Latest news with #TheLodge
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
I fell hard for 'The Jewel' — a Caribbean gem off the main tourist trail
Leaving London, the weather couldn't decide between drizzle and all-out downpour. I wasn't just after sunshine. I wanted a place where 'productivity' meant remembering to reapply sunscreen before noon. Belize was exactly that. Not the Caribbean of infinity pools and stiff cocktails, but somewhere refreshingly real. Beaches with more driftwood than Instagrammers, bartenders who double as turtle-spotting experts, and a vibe so laid-back that a major public announcement is 'The snorkel boat leaves at 9… or maybe 10.' It might be known as 'The Jewel', a nickname that reflects its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, but Belize is not on the main Caribbean tourist trail just yet. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. That path is currently populated by Barbados, St Lucia and Anguilla, but the Central American country has seen an increase in tourists in recent years. In 2024, it clocked a record-breaking 562,405 overnight visitors. In January, prestigious travel association ABTA named Belize as a destination to watch for 2025, citing its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins as major drawcards for responsible adventurers. Landing on Belizean soil, I made my way to the Tropic Air Dangriga flight, which would take me on a breathtaking journey from Belize City to Dangriga in 20 minutes. Through scratched plexiglass windows, the reef emerges below like a jagged turquoise line against deeper blue, the coastline veined with mangrove channels. The 12-seat Cessna Caravan is not for the faint-hearted — it's a tiny capsule in which you can hear every word of the pilot, without a Tannoy system. A one-way ticket costs about £83. At the tiny airstrip – a concrete slab flanked by palm trees – I arrive alive, and a short drive takes me to The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. This hotel is essentially a collection of beachfront suites, complete with private plunge pools and a deck just steps from the ocean. The vibe is barefoot luxury: local wood, open-plan design, and a sea breeze drifting through windows. Rooms here range from approximately £189 to £334 per night, depending on the season and room type. Hopkins village moves at the pace of bicycle traffic and the occasional golf cart. I am guided by Get to Know Belize Adventures and as we drive around in our golf buggy, I'm struck by how peaceful this place is. More surprising is pulling up to the community square and seeing police officers repainting benches for the community. 'It needs a sprucing up,' one tells me. 'So here we are.' Nearby, I find a small bakery where I try fried jack, a buttery, fluffy pastry that's a Belizean staple, served by the smiling owner, her hands dusted in flour. The Garifuna people, descendants of West African, Carib, and Arawak ancestors, are central to Hopkins' culture. Exiled from St. Vincent in the 18th century, they settled along Belize's coast, maintaining their unique language, music, and traditions. My immersion begins with cooking hudut , a traditional fish and coconut stew, in an outdoor kitchen. My guide's wife shows me how to grate fresh coconut for the rich broth, then demonstrates the art of cracking one open with a machete. We pound plantains in a giant wooden mortar as the fish simmers away with coconut milk, garlic, onions, and habanero peppers. Eating it together at a long, rough-hewn table, the hudut's creamy broth balances the earthy mashed plantains perfectly. After lunch, a drumming lesson shifts to the beach. Local musicians teach me the basic rhythms of the primero and segunda drums. At first, I struggle to find the beat, but soon the sound of the waves and the music blur together. By sunset, I'm dancing barefoot in the sand, badly but blissfully. Later, we head out for a bioluminescence tour of Anderson Lagoon, and I'm told to expect magic. A mixture of excited and cynical, we sail through a tiny cut to get to the lagoon and find ourselves surrounded by giant mangroves. It's pitch black, the guide's flashlight beam cutting across the lagoon is the only light — then he turns it off. The boat picks up speed and the wake glows. Blue streams of light surrounds us from the water. As the boat pick upspeed, the tiny algae, which settle in the lagoon during the dry season, get agitated and glow, which for a bioluminescent newbie like me is mind-blowing. After a short boat ride through narrow mangrove channels, the captain kills the engine. In the dark stillness, every movement in the water sparks blue light — tiny bursts of, yes, living magic. Swimming through it feels like gliding through liquid stars, my arms trailing glowing comet tails. Tours cost approximately £56 per person. The next day's adventure feels a bit like driving through a film set. Winding along roads lined with orange