Top 10 holiday ideas to leave the kids behind and boost your vitamin D levels this winter
As adored as they are, there’s no question that children of any age demand a great deal of time and attention. And, since they've returned to school this September, there’s no better time for parents to start planning their late summer getaways to relax, rejuvenate and rediscover the joy of carefree holidays once more.
Here are top 10 suggestions for adults wanting to escape the chaos of children and boost their vitamin D and energy levels this autumn:
CRETE, GREECE: Unwind at the luxurious Domes Noruz Chania Hotel
A chic adults-only hotel, Domes Noruz Chania, Crete is the ideal place for a relaxing and romantic break. Visitors can enjoy an exclusive beachfront setting with stunning surroundings and stylish architecture whilst experiencing that unmistakable sound of a child-free resort: silence. They can indulge in the privacy of their own plunge pool, outdoor jacuzzi, private pool or get into the party spirit with the resident DJ at the poolside bar that offers an array of delicious cocktails. Come nightfall, guests can make their way down to the fashionable Aghia Marina, just a 15-minute drive away, which hosts a plethora of beach bars and well-known DJ events or to the quaint Venetian quarter of Chania for a more relaxed evening of exquisite dining.
Sovereign (sovereign.com) offers a seven-night B&B stay at the Domes Noruz Chania, Crete, from £1,689 per person. The offer includes return flights from London Gatwick and an €100 beverage voucher. Travel between August and 3 November.
AMALFI COAST, ITALY: Soak up the iconic Mediterranean scenery
The outstanding Mediterranean landscape, coastal paths and shimmering blue waters of the Amalfi Coast makes this trip one of the most gorgeous tours of all southern Italy. On this group tour, travellers can follow the scenic route to Capri by boat to admire some delightful coastal views from the ‘Path of Gods’ as well as become spellbound by the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Ravello. Thanks to the idyllic spots like the Campania region, named the ‘happy land’ by the Romans, and the renowned Bay of Naples, this Italian tour is a fun-filled adventure that will steal its travellers’ hearts.
Exodus Travels (Exodus.co.uk) offers a seven-night tour to the Amalfi Coast from £1,449 per person. The offer includes flights, accommodation, all breakfasts, one lunch, six dinners, all transport, and listed activities. Departs 2 October.
ISCHIA, ITALY: Get a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle with Citalia
Located on the Green Island of Ischia, Botania Resort & Spa, offers absolute calm at this exclusive, adults-only resort. Wonderfully authentic, guests will be staying in Mediterranean-style white-washed villas and have access to the outdoor swimming pool that’s fed by a natural spring to ensure a warm dip. Post swim, it is recommended that guests take a little time for themselves by practicing yoga. In the splendid natural setting of the Botania Relais & Spa's park, guests can indulge in weekly sessions of Hatha Yoga, surrounded by the beauty and the scent of the tropical flowers, and ancient olive trees.
Citalia (Citalia.com) offers a six-night B&B stay at Botania Resort & Spa from £1,115 per person. The offer includes return flights from London Gatwick. Based on 3 October departures.
MURCIA, SPAIN: Take some strokes off your golf swing at La Manga Club
For keen golfers seeking their perfect escape, the region of Murcia in south-eastern Spain is home to 22 golf courses all within 30 miles of each other. One of the most renowned of all of these is La Manga Club, home to three high quality golf courses and once the venue for the Spanish Open. Designers have utilised the stunning natural landscape to create world-class golf courses that wind through clusters of pine trees and glide along undulating plains offering immaculate views while driving down the fairway. The resort also features luxurious accommodation and an array of facilities perfect for couples looking for a long weekend escape. Not to mention the over 300 days of sunshine a year which makes this corner of Spain a paradise.
La Manga (lamangaclub.com) offers a three-night package with two rounds of golf staying at the four-star La Manga Club Principe Felipe Hotel from €359 per person based on two people sharing on a B&B bases. A buggy is included with each round. Travelling in September or October 2021, subject to availability. Email reserve@lamangaclub.com and quote MUR21.
CATALONIA, SPAIN: Cycle the dazzling coastline of Catalonia on tandem bikes
The rocky coastline of Catalonia is perfect for a picturesque tandem ride as it offers a gentle cycling route, meandering off-road through olive groves, peach orchards and pine forests. Together with idyllic scenery the tour is rich in cultural history as travellers will journey through the region visiting medieval fishing villages, calling at Peratallada and Begur. They will have the opportunity to explore ruined castles, hilltop fortresses cathedrals and battlefields as well as artists’ villages such as the birthplace of Salvador Dali. Each hotel along the route has a swimming pool so a cool dip can be enjoyed after a day exploring the countryside.
