A NEW mega airport in Europe is set to take on London Heathrow and Dubai – and works have finally been given a start date.

Warsaw Solidarity Airport in Poland hopes to open by 2032.

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Passengers travelling from countries in Central and Eastern Europe will be able to fly almost anywhere in the world.

Last year, Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, the architect firms behind the ambitious build, unveiled detailed plans of what the future travel hub could look like when it opens.

A series of CGI images depicted the airport’s passenger terminal, main rail station and transfer hub.

According to the New Civil Engineer, the proposed plans have been finalised, with construction work set to begin in 2026 – two decades after the project was first announced in 2005.

Since last year, design changes were made to the roof, walkways, waiting areas and the bus station, in a bid to improve passenger comfort.

Further designs for the airport’s runways, taxiways, underground railway tunnel and air traffic control tower are still being finalised.

Grant Brooker, head of studio at Foster + Partners previously told Notes from Poland: “Our design focuses on passengers. Our ambition is to create an accessible building that will improve the travel experience…[through] clear visual connections.

“We believe the CPK [the airport] will completely change the way people travel around Poland, and will also become a new gateway to Europe and the rest of the world.”

Even though the airport has yet to receive planning permission, preparation work on the site is already underway with tree removal said to be currently taking place.

Construction work is slated to start in 2026, with a phased opening date set for 2032.

Initially, Warsaw Solidarity Airport was being built to replace Warsaw Chopin Airport because it was nearing capacity.

However, the huge new travel hub will now complement the existing airport.

Poland plans to build on its overall passenger growth, with the new airport also helping the country’s flag carrier (LOT Polish Airlines) to increase its passenger numbers.

The new passenger terminal will be able to accommodate 11,000 passengers per hour, with the capability to hold 40 million annual passengers by 2035.

A third runway, and other terminal extensions, will see passenger numbers increase to 65 million by 2060.

In addition to the new airport being built, improvements will also need to be made to the country’s rail infrastructure.

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This is because the airport will be located 40km away from Warsaw.

Because of its location outside the city, the airport will have its own train station that will connect to the country’s pre-existing railway network.

It is not yet known when flights will operate from the airport and which airlines will fly from the travel hub.

The huge airport project is expected to generate around 150,000 jobs in the area.

However, the plans for the new travel hub have been met with fierce backlash from local residents and travel experts.

Two years ago, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary told local newspaper Rzeczpospolita: “This airport is unnecessary. It was planned in the wrong place and at the wrong time.”

Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which closed in November 2022, could reopen thanks to a new multi-million-pound plan.

And Plymouth Airport hopes to reopen after being closed for more than a decade.

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THEY say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned – and I think it must be true as I run, claw and scream my way out of a horror house haunted exclusively by women.

I am at Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights, now in their 33rd year.

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And they are bigger, better and more terrifying than ever.

During the day, Universal Studios is the epitome of Florida fun, with themed lands dedicated to The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, Minions and DreamWorks characters including Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.

But at night the park reopens as a horror-fest complete with chainsaw maniacs, medieval villains and swamp zombies.

Universal Studios Florida is known for putting guests inside the films we love, including The Bourne Identity, Transformers and E.T.

And it is no different at Halloween.

The horror nights — this year open for their longest-ever run until November 3 — create terrifying houses based on slasher flicks recently at the cinema.

This year saw houses based on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire starring Bill Murray and Paul Rudd, Insidious: The Further and A Quiet Place.

Anyone who has watched these movies will be stunned at how accurate the Universal houses are and how realistic it feels to be placed in the storylines.

America loves to do everything bigger and better and the horror houses here are full-scale sets.

Midway through Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, you are greeted by a larger-than-life replica of the New York Fire Station.

And true to the movie, it also happens to be snowing.

It’s impressive, but you only have a few seconds to appreciate the incredible detail before Garraka, the resident baddie, appears out of nowhere and you’re making a mad dash for the exit.

This year, girl power rules supreme with an all-original haunted house, Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines, that features exclusively female monsters, including The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula’s Daughter and She-Wolf of London.

As I navigate the house, there is no doubt this experience feels different to the other slasher-heavy ones in the line-up.

