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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
How I did a luxury holiday in the Maldives for cheaper than a week at Center Parcs
See how an all-inclusive week at a 4-star resort with endless activities compares to the UK holiday park LIFE'S A BEACH How I did a luxury holiday in the Maldives for cheaper than a week at Center Parcs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I WAS lucky enough to travel to the Maldives recently – the stunning islands in the Indian Ocean, where the warm waters are teeming with tropical fish and turtles. The destination is - simply put - paradise. 11 Travel writer Sophie Swietochowski spent a week at a luxury all-inclusive resort in the Maldives that costs £1,359pp next June, including flights Credit: Sophie Swietochowski 11 The 4* Sun Siyam Olhuveli, in the South Malé Atoll was surprisingly affordable Credit: Supplied But what surprised me most about my exotic getaway wasn't the white sand beaches or the turquoise waters. It was the affordable price tag. A family holiday in the Maldives, it seems, may even cost you less than an activity-packed getaway at Center Parcs, right here in the UK. The cost of living crisis and newly-introduced taxes have caused the price of UK holidays to soar in recent years, with staycations setting families back eye-watering sums. New data from On the Beach showed that 34 per cent of Brits believe a holiday in one of Europe's beach resorts offers better value for money than a UK break. Depending on which resort you choose, there's endless fun for both kids and adults, as I found during my recent stay at the 4* Sun Siyam Olhuveli, in the South Malé Atoll. A whole week can be spent snorkelling through colourful reefs, sharpening up your racket skills on the tennis court and speeding across the ocean behind the wheel of a car that drives on water. After a short stint here, my opinion on the sleepy honeymoon hotspot had changed completely. There was so much to do that the destination felt somewhat like a Center Parcs, only with much warmer weather AND (here's the key point) it was cheaper – yes, really. 11 Can a luxury holiday in the balmy Maldives really match the great British getaway on price? Sophie has crunched the numbers and says it can Credit: Sophie Swietochowski 11 Non-motorised water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding are included in the price Credit: Supplied So, can a luxury holiday in the balmy Maldives really match the great British getaway on price? I've crunched the numbers and the answer is yes. Center Parcs' Elveden Forest in Suffolk recently opened a number of luxury water lodges, set on its tranquil lake, much like the over-water villas that are synonymous with the Maldives. And much like the Maldives, Center Parcs is also bursting at the seams with activities. Archery classes? Yep. Watersports activities? Plenty of those. Indoor gaming areas? Teens will love that. But all of these activities don't come cheap. And, ultimately, that's what sways the price. 11 Center Parcs' Elveden Forest in Suffolk recently opened a number of luxury water lodges, much like the over-water villas that are synonymous with the Maldives Credit: Getty 11 To stay in one of the resort's new waterside lodges at Elveden Forest in June next year will cost around £5,298 for one week Credit: Center Parcs 11 That's not to say that Center Parcs doesn't have its perks. In terms of activities, the UK adventure holiday company is unbeatable Credit: Alamy Travellers can bag themselves a seven-night all-inclusive break at Sun Siyam Olhuveli for £1,359pp for a family of four travelling in June 2025, outside of the school holidays, with Travelbag. This price includes all flights and speedboat transfers to the resort, too, plus a lot of activities and snorkel gear. It means that kids and parents can wander from their bedroom straight into the ocean or house reef to spot a plethora of fish. The cost above also includes an excursion, such as a sunset cruise where you'll take in breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean (keep your eyes peeled for dolphins). What else? On top of the bucket list experiences, dotted around the resort is a giant chess board, tennis and badminton courts and beach volleyball. Non-motorised water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, Maldivian themed nights, evening entertainment and weekly prize giveaways are also included in the price above. 11 Travellers can bag themselves a seven-night all-inclusive break at Sun Siyam Olhuveli for £1,359pp for a family of four Credit: Sophie Swietochowski 11 Kids and parents can wander from their bedroom straight into the ocean Credit: Supplied So, for a family of four, the total cost racks up to £5,436, which admittedly does sound steep - and you will have to travel during term time to bag this last-minute deal. But what I love about an all-inclusive is that you don't need to spend a penny when you're there. And with these packages covering nearly every restaurant at the resort as well as certain drinks and cocktails, you're not missing out. Center Parcs, by comparison, looks a similar price at first glance, during the same time of year. A quick search showed that to stay in one of the resort's new waterside lodges at Elveden Forest during the same month next year will