I’m lured by luxury travel, luscious food and wine, and lazing around in the spa. So I was thrilled to discover all of the above – and more – when I went to explore Cognac.

What is the difference between cognac and brandy? Do you know? For those who don’t (and I didn’t before I went), all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Only brandy from the Cognac region is called cognac. And it has to follow a distinct set of distillation and ageing processes.

I was in Cognac to learn about cognac and visit the distilleries. Moving around the region, all the big names jump out at you from every winding road through the vineyards: Martell, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, Hennessy… but there are loads of smaller independent producers too. The region supports both – those vineyards not big enough to make their own cognac sell their grapes to the big houses.

Cognac Vineyards, Petite Champagne, Charente-Maritime

Employment and the economy in the area is hugely driven by the industry – that and tourism. In 2024, there were over 4,400 winegrowers, 120 professional distillers and 270 merchants operating within the Cognac area. And many of the Cognac houses are still family-owned.

Many – probably most – offer some kind of tour and tasting experience. I was lucky enough to visit (in order) Chateau Montifaud, Hennessy, Delamain, and Rémy Martin. They’re all hugely different, with each visit offering a completely unique experience.

Visiting Cognac

The Cognac region is about halfway down France on the lefthand side. The closest airports are Bordeaux and La Rochelle, but you can reach the area by train and road. I’d recommend hiring a car as it’s a rural region.

Arriving into Bordeaux after a very quick hop and a skip from Gatwick (it’s less than two hours in the air), I was very pleased to see that we were immediately headed for lunch. If there’s one thing – of many things – the French do extremely well, it’s lunch. And I was not disappointed.

Lunch at Restaurant Cave La Quincaillerie

Weaving our way into one of those tiny little restaurants you might easily pass, on an ancient street flanked with shuttered houses, we headed upstairs at Restaurant Cave La Quincaillerie for their set lunch. This little cave of joy is in the Michelin Guide, and deservedly so. An hour or so later, I was happily stuffed with melty goat’s cheese on toast, slow cooked pork with pommes puree, and a greedy plate of cheese from the trolley, all washed down with a bottle of excellent Sancerre.

What a way to kick off the trip. Rubbing my fat tummy, I climbed back into the charabanc for our next stop, Chateau Montifaud.

Chateau Montifaud is a family-owned house that has been with the family Vallet for six generations, notching up more than 150 years of experience. We had a lovely tour, bumbling around the distillery learning about the processes. Nice touch with this tour was having a cocktail shaker handed to us at the start, and with each stage of the tour, a new ingredient added, relative to the information of the moment, resulting in a good shaking at the end of the tour, and a lovely cognac-based cocktail to quaff.

Chateau Montifaud

Where I stayed

After such a good lunch, and more than a little sampling of cognacs at Montifaud, I was pleased to arrive at our hotel, and even more pleased when I saw my absolutely stunning room.

Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa is a gorgeous five-star property right in the heart of Cognac. Sprawling across a wide area, the house used to be a distillery, and the hotel buildings are all comprised of the former cellars, cooperage, ageing halls (chais) etc. The conversion has been beautifully handled, and the property is rich with the tapestry of its history. It has a relaxing spa area complete with inside/outside pool, and several spaces in which to eat and drink in luxury. It’s also a perfect base from which to explore the Cognac region.

My fabulous room at Hotel Chais Monnet Hotel & Spa

After a bit of very welcome down time to digest and unpack, we were treated to an absolutely majestic tasting menu at the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant, Les Foudres. Course after course came out, delivered with theatrical aplomb, interspersed with amuse-bouches and palette cleansers, and every course paired with a beautiful wine. It was a masterclass in quality and delivery, and it very nearly had me beaten.

Up the next morning and still feeling full…

I launched a rather pathetic attack at some coffee and a skirmish with an egg before we hit the road to visit Maison Hennessy. And what a wild trip this was. I had expected to view the cellars, try some cognacs, hear some history, and we did have all that. What I wasn’t expecting was a fantastic mind-bending virtual reality trip through the Hennessy journey with full AR headsets on, a boat ride over the river to the Hennessy cellars, and a chance to visit the cooperage and watch an apprentice cooper make a barrel from scratch.

An excellent morning at Hennessy

Hennessy is one of the few houses left that have a cooperage on site. And the mathematical and physical balance it takes to make a cask without glue, bind it all together with metal hoops, heat it and bend it to fit, and get the lid on with all its groovy grooves… my little mind was blown. Yours truly, being the sort that gets stuck in, even had a go on the ratchety machine thing that draws the slats together. This was a bit of a once-in-a-lifetime kind of morning – I will forever be able to say that there are glasses of H-dawg circulating that has been laid in a barrel I helped make.

After all this activity, we had a tasting – got to love quaffing Hennessy XO at 10am – and we finished up, sitting in the Hennessy café, eating cognac and raisin ice cream. And this brings me to an important point.

The French aren’t fussy about how you drink your cognac

The French take their food and drink pretty seriously, as we all know. So what I hadn’t expected was to find that absolutely no one is precious about how to drink cognac. They’re happy to adulterate it with water, mixers, ice… There was almost no balloon swirling or pontificating.

The most popular way for the locals to drink it – if they drink it at all, mostly it’s exported – is as a long drink with tonic water and ice. And this is nicer than it sounds. There are all sorts of cocktail variations using cognac. My favourite was a margarita with the tequila swapped out.

Back to the hotel for lunch in their La Distillerie restaurant, and conscious of making such a poor fist of breakfast, I went large on lunch. I felt it my duty to ensure that I tested out their skills. So, appetite sharpened by Hennessy intake, I had canapes, a melange of salmon things, and duck that was so fresh it nearly flew away off my plate.

Lunch at La Distillerie

After a necessary post-prandial forty winks, we were back at the hotel’s excellent bar, the 1838, for a cocktail masterclass. Remember when I said the French weren’t prissy about the cognac? Well, here was more proof, pun intended. Using the local fire water, we made cognac Sidecars, Negronis, and Margaritas. Then got a fantastic tour of the bar, including all the secret back bar areas.

Making (and drinking) cognac cocktails in 1838 Bar

Then into the hotel’s minibus for a short trip to Poulpette, a tiny gem of a restaurant tucked away in Cognac village. Another restaurant that you can find in the Michelin Guide, one of those absolute treasures that has a small but perfectly formed menu. I loved that they had no traditional wine list but all the wines you could order lined up on a shelf, with the price handwritten on the bottle. Like browsing a grapey library, you could have a good nose before choosing.

The restaurant is small enough to feel like you’re having a dinner party with friends. And once I’d shovelled in homemade tarama, a slab of foie gras with a giant oyster mushroom in a citron bouillon, line-caught cod with chorizo and veggies, and (ye gods) a selection of ices – chocolat, marron, saki, sesame – I could barely even breathe. What a way to go though. Have you seen La Grande Bouffe?!

Dinner at Poulpette

Day three

Today kicked off with a trip to the spa at around 11am for a massage and some relaxing time kicking around in the pool. What a cracking way to start the day, and a really good massage too. Having worked up an appetite, er, lazing around in the jacuzzi, we had another utterly dreamy lunch at the hotel’s La Distillerie restaurant, before walking the short distance from the hotel to Rémy Martin.

Rather than visiting a vineyard this time, we were in the Remy historic house and boutique in the centre of Cognac itself. And this was a very slick, almost clinical look at Remy, its history, its artwork, and ultimately a chance to taste its cognac. Paired with dark chocolate truffles, my favourite was the XO (obviously I have expensive tastes). This tour was again completely different to both Chateau Montifaud and Hennessy, and I appreciated that. If all the tours had been the same, it would have felt less special, and less interesting.

Learning history (and tasting cognac) at Rémy Martin

In the early evening we embarked on an extraordinary trip into the countryside, firstly via Maison Delamain, who had laid on a beautiful ‘candle’ lit tasting with oysters and heavenly meaty snacks. It’s a real privilege to see the old distilleries like this, and I urge anyone visiting the area to get to a few different houses. The rich history of Delamain is matched only by the quality of its cognac. Even I was beginning to develop something of a palette for it by this stage.

L-C Chateau Delamain private tasting in the cellars, and R tasting pineau and watching the show at Cognaço Musica

On from Delamain to Distillerie Pinard Frères, in Jarnac, not for a tasting this time, per se, but for a singularly unique theatrical performance, Cognaço Musica. An immersive experience combining music, theatre and (yay) tastings of both pineau (the grape-must drink that’s kind of the stage before cognac), and cognac itself. Although I had very little idea what was going on, it was hugely entertaining. And it’s part of a wider cultural celebration that takes place each autumn, the Ban de la Distillation. It’s a two-day festival of the cultural heritage of the Cognac region, celebrating producers, makers and visitors through tastings, talks and experiences.

