Latest news with #Pula
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I discovered the Rome of Croatia - with £2.50 pints and the world's most well-preserved Roman amphitheatre but none of the Colosseum's crowds
Standing in the middle of this huge Roman amphitheatre, in awe of the ancient architecture I'm surrounded by, I can't quite believe this isn't the Colosseum itself. But rather than being in Italy, I'm in Croatia. Pula Arena, on the west coast of the country in Pula, was built between 27 BC and 68 AD. It is widely regarded to be the best-preserved Roman arena in the world, with almost the entire circumference and all four side towers completely intact. And, rather than spending hours queuing as you would to get into the Colosseum, my group and I simply breezed straight inside – and almost have the entire tourist attraction to ourselves to roam around and explore. It's not just the arena that's an exceptionally well-kept Roman ruin in Pula. The city centre is also home to the Temple of Augustus, a church-turned-museum constructed between the year 2 BC and AD 14; the Arch of the Sergii, a triumphal arch that was originally a city gate built as a symbol of victory at Actium; and many city walls and mosaics, including one very impressive floor mosaic that was found in the remains of a Roman house after World War II. In its day, Pula Arena could hold around 23,000 spectators ready to watch gladiatorial fights. Today, it's an intimate music venue, able to hold around 7,000. Duran Duran, Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa have all played the Pula Arena, and when I'm there, it's still set up from Sir Tom Jones' performance a couple of nights before. In fact, I'm gutted to learn that Sir Tom checked out of the hotel I'm staying in, the Grand Brioni Hotel Pula, the day before I checked in. Although, with a whopping 227 rooms and 12 suites in the Radisson Collection property, it's unlikely I would've bumped into the Sex Bomb crooner during my stay. Sat on the tip of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, the Grand Brioni was voted the best in Croatia in 2023 following a £30 million renovation - and I quickly find out why. This is a four-star hotel with everything that a five-star has to offer. The sprawling property is decked out in marble, with Roman-influenced artwork and splashes of blue everywhere. But the pièce de résistance is the very long infinity pool stretched out across the roof, looking out onto sweeping views of the Adriatic. Hayley's room looks out on to the Istrian Riviera. She says: 'The views are beautiful (and worth upgrading for) and the bed is supremely comfortable, coming with a choice of seven pillows' Hayley says: 'Despite the Grand Brioni being so huge, I always manage to secure a sunbed and find it surprisingly peaceful and secluded, sunbathing here constantly' Despite the Grand Brioni being so huge, I always manage to secure a sunbed and find it surprisingly peaceful and secluded, sunbathing here constantly, while sipping on the hotel's twist on an Aperol spritz, a Teranino spritz. I only stop to take the steps down to the hotel's private beach to jump in the sea, and to pop to the spa for a glorious hour-long massage. The rooms are excellent, too. I have a Collection Superior room with a Panoramic Sea View, looking out to the Istrian Riviera. The views are beautiful (and worth upgrading for) and the bed is supremely comfortable, coming with a choice of seven plump pillows - each of them differently stuffed to suit everyone's taste. The same can certainly be said of the buffet breakfast. From made-to-order omelettes and coffee served by baristas to a huge selection of cakes (because who doesn't want to eat dessert first thing in the morning?) and fresh fruit, you really couldn't go wrong. The selection of foods is just as vast for dinner, but I recommend splashing out on a meal at Sophia, the hotel's restaurant. It's named after actress Sophia Loren, who once stayed at the Grand Brioni. She finishes: 'Just when I think the night can't get any more perfect, there are audible gasps as a pod of dolphins starts performing flips for us in the distance. It's as if they're waving us goodbye on our final night – but I'll definitely be coming back' Here, I have a delicious meal spanning octopus, beef carpaccio and some of the most tender Kobe beef I've ever eaten – all while looking out over a stunning sunset. And just when I think the night can't get any more perfect, there are audible gasps as a pod of dolphins starts performing flips for us in the distance. It's as if they're waving us goodbye on our final night – but I'll definitely be coming back. Who needs Rome?