cost around £5,298 for one week. This does, however, sleep six guests instead of four - so you'll have room for an extra two kids or you can bring the grandparents along for babysitting duties. Food and drink is not included, though, and nor are most of the activities. And this is where the costs add up pushing it significantly over my Maldives trip. One lasagne will set you back a hefty £17 at Center Parc's Whinfell Forest resort, while a prawn spaghetti costs £18. Multiply that by a family of four and that comes to over £500 for just one meal each across the week. Extras like archery sessions cost from £21pp for 55 minutes, while paintballing costs £47 and kayaking is £15 for a double kayak for 30 minutes, all at Elveden Forest. It's easy to see how the prices can soar. 11 These Maldives package covers nearly every restaurant at the resort as well as certain drinks and cocktails Credit: Sophie Swietochowski 11 This price includes all flights and speedboat transfers to the resort, too, plus a lot of activities and snorkel gear Credit: Supplied That's not to say that Center Parcs doesn't have its perks. In terms of activities, this adventure holiday company is unbeatable and a small Maldivian island simply can't compete on scale. The prices can't exactly be compared like for like, either, with costs varying according to the time of year and number of people visiting. But if you're after something different, where you won't have to panic about spending money when you're there, booking a package further afield could be the way to go. One thing is for sure. The look of sheer excitement on your child's face when they spot their first turtle is something money can't buy.
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Inside tiny UK village where cars are BANNED, donkeys make deliveries & you must pay entry – but drivers love visiting
The quaint fishing village has a total ban on vehicles STREETS AHEAD Inside tiny UK village where cars are BANNED, donkeys make deliveries & you must pay entry – but drivers love visiting Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A VILLAGE in the South of England offers the perfect tranquil getaway - with donkeys and sledges instead of cars. It is one of few places in Europe that has a total ban on cars, as its steep topography makes it impossible to drive there. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Clovelly, Devon, is built into the side of a cliff Credit: Getty 5 Visitors can enjoy the cobbled streets, as well as a range of independent shops Credit: Getty 5 The village has approximately 440 residents Credit: Getty Clovelly Village in North Devon offers visitors a unique trip, with its historic way of life offering a reprieve from daily annoyances. Home to around 440 people, the remote village boasts cobbled streets, medieval-style properties, and no chain stores. The village was previously owned by both the Queen and William the Conquerer - although it is now privately owned by John Rous after he inherited from his mother in 1983. The Hamlyn family have managed the village since 1738, as it was largely "unknown to the outside world" according to the village's official website. Its unique setting gives visitors the opportunity to travel back in time through a location steeped in maritime history. For those looking to escape modern life, Clovelly is one of few places in Europe that enforces a blanket ban on road vehicles. Historically, donkeys were responsible for transporting goods to the town although locals have mostly relied on sledges since the 1970s. There are, however, still a group of donkeys living at the top of the village. Its stunning coastal walks include a pebbled beach, a Lifeboat House, stunning sea views, as well as a waterfall. To explore further, visitors can embark on a boat trip around the bay, a chartered fishing trip, or take a boat to Lundy Island. The English holiday resort that families say is a 'fancy Center Parcs' For those looking to keep their feet firmly planted ashore, the picturesque village has the Court Gardens, which contains Victorian greenhouses, and the 12th-century All Saints Church. There is also a hotel with a restaurant, a tea room, and two museums to keep visitors entertained. Rather than the usual chain stores, the village shops are all independent, selling silk, pottery, soap and shoes. Depending on when you go to the village, you could visit its annual festivals, including the Seaweed Festival, the Lobster and Crab Festival, or the Herring Festival. Its also rumoured to be the home of a cave where Merlin, the magician of Arthurian legend, was born. Visitors can access the village through the visitor centre which charges £9.50 for adults, and £5.50 for children. Funds raised from the charges goes towards local tree planting and conservation, helping to maintain the area. 5 It boasts a range of picturesque coastal walks Credit: Getty 5 Its steep cliffs mean that cars are banned from the village Credit: Getty Its website reads: "There has always been a charge to visit Clovelly. "Like most historical landmarks (e.g. National Trust sites), we heavily rely on entrance fees for the essential maintenance and upkeep that comes with an ancient village perched on a 400 foot cliff, with no vehicular access." Those driving to the village can also use the free parking included with the ticket price.
