‘As a new agent, I didn't know the value in escorted touring – but this trip changed my mind'
Kirstie, our tour manager, stayed in the hotel with us and was with the group throughout. Ivan, our local guide, was so passionate about his country and this really did shine through. I genuinely believed that what he did not know about the country was not worth knowing.
The standard of accommodation was consistently high; we stayed at the AX Odycy in Qawra. The hotel had a central location and a lovely adult-only rooftop pool that guests could experience during their free days. Every logistical detail was taken care of, which ensured a smooth, stress-free journey – something that many clients are looking for.
One of the standout aspects of the trip was witnessing how both brands meet the needs of their respective audiences. Travelsphere offers a warm and welcoming group experience that's ideal for couples and friends travelling together, while Just You focuses exclusively on solo travellers, creating an environment that feels inclusive, sociable, and empowering.
As a group, we were given information advising us of some differences between the two brands, for example Just You guests are guaranteed a room for sole occupancy and should they prefer to dine as part of a group, then there is always that option. There was a real sense of community on the tour, which contributed to a genuinely enjoyable experience. Everyone had the opportunity to connect and enjoy the destinations together, yet there was also room for personal time and space when needed.
There were many highlights across the five days, visiting Valletta, the Blue Grotto and Mdina, but I particularly enjoyed our time on Gozo – it has the perfect blend of natural beauty, history and charm. The food also made a good impression – the famous pea pasties, or pastizzi tal pizelli, were very tasty, as were the traditional farmhouse lunches, where we learnt about Malta's rich olive oil heritage and how they make traditional Maltese cheese.
The programme also included a folklore dinner show, which featured local performers who told the story of Maltese history through dance. There was a little audience participation too, where some of us were chosen to join them on the dance floor.
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Daily Mail
3 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Party like an A-lister! Inside Ibiza's luxurious Pacha hot spots where the likes of Boy George and Mel C perform and celebs including Anne Hathaway and Luke Evans let their hair down
Ibiza party season is in full swing, with celebrities flocking to the Balearic island for some sun and a good time. In recent months, the likes of Kate Moss, Margot Robbie, Sofia Vergara, and Will Smith have been pictured in Ibiza, while stars including Mel C and Boy George have performed for fans. One location in particular that has caught A-list attention is the lavish Destino Five Ibiza, part of The Pacha Group's hospitality empire, where celebs including Jack Grealish and Sonny Fodera have been spotted over the summer. With entertainment at the heart of the hotel, they host Pacha ICONS every Thursday, where legendary DJ Marco Carola, performs, and guests receive complimentary access to he event. The resort underwent a winter renovation in 2024, and the prestigious five-star hotel reopened its doors on June 1. From terrace rooms with lush gardens to cherry-inspired private pool hideaways, the extensive transformation included a complete redesign of its 159 rooms and suites. The hotel now runs on 100 per cent green power, conserves millions of litres of water through recycling, and has achieved a 46 per cent reduction in its carbon footprint. On arrival, guests are greeted with an expansive panorama of the resort and sea views from the light-filled lobby. New additions to the property include a modern fire pit for evening gatherings, a plush outdoor gym and an open-air stage. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy evening meals with a view at Greek restaurant Elia, while Cielo restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Playa Pacha is the luxury pool area, equipped with a DJ, where guests can spend their days sunbathing while sipping on signature cocktails and tucking into Mediterranean bites. Meanwhile, evenings are reserved for the nearby Pacha Ibiza, the island's legendary nightclub and playground of the rich and famous. Back in the day, the likes of Kate Moss, Jade Jagger and Naomi Campbell could be found dancing here carefree. Famed for its cherry logo, the club has been a go-to destination in Ibiza since the 1970s, and is regularly packed out with partygoers looking to let their hair down and dance the night away. The club, which has a 3,000-person capacity, offers VIP experiences, bottle service, and exclusive events, contributing to its glamorous reputation. Over the years, A-list stars including Anne Hathaway, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Conor McGregor have been spotted partying in the superclub. Even the Prince and Princess of Wales are fans of the venue, following a visit during a wild trip to the party island in 2006. William was so impressed with the night out that he called up the organiser the next day and