“The very air here is miraculous, and outlines the reality of change with the moment…. a dream hangs over the whole region….” John Steinbeck, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos, Mexico

In 1940, author John Steinbeck sailed from Monterey, California, to explore the narrow gulf  between Baja California and mainland Mexico. The goal of this trip, documented in his book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, was to collect marine samples in order to better understand the ecology of the unexplored, mysterious gulf.

Christian Horan Photography, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

By the 1950s, the same southeast coast of Mexico’s Baja had become the hidden-in-plain-sight playground of California celebrities and Texas fishermen. The celebrities flew their small planes to reach an undisturbed landscape on the Sea of Cortez. Yet, thankfully, much of the East Cape area is, miraculously, still untouched, still serene. 

Now, upon landing at Los Cabos International Airport, guests of The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas turn left, while other Cabo groups turn right. These directions define two varying views of vacation: turning right, there are Cabo resorts where tourist groups play and party well into the night. But, turning left, guests embark to another place, another life: on a 45-minute drive through open desert and sky before reaching the still private, still serene East Cape of the Baja Peninsula, and the Resort. 

Christian Horan Photography, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Situated on 2 miles of a quiet, white sand beach, The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas overlooks a calm Sea of Cortez, now a UNESCO Marine Heritage site. It is a site that Jacques Cousteau once said was, “the aquarium of the world,” as 900 species of fish swim these waters.

Though over an hour away from any other major Cabo resort, The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas has been awarded recognition on this year’s Town & Country Magazine’s 2020 Best New Hotels in the World list, marking the third accolade of this kind for the resort. Winners are selected on the recommendations of a roundtable of the world’s top travel specialists and is the only property in Mexico to have been chosen for this list. 

Christian Horan Photography, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

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Sailing From The Resort’s Private Marina

Christian Horan Photography, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas has its doors open and offers open-air public spaces including the lobby and almost all dining venues.  It has a low-lying architectural footprint with no need for shared elevators or hallways, six pools and a two-mile swimmable beach that allows for a particular sanctuaried relaxation. 

Isolated from the tourist corridor, the East Cape and the Resort landscape is rich in nature — with hidden waterfall exploration, desert dune off-roading, and snorkeling in one of the most biologically diverse bodies of water in the world. The guests may also set sail out of the Resort’s private marina. 

Christian Horan Photography, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

But, no matter how serene the Resort is, it still resides right now, in a new travel environment.  With that in mind, Four Seasons Resorts have embarked on an enhanced global health and safety program, Lead With Care, that bolsters the brand’s already stringent health and safety policies and procedures. Grounded in health care expertise and enabled by access to leading experts, technologies and tools, Lead With Care sets out clear procedures that educate and empower employees to take care of guests and each other. The program is focused on providing care, confidence and comfort within the new travel environment and beyond. Four Seasons App and Chat also provides guests with real-time, contactless interactions with employees from their own device on nine global platforms and in 100+ different languages.

Steinbeck, were he alive today, would surely have been pleased with this resort’s attention to ecological and eco-cultural detail, where nature and culture are both enhanced through its attention to environmental and personal health.  The dream, as he described it 80 years ago, “still hangs over the whole region.” And the very air still feels miraculous. 

Christian Horan Photography, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

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BRITAIN’S first Hollywood theme park with a 500-room hotel, entertainment zone and its own train station, takes a huge step forward.

Last year, Universal Studios bought a 480-acre piece of land in a UK town and then announced plans to build a major theme park.

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If all goes to plan, Bedford will host Britian’s first Hollywood theme park.

According to the 16-page planning document, the new site could hold a hotel, a retail, dining, an entertainment zone, restoration zone, landscaped area and lake zone.

It also claimed that rides, attractions and buildings at the theme park would be capped at a maximum height.

However, in September, negotiations between Universal and the government.

This was due to whether Bedford was a good site for the company’s first European theme park.

Nevertheless, there appears to be “no red flags” to provide Bedford Borough Council with reason to stop the arrival of the theme park.

Regardless, while the company negotiates with the government they will remain in a “period of quiet”.

Sam Fox, a priority projects consultant for Bedford Borough Council said: “We’ve now entered a period of quiet from Universal in the public domain, so we’re not expecting them to be saying anything.

“We’re not expecting the government to be saying anything publicly.

“We simply await the outcome of the government and Universal negotiations on that financial package

“There was talk because there’s an international investment summit taking place on October 14, I think people were putting two and two together and making a number.

