Latest news with #Marmaris
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Brit tourist found dead in hotel garden in holiday hotspot as cops launch investigation
A BRIT holidaymaker has been found dead in a hotel garden in Turkey, prompting cops to launch a probe. The 41-year-old tourist was found in his apart hotel in the Marmaris district of Muğla, before medical teams rushed to the scene and pronounced him dead. The hotel he was apartment he was staying at was in the Armutalan neighbourhood. His lifeless body was located on Friday morning. Marmaris Chief Public Prosecutor's Office have now launched an investigation into the incident. They will investigate the man's exact cause of death after a Muğla Forensic Medicine Institute report. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
May flight fares surge in ‘half-term holiday rip-off'
Half-term holidaymakers are being ripped off by airlines, experts have said. The cost of flights during school half-term holidays has tripled since 2000, a Telegraph analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures suggests. While the summer months are consistently the most expensive period for air travel, May is now a close second. The problem is worsening every year, with half-term ticket prices now 14.9 per cent higher than they were last April. The cost of flights has substantially outpaced overall price rises, up some 84.2 per cent since the turn of the millennium. This means that parents who used to rely on cheaper half-term fares in May and October because premium summer flights were so expensive now face record costs all year round. Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, called the rise in holiday fares a 'rip-off'. He said: 'Airlines may like to call it dynamic pricing or surge pricing, but if you're trying to take a trip during the school holidays you'll almost certainly call it what it is, a rip-off.' Meanwhile, daily holiday costs, including three-course meals, drinks, sun cream and insect repellent, have also surged. In Marmaris, Turkey, the cost of a 'package holiday bundle' has surged by 90.1 per cent from £45.23 in 2019 to £86 in 2025, according to a Post Office 2025 survey. Nice in France (66.5 per cent), New York (57.2 per cent) and Spain's Costa del Sol (41.4 per cent) also saw significant rises in cost. Industry experts put the rise in flight costs down to the debts airlines incurred during the pandemic, along with the spike in the price of jet fuel amid the global energy crisis. As of last week, it was trading at 225 per cent of the 2000 average. A shortage of skilled labour and slow delivery times for new aircraft have also been blamed, following shortages in the supply of key manufacturing components, like semiconductors and finished castings. However, consumer experts have questioned these reasons, suggesting holiday firms are taking advantage of families who normally choose to travel during half term. Jane Hawkes, a consumer champion who specialises in travel, told The Telegraph that families are being 'held to ransom' by airlines. She said: 'Families are being held to ransom – I think it's appalling and it needs to be addressed. Airlines can set their costs at whatever they want, and the dynamic pricing which exists is particularly unfair. 'It's like a calendar lottery, and it does present a very difficult decision for families with children. 'I've heard from people that are willing to take their children out of school because the fines are far lower than the cost of flights and accommodation.' For many parents who face a fine of up to £160 for taking their children out of school during term time, the threat is rendered insignificant by the savings compared to a half-term break. Absence data from the Department for Education (DfE) showed that 443,322 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised family holidays across England during the 2023-24 academic year. More than nine in ten of the fines issued to parents were the result of them taking the children out of school for a holiday. Paulomi Debnath, 45, a textile jewellery designer from London, said she often considers taking her 14-year-old son out of school the week before the May half term because of the difference in airline prices. 'May half term is so expensive, we have been tempted to skip school - who wouldn't be? Any parent is tempted,' she said. 'We have compared prices, and we could have saved 200 pounds just by skipping May half term and going a week before. 'We considered taking our son out of school in May 2023 because the prices were so high.' Lavania Oluvan, 37, a food technology teacher from Birmingham, says she can now only afford to take short weekend breaks in school holidays with her 7-year-old son. 'I think airlines are taking advantage of parents; a lot of us don't have a choice.' She added: 'We go away for weekends during term time. We finish school at 3pm and drive away to somewhere in the UK. I've done a weekend away for 100 pounds, when in the holidays, the same sorts of weekends away are 500 pounds.' The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said prices rising during school holidays was a function of supply and demand, insisting it is not a deliberate attempt to fleece hard-up parents and families. An ABTA spokesman said: 'Prices in the travel industry are driven by supply and demand – and with school half terms being just one week, and falling at the same time across the UK, as well as often coinciding with breaks in Europe, demand is extremely high. 'It's also early in the season, meaning some resorts might not be fully open. This is where booking early really makes a difference, as people have a greater choice of holidays and price options.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
