palace

The English Football League has criticised the “undermining” of the Carabao Cup after it was forced to compromise on the date of Crystal Palace’s quarter-final because of fixture congestion.

Palace will now face Arsenal in the last eight at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, 23 December at 20:00 GMT.

The other three quarter-finals take place the previous week but the Eagles’ commitments in the Uefa Conference League – they host Finnish club KuPS at Selhurst Park on 18 December – has left them with four games in nine days.

Palace host Manchester City on 14 December and are away to Leeds on 21 December, either side of the KuPS game.

A statement from the EFL was critical of the “expansion of European cup competitions” which it believes was “implemented without adequate consultation with domestic leagues”.

The EFL said it had “shown a willingness to compromise” but scheduling conflicts are “now entirely unavoidable”.

“To continue making endless concessions only serves to undermine the reputation of the EFL Cup,” said the statement.

“It also challenges the traditional scheduling of the English football calendar and strength of our domestic game.”

Uefa’s European calendar now stretches across 10 midweeks, rather than the six of two seasons ago, with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League each given a standalone week for exposure.

It has caused a huge logistical headache, with the third round of the EFL Cup having to be seeded and played across two weeks to keep clubs in the Champions League and Europa League apart.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner said last week it would be “irresponsible” if the club were forced to play two games in three days.

The EFL said it shared the “frustration and concern” of managers and players concerning the congested programme which deprived clubs of the “necessary time for preparation” and ability to “field their strongest line-ups” in the EFL Cup.

The Premier League recently blamed the increased number of European fixtures for there being just one game on 26 December in the English top flight.

Boxing Day fixtures have been a long-standing tradition in English football but this year the only Premier League game will be Manchester United’s home match with Newcastle United (20:00 GMT).

FANCY a bit of the royal treatment? I know just the, er, palace.

The Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort on Morocco’s north-west coast is regal in both size and design.

With its dreamy arches and soaring ceilings, traditional Zellij tiling, tree-lined atrium and central courtyards, this five-star wonder is truly fit for royalty.

Inside, everything smells of rich orange blossom. You could get lost here. In fact, you want to.

In the early Noughties, the country’s King Mohammed VI wanted the fortified city of El Jadida, a Unesco World Heritage Site, to be emblazoned on the tourist map.

The Mazagan, from the same luxury Kerzner hotel group as Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, has helped him achieve this.

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It is drawing an impressive crowd.

Pop princess Paloma Faith stayed here with her family this year and Moroccan golf star Ayoub Lguirati — winner of the first Arab World Professional Championship in 2023 — often plays the resort’s beachfront course designed by one of the sport’s greats, Gary Player.

Oh, and now I was there.

The 500-room Mazagan is so grand that it is home to one of North Africa’s largest casinos — and one evening, my friends and I joined the guests trying their luck on its 37 gaming tables, 80 roulettes wheels and 370 slot machines.

Good news for risk-takers is that the casino stays open 23 hours a day, so this hotel almost never sleeps.

But as amateurs, we didn’t fancy losing a king’s ransom on Blackjack, so moved on to the 1940s-themed Studio 42 lounge bar next door which is swathed in royal-green velvet drapes.

It has live music at weekends and serves glam cocktails including a homemade rosé liquor and gin concoction for £10, or local beer from £5.50, so is a sure bet for a nightcap or two.

When it came time to hit the hay, my ocean-view room was similar in its grandeur to the rest of the hotel, with traditional metal hanging lanterns, dark-wood furniture, and a bed that could fit a family of four.

Thankfully, 80 per cent of the rooms are connecting, so parents do not have to share with little ’uns.

Even with the balconette doors to my room closed, I could hear the inviting roar of the Atlantic Ocean.

It is safe to swim here — there’s a lifeguard during the day — but you can also rent paddle and bodyboards, or make the most of the swell with surf lessons.

Even in late September, temperatures in El Jadida can reach 30C.

Animal-lovers will enjoy a trip to the Mazagan’s farm, which has goats, cows and chickens. Its beachfront stables are immaculately maintained and the horses and ponies have shiny, glowing coats.

Riding on the beach has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, so on an unusually grey afternoon I climbed on to a palomino-coloured mare called Rosa and headed for the shore.