groves and passing through the dreamlike Bamboo Cathedral – a natural tunnel of towering bamboo – is an experience in itself. As if the ride isn't dreamy enough, the road to the waterfall winds along the side of the mountain, with tall trees reaching above you and creating much-needed shade. We reach Maya King Waterfall, (entry £8 per person) in the Maya Mountains of the South East Coast. The two cascading falls are at their most dramatic during rainy season, crashing down into clear pools below. I could have spent hours here, soaking up the vibe, the only sound the rushing water echoing around us. In the charming village of Placencia, the footpath winds between brightly painted shops and beach bars. The Creole beach town is proud of its spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, where it's recognised for having the narrowest main street in the world. It's actually a 4,000-foot long footpath that is just four feet wide. A stroll along the pedestrian 'street' takes you past quaint rows of local artists' stalls, eclectic shops and cheekily-named beach bars. The village has managed to retain its boho vibe, despite a recent influx of wealthy American and Canadian retirees. Film director Francis Ford Coppola even opened a hotel here, the eco-friendly Turtle Inn. It's hard not to fall for the pace: no rush, no pressure, just friendly locals, lilting music, and the salty scent of the sea. My favourite perch is Tutti Frutti ice cream parlour, which serves delicious flavours like sour sop, a creamy local fruit beloved across the Caribbean that's usually made into a refreshing drink. After indulging in Placencia, a short Tropic Air hop (£75 one-way) takes me to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is giving Wes Anderson: pastel-coloured wooden buildings, narrow sandy streets, and golf carts buzzing around as the main form of transport. In fact, my 'taxi' from the mini-airport to Ramon's Village Resort is a golf buggy (golf cart rentals cost about £7 per hour), although you could easily walk it if you wanted. Ramon's Village feels like stepping back in time, in the best way. Thatched-roof cabanas, lush tropical gardens, hammocks swinging in the breeze. Everything here is designed to help you unplug. Room rates vary by season and type, ranging from £135 to £360. Reggae music floats from bars and beach shacks all over town, a nod to Belize's cultural ties to Jamaica (both were once British colonies). It shows up in the food too: comforting dishes like stew chicken, rice and kidney beans, fried jacks (similar to Jamaican fried dumplings), and sweet plantain accompany almost every meal. Familiar, yet quintessentially Belizean. That evening, I join the Belize Food Tour, which turns out to be one of the best ways to experience San Pedro's spirit. Walking between stops with a chatty group of fellow travellers and locals, we try everything from fresh conch ceviche to grilled lobster, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and rich coconut pies. Along the way, we get snippets of history, gossip, and restaurant secrets—it's less like a formal tour and more like wandering town with new friends who know all the best bites. Approximately £57 per person. The next morning, it's time for the ultimate snorkelling trip to Hol Chan marine reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Also known as 'Little Channel', it has impossibly clear waters and coral gardens teeming with life. Swimming alongside rays and nurse sharks is thrilling for some, but full disclosure, it's not for me. While hanging on to the side of the boat, I do manage to capture a semblance of magic as I duck my head in. A kaleidoscope of fish glide past me; if you're into that sort of thing, this place is a veritable underwater theme park. Before leaving Belize, there's one final bucket-list moment: a scenic flyover of the iconic Great Blue Hole. More Trending From the air, the vast circular sinkhole looks surreal: deep, endless blue surrounded by the lighter turquoise of the reef. You might even spot dolphins or manatees swimming below if you're lucky. It's humbling and breathtaking all at once. Scenic flights cost £200 per person, or, if you prefer to get up close and personal, sea tours typically cost around £100, including snorkel gear and guide. It sounds trite, but each new day in Belize brings new adventure and fresh perspective. It's the kind of place that reminds you to slow down… and eat everything. I've fallen for Belize and the love feels reciprocated. What more could you want? There are no direct flights from the UK to Belize. Travelling in the first week of June, the cheapest option is flying with United Airlines from London Heathrow, with stops in New York and Houston. Return fares start from £651, and the journey takes just over 24 hours. British Airways also flies from London Heathrow, with one stop in Miami. Prices start from £837 for the same week. Do I need a visa? UK passport holders do not need a visa for a tourist visit to Belize. You can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. MORE: I swapped my sun holiday for a train trip to Europe's rainiest city — with highs of 8°C MORE: I searched for grizzly bears in a Canadian region tourists often miss MORE: I thought British holidays were boring, but this underrated island changed my mind
