Latest news with #Ibiza-style
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Cool off with Ibiza-style party boats across the UK this summer – with DJs and BYOB
Plus, why river cruises are perfect for first-timers and our pick of the best deals GET ON BOARD Cool off with Ibiza-style party boats across the UK this summer – with DJs and BYOB Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DANCING in the sunshine on the deck of a boat as it makes its way across the water with scores of Brits on board - it's the stuff holidays are made of. If you fancy recreating the holiday dream back here in the UK, there are plenty boat parties across the country -from themed sailings to all-inclusive offerings. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 From themed sailings to all-inclusive offerings, the UK has many places to find cruises with parties sailing into the night Princess River Cruises, Nottingham Princess River Cruises in Nottingham offer a number of different events including a 'sundown carvery cruise' for £29.95. But for those who want to feel the Napa vibe, there are party cruises too including 'Midweek Madness Heaven' with a DJ for £28 per person and a 'Funky Friday' cruise with a BBQ and DJ for £44 per person. Depending on which cruise you head on, it will also include drinks and food. If you fancy a more typical boat party, there is 'The Original Boat Party' with a DJ and BBQ, as well. Dorset Cruises, Sunset Party Heading out at sunset, Dorset Cruise's Sunset Party allows 120 revellers to enjoy a night onboard Fortuna - the largest party boat in Poole. The event is sponsored by Captain Morgan and starts at 6:50pm, with a rum punch delivered straight to your hand. Ibiza sounds will play across the decks as the boat leaves Poole Quay. Once out on the water, the volume rises, disco lights hit the dance floor and a DJ performs songs from multiple genres. Guests can also upgrade to The After Party Package which allows them to queue jump and gives them free entry to Cameo Nightclub in Bournemouth to continue the party once back on dry land. Tickets cost from £20 per partygoer. The new Caribbean island opening to cruise passengers with swim up bars and huge lagoons London Party Boats Onboard the Party Boat Cruise in London, guests can enjoy a night of drinking and dancing on the River Thames. The added bonus of this cruise is that you also get to sight-see as you venture down the river, past some of London's most famous landmarks. The cruise lasts four hours, includes a light buffet, live DJ, an outdoor viewing deck and a large dance floor. A standard ticket costs from £29 per person. 7 Many cities also offer party cruises - often with food included Credit: Alamy ChesterBoat, Chester In Chester, you can also hop on a party cruise. On the River Dee, ChesterBoat offers Party Nights Afloat most weekends, from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Included in the ticket is a hot buffet, disco with a live DJ and a glass of wine on arrival. Either onboard the Mark Twain or Lady Diana, the cruises sail from the Groves on Souters Lane, next to Hickory's Smokehouse and back to the same spot. Tickets cost £38.50 per person. Rhinestone Rodeo Boat Party, London Rhinestone Rodeo is the UK's biggest country music party and hosts events across the country. And coming up, they are heading onto a boat to cruise the River Thames. 7 Party cruises in Edinburgh and London, for example, also sail past landmarks Credit: Instagram Following a successful cruise last year, the sailing will leave Butler's Wharf Pier in London on July 26 and head to Tower Pier. Onboard, guests can explore two indoor rooms and two outdoor terraces with "the usual Rhinestone shenanigans, plus a few curveballs...", according to the organiser. Tickets cost from £38.62 per person. Blue Funnel Cruises, Southampton Located in Southampton, Blue Funnel Cruises offers summer party cruises with themes like the 90s and noughties. The boat has a large dancefloor and for when you work up a sweat, there is an outside deck too. A 'basket meal' is included in your ticket, which includes a classic sausage and chips. Tickets cost £35 per person. 