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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Our travel team's favourite TUI holidays from African beach resorts to European bucket list hotels
THE SUN's Travel Team have certainly racked up the trips abroad, travelling everywhere from Europe to Africa. And as one of the UK's biggest tour operators, that means we've also done our fair share of TUI holidays . 12 We've revealed some of our favourite resorts Credit: google maps So here are some of our favourite hotels we've stayed at on a TUI holiday. Pickalbatros White Beach Resort Taghazout, Morocco Morocco is the best place for five star luxury on a budget - and one that I loved was the Costing as little as £885 each for seven nights all-inclusive, you feel its grandeur when you walk in with the huge marble lobby and towering glass windows. It's adult-only, with six pools to choose from and a beautifully golden sandy beach to watch one of the many surfers. Read more on TUI hotels Stays include one free visit per stay to the speciality restaurant Azha, which offers up delicious authentic Moroccan cuisine. Otherwise there is the Sachi bar overlooking the rest of the resort, as well as the pink sunsets. - Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey Bluesun Hotel Jadran, Croatia The standout of this laid-back resort is not its jaw-dropping location (although waking up to panoramic views of Croatia's sundrenched coastline each morning is no tough feat), it's the breadth of wellness facilities. Most read in Beach holidays As much as flopping on a sun lounger and catching a tan is my priority on holiday, I hate having to completely sacrifice my gym routine - and luckily I didn't have to at Bluesun Hotel Jadran. There are health and fitness activities galore here, as well as water sports. And the best part is, they're all included in the price of a stay. The African hotspot with TUI holidays set to be big next year 12 I loved the five star glamour as well as the fitness aspect When I wasn't practising my downward-facing dog under the shade of a palm tree or getting my heart racing on the tennis courts , I was swigging back a spritz on the pebble beach and tucking into the freshest seafood – after all, the hotel does occupy a prime spot on the Dalmatian coast. Think scorched octopus and garlicky, sizzling prawns. The village of Tucepi, in which the hotel sits, is quiet, so don't expect any wild parties, but the historic city of Split is just over an hour away by car, while the rugged mountains that back the hotel are great for exploring by bike (these can be hired at reception). For the more adventurous, there's also river rafting, canyoning and diving (all of which come at an additional charge). Any tired muscles can be soothed at the on-site spa, which is as lavish as you'd expect from a five-star resort. Both mountain-view and sea-view rooms are epic, but the sunsets over the ocean are some of the best I've ever seen. Visit in October this year and you can stay for less than £700 each for the week. - Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski 12 The views from the hotel pool are amazing Credit: Google maps 12 But the sunsets over the ocean are beautiful tooo Credit: Google maps Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas, Fuerteventura, Brits are very limited when it comes to sunshine breaks with short flight times in February half term. But after a very late booking last winter , where most of the big TUI family hotels were booked out, I lucked out with a lesser-known gem on the edge of Fuerteventura's Grandes Playas - at the At first glance of the website, I might have opted for a different hotel as it had no kids activities. But this ended up being perfect for a relaxing holiday with my mum and five-year-old son. The 50-year-old hotel doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a more modern resort, but the hospitality was outstanding and the location on one of the island's best beaches was unbeatable. 12 Our Fuerteventura hotel was the best location Despite being fully booked, the hotel itself never felt crowded. And the small number of other young families meant all the kids in the resort instantly became friends - and were easily monitored throughout the hotel grounds. The food was great too, with no queues at the various restaurant stations, no matter what time you showed up - and some of the best all-inclusive dishes I've had. Shout outs also to the wonderful TUI rep Samuel, a born-and-bred Fuertaventurean who gave us all his best local recommendations for exploring the island, and the charming bar staff who loved inventing elaborate mocktails for the kids. - Head of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire 12 The hotel was so big it never felt crowded Credit: Google maps Riu Baobab, Senegal TUI launched the And the Riu Baobab remains their only hotel in the country, lining the Pointe Sarane coastline. I was never bored at the resort despite staying there for seven days (and as a serial adventure-goer over a fly-and-flopper, that is saying something). There are the four huge pools overlooking the beach, the