The best luxury escapes to book in 2025
Sleep above the skyline at Berlin's new super-tall hotel
Berlin is a city that has always aspired to great heights, and the Estrel Tower is set to be its next high-flying addition. Opening at the end of 2026, this shimmering 577ft skyscraper will be Germany's tallest hotel, with commanding views of the capital's dynamic skyline. Inside, guests will have 432 rooms and suites to pick from, plus 90 serviced apartments designed for longer stays.
Food- and drink-wise it's out to impress, with a rooftop Skybar and terrace promising sunset cocktails with altitude, plus a sleek wellness space offering a calm sanctuary above the city. Part of the family-owned Estrel Berlin complex, the tower brings serious credentials in sustainability and hospitality. Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, this should be a must-visit on your agenda.
For more information or early event enquiries, visit estreltower.com/en
Reconnect with ancient wisdom on the shores of Kos
Perched above the Aegean on the sunlit slopes of Kos in Greece, Koia All-Suite Wellbeing Resort offers a tranquil retreat for adults seeking meaningful rest. Inspired by the island's Hippocratic heritage, this five-star stay takes its cues from the natural rhythms and timeless principles of wellness. Sea-view suites blend minimalist elegance with thoughtful details, such as outdoor showers and private pools.
Each golden sunrise only makes you feel more grounded. Just four miles from Kos Town, Koia still feels blissfully far from the bustle. The design resembles the island's medieval castle while the ethos is one of simplicity, balance and calm. Discover the ancient embrace of Kos for yourself at koiaresort.com
Slip away to a hillside sanctuary in southern Sri Lanka
Situated on a serene 14-acre tea estate near the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Kahanda Kanda offers a stylish escape for adults. Each of its 17 villas has been uniquely designed by an internationally acclaimed interior designer and are filled with art, antiques and soft, ambient lighting. Private pools, sweeping jungle views and thoughtful touches create a sense of intimate luxury.
How does a typical day unfold here? Kick off your morning with a yoga session in the shaded shala followed by a cooling swim or relaxing massage. For the evening, dine under the stars and enjoy dishes prepared by an internationally trained team. With no children under the age of 12 permitted and a personalised wellness programme available, this is a destination where you can truly relax, and a curated range of local excursions await. For five-star service in stylish seclusion, visit kkcollection.com
Unwind in a luxury retreat on Kefalonia's southern shore
With sweeping views over the Ionian Sea and a private pool glittering among olive trees, Amari Villa is the sort of spot that invites you to fully exhale. Perched on an attractive hillside above Spartia, this five-bedroom hideaway sleeps up to nine guests in light-drenched rooms all sharing a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Wraparound terraces, breezy pergolas and sun-splashed dining areas create the perfect rhythm for doing very little.
Venture out for a vineyard visit or a dip in the warm shallows nearby, then return for an in-villa massage or a sunset supper whipped up by your own private chef. For families or groups seeking tranquillity without hassle, this is the real Ionian idyll. Discover your escape at amarivilla.com
Savour slow living at an Istrian wine retreat
If your dream holiday is all rolling countryside, chic design and a glass or two of something exquisite at sundown, Roxanich might just be your perfect getaway. Set just outside the hilltop town of Motovun in Istria, this striking design hotel is home to a boutique winery, where natural vintages are crafted with care and no shortage of flair.
Rooms are modern but laced with character, offering dramatic views over the Mirna Valley. Spend your days exploring the cellars, dining on elevated local cuisine at Forchetta 1902 or just unwinding in a setting where every detail is about taking time to slow down. Whether you crave a romantic escape or a gourmet weekend with friends, Roxanich blends modern elegance with old-world authenticity.
Book your stay and save 10 per cent with code RXN10 at roxanich.hr Offer valid until 31 December 2025
Experience the magic of the Maldives at Finolhu Baa Atoll
Located in the heart of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, Finolhu is a fresh, imaginative take on barefoot luxury. This four-island resort is strung together by one of the longest sandbanks in the Maldives – a dazzling sweep of powder-white serenity that's just over a mile long. Each of its 125 villas opens directly onto the beach, lagoon or ocean, some with private pools, all with thoughtful design that blends nature's vibrancy with total privacy.
