The Inn at Stonecliffe offers luxury, and a step back in time. Photo by Fran Miller

Mackinac Island has long captured my imagination. Through the decades, tales and images of the auto-free Michigan vacation destination within Lake Huron ignited a curiosity that I hoped would one day be satisfied with a visit. Fudge! Horses! Bikes! History! Americana kitsch! I yearned to experience all of it. My travels recently led me to this idyllic haven, and it was everything I imagined it might be—and more, thanks to the gracious hospitality at The Inn at Stonecliffe. 

The well-known and stately Grand Hotel might be Mackinac Island’s hospitality icon, but it is the newly reimagined The Inn at Stonecliffe that is commanding the attention of locals and visitors. Itself iconic, and a historic property originally built in 1904 as a private lakeside estate, Stonecliffe recently reopened after a two year, $40-milion renovation, and its 15 acres are spectacular. 

Entrance, The Inn at Stonecliffe. Photo by Fran Miller

The Stonecliffe experience begins with a 45 minute horse-drawn carriage ride from the island’s ferry dock to the resort. The rhythmic clippity-clop of horse hooves is surely Mackinac Island’s soundtrack; modes of transport here are horse and bicycle, the two images of which grace the souvenir t-shirts and hoodies sold within the many boutiques along bustling Main St. The island’s long-standing auto ban was first enacted in 1898, and it has held steady since, serving to preserve the island’s natural beauty and timeless charm. For this California girl, where parched landscapes dominate, the carriage ride through lush green forests to Stonecliffe’s vast front lawn entrance captivated. Verdant lawn, during summer? How novel. 

Horse-drawn carriage is the transport mode on Mackinac Island. Photo by Fran Miller

Hammocks and Adirondack chairs grace Stonecliffe’s green entry expanse, beckoning guests to relax and enjoy the quietude. Out back, an even larger span of green—Stonecliffe’s Straits Lawn—features stunning views toward Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge that connects Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Filled with games (croquet, cornhole, and ladder golf), and the site of evening marshmallow roasting and al fresco movie nights under the stars, this magnificent lawn serves as a verdant playground for all ages.

Stonecliffe’s remodel includes new, luxuriously appointed guestrooms: 16 within the stately, 18,500 square foot mansion, and 32 within the renovated Summer House. Both buildings, and four standalone private cottages, feature colorful artwork by local artisans, one of whom teaches art classes on property. Kate Dupre, of the island’s whimsical Watercolor Café, helps guests find their inner artist with her guided direction to the joys of watercolor painting. 

Stonecliffe’s expansive Straits Lawn features views of Lake Huron. Photo by Fran Miller

A Stonecliffe mansion guest room. Photo courtesy of Stonecliffe

A state-of-the-art fitness center, two swimming pools (one for families and one for adults), an apple orchard, a chicken coop, and a bicycle pavilion with bikes for rent provide more than enough entertainment and activity to enthrall guests on property. Dining options too are plentiful. Fine-dining restaurant The Straits serves local specialties from Michigan and the Great Lakes, with ingredients sourced from the resort’s own orchard and garden. The lovely formal dining room overlooks the Straits Lawn. More casual, The Backyard features a variety of wood-fired pizzas, served al fresco on a brick patio. And Horsey’s Bar is a cozy spot for crafted cocktails and small bites. Sit inside the hunting lodge-esque interior, or grab a rocker on the covered patio where quilted blankets are offered to ward-off evening chill. For something off property, Woods Restaurant & Bobby’s Bar is a short stroll from Stonecliffe. Bavarian in style and décor, its menu features hearty comfort dishes. Be sure to look beyond the bar for the single lane bowling alley. Originally constructed in 1898, it is one of the oldest surviving bowling alleys in the nation. Whatever your meal choice, save room for homemade ice cream, scooped from the cooler at The General Store, Stonecliffe’s grab-and-go market that stocks a variety of food items and logoed souvenirs. 

The Straits dining room. Photo courtesy of Stonecliffe

Horsey’s Bar. Photo by Sara Wright

Beyond the hospitality and activities offered at Stonecliffe, Mackinac Island “must-dos,” as I learned from my visit, include: 

Fudge tasting: Fudge is the island’s greatest export, and Main St. teems with purveyors of the sugary goodness. Murdick’s Fudge is the island OG. Founded in 1887, and still family owned, Murdick’s continues to utilize the same recipes (all natural ingredients) and paddling techniques as those of founder Mrs. Henry Murdick. Visitors to the shop can watch the experts at work.

Murdick’s Fudge is the OG of the famed Mackinac Island export. Photo by Fran Miller

Rum Runner imbibing: This The Pink Pony concoction of a refreshing blend of rums and fruit juices is an island icon. Enjoyed on the restaurant’s back deck with views of the harbor, the potent cocktail makes for a memorable Mackinac Island experience.

