How to stay in the world's most expensive cities for free according to the woman who's visited 90 countries
Kiera Bourke from Newcastle , Australia, and her partner, Nathan, have experienced some amazing destinations through years of flying, backpacking and exploring the world.
10 Kiera and Nathan have been to many destinations and not paid a penny on accomodation Credit: Keira Bourke
10 They have been able to do this via pet sitting, whilst owners go away Credit: Newy Tours
But the savvy traveller has also managed to find a way of seeing new places, without paying for accommodation – and actually having a better holiday for it.
Kiera said: 'We've visited like 90 countries and all seven world wonders.
'We were looking after people's pets , in their homes , around the world.
'We didn't take any payment, but in return we would get these great places to stay, with great animals as company.
'It helped us to see more local parts of the world and the local way of experiencing places, that we may not have had access to otherwise.'
Since, the 33-year-old has told other people about her experiences and how it is a great way to save money 'but also experience things more authentically'.
Over the past years, using Trusted House Sitters, Kiera and Nathan has been to Glasgow with a German Shepherd, stayed with a Rottweiler on Vancouver Island in Canada and mostly carried, a French Bulldog around New York City.
But it is not just dogs the couple have sat, they have also stayed with cats including in London.
'We did a cat sit in Wimbledon with a lovely lady, whose cat came and go as it pleased.
'We almost felt guilty because we had so much free time.
The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her favourite destination dupes
'We would walk around and see cafes, chat with locals, write and even see how the subway (tube) connected into the area.
'It was definitely a more original way of seeing the city, rather than hopping into the very centre of London – which is still a cool experience, but once you have ticked off the typical tourist spots they are done.
'We even wet to a Millwall FC game.'
As for her favourite place, that was also in the UK.
'I think my favourite sit was probably in Scotland, in Glasgow.
10 Destinations they have pet sat in include New York and Glasgow Credit: Keira Bourke
10 Glasgow was even Keira's favourite destination Credit: Keira Bourke
'We had a car and we were looking after a German Shepherd named Lola and she was a gorgeous dog.
'So we were really lucky that because she was so athletic, we could drive two hours into the countryside and go for mountain hikes with her during the day.'
Lola went with the couple everywhere, even down to a creek on the hottest day of the year.
'We would keep the owners updated and it was funny, because we sent pictures of Lola when we were hiking, and her owners said she'd now seen more of Scotland than they had.
'I'd been to Scotland before, but not to Glasgow and being able to explore the regions, hike and see nature was absolutely beautiful.'
10 They have also sat other animals including cats Credit: Keira Bourke
10 Many of the times they explore, they would take the dog they were sitting with them Credit: Keira Bourke
10 It means the duo save thousands on hotels Credit: Keira Bourke
Replacing hotels with peoples homes meant that Nathan and Keira could cook their own food and have space to spread out – as well as save thousands.
Read More Why Croyde is riding the crest of a wave
Keira added how in a lot of the destinations she pet sat, owners would leave a basket of goodies, or perhaps bake a cake or stock the fridge up.
In return, her and Nathan would try and leave some Australian goodies.
'Slowing down and experiencing the local way of life around the world was something that was a novelty to us when we travelled before [pet sitting].'
And when it comes to perhaps weird or hard situations, the couple have been fortunate enough to not experience any.
Keira admitted: 'Sometimes an animals' quirkiness is quite funny.'
The duo were so inspired by travelling locally, that when they returned to Australia they set up their own tour company, Newy Tours.
10 Some owners even leave treats out for sitters Credit: Keira Bourke
10 The couple have been fortunate to not have had any bad experiences Credit: Keira Bourke
'We found that the days we got the most out of a travel experiences, were not when we were at the middle of tourist hotspots but actually when we were experiencing the local way of life.'
By fostering good relationships with locals, Keira and Nathan have created tours that allow visitors from the people who live there.
People get to meet the creators and hear stories straight from owners – offering a different experience to much of the tourist draws in Sydney, only two hours away.
There is also a man who has travelled to every country in the world and claims there are four things the UK does better than anywhere else.