May flight fares surge in ‘half-term holiday rip-off'
Half-term holidaymakers are being ripped off by airlines, experts have said. The cost of flights during school half-term holidays has tripled since 2000, a Telegraph analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures suggests. While the summer months are consistently the most expensive period for air travel, May is now a close second. The problem is worsening every year, with half-term ticket prices now 14.9 per cent higher than they were last April. The cost of flights has substantially outpaced overall price rises, up some 84.2 per cent since the turn of the millennium. This means that parents who used to rely on cheaper half-term fares in May and October because premium summer flights were so expensive now face record costs all year round. Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, called the rise in holiday fares a 'rip-off'. He said: 'Airlines may like to call it dynamic pricing or surge pricing, but if you're trying to take a trip during the school holidays you'll almost certainly call it what it is, a rip-off.' Meanwhile, daily holiday costs, including three-course meals, drinks, sun cream and insect repellent, have also surged. In Marmaris, Turkey, the cost of a 'package holiday bundle' has surged by 90.1 per cent from £45.23 in 2019 to £86 in 2025, according to a Post Office 2025 survey. Nice in France (66.5 per cent), New York (57.2 per cent) and Spain's Costa del Sol (41.4 per cent) also saw significant rises in cost. Industry experts put the rise in flight costs down to the debts airlines incurred during the pandemic, along with the spike in the price of jet fuel amid the global energy crisis. As of last week, it was trading at 225 per cent of the 2000 average. A shortage of skilled labour and slow delivery times for new aircraft have also been blamed, following shortages in the supply of key manufacturing components, like semiconductors and finished castings. However, consumer experts have questioned these reasons, suggesting holiday firms are taking advantage of families who normally choose to travel during half term. Jane Hawkes, a consumer champion who specialises in travel, told The Telegraph that families are being 'held to ransom' by airlines. She said: 'Families are being held to ransom – I think it's appalling and it needs to be addressed. Airlines can set their costs at whatever they want, and the dynamic pricing which exists is particularly unfair. 'It's like a calendar lottery, and it does present a very difficult decision for families with children. 'I've heard from people that are willing to take their children out of school because the fines are far lower than the cost of flights and accommodation.' For many parents who face a fine of up to £160 for taking their children out of school during term time, the threat is rendered insignificant by the savings compared to a half-term break. Absence data from the Department for Education (DfE) showed that 443,322 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised family holidays across England during the 2023-24 academic year. More than nine in ten of the fines issued to parents were the result of them taking the children out of school for a holiday. Paulomi Debnath, 45, a textile jewellery designer from London, said she often considers taking her 14-year-old son out of school the week before the May half term because of the difference in airline prices. 'May half term is so expensive, we have been tempted to skip school - who wouldn't be? Any parent is tempted,' she said. 'We have compared prices, and we could have saved 200 pounds just by skipping May half term and going a week before. 'We considered taking our son out of school in May 2023 because the prices were so high.' Lavania Oluvan, 37, a food technology teacher from Birmingham, says she can now only afford to take short weekend breaks in school holidays with her 7-year-old son. 'I think airlines are taking advantage of parents; a lot of us don't have a choice.' She added: 'We go away for weekends during term time. We finish school at 3pm and drive away to somewhere in the UK. I've done a weekend away for 100 pounds, when in the holidays, the same sorts of weekends away are 500 pounds.' The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said prices rising during school holidays was a function of supply and demand, insisting it is not a deliberate attempt to fleece hard-up parents and families. An ABTA spokesman said: 'Prices in the travel industry are driven by supply and demand – and with school half terms being just one week, and falling at the same time across the UK, as well as often coinciding with breaks in Europe, demand is extremely high. 'It's also early in the season, meaning some resorts might not be fully open. This is where booking early really makes a difference, as people have a greater choice of holidays and price options.'
