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Irish Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Ireland's northern coast blends luxury with adventure
Ireland's northern coast is a rugged stretch of soaring cliffs, sandy beaches and dramatic scenery. A destination that is growing in popularity, it is increasingly being populated by luxury accommodation offerings that allow discerning visitors to get the most from a stay in this beautiful part of the world while enjoying the best in creature comforts. Donegal Boardwalk Resort is just one of these offerings. Its managing director, Ann-Louise Scott says the resort was designed to offer the ultimate in flexible escapes. 'It's the perfect location, whether you're seeking relaxation, reconnection or adventure,' she explains. 'It's a place where couples can unwind with sea views and sunsets, and families can celebrate milestones or spend quality time together in a relaxed setting.' She adds that it's equally suited to walking holidays, watersports getaways, or even wellness-focused stays that begin with yoga on the boardwalk by the beach. Scott explains that the vision for Donegal Boardwalk Resort was to create a destination that felt both elevated and deeply rooted in its surroundings; 'somewhere people could relax in comfort while enjoying the natural beauty of the Rosguill Peninsula'. The self-catering lodges offer a home-away-from-home experience for families and groups, with open-plan layouts that allow people to come together but with enough space for everyone to have their own privacy. These are ideal for reunions, family holidays and extended stays, Scott notes. READ MORE The luxury beachside suites, on the other hand, were created for guests seeking a more refined escape. 'With high-end interiors, private balconies or patios, and panoramic sea views, they provide a peaceful and luxurious retreat so they are perfect for couples or solo travellers looking to switch off in style. It offers the space and privacy of self-catering, combined with thoughtful amenities that go beyond what a typical hotel or B&B provides, including direct beach access, on-site dining, leisure facilities, and a truly immersive natural setting.' Later this year, a new boutique spa will open at the resort, featuring a thermal suite and a relaxation room that both overlook the beach, alongside four private treatment rooms. 'Whether you're indulging in a massage or simply unwinding with the Atlantic as your backdrop, it's the perfect setting to slow down and restore body and mind,' says Scott. The resort was designed to have everything on-site: two children's playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, and a restaurant and bar. There is also the iconic boardwalk that leads to the unspoilt sands of Tramore beach. 'You can park the car and forget about it – everything is here to help you slow down and savour Donegal at your own pace,' says Scott. 'At its heart, the resort was developed to offer comfort without pretension, and luxury without losing the laid-back charm of Donegal.' The resort is ideally placed for anyone wanting to explore the rugged charm of Donegal's north coast. Guests are just minutes from the Atlantic Drive, and close to standout attractions such as Fanad Lighthouse, Glenveagh National Park, Doe Castle, and the majestic Errigal and Muckish Mountains. Walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers will find plenty of breathtaking routes and hidden spots to discover. Unsurprisingly, the area is hugely popular with golfers. Donegal Boardwalk Resort is one of the closest accommodations to St Patrick's Links at Rosapenna, which was ranked #49 in Golf Magazine's World Top 100 Courses 2023–24; Scott notes it is widely considered one of the most exciting modern links courses anywhere. Also nearby are the spectacular links at Dunfanaghy Golf Club and Portsalon Golf Club, offering top-tier coastal courses within easy reach. Royal Portrush Golf Club, its place in golf history guaranteed, is just a two-hour spin along the northern coast. For those who prefer a hotel stay, there are many luxury options in Donegal and along the northern coast. Lough Eske in southwest Donegal offers five-star accommodation with a renowned spa, while across the border in Fermanagh, Lough Erne Resort is also five star. Both offer unbridled luxury in opulent settings, while still being ideal bases from which to sample the Wild Atlantic Way. Luxury glamping is also holding steady in popularity, with more options springing up every year. Kintala Resort & Spa in Derry has six luxury lodges – each with its own private hot tub – and 10 glamping pods, while Lough Foyle glamping offers hot tubs, a sauna and plunge pools.