7 Alternatively, you could head onto a comedy boat Credit: Instagram The Boat Show Comedy Club, London Whilst primarily a comedy club, The Boat Show Comedy Club in London is a live comedy venue that features four comics on board a refurbished paddle steamer. The boat boasts four bars and a nightclub and as the evening's entertainment goes on, the party vibes increase. Weekend shows also include entry to the nightclub as part of the ticket. Upcoming acts include Hannah Byczkowski, winner of The Traitors and Matt Richardson. Prices to events vary, but start as low as £14.50 per person. Mersey Ferries, North West England Offering evening cruises on the Mersey, Mersey Ferries has a range of themed night sailings from 'Noughties to Now' and the 'Ultimate Rock Night'. There are even drag cruises with FunnyBoyz - a drag cabaret act with cheesy tunes and live music. The sailings last over two hours and cost from £24 per person. 7 Some even host drag sailings, like Mersey Ferries in North West England Credit: Alamy Manchester River Cruises Manchester River Cruises host a whole array of different sailings from your more classic party nights to events dedicated to just one artist such as Adele or Elvis. The cruises aren't just limited to the night as well, with some party cruises running during the daytime. Tickets cost from £30 per person. Cardiff Cruises, Wales On Saturday nights, visitors can hop on the Cardiff Party Boat with a range of party, dance, current chart and sing-along music. 7 In Manchester, there are party sailings dedicated to specific artists like Adele Credit: Alamy All cruises last three hours and there is a bar onboard. Tickets vary depending on the type of sailing and it is for over 21s only. Cannae Beat A Boat Party, Edinburgh Coming up on July 12, is the 'Cannae Beat a Boat Party in Edinburgh, Scotland. Exploring the canals, the boat party will feature house music as it sails through Edinburgh's scenic canals. Live DJs will be onboard and unlike the other boat parties on this list, this one is bring your own booze - allowing you to cut the cost on bar prices. Tickets cost from £15 per person. These are four adult-only cruises to book now – with on-board spas, pyjama parties and archery-at-sea. Plus, why river cruises are perfect for first-timers and our pick of the best deals.
Gulf Today
24-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Why a race-cation is the best way to discover Hvar's serene side
I'm beginning to think I've made a terrible mistake. I'm only 15 minutes into the Tour de Hvar trail run, my quads are burning and I've already slowed to a walk. The path up to the Purkin Kuk viewpoint is beautiful, shaded by pines and sharp with the herbaceous, aniseed scent of cow parsley, but ferociously steep - the 20 per cent gradient makes it feel as if I'm trying to run up a flight of very uneven stairs. "Pomalo, pomalo," I mutter to myself as I focus on putting one foot in front of another. I learnt this slang word that translates as 'no rush' only yesterday, chatting to mother-and-son team Koraljka and Louis Marić, who sell the island's best artisan coffee and home-baked pastries at Kojo Café, tucked in a quiet backstreet of Stari Grad. "It's the most important word on the island," Louis tells me. "Sometimes we even use it instead of hello." It turns out that Hvar's unofficial motto is good trail running advice, too. This is my first trail run. Living in London, my training has involved pounding flat pavements rather than leaping with mountain goat-like agility up rugged, vertiginous paths, so slowing to a walk feels like failure. But when I reach the top my doubts are blown away in the breeze as I admire the view - a sweeping panorama over the terracotta rooftops of Stari Grad, the fertile plain that spreads out beside it and behind, wooded hills and the sparkling Adriatic. Right in the centre of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, Hvar is a strikingly beautiful island where pine-clad hills back curving, sheltered bays. Predominantly rural, the only significant towns are diminutive Stari Grad and Hvar Town itself, where the population of 4,000 can be outnumbered five to one by tourists in the height of summer. This picture-pretty spot with its 700-year-old walls and Renaissance architecture has, in recent years, garnered an unsought and inaccurate reputation as an Ibiza-style party destination, and locals have struggled with the worst excesses of drunken tourists. I'm here to see another, more authentic side of Hvar, focusing on trails instead of cocktails. Launched this year, the Tour de Hvar is the brainchild of keen Croatian trail runners Bojan Grbić and Andrej Šimatić, who saw the potential of the island's terrain to host an event which would attract a different