Into the wild: a luxury eco-safari in southern Africa worth the journey
One for the bucket list – get close to nature by day and dine under the stars at night on a luxury eco-safari in southern Africa
Remote, responsible and offering an adventure of a lifetime, Wilderness’ camps at Toka Leya in Zambia and Linkwasha and Ruckomechi in Zimbabwe offer a rare kind of travel: up-close encounters with some of Africa’s most elusive wildlife. Along with the warmest hospitality and exceptional scenery, you’ll find encounters with nature at every turn. Set on riverbanks and within vast, unfenced national parks, each camp is unique, with its own expert guides. Built around the wildlife, the camps allow animals to move freely and the landscapes to remain untouched – it’s not unusual to spot giraffes, baboons, hippos or passing elephants from the deck of your safari tent. Days are shaped by the best opportunities to see wildlife, and your guide will wake you as the sun rises to spot animals at their most active before they shelter from the heat. Between your morning and evening safari, you can enjoy the camps’ hospitality: from cooling dips in a pool overlooking the great Zambezi to visits to local villages or fishing trips. There's rarely a moment that doesn’t feel like a unique and memorable experience. Stay At Toka Leya, swinging chairs and bathtubs outside invite you into the outdoor space, while treetop pathways link the camp to the restaurant area so as not to disturb the parade of wildlife. Set on the edge of the Great Zambezi River, it’s just a short drive from Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. River cruises are a must here and you’ll sail past meandering hippos, crocs and elephants having their evening bath. Three of the suites here offer family units with an extra bedroom. In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers a more contemporary take on safari living. Pale woods, canvas and glass create a modern, safari-chic aesthetic, with suites positioned around a busy waterhole where giraffes, elephants and antelope gather throughout the day. There is a sunken viewing hide here for incredibly close-up photographs of the wildlife. Further south, Ruckomechi, set within Mana Pools National Park, feels timeless and explorer-chic. Lantern-lit decks glow after dark and elephants frequently wander through camp. You can also book a night on their outdoor bed platform – perfectly safe, yet completely open to the night sky – where you fall asleep beneath the Milky Way and wake to hyenas laughing at dawn. Eat Food is an integral part of the Wilderness experience, the emphasis is on traditional menus that celebrate the bold, earthy flavours and locally sourced ingredients. Think flame-grilled bream from the Zambezi, slow-cooked game stews, vibrant salads and homemade cakes and sandwiches before every afternoon game drive. Mornings begin gently with fresh fruit, wood-fired breads and eggs cooked to order before heading out on your first activity of the day. You’ll return to a lavish brunch with the menu changing daily, but the generous options mean that everyone is well looked after. Evening menus are three-course and served under the stars, there’s also an opportunity to sit with your guide on the last night for a relaxed opportunity to hear more about their adventures. Dinner ends with gin and tonics around the campfire and drinks from the bar. Experience The guiding across all three camps is exceptional – their knowledge of the surrounding area and wildlife is unrivalled. Days follow a natural rhythm: early-morning drives when animals are most active, lazy afternoons for swimming, spa treatments or simply watching the bush breathe, followed by a final outing as the air cools. Planet Sustainability underpins everything Wilderness does. Camps are solar-powered, toiletries are eco-friendly and ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible. Just as importantly, Wilderness works closely with surrounding communities, supporting conservation initiatives that protect both wildlife and livelihoods – ensuring these extraordinary places endure for generations to come. How to do it Toka Leya is accessed via Livingstone Airport in Zambia, while Linkwasha and Ruckomechi are closest to Victoria Falls or Harare. From £613 per person, per night including transfers, meals, drinks, and game drives or river excursions. wildernessdestinations.com
Why you should consider Belize for your next family holiday
This central American destination is something of a secret to UK travellers – but it shouldn't be!
Nestled alongside Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is roughly the size of Wales, yet offers coral reefs, rainforest, pine-covered ridges and paradise beaches, making it a destination with many possibilities. The varied landscape is home to many different ethnic groups, so there’s a vibrant food scene that makes the most of the bounty of the sea and tropical forests. It's easy to have as active or relaxed a holiday as you want. The diving and snorkelling are first rate, while there are also incredible hiking options through rainforest, with caving and tubing thrown in. My children surprisingly loved fishing and, less surprisingly, visiting tiny islands by motorboat and swimming with stingrays. They also went wild for the smoothies made from fresh exotic fruits... Breakfast in Belize Belizean breakfasts must be some of the best in the world – you’ll find familiar Central American burritos, breakfast tacos and rancheros, but fry jacks are a speciality. Eat the puffed-up tortilla pockets stuffed with eggs, chaya (a kind of spinach), beans or anything you fancy. The relative proximity to the US means Belize caters to the predominately American holidaymakers, so there’s also more indulgent sweet treats like waffles and pancakes, plus fresh fruit bowls and juices. Try soursop – its juice is packed with tropical sweetness and a hint of citrus, but is milky in appearance (it also makes excellent ice cream). Mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut and watermelon can be found piled up on roadside stalls or freshly juiced in the markets. Everything is fully ripened on the trees, resulting in sweetness you’d never taste from the same fruits back home – you might just drink some of the best juice of your life here. Spectacular seafood The seafood is also impeccably fresh, as you might expect from a country with so much coastline. In higher-end resorts, you could eat lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if you wished. Make the most of this freshness by trying ceviche – choose from shrimp, snapper or the ever-present lobster. Catching (and cooking) your own is easily arranged: take a motorboat trip out to the reef where the whole family can try reeling in a fish or two. Follow it up with snorkelling and catch sight of stingrays, nurse sharks and plenty of other fish, too. Then, for lunch, the captain will cook the catch on a minute island. Mayan specialities Most of the country’s major Mayan sites are inland, but you can’t travel far without coming across ancient stone settlements (although some estimates suggest only 10 per cent of the remains have been excavated). The most famous (and largest) are Caracol, Lamanai and Xunantunich, located primarily along the western border of the country. There’s a huge amount to learn about the ancient Mayan civilisation, and a tour of one of these spectacular temples can provide a valuable introduction. The Mayans grew and harvested maize, grinding it into the tortillas that are still eaten today. They were also the first people to grow cacao for food – the fermented beans are ground to a paste and mixed into a drink with spices such as chilli and cinnamon, or sweetened with honey, then drunk as part of ceremonies or rituals. Now, it’s part of the tourist trail – cacao bars are on sale in every gift shop, and you can join a class to make your own. Where to go San Ignacio, midway down the western border, is one of the country’s most popular towns, and has a fun, hometown atmosphere. Its proximity to the lush rainforests and cultural mix makes it a foodie hotspot. It has a great market, and the sheer variety of cuisines on offer can be seen at Pop’s – a breakfast institution that still bears the name of its founder. Stay at the sleek yet friendly West House Boutique Hotel, which is close to the centre of town. For seaside fun that’s as laid-back as it gets, Hopkins village – across on the eastern seaboard – is a must-visit. There’s a wealth of hotels to stay at and restaurants catering for all budgets. Seiri del Mar resort offers self-catering apartments right on the sea, but the on-site restaurant, Embers, is well worth visiting for dinner or a drink, whether or not you’re staying at the resort. A smart spot for dinner is Singanga, and try breakfast at Roast Coffee House for incredible smoothies and enormous platters, from waffle stacks and loaded omelettes to avo shrimp toast and cinnamon bananas foster french toast. There’s nothing for it but to retreat to your hammock after that! Where to stay King suites at West House Boutique Hotel start from £122 per night; a bedroom beachside villa plus den room with breakfast at Seiri del Mar starts from £300 per night.