Plus, the clever way you can get a holiday abroad for free.
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Tom's Guide
15 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Origin Hybrid Mattress review: support and bang for buck combine for a good night's sleep
Founded in Germany in 2018, Origin has made a name for itself in the bed-in-a-box space in eight countries in a short period of time. It made the move Down Under only in 2023, competing against well-known Aussie bed brands like Koala, Emma and Ecosa for affordable, comfortable and downright good mattresses. Origin stocks a rather impressive catalogue of mattresses, pillows, mattress toppers and even bed frames, making it a one-stop shop for all things bedding. There are four different Origin mattresses to choose from, ranging in price and quality, including its cheapest Hybrid Mattress reviewed here. Priced exceptionally well within the budget category, it not only does what it says on the tin but it costs hundreds of dollars cheaper than several other hybrid options. Having already reviewed another hybrid mattress in late 2024, I was in a good position to test the Origin Hybrid — and I had high expectations, considering it's consistently been one of the most well-rated budget options overseas. But how does the Australian version hold up against the competition? I spent two months sleeping on it to find out. Everyone has their own sleeping preference, meaning something that suits one person may not be to another's liking. And that could well be the case with the Origin Hybrid. This affordable mattress-in-a-box option is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, but side sleepers might not be too comfortable on it. Despite that, I can't recommend it highly enough if you're after a budget mattress that will go the distance. Type: HybridMaterials: Tencel cover, foam, titanium, woolFirmness: Origin rating of 6.5/10, Tom's Guide rating of 8/10Height: 27cmTrial period: 120 nightsWarranty: 15 yearsPrice: AU$900 - AU$1350 Priced competitively at just over AU$1,000 for a queen but regularly discounted to well below that, it combines seven layers, including memory foam, bamboo-infused foam, a breathable Tencel cover, and Origin's own HexaGrid layer for enhanced support and cooling. It's designed to balance comfort and orthopaedic support, offering a firmer sleep surface than advertised (rated 8 out of 10 on the Tom's Guide firmness scale). The mattress excels in motion isolation for a hybrid construction, making it ideal for couples. Even its temperature regulation is impressive, staying cool throughout the night thanks to its cooling gel and airflow-enhancing layers. While there was some potent off-gassing during the first week or so, it dissipated within two weeks during my testing, and that's the only major complaint I have with the Origin Hybrid — some users are likely not going to be able to enjoy a restful sleep on it for the first few nights. There are a couple of other factors that might prove to be a sticking point for some potential buyers. First off, the mattress doesn't come with a removable cover. While this might not be an issue for many, it may not be the best option if you want to keep the top layer sparkling. I'd suggest picking up a mattress protector in this instance, which you can chuck in the wash when needed. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Origin Hybrid Plus Mattress for an additional AU$100, which has not just a removable cover, but also a flippable firmness layer on the top. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Edge support is also a weak point here, with noticeable sinking when sitting on the sides of the mattress. The mattress compressed down by 10cm during my testing of the edge, and the corners weren't that supportive to sit on either. However, I didn't find it to be much of an issue when sleeping on the edge of the mattress thanks to great body weight distribution over a larger area. It's also important to clarify that this isn't unique to budget mattresses — to keep the cost low, many manufacturers don't add an additional layer of foam for extra support, and that's not a bad thing at all. When it comes to overall support, though, the Origin Hybrid will be fantastic for many users, although as mentioned earlier, it can be too firm for some side sleepers as the top foam layers don't necessarily mould around the body enough. During my two-month testing period I found it provided excellent spine alignment while sleeping on my back and stomach, but I found my shoulders and hips didn't quite 'sink' enough when lying on my side to eliminate pressure points. If you're after true plush comfort, you'll need to look elsewhere — you can take a look at our Origin LumberCloud review for an alternative, but it will cost you more. As a stomach sleeper myself, I rate the mattress highly, especially given its price point, and found no sagging or structural