Latest news with #TheRetreat
The Age
13-05-2025
- The Age
Business class at sea: Exclusive, luxury areas on big ships take off
This article is part of Traveller's Holiday Guide to ocean cruising. See all stories. For a long time, the only way for cruise passengers to differentiate themselves from the riff-raff was to upgrade their cabin or suite, have dinner in a specialty restaurant, or book themselves onto a more luxurious cruise ship. Then budget cruise lines had a lightbulb moment. If hotels can have executive lounges, sports stadiums have corporate boxes and airlines have business and first class lounges, why can't cruise ships do something similar? And so the oddly named ship-within-a-ship zone was introduced. MSC's Yacht Club and Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven were the pioneers in the 'noughties'. Others are Celebrity Cruises' The Retreat, Princess Cruises' The Sanctuary, and Loft 19 on Carnival Cruise Line. Holland America and Royal Caribbean don't have such zones, although passengers in certain suites have access to a dedicated lounge and additional services. The ship-within-a-ship is an exclusive, cost-additional area that looks nicer, has more upscale furnishings and offers better amenities and service. It's usually located on a high deck with open views. Think boutique hotel wedged inside a large corporate hotel and you get the picture. What you get in such retreats varies between cruise lines and even between ships of the same line, but you'll probably enjoy a small swimming pool, hot tubs, sundeck with cabanas and a bar. A restaurant will offer upmarket dining, which won't require reservations. Celebrity Cruises' Luminae, for example, has a menu created by French Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud.
Sydney Morning Herald
13-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Business class at sea: Exclusive, luxury areas on big ships take off
This article is part of Traveller's Holiday Guide to ocean cruising. See all stories. For a long time, the only way for cruise passengers to differentiate themselves from the riff-raff was to upgrade their cabin or suite, have dinner in a specialty restaurant, or book themselves onto a more luxurious cruise ship. Then budget cruise lines had a lightbulb moment. If hotels can have executive lounges, sports stadiums have corporate boxes and airlines have business and first class lounges, why can't cruise ships do something similar? And so the oddly named ship-within-a-ship zone was introduced. MSC's Yacht Club and Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven were the pioneers in the 'noughties'. Others are Celebrity Cruises' The Retreat, Princess Cruises' The Sanctuary, and Loft 19 on Carnival Cruise Line. Holland America and Royal Caribbean don't have such zones, although passengers in certain suites have access to a dedicated lounge and additional services. The ship-within-a-ship is an exclusive, cost-additional area that looks nicer, has more upscale furnishings and offers better amenities and service. It's usually located on a high deck with open views. Think boutique hotel wedged inside a large corporate hotel and you get the picture. What you get in such retreats varies between cruise lines and even between ships of the same line, but you'll probably enjoy a small swimming pool, hot tubs, sundeck with cabanas and a bar. A restaurant will offer upmarket dining, which won't require reservations. Celebrity Cruises' Luminae, for example, has a menu created by French Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
10 photos that will inspire your next holiday
A pristine wilderness of clear blue waters, dramatic mountainscapes and majestic waterfalls, the Norwegian Fjords truly are a natural wonder. They're also dotted with charming towns and mountain villages steeped in Viking history. One of the most magical ways to explore them? Undoubtedly on the water, drifting peacefully between far-flung communities, soaking up the scenery and stopping to hike vibrant trails, kayak, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air. Whether you're exploring the picturesque streets of Stavanger or marvelling at the 600m Langfoss waterfall (from Haugesund), on a P&O Cruises holiday to the Norwegian Fjords, you'll combine immersive experiences with the sleek beauty of its luxurious ship, Iona. It's the perfect destination for first-time cruisers. Still wondering whether a cruise holiday to the Norwegian Fjords is for you? Here are 10 breathtaking images that will leave you longing to set sail... A stroll through Old Stavanger's enchanting cobbled streets and beautifully preserved white wooden buildings invites you to take a step back in time. This small city was founded in 872 AD by Viking king Harald Fairhair, and its rich heritage is on display at every turn. Explore charming shops, local handicrafts, Nordic art galleries and fascinating museums. Towering 604m above the shimmering Lysefjord, the legendary Pulpit Rock (from Stavanger) offers breathtaking views and unmissable photo opportunities. Enjoy a few