She trotted along Haouzia Beach, steadily swerving the incoming tide, as I sat back — nay, upright — to enjoy the view. The next day, for something more fast-paced, our group zoomed along the sand — thankfully flat — on quad bikes.

The Mazagan also has laser games, go-karting, paintballing, a 22ft climbing wall, archery, a gym, and pickleball and tennis courts. There are daytime clubs for both kids and teens, too.

But a holiday in Morocco calls for a spot of haggling in the medina — and just the place for that is Casablanca which is the country’s largest, most cosmopolitan city, just an hour’s drive from the hotel.

Built in the early 19th century by the French, the New Medina is smaller and less chaotic than its walled older counterpart but just as authentic.

We find everything from artisan teapots and pottery, leather bags and hand-woven Berber rugs, to stalls piled high with native olives for a fraction of what we would pay at home.

Casablanca also has a striking mix of religious buildings, owing to its colonial history.

Many of these, such as the monumental Hassan II Mosque on the city’s promenade, offer guided tours.

Arabesque carvings

The Hassan II Mosque is a gem — with the world’s second-tallest minaret at 689ft and an elaborately decorated prayer room which can fit 20,000 worshippers.

As is customary if entering a mosque, we removed our shoes.

Our guide then recounted tales of its craftmanship as we quietly admired the stonework, arabesque carvings, Murano glass chandeliers, and titanium doors weighing several tonnes.

For many Brits, though, Casablanca will conjure memories of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s 1942 film — although the wartime classic was actually filmed in Hollywood.

Disappointed to discover Rick’s Cafe from the film did not exist, an American woman opened a replica bar, with grand piano and Moroccan hanging lanterns, in the Old Medina in 2004.

“Of all the gins joints in all the towns”, to quote from the film, this one was well worth walking into for a boozy pit-stop on the way back to the Mazagan.

But, of course, there’s nothing wrong with spending a week simply lazing beside the resort’s lagoon-style pool, having treatments in its award-winning spa and eating and drinking like royalty in its 13 restaurants and bars.

The Market Place evening buffet offers an abundance of local and international dishes, from salads to saffron slow-cooked lamb, shawarma and a wok station.

Or the hotel’s jewel in the crown, the dimly lit Bushra restaurant, serves up Middle Eastern dishes and a live band to its impressively receptive diners.

Sat under gigantic brass chandeliers and dramatic drapes, even the grannies sang and clapped cheerily between mouthfuls of hummus with beef fillet, grilled jumbo shrimps and the most tender slow-cooked lamb.

Just like the flavours, the service is five-star — waiter Wafae deserves mention.

But I had my favourite-ever starter in Sel de Mer.

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The nautically-themed seafood restaurant has an extraordinary signature dish of blue lobster salad with fennel remoulade and mustard jus. At £26, it is not cheap, but lobster never is.

I could get used to living like a queen.

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WHO can say no to a Wetherspoons? And what if I told you the smallest one in the world is just as good as the rest, if not better.

Not only is it the smallest Spoons, but it is also in a rather bizarre location – a train station.

Of course, some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.

Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.

Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.

And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.

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I tested out the journey myself, and it took me around one minute (no good if you’re desperate!).

For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.

The boozer opened back in 2014 and is named after one of the co-designers of the original station building, which first opened in 1866.

Inside, it does have a more cosy feel than most Wetherspoons pubs I have visited.

With Halloween fast approaching, the interior was decked out with cobwebs and pumpkins.

But keen to experience the pub-slash-train-station experience, I opted for a table on the terrace to enjoy my nachos.

Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.

To learn more about the pub, look for a blue plaque on the veranda.

It states: “The station had eight platforms under a single span arch roof.

“Far below the station are the remains of a Roman palace, built in the first century.”

At another point, the ‘Steelyard’ was used by German and Flemish merchants.

However, in 1666, it was then destroyed during the Great Fire of London.

A quarter of a century later, and the Company of Plumbers built their Livery Hall on the site, which remained there until the 1860s.

I sat peacefully enjoying my chips, nachos, chicken strips and raspberry lemonade, coming to a grand total of £18.

Whilst eating I noticed how the pub also has a unique soundtrack – clinking glasses mixed with the clack-clack of trains running over metal rails.