concerns after two months of use. There's even the convenience of four side handles for easy moving or rotating. It may not be perfect for everyone, but for those wanting a cool, supportive and budget-friendly mattress, it's a standout in its category. Origin currently sells four mattresses in Australia, with the Hybrid being the cheapest on offer. At the time of writing this review, the queen-sized Hybrid Mattress was discounted to AU$809, which is a superb price compared to its AU$1,177 list price. No matter how you slice it, though, there's no denying that paying under AU$1,2000 for a queen bed is quite the bargain. Next in line is the Hybrid Plus, which also houses seven layers like its cheaper sibling and retails at AU$1,380 for a queen at full price. The Hybrid Plus is rated as medium-firm and comes with a removable cover and a flippable firmness layer. After the Plus, comes the 8-layer Hybrid Pro, which goes for AU$2,050 for a queen at full price, but is also typically discounted through the year. The top of Origin's range is the LumbarCloud, with a queen-sized mattress retailing at AU$3,597. The LumbarCloud is arguably the softest, thickest and most luxurious in the line-up. I've gathered the current list prices for all the Origin mattresses for comparison below. Do keep in mind that Origin does run sales and discounts throughout the year, which is when I would recommend you shop for a new bed to save extra cash. Single King single Double Queen King Hybrid AU$847 AU$957 AU$1,063 AU$1,177 AU$1,343 Hybrid Plus AU$963 AU$1,093 AU$1,233 AU$1,380 AU$1,567 Hybrid Pro AU$1,425 AU$1,675 AU$1,800 AU$2,050 AU$2,397 LumbarCloud AU$2,909 AU$3,199 AU$3,350 AU$3,597 AU$3,965 At considerably varying prices, the Origin range caters for most sleeping preferences, and while the Hybrid may be the cheapest option, it may not be what's "best" for you. However, having tested other hybrid mattresses — as you can see from my Valmori Hybrid II Mattress review — the Origin Hybrid comes at a very reasonable price, cheaper than similar products from other brands. All Origin mattresses come with a very impressive 15-year warranty at a time when the standard is 10 years. Plus, there's a 120-night trial, a step above most bed-in-a-box brands that offer 100 nights typically. Ecosa and Valmori are just two other mattress-in-a-box brands that offer the same long warranty across their ranges, while Onebed matches it with just select mattresses. This warranty is only exceeded by Yinahla (20-year warranty), but you would expect that when you purchase a premium mattress that costs a few thousand dollars even for a single. View the Origin Hybrid at Origin As with many mattress brands in Australia, Origin also has a lot of regular sales on its site. I would recommend keeping an eye on the price of the Origin Hybrid when the big sales come around, including EOFY and Black Friday. At the time of writing, the Origin Winter Sale was on with up to 45% off sitewide. The delivery process for Origin was stock standard and took three days to arrive at my address in metro Sydney after the order was processed. This may differ depending on your location, but the brand guarantees free delivery for any mattress purchase within 2-8 business days and next-day delivery if your order is placed before 1pm Eastern time. If you're outside the brand's metro delivery zone, you can expect to receive your order within 3-8 business days. There is a disclaimer on the Origin website for rural and regional delivery, as some customers may need to shell out an extra AU$175 for delivery to cover 'transportation costs', according to the brand. Origin doesn't have a showroom or warehouse for customers to try before they buy; however, a 120-day money-back guarantee is available if you don't find the mattress to your liking. You can organise a free collection within metro areas, but you might incur a fee if you live rurally. All returned mattresses are donated to The Salvation Army in Australia, so you can rest easy knowing your return will help a good cause and stay out of the landfill. Where the top-of-the-range Origin mattress (the LumbarCloud) has nine layers, the cheapest Origin Hybrid has seven — going to show that the brand isn't really cutting too many corners to keep the price down. Each layer is made out of different materials to enhance your overall comfort and support. The top fabric is a Tencel layer made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, and is cool to the touch. Unfortunately, this layer cannot be removed for regular washing, so if you're worried about surface-level stains, you may want to invest in a washable mattress protector. The second layer is made out of Australian wool, which provides a touch of plushness and has natural moisture-wicking properties. Directly underneath this is bamboo-infused memory foam, one of the key layers for temperature regulation. I found this worked just as described, providing