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JUST an hour away from Porto in Portugal lies a historic riverside city with a curious culinary tradition.

Amarante, perched on a bend of the Tamega river, has become widely known for its pastries — not because of their flavour or filling, but their shape.

The treats, named bolos de Sao Goncalo after the local patron saint, are baked to look like a particular part of the male anatomy.

Many believe they are a nod to Saint Goncalo’s success as a matchmaker, after he supposedly helped scores of single women and widows find husbands.

But the pastries’ story actually dates to medieval times.

As I tour the Sao Goncalo Church and Monastery, I learn that the shape is reminiscent of the ancient rituals and traditions related to prosperity and the fertility gods.

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Over time, the cakes gradually became associated with Saint Goncalo, and even though they were banned during Portugal’s dictatorship, which ended in 1974, they have since been embraced by the people of Amarante as a proud symbol of local identity.

People who are looking for love or hoping to start a family still visit the monastery today, reciting a hopeful prayer while clutching the rope belt on his statue.

Decorated inside with ornate gold leaf carvings and traditional Portuguese tiles, the beautiful 400-year-old building is worth a visit, regardless of your hopes for love.

But I was more interested in sampling the phallic pastries.

Confeitaria da Ponte, the city’s oldest bakery — so named because of its proximity to the bridge — is a great place to try the much- loved bakes.

Owner Joana Machado tells me that Amarante delicacies are generally made with lots of egg yolks.

This includes their house speciality — a moist, round, bite-sized confection coated with sugar that is also called a bolo de Sao Goncalo, although this one looks far less phallic.

“The recipes began in the monastery,” she explains. “Nuns used the egg whites to iron the clothes, so they used the yolks for baking.” The famous pastel de nata, or Portuguese custard tart, is another example of a “conventual” sweet (meaning originating in a convent).

At riverside cafe Casa dos bolos de Sao Goncalo, on Rua 31 de Janeiro, the classic penis cake has been given a modern update.

The choux pastry case is filled with pistachio cream and topped with a drizzle of green chocolate in an apparent nod to the Dubai chocolate trend that has recently taken the world by storm.

I can’t help but giggle as I slice a piece off the top of the golden brown treat.

Tasty souvenirs

The pastry is crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle, while the pistachio filling adds a sweet, nutty flavour.

I can certainly see why these cheeky cakes have been popular for centuries!

You’ll want to dine on more than just sugary treats, though — and there are plenty of places to do that.

Northern Portuguese cuisine is more meaty than in the south, where seafood reigns supreme, and the regional speciality, slow-roasted veal, does not disappoint.

Lusitana is an excellent spot that was recommended to me by the staff at my hotel, Casa do Ribeirinho. Here, thick slices of tender, juicy meat are served with roasted potatoes and rice. The hearty meal is affordable, too.

Mains for two, a shared goat’s cheese starter and chocolate mousse for dessert with two glasses of wine costs €24 each (around £21).

For a slightly more upmarket dinner, try Ze da Calcada, which also serves regional dishes such as chicken with chestnuts, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and green beans, as well as local wines from the Douro valley.

Mains are typically €16 each (around £14).

Before you depart Amarante, be sure to visit the stall outside the Municipal Museum Amadeo de Souza Cardoso.

Dedicated to the modernist painter after whom it is named, it is currently closed for renovations.

But the stall is a great place to stock up on tasty souvenirs.

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It is laden with phallic cakes of all different sizes, some of which are crunchy like biscuits and individually wrapped with colourful ribbons.

More robust than the choux pastry variety, they make the perfect take-away treat for yourself — or a great tongue-in-cheek gift for someone who needs a bit of luck in the love department.

A UK campsite with a large children’s play park and an adult-only area has been named the best in the UK.

St Helens in the Park in North Yorkshire has been named the best campsite of the year by the AA Caravan & Camping Awards.

The 36-acre site sits on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, making it a great spot to use as a base when hiking.

After visiting, an AA inspector said St Helens was an “immaculate park with pods and terraced pitches close to North York Moors.”

At the park itself, there are five grass pitches, 18 hardstanding pitches, 22 fully serviced pitches and 27 adult-only pitches.

It then has four amenity blocks, two of which are unisex and there is a 24-hour launderette on-site too.

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For those travelling without kids, there is even an adult-only area thanks to some clever tree divides.

For visitors with children, there is a large play area though, with picnic benches.