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel editor - here's everything I packed for my weekend trip to Croatia
By Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more As deputy travel editor of MailOnline, you would think I'd have learnt to pack light by now. And it does become easier to cut down what you take when you only have hand luggage on an easyJet flight. But I do love my clothes - and can't exactly wear a bikini and beach dress in a fancy restaurant or on the plane. I ended up wearing five different outfits across two days, when I spent a weekend at the Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, in Croatia, recently - including a two-piece I rented with a Hirestreet subscription. Aside from the summer clothes, I packed my list of essentials I take on every trip - as well as my Mermade Double Waver to give myself naturally-looking beach waves in the 34 degree heat. And I stuffed my clear travel pouch full with as many 100ml liquids as I possibly could - so I could stick to my regular makeup and skincare routine. But that's not all. From multiple space-saving gadgets that double up as two items, to the travel accessories I can't live without, here's what I chucked into my hand luggage for Pula... MyHalos 100% Blackout Sleep Mask I bought this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight originally, and it's so good I use it in bed every night now, and my sleep has got so much better. Designed to prevent pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is perfect for sensitive eyes or those with lash extensions. Made from premium memory foam and soft, breathable material, it offers superior comfort and light-blocking ability. £9.99 Shop MyTravelPal 20W Worldwide Travel Adaptor with USB C A travel adapter is an absolute must if you're going abroad, and I always leave this one in my suitcase so I never forget to pack it. It fits any plug sockets around the world, and also has two USB ports, a slot for USB-C cables, and built-in USB-C cable, so you can charge five different devices at the same time. £23.99 Shop Tile Mate by Life360 Throughout my life I've been told I'd 'lose my head if it weren't screwed on', and have been known to leave my suitcase on the train, my passport on the plane and my purse on the bar. I really would be lost without tile Mates, which I've attached to my keys and added one to my suitcase. The Bluetooth trackers are the ideal solution for scatterbrains, and also for safety if you're solo travelling, so friends and family can know your whereabouts. £27.99 Shop Le Creuset Bottle I take a water bottle wherever I'm going, as it means I don't have to keep asking the crew for another tiny cup of water on a flight. This one from Le Creuset keeps my water cold all day - especially when I add some ice to it when I leave the house. £35-40 Shop Anker Nano Power Bank Power banks are a must for long journeys, as there's not always an available plug socket nearby - although most long-haul flights now do have USB ports to charge your phone. I love Anker's Nano Power Bank, as it's so small, and doesn't have a need for wires. £19.98 Shop INSTAX mini 41 camera I always bring my Instax camera with me on my travels, as the instant photos are such a cute way of marking each trip. The camera always goes down a treat with friends - and is so easy to use. £94.99 Shop Amazon Kindle I was always a paperback book purist until I got my Kindle. It really is a game-changer for reading, purely for the amount of space it saves in your bag, rather than having to carry around three heavy books, which often end up getting soggy and damaged. £94.99 Shop INSFIT 17-Pack Silicone Travel Bottles Set This travel bottle set has been an absolute lifesaver for me when it comes to travelling with hand luggage only. The TSA-approved clear case comes with 17 containers, ranging in size, that you can decant all your lotions and potions in to using the included funnel. It even comes with a brush for cleaning, as well as waterproof sticker labels so you don't mix up your shampoo with your moisturiser! £9.99 Shop Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish A beauty product I can't leave the house without is Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, and the mini size is my travel skincare staple. I've been using it to take my makeup off in the evening, and to refresh my skin in the morning for 10 years - and I swear by it. I have the 200ml bottle at home, but this starter kit is only £6.40 - and perfect to pop into my hand luggage. £6.40 Shop OGIO Pace Pro 20L Backpack Sorai I always make sure I bring a backpack with me on holiday in case of any jam-packed day trips. This one from OGIO is the perfect size and has more than seven compartments, including a laptop and tablet sleeve, as well as hidden passport pocket. There's surprisingly more than enough space to fit a change of clothes and shoes for the plane. And it also has a trolley sleeve so it can slide onto your suitcase and ease your back. £99 Shop STACKERS Cosmetic and Jewellery Bag I've always been one of those people with a million different bags and boxes within their suitcase - a jewellery box, a makeup bag, a toiletries bag, the list goes on... But this nifty 2-in-1 bag from STACKERS has fixed all that. It fits all my makeup in and has a jewellery box attached at the bottom - which also keeps all my necklaces in place and stops them tangling. Plus, it has a mirror inside