tourists

The ‘secret paradise’ just up the road from Benidorm that tourists keep missing

With crystal-clear waters and 320 days of sunshine per year, this stunning but often-overlooked Costa Blanca destination is the ultimate antidote to Spain’s busiest resorts

Millions of British holidaymakers flock to the Costa Blanca every year, usually making a beeline for the bustling city of Alicante (which shares its name with the wider province) or the famous, neon-lit strip of Benidorm.

However, if you are willing to venture just 45 minutes up the coast, you will find a spectacular “secret paradise” that most tourists completely overlook.

Javea – also known as Xabia in Valencian – is a picturesque coastal town rapidly gaining a reputation as the region’s best-kept secret.

Local YouTuber ‘Benidorm by Ana’ recently showcased the stunning spot in a video tour, admitting the striking shoreline and crystal-clear waters left her totally “surprised and impressed”.

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Passing tourists often bypass the town for busier hubs like Altea and Calpe, but expats have firmly staked their claim on the area. In fact, over half of Javea’s population is made up of foreigners, with British nationals accounting for a whopping 26%.

“It’s easy to see why so many people choose Javea to live here all year long,” Ana noted, praising the town’s phenomenal weather. Basking in an average of 320 days of sunshine a year, it is the perfect spot for an autumn or winter escape.

The culinary scene is just as much of a draw. Whether you want a cheap and cheerful bite or “authentic fancy restaurants with gorgeous views of the sea or in the middle of the forest,” the town caters to every taste.

Foodies absolutely must try Cruet de Peix, a rich local fish stew, and cocas – savoury flatbreads traditionally topped with salted fish and roasted peppers. And instead of the usual paella, make sure to order fideuà, a mouthwatering regional variation made with short pasta instead of rice.

Praising the way the town balances its heritage with its popularity, Ana concluded: “It’s a place where I would say tradition blends seamlessly with a modern touch.”

How to spend your time in Javea

Step back in time: Javea’s historic Old Town is a maze of narrow, winding streets and distinct stone buildings. Ana praised its undeniable “historic charm”, making it a must-visit for architecture lovers.

Discover secret bays: While the main sandy beach of Playa del Arenal is great for sunbathing, the real magic lies just along the coast. The area is dotted with hidden, rocky coves boasting crystal-clear water that is perfect for snorkelling.

Taste the local life: Time your visit right and you can wander around Javea’s bustling weekly markets and cultural fairs, which are packed with authentic local produce and artisan goods.

Hit the trails: Want to escape the town entirely? The surrounding landscape features incredible coastal hikes and lush forest trails that offer sweeping, panoramic views out over the Mediterranean.

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Investigation launched as first human case of ‘brain disease’ found in EU country popular with UK tourists

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has started research after the man died from animal illness – only detected for first time this summer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched an investigation after the first-ever case of a brain disease was found in an EU country which is a favourite destination for UK tourists. Health officials in France raised the alarm following the first ever known case of Shamonda virus (SHAV) infection in a human.

The person concerned had not travelled outside the country in the preceding 12 months, the WHO said. WHO said: “The case was an immunocompromised older man from eastern France with no travel history during the preceding year. He developed severe neurological illness on 23 September 2026 and was diagnosed with severe encephalitis (brain inflammation). The patient died on 8 October 2026.”

It said there are ‘no previously documented human infections’ of the disease, which normally affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses. The WHO said: “As only one human case has been reported so far, information on the disease in humans remains limited. In this case, the patient was already seriously ill and experienced additional, brain-related symptoms that were considered to be linked to the Shamonda virus.”

Vector-borne transmission (via a bite from an infected midge) is thought to be the most likely source of infection. Officials are investigating the possibility of food-borne transmission, but said it’s unlikely.

WHO added: “As this is the first documented laboratory-confirmed human infection, WHO considers that the public health risk cannot yet be reliably assessed and recommends continued surveillance and investigation.”

The patient lived in rural eastern France, where animal SHAV transmission has been documented since July 2026, and had not travelled in the preceding year. The patient received multiple blood transfusions between February and October 2026 for his underlying illness.