And if you aren’t the biggest fan of camping out in a tent, then the campsite also has some camping pods, all of which have electricity.

Two also have an en suite shower room and kitchenette.

If that still isn’t luxury enough, then opt for the fully furnished lodge.

For something to eat and drink to warm you up, there is the Hitch & Brew cafe, which is open in the high season.

The cafe offers full English breakfasts, lunches and snacks such as homemade cakes.

It even serves alcohol until 10pm.

The cafe also runs themed nights, such as burger nights, curry nights and pizza nights, made fresh in the on-site pizza oven.

The campsite has a Store Cupboard shop as well, to top up on supplies such as milk and bread.

If you want to leave the campsite and explore a bit more, then there are a number of pubs and restaurants not too far away.

For example, the Walkers Fish Restaurant and Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn are both just a five minute drive away.

The campsite is located on Dawnay Estate, which sprawls across 7,500 acres and features numerous country walks.

On some walks, visitors may even spot some alpacas or donkeys.

Visitors can also take a wander to The North Yorkshire Water Park with a zip line, climbing wall, kayaking, pedalos, Park Runs and open water swimming.

The water park is also home to AquaPark – an inflatable obstacle course that sits on the water, ideal for summer days.

For somewhere further afield to explore, Scarborough is only eight miles away, and there is a bus that goes straight from outside the caravan park.

St Helens in the Park was inspected for quality and commitment to customer satisfaction by AA expert inspectors.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “British caravan and camping has never been more inspiring with parks across the country offering something truly special, from peaceful rural escapes to unforgettable coastal views.

“This year’s winners highlight the incredible variety and quality of outdoor stays in the UK, where passion, creativity and care combine to give holidaymakers experiences they’ll treasure. Congratulations to all the winners and their teams.”

Pitches are available from £23.50 per night.

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For more campsite inspiration, one of the UK’s best campsites that has its own private beach and splash park – and it’s super affordable.

Plus, here are the most popular campsites in the UK – with cocktail bars and play parks from just £14 a night.

BLACK Friday is just around the corner, with deals from food and gifts to holidays and flights.

So we’ve rounded up all of the Black Friday deals at some of the UK’s top theme parks, including free park tickets and cheap annual passes.

This year, Black Friday is on November 28, although many brands offer deals in the weeks before.

Here are some of the theme park deals in the UK – although be quick as you have to book this month.

Alton Towers

The UK’s biggest theme park is letting kids both stay and swim for free in a Black Friday deal.

This means that there are Free Child Places for any overnight stays.

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And the packages also include free entry to Alton Towers‘ waterpark.

A free buffet breakfast and nine holes at crazy gold are also included.

The Black Friday deal is valid when booked for stays between January 23 and March 12 next year.

You need to book by December 1, when the deal will expire.

Legoland

You can get a free day at the park in Legoland‘s Black Friday deal, with a complimentary second day.

Starting from £69pp, it means you don’t have to rush your first day and can make the most of your return.

The deal applies for 2026 short breaks, with the deal ending on December 1, 2025.

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park is offering free Fasttrack passes for holidays in 2026 in this year’s Black Friday.

The deal includes six Coasters Fasttrack passes when you stay in the on-site Thorpe Shark Cabins.

The six big rollercoasters included are the new Hyperia, as well as Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, SAW – The Ride, Stealth and The Swarm.

The package deal also includes two-day park entry, buffet breakfast, free parking and first hour Fastrack on the second day.

The deal is for all stays from March 27 to June 20 next year ,although the deal ends on December 2, 2025.

Paultons Park

You can get a second free day at Paultons Park in this year’s Black Friday sale.

This even includes trips booked this year, such as this month or for Christmas.

The packages include an overnight stay at a hotel, as well as the second free day pass alongside breakfast and parking.

There are also savings up to £40 on Paultons Park breaks.

The deal expires on December 2.

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Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor is yet to reveal any Black Friday deals.

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures is yet to reveal any Black Friday deals.

THE clocks have gone back and we are facing months of dark skies, morning and night. 

But long-stay holidays are perfect for those able to escape for the dreariest months of the year. 

Whether it is retirees or workers on a career break, heading off for a longer trip can often mean less money spent on energy at home as well as the chance to boost your vitamin D. 

Lisa Minot picks some great multi-week options from just £25 a night. 

21 NIGHTS IN FLORIDA

from £38pp per night 

ESCAPE the chills and head for Orlando’s thrills with a great-value 21-night stay at the 3* Grand Hotel Orlando at Universal Blvd.  

