Latest news with #holidayrentals
Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Billion Dollar Playground review — peek into rich lives feels far too confected
Do you disagree that life is short? Do you therefore wish to fritter away hours of your existence on confected tension and overhyped first world problems set to a 'luxe' aesthetic? Then I have just the show for you! Billion Dollar Playground (BBC3) is an attempt to ride on the coat-tails of Selling Sunset and wealth porn TV generally, though it is set in Sydney, Australia, not Los Angeles. And it is not about buying property but a high-end holiday rental company and its 'elite service' staff whose response to their rich, often very brattish guests staying at $40 million mansions is never, ever 'no', even when those clients demand a fire-eater at short notice. And, yes, it's strangely moreish if completely unconvincing. 'Structured reality' is, if you ask me, usually code for 'contrived and fabricated tosh which is a bit of an insult to one's intelligence'. It is 'fictual' rather than 'factual'. So many of the spats between the workers here seem obviously scripted. Some of the one percenters' pickiness ('the bath towel is too smooth!') seem clearly for the benefit of the camera, possibly involving several retakes. Why not just make a drama on the subject and be done with it? Well, I suppose The White Lotus has already done that rather well. So here is its clunky offshoot, a group of (attractive, obviously) young people with perfect teeth whose job is to pander to the whims of holiday guests who have everything but who would complain about the sheen on an angel's wings. This, actually, is a good idea. Being appalled watching people sending back their caviar to slaving personal chefs just because they can, and showing us that being obscenely wealthy doesn't necessarily make people happy, is one of the few consolations of being a pleb. Enjoy. Call me catty (plenty have) but I certainly enjoyed the fact that a group of super-rich middle-aged women arrived with groaning Louis Vuitton suitcases for one weekend and there wasn't a nice frock in them. They looked like they'd raided the Matalan sale rail. But the artifice here is just too obvious. Isn't the entire point of high-end service elegant, classy discretion from the staff? This lot spend so much time bitching behind the scenes, I wouldn't come here if I were a yacht/PJ owner (that's 'private jet' to peasants). The part in which one woman brought along her dog when pets aren't allowed looked so rehearsed I laughed out loud (she eventually agreed to pay $1,000 for steam cleaning. Expensive weekend). It reminds me a little of last year's atrocious Buying London, Netflix's series about ghastly estate agents selling 'super prime' property in the capital to high rollers, which felt to me to be totally contrived. Just as in that series, here we have two beautiful female members of staff, Heaven and Jasmin, pitted against each other. The male boss, the head concierge Salvatore, found fault with everything Heaven did while, as far as I could see, doing very little himself. Cut to him flouncing out unprofessionally in episode two in a way that I can't think anyone trained at the Savoy would do. Not a moment of this feels authentic. But if you're willing to suspend your disbelief you can at least savour the realisation that being rich and working with the rich isn't all it's cracked up to be. ★★☆☆☆
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We quit our NHS nursing jobs to turn rundown caravans into glam holiday rentals – with zero DIY experience
TWO friends have revealed they quit their NHS nursing jobs to turn dirty, rundown caravans into holiday rentals. The duo, who go by The Shoreline Sisters, let viewers on TikTok into their journey with a viral video. 3 3 3 In the clip, the pair got to work deep cleaning a rundown caravan, scrubbing, vacuuming, and dusting every nook and cranny. Despite the huge challenge, the pair admitted they actually don't have any experience, but wanted to give it a go anyway. "Decided to quit our nursing jobs and flip caravans instead. "No experience, just two girls with the mentality of 'no risk, no reward'," the text over the viral video said. The friends started their first mammoth cleaning task by cleaning the fabric of the built-in sofas. The grey upholstery was clearly dirty, but it wasn't until they emptied the cleaner it was clear just how gross the sofas really were. After washing away the dirty brown liquid, the next job was to clean the bathroom. Everything got a good scrub to get it up to scratch. Even the vents were removed and dusted to make sure everything was as clean as it could possibly be. "Day one complete," the pair said, as they ended the clip. I bought a dated caravan & turned it into my family's very own second home for £4.5k - now we holiday for just £10 a day Of course, the friends still have quite a way to go with their project, but after racking up a whopping 270k views on their first video many people chimed in to show their support. One said: "Quitting my nursing job and doing that would be amazing! No appreciating in the job anymore." "I don't blame you, I quit and worked the wards as a band three for three years. Nursing 19 years," a second chimed in. And a third said: "Wonderful inspiration!! So many in the NHS dream of this and you've only gone and done it! All the best ladies!" In the comments the pair also gave more of an insight into their plans going forward. "We are buying and renting but also offering a management service for people who don't live in the area and want someone local to manage their caravan for them," they said. Why caravan holidays are so underrated CARAVAN park holidays are a British staple. And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain's purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break. Josie O'Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated... WHEN I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun. She'd use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays. As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday. No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs. I still love caravan holidays as an adult. In a world of doing everything for the 'gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics. There's no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don't find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad. I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade. My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in. And then, of course, there's the cost. Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips. With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I'm spending hundreds less than I would abroad. I've had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I'll buy my own one day.
