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THE year of 2025 is coming to a close, which means it’s time to think about where you should be taking a break next year, and we have some very good deals for you.

Holiday expert for On the Beach, Robert Brooks, has found some incredible deals for each month of 2026 – and every holiday is under £1000pp.

January

To kick off 2026 right, Rob says holidaymakers should head to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands where “prices actually drop after the New Year”.

The island has beautiful beaches, theme parks, plenty of nightlife as well as pretty old towns.

The island is known for having year-round sunshine, which is why it makes for a great pick in January – it has highs of 20C.

As for where to stay, Rob revealed his choice would be Laguna Park II which he described as “a proper sunshine escape to kick off the year.

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“This Costa Adeje spot has a massive pool and mountain views, with plenty of space for little ones to splash about. It’s simple, sunny, and unbeatable value for winter warmth.”

Five nights in January at the Laguna Park II for a family of four (self-catering) starts from £168pp.

For more on what to do when you get to the island, discover where the locals like to visit, from the best beaches and bars in Costa Adeje to budget attractions and must-do activities.

February

Knowing what Brits want, Rob was on the hunt for a holiday that’s “warm, fun and cheap” in February, which Marrakech has in abundance.

The hotel isn’t one you’ll want to miss either, Rob describes it as “a red-walled palace that’s pure Moroccan magic.

“Think palm gardens, serene pools and spa vibes a few minutes from the Medina buzz. Perfect for a romantic February reset with sunshine and mint tea by the pool.”

It’s called the Palais El Miria, which is a few minutes drive away from the centre of Marrakech.

Each room is decorated in traditional Moroccan colours, and has an ensuite bathroom with shower and a private terrace.

Some suites also include baths and private indoor gardens.

Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recently visited Marrakech, where she revealed it to be as “exciting as ever” with plenty of spots to sunbathe but also explore the markets and head across the desert dunes.

Five nights in February at the Palais El Miria for two adults on a bed and breakfast basis starts from £273pp.

March

The weather in the Mediterranean begins to warm up in March, so you can take a short trip to the likes of Malta or Madeira

But where Rob actually recommends is the legendary American city of Las Vegas, where Rob adds it’s “22C in March and you can go for the weekend, it’s really not that bad – plenty warm for me and plenty to do”.

As for the hotel, head to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino which has “bright lights, big pool, and blackjack. This classic Vegas resort delivers that proper Strip energy with everything on your doorstep.

“Perfect for a short hit of glam, shows, and sunshine before spring kicks in back home.”

If you want to head into the city, the hotel has a monorail that takes you to the heart of the local attractions like the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the Neon Museum, and of course, you can’t miss the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

For more on what to do and the best attractions in Las Vegas, read more on our guide to the ‘world’s biggest adult playground’.

Four nights in March at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino for two adults for room only starts from £595pp.

April

Rob told Sun Travel: “In April, one place springs to mind straight away because April’s the sweet spot in Rome before all the crowds turn up”.

He continued: “It’s warm enough for gelato and piazzas but cool enough to walk through them all day. Rome is at its best when locals outnumber the tourists”

The B&B Hotel Roma Tuscolana San Giovanni is conveniently placed in the heart of the city and it’s right next to the train station is any other parts of Italy tickle your fancy.

Rob adds: “This comfy, modern hotel puts you close to the sights without the faff. Perfect for pizza, piazzas and people-watching before summer crowds arrive.”

For top tips on visiting Rome, one writer revealed some of the best places he discovered on a trip there – like eating in a restaurant that was a former sculptor’s workshop.

Of course you have to see the classics too; no trip to the Italian city is complete without seeing the iconic Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

Two nights in April for at B&B Hotel Roma Tuscolana San Giovanni for two adults for bed and breakfast starts from £208pp.

May

In May, Rob says: “We’re into summer and I want to go somewhere that’s already in full swing, 27C all-inclusive and prices that are half of what they’ll be in July – Antalya’s my pick”.

The seaside resort in Turkey is known for being a hit with families thanks to its abundance of activities like the Land of Legends theme park, to spending time on its beautiful beaches.

Rob suggests staying in the Numa Konaktepe Hotel for “family sun and zero stress.

“With its private beach, slides, and stacks of food options, this place is made for lazy pool days and warm evenings. May sunshine guaranteed – and your wallet stays happy too.”

During May, temperatures reach pleasant average highs of 24C and there’s an average of just two days of rain during the entire month.

An all-inclusive seven night stay for a family of four at the Numa Konaktepe starts from £237pp.

June

Halfway through the year, and Rob is firm on where to head during June.

He said: “I’m going to a Greek island, and they don’t get better than Rhodes for me. Hot but bearable, crystal waters and lovely beaches before peak season.”

You can stay at Pefkos Beach, which Rob dubs a “Greek gem” which has both “a laid-back and lively vibe”.

It’s also got a big outdoor pool with a poolside bar, and while it has an on-site restaurant, it’s very near to local eateries.

One writer recently visited the island where she saw the Acropolis ruins, pretty windmills and discovered that you can sign up to an olive oil or wine tasting course.

Seven nights at the Pefkos Beach in Rhodes for a family of four (self-catering) starts from £324pp.

July

During the summer months, prices can quickly increase, but Rob has his eye on somewhere which doesn’t seem to have been hit so hard.

He says: “In recent years, I’ve seen so many great value bookings to the Algarve: family-friendly, easy to get to with loads of flight availability, you can even party there if you want, and it’s cheaper than Spain at this time of year.”

With On the Beach, you can book to go to Colina da Lapa, a luxury apartment complex with pretty gardens and a huge swimming pool.

You can laze about on the sunbeds, or splash about in the pool, but for entertainment, you can play tennis, table tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, billiards, minigolf and golf.

It has an outdoor terrace and a restaurant and for daytrips, it’s very near the the town of Carvoeiro .

For more tips on where to go in the Algarve, head here where Sun Travel delves further into what to do in Faro, Silves and Lagos.

Seven nights for a family of four (self-catering) at the Colina da Lapa during July starts from £315pp.

August

“There are few places as beautiful as Croatia in August, yes it’s busy, but worth it. Island hopping, beach clubs, turquoise water, it’s like Ibiza but half the price and double the charm.”

The Zaton Holiday Resort in Zadar will be a hit with families who will never be bored thanks to its nine swimming pools with plenty of slides, a private beach, restaurants, pizzeria and kids club.

It’s home to the Flip Flop Activity Park which has mini-golf, adventure golf, table tennis and archery.

And you can do watersports too like diving, para-sailing, jet-skiing, and wind-surfing.

The Sun’s Alex Goss revealed more on their visit to Zadar, which despite being in August was surprisingly quiet, and joined plenty of excursions from river rafting to island hopping.

A five night stay for a family of four (room only) at the Zaton Holiday Resort during August starts from £298pp.

September

One month on and Rob suggests hopping over to Spain for September.

He says: “September’s got to be the best time to visit Spain’s hottest city, literally. The crowds are gone, but the heat is still there, and you’ll find some of the best tapas in Europe. S is for September, and Seville.”

The Patio de la Alameda in the middle of Seville’s Alameda de Hércules is a charming boutique hotel with three courtyards lined with orange trees.

There are 39 rooms that all come with private bathrooms, air con, plus there’s an on-site cafe for snacks and drinks.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey is a big fan of Seville where she sipped on cheap wine and wandered around the royal palaces.

Two adults can stay in Patio de la Alameda (room only) for two nights from £218pp.

October

It’s cooling down in the UK, so you’ll have to go away for some seriously hot weather.

Rob says: “For 28C in October and glorious sunshine whilst everyone else is wearing jumpers at home, Cyprus is perfect for half-term or one last swim before winter”.

Ayia Napa might be known as the party part of Cyprus, but there’s a lot more to it (but you can party if you like).

It has budget-friendly holidays, the comparatively short travel time — roughly five hours from the UK.