Biking: Rent your Stonecliffe bicycle and hit the 8 mile, car-free, M-185 highway that encircles the island. It’s the only state highway in the United States where motor vehicles are prohibited; the views of Lake Huron and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. 

Cruising: Book a boat cruise around the island with Brown Eyed Girl Charters, and explore the island from the surrounding crystal clear waters. If weather permits, Captain Alan will drop anchor, allowing you a quick dip in chilly Lake Huron. 

Explore the island with a Brown Eyed Girl charter. Photo courtesy of Brown Eyed Girl Charters

Sunset Viewing: Stonecliffe is home to one of the island’s most captivating sunset viewing spots, Sunset Rock. The outcropping affords gorgeous panoramic views, dawn to dusk.  

I’m actually finding it hard to put into words the feeling of contentment that the island, and The Inn at Stonecliffe, provided me. I felt a deep sense of nostalgia for this place I’d not previously known—an odd, yet comforting, sensation. Mackinac Island and Stonecliffe provide a step back in time, where visitors leave worries behind. Both are places of trust, where bike locks are unnecessary, and every interaction feels like a reunion with old friends. It felt like coming home. Though this was my first visit, it will certainly not be my last. 

A Mackinac Island sunset view from Sunset Rock. Photo by Fran Miller

Owned by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, The Inn at Stonecliffe is one of three Humanitarian Hotels where 100% of net profits are used to support charitable initiatives (scholarship programs, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, affordable housing, mental health, and more) in Mackinac County and around the globe.

The island’s history is as vibrant as its beautiful coastal landscapes. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Odawa and Ojibwe, the first European visitors (French explorers and missionaries) arrived in the 17th century. The island then became a pivotal military outpost during the War of 1812, serving as a base for both American and British forces. It was in the late 19th century that the island transitioned from a military stronghold to a summer resort destination for wealthy families, leading to the construction of grand hotels and the preservation of its historic sites. Today, visitors ferry over from Mackinaw City for day trips, or for longer leisurely stays that reveal the island’s multiple treasures.

YOUR trip to Paris or Amsterdam could be much cheaper next year – if you travel by train.

Train regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) had said fares should be cut by 7.7 per cent from April 2025.

2

2

Advertisement

The call comes after a huge demand in Eurostar seats since Covid restrictions lifted.

Feras Alshaker, ORR director for planning and performance, said the high speed train line was a ” vital connection between the UK and continental Europe“.

They added: “[It] makes a crucial contribution to the UK economy, supporting growth.

“The detailed scrutiny and challenge we’ve applied to HS1 Ltd’s plans should see the costs of operating on the line reduce significantly, giving savings for both international and domestic operators over the next five years, with benefits for passengers and freight users.”

And HS1 Ltd chief strategy and regulation officer Mattias Bjornfors said they “welcomed” the five-year plan to reduce fares.

He added: “Our plan for 2025-2030 included several proposals to reduce charges for freight and transport operators which have been accepted.

The fare reduction would see Eurostar tickets around 7.7 per cent cheaper.

It would also affect Southeastern routes, being cut by 10.8 per cent which connects London to many of Kent’s seaside towns such as Margate and Folkestone.

Freight services could be cut by as much as 66 per cent.

Currently, Brits can travel to Europe with Eurostar for as little as £39 each way.

This includes route from London St Pancras to Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

These fares are in short supply however, and often not at peak times or weekends.

There are also calls for more Eurostar stops in the UK.

Previously stopping at Ashford International, this was paused during the Covid pandemic and is yet to return.

Despite petitions and calls from local MPs for it to return, experts have said it is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

And there are also calls for it to stop at Stratford International, which the Eurostar also travels through.

The station was initially built for international train routes – although has never had them, being just seven minutes from London St Pancras.

A number of train operators have revealed plans to take on Eurostar with UK-Europe routes.

Virgin Trains could launch routes between the UK and Europe for the first time ever.

And start-up Evolyn has revealed plans to launch train services between London to Paris.

Sun Travel’s favourite train journeys in the world

Sun Travel’s journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.

Davos to Geneva, Switzerland

“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire

Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Advertisement

“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey

London to Paris by Eurostar

“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski

Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail

Advertisement

“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton

Beijing to Ulaanbatar

“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray

“WHEN you see the manta ray, you need to jump off the boat and swim really fast behind me,” the guide explained, to my two wide-eyed daughters.

“I am a very quick swimmer, so you’ll just have to keep up,” he added, before turning his attention to the ocean’s horizon.

5

5

Advertisement

5

I couldn’t work out if he was joking or not.

But while I was inwardly panicking, my daughters weren’t scared in the slightest and before I knew it they were in, paddling around and in awe of the majestic creatures.