Times
22-05-2025
- Times
Martinhal Sagres review: a fun, family-friendly resort on the tip of the Algarve
Martinhal Sagres opened in 2010 and set a new standard in family holidays: here, adults-only zones are out and children's playgrounds in, while a baby concierge helps parents keep packing to a minimum by providing everything from bottle sterilisers to potties at no extra cost. It's not quite as family-friendly as it could be, though, with more formal, pernickety service than you might expect (all meals, including breakfast, must be booked) and high prices for food and drinks across the board (though self-catering in one of the apartments or houses is an option). Despite these niggles, it remains one of the best resorts on the Algarve for children thanks to its facilities, with multiple heated swimming pools, a gorgeous sandy beach, brilliant playgrounds and kids' sports activities that will keep all ages entertained. Bear in mind that the hotel aims itself at families and almost all guests come with children — this isn't one for your next romantic break à deux. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 7/10The 37 rooms just back from the beach have lovely full or partial sea views and a crisp, cool colour palette designed to complement the landscape beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Most are large enough for just one child; come with more and you'll need to interconnect with a duplex beach suite, introducing stairs (though there are stair gates); bathrooms are spacious, with separate bath and shower. Alternatively, book one of the 132 houses and villas, arranged in a village-like pattern on streets leading away from the sea and sleeping as many as 12. These come with kitchens and laundry facilities and some have their own outdoor pool. The baby concierge service can provide cots, highchairs and baby baths, and the patient staff throughout the hotel are well-versed in dealing with the whims of young 7/10Overlooking the beach, As Dunas is the place to while away the middle of the day over freshly grilled fish and a bottle of Portuguese wine, while the kids let off steam within sight at the nearby playground. For evenings, O Terraco is best, its polished wood floors, large windows overlooking the ocean and contemporary chandeliers the backdrop to high-quality steaks. There's a (sometimes staffed) kids' corner inside both restaurants so children can go off and play while parents eat, and the children's menus offer dishes such as pastas, burgers and even baby purées. Breakfast is served at both restaurants, with a buffet that covers the basics, while simple crowd-pleasing dinners can be had at Os Gambozinos in the main square, which overlooks a larger playground. Note that all meals, including breakfast, must be booked in advance and that at busy times the most popular child-friendly slots fill up fast. • Discover our full guide to the Algarve• Best hotels in the Algarve Score 8/10Five swimming pools, all heated, are arranged around the resort, with the Hangout pool just above the beach the most popular (unless it's windy, when everyone heads to the indoor pool). Right on the doorstep is a sandy beach some 700m long; the resort also has a water sports centre for windsurfing, kayaking and SUP, and staff can also organise surf trips further afield. The football pitch hosts daily family football matches and there's tennis, padel, mini golf and a climbing wall. This is a resort designed around children, so there are several playgrounds (one even has a bouncy castle), as well as kids' clubs for ages from six months to 17 years — note, though, that these are split into five age groups, potentially separating siblings. All pools and playgrounds are complimentary, along with the gym and family playroom, which has board games, video games and a pool table, but all other activities, including the kids' clubs, attract an extra charge, except in low season (typically November to March). Score 7/10The resort is located in the far southwest corner of Portugal, which makes its weather more blustery than balmy — and certainly windier than other parts of the Algarve. The upside is that any clouds blow over quickly. You're surrounded by the Costa Vicentina Natural Park here, in an unspoiled part of the country — don't expect copious tourist attractions, do expect plenty of birdlife. The hotel has a bike station, for bike hire and guided tours of the reserve, and you can walk into the pleasant, surfy town of Sagres, which has a 15th-century fort and laid-back local restaurants, in about 20 minutes. Faro airport is about an hour and a half away by car. Price B&B doubles from £146Restaurant mains from £22Family-friendly YAccessible Y Helen Ochyra was a guest of Martinhal Sagres ( • Best family hotels in the Algarve• Best holiday villas in the Algarve
The Sun
19-05-2025
- The Sun
All the UK holiday parks in the UK with forest schools for kids – including night vision walks and Bear Grylls Academy
