidden gem that is worth getting yourself lost in.

Book it

A night at Tonyresort starts at €89.

UK flights from London Luton Airport to Kaunas with Wizz Air start at £19.99 per person. Visit www.wizzair.com

POD hotels the latest hotel trend taking over – and another one has just landed in the UK’s capital.

Also known as capsule hotels, Japan started the trend back in the late 1970s.

The main idea? Maximise space at the hotel and cut costs – and for guests this means a cheaper stay.

Otherwander has just opened in the very heart of Soho, approximately 30 seconds away from Oxford Street’s Elizabeth Line entrance.

As far as location goes, you can’t get much better with most of London‘s top spots within walking distance.

Stepping inside, I felt as if I had entered a swanky London office with a huge multicoloured LED screen and clinical white entry gates.

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Before you arrive, Otherwander will send you a text with your pod (or nest as they like to call them) number as well as email you your Wanderpass, which is essentially your key to everything – getting into the hotel, getting into the lift, getting into your dorm and getting into your own nest.

You then use your Wanderpass to get through these gates.

Once on the other side, you’ll find the social area – which for a budget hotel is both surprisingly big and stylish (more on this space later).

To get to the floors with the pods – all 566 of them – you hop in the lift – once again scanning your Wanderpass.

Each floor is separated into different ‘dorms’, each packed with about 40 nests (which makes finding your own feel a little like going on a treasure hunt).

Once I eventually found my dorm and entered, it felt like a corridor of lockers, with the square doors actually being the doors to each nest.

When you book, you can opt between an upper or lower pod; I opted for an upper pod, which feels more like climbing into a UFO.

You can also choose between a double (£80 per night or £40 per person, per night) or a single (£70 per night).

I was surprised to find my upper double not boxy nor claustrophobic, despite being only the width of a standard double bed.

On either side of the bed is a handy elasticated pocket for your phone or book, with a USB and USB-C charging point next to each as well.

Down one side of the bed, you’ll find the air conditioning control system and lighting options including a reading light, night light and even surprise option, mine was colour-changing so ideal for post-club vibes.

You’ll also find a shelf, complete with a strap to secure your backpack or cabin-sized suitcase and three hooks for coats, jackets or towels.

On the other wall, the final feature is a rail with two towels on – though if you want another, you can rent one from a vending machine in the corridor, for £5 a time.

There is also a slight design flaw – a handy ‘wet tray’ is great for your shoes but if you pop your water bottle in its designated slot, you block the door from opening or closing.

As for the bed itself, while it a bit firm, was comfortable and the bedding felt as plush as you get in a more premium hotel.

The pod room didn’t feel stuffy either, despite the small space thanks to a high-tech purifying system too.

As for the door, it self-locks when you shut and on the back there is a small mirror, which was ideal for doing my makeup in the morning, as well as a QR code in case you need to communicate with staff.

If you start to feel a bit claustrophobic, there is a small window in the door with a shutter for privacy.

Being a pod hotel, don’t expect your own private bathroom.

You’ll have to head out to the main corridor on your floor where you’ll find men’s, women’s and mixed-gender bathrooms.

The real test of this came at 3am when I had to crawl out of my pod backwards down the ladder and shuffle to the toilet, awaking all the motion-sensored lights and having to open my phone with blurry eyes, just to scan my Wanderpass to get back in.

The bathrooms do feel like a slice of luxury though, with terrazzo- style tiles lining the sinks and walls and music being played from the ceiling.

Each rain shower has heaps of room, so your items are safe from getting wet and there’s also free soap and shampoo.

Vanity areas are then kitted out with hairdryers and shaving sockets.

If you fancy being social, back downstairs you’ll find the hotel’s ‘guest-exclusive social hub’ with warm yellow lighting adding a glow to the space and complementing the burnt orange modular sofas.

It is the ideal space to hang out with other guests, work or even snuggle into a corner with a book – which you can pick up from shelves around the space.

There are even plans for live DJ drop ins in the future.

Fancy a pint? The back wall features several vending machines full of everything you could possibly want – even Moet champagne.

There are also a couple of coffee machines and if you have forgotten something, there’s even a vending machine with essentials from make- up wipes and deodorant to umbrellas and Uno cards.

If you have bigger luggage you don’t want to store in your nest, there are lockers you can rent on site.

The funky design throughout and clever lighting really does make you feel as if you are in a luxury space ship.

At no point did I feel like I was steps away from the busiest street in the UK as it was completely silent (albeit there were very few guests in my dorm, so this might be different on busier days).

But while the hotel is a huge bargain, the rise of pod hotels in the city means there are other options that pip it to the post when it comes to being the cheapest in the city.

If sharing a double with someone, £40 each isn’t terrible – but £70 for a single pod – which obviously are much smaller – seems rather steep.

Other alternatives in London include a single pod at Zedwell’s Capsule Hotel in Piccadilly for £32, while a double room with an ensuite and breakfast included at Zedwell Soho for £77.

Not only that, but if you have a large suitcase (which many tourists do) the price will increase to pay for it to be stored.

If you fancy the novelty of a pod hotel – go for it – but if you are wanting to save cash, I think you can find better bargains elsewhere.