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
My girlfriend took me on my dream holiday after my cancer diagnosis – I then found HER lifeless on our hotel balcony
GATHERING dust in a jewellery shop in Turkey is a diamond engagement ring which JJ Warner had planned to give his partner, Sophie Runkee during their holiday. But on the same day he had planned to propose, JJ instead faced a devastating discovery on their hotel balcony. 8 8 8 Ten months on, he has been too upset to collect the ring, which is a painful reminder of all he has lost. JJ, 40, and Sophie, then 34, had booked a 'memory-making' holiday in Marmaris, Turkey, last July following JJ's cancer diagnosis. The couple were hoping to spend precious time with their three children, including baby Luca, then 11 weeks old, before JJ's treatment began. They had previously discussed getting married, and JJ was planning to officially propose during their holiday. He had bought a ring from a jewellery shop near their holiday apartment, secretly booked a restaurant, and shared his plan with the two older children. But on the evening, he had planned to propose, JJ instead faced the devastating ordeal of formally identifying Sophie's body. JJ, from Hull, says: 'Sophie was the love of my life, a wonderful mother and partner and we miss her every day. 'I was shell-shocked when she died, it was so sudden. Flying home without her was horrendous, and I left the ring behind in Turkey. 'I couldn't face collecting it.' JJ believed she had died from choking after drinking, and had blamed himself for not checking on her sooner. But a recent autopsy report from Turkey shows Sophie had an undiagnosed heart condition which killed her. JJ says: 'All these months, I've believed Sophie had choked after drinking and I felt so guilty for not keeping a closer eye on her, because I thought her death could have been prevented. 'Now, I know it was a heart condition which I could have done nothing about. Nobody could have saved her. 'That brings me some comfort and relief, but it does not ease my grief. I am now focused on raising the children in her memory and making her proud.' JJ and Sophie met three years ago through an online dating site and instantly fell in love. He says: 'We clicked immediately; we were soulmates. 'I had never really opened up to anyone before, but I trusted Sophie straightaway. She was really bubbly and chatty, and she had a heart of gold and adored her two children. 'We'd both had a lot of sadness, and we bonded over that. Sophie had had her struggles, but she managed to put them all behind her when we met, and we made each other so happy. 8 8 'Once a month, we had a date night, we'd go to a spa, or we'd take the dogs out for a long walk. We just loved being together.' Sophie gave birth to the couple's son, Luca, in April last year, and the couple settled down to family life with Sophie's son, Tommy, now 10, and daughter, Alicia, now 15, from a previous relationship. But when Luca was just four weeks old, JJ found a lump on his bottom. He says: 'I'd had a lump removed in the past, so I was instantly worried. I went for tests, and they found more lumps in my groin and my neck. 'I was told the first lump was a melanoma, skin cancer, and it hit us hard. 'We booked a last-minute trip to Turkey, to cheer the kids up, and enjoy some quality time before my radiotherapy treatment began. 'Our concern was how we'd manage if anything happened to me – not for a moment thinking Sophie would be the one to die. As far as we knew, she was perfectly fit and healthy.' While marriage was on the cards, JJ wanted to surprise Sophie. 'We talked about getting married and were planning to tie the knot in Scotland that September,' he says. 'Sophie had just wanted to go to the local register office before we flew to Turkey, but I wanted something better for her, I wanted something special. 'We'd been looking at rings in Marmaris, where we were staying, so I knew the kind of thing she wanted. 'But I wanted to surprise her with a romantic proposal. She didn't know where or when I would do it. 'I bought the ring she liked from a jewellery shop near our apartment, I booked a restaurant for the occasion, and I confided in the kids. 'Sophie had no idea what was coming. I wanted it to be really special, to show her what she meant to me. 'She had my initials tattooed onto her finger, which I loved.' Eight days into the three week holiday, JJ took a call from his doctors informing him they suspected cancer in a second lump. He says: 'Sophie took it badly; she was out of her mind with worry about me. She didn't drink but she went out and got really drunk, as a stress-release. 'I babysat, and I was worried and annoyed when she got back. I took the baby out for a walk, to let her sober up. 