Closing date for issue 32 is midnight 24th August 2026. Only one entry per person, per issue for our competitions.

BEL2628 Winners = TBC

Closing date for issue 31 is midnight 17th August 2026. Only one entry per person, per issue for our competitions.

Five perfect properties for a multi-generational holiday

Nea Makri Attiki, Greece

Set in Nea Makri, Athens, near the 
pretty coastal town 
of Rafina, this family-friendly villa is made for multi-generational escapes. A Blue Flag sandy beach sits just 50 metres away, while a palm-lined coastal path leading to historic Marathon is perfect for sightseeing walks. Sleeping up to six (plus a baby), the house offers flexible spaces for everyone, from teens to grandparents, and includes a top-floor suite for added privacy. There’s a garden for relaxing, a spacious veranda for shared meals and plenty nearby, from cafés and cultural sites to the lively Athens nightlife. It offers the perfect mix of beach days, sightseeing and laid-back family time, all in one sun-soaked spot.

• From £678 for six-nights sleeping six guests with jamesvillas.co.uk

The Bohemian 
Chic Villa, Florida

Florida is the ultimate destination for family holidays, where every age can share a villa while still enjoying their own perfect escape. This stunning six-bedroom home in the luxury Reunion Resort in Kissimmee offers space, style and plenty of room to unwind – and the convenient ground-floor bedroom is ideal for older relatives. A private swimming pool sets the scene for lazy afternoons, while the games room will keep everyone entertained. There’s ample space for family meals and downtime after busy days. The resort is packed with attractions, including a water park, championship golf, tennis courts, a spa and excellent dining options, with a convenient shuttle to nearby Walt Disney World Resort.

• Seven nights, for 14 guests, costs from £1302. Visitjeevesfloridarentals.com

Villa Anyaval, Lanzarote

The Canaries are a go-to for easygoing family escapes, and this chic villa in Playa Blanca delivers in style. Sleeping eight across four bedrooms, it’s made for multi-generational stays, with a private pool, hot tub, day beds and plenty of space to unwind. There’s also a pool table, table tennis, gym equipment and a sauna to keep everyone happy. Close to sun-soaked beaches and the stylish Marina Rubicón, it’s ideal for all ages, whether that’s café-hopping for the grandparents, watersports for the teenagers, or exploring the island by bike or moped for parents and young adults.

• Costs from £3008 (villa only) including flights for seven nights for eight guests with solmarvillas.co.uk

Villa Arnadia, Corfu

This beautiful villa in Acharavi is perfectly designed for multi-generational getaways, sleeping eight across a spacious three-bedroom villa and a private guest house, ideal for grandparents or couples seeking extra privacy. Secluded, yet surrounded by beautiful gardens, the villa offers easy access to the beach, local tavernas, cafés, and the buzz of Acharavi’s cocktail bars, providing the best of both worlds. For those looking to truly switch off, the heated pool is perfect for all ages, with easy-access steps into the shallow end, while food-loving families can make the most of the outdoor kitchen and dining area, enjoying long, sun-soaked days together.

• Price for seven nights, eight guests, from £2450. Visit simplyowners.net

Casa do Salgueiro, Portugal

For groups looking to keep costs in check, Portugal is a brilliant choice. Set in the charming seaside village of Moledo, Casa do Salgueiro ticks all the boxes for a relaxed family stay. Within spacious walled gardens, there’s plenty of secure space for little ones to play, along with a private heated pool and shaded terraces. Everything is within easy reach, with short walks to the village shop, local restaurants and a sweeping golden beach. Teens will love the surf scene and kitesurfing, while train links make day trips to Porto easy. Grandparents are well catered for with ground-floor accommodation in a separate annexe and can enjoy gentle coastal walks to nearby Caminha.

• Seven nights, for 12 guests, costs from £2298. 
Visit vintagetravel.co.uk

Sun, fun and something for everyone, this Canary Island has it all

Volcanic beauty

With its striking volcanic landscapes, year-round sunshine, and average temperatures of 22°C, Lanzarote is a firm holiday favourite. Even at its hottest in July and August, temperatures typically reach only the high 20s, while the sea remains warm enough for swimming.

Framed by dramatic volcano backdrops and sweeping black lava horizons, Lanzarote offers adventure at every turn. Whether you’re wandering through vineyards or exploring the stunning beaches, you’ll find plenty to see and do.

And relax...