With On the Beach you can stay at the Makronisos Village which is a colourful village-style resort with pools, palm trees and easy beach access.

A five night stay for a family of four (room only) at Makronisos Village starts from £238pp.

November

Descending further into winter means heading further afield – if guaranteed heat and activities like sea snorkelling is on your hit list then head to Egypt.

Sharm El Sheikh has been described as the “forgotten winter sun destination” but it’s is ideal for winter sun as it rarely drops below 20C, even in December and January.

Rob recommends the Falcon Hills Hotel which has two outdoor pools, kids club and spa.

Rob adds: “Falcon Hills is a low-key winner – think big pools, friendly staff and easy access to coral reefs that’ll blow your flippers off.”

Ten nights at Falcon Hills for two adults (bed & breakfast) starts from £740pp.

December

As for December, Rob said: “End the year in style in Dubai temperatures of 28C, beach clubs, rooftop cocktails, and it’s way cheaper than you’d expect if you book early.

“And seeing as we’re in Dubai for this one, let’s go big with the hotel too.”

Head to the Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island for a truly luxurious stay on Al Margan Island.

All rooms have either a sea or island view, there’s an elevated infinity pool with views of the Arabian Gulf, plenty of on-site restaurants where you can get barbecue to Pan-Asian style food.

There’s plenty to keep kids entertained, as well as the adults with a kitted out fitness centre, plenty of treatment rooms for massages and evening entertainment.

An all-inclusive stay for a family of four across five nights at the Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island starts from £945pp.

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LAS VEGAS — Gabe Vincent pulled up for a three-pointer and nailed it. And then Vincent nailed his next three and his next three and his next, giving him four straight made treys.

Vincent was on fire to start the game for the Lakers during their exhibition game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Before Vincent could even think about getting off his fifth three-pointer, Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg smothered him. Vincent stumbled and fell, scrambling to keep control of the ball. He did and passed it to a teammate.

When Vincent got to his feet and got the ball back, the fans began to shout, “Shooot it!” So, Vincent did, nailing his fifth three-pointer over the outstretched hand of the 6-9 Flagg, drawing more cheers from the pro-Lakers crowd.

Vincent was fouled on his sixth three-point attempt, sending him to the free-throw line for three free throws, all of which he made. That gave Vincent 18 points in what seemed like a flash in the first quarter.

He missed his next two three attempts, but that didn’t seem to matter to the crowd. Vincent had put on a show.

Vincent finished the game with 22 points on six-for-15 shooting and six-for-11 on three-pointers during the Lakers’ 121-94 loss to the Mavericks that saw L.A. get outscored 37-8 in the fourth quarter.

He was part of a Lakers’ starting group of Rui Hachimura (19 points), Jaxson Hayes (12 points, 10 rebounds), Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht. None of them played in the game Tuesday night in Phoenix.

Vanderbilt was having an all-around game until he was forced to leave late in the second quarter with a left quad contusion after banging his left knee with a Mavericks defender. He limped up and down the court, but was still able to score on a dunk after he was injured and he drilled a three-pointer.

But with five minutes and 39 seconds left in the second quarter, Vanderbilt limped back to the Lakers’ locker room and never returned to play. He had five points, seven rebounds and four assists in 13 minutes.

The starting five Lakers who did play against the Suns — Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia — didn’t play in the back-to-back game against the Mavericks, Doncic’s former team that traded him to the Lakers in February. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Bronny James didn’t play because of a sprained ankle.

The Lakers finish their preseason against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, and from the sounds of things, Doncic and those who didn’t play against the Mavericks will play against the Suns.

“And then Friday, yes, the plan is to do another dress rehearsal and likely play most of our guys,” Redick said before the game. “I don’t know the minutes total, but that’s the plan.”

The Lakers open the regular season Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors at home.

Police Scotland

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A ONE-of-a-kind ice rink will open next month at one of London’s most popular rooftop bars.

Anyone seeking Christmas fun will be able to ice skate at the highest rooftop bar in Peckham, and it has 360-degree views of the London skyline.

On top of the Bussey Building in Peckham is a huge rooftop bar – and it is set to be turned into an ice rink for the winter season.

From November 17 until January 1, the Bussey Rooftop Bar area will be transformed into an ice rink with a bar.

On Facebook it said: “Tickets are LIVE for London’s freshest rooftop ice rink! Skate under the stars, then head to our Après Skate Bar for spiked hot chocs, winter spritzes, mulled magic and DJs every Fri & Sat bringing all the feels“.

The Bussey Rooftop Bar will become the Après Skate Bar and transform into a winter lodge – think twinkly lights, outdoor heaters and blankets.

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Also on the rooftop, you’ll be able to buy bar snacks and grab stone-baked pizzas.

Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now and cost £14 for adults, £10 per person for family tickets, and £9 for children.

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor, loves the rooftop bar, she said: “One of my favourite places to go is Peckham, because of its famous rooftop. I’ve spent many a sunny day at the Bussey building, a rooftop on top of a car park.

“It serves amazing pizzas and beers and has fantastic music playing as well. When the sun goes down, make sure to grab a film at Peckhamplex with £5.99 tickets all day, or Four Quarters, a retro arcade bar.“

The Bussey Building is an old factory around the corner from Peckham Rye that hosts club nights, yoga classes and artists’ spaces.

It’s home to Rooftop Film Club, an open-air cinema that shows classic, cult, and new release films during the summertime.

The Peckham bar has been included in guides for “Best Outdoor Bars in London” and “Best Rooftop Bars in London.

Some of the regulars are excited to try out the new space, one wrote on Instagram under the skating announcement: “Can’t wait!”

Another added: “Just when I thought bussey couldn’t get better”.

To feel even more Christmassy, and for free, check out the dates that the biggest light displays will light up London.

Oxford Street just announced it will be turning on its classic white stars on Monday November 3.

On Carnaby Street, the lights in the heart of Soho will go on from Thursday November 6.

Pretty Covent Garden will be adorned with Christmas trees, baubles, bells and a sleigh from Wednesday November 12, 2025.

Of course there’s the giant 55-foot Christmas tree too with fake snow which has daily flurries on the hour between 12PM and 9PM.

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Plus, for more rooftop bars, one travel writer found her top five in the city.

After languishing in a deep freeze over the past few years, the market for initial public offerings (IPOs) is finally gaining steam. In recent months, several companies have gone public, seizing the opportunity to meet the growing investor demand for newly listed shares.

I’ve closely watched the pre-IPO market, waiting for the opportunity to buy shares of some compelling companies. I recently invested in two standout companies: ServiceTitan (TTAN -2.87%) and Klarna Group (KLAR -5.71%). Here’s why I bought these hot IPO stocks.

Image source: Getty Images.

A huge market opportunity

ServiceTitan completed its IPO late last year. The company provides cloud-based software to contractors working in the trades industry, including heating and air-conditioning, plumbing, and electrical service providers.

One of the things that drew me to ServiceTitan is the huge opportunity for its software. The trades industry is enormous, with businesses in the U.S. generate an estimated $1.5 trillion in annual revenue. ServiceTitan currently offers software that could serve companies generating about $650 billion in annual revenue.

However, its current collection of customers only produces about $75 billion in revenue. This means the company currently addresses just a small slice of the market, providing ample room for expansion as it brings more businesses onto its platform and extends its services into added trades.

The company currently generates less than $900 million in annual revenue. With a fully deployed platform, it estimates that revenue from existing customers could hit $1.5 billion. Looking ahead, it sees a $13 billion opportunity with its current platform, and more than $30 billion in annual revenue potential as it expands into new trades and markets.

The company is actively capitalizing on this opportunity. Revenue grew 25% in its fiscal second quarter of 2026 to $242 million. Retaining existing customers and expanding those relationships helped drive growth, as evidenced by its net dollar revenue retention of over 110%. It hasn’t yet achieved profitability under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), but its free cash flow rose over 83% in the period to $34.3 million.