SHAV was only found for the first time in Europe during the summer of 2026 with confirmed or suspected infections reported in cattle, horses and alpacas in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

As of October 21 2026, additional European countries and territories have reported SHAV detections in animals: Austria, Ireland, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

It adds: “This first documented human infection with SHAV in 2026 demonstrates that human infection is possible. However, a single case is insufficient to assess the risk to the general population, including immunocompetent individuals, or to determine the frequency, clinical spectrum or severity of human infection. The route of infection and possible sources of exposure are unknown, though vector-borne transmission is a plausible hypothesis.”

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Popular Spanish city cracks down on tourists with strict new rules

IF YOU are heading to one popular Spanish spot you better be on your best behaviour as a load of new rules are being introduced.

Tourists behaving badly by littering or spitting in public could now get hefty fines in the city of Valencia.

People enjoying a sunny day on Cabanyal beach in Valencia, Spain.
Valencia in Spain has introduced a load of new rules for tourists Source: Alamy

The rules, which if broken could get you fines of up to €1,500 (£1,251.29), also include not dropping cigarette butts, chewing gum or paper.

More serious offences such as spitting or urinating in public, could get you a fine of up to €3,000 (£2,502.57).

It comes as the city also revealed plans to cap tourist cycling groups to a maximum of 10 people.

Cycling is popular in Valencia with both tourists and locals and has surged over the recent years.

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The previous limit was 15 people and now groups of more than 10 will have to split into smaller groups and be at least 50 metres apart.

The new rule applies to both bikes and e-scooters.

Carrer de les Barques street with palm trees on a sunny day in Valencia, Spain.
If caught breaking the rules you could be fined up to £2,500 Source: Getty

Other new rules crackdown on stag and hen parties as well, where if thy take place on public streets between 10pm and 8am from Sunday to Friday – and Saturday until 9:30am – groups could be faced with a fine between €750 (£625.64) and €1,500 (£1,251.29).

There are also new limits on wearing items representing human genitalia, and carrying inflatable dolls and other sexual props through public spaces.

These offences could be fined up to €750 (£625.64).

Authorities have said that the new rules are not meant to limit tourism, just to “better manage its activities and ensure that we can all share the streets in appropriate conditions”, reports Olive Press.

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Greenland opens new international airport to lure tourists as it eyes future independence

Greenland has opened a new international airport, seeking to lure visitors from around the world as the Arctic island looks toward eventual independence from Denmark.

The inaugural international flight between Copenhagen, Denmark, and Ilulissat, Greenland Thursday was part of the island government’s efforts to grow its tourism industry to boost and diversify an economy still reliant on fishing.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the new airport as “one of the biggest investments” in the island’s history. Nielsen was one of 169 passengers on Thursday’s 4.5-hour flight on an Airbus A330neo. An Associated Press journalist also took the flight, operated by government-owned Air Greenland, as part of a trip organized by tourism agency Visit Greenland, for this story.

“If Greenland wants to be independent, we need to have a strong foundation, both economically and in terms of industry and business,” Nielsen told the AP before the plane departed.

The strategic island, home to roughly 56,000 people, has been a focus of President Trump since his first term, when he initially expressed his desire to acquire Greenland. His repeated threats to seize the territory from Denmark, a NATO ally, during his second term prompted months of tensions with other NATO allies. In September, Trump signed an agreement with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

“There’s no doubt that it has been a shadow over the entire Kingdom of Denmark, but especially Greenland,” said Danish Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard, who also took the inaugural flight. “The opening of this new international airport marks, I think, hope and optimism.”

New international airports seek to lure new visitors

Ilulissat, known as the “City of Icebergs,” sits along the island’s western coast and is home to some 5,000 people. Greenland’s third-largest city is also one of the island’s most-visited destinations. More than 342 miles north of the capital, Nuuk, its tourism offerings range from sled dog tours to icefjord cruises in picturesque Disko Bay, known for its towering icebergs.

Previously, travelers reaching Ilulissat had to arrive by cruise ship, take a small plane from Iceland or fly to one of Greenland’s international hubs and connect to smaller aircraft. There are no road connections from other big towns.

For decades, Greenland’s main international aviation gateways were former U.S. military air bases, distant echoes of World War II, in Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq. Locals and international visitors had to land there before catching smaller aircraft to the island’s major towns, including Ilulissat and Nuuk. That changed in late 2024, when an international airport opened in Nuuk.

United Airlines last year began a new seasonal route between Nuuk and Newark, New Jersey. The inaugural flight was the first direct from the U.S. to Greenland by an American airline.

