Holiday & Travel

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has always been an incredible location to see the stars and in 2015 it officially received the title of International Dark Sky Park, with its majestic canyons being the perfect backdrop for visitors to spend a night amongst the constellations. The Black Canyon Astronomical Society, in partnership with local star-gazing groups, regularly leads night-time programmes with experienced astronomers and astro-photographers to capture the action in the night sky. As one of the most under-rated national parks in the US, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers solitude whilst camping under the stars, with three campgrounds for visitors to pitch up in. colorado.com / nps.gov
2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs: Located far enough from city lights for a clear view of the night sky, yet a short distance to the cultural hub of Colorado Springs to enjoy in the day, the vast space at Garden of the Gods provides visitors with a perfect view of the starry sky, which lights up the summit of the 14,114ft Pikes Peak against a backdrop of towering boulders. The unusual large sandstone red rock formations set the scene for an enchanting night of stargazing in which travellers can lie back and admire the constellations. Colorado Springs also has an Astronomical Society which holds public stargazing events – also known as Public Star Parties – in which telescopes are set up for visitors to view planets, galaxies and star clusters. colorado.com / gardenofgods.com
3. Grand Lake: The namesake lake of Grand Lake is ideal for spotting the constellations amongst the stars. Whether stargazers are searching for Cassiopeia or the Big Dipper, minimal obstacles stand in the way of catching a glimpse of these views as light pollution levels in the region are extremely low. Known as the Western Gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has a charming lakeside setting with quaint cabins lining the shore of the state's largest natural lake. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate under the star-lit sky or take part in night skiing at Ski Granby Ranch. colorado.com / visitgrandcounty.com
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Alamosa: The USA's largest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve provide travellers with a rare spectacle during the day and by night become even more mysterious. As one of the only wild places in the world where rangers actively encourage visitors to do a self-guided exploration in complete darkness, intrepid explorers should plan their visit to coincide with a full moon to hike without the aid of a torch. In addition to the night sky, travellers can spot an array of local wildlife at night, including owls, kangaroo rats, and coyotes. colorado.com / nps.gov
5. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver: Not only does Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre provide visitors with the opportunity to watch some of the biggest musical stars live on stage, it also has an incredible night sky which hosts its own set of stars every single night. Framed by the park's natural red rock topography and views of Denver's skyline in the distance, the amphitheatre has all the ingredients for an incredible night of stargazing. colorado.com / redrocksonline.com
6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park: Travellers can gaze up to the night sky in Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado's most popular National Park – and watch the stars whilst looking across the park's renowned landscape. During the summer months a team of park rangers lead after-dark activities, such as Astronomy in the Park and Stories behind the Moon and Stars. The pinnacle of the parks stargazing events is held in July during the Rocky National Park Night Sky Festival – over the course of three days – as park rangers host late-night stargazing, as well as a daily show, Spirit of the Mountains. colorado.com / nps.gov
7. San Luis Valley: San Luis Valley is not only a great location for stargazing, locals also claim it's a hot spot for alien activity. Dozens of unexplained flying objects have been sighted in the area since 2007 with the nearby watchtower providing information on previous extra-terrestrial encounters. The unobstructed views of the sky without any light competition means there isn't anything getting in the way of the starry night-time show. colorado.com / sanluisvalley.org

Visitors are invited to hop along to Birdland Park & Gardens over the May Half Term holidays (May 26th – June 3rd) and join in their Penguin Week celebrations.

There's a packed programme of penguin-themed events and activities taking place throughout the holidays.

Join Birdland's keepers as they introduce you to everybody's favourite flightless bird with a whole week dedicated to their most popular residents.

Learn all about the inhabitants of Penguin Shore, meet some feathered film stars as well as the UK's oldest penguin plus be in with a chance to help out at feeding time.

The Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction is home to England's only breeding colony of king penguins. The kings share their beach-themed home with a group of comical Humboldts.