In all, I found myself feeling like I was in a quiet bubble in the middle of the hustle and bustle of commuters and tourists.

It felt as if I was in an airport, enjoying a drink whilst people watching – but with no pressure that I was going to miss my flight.

For the tired and sore commuter, this spot is ideal for a post meeting drink, before hopping on a Southeastern train home.

And of course, in typical Spoons style, your pocket won’t be stretched either.

Whilst to most, this may feel like another typical Wetherspoons spot, it somehow manages to fit all the character you get with Spoons into a small venue.

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NOT all Christmas markets are made the same – and one in the UK that might beat the rest is the on the grounds of a palace.

Hampton Court Palace has revealed what to expect from their festive market this year, which takes over the courtyard.

Inside will be more than 100 stalls selling everything festive – think gifts and christmas decorations to food and drink.

Live music will be performed throughout the day in the central bandstand, with many of the Christmas classics.

It only takes place over two weekends – December 5-7 and December 12-14 – so you need to be quick to get in.

You also need to book tickets, but they include access to the palace itself, as well as the gardens and the Hampton Court maze.

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Adults cost £28 while kids are £14.

Or upgrade to the Exclusive Festive Lounge for a free goody bag, free tea and coffee as well as breakfast pastries and alcohol.

While there, you can also visit the Hampton Court Palace ice rink as well.

Running from November 21 to January 4, you will need to book additional tickets for the 45-minute sessions.

Hampton Court Palace dates back to 1514, although has has been remodelled over the years (including designs inspired by Versailles).

It eventually became one of the homes of Henry VIII, which he visited with a number of his wives.

Also inside is the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze, commissioned in 1700.

Covering a third of an acre, it takes around 20 minutes to get to the middle.

Kids will also love The Magic Garden, a huge wooden play structure with climbing frames, slides and towers.

And film buffs will recognise the palace from a number of massive films, including Sherlock Holmes, Pirate’s of the Caribbean, Mamma Mia and Bridgerton.

Previous tourists have said the palace is a better attraction than some in London.

One wrote: “Most tourists only end up circling around Buckingham Palace or get to see the Kensington Palace at most which are nothing compared to Hampton Court combined.

“If you want the less touristy and more authentic royal experience, take a boat down the river from any central London pier that will drop you right outside the Palace gates. Exactly in a same manner how Royals used to travel.”

Another said: “Hampton Court Palace is, quite possibly, one of my most favourite places ever.

“A wonderful place to visit and escape the 21st century for a few hours.”

And Hampton Court isn’t the only place for a Christmas Market trip this year.

We’ve rounded up some of the other pretty markets you can find across the country.

And here are the European cities which you can visit for a Christmas Market day trip.

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The New Forest destination lauded for its picturesque palace, renowned motor museum and stunning river has been dubbed of one of the top UK villages for a winter getaway

A picturesque spot on the fringes of the New Forest has been crowned one of the top “prettiest villages for a cosy winter getaway”. Beaulieu, a “quintessential English village” in Hampshire, was bestowed this honour by National Rail, who described it as an “absolute gem”.

The village is lauded for its array of attractions, including a magnificent palace and motor museum, and a delightful river.

Beaulieu Palace is recognised as one of the UK’s ten ‘Treasure Houses’, marking it as an “architectural masterpiece” surrounded by “beautiful parklands and gardens”. The house, which has been the Montagu family residence since 1538, overlooks the Beaulieu River millpond. It’s hailed as a “fine example of a Victorian country house”, adorned with family heirlooms, portraits and memorabilia.

One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor: “Fabulous and interesting especially when decorated for Christmas. Plenty to see and do, very worthwhile visit.”, reports the Express.

Another enthused: “Really excellent house full of historical memorabilia and family links to the owners and their forbears. Everything well displayed and the staff on hand helped bring things to life.”

A third reviewer posted: “Beaulieu Palace is maintained in splendid condition, with well-informed and costumed staff to explain how the house operated in yesteryear and exhibits from the generations who lived there bringing each room to life.”

At Beaulieu, guests can purchase a single ticket granting entry to both the Palace and the National Motor Museum. The museum boasts “one of the finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia in the world“.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum holds a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, with one visitor commenting: “What a glorious place! Absolutely brilliant collection of cars in lovely grounds. My children (10 year old car enthusiast and a 3 year old) were kept entertained all day.”

