Columbia Hillen

Highlight of a stay at Lisbon’s Lumen Hotel is undoubtedly its dynamic outdoor color and light show presented every evening reflecting aspects of Portugal’s checkered history. 

Columbia Hillen

Promptly at 10pm, guests take their seats either in the interior courtyard or at tables along the first-floor terrace and enjoy dazzling entertainment projected onto the walls around them using video mapping technology.

Opened four years ago, this 4-star, 147-room hotel lies outside Lisbon’s hectic centre in the Santa Cruz neighborhood north of Lisbon’s central Baixa district, a lively suburb but within a 10-minute taxi or bus ride of many of the city’s most important sites.  

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Once a series of derelict buildings, architect Frederico Valsassina has created an attractive contemporary building with a chessboard design inside that emphasizes light and dark, as the hotel’s name suggests. Rooms are finished in one of three tones of color inspired by dawn, sunset and dusk. Golden Dawn, yellows representing vibrant tones of dawn; Copper Nightfall, oranges and reds reminiscent of sunsets; and Pure Light, reflecting the interplay of light and shadow just before nightfall.

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My companion and I stayed in suite 608, spacious, wood-floor, with large floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding door separating bedroom, living-room and a second bathroom. With minimalist decor, furnishings included a large sofa, two wall TVs, a long work bench, a mini-fridge, coffee and tea facilities and a round table with three chairs. 

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Our main bathroom, separated from the bedroom by glass panels, featured a double sink and toiletries from Benamor, a cosmetics company founded in Lisbon in 1925. Slippers and robes were provided. Outside the living room was a long, railed balcony facing onto the street, with chairs.

Columbia Hillen

Two added benefits for us was that the executive lounge was on the same floor and there was also easy access to a roof-top pool and cocktail bar a few steps away. I enjoyed a few swimming laps and an hour’s relaxation on lounge chairs with panoramic views over the city before heading off to the nearby Calouste Gulbenkian Museum to see its unique collection of intricate art nouveau jewelry by René Lalique, as well as works by Rembrandt, Monet, Rubens, Manet, Renoir, Degas and Turner.

Columbia Hillen

‘Photosynthesis’ courtyard is also a quiet place to relax, decorated as it is with ivy covered walls, ferns and glass-topped ‘water mirror’ ponds.

We dined alfresco at the hotel’s 130-seat Clorofila restaurant, its relaxed ambience enhanced by decorative flickering gas-flame lights in glass cubicles.

Columbia Hillen

Highlights on the menu included traditional Portuguese sausage cakes served with mango chutney, balsamic and pistachio crumble; cod and mackerel timbale with a sweet potato mousse and roasted peppers; sauteed padron peppers, with crushed garlic, balsamic sorbet and salt flakes; shredded duck confit, mushroom creamy rice with glazed apple and seafood casserole served with rice and mint foam.

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Throughout the week, the chef prepares a special buffet lunch. Breakfast is also served here.

For a leisurely drink in an informal ambience, try the hotel’s lobby lounge bar, Six Degrees, an atmosphere flooded with natural light.

Columbia Hillen

The hotel also has a fitness centre, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk, as well as business meeting rooms, with combined capacity of over 350 people. 

Throughout our stay we were served by a young and efficient multi-national staff, including 21-year-old receptionist, Beatrz Evora, who is also a talented illustrator.

Kitchen staff at the end of a busy day. Photo by Columbia Hillen

For a hotel removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Lisbon yet within easy reach of the city’s main attractions, Lumen may be an excellent choice.

The Power of Choice – Making a Difference Through Small Actions.  

As world leaders, scientists, and activists come together in Azerbaijan for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), a crucial message resonates across borders: “Use Your Superpower Wisely – The Power of Choice.”

The conference, themed “In Solidarity for a Greener World,” will focus on the significance of shared responsibility in combating the climate crisis and protecting our planet’s future. While global negotiations and commitments are essential to drive climate action, COP29 reminds us that real, lasting impact often comes down to the choices we make in our daily lives. Each individual has the power to shape a more sustainable future by making conscious decisions – whether it’s choosing eco-friendly products, reducing waste, recycling, or supporting local conservation efforts.

Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue (IAR), shares his thoughts around the importance of individual choices: “The most simple steps that we all take every day can have a big impact. If we all think carefully before we act, every decision we make can help us create a more nature-friendly world. Together, our actions add up to big change.”

International Animal Rescue will be watching COP29 closely this year; it is imperative that we recognise the role that preventing biodiversity loss and protecting ecosystems has in mitigating climate change and improving human wellbeing. IAR’s grassroots projects, such as “Power of Mama,” an all-female firefighting team in Borneo, highlight the importance of empowering communities to protect their ecosystems, bolstering biodiversity, which creates environmental benefits.

While COP29 leaders focus on global policies, individuals are encouraged to take action. By making mindful choices, everyone can contribute to a more sustainable world. Gavin Bruce reminds us of the power we all hold: “Use your superpower wisely – every choice we make, no matter how small, contributes to a greater collective impact.”

