A TOWN in the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt has a lot to offer when it comes to a winter break.

El Gouna, also known as ‘Venice of the Red Sea’, is a popular place to head if you want beautiful beaches and water sports to be a part of your holiday.

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Its hot temperatures, cheap flights, and affordable five-star hotels are also reasons why at this time of year it’s a good place to visit.

Temperatures in El Gouna reach over 30C in September and October. And while it cools down during the winter months, you can still expect highs of 24C.

The town has lots of sandy beaches, lagoons and coral reefs, with many of them considered quiet and relaxing.

Zeytuna Beach is one of its quietest beaches, located on its own island just off of El Gouna, with scenic views of the Red Sea.

Many of the hotels offer ferry rides over for guests to enjoy a day there.

For those who like water sports, El Gouna is considered one of the world’s best kitesurfing spots, due to its shallow waters, consistent winds, and year-round sunshine.

The lagoons in particular are ideal for this.

For nature lovers, there are many ways to go wildlife spotting in the town, including bird watching, boat tours and nature walks.

Abydos Lagoon is a mangrove lagoon at the south end of El Gouna where shorebirds feed at low tide and winter gulls can be seen at high tide.

Mangrove Lagoon next to Abydos Marina is a good place to explore on foot, with mangrove and scrubby areas, and gardens.

El Gouna also has lots of highly-rated hotels, including luxury hotels offering affordable stays.

Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is a 5* hotel with a private beach, three outdoor pools, and plenty of activities, with bikes to hire and two outdoor tennis courts.

Prices for a one night stay for two adults start from just £85.

CREEK Hotel & Residences El Gouna is another 5* hotel offering exceptional room rates.

The hotel offers a horizon pool with an infinity view, a lagoon for swimming, a gym, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Prices start from just £69 a night.

The best way to get to El Gouna is to fly to Hurghada Airport.

During November, December and January, flights to Hurghada from London Gatwick are just £94.64 from easyJet.

From the airport, El Gouna is just over a half an hour drive away.

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A high/low vibe appeals at Tomales Bay’s newish Lodge at Marconi. Admittedly mostly high, the coastal retreat’s ambiance and amenities are ideal for those who like their fleece with a bit of Frette. Akin to elevated glamping, a stay here affords easy access to the wonders of West Marin, a region known for its abundant natural beauty and for its culinary and artistic communities. 

Managed by Oliver Hospitality, Lodge at Marconi perches atop forested hills that overlook picturesque bay waters. Its 62 sprawling acres were originally developed in 1914 by namesake Guglielmo Marconi as a radio receiving station. Marconi, often credited as the inventor of radio, is paid homage with a lobby display of antique radio equipment. In the 1960’s, the site became home to the controversial “alternative lifestyle community” Synanon. But any signs of a sinister past have been erased, save for a few Synanon community-made tiles. More recently, the property served as Marconi Conference Center, hosting corporate retreats, conferences, and weddings. 

The hotel’s lobby is a gathering spot for complimentary morning coffee and pastries

After a multi-million-dollar, 17-month-long renovation, Lodge at Marconi opened about a year ago. 45 guestrooms and suites of varying size and layout encircle a large Adirondack-chair-lined fire pit. The grounds suggest “family camp,” yet every accommodation features plush linens, Matouk robes, Frette slippers, plant-based Born Bathing bath products, refillable Path water bottles, and coffee/tea kettles. A no television policy furthers the camp vibe; the lack of distraction encourages communal pursuits such as cornhole and conversation. But if TV is a must, one can be found in the lobby’s game room where a fire flickers on cooler days and nights. 

A lobby adjacent game room features…games, and the Lodge’s only television

The entire aesthetic was spearheaded by New York-based design studio Home Studios, its team of which was inspired by the inventive spirit of Guglielmo, as well as the region’s splendor. Guestrooms and common spaces feature custom furnishings, organic materials, a saturated color scheme, and wall cube art inspired by the style of Stuart Arends, painted in colors pulled from the local landscape. Cedar paneling, artful Bay-area made Heath Ceramics tiles, and ample millwork further define a 70’s-esque ethos. 

