MANCHESTER Airport’s revamped private terminal – called Aether – opened its doors for the first time to passengers this week.

The Sun was the first newspaper invited to experience the luxury
concept, which costs from £90 to £170 per person. So is it worth the
money?

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The last time I arrived at Manchester Airport, it was peak summer season.

My cabbie dumped us outside terminal 2 as quickly as possible, no doubt keen to dodge any “drop-off” parking charges.

We hauled our own luggage to check-in, went through security and spent the next couple of hours enjoying some food and a drink in the £34-a-head Escape Lounge.

The grub was decent and the bar well-stocked, but it was very busy.

This time I am expecting a very different experience.

I arrive at Aether and park outside and walk towards a trendy, modern-looking building where I am greeted by name by two smartly dressed members of staff.

They show me into the building and I am offered the chance to leave my bags with them.

I only have a cabin-sized rucksack but if I had checked baggage there
are two machines which spit out the necessary labels and you can forget about them until you land at your destination.

I am then taken into the Aether lounge, which unusually for airports
is an oasis of peacefulness and calm.

Indeed during the three hours I spent in the terminal, the attentive
staff outnumber the guests – and apparently that remains the plan.

The helpful manager Suzanne explains they hope for no more than a
dozen or so customers every hour, so the space never feels busy.

The friendly head chef pops out to say hello and we discuss the food
menu on offer, which has been curated by legendary Manchester chef Adam Reid, who is a double winner of TV programme Great British Menu and is chef patron at Manchester’s acclaimed restaurant The French.

Like most northerners, I start with a cup of tea and have a little
wander to the window, where a huge Airbus A330 slowly taxis along the runway.

The thick glass windows ensure none of the engine noise comes through, so business customers can get on with some work undisturbed after logging onto the wifi.

Unlike other lounges, Aether also welcomes guests who are not travelling, so families wishing to enjoy a long goodbye can use their services.

While I wait, I have a poke around and check out the drinks on offer.

A good selection of red and white wines along with bottles of Asahi,
Corona and Moretti lager and a fridge packed with champagne.

The usual soft drinks – Coke, fruit juices and still and sparkling
water are all on offer too.

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The toilets get the luxury touch too with Molton Brown soap and hand lotion, gold taps and large mirrors.

Onto the food. First up is a plate of vegetable crisps on a bed of pea puree which was very moreish, and should be served with a spoon so no pea is left behind.

Then a hefty chunk of malt loaf with whipped beef butter, some
beautiful cold ham, smoked salmon and a pickled vegetable garnish.

After my guest arrived, we asked the chef to give us a little
something of all the main courses on offer.

Reading them on the menu, they don’t sound too filling – a crumpet
topped with shrimp and tomato butter, Mincemeat gravy on toasted malt loaf and a rye bread rarebit with mushroom and walnut
ketchup.

All were delicious and of restaurant quality.

The portions were hearty and by the time we’d had a desert Crumble
bowl with this season’s stewed fruit and three good-sized pieces of
cheese and crackers, we were stuffed.

If I was getting on a plane after the food, I would not need to pay £5
for a small box of Pringles or £10 for a stone-cold toastie.

Infact, I’m not sure I would need to eat again.

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Staff in the lounge know which flight you are booked on, and monitor the departure board for you until they feel it’s time for you to pass through the private security lane.

The room is next door – and while rules prevent it from being
photographed – the body scanning equipment is state of the art and the lack of other passengers ensure there is no queuing.

Once through, you are handed a fresh bottle of water (as you are now airside) and escorted to a waiting BMW i7. A driver then takes you along the tarmac to your gate, with the furthest gate being a maximum of 20 minutes drive away.

A staff member then escorts you to the gate where your boarding pass is checked by gate staff and you board the plane.

As I had no flight booked, I couldn’t experience the BMW, but I did
get to sit in one outside and can confirm its the first car I have
seen with a drop down TV screen and Netflix available.

So after all the glitz and glamour, how much does Aether cost and is
it worth it?

