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Travel + Leisure
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
Australia Is Even Better After Dark—From Torchlit Tours and Open-air Theater to Rooftop Climbs Under the Stars
As far as travel trends go, none are making a splash in 2025 quite as hard as "noctourism." In fact, named it the No. 1 travel trend of the year. And yes, it's exactly what it sounds like: nocturnal tourism, ensuring people don't just see their favorite destinations in the daylight. This trend is all about what happens in these spots after dark. And few spots are as spectacular after the sun goes down as Australia. "We're seeing an increase in visitors coming specifically for the night sky, but also for our nocturnal wildlife tours and dark-sky experiences," Sarah Clark, the chief executive of Tourism Tasmania, recently shared with ABC. "Tourists are coming for the natural beauty during the day, but staying for the nighttime spectacles like the aurora. It's a major driver for visitors, particularly from international markets." And while certainly gorgeous, travelers should stay up late for far more than the aurora. From torchlit prison tours and twilight roof climbs, to artistic illuminations and private after-hours museum access, these seven nighttime experiences from Cultural Attractions of Australia members will make your next night visit to Australia all the more memorable. Badu Gili projections depicting Celestial Navigation are seen on the Opera House sails. Every evening, the Sydney Opera House transforms into a glowing canvas as Badu Gili , which translates to 'water light' in Gadigal language, illuminates the eastern Bennelong sails with spectacular First Nations art. The free art exhibit runs multiple times each evening after sunset, so check here for the full schedule. Visit Western Australia's only UNESCO World Heritage site after dark with a spooky and educational nighttime tour. The Torchlight Tour at Fremantle Prison takes visitors into the cells, tunnels, and courtyards of the prison, all by handheld light, with guides recounting the stories of those imprisoned in the 19th-century penitentiary. Book a tour here. Live out a real-life "Night at the Museum" experience at Canberra's National Gallery, which opens its doors after hours for select Night at the Gallery events. Get access to marquee exhibitions, performances by local creatives, food and drink pop-ups, and a more intimate vibe than your average daytime visit. See exhibition dates here. Visitors climb the roof of the Adelaide Oval. Get a bird's-eye view of South Australia's capital by signing up for the RoofClimb Twilight experience. As the sun sets, guests will strap in and ascend the curved rooftop of the Adelaide Oval, a historic sports arena, taking them all the way to the top. There, guests can gaze upon the twinkling city lights and the River Torrens below. Book your climb here. Aura is far from your average historic reenactment. This immersive nighttime show at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat includes projection mapping, storytelling, and sound design to help guests more deeply understand the impact of the discovery of gold in the area. Learn about the chapters of Australia's history by booking the experience here. The company of Carmen during a media preview of Handa Opera's production of Carmen at Sydney Harbour. James D. Morgan/Getty Images Experience the magic of live theater under the stars with open-air productions at the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor. With seats over the water, the stars above, and the Sydney skyline behind you, it certainly has cinematic appeal. See what's coming to the stage for your next visit here. Travelers can sit down for one of the most exclusive meals in the world with Dinner With David at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). The event, hosted by MONA founder David Walsh, is a rare experience that brings each guest into his orbit for an evening of food, wine, and unforgettable conversation. Get a seat at the table here.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I tried the $1 drug hailed as BETTER than Ozempic... the weight-loss results don't lie but now I can't stop
They're tiny — no bigger than a thumb nail — and discreet. That's what makes Zyn nicotine pouches so appealing to former smokers like me, especially on nights out when cravings hit hard. Your browser does not support iframes.
Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Times
11 of the best hotels in Albufeira
You probably think you know Albufeira, even if you haven't been. Like Benidorm or Faliraki, it has a reputation for cheap and cheerful beach breaks for the hard-partying crowd. And if you stay near the Albufeira Strip, where the themed bars and riotous clubs remain open until the early hours, this is exactly what you'll find. But the Algarve's busiest resort has more than one string to its bow. Tourism boomed here during the 1980s thanks to its fabulous beaches and those wide, sandy expanses are still there to welcome you, alongside family-friendly aqua and adventure parks. Clearly defined neighbourhoods allow all sorts of travellers to enjoy holidays here, without stepping on each other's toes. The new town, surrounding the Strip, attracts a young, lively and predominantly English-speaking crowd. To the south of it Oura beach is the stretch of sand on which to sunbathe away your hangover. Just over a mile west is the old town, the historic heart of Albufeira, with all the cobbles, whitewash and terracotta tiles you could wish for, and fronted by two excellent beaches. It's still somewhere to socialise, but the restaurants and bars here are oriented to a more mature crowd and appeal to a wider spread of nationalities. On the outskirts you'll find a much quieter, calmer version of Albufeira. West of the marina are the beaches of Gale, backed by high-end hotels and a golf course. To the east is Olhos de Agua, a smaller resort within the Albufeira municipality, which has a range of good family-friendly accommodation fronted by the striking orange cliffs and golden sands of Falesia beach, one of the longest in the Algarve. Both put you in easy reach of the central bustle, without having it on your doorstep. So whatever kind of escape you're looking for, use our guide to help find the perfect hotel in Albufeira. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for playful design Known for futuristic, tongue-in-cheek interiors, the W Hotels chain has given its Algarve outpost a Portuguese twist. Rooms have sardine-shaped pillows and azulejo-tiled bathrooms; public areas are all swooping curves, pops of bright colour and artfully draped greenery — eminently Instagrammable. Morning yoga classes, cocktails and cabanas by the pool, a sleek spa and a sunset champagne lounge make this popular with a stylish, grown-up crowd, and a clutch of restaurants including Portuguese, Mediterranean and Italian choices keep those looking to spend lazy days and evenings at the hotel happy. All 134 rooms have balconies and ocean views, but the hotel isn't on the sand — a shuttle service runs you to Castelo beach, five minutes away. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for an old town oasis Once you're inside the wooden gates of this riad-style, adults-only boutique in the heart of the old town you'll feel a world away from Albufeira's hubbub. Twenty-three characterful rooms have exposed beams and tiled bathrooms, and higher categories come with terraces. A tranquil courtyard pool is framed by palms and parasols, and the small but high-quality spa has space for a yoga studio, a sauna and a chamber offering hyperbaric oxygen therapies. Light lunches are available but the culinary star is breakfast; an indulgent spread of local produce accompanied by champagne. Though the feel is secluded, you're actually steps away from the main square and close to the beach. • Discover our full guide to the Algarve £ | POOL | Best for value for money Families looking to stretch their euros further will be happy at this bright, well-maintained hotel in pine-shaded grounds. There's oodles of space in the 185 simple but attractive apartments; one and two-bedroom options come with kitchens and living areas, and superior versions also feature terraces. The restaurants and bars, all foliage prints and pine, have more style than many places at this price point, and there's a host of activities for both adults and children on offer, with a kids' club, family walks and pizza workshops, plus yoga classes and evening entertainment. There are four pools to splash in and a complimentary shuttle bus to Falesia beach, which is a 20-minute walk away. Restaurants and a supermarket are just five minutes on foot.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for fun-packed holidays This large, lively hotel is a one-stop shop for action-filled stays — there's an aqua park with slides and a splash area, a fun park with a pedal car track and air bungee, and a tireless entertainment team leading activities from aerobics to archery throughout the day. Families are particularly well-catered for, with a kids' club for ages 4 to 12, a games room and a baby corner with highchairs, toys and baby food that's open 24/7. With more than 400 rooms there's a choice of types, from single-parent rooms and family suites to family-plus rooms that sleep up to five with triple bunks. The All Inclusive Plus programme gives access to the spa and all three à la carte restaurants, as well as the main buffet. It's a 15-minute walk to the Strip and there's a courtesy shuttle bus to the old town beach.