too! £55 Shop SURI Electric Toothbrush and UV Case This electric toothbrush - made with recyclable plant-based heads and bristles - is so light to carry, and comes with a slim, self-cleaning case. It removes three times more plaque than a manual toothbrush, and is really powerful with 33,000 vibrations per minute, but also very quiet. It also has a really long battery life of 40+ days, so you don't have to bring your charger with on holiday. £95 Shop Boots Minis Bag Get Holiday Ready Boots has launched an exciting new set of mini travel products items worth £124.50, but is on sale for just £32, a saving of 74 per cent. It includes a Sol de Janeiro Cheriosa 62 Perfume Mist (30ml, a Floral Street Sunflower Pop Eau de Parfum (10ml), a Mini MACstack Mascara (8ml), Milk Makeup Multi-Use Lip + Cheek Cream Stick in shade Werk (6g), and more. You can also put all your other mini liquids in the bag and use it in your hand luggage. £32 Shop Boots Adventure Holiday Bundle This bundle from Boots is great, as it's all the little things I always forget to pack. For just £20, it includes a Factor 50, roll-on sunscreen, insect repellant, blister plasters, blister prevention tape - and freeze gel for aching muscles if you like walking around cities, like me. It even has re-energising tablets, which are always great for a hangover. £20 Shop Venus Snap Comfortglide Razor I always make sure I have this in my toiletries bag so I never forget a razor on holiday. With its compact travel case, it's so handy - and all you need to change is the razor head. £12 Shop One Line A Day Diary I need a way of documenting all my trips - and I just love this One Line A Day Diary for that. There are 366 pages - one for every day of the year, including a Leap Year - and each has five sections, each with a paragraph's worth of space (one paragraph for the same day across five years). I bought it about two and a half years ago and have writing down what I've done every day since - and I love being able to see what I did the previous year on that day. I don't go anywhere without it! £13.45 Shop Mermade Double Waver I have naturally straight hair, but when I'm on holiday, I love having beach waves. The Mermade Double Waver is like a giant crimper, and leaves my hair looking naturally wavy. The waves stay in so well too, so they look great for the evening, and by the beach. £66 Shop Satechi Passport Holder with Find My As soon as I heard there was a passport case with Find My built in, I knew I had to try it - and I became immediately obsessed with this product. My phone now alerts me if I've left without my passport, so there's no chance of me losing it again. It's also made of vegan leather and looks really good too. £59.99 Shop
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
PwC investigated over Choppies audit in Botswana
Stock exchange suspension led to 75% drop in market value. Botswana's Accounting Oversight Authority has launched an investigation into PwC for its role in the delayed publication of the 2018 audit of Choppies Enterprises that resulted in the company being suspended on the JSE and Botswana Stock Exchange, resulting in a 75% drop in market value. The Botswana regulator received a complaint from Choppies's legal team and Justice Zein Kebonang, citing two serious allegations of professional misconduct and ethical breaches by PwC and its former lead auditor Rudi Binedell. 'Central to the complaint is the claim that PwC weaponised confidential internal company data – obtained during its audit engagement – to litigate and defend its own interests in a manner that Choppies' legal representatives argue amounts to abuse of trust and professional overreach,' says Choppies in a statement. The regulator will launch a probe to determine whether PwC and Binedell violated their statutory, professional, and ethical obligations. If found culpable, the fallout could lead to penalties and reputational damage for PwC. Read more 'Same story year after year': MPs unhappy as Auditor-General reveals local government audit outcomes Moneyweb reached out to PwC for a response but had not received a reply by the time of publication. The case is currently before the court in Botswana, where Choppies's largest shareholders – Ramachandran Ottapathu and Farouk Ismail – are seeking over R653 million (Pula 610 million) in damages, alleging PwC's delay in signing off on the retailer's 2018 financial statements, ostensibly due to audit concerns, caused the company's share price to collapse. ALSO READ: Eskom reaches R43 million settlement with PwC over controversial contract Sour grapes? Choppies alleges that PwC's then lead auditor Binedell delayed the 2018 audit report because a job he had been offered at Choppies had not materialised. Earlier this year, the Botswana High Court dismissed a counter-application by PwC alleging improper conduct by two judges in previous rulings. Choppies has also challenged the legitimacy of a 2023 high court ruling by Justice Boipuso Makhwe, arguing that it was tainted by judicial misconduct. There were claims that the judgment was secretly authored by Makhwe's colleague, Justice Kebonang, who had previously ruled in favour of Choppies in 2021, awarding the retailer over P500 million (R668 million) in damages. 'In a striking counteroffensive, Justice Kebonang has since filed an affidavit accusing PwC of orchestrating a smear campaign, fabricating claims, and manipulating legal proceedings to escape liability,' says Choppies. 