Close by, situated along the banks of the Beaulieu River, lies the 18th century shipbuilding settlement of Buckler’s Hard, renowned for constructing warships for Nelson’s Navy.

Guests can explore the museum which recounts the tales of the vessels and the village’s inhabitants, or stroll down the main street to observe boats sailing on the waterway.

There’s also a picturesque, two-mile walking trail to discover, and tourists can embark on a cruise along Beaulieu River. One holidaymaker remarked: “A smashing place overlooking the river. Plenty of quaint old cottages from its shipbuilding past to walk around. And we also had a delightful trip on the boat down the river.” Another described it as like “stepping back in time”.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says talks have taken place with Oliver Glasner about extending the contract of the Eagles manager as the two parties look to “align their interests”.

Glasner will be out of contract at the end of the season and there is uncertainty about the 51-year-old’s future at the club.

Sources have told BBC Sport the Austrian was offered a new deal earlier this summer, but he has yet to sign the contract.

“We’ve had some early conversations,” Parish told Talksport. “We would love to keep Oliver, we’re building something. I think for Oliver it’s about the conditions being right.”

Glasner took over as Palace boss in February 2024 and guided them to victory in last season’s FA Cup – the club’s first major trophy.

Their triumph meant they qualified for the Europa League, but they were demoted to the Conference League for breaching multi-club ownership rules – American businessman John Textor owns a stake in the Eagles and is the majority owner of French club Lyon, who had also qualified for the Europa League.

Glasner also led Palace to victory against Liverpool in the Community Shield in August and has steered them to sixth in the Premier League following a promising start to the season – four points off top spot.

“It’s about everything being in a way that he enjoys his work and he finds the conditions favourable to achieve,” added Parish.

“Oliver wants to win things, he makes no secret of that. That’s what he’s in football for.

“So if we can align those interests then hopefully we can make something happen.”

Oct. 5 (UPI) — Police in Georgia have made five arrests after clashing with anti-government protestors outside the presidential palace in the country’s capital, Tbilisi.

Police used water cannons and pepper spray to push back demonstrators as tensions persist in the Caucasus nation after the Georgian Dream Party won last year’s elections, which the pro-European Union opposition party has claimed was stolen. Since the vote, the government has stalled its efforts to join the European Union, the BBC reported.

The protests took place on the same day as local elections, which the opposition party has largely boycotted.

The Georgian Dream Party claimed nearly 80% of the vote, and claimed victory in nearly every municipality.

Georgia’s Interior Ministry said that protestors “attempted to force their way inside” the presidential palace and accused organizers of the Saturday rally of inciting violence, according to Bloomberg News.

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvile accused protestors in a social media post of holding the demonstrations to “discredit” months of opposition protests in opposition of the ruling party.

“This mockery of taking over the presidential palace can only be staged by the regime to discredit the 310 days peaceful protest of the Georgian people,” she wrote.

Paata Burchuladze, one of the protest organizers, was among those arrested during the demonstrations.

At least 21 police officers and six protestors were taken to the hospital with injuries.

Georgia’s prime minister says protesters who stormed the presidential palace aimed to overthrow the government. Riot police used water cannon and tear gas to drive demonstrators away, who accuse the ruling party of rigging the last election with Russia’s help.

Irakli Kobakhidze calls on EU ambassador to condemn Tbilisi protests, saying he bears ‘special responsibility’ for the unrest.

Georgia’s prime minister says protesters who tried to storm the presidential palace were trying to overthrow the government as he accuses the European Union of meddling in his country’s politics.

Irakli Kobakhidze said on Sunday that the demonstrators aimed to “overthrow the constitutional order” and added that EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski, whom he accused of supporting the rally, bore “special responsibility” and called on him to “distance himself and strictly condemn everything that is happening on the streets of Tbilisi”, the Georgian news agency Interpress reported.

Georgian riot police used pepper spray and water cannon on Saturday to drive demonstrators away from the presidential palace in Tbilisi’s city centre and detained five activists as the opposition staged a large demonstration on a day of local elections.

Georgia’s Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs said 21 security personnel and six protesters were injured in the confrontations, according to local media.

