Latest news with #Anguilla
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Ten affordable UK beaches that are exotic dupes of Thailand and Australia – with 3-night stays from £36pp
WHITE sandy beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze - sounds exotic right? Except you don't have to hop on a plane to get there. The UK has more than 7,700 miles of coastline and around 1,500 beaches, with some of them even been named some of the best in the world. 21 21 So it's no surprise that some of Britain's beaches are just as beautiful as destinations further afield, in places like California and the Caribbean. With some lesser-known beauty spots making the list, these lush locations will likely be less crowded than their tropical twins, too. Plus, without the pricey air fare and school holiday scrum, you'll end up sunning yourself for a fraction of the price. From Australian coastlines to hidden Portuguese beaches, here are some of the best destination 'dupes' you can visit in the UK instead: 21 Barafundle Bay in Wales or the Caribbean? Barafundle Bay (pictured above) has been compared to the exotic Caribbean islands, with images of the beach showing it looking similar to stunning coves in Anguilla (also pictured above). Visit Wales says: "With swathes of golden sand and crystal clear waters, Barafundle has been voted many times as one of the best beaches in Britain, and the world - it's often likened to a Caribbean beach." Being off the beaten track means you won't see many crowds at this beach. But it also means you won't have any facilities like cafes or toilets, so make sure to bring everything with you. Everything you take has to be carried back up over the cliff. However, there is a cafe and toilets at Stackpole Quay, where people can park before walking the rest of the way to the beach. Where to stay: Book a quirky Yurt at Stackpole Under Stars, just a nine-minute drive from Barafundle Beach. Prices are £115 per night and sleep up to four guests. Durdle Door, Dorset or Algarve, Portugal? The famous Durdle Door has also been compared to beaches abroad, but the one it looks like most is in Portugal. Found in the Algarve is Marina Beach, which has an almost identical natural rock arch formation in the sea, just like the beauty spot in Dorset. Just be ready for a walk - with 143 stone steps down to the sand - and it gets very crowded during the summer season. Europe's best beaches according to Tripadvisor Locals from the area love this spot in the low season when it isn't overrun with tourists. Emily Luxton, who runs the local website says: "You don't feel like you are in the UK. It seems more like Portugal or California." Where to stay: The family-run Durdle Door Holiday Park actually looks over the Durdle Door beach. Bunk up in a quirky Shepherds Hut, with prices starting at £120, sleeping four. Scarborough or Australia? 21 21 Not many people would expect Scarborough to be compared to the famous Australian east coast. However, the multicoloured beach huts of the English seaside resort look just like somewhere Down Under. Yet Brighton Beach in Australia looks just like North Beach in Scarborough, thanks to its long line of multicoloured beach huts next to the sea. Budget-friendly Scarborough has long been a favourite for Brits in summer; in fact, it was one of the first ever beach resorts in the UK. The beach huts here have recently been lovingly restored to their former glory, and you can rent them for £50 for the whole day. A lot cheaper than a flight ticket south of the equator! Of course, don't expect the same Aussie weather in Scarborough, so remember to pack a jacket. The Park Dean at Cayton Bay is just 14 minutes from Scarborough and a family caravan, sleeping six, starts from £73 per night, for a three-night stay. Achmelvich Bay in Scotland or the Bahamas? 21 21 Photographer Quintin Lake compared the beach to the Caribbean island after exploring the entire British coastline for five years. He told Sun Travel: " Achmelvich Bay in Scotland literally looks like it belongs in the Bahamas because the sand is white. "The sea looks turquoise, which you'll see in the book. "The water is a beautiful greeny blue - it doesn't look like it belongs in this country at all. "When I went, it was a sunny day and there were maybe six people there, so it was heaven. I couldn't believe it." The beach was even listed in the annual World's Best Beaches in 2023 - the only UK beach to make the top 50. Stay virtually on the beach, with cute camping pods a stone's throw from the sea. They start from £93 per pod, sleeping four. Prices can soar in the summer, but there is also a youth hostel that is right on the beach that has private family rooms from £77 and beds in a shared (same-sex) dorm for £26.50. Scotland or Thailand? 