Seaside Los Jameos is a recently revamped, family-friendly resort just steps from Los Pocillos Beach and only a short drive from the airport, while the lively resort of Puerto del Carmen is around a 45-minute walk away. Its clever layout features 530 stylish rooms spread across six low-rise blocks set within beautiful subtropical gardens, creating a calm and spacious atmosphere. Families can choose larger rooms with a sofa bed that converts into bunk beds.

From the moment we entered the impressive lobby, we felt warmly welcomed with a chilled glass of cava, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the excellent service throughout our stay. The lagoon-style pool, framed by striped umbrellas and tropical greenery, is a standout, with complimentary pool classes, including water aerobics, aqua biking and aqua jump, a high-energy workout using mini trampolines.

Family fun

There’s a fantastic new area dedicated to kids and families. Little ones will love the lively kids’ club with daily activities, while the whole family can enjoy the pool, its flumes, a splash zone, and an impressive play park.

Dining is a highlight, with a main restaurant serving varied nightly themes from Asian to South American cuisine, plus live cooking stations preparing fresh fish, meat, paella – we loved the smash burger station. The All-Inclusive package is ideal for families, with a Premium option offering unlimited waffles and milkshakes for the kids and Taittinger for parents. Alternatively, guests can opt for B&B or half board.

Evening entertainment includes a stylish piano bar, while the mini disco proves just as popular with the kids.

Explore local sights

TUI Musement experiences offer the chance to really get to know the local traditions and hidden gems of the area you’re staying in. We took an excursion to explore Timanfaya National Park, where the dramatic landscape feels otherworldly. In the 18th century, over 100 volcanoes erupted here, creating a vast lava field and around 25 craters. We travelled through the heart of the eruption zone and watched a live fire demonstration revealing the intense heat still trapped beneath the surface.

Next was El Golfo, a charming fishing village famous for its emerald-green lagoon set against black volcanic sand. From there, we headed to La Salinas de Janubio, the Canary Islands’ largest salt flats, where pink-tinged pans stretch towards the sea. We wrapped up the trip by sampling some delicious local Canarian wine.

The half day Timanfaya Volcanic Tour costs £70 per adult and £40 per child, book at tuimusement.com

Culture in the capital

Founded in 1402, Teguise, the former capital of Lanzarote, is rich in history and character, making it perfect for a relaxed wander through cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses and swaying palms. On Sundays, the town comes alive with the popular Teguise Market, where colourful stalls sell handmade crafts, traditional aloe vera products, local delicacies and clothing. The hotel even provides a convenient coach service to and from the market.

Art lovers should also visit Jameos del Agua, a remarkable cultural space created in 1968 by César Manrique within a volcanic tunnel. Designed to blend art and nature, it features hidden caves, a stunning lagoon, and a unique restaurant setting, offering visitors an unforgettable and atmospheric experience in Lanzarote. Entrance costs £9, and you can book your visit at cactlanzarote.com.

Need to know

• Seven-nights departing on 26 January 2027 and staying at Seaside Los Jameos including return flights from London Stansted, 1 checked bag per person, transfers, and accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis, based on two adults and two children sharing a Family Room with Balcony or Terrace costs from £837.07 per person. To book visit tui.co.uk

• For more information on the hotel visit los-jameos.com

Post-ski season, alpine regions transform into a picturesque playground for walking and wellness

By Louise Bennett

Tradition in Zakopane, Poland

This is the perfect destination for travellers seeking mountain scenery, fresh air and outdoor adventure. Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, the region offers spectacular hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking panoramic views – and pleasant summer temperatures make sightseeing comfortable and relaxing.

The charming town has traditional wooden architecture and you’ll find delicious Polish highlander cuisine and excellent hospitality. Families can enjoy cable cars, thermal baths and gentle walks through flower-filled valleys.

Stay at the Rysy Boutique Hotel which has spacious rooms and an on-site spa and sauna.

• Seven nights at Rysy Boutique Hotel cost from £681pp flying early September, including return flights from Stansted, B&B based on two sharing via tui.co.uk/ Cost: from £340pp

Sport in Val d’Isère, France

Once the skiers finish up on the slopes, the snow melts to reveal lush mountain scenery and glacier-fed lakes, giving a freshness to the air, which is great if you like to stay active.

The sports infrastructure supports everything from mountain biking at Val d’Isere’s world-class bike track, to trail running and horse riding through the Vanoise National Park. The high altitude makes this area a go-to star-gazing spot, and a programme of festivals, concerts and family activities create the perfect environment to soak up the local craft, gastronomy and traditions.