The Ilulissat airport, meanwhile, has a 53,820 square feet terminal and a new 1.37-mile runway, long enough to accommodate larger passenger aircraft. Air Greenland has committed to as many as six weekly flights between Copenhagen and Ilulissat during next year’s peak summer months, and Icelandair will also fly large jets from its Keflavik hub. Jens R. Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, said the company is also hoping to lure airlines in the U.S. and mainland Europe to serve Ilulissat.

“It’s quite wonderful that you can go directly right now,” said Kirsten Berthelsen, a 35-year-old Ilulissat resident and student who booked a ticket for Thursday’s flight without realizing it was the inaugural service. “Sometimes it’s quite difficult to travel from Nuuk and to other countries.”

Tourism boom remains elusive

While the number of international visitors to Greenland has grown by at least 65% since 2018, reaching almost 150,000 in 2024, the expected travel boom has yet to materialize. In 2024, tourism accounted for less than 5% of the territory’s GDP. Infrastructure, including hotel capacity, remains limited.

Aalborg University associate professor Carina Ren, who specializes in Arctic tourism, said some U.S. tourists were even deterred from visiting the island because of the recent Trump standoff, with a few canceling their flights.

“I’ve heard of people canceling their bookings, but also others canceling because they were afraid that perhaps they would not be welcomed,” she said, adding that many Americans still visit, particularly on cruise ships.

Even so, there are some local concerns about mass tourism and potential damage to Greenland’s fragile nature.

Palle Jerimiassen, a former regional mayor, said he fears the city’s environment, population and infrastructure may be overwhelmed by too many visitors.

“How many can we invite?” he said. “We are welcoming all the tourists, it’s a possibility to earn some new money.”

He added: “But we have to be careful.”

Brooks writes for the Associated Press.

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Canary Islands are ‘collapsing’ but it’s not fussy tourists that are to blame

The Canary Islands are facing an overtourism crisis, with locals protesting over sewage-polluted beaches, soaring housing costs and water shortages following a record 18.4 million visitors

Canary Islands residents are warning that their communities are being pushed to breaking point as record visitor numbers put pressure on housing, water supplies and sewage systems.

“Tourist, go home!”, “Your paradise, our suffering” and “Even the Canarians have their limits” are among the slogans shouted at recent protests against overtourism across the Spanish archipelago.

The islands welcomed a record 18.4 million visitors last year, compared with 15.1 million seven years ago, before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted travel, according to the National Institute of Statistics. That means an extra 3.3 million visitors needing food, water and accommodation in an island chain with 2.2 million permanent residents. In 2009, visitor numbers stood at 10 million.

Development journalist Ava Hughes says the boom is taking a toll on residents and returning holidaymakers alike, reports the Daily Star.

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“Tenerife is currently trapped in a high-volume, low-value cycle that is alienating its most loyal visitors while simultaneously radicalising the local population against the very industry that provides 35% of their GDP,” she said. She described “viral images of high-rise construction looming over crowded beaches” as “symptoms of a systemic failure in the island’s infrastructure”.

“The primary grievance for many returning travellers is the feeling of being ‘sardined’ into a concrete jungle. When a visitor pays thousands of pounds for a sea view and instead spends their week staring at the rusted cranes of a half-finished luxury resort or the back of another tourist’s parasol, the value proposition evaporates. This isn’t a case of ‘fussy’ travellers; it is a rational response to a product that no longer matches its price tag,” Ava added.

The growth in tourism has been accompanied by a major expansion in accommodation. One estimate puts the number of operating hotels across the Canary Islands at 593, with approximately 265,000 tourist beds.

For Daniasa Curbelo, a young activist who grew up in a disadvantaged family in a small rural village in Tenerife, the changes are deeply personal. She remembers a local beach free of holidaymakers, with pristine water. Today, it is crowded for much of the year.

“Because of social media, no place has remained a secret from tourists,” she told IS.

Like many young Canarians, Daniasa cannot afford to rent a home as tourism and the expanding hotel sector push up costs. Meanwhile, water supplies and waste systems are struggling to keep pace with demand. “Sewer pipes are breaking into the sea and beaches are being closed. Our islands are on the verge of collapse,” she said.

In Tenerife alone, Playa de El Médano, Playa del Socorro, Playa Jardín, Playa de Leocadio Machado, La Jaquita and Tabaiba Area Beach have all been closed this year because of sewage contamination in the sea. By one estimate, tourists use six times as much water as locals, adding to pressure on supplies and farms across the islands.

