Latest news with #KaraGodfrey
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Massive new floating yacht hotel to open in the UK with affordable rooms, rooftop bar and onboard spa
Plus, The Sun's Kara Godfrey shares what it is like to stay onboard a floating hotel ON A BOAT Massive new floating yacht hotel to open in the UK with affordable rooms, rooftop bar and onboard spa Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MASSIVE new yacht hotel will open in London - and rooms will be unexpectedly affordable. The Sunborn yacht hotel has been located at Royal Docks in London since 2003 and now a new yacht hotel will replace the older boat. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A new Sunborn floating yacht hotel will be coming to London Credit: SUNBORN INTERNATIONAL The new boat will boast 225 rooms over six floors. In addition, facilities on board will be open to both guests and the public, including a rooftop bar, hotel spa, event venues and a two-level lobby bar. There will be an à la carte restaurant on board too, seating up to 200 people and featuring an outdoor terrace overlooking the water. Sunborn is also making the new hotel more sustainable with energy efficient materials being used and "floating biodiversity areas". Read more on travel inspo COSTA LITTLE The Spanish beach towns with 3-bed homes from £500-a-month perfect for Brits The new 134-metre yacht is currently under construction and plans to open in 2026. The yacht hotel that is currently in place at the Royal Docks features 138 rooms and will be refurbished and relocated to outside of the UK. At the moment, the Sunborn in London has a wealth of things to explore and do, including Sunday roasts where children under 10 can dine for free. There are a range of different rooms and suites to choose from too, which are affordable starting from £115 per night. While the new hotel room prices are yet to be confirmed, they are likely to be similar. Sunborn currently has only one other yacht hotel and that is located in Gibraltar. Futuristic luxury yacht dubbed the 'Sea Spaceship' revealed - offering a 'refined escape' with seven-figure price tag And the Gibraltar Sunborn already has a spa onboard, called the Infinity Spa with a number of different treatments. The company does have plans to open more floating hotels in the future too, including in Vancouver, Canada and Spain. The yacht hotel in Vancouver, would be located in Coal Harbour and feature 250 rooms, as well as a restaurant, bars and cafes and a spa. Over in Seville, Spain, the company is in the final stages of securing a license to build a yacht hotel on the waterfront. If plans go ahead, in addition to the floating hotel there would also be a new waterfront park. What's it like to stay on the Sunborn? THE Sun's Kara Godfrey stayed onboard the Sunborn in London - here's what she thought. I was lucky enough to spend the night on the yacht - which is docked at Royal Victoria Dock, so don't worry if you get seasick either as you won't even feel it moving. This includes 138 rooms and suites as well as a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace and event space - a lot to fit into the 142m boat. As I arrived, I was whisked up a tiny lift from outside, and was plonked into the middle of a huge grand lobby, with spiral staircase and very outlandish glass chandelier. Feeling just as glam as a cruise ship, I was shown to my room down the narrow corridor, but opened up into my suite with some of the most stunning views across the river. But the star of the yacht is its restaurant Land's End. I was certainly underdressed - one guest came in a floor-length sequin dress, compared to my trousers-and-shirt combo - although there is no dress code and the staff didn't even seem to notice. With views of London's Docklands to watch the sunset, the three-course dinner was some of the finest I've had in London. Before I knew it, I was waking up in my cabin with a peaceful start to the morning overlooking the water, followed by a very leisurely buffet breakfast at the same restaurant. Hans Niemi, CEO of Sunborn International, said: "We also have an important environmental goal – to build the world's most environmentally friendly floating hotel." Karen Thomson, UK Director at Sunborn International, added: "We have a wonderful hotel location at Royal Victoria Dock, and I must also credit our excellent hotel team, local suppliers and partners." A British Viking town has also turned itself into £9milion tourist destination with a floating hotel, waterfront drive-thru and new shops. Plus, plans have been revealed for a unique 120-bed 'floating' hotel in an idyllic UK beauty spot.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Massive new floating yacht hotel to open in the UK with affordable rooms, rooftop bar and onboard spa
A MASSIVE new yacht hotel will open in London - and rooms will be unexpectedly affordable. The Sunborn yacht hotel has been located at Royal Docks in London since 2003 and now a new yacht hotel will replace the older boat. 2 The new boat will boast 225 rooms over six floors. In addition, facilities on board will be open to both guests and the public, including a rooftop bar, hotel spa, event venues and a two-level lobby bar. There will be an à la carte restaurant on board too, seating up to 200 people and featuring an outdoor terrace overlooking the water. Sunborn is also making the new hotel more sustainable with energy efficient materials being used and "floating biodiversity areas". The new 134-metre yacht is currently under construction and plans to open in 2026. The yacht hotel that is currently in place at the Royal Docks features 138 rooms and will be refurbished and relocated to outside of the UK. At the moment, the Sunborn in London has a wealth of things to explore and do, including Sunday roasts where children under 10 can dine for free. There are a range of different rooms and suites to choose from too, which are affordable starting from £115 per night. While the new hotel room prices are yet to be confirmed, they are likely