Metro
25-05-2025
- Metro
Chasing waterfalls and a Great Blue Hole, I fell hard for 'The Jewel'
Leaving London, the weather couldn't decide between drizzle and all-out downpour. I wasn't just after sunshine. I wanted a place where 'productivity' meant remembering to reapply sunscreen before noon. Belize was exactly that. Not the Caribbean of infinity pools and stiff cocktails, but somewhere refreshingly real. Beaches with more driftwood than Instagrammers, bartenders who double as turtle-spotting experts, and a vibe so laid-back that a major public announcement is 'The snorkel boat leaves at 9… or maybe 10.' It might be known as 'The Jewel', a nickname that reflects its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, but Belize is not on the main Caribbean tourist trail just yet. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. That path is currently populated by Barbados, St Lucia and Anguilla, but the Central American country has seen an increase in tourists in recent years. In 2024, it clocked a record-breaking 562,405 overnight visitors. In January, prestigious travel association ABTA named Belize as a destination to watch for 2025, citing its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins as major drawcards for responsible adventurers. Landing on Belizean soil, I made my way to the Tropic Air Dangriga flight, which would take me on a breathtaking journey from Belize City to Dangriga in 20 minutes. Through scratched plexiglass windows, the reef emerges below like a jagged turquoise line against deeper blue, the coastline veined with mangrove channels. The 12-seat Cessna Caravan is not for the faint-hearted — it's a tiny capsule in which you can hear every word of the pilot, without a Tannoy system. A one-way ticket costs about £83. At the tiny airstrip – a concrete slab flanked by palm trees – I arrive alive, and a short drive takes me to The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. This hotel is essentially a collection of beachfront suites, complete with private plunge pools and a deck just steps from the ocean. The vibe is barefoot luxury: local wood, open-plan design, and a sea breeze drifting through windows. Rooms here range from approximately £189 to £334 per night, depending on the season and room type. Hopkins village moves at the pace of bicycle traffic and the occasional golf cart. I am guided by Get to Know Belize Adventures and as we drive around in our golf buggy, I'm struck by how peaceful this place is. More surprising is pulling up to the community square and seeing police officers repainting benches for the community. 'It needs a sprucing up,' one tells me. 'So here we are.' Nearby, I find a small bakery where I try fried jack, a buttery, fluffy pastry that's a Belizean staple, served by the smiling owner, her hands dusted in flour. The Garifuna people, descendants of West African, Carib, and Arawak ancestors, are central to Hopkins' culture. Exiled from St. Vincent in the 18th century, they settled along Belize's coast, maintaining their unique language, music, and traditions. My immersion begins with cooking hudut , a traditional fish and coconut stew, in an outdoor kitchen. My guide's wife shows me how to grate fresh coconut for the rich broth, then demonstrates the art of cracking one open with a machete. We pound plantains in a giant wooden mortar as the fish simmers away with coconut milk, garlic, onions, and habanero peppers. Eating it together at a long, rough-hewn table, the hudut's creamy broth balances the earthy mashed plantains perfectly. After lunch, a drumming lesson shifts to the beach. Local musicians teach me the basic rhythms of the primero and segunda drums. At first, I struggle to find the beat, but soon the sound of the waves and the music blur together. By sunset, I'm dancing barefoot in the sand, badly but blissfully. Later, we head out for a bioluminescence tour of Anderson Lagoon, and I'm told to expect magic. A mixture of excited and cynical, we sail through a tiny cut to get to the lagoon and find ourselves surrounded by giant mangroves. It's pitch black, the guide's flashlight beam cutting across the lagoon is the only light — then he turns it off. The boat picks up speed and the wake glows. Blue streams of light surrounds us from the water. As the boat pick upspeed, the tiny algae, which settle in the lagoon during the dry season, get agitated and glow, which for a bioluminescent newbie like me is mind-blowing. After a short boat ride through narrow mangrove channels, the captain kills the engine. In the dark stillness, every