John Dale Beckley, founder of sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org, told Fodor’s: “Tenerife has been under an official water emergency, but honestly, on the ground, we’re not feeling a ‘water emergency’ at all. People are still showering, watering gardens, filling swimming pools, everything as normal.”

Yet tourism remains central to the islands’ economy, directly accounting for 35% to 40% of GDP. For some residents, its continued growth feels unavoidable.

“The bad part is that everything is tourism,” local resident Jorge told Sage. “The neighborhoods—as we see—are being destroyed.”

Canarian authorities have introduced a “Zero Growth” hotel policy restricting new hotel construction licences in an effort to manage expansion. This year’s visitor total is expected to remain broadly in line with 2025, rather than continuing the increases seen in previous years.

Alongside those restrictions, investment is shifting towards more expensive, upmarket holidays. Last year, €1.039 billion was invested in Canarian hotel developments, more than in any other region of Spain. Much of that money has gone towards turning ageing two- and three-star hotels into luxury accommodation.

According to EY Parthenon reports, 44 new hotels and luxury extensions are expected by 2028, adding 6,395 rooms. The developments include a €700 million masterplan in Gran Canaria intended to deliver five new premium hotels over the coming years. As the market moves upmarket, budget accommodation is becoming harder to find. The Hotel Price Index shows room rates rose by 65% in the five years to 2023. More recently, the average hotel room price across the islands increased by 4.3% from 2025 to 2026, reaching €131.94 a night.

Travelling to the islands is also becoming more expensive. Jet kerosene alone now costs roughly €84.60 per passenger each way on typical routes from London airports to Gran Canaria, partly because of the fuel price surge triggered by the US and Israeli invasion of Iran.

Travel publication Fodor’s has placed the Canary Islands on its ‘No List’, highlighting destinations holidaymakers should consider avoiding.

Campaign group Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza has also warned about the pressures facing the archipelago.

“The continuous arrival of new residents—mainly Europeans—worsens overpopulation, environmental degradation, and land occupation, given the islands’ very limited space. Essential resources like water are also being pushed to their limits,” the group said.

“We are losing our identity, culture, and, ultimately, our right to exist as a community. Tourism has become unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn’t come to truly discover the islands, but to consume a fake backdrop.”

The Canary Islands tourist board has been contacted for comment.

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Tourists left stranded in Cambodia after being kicked off ‘dream cruise’ by ‘6.30am eviction’ notice

The cruise ship company, Villa Vie Residences, issued a statement explaining that it had to suspend operations because of the high cost of fuel in the wake of the Iran War

Hundreds of tourists claim to have been left stranded in Cambodia, after the company running their 15-year-long cruise around the world suddenly ‘suspended’ the trip.

Passengers aboard the Ville Vie Odyssey, owned by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences have been left abandoned in Sihanoukville in Cambodia, with ‘no help with accommodation or onward travel’, according to reports.

They claim that residents on the ship were given just seven hours’ notice to leave with all of their belongings after a ‘6.30am’ announcement on an internal message board, the Daily Mail has reported.

In an official statement, Villa Vie Residences blamed the high cost of fuel due to the Iran War for the decision. This has created ‘unsustainable financial pressure’, and the company will seek additional funding over the next 60 days.

On cruise discussion sites, residents and former residents slammed the ‘floating disaster’. One of the passengers who claims they were told to leave includes Californian Randy Cassingham, who writes about cruises. He was on board with his wife Kit, and wrote a post titled ‘Abandon Ship!’, the Daily Mail reports continue.

According to Cassingham, the news of the eviction arrived around 7am Eastern time on Monday, October 26. Posted on the internal messaging board by Villa Vie chief executive Kathy Villaba, it read: “Good morning, everyone.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the fuel necessary to continue operations. As a result, the Odyssey will enter a temporary layup this afternoon, with crew remaining onboard to maintain the vessel and its essential systems. All residents must disembark by 2pm today.”

Anyone who was unable to remove all of their belongings had to speak to guest services and coordinate an ‘orderly return’ to take them away, the Daily Mail reports add.

Cassingham wrote that residents on the Odyssey had been ‘well aware of the problems’ on board and the announcement ‘didn’t come out of the blue’. He said it was a ‘cascade of problems piling up on one another, from the business model to mistakes by management to the mentioned crisis in fuel cost and availability, and more’.