For those looking to make a difference, consider taking a “pre-purchase pause” and ask yourself:

• Do I need it?
• Can I buy second-hand or borrow instead?
• Is it eco-friendly, ethical, or fair-trade?
• Does this brand or packaging prioritise sustainability?
• Am I using my purchasing power to benefit the planet?

COP29 is the world’s largest annual forum for climate action, bringing together over 200 global leaders, environmental groups, scientists, and activists in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. The conference is a pivotal moment for nations to assess progress, set new goals, and reinforce commitments to tackling climate change in solidarity.

International Animal Rescue (IAR) addresses pressing environmental and conservation issues worldwide. IAR works collaboratively with local communities to create lasting change that benefits both people and the environment with projects ranging from forest and mangrove restoration to fire prevention.

The final word from Gavin: “International Animal Rescue believes that we can still turn the tide with strong action. The future of our planet’s biodiversity and life as we know it depends on the choices we make today. At COP29, we must hold leaders to their promises and think about what one thing we can do today to protect and restore our fragile ecosystems. Let’s work together to give our planet and all its inhabitants a fighting chance. Let’s make peace with nature.”

To learn more, visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org

THE tallest rollercoaster in the world has confirmed it will be closing down.

Kingda Ka, at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, is the world’s tallest at 456 feet tall.

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However, the theme park has confirmed that the ride would be closing as it “has been surpassed by modern advancements”.

Having opened in 2005, it was also the fastest rollercoaster with top speeds of 128mph although this has since been beaten.

Park spokesperson Mark Villari Jr. told Theme Park Tribune: “What was cutting-edge roller coaster technology 20 years ago has been surpassed by more modern advancements.

“This has challenged operations and contributed to an inconsistent guest experience.”

In its place, the park said a new ride will replace it which will be a “multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster”.

Also replacing the Green Lantern rollercoaster, it will open in 2026.

The park’s president Brian Bacica said in a statement: “We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion.

“These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences.

“We look forward to sharing more details next summer.”

Also opening at the park is The Flash: Vertical Velocity, which will be “North America’s first super boomerang coaster” when it opens next year.

Last year, Kingda Ka was forced to temporarily close because of a cable snap mid ride.

While no one was hurt, the ride was evacuated and shut down.

Despite its top speeds, it dropped to the second fastest rollercoaster in the world after Formula Rossa opened in Abu Dhabi in 2010.

However, Kingda Ka is only one of two stratacoasters in the world – a ride that has drops of at least 400 feet.

Passengers endure a steep 90 degree climb before plummeting down the other side.

A much-loved UK theme park has also been forced to close.

Flambards Theme Park in Cornwall confirmed earlier this month that it would be shutting permanently.

Use these tips on your next theme park trip

Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.

1. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
2. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
3. Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
4. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
5. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.

The park cited “rising costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers”.

We’ve also rounded up videos of the other fastest rollercoasters in the world.

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THE best airline in Europe has revealed its new business class plane cabins.

Turkish Airlines was named the best by Skytrax in their 2024 awards.

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And they have since revealed their new Crystal Business Class seats.

The new cabins have been designed by the in-house TCI Aircraft Interior as well as PriestmanGoode who have worked on both Finnair and Lufthansa suites.

Each of the 42 pods have their own sliding privacy doors with the 1-2-1 layout means every seat has aisle access.

There will be marble-style tables as well as rose-gold touches, wireless charging and personal reading lamps.

A 22-inch in-flight entertainment screen will have its own noise-reducing headphones.

Each seat will have unobstructed window views and, with most business class seats, each one come with a lie-flat bed.

They will be rolled out on the Boeing 777s in 2025.

Airline chairman Ahmet Bolat said: “Our new Crystal Business Class suite will add a new chapter for our long-haul luxury travel and will carry the airline into the future with a new level of comfort and privacy across our extensive global network.

Passengers can expect amazing food too, as it was also awarded for the World’s Best Business Class Catering.

Turkish Airlines has revealed plans for free WiFi for all passengers.

All of the fleet will be equipped with the newest in-flight connectivity (IFC) tech by the end of next year.

The airline also revealed plans for new flights from the UK from Glasgow and Newcastle.

Currently the carrier flies to Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick and London Heathrow in the UK.

It’s not just Turkish Airlines updating their cabins.

Delta Airlines revealed their new upgraded economy seats, as well as better business class cabins.

And Brussels Airlines huge expansion plans includes a €100million (£85million) revamp of its cabins.

Here at Sun Travel we’ve reviewed a number of airline cabins recently.

Here are some of our other business class reviews:

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AN ABANDONED UK airport is set to reopen for its first event in over a decade in a “last hurrah” before its total overhaul.

The closed airport confirmed plans to host its first international airshow in over a decade next summer.

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A two-day event will be held at Manston Airport as a “last hurrah” for the old runway before it is transformed into an international hub.

Thanet Airfield, which closed in 2014, was cleared to reopen after successfully overcoming a legal challenge earlier this year.

RiverOak Strategic Partners, the company that owns the airfield, announced plans to invest £800million into the site.

Bosses added that the injection of funds will help restore the airport as a commercially successful travel hub for passengers.

