Latest news with #Greekislands
Business Mayor
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
easyJet to reopen Newcastle base five years after Covid closure
Sign up to Simon Calder's free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder's Travel email Five years after easyJet closed its base at Newcastle airport, Britain's biggest budget airline has announced it will reopen for summer 2026. Newcastle was an important UK base for Go, the short-lived budget airline from British Airways that was later taken over by easyJet. The base at the Tyneside airport was closed in August 2020 along with the East Midlands and Southend operations. EasyJet reopened its Southend base in March this year. The airline has continued to fly in and out of Newcastle from other bases including Bristol, Belfast International, Geneva, Palma and Paris. The three-aircraft base at the airport will open in March 2026, creating around 130 jobs for pilots, crew and engineers. Routes are yet to be announced but are likely to comprise sunshine flights to destinations in Portugal, the Canaries, the Greek islands and Turkey – as well as one or two city destinations. Jet2, Ryanair already have strong positions at Newcastle. The airport's chief executive, Nick Jones, said: 'It is fantastic that easyJet has chosen to open a new base at Newcastle airport in spring 2026 following such strong demand for flights and package holidays from our passengers. 'This investment will not only offer greater connectivity with the launch of new routes, but it will also deliver hundreds of thousands of additional low-cost seats and package holidays for our passengers; a significant boost to the local economy by creating high-quality jobs and attract more inbound visitors to the region.' Kenton Jarvis, easyJet's chief executive, said:'This not only consolidates our position as the UK's largest leisure airline but will create many skilled jobs and provide critical connectivity for the region, playing an important role in enabling vital economic growth for the UK. 'It's clear that holidays are increasing in importance and more than ever are a priority for UK consumers. With our unrivalled short-haul network and unique easyJet holidays, we're able to offer greater choice and value for money, making travel easy for more customers in the North East and beyond.' Mr Jarvis has also commented on easyJet's half-year results. The airline's headline loss before tax for winter was £394 million, in line with consensus predictions. The easyJet CEO said: 'We remain focused on delivering another record summer this year, expecting to drive strong earnings growth as we continue to progress towards our target of sustainably generating over £1bn of annual profit before tax.' The airline has put in 'additional resilience measures to manage increasing ATC [air-traffic control] delays as part of our ramp up preparations for the summer period'.
The Independent
14-03-2025
- The Independent
9 cruise holidays you must do in your lifetime
One of the main benefits of a cruise is that it can take you to a variety of amazing and once-in-a-lifetime destinations. Locations such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Greek islands may be popular for sun seekers or those who want a relaxing cruise, but there are other routes to consider for more bucket list and breathtaking experiences. A cruise line can get you to parts of the world that are restricted by foot or plane such as in Alaska and the Antarctic, while you can get breathtaking views of culture and history from the comfort of a cruise ship. You can moor up for excursions in more remote and rare parts of the world and enjoy majestic experiences such as witnessing the northern lights or getting close to nature and wildlife. The world is at your feet on a cruise and here are nine of the best routes around the world to experience in your lifetime. Alaska and the Inside Passage With glaciers to gaze at and wildlife to spot, Alaska is a bucket list destination for many. Cruising the state's Inside Passage helps explore the region and reach places that you simply cannot see by road. Typically departing from Seattle or Vancouver, Alaska's Inside Passage was carved out by glaciers during the ice age and a cruise will get you close to its thousands of islands, coves and fjords. Stops often include a visit to the gold rush town of Skagway, salmon fishing hotspot Ketchikan and Alaskan capital Juneau. It is the kind of cruise where an inside cabin could be a waste as you could wake up each morning next to massive glaciers, such as the famous Hubbard Glacier – stretching for 76 miles. Princess Cruises sails to Alaska and cruises alongside the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier on the Inside Passage aboard Discovery Princess. Departs 17 August 2025; from £979pp. Book now Transatlantic Why fly across the Atlantic when you can cruise? Sailing from the UK and US may take longer than a flight but a transatlantic cruise provides a more memorable week, plus it can give you time to acclimatise to a new time zone without worrying about jet lag. The sailing typically takes seven or eight days, and destinations include Florida and New York. Some cruise lines may even offer longer round-trips. You will have more time to explore a ship and immerse yourself in the facilities and entertainment with almost every day being a sea day - plus there will be plenty of sunsets and sunrises to gaze at from the comfort of the deck or your cabin. Some cruise lines may have stops to break-up the sailing while others will just involve consecutive days at sea. The most well-known itinerary for the transatlantic route is aboard Queen Mary 2 with Cunard. Departing from Southampton, it has seven-night sailings to New York or a 15-night round-trip. A seven-night sailing to New York, departing on 16 May, starts at £899pp. Set sail for the best light show at sea. A northern lights cruise gives passengers a chance to see the beauty of the northern lights or aurora borealis from the clear skies of a cruise ship deck. One of the main northern lights hotspots to sail around is Norway, giving passengers the