Find idyllic mountain chalets, chic spas with knockout views and total bliss in the Austrian Alps
I'm swimming above clusters of fluffy clouds in a jaw-dropping infinity pool, with the Austrian Alps as my backdrop, and I never want to leave.
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Just over an hour's drive from Salzburg, Priesteregg Premium Eco Resort is a much-needed escape in the ever-stressful rollercoaster of life.
With just 18 chalets perched at 3,600ft high, owners Huwi and Renate are keen to keep this place exclusive.
Those with megabucks book the super-high-end pads with private pools or swimming lakes, so often we're the only guests at the chic spa, where the saunas and treatment rooms come with yet more knockout views.
And bathe…
Our rustic Berg chalet sleeps five and is home to a hot tub, sauna, monsoon shower and freestanding bath.
There's a huge TV above the reclining day bed for us to snuggle on come evening.
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And each morning, much to the delight of Poppy, six, and Raffy, three, 'breakfast fairies' sneak in downstairs to lay out a wondrous, candle-lit spread of local, organic goodies. They return later to tidy up, too!
One day, we follow a forest trail even higher up the mountain past the yoga platforms nestled among the towering pines, before hopping on the resort's electric mountain bikes (with a trailer for the kids), to explore the undulating countryside.
Arriving home to a basket of home-made cake each afternoon is yet another treat.
Stays at Priesteregg include Saalfelden-Leogang lift passes too, so we drive 10 minutes to the Asitzbahn gondola where, once up the mountain, my husband Andy faces one of the world's longest and fastest ziplines, flying Superman-style at 130kph across the valley.
Rides cost from £48 per person (Shop.fly-xxl.at).
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
The kids, meanwhile, join a free bread-making class, tackle obstacle courses and decorate wooden balls, £2 each, for brilliant ball runs down the mountainside.
When Andy returns, we all have a giggle on a musical toboggan, which sets off chimes as we fly through checkpoints, £3.50 per ride (Saalfelden-leogang.com), before we head back for a refreshing dip in Priesteregg's second pool – a natural one surrounded by lush grass.
Hat stuff
The mouth-watering Hat Dinner in the picture-perfect garden of Priesteregg's eatery, Huwi's Alm, proves a must.
We sizzle strips of beef and pork on a metal hat, which has a brim filled with beef broth and veg, plus there are sides of potatoes, sauces and salad, £27 per person.
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I satisfy my pudding stomach with sweet dumplings and boozy plums, £10, and sip a Hugo cocktail, £6.50, as the sun sets.
One evening, we order succulent pork and cheese escalopes in a tomato and basil sauce with taglioni, £21 per person, to our chalet.
Another night, Huwi and Renate host a complimentary family-style supper for guests by a pond.
Freshly caught trout is barbecued over hot coals and served up with an array of sides and crisp white wine.
The air is soon full of chatter and, as the night draws to a close, we wander back beneath the star-studded sky to our chalet – ice-cream cones in hand, giant smiles plastered across our faces.
If I could bottle the feeling of contentment Priesteregg gave me, I would. I'd really love to have a breakfast fairy every morning, too…
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World's LARGEST cruise ship proves to be a navigation nightmare as monstrous boat sets sail for first time
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Daily Mail
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Inside the world's LARGEST cruise ship as Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas prepares for its maiden voyage
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Tickets for the seven-night Western Caribbean adventure - beyond its maiden voyage for which prices are inflated - start at $1,272 per person ($2,544 per room) for the most 'budget-friendly option.' The 'Interior' room is compact with no window of its own and is not suitable for those who get easily claustrophobic. However, The Star's most popular room option is the 'Balcony' offering - coming in at $1,514 per person ($3,027 per room) - which offers sweeping views of the ocean for a true experience out at sea. Various other options are available - all the way through to a luxury $11,926 for a Royal Suite - but every offering appears to have the necessities covered. But is The Star really worth the price tag? The most striking thing about Royal Caribbean's new vessel is its size. It dominated Port Canaveral in Orlando even before setting sail, with approaching passengers struck by its overwhelming proportions from the outset. It protruded high into the skyline and later comfortably dwarfed one of its sister ships - Symphony of the Seas - when docked. The Star's most popular room option is the 'Balcony' offering - coming in at $1,514 per person ($3,027 per room) - does offer sweeping views of the ocean for a true experience at sea The size - although visually impressive - does have its downsides. The amount of walking required to navigate from front to back as well as up and down was not lost on passengers. And