However, the extensive renovations needed to transform the site are not expected to begin until early 2026, with completion projected by early 2028.

Tony Freudmann, director at RiverOak, said the airshow, the first at the site since 2013, is a great opportunity for people to see the airport for the last time before it is transformed.

He told Kent Online: “The air show will be the last hurrah for the old airport as it is now, that is how we see it anyway.”

The details of the upcoming Manston International Airshow have yet to be revealed, but aviation enthusiasts will be excited to know that the Belgium-based Bronco Demo Team OV-10B will be featured in the lineup.

The skilled group of pilots are renowned for their performances with the North American OV-10 Bronco – a 1960s aircraft designed for counter-insurgency combat.

Mr Freudmann added: “This will be the first big air show at the airport since 2013.

“People should expect lots and lots of activities and aircraft flying in and out.”

In a post shared online, the external organisers of the show added: “We are thrilled to be able to start sharing with you what will be a spectacular event for Kent a show that we have been working on as a team since August.

“Our sincere thanks must be extended to RiverOak Strategic Partners and Visit Thanet for their support in us being able to launch such an incredibly high-profile show in the Garden of England.”

The Manston International Airshow will take place at Thanet Airfield on August 16 and 17.

It comes after a discontinued UK airport that once offered budget flights to Spain and Cyprus has revealed plans to re-open after a two-year closure.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport shut in 2022 after Wizz Air confirmed it would terminate the majority of its flights from the airport.

The airport, also known as the Robin Hood Airport, is located in Finningley near Doncaster and previously served millions of travellers heading to holiday destinations.

It opened to passengers in 2005 and was one of only two commercial international airports in Yorkshire.

The airport’s reopening is expected to delight nearby residents, who will be eager to once again use the popular travel hub.

Mayor Ros Jones stated that she intends to keep “councillors, residents, and businesses updated” as plans progress to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

She added: “The procurement of an operator is in its final stages of due diligence, we have regular meetings with investors, businesses and airlines.

“We have submitted a Statement of Need to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to re-establishing our airspace, this will soon be publicly available via the CAA website, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of retaining our airspace, our MPs continue to engage with the Aviation Minister in relation to this.”

ROCHESTER is thought to have inspired Charles Dickens more than any other town in the UK.

Located in Kent, Dickens is said to have spent his childhood in the Medway town, with its buildings inspiring the Victorian author.

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Outside of London, Rochester claims to be the UK town that inspired Charles Dickens the most.

One place in Rochester where the prolific author took inspiration was Restoration House.

The Elizabethan Townhouse inspired the home of Estella and Miss Havisham in Great Expectations.

Rochester was used as a filming location for the 1989 version of Great Expectations that starred Anthony Hopkins and Jean Simmons.

Nowadays, Restoration House is open to the public, with visitors able to explore the walled gardens and rare collections of poetry.

Other buildings that have been immortalised by the author include Travellers House and the Guildhall Museum.

The neighbouring Eastgate House, a Grade-I listed building, also featured in the works of Charles Dickens.

Dating back to the 16th century, the townhouse underwent a huge £2.2million renovation project in recent years.

Garden visitors can explore the author’s chalet, which was once located at his home at Gad’s Hill Place in Higham.

For fans of the author, December is arguably the best time to visit – and it’s not just because a version of the Christmas Carol will be playing on the telly.

Every year, Rochester plays host to the Dickensian Christmas Festival.

The Victorian festival celebrates the work of Charles Dickens, with street performers and costumed characters filling the streets.

This year’s festival will be held on December 7 and December 8, with a Mistletoe Costumed Ball taking place on December 6.

Away from Charles Dickens, Rochester is packed with even more history too.

The Medway town is also home to Rochester Castle – a Norman keep that boasts panoramic views of the River Medway.

There’s also Rochester Cathedral.

Dating back to 604 AD, Rochester Cathedral is thought to be the second oldest cathedral in the country.

Its high street is also lined with independent shops, cafes and traditional pubs.

Brits who want to follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens will want to head for a swift drink at The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel where the famous writer is thought to have stayed.

Rochester is a 90-minute drive from London and it’s a 45-minute drive to Ashford.

The other UK town that inspired Charles Dickens

BURY St Edmunds in Suffolk may appear to be a typical British town, but it has a fascinating history all of its own.

Included in that is its inclusion as a setting in Dickens’ novel Pickwick papers.

The town, and the Angel Hotel, both feature very prominently in the novel; the Victorian author is known to have stayed in the accommodation on several occasions.

Fittingly, the town was also chosen as the setting for the 2019 film The Personal History of David Copperfield, with the hotel appearing on the screen.

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Actor Dev Patel and his co-stars, including Tilda Swinton, Hugh Laurie and Peter Capaldi were filmed throughout the town as they brought the story to a new audience.

The Angel is still up and running and is now a boutique 4 star hotel right in the centre of town, famed for its ivy-clad walls.

It’s not the only famous Bury St Edmunds establishment that Dickens used to frequent, with the Nutshell also said to be a favourite haunt of the writer.

Meanwhile, this is the smallest town in the UK – and it has a Michelin starred restaurant.

And this UK village has been compared to a 1940s film set.

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