Kobakhidze said nearly 7,000 people participated in the protest in the capital of the South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people.

“They moved to action, began the overthrow attempt. It failed, and then they started distancing themselves from it,” Kobakhidze said. “No one will escape responsibility. This includes political responsibility.”

The protests erupted as the ruling Georgian Dream party, which critics said is close to Russia, won majorities in all municipalities, claiming 80 percent of the vote. Former AC Milan footballer Kakha Kaladze retained the mayorship of the capital city.

Opposition groups boycotted the poll and rallied supporters for a “peaceful revolution” against the Georgian Dream party. Thousands massed in Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi, waving Georgian and EU flags in what organisers characterised as an act of resistance, before some protesters blocked adjacent streets, started fires and confronted the riot police.

Senior Georgian Dream party officials have repeatedly denied Kremlin links. In an opinion piece for Euronews last week, Kobakhidze said the country’s aspiration to join the EU was “steady and irreversible”.

“Georgia’s path is European, peaceful, and principled. We are doing our part. We remain steadfast in reform, committed to our obligations, and focused on delivering results,” Kobakhidze wrote.

The country has been locked in a political crisis since October last year when Georgian Dream won parliamentary elections, which the opposition alleged were “rigged”. Georgia’s pro-Western president, Salome Zourabichvili, said at the time: “This was a total rigging, a total robbery of your votes,” adding that the country had been swept up in a “Russian special operation”.

Opposition figures have been organising protests since then, prompting strong responses from the government, with police frequently clashing with the demonstrators and making many arrests.

The Georgian Dream party was founded by billionaire businessman and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia’s wealthiest person. The United States imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili at the end of 2024 for undermining the “democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation”, said then-US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Opposition protests turned violent as riot police deployed tear gas and water cannon near the presidential palace.

Georgian riot police have deployed water cannon, pepper spray and tear gas to disperse protesters who tried to storm the presidential palace in Tbilisi during municipal elections.

The clashes took place on Saturday after opposition groups, who had boycotted the vote, called for a “peaceful revolution” against the governing Georgian Dream (GD) party, accusing it of authoritarianism and adopting pro-Russia policies.

Thousands of people gathered in Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue waving Georgian and EU flags in what organisers said was a show of defiance against GD. Some later barricaded nearby streets, lit fires and clashed with riot police.

In the evening, a group of demonstrators moved towards the palace and attempted to break through the fence, according to witnesses.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs later declared the rally unlawful, saying it had “exceeded the norms set by law.” Police then pushed protesters back with force.

“Today is the outcome of a deep crisis which is absolutely formed by our pro-Russian and authoritarian government,” protester Davit Mzhavanadze told local media, according to a report carried by Reuters. “I think this protest will continue until these demands will be responded to properly from our government.”

The governing GD, which announced it had won control in every municipality across the country of 3.7 million, rejected accusations of vote-rigging. The party, founded by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, denies being pro-Moscow. It says it seeks EU membership while maintaining stability with Russia.

Georgia, once seen as one of the most pro-Western states to emerge after the Soviet Union’s collapse, has seen its ties with Europe and the United States deteriorate since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The government froze accession talks with the European Union following last year’s disputed parliamentary election, sparking months of demonstrations.

Saturday’s confrontation was the most serious flare-up in months after earlier protests had lost momentum. Authorities had warned in advance that they would respond firmly to any attempt at what they described as a push for “revolution”.

EDDIE NKETIAH sealed a comfortable win as Crystal Palace set a new club-record 19-game unbeaten run.

The former Arsenal striker came on for Jean-Philippe Mateta at the break to fire home from Yeremy Pino’s brilliant 58th-minute cross.

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Daniel Munoz had headed the Eagles into a 31st-minute lead against the Ukrainians in Poland.

That broke their existing 56-year record.

But they ended the game with 10 men when Borna Sosa was sent off for a second yellow with 14 minutes left.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was given a boost before kick-off by being named in the France national team for the first time for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Azerbaijan and Iceland.

Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps said: “He’s not exactly young, even if he went through almost all the youth national teams. 

“Wherever he plays, he has the ability to score goals. He has an interesting profile.”

And Mateta almost got Palace off to a flying start.