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Fears Methven will be ‘overun' with Airbnbs
Methven resident Paul Dixey is calling on the council to impose stricter regulations on holiday rentals. Photo: LDR / Jonathan Leask A Methven resident fears an epidemic of Airbnb owners flouting the rules and over-running residential areas. Paul Dixey is calling on the council to act before it gets out of hand in the Canterbury town. Methven, just over an hour's drive from Christchurch, is popular with skiers and holiday makers. Dixey said three of the 15 properties in his new subdivision are being listed for rental accommodation. "The industry needs better regulation. "If they don't act, I fear it will become epidemic and then how will they stop it?" Dixey said it doesn't seem right that properties are paying residential rates to the council but are operating as a commercial property. "It needs to be addressed when the hotels down the road are paying through the nose to be commercial accommodation operators." Paul Dixey is concerned about built-for-purpsoe holiday lets popping up in the new Camrose Subdivision in Methven, a residential area under the district plan. Photo: LDR / Jonathan Leask The growth of holiday rentals has sparked concerns across the country, with councils considering how to regulate the industry. There are about 290 Airbnb rentals listed in Mid Canterbury. Ashburton District Council compliance and development group manager Ian Hyde said the council is considering how to handle the increase and impact of the short-term rentals. "Council staff are looking at all these issues currently and have been reviewing work done by other councils. "There is a workshop planned with councillors this month on the wider subject of Airbnbs in our district." Hyde said the district plan allows for visitor accommodation as a permitted activity for up to five guests. "If a property was advertising for more than that, they would need to stop or get a resource consent to operate. The council doesn't comment on specific enforcement complaints, but investigate where non-compliances are found. "Sometimes people make an application once they realise that what they are doing requires consent. "Council has the power to enforce the rules of the District Plan under the Resource Management Act, this can include fines, and where appropriate through the Courts. However, we prefer to work with people to address issues where we can." Dixey said he felt the rules hadn't been enforced so far. "We have no objection to them taking five [guests], but one has been advertising up to 12." He said the majority of groups are fine but you can get "that one group that they have no control over". Methven is a popular tourist destination with Mt Hutt Ski Area and the Ōpuke Thermal Pools. Photo: Supplied The rental owners are not onsite so do not know how many people turn up and can mot monitor behaviour, he said. One property owner has applied for a retrospective land use consent to carry out visitor accommodation for up to 11 people. The consent document states the house would only be available for 90 nights a year. Dixie said it could set a dangerous precedent that could result in residential areas being overrun by temporary accommodation, he said. "What's to stop every house on the street applying for consent to be an Airbnb. "You might as well turn the whole place into a commercial accommodation area as the zoning rules aren't worth the paper they are printed on." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Telegraph
13-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Airbnb blames hotels for ‘overtourism' in Europe
Airbnb has blamed the hotel industry for ' overtourism ' in Europe, after regional governments launched crackdowns on holiday rentals. Theo Yedinsky, the Airbnb vice president for public policy, hit back at criticism from furious residents and regulators that the company is causing overcrowding in holiday hotspots. He claimed the rentals group was the victim of 'scapegoating' by local authorities, like in Spain, where large anti-tourism protests have become commonplace. Mr Yedinksy said it was the hotel industry that was driving overtourism, rather than Airbnb rentals. 'We end up getting a lot of the blame, especially in city centres, but the reality is overtourism is really driven by hotels. It is totally unfair,' Mr Yedinsky told the Financial Times. Airbnb and other short-term lettings like have been criticised for turning cities into places where locals can no longer afford to live because apartments are rented to tourists. In Venice, for instance, with an acute lack of affordable public housing, many families have moved to the mainland where rents are cheaper. Anti-tourism demonstrations have been commonplace in Europe in recent years, with about 10,000 people marching in Palma, Majorca last May against overtourism. Similar protests have occurred in Barcelona, Santa Cruz and the Canary Islands. This weekend is set to see another huge wave of anti-tourism protests all over Spain, with marches set to take place in Barcelona, Majorca, Granada, Ibiza and Minorca, as well as in Lisbon and Venice. These protests have seen angry locals spraying tourists with water guns and congregating on the street, with as many as 20,000 coming out to express anger at councils and local governments' management of mass tourism. In response, the Spanish government called for the removal of nearly 66,000 Airbnb properties across six regions of the country in May, claiming they breach regulations for tourist accommodation. Airbnb listings have been partly blamed for swallowing up the housing stock in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Barcelona aims to eliminate 10,000 of its short term lets by the end of 2028. 