'He maintains he had no involvement in drafting the disputed judgment and has demanded that the judiciary investigate the matter further.' ALSO READ: Secret Steinhoff PwC report to be handed over on Wednesday to some media Vindication in sight? The Botswana regulator previously fined Choppies P100 000 (R133 000) for late disclosure of its 2018 financials. The regulator's attention now appears to have shifted to PwC's conduct in the matter. Choppies says the investigation by the regulator is a step toward reputational redemption, while for PwC it poses a threat to its credibility in the region, given its previous citations in scandals involving Eskom, Steinhoff and SAA. PwC sent the following response Moneyweb: 'PwC Botswana takes client confidentiality seriously. However, there are certain circumstances where we are required to disclose confidential information to legal or regulatory authorities. We have complied with our legal and professional obligations in this regard, and we are cooperating with the regulator in its investigation.' This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Premier League legends at charity event
Marcos Alonso will at the Pula charity tournamant this week. FORMER Premier League footballers Pepe Reina, Marcos Alonso and John Arne Riise are among the household names to be confirmed for this month's charity 'Battle of Stars' golf tournament in Mallorca, Spain. Set for Pula Golf Resort and Son Servera Golf Club from Wednesday through Friday, the event brings together celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment to against ALS and multiple sclerosis. Reina is best remembered in the United Kingdom for making almost 400 appearances in goal for Liverpool Football Club, but also represented Barcelona, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Napoli and more. Riise is another Liverpool hero, while Alonso won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and FA Cup with Chelsea. Former tennis world no. 1 Ana Ivanovic and La Liga star Luis Milla are also in the line-up. The new announcement also confirms that headline name Rafael Nadal will be joined by his uncles, former coach Toni Nadal and Barcelona icon Miguel Àngel Nadal. Footballing legends Gabriel Batistuta, Roberto Donadoni, Henrik Larsson and Bernd Schuster have also been confirmed in the field this week. Fittingly for a tournament held in Mallorca, a strong contingent of Spanish household names will also show their support: matadors Pepin Liria and Enrique Ponce, actress and presenter Veronica Mengod and former Barcelona striker Julio Salinas. The tournament's final night will feature a charity tombola with prizes including a flag from the 1999 Masters Tournament, signed by that year's winner Jose Maria Olazabal.
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best lesser-known cities for romantic getaways in 2025
Sign up to Simon Calder's free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder's Travel email Get Simon Calder's Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What could be more romantic than whisking your beloved away on a European city break? Naturally, the allure of couple-centric front runners – Paris, Florence and Prague – dominate the search bar for loving long weekends filled with tables for two, rose-strewn duvets and flutes of champagne amid intimate itineraries. With these can come steep price tags, swarms of sightseers and impossible restaurant reservations – all things that are sure to kill the mood. Forget the hearts and flowers heavyweights vying for the crown of the city of love – opt instead for an under-the-radar alternative for better value, fewer tourists and just as much opportunity to hold hands and stare lovingly into each other's eyes... Here's how to cheat the canals of Venice in a love affair with Annecy and trade fairy-tale Bruges for the charms of Strasbourg on your next romantic getaway. Read more: Top bakery destinations around the world and which treat to eat Swap Dubrovnik for Pula open image in gallery Pula has a historic pedigree to rival the walled cobbles of Dubrovnik ( Niels Bosman ) With a prime spot on the Mediterranean, promenades of sophisticated seafood spots and distinctive medieval architecture, the cobbles of Dubrovnik are undoubtedly a haven for lovers and the proclaimed 'Pearl of the Adriatic' welcomes hordes of visitors to its sun-kissed walls year-round. An escape to frequently neglected Pula in northern Croatia offers an amphitheatre of Roman ruins to wander, a ragged coastline for bathing and authentic tavernas to taste pours from the Istria wine region without the perpetual hustle of southern hotspot Dubrovnik. Savour sailings watching the dolphins dance, Mediterranean meals beginning with pršut ham and local olive oil, and lively nights in buzzing bars post sunset in Istria's historic main city. Where to stay Relax mere metres from the Adriatic, float hand in hand in a heated outdoor pool or stretch out during a couples massage at the stylish Boutique Hotel Valsabbion just 10 minutes from the heart of Pula. Read more: Secret heart-shaped European peninsula perfect for a foodie holiday Trade Venice for Annecy open image in gallery Medieval Venice-esque canals weave Annecy's waterways ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Annecy in south-east France is known as the Venice of the Alps – and for good reason. This medieval canal city has