Thailand plans free tours for passengers on long layovers

Thailand is preparing to launch free short tours for international transit passengers with long layovers, with a pilot planned at four major airports from early 2027.
The stopover tours would allow eligible travellers with around six to eight hours between flights to leave the airport for brief cultural, food or wellness experiences before returning for their onward journey. The pilot is planned for Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket and Krabi airports.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the project follows an agreement between six organisations aimed at linking Thailand’s aviation network more closely with tourism businesses and local services.
The partners are the Department of Airports, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thai Airways International, Airlines Association of Thailand, Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel and Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering.
The cooperation agreement will run for three years, with the first services targeted for early 2027.
The scheme, Amazing Thailand Transfer Passenger Privilege, will be coordinated by TAT. Organisers will develop short itineraries based on passengers’ available transit time, with safety, convenience and sufficient time to return for onward flights taken into account.
Three formats are initially planned: City Express, Food Express and Wellness Express. Proposed experiences include visits to cultural attractions, Thai food and street food trips, spas and traditional Thai massage.
Suvarnabhumi handles around 1.3 million transfer and transit passengers a year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Officials estimate around 10% have layovers long enough to potentially join the programme.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency hopes to attract about 10% of that target group during the initial stage. The first packages are expected to be offered free, using TAT’s existing budget.
Phiphat said the project is intended to turn airport waiting time into tourism spending while introducing transit passengers to Thailand. Officials also want spending to reach restaurants, shops, attractions and other businesses near participating airports.
The initiative forms part of the government’s wider effort to strengthen Thailand as a regional aviation and passenger-transfer hub, while improving connections between airports, city centres and tourist attractions.
Passengers joining the Thailand stopover tours would have to formally enter Thailand rather than remain in the international transit area. Visa, visa-exemption and Thailand Digital Arrival Card requirements would therefore depend on each traveller’s nationality and circumstances.
The exact booking process, final routes and eligibility rules have not yet been announced. The participating organisations are now working on the programme ahead of the targeted early-2027 launch.

TOKYU HOTELS Releases a Whisky Aged on the Subtropical Island of Yakushima

From 1st November 2026, TOKYU HOTELS original Japanese whisky Blended Malt Yakushima Ageing Special Edition GOTOH will be available at 15 TOKYU HOTELS properties. This special bottling from Hombo Shuzo Mars Distillery in Kagoshima was aged on Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage island renowned for its spectacular ancient forest and unique ecosystem.
Blended Malt Yakushima Ageing Special Edition GOTOH is the third whisky in a collaboration between TOKYU HOTELS & RESORTS CO., LTD (THR) and Kagoshima-based Hombo Shuzo Mars Distillery. It follows 2024’s Single Malt KOMAGATAKE Special Edition GOTOH and 2025’s Single Malt TSUNUKI Special Edition GOTOH. From 1 November 2026, guests at 15 THR properties across Japan can enjoy the whisky.
Blended Malt Yakushima Ageing is a blend of two single malts from Hombo Shuzo’s Komagatake distillery and one from its Tsunuki distillery. The blended whisky was aged in Hombo Shuzo’s cellar on the subtropical Japanese island of Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Yakushima is known for its spectacular primeval forest, mountainous terrain and over 1900 different species of vegetation. The island is warm and rainy year-round, creating a rich and unique ecosystem, and in 1993 the island was designated a UNESCO site of natural world heritage.
Whilst the first and second releases in the Special Edition GOTOH range were single malts, this third is a blended malt. However, it is more than just a blend of base whiskies and represents a new challenge for Hombo Shuzo. The distillery has selected three distinctively individual and compelling cask-strength malt whiskies, then combined them to produce a characterful blended whisky that is far more than the sum of its parts.
There are many Scottish and Irish “island-aged” whiskies, but this is one of the first from Japan. Hombo Shuzo describes the special personality of Blended Malt Yakushima Ageing Special Edition GOTOH as “tropical and salty”, evoking hints of tropical fruits and the mineral-rich, umami character of seafood.
First impressions are the sweet, lively aroma of milk chocolate and caramel, complemented by the floral notes of Ceylon tea. On tasting, the robust depth of the Tsunuki 2020 single malt comes into play, followed by umami and minerality from the whisky’s aging on Yakushima Island, with a hint of dashi fish stock. The finish is soft and gentle, boasting a roundness that stems from the inclusion of Komagatake 2021, a single malt fermented in wooden washbacks. The special Yakushima ageing process and interplay of three highly distinctive single malts create a complex, harmonious, and highly unique flavour profile.
A focus on fine food and drink
TOKYU HOTELS & RESORTS CO., LTD is a Japanese operator of hotels, restaurants, and membership-based resorts, with a network of 67 hotels in Japan and abroad. Ever since its establishment in 1960 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, it has focused on fine food and drink using the best local ingredients. In addition to preserving traditional and regional cuisine, THR has developed new signature dishes, worked to accommodate dietary needs such as allergies and vegan preferences, and, for over 20 years, staged an internal cooking contest for chefs to continuously elevate culinary skills and cuisine across its hotels.
This whisky project is rooted in the TOKYU HOTELS & RESORTS CO., LTD company Purpose, which is “creating moments with people and the community, fulfilling hearts and minds.” By connecting with guests at diverse touchpoints to introduce whiskies and create memorable moments, THR aims to “create heartwarming moments together with its guests”.