Head Keeper Alistair Keen said: “This really is the best time to come and see the king penguins as they are just starting to show off their beach bodies in search of a mate.

“They've shed their winter coats and have been busily feeding up to get the extra energy needed to produce a beautifully sleek summer plumage.”

Keepers will be putting your penguin know-how to the test with a special quiz about everybody's favourite flightless birds, plus visitors can win the chance to join the colony feed the penguins.

There will be twice daily feeding displays at 11am and 2.30pm with herring for the king penguins and sprats for the Humboldts.

“Each of the penguins definitely has its own unique personality and they love to play. Our two hand-reared penguins; Spike and Charlotte, are particularly friendly.

“As the colony is now beginning to pair up we're also likely to see lots of bizarre courtship rituals on display,” said Alistair.

With its combination of woodland, riverside and gardens, Birdland features more than 500 birds, ranging from birds of prey and parrots to cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.

Accolades continue for Grenada's premier all-inclusive luxury Spice Island Beach Resort as the family-owned and operated retreat was honored for the fifth consecutive year with the prestigious Six Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS). The Six Star Diamond Award is the most prestigious honor of true excellence in service, hospitality, gastronomy, attitude, quality and cleanliness. The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences specializes in reviewing hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, cruise lines, automobiles, products, restaurants and chefs, and is most notably known for its Six Star Diamond Award. "We are extremely proud to be honored for the past five years with the Six Star Diamond recognition as it is a direct reflection our commitment to upholding service levels that transcend guests' expectations," said Sir Royston. "For over 30 years we have worked to perfect our guest experience. Awards strengthen our belief in our service-oriented philosophy," added Sir Royston, who is pictured right with the award plaque. AAHS receives a large number of possible recipients for the award from respectable sources around the world. The selection is then refined by the Board of Trustees and the final evaluation is a visit by an anonymous inspector to review the destination and its services.

The presentation of the AAHS Six Star Diamond Award follows the resort's receipt of the AAA Five Diamond Award for the second consecutive year in March.

For the first time ever in Australia, a wild dolphin has been caught live on camera giving birth. This amazing and inspiring footage was captured in April 2018 in Mandurah, Western Australia and is further proof that Mandurah and the Peel Region has some of the heathiest and most vibrant wetlands in the world.

Just one hour south of Western Australia's capital city, Perth, nature loving visitors to Mandurah and the Peel Region can find an abundance of things to do to indulge their wildlife and ecological passions.

The Peel-Yalgorup Wetland System was declared of International Importance in 1990 by the Ramsar Convention. It covers over 26,000 hectares and includes Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and multiple lakes, rivers and conservation reserves.

A vast array of animals and birds inhabit the wetlands which includes the Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and surrounding rivers and lakes. It's a breeding ground and nursery for dolphins, crabs, fish, native animals and birds, including a colony of quendas (bandicoots). Over 20,000 birds travel up to 26,000 km a year to feed and shelter in the wetlands from spring until autumn.

The estuary, twice the size of Sydney Harbour, is the largest and most diverse estuarine complex and the most important area for migratory and resident waterbirds in south west Australia. It supports unique and critically endangered communities, including the thrombolites at Lake Clifton. Scientists believe thrombolites are the earliest form of life on earth, dating back about 3,500 million years. They are mostly extinct and living examples can only be found growing in just a handful of places in the world.

The wetlands have special significance for the Noongar people, the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the region, as they are important sources of food, used for ceremonial purposes and are part of the dreaming and their natural beliefs.

With new tourism experiences complementing its superb natural assets, significant redevelopment and recently being recognised as Western Australia's 2017 Top Tourism Town, Mandurah has come of age, offering award-winning waterfront dining, aquatic adventures, world-class golf courses and plenty of places to shop.

It is also the perfect base to take day trips to explore the wider Peel Region. In an easy half hour drive you'll find beautiful wineries, winding waterways, rolling green hills and tiny timber towns nestled in the forest.