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Wales Online
Inside Center Parcs' 'abandoned lodges' left to decay with furniture still inside
Inside Center Parcs' 'abandoned lodges' left to decay with furniture still inside An online content creator shared eerie footage of the abandoned lodges in the Netherlands - and it seems the holiday homes have been left to rot with furniture still inside A clip of what appears to be neglected accommodations at Center Parcs De Kempervennen near Eindhoven has been posted online A mysterious video appears to capture deserted and deteriorating Center Parcs lodges in the Netherlands, complete with furnishings still in tact. A TikTok creator, VSnelson_author, posted a clip, claiming it shows neglected accommodations at Center Parcs De Kempervennen, close to Eindhoven, showcasing severe dilapidation. Inside the grubby lodges, remnants of furniture sit amongst encroaching moss and mould on the walls and glass. When queried by a commenter about where this was filmed, the uploader clarified: "It's a part of the park that's not used. The houses aren't even on the map." The eerie clip has puzzled online users, prompting one user to question: "Where's this? Didn't know there was a partially built Center Parcs". Others were intrigued too, with one reposting: "Where on site was this? Was there a few months ago would love to take a look." Meanwhile, another added: "Hope your lodge didn't look like this." Even though one part of the accommodation appears to be closed, Center Parcs De Kempervennen is very much still open. You can book to stay there in July from around £90 – and the establishment has a 3.7 out of five star rating on TripAdvisor. Article continues below Center Parcs has been approached for comment on the video. Content cannot be displayed without consent This decay at De Kempervennen contrasts sharply with unveiled plans for a potential new Center Parcs in the UK. Since their 1987 start in Britain, the holiday firm has proposed to establish a sprawling resort nestled near Hawick in the Scottish borders. Center Parcs is keen on constructing approximately 700 lodges and tourist amenities, including its signature Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa, conveniently situated just off the A7. This region, south of Selkirk, is home to a variety of wildlife such as ospreys, golden eagles, red squirrels, and deer, and is in close proximity to numerous historic houses, castles, and abbeys. The colossal project, estimated to cost between £350 million and £400 million, is expected to generate around 1,200 jobs and become the seventh UK Center Parcs site. This week, the travel giant conducted a two-day community consultation (from May 20-21) in Hawick to discuss the specifics with local residents. As reported by the BBC, concerns have been voiced over the potential loss of arable farmland. Some locals are also apprehensive that tourists will visit the Center Parcs complex and then depart the area, providing little support to local businesses. Inside the grubby lodges, remnants of furniture sit amongst moss and mould growing on the walls However, the company, which is accepting feedback on the proposed site until Friday, June 6, asserts that most of its weekend guests also 'explore' the local area. It has also unveiled a fly-through video and 3D model to give locals a clear picture of what the holiday village would look like. The digital renderings showcase the impressive layout of the new site, which includes the signature Center Parcs features like their Subtropical Swimming Paradise hub, a vast lake for boat rentals as well as dining options and a spa nestled within verdant woodlands. "The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life and add to the real sense of anticipation that has been evident at recent consultation events," remarked Colin McKinlay, the chief executive of the company. Furthermore, the head of Center Parcs highlighted the company's dedication to incorporating community input into their plans. "It's one thing to describe what we're hoping to build, but seeing it laid out visually captures the ambition of what we're planning," spokesperson Colin elaborated. Article continues below Slated for launch by 2029, this will be Scotland's inaugural Center Parcs.