Our final port of call was for dinner this evening was Restaurant du Chateau a Jarnac – one of those quintessentially French restaurants that do literally everything properly. And I didn’t even have to think about the arduous task of ordering dinner – they’d laid on a special menu for us: a cognac/bubbles cocktail, fish soup, salmon fillet with creamy risotto, and cognac cake with pears and ice cream. Thank you, and good night.

Dinner at Restaurant du Chateau a Jarnac

Why go to Cognac?

Like much of France, this is a region that really shines when it comes to food and drink. But it’s a particular pilgrimage for those who really want to dig into cognac. The area is understandably saturated with it, literally and figuratively. I had an absolute whale of a time learning about the processes at the various houses we visited, as well as drinking a lot of cognac and eating a lot of stunning food.

It is always a real treat to eat at the little restaurants that you know are always tucked away in ancient French villages but not always easy to find. So if you head to the area, take my advice and try all of the eateries I went to. Also try the cognac and tonic – it works better than you’d expect, I promise.

Everything we ate and drank was faultless, although I did gain about half a stone in the space of about four days, but it was well worth it. And base yourself at the Hotel Chais Monnet and Spa for a real treat. Frankly, I never wanted to leave.

DETAILS

Explore Cognac www.explore-cognac.com
Hotel Chais Monnet Hotel & Spa
Restaurant Cave La Quincaillerie
Chateau Montifaud
Maison Hennessy
Poulpette
Rémy Martin
Chateau Delamain
Ban de la Distillation
Restaurant du Chateau a Jarnac

The post Exploring Cognac. Hidden wonders and a feast for the senses appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Tinned fish is having quite the moment. Open Instagram or TikTok and you’ll see neatly stacked sardine tins, glossy anchovies laid out on toast, tuna dressed with olive oil and lemon rather than hidden in mayonnaise. What was once a quiet cupboard staple now feels insanely fashionable.

This is not just social media hype; UK sales figures tell the same story. Over the past couple of years, the value of tinned and ambient fish sales has risen, with shoppers buying more tins and, crucially, better ones. Sales of MSC-labelled tuna in the UK & Ireland jumped by 78% year-on-year in 2023, for example. This suggests rising consumer interest in higher-end, sustainable, and certified options. Tuna still dominates by volume, but sardines, mackerel and anchovies are growing fastest. Premium tins and certified options are leading the charge.

So why is tinned fish suddenly so popular?

There’s a few things at play here; social media, of course. Standout tinned fish stans like the fez-wearing Marcus Ansell and his dog, King Arthur, from Tinned Fish Reviews are hard to avoid, with millions of views across all platforms. You can even buy t-shirts sporting his catchphrase, “Let us decant the fish.” Power to this bloke actually for getting through some surströmming recently. He’s a braver man than I.

@tinnedfishreviews I tried Surströmming for the third time. It was not nice for me. #surströmming #tinnedfish #cannedfish #tinnedfishreview #fyp #fermentedfish #surstromming ♬ original sound – TinnedFishReviews

Apart from social media chatter, there are also dedicated shops popping up, such as The Tinned Fish Market, in Borough Market, or online stores like Fish Tins.

Part of this is economic perhaps. When food prices rise, people look for ingredients that stretch. But it also reflects how many of us eat now. We want food that lasts, is easy to use, and which feels like a conscious choice rather than a last resort. Tinned fish fits neatly into that space.

It also suits modern cooking habits. Fewer ingredients, faster meals and less waste – or at the very least, packaging that can actually be recycled. One tin can become lunch or supper without much thought. That practicality explains the growth, and the health benefits explain why people stick with it.

Personally, I also really love a lot of the packaging design. What is it about a tin of fish that can look so appealing if it’s wrapped in a beautifully designed paper outer? I know it’s not just me.

The health benefits of tinned fish

Tinned fish is an easy way to add high-quality protein to your diet. It contains all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair and maintenance. That matters at every stage of life, but it becomes even more important as we age.

A standard tin of tuna contains around 25 grams of protein, which is comparable to a chicken breast. Sardines and mackerel offer similar benefits. Protein helps you feel full, stabilises energy levels and reduces the urge to snack. If you want meals that actually satisfy, this matters more than calorie counting ever will.

Then there are omega-3 fats, one of the biggest reasons nutritionists continue to recommend oily fish. Sardines, mackerel and anchovies are naturally rich in these fats, which support heart health, help reduce inflammation and play a role in brain function and mood.

UK dietary advice encourages eating oily fish at least once a week, yet many people struggle to do this with fresh fish alone. It spoils quickly, costs more, and potentially requires planning. It also, to some degree, requires cookery skills to prepare. Tinned fish removes those barriers. The canning process preserves omega-3 content remarkably well, meaning you lose very little nutritionally while gaining convenience.

Bone health is another area where tinned fish quietly shines

Sardines and salmon canned with their bones provide a meaningful source of calcium. During the canning process the bones soften, so you eat them without noticing, but your body still benefits from the minerals.

A single tin of sardines can supply over a third of your daily calcium needs, alongside vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium properly. This combination supports bone density and becomes increasingly relevant for women as they age, particularly post-menopause. For those who eat little dairy, this is a good way to fill a nutritional gap.

Vitamin B12 is another nutrient many people underestimate. It supports nerve health, red blood cell production and energy levels. Deficiency becomes more common with age and among those who eat less meat. Tinned fish provides a reliable source of B12 without any extra effort. Tuna, sardines and mackerel all contribute useful amounts, which can make a real difference if you often feel tired, despite eating what you think is a balanced diet.

You also get iron and selenium. Iron supports oxygen transport in the blood and helps prevent fatigue. Selenium supports immune function and thyroid health. These nutrients become particularly important if you have reduced red meat intake or are navigating periods of stress or hormonal change.

There is also the matter of shelf life

Tinned fish lasts for months (or years, if you look in my cupboard). On busy days, having a tin in the cupboard often makes the difference between eating real food and reaching for something ultra-processed. It’s also dead easy to use – even if you can’t get it together to make a proper meal, sardines on toast – for example – is delish, and super quick.

Sustainability plays a role too. Many tins now carry recognised certification, reassuring shoppers who care about sourcing. Smaller fish such as sardines and anchovies reproduce quickly and sit lower in the food chain, which often makes them a more sustainable choice. Choosing these fish supports marine balance while still meeting nutritional needs, something many people now consider part of everyday decision-making.

Sustainability plays a role too. Many tins now carry recognised certification

What makes this tinned fish revival feel different from past food trends is its staying power. It is not novelty-driven. It reflects a broader shift towards food that is affordable without feeling cheap, nourishing without being complicated, and practical without losing pleasure.

It also suits how we live now. And, of course, it photographs beautifully. Neat tins, glossy fish, golden olive oil, great packaging design. Social media amplifies the aesthetic, which feeds interest and keeps the category visible.

The biggest change, though, is perception. Tinned fish no longer feels like something you eat because you have to. It feels like something you eat because you want to. The rise in interest in more unusual tinned fish and seafood bears this out too.

How to buy the best tinned fish

When buying, look for simple ingredient lists and fish packed in olive oil or spring water. Rotate types to spread the nutritional benefits. Tuna for protein. Sardines for bones and calcium. Anchovies for intensity and omega-3s. Mix everyday tins with one or two better-quality options across the month.

And don’t forget the more exotic options. Caviar, squid, shellfish and even baby eels all fit into tins nicely – so get brave and branch out a bit.

Ultimately, the rise of tinned fish tells a wider story about how we eat now. You want food that supports your health without demanding time you do not have. You want value without compromise. And apparently you want to see a man in a fez feed his dog bits of tinned octopus and mackerel for your entertainment.

If you already eat tinned fish regularly, you are ahead of the curve. If you don’t, it’s time to get on board.

The post Why is tinned fish so popular all of a sudden? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s early December and I’m realising that, although the sun is shining, perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to wear a short-sleeved summer dress on this particular expedition. One of the group lends me a thin scarf which keeps the chill off my chest and neck, but the slightly biting wind still whips about my goosebumped bare arms.

The guide and locals are in winter mode ready for our trek – puffa jackets, snoods and woolly hats – so I’m sticking out like a sore thumb. But I just tell myself the 12-degree breeze is positively bracing, and that a bit of air to the bottom never did anyone any harm before proceeding to hike up the steep slope to the Acropolis.

Yes you read that right – the Acropolis in Sicily…

Founded as a Greek colony in 580 BC, ancient Akragas (now Agrigento) rose to become one of the Mediterranean’s wealthiest city-states. Its Doric temples – seven in total, built between 510 BC and 430 BC – symbolise its golden age under tyrants like Theron, who commemorated victories like the 480 BC Battle of Himera against the Carthaginians.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the 1,300-hectare park remains Europe’s largest archaeological site, where tales of Carthaginian sieges in 406 BC left scorch marks on temple walls, still visible today.