hours' hike to the top, or soar above by helicopter for a truly awe-inspiring experience. (All shore experiences cost a little extra and can be booked via P&O Cruises.) Ålesund is a picture-perfect port town nestled at the entrance of Geirangerfjord. The town's distinctive architecture, rebuilt after a fire in 1904, is a captivating blend of architectural styles, including mock-Gothic, neo-classical, and Art Nouveau. Also a lively fishing town with an idyllic maritime location, Ålesund promises a colourful and memorable experience. Take an exhilarating ride to the top of Mount Hoven on the Loen Skylift (from Olden). Ascend more than 1,000m in just five minutes as you take in the awe-inspiring landscape. At the summit, find yourself immersed in seemingly endless panoramas encompassing Nordfjord, Lake Lovatnet and the Jostedal Glacier. The journey back to the ship will then take you past Hornindal Lake – at 514m, one of Europe's deepest. Ever travelled by infinity pool? On Iona you can do just that. Indulge in the ultimate on-board experience as you enjoy panoramic views over the fjords and a sophisticated ambience. With four pools and 18 whirlpool spas on board, you've no excuse not to kick back in style and watch the scenery drift by. And for just a little extra, why not treat yourself to a spot of South Beach chic by heading to The Retreat, with its shaded cabanas? On some P&O Cruises holidays to the Norwegian Fjords, you can experience this engineering marvel, which ascends almost 900m over its 19km length. An extraordinary journey with even more incredible views, the dramatic landscape of mountains, cascading waterfalls, farms, villages and isolated mountain lodges in the depths of the valleys make the trip hair-raising in the best possible way. Experience the awesome sight of the 1,910m high Briksdal Glacier (from Olden), which forms part of the biggest glacier on mainland Europe, formed around 2,500 years ago. And the journey there is no less awesome. As you travel through the Briksdalen Valley to the foot of the glacier, huge waterfalls cascade down from above. Sea view and Balcony cabins, with their expansive natural light and gorgeous vistas, provide a constant reminder of the surrounding views. Wake up to the calming sound of the waters and enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your own luxurious cabin. Or why not treat yourself and upgrade to a Suite? For a more budget-friendly option there's also a great selection of super-comfy Inside cabins, with a host of homely touches and a daily steward service. Elsewhere on board, Iona is all about bringing the outside in, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the ship's light-filled Grand Atrium – which offers generous views of the surrounding land and seascapes. It also serves as its social hub, with dining venues, bars, shops and more. On some P&O Cruises holidays to the Norwegian Fjords, you can sail through the Unesco World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord, steeped in Norse mythology, where deep blue waters meet towering mountains and crashing waterfalls. This is the perfect place to enjoy a spot of kayaking in the noticeably calm waters that curve between the majestic mountain peaks rising to 1,700m – among nature's masterpieces. Iona offers an unforgettable culinary journey, with a wide variety of dining options to satisfy every palate. From family-friendly favourites to exquisite dishes inspired by your Nordic travels, you'll find something to tempt you in the many restaurants on board that are included in the price. For a little extra, you can indulge in chic speciality dining. Not to be missed is the six-course tasting menu – featuring the best of Norwegian recipes and produce – by P&O Cruises Local Food Hero Kjartan Skjelde in Epicurean restaurant. When you've eaten to your heart's content, unwind with your favourite tipple in one of the ship's dazzling bars. A P&O Cruises holiday is the perfect way to explore the enchanting Norwegian Fjords. Immerse yourself in the magic of breathtaking landscapes, charming villages and Nordic culture. Enjoy the incredible on-board offerings of Iona, and, for a little extra, discover new adventures with exciting shore experiences. Book now and from just £799 per person* you could be looking forward to a fantastic seven-night cruise holiday, including stop-offs at Stavanger, Ålesund and Olden*. *Early Saver price of £799 per person is based on two adults sharing a PF grade Inside cabin on cruise G612. Prices are subject to availability and may go up or down. Early Saver bookings are made at the relevant cabin grade and a cabin number is allocated by P&O Cruises prior to departure. Dining preferences are not guaranteed. Shuttle buses in ports are an additional cost. Early Saver prices apply to new bookings only. These terms and conditions vary, where relevant, the applicable booking conditions which are otherwise unchanged. For up-to-date prices and full terms and conditions, which you must read before booking, please visit *Please note: stop-offs vary by cruise.
