Latest news with #Sandals
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
7 Contests For Free Summer Trips To Orlando, Hawaii And The Caribbean
Win a free travel getaway this summer for you and your family. Summer trips don't have to be expensive if you win one of these free travel contests and sweepstakes. From family vacations to Florida to couples-only, all-inclusive getaways, these offers could be your ticket to a much-needed vacation. They are all free to enter, and many include airfare and food and beverage credits. The resort is celebrating its 35th anniversary with three special vacation giveaways. Three separate Instagram contests are taking place this year to celebrate Grand Hyatt Kauai's 35th anniversary. Entering is simple: like the giveaway post on Instagram, follow the property's Instagram account @grandhyattkauai and comment on the post using the promotion hashtag #35YearsofAloha. Three lucky winners will receive a three-night vacation for two, complete with free breakfast, spa access, and waived parking and resort fees. Sandals Dunn's River opened in 2023. Between now and June 30, enter to win an all-inclusive getaway for two to the Sandals or Beaches Resort of your choice. All tips, taxes, gratuities and airport transfers are also part of the prize although airfare is not included. Among the resorts on the list are the newly opened Sandals St. Vincent and the Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica, which opened in 2023. A roller coaster ride at Sea World Orlando Visit Orlando is offering four $250 flight vouchers on Frontier Airlines for the winner of this sweepstakes. The prize also includes a rental car and four nights at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld with free admission to the park. A $100 food and beverage credit and free parking are also part of the deal. Be sure to enter before July 9 for your chance to win. The family pool at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club Between now and the end of July, win a stay at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club in Miami. The property is part of Marriott Bonvoy's Autograph Collection hotels. It's easy to enter the sweepstakes to win a two-night stay in an Ocean Tower Suite, a $200 food and beverage credit, and a beachfront cabana. An RV drives along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Through June 8, adventurous travelers have the chance to win the 'ultimate 2025 RV vacation getaway,' via a $2,500 Outdoorsy gift card. Entering the contest is free, and the winner can use the gift card to pay for the ideal RV to drive around the country. Also part of the prize: $2,000 in travel funds and a swag bag with goodies like water bottles and a travel hammock. Dubbed the 'Just Beyond Your Door Go RVing Adventure Giveaway,' the winner joins the 44 million other Americans that plan to take an RV adventure this summer, say experts at GoRVing. The winner will be announced on National Go RVing Day, June 14. Win the getaway of your dreams with this free contest. Win an all-expenses paid vacation from Tanteo Tequila to the destination of your dreams (yes, Tanteo is letting you pick where you go). Just in time for summer barbecue season, this giveaway has a free trip to Mexico as its grand prize, including airfare, hotel accommodations, spending money and free Tanteo-branded merchandise. The free-to-enter margharita-season contest lasts through the end of July. Animal cheetah wildlife safari drive in South Africa Author Simon Mustoe is celebrating his new book launch with a safari giveaway that is free to enter. Safari adventures are a bucket list vacation dream for many, but can be quite pricey. The prize includes roundtrip flights to Cape Town, a three-night stay in a Marriott Bonvoy family hotel, local tours, a two-night stay at the Inverdoorn Private Safari Lodge and cheetah educational tours.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
New Look's 'perfect' chunky flatform sandals are 'comfortable for wide feet'
New Look's 'perfect' chunky flatform sandals are 'comfortable for wide feet' The sandals are part of New Look's Comfort footwear range and are available in sizes three to nine The flatform sandals have been designed for wide feet (Image: New Look ) Finding a pair of sandals that are both stylish and comfortable can be a challenge, especially for people who have wide feet. Shoppers believe they've found the answer hidden within New Look's website that are perfect for wearing throughout the warmer months on days out, holidays and city breaks. The Wide Fit Black Buckled Faux Leather Flatform Sandals cost £32.99 and come in sizes three to nine. They are part of the retailer's Comfort footwear range that have cushioned padding, softer linings and flexible soles, making them ideal for walking in. The round-toe sandals provide a little bit of height thanks to the chunky flatform sole