Best all-inclusive resorts with great food 2026
From Spain to St Lucia, we reveal the best all-inclusive resorts across the globe that guarantee delicious food
Forget beige buffets and limited drinks menus, today’s all-inclusive resort is aimed at an ever-younger, travel-savvy crowd who demand boutique design and the comfort of knowing that all those craft cocktails have been factored into the headline price. The luxe all-inclusive concept, long-established in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean, has lately picked up firmly in Europe. Premium wines, chef-led tasting menus and glasses of fizz are now deemed a must-have for any self-respecting all-inclusive resort, while some now partner with local restaurants in ‘dine out’ programmes that allow the culinarily curious to explore beyond the hotel compound. Seeing the winning recipe, upscale brands including Marriott, Hyatt and Wyndham are beginning to gather all-inclusive resorts at a pace, while established groups such as Domes Resorts are adding an exclusive top-tier to their all-inclusive categories. We've visited resorts across Europe and further afield – read on for our round up of the best all-inclusive holidays. Jump to: Best all-inclusive resorts in Europe Best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean Best all-inclusive resorts further afield Best all-inclusive resorts in Europe Ikos, Andalucia, Spain Best for: gourmet Spanish break The first foray for the Ikos brand outside Greece has raised the bar for Spanish all-inclusives, offering menus by Michelin-starred chefs, premium drinks and activities like paddle-boarding, yoga and golf, all on tap. There's massage for ‘deluxe’ guests in the spa, where you’ll find a lovely hammam, Anne Semonin treatments and an adults-only pool. There are five other swimming pools, around which this low-rise white-wash hotel is clustered in 21 acres of gardens along the beach. Kids’ clubs include tailored offerings for all ages, from four months to 17 years (free from four years old). The food available spreads across nine restaurants, with menus drawing from cuisines across Greece, the Med’ and Asia, accompanied by a 300-strong wine list. Then there’s the ‘dine out’ programme where dining at a choice of restaurants in Marbella and Estepona comes at no extra charge. Just an hour from Malaga airport, and a short bike ride along the promenade to the pretty town of Estepona, this is a well-located resort should you decide to step beyond its luxurious confines. Borrow one of the electric Tesla cars (complimentary for a day) to explore nearby Marbella or the hill town of Rhonda. Rooms and rates: Cool contemporary décor, whites and neutrals characterise rooms, which have complementary mini bars and Nespresso machines. There are family rooms and suites sleeping four to six and some doubles are interconnecting. From £343 per night based on two people sharing a double room. Check rates and availability at booking.com, British Airways, Tui or Ikos Resorts Creta Maris, Heraklion, Crete Best for: sustainable family-friendly resort Nestled along the dazzling Aegean coastline, Creta Maris is a family-friendly hotel which takes a local and sustainable approach to all-inclusive catering. Despite its sprawling size, the hotel has the unique advantage of never feeling busy around the numerous pools, restaurants, or private beach. In fact, the hotel gives the impression of a traditional Greek village with white-washed houses, cobbled streets, tucked away plazas and an abundance of plant and flower-life. Creta Maris underwent an extensive renovation in 2023. There are seven restaurants to choose from, ll with their own unique ethos and style, so it’s easy to stay for a week and dine somewhere new every night. Mademi is an à la carte Cretan barbecue restaurant specialising in local meats, such as flame-grilled steaks or perfectly prepared lamb kebabs. With uninterrupted views of the crystal-clear sea, it’s worth booking your table in time for the sunset. Right next door you’ll find Alatsi, an adults-only seafood restaurant with the same uninterrupted sea views. Pithos is an organic Cretan restaurant which has a traditional wood oven and only uses produce grown in their own kitchen garden or by local farmers who take part in their sustainability programme. Snacks and drinks are on tap from the lavish breakfast buffets until bedtime and you’ll find fresh fruit smoothies, homemade ice creams, Greek salads as well as all the children’s favourites such as hot dogs, waffles, crepes and slushies at the various snack points and close to the hugely popular waterpark. The generosity of the all-inclusive experience lasts until the moment of departure, catering for late-night flights. There’s a dedicated shower and changing area for checked-out guests, ensuring that the pools, beach, and restaurants remain at your disposal till the very end. Rooms and rates: You can choose from white-washed villas with balconies, to family rooms or adjoining apartments to villas with private pools. Rates start from £185 per night based on two people sharing. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Tui, Thomas Cook or Creta Maris Club Med, Val d’Isère, France Best for: countryside surroundings The French resort brand elevated its practised all-inclusive offering to include the Exclusive Collection, opened in 2023 in the Dominican Republic, Mauritius, Cefalù in Italy, Val d’Isere in France, and the Seychelles. Here, all-inclusive trills include champagne at 6pm, room service breakfast and poolside service, and private pool suites in some destinations. Along with offering an exceptional ski experience in winter, the Val d’Isère resort is a surprisingly good bet for a summer break. Free from Europe’s coastal humidity and peak season crowds, this Alpine escape has a sizeable spa with outdoor whirlpool and indoor pool plus pristine lakes to swim in, along with biking and hiking trails to explore the meadows and peaks of the surrounding Vanoise National Park. Children from 4-17 years old have complimentary club access where activities include mountain biking, treetop ziplines and camping under the stars. Food is French and effortlessly high quality. Dine at the resort’s two restaurants or two bars, focused on local ingredients from the Savoie region and nearby Italy, with a wide selection of wines available from local Alpine producers. Or step out to learn about local cheese-making at nearby Ferme de l’Adroit. Rooms and rates: Replete with wood and warm colours, rooms have balconies with mountain views, slippers and robes, and plenty of own-brand toiletries. Family rooms and suites sleep three to five people. A week’s stay in summer starts from £2,812 for a deluxe room with balcony sleeping two; under fours stay free. Check rates and availability at Club Med Quinta do Lago, Portugal Best for: travelling with kids With palm-tree lined avenues and a peaceful atmosphere, Quinta do Lago in the Algarve is a haven set in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is bolstered by sustainability initiatives including Q Farm – which grows fruit, vegetables and herbs for the restaurants, removing single-use plastics – and the use of electric vehicles. Native plants and wildlife are actively encouraged, and the golf course is GEO-certified (a widely recognised sustainability organisation in the golf world). It ticks a lot of boxes for those travelling with kids: coastline, child-friendly restaurants, mostly outdoor space, fun water sports and great weather. Sports facility The Campus is a high-end complex with tennis courts, a pool, a busy itinerary of classes and full-size sports pitches. The Lake is a more low-key, outdoor option, where you can rent kayaks, pedalos or paddleboards, and kids can tackle an inflatable obstacle course. Eat Lunch at Casa Do Lago, a fish restaurant with a sunny terrace next to the lake. The kids’ menu features staples like tomato pasta and chicken nuggets (served in a panko crumb for added foodie kudos). At steakhouse Bovino, take your pick from rib-eye and rump, or opt for local dishes including chistorra sausage, oysters from Ria Formosa and sides like black beans and farofa. Casa Velha is where you’ll find traditional Portuguese food served in a contemporary, small plates setting. Hotel chain Wyndham has a five-star outpost here, the Wyndham Grand Algarve, and it’s a great base for exploring the estate. A kids’ club offers daily sessions including pastry-making, clay work and treasure hunts, while family suites have the convenient addition of a kitchen for groups who like a self-catering option on top of the hotel and resort restaurants. For calmer times, relax at the pool and snack at theOasis Pool Bar, or active parents can hit the gym. Those in need of some R&R can book into the spa. Staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible, whatever your style. Kick off the day with an epic breakfast at the Caravela restaurant. Pancakes and eggs are cooked to order, or opt for tropical fruit, smoothies and more, including a heaving pastry section featuring the jewel in Portugal’s bakery crown, the pastel de nata. You can liberally dust these with as much cinnamon and sugar as you like with no judgement! Rooms and rates: Wyndham Grand Algarve suites start from €416. The resort is easy to access via Faro airport and it connects to Lisbon by train from nearby Loulé. Check rates and availability at booking.com, British Airways or Wyndham Grand Algarve Sani Resort, Haldiki, Greece Best for: choice of restaurants Nestled in the stunning surroundings of the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece, Sani Resort is situated on a 1,000-acre ecological reserve with direct access to miles of private beach. With over 40 restaurants and bars, the resort offers everything from gourmet dining to casual beachside snacks, and there are world-class childcare services from six months to teens, dedicated sports academies (tennis and football), and an array of water activities, including kids’ pools and the calm shallow waters of its beaches. This family-run resort has expanded into five distinct hotels, each offering a different experience but all sharing the same values of sustainability. Heated pools mean you can visit year round, but as this is a luxury setting, off-peak prices are more economical. Outside the resort you’ll find ancient olive groves, unspoiled beaches and tavernas nearby. Further afield, discover the cultural heritage of Mount Olympus, or take a boat trip to the Athos Peninsula, home to ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes. Within the hotel grounds Sani Marina is a lively spot with shopping, waterfront dining, and a relaxed atmosphere. Eat Sani is home to over 40 restaurants and bars, each offering something different to suit all tastes, from Michelin-starred dining to casual beachside bites. The resort’s ‘Dine Around’ program allows guests to enjoy a range of set menus at multiple restaurants on either a half-board or full-board basis. The breakfast buffet is a particular treat, where you’ll find freshly squeezed juices, an abundance of local yogurt and honey, homemade pastries and omelettes made to order, which you can enjoy overlooking the crystal clear sea. Restaurants like La Cucina (Italian), Water Restaurant (Mediterranean seafood), and the Asian Corner (Japanese and Thai) are standout choices, but there are also more casual options, such as beachside bars. and classic Greek tavernas overlooking the beach. And for families, the resort’s kids’ menus, designed by chef Annabel Karmel, ensure even the smallest diners are satisfied. Rooms and rates: Accommodation ranges from beach view bungalows at Sani Club to suites at Porto Sani and a more contemporary, sophisticated vibe at Sani Dunes. Many of the resort’s facilities and rooms are wheelchair accessible, and there is a dedicated disabled suite. Prices at Sani Club start from £244 per night for a double room, on a half-board basis. Check the offers available – in some parts of the resort children under 12 stay free or at a very reduced rate. Check rates and availability at British Airways or Sani Resort TRS Ibiza Hotel, Ibiza Best for: chic adults-only scene One for adults only, this is the place where grown-up denizens of Ibiza’s party scene come to kick back and be waited on hand and foot. Yes, uber chic serviced villas and chef-led fincas are still go-to Ibiza retreats but, set right in San Antonio, the TRS resort launched in 2022 has upped the game for the island’s all-inclusives. Signature Level, the top tier all-inclusive category, allows participating guests the option to dine out in select Ibizan agroturismos – hip beach clubs and sushi bars island-wide – along with giving them access to events at such institutions as Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza and Hi Ibiza. It also gives this category of guest their own sun lounger and hammock spot in resort VIP areas, such as the Gravity Sky Lounge, free spa access, a complimentary mini bar re-stock every three days and premium beverages, plus early check-in and late check-out. On site, restaurants range from El Gaucho serving Latino-Iberian grills, the Ibizan-style Helios with a classic beach club-style menu of salads and small plates, while Capricho is the elegant all-day dining spot with a sun-dappled terrace and show kitchens serving international food, both buffet and à la carte. Cava, Campari and cocktails seem to be permanently free-flowing throughout. DJs play discreet sets around the infinity pools, while the eighth-floor rooftop pool and cocktail bar is the spot for sundowners and laid-back live music where linen-clad staff in blend seamlessly with neutral tone décor. Rooms and rates: There are 378 rooms (53 of which are dedicated to Signature guests) from standard to deluxe, plus swim-up suites. Décor is all blonde wood and whites with splashes of colour from contemporary Spanish artists. Espresso machines and full-sized bottles of toiletries are included. Double rooms from £311 per night. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Tui, British Airways or TRS Ibiza Hotel Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villa, Greece Best for: boutique atmosphere Cut into a craggy cliff overlooking the deep curve of Mirabello Bay, this chic retreat in north-eastern Crete comes with its own private beach and villas secluded in swathes of olive groves. Built from the rocks excavated from the cove it sits in, this 290-room, low-key, rustic-luxe resort has a boutique atmosphere and family-friendly attitude. Among the myriad activities it offers, scuba diving, sailing and water-skiing up the excitement stakes. The spa centres around an indoor saltwater infinity pool with sea views, but also includes a hammam, all manner of places to steam and sauna, and high-tech facilities such as cryo and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The creche accepts infants from four months for an extra charge, while the inclusive kids’ club caters to those aged four to 11. There's also an outdoor family pool and hang-out area for teens. Local produce is the cornerstone of all menus across the resort’s five restaurants and two bars. Health-conscious families can enjoy fresh, tasty dishes from the a la carte restaurants, all created by a nutritionist and holistic consultant. Elsewhere, there’s informal Mediterranean dining at Taverna and Pangea, while the RHO restaurant focuses on plant-based fine dining menus and offers farm-to-cup tea-pairing experiences. A lively calendar of events includes cooking courses and the annual Culinary Journeys series, which brings guest chefs from top restaurants around the world to cook for guests. Rooms and rates: All-inclusive rates are available for guests booking suites and villas, which comes with such luxuries as free room service and mini bar restocks. Two- and three-bedroom family villas are kitted out with everything imaginable to keep infants and kids safe and happy. The creche accepts children from four months at additional cost; kids’ clubs are free from four years upwards. Deluxe junior suite for two adults and one child for from €696 (£598) per night. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Mr and Mrs Smith, British Airways, Thomas Cook or Daios Cove Hillside Beach Club, Turkey Best for: unique hillside setting The Turquoise Coast of southern Turkey is something of a trailblazer for smart all-inclusive resorts. Here you’ll find the likes of Sundia by Liberty Exclusive, Club and Hotel Letoonia and Club Tuana – all-inclusive resorts that feel more like chic villages or boutique hotels, where good food is front and centre. And they have Hillside Beach Club to thank for the winning formula. Founded in 1994, terraced into the forested cliffs that rise dramatically out of impossibly azure waters around the town of Fethiye, this 330-room resort has been studied by Harvard for its record return bookings rate. Guest rooms are stacked up the hillside, an amphitheatre-like arrangement around the bay, main restaurant and pool. Get in shape to access clifftop rooms and the treetop spa, with paths, steps and wood bridges winding through the pines, or take the funicular. Paved walkways connect the main hub to the resort’s other beaches and restaurants. This is a rural retreat, but complimentary hotel shuttles run to Fethiye should you want to explore; excursions aboard a traditional Turkish, two-masted, wooden gulet boat access hidden beaches. There is an almost endless choice of complimentary sporty activities on water or land, which three different age-ranked children’s clubs to make the most of – other services for families include very decent children’s menus, a ‘baby park’ (play area), an outdoor theatre with daily events, buggies and a babysitting service. For all ages: take coffee roasting lessons, cookery courses and cocktail-making workshops. Food takes in a family style al fresco Italian restaurant, the club Pacha (12 years +), plus various venues offering excellent Turkish and Mediterranean menus with plenty of veggie, gluten-free and healthy options. Rooms and rates: Decked in tranquil neutral tones, almost all rooms have sea views, family style come with a large terrace and a separate single room. Those higher up the hillside are away from resort hubbub. Organic lip balms, hair bands and turquoise string friendship bracelets boost the generous toiletries range. One week from £2,560 for two adults and one child. Check rates and availability at British Airways, Tui or Hillside Beach Club Best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Mauritius Best for: tropical beaches Situated on the southwestern tip of Mauritius, Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is set against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne mountain and has direct access to one of the most scenic shorelines on the island. You’ll be surrounded by tropical scenes, including an abundance of palm and coconut trees, pure white sand beaches, sapphire waters and the island’s largest lagoon on your doorstep. Guests staying at Paradis Beachcomber can also use the facilities of the neighbouring Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa which has a wealth of restaurants, pools and sporting opportunities, but you may well find your family is reluctant to leave the balmy pools and crystal waters for a stroll. However, a boat ride to snorkel and spot wild dolphins playing in the surf is a must, and active families will also love the pristine tennis courts, volleyball and mountain biking opportunities. A complimentary kids’ club for children aged 3 to 11 years old offers a wealth of creative opportunities and there’s an activity programme for teens aged 12 to 17 years old, which means ‘I’m bored’ are not words that will be mentioned on this holiday, so adults can really have a well-deserved break. Food is something that’s taken very seriously at Beachcombers, and there’s a great variety of family-friendly options. The Mediterranean restaurant Zest overlooks the beach and its open kitchen serves beautiful wood-fired pizzas, seafood, pasta dishes and al fresco sharing plates, as well as an imaginative cocktail menu. Children can play in the sand after eating in plain sight of their parents as they relax on rattan loveseats overlooking the lagoon. Blue Marlin serves world cuisine while La Ravenne specialises in classic Mauritian dishes which make the most of local ingredients. Breakfast is a bountiful affair with exotic fruits, fresh juices, homemade waffles, crepes and an almost endless variety of sweet and savoury treats – the only downside is you might struggle to drag the kids away! Rooms and rates: The hotel is made up of a variety of traditional, thatched roof buildings which offer both peace and privacy; those looking to travel with large or extended families can also investigate the option of larger villas. A night’s stay in a junior suite starts from £330 on a B&B basis. Check rates and availability at Beachcomber Hotels, booking.com or Thomas Cook Sandals, Grenada Best for: couples Sandals gives you the chance to soak up the Spice Isle on their adult-only all-inclusive resort, situated on Grenada’s gorgeous coastline at Pink Gin beach. Designed for couples, this large resort features warming fire pits, private pools and beautiful secluded areas for enjoying each other’s company. Guests can also try out a variety of land and water sports all included in the price of their stay, and make use of five pools, one of which includes a swim-up bar. There is also access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre, and spa featuring Caribbean-inspired treatments using natural regional products. With a large selection of room types, there is something to suit every couple. With stunning ocean and inland views, all rooms are spacious and equipped with a patio or balcony area. Sandals’ top rooms also come with their distinguished butler service, plunge pools and spacious living areas. There are 11 speciality restaurants on the resort. Head to Butch’s chophouse, serving up juicy steaks and fresh seafood. For an authentic Caribbean experience try out Spices, with its tropical surroundings, exceptional wines and spirits and warming hospitality. Expect dishes that make the most of what the island is famous for – nutmeg and cinnamon. All restaurants are included in your stay at no extra cost. At night, take in the energy of the rhythmic celebrations at one of six hotel bars always serving up premium liquors. Rooms and rates: Sandals pricing is dynamic but starts from around £2,109 per person for a Lover’s Lagoon Hideaway Junior Suite for a seven-night stay. Prices for premium rooms start from £3,599 per person for a South Seas Grande Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary on an all-inclusive basis for a seven-night stay. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, butler service and 24hr room service, return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick Airport and resort transfers. Check rates and availability at Sandals Grenada, booking.com or Virgin Atlantic Cap Maison, St Lucia Best for: small boutique feel The Caribbean Windward island is a golden ticket for gourmet all-inclusive resorts, including East Winds, Jade Mountain and Sugar Beach. We’re singling out Cap Maison, in a spectacular clifftop location above Smuggler’s Bay at the island’s north, for its hacienda style and culinary excellence. For an all-inclusive resort, ‘the Cap’ has a boutique feel, with an honesty bar by reception, a clifftop swimming pool and just 49 rooms, suites and villas. There are wine tastings at Rock Maison, a decked bar at the base of the cliff which zip-wires its vintages down from the hotel. Cliff at Cap, above, is the open-air spot for both fine dining and breakfast, with a panoramic sea view backdrop. Expect French-Caribbean fine dining – with signature dinner dishes including ceviche of reef conch and ahi tuna with a mango balsamic jus; kurobuta pork belly with razor clams and squid served with a coconut foam. Even the beach bar, The Naked Fisherman, has culinary clout with contemporary seafood dishes as its central offering. Rooms and rates: Lead-in garden view rooms are cheery, if modest, with hand-painted Mexican tiles, wicker furnishings and jalousie shutters; villas are spacious enough for families but, overall, the resort’s atmosphere is quite grown-up. There are complimentary water sports a-plenty but no dedicated kids' club. Family offers at select times of the year include up to two children under 12 staying and dining for free, and rates include three hours of free babysitting. Summer season rates are around £452 per room, per night, and children under 11 eat free. Stays of three nights or more attract better rates. Check rates and availability at booking.com, British Airways or Cap Maison Palmaïa, Quintana Roo, Mexico Best for: wellness retreat The Riviera Maya has become something of a nexus of high-end, food-focused all-inclusive resorts. There’s Nizuc Resort & Spa, with superb pan-Asian and Indo-Chinese menus, and Tulum is shortly to welcome Mexico’s second Nobu Resort (the first is in Los Cabos, another top spot in Mexico for luxury resorts with great food). But we’re shining a spotlight on Palmaïa, an elegant wellness retreat just outside Playa del Carmen, for its bounty of vegan food and a spa based around a natural cenote. The Architects of Life programme includes beach and rainforest rituals such as cacao ceremonies, tai chi, sound-healing therapy and meditation, while a Waldorf Academy-led kid’s club programme aims to get youngsters to swap digital screens for outdoorsy activities immersed in nature. Jungle-backed and Caribbean-fronted, this green and serene spa hotel has dedicated villas, pools, menus and programmes for families, and areas for those travelling without children. Plant-based menus are found across all four restaurants, from the Mexican fine-dining LEK to El Caminante food truck, as well as in-room 24-hour dining, plus some fantastic healthy breakfast dishes, smoothies and baked goods on offer each morning. Rooms and rates: All 243 suites are ocean-front, some with swim-out access to the resort’s four infinity pools, others set among the mangroves. Sustainable and vegan principles at the forefront, so bathroom products are 100% biodegradable and not tested on animals, furnishings are leather-free and bedding is feather-free. From £891 based on an ocean-front queen or king suite sleeping two. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Thomas Cook or Palmaïa Best all-inclusive resorts further afield OZEN Collection, Maldives Best for: standout food The Maldives is synonymous with crystal waters, overwater villas and kind hospitality — and now, with standout food too. At OZEN Collection, spanning the islands of Maadhoo and Bolifushi, all-inclusive means local traditions, beachfront and underwater dining, wine tastings and warm service. Each villa comes with a personal butler (or hiyani) to top up your maxi-bar, make restaurant bookings and whisk you to dinner. Maadhoo is the smaller, more intimate of the two – lush, quiet and 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé. Its culinary centrepiece is LONU by Tuna, a fine-dining Maldivian restaurant led by chefs deeply rooted in local food heritage. Expect seasonal tasting menus that might include mas riha (spiced tuna curry) with heirloom rice, or garudhiya consommé with smoked tuna and lime leaf oil, all plated with understated elegance. Don’t miss M6M, the underwater restaurant, where marine biologists offer daytime reef tours and night-time brings a surreal setting of bioluminescence and soft lighting. Dishes like Maldivian lobster with curry leaf butter or sashimi with coconut vinegar pearls match the mood. Breakfast is exceptional too: alongside international choices, the Maldivian station serves mas huni (flaked tuna, coconut, onion and chilli) with warm roshi, kulhi mas and fiery lunumirus. Bolifushi, just 20 minutes by luxury catamaran from Malé, is larger and sleeker, with bigger villas (some with ocean slides), bikes and a strong focus on wine and global cuisine. At Origine, wine takes centre stage, thanks to a partnership with Tenerife’s Bodega Tajinaste. Guided tastings explore volcanic whites and bold reds paired with dishes like slow-cooked duck with pomegranate glaze or white fish with citrus beurre blanc. For something more relaxed, Sangu Beach offers Arabic dishes like meze platters, shakshuka and grilled seafood right on the sand. Open late for breakfast, it’s ideal after snorkelling or jet-skiing nearby. On the other side of the island, a buffet-style lunch offers generous sashimi and sushi options, barbecued steak, salads and curries. Villas come with personal butlers, private pools, freestanding tubs and optional floating breakfasts. Families can opt for two-bedroom residences, while honeymooners might prefer the Ocean Pool Suites. Both resorts have standout spas with Ayurvedic and Balinese treatments, plus yoga classes and tailored wellness programmes. Christine Hayes Check rates and availability at <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theozencollection.