There are hiking, horse riding and mountain bike trails throughout the region and a number of options to explore the waterways including guided cruises and boat and kayak hire.

With extensive wilderness and waterways to enjoy, native animals can easily be spotted as you explore by water or land.

More often than not you'll see dolphins in Mandjar Bay, right in the heart of Mandurah.

Kangaroos graze every afternoon at Melros Beach Reserve in Dawesville and emus are often spotted walking along the shores of Lake Clifton.

To get even closer to Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, even holding and feeding them, visit the Peel Zoo in Pinjarra and Cohunu Koala Park in Byford. Peel Zoo also has Tasmanian devils.

Bring your binoculars and grab the 'Birdwatching Walking Trail Guide' at the Mandurah Visitor Centre or download from visitpeel.com.au and start exploring by land, boat or canoe.

A visit 65 million years in the making…

Dinosaur fans rushing to see Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, as it hits cinemas in the UK on 6 June 2018, can then take a trip to Scotland to explore its many paleontological links and dino fun!

Among Scotland's prehistoric discoveries, the Isle of Skye has unearthed many fascinating finds, including rare dinosaur prints from the world's largest dinosaur, the sauropod (which is said to have been 15 metres tall – over twice the size of the famous Tyrannosaurus rex!)

Scotland is home to a life-size skeleton cast of a T.rex at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Also, in Glasgow the Hunterian Museum will delight dino hunters with Scotland's first dinosaur footprint; as well as the city's Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, which has various fossils on display.

Covering an area about the size of Spain, with a population of just 40,000 (or so), more than 80% of the Yukon is wilderness. But it's still easy to reach, with access by land, sea and air. Major airlines offer daily flights from the UK. Several cruise lines and the comprehensive ferry system serve neighbouring Alaska. And historic, scenic highways lead from British Columbia, Alberta and Alaska with hotel or camping options along the way.

All year long the Yukon has spectacular skies: the magical midnight sun in summer and clear starry nights with northern lights (early autumn through to early spring)! Every season offers rich cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and its own unique wildlife viewing.

1. Yukon's 11 iconic highways rank among the world's premier driving adventures. With over 3,000 miles of scenic roadway, road-trippers will be enchanted by the Yukon's stunning, unspoiled wilderness
2. From bears to lynx, wildlife abounds in a land where there are more moose than people
3. Whitehorse, Yukon's capital, boasts plentiful boutiques, galleries, festivals and a lively arts scene
4. Visitors marvel at the magnificent aurora borealis (northern lights) - visible late August to April
5. From November through March, this is a winter wonderland, where visitors enjoy dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and snowshoeing
6. From May through July, the splendour of the Midnight Sun is a treat to behold
7. The Klondike Gold Rush boasts larger-than-life history and memorable characters. Visitors discover the past and more in Dawson City
8. The living heritage of Yukon First Nations peoples is thriving here – and offers guests a glimpse into ancient and honoured traditions
9. Yukon is an adventurer's paradise – where novices and experts alike can canoe, kayak, hike, bike, fish, and camp - without the crowds
10. Flightseeing tours in Kluane National Park offer the chance to soar over Canada's highest mountain peaks, and some of the largest icefields on the planet

From solar-powered vegan Beet-BQs and sunglasses for dogs to voice-enabled travel assistants and fermented condiments, the #SmileItsSummer Trends Report reveals the hottest products that look set to characterise summer 2018. The independent report, commissioned by Amazon and informed by Steve Tooze from Stylus Innovation Research + Advisory Company, also reveals how the great British summer will evolve in the years to come.

To bring the report to life and help customers make the most of the season, Amazon.co.uk has launched the #SmileItsSummer store, full of the latest on-trend products – including luxury outdoor sofas, dog sunbonnets and kimchi – expected to become a huge part of this year’s summer celebrations.