I believe ServiceTitan can continue to grow rapidly for years to come, given its substantial untapped market and expanding customer base. This significant opportunity presents a long path to increasing revenue, which is why I believe it could deliver robust returns in the coming years.

An AI-powered fintech leader

Klarna Group just completed its long-awaited IPO last month. The Swedish financial technology company enables consumers to make buy now, pay later (BNPL) purchases. It also actively leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity and enhance its services.

The company is capitalizing on several trends to build a unique commerce network. Consumers are increasingly using digital payments to process transactions.

At the same time, they’re shifting away from credit cards and have low trust in banks. That’s enabling Klarna to bridge the gap between consumers and merchants with a digital solution for payments and banking built on its proprietary AI-powered technology.

Klarna makes money from payments and advertising, which are huge and growing market opportunities. The current addressable market for its payments offering is $520 billion. It has a tiny sliver of that market (0.6%).

Management estimates that there’s over $100 billion of growth ahead in its existing markets and a more than $400 billion expansion opportunity in potential new markets. Meanwhile, the digital advertising market is $570 billion. The company has an even smaller slice of this (0.03%), which it sees growing to $735 billion in the coming years.

The business is growing rapidly and now serves 790,000 merchants (a 34% year-over-year increase in the second quarter) and supports 111 million active customers (a 31% increase). This expanding user base helped drive a 20% boost in revenue to $823 million.

With two huge addressable markets, Klarna appears to have significant long-term potential. The small share of both the payment and digital advertising markets that it currently holds suggests there’s plenty of room to deliver rapid revenue growth as it continues to expand into new sectors. This growth potential could enable the company to generate strong returns in the coming years.

Two potential game changers

I believe ServiceTitan and Klarna have tremendous opportunities, and both companies are using their proprietary technology to capitalize on it. I expect that they could deliver game-changing returns, which makes me excited to finally add these recent IPOs to my portfolio.

Of course, injury could definitively intervene in the destination of the Golden Boot, but there are two reasons why Haaland is such a strong favourite for the award so early.

First, the number of goals he has already scored – and, just as importantly, the number and quality of chances he is getting. And second, the slow start his usual rivals for the prize have made.

A player’s expected goals number (xG) signifies how many goals a Premier League player has historically scored from the number and quality of chances he has had.

It is not a number randomly picked by statistics boffins, but by Premier League history.

And if we look at players’ xG in the Premier League so far this season from normal play, the Norway forward is getting so many more good opportunities to score than anyone else.

Indeed, even if Haaland were no better at finishing chances than anyone else in the league, he would still have scored more than twice as many goals as everyone else.

THE family of a mother found dead in a scalding hot bathtub fear their loved one had been forced to take drugs.

Ana Carolina de Silva was found dead with her partner in a motel bathtub after they had been partying until after midnight following their daughter’s fourth birthday party.

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The pair – who had been found in a tub filled with 50C water – had died from poisoning, causing severe dehydration and heatstroke, leaving their young daughter orphaned.

Both parents had traces of cocaine and very high levels of alcohol in their blood when they died.

Ana’s family said unequivocally she was “not a drug user”, in a statement released to the media.

The family said they had “concerns of possible forced ingestion or poisoning” after the 42-year-old businesswoman was found dead.

“It is with deep indignation that we, the family of Ana Carolina de Silva … repudiate the fake news that has been spread,” the statement opened.

“Although reports indicate the presence of substances in her blood, we affirm with complete certainty that Ana was not a drug user.”

“Given the inconsistencies, we raise serious concerns about possible forced ingestion or poisoning and demand a rigorous, transparent and impartial investigation,” the statement added.

The family said they want to “preserve Ana’s memory and dignity, [and to] ensure that the truth prevails over cruel and unjust speculation”.

“We will not allow her story to be tarnished by unjust assumptions,” the statement said.

“We will continue to seek answers, confident that justice will be served.”

The statement was released on October 1, when the Civil Police reached the conclusion of the case.

According to the investigation, Ana and her husband, military police officer Jeferson Luiz Sagaz, 37, “[died from] exogenous poisoning”.

Chief medical examiner Andressa Boer Fronza said the deaths were “the process of heatstroke with intense dehydration, thermal collapse, culminating in organ failure and death.”

Investigators say the couple passed out in a bathtub filled with 50C water while a space heater blasted heat into the room.

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Toxicology tests revealed very high alcohol levels and traces of cocaine, Globo G1 reported. 

As well as the room, officers examined the couple’s car and the motel’s CCTV.

Following the family’s statement, the Civil Police told Brazilian media outlet G1 “it would not be commenting on the investigation”.

Scientific police said “all forensic examinations carried out followed strict scientific protocols and were conducted by official experts and specialised technical teams”, repeating the sentiments of the finalised reports.

In a press conference where details of the investigation were revealed to the public, chief inspector Felipe Simao said the couple “had a busy social life but did not have a drug habit”.

“The big issue raised in the statements we took, talking to people involved in this, is that they did not have the habit of using cocaine,” he said.

The couple had spent the day of their deaths celebrating their daughter’s birthday at a food park, drinking before heading to a night club.

They then checked into the Dallas Motel in São José, Santa Catarina state, just after midnight on August 11.

But Jeferson and Ana Carolina never returned to collect their child the next morning at Jeferson’s sister’s home.

Worried relatives reported them missing, and police later found the pair lifeless in the bathroom.

Police said there was no history of violence.

Ana owned a nail salon and had been with Jeferson for nearly 20 years.

The couple’s daughter, just four years old, is now in the care of relatives after the tragic birthday celebration turned fatal.

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EMILY Ratajkowski raised the temperature as she posed for steamy lingerie snaps to promote her campaign with Lounge underwear. 

The actress and model, 34, flaunted her famous figure in a selection of lingerie pieces from her collaboration with the underwear brand, and posted some of the saucy pics to her Instagram account.

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Mum-of-one Emily donned a hot-pink bra, panties and garter set in one snap, as she posed suggestively with white sheets on a bed.

In another picture, the Gone Girl actress lay seductively on the floor in an all-black set as she looked directly into the camera.

The famously slender star also showed off her frame and toned stomach as she posed stood up in the all black ensemble, 

The sexy lingerie pieces are part of the model’s collection with Lounge Underwear, dubbed “Emily’s Edit”. 

Speaking about the edit, Emily said: “Sexiness has nothing to do with what someone else sees. It’s about how I feel. 

“I’m a mother, I’m a writer, I’m someone who loves fashion. I play a dozen different roles every day. I love that Lounge recognizes how multifaceted women can be.”

The edit, which features seasonal picks from the star, marks Lounge’s Fall 2025 collection, and also features clothing items including a suede blazer and matching shorts, a cherry lacquer argyle cardigan, and a chocolate sheer shirt paired with a coordinating skirt.

It comes a week after Emily was seen partying away with British pop star Charli XCX, after attending their wedding ceremony in Sicily, Italy. 

The Brat star, 33, married her The 1975 drummer husband George Daniel in a small ceremony in London last month, before flying out to Italy to throw a huge celebration with family and close friends.

Emily was among a flurry of stars who attended the wedding, which included Matty Healy, Gabriette, Amelia Dimoldenberg and Julia Fox.

The model appeared to attend the ceremony alone – without her four-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear, who she shares with her ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. 

Emily finalized her divorce with the film producer, who faced a slew of sexual misconduct allegations, in July, after filing for divorce in September 2022. 

The model sparked her latest romance rumours earlier this month, after she was spotted getting close to Caught Stealing actor Austin Butler in New York. 

The pair were spotted together at the Waverly Inn in Manhattan’s West Village, in what could mark her first relationship since her divorce.

She has previously been linked to stars including chart-topper Harry Styles, Oscar winner Brad Pitt, artist Jack Greer and SNL alum Pete Davidson. 