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for a sense of luxury A firm favourite of the well-heeled family market, this 168-acre cliffside complex sits above sandy Falesia beach. It's a world in itself, with a nine-hole golf course, an Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, padel courts and a football academy. And that's without mentioning the huge children's village, Porto Pirata, with life-size wooden pirate ships, a basketball court, a bouncy castle, a crazy golf course and a pool. Accommodation choices are legion — stay in the smart, 217-room hotel where the spa and majority of the 12 restaurants are located, or choose the multi-bedroom suites, apartments and villas scattered through the grounds. There are seven outdoor pools, plus a concession on the beach. The restaurant quality is high, but so are the prices, so it's worth exploring the local options off-site if you're staying for any length of time. Read our full review of Pine Cliffs £ | POOL | Best for party people If late nights and lazy days are your holiday vibe, then this friendly hotel in the new town is perfectly placed, opposite a nightclub and close to the Strip. Stay in double or twin rooms — opt for Soul rooms overlooking the gardens rather than street-view Beat rooms if you want to avoid noise — or book into the studios, apartments and bungalows to get a kitchenette and options sleeping up to four. The pool area, with loungers and a bar serving breakfast and all-day snacks, is the heart of the hotel, although it's quite small to cater to guests of all 76 rooms, so many head off to nearby Oura beach for sunbathing instead. • Best all-inclusive hotels in the Algarve• Best affordable hotels in the Algarve ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for wellness escapes With leafy grounds and direct access to Falesia beach, this upmarket, 229-room hotel has a tranquil atmosphere, from the calming pine and lime-green shades of the rooms and suites to the large spa, where there's a Turkish bath, a heated indoor pool and a range of treatments, some using local honey, salt and lavender. The large fitness centre has daily complimentary classes, from Pilates to circuit training, and the hotel hosts targeted retreats, with themes that include detox, yoga and weight loss. There's a buffet restaurant and a trio of à la carte options. While this property is more suited to adults, there is a seasonal kids' club and children's pool.£ | SPA | POOL | Best for independent stays In a low-key part of Albufeira, this 159-apartment property suits families looking for space without having to break the bank. Entry-level apartments are basic but spacious and prestige options have a little more style. With both there are one and two-bed choices, and all have kitchens. Sitting in a large complex alongside sister hotels, there are plenty of facilities, from waterslides, a playground and a kids' club to a gym, tennis courts and a football pitch. There's a buffet and a Mediterranean café on site, but you're encouraged to try the restaurants in the other hotels too, bringing Italian and Portuguese flavours on to the menu. The beach is a short but steep walk away.£££ | SPA | POOL | Best for uber-luxe hideaways This 13-room clifftop boutique overlooking Gale beach is by far the most expensive choice on the list, but you get what you pay for. Though all have sea views, each room and suite is unique — one is Moorish with a mirrored fireplace, another all textured wood and Japanese detailing, and the master suite has its own private garden with a pool. Flower-filled gardens host a heated outdoor pool and stretch down to the sands, where during summer the most upmarket of beach shacks serves Latin American and Japanese menus. The jewel in the crown is the main restaurant, however, where the menu changes every day; it has retained two Michelin stars since 1999. There's a small but atmospheric spa and a fully equipped gym. Read our full review of Vila Joya £ | POOL | SPA | Best for sporty breaks The Algarve's incredible off-season climate — the average temperature stays above 16C even in the winter — makes it a fantastic place for those whose holidays are as much about activity as relaxation. This hotel has fabulous facilities for guests who are serious about sport; from the usual tennis and padel courts to a grass football pitch, a 400m athletics track with track and field sports and a well-equipped gym — plus a seven-mile cross-country trail starts from beside the gates. Less sport-focused family members can enjoy the pools, children's splash area and kids' club. Accommodation is in smart one and two-bedroom apartments, and while there's only a buffet option and a summer-opening grill on site, local restaurants are a short walk away.£ | POOL | Best for urban beach stays With a spot on a low cliff overlooking Albufeira's longest city beach, this established, 115-room favourite puts you a few steps from the sand and a ten-minute walk from the cobbled streets of the old town centre — close enough for easy access, but not for broken sleep. If you can't upgrade to a sea-view room, where the small balconies are restful suntraps, you can always head up to the lounger-lined rooftop sun terrace, or pop to the beach. There's no outdoor pool — the sea is so close — but there is a heated indoor option, useful if you're staying off-season. The glass-walled restaurant has panoramic views and serves classic dishes done well. • Best family hotels in the Algarve• More great hotels in the Algarve
