2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on World Indoor Bowls Championships 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates with Open Singles semi-finals taking place TODAY
THE prestigious World Indoor Bowls Championships is rolling into a thrilling finale at Potters Resorts!
Jason Banks – who won the mixed pairs earlier this week – is through to the semi-finals after beating Paul Foster MBE 2-1 in a mammoth last-eight clash.
Stewart Anderson had been the firm favourite to win the open singles title once again this year after he picked up the iconic award for a third time in 2024.
But the Scotsman was sent CRASHING OUT by David Gourlay MBE, who will face Robert Paxton in their semi-final later today.
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Hidden gems loved by locals on Spain’s biggest island: secret bars, cheap beach clubs… and the tourist traps to avoid
MAJORCA has long been one of the most popular beach holidays for Brits – just a two-hour flight away.
But if you’re looking for a slice of paradise away from the crowds, we asked the people who live there for their favourite hidden gems – as well as the best restaurants, attractions worth visiting, where to stay and what to avoid.
GettyPalma, Majorca’s capital, is a great place to head on the island if you’re looking for a city break[/caption]
Booking.comSteigenberger Hotel has pool areas, beautiful gardens, and is only a short walk away from the beach, making it ideal for families[/caption]
instagram/westernparkmallorcaWestern Water Park has a Wild West theme, multiple pools and slides, and is suitable for young kids[/caption]
AlamyReugio de s’Aguila is a little Spanish tavern that serves authentic food and offers stunning sea views[/caption]
In the first of our new Best of Beaches series, tour guides Georgiana Paun, 44, Michelle van der Werff, 33, and Emily Himmer, 30, hotel owner Joanna Yaxley, 56, and travel agent Tomas Nanak, 40, share their top Majorca tips.
2km of soft white sand… the best beaches
“Es Trenc beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Majorca,” said Georgiana Paun, manager at a Majorca car tours company.
“It’s known for its crystal-blue waters and soft white sand that extends 2km along the south of the island.
Michelle van der Werff and Emily Himmer, founders of a food tours company in Majorca, said: “We would go for Colonia de St. Jordi, as the coastal town offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and a lively boardwalk with good restaurants and entertainment.
Tomas Nanak, who owns a travel agency, said: “Alcudia is one of the most beautiful sand beaches on the island.” (Alcudia is the largest beach in all of the Balearics, stretching 3.5km along the Bay of Alcudia).
4 euro tapas and the island’s best paella – favourite restaurants
Georgiana said: “Las Olas is a family restaurant located on the beachfront in Santa Ponsa on the west of the island, with incredible views.
“You can enjoy all kinds of Mediterranean food while watching the sun go down over the bay of Santa Ponsa.
“Choose between their fish, seafood, paellas and meat dishes, as well as a variety of delicious tapas made with local market products.”
Michelle and Emily said: “One of our local favourites is Toque de Queda in central Palma, because of its fresh, healthy cuisine served in a cosy ‘living room’ atmosphere.
“The laid-back vibe and delicious local dishes make it a perfect place for an easy evening out, with Balearic charcuterie boards from 14 euros, and fish tapas from 9 euros.”
Tomas said: “Bar Esperanza in Ses Covetes has great Mediterranean food, with tapas from 4 euros, while Organic on Cala Marsal beach offers the best brunch on the island, with hearty Spanish breakfasts from 12.50 euros.
“If you’re looking for delicious tapas, head to Babbo Portocolom with views of the harbour on the southeast side of the island, with dishes from 7.50 euros, or S’Arrosería in Colonia de San Jordi has the best paella – from 18 euros.”
Fun waterparks and kind-friendly beaches – best place to go for families
Georgiana said: “Western Water Park is the only water park in Majorca with a Wild West theme, it has multiple pools and many fun slides.
“The whole family has its place at this fabulous Magaluf water park, and especially for young children there is much, much to do.” (Family tickets from 107 euros).
