Terranea is more than just a classic coastal resort; it’s an immersive experience that embodies the spirit of Southern California. Nestled atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes, Terranea caters to sun-kissed dreams of breathtaking Pacific Ocean proximity and stunning sunsets. The Mediterranean-inspired oasis is conveniently located near iconic Los Angeles attractions such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, Universal Studios, Griffith Park, Crypto.com Arena, and the Getty Center. But, with its four inviting pools, a top-notch spa, diverse dining options, boutique shops, and exceptional service, Terranea offers plenty of reasons to stay put within the 102-acre paradise.

Terranea is its own enchanting world, where life is exceptionally well lived. The resort is a nostalgic California Dream realized. Picture kayaking in the Pacific alongside playful dolphins, or sipping champagne while watching a breathtaking sunset, or roasting marshmallows by a warm fire as the gentle coastal fog rolls in. As the resort celebrate its 15th anniversary, it shines brighter than ever. A recent update highlights its outstanding service and luxurious amenities. Here are ten reasons to add Terranea to your Southern California travel wish list:

Nestled atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes, Terranea caters to sun-kissed California dreams

The Views: Terranea is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, one of Southern California’s most scenic and coveted coastlines, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. You might spot blue and humpback whales during summer months, and gray whales in the winter during migration season. Dolphins can be seen frolicking in the distance year-round. And few experiences are as soul-soothing as a glass of bubbly enjoyed on a Terranea terrace as the setting sun glistens upon the water. 

The Accommodations: Each of the resort’s 582 spacious guest retreats is luxuriously welcoming with plush furnishings, rich linens, spa-like baths, and private balconies. For added space and privacy, choose from 50 three-bedroom ocean view casitas and 32 villas, ranging from 1,850 sq. ft. to 2,800 sq. ft., with spacious, fully-equipped kitchens and living areas. 

A Terranea Casita

Terranea Casita primary bedroom

The Swimming Pools: Terranea boasts four different heated swimming pools: the Resort Pool with a 140-foot waterslide and splash pad, the adults-only Cielo Pool, the Vista Pool for guests ages 13 and older, and the Spa Pool, which commands some of the best views from the property. This is the one at which to linger. Reserve a cabana, and allow the professionally attentive staff to fawn over you with healthy food and drink from solviva café. Other than a beach in Nantucket, no more perfect spot can be found at which to listen to your Elin Hilderbrand audiobook.

Terranea Spa Pool

Activities Galore: Regardless of age or skill level, Terranea has an array of activities that appeal to every guest. Terranea’s Experience Center and team of expert Experience Concierge associates can assist with scheduling a variety of services. Offerings include lessons in the art of falconry, nature hikes, tide pooling, paddle boarding and kayaking. There’s nothing quite like kayaking alongside dolphins that playfully leap out of the water in a pas de deux. Terranea’s water sports activities are conducted from their Beach Cove, a magical little spot at water’s edge.

Find both relaxation and adventure at Terranea’s Beach Cove

The Spa at Terranea: This 50,000-sq.-ft. oasis of natural stone and native woods is perched on the cliff and features 25 treatments rooms, separate men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and an array of luxurious treatments. The aforementioned spa pool is the most perfect place to relax pre and post treatment. Adjacent to the spa is a 5,000 square ft. fitness center with oceanfront Movement Studio. And the spa’s retail space is reason enough to stop by. You’ll find workout and leisure wear, candles, bath and body products, and delicate jewelry.  

The Links at Terranea: With lush natural terrain and dramatic ocean vistas, the award-winning, nine-hole, par-3 Links at Terranea course features a sustainable design that serves as a habitat for native plant species. Here, on-site PGA professionals offer personalized instruction through Terranea’s Golf Academy, helping golfers evaluate every aspect of the game, including proper practice techniques and short game mechanics.

The Links at Terranea

The Cuisine: Terranea is home to eight dining venues. Eight! And each features stunning coastal views. You’ll find no need for meal repeats, though it’s likely a favorite will draw you back for seconds. The exceedingly elegant mar’sel (Spanish for “sea” and French for “salt”) is the resort’s signature restaurant. Set atop the cliffs, it’s is a regional gem, well-illustrated by its Michelin Guide recommendation and its Forbes Travel Guide four star designation. Superb service, crafted cocktails (don’t miss the Basil Hayden espresso martini), an interesting wine list, and perfectly executed, seasonal dishes made for a stunningly memorable meal. bashi is Pan Asian, serving the freshest sushi and family-style Asian dishes at my patio table overlooking the main resort pool and stunning coastline. The menu features nigiri, sashimi, rolls, Hamachi and scallop carpaccio, Bang Bang shrimp, spicy chicken and pork dumplings, shaking beef, and wok tossed noodles among so many other yummy dishes. Nelson’s is the place for a casual lobster roll and a glass of wine served with sunset views. The spa’s solviva café features light, wellness-oriented bites. And catalina kitchen offers al fresco dining overlooking the Resort Pool. sea beans take-out café stocks all kinds of yummy goods like holiday-themed cookies, gelato, ice cream sandwiches, etc.

