Swimming pools

Roshni Ward, 30, and Louis Hunt, 33, were fed up with the UK and high living costs

A British couple, fed up with the UK’s “poor work-life balance” and cost of living, have found their own paradise where their water bill is a few pounds and a meal out costs a fraction of what it does at home. They say that, in Thailand, they save a whopping £1,000 a month on rent and pay just £2.76 for water bills.

Roshni Ward, 30, and her fiancé Louis Hunt, 33, were exhausted from working 11-hour days and overtime in their flat in Rye, East Sussex, and yearned for a “slower pace of life”. The pair decided to pack their bags and move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, last September.

They were instantly smitten with the laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, balmy 30C weather, and breathtaking architecture. Their monthly rent is now a mere £300, which includes access to a gym and pool, while water bills are only £2.76, taxis cost £1.50, and takeaways are just £2. This has resulted in savings of over £1,000 compared to their previous UK rent of £1,350.

Roshni, who now works as a content creator, said: “We always wanted to move abroad and had toyed with the idea of it. The UK didn’t feel safe and a poor work-life balance meant we were too burnt out to enjoy life.

“Since moving, we love the slower pace of life, as well as the weather, the rich culture and the welcoming locals. And the cost of everything is so much lower, which was a shock to the system – in a good way! If we can help it, we won’t come back to the UK.”

Roshni and Louis began earnestly considering an overseas relocation following their return from a Thai getaway in December 2024. Roshni was employed full-time as a corporate team leader in broadband sales and revealed she’d frequently find herself putting in extra hours at weekends, preventing her from unwinding and savouring her leisure time.

Louis was employed full-time as a carpenter, enduring 11-hour shifts including his commute, and would become physically drained as well.

Roshni said: “There was a poor work-life balance. When we got to the weekend, we were so burnt out that we didn’t want to do anything.”

They also felt insecure in the UK, especially Roshni as a woman, owing to crime rates, and recalled from their December break that they felt considerably safer in Thailand. So the moment their lease on their rented property in Rye expired, they started searching for rental properties in Thailand and relocated to Chiang Mai on September 3.

Roshni and Louis both quit their UK positions – with Roshni becoming a full-time content creator and Louis becoming an online fitness coach. She said the residents were all incredibly friendly and everyone was prepared to assist you if you were struggling.

There is a substantial community of international expats, providing plenty of chances to encounter fresh faces and mingle. The pair love exploring stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries, Thai eateries and waterfalls.

Roshni said: “There’s something for everyone in Chiang Mai.”

The couple have discovered that swapping the UK for Thailand has slashed their living costs dramatically. Despite both working remotely for international clients and earning UK wages, they’ve found life in Thailand to be a fraction of the cost.

Their stylish condo, just a ten-minute drive from the city centre and boasting a gym, swimming pool and co-working area, sets them back a mere £300 per month. This is a stark contrast to their previous flat in the UK which cost them a hefty £1,350 each month.

Utility bills are also significantly cheaper, with water costing a mere £2.76 compared to the UK’s steep £76. Even getting around is a bargain – a 20-minute taxi ride in Thailand will only set you back £1.50.

Electricity bills are another area where they’re making huge savings, paying just £44 compared to the UK’s whopping £300. And because taxis are so affordable, they’ve ditched owning a car or bike, saving even more on fuel and maintenance costs.

Eating out is also a steal, with takeaways costing between £1.50 and £2, and a full meal and drinks at a restaurant coming in at just £8 – a far cry from the UK, where it would be around £60. Roshni added that pints of beer are “no more than £2”.

The only item they’ve found to be pricier in Thailand is Bisto gravy granules, setting them back around £5 due to import costs. But despite the financial benefits, what they love most about their new home is the slower pace of life and the rich culture.

Roshni said: “In the mornings we can get lie-ins, go to the gym, have a swim and then start work. In the UK, everyone starts early and is asleep by 11pm, here, you could finish work at 10pm and everything is still open. Louis has some UK clients – he can have a business call at 11pm and we can still go out for a meal after.”

They are smitten with the culture – the opportunity to visit stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries and tours – as well as the tranquil and friendly locals.

She said: “Anyone will stop and help you if you need it. In the UK, if someone foreign came up to you asking for help, most people wouldn’t stop.”

Despite their short stay in Thailand, they are so enamoured that they can’t envision returning to the UK.

Roshni revealed: “We would like to stay permanently. We’d be more open to starting a family here than in the UK because it’s so much safer. We’ve just fallen in love.”

Costs: UK vs Thailand

Monthly rent: £1,350 vs £300

Monthly water bills: £76 vs £2.76

Monthly electric: £300 vs £44

Monthly transport: £95 for car costs vs £30 for taxi

Meal out: £60 vs £8

Pint of lager: £5.50 vs £2

One couple were left seriously disappointed when they arrived at their four-star all-inclusive hotel in Greece for 10 days and claimed the meals were so bad, ‘I wouldn’t even serve the food to a dog’

A seething couple who spent more than £2K on an all-inclusive holiday claim their hotel meals “looked like dog food” and the swimming pool was “disgusting.”

Erin Wells, 24, and Jordan Evans, 25, booked a 10-night stay at a four-star hotel in Crete, Greece, through easyJet Holidays to celebrate their birthdays. They jetted off with excitement on 28 September after seeing a slew of positive reviews and paid a total of £2,218.