Headwater (Headwater.com, 01606 369400) has an eight-night, self-guided Classic Catalan cycling holiday starting from £1,249 per person, including flights, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, two evening meals, high-quality tandem bikes and airport transfers. Based on 2 October departure
MUHU, ESTONIA: Enjoy a tranquil retreat at Estonia’s Muhu Island
For those looking for a peaceful retreat in a not-always-so-sunny setting, a trip to Estonia’s Muhu island is highly recommended. Located in the West Estonian archipelago of the Baltic Sea, Muhu is just a short ferry ride away from the town of Virtsu. With a local population of under 2,000 people, this peaceful island is a perfect destination for those looking for a tranquil retreat. For the ultimate relaxation experience, visitors can stay at the Pädaste Spa, which offers treatments that are centered around the harmony and revitalisation of the senses. The spa culture here is based on the centuries’ old Estonian herbal traditions, complemented by the unspoiled natural beauty of Muhu island. For the best views of the island, hike into the Uugu area and climb up to the Uugu Bluff to admire the surrounding sea.
Double rooms at Pädaste Manor and Spa start from €280 per night. To find out more about the Muhu island, visit www.visitestonia.com/en.
IBIZA, SPAIN: Enjoy hedonistic luxury for the last of the Balearic summer sun at BLESS Hotel Ibiza
Since its opening in 2019, BLESS Hotel Ibiza has fast become the benchmark in “hedonistic luxury”, going beyond the five-star hotel experience to offer a stay that indulges all the senses. Couples or groups of friends can make the most of the last of the hot Ibizan summers at the Llum Pool Club, home to two instagrammable infinity pools, then take in the famous Ibizan sunsets at the rooftop bar, the Epic Infinity Lounge. At night, ETXEKO is a gourmet destination in its own right, which brings original flavours of San Sebastian to the Balearic island with a nod to local specialities, with chef Martín Berasategui at the helm, who has been awarded 12 Michelin stars. Guests can also pamper themselves at the Magness Soul Ful Spa, or get ready for the evening ahead at Rossano Ferreti’s salon.
British Airways Holidays (www.britishairways.com) offers three nights at BLESS Hotel Ibiza from £349 per person, inclusive of flights and checked baggage departing from London Heathrow on 27 September on a room-only basis, based on two people travelling.
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL: Get an adrenaline rush with a private tour by ToursByLocals
Thrill seeking adults should look no further than an incredible adrenaline filled experience in Madeira. Set under sunny skies, local guide Carlos welcomes visitors to Madeira for a day of adventure – featuring canyoning, paragliding, cycling, surfing, scuba diving and hiking. Although guests won’t be expected to embrace all of those in this seven-hour tour, they can select the activities they wish to participate in, including some slower-paced expeditions such as whale and dolphin watching.
ToursByLocals (toursbylocals.com) offers the seven-hour Madeira Adrenaline Private Full Day Tour from £185 per tour, for up to six people (£31pp). The tour includes guiding services and private transportation. Extra costs include food and personal expenses.
LANZAROTE, SPAIN: Enjoy late-summer Love in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is an island that leaves a lasting memory thanks to its astonishing nature, otherworldly landscapes and pristine beaches. The island is blessed with amazing weather all year round staying above 20°C even through the winter months. Love-struck couples looking for some late-summer romance can stay at the Barcelo Teguise Beach with its traditional-style whitewashed walls and peaceful adults-only ambience. Couples can lounge on double daybeds, grab a drink at the bar or take a dip in the palm-lined swimming pool. Lovebirds can also venture out the hotel for a spot of stargazing atop the Peñas del Chache, the highest point on the island, or enjoy a tour discovering the islands wine culture in La Geria.
Love Holidays (loveholidays.com) offers a seven-night stay at the four-star Barcelo Teguise Beach Hotel priced from £553 per person (B&B), including return flights from London Stansted with Ryan Air. Based on 27 September 2021 departure for two adults sharing.
BARBADOS, CARIBBEAN ISLANDS: Enjoy the picture-perfect Caribbean beaches
One of Barbados’ finest beach destinations, often referred to as Miami Beach, Enterprise Bay is a modest strip of white sand on the south coast of the island that has everything that couples need to enjoy a well-deserved escape away from their daily routines… and kids. Conveniently located adjacent to Enterprise Bay, the luxury Abidah by Accra resort is particularly well suited to provide a forcefield of relaxation with a touch of luxury. With vibrant St Lawrence Gap, a neighbourhood known for its superb restaurants and rich nightlife, located only a short drive from the hotel, there are also plenty of entertainment options to explore.
HolidayPirates (holidaypirates.com) has an all-inclusive seven-night stay at the adults-only four-star Abidah By Accra in Barbados, priced from only £1,199pp, including a stay in a premium bedroom with private balcony and a hot tub, return flights from London Heathrow and resort transfers. Based on November 2021 departure for two adults sharing. The deal can be seen here.