Emily recently revealed she would be making a career turn, as she gears up for a screen-writing debut on A24’s untitled drama series for Apple TV+, which is set to explore female identity and modern motherhood – with Lena Dunham and author Stephanie Danler. 

“Lena was the first person who published my writing, on Lenny Letter, but she knew about me from Instagram,” she told Variety in July. 

“I’ve had a lot of experiences, with Lena specifically, where she has seen past surface level things and given me so many opportunities.”

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If you feel stuck for something to do in London, Skuna Boats is the perfect activity – relaxing, fun and something really different

Having lived in London for the best part of a decade I made it my mission when I first moved here to cross as many of the main tourist attractions off the list as possible.

It’s all too easy when you live in a city as amazing as London to take things for granted so after a feverish couple of years, I done all the big ones – St Paul’s, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Royal Parks, you name it, I’d looked round it.

You may think this would leave me at a loss for fun activities to do each weekend and that’s where you’d be very wrong. Some of the very best attractions London has to offer are those that fly under the radar – and there’s one I’ve been eyeing up out of the window at work for as long as I can imagine.

Skuna Boats, based in Canary Wharf, offer a dazzling array of water-based activities. From an igloo boat, where you cosy and ensconced is a see-through igloo while you potter about the water ways of Canary Wharf, to the BBQ boat, which pretty much does what it says on the tin. But the one that really caught my eye was the hit tub boat. Imagine the fun, being in a hot tub ON the water.

One gloriously sunny Saturday afternoon four friends and I donned our swimming costumes and ventured out onto the water. We picked evening so we got the best of both worlds, making the most of the last of the sunshine and then floating around Canary Wharf, gazing at the glittering lights, as the sun went down as we sipped wine and giggled.

The first thing to mention is Skuna take safety very seriously. You delegate one of your party to be captain and alcohol is banned for them. You’re then given a very thorough safety talk and quiz so you’re ready to take to the water in the safest possible way.

After changing in the lovely on site changing rooms, where you can rent soft and fluffy robes and towels, we made our way down to the pier and our waiting boat.

After another very thorough run through of how to operate the boat – which once you get your head round everything being in the opposite direction to where you think it should be – it’s surprisingly easy. We were loaded up with our waterproof containers holding our phones, which I would highly recommend taking as the views are spectacular and our drinks and we were off.

It took a few minutes to get the hang of steering our sturdy vessel but this only added to the fun. The water in the hot tub, which is wood fired, was absolutely perfect and felt like such a luxurious way to see Canary Wharf from a very different angle.

As we wound our way along the route, one thing that really blew my mind was the number of people stopping to wave, smile and shout hello to us. I’m not a born and bred Londoner but I’ve been here for long enough to know if this amazing city has a downside, it’s that the people aren’t always the friendliest.

I thought I’d feel somewhat mortified being spotted in my cossie so close to where I work every day but everyone was so nice and we were having such an amazing time, I didn’t mind in the slightest.

Canary Wharf has always been a stunning part of London and the views from our little hot tub oasis were absolutely spectacular. What a way to see what can be an underrated part of the city.

After 75 minutes on the water, it was time for us to get out and sample the Skuna Sauna. If I was feeling relaxed by the time I got out of the hot tub, I was positively zen after leaving the sauna. A real piece of luxury and health right there on the quayside.

So, next time you’re feeling a bit stuck with what to do in London I cannot recommend Skuna Boats highly enough – I can’t wait to set sail again.

For more information and for a full list of prices, make sure to visit the Skuna website.

There’s no denying the trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) over the past few years. Many of the companies that have pivoted to adopt this game-changing technology have ascended the ranks of the world’s largest companies when measured by market cap. When the stock market closed on Tuesday, there were 11 members of the vaunted $1 trillion club, the vast majority of which have significant ties to AI.

After the market close, industry stalwart Oracle (ORCL 1.37%) reported its recent quarterly results, and despite missing Wall Street’s expectations, the stock surged higher and never looked back. Why? In a stunning turn of events, the company signed numerous multibillion-dollar contracts that kicked its future growth potential into overdrive.

Given the magnitude of these deals, it seems the writing is on the wall for Oracle to join this elite fraternity. The company’s growth is at a tipping point, and management’s commentary suggests the company has a long AI-centric runway for growth ahead.

Image source: Getty Images.

A trusted partner

Oracle holds a coveted place in the technology community, as roughly 98% of Global Fortune 500 companies make up its customer rolls. The industry stalwart provides its customers with a strategic combination of cloud, database, and enterprise software. Naturally, when the shift to AI began in earnest, this captive audience began to turn to Oracle for its expanding collection of cloud and AI solutions.

The company’s growth has been uneven, but the future looks bright. During Oracle’s fiscal 2026 first quarter (ended Aug. 31), total revenue grew 11% year over year to $14.9 billion, while its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.47 grew by 6%. Both numbers accelerated compared to Q4, but missed Wall Street’s consensus estimates, which called for revenue of $15 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.48.

However, that wasn’t the headline. Last quarter, CEO Safra Catz noted that the company had reached a “tipping point,” noting that revenue growth was accelerating, “and it’s only going up from here.”

That turned out to be an understatement. Oracle reported explosive growth in its remaining performance obligation (RPO) — or contractual obligations not yet included in revenue — which skyrocketed 359% year over year to $455 billion, up from $138 billion in Q4.

Catz explained, “We signed four multibillion-dollar contracts with three different customers in Q1,” calling the results “astonishing.” He went on to say that demand for Oracle Cloud “continues to build.” The company expects to sign “several additional multi-billion-dollar customers and RPO is likely to exceed half a trillion dollars.”

Looking to the future, Oracle is forecasting Oracle Cloud Infrastructure revenue to grow 77% to $18 billion this year — but that’s just the beginning:

• Fiscal 2027 cloud revenue of $32 billion, up 78%.
• Fiscal 2028 cloud revenue of $73 billion, up 128%.
• Fiscal 2029 cloud revenue of $144 billion, up 97%.

Mind you, this is just Oracle Cloud Infrastructure revenue, and Catz noted that “most of the revenue in this five-year forecast is already booked in our reported RPO.” That means that any future contracts will probably increase those growth targets.

The path to $1 trillion just got much shorter

Oracle is leveraging its position as a trusted partner to help customers choose suitable AI and cloud solutions and profit from the growing adoption of generative AI.

Before today’s results, Wall Street was expecting Oracle to generate revenue of $66.75 billion in its fiscal 2026 (which began June 1), giving it a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of about 10. Assuming its P/S remained constant, Oracle needed to generate revenue of approximately $98 billion annually to support a $1 trillion market cap. Given those figures, Oracle could have achieved a $1 trillion market cap before 2028.

Wall Street hasn’t yet had time to update its models, but given the magnitude of the company’s results, previous forecasts are out the window. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I predict Oracle will join the $1 trillion club within the next 12 months.

Estimates regarding the market potential of generative AI continue to ratchet higher. Big Four accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) calculates the opportunity could be worth as much as $15.7 trillion annually by 2030, which illustrates the magnitude of the opportunity.

Given the recent contract wins, Oracle has proven that it is leveraging its experience to profit from this windfall. The writing is on the wall, and Oracle is poised to join the fraternity of trillionaires in short order.

NEW YORK — If Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear vaults into national prominence as a Democratic leader, he may one day look back at Thursday as a key step in that direction.

SiriusXM announced that it was giving Beshear’s new podcast a national platform starting this month, along with featuring him in a regular call-in show on its Progress network.

President Trump’s appearances on podcasts were a pivotal media strategy in his successful 2024 Republican campaign. Moving forward, mastering a personal podcast could replace soft-focus biographies or wonky books as a way for politicians to increase their profiles.

Beshear said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” this summer that he will “take a look” at running for president in 2028. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, also in the circle of potential presidential nominees, started his own podcast earlier this year.

Speaking to the anxiety of Americans

In an interview, Beshear said a motivating factor in his own podcast was people who have come up to him, especially during the Trump administration, to talk about their anxieties.