the distances, along with the addition of corridors being long and slightly too narrow for maneuvering around each other with ease, left some, including myself, feeling drained. For example, the walk to the main Dining Hall on Deck 3 from a room on Deck 10 took five minutes (and 19 seconds) from door to door - not exactly grueling but a little impractical. Casual lift discussions as early as day two heard one passenger joke: 'My feet are sweating' and 'I think I've got blisters already.' There are two lift lobbies - one at either end of the ship - but wait times often proved to be longer than hoped and may only be further delayed when The Star reaches full capacity. But it isn't all bad. The monstrous size does mean there is a lot packed on board to keep almost all passengers busy. The Star is proudly presenting itself as having 'adventures for all ages' as it attempts to keep up with the shift in demographic of cruise passengers, which has evolved in recent years. While it used to be a market for retired customers (65 years and older), the average age of cruisers was 46.7 in 2018. And, in an updated report about cruise passenger age groups in 2024, shockingly the largest proportion of customers were aged 20 to 39. Just 33 percent were over 60 years old, 31 percent were between the ages of 40 and 59, and 36 percent were 39 or under, according to State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025. 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Finding an appropriate spot to leave valuables or clothes poolside was also tricky and perhaps many would have benefitted from having a bank of lockers near each hotspot rather than the open cubbyholes for shoes and towels. Eateries and bars are also packed on board in abundance, with The Star boasting more than 40 across a range of cuisines from American to Thai to Mediterranean. 'The world's vest family vacation turns up the volume on family fun with unbelievable thrills, chill and wows for the whole crew,' the company site reads upon booking It is essential for guests to keep up with the opening and closing times - which differ across the establishments - at the risk of trekking across the ship only to realize the preferred restaurant has in fact closed for the evening. Many are complimentary or 'help-yourself' food bars but others require reservations well in advance. As an example, Chop Grille, which prides itself on its steak, was a pre-booked restaurant and every table was packed full of guests. The food came out promptly - and cooked to perfection - but one noticeable quirk about the eatery was that there were no restrooms inside. Despite it presenting as a fully-functioning independent restaurant in every imaginable way, guests requiring the bathroom had to leave entirely and walk back to the communal toilets located around the elevator lobby. It was a small (and slightly inconvenient) peculiarity that was echoed around the rest of the ship. The dining and drinking spots throughout the ship were reasonably priced but, notably, the Starbucks on board had the most consistent daily queues. The Star is set to become one of the most popular cruise ships of the future but that does not mean it has not suffered its own setbacks. Back in June, Diana Ross was named as Godmother for The Star - a role that is steeped in maritime tradition. In modern day, cruise lines often choose women who embody inspiration, achievement, and global appeal. Royal Caribbean has previously selected stars such as Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. Ross, who recently finished a UK arena tour, told People at the time of being named: 'I've always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the magic it represents - peace, adventure and awe. When Royal Caribbean reached out to invite me to be the godmother of Star of the Seas, I knew it was something truly special. 'The family has been invited and all the grandkids. That's really what this ship is all about joy and family fun.' But Royal Caribbean suffered a blow just last week when Ross, 81, suddenly stepped down from her role. The hitmaker's representative stated that she will no longer be able to appear on the showcase cruise due to 'unforeseen circumstances.' A Royal Caribbean spokesperson has since said it is 'disappointed' but that The Star will announce a new godmother soon. So, as many are already looking ahead for what's coming next in the industry, Daily Mail wonders if ships should really get any bigger. Perhaps The Star should be allowed to keep its title indefinitely.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
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The holiday destinations that are just as beautiful as Turkey