Joanna said: “I really like the Aimia Hotel in Port de Soller. It’s small but is in a great spot with healthy breakfast for kids.”
Michelle and Emily said: “The Paguera / Camp de Mar area is perfect for families.
“It’s a lively area offering a mix of nice restaurants for adults and beautiful beaches, playgrounds, and activities to keep the kids entertained.
“To stay, we can recommend the Steigenberger Hotel; it has fantastic pool areas and beautiful gardens, and it’s only a short walk from the beach.”
Tomas said: “Colonia de San Jordi and Alcudia are both beautiful locations with a gentle entry into the sea for children.”
Grab lunch from 3.50 euros at the island’s best budget eats
Joanna said: “Bar Sabina in Sineu (where a beer or a glass of wine both cost €3.50), plus it offers local food.
“Or Tomassini pizza restaurant in Sineu has a fab atmosphere and dishes from 9 euros – huge portions but you have to book as it’s very, very popular with locals.”
Michelle and Emily said: “We love Vent in Portixol. They have an unbeatable sea-front location, friendly staff and a simple yet delicious menu featuring tostadas from 3.5 euros, poke bowls, tacos, and fresh juices.
“The reasonable prices, laid-back atmosphere, and great views, make it the perfect choice for an easy meal.”
See where the royals live – best place to go for some culture
Georgiana said: “Palma has it all – culture, heritage, gastronomy, shopping, leisure, sunshine and the beach.”
Michelle and Emily said: “Palma is a super vibrant city with stunning architecture and excellent dining options. (Check out Es Baluard for a large collection of modern art, or La Almudaina Royal Palace – the Spanish royal family’s Majorcan home).
“Stay in a beautiful boutique hotel in Palma’s Old Town like hotel Icon Rosetó, for an authentic and luxurious experience with all the sights and entertainment in walking distance.”
Tomas said: “Cala Santanyí, Cala Figuera and Santanyí are all nice, small villages where you can just chill, enjoy good food and nice coves.”
AlamyCala des Monjo in Cala Fornells, Paguera can be tricky to find, making it a more secluded spot[/caption]
Located in Magaluf, Katmandu Park has an abundance of attractions, from 4D experiences to mini golfinstagram/katmanduparkmallorca
Hidden beaches, away from all the tourists
Georgiana said: “Playa del Caragol on the south of the island is one of the many coastal jewels that you can find in Majorca.
“Although it is not as well known as some of the larger and more popular beaches on the island, it offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, ideal for those looking for a relaxing getaway.”
Joanna said: “Try S’Algar near Porto Colom for beautiful waters , popular with locals for its clear waters.”
Michelle and Emily said: “It’s not too easy to find beaches without any tourists these days, but our personal favourites are Cala des Monjo in Cala Fornells (Paguera) and Cala s’Estaca between Valldemossa and Deia.
“Both can only be reached by foot, making them more secluded and special.”
Hidden gems – places only locals know about
Joanna Yexley, owner of a boutique hotel in Majorca, recommends Moomba Beach Cafe – the Mediterranean beach bar in the northern coastal town of Son Serra de Marina boasts views of the bay of Alcudia and 2.50 euro beers.
She also suggested Can Gavella in Playa de Muro, a beach bar and restaurant known for its paella and seafood, where guests dine with their feet in sand, or Moli d’en Pau in Sineu – a rustic restaurant in an old windmill with a focus on Majorcan dishes form 10 euros.
Michelle and Emily said: “The island is full of hidden spots, but one of our local favourites would be Refugio de s’Aguila – a great little Spanish tavern on the south west coast, where you can enjoy the best local Pa amb oli with magnificent sea views.
It’s very authentic, charming and a great escape from the usual tourist spots, with dishes from 6 euros.
Days out for free – budget attractions worth visiting
Georgiana said: “Katmandu Park is a theme and amusement park in Magaluf, known for its unique mix of interactive attractions, immersive experiences and entertainment for the whole family.
