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Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
I flew 4,600 miles to a Jamaican resort that offers more than just 'fly and flop
I had rather hoped to leave the dreary English weather at home when I'd travelled 4,600 miles from London to Jamaica. Instead, I found myself on a balcony, sheltering from the tropical storm that's gatecrashed my Caribbean escape. The downpour posed a question: what is there to do besides lounge around and sun yourself at an all-inclusive Jamaican resort? Holed up at Sandals Dunn's River, a sprawling hotel on the postcard-perfect northern coast, I was in Jamaica at an opportune moment. The tourism industry is enjoying an extraordinary surge, with visitor numbers soaring thanks to investment in sustainable initiatives that benefit both locals and visitors. From paddleboarding and pina coladas to chicken shacks and waterfalls, here's how I made the most of my trip — and how you can too, whatever the weather. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Inclement weather be damned, the Caribbean coastline has plenty to keep you occupied, hail, rain or shine. Sandals Dunn's River offers a range of watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, scuba diving and something called Hobie Cat sailing, which, from I gather, involves manning your own mini-catarmaran. For me, the highlight was paddleboarding, which offers a reverse-view of the palm tree-flanked sands. I can see why the location of the resort was hand-picked by Sandals' late founder, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, for its pristine stretch of beach. He used to fish there as a boy. Daily boat trips (including glass-bottom ones) also run from the resort – typically twice a day, but these do depend on the weather. If dry land is more your bag, Sandals has teamed up with Island Routes, a travel company that offers a whole host of experiences across the island. They'll hook you up with a Mini Cooper that serves as a valiant steed for a four-wheel adventure. I was relieved to learn that Jamaicans drive on the left, but I needn't have worried. A guide has got you covered: you convoy behind the car in front, with the history of the area delivered via a walkie-talkie in your ride. I recommend cruising from Ocho Rios to Falmouth along the north coast, making scenic pit stops at places such as Turtle Bay Pier and Reynolds Pier (often referred to as James Bond Pier) along the way. You can choose either a half or full-day tour, depending on how much driving you want to do. Every Jamaica first-timer should stop by Dunn's River Falls, which is something of a national treasure. The falls empty into the sea at Little Dunn's River Beach, making the attraction one of the few travertine waterfalls in the entire world. It's one of the stops on the Island Routes excursion, but standalone tours are also available daily. Getting to the good stuff is easier said than done. You'll be scaling a 180-foot high waterfall, made up of three levels and lagoons, while rapids crash down towards you. In total, the climb takes around an hour, depending on the ages and mobility of the group. Our guide warned us that 'you will get wet' — he wasn't wrong. One thing is certain, you won't go hungry at Sandals Dunn's River. With 12 restaurants to choose from – covering Italian, French, Latin American, Asian Fusion and more – you're spoiled for choice. However, no trip to Jamaica is complete without trying out the local cuisine. More Trending I beelined for the hotel's beachfront Jerk Shack most days. With crashing waves in the background and a tropical breeze flowing through salty hair, friendly waiters serve up classic jerk chicken and pork as well as curry goat, and traditional fish in foil (white fish cooked with okra, pepper and chilli), a new favourite of mine. If you prefer to explore outside the hotel walls, Miss T Kitchen's in the centre of Ocho Rios – a 10-minute drive away – comes highly recommended. On two visits, I tucked into a feast of Stamp and Go (traditional saltfish fritters) followed by melt-in-the-mouth Oxtail stew, classic curried goat, and rice and peas, all washed down with pina colada and rum punch. It's comfort food at its best, the type that leaves you full and feeling good. If you want a week relaxing and nothing else, we're not here to judge. This hotel has plenty to ensure your stay is as luxurious and care-free as possible. Skypool rooms I've never had a pool in my hotel room before. The Butler Suite, located in the Tufa Terrace building, really is a showstopper of a space and comes with its own Skypool built into the balcony. You can spend sunset gazing out to the ocean from the privacy of your pool. The spa The Red Lane Spa offers Caribbean-inspired treatments with local products and tailor-made services, including massages, facials and body treatments. Butler service As a concept, this can feel bizarre and a little uncomfortable. But every Skypool suite comes with a dedicated butler who is available to you throughout your stay. They're just a text or a call away through a phone provided. A top tip would be to use your butler to reserve your sunbeds around the pool or beach in the mornings. You'll also need to reserve certain restaurants at the resort, which can be done through your butler. A gym with a view Lying around at the pool all day can make you feel like you need to work up an appetite for dinner. I can honestly say the resort's gym blew me away. It beats the concrete view I get on the treadmill at my North London PureGym, any day. A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica, staying in a Travertine Luxury Room costs from £2,059 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick Airport and resort transfers. Price is date-specific and valid for travel on 19 September 2025. Includes a £150 saving per booking when booked via UCHL by Tuesday 29 July 2025, quoting the promocode 'SUMMER'. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I stayed in one of the world's biggest Four Seasons resorts — it was the ultimate reset MORE: I spent five days in the less-crowded Canaries alternative that's closer to the UK MORE: I tried Heathrow's £3,177 VIP terminal — how the other half fly