swim up pool bars and the copious amounts of sunloungers to choose from. 12 The hotel swim up pool bar was where I was most afternoons The hotel buffet changed enough to keep you hooked , as well as having local Senegalese food. But I was seriously impressed by the specialty restaurants which can very often be a letdown. But the sushi at the Asian Dorayaki and the pasta dishes at Veneto were a highlight of the meals at the hotel. But even with the pools and unlimited free drinks it was the staff that made it, always happy to chat, dance by the beach or being cheeky in general. And if there is one thing you must do? Make sure you have a go or two on their on-site waterslides too... - Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 12 And the resort was right on the beach, with no other hotels near us Credit: Google maps - Hotel Riu Serena Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya I visited Kenya for the first time with TUI, as part of their beach-safari combination holidays . And while the safari itself was a fantastic experience (spotting baby lion cubs up close) the beach resort itself was a beautiful way to end the trip. The Serena Beach Resort & Spa is stunning as soon as you walk in, with bright pink flowers and bush palm trees lining the gardens. It has an intimately small swimming pool complete with a pool bar serving all the cocktails you could want. 12 My trip to Kenya wasn't all safari tours, with some beautiful beach hotels along the way We then hopped over to the beach bar, with cushions and blankets lying on the floor making it the perfect place to watch the sun go down. Trying the hammock after one too many drinks was certainly a challenge... Food options include the buffet Fountain restaurant, as well as the pizzeria, grill and ice cream shack. But you aren't coming here for the food, but for a good night sleep before an early morning safari - and its safe to say I passed straight out... I can also recommend the Baobab Beach Resort & Spa in Diani Beach - just beware of the monkeys! - Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 12 It was small but intimate Credit: google maps 4H Lapland Hotel Saaga, Finland A trip to see Santa in Lapland is the stuff bucket lists are made of, but they've always seemed as out of reach to me as a trip to Dubai . So I was pleasantly shocked by the The package holiday also includes a trip to the Snow Village with Santa meet-and-greet, snowmobile ride, ice palace visit and gingerbread-making, as well as a three-course Christmas dinner with entertainment on the last night. The hotel itself was also great, especially for the price, with a decent breakfast and option to tag on evening meals, and a fantastic location next to Finland's largest ski resort meant we were able to squeeze in half a day's skiing too. Plus,for those able to stay awake long enough after the day's activities, there was also the chance to see the - Head of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire 12 I couldn't believe how affordable the bucket list trip was 12 We even managed to fit in some skiing too Credit: Google maps
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Our travel team's favourite TUI holidays from African beach resorts to European bucket list hotels
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE SUN's Travel Team have certainly racked up the trips abroad, travelling everywhere from Europe to Africa. And as one of the UK's biggest tour operators, that means we've also done our fair share of TUI holidays. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 We've revealed some of our favourite resorts Credit: google maps So here are some of our favourite hotels we've stayed at on a TUI holiday. Pickalbatros White Beach Resort Taghazout, Morocco Morocco is the best place for five star luxury on a budget - and one that I loved was the Pickalbatros White Beach Resort . Costing as little as £885 each for seven nights all-inclusive, you feel its grandeur when you walk in with the huge marble lobby and towering glass windows. It's adult-only, with six pools to choose from and a beautifully golden sandy beach to watch one of the many surfers. Stays include one free visit per stay to the speciality restaurant Azha, which offers up delicious authentic Moroccan cuisine. Otherwise there is the Sachi bar overlooking the rest of the resort, as well as the pink sunsets. - Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey Bluesun Hotel Jadran, Croatia The standout of this laid-back resort is not its jaw-dropping location (although waking up to panoramic views of Croatia's sundrenched coastline each morning is no tough feat), it's the breadth of wellness facilities. As much as flopping on a sun lounger and catching a tan is my priority on holiday, I hate having to completely sacrifice my gym routine - and luckily I didn't have to at Bluesun Hotel Jadran. There are health and fitness activities galore here, as well as water sports. And the best part is, they're all included in the price of a stay. The African hotspot with TUI holidays set to be big next year 12 I loved the five star glamour as well as the