We visit four ancient monuments, each more inspiring than the last

First comes the Temple of Heracles, the oldest on the site, built in the late 6th century BC and now reduced to eight columns after an earthquake. Then there is the vast Temple of Olympian Zeus, begun in 480 BC, once more than 110 metres long and famed for its colossal telamons standing up to 7.5 metres tall.

The tour then takes in the instantly recognisable Temple of Castor and Pollux, marked by four columns reconstructed in the 19th century, before ending at the Temple of Concordia. Built in the 5th century BC and later converted into a church in the 6th century AD, it is the best preserved of them all, its survival owed to that later life.

We also got to admire the metal sculpture of a fallen Icarus, a new addition to the site by artist Igor Mitoraj. The Polish sculptor’s monumental 2011 bronze installation hugs a 1000-year-old olive tree, its gnarled trunk a living relic from the site’s medieval olive groves, symbolising Sicily’s enduring agricultural heritage since Phoenician times.

Our guide Luigi tells us there’ll be an exam at the end of the tour but, fortunately, he’s just messing with us. What actually waits at the culmination of the trek is something far more pleasant.

Time to roll up our sleeves…

Deep within an oasis of cacti and palm trees was a beautiful cooking school and restaurant. In the kitchen area, we’re introduced to the chef and watch reverentially as she tosses dough in flour, pats the resulting pizza bases into shape, and deftly arranges a few toppings. Olives, tomato passata, spinach and cheese, before she tosses the pizzas into the fiery oven. Then it’s our turn.

One of the group gets a bit over-enthusiastic and piles his toppings way too high, causing a near-disaster in the oven. The pizza catches fire and, as the chef tries to rescue it, it collapses and has to be tossed into the embers! Despite me not being the greatest of cooks, I’m relieved my creation emerges in one piece. Within a minute or so, the sizzling results are shovelled out onto wooden boards, ready for consumption.

My pizza, even though I say so myself, is not only easy on the eye (I got a bit arty) but is also absolutely delicious with all the same toppings but arranged differently. After wolfing down our creations in the restaurant, we’re presented with a vegetarian smorgasbord of delight: pasta with lentils, roasted potato wedges and cubed pumpkin, followed by a dessert of almond tart and Sicilian orange mousse. And lashings of local vino of course.

Too stuffed to walk back, we thankfully get a lift from the lovely Adler hotel/spa driver Adriano, who tells us that in a past life he was a session musician touring with the likes of Emeli Sandé. That’s a whole another story.

In a single five-day winter’s trip to Sicily, I saw so much

I was privileged to stay in the capital Palermo at a beautiful private residence/palazzo – the Palazzo Pantelleria, run by the charming and accommodating Francesco Cazzaniga, nephew of the owner. And I also got to attend a talk by author Francesca Campioli on her book – A Parigi Con Stile – about fashion designer Coco Chanel.

I visited the local marina and ate the most delicious ice-cream I’ve ever tasted; I had salted caramel and dark chocolate and Francesco had mango and prickly pear. Our choices were chalk and cheese. That was after the breakfast of local croissants, fresh fruit and coffee that Francesco had kindly prepared for me. Needless to say, eyes bigger than belly, I couldn’t finish the ice-cream.

Back at the palazzo, l had a wander around the property

Housed in the 14th-century fortified outpost, built in the late 1300s and later owned by the Spanish Requesens family under Charles V, the palazzo was rescued from ruin in 2002 by Francesco’s collector uncle Massimo Cazzaniga. Cazzaniga transformed it over two decades into an 11,000-square-foot home museum of Baroque frescoes, Venetian tiles and eclectic antiques from global ports.

In the backstreets behind the Palazzo Pantelleria, on our walk to the marina, Francesco told me about the days of the Spanish Inquisition, when prisoners were executed outside the nearby Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri – the 14th-century Gothic stronghold turned Inquisition tribunal from 1604 to 1782. Legend says the local executioner had to scurry, hooded and incognito, through the narrow alleyways, hoping he wasn’t spotted or recognised by locals who disapproved of his actions and choice of career.

Under Spanish Habsburg rule from 1479, the Holy Office targeted Jews, Muslims and “heretics” in Sicily’s diverse melting pot, leading to mass expulsions in 1492 and brutal interrogations in Steri’s graffiti-scarred cells, where desperate prisoners etched poems in Sicilian, Latin and Arabic-Judaic, invoking Dante’s Inferno amid tortures like the rack and waterboarding.

I didn’t think a night at the Palazzo Pantelleria could be surpassed

But then the taxi arrived ferried me to the heavenly Adler Spa Resort Sicilia two hours away from the capital. I say ‘heavenly’ because this stunningly-designed eco-spa is perfect in every way. When I wasn’t pinching myself awake from the blissful dream I thought I was having, I did actually feel like I’d died and gone to heaven.

On a hillside overlooking the Agrigento coast in Siculiana, sitting alongside the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, this eco-luxe retreat, built with humidity-regulating Sicilian clay walls and volcanic rock cladding, offers thalasso pools, Pilates sessions and farm-to-table Sicilian fare in a serene Mediterranean paradise.

The highlights of my five-day trip most definitely included the pizza-making in the Valley of Temples, but then there was the wine-tasting at the Donnafugata winery – where the Rallo family’s 170-year legacy, revived in 1983 by Giacomo and Gabriella, yields acclaimed vintages like the passito Ben Ryé from UNESCO – protected Pantelleria vines; the swimming in the heated infinity pool at the Adler Spa resort; the one-night stay at the Bella Palermo and that overall feeling of living in the most beautiful dream. I can’t imagine I’ll ever again feel such pleasure in such a short period of time.

December travel info:

Jacqui travelled with Ryanair from Stansted to Palermo airport, return flight £130. She stayed at Travelodge Stansted prior to the flight.

She enjoyed her one-night stopover in Palermo at the Palazzo Pantelleria residence. Contact Francesco Cazzaniga at info@labellapalermo.com  for more details and check out the website

The wine-tasting and Valley of Temples excursions were arranged via the Adler Spa Resort Sicilia.

The post A Sicily holiday in winter: ancient wonders and everyday joy appeared first on Silver Magazine.

And they’re not wrong; 20 degrees, blue sky, sea warm enough to get in without completely the ability to breathe, and even coming back with a tan line. But is it worth the five hour flight? In short: yes. But there’s definitely a few things to note…

Me and my wonderful best friend searched Lastminute, scouring for an affordable December holiday, some much-needed rest before the height of holiday season. Working in hospitality and events is a lot this time of year.

We wanted sun, but we were on a bit of a budget. Neither of us have any particular pull to Dubai, and South America and Asia are a little too far for a long weekend.

So why did we choose Cyprus?

Apart from the fact that with careful booking, this little holiday cost us a very respectable £150 each, we got nicely timed flights from Gatwick to Paphos and back, and a two bed apartment about a 20 minute walk from the main strip.

This was both our first time visiting the island so we didn’t know what to expect. We knew it was going to be low season, but we weren’t sure how much so. Would there just be locals, immigrants and expats, or would there be lots of tourists too? We also wondered if there was going to be an overwhelming amount of British people since it’s definitely a place that has been British-ified.

Cyprus from the air

We stepped off the plane at Paphos airport, which was small with parts still being built, from what we could tell (a recurring theme, as you will find out). From the landing strip to the walk inside, you could see brown hills spanning everywhere you looked, with dotted green trees. It was still a very Mediterranean landscape but it reminded me of hills from Chihuahua in Mexico. A welcome change from England’s cold, grey skies.

The first day, it rained

Not Mediterranean storm rain, but a smattering. Met Office hadn’t mentioned rain, and we quickly learnt not to trust the forecast. I’d say take a light raincoat though. Luckily it stopped pretty quickly, and the sun made an appearance.

The flight time from Gatwick was estimated for around 4.5 hours but it felt like we were landing for about an hour. You have to do a loop around the island to get to Paphos airport and it just felt endless. A cab via Bolt (their version of Uber) set us back €38 so not too bad. There is a bus, the 612, but it was too confusing to understand when it was coming, and we wanted to get in the sun as soon as we could.

The sun in Cyprus is in the sky for much the same time as England for winter daylight…

…maybe a little earlier in the morning, but by 5pm it’s dark, and pretty cold. It’s still 16/17 degrees but it’s definitely not micro shorts and summer vest weather.

We were staying at Arthemus Cynthia Complex which has 6/7 blocks of rooms and apartments, and four pools. I can imagine every pool is packed in the summer, but they weren’t heated and were colder than the sea. So there were a few sparse tourists (and some cats) sunbathing, but no one swimming.

I don’t know what you’d pay in high season, but for a two bed with a nice balcony and all the amenities, including a bath and a washing machine, we were very happy.

The view from the balcony wasn’t anything special, we could see the below pool, a couple of the other blocks, the Amazon Mini Mart at the end of the street, and a new block of buildings being constructed.