This certainly wasn’t the first “pinch me” moment of the week.

We were in the Maldives on a holiday of a lifetime and from the moment we stepped foot on Villa Park Sun Island resort we were mesmerised.

With water bungalows overlooking a crystal clear ocean teeming with fish, and villas plonked on pure white sands, you could see why many honeymooners jet off to these Indian Ocean islands for some romance.

But how would we fare as a family with two youngsters under the age of ten in tow?

Luckily, our beach bungalow had plenty of space with two double beds and a private pool – not that we needed another place to swim with the large resort lagoon pool and the whole of the Indian Ocean at our fingertips.

Although, parents should be warned that the currents can be strong.

Elsewhere on the resort are two beautiful, beachside restaurants dishing up cuisine from all over the world — and they play a very strong curry game.

One day I had it for breakfast, lunch and dinner – just because I could!

The only means of travel around the island, with its banana grove and lush green gardens, is by foot, bike or golf buggy.

And even as one of the biggest resort islands on the South Ari Atoll, with 462 villas, it still only took me 50 minutes to march around the edge one morning — and I wondered how we would keep the kids entertained for a whole week in such a small space.

The good news is, the resort has a kids’ club every other night, and regular entertainment, ranging from crab racing to musical performances, plus a disco most evenings.

But that wasn’t what made Sun Island worth flying all this way for.

What made this spot unique against other kid-friendly resorts was the location itself.

After all, where else in the world can you swim alongside whale sharks, turtles and manta rays with almost guaranteed sightings year round?

5

5

And as well as some fantastic snorkelling with shoals of colourful fish, every day at 6pm the resort has manta ray feeding sessions on the beach, and you can also watch a shiver of friendly whale sharks thrashing over food at the end of the pontoon.

If the parents fancy a bit of downtime, there’s a beautiful spa with a blissful “signature experience”, combining massages, coconut milk foot rubs and breathing exercises to bring a sense of calm to mind and body.

But even with an all-inclusive package, this does come at an additional cost.

Most romantic place in the world

What all-inclusive guests do get though (on top of food and drink), is free snorkel hire for the trip, windsurfing and canoeing, access to sports facilities and one special night-time fishing excursion per stay.

So can you bring your kids on holiday to the most romantic place in the world?

Simply put, yes. But it’s only worth doing so if they can swim.

You can guarantee they’ll be boasting about those manta rays for years to come.

A POPULAR Christmas steam train experience is set to return this year – with cheaper ticket prices.

Santa Steam Express, run by railway experience company Steam Dreams Rail Co., is returning for its fourth year.

3

3

Advertisement

It is running this Christmas at London on December 20 and December 21.

The trips begin at London Victoria, where passengers will climb aboard the train’s vintage carriages that date back to the 1960s.

You’ll then embark on a 1hr30 minute adventure through south London, passing Chiswick, before heading towards Barnes and Clapham Junction.

The exact route is yet to be confirmed, but Steam Dreams Rail Co have said the route is likely to be similar to previous years, ending at London Victoria.

When onboard, children can expect to receive a sweet treat, drink and gift, while adults can enjoy some mulled wine, tea or coffee and a mince pie.

Families will also be riding along with festive characters, such as Mrs Claus, along with a merry band of elves who will hand out children’s gifts.

A copy of the International Elf Service North Pole Star newspaper with up-to-date stories and announcements from the Christmas Workshop, written by the Elves, will also be available.

And once the drinks and nibbles are done, children can get stuck into some Christmas activities, before meeting the man in red himself, Santa.

The festive trips will be hauled by two iconic steam locomotives – either the 700000 Britannia or 34046 Braunton, which date back over 70 years.

They’ll depart four times a day on December 20 and December 21, with slots running at 9:30am, 11:45am, 15:30pm and 18:15pm, with booking starting from £55 per person in Coach Class.

This is cheaper than last year, where the cheapest tickets were priced at £65.

For passengers who want something more private, you can opt to book a private carriage instead.

Head of Communications at Steam Dreams, Juliet Soley, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the magic of steam and Santa to London Victoria for the fourth year.

“It is a joy to be part of the Christmas countdown traditions of many families and we look forward to welcoming guests on board this year to create special memories.

“With only two dates this year, we encourage guests book early once tickets are available.”

Tickets for Club Class, with luxury cushioned seating and spacious tables within a festively adorned carriage, start from £75.

For a private compartment which seats up to six people, prices start from £550.

Elsewhere in Europe, a new train route linking two of Europe’s most popular cities will be up and running in time for Christmas market season.

The high-speed service will run from Berlin to Paris, between Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Paris Gare de L’Est, with stops in Frankfurt, Strasbourg and Karlsruhe.

3