21 You'd be forgiven for thinking West Beach on the Isle of Berneray was in Thailand rather than Scotland. And it's not just you - in 2009, a tourism campaign in Thailand even used a picture of the beach after mistaking it for Kai Bae Beach in Koh Chang. Both beaches have beautiful white sands, with the Scottish beach getting its white hue from shingle made from broken shells. It was even named one of the top beaches in Europe by Lonely Planet back in 2022. One tourist wrote online: "This place is truly Heaven on Earth. I spent two hours on this beach and despite it's incredible beauty, I never saw another soul. "The beaches of Harris are also amazing, but this is the best beach I have ever been to. It's magical." This remote spot in the Outer Hebrides doesn't have too many accommodation options nearby, but nab one of these self-catering cottages on the edge of the island for £120 per night, sleeping six. Pedn Vounder in Cornwall or Bali? 21 The white sands of Pedn Vounder look more like a postcard from Bali. You might not expect a UK beach to be compared to somewhere in Indonesia, but the golden sand beach and crystal clear waters, hugged by a rugged green landscape, say otherwise. This sunny stretch has even been named one of the world's best beaches, according to the Big 7 travel website. Part of the reason this beach is unspoilt and less crowded is that it's not the easiest to get to with a steep climb down from the car park. But, once you've staked your place in the sand, you can stay all day and bask in the Bali-esk breeze - just pack your own cocktail in a can. A great option for families to stay close to the shores of Pedn Vounder is the Lizard Point Holiday Resort, with caravans from £53 per night, sleeping six people. Rhossili Bay, Wales or Skiathos Island, Greece? 21 Another sweet spot in Wales is the serene Rhossili Bay in Swansea. Often cited in round-ups of the best beaches in the UK, Rhossili Bay was also celebrated in the Happy Place campaign this year, launched by Swansea Bay Trails. A warm stroll on this coast in the sunshine could have you mistaking this spot for the exotic Koukounaries Beach in Skaithos, Greece. Generally thought to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Koukounaries has a sweeping bay, lined with green trees and wildlife - exactly like our very own Welsh wonderland. Go now before too many people find out about it. People are so stunned by the beautiful Welsh beach, the council's Visit Swansea Bay social media channels are watched by millions. Its Facebook page has reached more than 6.4 million people this year, with the number of likes, shares, comments and link clicks up over 114% compared to 2022. Take the family glamping just 25 minutes from Rhossili Bay at Three Cliffs Holiday Parks. You can camp in your own tent or rent a glamping yurt for £124 (sleeping four). Eastbourne or Big Sur, California? 21 21 Big Sur is one of the most dramatic coastlines in the USA, with sweeping views, towering cliffs and a scattering of secret coves and secluded beaches that you can claim almost to yourself if you know where. While Big Sur stretches over 70 miles along the west coast of California, we have our own cinematic landscape here in the form of Seven Sisters Country Park and the South Downs National Park, known for their stunning coastal scenery and hiking trails. Just outside Eastbourne, the Seven Sisters are a series of rugged cliffs that form one of the most recognisable coastlines in the UK. Famous for its towering white chalk cliffs, the notorious Beachy Head is the highest in Britain, offering dramatic views of the English Channel and the coastline. Known mainly for its beautiful vista, the Seven Sisters coast is not a top spot for sunbathing. For those who love nothing more than a brisk walk with a beautiful view, this California counterpart is perfect. For a budget break with easy access to Beachy Head and Seven Sisters Country Park, as well as the lively seafront, the Premier Inn Eastbourne has rooms from £68. White Park Bay in County Antrim or Greek Islands? 21 21 With a blanket of soft white sand and incredibly clear, blue water, this spectacular sandy beach is in an enviable spot, nestled between headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even in the height of summer, there is plenty of room for a tranquil day by the sea. The beach is also backed by protected, ancient sand dunes that provide a range of rich habitats for bird and animal life, managed by the National Trust. You may even spot this spectacular spot as the famous backdrop to fictional Stormlands and Dragonstone, from the TV series Game of Thrones. It's so beautiful here, the location is a dead ringer for the idyllic Balos Lagoon on the Greek Island of Crete. The sweeping beach at Balos Lagoon is one of the most picturesque beaches in Greece. However, in the summer months, an abundance of tourist boats arrive in the bay, meaning it's crowded and sometimes scattered with litter. Certainly not worth the trip if you can enjoy almost identical views here without the three-hour flight and the over-tourism. Make it even cuter with a stay in a cosy fairy pod cabin, sleeping four for £100 per night at nearby Causeway Coast Holiday Park Villefranche Sur Mer or Dartmouth, Devon? 