Days unfold between spa rituals, snorkelling excursions and relaxed lunches with your feet in the sand at the rustic Crab Shack. At night, grilled seafood, Maldivian sunsets and elegant simplicity take centre stage. Book with Luxury Holidays Direct and enjoy 30 per cent off, complimentary meal upgrades, return seaplane transfers and a free dolphin cruise. Discover more at luxuryholidaysdirect.com
Seek sea air and serenity on Cornwall's golden coast
Falmouth has long attracted artists, seafarers and happy wanderers seeking serenity. And at Merchants Manor, you'll find a quietly elegant base from which to explore its charms. Set on a leafy hillside above town, this independent hotel blends relaxed, grown-up luxury with Cornish character and contemporary style. Choose from Manor Rooms or secluded Residences, some with hot tubs and sea views, and unwind at your own pace.
Take a stroll down to the coast, walk the headland or linger at the Linen Rooms Spa. From salt-flecked air to fine local food, it's all about the good life, right by the water. Book now with the code OFFER20 for 20 per cent off bed and breakfast stays at merchantsmanor.com
Savour Lisbon's old-world charm at a riverside retreat
In Lisbon's storied historical quarter, mere moments from the Tagus, Corpo Santo Hotel blends five-star polish with a deep sense of place. Elegant rooms pair heritage features with modern comfort, while a rotating programme of complimentary guest experiences – from yoga and curated city walks to wine-tastings and butter-making workshops – brings the city's culture right to your doorstep.
After a day of exploring, return to the 146 Bar and Porter Bistrô for creative cocktails and refined local dishes. Guests booking three nights or more this July, August or November receive €50 credit to use at the restaurant. A stylish stay with thoughtful detail throughout. Discover your romantic urban escape at corposantohotel.com
The promotion is valid for stays of three nights or more during July, August, and November 2025, and has been extended through March 2026. The deadline for bookings is 1 November 2025.
Experience the art of refined living on Marbella's Golden Mile
If you're seeking a villa rental that feels a little more like an exclusive private enclave, and a little less familiar tourist spot, Callum Swan Realty's highly personalised approach to luxury in one of Europe's most prestigious spots could help. With over 30 years of local expertise, this boutique real estate consultancy curates a discreet portfolio of elegant properties in Marbella's Golden Mile, including sought-after addresses such as Marbella Club and Puente Romano.
Expect absolute privacy, tailored service and exceptional attention to detail. Concierge options range from private chefs to wellness treatments, allowing guests to settle into the rhythm of the Mediterranean in complete comfort. Whether for a summer escape or an extended stay, this is Marbella at its most chic, exquisite and effortless. See another side at callumswanrealty.com
Make Bucharest your own from a luxury landmark
Idyllically situated in the beating heart of Romania's capital, InterContinental Athénée Palace is a beautiful 'grande dame' with 111 years of hospitality history behind it. This five-star gem overlooks the Romanian Athenaeum and the former Royal Palace, setting the tone for a stay steeped in local culture and history.
Inside, exquisite Belle Epoque architecture meets refined modern comfort, with 283 elegantly styled rooms and suites, an indulgent wellness sanctuary, standout dining at Jorj Restaurant and century-old secrets mixed in cocktails at The English Bar.
Whether you're visiting for a concert, gallery hop or romantic retreat, this is the neighbourhood where Bucharest truly comes alive. Guests in Club InterContinental enjoy added privacy and bespoke perks, while Café Athénée positively buzzes with local charm and toothsome treats. Plan your escape to a true capital classic at ihg.com
Dine out at a manor house with exquisite taste
In a handsome manor house just on the outskirts of Leamington Spa, MasterChef: The Professionals winner Stu Deeley is serving up bold, seasonal British cooking with impressive finesse. His new restaurant, The Warwick at Mallory Court, brings kitchen-garden produce to life in a five-course tasting menu that's confident, contemporary and deeply rooted in local flavour.