Los Angeles Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Documentary shares the story of local surfer who inspired ‘Endless Summer'
Classic surf film 'The Endless Summer' boasts one of the most recognizable posters in cinema and even those who aren't familiar with the film can probably identify the 'Theme from the Endless Summer' by the Sandals. The 1966 American surf documentary from filmmaker Bruce Brown helped usher the sport of surfing into mainstream pop culture and is responsible for establishing certain legends, like that of the perfect wave. Much of what is still associated with the surf lifestyle today can be traced back to the film. While the significance of 'The Endless Summer' is well documented, there is a story behind the iconic movie that is less known and Laguna Beach filmmaker Richard Yelland is dedicated to telling it with his film, 'Birth of The Endless Summer,' currently airing nationally on PBS. 'Birth of The Endless Summer,' directed by Yelland and produced by Curtis Birch, tells the story of surf pioneer Dick Metz, whose global travels from 1958 to 1961 inspired the original film's epic trip to the perfect wave at Cape St. Francis, South Africa. Metz is the founder of the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente, which is made up largely of his extensive archive collection of surf memorabilia, including early balsa wood surfboards. The Laguna Beach native is credited with connecting Southern California's surf scene with fledgling surf communities around the globe and spearheaded the expansion of the Hobie Sports retail chain to Hawaii. Yelland's documentary follows Metz at the age of 90 as he retraces his steps of the first trip that led him to Cape St. Francis, thanks to a tip from Cape Town surfer John Whitmore. In Brown's 'The Endless Summer,' co-stars Mike Hynson and Robert August hoof it over a sand dune on the same South African beach to come upon the perfect wave, introducing the world to this secret spot. 'If Dick hadn't met Whitmore… 'The Endless Summer' and the explosion of global surf culture that followed in its wake might never have happened,' said Yelland. 'Dick Metz was a catalyst for the birth of modern surfing, and I wanted to make sure this history wasn't lost.' Yelland isn't a stranger to documenting history. In 2012, he made '12 Miles North: The Nick Gabaldon Story,' a short film produced by Nike about the first documented African American surfer. Gabaldon, who pushed boundaries at a time when most beaches were segregated, died in a surfing accident near the Malibu Pier in 1951. 'Although it was only a short film, it ended up being a really significant film that fueled the Black surfing movement and documented a piece of history,' Yelland said. When Yelland was conducting research for '12 Miles North' he found Metz's archives at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center invaluable. He was inspired to capture Metz's oral history while he still could. 'I realized that Dick Metz was an iconic story in surfing, like Nick Gabaldon, and he was still alive. So he could tell it,' said Yelland. Yelland and Metz got together in Dana Point to discuss the possibility of a documentary over a lunch that stretched into dinner. 'Which is easy to do with Dick, because he will tell stories for hours,' Yelland said. The resulting documentary feature, 'Birth of The Endless Summer,' tracks Metz's 'train-jumping, steamship-hopping tour' that begins at the Sandpiper, a Laguna Beach bar that's still in business. Produced in association with Bruce Brown Films, the documentary also includes never-seen-before photos and footage from Brown's archives and historic surfing imagery from the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center. The film is making waves, too. A five-time film festival winner, the documentary was named a 'Top 10 Film of the Year' by the IndieFest Film Awards and honored with the Los Angeles Press Club's 2025 'Sports Film of the Year' award. 'Birth of The Endless Summer' is also a 2025 Emmy Awards nominee in the category of independent programming. In 2021, the documentary was featured at the Coast Film Festival in Laguna Beach. In honor of Hynson, who died in January of this year, a commemorative screening of 'Birth of The Endless Summer' is planned for Aug. 1 at Pacific City in Huntington Beach during the U.S. Open of Surfing. Metz is scheduled to make a special appearance. 'Mike Hynson was familiar with Dick's story and he respected him as being that pioneer,' said Yelland. 'Whenever there was an event at the the Surfing Heritage and Dick was involved, Mike would show up.' Yelland said he wants people to know the film isn't attempting to pull credit from Brown, whose name graces a sign that reads 'Bruce's Beauties' at the coastal South Africa beach with the perfect waves. Rather than planting a metaphorical flag to say Metz was there first, Yelland said he is more focused on preserving the history of Metz's story. 'We are recording the history and in so doing, we are celebrating how amazing it is that those guys came a few years later and documented the perfect wave so everyone could see it,' Yelland said. He finds it more critical for viewers to be inspired and uplifted by the storytelling and find value in the connections and friendships surfing has afforded people all over the world. 'That's more important than who discovered the perfect wave,' said Yelland. In terms of the Emmy nomination, Yelland and his team look forward to September when they will find out if they won, but, he said, sharing Metz's story is the real reward. Taking a cue from his his globe-totting subject, Yelland said he sees the journey as the destination. 'Birth of The Endless Summer,' is currently airing nationally on PBS and also available on streaming platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Fandango, and Vimeo on Demand. For information on screenings follow @birthoftheendlesssummer on Instagram.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I found the best lookalike for Birkenstock's studded sandals and they'll save you £100
