A luxury holiday to Lanzarote, courtesy of Optima Villas

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

If you're dreaming of days spent soaking up the sun and evenings exploring a beautiful island, then you'll want to enter our competition to win a holiday to Lanzarote.

Together with holiday lettings company Optima Villas, we're offering one lucky winner the chance to enjoy a seven-night break in the breathtaking Villa Luna for up to six guests.

You and your guests will stay in the three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa, just a short walk from the centre of Playa Blanca. Whether you're firing up the barbecue or just relaxing on the terrace, you'll be impressed by this sun-kissed villa.

On top of this, you'll receive up to £500 off the cost of flights from the UK to Lanzarote. The villa is available to enjoy from 27 May until 3 June 2017.

For your chance to win a holiday to this glorious Canary Island, submit your details in the form below before 30 April 2017.

Abu Dhabi villa prices fall 9%

Average apartment sales prices in Abu Dhabi fell by one per cent in Q1 2017 while villa prices dropped by nine per cent amid public and private sector downsizing, according to property agency Chestertons Mena.

"Sales prices are expected to further decline due to redundancies attributed to the shrinkage of the oil and gas sector. We believe the trend of downsizing or moving to more affordable areas will continue until 2018, when an expected increase in government spending could improve market sentiment," said Robin Teh, UAE country manager and director of valuations and advisory UAE, Chestertons Mena.

On average, villa sales prices fell by nine per cent in the first three months of the year. Al Ghadeer, Al Reef and Khalifa City witnessed the largest percentage drop resulting in prices falling to Dh915 per sqft, Dh897 per sqft and Dh747 per sqft respectively. Al Raha Gardens also witnessed a sales decrease, although less severe, of just under six per cent to Dh931 per sqft.

Apartment sales prices, on average, declined by one per cent in the first quarter of the year. Areas bucking the trend included Al Reef Downtown, which saw an increase of one per cent to Dh948 per sqft, Al Reem Island remained flat at Dh1,362 per sqft. Al Gadeer witnessed a three per cent decrease to Dh1,009 per sqft, while Al Raha Beach fared slightly better with a decline of just under one per cent to Dh1,601 per sqft.

Ivana Gazivoda Vucinic, head of advisory and research, Chestertons Mena, said: "Sales figures, particularly in the villa market, have been sliding gradually since Q4 2014. Housing benefit packages have been impacted by cost-cutting moves in many companies which may have had a knock-on effect on the villa market. "Sales prices are likely to continue to ease throughout the remainder of 2017 and into 2018, however we do expect the market to rebound with reinvigorated activity." Apartment rents declined by an average of three per cent in Q1 compared to the previous quarter, Al Raha Beach witnessed no change, while Al Ghadeer fell on average by one per cent. Al Reef Downtown fell by an average of six per cent and Al Reem by 4.5 per cent.

"Apartment rents have declined across the board as the trend for more affordable accommodation continues. A two-bedroom apartment in Al Raha Beach is now available for Dh155,000 annually; while in Al Reef Downtown and Al Reem Island, prices for a two-bedroom start at Dh92,000 and Dh125,000 respectively," added Gazivoda Vucinic. Similar to the apartment rental market, villas also witnessed softening across the board by three per cent. Villas in Al Reef, Al Raha Gardens and Khalifa City saw rental decreases of between one per cent and seven per cent.

According to Gazivoda Vucinic, new supply will hinder the market further. "An additional 4,000 apartments and villas by the end of 2017 will add further pressure to the rental market in Abu Dhabi."

Tuscan villas, Galway food and island escapes

NEWS To Tuscany
For families looking for. The collection of villas and apartments have lovingly been renovated from their former use as a traditional Tuscan farm, with dining areas, an outside terrace and private pool with a shallow end for little ones. Feast on the best of Italian cuisine, explore the nearby hilltop towns or relax with an in-room treatment.

Basket Case
Picnics are making a culinary comeback thanks to a new initiative by Galway Food Tours and McCambridges. The Galwegian food heroes have launched a gourmet picnic hamper packed full of fine Irish fare starting at €48 each. Each basket comes with a detailed map with all the best al fresco dining spots in the city and adult colouring books, just for fun.

Street Style
Britain's prettiest streets have been revealed via a survey conducted by National Express. The Shambles, York's famous 14th-century market road, took the coveted hot spot, with the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's old town and the Circus in Bath taking second and third place respectively.

CHECK IN  Island Escapes
St Lucia: GoHop is offering an adventure in the East Caribbean island for 10 nights from €2,999 per person including return flights, taxes, accommodation, one checked bag per person and return transfers.

Slumber Party
Kilkenny's four-star Hibernian Hotel has launched a new package perfect for hen parties or friends in need of some quality time. Check in to the hotel on a Friday night for a Suite Sleepover with sweet treats on arrival and a host of Netflix movies at your fingertips. Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast the next morning before exploring the cobbled streets and shopping hot spots before returning to dinner and cocktails in Harper's Restaurant that evening. Finish your stay with a night on the tiles complete with a specially reserved VIP area in Morrisson's Late Bar and a bottle of bubbles.