21 21 Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most charming and colourful towns on the French Riviera. Think cute, cobbled streets and crooked, character-filled houses that wouldn't look out of place in a Disney movie. However, just a short drive and bus ride from Nice, this is no place for a cheap weekend with sky-high prices in restaurants and bars, that's if you can get a table. Closer to home, the quintessential English seaside village of Dartmouth in Devon has all the charm of the fancy French beauty spot, but with no airport transfers and lots of affordable B&Bs, pub stays and restaurants with a view. For outdoorsy types, there are walking trails straight out to the sea, plus you'll have your pick of some of the best seafood in the UK. It's a taste of the Med, in a thoroughly British setting. If you don't mind being a bit further away, Torquey, the Park Dean Torquay Holiday Park has some excellent deals from £59 per night, in a caravan sleeping six.
Vogue
09-06-2025
- Vogue
Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? The hotel's new Guerlain Spa was unveiled in June 2024. Drawing inspiration from the Arawak tribe native to Anguilla, treatments at the expansive new wellness center focus on three essentials: water, salt, and botanicals. And with seven serene treatment rooms, a wellness suite, an infinity pool, multi-temperature plunge pools, and a sauna, the spa truly offers something for everyone. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca What's the vibe? One travels to Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, via boat, sailing from the isle of Sint Maarten to Anguilla through turquoise waters and vistas of lush hills and valleys. The journey across the Anguillan Channel is smooth, scenic, and just 25 minutes long, and then, after a short drive, you arrive at the crescent-shaped Maundays Bay, with white Greco-Moorish villas nestled between picture-postcard Caribbean palm trees. In the open-air expanse of the main house, I was greeted with a signature mocktail, the Star of Juluca: freshly squeezed starfruit juice, sparkling water, and a dash of Ting soda. The laid-back vibe, in other words, is carefully crafted, and what I quickly learn about Cap Juluca and its staff is that they really want you to be well. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca The history? Cap Juluca was built in 1988 and renovated in 2018, when the Belmond group—a hospitality company with a sterling reputation—took it over. (Its Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offerings are particularly appealing.) As part of the Belmond chain, Cap Jululca comes by its myriad influences honestly. One of the four restaurants on-site, Viva Venice, pays homage to Belmond's Hotel Cipriani in—you guessed it—Venice. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca What should you try? The southern Spanish–style courtyard of the spa is the heart of the complex, decorated with elegant arches, mosaic tiles, and lush greenery. My first treatment, Ocean Vibes, began with a refreshing hibiscus, aloe vera, and native cherry tea, accompanied by a cold towel infused with Guerlain's Bergamote Calabria—a warm blend of cardamom, pink peppercorn, and ginger. This signature treatment uses a soothing ocean drum and alternating heated and chilled globes that are pressed into areas like the calves and upper shoulders. The next morning, with the temperature already nearing 90 degrees by 9 a.m., I returned for round two. I was led in a sound-bowl meditation in the open-air yoga studio, where birdsong and ocean waves contributed to the serene atmosphere. Then it was time for the plunge pools, oscillating between the hot and cold. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca What else do we need to know? What makes Cap Juluca unique is the fact that it doesn't feel like a five-star resort hermetically sealed off from its surroundings; once the staff sees that your curiosity around the local culture has been piqued, they'll do everything in their power to showcase it. While having lunch at the hotel's Peruvian restaurant Uchu (don't miss the Ceviche Carretillero, which blends the freshest catch of the day with tangy tiger milk, crispy squid, and Andean corn), I struck up a spirited conversation with servers Yasmine and Manuela about which roadside spot serves the best barbecue chicken. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca Who can go? If a more active kind of leisure is the pace you're looking for, the resort has tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, as well as a fitness center with all the equipment you'd expect. Adapted from reporting by Maya Layne.