movement in the water sparks blue light — tiny bursts of, yes, living magic. Swimming through it feels like gliding through liquid stars, my arms trailing glowing comet tails. Tours cost approximately £56 per person. The next day's adventure feels a bit like driving through a film set. Winding along roads lined with orange groves and passing through the dreamlike Bamboo Cathedral – a natural tunnel of towering bamboo – is an experience in itself. As if the ride isn't dreamy enough, the road to the waterfall winds along the side of the mountain, with tall trees reaching above you and creating much-needed shade. We reach Maya King Waterfall, (entry £8 per person) in the Maya Mountains of the South East Coast. The two cascading falls are at their most dramatic during rainy season, crashing down into clear pools below. I could have spent hours here, soaking up the vibe, the only sound the rushing water echoing around us. In the charming village of Placencia, the footpath winds between brightly painted shops and beach bars. The Creole beach town is proud of its spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, where it's recognised for having the narrowest main street in the world. It's actually a 4,000-foot long footpath that is just four feet wide. A stroll along the pedestrian 'street' takes you past quaint rows of local artists' stalls, eclectic shops and cheekily-named beach bars. The village has managed to retain its boho vibe, despite a recent influx of wealthy American and Canadian retirees. Film director Francis Ford Coppola even opened a hotel here, the eco-friendly Turtle Inn. It's hard not to fall for the pace: no rush, no pressure, just friendly locals, lilting music, and the salty scent of the sea. My favourite perch is Tutti Frutti ice cream parlour, which serves delicious flavours like sour sop, a creamy local fruit beloved across the Caribbean that's usually made into a refreshing drink. After indulging in Placencia, a short Tropic Air hop (£75 one-way) takes me to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is giving Wes Anderson: pastel-coloured wooden buildings, narrow sandy streets, and golf carts buzzing around as the main form of transport. In fact, my 'taxi' from the mini-airport to Ramon's Village Resort is a golf buggy (golf cart rentals cost about £7 per hour), although you could easily walk it if you wanted. Ramon's Village feels like stepping back in time, in the best way. Thatched-roof cabanas, lush tropical gardens, hammocks swinging in the breeze. Everything here is designed to help you unplug. Room rates vary by season and type, ranging from £135 to £360. Reggae music floats from bars and beach shacks all over town, a nod to Belize's cultural ties to Jamaica (both were once British colonies). It shows up in the food too: comforting dishes like stew chicken, rice and kidney beans, fried jacks (similar to Jamaican fried dumplings), and sweet plantain accompany almost every meal. Familiar, yet quintessentially Belizean. That evening, I join the Belize Food Tour, which turns out to be one of the best ways to experience San Pedro's spirit. Walking between stops with a chatty group of fellow travellers and locals, we try everything from fresh conch ceviche to grilled lobster, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and rich coconut pies. Along the way, we get snippets of history, gossip, and restaurant secrets—it's less like a formal tour and more like wandering town with new friends who know all the best bites. Approximately £57 per person. The next morning, it's time for the ultimate snorkelling trip to Hol Chan marine reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Also known as 'Little Channel', it has impossibly clear waters and coral gardens teeming with life. Swimming alongside rays and nurse sharks is thrilling for some, but full disclosure, it's not for me. While hanging on to the side of the boat, I do manage to capture a semblance of magic as I duck my head in. A kaleidoscope of fish glide past me; if you're into that sort of thing, this place is a veritable underwater theme park. Before leaving Belize, there's one final bucket-list moment: a scenic flyover of the iconic Great Blue Hole. More Trending From the air, the vast circular sinkhole looks surreal: deep, endless blue surrounded by the lighter turquoise of the reef. You might even spot dolphins or manatees swimming below if you're lucky. It's humbling and breathtaking all at once. Scenic flights cost £200 per person, or, if you prefer to get up close and personal, sea tours typically cost around £100, including snorkel gear and guide. It sounds trite, but each new day in Belize brings new adventure and fresh perspective. It's the kind of place that reminds you to slow down… and eat everything. I've fallen for Belize and the love feels reciprocated. What more could you want? There are no direct flights from the UK to Belize. Travelling in the first week of June, the cheapest option is flying with United Airlines from London Heathrow, with stops in New York and Houston. Return fares start from £651, and the journey takes just over 24 hours. British Airways also flies from London Heathrow, with one stop in Miami. Prices start from £837 for the same week. Do I need a visa? UK passport holders do not need a visa for a tourist visit to Belize. You can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. MORE: Forget the Med — I swapped the sun for a spectacular Scandinavian train ride MORE: A weekend in Brighton through the eyes of a child MORE: Move over Dubai – the Middle East's 'Pearl of the Gulf' is more interesting