that New Look says 'ensures maximum comfort'. They have statement chunky straps complete with large gold buckles and are registered by The Vegan Society for being completely animal free. READ MORE: Amazon's 45p dentist-approved teeth whitening strips ditch 'expensive brands' for READ MORE: Next's 'classy but relaxed' summer dress now 25% off The style of the sandals is similar to the Dr Martens Voss II Athena Leather Strap Platform Sandals that are currently on sale for £84 (RRP £120). Available in sizes three to nine, they offer a higher chunky sole and have the iconic Dr Martens yellow stitch detailing. Elsewhere, Next's Black Forever Comfort® Leather Strap Buckle Detail Sandals are priced at £49. They are made from pure leather and come in sizes three to eight, including some half sizes and wide fits. Wide Fit Black Buckled Faux Leather Flatform Sandals £32.99 New Look Buy here Product Description The flatform sandals come in sizes three to nine and have been designed for wide feet. Only a few New Look customers have reviewed the Wide Fit Black Buckled Faux Leather Flatform Sandals to date, with them all rating the footwear five stars. One delighted shopper said: "Lovely sandals, so comfortable for wide feet and look really nice on. Would definitely recommend." "Great wide fit sandals" wrote a second thrilled buyer. "Really comfortable and great quality, really pleased with them. Quick delivery too." Article continues below A third commented: "Great sandals. Good fit and comfortable." Another simply added: "I love them, they're perfect." Not a bad word has been said about the New Look sandals, however some customers have experienced issues with other sandals purchased from the retailer. On Trustpilot, one shopper explained: "Ordered a pair of sandals on 17 April , they arrived promptly but clearly damaged with a tear in the fabric. Very flimsy packaging, no box, nothing to protect them, just a flimsy plastic bag. Returned them promptly and only just received a refund on 6 May. Won't be in a rush to order online from New Look again."
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Next's £24 dress is so 'flattering around the tummy' shoppers want every colour
Next's £24 spring/summer-perfect dress can be dressed up or down, and is ideal for daily wear Summer's a time when dresses become an absolute go-to for style, convenience, and comfort. Next is serving up serious summer wardrobe goals with their £24 100% Cotton Twist Short Sleeved T-shirt Summer Dress. Offered in both petite and regular fits, the dress is available in versatile hues including black, khaki, and a navy with white stripes option at £28, as well as in plum and red – though some sizes are currently sold out. But fear not, for Next has a similar alternative ready for you. This cool, cotton creation promises to keep you comfy during the heated months. The design features a classic crew neck and distinctive twist detail at the waist, falling to a trendy midi length. Pair it up with Next's £29 Forever Comfort Double Strap Footbed Sandals for that chic yet relaxed look. The black version of this dress has snagged a solid four-star score from a total of 53 reviews. One ecstatic customer shared: "Absolutely gorgeous dress, so comfortable to wear and looks great. I love it so much I ordered it in khaki too." Another satisfied buyer exclaimed: "Brilliant fit. It sits snuggly and holds in all the right places, it really compliments my figure and I got lots of nice comments." And a third echoed the praise: "Lovely dress and great length, I like it so much I have bought the navy striped one too. Very comfortable to wear and no need for tights." While largely adored, there was a hint of critique concerning its fit and fabric, as one shopper noted: "It was not a good fit or very flattering. The material was very stiff." Alternatively, you can opt for the Grey Striped Twist Front Midi T-shirt Dress from George. At £18, it's crafted from a comfy jersey material. Then there's the chic £90 Trinny Stretch Jersey Midi Dress from Hush, featuring an attractive tie detail at the waist for added shape. It may only have two reviews to date, but it boasts a five-star rating: "The dress is a lovely quality jersey fabric, and the tie-able belt makes it very flattering," commented one satisfied customer.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Direct flight links UK to tiny country different to other Caribbean islands