There are ten horror houses in total, including one themed around children who become demonic after eating sweets, which I am sure many parents can relate to.

Each house also comes with its own spin-off street food vendor, serving freaky treats including a Red Door Pie from Insidious and an Instagram-tastic Ghostbusters Stay Puft S’more, which was the most sought-after snack of this year’s event.

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Even when taking a break from the haunted houses, the horror continues with dedicated scare zones around the park.

Jump scares and sudden frights

This year they featured characters from the Blumhouse franchise, including M3GAN and The Grabber.

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is also open and fans should be on the lookout for Death Eaters, who will almost certainly make an appearance.

Halloween Horror Nights are recommended for guests over the age of 13 and it is easy to see why.

This epic gore-fest is terrifyingly realistic — and watching fully grown adults jumping out of their skin is endlessly entertaining.

The next day, Universal Studios as we know it is back to normal, but girl power is still going strong.

Poppy from Trolls was high-fiving guests at DreamWorks and Marilyn Monroe was spotted cruising past in a classic car.

It baffles that just hours ago, demons roamed the streets to a soundtrack of screams and that now there is no trace of that terror.

But that’s the magic of the movies, after all.

IF you fancy enjoying rolling hills in the Italian countryside, while being only half an hour’s train ride from Rome, Castelli Romani is just the ticket.

It comprises a collection of small towns perched around the crater of an ancient volcano, each offering spectacular views of two pristine lakes.

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Anyone wanting to experience both the hubbub of the Italian capital and a more relaxed pace of life will love it. The train fare into Rome is just €4.

The Eternal City has long been on my bucket list and I was keen to tick off sights including the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Spanish Steps.

But having discovered Castelli Romani, a day in the city will soon have you longing to be back in the sticks — and while a hotel in Rome does not come cheap, you get so much more for your buck at the Park Hotel Villa Grazioli in Grottaferrata.

Flying into Rome Fiumicino Airport, it’s just a short transfer to the hotel, which sits in stunning hillside gardens with a majestic view of Rome.

 The grand, 16th century villa, built for a cardinal, is rich in historic detail and its 62 rooms start from around £100 per night in November.

It also provides a free shuttle service to Frascati train station for easy access to Rome.

The nearby medieval village of Rocca di Papa, its colourful houses tumbling down a steep cliffside in a maze of narrow streets, is a great starting point for those who want to explore the winding hillside trails.

The fit and fearless can hike to the top of Monte Cavo and be rewarded with not just more views of Rome but of the sparkling Mediterranean

These pass through forests of chestnut trees and afford stunning views of Lakes Albano and Nemi, where volcanic soil renders the water an intense azure blue.

The fit and fearless can hike to the top of Monte Cavo and be rewarded with not just more views of Rome, but of the sparkling Mediterranean.

In the town of Ariccia, we dine in one of the region’s traditional fraschetta restaurants. These casual, rustic affairs are often found in converted wine cellars.

At Osteria N.1, we feast on local speciality porchetta — a juicy, slow-roasted pork roast — apple slices, olives and ricotta drizzled with honey.

Pasta-making class

Also worth a wander is the town of Nemi, overlooking the same-named lake.

Cafes and restaurants line cobbled streets where you can eat and drink while taking in, yes, more fabulous views.

Heading farther south, to the Tenimenti Leone vineyard, we got to sample some of the region’s wonderful wines.

The beauty of the 178-acre site is matched only by the quality of the bottles of red and white it produces.

Rome is beautiful — about that there is no doubt — but it is wonderful to be able to dip in and out and appreciate it from afar as well as up close

Meanwhile, in Rome, we enjoyed a pasta making class at a cookery school in the city’s beautiful Trastevere neighbourhood.

For €59, you can make traditional Italian fettuccine and ravioli from scratch, while enjoying a glass or two of prosecco and aperitivo snacks.

We then joined a City Experiences tour of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums.

These sites are crowded at all times of year, but the tour offered a very welcome, skip-the-line, small-group experience with expert guide.

However, you are still going to have to deal with the inevitable hordes of tourists, and it was a little difficult to appreciate the sheer mastery of  Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel while constantly rubbing shoulders with fellow visitors.