Adam Whartons pushed a ball toward Daniel Muniz down the right and his low first-time cross found the striker lurking at the near post.

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But Taras Mykhavko was quick to get a block in with Mateta set to pounce.

And the Dynamo defender just managed to get a ball forward to Mateta to clear the danger.

Palace moved in front with a peach of a goal.

Yeremy Pino appeared to have overhit a free-kick from the right yet Munoz somehow managed to get up to it and steer a brilliant header into the top right corner.

And Palace were denied a second when Borna Sosa slid in to attack a brilliant Wharton’s 20-yard diagonal pass.

But keeper Ruslan Neshcheret managed to get his body in the way to block the attempt.

Mateta broke through just before the break with only keeper Ruslan Neshcheret to beat but he blazed over.

Nketiah had the ball in the net after coming on at the break when he got on to a Wharton pass but was fractionally offside.

But moments after he did get his goal — converting with a lovely finish from Pino’s cross.

Palace were having fun. Wharton again released Nketiah but Neshcheret managed to deflect it behind.

Sosa, who had been booked three minutes earlier for hacking down Shola Ogundanam, received his marching orders for barging over Tymchyk.

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Premier League champions Liverpool will play FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Holders Newcastle United host Tottenham in another all-Premier League tie while Arsenal, who have not won the competition since 1993, face Brighton.

Grimsby Town, the only League Two side still standing and conquerors of Manchester United, get another home tie against Premier League Brentford.

And with three Welsh sides in the last 16 for the first time, it was perhaps inevitable there would be an all-Welsh clash as Wrexham host Cardiff City, with 2013 winners Swansea handed a tie against Manchester City.

It will be the first meeting between Wrexham and Cardiff since 2002.

When mum of two Hannah Britt checked into the want-for-nothing all-inclusive Mallorca hotel with her children, she never wanted to leave

I’m just going to say it… I’m not a fan of many all-inclusives. I find that often quantity takes the place of quality when it comes to what’s actually in your glasses and on your plates. So when I was invited to check out Zafiro Palace Alcudia, my expectations were fairly low. Well let me tell you – I was wrong. Oh so very wrong. No more than 10 minutes after we’d strewn our luggage in our room and headed to the buffet, I fell head over heels with the hotel – and never wanted to leave. Let me tell you why…

WOW FOOD

The food at Zafiro Palace was nothing short of superb, with an expansive ever-changing selection to choose from. There are several a la carte restaurants to enjoy (Italian, sushi, local Mediterranean flavours) but to be honest, as a family with a one year old and a five year old, we spent every mealtime in The Market. A top-tier buffet, each night there’s a theme, be it Mexican or Asian etc, which runs alongside your classics like pasta, pizza and salads, and everything served up is delicious. There’s something for all ages to munch, from tasty mashed potato for your teething one year old, to fresh fish like John Dory and monkfish, and seafood paella. Drinks are well made and carefully considered, with premium wines and delicious cocktails. Waiters and cleaning staff whip round constantly so you want for nothing and any mess is taken care of quickly and graciously. Mealtimes, as a result of all the above, are a delight – even with tiny humans in tow.

PLAYGROUND FUN

Whoever designed the Zafiro Palace hotel clearly has young children, because to put a contained playground right next to the family buffet restaurant is a genius move. It means that once little ones are done with their food, they can run off to have a play on the bouncy castle, slides and climbing frames, while their grown ups enjoy a glass of wine, knowing they are safe and having fun nearby.

KIDS CLUB

…and right next door to said playground is a gorgeous little kids club for ages four to teens. There’s loads to do from crafting to games, with an enclosed playground for them to run around in too. There’s family entertainment too every evening, and a games area to explore.

POOL JOY

When it comes to pools, Zafiro Palace has all the whole family needs for a splashing good time. There are six swim up pools, a super-zen adults only pool surrounded by shady spots to relax, two indoor swimming pools and a kids’ pool with a pirate ship. Some rooms have private pools too, and if this is within your budget I can wholeheartedly recommend one, because it was in ours that my nervous-of-water-daughter learned to swim!

STUNNING ROOMS

When it comes to room options, there are plenty to choose from, catering to a variety of wants and budgets. All are clean, ultra modern, well-designed, spacious and airy, with large floor to ceiling windows, terraces or balconies, and expensive bedsheets. Some have hot tubs, swim up pools and private pools. Cots for babies and day beds are provided when required.