Birkenstock's western-inspired studded sandals are perfect for summer, and we've spotted the perfect alternative pair that'll get you the same look for over £100 less If there's one pair of sandals that are a must-have for summer, it's a pair of double strap mules. The style is timeless and easy to style, and one of the most iconic designs for this kind of sandal is, of course, a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas. With the western aesthetic still trending (thanks in no small part to Beyonce 's Cowboy Carter tour), the Birkenstock Arizona Rivet Sandals in Dark Rust are the ideal way to bring the cowboycore look to your summer wardrobe on the days when it's too hot to don your cowboy boots. However with Birkenstock's pair costing £135 they're not always the most budget friendly pick, which is why we couldn't wait to snap up H&M's much more affordable alternative. Priced at £32.99, the H&M Studded Sandals are not only £102 cheaper than the Birkenstock pair, but they have a very similar look that lets you nail the western vibe without spending too much. They come in both black and brown shades, with the brown pair featuring silver studs, whilst the black pair have gold stud details. The double straps both have adjustable buckle fastenings, and the H&M sandals feature a comfortable moulded footbed that means you can wear them for hours at a time with no issues. The soles are also lined with satin, which helps absorb any moisture without creating friction or rubbing on your feet. Although they're made from 100% polyester, the straps have a very convincing suede-look finish, which makes them look much more expensive than they actually are. The hardware details also contribute to their luxe look, making them a great way to save money whilst still looking stylish. If you do want to snap up the real deal, Anthropologie currently has the Birkenstock Arizona Studded Sandals on sale for a limited time, reduced to £108. Meanwhile New Look has an ultra affordable pair on offer, with the Light Brown Faux Suede Studded Sandals on sale for £19.79, down from £32.99. However H&M shoppers have so far been thrilled with their Studded Sandals, giving them a solid five star rating. One wrote: 'Slightly awkward sizing, a little on the wide side but can be adjusted. Look fab.' Whilst another agreed: 'Comfy and stylish. Great value for money.' The sandals come in sizes two to nine. The brown colourway are currently out of stock in sizes seven and eight, whilst the black and gold pair currently only have size twos available due to how popular they are. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NBC Sports
20-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Time for Sandals shocks to win Commonwealth Cup
Time for Sandals wins the Commonwealth Cup at 25-1 odds to give Harry Eustace his second Group 1 win of the week at the 2025 Royal Ascot.
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Editor-approved Dr. Martens: Save up to $150 on DM sandals and boots
Editor-approved Dr. Martens: Save up to $150 on DM sandals and boots Shop the Dr. Martens end-of-season sale for the best deals on DM sandals, boots and more. It is no secret that I currently own 13 pairs of Dr. Martens shoes, including my first pair of DM sandals that I just purchased for summer. Don't get me wrong, I recognize that investing in 13 pairs is excessive but I'm okay with it. The cult-favorite brand perfectly embodies my personal style and after more than a decade of wearing DMs, I can confidently say that the shoes are unmatched as far as quality and durability are concerned. As a self-proclaimed Doc Martens expert, if you're looking to pull the trigger on your first pair of Dr. Martens (or add to your collection), I highly recommend shopping the brand's end-of-season sale for up to $150 off this June. Shop the Dr. Martens end-of-season sale: June 2025 From iconic platform boots to comfortable sandals and shoes, check out my favorite Dr. Martens shoe deals to save up to 30% on new kicks for summer 2025. Shop the Dr. Martens sale 1. Less than $80: Dr. Martens Jadon Vegan Jadon Boot Max Platforms 2. Less than $90: Dr. Martens Mattison 3-Strap Sandals 3. Under $100: Dr. Martens Anistone Lo Leather Biker Boots 4. Save $30: Dr. Martens Archive Fisherman Crocodile Analine Leather Sandals 5. Save $55: Dr. Martens Addina Flower Buckle Leather Platform Shoes 6. Save $60: Dr. Martens Jadon Boot Genix Nappa Reclaimed Leather Platforms Shopping news: Did Dr. Martens name a pair of boots after me? Shop the new Kasey Leather Heeled Boots 7. Less than $120: Dr. Martens Maxxy Slide Buttersoft Leather Sandals 8. $40 off: Dr. Martens 1B99 Dunnet Flower Suede Platform Boots 9. Save $60: Dr. Martens Jadon Boot Pull Up Leather Platforms 10. $35 off: Dr. Martens 1460 Pascal Virginia Leather Lace Up Boots 11. Dr. Martens 1460 Women's Mono Lace Up Boots How much can I save during the Dr. Martens end-of-season sale? You can save up to 30% off on select boots, shoes, sandals and accessories. Some markdowns go as high as $150 off on popular styles. Shop the Dr. Martens sale