Rome is beautiful — of that there is no doubt — but it is wonderful to be able to dip in and out and appreciate it from afar as well as up close.

If you want to experience the real Italy, Castelli Romani is the best of all worlds.

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IF the quiet East Yorkshire town of Bridlington is good enough for Captain Mainwaring, then it is good enough for me.

Despite posing as the fictional resort of Walmington-on-Sea in the 2016 Dad’s Army film, it has remained relatively off the map as a holiday destination in the UK.

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Cinema-goers saw Toby Jones lead a star-studded cast along the pretty High Street as the bumbling fictional Home Guard leader.

And this coastal gem has plenty to draw people in.

Placing a generous platter of scones and sandwiches on my table at The Georgian Tea Rooms, owner Katherine Furmidge tells me: “Bridlington has so much to offer — people just don’t know about it.”

She’s right.

There really is a lot going on here.

And because the town hasn’t been in the spotlight yet, it’s still great value for money.

It’s also home to some of the most undisturbed and striking walking trails in the country with miles of pathway carved into the cliffs that border a thrashing sea.

I headed to Danes Dyke, a wooded ravine cleaved in the rocks as if from a Viking’s axe — apt, as the area was invaded by the Scandis in the 8th century.

The ravine opens out on to a white pebble beach sheltered by pale cliffs and lapped by gleaming waves.

Across Flamborough Head is the majestic RSPB site Bempton Cliffs, a corner of heaven for serious bird-spotters and novices.

Puffins, dolphins, seals and owls all make seasonal homes here and when I visited, the air was thick with more gannets and fulmars than you might think possible.

I hadn’t given much thought to gannets since seeing Steve Backshall’s Deadly 60 TV series as a toddler, but it turns out watching them in flight or at rest is an almost religious experience.

Fulmars, meanwhile, are furtive little seabirds which can spit foul-smelling oil for yards.

Bridlington has the biggest lobster catch in Europe

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They can also smell fish from miles away, so probably caught an envy-stirring whiff of the lobster thermidor I had for dinner back in town.

Bridlington has the biggest lobster catch in Europe, and the Salt On The Harbour restaurant is the best place to try it fresh, having served more than 500 of these crustaceans to customers this summer.

Overlooking the tethered boats, it’s a great spot to order a glass of wine and some scallop popcorn while observing the vessels which caught your meal earlier that day.

Like many joints around Bridlington, Salt On The Harbour is dog-friendly — though it would take a saintly pooch to resist swiping their owner’s dinner.

Grinning like a kid

If you’re not into fish, Highfield House, a mock-Tudor mansion in the nearby market town of Driffield, has a more varied menu plus a handful of dog and family-friendly rooms.

I dined there on my first night, tuck­ing into venison tartare, Yorkshire trout and a chocolate-coffee pud that had me grinning like a kid.

Too much gluttony calls for penitence, so the next morning my better half marched me down to Bridlington’s South Beach for an outdoor yoga class in the North Sea wind.

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Kitted out with an England shirt and a panic-bought towel in place of a yoga mat, I wobbled, flopped and shivered through the downward dogs and tree poses — even the local OAPs were putting me to shame.

Yoga teacher Kimmy Palmer runs the Active Coast classes entirely for free over the summer months.

Come winter, East Riding ­Leisure in Bridlington has a fabulous gym with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the bay.

I was rewarded for my yoga efforts with one final treat (for a history fan, like me).

One stop away on the train is the market town of Beverley where you can meander around the old shipyards — much of the North Sea fishing fleet was built there, as well as some of the landing craft for D-Day.

The shipyards have now all closed but Beverley remains a fascinating spot for lovers of history with Beverley Minster, a gorgeous example of Gothic architecture at its centre, as well as St Mary’s Church.

Look out for the church’s stoney white rabbit, said to have inspired the character in Alice In Wonderland.

Alice’s white rabbit led her to Wonderland, whereas mine took me to East Yorkshire — but it was an adventure nonetheless.

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JAPAN is surprisingly affordable for a family getaway now, with the Yen at a decades-long low against the Pound, making everything incredibly cheap.