several waterways running through the centre, fed by the neighbouring Lake Annecy, set to a backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. It also features a charming old town with cobbled streets and pastel houses; the Château d'Annecy, which looks like it fell straight out of a storybook, looms large, and is now home to a museum. The city rivals Venice for picturesque beauty and has the additional boon of the glorious lake, which visitors can explore on pleasure boats or on foot, following the trails around the water's edge. Where to stay Located on the banks of the Vassé Canal, the contemporary Le Splendid Hotel faces Lake Annecy with old-town gift shopping, the fairy tale Palais de l'Île museum and idyllic boat tours at your fingertips. Read more: The best hotels in Paris for budget-friendly breaks and luxury stays Switch Florence for Ferrara open image in gallery Ferrara is a romantic Renaissance heavyweight ( Melina Kiefer ) Florence may be the cradle of the Renaissance, but the reasons tourists flock there – world-class art, architecture, food and drink – can be found elsewhere in Italy. The oft-overlooked city of Ferrara, sat between Venice and Bologna, is a serious Renaissance art destination, plus a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its proximity to better-known cities makes it a relatively quiet option, with less competition to see the signature Castello Estense, a giant castle complete with moat in the city centre, and various palazzos boasting fine frescoes and examples of Renaissance art. Food-wise, there are plenty of trattorias serving traditional Ferrara dishes, such as cappellacci di zucca (pasta filled with pumpkin, parmigiano cheese and nutmeg) and pasticcio di maccheroni (a sweet-crust pie with macaroni, béchamel, dried mushroom and truffle filling). Where to stay With wooden beams, rich red accents and antique furnishings there's a warm ambience to the Princess Art Hotel that encapsulates a bygone era. Think cosying up by the fire, unwinding on the garden patio and making the short stroll to Este Castle. Read more: The best city breaks in Italy, from art-filled Florence to coastal Cagliari Change Bruges for Strasbourg open image in gallery Strasbourg beats Bruges as a fairy tale base ( Chan Lee ) Bruges' pretty market squares, cobbled streets and soaring church spires mimic a medieval fairy tale. The drawback? These attractions also attract huge numbers of tourists. Find a quieter yet equally charming base in Strasbourg – the underappreciated Alsace gem on the French-German border that combines the best of both. Half-timbered, colourful old buildings lining winding streets give their own take on the fairy-tale style, while cosy winstubs (traditional Alsatian taverns) welcome travellers for food and drink. Get a cultural fix at the 18th-century Palais Rohan, dubbed a 'Versailles in miniature', or go more modern with a visit to Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, which features works by Kandinsky and Picasso. Where to stay The grand 16th-century Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D'or has preserved its historic splendour among the waterside timbers of 'Petite France'. Le Bouclier d'Or even hosts a steamy hammam, moody wine bar and impressive views of Strasbourg Cathedral. Substitute Prague with Český Krumlov open image in gallery For a pint-sized Prague, visit Český Krumlov in the South Bohemia region ( Mike Swigunski ) Plentiful beer, architecture that roams from Gothic to baroque to art nouveau and a maze of pretty, cobbled streets – Prague has all you need for a romantic break. And, apparently, for a less-than-romantic stag do. Escape the morph-suit-clad crowds by travelling to Český Krumlov, a pint-sized Prague in Czechia's south. With its own Unesco status, plenty of Renaissance architecture to admire and a fairy tale castle perched above the Vltava River, this small-scale town blends the highlights of the capital with peaceful and responsible tourism. Where to stay For riverside accommodation in Český Krumlov, Garni Hotel Castle Bridge sits on the Vltava River with views that stretch to its iconic stronghold. Picture hearty breakfast platters on the banks and spacious double rooms just a stone's throw from the main square. Read more: The perfect European city Christmas market break – with a hidden spa twist Replace Paris with Bordeaux open image in gallery Ditch the bustling city of love for quiet carafes of margaux ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Hailed as one of the world's most romantic cities, Paris attracts more than its fair share of lovebirds. But those looking for good food and wine and a chance to brush up their langage de l'amour should look further south for all the romance with less of the cliché. Bordeaux offers a compact city centre, pedestrianised boulevards and restored neoclassical architecture at every turn. Swap the Eiffel Tower for the Miroir-d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool, take advantage of the city's illustrious wine heritage in the Cité du Vin museum, and forget Notre Dame – Bordeaux's Cathedral of Saint Andrew is a Gothic masterpiece in its own right. Where to stay A dream for couples, luxury is king at Villas Foch in downtown Bordeaux. Here, a world-class spa meets romantic Juliet balconies, indulgent pâtisserie and swirls of red in the dimly lit bar. Read more: How to do a Bordeaux wine tour by public transport