IF you want a beautiful stay in the middle of a historic UK city, we’ve found just the place.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Varsity Cambridge Hotel, from how much the rooms cost to what there is to do there.

Where is The Varsity?

It’s a brilliantly located hotel, right in the centre of the city on the banks of the River Cam too.

A short stroll from a handful of Cambridge University’s unspeakably beautiful colleges and green spaces.

What are the rooms like?

Our fifth-floor Senior Fellows Superking Room was spot-on with nods to the university-swamped location dotted throughout and an enormous, contemporary four-poster bed – our cockapoo Frisbee was with us so it was a joy to see a herringbone wooden floor – no carpets to mess up!

But the true highlight is the dual-aspect, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow those views out on to Cambridge, with elegant church spires puncturing the skyline.

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Get a room on a higher floor and you get to see all of this from the comfort of your bed.

Rooms start at £170 including breakfast. Dogs charged at £28 per stay. See here.

What is there to eat and drink there?

There are plenty of options here.

The Six Brasserie & Bar is on the hotel’s sixth floor and has even better panoramic views. In spring/summer, there’s also the open-air Roof Terrace to enjoy.

Our tactic was to have a cocktail at Six (at 7pm, confusingly) before heading around the corner to the hotel’s affiliated River Bar Steakhouse & Grill.

Our shared Tomahawk was incredible and truly stirred the caveman within.

What else is there to do there?

The Glassworks Gym & Spa is well worth a visit – the gym is set in a stunning old warehouse, while the jacuzzi is right by a beautiful arched window where you can watch people bobbing past in punts on the Cam.

And if you can stretch to a treatment, the 50-minute Elemis Facial and Massage combo is divine – but is guaranteed to feel like the shortest 50 minutes of your life.

Is the hotel family friendly?

There are some options for kids like options for extra beds and cots, but this is more of an adult hotel.

Is it accessible?

The hotel has accessible rooms with a lift to all of the floors, excluding the rooftop bar.

Sometimes there’s no need to hop on a plane when you have the picture-postcard landscapes of the UK, and during a stay at a charming UK hotel, I was whisked away to Italy in a secluded oasis

A beautiful hotel and pub, with only eight bedrooms, felt as though I was somewhere else entirely, not least the rolling UK countryside.

In the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, encircled by picturesque towns and quaint villages, is The Killingworth Castle, an historic pub with numerous culinary recognitions and eight luxurious bedrooms. Its idyllic grounds with honey-coloured stone buildings and pristine gardens filled with seasonal flowers were enough to transport me to scenes in Italy, as I blissfully settled into what felt like a home away from home.

Set against its beautiful green terrace and peaceful grounds, overlooking traditional stone buildings, proved the perfect spot to enjoy a drink outside on one of the inn’s many inviting benches. Certainly an oasis during the summer months, it’s easy to see why The Killingworth Castle has been recognised as having one of the best pub gardens in the UK, by Enjoy Travel.

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Nestled in Wootton, the hotel affectionately dubbed ‘The Killy’, is perfectly positioned as a gateway to explore the Cotswolds and is just a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Oxford. Its location is an undeniable draw with access to some of the most beautiful parts of the UK, like Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury, but the charming town of Woodstock, just a stone’s throw away, also warrants a visit and is home to the iconic Blenheim Palace.

The Killingworth Castle is run by husband and wife Jim and Claire Alexander, who are at the heart of the operation. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home, with a warm welcome from their dedicated staff, the inviting blend of farmhouse charm and boutique-hotel comfort, and a scenic setting that felt like I was living my Italian dream, albeit in the heart of the Great British countryside.

When I wasn’t exploring the Cotswolds or Oxfordshire, ‘The Killy’ was the perfect oasis for a quintessential country retreat, and while it may be small, it proved even more reason to stay.

Bespoke luxury rooms

I checked into one of their eight luxurious rooms in the stable block, which felt as though it was tucked inside a storybook house, with exposed beams, exposed brick and slanted walls. It felt like my very own hidden retreat.

There was a grand, rustic oak four-poster bed adorned with a quilted throw, a stylish seating area of leather chairs and courtyard views, and a roll-top bath in a corner nook beneath a skylight that blissfully welcomed the tapping of spring rain.

While there were all the usual amenities for a comfy stay, every room also welcomes the addition of complimentary English sherry on arrival – definitely a perk for those pre-dinner drinks or evening nightcaps. All the rooms are individually designed with handpicked rustic antique furniture, and my delightful stay in room eight offered a blend of old-world architecture with bespoke luxury.

Tasty delights

Once I had settled in my room, which took no time at all, I strolled over to the main building with the pub. There’s a bar selling local beers on top, alongside a cosy area with darts and a pool table, armchairs snuggled around a log burner and the main dining room, with a timeless countryside ambience, vaulted timber ceilings, exposed stone walls, and framed photos.

The pub offers an à la carte menu, a set lunch, a Sunday menu, or a tasting menu under the helm of head chef Rob Mason, and has garnered prestigious acknowledgement for its offerings. The Killingworth Castle has been continuously recommended in the Michelin Guide, awarded their third AA Rosette, and has been featured in the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs list for 2026.

