Photo by St. Regis Venice

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and burnout are rampant, travelers are increasingly seeking escapes that prioritize rest and rejuvenation.  A new trend is emerging – sleep travel – where the focus is not just on sightseeing and adventure, but on deep relaxation and restorative slumber. Leading this movement are hotels like The St. Regis Venice, W Scottsdale, and Everline Resort & Spa, each offering unique experiences designed to enhance sleep quality and promote overall well-being.

These havens of tranquility go beyond providing comfortable beds and quiet rooms. They curate holistic experiences that tap into the restorative power of sleep, incorporating spa treatments, wellness programs, and mindful amenities to help guests disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with themselves.

Photo by St. Regis Venice

The St. Regis Venice: Where Luxury Meets Rejuvenation

Imagine waking up in a palatial room overlooking the Grand Canal, the gentle lapping of water against gondolas lulling you into a state of serenity. This is the magic of The St. Regis Venice, a hotel steeped in history and elegance.  Beyond its opulent décor and breathtaking views, the hotel offers a sanctuary for those seeking deep relaxation: the renowned Valmont Spa.

Photo by St. Regis Venice

Nestled within exquisite spa suites, the Valmont Spa is a haven of tranquility. Inspired by Swiss skincare traditions, it offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and invigorate.  After a restful sleep in one of the hotel’s lavishly appointed rooms, guests can indulge in therapies that combat the effects of aging and boost energy levels.

A standout offering is the Energy Spa Ritual, a revitalizing treatment that combats fatigue and dullness by stimulating skin cell oxygenation. Perfect after a long journey or a day exploring Venice’s captivating streets, this ritual leaves guests feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the city’s beauty.

Photo by W Scottsdale

W Scottsdale:  Energizing Escape with a Focus on Wellness

For those seeking a vibrant yet relaxing retreat, W Scottsdale offers a unique blend of energy and tranquility. The hotel’s AWAY Spa provides a stylish sanctuary where guests can de-stress and recharge.  With its focus on personalized treatments and innovative therapies, AWAY Spa caters to individual needs, ensuring a truly revitalizing experience.

Photo by W Scottsdale

Complementing the spa is the WET Deck, a chic oasis with stunning views and a lively atmosphere. Here, guests can unwind by the pool, soak up the Arizona sunshine, and enjoy refreshing cocktails.  The WET Deck provides the perfect balance of social interaction and peaceful relaxation, catering to different moods and preferences.

W Scottsdale further enhances the sleep experience with thoughtful in-room amenities.  A Sleep and Recovery Kit, featuring calm sleep gummies and a hydrating electrolyte mix, promotes restful slumber. Luxurious bath products and the signature W bed, renowned for its comfort, further contribute to a truly restorative stay.

Photo by Everline Resort & Spa

Everline Resort & Spa: Nature’s Embrace in the Sierra Nevada

Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Northern California’s Olympic Valley, Everline Resort & Spa is a multigenerational haven that embraces the healing power of nature. The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments inspired by the surrounding environment, designed to relax the mind, body, and soul.

Soul to Sole Massage: This targeted massage focuses on areas prone to tension after travel, including the head, neck, shoulders, and feet. Incorporating aromatherapy and acupressure, it promotes relaxation and prepares the body for a restful sleep.

Lavender Dream Body Experience: Immerse yourself in the calming scent of lavender with this full-body treatment. An invigorating exfoliation is followed by a soothing massage with warm stones and lavender oil, leaving you feeling balanced and rejuvenated.

Ginger Renewal Body Experience: Experience the warming and invigorating properties of ginger in this revitalizing treatment. A full-body exfoliation, followed by a massage with ginger oil and warm stones, leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.

Everline Wellness Massage: This signature massage is tailored to your specific needs, using a combination of techniques to create a truly personalized and serene experience.