Cassingham also slammed Villalba for failing to apologise and said: “She’s the freaking CEO, and couldn’t bring herself to say it’.”

The Daily Mail says the ship was launched in 2024, with the 720-capacity Villa Vie Odyssey promising a ‘new model of global living at sea’ by allowing residents to live on board for months or years at a time.

Shirene Thomas, who is from Madison, Wisconsin, wrote on Facebook that she had been left ‘homeless’ by Villa Vie stopping business, reports continue. “This time in Cambodia,” she said.

“Note that as per usual Villa Vie has put their spin on things; they are offering no help with lodging, travel arrangements or anything.”

According to Thomas, she was ‘evicted’ at 2pm on Monday. She wrote: “They told us at 6.30am!”

In the message to residents, Villaba said that was all the information they had at the time, but the following day Villa Vie put out a statement explaining the ‘temporary layup’ was far more serious.

A statement from the company reads: “Villa Vie Residences today announced that it has suspended operations in Cambodia as the company works to address extraordinary increases in fuel costs and evaluate restructuring and recapitalization alternatives.

“Fuel costs have risen sharply in the regions where the company has been operating. On an equivalent per-cabin basis, monthly fuel expense that historically averaged approximately $1,800 has recently reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia.

“The company cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents, and the resulting shortfall has placed its current operating model under unsustainable financial pressure.

“The company is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements. Villa Vie Residences recognizes that this is a difficult and disruptive period for residents, crew members, and employees, and is working to support those affected as plans develop.

“Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port. Those measures have not been enough to offset the extraordinary increase in fuel costs, and we have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses.

“Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution. Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees while we work toward restructuring and recapitalization over the next 60 days. That work is ongoing, and no outcome is assured.”

Villa Vie Residences says it “continues to evaluate potential paths forward, but no financing or transaction has been finalized”, and that “the company will provide further updates as material developments occur”.

On Facebook, crew members told how they were ‘heartbroken’ at the news including Lucas Clyne, said the Daily Mail. He wrote: “As a crew member of Villa Vie Residences, it hurts to see residents leaving the place they have called home.

“For many people, this is not just a ship or a place to live. It is a home filled with memories, friendships, laughter, and moments that have become part of our lives.”

The Mirror has approached Villa Vie for comment.

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South Africa vs Australia: Marnus Labuschagne hits record low but new guard stand up for tourists

Third Test, Cape Town (day two of five)

South Africa 329: Ackerman 95; Starc 6-72

Australia 330-4: Inglis 85*; Jansen 2-37

Australia lead by one run

Scorecard

Marnus Labuschagne has been front and centre for an era of Australian cricket.

Chirping, chewing and, with bat in hand, often appearing to idolise and mimic his team-mate Steve Smith.

Smith has been ruled out of the enthralling decisive Test against South Africa with a neck injury.

Without him, Australia wanted their number three to feast at last chance saloon, where he has been perched for an eternity, on day two in Cape Town.

The 32-year-old lasted five deliveries and did not score a run.

Labuschagne failed to scored a Test century for the 48th time in a row – a new record for the number of innings an Australian top order batter has waited to raise his bat at three figures.

“That will never be broken,” said former Australia quick Jason Gillespie on ABC.

“I say that because, respectfully, I don’t think anyone will be given that length of time again.”

There was a time when, from his insertion into the 2019 Ashes as a concussion substitute until the end of England’s next quest to win back the earn, Labuschagne averaged 65 in Test cricket.

Repeat that over a Test career and only Sir Donald Bradman’s mark of 99.94 would be ahead.

Instead, since his last Test century at Old Trafford in 2023, he averages 24.77.

Labuschagne may get one more chance in this Test, should Australia not progress from their position of 330-4, leading by one run, and dismiss South Africa before needing to pad up again.

Even that may not be enough.

“I just feel it is too far gone now,” Gillespie added. “It is a very big sample size. Australia are at a point where they need to look elsewhere.”

Labuschagne’s technique has been poured over again and again as his slump progressed.

In August, the great Ricky Ponting, one of his predecessors as Australia’s number three, called for the axe to fall.

“He can’t score off the back foot,” was Ponting’s cutting remark.

