Latest news with #Italian-inspired
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I visited the UK seaside town that looks like it belongs in Italy – with multicoloured houses and open air pool
TUCKED away in rural Wales is a place that's been hailed as 'picture postcard perfect' for almost 100 years. In fact, 6 I took a trip to the small Italian-inspired village Portmeirion Credit: Alamy 6 My boys loved Portmeirion despite the lack of playgrounds and go-karts Credit: Catherine Lofthouse I took my boys to see why the North Wales holiday resort has been on the must-visit list for decades. With visitors likening it to 'a slice of Italy on the British coast', I had high hopes, but I wasn't sure what my boys would make of it considering it's quite far removed from our I needn't have worried though, as the Made up of colourful houses and vibrant gardens set around a bay, the charming hotel-cum-holiday-park features two four-star hotels, one of which is set inside a castle, plus a motor-home park and several self-catering cottages. There are accommodation options to suit everyone and it really has got the wow factor that makes you think you're a million miles away from Wales. There's no playground or family-friendly features, just an old-world charm that suits quiet, meandering rather than rambunctious roaming and boisterous boys. On arrival, we spent a happy few hours on the giant chess set in the garden while my littlest paddled in the shallow pool nearby. One of the big travel trends over the past few years is set-jetting - fans of film and TV using their holidays to take them to the sights they've seen on screen. Most read in Family Think Death in Paradise viewers heading to the Caribbean island of Guadaloupe or Harry Potter fans taking a train trip on the tracks of the Hogwarts Express. But that's been happening here at Portmeirion for 50 years now, after the site shot to fame when it was used to film TV show The Prisoner. Its unique look was the perfect backdrop for this cult classic, in which a government agent is abducted and held captive in an idyllic seaside village which turns out to be a prison. I've never seen the show as it was a bit before my time, but heading down a shady path through rhondendron bushes and trees towards the shoreline put me in mind of Rebecca, the famous Daphne du Maurier novel set on a Cornish coastal estate. And maybe that's the secret to this special spot - you feel like you're stepping onto a film set or into the pages of your favourite novel, but it's entirely your choice which fantasy world that might be. Saundersfoot - The little-known UK seaside resort town with one of the cleanest beaches in the country 6 Giant chess was a big hit with the boys Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 6 The village sits on the edge of coast looking out to sea Credit: Alamy To be honest, I wouldn't fancy spending thousands of pounds set-jetting, only to find the scenery from your favourite film or series is something of a letdown once you're there. But there's no chance of that happening here as there's something new to marvel at around every corner and so many little nooks and crannies to explore as you wind your way around the site and come across buildings, grottos and pools around every corner, framing the bay beyond. There's even an open air swimming pool for the use of holidaymakers staying in the cottages dotted around the village, the main hotel at its entrance or the motorhome park nearby. It's a century since architect Clough Williams-Ellis first started designing and building Portmeirion and it took 50 years to complete. His vision feels just as vibrant today as it ever did. A mile away is Minffordd station, where passengers can catch a train on the famous 6 The Portmeirion hotel has an open air swimming pool Credit: Alamy So you could make a bit of a day of it and tick off two unique Welsh experiences that should be on every Brit's bucket list. You don't have to be spending the night to enjoy the wealth of facilities, either. Day passes to Portmeirion cost £37 for one adult and two children, with lots of different family tickets up to two adults and five children for £79. If you're touring Wales in a motorhome, there are pitches here which start at £55 per night and include complimentary access to the site out of hours and use of the outdoor pool. That's an option to consider if you want to see for yourself why this Welsh wonder and OG set-jetting site is still going strong after a century in situ. Read more on the Irish Sun Plus, the And where you can find the 6 Portmeirion is an Italian-inspired village in North Wales Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I visited the UK seaside town that looks like it belongs in Italy – with multicoloured houses and open air pool