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The perfect holiday in Gran Canaria, the Atlantic's year-round island of adventure
With a gilt-edged southern coast, a capital city sculpted by conquests, and a dramatic interior that sets the heart racing both visually and physically, this 'continent in miniature' offers a veritable pick-n-mix of climates, attractions and activities to keep four million or so annual visitors returning year after year. Relaxation is the number one draw, and there's plenty of that to be had on the sandy beaches and undulating dunes of Gran Canaria 's south, as well as in the picnic and barbecue areas of the mountains, or the sleepy fishing villages of the north. Of course, there's a faster side to the island too. Clubbers are drawn to the 120-bpm pulse of the island's nightlife in Maspalomas and Las Palmas, while bikers, hikers and others of a more salubrious nature wheel and walk between gorgeous hillside villages like Teror and Tejeda. For more Gran Canaria inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, things to do and beaches. How to spend your weekend Day one: morning Grab a granola bowl and a speciality coffee at the Cool Beans café in Las Palmas's Plaza de Abad then stroll over to the Casa de Colón museum for opening time at 10am. At this hour you'll have plenty of space to yourself to get clued up on the history of the city and find out how Christopher Columbus spent his time in Gran Canaria before he hit the high seas on his voyage of discovery. Afternoon Leave time to browse (and taste) the local wines, cheeses and honey at Vegueta Market (closes at 2pm), a tantalising amuse-bouche before a lunch of gourmet Canarian tapas at the excellent Piscos y Buches restaurant within the Mercado de Puerto (port market). Boost the energy levels after a post-lunch slump with a dip in the Atlantic off the almost two-mile-long Playa de Las Canteras, one of four urban beaches in the capital. After drying off, appreciate the marine life without getting wet at the tremendous Poema del Mar aquarium. Head out of town for a visit to the Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park in Gáldar. Excavations in 1987 revealed a village dating back to the sixth century that housed the original inhabitants of Gran Canaria. The showpiece is a beautifully preserved cave house complete with ancient wall paintings. Late For one of the most spectacular sunset views on the island, book a table at the Rooftop & Terrace Aloe bar back in Las Palmas for an aperitif (they do a mean house cocktail – the Aloe Fizz). Opt for a tasting menu at one of the city's three Michelin-starred restaurants; the trendy Tabaiba and the classically elegant Restaurante Poemas add flamboyant spins to Canarian dishes, while the contemporary Bevir serves up seafood stunners. For a nightcap, the Dissareli Club is one of the more sophisticated late-night hangouts featuring shishas and comfy seating. It's also conveniently adjacent to Las Palmas Casino if a flutter floats your boat. There are also bars aplenty along the Playa de Las Canteras boardwalk and around Plaza Farray in the Guanarteme district. Aficionados of the amber nectar might want to head to Te lo Dije Pérez with its range of over 250 beers. There aren't too many nightclubs in the capital, but the two-storey Chester Las Palmas is one of the hottest right now. Bear in mind club life in Gran Canaria doesn't really get going until after midnight, so if you and your partner head out too early you could be the only couple in a two-person rave. Day two: morning Drive along the scenic GC-15 road through the interior of the island to the sugar-cube village of Tejeda. Take in the views of the sacred Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga monoliths with a coffee and an artisan almond biscuit or palmera chocolate (chocolate palm tree) from the naughty-but-nice Dulceria Nublo patisserie. After a walk around the historic centre, drive 10 minutes to the Bentayga Interpretation Centre to learn more about this hallowed area. Take a detour (and a jumper) through the pine forest to the Picos de las Nieves, the second highest point on the island at 1,949 metres (6,394ft). On a clear day you can see Mount Teide poking above Tenerife. Afternoon Head south to Fataga in the 'Valley of a Thousand Palms', another traditional hillside hamlet with narrow lanes, stupendous views and a handful of shops selling crafts, jars of homemade marmalade, and aloe vera. Visit the cave hamlet within the Guayadeque Ravine, then onto the Maspalomas Dunes, a 1,000-acre area of constantly shifting sands, palms and ponds that form the southern tip of the island. Take a dip in the ocean or hop on a camel for a lollop through the sand before wetting your