A meal at mar’sel, Terranea’s flagship fine dining restaurant, is memorable

Hollywood History: You certainly don’t need to know Terranea’s provenance in order to enjoy your stay, but it’s fun to learn that Terranea’s scene-stealing backdrop has attracted Hollywood film crews since the 1950s when Lloyd Bridges starred in the popular TV adventure series Sea Hunt. At the time, the area was also home to Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal theme park. Since then, the dramatic landscape and oceanfront setting has been featured in numerous television and feature film productions, from Pirates of the Caribbean to The Beverly Hillbillies.

The Awards: Terranea has plenty of them, including:

 ~ Forbes Four-Star Award for Terranea, mar’sel and The Spa; 2010-2024

~ AAA Four Diamond Award; 2010-2024

~ Readers’ Choice Award, Conde Nast Traveler; 2012-2018, 2020-2022, 2024

~ Top 10 Best Hotels and/or Resorts, U.S. News & World Report; 2012-2024

~ “Best Hotel in the U.S.” Readers’ Survey, Global Traveler; 2021, 2023

~ “Best of Award of Excellence,” Wine Spectator; 2015-2024 

Hike Terranea’s perimeter via the resort’s nature trail

Boutique Shopping: In addition to the aforementioned spa boutique, the resort’s porte cochere is home to marea, a luxury boutique stocked with beautiful, high end resort wear and accessories for both men and women. You’ll find brands like Veronica Beard and L’AGENCE for women, and Peter Millar and Hugo Boss for men. It’s nearly impossible to walk out empty handed. And next door, pointe discovery is where you’ll find Terranea logoed apparel and souvenirs, as well as educational toys that speak to the resort’s seafaring location. You’ll surely want a candle, at the least, to light at home—the aroma of which will transport you back to this singular paradise.

Photos courtesy of Terranea

A NEW system could soon stop those annoying passengers who try to board the plane too early.

American Airlines is rolling out the new technology at a number of airports.

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Back in 2018, a study by London Stansted Airport and YouGov revealed the top 10 most annoying passenger habits at the airport.

Queue jumpers came out on top.

American Airlines’ new system will see a loud sound played for passengers who scan their boarding pass at the gate if they are boarding in the wrong group.

They will then be told by staff to wait for their group to be called.

Currently in place at Albuquerque International Sunport airport and Tucson International Airport, the airline will test it at others including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

A spokesperson told Travel and Leisure: “We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process.

“The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.”

And there is a reason airlines board from front to back too, and it’s to encourage passengers to buy more expensive tickets.

First boarding usually include those in first class and business class, as well as frequent flyers.

Despite this leading to huge queues in the aisle for economy passengers, experts have said the priority boarding can entice travellers to book tickets in a better class.

In theory, the best way to board a plane would be all of the window seats, followed by middle seat and aisle.

United Airlines currently uses the WILMA system, which stands for “window-middle-aisle”.

Otherwise there is also a boarding technique called the ‘Steffen method’.

This would implement the window-middle-aisle technique, but board all odd rows before even rows.

This means allowing more space between rows for passengers to put bags in overhead lockers and get into their seats.

But until all airlines roll this out, you can expect passengers to still crowd at the gates, especially on budget flights where there is limited overhead locker space.

This annoying airport habit is known as gate-licing – where passengers congregate at the boarding gate even if they are not called for boarding.

Brian Hart Hoffman, who was a flight attendant for eight years, told the Thrillist that crew “absolutely hate” gate lice.

He added: “There is no need for it and it absolutely hinders the flow of boarding.”

DUBAI has revealed its major tourism plans with new oasis holiday destination.

The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which is expanding its cities.

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The scenic route will have five tourist “stations” with an 100mile cycling route.

The Main Hub Station near Al Qudra Lakes will have a traditional market, selling local wars, as well as an open-air cinema.

Flamingo Lake will be home to The Wildlife Station, with activites including hot air balloon rides and luxury camps.

Walking trails will link the area to other tourist stations.

There will also be the Adventure Station, located near Expo 2020 Lake.

Here will be an adventure park, fitness tails and cheaper camping spots, along with restaurants.

The Desert Adventure Station will have adventure sports such as dune climbing, sandboarding and desert safari tours.

While The Cultural Experience Station will have traditional activities such as locally-cooked meals and camel rides.

Across the lakes will be water activities too, such as kayaking tours.

It hopes to open the first phases by 2028.

The  Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktou said it wants to attract tourists from around the world.

He said: “We have approved the development of several facilities, along with increasing activities, events, and services within the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route project to boost tourist numbers from around half a million annually currently to over three million visitors by 2040.

“This will enhance the area’s position as one of Dubai’s main tourist destinations while expanding investment opportunities for locals and preserving the region’s unique nature and identity.”

It’s not the only change coming to Dubai.

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Dubai’s Jebel Ali Beach Dubai will become the longest public open beach, stretching 4 miles.

Split into three zones, there will be beach clubs, kids zones, cafes restaurants and public swimming pools.

Environmental conservation zones will include turtle rehabilitation programs, along with educational activities.