Perfectly positioned for those seeking theme park adventures, there are complimentary shuttle services to Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld and there is a golf course a 15-minute drive from the property. 

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With 334 rooms across four floors, there’s a spacious outdoor heated pool with loungers and fitness gym.

Breakfast is included and features pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit and yoghurt. 

Three weeks’ B&B is from £789pp including flights from Gatwick on January 15. See loveholidays.com. 

29 NIGHTS IN CYPRUS

from £65pp per night 

SWAP grey skies for golden sands this Christmas and see in the New Year with a sun-kissed escape to the all-inclusive Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort.  

Set amid beautiful, lush gardens and close to the beach, there’s plenty to tempt you to relax by the pool and in the spa.  

And this 29-night holiday, departing Manchester on December 15 or Gatwick on December 16, includes all your food and drinks. 

The extended break also comes with six excursions, such as a winery tour with tasting, and guided tours of Paphos, Episkopi, Kourion, Kolossi and Omodos.  Prices from £1,899pp. See justgoholidays.com. 

30 NIGHTS IN GOA

from £107pp per night 

SPLASH out a little more and you could be enjoying a month in the sunshine in North Goa.  

With its mix of Portuguese and Indian influences, you’ll get to explore Calangute and the surrounding areas, with a choice of three excursions included on this holiday. 

Enjoy a Latin quarter food trail, Old Goa heritage walk and trips to Saligao Village and Fort Aguada.  

And don’t worry about the cooking.

This all-inclusive stay at the 3* ocean-front Clarion Ocean Palms resort costs from £3,199pp and includes flights from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester in November, February and March. Plus all transfers and excursions.  

See justgoholidays.com. 

21 NIGHTS IN THAILAND

from £42pp per night 

HEAD to the bright lights of Bangkok to enjoy sizzling temperatures and all the excitement of a big city.  

Comfortable 3* The Orchid House is a great choice for couples looking for a budget stay, with colonial-style rooms complete with air conditioning. 

Set in the historic Bangkok Old Town district, there’s a peaceful garden and terrace to return to after busy days exploring the sights, including the famous Khao San Road, just an eight-minute walk away. 

Three weeks room-only is from £879pp, flying from Gatwick on November 26.  

For more information, see loveholidays.com. 

21 NIGHTS IN MALTA

from £29pp per night 

ENJOY three weeks of pampering for the price of two at the 4* Preluna Hotel and Spa in the coastal town of Sliema.  

The hotel is known for its Feel Good Wellness Spa with heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and beauty salon.  

Standard rooms feature satellite TV, minibar, free wifi and tea and coffee-making facilities.

And if you upgrade, you’ll enjoy balconies and sea views.

This 21-night break includes B&B as well as a free third week.

Prices are from £603pp with flights from Heathrow between November 14 and December 21, and then from January 4 up until March 1, 2026, at mercuryholidays.co.uk. 

34 DAYS IN BENIDORM

from £59pp per night 

IF you’re not a fan of flying, this is the one for you. 

Travelling by coach from the UK, you’ll enjoy a leisurely journey to sunny Benidorm, with overnight stops in the charming French towns of Troyes and Montpellier, plus a lunch stop in picturesque Macon. 

Once in Spain, relax with 28 nights all-inclusive at the 3* Hotel Port Fiesta Park in Benidorm.

You’ll also get to head out and explore with guided tours of Guadalest, Valencia, Villajoyosa, Alicante and Elche and excursions to Altea, Albir and Calpe markets.  

The 34-day trip, including return coach travel, is from £1,999, departing on January 7 or February 4.

See justgoholidays.com. 

21 NIGHTS IN PORTUGAL

from £25pp per night 

MANY hotels reduce their rates for long stays – and Mercury Holidays is currently offering a third week free on selected packages.  

Portugal’s mild winters and stunning Algarve coastline are perfect for an extended trip. 

The Muthu Clube Praia da Oura is just a short walk from Albufeira’s golden beaches and sits in lush tropical gardens. 

Enjoy 21 nights from £516pp including return flights from Gatwick. 

The third week is free self-catering when the first two weeks are booked B&B.

There’s also an option to upgrade to half-board or all-inclusive. 

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Price are for stays until December 26 and from January 4 to March 31.

See mercuryholidays.co.uk. 

TWISTING the handles of his personal periscope around, my son Billy lets out an excited gasp.