type of traveller. With four distances, from a 65 kilometre ultramarathon to the short, 12.6 kilometre race I'm attempting - plus a children's race and a Vertical Run up to the Fortress overlooking Hvar Town - it's an inclusive event that welcomes both experienced runners and novices like me. I wrench my attention away from the hypnotic view and begin my descent. Unlike downhill stretches on the road, where I tend to switch my brain off and let gravity take over, here I need to keep my wits about me to avoid turning an ankle on the terrain, a rough jumble of limestone fragments. Geology has shaped Hvar more than its running routes. Bursting into the sunlight, I pick up speed through the Stari Grad plain, where cultivated fields are separated by a network of low walls built by Greek settlers in 4,000 BC from that same limestone rubble, and now recognised by UNESCO for their impeccable preservation. On this Saturday in May the sun is bright and beneath the blue sky spring is in full bloom - the paths are dotted with nodding red poppies, the trumpets of purple morning glory and yellow pompoms of hawkbit. I duck beneath the twisted boughs of ancient olive trees that shade my path and jog alongside serried ranks of vines - this is the island's most fertile corner. Fifty years ago, Hvar was the lavender capital of Dalmatia, responsible for 8 per cent of the world's supply. Introduced in 1928 as a measure to combat the phylloxera pest that was decimating Europe's vineyards, it thrived in the sunny, maritime climate. I learn this from Zorana Vrandečić, who offers guided tours of the island through her company, Debonda. We chat overlooking the tiny village of Velo Grablje, now home to just 12 inhabitants, but once the centre of the lavender trade on the island and still surrounded by fragrant fields. Zorana's father was born here, and in his lifetime the industry boomed and bust, following a fire in 1997 that destroyed vast areas of cultivation. Photo used for an illustrative purpose. Reuters Zorana also shows me Stari Grad, its old centre a grid of tranquil, narrow streets built entirely from the champagne-toned limestone so signature to Hvar. Hitting my stride along the curving harbourfront road, I cross the line in front of the handsome Tvrdalj Palace, the summer residence of Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović, whose works celebrate the beauty of his homeland. To my surprise, I discover that despite my 'no rush' approach, I've placed third in my age group and get to take home a bronze medal. More than 500 runners from 25 countries showed up to compete, and I chat with British couple Mark Hopkins and Sharon Barry, experienced trail runners who both win gold in their age groups in the 65-kilometre and 41-kilometre races, respectively. Having caught the bug for combining trails and travel in Slovenia, they decided to give Croatia a try. Their races took them to the peak of Sveti Nikola, the island's highest peak, and along the coast. "The organisers have this set up to a tee," Mark tells me. "The courses are well-marked - a mixture of single tracks and gravel paths with both technical and easier sections, and that showcase the best of the island's scenery." There's one area of Hvar I've had my eye on since my arrival, but my legs can't take me there. The Pakleni islands are a chain of barely inhabited islets off Hvar's south coast, and I decide there couldn't be a better spot for post-race relaxation. I go with boat captain Marco's recommendation and hop off in Ždrilca Cove, a pretty sweep of white pebbles, so protected from the open sea that the curacao-coloured waters are flat as a millpond. After a quick dip, I settle down on a lounger in front of the beach bar Tri Grede with a book. Finally, I understand what they mean by 'pomalo'. Where to eat Carb load pre-race at Val Marina in Hvar Town, where the menu offers a choice of pastas plus freshly-grilled local seafood served with views of the fortress that marks the finish line of the Vertical Race. Celebrate at Black Pepper, a sophisticated choice tucked away in Hvar Town's network of narrow streets where island ingredients are presented with creative flair when it comes to both cookery and presentation. Where to stay Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort The Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort is a solid choice within a 10-minute walk of Hvar's Old Town, set on a lovely pebble bay and encircling a huge complex