If you fancy a holiday to Dubai, The Sun’s Hayley Richardson recently visited.

She said: “You can’t go to Dubai and not visit the tallest building in the world — the Burj Khalifa, twice the height of the Empire State Building and nearly three times that of the Eiffel Tower.

“Go to Sky Lounge on Level 154, for amazing views and free coffee from 585m above ground.

“Otherwise a cheaper way of seeing the city from on high is at the Dubai Frame which costs about £10 to visit.”

Dubai has also revealed plans for a new airport terminal that will be the “world’s largest”.

The £28billion project at Al Maktoum International Airport will mean the airport will welcome up to 260million passengers.

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WHEN you think of Wetherspoons, you think of cheap pints and budget meals.

But one of the pubs in the UK lets you watch a huge live performance once year.

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The Opera House, in Tunbridge Wells, was built in 1902, before being converted to a cinema in 1931 and a bingo hall in the 70s.

Many of the original features have been kept, including the grand chandeliers and booths, as well as the stage.

Guests can even choose tables that are right on the stage, surrounded by the opera boxes.

And once a year, it remembers its roots with a live opera show inside.

Next year, the show will be conducted by The Merry Opera Company, performing Die Fledermaus.

Taking place on February 16 at both 2pm and 7:30pm, the tickets go on sale on December 1.

Don’t worry about dressing up – the website says: “You don’t need to pay a fortune or wear formal evening dress to see operas like this”.

Having started performing in 2007, they’ve since welcomed 67,000 guests to watch.

If you can’t make it to watch the show, the pub is still worth a visit.

Punters have raved about the Wetherspoons, with many being “blown away”.

One person said: “This place is awesome, you can see the richness and the workmanship of hundreds of years. This is a must see place.”

Another said it was “possibly the best looking Wetherspoons,” although compared it to the Winter Gardens in Harrogate, another pretty pub.

Or you can choose the pub as a cheap option for a pre-show meal too, being near the Assembly Halls Theatre.

Wetherspoons superfan John Hunt, who has been to 900 of the chains, even said the Opera House was one of his favourites.

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When asked, he said: “The opera house one, they still had opera once a year in there.”.

We’ve visited some other amazing Wetherspoons around the UK as well.

Folkestone’s Samuel Peto is near the beach, and in a former church.

Or you can go to Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate, the world’ biggest Wetherspoons.

Other beautiful Wetherspoons in the UK

The Corn Exchange, Bury St Edmunds

The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool

The Caley Picture House, Edinburgh

The Palladium, Llandudno

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The Counting House, Glasgow

Hamilton Hall, London

And a new Wetherspoons hotel is even opening with the UK’s biggest beer garden and 26 bedrooms.

We’ve even rounded up the 10 most beautiful Wetherspoons in the country.

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GULF Air is launching flights from two airports in the UK to Singapore, aiming to offer passengers competitive prices.

The Bahrain flag carrier will operate two new routes from London Heathrow and Manchester Airport to Singapore, with services stopping in Bahrain en route.

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Flights from London Heathrow will start operating next week on October 27, 2024.

The services will depart from the London airport at 9.30am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Flights will stopover in Bahrain, with stops lasting just under five hours according to the airline’s website.

Return services will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm before touching back down in the UK at 6.35am the following morning, with flights again stopping in Bahrain for several hours.

Economy class tickets start from £541 per person, with prices jumping up to £2,028 for seats in the Falcon Gold Class cabin.

Meanwhile, flights from Manchester Airport will depart at 10.25am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Stopovers in Bahrain will take just under four hours.

Return flights will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm, arriving back in the UK at 6.35am the next day, including a two-hour stopover.

Economy class tickets start from £556, with prices jumping up to £2,033 in the Falcon Gold Class Cabin.

The route will be operated by a Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Joanna Patterson, Director of Sales for Gulf Air, said, “UK travellers now have a great-value, easy option for accessing Singapore, via our Bahrain hub.

“This new daily route expands our commitment to the Southeast Asian market and is a key step in our global network expansion strategy.

“Singapore is a vibrant hub for business and tourism, and we’re thrilled to offer UK travellers greater access to this renowned destination.”

Singapore is a bucket list destination in its own right thanks to its £2 Michelin meals and famous Formula One circuit.

While the next Formula One race won’t be taking place until next year, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the country, including the Gardens by the Bay, which is famed for its display of flora and fauna.

It is home to ever-changing displays at the Flower Dome — a towering indoor waterfall at The Cloud Forest — as well as the 160ft vertical gardens at Supertree Grove.

Other attractions include taking a tour of famous graffiti artworks by Singapore’s answer to Banksy, Yip Yew Chong, who creates enormous, hand-painted murals inspired by the daily lives of Singaporeans.

The good news is, the city centre has some of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals on the planet.

At the Chinatown Complex Market is Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Hawker stall to win the coveted star, serves Michelin Star dishes for £2.

Ryanair recently launched a route from Newcastle to Marrakech.  

Earlier this year, Jet2 confirmed that a new route will operate between Manchester Airport and Porto.

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