''Hi, I'm Ralph,' says a gregarious figure with warm eyes and salt and pepper hair as he crosses the terminal of Argyle International Airport. His presence piques the interest of waiting passengers and soon a small crowd – some seeking selfies – gathers for a glimpse. The casual opening remark belies the man's status but, given he has been Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for 24 years, Ralph Gonsalves requires little introduction here in his homeland. South of St Lucia, west of Barbados and north of Grenada, I am in St Vincent (the largest of SVG's 32 islands) to sample the delights of a destination emerging from the shadow of the Caribbean's holiday giants. Tourism in this volcanic former British colony erupted last year, increasing by 25% to 101,471 overnight visitors – a figure similar to the country's modest population. Mr Gonsalves was instrumental in creating the nation's first international airport – where our chance encounter takes place – and quips 'love is in the air' as he recalls its inaugural flight on Valentine's Day 2017. The 78-year-old also cut the ribbon last March at the official opening of Sandals, a luxury all-inclusive resort directly responsible for the recent influx of travellers, which is accessible via direct flights of approximately 11 hours from London Heathrow. I check in to the sprawling five-star retreat – the first such property on St Vincent and the newest of the chain's 17 adults-only hotels spread across eight Caribbean islands – the day after its first anniversary. Cradled by lush mountains, there are 301 rooms and suites, including 10 lavish two-storey overwater villas, four swimming pools and a spa set amid a 50-acre site looking out over Buccament Bay. So, why should sunseekers venture to this lesser-known corner of the Caribbean Sea? 'Let me put it into perspective for you,' says Jamaica-born Tamon Allen, the hotel's amiable general manager, as we sit down for dinner at Sora, one of 12 on-site restaurants. 'St Vincent would be Jamaica back in the 70s, so 50 years behind; Barbados, it would be maybe 30 years behind; St Lucia, about 20 years behind. They've not modernised St Vincent and I think that's what makes it so special. 'If you go to the windward side of the island and drive all the way to La Soufrière mountain, it is just breathtaking: the nature, the pureness, and the simple lifestyle that the locals live – absolutely amazing.' My home for three nights is a spacious garden suite complete with patio soaking tub. It comes with 24-hour room service and a personal butler, who is on call from 8am to 10pm and can arrange breakfast in bed, dinner reservations and, if necessary, unpack my suitcase. I tweak Tamon's suggested itinerary and opt to explore the Leeward Coast on the west side. With local expert Quency Lewis at the wheel, we wind through verdant hills and coastal valleys flanked by quiet fishing villages and secluded coves of volcanic black sand. 'This is basically how St Vincent is, like a rollercoaster,' says the charismatic tour guide as we snake north from the capital city Kingstown. I discover the archipelago's principal landmass, which is just 18 miles long and has a maximum width of 11 miles, is fertile ground prime for fruit production and home to waterfalls, rainforest and walking trails. La Soufrière looms large in the north and is a popular spot for hikers. The 4,048ft volcano erupted in 2021, covering the island in ash and forcing nearby residents to evacuate homes. It was previously active in 1979 – the year SVG, which remains in the Commonwealth and retains King Charles III as head of state – gained full independence, having been under British rule since 1763. I glimpse the volcano during a sunset cruise from Sandals (an exclusive treat for butler-level guests). Clouds linger over the peak as daylight gradually fades. The brooding weather is in stark contrast to the mood on board where crew members dance to blaring soca (soul of calypso) music while serving rum punch and bottles of Hairoun, St Vincent's award-winning lager. A pod of bottlenose dolphins dive and weave at the bow of the boat before we approach Wallilabou Bay. The harbour introduced the world to Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow and will be familiar to many as the fictional Port Royal from the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Just around the jagged coastline, the captain points out Old Man's Trousers, an arch-shaped rock formation where prop skeletons were hanged as a warning to Sparrow and other marauding buccaneers. Sandals, which was largely unscathed when Hurricane Beryl devastated parts of the region last July, offers numerous opportunities for seafaring. A wobbly paddleboard outing from the resort's palm-tree lined beach (constructed with imported white sand) provides a gentle introduction before I increase the adrenalin by skimming across the surface on a tubing ring attached to a speedboat. Scuba diving (for PADI-certified guests), kayaking and snorkelling are also complimentary, while beach volleyball, croquet and tennis are among the activities on dry land. Visitors eager to island-hop have plenty of options too. The pristine beaches of Bequia – the closest Grenadian island – are around 10 miles south of Kingstown and just an hour away using daily ferries, while a handful of neighbouring countries can be