chance to explore the fjords of Bergen and also Alta and Tromso on what is known as the aurora belt - boosting your chances of seeing the dazzling spectacle. The best time to sail and see the light show is between late September and March. But there is no guarantee of seeing the northern lights as it depends on weather and how clear the skies are; some cruise brands, such as Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages, will offer a refund during peak viewing season if there are no sightings. Havila Voyages has a 12-day sailing around the northern lights hotpots of Norway, departing from Bergen on 31 October 2025 from £1,313pp. It has a money-back guarantee if they don't appear during sailings between October and March. Antarctica A visit to the white continent is another bucket list cruise for many. You could find yourself stepping onto the Antarctic ice on a hike, playing with penguins or stepping into rig or kayak to get closer to wildlife such as leopard seals. The more adventurous could even go polar diving into the icy waters. Onboard, there may be lectures on the landscape and history of the region amid the backdrop of giant glistening icebergs and don't forget to look out for humpback whales swimming by. Most sailings to Antarctica take place between November and March, due to the cold climate and there are limits on how many cruise ships and visitors can be on the ice at a time to protect the region, making it an even more special place to visit. Departures are typically from South America and often follow the famous Drake Passage, named after explorer Sir Francis Drake. You can visit Antarctica on Scenic Eclipse. The expedition ship carries 228 passengers, plus two H130 helicopters for excursions. It also has its own submarine that dives to a 1,000 feet down below. Prices for a 13-day Antarctica cruise, departing on 11 November 2025 from Buenos Aries, from £15,487pp. Galapagos Islands Follow in the footsteps of Darwin with a visit to the Galapagos Islands. It is an ideal cruise for nature lovers, with its giant tortoises and more than 150 species of birds to see. While a land visit restricts you to just a few towns and hotels, an expedition cruise can take you to the more remote islands of the archipelago, including Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, Bartolomé, and Genovesa, all accompanied by expert guides. Depending on the time of year, you could see Galapagos penguins on the western route or albatross when heading to the north. These are typically busy expedition-style cruises, with two excursions a day to explore the variety of nature and wildlife on offer. With the Galapagos National Park restricting visitors to 100 at a time, this isn't a destination for those who just want to sit on a cruise ship. You can visit the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises. It has a seven day round-trip, departing from Baltra Island on 27 September, costing from £6,016pp. Mekong River A cruise on the Mekong River will take you to the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, a comfortable way to get close to the various villages and culture of south-east Asia at a gentle pace compared with exploring on land. Both river cruise brands and smaller ocean-going ships have itineraries on this route. Sailings usually depart from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and visit the floating markets and beautiful landscapes of the Mekong Delta as well as the ancient temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Windstar's newest ship, Star Seeker, has a 10-day Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand cruise that departs on 27 December 2026. It includes overnight stops in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Halong Bay, with prices starting from $4,599. A cruise on the River Nile is an ideal way to get immersed in Egyptian history and culture. Typically starting from Cairo, you can gaze at landmarks on the riverbank such as the Luxor Temple and Valley of the Kings from the comfort of your cruise ship. There are also chances to explore further, often on camel back, on excursions to the pyramids of Giza and the spice markets of Aswan. Many cruises will have Egyptologists on board to keep you informed about the history and culture of your surroundings. Viking has a Pharaoh and Pyramids river cruise that departs from Cairo on 30 September; from £7,895pp. African safari An Africa safari cruise offers a great way to go wildlife watching on land and sea – all without having to worry about choosing the best park to spot the 'Big Five'. Itineraries tend to focus on a mix of land safaris and sea in destinations such as South Africa, where you could climb Table Mountain in Cape Town before visiting penguin colonies in Simon's Town, In the Western cape or Port Elizabeth, excursions may include a boat trip to see bottlenose dolphins or a visit to parks such as the Shamwari Private Game Reserve or Kariega Game Reserve to go lion and buffalo spotting. Some South Africa safari cruises may even arrange visits to the country's largest wildlife sanctuary, Kruger National Park. There are other Africa cruises focusing on the east of the continent, including Kenya 's Masai Mara National Reserve or Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Azamara Cruises has a 15-night Africa Cruise that has the option of staying at the Kruger National Park beforehand. It departs on 20 December 2025; from £3,489pp. Book now Panama Canal A Panama Canal cruise is a brilliant opportunity to marvel at the feat of human engineering while sailing on it. Passengers can cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or vice versa, and routes can include stops in the Caribbean, central America and Mexico as well as Panama City. The 50-mile trip in the canal will take you to Lake Gatun, the Culebra Cut valley and three locks on two seas, Gatun on the Atlantic and Pedro Miguel and Miraflores on the Pacific Ocean, Holland America Line has a 12-day cruise that visits the Panama Canal as well as Costa Rica and the Greater Antilles. It departs from Fort Lauderdale on 1 March with prices starting from £1,259pp.