Expect wholesome dishes like Oxfordshire hogget with potato terrine, French beans and salsa Verde, or Cornish crab, avocado, chilli crisp, radish, all relished in surroundings that feel polished but delightfully unstuffy. Dinner, bed and breakfast stays here include a three-course dinner, while the five-course dinner is priced separately. Savour British hospitality at its finest and book now at mallory.co.uk
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
The Holiday Inn, Cambridge hotel review
INN AND OUT As an easy and affordable option, the Holiday Inn is what you expect - nothing more and nothing less. YOU can't really go wrong with a Holiday Inn as a handy, cheaper alternative. Read on to find out how to check-in for an easy stay. 2 Where is the Holiday Inn? Just off the M11 motorway, but car this is an easy stop-off for the night. Plus there is a free car park. Cambridge city centre is an easy drive, and Stansted Airport is just 40 minutes away if you need somewhere to stay before an early flight (although that is still quite far). What is the hotel like? A convenient 161-room hotel is what you expect, with a touch more. The Holiday inn has a modern, with a well-equipped gym with posh Peloton bikes, spa, pool, and outdoor play area. What is there to do there? There is lots to do on a rainy day enjoying the lobby bar or hitting up the hot tub and sauna. But other than that, there's not much to do on a sunny day. You can drive 20 minutes into Cambridge City Centre where there is plenty to do and lots of sightseeing. What is there to eat and drink there? Breakfast is available until 11 am on weekends, which is a nice touch as you don't need to choose between a fry-up and a well-earned lie-in. The restaurant does heart British grub such as burgers, nachos, and salads, and these are just some of the options. Save room for the chocolate brownie and berry cheesecake desserts. What are the rooms like? A penny-saving price starts at £89, or £99 with breakfast for rooms - click here. The rooms are very spacious, and the beds are huge, plus the mini bar and tea station which will ensure a good night's sleep. We slept on a roadside, ground-floor room and it was very quiet, thanks to the long driveway. Plus, perfect for all you business folks as there is a desk to set out your workstation for the evening. Is the Holiday Inn family-friendly? Yes. There are large enough rooms and beds. Is there access for guests with disabilities? There are accessible guest rooms with grab bars and wheelchair compliant. It is available on request so feel free to contact the Holiday Inn. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 2
Times
an hour ago
- Times
Avoid the heatwaves with these 15 great ideas for a coolcation
Stay cool everyone — it won't be 46C in Spain all summer, as it was last weekend in the Andalusian town of El Granado. The recent incendiary temperatures across southern Europe are not yet the norm and temperatures have dropped back down in most places since alarming records were set last week. Even so, having to worry about weather that is frankly dangerous is not the ideal prelude to a holiday. So if, like me, you'd rather not have that stress, can I suggest you look elsewhere for your summer holidays? The Med is magnificent in April, May and early June, and can be blissful in late September and October too, but for July and August how about looking north or into the Alps instead? Here, I've suggested 15 holidays that do just that. Some plunge into sparkling Alpine lakes; others dig their toes into the soft-sand beaches of Denmark and Sweden. There are even one or two that embrace the wilds of Iceland and Norway. All still have availability this summer and, while I can't guarantee that the sun will be shining while you're there, each offers magnificent landscapes or serene seascapes worth exploring whatever the weather. This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue Family fun in France's first eco-poolEveryone loves the new Biotope in Combloux, in the Alps south of Geneva. The first eco-swimming lake in France is lined with a membrane (so no one gets muddy toes) and filtered by the surrounding plants. And with gently shelving play areas and surrounding lawns for picnics, it'll keep your kids entertained for hours. Use in conjunction with the local pump track for wannabe mountain bikers, as well as an Alpine rollercoaster in neighbouring Megève, and you have the makings of a multifaceted mountain holiday, with sensational views of Mont Blanc to boot. Nearby, the modern apartments at Les Fermes du Mont Blanc offer a convenient Seven nights' room only from £195pp, including ferry crossing ( Beach holiday on a Swedish islandLow-key, leafy and