“Some of the highlights are: The House, Expedition Golf, 4D Experiences, Zombies! XD Dark Ride and tickets cost from 23 euros”
Michelle and Emily said: “Castell Bellver, nestled on the hill overlooking the entire city of Palma and its bay.
“On Sundays the entrance is free, but in general it’s worth a visit if you want to know more about Majorca’s history.”
Booking.comRatxó Retreat Hotel is located in the middle of the Tramuntana mountains, with an amazing outdoor pool and spa[/caption]
Going on a hot air balloon ride in Majorca can give you a completely different perspective of the island
Best place to go for a couple’s retreat
Michelle and Emily said: “Ratxó Retreat Hotel offers an oasis of luxury due to its secluded and beautiful location in the middle of the Tramuntana mountains, far away from the ‘normal’ world.
Tomas said: “Soller and Puerto de Soller is a beautiful coastal town in the north west of the island with a lovely beach.”
Get a bird’s eye view with these must-do activities
Georgiana said: A hot air balloon flight in Majorca is an unforgettable experience as you can see the island from a completely different angle.
Tomas said: “Boat trips or boat rentals that don’t require a licence with Ocean Charter in Cala Figuera.”
The biggest club in Majorca – best place to go for great nightlife
Georgiana said: “BCM is the best and largest nightclub in Majorca
“Located in Calvià, it was built at the end of the 1980s and is still going strong.”
Michelle and Emily said: “100% Palma! Although there’s not a big club scene, there are lots of cool bars and Irish pubs offering live entertainment until the early morning hours.
“Any hotel along the ‘Paseo Maritimo’ – the promenade that runs along the harbour of Palma – is within walking distance from Santa Catalina, where most of the nightlife takes place – for a hotel with lots of facilities opt for Melia Palma Marina.”
GettyBCM is the largest nightclub in Majorca and is also dubbed the ‘best’ on the island[/caption]
Instagram/elchiringuitobeachhouseEl Chiringuito is at a beachfront location and offers authentic Mediterranean food[/caption]
InstagramVentura Harbor Bar, with its laid back atmosphere, is visited by agreat mix of international people[/caption]
Secret entrances and 5 euro tapas – the island’s best bars
Georgiana said: “El Chiringuito Beach house in Playa De Palma is great, with a relaxed atmosphere and sunset views.
“Serving tapas from 10 euros, gourmet sandwiches from 12 euros and pizzas from 20 euros, you can’t visit Majorca and not stop by to see a sunset here.”
Joanna said: “Bar Ten, a tiny cocktail bar and restaurant in Sineu, in the middle of the island, is my favourite at the moment. (Bar Ten serves British / Majorcan fusion food, with dishes from 6 euros and cocktails from 8 euros. The bars seats less than 20 people, so book ahead).
“Molico in Sencelles, also in the middle of the island, is great for delicious local produce with a twist.” (Molico serves tapas from 5 euros and mains from 7 euros).
Michelle and Emily: “We love going to Ventura Harbor Bar in Palma, because of its lively surfer-style atmosphere and great mix of international people who come there. (Pizzas from 6.5 euros and beers from 2.5 euros).
“Another great bar – and hidden gem – is the bar at the exotic Palma Riad hotel, which has a hidden entrance through the hotel giving it a very exclusive feeling.”
Stay in Majorca from £169pp
If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Stay all-inclusive for 7-nights at the 4-star Vell Marí Hotel & Resort from £269pp, flying from Luton Airport on October 7 – click here
Stay in the 3* self-catering Hotel Club Es Talaial for 7-nights, flying from Luton on May 9, from £163pp based on 2 Adults & 2 Children sharing – click here
Take a 3-night Palma city break at the 4-star Catalonia Majorica Hotel, flying from Stansted Airport on March 16, from £199pp – click here
Instagram/elchiringuitobeachhouseJungle Parc Mallorca in Santa Ponsa is an outdoor circuit that’s been built between the trees, with 134 platforms and high-altitude games[/caption]
Booking.comHotel Finca Ca N’Ai is described as having the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation[/caption]
Swing from the treetops at the best places for outdoors adventurers
Georgiana said: “Jungle Parc treetop adventure park, on the west coast of the island, is the perfect destination to enjoy an exciting outdoor adventure in the shade of the trees.