“There was hope that the investment decision would be announced at that conference.

“My gut feeling is that it’s very, very, early days in their negotiations and there’s no real likelihood of that taking place on October 14.”

He added: “So if you had heard that, don’t be disappointed if nothing is announced at that summit.”

The committee heard that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is the project sponsor.

If the planning application goes ahead, it’ll be dealt with by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Mr Fox continued: “That planning application will be in the form of what’s known as an SDO, a special development order.

“When the planning response unit in MHCLG have dealt with the application, they will write up a report that will go to secretary of state in MHCLG.

“And the secretary of state will sign off that planning decision before it’s laid in Parliament as a statutory instrument.

“We have a two stage approach to the scheme, the first is the investment decision.

“For instance, who pays for infrastructure like road improvements, rail improvements, that needs to be agreed between HM government.

“The second stage is once that negotiation has taken place around the investment decision and they’ve reached an agreement in principle the planning decision will be taken forward.

“We at the council will be a statutory consultee, and we’ve now confirmed that our formal response to the [30 day] consultation will be signed off by the executive.

He added: “It won’t actually come to the Planning Committee, but it’ll be an executive decision.

“I’m pleased to say there’s no major red flags for us that we’ve seen from a technical point of view that would make us think, actually the council can’t support this, or we don’t recommend that the council supports this.”

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Columbia Hillen

A chubby dog created from orange plastic, a giant white globe standing in the middle of the lobby and eclectic paintings hanging high above are among the first things to catch one’s eye upon entering the Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas. 

Columbia Hillen

The result of the hotel’s ongoing collaboration with local art gallery, iX! This esoteric collection creates an explosion of color and intrigue, a striking impression enhanced by an abundance of light flooding through the hotel’s modern glass floor-to-ceiling entrance.

Such quirky furnishings also feature in an open leisure room overlooking the lobby, a space that is also used for business meetings. Here you’ll find gaily painted oil barrels as tables, miniature pétanque and billiard tables, a stand-up computer game machine and trash cans shaped like eggs.

Columbia Hillen

This 4-star hotel, with 119 rooms and 6 suites, is conveniently located on the new Ramblas in the city center near Toulouse-Matabiau train station within an easy 10-minute walk of the historic Place du Capitol, home of City Hall. The streets around the hotel are filled with bars, cafes, restaurants and shops of all kinds.

Columbia Hillen

Our room, 712, on the hotel’s top floor, featured a beige color scheme, with two windows granting panoramic views over the city. Furnishings included a chic silver-colored standing lamp, a bench-like table, mini-fridge, coffee and tea facilities, large wall mirror and TV, an orange armchair and a coffee table. Interestingly, lighting for the room is not the normal ceiling type but emanates from behind the bed, and is less harsh on one’s eyes. Don’t forget to read the creative messages on the complimentary ‘Renew & Refresh’ vanity kits housed in vintage brown envelopes. 

Columbia Hillen

Breakfast is served in a cosy ground-floor restaurant off the lobby designed like a homey kitchen with hanging copper pots and cups, shelves filled with knickknacks, including a toy rabbit and carrots, a carpeted floor designed partly as tiles and the names and photos of staff members pinned along the wall granting a personal touch. Lots of windows permit lots of light while enticing posters of foods make one feel hungry.

Columbia Hillen

A varied buffet is offered with the names of local producers written in large letters on the wall above the food, including Toulouse sausage from Maison Garcia, cow and sheep milk from Bethmale and yogurt from the Pyrenees. Cheeses, cold cuts and excellent salmon slices are among the items with several hot dishes to choose from.

There is also an a la carte menu listing various omelets including ham, cheese, mushroom, onion and tomato, as well as pancakes with chocolate, exotic fruits, maple syrup and the hotel’s own honey as toppings.

Columbia Hillen

Juices are plentiful. I noted pear, apple, orange and a detox mix, as well as two types of kombucha, lemon and ginger and citrus and spirulina. There is also a wide range of breads on display including organic baguette, multi-seed sourdough and a kia and pistachio combo, as well as a range of gluten-free baked goods such as muesli, madeleine, caramel shortbread and cake. You’ll not regret trying them with the hotel’s delicious hot chocolate.

Columbia Hillen

Elsewhere, Le 84 bar with its shelves of books, and rugby balls symbolising the city’s most popular sport, is an attractive place for a quiet drink while the South West Bistro Ramblas offers what it terms ‘regional bistronomic cuisine.’ The hotel also has a fitness lounge with treadmill, rowing machine and weight training equipment.