“This year, a travel tech revolution will propel our great British summer into the future,” said Steve Tooze, Trend Expert at Stylus Innovation Research + Advisory Company. “From Alexa finding our flights and checking the weather at our destination to bluetooth locators and smart fingerprint locks for our luggage, there is a high-tech gadget to make every element of our summer holiday easier.  Which is just as well, as even our pampered pooches are getting in on the action, with sales of pet travel products like ‘doggles’ rocketing.”

“And it’s not just technology that is evolving summer traditions,” continues Tooze.  “We’ll also see big changes in al fresco dining with the arrival of the ‘Beet-BQ’, as meat-free alternatives to traditional burgers and sausages enter the mainstream.  Our choice of condiments is expanding too, with kimchi soon to be found on every picnic table and, as gardens are tended to by robotic mowers, there’ll be plenty of time to perfect these popular new vegan BBQ recipes.”

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has opened a representative office in Mumbai, India at an event held on the 3rd May. The 11th in a network of offices around the globe, the office is set to tap into one of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets in the world, second only to China.

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates, India will account for 50 million outbound tourists by 2020. And, the market for travel and tourism in India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7.23% during the period 2016-2021.

Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA commented, “The rapid growth of India’s outbound tourism market in recent years, coupled with QTA’s intensified efforts to diversify and grow visitor source markets makes it the right time to establish our on-the-ground presence in India.” He added, “The steps taken to make accessing Qatar easier are particularly targeted at visitors who are seeking to experience our country’s luxury hospitality and unique cultural offerings, all while benefiting from the convenience of relatively short flights.”

QTA’s representative office in India will oversee a wide range of promotional initiatives, including workshops, sales visits, travel agent destination training through QTA’s online Tawash programme, partnerships with tour operators, familiarisation trips, media campaigns and a variety of innovative activities to raise Qatar’s profile as a leisure and business tourism destination among Indian tourists.

Qatar has become an increasingly accessible destination for Indian travelers, especially after Qatar waived entry visa requirements for Indian citizens last year. In the first quarter of 2018, Qatar welcomed more than 110,000 visitors from India. The country’s award-winning national carrier has 100 weekly direct flights connecting the capital Doha to thirteen major cities across India. These are matched with another 67 weekly flights on board Indian airlines Indigo Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India Express bringing the total to 167 flights a week.

QTA’s office in Mumbai closely follows the opening of a representative office in Moscow, Russia last March. It joins an international network currently covering the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, the United States of America, China, Russia, the GCC markets and South-East Asia.

All Indian nationals can enter Qatar visa-free, with an allowable length of stay of 30 days. Indian nationals do not require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward ticket. The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitles its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. The waiver can also be extended for a further 30 days.

Air India is increasing the frequency of its non-stop service to Amritsar from twice weekly to three times a week from 5^th May 2018, just a few months after starting the route.

The additional service is scheduled for Saturday evenings, arriving into Birmingham at 18:15 and departing for Amritsar at 19:45. This means the service now operates every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Amritsar allows direct access to the major commercial and cultural centre in the heart of the Punjab and it is home to the Golden Temple.

Air India has been a successful partner at Birmingham Airport for over four years after launching a Delhi flight in August 2013. This service alone has already carried over 600,000 passengers since its launch.

Tom Screen, Acting Aviation Director at Birmingham Airport, said: “Amritsar was a new route which Air India launched from Birmingham in February this year. It’s great to see the airline increase the frequency of flights within only the first few months of this route starting.

“No other UK airport currently operates a direct service to this destination and so we expected it to be popular. With over 200,000 British-Indian people travelling to India each year to visit friends and relatives, and for tourism and business interests, this additional flight shows the large demand within the region for direct Amritsar services from the Midlands.”

Mr. Pankaj Srivastava, Commercial Director and Board Member of Air India, said: “Air India is committed to serving the needs of Indian Diaspora settled worldwide and the long-standing need for direct connectivity between Punjab and Birmingham.

“We are delighted to add one more frequency per week between Amritsar and Birmingham from 5th May 2018 making it a three times a week operation. We are confident that with the strong partnership with Birmingham Airport, we together will be able to grow traffic flow from the Midlands to India”.