Entry level is £90 for the ‘Express’ – for those with just cabin bags,
it provides access to go straight through the private terminal’s
security – thus avoiding the queues, and getting chauffeured straight to your plane.

Then from £150 per person, you get all that plus inclusive alcoholic
and soft drinks, and an a la carte menu and refreshments.

For £170, it works for check-in bags too, which clear security and are then taken to your plane for you. You can also choose to book in for both legs of your journey.

Guests planning on booking a checked bag package will need to be
flying with a partner airline, which includes British Airways and
Cathay Pacific, while all other passengers are able to book the cabin
bag only options.

Non-travelling guests can also enjoy the dining experience from £40pp.

Prior to experiencing Aether, I was sceptical about the cost.

As a married dad of two, it’s unlikely I would spend £680 extra so my
family can experience Aether on our next package summer holiday.

I mentioned the terminal to my elderly parents as my dad is a nervous flyer, and his response was “Where do I sign up?”.

Some travellers don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a busy airport and love nothing more than a pint in the airport pub to kickstart their trip.

But if I were travelling with my wife for a weekend away, it would be
a great way to make the airport experience more enjoyable and a £30
budget airline flight to somewhere more bearable.

Aether is also likely to be popular with travellers who have mobility
issues as has no stairs and every aspect of it – food, drink, toilets,
security – is just a few yards walk.

Business passengers are also likely to enjoy its benefits given the
wifi is unlimited and quick to access, and parts of the lounge can be
partitioned off for more privacy.

Will it be a success? I think so – and we’ll know if it has been as
more Aether lounges are likely to pop up at airports around the world.

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GROWING up in Scotland, I’ve always been fascinated by castles –  they’re hard to miss as around 4000 of them are scattered throughout the country.

But I’ve never actually stayed in one, until now.

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There are plenty of castle hotels and hotels that are made to look like castles, but Kilmartin Castle in Argyll and Bute is the real deal.

Built in the 16th century, the castle was abandoned in the 1790s and left to ruin until couple Stef and Simo bought the property in 2015, transforming it into a boutique guest house.

Their renovation journey featured on the Channel 4 show, The Great Hotel Escape.

With its sloping ceilings, fairytale turrets and winding stone steps, it’s easy to imagine living within the castle walls 500 years ago.

But staying in one of the five unique rooms is a much cosier experience than it would’ve been in the 16th century.

Located on the West Coast of Scotland, the surrounding area of Argyll and Bute is known for its local wildlife and sweeping landscapes.

Kilmartin Castle is a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and a two-hour drive from Glasgow.

Kilmartin Museum, which recently reopened after a £7million renovation project, is just a short walk away from the castle and tells the story of Kilmartin Glen.

Also nearby is Kilmartin Hotel, a lovely hotel with a great atmosphere and good food.

When we arrived at Kilmartin Castle, we were welcomed by Simo who showed us around, giving us a brief history lesson in the process.

Everything has a personal touch, making it feel like we were visiting grand friends.

We stayed in Clarke, a luxury double room with untouched stonework, which has been painted in lime green, a commonly used colour in the 16th century.

And just like staying at a friend’s house, guests are encouraged to explore the castle and relax in its communal spaces like the grand hall, which is perfect to sit around the fire and enjoy a wee dram.

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Even in the colder months, the stone castle doesn’t feel chilly as the couple have painstakingly lifted each original stone tile to install underground heating – walking around barefoot is quite surreal.

Breakfast is another interesting experience.

All guests gather under the stone barrel-vaulted ceiling of the dining room where they can help themselves to homemade granola and foraged fruits.

There is a list of experiences available to make your stay as special as possible.

One thing we enjoyed was foraging for toppings for our homemade pizza, which we cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven with fresh herbs from the garden.

For the more adventurous, there is a wild swimming pond on site and guests can go on a Sea Safari on an antique wooden cruiser and try and spot eagles and dolphins.