told him he'd got him into dance music. Pacha has enlisted some of the biggest names in music to take on residencies this year, along with special appearances from stars including Mel C and Boy George. They have performed during Flower Power, the club's earliest themed night, which is still going to this day – playing 60s and 70s music. Proving how much of a Pacha fan she is, Mel wrote on Instagram: 'What a privilege to play the almighty @pachaofficial. This is my 4th summer playing this iconic venue and I f***ing love it, can't wait to get back' As one of Pacha's longest-running residencies, Solomun will bring an all-star array of guests to Ibiza this year for his +1 parties, including Four Tet, Peggy Gou, Carlita, Jamie xx, Chloé Caillet and Caribou - running every Sunday from June 8. Guests can expect to pay anything between €40 to €100 depending on the night of the week, and for the most popular nights in peak season, the price can exceed €100. Katy Perry is another pop star who has visited Pacha Ibiza in recent years, as she surprised guests ahead of the release of her latest album '143.' She appeared in high spirits as she danced alongside the performers and DJs on stage. Pacha has club franchises in a number of countries including Brazil, United States, Russia, Germany, England, Egypt, Portugal, Austria and several Spanish cities including Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao and Barcelona. Back in 2023, FIVE announced the successful completion of its acquisition of a 100% equity interest in the legendary nightlife entity, the Pacha Group, in a landmark deal valued at €303 million. With this acquisition, including The Pacha Nightclub, Destino Pacha Hotel, and El Hotel, FIVE's vision and commitment to fuse world-class hospitality with sensational, cutting-edge entertainment experiences continues to expand worldwide. The new properties now join the lineup of FIVE's hotels, including the iconic FIVE Palm Jumeirah, trendy FIVE Jumeirah Village, recently opened FIVE Zurich and soon-to-be launched, FIVE LUXE. This feature was written following an invitation to stay at the Destino Five Ibiza hotel. PACHA NIGHTCLUB: IBIZA'S OLDEST NIGHTSPOT Pacha, playground of the rich and famous, is best known for the cherries, VIP tables, and for being Ibiza's oldest, most well-known club. Founded in Ibiza in 1973 in Ibiza Town by Ricardo Urgell, grandson of Spanish painter Modesto Urgell, it has fast become the most dominant clubbing brand in the world. It has a reputation for providing clubbing with style, with revellers hitting the dance floor to the tunes of some of the world's more renowned DJs. The music scene boasts everything from electronic music, mainstream and classics from the past. And according to the website: 'With its whitewashed facade and open floor plan main dancing area, Pacha Ibiza is a sexy message of love to the island.' 'The naked walls enclose a hippie soul combined with the spontaneity of the 70's, and today's technology... 'A night at Pacha is an authentic Ibicenco experience embodying the magical energy of this powerfully alluring setting in the Mediterranean uniting people of eclectic tastes with a common love for music.' Pacha has club franchises in a number of countries including Brazil, United States, Russia, Germany, England, Egypt, Portugal, Austria and several Spanish cities including Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao and Barcelona.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
As the Peltz family superyacht dwarfs the Beckahms vessel, a look at the best celebrity yachts (equipped with helipads and hot tubs) that give them a run for their money
Superyacht summer is in full swing, with celebrities soaking up the sun on their luxurious vessels across the world. Brooklyn Beckham has been flexing the Peltz's wealth during a St Tropez getaway with his in-laws - dwarfing his family's current getaway in the same location. The amateur chef, 26, who is embroiled in a rift with his family, spent the week on a £85million superyacht called Project X, which is chartered for £1.2million per week. The 260ft luxury vessel was rented by Nicola's billionaire parents, who holidayed with the couple and the rest of the Peltz clan. Just two days after the family jetted back to the U.S. after their European getaway, Brooklyn's parents arrived in the same dock on their £16million yacht. And they aren't the only ones who love a luxury break on a yacht, with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Conor McGregor and Ronaldo often pictured on them. From sleek sailing vessels to floating mega-mansions complete with helipads and onboard pools, a look at the most impressive celebrity yachts. Beckhams David, 50 and Victoria, 51, bought their 130ft boat Seven in 2022, after previously buying a smaller vessel by the same name the year before. Their boat features a spa bath on the upper deck, as well as 65ft garage, plenty of water toys and a jet ski to keep the family entertained. It has five cabins in comparison, sleeping ten people and seven crew members. Seven is named after David's iconic football shirt number as well as their daughter Harper's middle name. They previously owned a £5million boat but upgraded it less than a year later. David