fitness aspect When I wasn't practising my downward-facing dog under the shade of a palm tree or getting my heart racing on the tennis courts, I was swigging back a spritz on the pebble beach and tucking into the freshest seafood – after all, the hotel does occupy a prime spot on the Dalmatian coast. Think scorched octopus and garlicky, sizzling prawns. The village of Tucepi, in which the hotel sits, is quiet, so don't expect any wild parties, but the historic city of Split is just over an hour away by car, while the rugged mountains that back the hotel are great for exploring by bike (these can be hired at reception). For the more adventurous, there's also river rafting, canyoning and diving (all of which come at an additional charge). Any tired muscles can be soothed at the on-site spa, which is as lavish as you'd expect from a five-star resort. Both mountain-view and sea-view rooms are epic, but the sunsets over the ocean are some of the best I've ever seen. Visit in October this year and you can stay for less than £700 each for the week. - Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski 12 The views from the hotel pool are amazing Credit: Google maps 12 But the sunsets over the ocean are beautiful tooo Credit: Google maps Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas, Fuerteventura, Brits are very limited when it comes to sunshine breaks with short flight times in February half term. But after a very late booking last winter, where most of the big TUI family hotels were booked out, I lucked out with a lesser-known gem on the edge of Fuerteventura's Grandes Playas - at the Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas. At first glance of the website, I might have opted for a different hotel as it had no kids activities. But this ended up being perfect for a relaxing holiday with my mum and five-year-old son. The 50-year-old hotel doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a more modern resort, but the hospitality was outstanding and the location on one of the island's best beaches was unbeatable. 12 Our Fuerteventura hotel was the best location Despite being fully booked, the hotel itself never felt crowded. And the small number of other young families meant all the kids in the resort instantly became friends - and were easily monitored throughout the hotel grounds. The food was great too, with no queues at the various restaurant stations, no matter what time you showed up - and some of the best all-inclusive dishes I've had. Shout outs also to the wonderful TUI rep Samuel, a born-and-bred Fuertaventurean who gave us all his best local recommendations for exploring the island, and the charming bar staff who loved inventing elaborate mocktails for the kids. - Head of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire 12 The hotel was so big it never felt crowded Credit: Google maps Riu Baobab, Senegal TUI launched the first direct flights to Senegal back in 2022, and I was the first to visit. And the Riu Baobab remains their only hotel in the country, lining the Pointe Sarane coastline. I was never bored at the resort despite staying there for seven days (and as a serial adventure-goer over a fly-and-flopper, that is saying something). There are the four huge pools overlooking the beach, the swim up pool bars and the copious amounts of sunloungers to choose from. 12 The hotel swim up pool bar was where I was most afternoons The hotel buffet changed enough to keep you hooked, as well as having local Senegalese food. But I was seriously impressed by the specialty restaurants which can very often be a letdown. But the sushi at the Asian Dorayaki and the pasta dishes at Veneto were a highlight of the meals at the hotel. But even with the pools and unlimited free drinks it was the staff that made it, always happy to chat, dance by the beach or being cheeky in general. And if there is one thing you must do? Make sure you have a go or two on their on-site waterslides too... - Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 12 And the resort was right on the beach, with no other hotels near us Credit: Google maps - Hotel Riu Serena Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya I visited Kenya for the first time with TUI, as part of their beach-safari combination holidays. And while the safari itself was a fantastic experience (spotting baby lion cubs up close) the beach resort itself was a beautiful way to end the trip. The Serena Beach Resort & Spa is stunning as soon as you walk in, with bright pink flowers and bush palm trees lining the gardens. It has an intimately small swimming pool complete with a pool bar serving all the cocktails you could want. 12 My trip to Kenya wasn't all safari tours, with some beautiful beach hotels along the way We then hopped over to the beach bar, with cushions and blankets lying on the floor making it the perfect place to watch the sun go down. Trying the hammock after one too many drinks was certainly a challenge... Food options include the buffet Fountain restaurant, as well as the pizzeria, grill and ice cream shack. But you aren't coming here for the food, but for a good night sleep before