excellent breathability that kept both me and another reviewer cool all night long even when the nights were muggy in Sydney. The bamboo foam is supported by a specialised HexaGrid layer, which is made from a blend of polymers and cooling gels. As the name suggests, this layer is designed as a grid to maximise breathability throughout the mattress without compromising overall support. In fact, it's a layer used throughout the Origin mattress range, including in its LumbarCloud that our reviewer really liked. Beneath the HexaGrid lies the motion-isolating high-density foam layer, which also does as the name suggests — it provides stability and minimises the movements of a restless partner. It held its own during my testing as one of the reviewers is a frequent turner and I felt nothing when sleeping alongside. These top layers, as lovely as they are, aren't soft enough to conform around the body when sleeping on the side. And the layer below them all adds to the overall firmness. This is the seven-zone titanium-spring layer, dubbed "antigravity" by the brand as it keeps everything else above it from sinking too deep and causing skeleto-muscular issues. The seven zones target the main pressure points: neck, shoulders, back and legs. While I enjoyed how supportive this layer makes the whole mattress while lying on my stomach, I was uncomfortable when sleeping on my side for long periods. That said, my co-tester — who is a back sleeper — preferred the firmness of the springs and noted that they provided excellent support to the lower back. Lastly, there's an edge-support layer that's new to the latest edition of the Origin Hybrid. It's a circumference of high-density foam surrounding the springs to keep the mattress from sagging. While this layer is solid and secure, don't expect to be able to sit on the edge of the mattress without sinking a little. When combined, all seven layers present a tidy, supportive and firm package that balances orthopaedic support and a little comfort quite well. Origin rates its Hybrid mattress a 6.5 out of 10 on its firmness scale, which makes it a medium. However, I found the mattress firmer than its claim and would rate it 8 out of 10, with 10 being extra firm on our Tom's Guide scale. The mattress is soft to the touch thanks to the wood pulp in the Tencel fabric, and has enough give to keep you from sinking into it. Where it differs from some other hybrid mattresses that also use memory foam is the amount of support it provides — it does an extremely good job of keeping your hips and spine aligned, with very little sinkage around the lower back, a problem our Tom's Guide reviewers have found in similarly priced mattresses previously. The two reviewers who tested this Origin Hybrid mattress prefer different sleeping positions but typically like medium-soft firmness. So, personally, I found the Origin Hybrid to be a bit firmer than I would have liked as I'm a side/stomach sleeper. I found that the top foam layers just didn't mould around my body enough to completely eliminate the pressure points around the bony areas of my shoulders and hips when on my side, but flipping onto my stomach was wonderfully comfortable. In a similar vein, our back-sleeping reviewer also found it comfortable and snug. Its firmness is exactly what minimises its motion transfer — there's barely any bounce, so movement is reduced and the foam inside does the rest to isolate motion. Comfort is admittedly subjective, but I would say it's comfortable enough for most back and stomach sleepers although it's not what I would call 'plush'. • Support & comfort score: 4.5 / 5 When it comes to dissecting a mattress's comfort, it's often very subjective. On the other hand, performance metrics are much more quantifiable. I've tested all the important factors here — i.e. setup, off-gassing, pressure relief, edge support, temperature regulation, durability and motion transfer — to provide a better understanding of the Origin Hybrid Mattress, and how it may improve your sleep experience. Do note, though, that when trialling a new mattress, many bed brands recommend sleeping on it for at least a month before making any decisions. This is because it takes time for your body (aka your muscles) to adjust to a new mattress, even one of similar firmness as before. What may feel uncomfortable at first might be much more comfortable after a few weeks have passed (or the mattress has been 'broken into', just like a new shoe). All the performance metrics below have been scored after a period of eight weeks for this review. Score: 5 / 5 The queen-sized Origin Hybrid as reviewed here comes in a large, wheeled box. Weighing 37kg, the mattress was a little lighter than many other similarly sized alternatives that typically tip the scales at around 40-50kg. While I had an extra pair of hands to unbox the mattress, I definitely could have managed the experience on my own if I needed to. As with