The additional Amritsar flight will be operated by the new Boeing 787-8 ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft. The cabin comprises of 256 seats with 18 lie flat business class seats and 238 in economy class.

With two bank holiday weekends in May one 7th and the other 28th don’t risk being bored and stuck at home, when instead you could be having the time of your life with friends and family at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience!

With two locations, one in London* and one in Manchester**, it doesn’t matter which half of the UK you hail from. Take your pick or even tackle both in the same month as an all-weather attraction, the inevitable showers won’t rain on your parade, wreaking havoc on your bank holiday plans.

Whether you were a die-hard fan of the iconic 90s show or if you are someone who never seems to have exciting plans, then this is the perfect way to spruce up your bank holiday and make your colleagues green with envy when reporting back about your weekend antics.

Guaranteed to sell out, tickets for May maze madness at the Manchester attraction go on sale 5th March and are already available for the London Maze, so grab a team and book your slot.

Teams of up to eight dash through the Maze’s Medieval, Aztec, Industrial and Futuristic adventure zones guided by an eccentric Maze Master. The aim is to win as many crystals as possible by completing various challenges; skill, physical, mental and mystery. Each crystal won means more time in the iconic dome, where the goal is to catch enough golden tickets to bag yourself a spot on the coveted leader board!

At the end of the show celebrate your successes and laugh at your failures with a cocktail in the exclusive Maze bar available at the London attraction***.

The whole experience is frantic and fun. Expect to be crawling, running and even sliding your way around the maze. It’s the ultimate way to spend your bank holiday!

Lightwater Valley Theme Park is inviting visitors to discover the majestic world of birds of prey over the May Bank Holiday Weekend (May 5th-7th).

There will be special aerial displays and meet and greet sessions with a selection of awesome raptors.

As well as having the opportunity to see how these amazing birds are trained and handled and to learn about every aspect of their daily lives, guests have the chance to watch dramatic daily flying shows and have photo-opps with some of the regal eagles.

Located within a purpose built complex, the Centre is home to over 35 amazing raptors including owls, falcons, eagles and hawks.

The Centre is also home to a variety of other feathered, scaly and furry residents including rheas, snakes and rabbits. Plus don't miss the keeper talks on the park's cutest resident, the adorable marmoset monkeys.

With over 35 rides and attractions for thrill seekers of all ages, the North Yorkshire attraction is bursting with adventures for the whole family.

The Ultimate is Lightwater Valley's signature ride and provides a thrilling 1.5 mile cocktail of speed, cornering and airtime.

Take to the skies in the grip of the Eagle's Claw, venture into the underground world of Raptor Attack, see the park from a whole different viewpoint aboard Black Pearl and then hop on Apolloand take a spinning ride above the tree tops.

Enjoy wet 'n' wild fun on the Wild River Rapids, and swashbuckling adventures aboard speedy Skull Rock and the tummy-tickling Flying Cutlass. Plus jump around on the huge Jumpin' Jacks bouncy pillow.

There is something for little ones too including the Lightwater Express train ride around the park,Eagle's Creek Farm tractor ride with animals as well as play areas indoors and out!

An extraordinary new exhibition celebrating the works of one of the 20th century's most influential artists opens at Blenheim Palace on July 18th.

Running until October 7th, Yves Klein at Blenheim Palace will be the most comprehensive exhibition of the visionary French artist ever staged in the UK in what would have been his 90th year.

Yves Klein was obsessed with just one colour: blue. He worked with a chemist to develop his own brand of paint, which he called International Klein Blue or IKB.

The paint had a particularly bright and intense colour, which visitors will be able to discover for themselves at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire.

The new exhibition, which has been organised in collaboration with the Yves Klein Estate, will feature over 50 artworks including a large-scale blue pigment installation and a number of Klein's Monochrome Paintings which will be shown against the opulent backdrop of the Palace State Rooms and Great Hall.