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Anguilla promotes tourism product at CHTA Marketplace
Anguilla tourism officials promoted the destination at CHTA Marketplace in Antigua, highlighting sustainability, market growth, and new travel trade opportunities. THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA – A delegation from Anguilla's tourism sector, led by the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports, and Tourism, participated in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace held in St. John's, Antigua. In attendance were the newly appointed Director of Tourism, Jameel Rochester, Deputy Director of Tourism, Chantelle Richardson, and Board Director, Sean Richard of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). The Anguilla delegation also comprised of the Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association Vice President, Sandra Richardson, CEO Cherecia Lewis, Hoteliers Will Fleming of Anguilla Great House, Rolf Masshardt and Lockhart Hughes of Carimar Beach Club and Sally Glen of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. As part of the official proceedings, the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports, and Tourism, had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne, and the Minister of Tourism and Investment, the Hon. Charles Fernandez. The CHTA Marketplace, recognized as the region's premier tourism marketing event, was held in Antigua for the first time. Along with a two-day tradeshow, the event showcased the Caribbean tourism product offerings and featured regional group meetings, a Travel Forum, and a Direct Booking Summit for hotels. According to CHTA, nearly 800 delegates, 173 suppliers from 25 Caribbean destinations, and 83 buyer companies from 16 international markets – including Canada, the United States, Argentina, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the UAE – were in attendance. The 9,000 meetings generated new opportunities. As the Anguilla Tourist Board engaged in productive discussions with members of the travel trade, primarily tour operators and trade and consumer media professionals Anguilla formed part of the destination briefing, as Hon. Cardigan Connor delivered an overview of Anguilla's pathway for tourism excellence at the press conference for the international media in attendance. Minister Connor emphasized the island's commitment to cultivating a tourism sector that balances economic develop and authenticity, while ensuring that Anguilla remains a premier and sustainable travel destination. The delivery also provided the media with an overview of Anguilla's market performance, destination statistics and growth, airlift development, tourism investments, digital innovation, and sports tourism. 'We remain passionate and dedicated to enhancing Anguilla's tourism experiences,' said Minister Connor. 'Thanks to the continued support of our stakeholders, travel partners, and the media, Anguilla maintains its position as a premier destination in the Caribbean,' he added.
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Revealed: Sir Lindsay Hoyle splurged nearly £5,500 of taxpayers' cash on private planes during a Caribbean tour to paradise islands
Sir Lindsay Hoyle splurged nearly £5,500 on private planes during a Caribbean tour, it can be revealed. The Commons Speaker used more taxpayers' money to charter three planes to hop between the paradise islands of St Maarten, Montserrat, Anguilla and Antigua. It was part of a week-long jaunt which included a two-night 'official visit' to Montserrat to meet his counterpart on the island. It also included a four-night stay in Anguilla to attend the Conference of Speakers of the UK House of Commons and Overseas Territories. In total, Sir Lindsay spent more than £100,000 of taxpayers' cash 'sponsoring' the conference. While it was reported during the 2023 trip Sir Lindsay travelled there by private plane and stayed in hotels costing up to £900 a night, it was not known that he had chartered three private planes while in the Caribbean or that he went to St Maarten and Antigua – neither being on the trip docket. The Daily Mail had fought for further details of the trip that previously were not spelled out in Sir Lindsay's official log, via Freedom of Information requests. The private plane from St Maarten to Montserrat cost £2,350. From Montserrat to Anguilla and then from there to Antigua cost £1,500 each for Sir Lindsay and three officials. The newly discovered flights come to a total of £5,350 of taxpayers' cash. A complete bill of £101,552.60 was splurged on throwing the speakers' conference so eight of Sir Lindsay's counterparts and 30 delegates could attend – with £47,962.43 spent on flights. He also handed the National Assembly of Anguilla a £50,000 'organising grant' to prepare for the conference. It comes amid growing questions about the scale of Sir Lindsay's travel expenses, which have surged past £300,000 since he became Speaker in 2019. He has taken his wife on several trips along with up to four staff. On his latest jaunt to Malaysia in the middle of February, he spent more than £25,000 on business-class flights, hotels and restaurants for him and staff. John O'Connell, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers will be livid that they have to pick up these sky-high bills for private planes. Getting government business overseas done quickly is one thing, but continuing to stump up for politicians with a taste for the good life is quite another. 