all other mattresses in a box, the Origin Hybrid comes vacuum-sealed and shrink-wrapped. I used a box cutter to slice the plastic cover open after placing the rolled package in position on my bed frame, and let it unfurl on its own. Setting up is as simple as that. The mattress didn't take long to inflate to its full size. While I thought my review sample was ready for use in 12 hours, the brand recommends allowing it a full 24 hours to fully expand and off-gas. The Hybrid has two robust handles on either side of the mattress (so a total of four), making it super easy to move and rotate when needed — especially if moving it on your lonesome. I was pleasantly surprised by this, as my previous mattress didn't have the luxury of four handles, and most beds only come with two — one on each side. The Hybrid measures 27cm deep, so it's a great fit for most standard fitted sheets. If you choose to use a mattress topper for extra plushness, you may want to consider sheets with larger pockets, as the height of the mattress will, of course, increase. Score: 2 / 5 Despite being a hybrid mattress with pocket springs, there is foam used in the construction, and it's only natural to notice a distinct odour when you open up the plastic wrapping. This smell is due to a process called off-gassing that begins as soon as you rip the plastic — as fresh air begins to flow into the mattress, the gases trapped inside during the foam-manufacturing process escape, and that's what you would be smelling. It can take a few hours for the process to finish, and it's recommended that you allow at least 4-5 hours for off-gassing to occur in a well-ventilated room before you put sheets on and start using the mattress. In my testing, the off-gassing smell was rather potent and lingered for a full week. It was only after around 11 days that the smell fully disappeared, even though I would leave the doors and windows open each day. That said, the smell wasn't noticeable when sleeping with sheets on the mattress, meaning the emitted gases lingered in the room longer than I expected rather that continue escaping from within the foam layers. This issue seemingly affects more than just the Origin Hybrid, as my colleague who reviewed the Origin LumbarCloud had a similar experience. Once the odour completely dissipated, I found there was no smell coming from the mattress even without a sheet. Considering the Origin Hybrid is both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified, meaning that the foams and fabrics are free from harmful substances, you can safely use it after making sure it's had at least half a day of off-gassing in a very well-ventilated room. Score: 5 / 5 Two reviewers of different height, weight and preferred sleeping positions slept on the mattress during its two-month testing period, and neither of us had any aches and pains after we started using it. The Origin Hybrid was designed with orthopaedic back support in mind without blowing out budgets, and it really showed throughout our testing for the back sleeper. The mattress cradled their pressure points well, especially the lower back and shoulders, and they didn't feel like they were sinking into the foam even when staying in the same position too long. As the stomach/side sleeper, on the other hand, I enjoyed the mattress when flopped on my front, but found it uncomfortable when side sleeping for long periods. The mattress, however, helped ease tension on my lower back and shoulders, and kept a straight spine while side sleeping, but the firmness was a bit stiffening as there was not enough give to the area around the hips and thus creating a pressure point. Overall, we both found the mattress to be firmer than we'd prefer, but in no way does it compromise support in any position. Score: 5 / 5 Even with an air conditioner, a hot summer's night can be worsened by a warm mattress. In fact, even in cooler circumstances, lack of airflow and moisture wicking can build up humidity and impact your sleep. While body heat can affect how comfortable you are at night, the Origin Hybrid did a very commendable job of circulating the air to keep things cool. As already mentioned earlier in the review, the mattress has a number of layers designed to keep you cool all night long. While my testing was through autumn and into winter, Sydney did have the occasional muggy night during this period and I found the Origin Hybrid was a bit too efficient in keeping me cool. So much so that I needed a warmer blanket. That's in no way a complaint, but a happy observation. The Tencel cover constantly kept the surface of the mattress cool, even under the sheets, thanks to the wood-pulp fibres, and it's just as effective at absorbing moisture. Coupled with the HexaGrid layer infused with cooling gel particles, the mattress effectively maintains good airflow. My additional blanket during testing can vouch for how good it is. Score: 3.5 / 5 Compared to other mattresses I've used, the Origin Hybrid didn't deliver as expected when it comes to edge support. I used two methods in my testing, including a digital force gauge, to measure the edge support. The mattress depressed significantly when sitting on the side, falling 10cm when using an average body weight and a tape measure. With the force gauge, I did a comparative test between the middle of the mattress and 10cm from the side and corners. In the middle, 50N (5.1kg of force) sunk 4cm into the mattress. 