Through the lens he’s able to catch a glimpse of the rollercoasters and colourful rides that await him at Chessington World of Adventures, right on the doorstep of our hotel.

I’m staying in one of the theme park’s new Paw Patrol-themed rooms, offered up just in time for half term.

Part of Chessington’s Safari Resort hotel, the five new pup-tastic bedrooms offer a glimpse of what’s to come when a new Paw Patrol-themed land opens next spring.

Nothing has been spared on making these spaces as immersive as possible.

Funky bunk beds have been disguised as the famous Paw Patroller truck featured in the show, with a driver’s seat at the front and a steering wheel that little ones can play with.

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A yellow periscope in the main room, that fans will recognise as a replica of that from the Paw Patrol Lookout Tower, is surrounded by coloured bean bags which kids can plonk themselves on when spying on the theme park.

And if the view from the periscope isn’t enough to impress them, the bedroom window one will be.

Rooms overlook the park’s Wanyama Reserve, and one afternoon we were treated to the sight of two giraffes munching away on their leafy dinner.

I was grateful for some tranquillity to balance out the “wow” of the all-singing, all-dancing bedroom.

The decor here is bold and bright, with huge murals of the pups showing their wacky adventures.

Rooms sleep up to two adults, in a plump double bed, and three children.

They also come with a special Paw Patrol parking outside.

Even when you’re dining at one of the two restaurants, you’re likely to bump into your little ones’ favourite character.

As Billy tucked into his junior Wanyama burger (£7) at dinner, he clocked Skye giving some of her fans a high-five and a cuddle across the room.

If you don’t get to meet your hero at the hotel, Paw Patrol guests can nab fast-track entry to daily meet-and-greets with Chase, Skye and Rubble in the park.

A night’s stay comes with a huge buffet breakfast – which has everything from a full English to pancakes and pastries and is available from 7am to 10am.

Access to the hotel’s Savannah Splash Pool means children can burn off any extra energy.

After an action-packed day here, adults will be just as grateful for the ultra-comfy beds as the kids are.

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Paw Patrol stays start from £155 for a family of four, including bed and breakfast. Stays include early ride access, a Pup Pass (meet-and-greet fast track pass) and a Reserve & Ride one-shot pass.

Guests staying before the Paw Patrol-themed land opens will have a chance to be one of the first to ride the new rollercoaster in 2026.

FANCY a bit of the royal treatment? I know just the, er, palace.

The Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort on Morocco’s north-west coast is regal in both size and design.

With its dreamy arches and soaring ceilings, traditional Zellij tiling, tree-lined atrium and central courtyards, this five-star wonder is truly fit for royalty.

Inside, everything smells of rich orange blossom. You could get lost here. In fact, you want to.

In the early Noughties, the country’s King Mohammed VI wanted the fortified city of El Jadida, a Unesco World Heritage Site, to be emblazoned on the tourist map.

The Mazagan, from the same luxury Kerzner hotel group as Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, has helped him achieve this.

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It is drawing an impressive crowd.

Pop princess Paloma Faith stayed here with her family this year and Moroccan golf star Ayoub Lguirati — winner of the first Arab World Professional Championship in 2023 — often plays the resort’s beachfront course designed by one of the sport’s greats, Gary Player.

Oh, and now I was there.

The 500-room Mazagan is so grand that it is home to one of North Africa’s largest casinos — and one evening, my friends and I joined the guests trying their luck on its 37 gaming tables, 80 roulettes wheels and 370 slot machines.

Good news for risk-takers is that the casino stays open 23 hours a day, so this hotel almost never sleeps.

But as amateurs, we didn’t fancy losing a king’s ransom on Blackjack, so moved on to the 1940s-themed Studio 42 lounge bar next door which is swathed in royal-green velvet drapes.

It has live music at weekends and serves glam cocktails including a homemade rosé liquor and gin concoction for £10, or local beer from £5.50, so is a sure bet for a nightcap or two.

When it came time to hit the hay, my ocean-view room was similar in its grandeur to the rest of the hotel, with traditional metal hanging lanterns, dark-wood furniture, and a bed that could fit a family of four.

Thankfully, 80 per cent of the rooms are connecting, so parents do not have to share with little ’uns.

Even with the balconette doors to my room closed, I could hear the inviting roar of the Atlantic Ocean.

It is safe to swim here — there’s a lifeguard during the day — but you can also rent paddle and bodyboards, or make the most of the swell with surf lessons.