However, the couple’s holiday soon turned into a nightmare. They said they encountered issues with their room and the hotel facilities, including the meals being served, which they claimed were “unmarked meat” with “grim desserts”.

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Erin, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, recalled: “We went down for lunch and saw nothing was labelled, there was just unmarked meat.

“Later on into the holiday, I went up to one of the chefs and asked what the meat was, and she opened the container, picked up a piece of the meat, ate it and said, ‘Well, I think it’s chicken’.”

The 24-year-old claimed: “Nothing was marked, so you didn’t know what you were eating. They were just sat out at room temperature. Nothing about them was appealing. They were inedible.

“The food as a whole was just disgusting. They look like dog food. It’s not even like they were trying to make the food look presentable. I wouldn’t even serve the food to a dog.”

Left severely disappointed by the food on offer, the couple splashed out an additional £600 on meals away from the hotel, despite being on an all-inclusive package. Erin explained: “We only ate at the hotel a couple times.”

But the food wasn’t the only problem. While attempting to relax on the sun loungers around the hotel pool, the couple noticed they were “mouldy”. Erin claimed: “I didn’t get in the pool once because it was so disgusting. There was mould all around the side of the pool and sunbeds.

“We were there for 10 days and never saw anyone clean that pool. I can’t believe they’re still open, it was just disgusting. If I’d got in, I’d have probably got ill.”

In addition, they also encountered issues with their room when it apparently flooded from the shower. Erin shared: “When we arrived, we just went straight to our room because we were just so tired. It wasn’t until the next morning that we noticed things.

“That morning, I noticed our shower kept flooding. As soon as you had a shower, the water would leak out into the room.

“I thought the issue was just with our room, but it wasn’t until we started talking to other couples there that we realised all of the rooms flooded.”

Erin labelled their getaway a “holiday from hell” and claimed the hotel was a “health hazard” due to the issues they experienced. Despite seeing numerous positive reviews online, she felt that the hotel listing was “seriously misleading” and the photos were “so far from what it’s actually like there”.

An easyJet holidays spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear Erin didn’t have the holiday experience she expected. We are in contact with Erin to offer a gesture of goodwill and understand what went wrong so that we can investigate these directly with our hotel partner.”

The Girlfriend has just dropped on Prime Video and the ending of the series has left fans with their jaws on the floor as they discover what Cherry is really capable of

The Girlfriend, a new addition to Prime Video’s roster, centres around successful businesswoman, wife and mother, Laura, portrayed by Robin Wright.

Her idyllic life is thrown into chaos when her son Daniel (Laurie Davidson), the apple of her eye, introduces his new girlfriend, Cherry (Olivia Cooke).

Adapted from Michelle Frances’ novel of the same name, the series sees Laura growing increasingly suspicious of Cherry – but is she just being overly cautious?

Viewers are presented with two contrasting narratives – Laura’s and Cherry’s – both starkly different, but which one holds the truth?

Here’s everything you need to know about the shocking conclusion of The Girlfriend as fans uncover Cherry’s true colours.

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WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS SPOILERS

In the series finale, Daniel pops the question to Cherry after regaining some of his memory post-accident.

While Daniel prefers to keep the engagement under wraps, Cherry insists on celebrating, persuading Daniel to throw a party.

Just as things start looking up for the couple, the relationship between Howard (Waleed Zuaiter) and Laura reaches breaking point, with Howard unable to tolerate his wife’s unsettling behaviour any longer.

Determined not to let go of her suspicions, Laura pays a visit to Cherry’s father at his care home, discovering that he had survived a fall from a building while working on a construction site.

Seeking more answers, Laura paid a visit to Cherry’s mum, Tracey (Karen Henthorn), who revealed that her husband had left both herself and Cherry in debt.

Cherry had managed to find her father in the hope of persuading him to return, but in a fit of anger she had pushed him from the building.

Laura, having recorded the conversation as evidence for Daniel, arranged a meeting to explain everything to her son.

In the meantime, Cherry vandalised Laura’s gallery after discovering what she had done, leaving Laura’s lover Lilith (Anna Chancellor) devastated.

Cherry was arrested at her engagement party for criminal damage, but her mum bailed her out, although she vowed not to keep Cherry’s secret about what she did to her dad any longer.

Back at Laura’s home, Daniel confronted his mother and vented his frustration about her controlling behaviour.

Wanting him to know the truth, Laura slipped sleeping pills into Daniel’s drink so he wouldn’t try to escape when she showed him the evidence.

However, Cherry managed to break into the house and a fight broke out between Cherry and Laura, resulting in them both falling into the swimming pool.

As Daniel saw his mother trying to drown Cherry, he jumped in to rescue his fiancée and began holding his mother’s head under the water.

Cherry screamed for him to stop, but by then it was too late and Laura had drowned.

A flash forward revealed that Cherry and Daniel had gone ahead with their wedding and Cherry was expecting a baby.

In a chilling twist, Daniel stumbled upon Laura’s misplaced phone under the sideboard, revealing a recorded conversation with Cherry’s mum.

Upon hearing the shocking truth about Cherry’s violent tendencies, Daniel was forced to accept that his mother had been correct all along.

The Girlfriend is available on Prime Video.

The city is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate

A lively European destination that boasts a distinctive mix of heritage, culture and scenic splendour has been crowned the continent’s “sunniest” city.