With hot meals from just 85p, Disney and Universal tickets half the price of their US counterparts and return flights from £426, the country has become a long-haul option for more and more families.

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On a wallet-friendly holiday, my wife Morgan, two-year-old daughter Lena and I explored Tokyo and Osaka, expertly guided by Inside Japan Tours.

First stop was OMO5 Otsuka, a city-break hotel in the low-key neighbourhood of Otsuka offering stylish, compact rooms.

Sword-like knives

The less-well-known Tokyo suburb is home to the Toden Arakawa Line, the city’s last remaining electric tram, which the hotel celebrates with a special kids’ room themed around the traditional trolley-cars.

OMO’s 17 affordable properties in 11 cities across Japan are about connecting guests to the community, whether that’s through the food at the cafe, the gift shop promoting local makers or tours run by the staff.

OMO Rangers are on hand to escort guests on bar crawls or foodie trips (from £4.81), helping holidaymakers see what is behind intriguing shop fronts that they might be too intimidated to visit alone.

Making the most of the inevitable jet-lag, we caught the 4am subway to the famous Tsukiji fish market.

Shouts from fishmongers pierced the salty air, mingling with the rhythmic thud of massive tuna being sectioned by sword-like knives.

Lost in translation, we stopped at one of the open-air food stalls and accidentally ordered four sticks of wagyu beef for an eye-watering £70.

Blissfully unaware she was dining on the Rolls-Royce of cows, Lena quickly devoured almost our entire holiday budget.

Next day, teamLab Planets (£18.30), an interactive art installation, offered a mind-bending digital playground that had us all channelling our inner toddler.

Shoes off, we waded into knee-deep water, squealing alongside Lena as digital koi darted between our legs and bounced through a galaxy of giant colour-changing balls.

Our favourite? A spongy, undulating floor that had us all wobbling like we were walking on the moon.

For an hour, we were all awe-struck tots in a joyful chaos where art and play merged.

Switching gears, we time-travelled from cutting-edge tech to timeless craftsmanship at the Tokyo Toy Museum (£3.85).

Housed in an old primary school, it is a tribute to traditional Japanese playthings and the art of play — and it makes for a mellow contrast to teamLab’s digital dazzle.

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Best was the indoor play zone where every item is made from wood, right down to the balls in the ball pit.

From Tokyo, it took two and a half hours on the bullet train to reach Japan’s second city, Osaka, where we checked in at OMO7 Osaka.

The affordable hotel had the same winning formula as our Tokyo base but with a few extra comforts, including a full restaurant, nightly free beer and takoyaki (Osaka’s signature street food of fried batter and octopus balls).

There’s a huge outdoor green space the size of a football pitch and sleek hot baths with a hyper-modern design.

The hotel is set on the edge of the Shinsekai district, a warren of traditional cheap eateries (a hot bowl of udon at Matsuya cost just 85p) and fairground-style attractions centred around the 103-metre Tsutenkaku Tower and observation deck.

Shinsekai, or “New World”, has a charming retro atmosphere that’s come back into fashion with Japan’s Eighties nostalgia revival.

Mario, Luigi and gang

OMO7 Osaka is also popular with visitors to Universal Studios Japan, thanks to a free shuttle bus to the park and specially trained experts to help you plan your day there.

A day ticket costs £41.34, less than half the price of Universal Studios Orlando at £92.42.

Newly opened Super Nintendo World was a highlight, immersing us in an interactive universe of Mario, Luigi and their gang.

Lena fell in love with the mushroom character Toad and got a kick out of the power-up bands that let guests collect coins in an app by punching Mario’s signature blocks or completing other simple challenges around the land.

As we bid sayonara to Osaka, our hearts were full of memories and our pockets were still jingling with Yen, proving that Japan is possible on a budget.

Just mind the prices when ordering your two-year-old a steak for breakfast.

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Marbella, a jewel on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is famed for its luxurious lifestyle, pristine beaches, and exclusive atmosphere. This Mediterranean haven has long attracted the elite, offering a perfect mix of indulgence and relaxation. From glamorous yacht-filled harbors to designer boutiques and Michelin-starred dining, Marbella radiates sophistication.