We were a 20–30-minute walk away from Katos Paphos main area, which houses a long strip of cocktail bars and restaurants. And even in December there’s a large number of men outside these places offering a 10 per cent discount because “you’re a such a pretty lady, oh my god.” Maybe it’s more intense because there’s fewer people, but honestly some of them would not take no for an answer. No, I don’t want to eat at the restaurant you’ve got a captive pelican outside of, thanks.

Paphos strip at night

Our first night

By the time we’d checked in, dropped our bags off, made our way down to the strip for the first time, it was already dark, and it was cold. We settled for a cocktail and one of the trashiest and cheapest looking bars, and headed off to bed.

Now, me and my friend are not big partiers. I’m more of a get up early and go on a hike kind of girl, and she’s more of a read a book in a hammock in the sun kind of lady, so we weren’t there to club, and it’s a good job too.

In December it’s like a ghost town in large of parts of the back streets. Desolate bars taken over by colonies of cats, restaurants with no lights, and the occasional sports bar with five loud British men yelling at the screens.

The main strip however is all open. There’s a large selection of places to eat, from seafood to pasta, but not much choice for genuine Cypriot food, and definitely not all that great for a vegan. I mostly ate veggie burgers, which are nice, but not anything I can’t have at home.

Vegan burglar

On day two we started the day late, I had an online zoom interview at midday, so we didn’t go anywhere prior to this for fear of not making it back on time (it went well, thanks for asking).

We decided to take a stroll down to Paphos Castle, see the tombs and all the historic bits, which was all very nice. But very quiet and not all that accessible this time of year. It’s not like stepping off the bus and seeing the pyramids, but it’s nice to see some of the islands culture. Although I feel most people holidaying in Cyprus aren’t there to learn about its history.

Read more: Why Anguilla is the best place for a Big Birthday

The walk along the strip in the day was a lot nicer than at night. Don’t get me wrong, you’re still bombarded with comments and invites, but everything looks a lot prettier. There are people busking Christmas music, iguanas and their owners sitting by the port side, and warm enough you could walk around in shorts.

I feel like they try to be festive, there’s Christmas music playing everywhere, weekend Christmas markets, light up led… boats, whatever Christmas is to you, hey? But I think being English, my idea of Christmas is cold and wet and dark, and hearing a samba remix of Feliz Navidad on repeat everywhere did feel surreal.

We went to The Harbour restaurant for dinner, where there’s a great beach biew, and they had a solid five vegan options. At this magic place, my friend got a chicken gyro filled with salad and chips for less than €4. What a win!

We enjoyed a couple of cocktails there, and then wandered on, deciding to head back up to the apartment and get evening ready. For us this doesn’t mean getting glammed up in skimpy dresses and makeup, but more extra layers as the sun was going down.

Later that evening…

We discovered  Pingouino, a lush lounge with a heated outdoor space. They showed the football but it felt so far from a sports bar, and we returned for another evening. The cocktails weren’t too expensive either; I think the classics were all around the €9.50-€10 mark, which was a little more pricey than a lot of places, but the couple of extra euros made all the difference to the quality of the drinks. It also seemed to be the place that (at this time of year), wasn’t full of just British tourists, and rather locals, which was a much nicer vibe.

Pingouino, Paphos

We got a little tipsy and headed to bed, ready for a beach day ahead

Now, to spare you some disappointment if you decide to venture to Paphos, Coral Bay is not so named because of its abundance of coral, but because they thought it sounded nice.

It’s a lovely beach, about a 25–30-minute cab ride, or two busses away, with sandy and clear waters. We got there around 10am and it was still quiet, just locals going for a picturesque run or morning swim. Quite a few of them in – dare I say – the skimpiest Speedos I’ve ever seen.

The pictures of the bay in summer shows thousands of people lounging under umbrellas and the sea heaving with swimmers. In December, it’s not so much like this. The beach bar and the activity centre was well and truly closed, although you could still shower, and there were changing rooms and toilets. But if you were hoping to hire a lounger and umbrella or even a glass bottomed canoe, you’ll be disappointed.

By this point we’d learned not to trust Google Maps. A few long walks met with closed and very much not-opening-any-time-soon bars and restaurants taught us this. My best advice is maybe don’t go to that really far out of the centre, even if Google says it’s open. Because chances are it might not be – the Google listings are not always up to date.

We were determined to get in the sea

So we’d come with sandwiches and boxed wine, bikinis and rented towels, what more could you need? Obviously we got in the sea, it was crystal clear blue, and you could see shoals of little fish. The tanned locals were saying it’s too cold, but we were never going to listen.

It wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t cold by any means. I’d say it’s about as warm as late June in England. I think we stayed in for a solid 15 mins, and then lounged on the beach for a few hours, downing dodgy Cypriot box wine, and got our tan on.

We’d heard of caves the other side next bay, so we decided to walk along the coast to find them. Unfortunately we never did, and I was sad to have missed out. Maybe it was blindingly obvious, but we were too sun- and wine-kissed to see the signs?!

Either way, lots of locals and other tourists told us we’d missed out, so if you’re there, go and have a look for me?!

From beaches to donkeys

On our final day, we decided to visit Animal Rescue Cyprus, which was a 10-minute walk from our apartment. This is Cyprus’s oldest no-kill shelter, which offers sanctuary to animals like cats, dogs, horses and of course donkeys. What they do is fantastic, they help to minimise over-population in animals by neutering them. They feed them, take care of them and give them medical attention. The sanctuary can be overwhelming; there are a LOT of animals. Some of the dogs are tied up, and look intimidating, but they all love the attention. They’re tied up because they don’t always get on with other dogs, but they all have beds, food, water and shelter.

When you arrive, you just go straight in, making sure to lock the gate to stop donkeys escaping, and I would recommend only bringing food if you are confident around animals. The second you whip out some food, you’ll be surrounded by an array of large animals. I almost got my head kicked in by a horse while sitting on the floor feeding some cats, so watch out!

It was a lovely visit, but it was a hard one. They’re doing everything they can for the animals but they’re not working with much so it can feel a little bare. But like I said, all the animals were happy there and loved some pats and snacks. We made a cash and food donation, and went on our way.

Heading back to Pingouino we enjoyed some dinner, a few drinks, stroked a few passing cats before calling it a night. We had an earlyish flight and not much idea on how fast security would be through the airport. I have some nightmare flights before!

Chicken at Pinguino

On our last morning, we got booted out at 10am

So we read books in the sun by the pool and grabbed a cab to the airport. The airport is small and the technology feels like Gatwick used to when I was a young kid. No liquids over 100ml, everything separated, the oldest scanners, a whole two rows of security. It’s a small airport, but it’s got some good food options, and even an outside café/bar area.

The flight back was bumpy, we got unlucky on turbulence, but otherwise it was fine. The flight each way is just under five hours, which is a little long for a 5-day trip, but with a glass or two of wine, and a late night behind you, you can sleep through it, as I discovered.

Cyprus is well worth a visit for some winter sun. It’s cheap, it’s accessible, it’s not as far or as pricey as other locations for winter warmth, and it’s got a certain British charm. Check it out, but take a real map with you as well as your mobile.

• • • We stayed at the Arthemus Cynthia Complex, which was €xx per night – obviously expect to pay more during the high season
    • Flights were by xxx and cost € / £ from Gatwick to Paphos – again, prices will vary
    • Holiday booked via Lastminute.com
    • Bolt from the airport to the resort €38

The post Cyprus for winter sun – is it actually warm and sunny enough!? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Age UK’s recent statistics show that over 1 million older people are spending Christmas day alone this year. More than 1 in 10 people (11%) will eat Christmas dinner alone, and 5% won’t see or speak to anyone the entire day.

It’s hard to be alone for the holidays, but there are ways to beat the loneliness. Here are a few of our suggestions on how to still make the most of the season.

Find local events

There are plenty of local events on at Christmas time to help communities connect and enjoy the holidays together. Local hubs, churches, libraries, pubs and more are often hosting festive events.

You could attend a Christmas dinner hosted at a local community hub, or a carol service at your local church. Or you could pop down to a nearby pub and see what events or live music are happening that day.

There are also charities designed to help communities come together to improve wellbeing and beat loneliness. Ramblers offers wellbeing walking groups, while Reengage have social groups for older folks looking to make new friends in their local area.

Chat online

If you’re able to reach family and friends online, video calls are a great way to stay connected when you’re apart. But for those who can’t, there are plenty of other ways to use our phones and the internet to connect with others.

Charities like The Silver Line (run by Age UK) offer support for people aged 55+ who are experiencing loneliness. You can give them a call, and they’ll happily chat with you, offering support and friendship in difficult times.

Whether you’re feeling down, or just want a quick chat, their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s always someone to talk to.

Make Christmas day special, just for you

Some of us aren’t up for going out on Christmas, or maybe don’t have the means to do so. But that doesn’t mean Christmas can’t still be a special day.

Why not make a delicious Christmas dinner for one (or order your favourite takeaway), or put on your favourite film with a nice glass of wine. Dust off some of the things tucked away for a ‘special occasion’ and use them to make the day a little more special.