Having batted nicely in three or four innings in this series only to give it away after reaching 30, here he was stuck on the crease, playing back to a full ball and nicking spinner Simon Harmer to slip.

“That’s nerves and the pressure the selectors have put him under for an extended period of time,” said former Australia batter Simon Katich on SEN Radio.

“They put him in this position by not making the decision to give him a breather.”

It felt like all of Labuschagne’s issues collapsing into one.

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South Africa vs Australia: Tourists facing defeat after remarkable day with careers on the line

If Katich’s words seem strong for a side 1-0 up in the series, this South African subsidence was the latest example of an Australian batting line-up only consistent for its inconsistency.

Bowled out for 132 in the first Test of the Ashes last winter, they piled up 511 in Brisbane in the next.

They scored 567 at the end of the Ashes, but were bundled out for 198 by Bangladesh in their next Test en route to a shock defeat.

Even the highs of Matt Renshaw’s 190 in the first-Test win in Durban were countered by the fact no other Australian made 50.

And after another failure, Marnus Labuschagne appears the most at risk. He will not get another chance to bat for his place before Cape Town hosts the third Test from 27 October.

After edging a drive to third slip for 14 off Anrich Nortje in the morning, he gave it away by hitting spinner Simon Harmer to long-on after tea for 39 – his third dismissal in the thirties in the series.

It was made worse by the fact he had only survived an lbw decision on review just three balls earlier.

It is now 47 innings since the 32-year-old, once the leading batter in the world, has made a Test century.

“Only he knows what was going through his mind when he tried to take Harmer down the ground, against the breeze, when Australia are trying to play for a draw,” added Katich.

“How will the Australian selectors view that dismissal?

“He’s been given plenty of rope over the past few years, when plenty of others haven’t, but he has.”

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UK seaside town loved by tourists dealt major blow after immediate closure

A five-star establishment has closed for good

A popular Scottish seaside town has been dealt a devastating blow following the sudden closure of a prominent hotel. The firm behind the establishment recently collapsed into liquidation, forcing its immediate shutdown, with all members of staff confirmed to have lost their jobs.

The Kinnettles Hotel, a five-star boutique property nestled in the heart of St Andrews, Scotland, shut its doors for good in September after its parent company, Kinnettles Hotel Limited, went into liquidation.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant partner, Gidi Grill, was locked out of the building on September 23, with owner Mo Adeniyi claiming “the building was taken over by someone else, but we hadn’t been told”. He confirmed he was now on the hunt for new premises to relocate his West African and Afro-Caribbean restaurant.

The closure of the Kinnettles Hotel, situated just a 10-minute walk from the iconic West Sands Beach and the historic St Andrews Old Course golf links, left all 12 members of staff without work.

The broader Kinnettles portfolio, which includes Kinnettles Mansion in Guardbridge and Kinnettles Castle near Forfar, had previously been put up for sale for £15 million.

Callum Carmichael, a partner at FRP Advisory, has been appointed as liquidator of the company. He confirmed that the challenges facing the business had become “insurmountable”, reports the Express.

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Mr Carmichael told The Courier: “Kinnettles Hotel has been a well-established part of St Andrews’ hospitality sector, offering boutique accommodation in the heart of the town for many years.

“Despite its established presence, the challenges facing the business and many like it in Scotland’s hospitality sector ultimately proved insurmountable. Our focus is now on safeguarding the assets of the three companies and supporting those affected.”

Nestled at 127 North Street in the heart of St Andrews town centre, the Kinnettles Hotel featured 15 spacious bedrooms, a bar, spa, and an on-site restaurant.

The hotel had garnered a string of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with guests heaping praise on the accommodation, spa and facilities alike.

One wrote in July: “I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever had a better spa experience in my life. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, every single detail was absolutely perfect.”

A second reviewer wrote in May: “I had an amazing experience at Kinnettles Hotel & Spa, truly one of the best I’ve had.”

A third posted in March: “My husband and I stayed for one night and used spa facilities and got a treatment each. First of all we were made to feel very welcomed when we entered the building , staff couldn’t do enough for us.

“The breakfast next morning was lovely but the best part was the spa facilities and the treatment it was absolutely fantastic and cant wait to go back again.”

Another visitor commented in March: “I can’t praise highly enough the Kinnettles Hotel and Spa, St Andrews. We arrived as guests and departed five days later as friends.”

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