to be similar. Sunborn currently has only one other yacht hotel and that is located in Gibraltar. Futuristic luxury yacht dubbed the 'Sea Spaceship' revealed - offering a 'refined escape' with seven-figure price tag And the Gibraltar Sunborn already has a spa onboard, called the Infinity Spa with a number of different treatments. The company does have plans to open more floating hotels in the future too, including in Vancouver, Canada and Spain. The yacht hotel in Vancouver, would be located in Coal Harbour and feature 250 rooms, as well as a restaurant, bars and cafes and a spa. Over in Seville, Spain, the company is in the final stages of securing a license to build a yacht hotel on the waterfront. If plans go ahead, in addition to the floating hotel there would also be a new waterfront park. What's it like to stay on the Sunborn? THE Sun's Kara Godfrey stayed onboard the Sunborn in London - here's what she thought. I was lucky enough to spend the night on the yacht - which is docked at Royal Victoria Dock, so don't worry if you get seasick either as you won't even feel it moving. This includes 138 rooms and suites as well as a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace and event space - a lot to fit into the 142m boat. As I arrived, I was whisked up a tiny lift from outside, and was plonked into the middle of a huge grand lobby, with spiral staircase and very outlandish glass chandelier. Feeling just as glam as a cruise ship, I was shown to my room down the narrow corridor, but opened up into my suite with some of the most stunning views across the river. But the star of the yacht is its restaurant Land's End. I was certainly underdressed - one guest came in a floor-length sequin dress, compared to my trousers-and-shirt combo - although there is no dress code and the staff didn't even seem to notice. With views of London's Docklands to watch the sunset, the three-course dinner was some of the finest I've had in London. Before I knew it, I was waking up in my cabin with a peaceful start to the morning overlooking the water, followed by a very leisurely buffet breakfast at the same restaurant. Hans Niemi, CEO of Sunborn International, said: "We also have an important environmental goal – to build the world's most environmentally friendly floating hotel." Karen Thomson, UK Director at Sunborn International, added: "We have a wonderful hotel location at Royal Victoria Dock, and I must also credit our excellent hotel team, local suppliers and partners." A British Viking town has also turned itself into £9milion tourist destination with a floating hotel, waterfront drive-thru and new shops. Plus, plans have been revealed for a unique 120-bed 'floating' hotel in an idyllic UK beauty spot. 2
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
The small English pub that overlooks one of the UK's best secret beaches
Deputy Travel Assistant Kara Godfrey gives her verdict on the beach and the pub DRINK IT IN The small English pub that overlooks one of the UK's best secret beaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ENJOYING a drink by the beach is usually the best part of most seaside day trips. And at the Captain Digby in Broadstairs, you can do exactly that while overlooking a bay which is one of the jewels of the Kent coastline. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 From the Captain Digby you look over Kingsgate Bay and castle Credit: Alamy 5 The Captain Digby has a big pub garden with great views Credit: Trip Advisor The Captain Digby pub has been open since the mid-1760s and is possibly one of the oldest 'drinking houses' in Thanet. It was originally built as Bede House for Lord Holland who entertained his guests there. Now, it's a classic British pub, but has better views than most, with incredible views over Kingsgate Bay. The beach is one of the lesser-known beaches in Broadstairs which also has Botany Bay, Joss Bay and Palm Bay Beach. Like the surrounding beaches, Kingstgate Bay has white chalky cliffs, golden sands and blue waters. Looking over the coast is Kingsgate Castle which again, was built for Lord Holland - it was turned into a hotel, and then converted into private flats. The pub has lots of British favourites from pies to salmon, sausage and mash and Sunday roast dinners. There are lighter lunch options too like fresh wraps, baguettes and jacket potatoes. As for drinks there's a long wine list as well as champagne and sparkling drinks and spirits. During the summer months, visitors can order food and drink through a hatch window point - so you don't have to miss a minute of the sunshine. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 5 The Captain Digby is perched on the cliffs above Kingsgate Bay Credit: Alamy 5 Kingsgate Bay has chalky white cliffs and shallow paddling waters Credit: Alamy The pub even has an outdoor and indoor 'Pirates' play area for kids. One visitor to the pub wrote on Tripadvisor: "After a walk through from Botany Bay and an explore of Kingsgate beach we dropped in here for lunch al fresco enjoying the view of the bay and Kingsgate Castle. Another added: "A fantastic location with a great view of the beach and cliffs. A large outside area with plenty of tables. The pub itself is a lovely building and the staff were welcoming and friendly." Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has been to the pub a few times on a daytrip to Broadstairs. She said: "The walk from Margate to Broadstairs has some amazing hidden coves, one of which being Kingsgate Bay. "With white cliffs on one side and Kingsgate Castle on another, you can even walk through the natural archway depending on the tide (reminiscent of Durdle Door). "The sandy beach is often overlooked, as it is only accessed by a steep set of steps and there is very limited parking so it is mainly for walkers to visit. "Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too." Here are more of Kara's favourite Kent beaches that you can enjoy in the hot weather. And here's more about UK's trendiest seaside town with cool pubs, cheap eats and beach spots.