Alicante, situated on Spain’s south-eastern coastline within the Valencia region, is renowned for its deep-rooted heritage, breath-taking coastlines, buzzing nightlife, and delightful Mediterranean weather.

According to information from 2009 to 2021 compiled by World Weather Online, Holidu, and timeanddate.com, the city basks in 349 hours of sunshine monthly on average and around 300 days of sun over the year.

Alicante boasts a heritage spanning millennia, with traces of communities from numerous civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Moors. During Roman occupation, it was originally called “Lucentum”, reports the Express.

The city has been moulded by its varied cultural heritage, especially from the Moors, who governed the area for hundreds of years. This extensive past is mirrored in the architectural styles and cultural customs that endure today.

Positioned along the Costa Blanca, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is encircled by spectacular natural terrain, featuring mountains and coastlines. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate distinguished by scorching summers and gentle winters.

Typical summer temperatures frequently surpass 30C, whilst winters stay comparatively temperate, averaging approximately 15-20C. Even in October it still experiences daily highs of 25C. The city boasts several remarkable attractions that travellers simply must experience.

Things to do in Alicante

One of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses is Santa Barbara Castle. Positioned atop Mount Benacantil, it provides sweeping vistas across the city and shoreline. The fortress traces its origins to the 9th century and boasts remarkable defensive walls and towers.

Visitors can reach the castle on foot, by vehicle, or via a lift from the seafront, and it contains displays chronicling Alicante’s past.

Amongst the favoured beaches is Playa del Postiguet, situated directly adjacent to the city centre. This stretch of coastline draws crowds thanks to its soft sand and crystal-clear waters, making it beloved by both residents and holidaymakers.

Explanada de España stands as a renowned boulevard adorned with palm trees and showcasing a distinctive undulating mosaic pattern.

It serves as a cherished location for leisurely walks, al fresco dining, and various events and markets. The boulevard regularly showcases musicians and performers, creating a vibrant social hub.

Holidaymakers who have visited this stunning destination have posted glowing testimonials on the TripAdvisor travel platform.

One visitor commented: “Fabulous place to go for a few days very easy going stayed a spa portas and we had a lovely time great beach and fab food .the castle is a lovely place to walk around.”

Another traveller said: “Coming from Icelandic glaciers, warm up at a Spanish beach. The Hotel: Hotel Maya with a swimming pool 49 euros per room per night for 3 nights.

“The stroll: 10 minutes walk to Postiguet Beach and La Rambla shopping street. The drink: Tinto de verano red wine spritzer. Choose your tapas at Lizarran on La Rambla. People watch at the old market at the top of the Rambla. Alicante is: Miami without attitude.”

Wales Online writer Ruth Mosalski and her family spent four nights at Haven’s biggest UK campsite, Hafan y Mor in north-west Wales, and found it to be a hit with the kids

Haven’s largest campsite, nestled in the stunning Llyn peninsula of north-west Wales, spans a whopping 500 acres. Ruth and her family family spent four nights there and said her children were “absolutely smitten.”

Located just outside Pwllhelli, the Hafan y Mor site was once a Butlin’s holiday park. Remnants of its past still linger, such as the platform from the land train and some of the old apartment blocks, although the cable car is long gone. Today, it’s a sprawling, modern site boasting hundreds of caravans and an impressive array of dining options and activities.

Ruth shared her visit and said: “We embarked on our four-night getaway last summer, arriving just as check-in opened. The queue of eager holidaymakers had already extended beyond the campsite and onto the main road.

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However, the efficient staff quickly resolved the situation, making the check-in process one of the smoothest I’ve ever experienced at similar venues. There were no lengthy checks or key handovers because all necessary information is provided via the app prior to arrival, reports Wales Online.

Once your car registration is verified, you’re given directions and off you go! Your keys await you on the counter inside your caravan, with a security seal (and your name) on the exterior door to ensure you’re at the correct location. This streamlined system significantly speeds up the entire process.

We were cosied up in The Stables area, in a gold-level caravan. Tucked away on the far side of the site, it was blissfully quiet yet only about five minutes’ stroll from the Dragon Lakes adventure village and roughly 10-12 minutes from the main facilities including eateries, pubs and pool.

The caravan itself, the highest grade offered by the site, was spanking new and genuinely plush. The living space was considerably larger than others I’ve experienced at similar sites, boasting two sofas (not the modular ones that are impossible to get comfy on), televisions, ample storage and extra perks like USB plug sockets and a hairdryer. The master bedroom even had an en-suite.

Prior to our arrival, the app proved useful for booking activities, viewing the entertainment schedule and even providing a handy packing list – even at the gold level you need to bring plenty with you. However, the sparse Wi-Fi coverage on the site meant we occasionally struggled to access what we needed unless we were in one of the site’s main areas. While there, this app can be used to book activities but also order grub to your table in the pubs, or even to your caravan.

Food and drink on the site

There’s a plethora of dining options on site. While they may not be winning any gourmet awards, for a mum who’s usually cooking three meals a day, it was a welcome break.

On-site eateries include popular chains like Papa Johns, Slim Chickens, Burger King and Millie’s Cookies. Haven’s own offerings include their pizza joint, The Pizza Deck, their pub, HMS Glendower, and the Coast House bar and restaurant. For sunny days, there’s the Box Bar, and The Cakery serves Costa coffee and cake right next to the playground.