'She was sleeping it off on the balcony and I made sure she was covered with a towel, and she had sunscreen on.' But Alicia later found her mother unconscious, having vomited. JJ says: 'Alicia called me, and I raced back, I began CPR, trying to save her until the paramedics arrived. How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. 'Sophie was rushed to hospital and placed in ICU in a coma. I was only allowed 5 minutes with her. I was devastated. 'I was looking after the children, trying to stay positive, but it was horrendous. The Turkish doctors did all they could, but I knew it wasn't looking good.' Sophie never regained consciousness and on the second day, the hospital told JJ nothing more could be done. He was allowed a second brief visit to say goodbye. He says: 'It was surreal, I felt like I was living a nightmare, holding her hand, and saying goodbye. 'On the next evening when I was supposed to propose, I instead went to formally identify Sophie's body. I could not bear the thought of leaving her there on her own. 'Before we left Turkey, I had a tattoo done, in her memory, at the same studio she'd used. 'She had to have a post-mortem, and I had to make the arrangements to have her body brought back home. 'We were supposed to be planning our wedding, instead I was arranging a funeral. It was so cruel. I couldn't bear to collect the ring, even though it was paid for. We left it there, in the shop.' Back at home in Hull, JJ had to face cancer treatment on his own, including eight surgeries, as well as looking after the children. JJ says: 'We've had some really tough times but we've got through them together. I can't put into words how proud I am of the children. 'I am raising them all as my own and we all have the same surname now. The older two are doing really well. Tommy recently performed brilliantly in a Maths competition. 'Alicia wants to be a social worker when she leaves school. Little Luca turned one in April, and he is a daily reminder of his mummy. The kids keep me going. 'We all have matching chains with Sophie's ashes inside and I keep a candle next to the remainder of her ashes, so she is never in the dark, which she would hate. 'On every special occasion, like on Luca's first birthday, we send a Chinese lantern to heaven for her. It's very painful, but it's our way of remembering her and helping the children to work through their grief.' An autopsy report released last week reveals Sophie died from acute myocardial ischaemia, ischaemic heart disease and severe coronary artery atheroma. JJ says: 'For months, I tortured myself with 'what if' believing that I could have saved her, if I'd checked on her a minute sooner. I always presumed she'd choked after she was sick. 'I am glad we finally have a cause of death and it's a relief, in some ways, to know nothing could have been done. 'The doctors said she'd had a previous heart attack, which she didn't know about. 'I'd like to urge everyone to have heart checks, even if you feel healthy. If Sophie's story can save a life, it is a small comfort. 'Even so, it doesn't ease the pain, and it doesn't bring her back. 'Sophie is my one true love, and her memory will live on through her children. Though we were never legally married, in my heart she will always be my wife.' JJ had recent surgery but is making a good recovery and expects to have the all-clear from cancer later this month. 8 8
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Key Lifestyle Aspects to Bear in Mind When Comparing Marmaris Apartments for Sale
05/21/2025, Istanbul Sisli // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Buying a luxury apartment in Marmaris is an aspiration for many, whether to retire to Turkey and make the most of the perfect climate, purchase an investment property in the heart of the tourist resort, or buy a beautiful holiday home or permanent residence along Turkey's Golden Coast. In recent years, Marmaris has emerged as a destination in significant demand from foreign national buyers. This is primarily because of its prominence as a holiday destination with a buoyant tourist rental market, but also because it provides a fairly quiet and peaceful setting with all the modern amenities on hand. Property Turkey, the Turkish real estate market experts who support hundreds of buyers in finding and securing their ideal property, have shared some insights into the areas within Marmaris that may appeal, based on the lifestyle each buyer is looking for. Reasons Behind Sustained Interest in Marmaris Apartments and Rental Investments Marmaris is often seen as a slightly more laid-back alternative to Bodrum or Fethiye. It has excellent weather, a thriving harbour and marina, and countless seafront bars, pubs, and restaurants, ranging from refined eateries and wine bars to a vibrant nightlife scene, providing something for residents and visitors of every age. The weekly markets are a central focus of Marmaris life, where locals can purchase fresh produce, tropical fruit, olives, cheese, spices, and, of course, Turkish delights. The Grand Bazaar is a mecca for retail, with almost 