AS the weather gets warmer and families look to get away, there is more to do than just head off on a beach break - many holiday camps across the UK also offer forest-based activities. Forest Schools or 'camps' are usually child-centred and feature activities that help children learn about the outside world and experiment hands-on. 5 5 5 Here are some of the best across the UK. Keldy Forest Lodges, Yorkshire Keldy Forest Lodges located in Yorkshire is home to both classic cabins with hot tubs and forest lodges. Keldy hosts a number of different outdoor activities for families including archery, air rifle shooting or a zip wire experience. There is also a Forest Ranger Adventure, where - alongside a Forest Ranger - families can learn about the forest and participate in treasure hunts and Night Vision walks. The holiday park is located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park too which is also a great place to explore nature. Mendip Basecamp, Somerset Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Somerset's Mendip Basecamp is home to a number of outdoor activities for explorers of all ages. With a campsite and glamping onsite, the outdoor activity centre has a number of free activities every day and over 20 expert-led adventures to book including rock climbing, paddleboarding, caving and archery. The camping pitches also have fire pits. Mendip Basecamp also secured a VisitEngland Award for Excellence 2025 Camping, Glamping and was a Holiday Park of the Year finalist. Ridgeway Adventure, Scotland Ridgeway Adventure sits on Scotland's NC500 and visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures tailored to each family, from mountain hikes to sea kayaking, wild swimming, foraging, and coastal survival skills. The holiday park that's been called an affordable Centre Parcs Families can stay at Ardmore, which is just yards from the sea, in a cosy house with home-cooked meals provided daily – no cooking, no hassle. The activities are organised for families and on their final day, visitors are free to enjoy it by themselves including beach walks. Parkdean Resorts, nationwide At Parkdean Resorts, there is the Bear Grylls Survival Academy: Shipwrecked. 5 Led by qualified instructors, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy enables young explorers to learn all about how to fend for themselves using just their natural surroundings. The academy is suitable for all ages, but children under eight-years-old must be accompanied by an adult. A mother visits Haven holiday parks every year with her family and has shared some secret areas guests don't know about. Plus, Britain's best holiday park has been revealed with indoor pool, famous nearby beach and the 'best sunsets'. 5
Times
18-05-2025
- Times
8 of the best beaches in Europe for summer 2025
It's difficult to pinpoint something quite so subjective as 'best beach'. Would your ideal iteration be sandy, pebbly, built-up, child-friendly or almost entirely footprint-free? Are shade or snorkelling key requirements, or do you need a soundtrack and cocktails? The conundrum gets trickier still when your options span an entire continent — and Europe is hardly short of brilliant beaches. I've certainly spread my towel on some memorable shores in my 20-odd years as a travel writer, from the pebbles in my hometown of Brighton to the sands of Laganas Bay in Greece, where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. These are just two favourites I've had to leave aside in the interests of limiting this list to the headliners. My selection is by no means exhaustive, but I've done my best to include options that might appeal to every taste. And if I've missed your favourite? Share it in the comments below. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for family holidays Sandy beaches are commonplace on Portugal's south coast, but Martinhal is a standout among them. Located near the seaside village of Sagres (which, before the Age of Discovery, was considered to be at the edge of the world), this blue-flag beauty fills a sheltered bay within the unspoiled acres of Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Atlantic breezes keep things cool on even the hottest summer days, as well as providing propulsion for blokarting (think sail-powered go-karting), windsurfing and other seaside sports. Day trips, available to book through local companies or platforms such as GetYourGuide, might take you dolphin-spotting or to Cape St Vincent's wave-beaten cliffs, or you can venture out along miles of well-marked coastal hiking and biking trails. Faro airport is less than a 90-minute drive away, and although you probably wouldn't be so keen on sea swimming in winter, it's pleasantly balmy here outside the main beach season, too. Loos and café nearby, lifeguards. Water quality: blue flag status Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort has stylish rooms and family-friendly villas, beach access, and excellent facilities. • Read our full guide to Portugal Best for seaside chic (and surfing) In 1854 Napoleon III built a summer residence for his wife