We enjoyed two evening meals at the Coast House – one was “excellent pub food”, but the other left us wishing we’d ventured elsewhere. However, with kids eating for just £1 when adults order a full-priced meal, and the option to combine this with the two for £18 meals deal, four of us managed to dine for just £20.

A breakfast of four full breakfasts (two kid-sized, and two adult) with Costa coffees came in at under £30. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the on-site shops were reasonably priced. Stocking Co-op items, even typically marked-up products like nappies were sensibly priced.

On-site activities

There’s a plethora of activities on offer here, all reasonably priced. From trampolining and climbing walls to pedalos, Nerf battle zones, sports pitches, and a thrilling leap of faith jump. Our top picks were the 4×4 off-roader experience and the pic ‘n’ paint pottery. You can hire karts for a cycle around or Segways for a bit of fun.

There’s also a soft play area and two large arcade areas for those who fancy a go at the 2p machines or grabber toys. The swimming pool was an absolute blessing. With five different pools catering to all ages, including a smaller one for our nearly two year old and slides that our adventurous four year old could enjoy.

There was even a lane pool, although we never managed to tear ourselves away from the slides long enough to use it. It’s evident that there’s been significant investment in these facilities. Haven was acquired by Bourne Leisure Ltd ten years ago, the same company that owns Warner Leisure Hotels, and they’ve spent that time investing heavily.

This is clearly visible here, with the only giveaway of the site’s age being some of the paintwork in the pool area, but that’s just nitpicking. As you’d expect from Wales in August, the weather during our stay was a mixed bag. We had glorious sunshine on our arrival, departure and middle day, but torrential rain on the other days.

On the sunny days, we ventured off-site to explore the stunning beauty of Criccieth, Aberdaron, Llanbedrog, Abersoch, Llanystumdwy and fulfilled a travel bucket list item at the Ty Coch Inn at Porthdinllaen.

Despite the rainy days, we made the most of the on-site options. Our kids would tell you it was the best holiday ever. Our four year old spent an hour hunting fossils in an interactive show (£16) before we saw Haven’s mascot perform her own show. We also got to paint a pot (£12 per person), have a swim (free with the play pass or £10 otherwise), and then danced at the Tots Disco (free).

We even took seats in the huge showbar for the on-site team’s panto (free), with fish and chips delivered to our tables for tea (£5.99 for a kids meal, including fruit shoot).

Many of the activities are outdoors and carry on regardless of the weather. The staff were helpful in rebooking things on the day we were due to do something outdoors, but they were almost all fully booked by the time we were there at 9.25am, probably because everyone had the same idea.

We’ve previously visited Eurocamp and French equivalents, as well as Bluestone in Pembrokeshire, but the entertainment here was much more suited to our kids. In France, things only really get going much later at night, which isn’t ideal for our younger kids.

The tots disco here started at 5pm and lasted half an hour – perfect for little ones. When it comes to entertainment, Haven was the clear winner. For us grown-ups, it served as a brilliantly situated base in a region we’re often priced out of exploring.

We didn’t just explore Llyn itself, but my husband and I also managed to cover a few more miles of the Wales Coast Path, which runs alongside the park.

We never made it to the nearby beaches, but they were completely deserted and should definitely be signposted more to showcase the area’s natural beauty. However, for our children, it was the jam-packed schedule that left them shouting, screaming and smiling from dawn till dusk.

We departed exhausted, but wonderfully happy with memories we’ll cherish for years to come. In conclusion, the site’s facilities cater to nearly every age and ability, and our caravan was superbly equipped, comfortable and offered lovely sunset views.

If we hadn’t been so knackered each day from cramming in as much as possible, it would have certainly been the sort of place where we’d have happily sat on the decking with a bottle of red and a pack of cards, but those water slides really do take it out of you.

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The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, is the only riverside tidal salt water pool in the UK – and it’s been a hit with visitors for more than a century.

A treasured lido in Kent has been compared to a Mediterraen resort by experts who say it resembles a Greek holiday resort.

The Strand Lido in Gillingham – a treasured destination amongst residents for nearly 130 years – features on the Historic Pools of Britain register. It earns its place as the sole riverside salt-water pool in the UK.

Initially opened in June 1896, The Strand Lido has remained a cherished location for countless families. With water sourced straight from the River Medway and treated with chlorine for secure bathing, it’s a beloved location for a sunny day out.

For fitness enthusiasts, the lido provides six 25-metre swimming lanes. There’s additionally a paddling pool for toddlers, alongside a 300-metre gentle current river, elephant-themed slides and water fountains to keep young guests amused, reports MyLondon.

With its pristine white surfaces and azure-painted aquatic zones, the entire venue resembles a Mediterranean holiday destination rather than a location beside the River Medway, according to experts writing for The Lido Guide. The review reads: “Nothing about the exterior gives away what lies within.

“What lies within is a riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun. Any children in the party will be completely unable to contain their excitement.

“The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent.”

The entertainment factor wasn’t overlooked either, with the guide noting: “It takes a special sort of curmudgeon not to grin like a loon while hurtling down a pink elephant’s trunk into brilliant clear water.”

Catering to all needs, the venue boasts sunbathing areas, an on-site café (though you’re welcome to pack your own picnic), changing facilities, loos, poolside showers and a shop selling inflatables, but you’ll have to hurry to enjoy it – it’ll soon closes until next year.