'Politicians have to cut out unnecessary spending and treat taxpayers with the respect they deserve.' Former Tory cabinet minister David Jones said: 'To spend money on three chartered aircraft flights in the Caribbean, at a time when the people of this country were suffering greatly as a consequence of the massive increase in the cost of living, is turning a tin ear to public sentiment. It shouldn't be happening. 'It's a very nice jolly in the Caribbean, but to hire private planes to cruise around is not a good look. It's just not acceptable.' Referring to the fact that Sir Lindsay was a Labour MP before becoming the Commons Speaker, he added: 'Given how Labour are whacking up taxes at the moment, the old 'champagne socialist' jibe has come true. 'I voted for Sir Lindsay Hoyle for a change from [former Commons Speaker] John Bercow, because I thought he'd be a refreshing change. But I don't see much difference.' The Speaker's Office said one reason details of the private planes were not listed in his official travel expenses log was because some of the costs were allocated to the Clerk of the House, while some were included in the overall budget for sponsoring the conference. They said he flew via St Maarten and then chartered a private plane for the Montserrat 'official visit' because there were no direct flights.
Travel Daily News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Anguilla Tourist Board appoints Jameel Rochester
Jameel Rochester is appointed Anguilla's new Director of Tourism, bringing extensive hospitality experience and leadership to strengthen the island's tourism sector. THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA – The Honourable Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sport, and Tourism, has announced the appointment of Anguillian, Jameel Rochester, as Director of Tourism at the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). This appointment, along with Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch as Chairperson and Mrs. Chantelle Richardson as Deputy Director of Tourism, fulfills the Minister's commitment to having Anguillians in key leadership roles within the island's tourism sector. Rochester brings a diverse and impressive portfolio of experience to his new role. Most recently, he held the position of Assistant Rooms Division Manager at Wymara Resort and Villas in the Turks and Caicos. Before moving to the Turks and Caicos, he served as General Secretary (CEO) of the Anguilla Football Association. His private sector experience includes leadership positions with several prestigious hospitality brands in Anguilla, including Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, and Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla. Mr. Rochester has gained experience in the financial services sector through his roles at the National Bank of Anguilla Ltd., and CIBC First Caribbean International Bank. This is Rochester's second stint at the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). Rochester has held several leadership positions within the organization, most notably serving as Manager, Destination Experience, Acting Manager of Corporate Affairs and Acting Marketing Officer. His academic background is equally impressive. Rochester holds a Master of Science in International Hospitality Management from Les Roches University, a Master of Science in General Management Studies (with distinction), and a Bachelor of Science in General Management Studies from the University of the West Indies. He also possesses a certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In making the appointment, the Minister commented, 'Jameel's academic achievements, combined with his extensive professional experience, have equipped him with the skills and insight necessary to lead complex operations, ensure sound financial management, and drive strategic success in Anguilla's tourism industry.' He continued, 'This well-earned accomplishment is a true reflection of Jameel's hard work, his commitment to Anguilla, and we are pleased that he resigned his position in the Turks & Caicos to return home to lead the Anguilla Tourist Board.' Chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board, Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, welcomed Rochester, saying, 'As our tourism industry rapidly evolves in response to digital innovation and shifting consumer behavior, a new generation of leaders must take the helm. Their fluency with emerging communication tools and selling platforms positions them to drive engagement, enhance customer experiences, and keep the industry competitive in a global market.' She concluded, 'Empowering this next wave of talent is not just beneficial; it's crucial for the sustainable growth and relevance of tourism in the modern age, and we welcome Jameel to lead the team at the ATB.' Rochester assumed the responsibility as Anguilla's Director of Tourism on May 15th, 2025.