whistle at one of the promenade bars. For lunch, try the award-winning tuna tacos at El Senador beach bar next to the 19th-century lighthouse. Late Explore the beach and harbour town of Puerto de Mogán, arguably the island's prettiest and classiest resort area. In what is known as 'Little Venice', wooden bridges span narrow canals, while bougainvillea arches over the walkways and weaves mauve threads through the balconies of colourful waterfront houses. Here, families huddle around the menus of quayside eateries as yachts and excursion boats jingle in the modern marina. Spot whales and dolphins on a sunset boat cruise from Puerto de Mogán or Puerto Rico harbour, then bag yourself a waterfront table for fresh seafood at locals' favourite La Cofradia de Pescadores or share the renowned paella at Patio Canario. If you're up for pushing the boat out further, you can party till late at Café del Mar or Chester Meloneras, or hit the late bars and gay haunts of the Yumbo Centre in Maspalomas. How to get there and how to get around Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is served by a whole host of airlines including British Airways, Jet2, Ryanair and EasyJet. All offer direct flights from most major UK hubs. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the capital, Las Palmas. Taxis are widely available, but for exploring the island, hiring a car is recommended. The island is also well-connected by buses if driving on the right fills you with dread. When to go Gran Canaria has two peak seasons – December to February, thanks to north Europeans fleeing the cold; summer when the sun worshippers and nightlife crowds arrive in July and August. Prices start decreasing in March and April, and the ocean remains warm during the early autumn months of September and October, when many local festivals take place. May and June are best for bargains and more elbow room. This is when the interior is at its prettiest and most floral, so great for hikers. Get to know the destination Las Palmas and the north: the capital does all that capitals are meant to do, plus some. Yes, you get the culture, the history and the major shopping areas, but you can also take advantage of one of the nicest urban beaches in Europe. The interior: like a cosy mystery, the island's interior entices with the drama of cave homes and canyonesque scenery, the mysteries of ancient monuments, and the picturesque settings of hillside hamlets. The south: Gran Canaria's pop star of beach resorts, including – from east to west – Maspalomas for beach buffs, Arguineguin for that local vibe, brash Puerto Rico, and stylish Puerto de Mogán. Where to stay Luxury living A gentle colonial elegance rules Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, a verdant oasis of sophistication in Maspalomas. Handsome gardens surround a saltwater pool and a serene spa and massage area caters for those seeking hands-on indulgence. The food is as spectacular as the flora while exquisite rooms in two-storey villas ooze tropical refinement. Designer digs Bohemia Suites & Spa is a trendy property overlooking Playa de Inglés beach is a beacon of boutique amongst a swathe of more traditional hotels. The jazzy striped exterior is just a hint of the hip that lies within, where rich purples and reds rule from the basement spa to the rooftop restaurant. Think cool, contemporary and very, very friendly. Budget bolthole If you've ever been to Scotland, you'll understand there's a trade off for all that natural beauty – rain. Much like one of the wettest areas of Gran Canaria, Vega de San Mateo, which is also home to one of Gran Canaria's original boutique hotels, Hotel Rural Las Calas. Know before you go British Embassy/Consulate: C Luis Morote 6, Las Palmas; 0034 928 262508 Tourist office: Calle León y Castillo 17, Las Palmas; Emergency services: 112 Currency: Euro (€) Telephone code from abroad: +34 Time difference: GMT+0 Travel time from London: approximately 4.5 hours by plane Local laws and etiquette: dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Don't drive in flip-flops. Accessibility: Gran Canaria is very accessible, with many hotels and attractions offering facilities for travellers with disabilities. About our expert Author and travel writer Joe Cawley lives in the Canarian hills with his family and other wildlife. He moved there from Bolton in 1991, when, for want of anything else to do, he bought a bar and restaurant before becoming a full-time author and travel writer. He loses no sleep over this.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Sickened Hamptons elites call the cops on mom for 'shocking act' in exclusive nightclub's VIP area... so whose side are YOU on?
Hamptons regulars were left stunned and furious after a baby was spotted being passed around after midnight during a champagne-fueled night out at one of the area's most exclusive clubs. One local dining with friends at Shelter Island's notorious Sunset Beach Hotel on Sunday night told Daily Mail he was shocked to see the 14-month old girl seated in the VIP area about midnight, surrounded by oblivious adults deep into the evening's Memorial weekend festivities.