NEARBY TOWN

One of the best things about Zafiro Palace Alcudia is, as the name would suggest, Alcudia. Indeed, a short stroll away down a tree-lined street, you’ll find the stunning Old Town, with its gorgeous streets to wander down, pretty squares and delicious eateries to try. On Tuesday and Sunday mornings a visit is a must in particular as there’s a big and lively market, selling food, gifts, toys and more.

BEACH DAYS

Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel also lies Alcudia beach, a large stretch of sand surrounding a picturesque inlet of sea. This makes it incredibly calm and safe and thus very popular with families. The water is warm, clean and clear and if you can tear yourself away from your bucket and spade, there are watersports like stand up paddle boards to try too, and plenty of cafes and bars in which to have lunch, relax and wile away the day.

*Rooms at Zafiro Palace Alcudia start from €373 per night

A SUSPECTED Epstein victim claims she met Prince Andrew, sat on the Queen’s throne, and was taken inside Buckingham Palace, according to bombshell files from Jeffrey Epstein’s so-called “birthday book.”

The woman – whose name has been redacted – penned a glowing tribute to the disgraced financier for his 50th birthday in 2003, saying he had transformed her life.

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In the entry, the unidentified woman described how she had once been “a 22-year-old divorcee working as a hostess in a hotel restaurant” before meeting Epstein.

It is unclear who the woman is – but she describes the same circumstances of being lured in and jetted around the world that many of Epstein’s victims experienced.

She claimed: “I have met Prince Andrew, President Clinton, Sultan of Brunei, Donald Trump, Antonio Verglas, Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Peter Brant, Kevin Spacey, Chris Tucker, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, brilliant scientists, lawyers and business men.”

The alleged victim went further, boasting she had “seen the private quarters of Buckingham Palace, sat on the Queen of England’s throne” and taken part in lavish adventures ranging from skydiving to attending a Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

The entry was accompanied by bikini shots of the woman on a beach – captioned in handwriting: “And thought you might like.. Some bikini Shots! Bye-bye! XX”.

It also featured a photo of a man and woman walking arm in arm with his hands stuffed down the back of her trousers.

A bold “Thank you!!!” was scrawled underneath.

In the same entry, she praised Epstein directly: “Jeffrey, there are no words to describe how much I appreciate and admire you.

“I believe you are the most extraordinary person I’ve ever met and can’t believe how lucky I am to have become a part of your life.”

The explosive claims were made public as part of a new tranche of documents released by the US House Oversight Committee.

It includes Epstein’s will, his infamous address book, and the 238-page “birthday book.”

The book, compiled for Epstein’s milestone birthday, contains messages and photographs from around 40 friends, colleagues and associates.

They were divided into categories such as “friends,” “business,” and “science.”

But names under “family” and “girl friends” were redacted.

Committee chairman James Comer said the release was part of a broader push to obtain full transparency around Epstein’s network, though he accused Democrats of “cherry-picking documents” for political purposes.

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Other high-profile names appear in the collection, including entries attributed to Bill Clinton and Lord Peter Mandelson, who has since said he “very much regrets” ever being introduced to Epstein.

Epstein – the convicted sex offender whose connections stretched from royalty to Hollywood – died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

Prince Andrew has long denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

The “birthday book” revelations add fresh controversy to an already notorious royal link: it is known that Ghislaine Maxwell once posed on a throne at Buckingham Palace and that she and Epstein were invited to Balmoral, the late Queen’s Scottish retreat, as guests of Prince Andrew.

As for Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate from whom the “birthday book” originated, she’s currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.

In recent months, she was quietly transferred to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Texas following interviews with the Department of Justice.

Critics have slammed the move as unusually lenient.

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Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign England centre-back Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old will complete the formalities of his move, including a medical, in London on Monday before signing a long-term contract with the Premier League champions.

The deal was agreed after the clubs reached a compromise on the fee for Guehi, with Liverpool having originally tabled an offer of £35m, plus a 10 percent sell-on clause.

Guehi captained Palace to a 3-0 win at Aston Villa in on Monday night in the last of his 162 games for the London club, scoring a spectacular second goal.