“Located in a 9-hectare pine forest in Santa Ponsa, you can enjoy zip lines, ropes courses and obstacles for about an hour.”
Joanna said: “I would suggest staying at Esplendido hotel in Port de Soller int he north of the island, as you have access to brilliant walks and cycling.
“Or try Hotel Illa D’or on the north eastern tip of the island for great hiking around the Bay of Pollensa.”
Michelle and Emily said: “The Tramuntana Mountains! Stretching all over the west coast of the island, they are a paradise for hiking, canyoning, snorkelling etc.
“Stay in one of the refugios (cheap hikers’ hostels that cost as little as 11 euros a night) along the GR221 trail, that crosses the entire island.
“Alternatively, opt for the beautiful Ca N’Aí – an old finca that was the first rural hotel in Majorca – near Port de Soller, for a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.”
Tomas said: “Deiá, Soller and Valldemossa are all beautiful mountain towns with lots of possibilities for trekking in the mountains.”
Meet our local experts
Our panel of Mallorca experts all live, own businesses or work on the Balearic Island...
Georgiana Paun, 44, is manager at Route Mallorca, a company which offers guided driving tours on the island. She’s lived in Majorca for 10 years.
Joanna Yaxley, 56, is owner of boutique hotel Ten Mallorca. She’s lived in Majorca for eight years.
Michelle van der Werff, 33, and Emily Himmer, 30, are founders of Food Tours Mallorca, which organises unique food tour concepts in Majorca to showcase the best of the island’s food and wine. Michelle has lived in Majorca six years, Emily 11 years.
GettyThe Sa Foradada viewpoint overlooks the sea and rock formations below, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset picnic[/caption]
Favourite viewpoints
Georgiana said: “The iconic Sa Foradada viewpoint on the Northwest coast offers a spectacular view of the sea and the rock formations below, and is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic at sunset.
“For those who prefer a prepared meal, the viewpoint has two restaurants including Sa Foradada, which is famous for its rice and paellas cooked over wood – giving them a unique flavour (paella from 18.59 euros per person).
Michelle and Emily said: “Any peak in the Tramuntana Mountains, like Puig de Galatzó with its 360-degree views, or Puig de l’Ofre overlooking the sea, mountains and Cúber water reservoir.
GettyCap de Formentor should be avoided in summer because of the queues and road closures[/caption]
Places that are overrated or tourist traps
HEADING COULD BE IMPROVED Michelle and Emily said: “Definitely Cap de Formentor on the northwest of the island in summer – be prepared for endless lines to drive up there and even road closures.
“The views might be amazing, but with the stress of getting there and the number of people you have to share the views with, it’s simply not worth it.
“Another tourist trap is Cala d’es Moro on the southern coast – it’s an absolutely beautiful cove, but it’s way too overcrowded to be able to enjoy its natural beauty.
Tomas: “The Cuevas Del Drac (limestone caves on the edge of Porto Cristo) are super crowded and overrated.”
GettyAvoid driving into Palma on a Saturday afternoon as one of our locals described it as ‘shopping hell’[/caption]
GettyIn Palma on a rainy day you may find yourself stuck in large lines as the ‘city collapses’[/caption]
Tips when visiting
Joanna said: “Go early to the beach and don’t go on a Sunday. Early evening is a great time to go out and avoid the heat of the day, and void driving into Palma on Saturday afternoon as shopping hell.