and Victoria are currently away with their other three children, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20 and Harper, 14. They narrowly avoided an awkward run-in with estranged son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola in the celebrity hotspot. They arrived in the south of France for their annual summer break, where their eldest son had been spotted holidaying on his billionaire father-in-law's boat nearby. Seven is named after David's iconic football shirt number as well as their daughter Harper's middle name Cristiano Ronaldo Ronaldo, 40, bought his lavish 88-feet long Azimut Grande for £5.5million in 2020. The legendary footballer, his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children were recently spotted on the yacht in Mallorca as they enjoyed his summer break. Georgina has previously shared a variety of snaps of their family relaxing on the vessel, as well as sexy bikini snaps. Built in Azimut-Benett's shipyards in Versilia, Italy, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms. There's also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room. In terms of its specifications, it's capable of reaching 28 knots, thanks to two 1,900 horsepower engines, and is made of carbon fibre, weighing a whopping 93 tonnes. It can accommodate up to eight guests in five luxury cabins, and three crew members. Conor McGregor Conor McGregor regularly showcases his lavish lifestyle and the expensive toys he plays with. In 2019, he bought a Prestige 750 yacht, which has a price tag of around £3m. The 75-foot boat was inspired by Muhammad Ali and features a quote from him that reads: 'He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.' The boat is called 'The 188' which refers to the amount in social welfare Conor used to receive in Ireland before his fighting career took off. Two years later, he also purchased a £2.6m Lamborghini Tecnomar 63 motor yacht, one of only 63 in the world. The boat, dubbed the 'supercar of the sea' can reach a top speed of 69mph (60 knots) and boasts 4,000 horsepower. Inspired by the iconic Lamborghini car, the yacht features an angular and futuristic design. Jeff Bezos Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, 61, bought Koru in 2018 for around $500million, and it is named after the Maori word for 'new beginnings.' The boat comes complete with three decks, a pool, a helipad, three Jacuzzis, and a sun terrace - perfect for the 18 guests it can accommodate. It is the world's tallest sailboat with masts measuring 230 feet. There is also a wooden figurehead that bears a striking resemblance to his wife Lauren Sanchez, though the former journalist insists it was modeled after the Norse Goddess Freyja. Koru was built by Oceanco, with exterior design by Dutch firm Dykstra Naval Architects, and naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and Lateral Naval Architects, per Architectural Digest. Jeff - who is worth $226 billion - is reportedly charged an estimated $25 million a year to staff and operate Koru. Koru's dedicated support vessel Abeona, which cost $75 million, is similarly impressive. The accompanying boat has 246 feet of storage for the tycoon's helicopter, jet skis, and luxury cars. Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Jason and Rosie were seen soaking up the sun on board a superyacht this summer with their two children. The family were cruising in Italy, with the pair sharing a carousel of snaps from the luxurious trip to Instagram, including views of a teak-clad deck, al fresco dining and plenty of space for sunbathing. Jason, Rosie, and their two children have been enjoying the water toys onboard, including a jet ski and waterboard. Yachtspotters believe it is the 28-meter Sunseeker 95 Blue Infinity One, delivered in 2023. With the pair spending a lot of time onboard this yacht, fans were under the impression they own it, but it appears the couple rent it. Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg, 78, and his wife Kate Capshaw are often seen enjoying their $250 million yacht Seven Seas. The 357-foot superyacht, which was built in the Netherlands by luxury firm Oceanco in 2022, can carry 14 guests in its seven cabins as well as 30 staff across another 15 cabins. The famous filmmaker - whose net worth is $5.3 billion - called the yacht Seven Seas after he sold his decade-old 282-foot yacht with the same name in 2021. He also chose the name in honor of his seven children, per SuperYacht Fan. Seven Seas, which was designed by Sinon Yacht Architecture & Design, boasts a large pool at the rear, a spa pool on the deck, and a crew of 30. There are some reports it also has a helicopter landing pad at the front. The megayacht is powered by twin MTU 20V 4000 M73L diesel engines that can produce 4,813 HP each and propel the vessel to 20 knots, according to Robb Report. Mark Zuckerberg In 2024, Mark Zuckerberg, 41 - who is worth $242 billion - bought himself a $300 million yacht as a 'birthday present' for himself. His 387-foot-long yacht is thought to have not only its own aircraft hangar but also a support boat, called the Wingman, costing an estimated $30 million. The main vessel, called Launchpad, was constructed at the Feadship shipyard in the Netherlands in 2022, and