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Fury as locals are forced to cancel their VE Day celebrations after travellers pitch up their caravans on village green
A tiny community has had to cancel its VE Day celebrations for 'health and safety' reasons after travellers pitched up on its village green. Stowupland Parish Council had been organising the lighting of a beacon to mark the 80th anniversary of the occasion. But the plans were scuppered after four caravans parked on the land in the heart of the community. Some locals were angry that councillors had capitulated to the travellers but a source said their hands were tied by health and safety regulations. 'We have to set a cordon up and we couldn't do that with the travellers there. They're only 15-20ft away,' the insider said, adding they 'didn't want confrontation'. The pretty village, which is set in the heart of Suffolk and has a population of around 2,500, has won several Best Kept Village awards The beacon has been a central feature of the community for several years and has been used to mark national occasions including the late Queen's platinum jubilee in 2022, King Charles' coronation the following year and the D-Day anniversary last year. Scores of locals were expected at the lighting of the beacon for VE Day on Thursday this week but the plans were thrown into disarray with the arrival of the travellers last Wednesday. The parish council posted a notice on its Facebook page two days later which stated: 'Due to circumstances on our green, we have had to cancel the lighting of the beacon next week.' Those who complained included Shaun Langford, who wrote: 'Just think about what you have done, you have cancelled a celebration of military victory, a victory that cost thousands of British and Empire lives. 'Stowupland Parish Council has cowardly cancelled this celebration and commemoration because of four caravans.' Emily Iona, who lives nearby, added: 'VE Day celebrations mean a great deal to a lot of people who had family or friends serve in World War II and it's their right to celebrate this with the local community. 'To cancel it because we have had travellers arrive seems a very sad choice indeed… should we stop celebrating just because there's one small 'potential' issue? It seems counter-productive to me.' Another frustrated local branded the travellers 'the untouchables'. In a notice, the council added: 'A decision was made yesterday not to light the beacon for VE Day due to an unauthorised encampment of travellers on the village green close to the beacon. 'We need to consider the health and safety of all concerned. 'We hope to organise an event celebrating VJ Day on the anniversary of August 15, 2025, at which we can also celebrate VE Day.' Village pub The Retreat also posted a notice online saying it would not open until 4pm 'due to the same circumstances', adding: 'Our sincere apologies to any lunches booked.' Parish council chairman Donna Bridges today confirmed the travellers hadn't moved on and told the Mail: 'We've gone through the proper procedures.' Clerk Rachel Belcher-Nairn added: 'The parish council are aware of the arrival of caravans to the village green and have notified the relevant authorities. 'Steps are being taken, in conjunction with various partners, to instigate a legal process.' Travellers previously camped on the village green in 2003 and moved after they were threatened with legal action.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Country park reveals new dark sky visitor attraction
A HOLIDAY park on the Herefordshire and Powys border is developing a new type of visitor attraction for those seeking dark sky experiences devoid of light pollution. Rockbridge Country Holiday Park based just outside Presteigne will be offering a the experience to visitors called 'The Retreat'. The town and surrounding community became the first in Wales to be designated an International Dark Sky Community by Dark Sky International last year. READ MORE: Major update on plans for Edgar Street stadium redevelopment Entries open for Bromyard Speed Festival 2025 Future of festival uncertain as plans put on hold The holiday park, owned by Discover Parks, are investing in reducing light pollution by creating a transparent viewing dome, a telescope, and plans to educate visitors on how to 'stargaze in style' with the help of the the local Marches Astrology Group. Discover Parks owners, Glenn and Hannah Jones say the development has taken longer than expected, but it has given them time to create something which will compliment Presteigne's beautiful countryside. Presteigne and its surround countryside became the first community in Wales to be designated an International Dark Sky Community last year (Image: Discover Park)"We are bowled over by the interest so far," Glenn said. "We have been extremely careful not to create light pollution in an area that's been awarded for its dedication to maintaining unpolluted night skies, and that, we feel, is being greatly appreciated.' Leigh-Harling Bowen as the area's Dark Skies Community Leader says this development has been "a long hard slog" but dark sky status is great to achieve. "The Presteigne & Norton community has worked tenaciously over the last six years to highlight the benefits of becoming a dark sky community," Leigh-Harling said. "'The Retreat' at Rockbridge will now be able to offer visitors the opportunity to see unparalleled views of the dark, clear, unpolluted skies of Mid Wales.' The launch of 'The Retreat' will happen this Friday, April 25, as MS Senedd member James Evans will be cutting a ribbon. Glenn himself and other Presteigne Town councillors will be present to mark the occasion. The public are invited to the opening.