Even in late September, temperatures in El Jadida can reach 30C.

Animal-lovers will enjoy a trip to the Mazagan’s farm, which has goats, cows and chickens. Its beachfront stables are immaculately maintained and the horses and ponies have shiny, glowing coats.

Riding on the beach has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, so on an unusually grey afternoon I climbed on to a palomino-coloured mare called Rosa and headed for the shore.

She trotted along Haouzia Beach, steadily swerving the incoming tide, as I sat back — nay, upright — to enjoy the view. The next day, for something more fast-paced, our group zoomed along the sand — thankfully flat — on quad bikes.

The Mazagan also has laser games, go-karting, paintballing, a 22ft climbing wall, archery, a gym, and pickleball and tennis courts. There are daytime clubs for both kids and teens, too.

But a holiday in Morocco calls for a spot of haggling in the medina — and just the place for that is Casablanca which is the country’s largest, most cosmopolitan city, just an hour’s drive from the hotel.

Built in the early 19th century by the French, the New Medina is smaller and less chaotic than its walled older counterpart but just as authentic.

We find everything from artisan teapots and pottery, leather bags and hand-woven Berber rugs, to stalls piled high with native olives for a fraction of what we would pay at home.

Casablanca also has a striking mix of religious buildings, owing to its colonial history.

Many of these, such as the monumental Hassan II Mosque on the city’s promenade, offer guided tours.

Arabesque carvings

The Hassan II Mosque is a gem — with the world’s second-tallest minaret at 689ft and an elaborately decorated prayer room which can fit 20,000 worshippers.

As is customary if entering a mosque, we removed our shoes.

Our guide then recounted tales of its craftmanship as we quietly admired the stonework, arabesque carvings, Murano glass chandeliers, and titanium doors weighing several tonnes.

For many Brits, though, Casablanca will conjure memories of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s 1942 film — although the wartime classic was actually filmed in Hollywood.

Disappointed to discover Rick’s Cafe from the film did not exist, an American woman opened a replica bar, with grand piano and Moroccan hanging lanterns, in the Old Medina in 2004.

“Of all the gins joints in all the towns”, to quote from the film, this one was well worth walking into for a boozy pit-stop on the way back to the Mazagan.

But, of course, there’s nothing wrong with spending a week simply lazing beside the resort’s lagoon-style pool, having treatments in its award-winning spa and eating and drinking like royalty in its 13 restaurants and bars.

The Market Place evening buffet offers an abundance of local and international dishes, from salads to saffron slow-cooked lamb, shawarma and a wok station.

Or the hotel’s jewel in the crown, the dimly lit Bushra restaurant, serves up Middle Eastern dishes and a live band to its impressively receptive diners.

Sat under gigantic brass chandeliers and dramatic drapes, even the grannies sang and clapped cheerily between mouthfuls of hummus with beef fillet, grilled jumbo shrimps and the most tender slow-cooked lamb.

Just like the flavours, the service is five-star — waiter Wafae deserves mention.

But I had my favourite-ever starter in Sel de Mer.

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The nautically-themed seafood restaurant has an extraordinary signature dish of blue lobster salad with fennel remoulade and mustard jus. At £26, it is not cheap, but lobster never is.

I could get used to living like a queen.

YOU’RE in the Alps for a ski holiday – you’ve got your gear, your lift pass and the optimism that you won’t wipe out on a blue run as kids whizz past you.

But what if skiing on a skiing holiday is optional?

What if there’s an Alpine world that doesn’t require you to throw yourself downhill at speed?

The wild and wonderful phenomenon of après-ski only gears up after the lifts stop — and the party gets going.

Après-ski is no small affair — this is not just drinks before dinner.

In the Three Valleys area of the French Alps, après is a daily festival and feels like a way of life.

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Picture this: a live band steps on stage ahead of a DJ surrounded by strobe lights, crowds are dancing on the tables (in ski boots) and bobble hats are thrown in the air.

This melee of strangers is swaying together, drinks in hand, as revellers sing at the top of their lungs.

This is a kind of Alpine Glastonbury, where people swap flower crowns and flags for puffer jackets and goggles.

And the best part? You don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy it.

The Three Valleys is known for some of the best slopes in the world, with almost 600km of pistes, as high as 3,000 metres, to pick from.

But interconnected Valleys resorts Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens also showcase thousands of music gigs.