quietly upmarket, the seaside village of Ljugarn is peppered with refurbished villas and home to a beach. Accommodation is in short supply in July but frees up in August, especially from the middle of the month, when Swedish schools reopen. And with sea temperatures near their late-summer peak (about 19C), it's a great time for a week of carefree, sand-between-your-toes serenity on Sweden's favourite holiday island. Family groups will be tempted by Airbnbs such as the neat, four-bedroom villa from £269 a night ( couples might prefer one of the simple but pretty rooms at the Smakrike Krog & Logi B&B doubles from £150 ( Fly to Stockholm and take the ferry from Nynashamn • Read our full guide to Sweden Cycling and swimming in the SalzkammergutThis self-guided Austrian Lakes Activities holiday is focused primarily on gentle bike rides, with a week's cycle hire included in the price. It has wisely chosen the celebrated Austrian lake district (aka the Salzkammergut) as its base, so you can take the plunge whenever it gets toasty. The Wolfgangsee is the lake nearest your base at the chic, four-star Bergrose Hideaway, and it is edged with bathing areas, as well as a circular cycle track. This year the water temperature in its shallower areas has already hit Seven nights' B&B from £1,169pp, including flights • 13 of the best Alpine resorts for a summer holiday Icebergs, mountains and Viking historySurprise, surprise: bookings are up sharply for Greenland holidays this year, with most programmes sold out — but not this eight-day, self-guided Explore South Greenland tour, which combines majestic landscapes with a fascinating insight into Viking history. En route you'll stay at hotels in Narsarsuaq, Qaqortoq and Narsaq, as well as having the chance to explore fjords filled with icebergs, hike mountains and (at extra cost) visit the retreating ice cap. Meanwhile, with the help of local museums and archaeological remains, you'll learn why the Vikings vanished from Greenland after 450 years of Seven nights' B&B from £2,495pp, including flights ( A chic new hotel with lake viewsArosa has a lovely new summer base, the four-star superior Valsana Hotel, which overlooks the Obersee lake in the middle of town. Inside, the hotel's double rooms are huge by Alpine standards, and feature industrial lighting, vintage vinyl and a mix of Swiss and North American design motifs. Outside, Arosa's other lake, the Untersee, is the place for swimming, while free mountain bike hire allows you to explore the region's vast network of waymarked trails. The hotel also offers a range of guided mountain experiences, including sunrise hiking, fire-building and B&B doubles from £233 ( Fly to Zurich • 10 of the most beautiful places in Switzerland Beach days and biking on the Danish RivieraThirty miles northwest of Copenhagen, the island of Zealand meets the sea in a sweep of forested bluffs, cute second homes and long sand-and-pebble beaches. This is the Danish Riviera, and the resort town of Tisvilde gives you the best of it, with a mix of bike rides, beach days, forest walks and a buzzing restaurant scene. One of its elegant seaside hostelries, the Tisvildeleje Strandhotel, still has summer availability too, especially in August, so you can sink gratefully into the embrace of its beach-toned bedrooms once you've dusted the sand off your B&B doubles from £121. Fly to Copenhagen A spectacular landscape of white sand beaches and jagged peaksOn a clear day, the soft-sand beaches of Senja seem to glow as white as those in the Caribbean. But even so, this is not a place for sunbathing — more than 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the second-largest Norwegian island is a place of cool midsummer temperatures, variable weather and jagged peaks that rise straight out of the sea, and it begs to be explored. This one-week, self-guided walking tour sticks to the north coast and offers short but spectacular coastal walks from three bases, two of which are in converted fisherman's Seven nights' half-board from £2,375pp ( Fly to Tromso • 10 of the best places to visit in Norway Adrenaline-soaked adventure In summer the long Alpine valley of the Ötz River is best known for its hell-for-leather mountain biking, courtesy of the swooping downhill trails of Bike Republic Sölden ( But it's a treat for water-loving thrill-seekers too. Not only can you try canyoning and whitewater rafting here, but its Area 47 waterpark is awash with adrenaline; giant water slides, a water cannon, bouldering walls, high-diving — they're all here (£46; Meanwhile, more serene swims are available at the Piburgersee, one of the warmest swimming lakes in the Tyrol, where the water temperature can reach 25C. In Sautens, the