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TUCKED away in rural Wales is a place that's been hailed as 'picture postcard perfect' for almost 100 years. In fact, Portmeirion Village could even lay claim to pioneering the set-jetting trend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 I took a trip to the small Italian-inspired village Portmeirion Credit: Alamy 6 My boys loved Portmeirion despite the lack of playgrounds and go-karts Credit: Catherine Lofthouse I took my boys to see why the North Wales holiday resort has been on the must-visit list for decades. With visitors likening it to 'a slice of Italy on the British coast', I had high hopes, but I wasn't sure what my boys would make of it considering it's quite far removed from our usual holiday haunt. I needn't have worried though, as the Portmeirion magic seems to cast a spell over young and old. Made up of colourful houses and vibrant gardens set around a bay, the charming hotel-cum-holiday-park features two four-star hotels, one of which is set inside a castle, plus a motor-home park and several self-catering cottages. There are accommodation options to suit everyone and it really has got the wow factor that makes you think you're a million miles away from Wales. There's no playground or family-friendly features, just an old-world charm that suits quiet, meandering rather than rambunctious roaming and boisterous boys. On arrival, we spent a happy few hours on the giant chess set in the garden while my littlest paddled in the shallow pool nearby. One of the big travel trends over the past few years is set-jetting - fans of film and TV using their holidays to take them to the sights they've seen on screen. Think Death in Paradise viewers heading to the Caribbean island of Guadaloupe or Harry Potter fans taking a train trip on the tracks of the Hogwarts Express. But that's been happening here at Portmeirion for 50 years now, after the site shot to fame when it was used to film TV show The Prisoner. Its unique look was the perfect backdrop for this cult classic, in which a government agent is abducted and held captive in an idyllic seaside village which turns out to be a prison. I've never seen the show as it was a bit before my time, but heading down a shady path through rhondendron bushes and trees towards the shoreline put me in mind of Rebecca, the famous Daphne du Maurier novel set on a Cornish coastal estate. And maybe that's the secret to this special spot - you feel like you're stepping onto a film set or into the pages of your favourite novel, but it's entirely your choice which fantasy world that might be. Saundersfoot - The little-known UK seaside resort town with one of the cleanest beaches in the country 6 Giant chess was a big hit with the boys Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 6 The village sits on the edge of coast looking out to sea Credit: Alamy To be honest, I wouldn't fancy spending thousands of pounds set-jetting, only to find the scenery from your favourite film or series is something of a letdown once you're there. But there's no chance of that happening here as there's something new to marvel at around every corner and so many little nooks and crannies to explore as you wind your way around the site and come across buildings, grottos and pools around every corner, framing the bay beyond. There's even an open air swimming pool for the use of holidaymakers staying in the cottages dotted around the village, the main hotel at its entrance or the motorhome park nearby. It's a century since architect Clough Williams-Ellis first started designing and building Portmeirion and it took 50 years to complete. His vision feels just as vibrant today as it ever did. A mile away is Minffordd station, where passengers can catch a train on the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands line, the world's oldest narrow gauge railway. 6 The Portmeirion hotel has an open air swimming pool Credit: Alamy So you could make a bit of a day of it and tick off two unique Welsh experiences that should be on every Brit's bucket list. You don't have to be spending the night to enjoy the wealth of facilities, either. Day passes to Portmeirion cost £37 for one adult and two children, with lots of different family tickets up to two adults and five children for £79. If you're touring Wales in a motorhome, there are pitches here which start at £55 per night and include complimentary access to the site out of hours and use of the outdoor pool. That's an option to consider if you want to see for yourself why this Welsh wonder and OG set-jetting site is still going strong after a century in situ. Plus, the Sun Travel team reveals our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London. And where you can find the best value summer holiday resort in Europe 2025.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
West coast, best coast? Chase sunsets, marine life and circus vibes on Florida's Gulf coast