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Hans India
Go Glamping: The best of comfort and adventure in the golden State
California offers a unique blend of the thrill of camping and the comforts of luxury at some of the best glamping spots across the state. Whether it's the stunning coastlines, majestic mountains, or serene deserts, California's glamping retreats allow you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern conveniences. Wilderness Retreats Perfect for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and water sports, these glamping locations are nestled in California's top mountain, lake, and forest settings. • Cave Springs Resort Stay in vintage Airstream trailers near the charming town of Dunsmuir. Explore Mount Shasta, relax by the Sacramento River, or hike to Hedge Creek Falls during the day. Unwind at night in a restored Airstream blending modern comfort with nostalgic charm. • SunHawk Farms Located in Mendocino, this eco-friendly resort offers glamping tents, a kid-friendly water slide, and a recreational lake on seven acres — perfect for families to connect with nature or join pickleball camps. • Camp Nauvoo Near Lake Tahoe in Placerville, Camp Nauvoo offers glamping tents and teepees on 88 acres alongside Weber Creek. Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and sports without ever leaving the campgrounds. • Dawn Ranch A romantic getaway in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dawn Ranch features vintage canvas tents in a fruit orchard. Couples can roast s'mores, learn Fender guitar, and indulge in nature-inspired spa treatments and gourmet dining at The Lodge. • Under Canvas Yosemite An 80-acre luxurious glamping site just 10 minutes from Yosemite's entrance. Guests enjoy plush king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and West Elm furnishings for the ultimate upscale outdoor experience. Coastal Glamping Getaways For stunning ocean views, sunsets, and beachside adventures, these coastal retreats deliver unforgettable experiences. • Waypoint Ventura Stay in one of 20 uniquely restored Airstream trailers just blocks from Ventura Beach. Each trailer has its own fun personality, such as The Flamingo or Green Eggs & Ham. • Camp Catalina White's Landing On Catalina Island, enjoy beachfront cabins and tents with comfy beds. From March to November, families can join guided fishing, yoga sessions, and Trapper Adventure programs for kids. • Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort Rent an RV or stay in a beachfront cottage in Newport Beach. Enjoy a waterpark, boat rentals, a Pirate's playground, and beach bonfires. Conveniently close to Fashion Island and Balboa Island. • Campland on the Bay & Mission Bay RV Resort Located in San Diego, Campland offers a lively atmosphere with RV rentals, beachfront fire pits, and water sports—ideal for families. Mission Bay provides a more tranquil setting with hiking, biking, and watersports. Desert & Unique Experiences For open vistas, starry skies, and adventurous escapes, these desert and unique glamping spots stand out. • Noma Resort High Sierra luxury in geometric domes with skylights for stargazing. Enjoy fishing ponds, apple orchards, canoeing, and hiking trails. • Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort A family-friendly spot in Lodi with a water park, laser tag, mini-golf, cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Close to wine country, San Francisco, and Sacramento. • Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort Near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this Wild West-themed resort features pools, a saloon, and some of the best stargazing in an International Dark Sky Community. Enjoy desert hiking and cowboy adventures by day. • Old Town Ranch Stay in a converted Conestoga wagon in Temecula. Spend days horseback riding, exploring the ranch, and visiting nearby wineries.
CTV News
20-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Cancer survivor thanks Halifax-based support centre
The Lodge that Gives downtown Halifax provides refuge and support for patients battling a cancer diagnosis.
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Why would anyone sell ocean scanning Whistler? Well, family here has Cork's famed Bunny's in its sights...