Empress Eugénie beside La Grande Plage, the most famous of Biarritz's six beaches. The imperial palace still crowns the promenade, although the parasols and crinolines sported by strollers in Eugénie's day have long since been usurped by surfboards and wetsuits. What have survived are the rows of brightly striped 'beach tents' that stylishly provide shelter from the elements. Nearby, watch surfers at play on Côte des Basques' rolling waves, then return for sunset cocktails at the Casino Municipal. Like any European beach resort, it's at its very best in summer, when there are direct flights from the UK to Biarritz too. Loos, café, lifeguards. Water quality: excellent The former palace is now the five-star Hotel du Palais, a grand Hyatt property providing lodgings fit for an emperor,with a spa and an outdoor pool. Best for year-round sunshine One of Gran Canaria's most popular spots has a staggering 400 hectares of sand dunes and a beach that stretches for several kilometres between the resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. Parts of it feel wild, others have rows of loungers, and there are clothing-optional and LGBT-friendly areas too. Portions of the beach have lifeguards, making it a good family-friendly option. And the other perk? A climate that's summery all year round. Loos, café, lifeguards. Water quality: blue flag status Stay at the (prettier) Maspalomas end of the beach, basing yourself at Seaside Palm Beach, a retro-chic, five-star hideaway situated in a palm grove. • Read our full guide to the Canary Islands Best for city slickers Rhodes Town doesn't just have 2,000 years of history up its sleeve. A 10-minute walk beyond the walls of this medieval marvel lies sand-and-pebble Elli, one of Europe's loveliest urban beaches. Whether you choose to stretch out on the sand, relax on a lounger, have lunch at loud-and-lively Ronda Beach Bar or leap into the generally calm sea from the diving platform, you'll enjoy the cool, clear waters and smashing views towards Turkish mountains. If you're visiting on a ferry or cruise, Elli is walkable from the Water quality: excellent Marella Cruises features Rhodes in both its Aegean Gems and Grecian Discovery itineraries, among others. • Read our full guide to Greece Best for coolcationers If you're not a fan of searing summers, a northerly beach might be more your thing. Like a Teutonic take on the Hamptons, Sylt (a North Frisian island near the border with Denmark) has long been a favourite for cashed-up Germans. Aim for Hörnum, the island's southernmost town, and its marvellously sandy Hauptstrand beach. Facing the North Sea, it has acres of space and excellent water sports. Hörnum's east-facing shore offers busier beaches; don't miss the seal who hangs out near the harbour in the hope of being thrown the odd fish. You, meanwhile, can dine out on local oysters at one of the many seafood restaurants in the town. Get there by train across a scenic causeway; Hamburg has direct connections to Sylt, taking around three café, lifeguards. Water quality: excellent The beachfront Budersand Hotel features golf, a spa and Michelin-starred dining. • Read our full guide to Germany Best for kiss-me-quick kitsch The advent of foreign holidays was bad news for Britain's Victorian beach resorts, many of which fell into steep decline from around the 1960s. Of the few resorts that kept themselves current (Brighton and Blackpool spring to mind), Bournemouth shines the brightest thanks to its magnificent main beach: a generous drift of apricot sand backed by cliffs, a promenade and colourful beach huts. There are car parks and on-street parking nearby, but you may want to travel by train to avoid spending half your day searching for a space. Tick off its seaside essentials (ice cream, fish and chips, deckchairs and the pier's arcades and attractions), then seek out classier finds like the excellent Russell-Cotes gallery and museum, an opulent Victorian villa crammed with the original owner's art and treasures. Nearby WestBeach restaurant, right by the pier, has some of the best seafood in town. Loos, café, lifeguards. Water quality: variable, check local conditions With its luxury spa and chic pool deck, the Nici brings an unexpected touch of Miami-meets-the-French-Riviera to Bournemouth's waterfront. • Read our full review of the Nici Best for adventure-seekers As the name of its Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) suggests, jewel-toned shores are a thing in Sardinia, but head to the La Maddalena isles (by ferry or on a day-trip)and the colours get crazier still. This archipelago — with seven main islands near Sardinia's northern tip — is known for unspoiled shores and turquoise seas, but its most unique spot is Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach). This rose-coloured bay on Budelli is utterly extraordinary. Being part of a National Park, it's undeveloped and unspoiled, so the best way to experience this magical place is on an excursion, whether you're staying on neighbouring La Maddalena or