Try to reframe the day not as one where you’re stuck by yourself, but as a day dedicated to you. Whether it’s some nice food, a good book or just a cozy pyjama day in bed, make the most of it and do something special for yourself.

Make Christmas special for someone else

Volunteering is a great way to give back to others at Christmas. Local food banks, shelters and more are always looking for volunteers, especially during the cold winter months.

By volunteering, you can chat with fellow volunteers and those you’re helping, all while making a real difference to people’s lives. Consider spending Christmas morning dishing out food at your local soup kitchen, spreading warmth and joy to those who need it most.

Not only will you be helping those around you, but you’ll boost your own mood by seeing the positive impact of your work. It’s a truly rewarding way to spend the holidays.

For more information on finding local volunteering opportunities, click here.

Let yourself feel lonely

Keeping busy can be a great way to distract yourself from feeling lonely, but it can also be good to stop and take time to feel these feelings too.

Loneliness is something a lot of us will experience this Christmas. It’s important that we allow ourselves to feel this loneliness, to take control of it so that we can lessen the power it has over us, and continue with our lives. After all, if you shine the light on darkness, it disappears.

Accept that you feel lonely, take time to understand and process these feelings. And, when you’re ready, choose to carry on.

You can find support and advice on dealing with loneliness here.

The post How to beat loneliness at Christmas appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Looking to get away from the madness this year? Suddenly realised you’d rather be somewhere gorgeous for the silly season? It’s not too late to look at getting away from it all – so where are the best places to go for Christmas and New Year? We’ve rounded up a few that we like the look of…

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

For those of us happy to trade away the British grey, there’s sunshine, safaris and stunning star-filled skies waiting in Kenya.

Imagine spending Christmas day on an incredible wildlife spotting safari, with zebra, elephants and rhino basking in the beautiful wilderness around you. You could ride out on horseback for an exciting Christmas adventure, or take a scenic flight to take in the sights from a new angle.

Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine and culture, gorgeous temperatures averaging 24-28°C, and clear views of an incredible starlit sky.

Special things going on over Christmas

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy have just opened their new Private Wilderness where groups of up to 10 guests can enjoy a more secluded wilderness experience.

There are 10 cabins, each with an ensuite bathroom, as well as a shared private chef and tour guide.

Where to stay

If you want to stay somewhere that’s right in the heart of the wilderness, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the place to be. They’ve got 64,000 acres of stunning wilderness to explore, incredible safaris, bush breakfasts and the Private Wilderness available. There’s even a visit from Santa on camelback for a bit of family friendly Christmas fun, as well as crab fishing and pony rides.

Costs

December rates at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy start from approximately £988 per person per night, and from approximately £8,406 per night for Private Wilderness (based on a minimum of 6 people).

Stargazing in Tenerife

It’s not just about the warmer climes. Tenerife is the perfect Christmas destination for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike. And there’s the Geminids meteor shower set to peak on the 13th-14th December, meaning now is the ideal time to make some exciting new Christmas memories.

With high altitudes, minimal light pollution and crisp winter air, Tenerife is one of the best places to stargaze in the world. So why not spend an unforgettable Christmas getting lost in endless starlight?

Special things going on over Christmas

Spring Hotels is offering Atlántico Excursions’ Night Skies Tenerife tours, where visitors can use powerful telescopes and lasers to experience the night sky like never before. Each tour is accompanied by multilingual astronomy guides, and has options for dinner, hotel pick-up and self-driving tours.

Where to stay

Spring Hotels boasts multiple outdoor pools, fitness facilities, restaurants, bars and a spa all within its grounds. And beyond the hotel grounds, guests can enjoy gorgeous beaches and local attractions all along the southern coast.

For stargazers, the hotel is only an hour’s drive from Teide National Park, an excellent spot to watch the upcoming meteor shower.

Travel & costs

Flights from London to Tenerife are available throughout winter. For a 7-night stay, including flights from London Heathrow, a Double Standard room on a Half Board basis, starts from £1,566 per couple.

Northern Lights, ICEHOTEL and sledding in Swedish Lapland

If you’re looking for more of a magical, snow-filled Christmas experience, Swedish Lapland has all that and more. Between serene snow-covered forests, frozen archipelagos and stunning snow-capped mountains, there is no shortage of festive magic.

Spend the season enjoying reindeer rides, sled dog explorations and snowmobile excursions all beneath the alluring Northern Lights. Or just enjoy a bit of peace amidst the holiday hubbub, taking in the endless skies and serenity of Sweden.

Where to stay

For a truly unforgettable Christmas, the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi offers an experience like no other. Everything, whether that be the bed you sleep in or the glass in your hand, is expertly carved from pure ice. Winter doesn’t get more magical than sleeping in your very own ice palace!

Or if you book before December 16th, you can experience Sunvil’s seven-night Winter Delights in Swedish Lapland holiday, with costs starting at £2,030 per person for a sharing couple, including return flights from London Heathrow.

Adults only in Mauritius

Shandrani Beachcomber, Mauritius

Hoping to escape the gloomy grey of a British winter? Why not spend the season sunbathing on the beautiful sandy shores of Mauritius?

Mauritius is home to gorgeous beaches, warm weather and sunlit skies that are sure to brighten up the festive season. Explore the beautiful Blue Bay Lagoon, or just take some well-earned rest by the beach, looking out over the stunning Indian Ocean.

Where to stay

Shandrani Beachcomber is situated on the stunning south-east coast of Mauritius, overlooking the Blue Bay Lagoon. With freshly redesigned rooms, spa, sauna, beauty parlour, hair salon and pool, there’s no shortage of self-care and relaxation.

For couples, the “Shandrani for Two” adults-only experience is a fab way to have a romantic Christmas getaway. The new exclusive adults-only wing features 69 rooms with private beach access, beachfront bar and dining area.

Beach view from a bay view room at Shandrani Beachcomber

Travel & Costs

You can fly to Mauritius from London Gatwick with Air Mauritius. Return flights are around £600, and nightly rates at Shandrani Beachcomber start from £219 for 2 sharing adults on a half board basis.

And right now, Shandrani Beachcomber has a Christmas special offer, with a 35% discount on accommodation, including meal plan, for stays booked before 26th December 2025.

Winter sports in the Austrian Alps

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austrian Tyrol

If you’re looking to stay active during the festive months, the Austrian alps make for an unforgettable snow sports holiday. And it’s not just skiing and snowboarding – there’s tobogganing, winter hiking, paragliding, and even zip-wires to really get the adrenaline pumping.

Special things going on over Christmas

Spend your winter evenings at Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis’ incredible adventure nights. They’ve got spectacular evening ski shows with lights, music and fireworks, as well as regular live music, cultural events, and more.

Where to stay

Schlosshotel Fiss is a five-star, mostly all-inclusive luxury hotel in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Alcohol is charged separately, but it does offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of the room rate.

It boasts not only an exciting range of snow sports and activities, but also 5000m2 of wellness and spa facilities, including a Finnish panorama sauna and a 250m2 panorama pool with incredible views to take in as you swim.

After a long day of activities (or just chilling by the pool), you can treat yourself to phenomenal food and drink awarded a Michelin Star for dining, as well as Michelin Key hospitality.

For families, there’s a wide range of family friendly activities available, including a newly re-designed Kids Club. There are daily supervised activities for both kids and teens ranging from glitter tattoos to archery to pizza making.

Costs

Nightly rates are from roughly €526 per room (1-3 nights) and €472 per room (4+ nights).

Lake Como, Italy

Italy is a classic holiday destination famous for its amazing cuisine and gorgeous sights. And for those of us hoping for a more sophisticated Christmas, it’s absolutely the place to be.

At Hilton Lake Como’s Terrazza 241, you can find a culinary experience like no other, specially curated for the Christmas season. Enjoy an elegant dining experience featuring unique flavour pairings, bespoke cocktails, and gorgeous panoramic views.

There are also endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation beside the elegant Lake Como through hydrotherapy, saunas and more. Experience their floating meditation bath, with warm mineral-rich waters that will ease any lingering festive tension and allow you to end the year with a deep sense of peace.

Special things going on over Christmas

Terrazza 241 has its special Christmas Tasting Menu throughout December. It captures the essence of the holidays through a carefully curated à la carte menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients. Each meal is accompanied by the gorgeous views of Como, as well as soft music and warm lights.

Where to stay

Hilton Lake Como is available all holiday season, with wheelchair accessible rooms available as well as family friendly activities. They have a heated rooftop swimming pool open all year round with breathtaking views of Lake Como, as well as lakeside views from your balcony.

Infinity pool at Hilton Lake Como

Costs

At Hilton Lake Como, nightly rates start at €350 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

Biosphere and Starlight reserve La Palma, Canary Islands

La Palma in the Canary Islands is the perfect place to find warmth and sunshine in the winter months.