Juniper Sensory Body Wrap: Awaken your senses with this uplifting treatment. A eucalyptus foot cleansing ritual and dry brushing are followed by a warm body wrap infused with the calming scent of neroli, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Everline Resort & Spa provides the perfect setting to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.  With its focus on wellness and its tranquil surroundings, the resort allows guests to truly unwind and embrace the restorative power of sleep.

These hotels exemplify a growing trend in the travel industry: a shift towards prioritizing rest, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. By offering curated experiences that promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality, they cater to the needs of today’s travelers, who seek more than just sightseeing and adventure.

THE world’s longest suspension bridge has finally been given the go-ahead – linking Italy to its biggest island.

First announced back in the early 2000s, the €14.6billion (£12.1billion) bridge would join the mainland to Sicily.

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A contract was given for the bridge back in 2009, only for the plans to be scrapped in 2013.

But it has finally been given the go-ahead, with construction to start this year.

The Società Stretto di Messina and the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency of the European Commission (CINEA9) – the construction company behind the bridge – has signed a new funding proposal.

Around €25million of the infrastructure will be covered by the EU – 50 per cent of the executive design costs.

The bridge was initally estimated to cost €10billion, although a forecast conducted by the Treasury’s Economic and Financial Document (DEF) said it would be closer to €14.6billion.

This includes €13.5billion for the bridge itself and another €1.1billion for better rail-links between Sicily and the south of Italy.

It hopes to open until in the 2030s, with no confirmed date.

Matteo Salvini, Italy’s infrastructure minister said it had “always been one of his goals” to build the bridge.

Currently, travellers have to fly to the island, or get a ferry, taking anything between 20 minutes to 24 hours.

But the new bridge would have both road and rail links, stretching 3km (1.8 miles) long.

There would be three vehicle lanes going in each direction, with just two used by the public and one would be for emergency situation.

As many as 6,000 cars and trucks could use the bridge every hour.

And train line would run throughout the middle, with as many as 200 a day.

The bridge project has faced both criticism and support.

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Critics of the project fear it is badly placed, being in Italy‘s earthquake zone as well as concerns over the migration of birds between Africa and Europe.

However, supporters of the bridge say it would help the country’s struggling economy, especially in the south.

It’s not the only record-breaking attraction being built.

The world’s biggest airport hopes to open by 2030, with 120million passengers a year.

King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will have a six runways with international flights.

Launching next year is the world’s biggest cruise ships, dubbed a “theme park at sea”.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas will launch in summer 2025.

Five new water attractions opening in the UK

1. Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
2. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
3. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
4. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
5. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.

And you can find the world’s largest train station in New York- with Grand Central Terminal having 80 stores inside.

Want to stay at the world’s biggest hotel? You’ll have to head to Malaysia.

Courtesy of Sofitel

Ushering in a new era of French-inspired luxury and understated grandeur, the five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Sofitelsydney.com.au has officially unveiled its $70 million refurbishment, with final completion set for November. The rebirth of this Sydney, Australia icon coincides with the Diamond Jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of embodying French art de vivre all over the world.

Created by Qantas Airlines in 1966, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a storied history. Central to the hotel’s new vision was to reignite the hotel’s original jet-set glamor when it opened as Australia’s premier five-star hotel for an international clientele of royals, movie stars, and dignitaries. Modernizing that golden era for the 21st century, the new refurbishment encompasses 436 guest rooms and suites, the opulent Sofitel Club Millésime VIP lounge, health and wellness center, public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces. 

The hotel embodies the essence of what management calls “Modern Heritage.” The building was originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, opening with a modernist interior, and was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere. The redesign seeks to capture the essence of this modernist era through a contemporary lens, celebrating the building’s unique heritage and re-igniting the hotel’s glamorous past.

Courtesy of Sofitel

Entrance & Lobby

The new grand entrance features a bronze façade that welcomes guests to a revitalized lobby where historic charm meets modern elegance. A striking lighting feature illuminates the way — inspired by the Sofitel ritual of being taken to your room by candlelight. The open-plan ground floor lobby provides subtle nods to the building’s 1960s heritage in a series of lounge settings. Interactive stations let guests manage their stay and enjoy a streamlined arrival process with just a few taps, while the new online concierge app puts all hotel services directly at guests’ fingertips via their phones. 