'I think the mayor of Barcelona needs to look at the construction of hotels, he needs to look at hotels in general . . . and they need to build more housing,' Mr Yedinksy said in response. 'They are scapegoating Airbnb. They are attacking a fraction of the problem and then wondering why it's not getting better,' he added. Spain received 94 million tourists in 2024, and Airbnb reported 500,000 listings in Spain in 2021 alone. Locals report that these huge levels of tourism have perpetuated housing crises, making it harder to buy and rent in cities like Barcelona and Lisbon. Councils have responded with increased regulations and city-planning schemes, with Barcelona recently announcing €30 million to revamp the tourist hotspot area of Ciutat Vella to improve services for locals such as housing and cultural spaces. Experts say that although hotels are still the most popular choice for tourists, Airbnb brings tourism to residential areas of cities, which can cause more discontent due to noise and over-crowded services usually reserved for locals. Studies on the effects of increased Airbnb lettings concluded that the rise in the short-term letting listed online have effects similar to gentrification, by increasing the value of neighbourhoods. Airbnb income was $2.65 billion in 2024, a massive 44% drop from 2023, reflecting the possible effect of tighter regulations and renters' anger with the company. Additionally, the company took a massive hit during the pandemic, with bookings down 85% at Covid-19's peak. However, Mr Yedinsky seems optimistic about the future, saying, 'this company will continue to be successful'. The company is reportedly aiming for 1 billion guests by 2028.
Times
25-05-2025
- Times
11 of the best villas in Florida
Whether you're planning to zip around Central Florida's famous theme parks or bask on one of the white-sand beaches that fringe the Gulf coast, the Sunshine State is a crowd-pleaser. But Florida has such a titanic wealth of accommodation — world-class boutique hotels, mushrooming resorts, cheerful holiday cottages — that it can be hard to know where to begin when booking a trip. For families and larger groups, a self-catering villa is an excellent option and, fortunately, Florida's mammoth offering appeals to a variety of budgets and tastes. These glittering holiday rentals are destinations in themselves. Whether you want an enormous pad complete with a games room and a lazy river, or a luxurious waterside oasis with a palm-lined pool and a roof deck, we've got you covered. Read on for our pick of the finest villas in Florida. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | POOL | Sleeps 34 The snow-white beaches of St Pete-Clearwater, located on Florida's sun-drenched Gulf coast, are regularly voted among the best in the world — and this gargantuan villa big enough for three football teams places you just steps from the sand. The highlight is the rooftop terrace: here, a pair of hot tubs offer the perfect spot for a sundowner coupled with generous views across the Gulf of Mexico. The rest of the rental unfolds in a string of slick modern rooms — a generously equipped wood and rattan-clad kitchen; airy living rooms; eight bedrooms decked with soft neutrals; and seven stylishly minimalist bathrooms. It's the ideal beachside retreat.£££ | POOL | Sleeps 10 The Florida Keys — an island chain stretching out from the state's southernmost tip — move at a wonderfully slow pace. And this sprawling villa is the perfect base for a week or two spent snorkelling, boating and beach basking. The property comes with its own private boat dock, so you've got direct access to the archipelago's sparkling waters. The villa's decor fits the dreamy island vibe too, with three whitewashed bedrooms filled with plants and turquoise accents, and a pool deck dotted with palm trees. Take advantage of the complimentary bicycles, paddleboards and kayaks which make it easy to explore the laid-back community of Marathon by water or land. £ | Sleeps 6 Easy access to the water is the drawcard of this swish spot in Greater Fort Lauderdale's Dania Beach. A neatly manicured garden (a delightful suntrap) unfolds next to the pretty canal, with perfectly positioned Adirondack chairs placed out for enjoying the view. The property's private boat launch is a springboard for adventures too. Things are kept simple on the inside, with whitewashed walls, gleaming tiled floors and generously sized windows that milk those attractive canalside vistas. The three bedrooms here are comfortable and airy, with queen-size beds and — in some — canal views. In Fort Lauderdale proper, don't miss a stroll along shop-packed Las Olas Boulevard, or the champagne-coloured sands of Fort Lauderdale beach. ££ | POOL | Sleeps 18 This waterside bolt hole offers a lesson in coastal luxury. Whitewashed rooms and terraces are brightened with pops of turquoise and sea green, a good reminder that