1,000 shops selling everything from carpets and jewellery to mosaics and home furnishings. Surrounded by turquoise blue bays, rolling hills scattered with scented pine trees, and the famous coastline with its bright blue waters, Marmaris also has a rich cultural history. It is small enough to be considered affordable while large enough to have supermarkets and other facilities, such as a well-connected public transport system. However, as always, we'd ask every prospective buyer what their ideal lifestyle in Marmaris would look like, and whether they'd love a home in the centre of the city, somewhere tranquil a little further out, or to have a holiday villa that commands premium rental incomes. Exploring the Marmaris Districts Before Buying an Apartment Buyers often look to central Marmaris, where a larger proportion of the restaurants and hospitality services are located. It is worth noting that the city centre might be a popular area to buy a home, but the district becomes much quieter in the winter outside of the peak tourist season. The marina and harbour are in the historic centre of the town, and properties close to the ancient castle, constructed from traditional materials lining the cobbled streets, tend to be mostly used for commercial purposes today, although occasional apartments become available for purchase. Apartments within modern buildings close to the centre tend to be listed more often and are a great option for buyers wanting immediate access to alfresco dining along the harbour stretch and close to the nightlife. Alternatively, buyers with more generous budgets looking to invest in an upscale home or luxury rental property can consider homes and apartments near Netsel Marina, which promises an exclusive lifestyle and is highly desirable for investors who want a property in Marmaris close to a berth. Buying a Marmaris Apartment in Armutalan or Beldibi Armutalan is to the west of Marmaris Old Town and is a comfy, residential area where properties are often available to buy. It also has a mixture of family-friendly restaurants, bars, and locally owned hotels. As a main residential district, it offers more affordable property prices and is connected with the seafront by a regular dolmus service. Beldibi is another good option, located behind the centre of the Old Town, but with a different feel, given that the neighbourhood nestles right up to the edge of the national park and offers incredible views over the coastline and the Taurus Mountains with a long stretch of beach to enjoy. The benefits of either district over central neighbourhoods are that they are more relaxed while still being urban settings within proximity of Marmaris. They also tend to be in demand from family buyers with children or those who want an apartment near all the bars and shops, but without the noise of the hustle and bustle during the summer. Areas Close to Marmaris Popular With Buyers Seeking an Alternative Lifestyle If you're unsure whether Marmaris is the right spot for you or want to travel around the Turkish Riviera to review all the options, we'd recommend Içmeler, another holiday resort and tourist area that is smaller than Marmaris and has a more serene atmosphere. Around five miles west of Marmaris, and with a regular bus service between the two, Içmeler has a stunning beach with ample water sports facilities and providers, and a residential district that is highly sought after by families and retirees alike. Buyers looking for a residential home rather than an investment or rental property can also head further west into the hills. There, they'll find Turunç, a charming, small coastal resort that is less well-known and considered a secret gem. Groves of citrus and pine trees lead down to the pristine beach, where you can swim in the crystal clear water. There are dozens more amazing locations nearby, from Kumlubuk, famous for its coastal seafood restaurants, to Orhaniye, home to the spectacular Kizkumu Beach, and Selimiye, which boasts ancient remains that are a draw for history lovers and those keen to explore Turkey's scenic landscapes and coastlines. Finally, for foreign national buyers who want an apartment that epitomises tranquillity, we'd suggest Bozburun, just 28 miles from central Marmaris, but a place for rest and relaxation, as a small village that is well-known in Turkey for its local boat construction craft. Read more about Property Turkey – Buying Property in Ölüdeniz, The Inside Guide to Real Estate Around the Blue Lagoon About Property Turkey: With 20+ years experience in the Turkish real estate market, team Property Turkey are your experienced, friendly and independent overseas real estate consultants. Our head office is located in London, UK with regional operational offices in: Bodrum, Fethiye & Kalkan, Antalya and Istanbul. Source published by Submit Press Release >> Key Lifestyle Aspects to Bear in Mind When Comparing Marmaris Apartments for Sale