Overall, the Pullman Centre Ramblas is a chic accommodation choice that’s extremely convenient for enjoying the highlights of the ‘Pink City.’

YOU could fly to Turkey for less than a tenner – but you have to book in the next two days.

Low-cost Turkish airline Pegasus has launched €9 (£7.40) tickets for Brits flying from the UK.

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The cheap flights can be found when departing from London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

The routes included are:

• London to and from Ankara
• London to and from Istanbul
• London to and from Izmir
• Manchester to and from Istanbul
• Edinburgh to and from Istanbul
• Birmingham to and from Istanbul

And the destinations you can fly to from there are the coastal resorts of Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya, when changing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

To take advantage of the cheap flights, Brits have to sign up to the airline’s loyalty programme BolBol, although this is free.

The flights don’t include taxes and have to be booked either today or tomorrow.

However, travel can take place anytime between March 30 and October 2025 next year.

The cheapest fares are likely to sell out quickly, with 200,000 seats on offer.

The tickets are part of the airline’s Light package which only includes an underseat bag.

But you can easily add checked luggage for just €5 (£4.20), as part of the deal.

Last year, Pegasus airline launched flights from Birmingham Airport to Istanubl.

These fares usually start from £39.99.

If you’re tempted by the super cheap flights, here is everything you need to know about the holiday destinations you can go to.

Bodrum

Also dubbed Turkey’s St Tropez, Bodrum is loved by celebs from Kate Moss to Mick Jagger.

It has 65 beaches to choose from, although you should also visit Halicarnassus, which once held the Mausoleum — a Wonder of the Ancient World.

Jet2 also launched more flights to Bodrum this year, extending into the winter season.

Antalya

Antalya welcomes more than one million Brits a year.

Beaches follow the city’s crescent-shaped bay, with a pebble beach and crystal-clear water along the flank bordering the new city and a long expanse of sand stretching away from the picturesque old port.

It is home to the the Land of Legends theme park — visible for miles around thanks to its towering Disney-style castle.

Dalaman

Dalaman’s famous attraction is the rock tombs of Fethiye, built into the huge cliff faces.

But there is also a huge beautiful coastline of beach hotels to choose from, including the 4H Holiday Village AQI Turkiye and Sunway Hotel.

Next year, Sun Express will start flying from Newcastle to
Dalaman.

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Acqualina Resort & Spa

Acqualina Resort & Spa is more than just a place to stay, it’s a destination in and of itself. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to an unforgettable staycation, the opulent retreat offers a luxe beachside experience designed to meet your every desire.

Acqualina Resort & Spa

Nestled on 4.5 acres of stunning beachfront along the shores of Sunny Isles Beach, this award-winning property in Florida’s Rivera blends elegance, personalized service and relaxation in your own backyard. From the moment you arrive, the grand Mediterranean-style architecture and marble-clad lobby with bespoke finishes (and Fendi furniture) make it clear that you’re in for a luxurious stay. The resort’s 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites showcase floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies with panoramic views of the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway.

Oceanfront Suite

The property offers endless options to relax or stay active, showcasing a private beach with iconic red umbrellas and beach loungers—plus three oceanfront pools reserved exclusively for guests, including a kid’s pool and adults-only pool. You can play beach basketball or king-sized chess while attendants are on standby to cater to your every need, from food and drinks to sunscreen and towels. There’s no shortage of ways to indulge, from beachfront yoga and water sports to curated cultural experiences, private yacht cruises and shopping excursions at nearby Bal Harbour Shops. For families, the AcquaMarine Children’s Program is designed to educate and entertain young guests with marine-themed activities. There are also “Acqua Experiences” like mermaid lessons, scuba diving, painting classes, or family photo shoots.

AcquaMarine Kids Club

For those who want to just kick back and relax, the impressive two-story Aqualina Spa spans across 20,000 square-feet and is a sanctuary of wellness. The space features separate and co-ed relaxation lounges with Himalayan salt walls and amenities including dry heat saunas, crystal steam rooms and a pool terrace with heated jet pool and Roman waterfall spa. The skilled team of therapists creates tailored treatments to completely customize each experience with range of wellness and signature treatments, massages, and facials.