“That’s how Americans feel,” he said. “They feel like the news hits them minute after minute after minute. And it can feel like chaos. It can feel like the world is out of control. With this podcast, we’re trying to help Americans process what we’re going through.”

He’s already done nearly two dozen podcasts, with his audience heavily weighted toward Kentucky residents. His guests have included some potential Democratic presidential rivals, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Entrepreneur Mark Cuban, former Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari and Kentucky-born actor and comic Steve Zahn have also appeared.

Beshear, the son of a former governor who’s been leading Kentucky since 2019, talks issues himself. Two of his friends, a Republican and a Democrat, are regular guests, and his 16-year-old son helps Dad navigate some youthful lingo.

Newsom attracted attention — some of it negative among Democrats — for interviewing conservative guests Steve Bannon, Michael Savage and Charlie Kirk on his podcast.

“I did disagree with him on certain guests because I don’t like to give oxygen to hate,” Beshear said. “But Gavin is out there really working to communicate with the American people, and he deserves to be commended for it.”

Newsom’s podcast started slowly in the marketplace but has caught fire in recent weeks, his regular audiences jumping from the tens of thousands to the hundreds of thousands, said Paul Riismandel, president of Signal Hill Insights, an audio-focused market research company.

The California governor’s increased visibility, particularly on social media, is likely a factor in the growing popularity of the podcast, Riismandel said. But it’s also a function of how podcasts often catch on: Many tend to be slow burns as audiences discover them, he said.

Learning to master the format of podcasts

Whether ambitious politicians start their own podcasts or not, they’re going to have to be familiar going forward with what makes people successful in the format.

“With a podcast, the audience expects a more unfiltered, authentic kind of conversation and presentation,” Riismandel said. If politicians come across as too controlled, looking for the sort of soundbites that will be broken out in a television appearance, it’s not likely to work, he said. They have to be willing to open up.

“That is something that is probably new for a lot of politicians,” he said, “and new for their handlers.”

Beshear’s first podcast for SiriusXM will feature an interview with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), conducted in the company’s New York studio and debuting Sept. 10. The Progress network will air Beshear’s podcasts regularly on Saturdays at 11 a.m. Eastern.

The first live call-in show will be next Tuesday at noon, with Beshear joined by Progress host John Fugelsang.

Beshear stressed that his work for SiriusXM is “not just aimed at a Democratic audience.”

“We’re aiming,” he said, “at an American audience.”

Bauder writes for the Associated Press.

The dry cabin air, dehydration and long periods of sitting after a flight already put our bodies under stress, and a hot shower can put extra strain on your skin and circulation

Brits jetting off on holiday have been warned that jumping straight into a hot shower after a flight could do more harm than good.

A steamy shower can worsen post-flight swelling in the ankles and feet, dry out skin and even affect blood circulation, according to shower and spa experts at Vidalux.co.uk.

It is a fairly common practice, at the end of a long day’s journeying, to head straight home or to the hotel to relax, freshen up and take a shower. However, turning the water on and having a good, steamy soak could in fact leave you feeling worse.

Dry cabin air, dehydration, and long periods of sitting after a flight already stress our bodies, and a hot shower can put extra strain on our skin and circulation. Instead, travellers should opt for a cool or lukewarm shower.

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This will deliver similar, if not higher, levels of freshness, while also lowering the risk of drying out your skin and negatively impacting your blood circulation. Taking a milder shower may also help your body regulate its temperature more effectively and reduce fluid retention.

Andy Ellis, shower specialist at Vidalux.co.uk, said: “A lot of us love taking a shower after a flight to help freshen up when we get back home but those taking a hot shower could be doing more harm than good to their bodies.

“After a flight our skin is already pretty dry and dehydrated from the low humidity in the plane. Taking a hot shower can worsen this feeling as the hot water will strip the body of its natural oils. Hot water also causes our blood vessels to dilate, which can worsen existing swelling and blood circulation issues after flying.

“This doesn’t mean you can’t take a shower though. As long as you stick to a cool or lukewarm shower post-flight then you’ll be absolutely fine.”

Swelling in the ankles and feet is common after flying and hot water can make this issue worse by causing the blood vessels to dilate further.

Planes are extremely dry and they can leave you feeling dehydrated. This is because the low humidity levels cause the air to pull moisture from our skin, lips and eyes. Hot showers also strip natural oils from the skin which can worsen dryness or irritation after a flight.

Long periods of sitting and cabin pressure changes can lead to poor circulation. Hot showers, which dilate blood vessels, can also lower blood pressure.

Hot showers can interfere with your sleep schedule, especially if you’re already suffering from jet lag. The hot water raises your body’s core temperature, which can make you feel more awake. Taking a hot shower after an evening flight can disrupt your body’s natural cooling process that signals it’s time to sleep.

Investors have been very fortunate over the past couple of years. A tremendous run for technology stocks on artificial intelligence enthusiasm, investments, and rising long-term expectations has carried the broader stock market to impressive heights.

But it seems the market has begun to cool off over the past week or so, with some of the top-performing technology stocks dipping off their highs. As fun as soaring stock prices are, it’s crucial to remember that volatility is a regular part of long-term investing, and that it’s healthy when things take a bit of a breather after an extended run.

It can also be a good opportunity to buy your favorite stocks at lower prices. Three Fools got together to identify three winning tech stocks that still offer that right mix of long-term growth and present-day value. When it was all said and done, Nvidia (NVDA 1.65%), SoundHound AI (SOUN 2.70%), and Netflix (NFLX -0.20%) stood out from the crowd.

Here is what you need to know about each stock right now.

Image source: Getty Images.

This AI accelerator leader is not done rising

Will Healy (Nvidia): It seems nothing can hold back Nvidia’s stock price growth for long. The chip stock is up around 1,400% from its 2022 low as its research spearheaded the rapidly growing AI accelerator industry.

NVDA data by YCharts

That product has so fundamentally changed the company that its data center segment made up 89% of the company’s revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. This is a dramatic turnabout from three years ago, when the data center segment was not significantly larger than Nvidia’s long-established gaming business.

Also, Nvidia’s profits have risen so dramatically that even with its massive gains, its P/E ratio is only about 56. In comparison, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), whose stock has experienced much lower returns, trades at 94 times earnings.

Moreover, there are no meaningful signs of a slowdown. Grand View Research forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% for the AI chip market through 2030, and Nvidia has far exceeded that estimate.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, its revenue of $44 billion rose 69% from year-ago levels. Even though a company with a $4.2 trillion market cap is unlikely to sustain that growth rate, the aforementioned CAGR makes it likely to continue reporting robust revenue growth.

Additionally, competitive threats have not held it back. DeepSeek’s breakthrough on low-cost AI training earlier this year contributed to a temporary pullback of over 40% in the stock price, but Nvidia recovered quickly. Also, while AMD’s upcoming MI400 release next year could bring competition to Nvidia’s Vera Rubin platform, the company still has time to respond to that threat.

Indeed, Nvidia’s massive stock gains and huge market cap might deter some investors from buying. Nonetheless, with its domination of the AI accelerator market and the company’s relatively low P/E ratio, Nvidia stock remains on track for further growth.

A recent pullback in SoundHound AI stock could present an opportunity for long-term investors

Jake Lerch (SoundHound AI): My choice is SoundHound AI. Here’s why.

First, let’s put the recent downturn in context. It’s no surprise that the artificial intelligence (AI) sector is getting hit hard by the recent volatility in the stock market. Many of the stocks in this sector are young companies that are developing cutting-edge technology. Therefore, when the growth trajectory of the industry is questioned, sell-offs can be steep and sudden. Yet, these big sell-offs present an opportunity for long-term investors.

Turning to SoundHound AI specifically, let’s recall that the company is a leader within the voice AI sector. They have solid penetration within the automotive and restaurant sectors.