four-star Daniel hotel is near both and has a Half-board doubles from £274. Fly to Innsbruck or Zurich Beach club vibes Add a touch of Nordic noir to your summer — as well as soft sand and wind-in-your-hair bike rides — by heading to Ystad, at the southern tip of Sweden. It is best reached from Copenhagen airport, across the Oresund Bridge, which starred in the detective series The Bridge. And once there you can explore the many settings of Ystad's fictional crimewave, portrayed in another hit series, Wallander. In between times the South Coast Trail cycling route beckons ( as well as the considerable comfort of the Ystad Saltsjobad hotel. This New England-style beach club — with four restaurants, 11 pools and contemporary country-house interiors — has long been a hit with well-to-do Danes and Swedes. Details B&B doubles from £200 ( Fly to Copenhagen Spot seals where two seas meetUndulating dunes and endless beaches dominate the wild, windswept north of Jutland, where a 20-mile spit of sand marks the meeting of the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas. Walking to the tip of the peninsula at Grenen to spot basking seals and watch the seas intermingle is an essential activity. So too are kite-flying, bike riding and sea-swimming (on the more sheltered eastern coast). But this is Denmark, so you're never far from a cute hotel room and a freshly made cinnamon bun to go with your coffee. In town the Skagen Harbour Hotel supplies the former and the Skagen Bakery has all the cakes you'll ever want ( while the Skagens Museum celebrates the Danish art scene's long love affair with the area's sparkling seaside light (£16; B&B doubles from £173. Fly to Aalborg Dip into Lake MontriondNearly 30 miles east of Geneva, on the northern edge of the Alps, Morzine is a place of fragrant forests and lush meadows, and it's the perfect summer venue for an energetic family of hikers and/or bikers — not least because when you've had enough uphill work you can throw yourselves into Lake Montriond. Squirrelled away up a nearby valley it offers a lifeguarded, child-friendly swimming area, as well as paddleboard rental (£17 an hour; and on a sunny day in August the water temperature can hit 25C. Stay at the characterful and recently refurbished Hotel du Lac, at the western end of the lake, and you can be first in for a dip each morning B&B doubles from £220. Fly to Geneva or take the ferry to Calais and drive Europe's largest national park Many hotels in Iceland may now be full for summer, but you can still hire a camper van at Keflavik, the main airport. What's more, if you head eastwards, towards Vatnajokull, you'll find the crowds thinning too. This is Europe's largest national park, where a vast ice-cap glacier and its many tongues interact with extinct and active volcanoes. Expect thunderous waterfalls, soaring peaks and abrupt canyons carved out by sudden floods. There is plenty of good hiking in between, as well as a mix of national park and private campsites — at the Skaftafell visitor centre in the south, pitches cost £17pp a night ( at the private Tjaldsvadid Myllulakur, pitches are from £12pp a night ( Seven days' rental of a four-berth camper van from £1,430 ( Fly to Keflavik • 15 best tours of Iceland No wonder accommodation around Lake Bohinj, in the Triglav National Park, is hard to find this summer — word is spreading about this spectacular and underdeveloped region of deep forests and limestone mountains, and hotels and apartments are struggling to cope with the demand, especially for family-friendly accommodation. Couples and friends should, however, take note of the adults-only Vila Park B&B in Ukanc. Crisp, friendly and beautifully kept, it stands beside the crystal-clear Sava Bohinjka River at the quiet, western end of the lake, and is an idyllic launchpad for gentle woodland walks or lung-bursting ascents of mountains such as the Tolminski Kuk, at 2,085m (6,841ft). There are plenty of wild-swimming spots nearby B&B doubles from £208. Fly to Ljubljana Sailing in the midnight sunFor a unique perspective on Norway's Arctic outpost, halfway between the mainland and the North Pole, step aboard the Noorderlicht. This two-masted, 153ft schooner spends summers cruising the Svalbard coastline from Longyearbyen with a professional crew of four, two walking guides and up to 12 guests. Berths are still available on some of the voyages this year. You'll do a little less sailing than is normal on a tall ship because each day is anchored around an onshore excursion, from visiting glaciers and observing walrus colonies to exploring a disused marble mine. But time on board is essential too — it's by far the safest way to spot polar Eight nights' full board from £3,735pp ( Fly to Svalbard A riviera with a differenceSure, there's plenty of sand at Huuhanranta, but this mile-long beach on what is jokingly referred to as the Saimaa Riviera is the very opposite of the Côte d'Azur. A freshwater strand on one of Europe's biggest lakes, three and a half hours' drive from Helsinki, it has nothing on its shoreline but picnic spots, local kayakers and the odd hammock slung between its pine trees. Visit it as part of an easy-going, family-friendly week at the nearby Koskenselka holiday park. Its superior lakefront cabins have private saunas, just in case you need to warm up before your morning swim. Details One night's self-catering for four from £138 ( Fly to Helsinki Where will you be going to keep cool this summer? Let us know in the comments below
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Met Office issues THUNDERSTORM warning as maps reveal areas facing lightning and floods
Parts of Britain will endure thunderstorms as the Met Office has issued a yellow warning alongside a map revealing the areas facing lightning and flooding. The yellow warning has been activated for the East of England, East Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber. It will be in effect for 12 hours between 7am and 7pm on Sunday, July 6. The weather agency also warned that hail, flooding and lightning strikes may be possible in these areas that will result in damage to some buildings. Specific areas set to be impacted by the adverse weather conditions include Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Peterborough, Suffolk, East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. It is likely that thunderstorms will cause widespread travel disruption with the Met Office saying there is 'a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.' Locals have also been told to expect delays to train services. Parts of eastern England are to expect a downpour of 15-25 millimetres of rain which may lead to flooding of homes and businesses. Power cuts are also said to be 'likely'. The Met Office took to its social media accounts to say: 'Yellow weather warning issued. 'Thunderstorms across parts of eastern England Sunday 0700 – 1900. 'Stay weather aware.' On their website, they went into more detail, explaining that thunderstorms 'may lead to some disruption to travel and outdoor activities.' 'There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus,' the website warned. 'Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures. Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes. 'Some short term loss of power and other services is likely,' and finally, 'delays to train services are possible.' What does a yellow warning of thunderstorms mean? Thunderstorms may lead to some disruption to travel and outdoor activities. There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes Some short term loss of power and other services is likely Delays to train services are possible It comes after the UK experienced several bouts of hot weather in recent weeks which posed a 'risk to life', according to the weather agency. Sunseekers basked in searing 34.7C in St James's Park, London, on July 1 as the UK saw its hottest day of the year reached. Elsewhere across England, the seaside counties of Essex and Kent well surpassed 33C - a red-hot 34.4C being recorded in Writtle - which also almost nearly broke the hottest-ever July 1 on record. Those temperatures marked the end of a scorching heatwave that saw an amber alert deployed, which the Met Office say signals a 'potential risk to life and property'. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had activated a five-day warning starting on Friday due to concerns that there could be 'a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions'. The amber heat health alert covered the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England, alongside Somerset - where Glastonbury was roaring ahead. Meanwhile, Europeans were warned to stay indoors as the continent goes on high alert for extreme 47C heat. Indeed, a new Spanish high temperature record for June of 46C was confirmed on June 28 by the AEMET - Spain's state meteorological agency. Forest fires and flash floods wrecked chaos across the continent, with warnings of an intense heatwave. Sweltering infernos melted roads in Italy while raging wildfires tore through Greece. Two-thirds of Portugal were be on high alert last week for extreme heat and forest fires, with 42C expected in the capital Lisbon. It was so hot that Sicily and areas of northern Italy banned outdoor work in the hottest hours of the day. In Nice, on the French Riviera, nearly 250 portable fans were distributed to schools to help students cope with the heat.