10cm from the edge, the same force sunk 6.5cm. On the corners, I recorded 7cm of sink. This shows that while the Origin Hybrid has foam wrapping around the edge for extra support as per its web listing, it's not high density and noticeably softer towards the edge. In comparison, the same 50N test on a mattress with excellent edge support will show similar depth numbers in the middle and the side, or in some cases, even less sinking on the sides. This might be a problem for people with mobility issues who would sit on the edge to get their shoes or slippers on, but in no way does the lower edge support affect what it's like to lie on. The larger surface area on the mattress taking on wider weight distribution means the sinkage wouldn't be as noticeable as when sitting. Score: 5 / 5 The seven layers within the mattress — including the special HexaGrid layer — do a commendable job of isolating movement while sleeping beside a restless partner. For example, I didn't bat an eye when my partner — a frequent turner — consistently moved around throughout the night. This included regular position changes, constant tossing and the occasional feline companion joining us in the middle of the night. That also means the top cover is nicely fitted, so there's no pulling of fabric to disturb light sleepers either. Score: 5 / 5 During my testing period, the Origin Hybrid didn't show any signs of wear and tear or sagging, although I do admit that two months is a drop in the bucket for the lifespan of a mattress. Still, Origin definitely has confidence in its product as evidenced by its industry-leading 15-year warranty. I have little to no doubt that this mattress will hold up over time and will be worth the money. The mattress also comes with two firm handles on either side, which made moving the it a breeze, but importantly, they seem to be well-stitched on, so they won't rip any time soon. The quality of the mattress fabric was great too, with robust thread used in the stitching of the soft Tencel cover. That said, the cover isn't removable like other similar mattresses, so if you want to preserve the cleanliness, you may want to consider purchasing a mattress protector. During my testing, I rotated, flipped and stood the mattress up to test how the layers flexed and moved. It held up rather well through all this, being stable and well attached. I didn't find any areas of concern in the springs or indentations, and I don't anticipate any warranty claims. For the price, I'm honestly impressed at how well the Origin Hybrid has been constructed. As we often mention in our mattress reviews, the best choice for you depends entirely on your personal sleep experience. Something we recommend might not suit you, so to broaden the scope of the review, we usually include what other users have to say, particularly from Product Review. It's Australia's biggest consumer review site and a reliable source for unbiased opinions. As per Product Review, the Origin Hybrid mattress has mostly positive comments, with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating over 1,470 reviews at the time of publication. Customers were fans of the price of the mattress, which is considerably lower than competitors' for a hybrid, and the balance between comfort and support it delivers. There is some debate over the firmness level, with the majority of reviews (743) suggesting its medium firmness, while a significant minority (295) refer to it as having a hard firmness. But with 92% overwhelmingly positive reviews, there's no denying the Origin Hybrid mattress has cultivated a fan base. And it can include me in that number as well. I was pretty impressed with the Origin Hybrid Mattress, especially considering the attractively low price and the support this bed provides. I would personally would have preferred a little more softness, but again, that's a personal preference where others might well prefer the firmness this offers. In my opinion, I think it's particularly suited to stomach and back sleepers, but some side sleepers might actually prefer the extra firmness it provides, although it was a touch too much for me. Origin's HexaGrid layer definitely does what it says on the tin, not just providing support, but also keeping things cool under the blankets each night. And working in concert with the bamboo-infused materials and cooling gel, temperature regulation is exceptional. Motion isolation is a top selling