I’m not the only one who thinks it’s wonderful – last year, the New York Times put it at no.4 in their list of ’52 Places to Go in 2023′

They said of the castle and the surrounding valley: “This verdant valley on Scotland’s wild west coast is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Britain, yet it’s largely off the visitor circuit; imagine Stonehenge without the crowds.

“For full immersion into the Scotland of yore, stay at the moody 16th-century Kilmartin Castle.”

Despite its hype, prices are quite reasonable for such an experience. The whole property is available to book out for private events, or group trips, from £1300 a night.

At the moment however, there is a winter deal for £800 a night to take over all five rooms of the castle – that’s only £160 each if you can organise four other couples to join you.

A castle for Christmas at a fraction of the cost!

Three other castles to visit in the UK

THE UK is home to some amazing castles – here are some of the best:

Bamburgh Castle

This medieval fortress is built overlooking the stunning Northumberland coast, offering a wonderfully picturesque place to explore some of England’s history.

The castle itself is incredibly well preserved and dates all the way back to the 11th century.

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Kenilworth Castle

Brits can find out about sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth Castle, one of the most famous forts in the country.

The medieval castle has had a fascinating history and was even transformed into an Elizabethan palace.

Today its keep, its Tudor towers and Elizabethan garden are among the sites people can explore.

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Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle has been dubbed “defender of the nation” by locals.

Today, the castle is still an active military base, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo remaining a highlight among visitors.

It’s also home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels as well as other national treasures

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Meanwhile, these are some of the most popular castle stays that can be booked in the UK.

And here are some bizarre holiday homes from around the world that people can rent.

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DEEP in Wyoming lies one of the most stunning sites in the United States.

Rising above Jenny Lake, jagged peaks dominate the skyline.  The Tetons.

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Towering over crystal clear lakes and the surrounding prairie lands they give their name to Grand Teton National Park – a gem in US nature.

Lesser known, and smaller, than the sprawling Yellowstone, it is a land of rugged beauty.

But where its neighbour was named for the yellow sandstone found along its river, Grand Teton’s title is the result of a bunch of sex starved fur-trappers who, on sight, claimed the mountain range resembled ‘trois Teton’ or three breasts!

Despite knowing little of the region before my visit, the idea of driving from Montana into the parks in Wyoming in an RV was too good to resist so I roped in my pal Michael and off we went.

When I told him we would be flying to Bozeman to begin our adventure, he responded ‘Where?’ But on arrival we found it to be one of the hippest towns we’ve ever visited.

It’s a collection of effortlessly cool mom and pop stores, bars, breweries and cafes offering you everything you need to start your national park adventure.

And after a night’s much needed rest we were collected from our hotel by Nellie from Blacksford RV Rentals, who took us to collect our home on wheels for the next week.

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Bruce, who founded the firm, met us and showed us around our brilliant Winnebago View. It sleeps up to six but with just the two of us, it felt palatial.

After stocking up on supplies, we were on the road and headed for West Yellowstone,  where we sank a few beers under the stars and enjoyed a fabulous sleep.

Next day we set off towards Big Sky, a ski town with a Hollywood following and incredible scenery.

Big Sky is all dramatic backdrops and fantastic hiking and, after checking out magnificent Ousel Falls, I was ready for a swift half before hitting the road again.

We headed to Gardiner, the historic gateway to Yellowstone National Park, where the skies were dark enough to see the Milky Way.

After an impromptu cook out, a few beers and another fab night’s sleep in the Winnebago, we met our guide Jarrod from Good Trip adventures for a tour.

Over the course of the day we saw elk, longhorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and bison as we made our way through thermal springs, mountain passes and the highlight – carved into the famed yellow stone through thousands of years – the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

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Unlike its famed Arizona namesake, Wyoming’s Canyon is unspoiled by helicopter tours and offers an amazing views.  

The drive through Yellowstone saw our Winnebago put through its paces but it really is effortless behind the wheel, and passengers are treated to magnificent views of canyons, valleys and, of course, the thermal springs.