Visitors will be able to explore Klein's wide-ranging practice, including painting, sculpture and large- scale installation.

He applied the paint to his pictures using rollers, sponges, and even people. Visitors will see the results of these artistic experiments in the ground-breaking Anthropometry series, for which Klein employed models as 'living brushes' to create marks on the canvas in front of an audience, as well as Fire Paintings and Klein's later works in gold.

Klein blended traditional artistic mediums and imagery with dynamic techniques and performance, erasing the boundaries between process and artwork. Sponge Sculptures, made from the sponges Klein painted with, saturated with pigment will be on show alongside other free-standing works inspired by Classical Greek sculptures such as a Venus de Milo, coated in IKB.

Blenheim Art Foundation, now celebrating their fifth anniversary year, continues to produce bold encounters between the world's most influential artists, the Palace, and new and recurring visitors.

The Foundation's award-winning programme has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries by inviting artists to engage directly with the palace's Baroque interiors and particular history, as well as showcasing some of the most iconic and seismic artworks and movements in art history, from Michelangelo Pistoletto's Arte Povera to Jenny Holzer's testimonies of war by contemporary veterans.

WOW air's inaugural flight from London Stansted Airport took off yesterday, Wednesday 25 April 2018, connecting with the low-cost airline's new long haul route to Detroit.

In keeping with the airline's tradition of naming its aircraft after family members, the aircraft making the maiden flight was a brand new A321ceo with the tail number TF-DOG, named after man's best friend.

Joining London Gatwick and Edinburgh as the airline's third UK departure point, London Stansted will also provide connections with the low cost airline's new US routes to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dallas and St Louis, all launching in May.

Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air, said: “Yesterday's launch well and truly highlighted London Stansted Airport as a key gateway from the UK to the US. This move is undoubtedly a reflection of our continued growth in Britain and our mission to offer greater travel possibilities on either side of the Atlantic. We're delighted to be opening up a whole host of US travel destinations to UK travellers in Stansted and the surrounding regions the airport services.”

Martin Jones, London Stansted's Commercial Director, said:  “We're delighted to welcome WOW air and its passengers to London Stansted for the airline's first flight to Reykjavik that also opens up a fantastic range of exciting onward connections to the USA from its Icelandic hub, including Chicago, Los Angeles and its new service to Detroit. We wish WOW air every success with these great value and convenient flights which will I'm sure prove to be really popular with passengers from London and East of England as well those from the USA wishing to visit the UK.”

WOW air flights will depart from London Stansted daily bound for Reykjavik, with the airline's Detroit service operating four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Ladies eager to sparkle in the Spanish sun on a 'spa-cation' have fresh incentive to visit the award-winning La Manga Club from this spring, with the resort offering a range of new treatments for guests to indulge in.

Spa lovers seeking the chance to unwind can enjoy outstanding value at the Murcian venue over the coming months with an array of attractive offers available when staying at the resort's five-star Hotel Principe Felipe or four-star Las Lomas Village, with packages starting from just €99 per room per night.

Whether celebrating a birthday, landmark anniversary or just looking for a relaxing girls' holiday, La Manga Club is the ideal venue to combine a pampering experience with the chance to self-indulge in the many other delights of the world-famous resort, including fashion boutiques, a range of different sports and numerous bars and restaurants.

Among the extensive list of treatments on offer at La Manga Club's 2,000sqm Wellness Centre – voted 'Spain's Best Resort Spa' at the 2017 World Spa Awards – is LPG's luxurious age-defying facial therapy, which minimises wrinkles, large pores and redness while also ensuring facial hydration levels are immediately replenished.

An upgraded selection of bespoke facial products is also available, with a wide variety of products from respected industry leaders Medik8 being used in some of the treatments, while, under the guidance of manager Raquel Martin, the spa has introduced a number of ancient Oriental therapies – the only venue in the region to do so.