Ibiza remains jewel in clubbing kingdom - but its high-end villas and spas mean it's top of A-list too

If five star luxury is what you're after, Ibiza is the place to go.

Of course it's home to the world's best clubs, but there's much more to it than that if you want to truly spoil yourself.

For a start, there's the truly astounding Hacienda Na Xamena, a hotel tucked away on a clifftop in a quiet corner of the island which few people even know about, let alone have explored.

You can stay there of course, but we were sticking with our usual plan of our own villa, so we dropped by to spend a day of luxury in the legendary spa, La Posidonia by SkinCeuticals.

From the moment you arrive in this stunning hotel, which in the Balearic style blends the rustic and the modern beautifully, there's a sense of entering a different world.

We had opted for the famed Cascadas Suspendidas treatment, in which you make your way through a series of thalassotherapy pools heated at different temperatures which provide high pressure hydro jet massages starting from the soles of your feet and finishing with your head.

The key to the magic is the location - perched on the edge off the clifftop 180m above the Med, with simply spellbinding views.

This is followed by relaxing on the recessed wooden beds until you are summoned for your Pica Pica, or healthy tapas.

Whether you're ending a holiday of mayhem with an unwinding afternoon, or starting your break in style, this is the place to do it.

It's worth staying for dinner too as the food is sublime - and if you want to spoil yourself, splash out on an overnight stay, you won't regret it.

You're likely to bump into serious stars too, from Premiership and International football stars to Hollywood royalty.

The other way to do that is take to the seas, which is achievable on a much more modest budget than you might think thanks to companies like the brilliant Ibiza Speedboats.

They cater to all sorts of massive stars, but your own day of superstar treatment is surprisingly affordable.

They have different boats for different parties and budgets, and you can have a half day or whole day, or sunset cruise - whatever you want, these guys are there to help. Prices start from just 500 Euro for up to 10 people.

Martin and Pabs are real Ibiza faces - they've helped with the shooting of numerous TV shows on the island - and the perfect skippers for your ocean adventure.

Our morning was spent zooming around the coast, mooring off the legendary Es vedra - sadly almost goatless now - and then Atlantis.

We were showed a secret diving pool in a cave, and taken cliff diving in a truly terrifying moment I'm in no hurry to repeat.

Then of course there was chill time at a deserted beach and a cruise along the beautiful coastline from a unique perspective.

There's no attitude on board, which is why stars like Myleene Klaas and Rita Ora come back to these guys again and again - as will you.

It's all about having fun and relaxing, and Martin and Pabs make sure everyone does both.

Overall, it's an absolute must, and if you want to see this glorious island from the sea, Ibiza Speedboats are the winning option every time.

The ultimate in luxury tourism comes with a private villa, an absolute must and again, often cheaper than you might think.

We opted for the beautiful Villa Bellavista in Can Furnet near Ibiza Town, perfectly located close to the action but in your own little world.

Private, secluded and traditional yet modern, this villa is an absolute bargain and we WILL be back.

Villa prices can be ludicrous, so this level of quality at this price - starting at just 1500 Euro a week - is unbelievable.

Private pool, BBQ, garden, lots of room, parking - it's got the lot and we fell in love with it.

If you miss out on it, there's something for every budget at Chic Villas, so check them out.

8 reasons why Pattaya's new beach villas are a glorious escape from reality

If you're anything like us (and we like to think you are) then you're always on the lookout for a new destination that fulfills your deep, primal urge to sit back and chill the *bleep* out.

We totally get it – Bangkok life is exhausting and we all need to press the proverbial escape button every once in a while. Or maybe every chance we get…

X2, the boutique hotelier behind some of Thailand's chicest resorts, practically read our mind with their latest project. X2 (pronounced Cross To) is finally offering resort living all year round with the X2 Pattaya Oceanphere. Opening in 2018, the community of 59 single and 2-story villas is just 500 meters from a tranquil stretch of Na Jomtien Beach. Hey, anyone need a roommate?

Not only does the covetable vacation spot tick all the boxes, it basically blows those boxes out of the warm, tropical water.  And that's exactly why you need to know about it now, before anyone else. Because whether you're looking to live, vacation or invest in X2 Pattaya Oceanphere, you really can't go wrong. These villas are a magnificent escape from reality. Here's why.

Your view will be a 360-degree panoramic seascape.

Picture this: you're lounging by the pool in your own private villa and you lazily wander up the stairs to the second story balcony to gaze out the window. What do you see? A stunning 360-degree view of the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, white sand and shady trees. A few kids laughing and building a sandcastle, parents and couples snapping pictures by the sunset. Why, is that a dolphin in the distance? Maybe!