In the lobby area, you’ll find thoughtful amenities such as complimentary morning coffee (from a local roaster, natch), delicious pastries, fruit, and a water filling station with both sparkling and still. (Crafted espresso drinks are also available for purchase.) A small grab-and-go market features a highly curated assortment of locally sourced, artisanal snacks and wines; a kitchenette offers a microwave and toaster station for guests’ convenience. And gift giving is made easy with the lobby’s display of quality logoed-goods. 

Lodge at Marconi King Suite

Lodge at Marconi Deluxe Double Queen Loft guest room

The lodge’s newest addition is Mable’s Restaurant and Patio, boasting a spacious indoor dining room, a striking full bar with a robust beverage program, and a 1,300-square-foot wrap-around patio overlooking the surrounding nature and shimmering Tomales Bay waters. Guests at Mable’s can enjoy a vast array of Mediterranean-inspired entrees (including vegetarian and vegan options), with a focus on inventive snacks, shareable plates of dips and spreads, salads, and veggies—all conceived and led by Executive Chef Les Goodman, who brings 25+ years of culinary experience to the new space. Just like the Lodge, Mable’s is fully committed to sustainable practices within their operations, from sustainable farming, to shortening supply chain, to minimizing food waste, and sourcing ingredients from local and organic producers.

The dining room, Mable’s Restaurant and Patio

And though there’s plenty on the Mable’s menu to entice for multiple meals, guests will want to check-out historic and iconic Nick’s Cove, a local institution just a 10 minute drive north. Originally a fishing lodge that dates to the 1930s, Nick’s Cove offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape and is known for its excellent seafood, particularly its oysters. The menu is led by Chef Chris Cosentino, well-known for winning Top Chef Masters, as a competitor on The Next Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, and for his legendary restaurants in the Bay Area and beyond. Cosentino grew up clamming and fishing in the coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, making his collaboration with Nick’s Cove more than serendipitous. 

Lodge at Marconi trails lead to spectacular views of Tomales Bay. Photo by Fran Miller

With its miles of hillside hiking trails leading to spectacular vistas, there’s plenty to do on the Lodge at Marconi property, but you’d be remiss not to strike out in exploration of the bucolic region. West Marin is home to an abundance of cultural riches. Lodge staff can arrange for local activities such as: Tour & Tasting at West Marin Culture Shop whereby guests can learn the art of fermenting, a Farm Tour & Tasting at the iconic Hog Island Oyster Co., a bioluminescence kayak tour of Tomales Bay with Blue Water Kayak, a dairy and cheesemaking tour and tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., a fungi ID hike with Dream Farm Mushroom, wildlife field tracking at nearby Limantour Beach, an olive tour and tasting at McEvoy Ranch, and a historical walking tour of Downtown Point Reyes Station. 

Whether your hospitality preference is high (a glass of quality Cab enjoyed with a view, perhaps) or low (s’more’s by the firepit), Lodge at Marconi rewards with total relaxation.  

Photos courtesy of Lodge at Marconi, except where noted

A RYANAIR passenger said he was left stranded by the airline – after landing in the wrong country.

Xavier de Vally, 37, flew with his friend James from Manchester Airport to Gothenburg in Sweden on 8 August for a gig.

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But he said his flight never reached its destination, as it failed to land and diverted to Copenhagen instead.

The friends were told they’d have to make their own way to Sweden, with a promise from the budget airline they would receive a refund for all reasonable expenses.

But Xavier and James, who ended up taking a train to the Swedish city, said they’re still out of pocket months on after their nightmare trip.

Xavier told Manchester Evening News: “We actually were at the point of landing, literally coming down onto the runway, but we weren’t allowed to land.

“I don’t know why that was, there was no bad weather or anything like that.”

However, the change in landing was due to a curfew at Gothenburg Airport – so the flight was diverted to Copenhagen, almost 200 miles away.