Acqualina Spa

The dining options on property are also next level, with gourmet options for every palate preference. Indulge in the finest Italian cuisine at Il Mulino New York, enjoy fresh Mediterranean dishes at Costa Grill, Japanese fusion at Ke-uH, fresh Greek dishes at Avra Estiatorio Miami,or hand-crafted cocktails at the resort’s stunning oceanfront bar.

Avra Estiatorio Miami

At Acqualina Resort & Spa, every moment feels like a personalized escape into luxury, offering the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and unforgettable staycation.

IT’S that time of year again, when we need to remember, remember, the fifth of November.

Britain’s annual Bonfire Night celebration goes back centuries. Here we have an essential guide to all the best fireworks displays for under £15.

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Every year Brits like nothing more than standing round a warm bonfire and watching a spectacular fireworks display go off.

Steeped in history, Bonfire Night has been an annual occasion since the 1600s.

Big events are going on up and down the country, and many of them don’t break the bank to attend.

Some fireworks displays can cost no more than £15 a ticket, while others are completely free.

Battersea Park Fireworks, London

November 2 from 6pm and November 3 from 4.30pm

Running over two days, this incredible event is brought to you by the same people who do London‘s New Year Eve display.

This family outing is filled with entertainment, a bonfire and of course fireworks.

Wrap up warm for this event in South London, where there will also be plenty of food and drink on offer.

Cost: Adult £13.10, child £8.80, under 5s free

Fireworks Extravaganza, Mayfield Park, Manchester

November 1 to 3 from 5.30pm (each night)

If you live in the north why not bundle up and head out to Manchester‘s Mayfield Park for their Fireworks Extravaganza.

Happening over three nights, this display always gets rave reviews, and sees thousands of revellers attend.

Another perk is all children get a free sparkler to enjoy.

There will also be mulled wine for the adults to buy, as well as hot chocolate and candy floss.

Cost: Adult £10, child £6, under 3s free

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Midsummer Common Bonfire Night, Cambridge

November 5 from 7pm

Brought to you by Cambridge City Council, this much-loved event has been running for years and is always a big hit.

It is known for being one of the largest free displays in the local area and takes place on Midsummer Common.

Around 20,000 people are predicted to attend, so expect it to be busy.

Cost: Donations of at least £3 per person are encouraged.

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Low Noise Fireworks at Old Down Country Park, Bristol

November 4 from 5pm and November 5 from 5pm

This event is aimed at families, especially ones with young children.

The display uses special bang-free fireworks, hence the name.

There will also be fairground rides, food stalls and live music for the whole family to enjoy.

Cost: Adult £13, child £9, under 2s free

The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary, Devon

November 5 from 7pm

This iconic event kicks off with a parade of flaming tar barrels carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary in Devon.

The barrels are lit outside local pubs and put onto the shoulders of the historical “barrel rollers”.

Please be aware, this event has a bonfire but no fireworks display.

Cost: Free

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Lewes Bonfire Night, Lewes, East Sussex

November 5 from 5pm

This fireworks event has been running for over 300 years, and attracts around 80,000 spectators every year.

This traditional bonfire night includes all the trimmings and has a whole host of activities to keep the family entertained.

There are also food and drink stalls, to help make the night even better.

Cost: Adults £10

Fireworks displays for over £15

Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, London

November 2 from 4pm and November 3 from 6pm

If you’re willing to splash out a bit more on Bonfire Night, head to Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival.

This North London event has everything to keep the family entertained.

Not only will there be fireworks, but there is also ice skating and fairground rides on offer.

There is a beer festival going on plus live music from The Cuban Brothers (Friday) and Artful Dodger (Saturday)

Cost: Adult £18, child 11-15 £12, child under 11 £6.50

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Chatsworth House Firework Display, Derbyshire

November 1 to 2 from 6pm (each night)

Taking place over two nights, this family friendly event is promising a huge bonfire as well as an impressive fireworks display.

There will also be food stalls which includes a delicious hog roast.

There is also the option of an adult-only two-course dinner before the firework display, which is served in the Cavendish Restaurant.

Cost: £22 for adults; £15 for children (aged 4-16).

Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, Kent

November 9 and 10 from 2pm (each day)

Leeds Castle in Kent is the perfect backdrop for a fireworks display.

Set in the moat of the famous landmark, revellers will be treated to live music and a fairground.

Anyone arriving early can also enjoy the castle’s maze, as well as its play areas and adventure golf.

Cost: Adult £27, child £18, under 3s free