point for the Origin Hybrid, as I found it truly minimised movement, although I think the edge support is a little underwhelming, particularly in the corners. However, when sitting in the middle of the bed, there was ample support to remain upright and lying close to the edge doesn't diminish the overall support either. And it would be remiss not to mention the impressive 15-year warranty and 120-night trial, and as such, Origin undoubtedly delivers a great, affordable hybrid mattress. When it comes to alternatives, there are a few to consider. It all comes down to firmness, though, as that was my biggest discrepancy while testing the Origin Hybrid. The closest rival to the Origin Hybrid would be the Eva Comfort Classic mattress, with very similar features and pricing. I've popped two other alternatives below, too, alongside the Eva, to even out firmness measures and support. Type: HybridFirmness (1-10): Medium firm (7.5/10)Materials: Foam, polyester, steelHeight: 32cmRRP: AU$900 - AU$1,300Trial/Warranty: 100 nights / 10 years Our Eva Comfort Classic review scored 4.5 stars as it was near perfect in our tests. The only setbacks were that it doesn't have any side handles or a removable cover. It can also be a bit heavy when changing sheets, but if you can get past that, the Comfort Classic is a true rival to the Origin Hybrid. The Eva Comfort Classic houses an impressive five zones of pocket springs, each dedicated to support and provide the ultimate comfort for all sleepers. The mattress has a similar medium-firm rating, but our reviewer found it softer than advertised. Its softness didn't compromise its support, making it a great option for stomach sleepers. It's also not as breathable as a specialty mattress designed for cooling, but the air pockets under the foam do help regulate some body heat. Price wise, it's very similar to the Origin Hybrid, with a queen costing AU$1,200 at full price but, as always, there are discounts to be had during major sales and, as per Eva's website, you can nab up to AU$275 off if you sign up to the brand's email marketing, bringing it down to AU$925. Choose Eva if: You prefer a softer mattress Avoid it if: You can't move a mattress by yourself Type: HybridFirmness (1-10): Customisable (extra firm 8.5/10)Materials: Foam, polyester, steelHeight: 31cmRRP: AU$999 - AU$2,699Trial/Warranty: 100 nights / 10 years In our Sleeping Duck Mach II review, we called it the "best mattress in a box we've had the pleasure of sleeping on". This was largely because you can customise your firmness levels with interchangeable foam layers without compromises support or comfort — although it's worth noting that the firmer the foam layer you choose, the less 'cloud-like' the mattress will be. The SD Mach II performed well in most areas, too, but much like the Origin Hybrid, our reviewer found the off-gassing smell took a while to dissipate. It also features good edge support, which is a step above the Origin Hybrid, and the motion transfer could be improved, especially if you're a light sleeper. Choose Sleeping Duck if: You want customisable firmness and more supportAvoid it if: You prefer all-foam construction with better motion isolation Type: HybridFirmness (1-10): Medium firm (6/10)Materials: Polyester, foam, latex, steelHeight: 26.5cm RRP: AU$900 - AU$1,300Trial/Warranty: 120 nights / 15 years If you prefer a softer but still supportive mattress, you may want to consider a memory foam-like alternative like the Valmori Hybrid Mattress II. As the reviewer myself, I gave it 4.5 stars in my Valmori Hybrid Mattress II review, ranking it rather favourably for pricing, the impressive 15-year warranty and the free pillows, which I still use to this day. It is worth noting that the Hybrid II doesn't have any handles, so it can be tricky to rotate or move, but it is lighter than other similar mattresses. I thoroughly enjoyed the support the mattress gave me as a side and stomach sleeper, and found I woke up with no soreness every morning. There's also just enough of the 'hug' from the memory gel foam without feeling like you sink into the mattress. Motion transfer is also pretty minimal on it, and edge support is great too. Choose Valmori if: You want a relatively softer hybrid mattress for side sleepingAvoid it if: You want a firm hybrid mattress
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Limestone Capital Invests in Nokken to Fuel Modular Hospitality Expansion