can accommodate 24 guests as well as 48 crew members. It features include a beach club area, beauty center, cinema and helicopter. The Meta CEO's luxury ship's sleek exterior was designed by Espen Øino International and has a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, according to SuperYacht Times. It is reportedly the 45th largest yacht in the world, per Page Six. The interiors were reportedly designed by Zuretti Interior Design company, a France-based company specializing in unique and custom yacht design. There are multiple levels for sunbathing and indoor spaces with glass paneling allowing for floods of natural light. Sir Elton John Sir Elton John's yacht, the Wabi Sabi, was built to the singer's very own specifications. The yacht is bright white in colour, and is often spotted by yachting enthusiasts and fans. Wabi Sabi can hold up to 18 guests inside its eight luxury cabins, and it is worth $29.1 (£23.48) million. Elton John has welcomed several celebrity pals on his yacht including Bill Gates It has been billed as 'the most extraordinary yacht ever built'. A 390ft (118.8m) vessel – rumoured to be owned by billionaire Bill Gates – boasts a basketball court, beach club–style infinity pool, 15 cabins, a landing area for helicopters and even a private hospital. The ship, named 'Breakthrough', also features multiple libraries, a cinema, several hot tubs and has been hailed as the first hydrogen–powered 'net zero' superyacht. The ultra–luxury boat is about to go up for sale for the first time, at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. But its extravagance demands a hefty price tag of $645million (£476million). The elusive vessel, which took five years to design and build, will be the largest yacht attending the show. It has the capacity to host 30 guests in 15 cabins, who will be looked after by up to 43 crew members. The owner's on–board accommodation, however, extends to a 'completely private' four–story townhouse tucked away inside the yacht. Yacht dealer Edmiston, which appears to be brokering the sale of the ship, said the owner's deck was 'designed for family use' and is essentially an apartment with two bedrooms, twin bathrooms and dressing rooms, a gym, a pantry, two offices each with a fireplace and a living room. It adds that the private living quarters 'includes both a spacious staircase lined with bookshelves and displays nooks and an owner's elevator'. 'At each deck level, there are inviting private lifestyle destinations to savour such as a coffee corner and games niche on the bridge deck, a library on the main deck, and a private dining room with a sea terrace and adjacent ensuite stateroom on the lower deck,' the dealer said. 'It creates, in essence, a secluded four–level townhouse–by–the sea within the much larger yacht.' In total there are five decks above the waterline and two below, with the owner's deck 121ft (37m) above water. There are also 14 balconies that are 'unnoticeable when closed but slide out at the touch of a button, carrying with them their side railings or walls'. Michael Jordan Basketball star Michael Jordan, who is worth an estimated $3.5 billion, owns a yacht called 'M'BRACE' which is valued at a staggering $115 million. The 244-foot long ship, purchased by Michael in 2022, is said to accommodate 12 guests with eight cabins and 24 crew, with an estimated annual running cost of $10 million. The boat, which was first owned by Britain's Sir Lloyd Marshall Dorfman, was built in 2018 by Abeking & Rasmussen. It has a distinctive Atlantic Bow and has its very own pool onboard. Michael, 62, also owns a smaller yacht called Joy which cost $80 million.
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
A sunshine break in Florida's Palm Beaches might be cheaper than you think
Variety, as they say, is the spice of life and that is certainly true of The Palm Beaches in Florida. Glorious sunshine in winter, gourmet food, amazing hotels, a top-flight tennis tournament, posh polo, history and snorkelling… And I am lucky enough to experience them all in just a week. Located along Florida's south-east coast, around 90 miles north of Miami and 200 miles south of Orlando, The Palm Beaches comprises 39 very different towns and cities. The region's name was inspired by a shipwreck, of all things. In 1878 The Providencia, a cargo ship transporting 20,000 coconuts, ran aground off the coast near what would eventually become the town of Palm Beach. Coconut palms grew from the cargo and Florida's famous palm tree-lined coast was born. My trip to The Palm Beaches begins in the upmarket town of Delray Beach, seemingly populated exclusively by athletic-looking people dressed in fitness wear, with middle-aged ladies power walking up the street at 7am. Delray Beach is one of The Palm Beaches' most popular resorts, famous for its restaurants, shopping, nightlife and art galleries. I am staying in the Seagate Hotel, one of the best in town. Just a couple of blocks from the beach and recently renovated it has a relaxing spa, its own private beach club a short walk away and The Seagate Golf Club which also offers pickleball and tennis to hotel guests. I have a beginners' golf lesson, more miss than hit. The surroundings are spectacular though, with the