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cd422d36c877d4a972e9608ddbf945f39%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638877366181955617%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4hrMQ9UCloQ5hKhg5cGpXUgn2LytxO7vthySJ8IGrl0%3D&reserved=0">theozencollection.com Kudadoo, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives Best for: opulent luxury When it comes to upscale all-inclusives, the Maldives set the gold standard. And this exclusive 15-villa floating retreat is perhaps the most opulent of them all. While no doubt pricey, part of the Kudadoo’s shining appeal is that absolutely everything is available at any time pretty much anywhere you want it. As a captive audience in the far-flung ocean-bound Maldives, some travellers may find this affords peace of mind. Luxury all-inclusive offerings, such as unlimited spa treatments, private yoga sessions, all water sports including scuba, excursions and all manner of gourmet food are on tap. There’s the very freshest sashimi and tropical fruits as you’d expect but you can also count on a very impressive cheese cellar, fine wines, spirits and champagne. Guests are also free to dine, inclusive, at nearby sister resort Hurawalhi, along with the much-photographed 5.8 Undersea Restaurant (although additional charges do apply there). Add to this the intuitive service of your private butler and you’ve got the sort of five-star experience found at any of the world’s best landmark hotels. This isn’t a family hotel in the traditional sense, but children will want for nothing with butlers on hand to conjure a roster of activities to entertain their small charges, plus a kids’ spa and, of course, tailored food menus. Rooms and rates: Barefoot luxury with wooden, stilted overwater villas topped with sloping Japanese ryokan-style roofs, indoor-outdoor bathrooms and generous decks with a private dining space, swing sofas and private pools. Doubles from £2,500 per night. Check rates and availability at booking.com, Mr and Mrs Smith, Thomas Cook or Kudadoo Discover more foodie travel tips at our travel hub. Read more travel guides for food lovers The best family hotels in Europe Best foodie holidays in Italy 4 seaside city breaks for foodies Top 10 foodie things to try in Rome
Chiang Mai, a vibrant city in northern Thailand, offers a dynamic food scene blending local traditions and diverse flavours, from street eats to regional specialities
A vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has become a holiday hotspot, boasting a dynamic food scene shaped by local traditions and diverse influences. Whether you are a street food enthusiast or seeking regional specialities, the city offers a tempting array of dishes that capture its unique culinary spirit. Discover even more fabulous foodie travel experiences and our top eats across the globe in our travel hub. If you want to transport yourself to Thailand from the comfort of your kitchen, try more of our Thai-inspired recipes. 8 foods to try in Chiang Mai 1. Khao soi Chiang Mai’s signature dish: egg noodles in a rich, coconut-based curry broth, topped with slow-cooked chicken or beef, crispy noodles and a squeeze of lime. Khao Soi Khun Yai is known for its deep, smoky flavour. 2. Sai oua This coarse-grilled sausage is a northern Thai essential, made with minced pork, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and fiery chilli. Slightly tangy, try it sliced as a snack at Warorot Market, or grilled whole at Tong Tem Toh. 3. Nam prik ong A chunky relish that combines minced pork, fermented soybean paste, garlic, tomato and dried chilli. Served with crunchy veg and sticky rice, you’ll spot it at Huen Phen or among the array of dips for your roast bird at SP Chicken. 4. Crispy pork belly Known locally as moo krob, this lunchtime favourite is all about the contrast: melting layers of juicy pork under a blisteringly crisp skin. Try it slow-roasted in a clay oven at Neng’s Claypot Pork with rice and a rich pork bone broth. 5. Khao niaw mamuang Mango sticky rice is popular across Thailand, but Chiang Mai’s cooler climate brings a special fragrance to its Nam Dok Mai mangoes. Try Mango Tango near the night bazaar, or Mae Varee Fruit Shop for a sweet end to a market ramble. 6. Khao kha moo Braised pork leg on rice isn’t unique to Chiang Mai, but it has a cult following thanks to the city’s ‘cowgirl hat lady’ at Chang Phuak night market. Her tender pork is served over rice with pickled mustard greens and a soft-boiled egg. 7. Water buffalo larb Larb is a staple across Thailand, but Chiang Mai’s version is more savoury than sour and uses water buffalo for a bold, meaty character. Blood, bile or offal may also be added for depth. Adventurous eaters should head to Larb Ton Khao. 8. Roti gluay A Thai-Muslim favourite found at night stalls across the city, these crisp-fried roti are filled with banana and drizzled with condensed milk. Watch the dough get flipped and spun at Rotee Pa Day, near Tha Phae Gate.
Travelling to New York? Try our top 10 favourite foods from this vibrant city, including brilliant bagels, classic street food and the best pizza around.
New York is one of the world’s great – if not greatest – food capitals, defined by its myriad immigrant cultures and almost limitless choice. Whether it’s a supersized bodega sandwich or chicken parm in an old-school Italian joint, New York’s dishes are as much a part of the city as its yellow cabs and skyscrapers. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to start, here’s our guide to the Big Apple’s 10 most iconic foods – and where to find the best of them. Top 10 foods to try in New York 1. New York slice You can find every style of pizza imaginable in New York, but the city’s signature slice – thin, foldable and with just the right ratio of sauce to cheese – is its true pizza icon. Unlike Neapolitan pizza, which has a softer base, New York slices are crisp and sturdy – served on nothing fancier than a white paper plate – and designed to be eaten on the go. It’s the ultimate fast food, and one of the city’s cheapest bites: although the days of $1 slices are long gone, you can still find a giant slice of pie for around $3. For a classic no-fuss slice, Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village has been a favourite since 1975, its walls lined with pictures of all the celebs who have visited over the years. Hipster hotspot Scarr’s on the Lower East Side grinds its own flour in-house and offers a pared back menu of classic slices, while Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Greenpoint channels a 1970s pizzeria vibe, complete with red-chequered trays and wood-panelled walls – don’t miss its hot honey pepperoni square slice. 2. Pastrami sandwich No dish captures New York’s Jewish deli culture better than a pastrami sandwich – thick slices of smoked beef served on rye with a smear of mustard and a pickle on the side. By far the best place to try one is Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the most famous places in the city, with its iconic sign out the front and classic old-school interiors that have barely changed in 100 years. Ordering at the counter from the long-serving staff is as much a part of the experience as the sandwich is itself, with the thick slabs of pastrami all hand-carved to order. There are other excellent options around the city, including modern Jewish deli Frankel’s in Greenpoint and Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, which gives the dish a smoky Texas-style twist that’s well worth the trip. 3. Bagels Brought to New York by Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century, the humble bagel has since evolved into an essential part of the city’s culinary identity – especially the New York-invented “everything” bagel topped with garlic and onion flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds and kosher salt. You can grab a bagel almost anywhere, from deluxe delis to street carts, with fillings as simple as plain soft cheese all the way up to pastrami-spiced gravlax. Some top spots include Russ & Daughters, a classic Lower East Side deli that’s been serving hand-rolled bagels with lox since 1914; Apollo Bagels, an online viral sensation that offers a more modern take, with a focus on small-batch artisanal techniques; and Ess-a-Bagel, which is famed for its pillowy, oversized bagels and generous fillings. 4. Doughnuts Doughnuts in New York have come a long way from the standard glazed ring, and the city is now home to a thriving doughnut renaissance, with many places experimenting with flavours, fillings and even shapes. A few favourites include Doughnut Plant, which is known for its high-quality sourdough square doughnuts and classic American flavours – don’t miss the peanut butter and blackberry jam. Supermoon Bakehouse is famous for its Instagram-ready doughnuts, with flavours like passion fruit and matcha, while Daily Provisions offers its cult-favourite crullers – a type of doughnut made with choux pastry for a lighter, richer bite. 5. Burgers The classic NYC burger is simple: juicy beef, soft potato bun, American cheese and a slice of gherkin. But, there’s still huge variety to be found. For an old-school experience, Corner Bistro in the West Village serves a no-frills burger that’s been a favourite for decades. 7th Street Burger is a popular city-wide chain that keeps things simple with its bang-on-trend smashburgers. And, in true New York style, one of the city’s very best burgers is actually found at pizza restaurant Emily. It’s only served in limited quantities each day and is a true masterpiece, with dry-aged beef, cheddar cheese, caramelised onions and a brioche-pretzel bun. 6. Oysters Long before hot dogs and pizza, New York was an oyster town. In the 19th century, the city's harbour was home to one of the world's largest oyster populations. As a result, oyster carts lined the street, much like today’s food carts. First-time visitors searching for a classic New York experience should head straight to the Grand Central Oyster Bar, which has been serving oysters under the station’s vaulted ceilings since 1913. Sitting up at the bar here – whether you’re waiting for a train or not – is an unmissable experience. Other favourites include the New Orleans-influenced Maison Premiere in Brooklyn – where absinthe flows as freely as the oysters – and Penny, a sleek new seafood spot in the East Village. Wherever you are in town, also keep an eye out for oyster happy hours (this in itself is a New York tradition), with many places offering $1 oysters in the early evening. 7. Bodega sandwich Ask any New Yorker where to get a great sandwich, and chances are they’ll point you to their local bodega. These small neighbourhood stores are found all across the city (there are some 13,000 in total), and many serve surprisingly expansive menus of overstuffed deli sandwiches, from a breakfast BEC (bacon, egg and cheese) to a lunchtime turkey salad or late-night patty melt (many bodegas are open 24 hours). You can’t really go wrong at any bodega, but a few of the best include Sunny & Annie’s Deli in the East Village, famous for its creative fillings and sandwich names like the “Obama” and “Mona Lisa”; Datz Deli, which serves up classic Harlem-style chopped cheese sandwiches; and Don Juan Grocery and Deli, a family-run hidden gem serving no-frills sandwiches, like honey ham and salad. 8. Chicken parm Chicken parmesan – breaded cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and mozzarella – may be Italian in spirit, but they're pure New York in execution. Originally created in the classic red-sauce joints of Little Italy, this dish is pure comfort food. Emilio’s Ballato has been serving an exemplary chicken parm since it opened in 1956 (alongside a pricier veal parm) and is a favourite with celebrities and locals alike. Supper, meanwhile, serves its chicken parm with a side of spaghetti. And, for an upscale take, the legendary Caffe Dante offers a white wine-marinated chicken parm baked in a skillet and topped with sourdough breadcrumbs. 9. Hot dogs The hot dog is one of NYC’s oldest street foods, dating back to the 1860s with the arrival of German immigrants. Today, they’re a quintessential New York snack, sold everywhere from stadiums to corner carts. For the ultimate hot dog experience, head to Coney Island, where you can sample Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and take a stroll along the boardwalk by the beach. You can also grab no-frills hot dogs at any of New York’s famous street carts, an iconic part of the city themselves. For something a little more creative, head to Crif Dogs on St Marks Place, where you can get deep-fried dogs like the “Chihuahua”, which is topped with soured cream and avocado. 10. Ice cream Despite its freezing cold winters, New York has an incredible line-up of ice cream shops, many of which specialise in bold, irreverent flavours that reflect the city’s fun side. A prime example is Ample Hills, which offers flavours like "The Munchies" (pretzels, crackers, potato crisps and chocolate mixed into a malted milk base) and "It Came from Gowanus" – a dark chocolate ice cream swirled with brownie chunks and white chocolate pearls. Then, there’s the soft serve from Big Gay Ice Cream, including its signature "Salty Pimp" – vanilla soft serve with dulce de leche, sprinkled with sea salt and dipped in a crisp chocolate shell. Morgenstern’s, started by chef Nick Morgenstern, is a slightly more refined affair, offering flavours like "Black Coconut Ash", made with coconut and activated charcoal, and "Midnight Brownie Batter”. Check out more must-read guides at our travel hub. Top 10 foodie things to try in Rome Top 10 foodie things to try in Paris Top foods to try in Chiang Mai Top 10 foodie things to try in Tokyo Top 10 foodie things to try in Lisbon What's your top tip for living like a local in New York? Leave a comment below.