The pool remains unheated, meaning it only opens its gates during warmer months, from May 25 to September 1. Advance ticket booking is essential, with two daily sessions running from 10:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

One delighted visitor shared their praise on Tripadvisor, writing: “So impressed with this place and feel lucky to have it in Medway. Very clean, love that the water is sourced and filtered from the Medway, not too much chlorine as lots of natural salt!

“Could easily spend the day here sunbathing and slipping in and out of the water at own pleasure.”

Another visitor dubbed it a “hidden gem” whilst recounting their visit. They said: “What a great place to go. Went for the first time this summer and was pleasantly surprised.

“It was very clean and well maintained. The parking was super cheap and the numbers were controlled so it never felt overcrowded which was lovely.”

Close by, the Strand Park features a delightful miniature railway, an open-air fitness centre, a parkour course, tennis facilities, picturesque waterside strolls, and children’s playground areas.

Another fan remarked: “This place is full of great things to do. Walk along the river, Crazy Golf, a mine railway and, of course, the wonderful Strand Lido Swimming Pool. Something for all really.”

Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move from London to Dubai after visiting the UAE city for a holiday and falling in love with the lifestyle

A Brit who was fed up with the “miserable” and “sedentary” life in the UK decided to move to Dubai, despite having to work six days a week to afford the “luxurious” lifestyle where a glass of wine costs a minimum of £20. Elbi Henshaw, 23, relocated to Dubai in January after holidaying there and realising how “miserable” life is in the UK.

Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, she decided to give the famously opulent city in the UAE a go, seeking a change in lifestyle. The personal trainer, originally from Barnet, North London, moved to Dubai with financial assistance from her parents and secured full-time employment at a gym.

Eight months later, she’s settled and thriving in the city, which is a magnet for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife. However, she admits to missing UK pubs and pub culture.

Elbi revealed that it’s not all fun and games as everything is so pricey – with yoghurt costing £12 and coffee starting from £7 – that it becomes a “dog-eat-dog” lifestyle with people working six-day weeks and taking on extra work to make ends meet. Elbi is now fond of her location, but confesses she “didn’t like it at first” because it can feel “lonely” trying to establish a circle of friends in such a high-pressure environment.

Elbi stated: “In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary – I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.

“I work full time, but it’s hard not to just spend all your money – you’d need about £5,000 a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly – at the moment I work six days, but I’ll probably end up working seven.

“Paying no tax is a perk, but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle – although I miss the pubs.”

Elbi relocated to Dubai in January – initially residing in a studio flat before moving into shared accommodation with two other young women. After joining a local running club, she struck up a conversation with someone who put her in touch with a gym manager and landed her first Dubai role as a personal trainer.

She was instantly struck by the sheer amount of activities and attractions the city had to offer – from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall. Since she was relocating solo, Elbi admitted the initial months proved challenging whilst getting established and sorting out the necessary paperwork and banking arrangements. She quickly recognised the “fast-paced and non-stop lifestyle”, with residents frequently clocking up lengthy working weeks to fund life in the glamorous destination beloved by A-listers.

Elbi explained: “The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too – and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup.

“I’d say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3,000 a month, but you want more like £5,000 to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals and buy new clothes. I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai – there are lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work.”

However, she revealed it doesn’t amount to significantly more than life in Britain – where you’re liable for taxes – apart from Dubai’s breathtaking scenery and climate. Eight months on, she’s absolutely adoring her existence there, grafting as a personal trainer at an upmarket gymnasium frequented by “high-end clients”. She’s built friendships and has no immediate intentions of returning home.

She explained: “You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there – I messaged other women out of the blue, inviting them for coffee.”

Elbi expressed her admiration for Dubai’s pristine conditions – as “everywhere is spotless” and “it makes you realise how dirty the UK is”. During her downtime, Elbi enjoys strolling through the air-conditioned shopping centres and visiting Dubai’s incredibly lavish cinemas.

She fills her leisure hours at the swimming pool – exclusive beach clubs like Summersalt, adored by celebrities including Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, plus Twiggy club, favoured by Paris Hilton.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged Dubai can be challenging as there’s reduced “sense of community” for young people, making romance difficult without relying on dating applications.

She said: “It’s so hard to meet guys, because there are no authentic meet-ups. People don’t stand in the streets around pubs – you have to schedule it in.

“And it’s hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.

“I love it, but I can’t really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones who are single are never looking for anything serious. I could see myself building a life here, but if I get to 27 and I’m not in a relationship, I’ll move back to the UK as I want to start a family.”

Costs in Dubai

Cappuccino 34dh – £6.86

Mince meat 25dh – £5

Strawberries 30/40dh – £6-£8

Fage yoghurt 1L 60dh – £12

Cheapest thing in Zara 130/150dh – £26/30

Glass of wine when out minimum 99dh – £20

It might be a two hour flight away, and a five and a half hour drive, but a growing number of Brits believe Efteling is well worth the journey.

Most Brits have a love-hate relationship with theme parks, often finding themselves grumbling about the long queues, exorbitant prices, and less-than-stellar food. We’ve all been there, shelling out a small fortune for a day of standing in line, only to enjoy a few fleeting moments of rollercoaster excitement, while simultaneously trying to keep pesky wasps away from our overpriced fast food.