Tourism and hospitality elite honoured at World Travel Awards 2026 in the Maldives

The Maldives honoured the best travel organisations in Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean at a VIP gala ceremony.

The ceremony, with the Maldives as Official Host Destination, Bank of Maldives as Platinum Sponsor, and CROSSROADS Maldives as Host Partner, marked the third leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2026, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations.

Winners included Vietnam, which took the title for ‘Asia’s Leading Destination’, with the Philippines voted ‘Asia’s Leading Beach Destination’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Tourist Board’. New Zealand claimed the title for ‘Oceania’s Leading Destination’, with Sydney hailed as ‘Oceania’s Leading City Destination’.

The Maldives confirmed its reputation as a tourism powerhouse in the region by securing five titles, including ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination’. Seychelles also enjoyed a strong performance, collecting ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination’.

The hospitality sector shone brightly, with winners from across the region recognised for their exceptional achievements, from luxury city hotels to island resorts. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort collected double honours, winning ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort’. Omana, New Zealand, took ‘Oceania’s Leading Boutique Hotel’.

In the newcomer categories, InterContinental Sapporo won ‘Asia’s Leading New Hotel’, and InterContinental Brisbane was named ‘Oceania’s Leading New Hotel ’.Here, Baa Atoll, Maldives, claimed ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort’.

In the aviation sector, Hong Kong International Airport won ‘Asia’s Leading Airport’ for its world-class facilities, innovation and traveller experience. Vietnam Airlines collected ‘Asia’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class’. Velana International Airport, Maldives, claimed ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport’. Maldivian was named ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline Brand’, while Trans Maldivian Airways took to the podium to collect ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator’.

Other winners included Vietravel (‘Asia’s Leading Tour Operator’); Hard Rock Hotel Maldives (‘Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort’); SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton (‘Maldives’ Leading Family Resort’); and SO/ Maldives (‘Maldives’ Leading Lifestyle Resort’)

Blue Lagoon Island Brings Community Together for 41st International Coastal Cleanup

Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. brought more than 500 volunteers together at Yamacraw Beach on Saturday, Sept. 19, for the 41st annual International Coastal Cleanup, removing marine debris while raising awareness about the importance of protecting The Bahamas’ coastal environment.
Held from 8 to 10 a.m., the cleanup attracted students, youth organizations, corporate partners, and community volunteers who worked along the shoreline to collect and categorize litter. The effort is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, a global initiative led by Ocean Conservancy that engages communities in removing marine debris and documenting the types and quantities of waste found along coastlines and waterways.
This year, volunteers collected more than 1,200 pounds of debris, including nearly 5,000 items such as glass and plastic bottles, metal cans, plastic bags, food wrappers, and other waste. The data collected will support Ocean Conservancy’s annual research, helping researchers, policymakers, and environmental organizations better understand the sources and scope of marine pollution.
“Every piece of debris removed from a beach represents a small but meaningful step toward healthier coastlines,” said Te-Shalla Clarke, education and sustainability officer at Blue Lagoon Island. “International Coastal Cleanup is an opportunity to take action while helping participants understand how everyday choices can affect our marine environment. We are grateful to everyone who gave their time this year and to the partners who continue to support these efforts.”
The Yamacraw Beach cleanup brought together a broad cross-section of the New Providence community, including the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA), Boys’ Brigade, St. Andrew’s International School Eco Club, Eco-Schools Bahamas, Temple Christian School Eco Club, Aquinas College, Doris Johnson Senior High School, Rotary International, Team Z from Zane Lightbourne Team, Yamacraw Urban Renewal and Girl Guides, along with corporate sponsors and community partners.
Participating organizations included Bahamas Waste, Bahamas Wholesale Agencies (BWA), Coca-Cola Circular Seas, ALIV, Fun Foods Wholesale Ltd., Marco’s Pizza, Rubis Bahamas, Sandals Foundation, Sandy Toes, Suntee, J.S. Johnson Insurance Agents & Brokers and Garnier, among others.
Shelton Burrows, chairman of the 12-member Yamacraw Urban Renewal Advisory Board, expressed gratitude on behalf of the board and residents for the cleanup effort.
“We deeply appreciate Blue Lagoon Island and its business partners for choosing Yamacraw Beach for this cleanup effort,” he said. “In partnership with ENV Launch, we look forward to building on this initiative with ongoing maintenance at Stokes Cabana. It is especially inspiring to see our young people volunteering, engaging in positive activities, nation-building and fostering civic pride across The Bahamas.”
Among the young volunteers was Kevin Bowe, a 12th-grade student and Environmental Club member at Aquinas College, who said the cleanup reinforced the need for greater environmental responsibility.
“When I saw the amount of garbage on and along the beach, I thought we really need to do a better job when it comes to preserving our environment,” Bowe said. “We need to be more aware of how we interact with the environment around us and respect it by cleaning up after ourselves. That would be very good for all of us, especially in the future.”
For Blue Lagoon Island, the International Coastal Cleanup is part of a broader commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and conservation. Through Project B.E.A.C.H. (Bahamas Education of Animals and Conservation of Habitat), the island supports initiatives designed to deepen understanding of The Bahamas’ marine ecosystems and inspire more responsible choices both on land and in the water.
“Environmental conservation is a key area of work for the Sandals Foundation, and key amongst that is building education and stewardship. International Coastal Cleanup stands as the largest global voluntary movement. It builds awareness of environmental consciousness and provides a platform for people to take action,” said Snovakia Watson, public relations manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian.
Watson added: “This year, we are pleased to partner with Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas and its dedicated volunteers as we come together to protect our delicate marine ecosystem. Together, we can make a difference, one coastline at a time.”
The cleanup reinforces a simple message: Keeping beaches clean is a shared responsibility. By combining hands-on action with the collection of valuable marine debris data, the initiative addresses the immediate problem of litter while contributing to the broader global effort to protect oceans and coastal communities.
Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. organizes cleanups and educational initiatives throughout the year to deepen appreciation for The Bahamas’ marine ecosystems. The International Coastal Cleanup is part of a global effort to remove trash from beaches and waterways, identify pollution sources, and inspire behavior changes that protect the environment.