In addition, one of their primary competitive advantages is their ability to deploy custom voice AI solutions. What this means is that SoundHound works with companies to tailor their specific AI solutions, which are then deployed under the customer’s brand name. This gives SoundHound a leg up on some of its big tech competitors by allowing clients to maintain brand management and data privacy.

Last, let’s recall that only a few weeks ago, SoundHound posted a fantastic quarterly report. The company generated an all-time high of $43 million in revenue, which was up an eye-popping 217% from a year earlier. Management highlighted new or expanded business partnerships across the restaurant, automotive, healthcare, finance, and retail sectors. What’s more, the company raised full-year guidance.

According to Yahoo Finance, sell-side analysts now expect SoundHound to generate $166 million in revenue in 2025 and $215 million in 2026, representing growth of 96% and 29%, respectively.

In short, SoundHound remains a promising long-term investment within the AI sector, thanks to its solid growth trajectory. Growth-oriented investors might therefore want to consider it on this most recent pullback.

Netflix isn’t done delivering for shareholders

Justin Pope (Netflix): The streaming king has delivered in a big way for shareholders. Shares have risen over 70% over the past year, even after a recent 10% dip. While that’s not a very big drop, it’s still a dip long-term investors should consider buying.

One of the prettiest charts you’ll see is that of Netflix’s profit margins over time. As more people sign up for Netflix, the company becomes increasingly profitable because it can spread its content costs across more customers. Netflix stopped reporting subscriber numbers at the end of 2024, but paid subscriptions increased by 15.9% year over year in Q4 to 301.63 million, so new customer acquisition still had plenty of momentum at the end of last year.

NFLX Profit Margin data by YCharts

Additionally, Netflix is beginning to pull multiple growth levers. For instance, Netflix has raised its subscription prices over time and launched an ad-supported membership option a few years ago. It surpassed 70 million subscribers last November, and management expects ad revenue to double this year as some subscribers trade a little convenience for cost savings.

Meanwhile, the future looks bright. Netflix has waded increasingly deeper into live sports, a significant media category that could continue to help drive and sustain subscriptions. Analysts estimate Netflix will grow earnings by an average of almost 23% annually over the next three to five years. I wouldn’t say Netflix’s stock is a once-in-a-lifetime deal at 46 times 2025 earnings estimates, but the stock seems fairly valued for a business with such a strong growth outlook and increasingly fatter profit margins.

Investors who buy and hold Netflix will likely be very happy with their decision a few years from now.

“Honey Don’t!” is a smutty desert mystery in which the detective, Honey O’Donohue (Margaret Qualley), never gets around to solving the central crime. She’s too busy seducing women and swatting down randy men. I’d call the opening murder a red herring except it’s really more like a fish left to cook in the blinding Bakersfield sun.

The second film co-written by Ethan Coen and his collaborator and wife Tricia Cooke (the first was 2024’s “Drive-Away Dolls”), it’s less preoccupied by the challenge of who’s responsible for that corpse than by its own overarching question: Why not? Why not let Margaret Qualley prove she has the electricity to power an audience through any plot? Why not pivot from “The Big Lebowski” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” to an announced trilogy of tatty lesbian exploitation pictures? Why not, when a couple has earned the industry clout to shoot the script they want with the cast they want, make exactly the movie they want, even if this pulpy B-picture isn’t very good? Who’s going to tell them, honey don’t?

To be clear, there’s enough to like in “Honey Don’t!” to get you through its 89-minute running time. I’d watch Qualley stride around barking at people for twice as long and her supporting cast, which includes Aubrey Plaza as Honey’s latest lover and Chris Evans as an oily pastor, is delivering at top level, i.e., Coen-worthy. (Newer talent Josh Pafchek pockets his scenes as a moronic Australian brute.) The script has several zingers that are so good you want to applaud right in your seat, particularly an insult Honey slings at her estranged daddy (Kale Browne). Even the extended intro credits have a witty energy that makes you forgive that they’re tap dancing to pad the length.

Still, as with the sillier “Dolls,” which also starred Qualley as a hot-to-trot queer queen, the film is so shaggy that it feels longer than it is. I finished both movies double-checking my watch in astonishment that they really were under an hour and a half.

Qualley’s Honey is a headstrong investigator who is so independent, she refuses to let her secretary (Gabby Beans) make her a cup of coffee. Frankly, she’s not that impressive as a private dick. Honey is only passingly curious why a client died before their first meeting and so predominately distracted by tangental side quests — her troubled teen niece (Talia Ryder), her dalliances with Plaza’s husky lady cop — that the resolution doesn’t involve much brilliant deduction. We know from the first scene that Honey needs to keep a close eye on a mysterious stranger named Cher (Lera Abova). Ultimately, the French femme fatale catches her attention for other reasons.

Across town, the corrupt Reverend Drew (Evans) is swaying his parishioners to sleep with him in the name of godly submission. “I want to see your bosoms jouncing during fellowship,” he commands a member of his flock. The preacher is one of the biggest sinners in Bakersfield, not merely because both he and Honey may as well be using the phone book as a checklist of conquests. A normal thriller would frame their dynamic as cat versus mouse. Here, it’s more like plague and vaccine. Honey is immune to his sales pitches for heterosexuality and holy salvation.

Honey is a brazenly preposterous creation: a 21st century woman who insists on using a Rolodex, something that was headed toward extinction before Qualley was even born. Striding through brush in seamed stockings and high heels — and changing wardrobe multiple times a day just because she can — she’s the only character who never breaks a sweat (except in the bedroom).

Qualley keeps her cool from head to toe: eyebrows stern, line deliveries cucumber-crisp. Like a brassy classic dame, she says exactly what she means. When the local homicide officer, Marty (Charlie Day), makes a pass at her, she bluntly replies, “I like girls.” The guy doesn’t listen — he just keeps pestering her — which makes their dynamic play like some sort of clunky runner about how men are dense.

Marty’s pursuit is that. But Honey’s retort is also how the real-life Cooke shot Coen down the first time her future husband asked her out on a date. More than anything, it’s evidence that “Honey Don’t!” primarily exists as the couple’s own affectionate in-joke. “Tricia’s queer and sweet and I’m straight and stupid,” Coen said last year in an interview with the Associated Press. Both describe their three-decades-plus marriage as “nontraditional.” Both also insist that they’re making these pulp flicks as a unit and don’t care who gets credit for what, claiming that Coen is cited as the director of “Honey Don’t!” simply because he’s the one in the DGA.

Coen is, of course, half of another twosome with his brother Joel that also enjoys defying labels. Their filmography zigzags between thrillers and comedies, lean exercises and awards heavyweights, never making the same movie twice. It’s as though their guiding compass is to stay ahead of audience expectations. The pair has been on a creative break since 2018’s “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and it’s been tempting to use their separate projects as an opportunity to examine who each sibling is as an individual. If you watched Joel Coen’s black-and-white “The Tragedy of Macbeth” in a double feature with “Honey Don’t!” you’d leave convinced that the elder Joel was the stylist and the younger Ethan the wit — that Joel wears a monocle and Ethan a grease-painted John Waters mustache.

But they might just be tricking us again. It’s just as valid to say the brains behind those two movies are William Shakespeare and Tricia Cooke, especially the latter as she seems to have had the stronger hand in shaping the two sexy Qualley capers we’ve seen thus far. (The third already has a title: “Go Beavers.”)

As sloppy as it is, there’s no denying that “Honey Don’t!” works as a noir with a pleasant, peppery flavor. Yet, there’s a snap missing in its rhythm, a sense that it doesn’t know when and how its gags should hit. When a playboy (Christian Antidormi) swaggers up to a bar and orders a shot of cinnamon schnapps, the line clangs like it landed better on the page. A few scenes later, a low-level drug dealer goes home to his Bolivian grandmother (Gloria Sandoval) who is such a caricature — bowler hat, lap full of dried chili peppers — that you suspect the character was designed to get more of a laugh. I did giggle when Honey visited her sister, a worn-out hausfrau named Heidi (Kristen Connolly), and kids kept popping out of the corners of her home one after another like rabbits from a hat.