Looking for something chilled and back-to-naturey? Located in the north-west of the Canary Islands, La Palma is a Biosphere and Starlight Reserve tucked away from regular tourist spots. The island’s black sand beaches are not only beautiful but uncrowded, letting you enjoy the season in peace.

And beyond the beaches, you’ll find cobbled streets rich with authentic Canarian culture – none of the touristy stuff. Not to mention the gorgeous architecture, beautiful vineyards, and incredible cuisine, all in sunny 20-25°C weather.

Special things going on over Christmas

Christmas lights in La Palma

During the festive season, La Palma has family friendly festivities of music and traditional carols filling the streets. And the party keeps going through to New Year, with local volcanic wines and traditional Canarian cuisine, each rich in both flavour and culture.

Best way to get here

There are weekly flights from London to La Palma Airport, including direct flights.

Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia.

Hoping to spend the season somewhere warm, beautiful and, most importantly, quiet? Ummahat Island in Saudi Arabia offers just that, giving its guests the opportunity to really slow down and embrace the rhythm of the Red Sea.

With gorgeous untouched reefs, an expansive night sky of stars and the sea itself stretching endlessly beyond, Ummahat Island is a stunningly peaceful spot to spend the holidays.

You can spend the season planting mangroves at the resort’s conservation centre, or gazing into one of the world’s clearest skies with a resident astronomer.

Special things going on over Christmas

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a range of signature festive events, including Saudi coffee-making, a starlit New Year’s Eve gala, bonfire gatherings and lunar flow yoga.

Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia

Where to stay

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is right in the heart of a secluded archipelago, surrounded by uncharted reefs and panoramic views. It offers a range of exciting seasonal events, as well as its very own Neyrah Spa, offering transformative wellness experiences inspired by the stars and the Arabian Peninsula itself.

The resort has four restaurants to choose from, each offering a range of global cuisines for a unique dining experience, whether you wish to enjoy traditional dishes, seafood or even a French-style patisserie.

Travel & costs

You can get a direct flight from the UK, or international flights to the Red Sea International Airport with an additional transfer by speedboat or seaplane.

Rates at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve start from £2,388 per person per night.

Christmas markets, family time, and Finnish food in Helsinki

Helsinki offers more of a traditional Christmas feel reframed within the gorgeous capital of Finland. You can spend the season exploring beautiful Christmas markets, sampling the local Finnish food scene and enjoying local art festivals.

Whether you’re exploring the many sights of the city or basking in the beauty of the Baltic Sea, there is plenty of beauty, culture and festive spirit to be found.

Special things going on over Christmas

For an extravagant Christmas lunch, you can enjoy restaurants like Nokka, Svenska Klubben or Strindberg, as well as traditional glögi and gingerbread in local Christmas markets and cafes. And don’t forget Finland’s most famous pastime, the sauna. There are loads of saunas to warm your body in whilst you’re there!

A highlight of the season is Lucia Day on 13 December, when Helsinki crowns its own Lucia to bring light into the darkest time of the year. The Finnish Lucia tradition dates back to the 1950s and remains one of the most cherished symbols of hope and brightness in the Nordic winter.

The celebration of light continues into the new year with Lux Helsinki (4–8 January 2026), a spectacular light art festival that illuminates landmarks, parks and hidden corners across the city. Showcasing both Finnish and international artists, Lux Helsinki brings creative brilliance to the darkest time of year and offers a stunning finale to the festive season.

Where to stay

Marski by Scandic offers its guests a range of facilities including saunas, a gym, and an art gallery featuring local artists. It also has its own bar, Marski Bar, with a DJ playing every Friday and Saturday night. For some more Christmassy fun, there’s tree decorating, gingerbread icing and sparkling Christmas drinks available at the bar.

Marski is pet friendly (at an additional cost) and family friendly, with children under 12 able to stay free and receive a welcome drink as a member benefit.

There’s also the Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa, which offers a huge range of activities for the whole family, including sauna sessions, a special Christmas Land and Elf Trail just for children, candlelight concert, visits from Father Christmas and loads more. They have a dedicated Christmas page with full details.

Getting there

There are several flights from UK to Helsinki. Guests can take the Airport train to the city centre and/or a tram to their destinations.

Costs

A classic double room at Marski by Scandic starts at €152 per night.

South Ari Atoll, Maldives

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Why not spend the festive season away from thick coats and busy high streets, and instead immerse yourself in sun, sand and sea?

For those looking to relax this winter, South Ari Atoll is home to calming beaches, exclusive resorts and rich Maldivian culture to really immerse yourself in. Or for the adventurous, it’s also one of the best places in the world to encounter whale sharks! The winter is the best time to travel to this destination, where you’re guaranteed plenty of luxurious beachside action.

Where to stay

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is situated on a private island, offering absolute peace and tranquillity during your stay. Enjoy culinary masterclasses, slow atmospheric evenings, cinema under the stars and palms, and even brand-new aerial yoga.

The resort is family friendly, with kids 12 and under able to stay and dine for free. There are also Family Beach Villas for up to five guests, and a Treehouse Kids Retreat offering daily activities and adventures for kids.

Travel & costs

Flying to the Maldives from the UK usually involves a stopover in a Middle Eastern hub (like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or Colombo, taking 12+ hours from the UK, though direct flights (10-11 hrs) are available from London (LHR) with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there you can reach the resort via a short scenic seaplane trip.

OUTRIGGER is currently running their annual Cyber Sale for up to 50% off and a range of bonus inclusions. Prices currently start at £850 per night, or from £5,699 per person for 7 nights half board in an Over Water Villa, including flights departing Heathrow.

Passenger Assistance

Need a bit of help with booking or travel? We found this app and feel it’s worth knowing about. Passenger Assistance is an accessibility app developed by Transreport designed to help make festive journeys smoother for disabled users and those who find the organisation of travelling tough.

Travellers can request support directly from train operators, making sure their journey is all confirmed and planned in advance. It also makes booking assistance quicker, more flexible and intuitive. It streamlines the process and helps ensure rail travel remains accessible for everyone, even during the busy Christmas period.

You can find the Passenger Assistance app here.

The post Some of the best places to go for Christmas and the New Year appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We are often inclined to believe that travelling in comfort means travelling in privacy and isolation. But in actual fact, taking into condition modern tourism, that’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s the last choice you should make. Why? Let us explain…

Logistics as an art

When planning a route of 200 kilometres, we, as experienced travellers, firstly seek predictability. Chaos is for beginners; we prefer to know exactly when we will arrive at the right spot. That’s why the query transporte de santo domingo a punta cana horario becomes a key stage in planning when travelling in the Dominican Republic. After all, GetTransfer offers not just transportation but a clear structure for your day. Modern buses and shuttles run on a schedule that allows you to flexibly plan connections with flights or hotel check-ins. It is obvious that group transfer has a number of undeniable advantages over driving on your own in a foreign country:

• Professionalism of drivers. Behind the wheel are local pros who know every bump, every turn, and the specifics of the local driving style, which guarantees your safety;
• Panoramic view. The high seating of the bus opens up stunning views of the sugar plantations and the Caribbean coastline that are just not visible from the window of a low-set sedan;
• Economic efficiency. The money saved on car rental and insurance is much nicer to spend on dinner in a good restaurant or spa treatments.

In such a transfer of buses, you can have a chance to ride in circumstances that are entirely opposite to what minibuses of the city provide. These are big rooms that are air-conditioned where you can stretch your legs, release your seat, and just relax. Besides, it is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, as in most cases an interesting conversation begins between strangers on such travels who, just like you, decided to pursue a reasonable approach to travelling.

Safety and peace of mind are the priorities

For the older generations, safety has long ceased to be an empty sound because we know that roads in the tropics can be unpredictable, and delegating responsibility to a professional carrier is a sign of wisdom. On the bus, you are protected by the massive body of the vehicle and the driver’s experience, and you do not need to watch the navigator, worry about a missed turn, or where to find a gas station. The only thing you need to take care of is following the simple rules of a “smart tourist”:

1. Arrive early. Get to the boarding point some 15-20 minutes in advance to load your luggage comfortably and choose a comfortable seat;
2. Prepare entertainment. Even though the view outside the window is great, having headphones with your favorite music or an e-book will make the journey even shorter;
3. Keep a light sweater handy. Air conditioning systems in tropical buses often run at full power, and a light sweater may come in very handy.

Modern buses pass tough technical inspections. These aren’t those “chicken buses” from the adventure novels of the ’90s. This is equipment fitted out with everything necessary for a long trip. So you can read a book, listen to podcasts, or even sleep, being confident that you’ll be delivered precisely to your destination.

Essentially, it’s the only rational choice

Finally, the choice of transport is a matter of priorities. You can waste your nerves on rental and navigation, or trust a well-established system. Bus transportation between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana today is a civilized, comfortable, and reliable way to see the country. Thus, giving priority to group transfer means choosing not just the way of moving around but the opportunity to start your vacation the very moment you sit down in a soft seat, leaving all your worries behind the bus doors.