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Center Parcs reveals opening date for seventh UK park – and it's sooner than you think
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Center Parcs' seventh site could open as soon as 2029, according to its boss. Center Parcs currently has six sites across the UK and Ireland but none in Scotland. 3 The newest plans reveal what the site could look like Credit: Center Parcs 3 It will be Centre Parcs' seventh site in the UK Credit: Alamy The first Scottish Center Parcs holiday village was announced last year and now the company's chief executive has said it could open by early 2029. The Scottish park is expected to have a wide range of facilities including the popular Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa. Family-friendly retail and dining options as well as adventure facilities such as tree trekking, adventure golf, and a zip wire will be on-site. In addition, there will also be wildflower meadows, nature walks and a wetlands. A dedicated Nature and Heritage Centre will be complete, with a restaurant and coffee shop. Colin McKinlay told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme that the project will have major benefits for the area, both during construction and once it is up and running. In total, the £400million project looks to build 700 lodges and accompanying tourist facilities on a site in Hawick. The company is aiming to submit its planning application this summer and start building in 2027. Mr McKinlay said that the company had identified the Borders as a "real opportunity", according to the BBC. He added: "It fits so many of our criteria in terms of the area, in terms of the demographic profile of people around the area." UK's biggest indoor beach that's free to visit Mr McKinlay also explained how the company hopes to employ as many people as possible from the local area. In addition, he claimed the local area would benefit as visitors who stayed at the park for three or four nights, would be likely to "explore the area as well". An assessment of the traffic and environmental impact of the Scottish park will also be carried out during the planning process. If both go as planned, then the company expects to welcome the first visitors within four years. Mr McKinlay added: [I]f we're successful, I would envisage us moving forward to a programme that would start building probably early in 2027 and hopefully opening as early as spring 2029." Full plans for the park are expected to be released in May. Center Parcs currently attracts millions of visitors a year to its six sites across the UK and Ireland. Center Parcs has already released plans for the woodland lodges at the site. Plus, how to bag a free stay at Center Parcs.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Center Parcs reveals opening date for seventh UK park – and it's sooner than you think
Center Parcs' seventh site could open as soon as 2029, according to its boss. Center Parcs currently has six sites across the UK and Ireland but none in Scotland. 3 The first Scottish Center Parcs holiday village was announced last year and now the company's chief executive has said it could open by early 2029. The Scottish park is expected to have a wide range of facilities including the popular Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa. Family-friendly retail and dining options as well as adventure facilities such as tree trekking, adventure golf, and a zip wire will be on-site. In addition, there will also be wildflower meadows, nature walks and a wetlands. A dedicated Nature and Heritage Centre will be complete, with a restaurant and coffee shop. Colin McKinlay told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme that the project will have major benefits for the area, both during construction and once it is up and running. In total, the £400million project looks to build 700 lodges and accompanying tourist facilities on a site in Hawick. The company is aiming to submit its planning application this summer and start building in 2027. Mr McKinlay said that the company had identified the Borders as a "real opportunity", according to the BBC. He added: "It fits so many of our criteria in terms of the area, in terms of the demographic profile of people around the area." Mr McKinlay also explained how the company hopes to employ as many people as possible from the local area. In addition, he claimed the local area would benefit as visitors who stayed at the park for three or four nights, would be likely to "explore the area as well". An assessment of the traffic and environmental impact of the Scottish park will also be carried out during the planning process. If both go as planned, then the company expects to welcome the first visitors within four years. Mr McKinlay added: [I]f we're successful, I would envisage us moving forward to a programme that would start building probably early in 2027 and hopefully opening as early as spring 2029." Full plans for the park are expected to be released in May. Ireland. Center Parcs has already released plans for the woodland lodges at the site. Plus, how to bag a free stay at Center Parcs. 3