The X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is situated on a picturesque, private plot of land on Na Jomtien Beach. Your front yard will feature a panoramic view of the sea and the evening views will be unforgettable. You can look forward to a spectacular, blazing sunset view everyday.

You'll have access to the facilities and services of a 5 star resort.

Over the last 5 years, X2 has expanded to include 10 properties. One reason why people are so in love with X2's resorts is the 5 star service and amazing facilities. And X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is no different.

The community Clubhouse is the perfect hangout to take in the view or grab a drink between leisurely laps in the rooftop pool. Indulge your mind, body and soul in refreshing treatments at Yan Spa by X2 Resorts. The spa will be even more relaxing if you challenge yourself first. Work off those sunset cocktails at the X2 Fitness Center with state-of-the-art gym equipment including cardiovascular and weight training machines.

Their signature on-site restaurant, 4K will serve up delicious Asian fusion dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's also a 24-hour Reception desk and Housekeeping Center to serve all your needs and a peaceful Library where anyone in the community can read, work or just chill. Basically, everything's designed to cater to your needs.

Your villa will be luxurious by design.

You can sum up the X2 design philosophy as "luxury by design". Each single story, one-bedroom unit and 2 story, 2-bedroom unit is designed with functionality, sustainability and modernity in mind. The style is a simple blend of contemporary minimalism and tropical vibes that combine to satisfy the spirit and make a very comfy home. Everything from the furniture, to the kitchen appliances, to the bathroom fixtures is top quality.

You will be surrounded by creative, glamorous people.

When you own a villa at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere you become a part of the X2 community. And you'll soon find that with its boutique feel and unique design, X2 attracts a certain type of clientele. They're sophisticated but approachable, professional but love to have fun. They value ingenuity in design. They're often from industries such as fashion, tech and online media. There's a wonderful diversity among X2 clientele, which means you get to rub shoulders with some of Thailand's most interesting people, the modern, jet-set generation of Southeast Asia.

You'll go on a free X2 yacht trip valued at THB80,000.

Here you're not just part of the club, you're welcomed with open arms into the family.  That means going on a fabulous yacht trip, totally free of charge. The complimentary yacht trip is an all day excursion to the islands off the coast of Pattaya. Lounge onboard, sip some champagne or jump off the yacht and swim in the warm water. Life is yours! We can almost feel the salty spray of the waves and the warmth of the sun.

All the best things about Pattaya city are just a short drive away.

X2 is both tranquil and convenient. The community is positioned midway along the 9 kilometer stretch of Jomtien Bay and is just 15 minutes south of the vibrant hub of Pattaya City, Bangkok's beachy backyard.

People in the know are now flocking to spend their holidays in Pattaya. Maybe it's because it's just over an hour's drive from Bangkok, or maybe it's because there is a new wave of chic restaurants, boutique hotels, brunch spots and shopping centers that are making Pattaya very attractive for holiday seekers from Bangkok and beyond. And those who are really in the know? Well, they're buying up all the most beautiful beachfront property.

Your investment will absolutely pay off.

If you're interested in owning an X2 vacation home as an investment, first of all, congratulations! Second of all, smart move. Purchase a villa at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere on a freehold basis, with an optional rental management program run by X2 Resorts. The investor rental program guarantees a rental income of 7% for 5 years.

That means a high-yield return for investors, and a guarantee that the 5-star services and top quality facilities will be maintained. In case you need more convincing, X2 projects are members of international property groups "Tablet Hotels", "Kiwi Collection" and "Best of Boutique," providing further assurance that international property owners recognize X2 as a true high-quality investment.

You'll suddenly be the proud owner of holiday homes around the world.

Ready to get even more exclusive? As an X2 owner you automatically join X2 Owners' Club! That means you're entitled to swap holiday time at other X2 resorts in exotic destinations around the world. It's a gift that just keeps giving as the X2 brand just keeps growing and opening new properties all around the globe.

Want to see more? We thought so! Click here for more information about X2 Pattaya Oceanphere and how to own your own little slice of heaven on the beach.

St. Barth’s New Luxe Boutique Hotel

There's a major new luxury hotel on tiny St. Barth: Villa Marie.

The self styled "tropical chic" five-star property is the brainchild of the Sibuet family, whose Maisons and Hotels Sibuet label is on a host of hotels in the Alps (like Les Fermes de Marie in Megeve and Altapura in Val Thorens) and the South of France (Villa Marie Saint Tropez and La Bastide de Marie in Provence).

And their first Caribbean hotel is a stunner, with 18 unique, colorful villas and bungalows, a lush tropical garden and a "Pure Altitude" Spa that's a signature of all Sibuet hotels.

The restaurant gets its name from the Francois Plantation that once sat on the site of the Villa Marie, serving classic St. Barth South of France-meets-the-West-Indies fare led by Chef Emmanuel Motte.

And then there's the bar, with an emphasis on rums from around the Caribbean and Cuban cigars.

In other words, your kind of hotel.