Isn’t that the whole point?!

The post Travel from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana without losing your mind appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Milestone birthdays have a way of sneaking up on us. Fairly soon I’ll be embracing my big five-oh. And while my fortieth was all about Ibiza with an extended crew of friends, a huge party, and a ‘recovery’ trip back to Spain, I can’t quite imagine repeating that level of, er, admin for the next decade marker.

These days, what calls me isn’t deep house and dancing until dawn, but something that makes me feel special. And something that will help me celebrate how far I’ve come.  This does all need to come with a side of style, and barefoot luxury.

Malliouhana in Anguilla, pics by Emmie Blower

I had my answer the moment I stepped into the lobby of Malliouhana in Anguilla. The mirrored mosaic floor flickered like liquid silver, reflecting the turquoise sea just beyond. Pastel walls, ‘70s black-and-white photography, and Moorish arches framed the Caribbean in the most effortlessly chic way. It was luxurious without being loud, exclusive without being pretentious, and I knew instantly: this is the kind of place where milestone birthdays should be marked.

Meads Bay

Meads Bay, Anguilla

If you’re considering the Caribbean for a bucket-list trip, Anguilla should be top of the list. Meads Bay in Anguilla has been voted among the world’s best beaches, by USA Today and Travel + Leisure, and the entire island of Anguilla has also received numerous accolades for its pristine shores.

As soon as I set foot on Meads Bay, the sand was impossibly soft and bright white, and the glare was so strong it took a moment to adjust.  The water is glassy, aquamarine perfection, clearer than anywhere I’ve ever swum. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this beach doesn’t just top the awards lists, it alters your brain chemistry.

It sounds incredibly privileged to say but Antigua feels a little faded in comparison

Anguilla is blissfully unspoilt. There are no fast-food chains, no casinos, no cruise ships, and no noisy jet skis. The island has no heavy industry and as such, its beauty is protected. This is an island for those who want exclusive, unhurried, Caribbean paradise.

Anguilla is a little off the radar, and that’s the exact reason why A-listers have made it their go-to for years.  Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Sandra Bullock, and Robert De Niro all have homes here, and it’s not unusual to spot them at the island’s legendary Elvis’ Beach Bar. A ramshackle bar built out of an old boat, Elvis’ feels like a museum of good times and core holiday memories.

A playground for the sea-lovers

One fantasy I’ve long flirted with for my fiftieth is chartering a yacht. Anguilla, with its calm bays and impossibly blue water, is the perfect place for this. Watching glamorous couples being whisked away from Crocus Bay to their catamaran reminded me that this is indeed a millionaire’s playground, and that’s really what I should be aspiring to for my glam half-century.

Anguilla is already on the radar for serious yachters, and with a new marina and upgraded airport terminal underway – funded, interestingly enough, by revenue from its highly sought-after .ai internet domain – this slice of paradise will become even more accessible from 2026.

By luck or design the ai domain that’s native to Anguilla has generated millions for the island as artificial intelligence companies have paid to own the domains.  Forward thinking or sheer good luck? Who knows. But the island has now got a major income stream and they are spending it wisely on improving the accessibility.

A feast from the sea

For me, milestone celebrations must involve food, and seafood is my true passion. Anguilla does not disappoint. Imagine lobster so big that you don’t need sides, crayfish grilled over charcoal until the shell blackens and the flesh inside becomes smoky-sweet, and red snapper served fresh from the boat. Many of the island’s chefs are Michelin-trained, having traded the intensity of yacht kitchens for island life. Which means the standard of dining is consistently extraordinary.

At Mango’s Seafood Restaurant you can find giant, beautifully seasoned lobster portions. For something more refined, Sand Bar is a chic spot for small plates with international flair, cocktails, and live music at sunset.  It is fair to say I did not have one bad meal on the island which is another box ticked for my celebrations.

Where to stay

The island is small but packed with extraordinary places to stay. Malliouhana remains an icon, with its contemporary Caribbean chic. Zemi Beach House on Shoal Bay East combines modern design with a Thai-style spa housed in a centuries-old sugar mill, perfect for slow, indulgent days. For a more boutique feel, Frangipani Beach Resort offers just 19 rooms, making it feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s elegant island home.

Zemi Beach House, ©Thierry Dehove Photography

Getting there

From the UK, the most straightforward route is via St Maarten, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offering direct flights from London to Princess Juliana International Airport. From there, it’s a 25-minute ferry or short charter flight to Anguilla. Alternatively, fly direct to Antigua and connect via a short regional hop. The journey might be slightly longer than to other Caribbean islands, but trust me, it’s worth every mile.

Does Anguilla make the cut?

For my fiftieth birthday celebrations, I want world class beaches. I want to eat lobster until I can’t move. I want to jump off boats into turquoise waters and I want to feel both grown-up yet relaxed.

Ibiza was perfect for my fortieth. But Anguilla with its stunning hotels, jaw dropping views, friendly locals and exclusive energy I think has made it high on the list for the big five-oh.

FACT BOX

Anguilla Tourist Board

For more information on Anguilla, please visit www.ivisitanguilla.com.

Zemi Beach House

Prices to stay at Zemi Beach House start from US$600 per room, per night, plus taxes, service charge and a reef recovery fee at an additional 27%.

• At the Thai House Spa, the price of the ‘5 Elements Massage’ is $170, plus taxes & service, for 50 minutes and $240, plus taxes & service, for 80 minutes.
• The price of the lobster BBQ evening is $75, plus taxes & service, per person.

Frangipani Beach Resort

www.frangipaniresort.com

Prices to stay at Frangipani Beach Resort start from US$385 per night for single or double occupancy, plus tax and service at an additional 23%.

• The price for the FrangiCat II trip is $100 per person for a full day. Rum punch, beer, wine, sodas, water, towels, snorkel gear, music, stories, dancing are all included! FrangiCat II makes a lunch stop at one of the island’s beach restaurants, which the guest covers.

Trans Anguilla Airways

www.transanguilla.com

Trans Anguilla Airways provides scheduled flights between Antigua (ANU) and Anguilla (AXA), among other routes. The flight costs for ANU – AXA range from US$400 – $550 per person, for a return journey.

How to get to Anguilla

From the UK, you can fly from UK regional airports first to Paris or Amsterdam, and then connect to a flight to the neighbouring island of St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport. From St Maarten, it’s a 25-minute ferry or short charter flight to Anguilla.

Alternatively, fly direct to Antigua with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic and reach Anguilla via a short regional flight. The journey might be slightly longer than to other Caribbean islands, but trust me, it’s worth every mile.

Blanchards Beach Shack, Anguilla

Restaurants/bars:

• Madeariman: madeariman.restaurant
• Rendezvous by Tasty’s Beach Club: instagram.com/rendezvoustastysbeachclub
• Blanchards Beach Shack: https://blanchardsrestaurant.com/blanchards-beach-shack-anguilla-restaurants
• Mango’s Seaside Grill: https://mangosseasidegrill.com
• Da’Vida Beach Club: https://davidabeachclub.com
• SandBar: https://sandbar-anguilla.com
• Elvis’ Beach Bar: elvisbeachbar.com

The post Why Anguilla is the best destination for a big birthday appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Have you felt tempted to whiten your teeth at home? A bright, radiant smile has a way of transforming not just our appearance, but the way we feel about ourselves. It’s a subtle kind of confidence, the warmth in social interactions, the ease in conversation, and that quiet feeling of self-assurance.

For many, achieving this glow no longer requires dental clinic appointments or complicated procedures. Today, beautifully white teeth are accessible through simple at-home solutions, such as the Smile 4 You gel used within a personal daily routine.

In a world where our smiles are part of how we express ourselves, greet others, preserve memories in photographs, and present our identity, home whitening can be both a refined and empowering act of self-care.

The timeless appeal of a luminous smile

There is something universal about a bright smile. It conveys health, happiness, warmth, and approachability. Historically, bright teeth were associated with youth and vitality; today, they are equally linked with self-expression, confidence, and personal wellbeing.

Yet, as we get older, our teeth naturally shift slightly in colour. This is not a sign of neglect, it’s life. Tea and coffee shared with friends, red wine at celebrations, blueberries in summer, the occasional curry night, all leave their mark. Even perfectly healthy enamel gradually becomes more translucent, revealing the deeper dentin beneath.

This is precisely why gentle, at-home whitening has become a refined beauty ritual. It is not about striving for artificial perfection, it is about restoring your natural brightness, your natural radiance, your natural smile.

Why choose home teeth whitening?

The modern appeal of home whitening gels lies in three qualities: control, comfort, and subtlety.

• Control allows you to choose the level of whitening that feels natural to you.
• Comfort ensures the process fits into your own routine, whether that is morning, evening, or somewhere in between.
• Subtlety provides gradual brightening, so your smile never appears overly processed or unnaturally pale.