Los Angeles Times
18-02-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Crete's 20 Best Hotels for 2025 Travel
The ancient, gorgeous and stunning island of Crete is on many travelers European destination list. And why not? Crete offers something for almost anyone: historical sites galore, luxurious accommodations, food, drink, spas and copious coastline for anyone looking to relax and unplug. An essential part of any trip, of course, is where to rest your head at night, but beyond simple accommodations, Crete offers a resort-style experience for any type of traveler. Whether you're with the family, on a romantic getaway, or taking the solo adventure of a lifetime, the island has a hotel for you. Read on to find the perfect spot for your dream trip to Greece. Crete has some of Europe's best family-friendly hotels that will make your holidays unforgettable for all ages. With facilities galore for families, these hotels will make everyone happy from the youngest to the oldest. With kids' clubs and restaurants with kids' menus, these luxury hotels cater to every family member. Here are three top picks that combine comfort, fun and luxury for families. Domes of Elounda is one of Crete's premier luxury hotels and perfect for families. Some accommodations even come with their own pool, offering guests privacy and exclusivity. Offers a range of accommodations from rooms to ultra-luxe villas for all preferences. Open-ended food and drink options add to the privacy and convenience of family holidays. Located near Agios Nikolaos, the private beaches and olive groves make it even more of exemplary Greek. St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is chic for stylish travelers. Spacious Luxurious suites and private villas offer plenty of room for the whole clan and have sea views from both rooms and common areas. Located near the crystal-clear waters, the resort is a tranquil oasis for families seeking serenity. Creta Maris Beach, a 5-star all-inclusive resort, is situated on Crete's shores. Family-friendly amenities like kids' clubs, family rooms and child-friendly dining options cater to all needs. Everyone can enjoy activities during a family holiday like beach games, water sports and organized excursions to nearby hot spots. Crete's specialty hotels are full of character, artistic decor and vibrant spaces, combining traditional architecture with modern luxury. Perfect for those who love the finer things in life and intimate settings, these hotels offer something unique. With restored stone rooms and eco-friendly design, these Crete hotels promise a special stay. Here are three boutique hotels that embody this charm. Kapsaliana Village has restored stone rooms blending traditional luxury and modern comfort. Surrounded by olive groves, it's a peaceful oasis for those seeking serenity on the Greek islands. Minos Beach Art Hotel in Agios Nikolaos is a perfect example of boutique luxury. Restaurants serve farm-to-table Cretan cuisine for an authentic culinary experience. Waterfront bungalows have the best sea views to provide a picture-perfect stay. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort is beautiful and offers friendly concierge-style service. Guests enjoy private beach and gourmet restaurants, so it's top for an indulgent stay. Crete has a number of adults-only resorts for those looking for a child-free escape. Designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, these luxury hotels have an adult-only environment insulated from the outside world, with amenities for grown-ups. These adults only hotels range from stylish beach resorts to secluded retreats surrounded by nature, offering a sophisticated and peaceful experience. Here are three top picks for adults only. Pnoé Breathing Life, located at Karteros Beach, Heraklion, is about wellness and local cuisine. With private pool suites, wellness offerings and a central courtyard with an almond-shaped pool, it's a serene and stylish escape. The menu features local delicacies created with organic ingredients, for a healthful experience. Numo Ierapetra, an adults-only retreat surrounded by beautiful black sand beaches, has an exclusive atmosphere and multiple dining options. Prices start from $192 per night so it's perfect for a luxurious and peaceful getaway. Asterion Suites & Spa, a 5-star adults-only hotel, is a tranquil retreat with superior amenities. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi among the many luxurious comforts so it's ideal for a peaceful and sophisticated stay while remaining connected to the world. Crete has some of the world's top luxury resorts, combining comfort, views and high-end amenities. For discerning travelers, these resorts offer the best in accommodation, dining and activities and promise a memorable stay with their wonderful locations and services. Crete's top luxury resorts range from private beach resorts to holistic wellness resorts, so there's something for everyone. Here are three luxury resorts that excelled. Nana Princess Suites, Villas & Spa has luxurious suites and villas for comfort and luxury. Rooms have high-tech fixtures, chromotherapy lighting, LCD mirror TVs and some even have fully equipped gyms. The spa offers Zodiac-based wellness therapies for a guided experience. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas has shallow sea conditions with child-friendly waves and beach loungers for family relaxation. Luxurious rooms have unique amenities like pillow menu, air-conditioning fragrances and welcome treats. Attentive service means a stress-free and enjoyable stay for families. Elounda Peninsula All-Suite Hotel has exclusive suites with sea views and private pools, offering luxury amenities like a private spa suite and tailored personal service. The hotel has private beaches, a sailboat for charter, a nine-hole golf course and spa so it's one of the top hotels in Crete for a luxury retreat. Blue Palace Elounda has breathtaking views of Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga Island. Offers a range of luxurious rooms and private villas with high-end amenities, infinity pools, fine dining options and serene spa to top a luxurious retreat. With stunning views and lavish offerings, Blue Palace Elounda is the top choice in Crete. Crete's beachfront hotels have direct access to the beach so you can relax and enjoy. These luxury hotels offer amenities like private beach areas regardless of tides and beachfront bungalows so you'll have a tranquil stay. Here are three top beachfront hotels with unbeatable coastal experiences. Mitsis Laguna Resort and Spa, a 5-star hotel, is rated highly for its beachfront rooms. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi so you'll be connected during your stay. With beachfront amenities galore, Mitsis Laguna makes your holiday even Rithymna Beach Hotel is often praised for its luxury rooms and beachfront location. It's famous for spacious rooms and outdoor spaces so it's one of the top hotels in Crete for a beachfront holiday. Abaton Island is known for the stunning ocean views, offers a full spa and multiple dining options. Guests enjoy elegant rooms and various dining options featuring local and international cuisine, overlooking the ocean. The spa is focused on relaxation and rejuvenation so it's perfect for a sandy beach holiday. Crete is a paradise for wellness and spa getaways, with hotels that specialize in relaxation and rejuvenation. They use local natural ingredients in their spa treatments and offer personalized services to each guest. Start your day with a sea view yoga class and end it with a massage surrounded by the island's natural beauty. With wellness activities like meditation and spa treatments and luxury rooms, these hotels are ideal for travelers looking to unwind. Here are three top wellness and spa destinations in Crete. Acro Wellness Suites has luxurious stone built suites and villas designed for ultimate comfort and a unique stay. Cave suites have in-room tubs and large terraces with grotto pools so you'll have an even better wellness experience. Mainly for adults, especially couples, this hotel is perfect for a romantic wellness getaway. Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, a 5-star hotel, offers top-notch amenities. Light-filled rooms with blonde-wood floors and Coco-mat beds are part of its unique decor. A unique feature is the Cayo Grand Pool Villa with basement bedrooms and an underwater window into the pool, adding to its boho charm. A free shuttle bus to the beach is another family-friendly amenity. The Royal Senses Resort & Spa has stunning views of the Aegean Sea so you'll have a picturesque setting. Private balconies with panoramic views enhance the relaxation experience. The resort has dining options showcasing local Cretan cuisine and international dishes made from fresh ingredients. For those who love a mix of history and luxury, Crete has boutique hotels that reflect the island's heritage. Often based in restored historical buildings, these hotels offer a unique and immersive experience with personalized service and unique architecture so your stay will be unforgettable. From neoclassical to traditional stone houses, these hotels offer a glimpse into Crete's past with all the modern comforts you could want. Here are three historic and cultural stays to stay. GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel is famous for its historical significance and luxury rooms. Located near the Venetian harbor, it's known for its neoclassical architecture and modern amenities including free Wi-Fi. The combination of historical charm and luxury amenities makes GDM Megaron a special destination for those looking for a culturally rich stay. Metohi Kindelis has a peaceful environment with traditional Cretan architecture and personalized service. Built in the early 16th century, this hotel showcases its historical importance and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy the organic citrus fruits, avocados, strawberries and dates grown on-site so you'll have a unique experience. Crete is famous for its stunning views and natural beauty, with hotels that blend in with the island's landscape. These hotels offer visual feasts, from infinity pools overlooking the sea to serene settings among olive groves. For travelers who want to connect with nature, these hotels are the perfect setting to relax and enjoy. From panoramic sea views to social areas, these hotels promise an unforgettable stay surrounded by Crete's natural splendor. Let's discover three hotels that epitomize scenic views and connection to the island's environment. Phāea Cretan Malia is dedicated to combining sustainability with modern design, creating an eco-friendly haven. The hotel implements sustainable practices like energy conservation systems and local will enjoy a lively atmosphere with colorful decor and social areas that encourage interaction so it's the perfect spot for a nature focused stay on the Greek islands. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel has sea views from many rooms and common areas. A luxury property in Crete, it's a top destination for those looking for comfort and views. The Royal Blue Resort is inspired by traditional Cretan villages with stone structures that blend in with the landscape. A traditional Cretan village experience, this resort offers a peaceful environment and luxury amenities so it's ideal for those who want to be immersed in Crete's natural beauty.