The magic is thanks to London and Méribel-based agency Après Ski Bands, which books more than 3,500 such events per season across 130 venues.

These aren’t bog-standard cover bands — they’re high-energy pros, picked in X Factor-style auditions in the UK, who turn ski resorts into concert venues during winter.

In five days in the Alps, I saw nine superb acts without even trying — starting with party band Magnolia, ending with DJ and MC duo Rio & Rhymes and acts in between including emerging alt-rock talent Pattern Pusher and diverse après heroes The Wingmen.

For folk fans, there’s guitarist Chris Quinn, who opened for the Jools Holland Orchestra, and singer-songwriter Albert Jones, who appeared on BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Performing in the Alps is hard graft, as musicians play up to 140 dates in a single season.

At Lodge Du Village in Méribel alone, there are 900 live gigs each winter — with Mondays to Wednesdays often wilder than Saturday nights (free shots for those who arrive early).

Le Rond Point — or Ronnie — in Méribel is one of those places where you show up for one drink and suddenly it’s four hours later, and you’re leading a conga line and wearing someone else’s unicorn onesie.

And let’s not forget ultra-Insta La Folie Douce, a venue likened to Ibiza in the snow. If it sounds like an attack on the senses, that’s because it is.

But if partying isn’t really your thing, there are other things on offer in the Valleys.

For a touch of luxury, hit a hotel spa or soak in your chalet’s outdoor hot tub with a glass of fizz, watching skiers from a distance.

If you want to be on the white stuff minus the face-planting, then snowshoeing or sled-dog walking are great for exploring at a gentle pace.

Then, of course, there is the ultimate Alpine sport — eating.

Food here is an attraction in itself, with Méribel’s Le Cro Magnon and La Terrasse du Village delivering everything from hearty Savoyard to refined French-British fusion.

If you come to the Alps and don’t eat fondue, tartiflette or raclette, did you even visit the Alps?

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And now it’s not just a winter thing, with resorts shifting towards year-round tourism, meaning the party doesn’t stop when the snow starts to melt in April.

Whether you’re dancing on tables, belting out rock anthems with a crowd of strangers, exploring snowy forests, or eating your bodyweight in cheese, you’ve made it down a black run to holiday heaven.

From gorgeous Getxo to the City of Love, you won’t want to come home from these mint mini-breaks

SPAIN – Palacio Arriluce Hotel, Getxo

Commissioning Editor Martha Cliff and fiancée Lauren found foodie heaven near Bilbao.

THE PAD

Perched on a striking cliffside overlooking the Bay of Abra in Getxo and with a beauty of an outdoor pool, this 18th-century boutique gem sits in a palatial setting and offers the perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance.

Craving vistas of the rolling Basque mountains? You’ve got it. Want to gaze at boats bobbing in the harbour? No problem. A city view more your vibe? It’s got that, too.

Be sure to eat breakfast – think other-worldly Spanish tortilla and Iberico ham – on the terrace to take full advantage.

Meanwhile, come dinner at Delaunay, try local specialities such as grilled kokotxas (hake chin) on stewed spider crab, £35, and Iberian pork shoulder with passionfruit, £31.

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Eye-squintingly-rich chocolate mousse and pumpkin ice cream, £15, will seal the deal.

Return to your room – one of just 49 – and find home-made chocolates and lavender spray to aid a sublime slumber.

EXPLORE

The bustling city of Bilbao is a 20-minute metro ride away.

Join a three-hour walking tour with guide Saioa to learn about the history and architecture, £21 per person (Smartinbilbao.com).

Before you leave, head to Gran Vía, Bilbao’s shopping hub, and sample the famous butter buns, £2.75, at Pastelería Arrese.

Back in Getxo, stop by Bizkaia Bridge – the oldest transporter bridge in the world – and enjoy views of Bilbao from the 45-metre-high walkway.

Entry costs £9 per person (Puente-colgante.com).

REFUEL

Make sure you’re there on a Thursday to join locals in Getxo for “pintxo pote”, a foodie’s dream bar crawl and Basque country tradition.

Restaurante Ixta Bide offers four pintxos (small savoury snacks) – our fave was pintxo de txaka, akin to a mini crab sandwich – and two vinos for a mere £9.

Just don’t expect to bag a seat! Wind your way up the steps of Algorta to reach Arrantzale and finish on its perfectly salted pork belly (Arrantzale.com).

