Latest news with #paradise
Times
2 days ago
- Times
Win a seven-night holiday for two in Samoa worth £5,200
Jet off to the South Pacific paradise of Samoa with this fabulous prize for two. This tropical island nation is known for its lush rainforests and pristine beaches, as well as its vibrant Polynesian culture — and you'll get to experience all of it during your stay. Air New Zealand will provide you with return economy class flights from London to Apia, Samoa's coastal capital, while Samoa Holidays and Events will arrange return transfers between the airport and your hotel, the four-star Taumeasina Island Resort. The resort, on a private island just a five-minute drive from Apia, will coax you into relaxation with its laid-back vibe and the Fofo Spa & Sauna, where you can each enjoy a complimentary 50-minute treatment. Your seven-night stay is on a B&B basis, giving you plenty of opportunities to venture out and explore. On one of the days, you'll go on a complimentary full-day tour of Upolu island to see its cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear waters. You'll also get to enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch, a seafood buffet, and a cultural show and dinner at the resort — all as part of the prize. The winner must book their stay by June 30, 2026, for stays between February 7 and December 4, 2026. A minimum of 120 days' notice is required. Blackout dates are between April 9 and 17, and July 1 and August 8, 2026. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Prize includes private transfers from destination airport to hotel only. Prize excludes UK transfers. Subject to availability, Prize must be booked by June 30, 2026 directly with the airline, hotel and ground operator and a minimum of 120 days' notice prior to the date of departure from the UK is required. Prize must be taken for travel dates between February 7, 2026 to December 4, 2026, except on the following dates: April 9 to April 17, 2026, and July 1 to August 8, 2026, local holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Airport taxes, travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Prize supplier's terms and conditions. Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Heidi Klum Loses Track of Time in Bikini-Clad Beach Adventure With Tom Kaulitz
Heidi Klum Loses Track of Time in Bikini-Clad Beach Adventure With Tom Kaulitz originally appeared on Parade. Heidi Klum is having so much fun during a recent beach romp with her husband, Tom Kaulitz, that she seemingly lost track of time. The model-turned-reality TV icon shared a selfie she took of herself and Kaulitz smiling on the beach, getting some sun. In it, Klum wore a woven bucket hat and a tiny blue bikini while lying on her stomach to sun her backside. Her husband was also lying on his belly, propped up on his elbows for the sunny selfie. His hair was disheveled and wet from playing in the surf. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 She captioned the photo, writing, "What day is it ? 👙🥰❤️☀️🌴💦🐠❤️😎." It's not clear where Klum is vacationing with Kaulitz, but it's somewhere beachy and tropical. She's been sharing photos of herself in bikinis as they enjoy beach time for several days now. The latest snap had fans in a frenzy. Scrolling through the comments section, we saw a sea of heart emojis as everyone seemingly loved the beach photo. "My couple 🫶🏼🫶🏼," one fan wrote. Another chimed in, "The prrfect match💖🥰☀️happy for your both so much💖." Someone else simply answered the question, telling Klum it is "Thursday the seventeenth of July 2025❤️."Heidi Klum Loses Track of Time in Bikini-Clad Beach Adventure With Tom Kaulitz first appeared on Parade on Jul 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Wall Street Journal
‘A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland': A Londoner Out of His Element
Travel writing can be a tedious exercise in epiphanies, overstuffed with golden sunsets, balmy beaches and quaint locals graced by effortless charm. The perfections of paradise, it turns out, grow boring pretty quickly. 'Literature is made out of the misfortunes of others,' literary critic V.S. Pritchett once noted. 'A large number of travel books fail simply because of the intolerable, monotonous good luck of their authors.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Molly Mae's sister got Bali completely wrong – the reality is beautiful lesser-known spots and friendly locals
BALI has always been described as paradise, a place full of beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and a fascinating culture. At least, that's what I found when I visited, so I was shocked when Molly Mae's sister, Zoe Rae, ditched the island after just two days. 5 Initially when I saw that Zoe Rae - Molly Mae's sister - was going to be in Bali at the same time as me, I was genuinely excited. I thought it was great that someone with her platform would be shining a light on a destination that thrives on tourism - but as we've all heard, it didn't exactly work out that way. Bali's economy is heavily dependent on people coming from around the world to experience its food, nature, culture, and community And someone with influence, like Zoe, has the power to support that. So I was disappointed when, just 48 hours after arriving, Zoe and her husband Danny flew to Dubai to finish their holiday, calling it a 'quick extraction." In her vlog, Zoe explained that Bali hadn't lived up to her 'high expectations', saying that if you 'zoom out' of the photos of coffee shops that influencers post, the reality was different. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and experiences. But Zoe's take on Bali, based on less than two days on the island, misses so much of what makes it special, and more importantly, risks negatively shaping the way others perceive it too. I was in Uluwatu at the same time as Zoe and Danny. My partner and I even crossed paths with them at a group exercise class at Bambu Fitness, a fantastic local gym known for its community vibe. What we experienced was a place that, while not always picture-perfect, is layered with amazing beauty and culture. Enjoy a spot of swing Bali 5 5 Yes, Bali has its challenges - it's a developing region, and it isn't flawless. But it's a deeply spiritual, community-driven island with rich traditions, warm hospitality, and landscapes that don't need a filter to feel magical - it's not Dubai. And that's the point. Dubai is all about curated perfection, luxury on tap, and air-conditioned ease. Bali is the opposite, and that's what makes it so special. Yes, the infrastructure isn't perfect. Yes, there's traffic. Yes, it can be chaotic. But if you're open to it, you'll find so much more. The real magic of Bali, for me, is in its people, its energy, and its breathtaking landscapes. It's in the beat of a Kecak fire dance echoing through the night and in the steaming bowl of Nasi Goreng served at a local warung. It's feeling the spray of a waterfall on your face in Tegenungan, catching your breath between waves when surfing in Uluwatu, or wandering through Ubud's peaceful rice fields. That's Bali - not just coffee shops and influencer photo opportunities, but something much deeper, if you're willing to give it the time. I understand that for many, travel is about quick escapes and curated experiences. But as a travel content creator, I believe in showing the full picture. Travel isn't always aesthetic lattes and infinity pools, some days mean scooter rides in the rain or struggling to find decent Wi-Fi. But there's beauty in those moments too, they're just as much a part of the journey. Ubud: Cretya sunset jungle day club - amazing jacuzzis overlooking the rice paddies Omma day club - overlooking the Tegenungan waterfall, amazing pool and live DJ Pyramids of Chi - ancient sound healing bath Mason Adventures - ATV jungle experience Tegallalang Rice Terrace Sacred monkey forest sanctuary Zest - plant based cafe with amazing view This is Bali - great brunch spot & healthy Balinese bowls Donna restaurant - great food and vibe Uluwatu: Uluwatu Temple - beautiful temple and they do Kecak fire dancing each night Balangan cliff sunset point Karang Boma Cliff - great sunset views over the Indian Ocean Cashew Tree - live music night on Thursdays, great atmosphere Morabito - great place for a sunset drink Ulu Garden - live music every night and great local food Secret comedy night - weekly comedy night in a secret location (also in Ubud and canggu) Alchemy Yoga - great alfresco yoga studio with outdoor hot and cold plunge pools and sauna Alchemy - lovely plant based eatery Arabica - great coffee spot Bambu fitness - fantastic gym, amazing group exercise classes and great healthy cafe Ulu Cliffhouse - day club with incredible views Dreamland beach - gorgeous beach, perfect waves for beginner surfers Rapture Camp - surf school Krinsa Sliver workshop - make a bespoke piece of jewellery Hatch Sunday market - great place to shop from local business owners (jewellery l, clothes, souvenirs, food) Travel is a privilege. So when someone with a big following on social media shares a negative impression after such a fleeting visit, it shapes perceptions in ways that go far beyond one vlog. It affects local business owners, hospitality workers and families who rely on tourism not just to survive, but to thrive. Of course, not every destination is for everyone. And maybe Bali just wasn't what Zoe expected. But Bali isn't pristine, it's raw, real, and soulful. A completely different place, with a completely different vibe, and she left without really giving it a chance. So yes, Bali is more than just coffee shops and luxury resorts. And no, it's not broken, sometimes it's just our expectations that are. For anyone who wants to visit Bali, here's all the information you need from the guide to the Indonesian island's dry and rainy seasons. And here's the tiny 'Bali of Europe' town right by Africa has beautiful beaches and £20 flights from the UK. 5
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
The outlandish £3,500 gift for a mistress. The ultimate £98,000 date. Revealed, what the mega-rich REALLY buy - by the personal shopper who never says no
As pinch-me moments go, arriving on a secluded island in the South Pacific was utterly mesmerising. With its swaying palms and white sand glittering beneath a dazzling sun, I waded into the warm, tropical waters, completely overwhelmed by the beauty of my surroundings.