reached in tantalisingly short flight times. My Caribbean odyssey begins at the very southern tip of the Windward Islands in Grenada. The Spice Isle, renowned for its production of nutmeg, mace and cinnamon, is an ideal partner to St Vincent for those in search of a twin-centre trip. While there is more of a do-it-yourself feel in up-and-coming SVG, Grenada – accessible by air in just 45 minutes – has a greater tourist infrastructure, but it is still refreshingly uncrowded. After getting my bearings by taking in the sweeping views from Fort Frederick (built between 1779 and 1783), I travel down into the pretty capital St George's before heading north into the hills. Near the shores of Grand Etang, a crater lake that features on the country's coat of arms, I catch sight of a mona monkey. The primates arrived here aboard 18th-century slave ships and are otherwise found exclusively in west Africa. Later, I cool off beneath the 30ft Annandale Waterfall before finishing the day at Grand Anse, Grenada's most famous stretch of sand – a short distance from my luxurious lodgings at Sandals on Pink Gin beach. Back on St Vincent, I sip a final pina colada prior to waving goodbye to Sandals by speedboat (another butler-level perk). The journey to the departure gate concludes on a short stretch of 'rollercoaster' ocean road ahead of my impromptu audience with the PM. 'There's a Sandals effect undoubtedly,' Mr Gonsalves tells me as talk turns to tourism before we board the same flight to the UK. 'It has been phenomenal – an amazing, amazing impact.' Unassuming, uncluttered and largely untouched, flourishing St Vincent blends natural beauty, adventure and relaxation with undiluted Caribbean charm.
Metro
10-05-2025
- Metro
The 'underappreciated' Caribbean island that mass tourism hasn't ruined yet
A bathtub of rose petals ensconced in billowing curtains, with a tray of chocolates and champagne on ice on the side. For one, please. It's not how I pictured checking into one of the world's most romantic resorts. It was even better. Growing up, adverts for Sandals' white sandy beach resorts – a sun-kissed couple strolling hand-in-hand against the setting sun – were always on TV. Now, finding myself in the newest Sandals resort in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it turns out that image was half true. Just, minus the buff bronzed bloke. Instead, I have with me a girl gang to explore the first luxury resort in this largely untouched corner of the eastern Caribbean. Turns out, it is even more fun than I had imagined. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. You'd be forgiven for being unfamiliar with St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), a chain of 32 volcanic islands and cays, just north of Venezuela and south of St. Lucia. Deep in the heart of the Caribbean, this idyllic archipelago remains uncluttered by tourists. None of its islands are among the most visited in the region, but times are changing. Even after storms crippled the region last July, a record number of visitors travelled to SVG in 2024 — overnight stays rose by 25% on the previous year. Interest rose significantly across the UK and European markets, with visits from the Netherlands up 117% and Ireland more than 45%. The reason? The spring opening of Sandals' new resort, which local media claim single-handedly put the destination on the travel map. Housed in a private cove, with four pools, 11 restaurants, a sprawling spa and a strict adults-only policy, the resort is attracting a new demographic of visitors who previously skipped SVG in favour of boutique destinations like Antigua and Turks and Caicos. Despite its remote location, SVG is relatively straightforward to get to – hop on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London Heathrow and 11 hours later, you'll arrive (after a layover in Barbados). The Sandals' launch has attracted a wave of new US flight routes; JetBlue flies direct from New York, American Airlines non-stop from Miami. At a time when several countries are pushing back against tourists, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is ready to welcome. Yet while the growth is exciting, the island nation is handling its rising star with caution. 'St. Vincent and The Grenadines has deliberately steered away from large-scale tourism models,' Natasha Anderson, Director of Sales for the UK and Europe at St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), tells Metro. That means most of the islands remain untouched by high-rise development, and strict rules are in place to protect coral reefs and the natural environment. Unlike some Caribbean destinations known for sprawling mega-resorts and thumping nightclubs, Natasha says SVG offers something authentic and unspoiled. 'Visitors enjoy our natural beauty without overwhelming it, and that's exactly how we want to keep it,' she says. 