World Travel Awards reveals Middle East 2026 winners at Dubai Gala Ceremony

The Middle East’s leading travel and tourism organisations and destinations have been honoured at a VIP gala ceremony in Dubai. Industry leaders gathered at One&Only One Za’abeel to celebrate the winner.
Dubai reinforced its standing as a global tourism powerhouse after being named ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination’, whilst Abu Dhabi was voted ‘Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Destination’, and Saadiyat Island claimed ‘Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination’. Saudi Arabia was recognised with titles for ‘Middle East’s Leading Heritage Destination’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Cultural Destination’, with Riyadh declared ‘Middle East’s Leading City Destination’. Ajman was named ‘Middle East’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’. Sharjah’s Mleiha National Park, home to remarkable geological formations and desert landscapes, won ‘Middle East’s Leading National Park’.
In the fiercely contested hospitality sector, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental won the coveted title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel’. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island was voted ‘Middle East’s Leading City Resort’.
In the newcomer categories, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, won ‘Middle East’s Leading New Hotel’ and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, Saudi Arabia, claimed ‘Middle East’s Leading New Resort’.
Brand winners included Four Seasons (‘Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand’), and The Ascott Limited (‘Middle East’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’).
Aviation winners included Emirates, which secured ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – First Class’, while Emirates – Skywards claimed ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme’. Etihad Airways took ‘Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’. Qatar Airways claimed the coveted title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline’. flynas took to the podium to collect ‘Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline’.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “Our winners represent the very best of the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, and I congratulate each of them. They are all playing starring roles in raising the collective benchmark of our industry to even greater heights.”
The announcement comes as part of WTA’s Grand Tour 2026, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations, with other ceremonies in the Maldives, Zanzibar, Jamaica and Montenegro, culminating in the Grand Final in Tanzania.

The Spring Feeling: Why travellers are redefining wellness by doing less

In recent years, the idea of a wellness holiday has often been shaped by carefully planned programmes. From sunrise yoga and fitness retreats to longevity treatments and curated daily itineraries, the focus has frequently been on making the most of every moment. Whilst there is still a place for that, Spring Hotels is seeing guests across its six-hotel portfolio in south Tenerife increasingly seek something a little simpler.
Rather than returning home feeling like they’ve completed another programme, they’re looking for holidays that leave them rested, reconnected and genuinely refreshed. More time together. More time outdoors. Less pressure to plan every hour of the day.
It’s a shift the hotel group has seen become increasingly apparent throughout 2026 – one it has come to describe as The Spring Feeling.
It’s not a prescriptive approach to wellness. It’s simply the feeling guests leave with after enjoying the things everyday life often doesn’t allow time for: long breakfasts, afternoons spent with a good book, leisurely dinners, live music and quality time with the people they love.
This observation reflects wider changes taking place across the travel industry. ABTA reports that 90% of 25 to 34-year-olds believe holidays are important for their mental wellbeing, compared with 80% of UK adults overall. British Airways has also identified a growing appetite for slower travel, with almost one in five UK travellers saying they ignore the clock entirely on holiday, choosing to eat, sleep and explore whenever they choose.
Together, these trends point to a broader shift in what travellers want from their time away: less pressure to maximise every moment, and more freedom to rest, recharge and enjoy a holiday at their own pace.
Jo Robinson, Chief Sales Officer at Spring Hotels, says the change has been gradual, but unmistakable.
“Guests still want to enjoy themselves, explore and make the most of their holiday, but there’s definitely been a shift in what that looks like. More people are telling us they simply want to switch off. They’re less interested in sticking to a schedule and more interested in feeling better than when they arrived.”
Across its six-hotel portfolio in south Tenerife, Spring Hotels has focused on creating experiences that give guests more freedom over how they spend their days. Tenerife’s climate means days are lived outdoors, with breakfast on the terrace, afternoons by the pool or sea and evenings that continue outside long after dinner.
A standout example is Beats & Brunch at Spring Hotel Vulcano, where guests can enjoy brunch until midday alongside live DJs, removing the pressure of setting an alarm to make breakfast by 10 am. The experience creates a relaxed, sociable atmosphere where the morning doesn’t feel rushed, setting the tone for a day shaped by choice rather than a timetable.
Although it wasn’t created as a wellness product, the experience naturally reflects what many travellers now value most: holidays that feel easy.
For Jo, that’s exactly the point.
“We don’t think people are necessarily searching for another version of wellness. They’re looking for holidays where they don’t have to think too much. Sometimes the best part of the day is sitting by the pool with a book, staying a little longer over dinner or listening to live music without checking the time. Those are often the moments guests remember long after they’ve gone home.”
The appeal of that slower pace isn’t surprising. Mental Health UK’s 2026 Burnout Report found that 91% of adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress during the previous year. Against that backdrop, it’s perhaps unsurprising that more travellers are looking to use holidays as an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life rather than simply fitting more into their time away.
For Spring Hotels, that’s the essence of The Spring Feeling. Not prescribing how people should relax. Not asking them to optimise every moment. Simply creating the space to enjoy the simple pleasures that make people feel like themselves again.
Because sometimes, feeling good doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from finally permitting yourself to do a little less.