an early morning safari - and its safe to say I passed straight out... I can also recommend the Baobab Beach Resort & Spa in Diani Beach - just beware of the monkeys! - Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 12 It was small but intimate Credit: google maps 4H Lapland Hotel Saaga, Finland A trip to see Santa in Lapland is the stuff bucket lists are made of, but they've always seemed as out of reach to me as a trip to Dubai. So I was pleasantly shocked by the four-night trip that my five year old and I took to Yllas in Finnish Lapland last December, which cost from £1,027pp on a B&B basis at the 4H Lapland Hotel Saaga, including flights. The package holiday also includes a trip to the Snow Village with Santa meet-and-greet, snowmobile ride, ice palace visit and gingerbread-making, as well as a three-course Christmas dinner with entertainment on the last night. The hotel itself was also great, especially for the price, with a decent breakfast and option to tag on evening meals, and a fantastic location next to Finland's largest ski resort meant we were able to squeeze in half a day's skiing too. Plus,for those able to stay awake long enough after the day's activities, there was also the chance to see the Northern Lights. - Head of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire 12 I couldn't believe how affordable the bucket list trip was
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Caerleon charity events hit by council's parking tickets
On Saturday, June 7, Newport Council issued a series of parking tickets to people attending various fundraising events in the town. On the day, Caerleon had been playing host to a number of charity events and celebrations for numerous causes and organisations. Jon Shine, of Country Connect, fumed: 'Newport Council - abhorrent behaviour! In the quiet community of Caerleon we have hundreds of visitors celebrating a host of different events and causes. 'We have the Caerleon RFC mini and juniors' rugby club's 'Thank You' event for the coaches and contributors who give their time for free, supporting our children week in week out. 'We have the cricket club playing a game with visitors to our village. 'We have hundreds bike riding to raise money for palliative care at St David's Hospice with the Dalmatian bike ride.' The food firm boss said the council penalised people for parking responsibly when supporting a host of good causes: 'Newport Council sent out a traffic warden to book those attending these events. Nothing short of a disgrace, Newport Council!' Newport Council say patrols in towns and villages are a normal part of traffic enforcement duties. Everyone has the opportunity to park safely, they say. Mr Shine suggested the council should concentrate on core issues such as potholes, electric charging spaces 'which have never been operational for two years', filthy streets and antisocial behaviour. He argued such things were more important than: 'screwing people who are actually giving back to the community the council is meant to represent.' A spokesman for Newport City Council argued that the parking tickets were part of normal traffic enforcement and the ongoing operation of restrictions that are crucial to the operation of towns and villages. 'Our civil parking enforcement team were not aware of any events taking place in Caerleon beforehand. This area was simply part of their patrol rota which had been scheduled several weeks ago.' The enforcement action included a dozen tickets given out for a variety of minor offences. The spokesman added: 'We're always happy to work with event organisers to provide advice and guidance on parking.' The Council pointed out they have standard parking regulation duties to perform and the ticketing was a necessary part of normal enforcement: "So that everyone has the opportunity to park safely and, if required, in a designated bay, without obstructing other vehicles.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
The 35p IKEA flower that blooms all summer AND survives winter – it comes in loads of bright colours & perfect for pots
Plus, the gardening jobs you need to tackle this month FLOWER POWER The 35p IKEA flower that blooms all summer AND survives winter – it comes in loads of bright colours & perfect for pots Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEASONAL flowers are beautiful, but perennial plants provide infinite colour and joy. Pansies are considered a short-lived perennial, meaning they can survive for more than one growing season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Pansies come in an array of colours and flower for months if deadheaded, watered and fed Credit: Getty 3 The pansies come in packs of 10 from IKEA Credit: IKEA They are super colourful, often marked in the centre and look like faces - sometimes with darker blotches or 'whiskered' or plain. They come in an enormous range of colours and variations - from blue, mauve, pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. What's more, they flower all year round, which is great when the rest of your garden dies back and you're desperate for colour in the winter. Pansies start