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major airline launches non-reclining business class seats – but here's why I think it's a game-changer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN airline has revealed its new business class seats - which don't recline. All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the second airline in the world to launch the static business seats, following Finnair in 2022. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 An airline has launched new non-reclining business class seats Credit: ANA/safran-group 5 ANA's The Room FX are an upgrade on their current seats Credit: ANA/safran-group 5 Rather than reclining, a foot rest comes up to turn it into a bed Credit: ANA/safran-group The Japanese airline was named one of the best in the world in this year's Skytrax Awards (coming in fifth place behind Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates). They currently have flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo, which take just under 14 hours. And they have since revealed their new business class seats being rolled out next year. Set to be added to its Boeing 787-9s, "The Room FX" (where the FX stands for Future Experience) is an upgrade on their current The Room seats. They have has been designed with both Acumen, a British design company who also created seats for BA and Air Japan, and French manufacturer Safran Seats. The 48 business class seats will be in a 1-2-1 formation, with some of them facing backwards. The airline claims it will be the "world's largest seat in its class on a mid-sized aircraft'. Each one comes with their own sliding door - which most airlines now have in their business class seats - and much wider seats. However, what is also new is the lack of recline. Instead, the seats will turn into a bed by deploying an adjustable leg rest. Inside Finnair pods 5 I tried Finnair's non-reclining business seats and was sold Credit: Kara Godfrey - The Sun To some, reclining is a must when it comes to splashing out on the upgraded seats and might even be a deal-breaker. However, I was one of the first to fly on Finnair's new business class pods back in 2023 called the AirLounge which also don't recline. And I was completely sold on the design. The lack of recline instead meant I had a lot more space in the seat, which was similar to a seating booth due to how wide it was. It was more like a curved sofa than a seat, in fact. And after all, how often do we ever sit in a reclining seat in our normal day-to-day lives? Instead, I happily sat upright when watching a film or having my dinner, before converting the spacious seat into a bed. Not only that, but it means the seats are less likely to break and be put out of commission, with the reclining mechanisms being more prone to issues. So while a non-reclining business seat might seem like a back-step when it comes to innovation - I'd happily go for them over a clunky moving seat. Here are some of our other business class reviews, including Emirates and the Qatar Airways Qsuite.
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major airline launches non-reclining business class seats – but here's why I think it's a game-changer
AN airline has revealed its new business class seats - which don't recline. business seats, following Finnair in 2022. Advertisement 5 An airline has launched new non-reclining business class seats Credit: ANA/safran-group 5 ANA's The Room FX are an upgrade on their current seats Credit: ANA/safran-group 5 Rather than reclining, a foot rest comes up to turn it into a bed Credit: ANA/safran-group Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates). They currently have flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo, which take just under 14 hours. And they have since revealed their new business class seats being rolled out next year. Set to be added to its Boeing 787-9s, "The Room FX" (where the FX stands for Future Experience) is an upgrade on their current The Room seats. Advertisement Read more on airlines They have has been designed with both Acumen, a British design company who also created seats for BA and Air Japan , and French manufacturer Safran Seats. The 48 The airline claims it will be the "world's largest seat in its class on a mid-sized aircraft'. Each one comes with their own sliding door - which most airlines now have in their business class seats - and much wider seats. Advertisement Most read in News Travel However, what is also new is the lack of recline. Instead, the seats will turn into a bed by deploying an adjustable leg rest. Inside Finnair pods 5 I tried Finnair's non-reclining business seats and was sold Credit: Kara Godfrey - The Sun To some, reclining is a must when it comes to splashing out on the upgraded seats and might even be a deal-breaker. Advertisement However, I was one of the first to And I was completely sold on the design. The lack of recline instead meant I had a lot more space in the seat, which was similar to a seating booth due to how wide it was. It was more like a curved sofa than a seat, in fact. Advertisement And after all, how often do we ever sit in a reclining seat in our normal day-to-day lives? Instead, I happily sat upright when watching a film or having my dinner, before converting the spacious seat into a bed. Not only that, but it means the seats are less likely to break and be put out of commission, with the reclining mechanisms being more prone to issues. So while a non-reclining business seat might seem like a back-step when it comes to innovation - I'd happily go for them over a clunky moving seat. Advertisement Here are some of our other business class reviews, including 5 The new seats are being rolled out next year Credit: ANA/safran-group