Michelle and Emily said: “First of all, avoid doing into Palma on a rainy day, as the city collapses – you’ll find yourself stuck in large queues in front of parking garages and it’s not a fun experience.
“When you do visit Palma, make sure to take a turn down a random street and enjoy the quiet narrow streets, in the middle of the bustling city.”
Tomas said: “Rent a car for your Majorca trip because the buses are not very reliable – I recommend the local company Offugo, with the discount code ‘Mymallorcadiary’ for a 10% discount.
“Avoid coming between July and August, instead opt for May-June or September-October, as it’s less hot and there are fewer tourists.”
instagram/puresalt.luxuryhotelsThe Pure Salt Hotel can be found in a small bay in the southwest of Majorca, on the beachfront next to Port Adriano marina[/caption]
Where to stay
Georgiana said: “The Pure Salt hotel is located on the cliff of a small bay in the southwest of Majorca, in front of a beach with crystal-clear waters and the Port Adriano marina.”
Michelle and Emily said: “It really depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for.
“Go for a private villa if you’re travelling with a group, a beautiful boutique hotel for a city stay, or an agroturismo for an authentic Majorcan and relaxing experience in the countryside.”
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on 6 exotic UK gardens you can visit year round, where it feels like the Caribbean even in winter
WHEREVER you are in the country it’s pretty grim right now.
Chances are you’re either freezing cold, soaking wet or both – and are dreaming of a tropical paradise already.
The Outdoor Jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in CornwallGardening Editor Veronica Lorraine at the Lost Gardens of Heligan jungle trailFerns in the Lost Gardens of Heligan
But did you know we’ve got our own exotic jungles right here in the UK?
And thanks to lovely micro-climates and clever planting – you can visit many all year round.
Get transported to lush green canopies, palms, banana plantations and ferns – without even packing your passport.
I’ve picked some of the top places to escape to this year – with a few added extras on the end.
Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight
Overlooked by tall cliffs to the north – and the English channel to the south, thanks to it’s unique microclimate this garden in the Isle of Wight has an average of 5°C higher all year round.
It’s a truly mild climate – with only 29 inches of average rainfall. We visited in January and you could actually feel the warmer air once you got into the gardens.
Their ‘Ventnor Method’ is used to to replicate how plants would grow in the wild next to each other – and the results are truly stunning.
Even when I visited in January, it was bursting with beautiful plants and felt like a proper escape from the blustery British weather everyone else was experiencing.
It’s open all year round – and also offers wellbeing workshops.
SuppliedA tropical vista at Ventnor Botanical Gardens – taken in January[/caption]
The Burmese rope bridge is one of the longest in Britain
Outdoor Jungle, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Sitting in a steep-sided valley – again with a microclimate 5°C higher – in the Outdoor Jungle you can wander along winding paths through bamboo and banana plantations marvelling at the exotic plants.
Bought back from across the world since Victorian times – it also features one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain, stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns.
Our November visit was outstanding – although some of the more tender tropicals had died back – there was still enough to give off strong holiday-abroad vibes.
TOTALLY TROPICAL
Bring a touch of the tropics into your own garden using these plants
Tetrapanax papyrifer has huge jungle-style leaves that can grow up to 1m wide
Fatsia Japonica is a very easy way of bringing large glassy leaves into your garden.
Bamboo ‘Fargesia’ – the clumping kind – can fill your outside space with height and movement.
Musa Basjoo is a very hardy banana tree that will withstand most British climates. It just needs fleecing come winter but looks incredibly tropical.
Trachycarpus Fortunei’s fan-shaped leaves withstand harsh temperatures – and take you back to the palms you loved on holiday.
Formium Pink Stripe has arching, leathery, strap-shaped leaves that are olive green with pink stripes and bring real structure to your garden. Just don’t let it get out of control.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas is a fully hardy woodland fern, that loves dark, moist placed – and can survive everything except hot, direct sunlight.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset
Home to tree frogs, and an unusual rough tree fern, Cyathea australis, exotic plants thrive in Abbotsbury’s sheltered coastal microclimate.