Choose to stay in the village for easy access to cafés and shops or opt for a budget-friendly apartment closer to the mountains.

• Four nights in a studio cabin sleeping four people at La Daille includes an activity pass and costs from around £250 in August via pierreetvacances.com/Cost: from £62.50pp

Chill in Leogang, Austria

Around an hour’s drive from Salzberg airport, Leogang offers jaw-dropping mountains, adorable alpine houses and the gentle ringing of cowbells.

Mama Thresl provides a great, contemporary base for young-at-heart visitors who are looking to explore the hiking and mountain or ebiking tracks by day. Refuel in the evening with a menu of burgers and steaks from their lava stone grill and DJ sets and live music on the rooftop.

You’ll also want to soak up the wellness opportunities on offer, from stunning mountain-top yoga sessions, to the ‘empty room’, which combines breathtaking views, pine scents and the warmth of a floating chimney.

• Nightly rates from £170 B&B per room for 2 people in a ‘woodenstyle’ double room at mama-thresl.com/Cost: from £85pp

Wellness in Rhine Valley, Switzerland

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a wellbeing spa gem nestled in the St Gallan Rhine Valley, around an hour away from Zurich. You can enjoy clinical wellness programmes, palatial thermal baths using healing water from a nearby spring, and sports and performance diagnostics at the Swiss medical centre.

An array of resturants offer everything from sushi and salads to Michelin dining and there’s even a dedicated spa for kids, offering bling manicures and chocolate or honey massages.

If you want to soak up the wellness but stay somewhere more budget-friendly, the nearby Sorrell Hotel Tamina has great rooms with balconies overlooking the mountains and is a five-minute walk from Tamina Therme, which has saunas, spas and warm bubble baths. A day pass costs just under £200.

• Sorrell Hotel Tamina costs from around £195 a night for a double room via booking.com. Nightly rates at Grand Resort are from £296 based on two people sharing/Cost: from £103pp

Adventure in Verbier, Swizerland

This resort has staked its claim as real year-round destination and is a great place for family holidays if you want an alternative to the beach.

Hire an all-terrain scooter to zip down the hills from the info point at Les Ruinettes. Rouli Bouli is a unique trail of wooden balls that weave from Bruson to Le Chabre, and the Dzoras footbridge transforms a hike into an epic viewing platform across nature.

Visitors staying in Verbier between 1 June and 31 August 2026 receive a complimentary Verbier Infinite Playground Pass, which unlocks free and discounted activities across the region, including pedestrian lift access, free local buses and exclusive offers on more than 50 experiences throughout the summer.

• To access the pass go to verbier.ch

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Update your manicure with these summery shades

Lose 5lb in seven days with Jane Plan

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When Shannon Palfrey, 27, called NHS 111 about her son's upset tummy, she never imagined the tragic turn things would take...

BEL2627 Winners = TBC

Drama, secrets and so much more!

Bella is back with a sensational new issue with 84 packed pages. Royal revelations, celebrity gossip, incredible real-life stories, competitions and extra puzzles… this week’s Bella has more of what you love!

Camilla’s warning in explosive royal reunion

The battle lines are being drawn - and Balmoral is at the heart of it all! In a dramatic reunion that has set tongues wagging, Camilla delivers a firm warning to family members as tensions simmer behind palace doors. What does this mean for The Firm’s annual summer gathering? Bella uncovers the whispers, the worries and what could happen next in this unmissable royal deep-dive.

Nigella cringes at Paul’s ‘ghastly' behaviour

The ovens are heating up - but so are tempers! In a jaw-dropping Bake Off moment, tensions rise as Nigella is left visibly unimpressed by Paul’s shocking antics. Bella brings you all the behind-the-scenes drama, the frosty exchanges and what insiders are saying about this culinary clash.

🧩 12 pages of puzzles & prizes!

Feeling lucky? This bumper issue comes with a whopping 12 pages of puzzles to keep your mind sharp and your spirits high. From crosswords and sudoku to brain teasers and wordsearches, there’s something for every puzzle pro.

And yes - there are fabulous prizes up for grabs! Whether you’re playing over your morning coffee or relaxing in the garden, this is your perfect summer escape.

Bumper real-life mini-mag – 10 amazing stories inside!

Inside, discover 10 powerful, uplifting and unforgettable real-life stories that will make you laugh, cry and feel inspired. It’s the perfect companion for long summer afternoons.