The Landings Resort & Spa in St. Lucia Puts Focus on Women’s Health and Cancer Recovery

The Landings Resort and Spa is delighted to unveil a new spa programme designed to help women navigate the challenges they face at every stage of life.  This personalised approach customises treatments to address women’s specific life events, including motherhood, menopause, hormonal changes and even ageing, whilst also providing a space for women to reconnect with themselves, offering a sanctuary centred around women and their needs.
This new female-focused spa menu includes the only Oncology Spa Programme in the Caribbean, which launched in late 2024 when the resort became the first spa in the Caribbean and the fourth in the Americas to partner with Ricardo Fisas Natura Bissé Foundation. The goal of both spa programmes is not only to engage spa guests through a hyper-personalised treatment plan, but also to foster emotional connection and promote healing from the inside out.
“We have seen too often that traditional medicine doesn’t always treat the whole person, particularly when it comes to women’s health.  Our spa is about so much more than treatments; it’s about creating a sanctuary where guests feel nurtured, restored, and heard,” says Ana Shierla Sanchez, Spa Manager at The Landings Spa.
“We ensure our guests’ needs are met for their specific areas of concern, and we take the time to find out what will work best for them.  Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation to ensure it is tailored to the guest’s individual needs and wellbeing goals.”
At the heart of any effective spa programme is an expertly trained, nurturing team, and the spa staff at the Landings Resort Spa are among the best in the Caribbean. Therapists undergo specialised Oncology Wellness certification training as part of the resort’s annual professional development programme, equipping the team with the knowledge and skills to safely deliver treatments tailored to the unique needs of oncology guests.  The spa’s treatments offered for this programme include Pre or Post Radiation Comfort Skin Treatment, Soothing Scalp Experience, Restore & Replenish Body Hydration and more. Used effectively across hospitals in Spain for over a decade, all treatments incorporate products from Barcelona-based luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé. Spa therapists are also trained in the use of natural oils and teas to support menstrual cycles, menopause night sweats, as well as postpartum treatment therapy.
The Landings Resort & Spa’s innovative spa treatments and services reflect its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of the highest standards in luxury hospitality in all areas of the resort.  At The Landings, it isn’t all just about a holiday or one spa treatment; it’s about the overall experience of a luxurious retreat to Saint Lucia, on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Guests of the resort experience personalised care at the spa and beyond, encouraged to slow down and to embrace often overlooked rest.

A New Season of Festivals Arrives in Greater Palm Springs This Autumn

Greater Palm Springs has long been recognised as a destination where culture, creativity and community come together. This autumn, the region will build on its internationally recognised events scene with a vibrant line-up of new and returning experiences celebrating music, culture, design and sport. From the launch of major new electronic music festival Head Trip to the 40th anniversary of Palm Springs Pride, here is what is happening in Greater Palm Springs this autumn:
Head Trip brings a new sound to Greater Palm Springs | 10-11th October
Greater Palm Springs welcomes a brand-new addition to its renowned festival landscape with the desert debut of Head Trip, a next-generation electronic music festival taking place at the iconic Empire Polo Club.
The inaugural event will bring together a powerhouse lineup of global artists, including Calvin Harris, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia, FISHER and Chris Lake, creating a one-of-a-kind desert festival experience that adds a fresh chapter to the region’s events scene.
Greater Palm Springs Pride celebrates 40 years | 6-8th November
Greater Palm Springs Pride reaches a major milestone in 2026, celebrating its 40th anniversary with the theme “Be Included.”
The celebration marks the culmination of a three-year campaign focused on inclusion, belonging and community – reinforcing the destination’s reputation as one of California’s most welcoming and diverse destinations.
Modernism Week showcases the destination’s iconic design heritage | 15-18th October
Known worldwide for its mid-century modern architecture and design legacy, Greater Palm Springs will again celebrate its creative identity during the October installment of Modernism Week.
The event invites visitors to explore the destination’s architectural treasures through exclusive home tours, architectural experiences, design talks and special events – a must for design lovers.
Día de los Muertos honours heritage and tradition | November
The autumn season also spotlights Greater Palm Springs’ vibrant Hispanic heritage through a series of Día de los Muertos celebrations across the valley.
Highlights include Run with Los Muertos in Old Town Coachella on 7th November, Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos at Sunnylands, and the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Día de los Muertos Festival. Each event honours the tradition of remembrance through art, music, culture and community, offering visitors an authentic insight into one of the region’s most cherished celebrations.
BOOK: Palm Springs Fly-Drive Package at Westin Mission Hills Resort
Travellers looking to experience autumn in Greater Palm Springs can book a seven-night fly-drive holiday with Bon Voyage.
Staying at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, guests can enjoy mountain views, championship golf courses, multiple swimming pools and award-winning spa facilities, while travellers have the flexibility to explore Palm Springs’ celebrated mid-century architecture, boutique shopping and acclaimed dining scene.
The package starts from £2,195 per person, based on two adults sharing – including a saving of £150pp
Includes return flights from London Heathrow to Los Angeles, a midsize SUV rental car and seven nights at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa Based on October 2026 departures.