over on mainland Sardinia (where there's a greater choice of hotels). Water quality: excellent GetYourGuide provides island-hopping excursions by tour boat and catamaran from the north coast resort of Palau. • Read our full guide to Italy Best for party people There's a genuine sense of escapism at this pale-sand Ibizan on the south coast, less than half an hour by bus from Ibiza Town, it'shidden among pine-clad dunes and salt pans where wild flamingos reside, but this immersion in nature is balanced by lively, credible beach bars. Jockey Club is the most upbeat, Sa Trinxa feels more bohemian, and Chiringay (around the headland) is an LGBT favourite. Whichever you choose, expect to end up dancing barefoot in the sand to Balearic beats (although the beach is still family-friendly). At sunset, relocate to Experimental Beach for memorable cocktails and views. Loos (within café), café, lifeguards. Water quality: excellent, although there can be deposits of sea grass on the shore Save yourself from schlepping into town by staying at Boutique Hostal la Curandera de Salinas, where the modest but stylish rooms are within walking distance of the shore. • Read our full guide to Ibiza
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Dani and Danny Dyer's seaside park as he promises to 'bring caravan holidays back'
Danny Dyer and daughter, Dani Dyer, have given fans a glimpse of their latest exciting project. The enterprising pair are set to manage their very own caravan park on Kent's Isle of Sheppey. They're filming their journey at the Priory Hill & Nutts Farm Holiday Park for a new Sky TV series, 'The Dyers' Caravan Park'. The Priory Hill & Nutts Farm is less than 50 miles from London and sits on the edge of Leysdown Beach. It hosts events for members ranging from live cabarets to quiz nights and bingo evenings. On its website the park says: 'We have two caravan parks, both of which have views of the stunning Leysdown coastline, one of which offers direct access to the shoreline. 'Our touring park also boasts views towards the coast. The adjoining spacious fields of the coastal area are a a treat for enthusiastic walkers and energetic children alike.' Danny, who recently starred in Disney's Rivals, has tried his hand at everything from mowing the grass to maintenance work for the series. On the Table Manners podcast, Danny revealed that the job is part of his mission to 'bring caravan holidays back'. He said: 'Nostalgia is important for me. Every holiday, I used to go to Canvey Island at a place called Thorney Bay Beach Camp. 'My whole family were together, no phones, no laptops - it was the 80s. We used to hook up for a week, walk along the sea wall, do crabbing, go to the arcades and have a bit of candy floss. 'I used to think it was like Disney World. Now, I want to bring caravan holidays back. Mine is in Leysdown in Kent. 'The caravans are all static ones, it's got some charm about it - but it does need a lick of paint.' The star admitted that many young people think caravan holidays are uncool and said he's going to try to 'make it cool again'. Danny recently revealed his surprising new career venture outside of his acting career, saying he was inspired by Jeremy Clarkson's farm. Appearing on a recent episode of The Jonathan Ross Show, Danny told the host: 'I'm going to invest some dough into a caravan site. 'I went to caravans on my holiday as a kid - Canvey Island. Caravans are a thing for me, it's very much about nostalgia. 'I seen Jeremy Clarkson is cracking on with his farm so I'm going to try and run a caravan site and bring back the British holidays.' The series will see the fan favourite pair take on the project on the Isle Of Sheppey. In a trailer for the new show, Danny joked: 'So Clarkson's got his farm. Richard Hammond has his workshop, f*****g about in there. 'If Jamie Oliver can save school dinners then I think I want to bring back the caravan holiday. Why the f**k can't I save the British holiday?' As Dani asks how he is going to do it, he explained: 'Well I can chuck my face on it, chuck a few quid at it and try and make it cool again? 'It could be a complete f*****g failure and I could be talking complete f****g b****s.' Sky explains that the father and daughter duo will be 'on a mission to bring back the Great British holiday in suitably chaotic fashion' for their TV series. 'Trying to breathe new life into the caravan industry, the Dyers have their work cut out for them as they invest their time and money into this once-great institution,' says Sky. Dani adds: 'My dad wants to get involved in the caravan park and I'm all in: I love a caravan, so why not? 'My dad is a very friendly person - he's good at bringing everyone in - but has he got what it takes to make a success of this?' Sky warns the pair's mission is unlikely to be plain sailing with the Dyers facing everything from 'dodgy plumbing' to 'demanding punters'. A release date for The Dyers' Caravan Park is yet to be announced but it will be available to watch on Sky Max and to stream on NOW.