But fear not, there’s an alternative. If you’re up for a bit of a journey, you can find yourself at Efteling, located near Tilburg in the Netherlands, in just three and a half hours from Calais.

You might be thinking, is it really worth the extra effort and cost?

Well, an increasing number of Brits certainly think so – including Nottinghamshire Live executive editor Sam Dimmer.

Sam recently embarked on a trip to the park to see if it lived up to its growing reputation, reports the Express.

He shared: “My family and I spent three nights at Efteling, travelling from the East Midlands. Our hotel room included park passes for four days. It cost £1,200 in total, but considering park tickets cost around £180 a day for a family of four, I think that represents good value.”

Sam had previously visited the park but only stayed one night, which he felt wasn’t enough. Plus, the park had recently unveiled a new ride he was eager to try.

He added: “We felt that three nights was just about enough this time around, but still very nearly missed an entire section of the park because it wasn’t where all of the main rides were.”

Initially, Sam planned to keep track of how many rides we went on, but that idea was quickly abandoned.

He said: “The theme park is open from 10am until 10pm and the queues rarely go above 30 minutes, so you’re going to be quite busy, particularly late in the evening.

“Also the virtual queuing on two rides, and the app advising you how long queues are, mean you can plan your day to spend as little time as possible queueing.

“When you’ve got younger kids, or kids with additional needs, that’s a lifesaver.”

Efteling is a family-friendly theme park and last year Sam’s eight year old was able to go on all the rides, including the Baron, a vertical drop coaster similar to Oblivion at Alton Towers but with superior theming.

This means that around 7pm, many visitors start heading for the exit and the queues for the bigger thrill rides and the darker new ride, Danse Macabre, only take 10 to 15 minutes.

Those rides? They’re absolutely brilliant.

Sam said: “Yes, it’s a family park, with brilliant playgrounds, a fantasy forest, incredible theming and based around fantastic stories. But my oh my, the rides are good. The aforementioned Baron, wooden race coasters Joris and the Dragon and water coaster the Flying Dutchman are tremendous fun, but the best ride is the newest – Danse Macabre.”

Danse Macabre was Sam’s favourite – in fact, he and his family rode it seven times. He said: “Yes, it broke down on the last day and the queues were long, but this is a special ride. Guests sit in rows of church pews, before the whole room goes dark. Then you’re spun around the room, like you’re dancing, watching an orchestra of ghosts and ghouls perform.We went on it seven times and each time we saw something new. Every time people applauded when the ride ended. It’s that good. It’s beautifully put together, exceptionally clever, and so fun.”

The food is delicious

Typically during Sam’s theme park adventures he packs his own lunch to dodge the pricey and often disappointing food – but at Efteling there were no complaints about the cuisine.

He said: “The park is famous for many things, and the food is definitely one of them. The chimney cakes, pastry cones filled with an assortment of fruit, cream, chocolate, candy floss etc etc are a delight, although I wouldn’t recommend eating one before hitting a big ride, and you can also sample Dutch treats like poffertjes (little pancakes) and kibbeling (deep fried spiced fish with a delicious dip).

“If anything the food is better than last year. Pinnokio’s pizza and pasta restaurant was a hit with my family, as was the meal at Het Eethuys, a hotel on site.

“My favourite though was Polles Keuken, a pancake restaurant that served huge sweet or savoury pancakes against a brilliant backdrop.”

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to reserve these restaurants beforehand as they can become extremely packed.

Allow yourself plenty of time to wander Efteling isn’t a massive park but you’ll definitely miss something if you’re not paying attention.

Sam said: “We only spotted the huge playground because I saw a post on the incredibly helpful Efteling Fans UK Group and decided to go on the monorail at 9.30pm.

“We also spotted the Efteling museum and a great self-serve restaurant in the area that we returned to the next day. This was on day three of four in the park, and we weren’t planning on doing as much on our final day, but decided to stick around because we kept spotting new things to do.”

For visitors who fancy a gentler experience or youngsters not quite prepared for breakneck thrills, the Fairytale Forest provides a charming escape.

This magical zone boasts a collection of breathtaking exhibits, some motionless and others moving, presenting guests with an array of peculiar personalities, including Long Neck, a chap with an remarkably stretched neck.

Efteling is enchanting

Sam was thoroughly taken with the attraction, explaining: “The thing about Efteling is it doesn’t feel like a place designed to suck money out of you. It feels like they genuinely care about you having a great time. The staff, for example, are unbelievable. I clumsily asked one in Dutch if he spoke English and he looked at me and told me he spoke five languages and was learning a sixth.

“It’s clean, the music is wonderful and it smells so good they actually sell Efteling scents in the gift shop. My wife’s salon now smells very much like Efteling. I love Alton Towers, but I don’t think I’d particularly want to bottle the smell of a day out in Staffordshire.”

Anton Pieck, an artist and illustrator, was one of the founders of Efteling and his work continues to inspire the park today. His influence is still felt, making visitors feel as though they are truly walking through a fairytale.

It’s worth considering an overnight stay.

Not many theme parks necessitate an overnight stay, as usually a day is sufficient. Alton Towers in the UK might be an exception, but at Efteling, three nights didn’t seem excessive.

Sam’s hotel was a picturesque ten-minute stroll from the park entrance, passing lakes, playgrounds and a fairytale castle. He said the rooms were “ideal”, offering ample space for a family of four, with comfortable beds, a large bath and a powerful shower.