While day-tripping, step into one of Bilbao’s oldest bars, Café Iruña, just a hop from Arbando metro station.

Dating back to 1903, the beautiful tiling is reason enough to visit, but coffee for just £1.75, is a big pull, too.

Or opt for a glass of the local txakoli white wine, £2.70, instead (Cafeirunabilbao.com).

DON’T MISS

The works inside Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum are, of course, breathtaking, but the building itself and its surrounding sculptures – including Puppy, a massive dog made of flowers by American artist Jeff Koons – are worth the trip alone.

Entry costs £13 (Guggenheim-bilbao.eus).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at Palacio Arriluce Hotel cost from £249 B&B (Palacioarrilucehotel.com).

Fly to Bilbao from London Gatwick and Heathrow with Vueling from £56 return (Vueling.com).

FRANCE – Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris

Creative Director Mark Hayman and wife Margaret fell for cocktails and culture in the French capital.

THE PAD

This sleek bolt-hole in the city’s Latin Quarter has shaken off its Holiday Inn past to channel full Hollywood glamour.

Think rich woods, bamboo accents and pretty palms, with rooms that feel like film sets, thanks to glass dividers, velvet finishes and luxe bathrooms made for long soaks.

Downstairs, Pimpan serves up bold Franco-Mexican fusions on a leafy terrace – highlights include beef tartare with piquillos, £12.50, lamb shoulder with harissa, £25, and hibiscus-poached pear, £11.

But the real scene-stealer is the rooftop bar, where 360-degree skyline views stretch from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Cœur – even locals come here for the vistas.

Order a Spritz del Arte (Aperol, mango liqueur, rum and prosecco), £17, or the punchy Uno Mas margarita, £14, pop on your biggest sunglasses and watch the city turn blush at sunset.

There’s also a sauna and a gym kitted out with sculptural wooden equipment for those partial to a designer workout.

EXPLORE

First time in Paris? Glide down the Seine aboard the Batobus – this hop-on-hop-off riverboat is a relaxing (and photogenic) way to tick off major sights like the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.

A day pass costs £17.50 (Batobus.com).

Once on dry land, seek out legendary bookshop Shakespeare And Company – get lost in the maze of tomes and grab an iconic tote, £13 (Shakespeareandcompany.com).

For more treasure-hunting, swing by the flea market off Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine – a weekend haven of vintage mirrors, mid-century ceramics and nostalgic postcards.

There’s no entry fee, just bring cash and your best haggling game.

Then head to the Panthéon, a neoclassical gem where Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie lie in dramatic crypts beneath a rooftop dome offering jaw-dropping views.

Entry costs £10 per person (Paris-pantheon.fr).

REFUEL

Lively, retro-chic Brasserie Dubillot’s espresso martinis, £10.50, are a must, but equally good is the sausage and mash with truffle sauce, £16, steak-frites, £21, and the perfect crème brûlée, £8 (Lanouvellegarde.com/brasserie-dubillot).

Craving something casual? PNY serves next-level burgers with aged beef, brioche buns and toppings like smoked cheddar and pickled jalapeños, from £11.50 (Pnyburger.com).

Or just nab a pavement perch at Café Saint-André for a croque monsieur, £10.50, a glass of sancerre, £7, and some world-class people-watching.

DON’T MISS

Notre-Dame cathedral is one of Paris’ most iconic buildings for good reason.

Step inside to take in its Gothic arches, stained glass, and newly restored grandeur.

Entry is free, but book a time slot (Notredamedeparis.fr).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at Hôtel Dame des Arts cost from £226 per night (Damedesarts.com).

Psst…

Fancy something a little more party? Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoods, with captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheel.

Suave rooms come with huge tubs, rain showers and espresso machines, from £304 per night (Rixos.com).

Downstairs is Azure Beach Club with its large pool, pumping soundtrack, outdoor gym and private beach (Azure-beach.com/dubai).

The breakfast buffet is, in true Dubai style, eye-poppingly big – you can even blend your own fresh peanut butter.

COST CUTTER

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Plus, you’re half an hour’s cab ride from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, for that classic Dubai selfie – viewing platform visits cost from £37 per person (Burjkhalifa.ae).

When you’re craving a chilled day, head to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for lobster linguine, £37, and burrata pizza, £17, with excellent Whitsunday spritzes – an exquisite blend of grapefruit bitters, strawberry shrub, pink grapefruit, citrus vodka, Aperol and prosecco, £14 (Byronbathers.com).