of pools and sun loungers. Maslina Resort In Stari Grad the ultra-luxurious Maslina Resort has impeccable eco-credentials alongside its potential for pampering, with one of the few sandy beaches on the island, an extensive spa and stylish rooms where local materials are used to elegant effect. For lower-cost stays, look for an Airbnb apartment rental in both Hvar Town and Stari Grad, where floors of the old stone houses have been nicely converted. How to get there Fly to Split - Croatia Airlines, easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, Wizz Air and TUI all fly direct during the summer season. Fllight time from the UK is around 2 hours 30 minutes. Take the ferry from Split to Hvar. The Independent
Web Release
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
The Cherriest Summer has arrived at Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE
The Cherriest Summer has arrived at Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE Step into a vibrant fusion of high-energy beats, summer musical anthems, and feel-good Friday vibes at The Cherriest Summer at Playa Pacha. Set against the dazzling backdrop of FIVE LUXE, this is your ultimate poolside calling—where iconic sounds meet endless summer energy! Welcome to The Cherriest Summer at Playa Pacha, the city's most exciting, energy-revved, Ibiza-style pool party. This is your go-to weekly extravaganza where the White Isle's energy collides with Dubai glamour, delivering bold beats, sunshine vibes, and pure cherry-red magic. Dive into the scene with handcrafted cocktails in hand, dance to pulse-raising anthems, and let the legendary Pacha Ibiza spirit take over. Every Friday becomes a high-octane celebration — elevated, unapologetic, and anything but ordinary. Location: Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE When: Fridays, 1 PM onwards Pricing: AED300 for Ladies (fully redeemable) AED400 for Gents (fully redeemable) VIP areas and private cabanas available on request Press Kit: LINK Follow us: Instagram | Website Call: 04 455 9989 WhatsApp: +971 4455 9999 Email: [email protected] *Advance bookings strongly recommended.
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
English beach bar that ‘feels like being in the Med' with Ibiza-style music nights
Plus, one of the UK's oldest beach bars to open new rooftop terrace in time for summer BEACH PLEASE English beach bar that 'feels like being in the Med' with Ibiza-style music nights Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SERENE beach bar in Cornwall is said to 'feel like being in the Med' with some of the best sunsets in the country. The Rockpool in Gwithian, Cornwall is located just 300 metres from three miles of picturesque sand. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The Rockpool is located in Gwithian, Cornwall Credit: Instagram 6 Gwithian Beach stretches three miles in total Credit: Alamy 6 The beach is a popular spot with surfers and families Credit: Alamy Serving up a range of different dishes from restaurant Lula, The Rockpool sits just off of Gwithian Beach, which is known for its vibrant sunsets and seals. One person who visited The Rockpool said: "Food, drink, atmosphere, music and staff were immense. "Thought I was in the Med momentarily! Really recommend, the prawn skewers were superb. Will definitely be going back…" The venue also hosts "Ibiza style sundowner sessions", according to it's Instagram - with acoustic, jazz and band music each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings and all day on a Sunday, all summer. Many visitors note how the restaurant is the ideal spot for watching the sun set on the horizon. A visitor said: "I sat outside and had an amazing view of the sunset. Will definitely be back here. "Had some live music as well which is always a bonus. Definitely a cool chilled out place that is kid friendly." Popular dishes include the restaurants "roast on the coast" which has previously included slow-cooked harissa lamb, Peri Peri chicken, Cauliflower and leek gratin. On Lula's website, the menu is described as "a fresh fusion of Cornish, New Orleans creole and Floridian crab shack spice". There is also a range of different breakfast options and many dishes suitable for veggies and vegans. UK beach named one of the top 100 in the world On Gwithian Beach itself, there is golden sand and a consistent swell great for surfers and kite surfers. Surfers particularly enjoy the nearby 'Sheep Dips' - a large pool formed between two big rocks, that is quite deep in the middle. For little ones, there are also plenty of exploring opportunities with rock pools, dunes and dramatic cliffs. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach during peak season and there are a number of car parks, other cafes and amenities. Additionally, the beach is dog-friendly year round - as is The Rockpool. Off of the beach and 300 yards into the sea is Godrevy Island - which is home to a lighthouse that dates back to 1859. The parish town of Hayle is also a short 10-minute drive away, or if you are feeling adventurous, takes just over an hour to walk to from Gwithian. A top Haven holiday park with a seaside bar that 'feels like Ibiza' is also on one of UK's best beaches. Plus, one of the UK's oldest beach bars to open new rooftop terrace in time for summer. 6 The restaurant serves up a 'roast on the coast' Credit: Instagram 6 There is also live music at the venue Credit: Instagram
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Nab a chic nest at The Treehouse hotel, an ever-evolving Northern playground
The bespoke scent of wildflowers follows you wherever you go JUST OPENED Nab a chic nest at The Treehouse hotel, an ever-evolving Northern playground Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE LOWDOWN THE third Treehouse Hotel (its siblings are in London and Silicon Valley, no less) has taken root in the spot of the former Renaissance Deansgate hotel. Interiors are crafted from vintage and reclaimed materials and it's a 15-minute stroll from Manchester Piccadilly. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Interiors are crafted from vintage and reclaimed materials 4 Ibiza-style chill-out beats play in the lobby The city's buzzing bars, restaurants and shops are all on your doorstep, plus the hotel has its own swish cinema. WHAT WE LOVED. . . The bespoke scent of wildflowers follows you wherever you go and Ibiza-style chill-out beats play in the lobby. Comfy nooks are laden with board games and fidget toys, and rustic bird houses decorate the walls. Upstairs, we fell for the city views and the whimsical design of our Studio Suite – think fabric headboards decorated in woodland animals, colourful patchwork quilts wrapped over super-king beds and rainbow curtains. Natural botanical toiletries smell incredible and yoga mats are supplied for morning stretches. Tuck into home-made crumpets with honey from the Treehouse's own bees, £8, for brekkie. Come dinnertime, opt for delicate smoked chalk stream trout with mustard cream, rhubarb ketchup and a rye cracker, and squab ham pigeon nestled in mustard leaves with a lemon thyme granita at eatery Pip. Even the veggie braised leek Sunday roast is a winner, £31 for two courses. WHAT WE DIDN'T LOVE. . . This place is still feathering its nest, so it'll be autumn before its Asian-fusion restaurant and rooftop bar open. OUT AND ABOUT Film buff? Manchester Airport reveals it's £1.3billion makeover Grab your trainers for a walking tour with The Locationist, AKA actor Lee Perkins, and visit locations from the likes of Peaky Blinders, Captain America and Sherlock Holmes. You'll be amazed to find out how many times Manchester doubles up for NYC! A four-hour tour costs £17 per person ( Sun shining? Stop by Castlefield Viaduct, a luscious sky-garden sun trap. Meanwhile, wine enthusiasts should not miss Kelly's Manchester Wine Tour to visit four brilliant watering holes, such as natural wine shop Kerb and Gary Neville's Sterling bar. We're still dreaming of his cheese doughnuts! A four-hour tour costs £37.50 per person, including tastings and nibbles ( Handily, tours start at Cutting Room Square, the site of Ancoats' The Makers Market, on the first Sunday of every month. 4 Try the squab ham pigeon nestled in mustard leaves with a lemon thyme granita at eatery Pip 4 The hotel is just a 15-minute stroll from Manchester Piccadilly Go early to pick up fab jewellery, art and artisan produce, including salmon and dill filo pastries from Primo Grano ( For dinner, hit lively Blacklock and sip on a Usual Suspects – a mix of jalapeño tequila, Aperol and prosecco, £9 – while munching potted meats and kimchi, £1.50, plus spicy pig's head on toast, £8, to start. Go big or go home – order the sharing porterhouse loin for mains, £10.50 per 100g ( The next morning, grab a restorative blueberry smoothie, £5.30, from the excellent Gran T's ( THE DAMAGE Double rooms cost from £199 ( Plan your trip at