10 of the best ‘hidden gem’ beaches in Europe revealed

With the summer holiday season in full swing, many people are looking forward to their upcoming holiday, or may be planning a spontaneous trip away. A visit to the beach never goes amiss on a summer holiday, but crowded shores with no space to park your towel can ruin the moment.
This is why global car rental comparison and booking site DiscoverCars.com has put together a list of the top 10 beaches across different European destinations, shining a spotlight on the continent’s hidden paradises.
Praia de Mata, Portugal
In Costa de Caparica, Lisbon, Praia de Mata is a gorgeous, dune-backed sandy beach with free parking and several nearby cafes and restaurants. This beach stretches for miles and is accessible via a dirt road. Being so close to Lisbon, Praia de Mata is a great choice for travellers staying in the capital who are looking for a day trip. Car hire prices for a week in August come to £110.
Possidi Cape, Greece
Possidi Cape beach in Possidi village, Chalkidiki is a beautiful, untouched beach that’s characterised by its crystal-clear waters that surround the white-sand peninsula. Because of its unspoilt landscape, there are no amenities on the beach, but there are small local tavernas nearby that serve fresh seafood. Car hire prices for a week in August come to £159.
Gjipe Beach, Albania
Nestled between the dramatic cliffsides of Gjipe Canyon is Gjipe Beach, a hidden beach along the Albanian Riviera located between Himare and Dhermi. To get down to this pebble beach and explore the turquoise-blue waters, visitors may have to hike down a rocky canyon road, which can take about 30 minutes. Parking is 2.5km away from the beach, and there are no amenities except for a few kiosks available during peak summer season. Car hire prices for a week in August come to £198.
Ramla Bay, Malta
Located on the island of Gozo is Ramla Bay, a red-sand beach with turquoise-blue waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This beach has basic amenities like toilets and rubbish bins, and there are umbrellas and sunbeds available to rent. Car hire prices come to £49 for a week in August.
Praia do Garajau, Portugal
On the coast of Madeira is a stunning pebble beach that boasts crystal-clear waters and incredible natural scenery. This hidden beach is located near the iconic Christ the King statue, and can be found under Miradouro do Cristo Rei – a breathtaking viewpoint. Visitors can access this beach via a cable car or by walking down a steep path. Car hire prices for a week in August come to £116.
Five more hidden beaches in Europe include:
Cala Banyalbufar, Mallorca, Spain.
Golden Beach, Karpaz Peninsula, Cyprus
Monti Russu, Sardinia, Italy
Beritnica Beach, Pag Island, Croatia
Playa de la Solapa, Fuerteventura, Spain
Aleksandrs Buraks, Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com, comments:
“Going to the beach is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities on a summer holiday, but finding one that isn’t overrun with crowds and litter can sometimes be tricky. With many beautiful beaches to discover, we selected 10 hidden gems across Europe that may fly under the radar. If you do plan on visiting any of the beaches in our list, make sure to leave no trace by clearing up any litter before you leave.
“We found that it can be a little challenging to access some of the beaches, as a few require a bit of a hike to get to. However, the spectacular untouched landscapes and natural scenery make up for the time it can take to reach the shoreline. Whether you’re looking for crystal-clear waters and white sand, or a pebble beach and deep blue waves, our list has it all!”