Speaking after the match he did not discuss his future.

“All I know is when you score goals like that it is always down to team performance,” he said. “People will try to single out the goal but that was a clear team performance tonight.”

MARC Guehi struck a blow for the good guys as he left Eagles’ boss Oliver Glasner with something to remember him by.

The Palace captain may be moving to pastures new inside the next 24 hours if his proposed move to Liverpool gets the green light.

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But his farewell present was a curling shot that underlined the star quality the Reds are paying for as Unai Emery’s chaotic summer imploded at Villa Park.

Guehi struck Palace’s second goal, building on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half penalty on a night to forget for Villa’s boss.

And Ismaila Sarr rubbed salt into very open wounds by adding a third 12 minutes from time, nodding home after the hosts’ defence had followed the example of keeper Emi Martinez – and gone AWOL.

The Argentinian was left out because his mind was “elsewhere”.

The two-time winner of the world’s best keeper award was nowhere to be seen – apparently his mind was unable to cope with the prospect of a potential move away from Villa Park with Manchester United mulling over an offer.

He was declared unfit to play. And that went too for Emery’s side who spent a large chunk of this going around in circles.

Not so Guehi who may have a money-spinning switch to the champs in the offing.

His name was sung loud and proud by the visiting supporters who were appreciative of his professionalism.

And he had the benefit of celebrating in front of them as Villa’s proud unbeaten record was shattered.

Before tonight, Emery’s side were unbeaten on their own patch in the Premier League over the past 12 months.

But Palace are Villa’s bogey side – and they had a field day.

Glasner’s men have held the upper hand against Villa recently, winning four and drawing one of their last five encounters, including in the FA Cup semi-final four months ago.

As if to hammer home the point, the visiting contingent reminded the hosts of that 3-0 defeat, taunting them with “Did you cry at Wembley?” within seconds of the game getting underway.

By that stage, Villa’s stadium announcer had put a red line through his usual pre-match script which involved introducing the “world’s best” keeper Martinez to the home crowd.

Emery also mumbled his way through a pre-match television interview in which, when quizzed about the Argentinian’s absence, merely repeated the name of the Argentinian’s replacement, saying: “Marco Bizot, Marco Bizot.”

It was a bizarre reply to a fair question. Villa’s boss confirmed last Friday that he “didn’t expect” any of his main stars to leave the club.

It was almost as if any late interest had completely thrown the Spaniard – knocked him out of his stride. Palace then did the same to his team out on the green stuff.

Despite the excitement of a trip to Norway to face Fredrikstad in the Conference League on Thursday evening, Palace came with a game plan that stifled Villa at every turn.

The Eagles looked polished and took a 21st-minute lead when Mateta pulled away from Villa’s two centre-backs to receive a ball from Tyrick Mitchell on the left flank.

The Frenchman spotted Daichi Kamada making a run and threaded a pass into him.

The Japan international pushed the ball past Bizot whose outstretched leg clipped him. Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot.

The Dutch keeper couldn’t stop himself moving as Mateta dithered during his run-up and the Frenchman rolled the ball into the net.

Emery chose to blood Evann Guessand, a £26million signing from Nice, from the start. He showed some nice touches but it was the evergreen Ollie Watkins who posed the greatest threat.

The England international made something out of nothing when John McGinn simply booted the ball down the middle of the pitch, Dean Henderson standing up well to the striker’s shot.

Emery chose to shake it up at the interval. By that stage, Villa were yet to find the net and it was to another Argentinian – a forgotten one – that he turned.

Emi Buendia sparked a response – but it was all huff, puff and no end product.

Guehi then showed them how to do it as Villa failed to clear a Mitchell cross.

Palace moved forward on the left and Guehi took aim with a stunning effort that left Bizot grasping at thin air.

Sarr then sealed the points with a close-range header following a long throw allowing the visiting skipper to leave on a high.

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CRYSTAL Palace welcome Nottingham Forest to Selhurst Park for a huge Premier League clash TODAY.

The match comes after Palace‘s bitter European battle with Forest, which saw the Eagles demoted to the Conference League and the Tricky Trees promoted to the Europa League at their expense.

More drama came off the field this week as Nuno Espirito Santo said his relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is “not the same” – fueling speculation over a potential departure.

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