It doesn't take much prodding to get me to visit the west coast of Florida — not with its photo-worthy sunsets, daily dolphin cameos, calm Gulf waters and powdery white sand. Now there are new reasons to visit, from a circus-themed hotel in Sarasota to an all-suite hotel that thrives on roomy suites and luxe perks in Clearwater Beach. Peek Behind the Curtain of Cirque St. Armands Beachside, Sarasota Ever wanted to run away with the circus? Escape the doldrums of everyday life with a stay at the new Cirque St. Armands Beachside in Sarasota. At this circus-themed hotel, which fronts the powdery sands of Lido Beach and is within walking distance to the Italian-inspired shopping and dining area of St. Armands Circle, guests are immersed in Sarasota's rich circus legacy — without the kitsch. In the heyday of the 1920s, John Ringling moved the circus' winter quarters to Sarasota, forever changing the city's cultural core — and this hotel is an imaginative tribute to that legacy. Why Stay Like a magic trick, the boutique hotel was transformed from a former Holiday Inn. Circus magic grabs your attention upon arrival: Green lion topiaries that stand guard at the front doors, sophisticated Art Deco touches like animal throw pillows on velvety furniture, ostrich feather chandeliers, black and white-striped columns, and oversized artwork featuring scenes from circus life. Grab the welcome cocktail — prosecco anchored with a popsicle — and walk around the property to soak up all of the whimsical details. Every day, I discovered something new. While the communal spaces are doused in personality and bold patterns and colors, rooms are kept quiet for a relaxed vibe, with subtle nods to the circus, including artwork and coffee table books. All rooms come with balconies, many of which showcase beach views; and while rooms are spacious, we suggest booking a one-bedroom suite that offers an apartment-type feel. There's a kitchen and a large island for dining or working, a living room with a comfy wraparound couch, and the king bedroom features a bathroom with a gorgeous soaking tub. Slip behind the red velvet curtains to dine at Ringside restaurant, where the beach and evening sunset show glimmer through floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant also pays homage to the circus, with curtained nooks that are reminiscent of rail cars for private dining (perfect for date night). Sip on theatrical cocktails and order from the seafood-centric menu that stars crab-stuffed mushrooms, char-grilled octopus, a pan-seared local grouper and a gorgonzola-encrusted New York strip. The on-property pool is small but deliciously quiet, and includes a separate lawn for sunbathing, but guests seeking a resort experience can hop on a shuttle to Cirque's sister property, Lido Beach Resort, to use its pool and beach amenities. One afternoon, I ordered an early dinner by Lido's pool, walked the beach at sunset to hunt for shells (and scored sand dollars) and swam in the pool until after dark. To me, that's vacation magic. What To Do For better insight into Sarasota's circus heritage, spend a day at The Ringling, which is arguably one of the best museums in Florida. The estate grounds are massive and there is so much to see, from circus memorabilia to a rose garden and bayside winter mansion. Start at the Circus Museum to take in the impressive mini-model of the tented Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus which authentically details every aspect of circus life, to restored original wagons and costumes, and even the Ringlings' private rail car. Make time for The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, where the diverse range of artwork and the grounds blew me away. It feels like a slice of Italy with Renaissance-style gardens and statues, and its arching pink architecture is worthy of photos. At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota — the world's first net-positive energy botanical garden complex — you'll bliss out on the garden's tree-canopied paths that wind past Sarasota Bay and its natural spaces that showcase serene waterfalls, towering banyan trees and perfectly crafted topiaries, and swinging bridges that adults will enjoy as much as children. The garden is beloved for its orchid collection, air plants and rare plants. It's worth having lunch at The Green Orchid, where ingredients are often sourced from the on-site garden. A Suite Stay At Opal Sol On Clearwater Beach Another newcomer on Florida's west coast is Opal Sol in Clearwater Beach. This resort is connected to its sister property, Opal Sands, which means guests have access to amenities at both properties. In the lobby, towering trees grandly sprout from water features and luxe coastal vibes abound, and the guest rooms showcase Clearwater's prime assets like the beach and clear waters, where dolphins and manatees make regular appearances. Why Stay What sets this hotel apart from others in the area: All guests get a roomy suite and are guaranteed a Gulf view from huge, glassy balconies — which means you have a front-row seat to Clearwater's nightly sunset extravaganza and the beach. The moment I stepped outside on my balcony, I spotted a manatee swimming near the shoreline, coming close to giddy swimmers. That's just how clear the water is and how good the views are from Opal Sol. Families or big groups will appreciate the range of room layouts, from studios to three bedrooms, and amenities such as kitchenettes and soaking tubs. All suites can be connected (so you can be with your kids or friends, while having your own space too). Pro tip: Choose a corner unit that comes with an outdoor shower and a hot tub, where you can watch the sunset from your balcony and then soak in the bubbling warm water as the sun goes down. Drift restaurant is elevating the dining scene in Clearwater, not only in ambience but with a menu that focuses on local produce — do not miss the whipped feta served on a board with a medley of baby veggies, along with a