Millions jet off to Turkey each year for their summer holidays, on the hunt for sandy shores, great prices and amazing cuisine. But there are other destinations that offer similar luxuryfor less than half the cost of a typical trip to the European hotspot. According to Eurochange, holidays to popular locations in Turkey – including Antalya and Bodrum – have seen huge increases in price, and a fall in tourists. Skyscanner has return flights from London to Bodrum in August starting at £285 per adult, the travel money company revealed. While a seven-night stay at a four-star all-inclusive hotel for a family of four could cost £5,755. Travel expert Laura Evans-Fisk has revealed three lesser-known holiday locations for those hoping to save cash and still enjoy a break overseas. She said: 'There are still some great alternatives for families who want warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a taste of local culture without breaking the bank.' One of Laura's suggestions is Albania, which boasts 'stunning coastlines and Mediterranean charm'. Holidaymakers can find return flights from London to Tirana in August for £194 per adult, according to Eurochange. While a seven-night getaway for a family of four to a four-star all-inclusive hotel can be booked for as little as £2,713. 'Albania has quietly become one of the most exciting and affordable holiday destinations in Europe,' Laura says. She adds, 'It offers many of the same draws as Turkey: crystal-clear waters, hearty cuisine, ancient ruins and warm hospitality, but without the crowds or steep prices.' The travel expert gushes over Albania's Riviera, which stretches from Vlorë to Sarandë, and 'boasts breathtaking beaches with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal towns'. Laura also recommends visiting Ksamil and Dhermi, which she argues gives 'Bodrum and Antalya a run for their money'. Cuisine in Albania is set to impress, too, with plenty of fresh seafood, grilled meat and local cheese on the menu. 'Meals are generally affordable and generous, especially in family-run restaurants where hospitality is very much a point of pride,' Laura explains. As for places to visit to catch a glimpse of Albania's culture and history, Berat is a UNESCO-listed city, while Butrint boasts ancient Roman ruins. 'You'll still find that mix of Ottoman, Greek, and Roman influence in architecture, food and traditions, without having to jostle with coachloads of tourists,' the travel expert says. She adds, 'Another major draw is that it's exceptionally budget-friendly. Accommodation, car hire, and eating out are noticeably cheaper than in Turkey and, since Albania isn't part of the Eurozone, your money tends to go further.' Bulgaria is another destination that can offer similar attractions as Turkey but at a fraction of the price. Return flights from London to Burgas in August can be booked for £253 per adult, while an all-inclusive stay for a family of four can be found for £2,191. With plenty of coastal resorts to choose from, Bulgaria has the same 'family-friendly atmosphere, and mix of culture and coastline that Turkey offers'. 'The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is often overlooked, but it offers many of the same benefits as Turkey's Mediterranean hotspots,' Laura says. 'Resorts like Sunny Beach, Nessebar, and Sozopol combine sandy beaches, calm warm waters and plenty of activities for kids, but it's often half the price of popular Turkish resorts like Marmaris or Bodrum, especially during school holidays.' As for the food, there are plenty of similarities with Turkish cuisine too, from grilled meats, fresh salads and yoghurt-based dips. 'Meals out won't dent your holiday budget much, and most restaurants cater well to kids and families,' Laura adds. 'Plus, Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-value destinations for all-inclusive holidays. Family resorts are designed with kids in mind, offering pools, kids' clubs, entertainment, and easy beach access. 'You get the full-service experience you might expect in Turkey, but for less.' Another option for families looking for a budget-friendly trip away is northern Morocco. Flights from London to Tangier in August can be bagged for £299 per adult, and an all-inclusive stay for a family of four goes for as little as £2,509. Laura shares, 'If you're craving the colour, culture, and coastline of Turkey but want somewhere a little more under-the-radar, Northern Morocco offers a brilliant alternative that's full of charm and value.' It's a great destination for families wanting the sun, but with a slight twist. The travel expert recommends northern coastal areas including Tangier, Asilah, and Tetouan, that all 'blend Mediterranean beach vibes with a North African twist'. 'Think whitewashed towns, laid-back seaside promenades, and long sandy beaches that are perfect for kids,' Laura gushes. 'It's less developed than Turkey's bustling coastal resorts, which means fewer crowds and a more authentic feel, without losing the family holiday essentials.' She adds: 'For culture lovers, this region delivers in spades. Tangier was once a hangout for artists and writers, and it offers a mix of Moroccan, Spanish, and French influences that you'll see in its architecture, food, and markets. 'The medinas of Tetouan and Chefchaouen are safe, walkable, and packed with history, sharing similarities to the backstreets of Istanbul, but far less hectic.' Moroccan cuisine won't disappoint either, with grilled fish, couscous and fresh bread regularly featuring on menus. It won't cost a fortune either, 'Eating out is affordable and family friendly, with mild spices and fresh ingredients,' Laura explains. Transport and hotels are usually cheaper than in Turkey and there are plenty of characterful accommodation options. 'Flights to Tangier from the UK are also increasing, with low-cost carriers making it more accessible than ever,' she adds.