Courtesy of Sofitel

Sofitel Club Millésime

An exclusive check-in experience occurs at the Sofitel Club Millésime, an eclectic lounge soft furnishings. Club members (or those purchasing a day pass) can relax, entertain or work with business and concierge facilities, showers, and all-day food and drink from breakfast to afternoon tea, to Apéro Chic hors d’oeuvres and evening drinks. Platinum members of Accor’s loyalty program can access the lounge during their stay, free of charge.

Courtesy of Sofitel

Rooms & Suites

The essence of Sofitel luxury lies within the 436 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all gracefully curving around the terrace. MySmart lighting sets the mood, in-room dining manages cravings, a pillow menu and premium Sofitel MyBed™ creates comfort, and the luxurious heritage-listed bath with French Balmain amenities provide indulgence. In-room extras include a Nespresso machine, and a Wellness Bag — a portable travel gym complete with a roller, yoga mat, resistance bands, handles, and ankle straps – for guests to use in-room or at outdoor landmarks such as the Botanic Gardens or Opera House, situated just outside the hotel.

Courtesy of Sofitel

Conferencing & Events

From contemporary meeting rooms to the iconic Wentworth Ballroom, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has over 15 event and conference spaces. The Wentworth Ballroom has hosted some of Sydney’s most legendary events, and is one of the city’s largest ballrooms. With an original 1960s mirrored ceiling, it offers a grand setting for events of up to 750 guests. The highlight of the technological upgrade is the installation of one of Australia’s largest LED screens in the Grand Ballroom, complemented by digital screens and LED upgrades throughout all meeting spaces. New additions in all event spaces feature state-of-the-art lighting, presentation, and staging technology. Event dining is guided by newly appointed Michelin-trained Executive Chef Bektas Özcan.

Courtesy of Sofitel

Restaurants & Bars

A new dining precinct offers four distinct venues within the hotel. The tilda channels restaurant has a Australiana vibe, while bar tilda revives the hotel’s timeless allure with nostalgia-inspired cocktails and the soulful sounds of a nu jazz band. Delta Rue serves up a lively mix of Vietnamese-French flavors and energy, while Wentworth Bar provides a rooftop view from its all-weather terrace.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s central business district, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is conveniently just twelve kilometres from Kingsford Smith Airport, is near key transport hubs, and is just minutes from iconic landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the fashion district. The hotel is also known as Sydney’s “Hotel of the Arts” after 20+ years partnering with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, plus Opera Australia, the Australian World Orchestra, and the Australian Youth Orchestra.

YOU can rent three holiday cottages complete with their own pub where you can pull your own pints for less than two quid.

Located near the coastal town of Filey, Yorkshire, Lucasland Holiday Cottages has enough space to sleep 18 guests.

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The holiday complex is made up of three buildings, each able to sleep six guests.

While there are three buildings on-site, Lucasland Holiday Cottages are only rented to one group at any one time, which means holidaymakers will have the place to themselves.

Set inside a converted barn, the cottages still have a number of original features such as beamed ceilings and chalk walls.

One of its best features is the fully-functioning pub where holidaymakers can even pull their own pints.

Before arriving guests can order kegs of beer from the owners, working out at £1.55 per pint according to holiday provider groupaccommodation.com.

The private pub also has a pool table, a dart board and a small flat-screen TV secured in its rafters, providing guests with a quintessential pub experience.

There’s plenty to keep younger guests and non-drinkers entertained too, with the property’s communal courtyard complete where guests will find a hot tub and a barbeque.

Each cottage has one double bedroom with an en-suite, another double bedroom, a twin room and a family bathroom.

There’s also an open plan living room, dining room and kitchen in each of the cottages.

The kitchens are well-equipped and the communal areas have flat-screen TVs and feature fireplaces.