manicured course surrounded by what look like very expensive houses. The Seagate offers a handy complimentary shuttle service that will drop and pick up guests within a three-mile radius of the hotel. I use it to visit The Beach Club for dinner. There I have an excellent meal of salad, swordfish and a huge dessert (a bit of a recurring theme here). The Beach Club is just one of several excellent restaurants I eat at during my stay in Delray Beach. The others include Dada, with its interior inspired by the early 20th century Dada surrealist art movement, and serving very large portions of truffle parmesan fries. Then there's Lulu's – a great place for lunch where the Korean fried chicken sandwich is to die for – and Amar, a Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant serving gourmet kebabs among other things, including the melt-in the mouth Wagyu steak. Every meal is topped off with the obligatory huge dessert. The main reason I'm here is to watch the Delray Beach Open Championship at the resort's Tennis Center. It's an elite tournament whose past winners include current world number four Taylor Fritz and British number two Cameron Norrie. After yet more fabulous food at the all-you-can-eat Championship Brunch – sushi, steak, pasta, seafood, freshly made omelettes, bottomless bloody Marys and mimosas – I'm lucky enough to watch Norrie play up-and-coming American Alex Michelsen in the 28C sunshine. Norrie loses but not without a fight. As probably the only Brits in the crowd, my companion and I had been loudly cheering him on only to find out the friendly American in front of us is Norrie's best friend! Next year's Delray Beach Open will be in February. If you're a tennis fan, I highly recommend it. The sports theme continues with a polo match at the National Polo Center in Wellington. A waitress explains the rules to us but this is not really about the sport but more about soaking up the posh Royal Ascot-style ambience… and indulging in yet another enormous brunch. Wellington is in Florida's horse country and the Polo Center covers 161 acres, with six polo fields and grandstands for 5,000 spectators. Halfway through the match, I go out on the field with fellow spectators, a free glass of champagne in hand, for the traditional stomping down of divots. It's a great way to spend a day and you get an idea of what it must be like to be royalty. After a relaxing stay at The Seagate, I move on to my second hotel, the Singer Oceanfront Resort, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, in Riviera Beach, Singer Island. Right next to the beach, this is a great property for families, and the resort fee includes one hour of non-motorised watersports and bike hire for a day. The rooms are huge and I have a spectacular view of the long sandy beach from my balcony. After several days watching other people being active it's now my turn and I head off to nearby Get Wet Watersports for snorkelling in the warm Florida seas. Captain Dan and Nate, our guide, take us out to explore the waters around artificial Peanut Island, which has campsites, a man-made reef and a blast shelter built for President Kennedy. The snorkelling is amazing. Nate explains what the many colourful tropical fish around us are. He even finds two hermit crabs and holds them up for us to watch as they pop in and out of their shells. Back on the boat we have drinks and snacks to round off a very enjoyable morning. This part of Florida is also renowned for its shopping and I next head off to Palm Beach to explore Worth Avenue, one of the world's most exclusive retail districts. Designed in the Mediterranean Revival style by architect Addison Mizner, the avenue became a fashionable place to shop in the 1920s. It features nine 'vias' pedestrian walkways which lead to charming courtyards and gardens. Exploring these tucked-away areas is a must as you will miss a lot of what Worth Avenue has to offer if you just walk straight down its main thoroughfare. Mizner was an eccentric whose constant companion was his pet spider monkey, Johnnie Brown. Palm Beach is now said to be haunted by the ghost of Johnnie buried in the pretty courtyard of Worth Avenue's Pizza Al Fresco restaurant. If you don't fancy eating lunch near a dead monkey, you can ask to be seated inside like I am when I enjoy an excellent pizza for lunch, with yet another rather large chocolate dessert. After lunch it's time for a bit of Palm Beach history. Between 1894-1896, multi-millionaire Henry Flagler, often called the founding father of Florida, built two waterfront resorts: the Royal Poinciana Hotel and The Breakers, which put Palm Beach on the map as America's first exclusive tourist destination. His life and achievements are celebrated in the town's Flagler museum, housed in his 75-room waterfront mansion, Whitehall. Built in 1902 in the European Beaux-Arts style, Whitehall was described at the time as 'more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world'. I have a guided tour of the house, which is indeed 'magnificent', and learn a lot about Florida's history and the man himself. It is a fitting way to finish my visit to The Palm Beaches, a holiday destination that really is a fabulous testament to Henry Flagler's grand vision. Book the holiday