It boasts of brimming with exotic trees and perennials from the Mediterranean, New Zealand, South Africa, the Himalayas and more.
Found on Dorset’s Jurassic coast – the subtropical gardens boast over 6000 species – and is open seven days a week all year round.
It’s packed full of plants with a tropical nature – like hardy palms, soft tree ferns and several bamboos providing a permanent framework – plus a heated glasshouse home to the most tender plants.
It peaks in late summer when Dahlias, salvias, gingers and cannas are in full bloom – but there’s enough to keep it going all year round.
Yewbarrow House, Grange over Sands, Cumbria.
It’s warm microclimate and valley-location allows exotic and rare species to flourish at Yewbarrow House.
Plus there’s a Japanese-style infinity pool, orangery, restored Victorian kitchen garden and views over Morecambe Bay.
Check their website for their 2025 Open Days – they also welcome groups of 10 or more, by appointment.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, near Weymouth on the Jurassic coastThe view from Yew Barrow House, CumbriaGettyTropical vibes at the Eden Project in Cornwall[/caption]
Also in Veronica's Gardening Column this week
News, top tips, gardening jobs and competition
NEWS! Thousands of flower fans are tuning into Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens instagram and YouTube to watch a tropical endangered plant – known as the ‘corpse flower’ – bloom. Nicknamed ‘Putricia’ it flowers once every few years for 24 hours – and experts claim stinks of ‘wet socks, hot cat food, or rotting possum flesh.’ Found in the wilds of Sumatra, Indonesia, it has a record-breaking flower structure – growing up to 3m tall and weighing up to 150kg. The last one to bloom at the Sydney Botanic Garden was 15 years ago – but Kew Gardens had one flower last year.
NEWS! Escape the British weather at Kew’s Peruvian orchid spectacular. From Feb 1 to March 2 – it’s the perfect antidote – promising stunning horticultural displays of Peruvian plants.
WIN!Suttons seeds are giving seven winners this lovely seed tin – plus five packets of flower seeds and five packets of Vegetable Seeds – worth £31.89. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/Suttonstins – or write to Sun Suttons Tin competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Ends 23.59GMT 7.2.25 T&Cs apply.
TOP TIP Don’t walk on your frozen lawn – the blades of grass will snap and crack – and the damaged patch could be more susceptible to disease.
JOB OF THE WEEK Chilli seeds need a long growing season so plant some seeds now indoors or a heated greenhouse. Remember they’ll need to be indoors until the frost has passed.
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Dutch Darts Masters 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Luke Littler takes on Michael van Gerwen, Humphries crashes OUT – latest updates
THE Dutch Darts Masters has raced into the quarter-final stage in Den Bosch!
Last night, world champion Luke Littler safely navigated past Belgium’s Dimitri Van den Bergh to reach the quarter-finals.
Littler will now face defending champ Michael van Gerwen in the last-eight clash on tonight.
While Raymond van Barneveld defeated Chris Dobey 6-5 to advance in front of a raucous home crowd, but world No 1 Luke Humphries crashed OUT after losing 6-3 to Jermaine Wattimena.
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Man, 37, arrested after terrorising Maccas staff with kitchen knife during alleged armed robbery
Police say the man entered the southern suburbs McDonald’s about 11.30pm on Friday before allegedly brandishing a large kitchen knife and threatening staff.
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Australia Day: Citizenship ceremonies held on different days amid ongoing date debate
The Town of Mosman Park was one of 10 local councils that chose not to hold its citizenship ceremony on January 26, with the majority of its new Aussies saying they were indifferent about the date.
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Phoenix denied two penalties in stalemate with Mariners
Wellington and Central Coast have fought out a dramatic 0-0 draw with the Phoenix having two penalty shouts contentiously denied in the A-League Men clash.