The majority of the townsfolk that Honey encounters are such incurious mouth-breathers that the humor can feel hostile. The film’s worldview is that most people are, as Coen describes himself, straight and stupid. That’s worked out well enough for him. He’s won four Oscars and, more importantly, the ability to do whatever he darned well pleases.

There are no signs to the hot spring, but I locate it on the map and we drive to the end of the paved road. Overlooking the sea is a stone bench someone has dedicated to her parents, “with gratitude and love as deep as the Aegean”. My dad died recently and the words strike home. I’m glad my mum has joined me on this little adventure.

We walk down to the deserted cove at Agia Kyriaki thermal springs. There are old fishing shacks with stone-slab roofs, and shuttered cottages. Down an unmarked path, we find a rock pool where hot waters bubble gently from the sand, blending with the sea to a perfect temperature. Immersed in the healing mineral bath, I look up at juniper trees and blue sky, lulled by lapping waves and cicadas.

Ikaria, in the eastern Aegean – named after Icarus, the Greek mythological figure who flew too close to the sun – is known for its forests, springs and wine, communist leanings and longevity. Its population of about 8,000 is spread across dozens of scattered villages over 255 sq km, with few dedicated to tourism, and it only really gets busy in July and August. We arrive in mid-June from Kos (ferries also connect Samos and Athens to the port of Evdilos) at the port of Agios Kirykos and drive north-east to Faros, which has a mile of beach without a single hotel. The house we’ve rented for our first few days, Lighthouse Lodge, is perfectly located next to a cafe-bar and two tavernas – the hot spring a few kilometres away.

While Mum reads in the shade of a tamarisk tree on the beach in front of the house, I walk around the mastic- and thyme-covered cape to Drakano tower, with remains of fortifications from the fourth century BC. The lofty peak of Samos and the Fourni islands are the only features in an expanse of blue – the space and light are mesmerising.

A few Greek families with young children linger on Faros beach until dark. At Grigoris taverna, we eat grilled sardines and soufiko, summer vegetables cooked slowly in olive oil, and drink Ikarian red wine. Then we fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

The next day we explore the north of the cape, swimming in the clear turquoise waters of Iero bay, near the cave where legend has it that Dionysus was born.

Getting to Monokampi, a pretty village 15km inland from Agios Kirykos, and our base for the following two nights, requires negotiating the forest-covered Atheras mountain, which stretches in a 40km ridge across the full length of the island, rising to more than 1,000 metres. Our route zigzags up a vertiginous slope, cypresses poking up from the tangle of trees.

We’re late and I call George, owner of Moraitika Farmhouse, to say we’re on the mountain somewhere. “Ten kilometres in Ikaria are not like 10km anywhere else!” he laughs. When we arrive, George shows us around what was his great-grandmother’s farm, lovingly restored over 15 years. Three houses are now tourist accommodation, while the oldest one, from the 14th century, is like a museum to old Ikarian life, with a large fireplace for smoking meat, an inbuilt oven and a secret back door for escaping from pirate raids. A forest of arbutus (strawberry tree), oak, olive and ivy has grown over the once-cultivated terraces and the footpath his grandmother used to walk over the mountain.

In the evening on the terrace, as the sun descends over the sea, we eat local cheese with an organic dry white wine, Begleri – all picked up en route, as we’re a long drive from a taverna. Eleonora’s falcons swoop, an owl hoots and there are tiny, bright lights of glow-worms.

In the cool morning, birds sing their hearts out. We walk through Monokampi’s village square, dominated by a huge plane tree, and follow a sign to Agia Sofia, a hidden chapel built into a rocky spur. Mum points out honeysuckle and walnut trees, and we pick mulberries and plums.

The next day we descend to the coast and continue west, stopping at Karavostamo for a swim and fresh spinach pies from the bakery, then we drive on, looking for a place to stay for the next few nights. We stop above an impressive beach at Gialiskari, but there’s the thump of music from a bar so we keep going.

At Nas, we pull in at a taverna. After a lunch of courgette fritters, herby meatballs and homemade cheesecake with sea views, we think we might have found our place. We walk on until we spy a lush river canyon and a sparkling cove, and soon find rooms at Artemis Studio.

Steps lead down the rock to the bamboo-fringed estuary, where swallows and damselflies flit. The other bank is dominated by the walls of an ancient harbour and a ruined sanctuary for the worship of Artemis, protector of nature and wildlife. The waters flow from the deep, pine-covered Halari gorge, which extends several kilometres inland, with paths leading in various directions. The riverbed, with pink-flowering oleander and little waterfalls, fills with wild campers in mid-summer. For now, quiet reigns.

We quickly fall in love with Nas. Mum swims in the freshwater lagoon with the frogs; I swim in the sea, which is cold enough to leave my skin tingling. When the sun sets into the ocean, we settle on Artemis’s peaceful terrace for baked aubergine with kathoura cheese and red peppers, and goat roasted in olive oil and wine. The taverna is run by Thanasis, a musician who offers tours of his family’s organic farm, and Anna, who has a ceramics studio and shop, where we take our time choosing pretty jewellery.

After a breakfast of fresh juice, eggs and Ikarian smoked ham at nearby Reiki cafe, we head on to our next stop, in the village of Agios Polykarpos. We’re staying at Monopati Eco Stay, which has studios of stone, wood and bamboo, with large windows framing a magnificent view of blue sky, canyon and forest.

The owner says we will find his 87-year-old mother in the garden. Svelte and sprightly Popi, covered up against the sun, is thinning out her basil plants and beams at us. She shows us terraces filled with courgettes, sweet potatoes, aubergines and tomatoes. The next day she picks me apricots, shows me how to make basil pesto with walnuts and sunflower seeds, and tries teaching me to dance the ikariotiko, with a deep laugh when I mix up the steps.

Her philosophy is: good food, good thoughts and outdoor exercise. Every morning, she looks at the magic of nature and feels gratitude. “We only have one life – we must make the most of it.”

Mum and I feel that exact sentiment as we wave goodbye. We’ve made the most of our two weeks of discovery in Ikaria. We leave not only revived by good food and rest, but energised and inspired by the sweeping landscapes and time together, with precious memories to last a lifetime.

Lighthouse Lodge, Faros, from £105 a night (sleeps 4, minimum three nights); Moraitika Farmhouse, Monokampi, from £55 per house (sleeps 2-4); Artemis Studio, Nas, from £40 per studio (sleeps 2); Monopati Eco Stay, Agios Polykarpos, from £80 per studio (sleeps 4-6, minimum three nights)

A BLIND 99-year-old with her heart set on reaching one hundred, has died after being scolded by a cup of tea, an inquest hears.

Margaret Eluned Roberts suffered severe burns after the piping hot black tea spilled onto her at a nursing home in Anglesey, Wales.

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Today, an inquest into the elderly woman’s death heard the burn contributed to Mrs Roberts catching a chest infection.

She died roughly five weeks after the incident.

However, a senior coroner has concluded that the death was accidental.

The pensioner’s daughter has slammed Glan Rhos nursing home in a recent statement.

Linda Pritchard explained that she received a phone call soon after the incident occurred.

She said she asked “why did they give a blind lady hot black tea?”

Kate Robertson, senior coroner for north west Wales, found that Mrs Roberts died from pneumonia and cellulitis secondary to a burn.

Ms Robertson also found that old age, asthma and ischaemic heart disease were contributing factors.

Sarah Thomas, a healthcare assistant at Glan Rhos nursing home in Brynsiencyn, who handed Mrs Roberts the cup of black tea, said she knew she was registered blind.

She gave the tea to Mrs Roberts in a plastic, two-handed beaker on September 22 last year, insisting that the pensioner was very independent and “wanted to drink the cup of tea herself.”