Clinical whitening can sometimes feel abrupt, a sudden transformation that doesn’t always blend with your natural skin tone, age, or facial expression. At-home gels, on the other hand, allow for a more elegant shift: a return to the brightness that feels like you.

Understanding how whitening gels work

To appreciate home whitening, it is helpful to understand the simplicity behind it.
Whitening gels typically use ingredients that penetrate the upper layers of the enamel, gently breaking down the pigments that cause staining. This process works on:

• Surface stains (from drinks, sauces, tobacco)
• Deeper discoloration that has developed gradually over time

The key lies in consistency rather than intensity. Whitening works best when done gently, over a series of days or weeks, rather than all at once.

For guidance on maintaining enamel health during whitening, the NHS provides clear and balanced advice on oral care and daily cleaning habits. The whitening gel is not altering your teeth, it simply helps your natural brightness return to the forefront.

Preparing for a successful whitening experience

Home whitening is at its most effective when the teeth and gums are in their best state. A few thoughtful preparations ensure even, long-lasting results:

1. Begin with a fresh clean

A gentle professional cleaning or thorough brushing and flossing helps remove plaque that may block the whitening gel from reaching the enamel.

2. Avoid strong stains during the whitening period

While whitening, try to reduce:

• Coffee
• Red wine
• Strong black tea
• Soy sauce and tomato-based dishes

Even just drinking coffee through a straw during the whitening phase can make a notable difference.

3. Brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste

A soft approach is key. Avoid pastes designed to “scrub” whiteness back, they can wear down enamel, which is counterproductive.

4. Hydrate and nourish

The mouth responds best when well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water and maintain good saliva flow to support natural enamel remineralisation.

Small, caring habits add up, both in beauty and in wellbeing.

Creating a routine that feels natural

Home whitening should never feel like a chore. Think of it instead as a brief daily ritual, attended to with the same grace as skincare or hair care.

A suggested rhythm might look like:

1. Evening brushing and flossing
2. Application of the whitening gel as directed
3. A moment of calm, reading, listening to music, journaling
4. Rinsing gently and finishing with a glass of water

This pacing allows whitening to become part of your self-care, not separate from it.

Some individuals notice visible brightness in just a few applications; others will see the glow bloom gradually over two to three weeks. Both outcomes are correct. The beauty of at-home whitening is that you decide where the effect feels most natural.

Maintaining your radiant smile

Once you’ve achieved the shade you feel most yourself in, the next step is maintaining it gracefully. This can be done easily with occasional “top-up” whitening and a few ongoing habits:

• Rinse with water after highly pigmented foods
• Enjoy coffee and tea with awareness (or a straw for less contact)
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect enamel
• Keep to regular dental check-ups for long-term health

These habits are not restrictive; they are simply gentle supports for your new brightness.

A pearly white smile is not about transformation; it is about illumination. It enhances what is already there: your warmth, your presence, your quiet confidence.

With the ease of at-home whitening gels, this radiance is accessible, graceful, and entirely personal. Through consistency and care, your smile can reflect not just health, but the joy and self-assurance that shine from within.

Your smile tells your story and allowing it to shine a little brighter is a beautiful act of self-kindness.

The post The best way to whiten your teeth at home appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Cinema has long been a powerful medium for telling human stories, offering audiences a mirror to society’s struggles, triumphs, and transformations. For queer communities, film has been both a battleground and a stage. It reflects the shifting perceptions of sexuality, gender identity, and the fight for visibility.

The history of queer representation in cinema reveals much about cultural attitudes toward sexuality, the evolution of artistic expression, and the ongoing need for inclusion.

From early silent films to modern blockbusters, queer stories have emerged in varied forms, each adding a layer of meaning to how these narratives are understood. This exploration traces how queer lives have been portrayed, the barriers filmmakers have faced, and how representation has changed over the decades.

Hidden beginnings in early cinema

In the earliest days of film, queer identities were rarely portrayed openly. Silent films occasionally hinted at same-sex attraction through subtle gestures or coded imagery. Filmmakers faced strict social restrictions and censorship laws, which meant queer themes were often veiled. Characters were sometimes presented as eccentric or villainous, reflecting societal prejudices rather than authentic lived experiences.

For instance, early horror and noir genres occasionally used queer-coded villains as a way to signal danger or moral ambiguity. A tactic that reinforced stereotypes rather than genuine representation. These portrayals reveal that queer existence was visible, but only in hidden, distorted forms. These coded narratives laid the groundwork for both creative resistance and the challenges that lay ahead for queer filmmakers.

The rise of queer narratives in mid-20th Century

As cinema moved into the mid-20th century, queer themes began to gain more visibility, though still under heavy constraints. The Motion Picture Production Code in the United States, for example,  enforced strict guidelines that prohibited explicit discussion of homosexuality.

Filmmakers responded with subtext, symbolism, and coded references, allowing queer viewers to find meaning where mainstream audiences might not recognise it.

International cinema, especially in Europe, began to push boundaries earlier. Directors like Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Jean Cocteau explored queer themes more openly, creating a niche for queer cinema that was both daring and poetic. These films challenged the perception that queer stories could not belong to art or mainstream narratives, planting seeds for later cultural shifts.

Read more: The groundbreaking LGBTQ+ icons throughout history…

Breaking barriers: The 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s and 1990s marked a turning point in queer cinema, driven by activism and social change. The HIV/AIDS crisis brought queer issues into urgent public discourse, influencing how queer lives were represented in film. Filmmakers began telling stories that centred queer experiences with greater honesty and urgency.

Independent cinema flourished during this period, offering platforms for authentic queer voices. Films such as Paris Is Burning and My Own Private Idaho explored queer identity with emotional depth and complexity. This era marked a significant expansion of narratives beyond stereotypes, allowing queer cinema to examine themes of love, loss, identity, and resilience with nuance.

Shifting perspectives on LGBTQ+ representation

The discussion of queer representation in film today is more prominent than ever, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges. Also, LGBTQ+ representation in film is no longer confined to niche art houses; it has expanded into mainstream cinema and television. There is greater visibility of queer characters in diverse roles. This ranges from romantic leads to multifaceted protagonists in genres such as drama, comedy, fantasy, and science fiction. Yet representation still faces obstacles. Issues of tokenism, stereotyping, and underrepresentation remain prevalent.

Authentic representation requires more than the inclusion of queer characters. It demands depth, complexity, and respect for lived experience. The presence of queer filmmakers and storytellers is essential to achieving this, as they bring lived insight that shapes narratives beyond surface-level portrayals.

Contemporary queer storytelling

In the last decade, queer storytelling in film has become increasingly varied and bold. Advances in technology, greater access to filmmaking platforms, and evolving social attitudes have opened new spaces for queer narratives. Streaming services have broadened opportunities for queer filmmakers, allowing stories to reach global audiences without relying solely on traditional distribution channels.

Films such as Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Moonlight, and The Half of It have achieved critical acclaim, not only for their artistry but also for their nuanced portrayals of queer lives. These stories challenge viewers to move beyond assumptions and engage with queer identity as a complex, universal human experience.

Today’s queer cinema is not confined to representation alone; it is actively shaping culture and influencing how society perceives diversity.

Challenges and future directions

While queer stories in film have achieved remarkable progress, there remains significant challenges to overcome. Many queer filmmakers face barriers such as funding shortages, restrictive industry gatekeeping, and cultural censorship in different parts of the world, which can limit the scope and authenticity of storytelling.

Representation still often leans toward certain narratives, frequently prioritising stories that fit mainstream expectations while sidelining more diverse voices. This creates a gap where intersectional experiences, such as those of queer people of colour, trans individuals, disabled queer people, and queer voices from non-Western cultures, may remain underrepresented.

Another challenge lies in avoiding tokenism, where queer characters exist only as symbols rather than fully developed individuals, which risks reducing representation to mere visibility rather than meaningful storytelling. Expanding the scope of queer storytelling means embracing diversity in all its forms, across genres, perspectives, and cultural contexts. This requires both structural change within the industry and deliberate creative risk-taking from filmmakers willing to challenge norms.

Audience support also plays a role…

As demand for inclusive and authentic stories can push studios and producers to take chances on narratives that have historically been ignored. The future of queer cinema depends on building spaces where a wider range of queer voices can be heard and respected, shaping a richer, more inclusive cinematic world where every story has the possibility of being told.

Queer narratives have travelled far from their early coded origins, evolving into a rich and complex realm of storytelling that reflects both progress and the struggles that remain. The history of queer representation in film is a chronicle of resilience, creativity, and the fight for visibility.

As society continues to evolve, queer cinema will remain a vital part of cultural conversation, illuminating identities and experiences that deserve to be seen and understood. The journey of queer stories in film history is ongoing, and every new film adds a chapter to this unfolding narrative of inclusion, resistance, and transformation.

The post Exploring queer stories in film history appeared first on Silver Magazine.