Your summer shape-up guide

Ready to feel fabulous? Our expert-backed Summer Shape-Up Guide is here to help you refresh, reset and glow with confidence. Discover tips and tricks to help you  feel your best. No extremes, no pressure - just real results that fit into real life.

Grab your copy on sale now in all good newsagents - and make this your most exciting summer read yet!

BEL2626 Winners = TBC

These homegrown gems prove Britain’s beach breaks have never looked better

By Emma Hawkins

The Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall

Perched above St Austell Bay, The Carlyon Bay Hotel looks out over a wide stretch of coastline, with a sandy beach just below. It’s far enough south to feel like a proper break, but without the long drive to the far west. On a sunny day, the white sand and sweeping views feel more like Spain than the UK – plus the pool’s heated! Set within 250 acres of grounds, there’s plenty of space to stretch out, from sea-facing lawns to the outdoor pool lined with loungers. Inside, there’s a full spa and an AA-rosette restaurant if you fancy something more special. You’re right on the King Charles England Coast Path, with the Eden Project just a few miles away – or take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary golf buggy rides down to Carlyon Cove. Otherwise, claim a lounger, order something cold and get stuck into that book you’ve been neglecting.

• Visitbritainsfinest.co.uk. From £140 per night (room only)

The Canford, Dorset

Long walks, a good pub and a proper room at the end of it – The Canford delivers all three, with a more elevated take on the usual seaside stay. Within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast, it’s a strong base for beach days, coastal walks and easy weekends by the sea. Upstairs is where it really stands out. Rooms feel more boutique than pub stay – think freestanding vintage tubs set beside large windows, soft sheets and a cosy, lived-in feel that wouldn’t look out of place in a period drama. It’s dog-friendly and just a short walk to the beach and local shops. If you want a change of pace, Compton Acres is nearby, one of England’s most significant ornamental gardens, with landscaped grounds, tea rooms and quieter corners to wander – one for the gardening fans.

• Visit thecanford.co.uk. From £125 per night, including breakfast

No.42 by GuestHouse, Margate

Margate has properly found its groove again, and No.42 by GuestHouse puts you right in the thick of it. Step outside and you’re on the sand; turn the other way and you’ve got galleries, vintage shops and cafés all within a few minutes’ walk. What makes this place stand out is how much thought has gone into the experience. Rooms come with record players and sea views, while downstairs the Pearly Cow restaurant brings a refined take on seaside dining. There’s also a help-yourself sweet shop tucked away inside, stocked with jars of fudge and jelly sweets – a small detail, but one you won’t forget. You’ve got Turner Contemporary, the town’s standout gallery, and Dreamland Margate, its retro amusement park, within walking distance, so everything’s right on your doorstep.

• Visit guesthousehotels.co.uk. From £190 per night

Bike & Boot, Scarborough

Right on the seafront, Bike & Boot is built for hikers, cyclists and anyone who comes back from the beach with sandy feet, muddy boots – and usually a dog in tow. Downstairs, there’s space to stash bikes and surfboards, hose everything down and carry on without anyone batting an eyelid. You can head straight onto the King Charles England Coast Path or wander across to the beach just opposite. Inside, it’s sociable without feeling scruffy. There’s free afternoon cake, a small cinema showing films throughout the day and a relaxed, communal feel, while upstairs the rooms lean more towards boutique, with a level of comfort that feels a step up from the usual hostel-style stay. Impressive, really, considering every room is dog-friendly. It’s also just a short walk from the station, making it ideal for a spontaneous seaside trip.

• Visit bikeandboot.com. From £102.70 per night, including breakfast

The Albion Hotel, Isle of Wight

If you’re craving a coastal escape without the airport drama, the Isle of Wight is quietly becoming the UK’s coolest seaside pick – and, with a short ferry crossing, it’s surprisingly easy to get to. It’s also the sunniest spot in the country, and Queen Victoria was so taken with its scenery she once called it ‘impossible to imagine a prettier spot’. Perched above Freshwater Bay, The Albion Hotel has had a major glow-up, transforming a once-forgotten Victorian gem into a chic, design-led stay. We’re talking soft, neutral interiors, huge windows and uninterrupted sea views (most rooms face the water,). You can walk straight onto the coastal path, take a dip in the bay or settle in on the wraparound terrace for sunset drinks – arguably the main event.

• Visit albionhotel.co.uk. Ferries from Southampton via Red Funnel. From £135 per night, including breakfast

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