The healthcare assistant went on to explain that she watched Mrs Roberts sip the drink through a straw in the spout then moved away.

The inquest heard, that moments later, she spilt the tea on herself at around 7pm.

Ms Thomas claims she didn’t hear a scream.

Jo Reavey, a nurse, said in a statement that she heard “Eluned shouting in an urgent tone.”

She explained that she found her “distraught with her arms raised” and the beaker “upside down” with “black tea on her trousers.”

The wound started blistering as staff frantically put cold towels on it.

An ambulance was called at 7.51pm and arrived at Glan Rhos nursing home at about 10pm.

Mrs Roberts was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. 

The wound was initially eight per cent of her body weight but after reddening reduced it was classified as four per cent. 

At the hospital, the pensioner’s blisters were lanced and her wound was dressed before being discharged.

She later returned to the nursing home, however soon after, developed chest problems.

On October 7, Mrs Roberts daughter asked for her mother to be readmitted to Ysbyty Gwynedd. 

Doctor Abdul Azu, a consultant physician, told the inquest her condition was not improving.

She died there on October 28, about five weeks after the scalding.

Doctor Azu is confident that the burn contributed to the chest infection and her declining health.

The coroner Mrs Robertson, said Mrs Roberts died on October 28 ‘as a result of the medical conditions which were precipitated by the burn injury sustained on her leg.’

She said the spillage had been ‘unintended and accidental’ and gave the cause of death of Mrs Roberts as an accident.

Mrs Robertson told Mrs Pritchard: ‘Mam wanted to reach 100-years-old. It would have been such a significant milestone for her and for you.’

A SAVVY mum has shared a “genius” trick to guarantee there are no tears when applying sun cream.

Not only does it make the process much more fun for youngsters, but if your little one hates having sun cream applied, then you’ll need to check this out.

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With this simple tip, which has been hailed the “best sun cream hack ever,” you’ll need an unexpected kitchen essential.

Posting on social media, Gemma McCartan, a mum-of-two and full-time content creator from the UK, gave her followers a close-up look at her trick, which involves using spoons when applying spray sun cream.

Alongside her short video, the influencer beamed: “The best sun cream hack for kids EVER.”

She then said: “To the mum who posted this, I love you.”

Instead of wrestling her son Max to close his eyes so she could apply the spray sun cream to his face, the youngster instead put two spoons over his eyes.

Gemma was then able to spray his face with sun cream, without it getting in his eyes and causing any tears.

Moments after, the woman’s daughter then did the same, yet again ensuring a seamless application with no irritation of the eyes, whilst at the same time, making the often agonising process much more exciting. 

Thrilled with her hack, Gemma later wrote: “It’s been a game changer.” 

Clearly beaming with the simple trick, the mother added: “It’s made my day, I had the kids crying on holiday until we found this hack.” 

Gemma’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @gemmamccartan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 200,800 views.

Not only this, but it’s also amassed 2,074 likes and 138 comments. 

Parents were impressed with the “genius” trick and many thought it was a “great” idea. 

One person said: “What a brilliant idea.” 

Another added: “That is genius.” 

My son has allergies so this is amazing

Gemma McCartan

Whilst a third commented: “Not only practical, it gives the kids a feeling of control over what’s about to happen, so they are more willing to cooperate. Great idea.”

Meanwhile, someone else gushed: “Best idea ever for sun cream.” 

However, at the same time, one user wrote: “Should have cream on eyelids too as they can burn, I know it stings if it gets in eyes but it’s such a sensitive area so best to have full coverage.”

To this, Gemma wrote back and explained: “Yes but my son has allergies so this is amazing.” 

Not only this, but another person asked: “Won’t they get a burnt line where the handles are?”

In response, Gemma confirmed that instead of spraying the sun cream on her youngster’s eyelids, after the fun part, she then uses her finger for a more controlled application, as she acknowledged: “I use my finger to do the sides and lids.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

LIDL is selling a range of budget-friendly camping gadgets as Brits soak up the sunny weather.

The discount supermarket chain is stocking kids’ sleeping bags and chairs, cool boxes and even an air mattress.

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The new range will be perfect for camping during the end of summer and autumn and getting outdoors to make the last of the year’s light.

There are 30 items Crivit Camping range that range from air mattresses to cool boxes.

And some even have a discount attached to them.

For example, the camping cutlery set selling for £9.99 now has 20 per cent with Lidl Plus and is selling for £7.99.

The Crivit Aluminium Camping Table normally sells for £24.99, but with the Lidl Plus card is currently selling for £19.99.

The air mattress in a double size is selling for £14.99, while sleeping bags are selling for £12.99.

A range of four cool bags are selling for £3.99 while backpacks are selling for £14.99.

It comes after Crivit released a number of tents and festival gear for summer at Lidl several months ago.

The incredible Crivit camping range has everything festival-goers need to set themselves up in the Wilderness, including the 4-Person Blackout Tent – popping up in stores for just £99.00 with Lidl Plus.

Crivit was even selling stand up paddleboards at supermarkets.

The Crivit All-Round Inflatable SUP is priced at just £99.99, and was available at Lidl stores from Thursday May 29.

This bargain bed comes after Lidl have begun selling ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and would be perfect for keeping cool on those hot car trips.

For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad.

That’s more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7.

Described as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort, so you don’t need to flip your pillow during the night.

At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow.

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FASHION fans are racing to snap up a £15 summer dress that will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat.

With temperatures soaring over 30C today, Brits will be doing everything they can to cool down.

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And although purchasing a fan or making your own air conditioner may be your first thought, treating yourself to a weather-appropriate frock can make a huge difference.

Tesco’s F&F is one of the best-loved brands on the high street, and is constantly wowing us with its stylish but affordable fashion.

From cute dresses to on-trend work attire, the supermarket fast-fashion range always hits the mark, and its new summer collection is no exception.

‘Timeless’ dress

One dress in particular that has caught the attention of fashion fans is the The F&F Edit Ruffle Trim Tie Neck Mini Dress in Multi Green which has been slashed from £32.50 to £15, a saving of over 50%.

The mint green frock features a loose fitting flowy skirt, perfect for hiding bloated bellies, and designed to keep you cool on sweltering days.

It also has elegant long sleeves and a dainty tie neckline, which create an air of sophistication.

The gown is perfect for pairing with wedges for fancy holiday dinners, and can be dressed down with chunky sandals for strolls along the beach.

Tesco said: “Bring a romantic edge to your summer outfits with this mini dress, complete with a pretty tie neckline and ruffle accents.

“Featuring long sleeves with elasticated cuffs, the flowing silhouette creates a flattering fit.

“Pair with wedge heels or flat sandals for a timeless outfit on warm days.”

The dress comes in a wide range of sizes from size six to size 22.

However, it has proved so popular with shoppers that it has already sold out in some sizes – so you better be quick to snap up the deal.

More Tesco dresses

Another dress that has caught the eye of fashion fans is the F&F Leopard Print Midi Dress in Multi Brown, which has been slashed from £22.50 to £11, saving of almost 50%.

The statement frock features puff sleeves, for a flattering look around the arms, and has a slit up the hem, for a feminine touch.

The leopard print gown would look perfect paired with sandals for a summer look, and can easily be transitioned into your winter wardrobe if paired with boots.

Shoppers are also loving the F&F Edit Palm Print Bardot Midi Dress in Multi Red, which has been slashed from £25 to just £12.

The stylish frock features an exotic tropical pattern and a belt that will help to hide your tummy.

The long-sleeves and elasticated neckline provide a flattering and comfortable look, which can be dressed up with heels, or dressed down with sandals.

Tesco fans are also loving the F&F Cotton Rich Sleeveless Ribbed Racer Midi Dress in Mink which has been slashed from £16 to just £9, a saving of almost 60%.

The simple dress can easily be chucked on in hot weather, and the sleeveless design will help to cool down sweaty armpits.