There’s even a swimming pool, perfect for younger kids.

Be prepared for a good deal of walking

This won’t come as a surprise to seasoned theme-park visitors, but you will certainly clock up the steps.

Sam said: “There’s a beautiful little steam train that takes you around the park, but we didn’t use it as the park itself isn’t huge.

“It’s a decision I regretted at the end of day four as we prepared to drive to Calais, although a decent pair of trainers helped me just about get through. We were averaging between 25,000-30,000 steps a day, which is a good old shift, but we were going from 10am to 10pm.

“We’re a family who enjoys being active, but for those who find walking challenging, this might not be as enjoyable. However, there are measures you can take to make it easier, and we do enjoy a good walk.”

The UK is home to some of the most beautiful walks in the world, and one in particular is a must-visit this summer – especially if you love to snap photos

If you’re looking for a sign to get outside and discover the UK’s amazing landscapes, consider this your cue. A picturesque harbour town in the UK, boasting stunning coastal views and even a castle to explore, should be on your travel list, as there is so much to see and do there.

Stonehaven, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is an ideal destination for a summer getaway. According to a recent study by CEWE experts, this charming location boasts one of the most scenic walks in the UK.

If you’ve visited before, you’ll understand why – the incredible landscape could easily have come straight from a postcard.

Each spot on the list was evaluated based on star ratings, review count, and descriptive terms such as ‘beautiful’, ‘stunning’, ‘amazing’, and ‘lovely’ – words typically linked with photogenic locations that leave lasting impressions.

The walk around Dunnottar Castle tied for second place overall with Powis Castle in Wales, surpassed only by Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland, reports the Express.

Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire stands as one of Scotland’s most precious landmarks, having shaped the nation’s story across 1,000 years of history.

Boasting dramatic clifftop panoramas, this remarkable fortress has welcomed legendary figures including Mary Queen of Scots throughout the centuries.

The castle has also served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions, including Disney’s Brave and Mel Gibson’s Hamlet, with its official website noting that the ‘haunting’ castle has featured on the big screen many times.

They said: “Perched on a cliff-top amidst striking scenery with stunning seascape views, it’s not hard to understand why the beauty of this outstanding location has been captured on the silver screen on numerous occasions.”

Positioned dramatically on a towering 160-foot precipice and encircled by sparkling waters, this magnificent structure truly must be seen to be believed.

Visitors can venture to the Aberdeenshire coast to secure tickets for exploring the castle itself, or alternatively wander the surrounding grounds whilst admiring the view.

Things to do in Stonehaven

Dunnottar Castle is about 1.6 miles south of Stonehaven, so it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re in the area. But aside from the castle, there are so many brilliant things to do in this town.

No trip to Stonehaven would be complete without dedicating time to the charming harbour area.

There are so many places offering the perfect spots to dine, sip drinks and unwind, whilst there’s nothing quite like observing the boats gently swaying in the water.

During your stay, make sure to explore the Tolbooth Museum, which is the town’s most ancient building and previously served as a jail many years ago.

Many original elements remain intact, including the traditional prison cell entrance. And if you’re in the mood for a bit of adventure, you could also give paddleboarding lessons a go out on the water.

However, if you’re not quite up for braving the sea, there’s an outdoor swimming pool situated along the seafront that remains open until September.

One mum took to TikTok to share her disappointment with the accommodation at the Skegness Butlin’s holiday park, sharing clips of the filthy room – including a dead bug on her bed

Butlin’s has apologised after one family checked in to a “grimy” and “damp” room in need of “a massive deep clean”.

Mum Jasmine took to TikTok to share her disappointment with the accommodation at the Skegness holiday park, sharing clips of the filthy room with her 19,000 followers.

“I could make a 10-minute video on all of the issues in here but here’s some of them,” she captioned the clip. “Even walking up to the room I felt grimy. This is the Butlin’s comfort room. This is my sign to not blindly book something hahaha.”

She went on to give a tour of the room – which they couldn’t stand to sleep in for more than one night – showing dirt throughout, including in the shower and the bin.

In her voiceover, Jasmine said: “I was meant to book the apartment but I didn’t realise. When I first walked in there and I saw there’s only two rooms and one bathroom in the middle, I thought, ‘Where’s the rest of it?’.

“I am going to emphasise that was not Butlin’s fault at all though to be fair – it was my fault. So anyway I don’t know if the videos can do it justice because the smell when I walked in there was just absolutely wild.

“This isn’t the cleaner’s fault or anything like that – it’s the turnover rate is the issue. These rooms need massive deep cleans because a quick once over is not going to help.”

“I didn’t even want to shower in there – in fact, I didn’t shower in there. I ended up going to the swimming pools to have a shower.

“We spent one night in this room and the beds were so damp – my daughter even woke up asking why the bed was so wet.

“I can’t explain the smell. I know I keep saying it but it was horrific. The mould was over the windows, there were cobwebs up the walls… This was a dead bug on our bed and then our daughter got poo on her hand walking out and I was like ‘nah, that’s it, 100% I am going.’

“The stuff kids can do here is amazing though – I will not fault Butlins for that. It is just a shame about the room.”

When The Mirror contacted Butlin’s, a spokesperson for the holiday park said: “We’re sorry and disappointed to see the cleanliness issues the guest experienced with their accommodation. This certainly isn’t the high standards we expect our guests to receive when they holiday with us. We carried out a full reclean and offered a gesture of goodwill which was accepted.”