IBIZA’S SECOND SEASON BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER

As European travel habits continue to evolve, September is emerging as one of the most appealing months to visit Ibiza.
New research from the European Travel Commission suggests travellers are increasingly embracing the shoulder season, with September bookings rising across Europe as visitors look to avoid the heat and crowds of peak summer. At the same time, holidays are becoming shorter, with four- to six-night breaks now the most common trip length across Europe, replacing the longer week or two-week holiday. Ibiza is well placed to benefit from this shift.
While July and August remain the island’s busiest months, September and October offer a noticeably gentler pace without losing the atmosphere that has made Ibiza one of Europe’s most enduring Mediterranean destinations. The sea remains warm enough for swimming, restaurant reservations become easier to secure, beaches feel less crowded, and village life returns to its familiar rhythm. At the same time, internationally renowned DJs continue their residencies, menus begin to reflect the changing seasons, and long lunches naturally stretch into evenings beneath the stars.
Within the space of a long weekend, visitors can move effortlessly between wellness, gastronomy, beaches, countryside and world-class music, experiencing several distinct sides of the island without travelling far. Island Hospitality’s collection of venues reflects that breadth of experience, spanning the shoreline, the marina, the countryside and the island’s music scene.
Slower mornings by the sea
Mikasa Ibiza, the group’s sixteen-room boutique hotel overlooking Marina Botafoch and the UNESCO-listed skyline of Dalt Vila, offers a restful and welcoming home away from home, complete with plant-forward cafe and rooftop yoga sessions. Guests are within walking distance of the marina’s many restaurants and boutiques, the sandy shores of Talamanca Beach and, after dark, some of Ibiza’s best-known clubs, while remaining just far enough away to offer a calmer place to stay.
Nearby, Beachouse Ibiza settles into a different rhythm as the season changes. Mornings begin with yoga on the sand before breakfast gives way to long lunches overlooking the Mediterranean. By September, guests linger later into the afternoon, while cooler evenings make outdoor dining feel even more inviting. Moonlit Dinners continue every Friday and Saturday throughout the season, before the year’s final LUNAR gathering on 26 September brings together Mediterranean dining, music and community beneath the full moon.
Beyond the coastline
Around twenty minutes inland, Santa Gertrudis offers a different perspective on Ibiza. Independent boutiques, galleries and cafés surround the village square, while Finca La Plaza, housed within a centuries-old finca, reflects the changing season through ingredient-led Mediterranean cooking. Menus evolve with the harvest, while charcoal, citrus and locally sourced produce remain at the heart of the kitchen’s approach. As the evenings become cooler, dinner naturally stretches into another course and another bottle of wine beneath the courtyard’s palms and citrus trees.
After dark
While the beaches become quieter, Ibiza’s music calendar continues well into autumn. Chinois maintains its programme of internationally acclaimed artists throughout September and October, including residencies from Defected, Claptone presents Masquerade, La Troya and Bedouin presents SAGA.
For many visitors, Ibiza will always be associated with the height of summer, but those returning to the island are increasingly discovering that September and October offer something different: warm seas, seasonal cooking, cooler evenings and the opportunity to experience more of Ibiza in a shorter stay.
VENUE INFORMATION
BEACHOUSE IBIZA
Beachouse Ibiza, Platja d’en Bossa, 07817 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Ibiza
beachouseibiza.com | @beachouse_ibiza
FINCA LA PLAZA
Finca La Plaza, Plaça de l’Església 5, 07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, Ibiza
fincalaplaza.com | @fincalaplaza
MIKASA IBIZA
Mikasa Ibiza, Carrer d’Ibosim 11, 07800 Ibiza
mikasaibiza.com | @mikasaibiza
CHINOIS IBIZA
Chinois Ibiza, Passeig Joan Carles 17, 07800 Ibiza
chinois.com |  @chinoisibiza