It’s safe to say that before I had even browsed the menu, I was excited for what I was going to taste as an avid foodie. So I opted for the tasting menu, partly so I could savour as many flavours as possible, but really, once I saw the menu, it was hard to resist.

I was treated to a plethora of mouthwatering flavours that were as much a feast for the eyes as they were for my taste buds! Even the treacle bread was an exceptional start, presented on a bed of wheat and barley.

I went on to devour the delicate flavours of Evesham asparagus, gribiche sauce, cracklebean egg yolk and sourdough with a welcoming burst of wild garlic, before tasting the roasted hand-dived scallop, pork jowl, apple and cider butter sauce, which really was a tantalising combination.

Yet my favourite course was the wild sea bass Grenobloise, with brown butter sauce, capers, lemon, and parsley. The last savoury course of the menu was the succulent Cotswold lamb, braised neck, peas, broad beans, goat’s cured and malt vinegar, that melted in the mouth.

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

Just when I thought I hadn’t been spoiled enough, I was given my first sweet course of vanilla and rhubard, which proved the perfect palate cleanser, before a delight of chocolate delice, Hukambi milk chocolate, hazelnut, and Cruz del Mar raisins. It was certainly a journey of flavours I won’t forget in a hurry.

The tasting menu at The Killingworth Castle is £95 per guest, with the option to add a wine flight for an additional £55 per person. Otherwise, guests can enjoy a three-course meal from the à la carte menu for £65 per person.

The charm of ‘The Killy’

The food at breakfast was just as exceptional, with the brightest orange egg yolks I’ve ever been lucky enough to consume on my eggs Benedict, with a side of bacon. And the benefit of the hotel only bearing eight rooms was certainly felt at breakfast. There was no morning rush in which you’re left fighting for the last slice of pineapple or queuing for 15 minutes to get your hands on a fresh omelet.

Instead, my day began with a warm welcome from owner Jim, a warming cup of coffee, and the gentle hum of fellow guests against the inviting, traditional charm of ‘The Killy’. I could have easily stayed for longer as I melted into my surroundings.

Rooms at The Killingworth Castle start from £169 per night during the week, and from £205 during the weekend, with breakfast included in each rate. For more information or to book your country escape, visit The Killingworth Castle website.

Book it

Rooms at Killingworth Castle cost from £169, with breakfast included. Visit www.thekillingworthcastle.com/

I COULD feel my body softening with each wave of my masseuse’s hand.

She scrubbed in circular motions, massaging the salt into my skin until it sparkled like the sea just beyond the spa door.

Salt, it turns out, is so much more than just a seasoning to sprinkle on your food — especially here on this picturesque stretch of Majorca’s southern coast.

I was staying at recently-opened five-star hotel Iberostar Selection Es Trenc, in the town of Colonia de Sant Jordi, half an hour’s drive from Palma airport.

It oozes relaxation, with its seafront location, ocean-coloured decor and knock-out spa treatments.

The hotel is also big on using local produce — including the nearby salt flats’ Flor de Sal.

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This is used in massages and scrubs, as well as food served at the hotel and even cocktails.

Keep your eyes peeled for the picante salt, used to rim some of the hotel’s signature cocktails like mezcalitas and spicy margaritas.

Should you wish, you can visit the salt flats — a 20-minute cab ride from the hotel and home to fabulous wildlife.

You can even try harvesting some salt — it’s harder than it looks, but you’ll leave with your own jar of the flakes.

If that’s not enough physical exertion, the Iberostar Selection Es Trenc also offers rental bikes.

I weaved my way along the sun-drenched local roads for a gentle ten minutes toward the Far de la Colonia de Sant Jordi lighthouse.

The views from here are breathtaking and great for photos.

Those who prefer a more intense workout can pick from kickboxing, TRX gym work and Zumba classes.

I opted instead for a dip in the pool on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, also used for sunrise yoga classes.

I’m sadly not a very nimble yogi, but did join a session and felt serenely relaxed.

Not that I needed to unwind any more — the hotel is designed so every room has a sea view, and I opened my curtains each morning to soothing views of the waves.

Another treat is the hotel’s a la carte restaurant, Salvient, which has a homely feel.

It takes its name from the Spanish word for salt — sal — and you will not struggle to guess why.

If you’ve developed a taste for Es Trenc’s “white gold”, as the locals call it, make sure to order the dentex — a sea bream-style fish cooked whole and served on a huge bed of salt.

The large fish can be shared with family or friends, but was so light and flaky I reckon I could have eaten the entire thing by myself.

Or the hotel has a buffet-style restaurant — and there’s plenty of restaurants in town, too.

5Illes restaurant, by the town beach and about a 15-minute walk from the Iberostar, is well worth a visit.

It specialises in rice dishes and my paella was one of the best I’ve ever tasted, served sizzling in a large pan and stacked with seafood.

Tummy well and truly satisfied, I ended my Majorca getaway with a private boat trip around the island to soak up my final sunset.

I’m not sure what was better — the view from the Iberostar rooftop or this one from the sea.

As long as I have a salt-rimmed cocktail in hand, who cares?