Others shared similar experiences in the comments, with one person writing: “This looks so much cleaner than our room [laughing emoji].”

Another person said: “Skegness I had the most horrible room haven’t ever gone back. It was a hot year window broke couldn’t open it, bedding didn’t get changed stuff left under the bed etc was horrible.”

However, another visitor insisted they had only ever had positive experiences at the holiday park, writing: “Which Butlin’s is this?? We’ve always been to skeg one and never had a room like this. That’s grim.”

READ MORE: Yo-yo dieter, 66, looks ‘unrecognisable’ on dog walks after four stone weight loss

Helen George swaps the world of showbiz for literal shark-infested waters in ITV’s new reality show, while Channel 4’s The Couple Next Door returns with a steamy new story

Call the Midwife star Helen George is just one of the celebs who’ll be coming face-to-face with one of the sea’s deadliest beasts in ITV’s new reality show Shark! Celebrty Infested Waters tonight.

Proving just how far celebrities will go to stay on the telly, this new reality format sends seven famous faces into shark-filled waters near the Bahamas. 50 years after Jaws became a phenomenon at the cinema, the likes of actor Lenny Henry, comedian Ross Noble and McFly’s Dougie Poynter have signed up for a stomach-churning sequence of dives, where they will encounter various species of shark, getting more perilous each time.

Although Countdown’s Rachel Riley is excited for the challenge, most of the celebs look like they want to fire their agents, with Call the Midwife star Helen George declaring she’s terrified of the sea, and Motherland actor Lucy Punch hilariously dismissing the apex predators as ‘savage tubes of teeth.’

There’s a sobering start to the experience, as they meet their guides, including Paul, a former Aussie serviceman who lost his hand and leg to a ten-foot bull shark in a training exercise, but now campaigns for shark conservation.

Acutely aware of the dangers they face, they prepare for their first dive, but with Helen and Lenny both struggling with traumatic childhood memories of swimming pools, just getting underwater is a challenge. Soon, they’re stepping into a cage suspended in the ocean, surrounded by bull sharks, whose every move makes them shake. And it’s only going to get scarier from here. The experts hope the celebs will go home with a new respect – and even affection – for the villains of the sea, but that feels rather optimistic at this point…

Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters begins tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

The Best of the Rest

Michael Mosley: Secrets Of The Superagers, Channel 4, 8pm

If throwing yourself out of a plane is the secret to a better memory, some of us would prefer to just be forgetful… In this eye-opening series, the late Dr Michael Mosley meets inspiring people, who are bucking the trends of ageing. 70-year old Dane is a keen skydiver, whose mind is impressively sharp.

Indeed, the science shows that his time at high altitude has helped promote blood flow to his brain, giving him higher cognitive function. You don’t have to be a daredevil to age well though, as Michael explores the theory that learning new things can ward off dementia. Small children’s brains expand as they pick up new skills, so a group of volunteers test the theory that mastering new hobbies simultaneously can stop your brain shrinking.

After a year of learning Spanish and taking art classes, the stunning results of this experiment will have you googling evening classes in your area.

The Couple Next Door, Channel 4, 9pm

This steamy relationship drama returns to the same posh cul de sac, but with a new couple at the heart of the story. Surgeon Charlotte (The Split’s Anabel Scholey) and anaesthetist Jacob (Nashville’s Sam Palladio) work at the same hospital, and their marriage is a happy one. That is until enigmatic new nurse Mia turns up for her first shift.

Immediately overstepping the mark with her colleagues, she makes quite the impression. Later, Charlotte is stunned when Mia moves into the house next door, and she can’t stop thinking about her. How can she afford a huge family home on her own, on a nurse’s salary, and why is she so keen to make friends with resident creep, Alan (Hugh Dennis)?

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s ex, Leo, is back on the scene, as family circumstances force him to return to the hospital. Jacob is unsettled by his return, and turns down a tantalising prospect of promotion to avoid him.

EastEnders, BBC1, 7.30pm

Lauren is surprised to see Oscar again. After shock revelations, she learns where he has been all this time, and begrudgingly agrees to let him stay with her. It’s a decision she may soon regret…

Lexi asks Nigel about his wedding day. Jay is saddened that Nigel is no longer in touch with Julie, and starts looking for her online. Phil warns Jay not to interfere, but he won’t listen.

Linda tells Kat that it’s time for her to sell The Vic?

Emmerdale, ITV, 7.30pm

Kim is blissfully unaware that Dr Crowley is planning to take her to the cleaners. But Joe knows exactly what he’s up to, and arranges to confront him.

Charity desperately wants to help Sarah and tries to persuade Vic to offer to be her surrogate. Vic seems uncomfortable, despite Charity’s pleas. Charity and Cain are on the same page as they keep all options open.

It’s a big day for Lewis as he launches his new menu at the café.

Coronation Street, ITV, 8pm

Mick is growing restless in his cell, worrying about his kids. As he forms a plan, Brody looks for Joanie and Shanice, but Joanie is at Weatherfield High for a taster day. Mick breaks out of prison and heads straight to the school, not knowing that Sally has picked Joanie up early. He follows them back to the Street, with Kit in pursuit.

Meanwhile, Kevin plays for time, telling Tyrone he’ll come clean to Abi about his health after their weekend away.

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