Among this backdrop of opulence, beachfront mansions epitomize lavish living. Nestled along the stunning coastline, these estates offer a chance to experience ultimate luxury and comfort. Whether you’re seeking a secluded family getaway, a romantic escape, or a luxurious corporate retreat, renting a beachfront mansion in Marbella guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Why Choose a Beachfront Mansion in Marbella?

• Ultimate Privacy and Exclusivity: Beachfront mansions in Marbella provide an oasis of tranquillity, shielding guests from crowds while offering unobstructed sea views and lush, private gardens. With gated entries, these properties create a secluded retreat like no other.
• Bespoke Amenities and Services: These luxury properties are designed to meet the highest expectations, featuring private pools, spas, gourmet kitchens, and dedicated staff, ensuring a stay filled with personalized comfort and luxury.
• Prime Location: Situated directly on Marbella’s pristine coastline, these mansions offer direct access to the Mediterranean waters, blending the peaceful serenity of a private beach with the vibrant social life Marbella is famous for.
• Tailored Flexibility: Renting a mansion provides unmatched flexibility compared to traditional hotels. Through services like Cilo Marbella Concierge, guests can create personalized experiences, from private chef-prepared meals to curated activities and excursions, ensuring a truly unique and memorable stay.

Top 5 Beachfront Mansions to Rent in Marbella, Spain

Marbella’s landscape is dotted with a myriad of opulent properties, each offering its own distinct charm and allure. Here, Cilo Marbella presents the top 5 beach mansions that have captivated the attention of the most discerning travelers.

 

Villa Velazquez, Golden Mile, Marbella   

10 bedrooms / 10 bathrooms. 29,000 sq ft

Villa Velazquez is a truly outstanding beachfront estate. It is, without question, one of the leading properties in southern Spain. Located in a small gated community with 24/7 security, adjacent to the renowned Marbella Club Hotel, this is truly the epicenter of luxury living in Marbella. It is only a few minutes from all of the amenities of both Marbella and Puerto Banus.

 

Villa Murillo, Golden Mile, Marbella

15 Bedrooms, 14 Bathrooms. 40,000 sq ft

Villa Murillo is an absolutely stunning frontline beach estate located in the heart of Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile. Designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and built in the classical Andalusian style, but with western influences, this magnificent property is one of Marbella’s most desirable residences. A short stroll away from both the Marbella Club and Marbella itself, the location is unsurpassed.

 

Villa El Greco, Mijas Costa, Marbella

9 Bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms. 25,000 sq ft

Villa El Greco is an extraordinary waterfront estate located on Mijas Costa approximately 20 minutes from Marbella. El Greco is, without doubt, one of the finest beachfront homes in southern Spain. The grounds of the estate are laid out with formal lawned gardens, several terraces, a tennis court and waterfront freeform heated swimming pool.

 

Villa Picasso, Puerto Banus, Marbella

10 Bedrooms, 10 Bathrooms. 21,500 sq ft

Villa Picasso is a luxury beachfront estate where lush gardens surround a villa inspired by classic Mediterranean architecture enhanced with ultra-modern features, together with a feature swimming pool which is adorned with an original drawing by Pablo Picasso. It is located at a short five minute stroll along the promenade to Puerto Banus, and a five-minute drive into Marbella.

 

Villa Melendez, Los Monteros, Marbella

8 Bedrooms, 8 Bathrooms. 12,000 sq ft

Villa Melendez is a superb frontline beach mansion with spectacular sea views in the prestigious area of Los Monteros in East Marbella. The main salon is a vast modern space created for living, dining and entertaining; designed entirely in white, which opens up onto the terrace and the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. It is private and secluded yet situated only a 5-10 minute drive from the center of Marbella and Puerto Banus.

Conclusion: Plan your Luxurious Getaway

To begin planning your luxurious Marbella getaway, contact our dedicated team of luxury rental specialists at Cilo Marbella today. We will work closely with you to curate the perfect beachfront mansion experience, tailored to your every need and preference.

Cilo Marbella is an exclusive boutique agency specializing in the sale of luxury real estate and luxury rental villas in the Marbella region of Spain.