Designed to melt away any tension to bring the body and mind back into a harmonious balance, the Oriental-inspired treatments will ensure guests will be prepared for La Manga Club's buoyant nightlife - complete with perfectly-manicured nails following a visit to the Nails Bar.

In between luxury pampering sessions, guests can use La Manga Club's dynamic Fitness Centre to tone their bodies and shed any unwanted pounds, while the Wellness Centre's state-of-the-art 'water zone – featuring two heated pools, hydro massage beds, a swan-neck fountain, steam bath and cold tub – will make sure that the morning after the night before has never seemed so appealing!

Each treatment comes complete with a 'tailored to you' experience which is fronted by a leading health expert. Aside from indulging in a vast variety of luxury therapies at the boutique spa, guests can treat themselves to a bottle of Prosecco, while enjoying some of the gastronomic delights available at the famous resort.

Qatar Airways has announced that it is the first airline in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) to provide gate-to-gate internet connectivity onboard. A decision by Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) will allow the provision of internet service onboard aircraft at all altitudes. Previously, internet connection was only permitted when an aircraft was higher than 3,000 meters above sea level.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “In another first for the MENA region, Qatar Airways passengers will be able to enjoy uninterrupted internet connectivity from the moment they step on board a Qatar Airways flight. This is another significant enhancement to our award-winning levels of service that our passengers around the globe have come to appreciate. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board and helping them stay connected throughout the flight.”

Approval by the CRA means that Qatar will be the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to provide gate-to-gate internet connectivity onboard aircraft. It also reflects CRA’s alignment with Qatar’s high rate of technology adoption across various sectors, particularly those affecting transport and communication that are strategic to Qatar’s future development and economic growth.

Improvements in technology and developments in global technical standards now ensure that on board internet service does not cause harmful interference to either aircraft operations or land-based public mobile networks. However to avoid any interference to aircraft and land-based mobile services, restrictions still apply to the on board use of mobile GSM services and SMS when the aircraft is below 3,000 meters.

While on board, passengers can continue to enjoy Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system, Oryx One, which offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B777, B787, A350, A380, and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi service.

From planning how to travel, to choosing where to stay, more and more of us are considering our carbon footprint, linking our holiday plans with our desire to save the planet.

Whether it's renewable energy, composting toilets, tree planting or locally sourced food and drink, going green is becoming increasingly important for environmentally conscious travellers.

Following Earth Day (22 April), why not bask in the beauty of the Most Beautiful Country in the World* with an eco-friendly stay in Scotland?

Green getaways

The Old Pine Yurt

Ancient Scots pine trees provide a magical backdrop for your stay at The Old Pine Yurt. Located on the secluded foothills of the spectacular Cairngorms Mountains, with just surrounding nature for company, this is a camping experience like no other.  The handcrafted yurt is equipped with all the usual home comforts including a cosy double bed, solar lighting, a wood burning stove and a welcoming dram.  Nearby you'll find the 'Hut' with kitchen and toilet facilities as well as an eco-shower.

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel

Surrounded by the stunning scenery of Rannoch Moor, Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is the perfect base for hillwalkers, wildlife watchers and dark sky observers. Powered by locally sourced hydro and solar power, the hostel boasts electric panel heating, composting toilets and even bat-friendly paint. For those conscious of their carbon footprint, the site is also only accessible by rail, foot or bike,

Glampotel, Dundas Castle

With solar-power, instant hot water showers, green fuel BBQs and patio heaters, every part of the design and build of this glamping accommodation is eco-friendly. The luxury Canvas Cottages can be found in their own secluded wooded knoll, with peaceful surroundings and breath-taking views of the Castle's Loch.

Three Glens

Boasting jaw-dropping views across the countryside to where the three glens of Craigdarroch, Dalwhat and Castlefairn meet, the green philosophy of Three Glens centres around the 'Four Rs' of 'Reduce, Re-use, Recycle and Recover' with these values brought to life in everything from the biomass stove and electric vehicle charging, to the oak cladding from wind-felled trees or the wool insulation from sheep on the farm.