'We encourage visitors to hire local guides, support family-run businesses, and engage with our culture. It's about connection, not consumption.' On the dock, we are greeted by a row of beaming, immaculately dressed staff with welcome cocktails in hand. Already I can feel the stresses of the outside world melting away. Misty mountains and rainforest surround the grounds, making for a setting that's less luxury hotel, more Jurassic Park. Beyond it, the active volcano La Soufrière adds to the otherworldly vibe. To get even closer to nature, you can stay in one of the hotel's over-water villas. Standing two-storys above the sea, they're perfect for adult families and groups of friends, like ours – you can dive right off your deck into the sparkling blue below. While I don't have the luxury of staying in one of those, my Garden Butler Suite comes complete with a dreamy king-size bed, a dressing room and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which open onto a private patio flanked by a flower-lined lake. Upon arrival, I'm handed a Samsung smartphone that's supposed to act as a direct line to my personal butler. If you'd told the little girl mesmerised by Sandals TV ads that she'd end up here, she wouldn't have believed you. Sandals guests tend to be fiercely loyal to the brand, staying at different resorts around the world. Many things bring them back, not least the food. Meals at Sandals' SVG are made from locally sourced ingredients and freshly caught seafood, and the offering in each of the 11 restaurants is delicious. On our first morning, an à la carte brunch at Parasol Beach Club makes for the perfect start to a day in paradise, accompanied by sweeping views of the sea. My favourite lunch spot is the Jerk Shack, where fish, chicken and pork come perfectly spiced. For a special dinner, Buccan, Sandals' immersive, communal-style restaurant, serves delicacies grilled over a traditional open fire. Luxury continues over at Red Lane, the resort's expansive spa, which boasts outdoor gazebos for massages overlooking the gentle river that runs past. For lovers, there's even a stunning over-water wedding chapel, with views of the turquoise ocean around it – and even below, through a glass floor. My friend tells me she's heard about someone who has had four weddings, every one of them at a Sandals resort. I can see why. Yet, to my surprise, while there are plenty of loved-up couples here soaking up the sun and scenery (with a heart-shaped pool, I'd expect nothing less), there are many groups of friends, from 20-somethings upwards, too, just like my gang. One group I meet is celebrating a 30th birthday, another I meet on the dancefloor at 1am, toasting their pal's engagement. It's not the couple's-exclusive retreat you might expect. The resort is surprisingly active, from the bicycles available to breeze around its gardens, to the wealth of water sports. For those PADI certified, scuba diving is available, free for guests. I opt for a guided kayaking trip to the Buccament Bat Cave, followed by a sunset cruise around the Vincentian coast. These shores were once home to the cast of Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. Back on land, free daily activities such as 'paint and sip' classes and jewellery-crafting make for cute keepsakes. We all leave with matching friendship bracelets. Who needs a guy to buy you bling? While it's tempting to spend most of the time lounging around in paradise, there is a wealth of things to do outside the hotel. A one-hour ferry ride (about £13 for a return trip) will take you to Bequia, the closest of the Grenadine islands. Here you can browse colourful stalls, stroll on sandy beaches, and keep a weather eye for turtles that make their home in the bay. The perfect way to end the day is a stop at Bar One Bequia, an incredible floating bar in the middle of the sea. More Trending Feeling adventurous? Take a hike up St Vincent's active volcano, La Soufrière, which last erupted in 2021. Book a guided tour and prepare yourself for a two-hour uphill trek to the crater for an unforgettable experience – but be sure to pack walking boots. If you're lucky enough to be in town during carnival season, check out 'The Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean', Vincy Mas. The extravaganza of music, costumes, heritage and dancing is made up of parties all over the island and this year runs from June 27 to July 8. A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines staying in a Bamboo Palm Room with Balcony Tranquillity Soaking Tub costs from £2,789 per includes all-inclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers.A seven-night stay for two adults in a Garden Butler Suite with Patio Tranquillity Soaking Tub costs from £4,149 per person – includingbutler service. Prices valid for travel on September 3, 2025. Call 0800 597 0002 or visit Sandals website. 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