Xavier, who was in a leg brace after recent ankle surgery, claims he was left without the assistance he had booked to exit the plane when landing in Gothenburg.

As well as being told they’d have to make their own way to their final destination, Xavier said they received a text telling them to go to the wrong city – Venice rather than Gothenburg.

When the pair arrived through passport control in Copenhagen it was “way after midnight”, and they struggled to find a hotel for the night.

They walked to three different hotels, despite Xavier’s injury, before they found somewhere to stay.

The next morning they were able to catch a train to Gothenburg.

Xavier said they did have a nice time on their trip in the end, but when they put through their claim to Ryanair for expenses, it came to just shy of £400.

Almost two months on, the pair are yet to receive a refund, despite Xavier attempting to go on nine webchats with the airline to find out its whereabouts.

A Ryanair spokesperson told Sun Travel: “This flight from Manchester to Gothenburg (8 August) was delayed ahead of take-off due to ATC ‘staff shortages’ which was outside Ryanair’s control.

“The flight was diverted to Copenhagen Airport, due to maintenance on the runway at Gothenburg Airport.

“Despite Ryanair’s efforts to arrange accommodation for passengers, availability was limited, and passengers were advised that they could also arrange individual accommodation and that they could claim back expenses on Ryanair.com.”

However, they said that his refunds would be processed.

They continued: “This passenger submitted an EU261 expenses claim on 13 Aug and is awaiting approval.

“While we endeavour to pay valid expense claims as soon as possible, some payments are currently taking longer than usual due minor processing delays.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as result of these ATC ‘staff shortages’ and maintenance at Gothenburg Airport which are entirely beyond Ryanair’s control.”

It’s not the first time a Ryanair passenger has ended up in the wrong country.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

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Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

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But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

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Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

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Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Earlier this year, a couple heading  to Denmark ended up nearly 800 miles away in France after boarding the wrong plane.

And another couple said they had no seats on the plane – after boarding the wrong plane, but to the same destination.

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A SMALL island in Somerset is often described as secret because of its isolated location.

Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel, five miles offshore from popular seaside town Weston-super-Mare, is often unheard of because of its remote setting and being difficult to reach.

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The island is run by Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust, and except for wardens who help maintain it, it’s uninhabited.

Strong tidal currents also make the island a difficult place to land.

But during certain times of year, organised trips by Bay Island Voyages allow visitors to discover what Steep Holm has to offer.

Trips are run on certain days of the year from the end of March through to October.

Because Steep Holm is only accessible at high tide, day trips there last 12 hours. 

As a protected nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the island is a haven for rare plants and wildlife.

Steep Holm is the only place in the UK where wild peonies grow, and the island is home to rare plants like Alexanders, golden samphire, and wild leeks.

European herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls can often be seen nesting, and a small population of muntjac deer have also been spotted.

The island also has a rich history, with evidence of occupation dating back to prehistoric times. 

The Romans built a signal station on the island, and it was fortified in the 1860s as part of the Palmerston Forts – constructed to encircle Plymouth and to protect the Royal Dockyard against a landing by the French.

There are also Victorian military installations, including underground ammunition stores

On a clear day, visitors can enjoy excellent 360 degree views of the Bristol Channel and the Somerset and Welsh coastlines.

As far as facilities go, The Visitor Centre housed in the Victorian barracks is visitors’ base for the day.

Items you don’t need to explore the island can be safely left there.

There’s also hot and cold drinks, home-made cakes, confectionery and crisps available there, as well as a selection of beers, wines and cider at the licensed bar.

Toilets have water provided by the underground reservoir, but as the water is pumped by a generator, it’s not suitable for drinking.

Fresh water is brought to the island for drinking from the barracks cafe, otherwise visitors need to bring their own water flask.

Sailings to Steep Holm can be cancelled at short notice because of the weather, even if it’s a nice day on the mainland, so back up plans are advised.

The cost per person to visit is £47.70.

Another tiny island in the UK has been dubbed a “hidden treasure”.

And we’ve rounded up five islands off the coast of the country where you don’t need your passport.

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