Explore New Delhi through its bold flavours and centuries of food traditions. Vineet Bhatia walks us through his favourite dishes and where to find them
For food lovers, New Delhi is a paradise, offering everything from street food classics like chaat and parathas, to fine dining experiences featuring regional Indian and international cuisines. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old monuments, navigating vibrant markets or indulging in a culinary adventure, New Delhi promises a journey filled with discovery, flavour and inspiration. Find even more foodie travel guides, destination inspiration and restaurant reviews in our travel hub. If you're planning to visit this beautiful Indian city, check out Vineet Bhatia's recommendations for the best food and drink to try during your stay. 8 New Delhi dishes to try 1. Parathas These flaky, buttery flatbreads are a favourite of mine. Go to Paranthe Wali Gali (flatbread lane), a narrow street in the Chandni Chowk. Either stuffed with vegetables or plain, they often come with chutney and pickles. Try making your own paratha to soak up your favourite Indian curries. 2. Spices Khari Baoli is Asia’s largest spice market located in the old city. It’s the wholesale end of the market and is known for its heady aromas and vibrant colours. Buy something to take home and cook with. Use your spices in one of our easy curry recipes for an extra punch. 3. Street-food staples Full of childhood nostalgia, aloo tikki (potato cakes), samosas, bedmi poori (deep-fried, puffed bread made with urad dal), nagori halwa (crisp, crumbly pooris) and kachoris (stuffed fried pastries) hold a special place in my heart. 4. Sweets Swirly jalebi and creamy rabdi with nuts from the 17th-century market Chandni Chowk capture the charm of Mughal-era treats. Try kheer (rice pudding) from legendary Bade Mian Ki and fresh naan khatai from Chawri Bazaar. 5. Kebabs and royal dishes The roads around Jama Masjid are a hot spot for these historical dishes. Look for seekh and shami kebabs, nalli nihari (slow-cooked mutton) and rich shahi tukda (bread pudding with cardamom). If you want to try cooking a dish worthy of royalty for your guests, try our nihari recipe. 6. Fruit kulfis Visit Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale of Chawri Bazaar for these ice cream treats. There’s an array of flavours from mango and guava, to falsa (a sweet sour berry-sized fruit) and imli (tamarind). Kulfi is a great way to cool down after a spicy meal – end with our stunning bright pink plum kulfis or vibrant green pistachio & rosewater kulfi. 7. Sufi flavours Around white-domed Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya in the green leafy Nizamuddin West area, you’ll find sheermal – a slightly sweet saffron-infused bread – as well as halwa poori. 8. Chole bhature Delhi’s iconic comfort food comprises chana masala (chickpea curry) served with a bhatura or puri (breads). Available city-wide and popular for breakfast, try it when visiting the central market of Lajpat Nagar. Like these recommendations? Read other foodie travel guides: Top 10 foods to try in Macau Top foods to try in Chiang Mai Top 10 foods to try in Lancashire Top 10 foods to try in the Algarve Top foods to try in Lisbon Top foods to try in Croatia Top foods to try in Crete
Seven gadgets that can help you to reduce food waste
Natalie Bass - reviews expert and qualified barista
Over half of food waste in the UK comes from our homes, so we're spotlighting the best gadgets and tools that could help you reduce how much you throw away
As food lovers, we struggle to see ingredients and leftovers going to waste, so we're always looking for easy solutions that help us cut back on how much we throw away. According to climate action charity WRAP, which is behind Food Waste Action Week, a staggering 10.7 million tonnes of food waste is generated in the UK every year, and while a chunk of that is produced by farms, manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, around 60 per cent of food waste comes from our own homes. But as we hard as we try to keep track of use-by dates, repurpose leftovers and remember those items hidden at the back of the fridge, we could all do with a helping hand – and that's where the products listed below come in. These tools have been designed with reducing food waste in mind, to help you throw away less, save money on your grocery bills, and lower your carbon footprint in the process. We've included some items that you'll be familiar with but perhaps haven't considered buying before, plus other unique gadgets that make it easier to store and repurpose your food more efficiently. For further tips and to find out how the Good Food team uses up leftovers and spare ingredients from the Test Kitchen, read our guide on how to reduce food waste. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. Seven gadgets that can help you to reduce food waste Joseph Joseph FridgeStore™ clear rotating organiser Available from Joseph Joseph (£20), Fenwick (£20) If your fridge-freezer and cupboards are packed to the rafters with jars and bottles you don't use regularly, this clever multi-tiered turntable from Joseph Joseph will help you keep track what you have in stock. We've all made the mistake of buying a surplus of ingredients we didn't know we already had, but with this organiser, you'll have a better visibility of smaller items that are at risk of getting lost, like spices, pastes and condiments. Available from: Joseph Joseph (£20) Fenwick (£20) Lakeland Fresh Stretch silicone onion pod Available from Lakeland (£3.99) For those dishes that require just half an onion, this pod from Lakeland will stop you reaching for the cling film and keep the other half fresh for your next recipe. The stretchy silicone top hugs around the onion half easily and releases when you twist the two parts of the pod in opposite directions. The pod is also freezer-safe, and once you've emptied it, you can pop it in the dishwasher. For other produce, Lakeland also sells a lemon pod, avocado pod and cheese pod. Available from: Lakeland (£3.99) Zwilling Fresh and Save vacuum food storage Available from Zwilling (£89.95) Regular storage containers do a pretty good job of preserving food, but this clever vacuum-sealing set from German cookware Zwilling goes the extra mile. Using an automatic vacuum pump and specially designed containers, it's able to extract the air from each box and bag in seconds, so the contents stay fresher for even longer. Available in small and medium sizes, the seven-piece set includes the vacuum pump, plus two borosilicate glass containers and two reusable BPA-free bags that are microwave and freezer-safe. If you pair it with the Zwilling Culinary World app (via the QR code on the lids), you can also track how long your food has been stored for, receive reminders and discover new recipes. Available from: Zwilling (£89.95) Judge spaghetti measure Available from Harts of Stur (£1.96), Judge (£4), Amazon (£4.99) Pre-portioning your ingredients with a set of kitchen scales is perhaps one of the most obvious tips for reducing food waste, but for an even speedier hack when cooking spaghetti, there's this budget handheld tool from Judge, which allows you to measure out one to four portions so you serve consistent amounts every time. It's dishwasher-safe and easy to store too. Available from: Harts of Stur (£1.96) Judge (£4) Amazon (£4.99) OXO Good Grips herb keeper Available from Amazon (£38.30) Not all of us have the space to grow our own fresh herbs, so if you rely on packets or small pots from the supermarket, you'll know the struggle of scrambling to use them up before they start to wilt. This nifty storage container, which is part of the OXO Good Grips range, is ideal for keeping herbs like coriander, dill, chives, thyme and rosemary ultra-fresh, as well as tall vegetables like celery sticks, spring onions and asparagus. On the front of the container, there's a fill line to indicate how much water you need and a ventilated basket that allows air to circulate, plus a hinged lid so you can access the contents easily. The dishwasher-safe basket also has a hook on the back, so you can hang it on the inside of your fridge door. Available from: Amazon (£38.30) Ninja Blast portable blender Available from Very (£39), Amazon (£39), Ninja (£39.99), Currys (£39.99) A blender is a great way to use up fruit and veg that's a little past its best, as you can blitz ingredients into smoothies, sauces and pesto. This portable model from Ninja is ideal for small kitchens without much storage space, and in test produced smooth, consistent results in just 30 seconds. It comes with a 530ml blending cup, a sip lid with a handle, cup cover, blade cover, and USB-C rechargeable motor base and charging cord. The lid is designed to be leak-proof, too, so you can pop it in your bag and take it on the go. Available from: Very (£39) Amazon (£39) Ninja (£39.99) Currys (£39.99) Lomi kitchen composter Available from Lakeland (£399.99) Making compost from food waste that would have otherwise gone to landfill is relatively straightforward, but often takes time and can get a bit smelly. This gadget, which is good-looking enough to sit on the countertop, speeds up the process significantly without using up lots of energy, while reducing nasty food odours in the process. In our experience it has some trouble breaking down seeds, but otherwise does solid job handling most types of household food waste (leftovers, fruit skins and so on), garden waste, scraps of paper and more – producing what it calls 'Lomi Earth', which is a bit like fertiliser, in as little as four hours. Available from: Lakeland (£399.99) Related reviews Best food storage containers Best blender Best juicers Best spiralizers Best fridge-freezer Best soup makers Best hand blenders Best kitchen scales Best slow cookers Best smoothie makers Best food processors More on reducing food waste Good Food podcast: Max La Manna on tackling food waste How to reduce food waste How to reduce food packaging waste Zero-waste recipes for every day The Good Food sustainability glossary How to waste fewer potatoes How to waste fewer bananas How to waste less bread How to waste less asparagus How to use up leftovers
Discover our pick of the best family-friendly cruise lines from around the world. Our expert recommendations include foodie choices, river cruises and island-hopping adventures