velvety lobster bisque, a whole branzino topped with crispy onions, and locally caught fish dishes. You can also order a pizza blistered in the wood-fired oven. When you're done dining and sunbathing at Opal Sol's three pools, take the skyway bridge to neighboring Opal Sands for more dining options, a Gulf-front pool and easy access to the beach. Altogether, guests have access to four pools, 10 dining outlets and two Opal spas, including one with a salt cave. What To Do Clearwater Beach regularly wins awards for its beaches, and a typical day should revolve around dips in the Gulf and walks along the beachside boardwalk. You're also in walking distance to Pier 60 and its nightly sunset celebrations. Make a dinner reservation at nearby Crabby's Dockside, a three-story restaurant with panoramic views of the beach and neighboring marina. A coastal breeze and live music flow through the open-air spaces, making it easy to sink into relaxation. Grab a frozen cocktail and lock in an order of warm royal red shrimp doused with Old Bay seasoning, fire-roasted Alaskan snow crab legs, and local grouper cooked your way. From there, head to the neighboring marina for a sunset cruise. While you can jet off on boats shaped like chomping sharks and tiki huts, adults looking for a serene sunset experience should book a trip with Schooner Clearwater. They cap the guest list at 20 people on the 52-foot sailboat, so everyone has room and an intimate experience. The captain sets the tone with a chill playlist, and if the winds are right, guests can help hoist the sails. You'll look for dolphins as you sail around the beachfront waiting on the sun to set. The night I was aboard, clouds hindered an epic sunset the area is known for — but in typical Clearwater style, on the return back to the marina, the sky turned a brilliant pink and put on an incredible sky show that I'll never forget. That's the thing about Florida's west coast — from marine sightings to sunsets that always outdo the night before, you never know what nature has in store.
The Province
6 days ago
- Business
- The Province
Olive Garden is expanding across Canada. Here's what to know
Canadian company buys existing locations in Western Canada and announces plans for growth Canada's Recipe Unlimited has acquired the eight existing Olive Garden locations in Canada and announced plans to expand across the country. Photo by Luke Sharett / Bloomberg Olive Garden, the Italian-inspired chain restaurant found in all 50 U.S. states — including Hawaii and Alaska — with unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, will soon be expanding across Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The eight existing locations in Western Canada were acquired by Recipe Unlimited, franchisor for more than a dozen recognizable Canadian brands, along with 'the exclusive rights to develop and operate new' Olive Garden restaurants throughout the country. In a press release announcing the acquisition, Recipe CEO Frank Hennessey said he sees 'immense potential for growth.' 'This acquisition and subsequent development agreement align perfectly with our strategy to expand our presence in the casual dining segment with leading brands that resonate with Canadian consumers,' he stated. For those unfamiliar, a large part of the chain's success is that diners — at both Canadian and U.S. locations — are offered unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks with the purchase of any entree. Similarly, anyone who comes in to order soup or salad individually can have as much as they want and also have their fill of famous freshly-baked breadsticks. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An order of unlimited breadsticks from Olive Garden. Photo by Daniel Acker / Bloomberg The company said it'll have more details on expansion as 'development plans take shape.' National Post has contacted Recipe for more information. The current locations, previously operated by U.S.-based Darden Restaurants, consist of three in Alberta — two in Edmonton, one in Calgary — a pair in Winnipeg, and one each in Saskatoon, Regina and Langley, B.C. Last month, Darden CEO and president Rick Cardenas said on an earnings call that Recipe committed to launching 30 locations over the next decade, according to Nation's Restaurant News. Expansion will likely mark the return to Ontario, where Darden previously operated Olive Gardens. According to a 1997 story in the Ottawa Citizen, the company shuttered its last 11 locations in the province that fall — seven in Toronto, two in Ottawa, and one each in Windsor and London. Where are Olive Garden's origins? The first Olive Garden opened in Orlando, Fla., in 1982, as an arm of mass food manufacturer General Mills, according to food website Delish and the History Channel show The Food That Built America. It remains standing to this day. The company also created Red Lobster and other brands, all of which were spun into Darden when it was formed in 1995. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Today, there are over 900 U.S. Olive Garden locations, more than a quarter of which are in Texas, Florida and California, and restaurants in countries other than Canada, including Mexico, with 13, the most outside of the U.S. There are also restaurants in Brazil, Panama, El Salvador, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait and more opening in Costa Rica and the Phillipines. In last month's conference call, Cardenas said the corporation also has agreements for 40 Olive Gardens in India and Spain, According to Darden, the brand brings in more than USD$4 billion annually in sales and is the United States's 'leading restaurant in the Italian casual dining segment.' Brad Smith, president of Darden International and franchising, said Recipe's Canadian brand experience unlocks Olive Garden's growth potential north of the border. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Recipe, formerly known as CARA and whose origins are in airline catering, boasts a roster that already includes signature Canadian brands like Swiss Chalet, The Keg, Harvey's, and East Side Mario's, to name but a few of the 18, including the newest addition. The Vaughan, Ont., firm counts more than 1,200 locations in the portfolio. How do current Canadian Olive Garden prices compare to current prices at East Side Mario's? On the whole, prices for most fare at the similarly Italian-inspired restaurants are about on par. At the Olive Garden in Calgary, a plate of fettuccine alfredo costs $22.49 while the same dish at East Side Mario's across town is sold for $19.99, and the Build-Your-Own-Pasta option is only $1.20 less expensive at Olive Garden. While East Side Mario's menu features pizzas, sandwiches, and other North American meals, Olive Garden's menu primarily consists of North American takes on traditional Italian pasta dishes. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Crime News World News World
Edmonton Journal
7 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Olive Garden is expanding across Canada. Here's what to know
Article content Olive Garden, the Italian-inspired chain restaurant found in all 52 U.S. states — including Hawaii and Alaska — with unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, will soon be expanding across Canada. Article content The eight existing locations in Western Canada were acquired by Recipe Unlimited, franchisor for more than a dozen recognizable Canadian brands, along with 'the exclusive rights to develop and operate new' Olive Garden restaurants throughout the country. Article content Article content 'This acquisition and subsequent development agreement align perfectly with our strategy to expand our presence in the casual dining segment with leading brands that resonate with Canadian consumers,' he stated. Article content For those unfamiliar, a large part of the chain's success is that diners — at both Canadian and U.S. locations — are offered unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks with the purchase of any entree. Similarly, anyone who comes in to order soup or salad individually can have as much as they want and also avail of the famous freshly-baked breadsticks. Article content Article content Where is Olive Garden in Canada and where are they expanding? Article content The company said it'll have more details on expansion as 'development plans take shape.' National Post has contacted Recipe for more information. Article content The current locations, previously operated by U.S.-based Darden Restaurants, consist of three in Alberta — two in Edmonton, one in Calgary — a pair in Winnipeg, and one each in Saskatoon, Regina and Langley, B.C. Article content It's not immediately clear if Olive Garden restaurants previously operated elsewhere in Canada; however, National Post has contacted Darden for clarification. Article content Where are Olive Garden's origins? Article content The first Olive Garden opened in Orlando, Fla., in 1982, as an arm of mass food manufacturer General Mills, according to food website Delish and the History Channel show The Food That Built America. It remains standing to this day. Article content The company also created Red Lobster and other brands, all of which were spun into Darden when it was formed in 1995. Article content Looking at the past with breadstick colored glasses. 😎 Posted by Olive Garden on Thursday, February 27, 2025 Article content Today, there are over 900 U.S. Olive Garden locations, more than a quarter of which are in Texas, Florida and California, and restaurants in countries other than Canada, including Mexico, with 13, the most outside of the U.S. There are also restaurants in Brazil, Panama, El Salvador, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait and more opening in Costa Rica and the Phillipines. Article content According to Darden, the brand brings in more than USD$4 billion annually in sales and is the United States's 'leading restaurant in the Italian casual dining segment.' Article content Brad Smith, president of Darden International and franchising, said Recipe's Canadian brand experience unlocks Olive Garden's growth potential north of the border. Article content What else does Recipe own in Canada? Article content Recipe, formerly known as CARA and whose origins are in airline catering, boasts a roster that already includes signature Canadian brands like Swiss Chalet, The Keg, Harvey's, and East Side Mario's, to name but a few of the 18, including the newest addition.