Lucasland Holiday Cottages is just three miles from Filey, an underrated coastal town in Yorkshire.

Earlier this year, Sun reader Mae Duffy described Filey as an excellent alternative to Scarborough.

She said: “Filey is an underrated seaside destination in Yorkshire. It’s a great alternative to Scarborough.”

Filey Beach is a stretch of golden sand that’s ideal for families because of the rock pools that can be explored during low tide.

There’s also Filey Brigg, a long narrow peninsula situated about a mile north of Filey, which offers stunning views of the coastline.

Other nearby amenities to the Lucasland Holiday Cottages include a supermarket and two nearby pubs.

Further afield there’s also Flamingo Land, which is a 35-minute drive from the property.

Two-night stays at Lucasland Holiday Cottages start from £2,250, working out at £62.50 per person per night.

Tourists can also book to stay inside a UK-based holiday home with its own Irish pub and Tiki bar.

A number of hotels in the UK are also out of the ordinary, having been converted from old prison buildings.

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A CITY in Portugal is one Brits may have never heard of – but has been named one of the cheapest to visit.

Silves in Portugal used to the be capital of the Algarve.

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Sadly, most of the city only dates back to the late 1700s as most of it was destroyed in a huge earthquake.

What has remained is the Moorish Castelo de Silves, the largest in the Algarve.

But now, most people skip the city in favour of the nearby beaches, making it a quiet – and affordable destination to visit during the off-peak season.

A study conducted by Lisbon Tickets & Tours analysed the average cost of hotels, food, beer, taxis and flights from the UK.

And coming out on top as the most affordable spot in Portugal was Silves.

The average price of a hotel was around £73, while a beer costs as little as £2.50.

And flights from the UK were under £50, on average.

Visit during August for the annual Silves Medieval Fair, with live reenactments and markets.

Lisbon Tickets & Tours’ travel expert Magdalena Petrusic said: “Portugal offers a range of affordable destinations to visit during the off-peak season, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.”

Silves is a great day trip destination for the Algarve, especially if staying in Lagos of Albufeira.

The cobbled streets are lined with independent shops and cafes, serving handcrafted gifts and ceramics.

Some of the best restaurants include Churrasqueira Valdemar, named one of Tripadvisor‘s Travellers Choice Awards and known for its authentic peri peri chicken.

And the Segredo dos Mouros bar has been named a “hidden gem” for great value tapas and drinks.

most of the central hotels are B&Bs and even riads you are likely to see in Morocco.

Casa Riad Yasmin has its own indoor swimming pool, while Hotel Colina dos Mouros is a more affordable three-star option with rooms as little as £37.

To get to Silves, he best way is to fly to Faro with easyJet and Ryanair offering bargain flights.

Ryanair has £14.99 flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and London Luton, while the cheapest easyJet flights are also £14.99, from London Luton, London Gatwick and Liverpool.

Silves is then a 45 minute drive, or a one hour bus.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor on why a holiday to the Algarve can’t be missed

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The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the Algarve, after it was named Europe’s best beach destination.

I visited the Algarve just before the peak season and could definitely see why it is often winning praise.

Praia do Camilo is one of the popular beaches and lives up to the hype with bright blue water and fewer crowds due to the steep 200 steps to the bottom.

And off the coast are some amazing unknown islands – there is Barretta Island, uninhabited but home to amazing restaurant Estamine, the slightly more built up Isla de Armona.

Make sure to stay at 3HB Faro, the first five-star hotel in the city.

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The Sun recently visited the W Algarve – here’s what you can expect.

And we’ve rounded up the best hotels in the Algarve with waterparks.

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A ‘WINTER Wonderland for adults’ will be opening later this month with a host of games, live music and a huge arcade.

The Winters of the World will run for two weeks in Finsbury Square in London, with a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment and food on offer.

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Talking to the Sun Travel Team, the attraction’s owners have described it as an “indoor Winter Wonderland for adults”.