Think ‘cruise’ and many of us will picture mega ships; vast floating theme parks that visit the sort of resorts more readily experienced on a beach holiday. But at their best, cruises take travellers to places otherwise difficult or even impossible to get to, bringing within reach some of the world’s most thrilling destinations and unique landscapes. For families and multi-generational groups, they offer comfort and entertainment with measured doses of adventure. And for food lovers, there’s an ever-booming number of big name, chef-led cruises to choose from. Crystal’s ships, for example, host the world’s only floating Nobu and Beefbar venues along with fine dining courtesy of the Alajmo bros and while, like many culinary cruises, its on-board offering may be more geared to grown-ups, routings like its Mediterranean sailings really pack in the ports of call, offering youngsters a cultural grand tour of Europe’s greatest cities and sites. And while there’s no doubt that travel by train and even plane is a more sustainable way to holiday, cruising is making improvements, with stricter regulations over emissions and waste, and companies like Ponant and Hurtigruten sailing towards ‘zero-emission propulsion’ by 2030 using wind- and battery-powered technology. Look for ships that offer locally sourced food options and employ waste reduction initiatives (recycling, composting and greywater treatment systems), and those using shore power rather than engines while docking, and liquid natural gas (LNG) while sailing, which some consider to be a comparatively cleaner fuel source. Many nature-focused and expedition cruises will offer educational programs on environmental impact. If you’re seeking a family-friendly cruise that offers the real adventure of travel, taking you places perfect for exploration by sea, where culture and local food is a raison d’etre, here’s our selection of places to set sail. The best family cruise holidays 2025 The Norwegian Fjords With soaring cliffs and thundering waterfalls seemingly within touching distance, plus plenty of ports of call, the world’s largest concentration of fjords is a place that comes into its own when explored by sea. And with transparent costs, cruises can help families avoid busting the budget in this notoriously pricey part of Scandinavia. Sailing from UK shores, ships like Disney Magic offer family-friendly entertainment that draws on the destination having inspired the animated movie Frozen, while several chef-led culinary cruises frequent the fjords, including upmarket Cunard’s new trips with Michel Roux (best suited to over 12s). Geared to grown-ups and kids alike: P&O’s ex-UK sailings on board its flagship Britannia, or the newer LNG-powered Iona. The 3,647-berth Britannia is large enough to accommodate plentiful entertainment but isn’t quite on a mega ship-scale that can overwhelm some families. 5,200-berth Iona, the newer ship in the fleet, comes with a few more restaurants, bars and cafes (30+ as opposed to 20+) and more frequent sailings including during the school summer holidays. Both are at the more affordable end of the cruise budget scale, and offer ‘freedom dining’ in several restaurants, allowing families the liberty of arriving when and sitting where they like, rather than having to book in advance. Food venues are across the board, from gastro pubs and bistros to ice cream parlours, fine dining and contemporary Indian and Italian fare. Both ships have age-specific kids' clubs, family pools, nurseries, teen decks, sports arenas and P&O’s Cookery Club, with classes and demos led by the likes of Norwegian chef Kjartan Skjelde and Marco Pierre White. Iona offers more live entertainment including aerial and circus performances in the Grand Atrium and SkyDome. These cruises sail from Southampton, and are suitable for a wide range of families, with childcare from six months. Britannia and Iona have cabins sleeping up to four, with complementary cots and interconnecting rooms available (children under 16 must stay with an adult). Choose a sea view or balcony cabin to ensure those fjord vistas. Routes take in the region’s stellar sites including the vast cliff-backed Stavanger, the pretty fishing port of Ålesund, buzzy Haugesund, jumping off point for Langfoss waterfall, plus the village of Olden for hikes to Briksdal Glacier and kayaking the icy waters of Nordfjord. Shore excursions are not included in the headline price, and cost around £70pp. Book it: A seven-night fjords cruise (G512) aboard Iona costs from £799pp including full-board dining in eight venues, kid’s club/nursery and most programmed entertainment on board. Book at pocruises.com Galapagos ‘Darwin’s islands’, the UNESCO-protected Galapagos may be the ultimate cruise destination, a place to encounter species that gave rise to the theory of evolution, from blue-footed booby birds to the Galapagos giant tortoise, endemic marine iguanas and the little Galapagos penguin. Out of the 13 major islands and some 60 smaller islets, skerries and rocky outcrops flung through a remote patch of the Pacific set some 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, only four are inhabited by humans. Nature reigns here, and cruise ships must tread lightly. A pioneer of adventures at sea, Norwegian-founded Hurtigruten has well over 100 years of cruise experience, born as a coastal ferry service between Bergen and Kirkenes. It’s since expanded into Arctic waters and far beyond with expedition offshoot, HX – and was one of the first companies to explore the Galapagos, setting sail around the islands in 1969. Its fleet of fully or part-hybrid ships hosts citizen science projects, allowing passengers to contribute to research and conservation efforts, with on-board Science and Education Centres offering regional insight from experts. Its Galapagos expeditions are supremely family-friendly, with the chance to walk with giant tortoises, snorkel with marine life, kayak with sea lions and explore the archipelago’s uniquely pristine nature aboard small expedition vessels. They take place on board MS Santa Cruz II, with space for just 90 passengers in cabins sleeping up to three (some adjoining). The ship has one restaurant focusing on regionally inspired cuisine – the likes of ceviche, tortillas and the peanuty cariucho roast chicken. And local cuisine can be further explored with time in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, a superb place to try South American favourites like pan de yuca (cassava flour cheese bread), Andean potato, corn and quinoa soups, topped with avocado and zesty lime and a rainbow of tropical fruit juices including the berry and cinnamon colada morada. This trip is all about the natural world, less about on-board entertainment, so best suits nature-loving families with kids who are good long haul travellers, age 6+. Cabins sleep up to three and can be interconnected to accommodate family groups. Book it: The nine-night In Darwin’s Footsteps cruise takes in the islands of San Cristóbal, Sante Fe, Santa Cruz and Española, with two nights in Quito. From £5,124pp, all-inclusive (not international flights). Book at travelhx.com Alaska & British Columbia Combine the lush, rainforest-fringed coast of British Columbia with the rugged glacier-glinting fjords of Alaska and you have one of the world’s most spectacular cruise destinations. This is one for families who love nature and wild landscapes, with the chance to spot bears prowling along shorelines and see seals, whales and dolphins swimming in your wake. Traditionally favourites with an older demographic, Alaska and BC now attract a range of cruise operators catering to families, including Disney and Hurtigruten Expeditions with on-board entertainment and guide-led infotainment-packed excursions. Many trips use Vancouver as a hub, which gives the opportunity to perhaps extend your trip, to explore British Columbia and its wild backcountry, and even take a trip up into the Rockies. Norwegian Cruise Line has several ships sailing the route, including the largest in its fleet, the 3,998-berth Norwegian Encore that comes with swimming pools, waterslides, dedicated children’s play areas, laser tag, gaming rooms and one of the longest go-kart racing tracks at sea. There are 15 restaurants, taking in everything from Italian and steak to teppanyaki, fine dining and an American diner, about half of which are included in the headline cost. The Pacific coast is a seafood lover’s dream destination, with extra-cost excursions on crab fishing boats and shoreline salmon bakes. The seven-day trip, starting and ending in Seattle, calls into Juneau and its icefields, with the chance to explore Glacier Bay National Park, kayak into protected fjords, pan for gold or go whale watching. Next, the frontier town of Skagway, complete with clapboard buildings from the Gold Rush era, is gateway to White Pass Railway into the Klondike Gold Fields, while at Ketchikan you can visit a rainforest sanctuary and learn about the First Nations Tlingit people and see brightly painted totem poles. Book it: To fully enjoy this cruise, travel with children 6+, although infants as young as six months are allowed. From £888pp, all-inclusive (not flights; most excursions extra), with discounted rates for children aged 3-8, and for the third to eighth passenger in a party, on most sailings. Book at ncl.com Mekong River cruise River cruises access some of the world’s best cultural destinations, from ancient sites along the Nile or the waterways of the Netherlands to tours through Europe’s great culinary regions around the Danube, Rhine and Bordeaux. Many make onboard food offerings their calling card, with chef’s tables and wine tastings part of the package and, being much smaller than ocean liners, river cruise ships offer a calmer, more intimate atmosphere. Families should choose trips with plenty of port calls as river ships often lack a swimming pool or the big on-board entertainment of their ocean-going cousins, and many come with cabins made for two. Not so for multi gen-friendly operator, A-Rosa, offering trips in Germany, France and Portugal on ships with cabins sleeping up to five, a pool, a kids’ buffet and dedicated activities and clubs during school holidays, plus free berths for under 15s. Similarly, Ama Waterways offers some family-friendly river cruises, some on craft that have a Green Certification Award for safety and environmental standards, and Ama is a rare river-cruising outfit in that it’s a member of French culinary organisations Tables et Auberges and La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Less specifically geared to families, but offering real adventure: Asia’s mighty Mekong River, where floating markets, jungle biking and temple tours abound. Great in autumn and winter when humidity and tropical rains are at their lowest, Ama’s sun-soaked trip offers a big cultural bang for your buck, taking the sights of Vietnam and Cambodia including Ho Chi Minh City, UNESCO-designated Angkor Archaeological Park, tuk tuk tours and the chance to visit a local school, food market and get a blessing in a Buddhist temple. The rather elegant, 124-berth, three-deck AmaDara travels the Mekong with French Colonial style wood furnishings, a sundeck pool and spa. The main restaurant has both a Western and local menu offering the chance to try everything from Vietnamese iced coffees and pho to coconutty Cambodian curries and noodle stir-fries. The Chef’s Table venue, included once per trip, offers a tasting menu blending local and European flavours. Book it: The seven-night Riches of the Mekong fly-cruise costs from £3,102pp all-inclusive with return flights from the UK, and is best for families who want to introduce their children (age 4+) to Asia, with a bit of handholding. However, it’s worth noting that cabins sleep just two, and under 18s must overnight with an adult. Book at amawaterways.co.uk. Pandaw offers similar Mekong cruises, with twin cabins (children aged four and under can share with parents); under 16s travel free or discounted on select dates. Nile River cruise The world’s longest river carves its way through North and East Africa, and in southern Egypt past some of our greatest man-made wonders. Here, flanking the shores of the Upper Nile you’ll find the archaeological sites including the Valley of the Kings and the pyramids of Luxor and Aswan – if you’ve got a family that’s mad for pharaohs and Tintin-style adventures, this is the place for you. Bear in mind that most Nile cruises often involve dawn starts for packed days of sightseeing with sunshine and panhandling, and as such they’re not suited to tots. And double check what ‘families welcome’ really means, as Nile cruises have traditionally been aimed at older couples and retirees. That said, choice has been blossoming in the last decade, with cruises of all budgets on everything from large, motorised liners carrying hundreds of passengers to boutique steamers and craft with just a few cabins, so most families can find a ship to fit. Travel on a traditional dahabiya sailing ship for a more peaceful, rustic experience that’s akin to camping in the case of the smaller felucca, which replaces cabins with covered sleeping areas. These can be the most affordable way for families to explore but if you don’t want to commit to an entire holiday on these traditional craft, they’re often used for day trips by larger cruise ships. Boutique operator, Uniworld has ‘generations’ specific sailings designed for families aboard