the Gulf of Mexico is just steps away. The private wooden jetty decants you directly onto Bradenton beach's sugar-white sands while, back at the property, a sleek, ocean-facing pool deck is dotted with loungers and colourful Adirondack chairs (the pool is heated). Three out of the eight bedrooms have balconies, so your morning coffee might also be served with a side of sea views. A ten-minute drive will land you on sparkling Coquina or Cortez beach, while downtown Brandenton, with its seafood restaurants, boutique stores and studio-packed Village of the Arts, is not much further away. • Read our full guide to Florida £££ | POOL | Sleeps 36 Kissimmee, located in theme-park-packed Central Florida, markets itself as the 'Vacation Home Capital of the World' — and giant retreats like this one throw weight behind that moniker. This lavish rental sprawls over more than 1,000 sq m, folding in a whole host of extravagant amenities — there's laser tag, a home cinema and an impressively stocked games room. The playground continues outside: float down a lazy river; prop up the bar at the alfresco kitchen, or challenge the family to a round on the putting green. Beyond the whimsy, the decor is sophisticated: dark leather, exposed brick and pale neutrals style out the spacious kitchen, open lounge and ten bedrooms. Best of all, the Walt Disney World resort is just a 25-minute drive away. • Best things to do in Miami• Best hotels in Miami ££ | POOL | Sleeps 24 This Central Florida retreat wows with impressive Spanish-style architecture before you even get through the door — once inside, you're greeted with an elaborate string of rooms, including a plush lounge, a marble and dark wood-clad kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, and eight colour-splashed bedrooms. For the kids, there's a play room complete with a giant slide; for adults, there's a sleek gym and a pool deck that would look right at home in a high-end hotel. The location is ideal for a family getaway: you're a stone's throw from the region's famous theme parks, plus a top-rated golf course. ££ | POOL | Sleeps 11 If you want to combine a beach-city break with a relaxing home-from-home retreat, consider this Miami sanctuary. Perry House provides a peaceful hideaway in one of the buzziest cities in the US. The suburban Miami Gardens location places you within easy driving distance of sought-after neighbourhoods including South Beach, with its art deco jewels and bar-lined strands, and gourmet haven Little Havana. Back at the villa, you can cool off in the generously sized pool (a real win for an urban retreat) and whip up dinner using the alfresco kitchen. Inside you'll find everything you'd expect in an ultra-luxe villa: a compact games room, a string of five thoughtfully designed bedrooms, hotel-worthy bathrooms and a bright open-plan kitchen/lounge. £ | POOL | Sleeps 6 Retreat to this wonderfully homely Gulf coast hideaway, which drops you moments from a blinding white beach and a short way from the little town of Venice, with its cheerful boutiques and seafood joints. The villa itself has a cosy vibe: slouchy couches, an open kitchen and breakfast bar, and colourful furnishings spread across the three bedrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the generous outdoor space, which includes a heated pool on a glass-covered terrace.£ | POOL | Sleeps 12 This Daytona Beach escape couples the resort experience with the privacy of a villa. The rental home, attached to the Wyndham Ocean Walk Resort, drops you within kissing distance of Daytona Beach's sweeping blonde sands, and allows you to take advantage of all the hotel's amenities — from its giant pool and lazy river to its family-friendly restaurants and bar. The accommodation has everything you need if you want to retreat away from the hotel's hubbub, including a full kitchen, comfy living and dining area, and bedrooms with sea views.££ | POOL | Sleeps 14 The Florida Panhandle is one of the state's most underrated regions — Gulf coast cities such as Destin have chalk-white beaches and family attractions including waterparks and child-friendly museums. Located in a pristine gated community, Seas The Dream offers a quiet retreat from which to drink in all the beachside action. Your party will have access to your own section of Destin's glittering beach, plus a private pool. Interiors nod to the oceanside location, with jolly palm-tree-stamped wallpaper, shell ornaments and soft furnishings in teal, turquoise and grass green. There's a well-equipped kitchen, six cheerful bedrooms (one with a bunk bed), and four bathrooms, making it a great spot for families.£ | POOL | Sleeps 6 (multiple units) Golf lovers will appreciate this string of compact villas in the sun-drenched Gulf coast city of Naples. The 36-hole course is the property's pride and joy, while the large palm tree-lined pool will satisfy those who don't plan to tee off. The villas themselves are smart and functional, with green finishes and golf-inspired art, full kitchens and ample dining and living space. This part of the state is nicknamed 'Florida's Paradise Coast' for good reason, too: expect sparkling white beaches, gentle turquoise waters, and easy access to the Everglades, a wildlife-rich wetlands area thick with mangroves and pines. • Best things to do in Florida• Best beaches in Florida