LONDON, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Limestone Capital, a leading experience economy private equity firm headquartered in Switzerland, has acquired a stakeholding of just over 30% in Nokken, a UK-headquartered provider of design-led modular cabins. The partnership aims to accelerate Nokken's international expansion, supporting growth across Europe, the UK, United States, and new market entries in Asia and Australasia. The investment reinforces Limestone's commitment to best-in-class innovative, sustainable hospitality ventures. "This is a significant milestone in Nokken's journey and confirmation of where we believe the hospitality market is heading" said Co-Founder Nathan Aylott. With over €1 billion AUM (Assets Under Management) invested in lifestyle and hospitality platforms such as Aethos Hotels, Emerald Stay, Loisium Wine & Spa Hotels, and Voaara, Limestone Capital is known for combining real estate investment with branded, experience-driven operating platforms. "We are confident in the alignment this represents" said Nathan "Nokken represents a unique intersection of beautiful design, functionality, and emotional resonance," said Grazi Painelli, Managing Director and Head of Acquisitions at Limestone Capital. "They are redefining how we experience the natural world, and their scalable model aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of hospitality." Nokken has become known as more than just a designer and manufacturer of modular cabins - the company is pioneering a new category in retreat hospitality. While much of the traditional hotel sector remains focused on high-cost urban developments, Nokken is driving a shift toward agile, nature-immersive stays. This "retreat" model, embraced by progressive brands such as Autocamp or through Marriott's acquisition of Postcard Cabins offers faster deployment, lower costs, and greater guest appeal. Through its cabins and wider services, Nokken enables partners to create scalable experiences in unique locations such as forests, mountains, and coastlines rather than concrete cityscapes, placing the company at the forefront of a movement redefining where and how people stay. The investment fuels Nokken's expansion and will be used primarily to enter strategic partnerships with landowners and operators and acquire key components of Nokken's supply chain, while expanding sales and marketing capacity. "Limestone Capital is a great strategic alignment for Nokken. The partnership with Limestone allows us to focus on bringing our products to some of the best destinations in the world and ensuring end customers can experience nature in new, meaningful ways," said Craig McDonald, CEO of the Nokken Group. "Their hospitality expertise and operational excellence will be instrumental as we scale." "We've always believed that great design isn't just about aesthetics, it's about impact. This partnership gives us the platform to bring Nokken's vision to a global stage, where architecture, nature, and emotion meet in powerful, purposeful ways," says James Van Tromp, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer As sustainability becomes a defining driver of modern travel, Nokken's model offers a compelling solution: exceptional stays with minimal environmental impact. Its low-footprint modular designs minimise land disturbance, use responsible materials, and avoid the heavy infrastructure demands of conventional builds, thus making hospitality viable in sensitive or remote locations. This approach meets the expectations of climate-conscious travellers while delivering operational efficiencies, positioning Nokken, with Limestone's backing, to lead the sustainable retreat sector and set a new benchmark for responsible, experience-rich hospitality. "This is more than capital - it's a partnership grounded in shared values," added Grazi Painelli. "Nokken delivers meaningful, nature-based experiences without compromising on design or environmental responsibility." Further information: Nokken: Limestone Capital: CONTACT: press@ Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Nokken Group Limited Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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EasyJet pilot grounded after ‘getting drunk and naked at hotel bar'
An easyJet pilot who reportedly walked around a luxury hotel drunk and naked has been suspended. The captain was scheduled to fly holidaymakers back to the UK from Cape Verde, west Africa the following day but was grounded by the airline. The Sun reported that the man, who it did not name, arrived at the five-star Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa, Cape Verde on August 4, and embarked on a drinking session at a bar which lasted into the early hours of the morning. At 2.30am he removed all his clothes and walked into the reception area before moving onto the gym and spa, according to the newspaper. He was due to operate a flight back to Gatwick around 36 hours later on the afternoon of August 6, but a replacement pilot was found. An easyJet spokesman said: 'As soon as we were made aware, the pilot was immediately stood down from duty, in line with our procedures, pending an investigation. 'The safety of our passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority.' EasyJet's flights from Gatwick to Cape Verde are its longest from England, at 2,332 nautical miles. The flights are scheduled to last about six hours.