IT WOULD take a lot to get a family to leave the likes of Whistler, a contemporary upside down home with wide ocean and beach views, in a property hot-spot like Cork's Fountainstown — but, turns out the vendors have something special up their sleeve, known and loved by them for half a century. Whistler is a house with studio apartment at the back within a stone's skip of the beach Selling Whistler are the O'Brien family, who built it back 25 years ago and home since to a couple and two boys. Only moving up the road, the family has deep local roots — they own both Pine Lodge (now The Lodge) and famed Bunnyconnellan's hospitality ventures, in nearby Myrtleville just to the east along the Coast Road…one of Crosshaven's increasingly valued Golden Miles. Whistler's vendors are to move to fantastically-sited Bunnyconnellan's after taking it off the market Whistler hits the market with a €1.3 million price guide via agent Roy Dennehy, for a high-end and adaptable four-bed, 2,150 sq ft home, including a self-contained apartment to the rear, plus double garage, at the Fountainstown beach end of the Coast Road. Why are the O'Brien clan selling? Well, great and all as Whistler and its seaside setting and vista is, they have a bigger, even more exotic fish to fry, at the famed Bunnyconnellan cliffs-set site less than a mile away, set to be their new home. Set in one of coastal Cork's most iconic settings, overlooking the mouth of Cork harbour and Roches Point above Myrtleville beach, Bunnyconnellan, or Bunny's, has been in generations of the O'Brien family's hands for nigh on 50 years; now it's about to take another pivot in that property's long, 200 year history. Go Whistler Bunny's was bought in 1976 by Paddy and Sheila O'Brien, who had previous bars in Cork city (the Marina) and in London, and they further developed the former bar/small hotel owned by the Porteous family, making it their own family home for a period too. Hugely loved by Corkonians and visitor alike, for its position as well as tradition, Bunny's closed post-pandemic when the current generation of O'Briens had at peak employed 80 between here and The Lodge (eight chefs alone in Bunny's), citing staffing and accommodation difficulties at the time. The Lodge trades well still today, whilst the c 6,000 sq ft Bunny's on over five acres was put for sale in 2023, guiding €1.9 million. It featured extensively here at the time, gaining both commercial venture offers and residential traction and interest, both as a dramatic one-off private home, or split into several smaller residential sections. Ground floor bedroom at Whistler Turns out, the O'Briens picked up on one aspect of the sales pitch (from agents at the time Savills, who had strong inquiries on it) and subsequently decided to restore it as an extended family home, splitting into three sections, for themselves and their adult children, noting their sons — in their 20s — would have the same challenges as any other young person in buying homes for themselves. Whistler is an upside down home, for the views They have the design services of an architect friend, Klaus Fleisch from Stuttgart and who has local coastal links too to the area, to adapt the former Bunny's, which grew from an initial tiny cottage back in the 1820s, in fits and starts, to what it famously became. Conversion back to residential use won't need planning permission thanks to legislative changes brought in a few years back to facilitate the repurposing of former pubs and bar to living quarters. While there will be some public disappointment that a bar won't run here in such a dramatic setting again 'I think people will be glad it won't be over-developed' says one of the couple, accepting the quip that generations now will be living cheek-by-jowl, in something akin to the famous Kennedy Compound on Cap Cod…also coincidentally three houses, on c six acres. In contrast, Whistler is a one-off, in more ways than one, 'a must-see, a truly rare opportunity indeed to purchase a substantial, detached residence located in one of South Cork's most sought after coastal settings, in a private cul de sac' say Dennehy Property. Open plan upstairs Whistler had three bedrooms (one en suite) and main bathroom at ground floor, and first floor reception hall, and vast open plan kitchen/living/dining with extensive apex glazing (with electric blackout blinds if needed). There's then access to a balcony for views over Fountainstown, Ringabella bay, Ringabella beach, headlands and across to Cork's outer harbour where yachts sport and tankers berth off-shore, in an ever changing ocean panorama. Behind, meanwhile on the stepped site is a self-contained one-bed studio apartment. The Price Register show half a dozen or so €1m+ sales at nearby Crosshaven, where several on the Point Road were bought for this sort of sum, flattened and rebuilt for new, multi-million euro homes with bells and whistles. The effect and price premiums put on water views and proximity has spilled over the harbour community's backing hills to Fennells Bay, Myrtleville and Fountainstown and the Coast Road between the latter two beach locations with another raft of €1m+ sales, including the €1.79m paid for the new build called Medjez-El-Bab. VERDICT: Canada's Whisler is a well-known snowboarding and ski-resort, at Cork's Whistler you can water-ski, surf, kayak and sea swim to your heart's content, then walk back up home for a hot shower and apres ski afterwards.