its upscale 82-passenger Tosca, with activities for children aged four up, including teens. Travelling on a 12-day round-trip from Cairo, you’ll hit the highlights sailing from Luxor, taking in the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak. There are plenty of active pursuits, beyond sightseeing – dune boarding, bird watching, swimming in the Nile, biking along the riverbanks – along with a felucca sunset cruise and the chance to meet local children for a football match. The ship has a sundeck pool and two restaurants that draw on local ingredients – expect plenty of fresh fruit along with the likes of falafel, hummus, dukka, stuffed hawawshi pitta, lamb kofta, meringue with dates, leafy molokhia stews and kushari, Egypt’s flavourful national dish of garlicky pasta, rice and pulses. Book it: Suitable for children four and up, but best for active families with children who’ve been introduced to ancient Egypt at school and don’t mind early starts. From £6,699pp, all-inclusive, with flights from UK and four nights at an upscale Cairo hotel. Book at uniworld.com The Greek islands If you’re looking for an active holiday where you can explore places only accessible by sea, then book a small boat sailing trip to the Greek islands. Sunsail offers family trips where mastering sailing is front and centre, while Responsible Travel has a range of skippered cruises in Greece and also in island-strewn Croatia that are suitable for families. Exploring Greece’s small bays, rocky skerries and secluded sandy coves offers families a Swallows and Amazons-type adventure but with added sunshine, warm waters and exceptionally fresh local food. A sun-soaked idyll: sailing the Aegean on a small boat experience with Explore! aboard a traditional caique – a wooden Greek-made craft, formerly a 1960s cargo ferry. With just two double cabins and six twins, the ship is perfect for extended families or sociable travellers open to small group holidays. The cruise explores the waters around Evia – an island larger than Mallorca or Corfu, but one that remains largely the preserve of weekending Athenians. Days are spent sailing between bays or hiking olive tree-lined valleys, then diving into the Aegean for snorkelling and cooling swims or flopping under the shady deck area. Highlights include swimming at Port Buffalo’s lagoon beach, exploring the exclusive Petali archipelago, former home of the Greek royal family, and climbing to the Venetian mountaintop castle of Castello Rosso in Gourna. There’s also the chance to visit the family-run Montofoli vineyards to try wines made with Aegean grape varieties, including Decanter award-winning dessert wine, Ktima Montofoli. Nightly dinners at local tavernas in beach towns including Marathon, Marmari and the port of Karystos bring the chance to sample local specialities like tiropitari (fried feta pies), slow oven-baked vouloto lamb and local trachanas pasta (made with flour, milk or yogurt) with shrimp. Ship breakfasts include the likes of Greek yogurt, honey and fresh seasonal fruits, with lunches of traditional Greek dishes drawn from local produce and seasonal salads. Book it: Best for children 7+. From £1,149pp (£1,079 per child under 16) including accommodation with breakfast and lunch (six nights on the boat and one night in a hotel), activities and excursions and an Explore tour leader throughout. Flights (to Athens) are extra. Book at explore.co.uk The Caribbean A wonderful wintertime option, the Caribbean offers picture-perfect beaches, glorious weather and visits to any number of islands where you can sample seafood specialities, tropical fruits fresh from the tree, and possibly the strongest rum cocktails on the planet. Caribbean trips are typically fly-cruise, such as P&O’s 14-night jaunt that departs and returns from Barbados, stopping at the islands of Martinique, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Tortola, St Maarten, Antigua (overnight), Grenada and St Lucia. Excursions give you plenty of opportunity to soak up the sun, whether on a palm-fringed beach, a stroll around the port town or even an open-top bus tour of the entire island. Foodies can try Caribbean cookery classes or visit a wide variety of rum distilleries to sample the national spirit. There’s plenty on board for foodies, too, with restaurants from big-name chefs and global cuisines, as well as plenty of home-style favourites and kid-friendly options. On the enormous, 5,200-guest Arvia ship there’s even an on-board distillery where you can create your own high-quality rum. If you’re looking to get your kicks away from the multiple bars, the Skywalk is a high-rope experience, 54m above the ocean, where the fearless can walk the plank and scramble across a series of ropewalks. For something a little more sedate, there’s also mini golf, several swimming pools and an entertainment theatre that puts on musicals and comedy. It’s busy on board, so this probably isn’t one for couples as it’s hard to find much seclusion. But friends and families can have a blast with all the activities. With little time to really get to know the islands, but plenty of entertainment and all creature comforts on board, this is best suited to fun-lovers rather than explorers or seasoned travellers. Both parents and kids will appreciate the kids’ clubs, quizzes, bingo, mini cinema, silent disco and interactive ‘Mission Control’ adventure where groups can work together as marine explorers to solve a mystery. There are also adult-only areas, including pools, the nightclub and some stylish bars. Book it: P&O Cruises is offering a 14-night fly-cruise on Arvia (K602A) from £1629 per person for an inside cabin. Departing January 17, 2026. The price includes return flights from selected UK airports, children’s clubs, full board meals and entertainment. Book at pocruises.com.
Exploring the Florida Keys: A scenic 113-mile road trip from Miami to Key West, crossing 42 bridges with ample sightseeing and travel options
Travelling the lengths of the Florida Keys down 113 miles of road, hopping from island to island over 42 bridges is a trip of a lifetime. The Keys begin an hour’s drive south of Miami and the road takes you all the way to mile marker ‘0’ in Key West. It’s a straight line so it’s an easy drive with plenty of sightseeing opportunities to break it up. There are non-car options, including coaches, and if you extend the holiday, cycling is an option. Key Largo This is the first of the Florida Keys. On this island, you’ll find the Everglades National Park to the west and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to the east with beaches, mangroves, forests and nature trails. Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park covers about 70 nautical square miles. Scuba diving, snorkelling trips and glass-bottom boat tours of the living coral reef are available, or you can kayak, paddleboard and hike through mangroves (floridastateparks.org). Eat conch fritters, little neck clams or a fried mahi reuben on rye at Mrs Mac’s Kitchen on Overseas Highway. Sit at the bar for the full diner experience and try Islamorada Brewery beers (mrsmacskitchen.com). Stay at Baker’s Cay Resort. Taking up 15 acres on the ‘sunset’ side of the Keys. It boasts mangroves and trees peppered with tiny hidden beaches and a boat dock where we spotted manatees. Eat at Calusa the Creole-Caribbean restaurant with a lovely balcony; expect fish like yellowtail snapper and mahi. Breakfast includes tostadas, egg ‘bennies’ or fruit-loaded breakfast bowls. The resort avoids single-use plastics, using avocado stone straws, rice paper food wrappers,biodegradable corn starch cups and soft drinks in cans or glass bottles only. You are given refillable PATH water bottles on arrival and there are refill points (bakerscayresort.com). Marathon, Upper Keys Marathon is a 10-mile stretch of 13 islands including Vaca Key, Grassy Key and Fat Deer Key. Cycle the Old Seven Mile Bridge (aka Old 7) to Pigeon Key. Bikes can be rented at Bike Marathon (bikemarathonbikerentals.com). Take a picnic or buy an ice cream on-site and sit at the end of the pier where there’s plenty of wildlife to be seen. You can also swim and snorkel if you take your gear. Keys Fisheries operates as one of the coast’s biggest fish exporters, and you can sit in or take away, or adults can eat in the upstairs bar. Lobster reuben is the go-to dish and there are stone crab claws, chowders with lobster, crab or conch, and grouper, mahi, hogfish and snapper in buns. Look out for lionfish tacos as a special (keysfisheries.com). Castaway is a buzzing joint with an extensive sushi menu. It’s owned by John Mirabella, a fisherman and diver, and enthusiastic lionfish-eater. Try lionfish sashimi, nigiri or in a ‘King of the Jungle’ roll (castawayfloridakeys.com). Stay at Grassy Flats – an oceanfront resort on the Atlantic side (sunrise) that strives to be sustainable, growing bananas, papaya and some veg and herbs, and using seaweed from the beach for compost. Family apartments with kitchens are available (grassyflats.com). Big Pine Keys Patrick Garvey, owner of Grimal Grove, a two-acre fruit farm on Pine Key, has a mission to educate in a fun, flavour- packed visit that includes a tour and fruit tasting. There’s an astonishing selection of trees including mango, guava and black sapote (that taste like chocolate). Breadfruit, a low-maintenance and high-yield fruit sequesters carbon very well and Garvey sends surplus to be made into limited-release Grimal Grove vodka by zero-waste Mutiny Island Vodka in St Croix (grimalgrove.com). Cudjoe Key Stop at The Square Grouper. Join the queue on the veranda and wait your turn to eat sautéed grouper sandwiches with shoestring fries and key lime tartar, seafood stew packed with shrimp, scallops and fish, and bread pudding with buttered rum sauce (squaregrouperbarandgrill.com). Key West Laid-back and slightly eccentric, where else would you find feral chickens roaming and holding up the traffic? Key West is the southernmost city of the continental US. The old town streets are lined with enormous ancient banyan and kapok trees, strangler figs and different varieties of palm and have a quiet, lush look dotted with white wooden houses. Take a dolphin watching and snorkelling tour on SQUID, an electric- powered boat run by Honest Eco. Most of the crew have biology backgrounds and you’ll learn about marine ecology, and coral and sponge gardens. Organic fruit and veg are on offer and the crew are helpful and engaging (honesteco.org). Try a frozen key lime pie on a stick from Kermit’s Key Lime Shop and potentially spot Kermit himself, resplendent in a lime green chef’s outfit. Key limes are tart and floral but with a milder acidity than the limes we get in the UK, and the bottles of juice are a good take-home gift (keylimeshop.com). Grab a takeaway café con leche and an egg and cheese Cuban sandwich at Cuban Coffee Queen on the waterfront. The coffee is roasted in Key Lime Square next to the café (cubancoffeequeen.com). Enjoy exotic ice cream flavours including mamey, papaya, sour sop and guava at Flamingo Crossing on Duval Street. Everything is made in-house. At the quieter end of old town, Winslow’s Bungalows has guest rooms split out across different old houses linked by stone paths and palm trees. It’s walkable to most of Key West’s attractions (keywesthistoricinns.com). Get there Return flights LHR-MIA with BA, car hire, two nights at Baker’s Cay, Key Largo, in a partial waterfront room (room only), three nights Winslow’s Bungalows, Key West, in a queen room with breakfast, two nights at Grassy Flats, Marathon, in a pool/ocean view king room (room only). From £1,999 per person based on two sharing. Children can be added, prices vary depending on age. Visit purelytravel.co.uk Enjoy this? Check out more travel content... Winter sun destinations for food holidays The best all-inclusive resorts with great food Top city breaks for food in Europe Best luxury family holiday destinations