Guests will arrive and be greeted with a glass of prosecco and canapes before being led to a reserved area where they can order drinks like winter-themed cocktails.

Drinks include house cocktails, beer, house wine, house prosecco, house single spirit mixer and soft drinks.

Visitors can go head-to-head in a series of winter games like Eisstock (the Bavarian version of curling) and Jingle Balls (a festive version of bowls).

Retro arcade games themed around snow sports like skiing and a virtual motorbike ride will also be at the attraction, with each visitor being given one token.

The venue will have a dance floor featuring live musical performances from DJs and bands.

Alpine-inspired food, which has been created by Michelin Star chefs like Tom Kemble, will also be served at the attraction.

Canapes include mushroom arancini (balls of fried rice), cured salmon and dill Crème Fraîche Blinis and vegan crostini.

Meanwhile, mains include burgers, Teriyaki Chicken, Miso Salmon, Teriyaki Tofu and steak and chips.

The Winters of the World will be open from December 2, 2024, until December 20, 2024.

It will be open from 12pm until 11pm every day between those two dates, catering for groups of 10 people up to 750.

Visitors can choose between several packages, with the Whistler Package coming in cheapest.

Whistler Packages start from £49 and include one hour of games, three drinks, a main meal, reserved seating and live entertainment.

Levi Packages start from £75 per person and include an additional glass of prosecco, canapes and a three-hour reserved seating area.

The Val D’Isere Package is the most expensive package, with tickets starting from £125 per person.

This package includes all six drinks, winter arcade game tokens and a reserved area for five hours as well as all other entertainment.

Set in Finsbury Square, the site is accessible from several tube stations in London like Moorgate, Old Street, Liverpool Street and the Barbican.

There are plenty of other festive attractions coming to the UK later this year, including London’s Winter Wonderland.

The winter attraction will run for six weeks in the capital’s Hyde Park

After a break from Winter Wonderland last year, the rollercoaster Wilde Maus XXL will make its return in 2024.

Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster, will also be part of this year’s lineup.

Other rides include the Aeronaut Starflyer, the Hangover and the Euro Coaster.

The Magical Ice Kingdom is back for another year, but this time with a brand-new theme: Alice in Wonderland.

 Winter Wonderland will run for six weeks from November 21, 2024, until January 5, 2025.

It will be open from 10am until 10pm every day between those two dates, excluding Christmas Day.

What’s it like to visit London’s Winter Wonderland?

The Sun’s Travel reporter Hope Brotherton visited London’s Winter Wonderland last year, here’s what she thought…

THE smell of deep-fat fried batter wafts through the air, and bright, sometimes flashing, lights can be seen in every direction.

A mixture of pop songs and Christmas jingles also compete for some attention, which means I can only be in one place – London‘s Winter Wonderland.

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It’s a sprawling maze of high-octane rollercoasters, funfair rides, wooden stalls, food vans, and other activities.

While there’s no real way to explore the festive attraction, I made a beeline for the Magical Ice Kingdom.

Last year’s theme centered around Norse Mythology but I’m equally excited to see the Alice in Wonderland-themed ice carvings at this year’s attraction.

For me, another one of Winter Wonderland’s highlights was the Real Ice Slide – a 35m slope.

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Despite being over in seconds, the Real Ice Slide was a true rush of fun.

Another one of Winter Wonderland’s highlights is the Giant Ferris Wheel, where park-goers are treated to spectacular views of both the park and the London Skyline.

Journeys on the Ferris Wheel last around 15 minutes, making it well worth the wait.

No trip to Winter Wonderland is complete without riding at least one rollercoaster – and I opted for Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster.

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I gave several other rides a go, including the Haunted Mansion and the Traditional Wave Swinger.

I also had a good wander through the wooden market stalls, and I watched as other park-goers won prizes on one of the many funfair games.

In the mean time, here is Butlin’s ‘ultimate Christmas holiday weekend’ launching this year.

And here are some affordable December city breaks you can still book.

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