petite in size but can spread, so they make the perfect plant to add to your garden borders, pots and hanging baskets. And IKEA is selling trays of 10 pansies for just £3.50 - that's 35p a plant! The online product description for the pansies reads: "Let your indoor and outdoor plant pots bloom with lively pansies." And IKEA customers were impressed with the pansies, one said: "They've provided continuous spring colour to our garden." Another wrote: "Good value great price, lovely plants." A third reviewed: "Good value pansies nice colours and healthy plants." How to care for pansies Pansies do best in full sun to partial shade. If there has been continuous hot weather, they need to be watered regularly - and water the soil rather than the foliage as this avoids the spread of fungal diseases. From spring to autumn, it's recommended that you feed them fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser, and remove the faded and dead flowers regularly, which encourages the plant to keep producing new blooms. Maura Derrane leaves fans 'inspired' as she shows off impressive city garden You can do this by either pinching them off with your finger and thumb, or using a pair of garden snips or secateurs to cut off the dead heads. Other flowers that come back every year Chrysanthemums A hardy perennial, Chrysanthemums if planted in the right conditions will return the following year. Campanula portenschlagiana Nicknamed the Dalmatian bellflower, Campanula portenschlagiana is a hardy perennial, meaning it will typically return each year. June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. It forms a mat-like ground cover and is known for its spreading habit which is perfect for the front of garden borders or under trees and shrubs. Kalanchoe Also known as "widow's thrill" for its reputation for being very hardy and able to thrive in harsh conditions, including neglect and minimal watering. As perennial succulents, kalanchoe thrives indoors and required a period of reduced light and water to simulate winter dormancy.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
The 35p IKEA flower that blooms all summer AND survives winter – it comes in loads of bright colours & perfect for pots
SEASONAL flowers are beautiful, but perennial plants provide infinite colour and joy. Pansies are considered a short-lived perennial, meaning they can survive for more than one growing season. Advertisement 3 Pansies come in an array of colours and flower for months if deadheaded, watered and fed Credit: Getty 3 The pansies come in packs of 10 from IKEA Credit: IKEA They are super colourful, often marked in the centre and look like faces - sometimes with darker blotches or 'whiskered' or plain. They come in an enormous range of colours and variations - from blue, mauve, pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. What's more, they Pansies start petite in size but can spread, so they make the perfect plant to add to your garden borders, pots and hanging baskets. Advertisement READ MORE GARDENING STORIES And IKEA is selling trays of 10 pansies for just £3.50 - that's 35p a plant! The online product description for the pansies reads: "Let your indoor and outdoor plant pots bloom with lively pansies." And IKEA customers were impressed with the pansies, one said: "They've provided continuous spring colour to our garden." Another wrote: "Good value great price, lovely plants." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous A third reviewed: "Good value pansies nice colours and healthy plants." How to care for pansies Pansies do best in full sun to partial shade. If there has been continuous hot weather, they need to be watered regularly - and water the soil rather than the foliage as this avoids the spread of fungal diseases. From spring to autumn, it's recommended that you feed them fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser, and remove the faded and dead flowers regularly, which encourages the plant to keep producing new blooms. Advertisement Maura Derrane leaves fans 'inspired' as she shows off impressive city garden You can do this by either pinching them off with your finger and thumb, or using a pair of garden snips or secateurs to cut off the dead heads. Other flowers that come back every year Chrysanthemums A hardy perennial, Chrysanthemums if planted in the right conditions will return the following year. Campanula portenschlagiana Advertisement Nicknamed the Dalmatian bellflower, Campanula portenschlagiana is a hardy perennial, meaning it will typically return each year. June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. It forms a mat-like ground cover and is known for its spreading habit which is perfect for the front of garden borders or under trees and shrubs. Kalanchoe Also known as "widow's thrill" for its reputation for being very hardy and able to thrive in harsh conditions, including neglect and minimal watering. Advertisement As perennial succulents, kalanchoe thrives indoors and required a period of reduced light and water to simulate winter dormancy. 3 A lovely display of spring flowers – cosmic blue petunias and sunny yellow pansies.