2025's top foodie destinations for sustainable travel
Start your holiday planning with inspiration for sustainable travel—explore eco-friendly destinations and make mindful choices on your next adventure
Travel ‘trends’ are not very sustainable, they often encourage everyone to visit the same place at the same time, which isn’t good for the traveller or the destination. If you’re not pinned to school holidays then consider ‘shoulder season’ travel, when there’ll be fewer crowds and the weather won’t be so very hot, or cold. Flying does, of course, come with a carbon footprint but when you reach a destination you can choose to make your stay as planet-friendly as possible by looking for hotels with sustainable practices such as using green energy, turning off lights and air-con when not in use, using water carefully, employing local people and giving back to their environment. When you are out and about, it’s hard to avoid single-use plastic in some countries, especially when eating street food – a stall or small restaurant that uses washable plates and cutlery can be a better bet. Local transport can be bikes, electric vehicles or public transport. In all destinations, local people care about their environments and there will be good choices to make. 1. Ho Chi Minh City Bánh mì & history 2025 is the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon so Ho Chi Minh City will be newsworthy. In truth, it's always a good year for a trip to this food-centred destination. You could, if you wanted, live on bánh mì for three meals a day, the modern version was invented here: fried egg-stuffed baguette for breakfast, roast pork, pâté and the works for lunch, then a Southern Vietnamese version filled with veg and herbs for dinner. At the other end of the super sandwich scale, this city has three Michelin one-star restaurants, and 24 small establishments of street carts awarded a Bid Gourmand, often serving a singular dish well, such as exceptional chicken pho, xôi (steamed sticky rice) and Vietnamese pancakes. Go for the historical significance and eat well as a big bonus. 2. Istanbul Regional cuisine & green fine dining The reinvention of ancient into modern is a trick that Istanbul pulls off well; hotels reside in old palaces, warehouses and factories and new public spaces are breathing life into buildings that may have been shuttered for years. This city was the most visited in the world in 2023 according to Euromonitor International, and new spaces for tourists to visit help with congestion and allow the exploration of different neighbourhoods. Turkish cuisine in all its regional variations has always been championed by venues like Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy and more recently in elevated form at venues like two Michelin-starred Turk Fatih Tutak. Chef Maksut Aşkar’s Neolokal has a Michelin green star denoting sustainable practices and his kitchen aims for zero waste while using local suppliers and producers. Visit in shoulder season, explore widely and use public transport like the ferry system and trams rather than adding to the city traffic. 3. Gozo Island adventures & feasting With an ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030, Malta’s little sister island Gozo has a trump card when it comes more sustainable travel, as it’s slightly off the beaten path and as a venue for outdoor pursuits it is, by the very nature of its offer, less spoilt. Salt is still harvested in the old-fashioned way, by hand, and Gozitan produce includes olive oil, citrus fruit and wine as well as Ġbejna cheese, craft beer, pizza-like ftira bread and, of course, fish and seafood. Gozo has beaches, walking trails, kayaking and diving on offer, the buses are free to use with a Tallinja card and you can hire electric tuk tuks. Go for a quieter holiday and join the drive for sustainability. 4. Greenland Icebergs, midnight sun & seafood Diverse landscapes of towering mountain peaks and icebergs, unearthly green-blue glaciers and surrounding seas make this, the world’s largest island, an extraordinary place to visit for more intrepid travellers. From a climate perspective, Greenland is at the cutting edge of global warming, and flying anywhere isn’t carbon-neutral, so staying at venues that aim for a sustainable footprint like Ilimanaq Lodge in the UNESCO world heritage park, reached only by sea through Ilulissat Icefjord, or at Glacier Lodge Eqi, both owned by World of Greenland, helps keep your footprint lower while showing you the reality of global warming. Power is solar, water is from glaciers and food is very local, foraged, caught off the coast or from the land; expect prawns, snow crab, halibut and lamb as well as musk ox and whale (controversial but traditional). The new international airport at Nuuk opened at the end of 2024 with direct flights to Copenhagen and in 2025 will connect with New York. worldofgreenland.com 5. Swiss Alps On the Bernina Express From Chur in Switzerland, take the Bernina Express to Tirano in Italy and enjoy the views while you travel through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway and traverse the Alps. At the Montebello Curve there are views of the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch Glacier, lakes Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco. Railway architecture fans will appreciate the 65-metre high Landwasser Viaduct, the 55 tunnels en route and the 196 bridges between Chur and Tirano – best of all is the single-track Brusio Circular Viaduct, built to mitigate the steep gradient. The journey takes four hours, but you can split it across three or more days if you like, stopping in San Moritz and/or Poschiavo. Before you set off from the medieval town of Chur try churer fleischtorte, a pie filled with bread, bacon and mince and grab some Bündner pear bread from bakery Merz for trip snacks – they also have a café so you can eat breakfast or lunch there. The San Moritz Gourmet Festival (at the pricier end of the scale) is in January in high skiing season; as would be expected there are excellent restaurants here, or for a more budget option, take the Suvretta- Randolins chairlift to mountain restaurant Trutz and enjoy the view with some rib-sticking food. In Tirano, Italy meets Switzerland in dishes such as pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta usually served with cabbage and Bitto cheese or polenta taragna, a buckwheat polenta dressed in butter and cheese. Visit seat61.com for information to get from the UK to the Alps. 6. New York Restaurant hopping Once again topping the British Airways destination chart this year, New York never loses its allure. It will be cold at the start of the year, but New York Restaurant Week runs 21 January to 9 February with hundreds of venues offering prix fixe menus – reservations open on 7 January. If you prefer the city in summer, then round two is usually scheduled in July or August. Stay in Brooklyn for a slightly less frenetic vibe and access to the botanic gardens. Rent bikes, walk or use public transport to get from place to place, take the ferry across to Governor’s Island which is car-free and look back at the Statue of Liberty and sights of the city. There are hundreds of venues to eat in New York – eater.com is a deeply foodie site that lists many of them. 7. Bradford Culture capital Bradford is the UK City of Culture this year. Home to artist David Hockney, magician Dynamo and comedian Ade Edmondson, Bradford will host more than 1,000 new performances by local, national and international creatives, many of which will be free. In the autumn, the Turner Prize will head to Bradford’s Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and this spring the new dining hub Darley Street Market opens its doors. Set over three floors, the top will be a food hall, the middle is where you’ll find food shops and stalls, and on the ground floor, cafés and other shops. Last year the market square was planted with nearly 400 plants and 450 bulbs to bring greenery into the space. Bradford is famous for curries and holds its own awards each year, and there are numerous breweries including microbreweries like Wishbone in Keighley, where there’s also an excellent music and beer festival in October this year. 8. Stratford, London Museum treasures V&A East Storehouse opens this year, bringing more of the nation's treasures to the public, for free. The Storehouse provides a purpose-built home for more than 250,000 objects, 350,000 library books and 1,000 archives from the V&A’s collections, and will allow visitors to see behind the scenes of a working museum via more than 100 mini curated displays ‘hacked’ into the sides and ends of storage racking. Stratford is worth exploring for food options. There are many good chains including Master Bao, Hermanos coffee and Tonkotsu, and there are some neighbourhood establishments worth walking a little further for that have been ‘quietly emerging into prominence for the last nine years’. That’s how Darkhorse describes itself, a restaurant with a seasonal, well-sourced menu, not cooked over gas – dishes include roasted sea trout with spinach risotto and burnt lemon caper butter, and baked Monte Enebro with honey-poached figs. The majority of the wine is sustainable, organic, natural or biodynamic. thedarkhorserestaurant.com 9. Louisiana Crawfish trails & king cake 2025 is the Year of Food for Louisiana, and this state has a wealth of dishes and produce to share. “The very names of our food demonstrate our cultural influences from France, Spain, West Africa, Germany, the Caribbean and many more,” said Doug Bourgeois, assistant secretary of tourism. “Andouille, corn maque choux, jambalaya – Louisiana food not only tastes unique, but it also sounds like our storied past.” Take part in an andouille (never call it a sausage) trail in the River Parishes, or follow the Bayou Country crawfish trail. ‘Heads’ season is late winter to around April when whole crawfish are plentiful and cooked in ‘boils’, then it’s ‘tails’ in summer when tail meat is used. You can pick your own blueberries, visit farmers markets, eat oysters at Mardi Gras or purple, yellow and green king cake from 6 January through to Mardi Gras (a moveable date depending on when Easter is – for 2025 it's 4 March). Good eating is year-round in this state. Do your bit for the environment by finding restaurants that participate in CRCL’S Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Shells from New Orleans restaurants and public drop-off sites are collected (saving them from landfill) and used to build oyster reefs and shoreline habitat across coastal Louisiana. 10. Trip-chaining in Europe Epic train journeys 100 per cent flight-free company Byway are seeing trip-chaining, a term used for combining multiple stop-offs for errands on a daily commuter route being used for holiday travel. Trips can be shorter or, use two to three weeks to get yourself from London to Madrid via Nimes and then on to Porto, San Sebastian and home via Bordeaux. Stay for a night or two in each place and make the most of local restaurants, markets and food shops. The beauty of train travel is that there is always the opportunity of a ‘train picnic’ between destinations. byway.travel 11. Thailand Armchair travel Season three of The White Lotus drops this year and Thailand is high in the holiday searches already. Filmed in the Four Seasons Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Villas on Phuket and probably Bangkok, we will see the glamorous, gorgeous side of Thailand while being appalled by the antics of the protagonists. This is our armchair travel pick; enjoy the series, eat Thai food while you watch and make plans to travel once all the fuss has died down. Hungry for more foodie travel content? Best luxury family holiday destinations The best all-inclusive resorts with great food The best UK gourmet glamping sites The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK Good Food's travel hub