Perhaps the most famous of the geysers is Old Faithful, a landmark so reliable that you can almost set your watch by it with eruptions as often as every hour.

The thermal sites are a result of the volcano that sits beneath the park which, should it erupt, could have dire consequences for mankind.

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But looking on the bright side – sites like the fabulously rainbow tinged Grand Prismatic Spring wouldn’t exist without it. A reminder that danger and beauty often go hand in hand.

As we headed south through Yellowstone the landscape shifted as the RV climbed mountain passes effortlessly and we crossed the great continental divide.

Travelling on, the rolling hills and dense evergreen forests of Yellowstone slowly vanished, replaced by pockets of alder given bronzed shades with the jagged outline of the Tetons looming in the distance.

A short distance into the park is the magnificent Jackson Lake, a 15-mile stretch of water in the shadow of Mount Moran, with soft sandy shores, perfect for swimming.

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But if you’re not braced for the cold, it’s also the perfect pull up spot for a sandwich or snack and to make full use of the cracking kitchen facilities in the RV. It had everything and more that we could possibly have needed.

Grand Teton is known to be rich with wildlife and next morning, after parking up at the relatively sparse Gros Ventre campsite, we came face to face with moose as we cooked breakfast.

Towering at around 6ft to the withers, they are an intimidating sight and should you come into close contact with one, then I wish you all the best and hope you’ve prepared your will.

Later the bull and his mate returned and were within 20ft of our RV while we enjoyed an afternoon beer.

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Next up on our amazing adventure was Jackson, or Jackson Hole depending on who you ask. It’s one of the wealthiest areas of the US, favoured by Hollywood stars and screams money.

It’s a great spot for a supply run or to enjoy a beer or two from one of the local breweries.

Definitely a highlight of our trip was Jenny Lake. Situated immediately below the Tetons it’s the perfect spot for a day’s adventuring.

For those with a head for heights there is world-class mountain climbing or for the more modest there are trails of varying difficulty.

We hopped on a boat across the crystal clear waters before hiking to the Hidden Falls (which thankfully were easy to find) before scaling the heights of Inspiration Point. Or, at least Michael did.

As a man with a crippling fear of heights the final 25m proved too much and I had a walk of shame while my mate took in the views – which he claimed ‘really weren’t that much better than what you’ve seen’. What a gent.

We made our way back to the van via the lakeside path and thankfully managed to avoid bumping into a black, brown or grizzly bear.

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In fact those bears remained elusive. Even with the expert eye of Colin, our Grand Teton Good Trip Adventures Guide, we failed to spot one of the beasts.

Setting out at 6.30am we heard the bugle of an elk looking to get lucky, we spotted rare mountain bluebirds and plenty of bison. But bears? Nope, not one.

What you need to know

GETTING THERE: For the best routes and fares to Bozeman, Montana, see skyscanner.net.
STAYING THERE: Blacksford RV Rentals offer new, premium RVs sleeping 2-6 guests on all-inclusive pricing (unlimited mileage and generator usage, bedding, kitchen supplies and camp chairs) plus 24/7 on-trip roadside assistance by their knowledgeable local staff, and a free annual National Park entrance pass. Daily rates from approx £154-£472 plus insurance. Book at Blacksford.com or call +1 408-384-6778.
MORE INFO: Blacksford RV Rentals has three locations in the American West, all near convenient, major U.S airports and National Parks: Bozeman-Yellowstone, Montana; Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. They also offer free airport and local hotel pick up and drop-off. Visit goodtripadventures.com for tour rates and packages.

However, the sights were not as shy, from the magnificent Jackson Lake Lodge hotel, built by the Rockefeller family, to the Tetons. And as the mist cleared across Jenny Lake in the morning sun it was hard to imagine anywhere I’d rather be.

The Tetons may be the lesser of the two parks in global stature but their jagged beauty and crystal clear waters make them a must visit and what better way than in the freedom offered by a super-cool RV, with one of your best mates.