Luxury travel ideas for your next unforgettable escape
Ready for a little insider travel inspiration? From boutique botanical hideaways to stylish city breaks, dazzling cruises and serene spa retreats, these handpicked destinations provide the perfect excuse to start planning your next high-end getaway.
Savour two cities on one unforgettable break
Relish the very best of London and Paris with this exclusive three-night escape. Your adventure begins with a stay at the stylish four-star Pullman London St Pancras hotel, handily situated near the station. On Saturday, meet your guide bright and early, then whizz across the Channel by Eurostar for a dazzling day in the City of Light. A guided coach tour sets the scene, followed by a sumptuous three-course lunch at Madame Brasserie, on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, overseen by renowned chef Thierry Marx.
Afterwards, drift down the River Seine on a hired boat past Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay and Place de la Concorde before a little shopping in the Louvre district. Sunday invites you to unwind and explore London at your leisure, including a cruise along the Thames. With luxury, culture and cuisine all woven in, this is a tale of two cities you'll treasure forever. Book now at greatlittlebreaks.com
Discover Dubrovnik's timeless elegance
Step through the doors of Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, Croatia and back into the golden age of travel. Opened in 1897, this landmark hotel sits snugly beside the ancient city walls, offering an ideal gateway to Dubrovnik's Old Town. Inside, Belle Epoque grandeur meets modern comfort, with elegant rooms and spacious suites offering sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea, Mount Srđ or the terracotta rooftops of this Unesco-listed city.
Savour local seafood and fine Croatian wines at Imperial Terrace or linger over cocktails in the chic Imperial Bar and Lounge. Unwind in the health club's indoor pool, sauna and steam room before stepping out to explore Dubrovnik's rich tapestry of history and culture. With its impeccable service, stunning location and historic soul, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik offers an unforgettable stay where past meets present. Learn more at dubrovnik.hilton.com
Rediscover your sparkle in the heart of Vienna
Embrace Vienna's imperial glamour with a stay at the chic Sans Souci Wien hotel. It's their Sparkling Moments package that promises a city break that positively shimmers, including a two-night stay with daily champagne breakfast, spa access and your choice of a four-course dinner or a private champagne tasting with canapés. A chilled bottle of champagne and a sweet surprise await you on arrival, setting the scene for an ultra-romantic escape.
Dine amid contemporary artworks and float beneath glittering chandeliers in the indoor pool. Here, every detail is crafted to delight the senses. Step outside and rediscover Vienna's timeless charm, with its grand boulevards, Baroque palaces and buzzy cafe culture just footsteps away.
This is a getaway made for making memories with that very special someone. Learn more at sanssouci-wien.com
Experience high-flying luxury in Singapore
Turn your airport stay into a memorable getaway with the Runway Retreat Package at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, crowned World's Best Airport Hotel by Skytrax for 10 consecutive years. Check into a designer Runway View Room and enjoy front-row seats to the ballet of planes taking off and landing, all from the comfort of your bed. Wake to a lavish breakfast buffet for two, then savour SGD$100 (£75) dining credit, perfect for in-room treats or authentic Italian dining at Allora Ristorante & Bar.
Refresh with a swim in the lush, landscaped pool or re-energise at the 24-hour fitness centre. With direct access to all terminals and Jewel Changi Airport, this award-winning hotel is a destination in its own right. For a sky-high stay that's anything but ordinary, visit crowneplaza.com
Unwind in Andalusian splendour at La Zambra
Melt away into the Costa del Sol's radiant hills at La Zambra, a serene hideaway in vibrant Mijas. Once beloved by royalty and rock stars, this reimagined Andalusian staple now welcomes a new generation of luxury travellers with its tranquil courtyards, elegant Moorish arches and ravishing sunsets. Take it easy in the resort's palatial Mood Spa, with Turkish baths, hydrotherapy pools and yoga studios, or dine your way through four exquisite restaurants, where Andalusian tradition meets modern flair. Golfers can tee off on world-class courses nearby, while younger guests are entertained at the baby and kids' club.
Book at least seven days ahead and enjoy up to 15 per cent off, with breakfast, spa access for suite guests and extra childcare hours included. A premium Andalusian escape awaits; learn more at lazambrahotel.com
Cruise in style along Croatia's dazzling coast
Witness the magic of the Dalmatian coast on an Elegance Cruise with Sail Croatia, a specialist in unforgettable small ship adventures. Over seven days, glide between sun-drenched islands and ancient cities aboard a custom-built luxury vessel, complete with air-conditioned ensuite cabins, a stylish dining salon, sundeck Jacuzzi and swimming platform for cooling off in the Adriatic's crystal-clear waters.
Each itinerary is carefully curated to showcase Croatia's finest natural wonders, historic treasures and hidden harbours to passengers travelling in comfort and building camaraderie with like-minded explorers. This summer, save up to £860 per cabin on select departures. Join the MS Romantic Star on 27 July from £2,019 per person, based on a Lower Deck cabin. Offer available while spaces last. Set sail for a summer to remember at sail-croatia.com
Find peace amid the gardens of São Miguel, Portugal
Nestled in the warm heart of the Azores, Solar dos Cantos is a charming 19th-century family home amid one and around four acres of lush botanical garden and the twinkling Atlantic as a backdrop. The estate was once home to José do Canto, a passionate botanist and literary collector; a sense of his historic presence still lingers in its graceful courtyards, historic architecture and enchanting rooms. Choose from 15 uniquely designed bedrooms, each with its own story, and start the day with breakfast on the sunny terrace.
Meander through gardens where camellias and an ancient rubber tree flourish or relax beside the outdoor pool and whirlpool bath. With a privileged location near Ponta Delgada's historic centre, this is the perfect retreat for those seeking natural beauty, heritage and quiet-luxury elegance. Find out more at solardoscantos.com
Rebalance body and mind at a country house retreat
Mallory Court is a masterclass in English luxury. Set in the heart of Warwickshire, its historic house and elegant gardens are a serene backdrop for one of the nation's most indulgent spa escapes. The One Night Temple Spa Break comes with a three-course dinner in The Dining Room, a proper English breakfast plus access to the Elan Spa's hydrotherapy pool, thermal retreat and fitness suite. Guests receive a 55-minute treatment from Temple Spa's rejuvenating menu, plus a curated gift to continue the ritual at home.
With sustainable sourcing in the kitchen and eco-friendly garden practices throughout, this is a retreat that nurtures inside and out. Prices start from £590 per room, based on two sharing. When calling to book, please quote ' TempleSpa Break ' or book online to avoid disappointment.
Discover the wildness of a luxury Dartmoor lodge
Set within 275 acres of knockout-pretty Devon countryside, Bovey Castle's self-catering lodges offer space, privacy and a taste of the untamed. These elegant three-bedroom homes sleep up to six adults and two children, and come with fully equipped kitchens, generous living areas and balconies that open out to Dartmoor's rugged beauty. Dine in with pantry packs or delivered meals, or stroll to the hotel proper for award-winning cuisine. Days unfold with falconry displays, deer park tours, off-road driving and spa indulgence – all on your doorstep.
Not only that, there's also a championship golf course. This is an escape made for families, friends or couples who want freedom and their own space. Stay three to four nights and save 20 per cent, with rates from £1,198 per stay. Available until 23 December 2025. When calling to book, please quote ' Stay Longer for Less ' or book online to secure your lodge.
Discover laid-back luxury and the calm of the Caribbean
Situated on a pristine horseshoe bay on the south-west coast of the island of Antigua, Carlisle Bay is a five-star resort embodying relaxed sophistication and discreet luxury. Step out from your spacious suite directly onto pure white sand and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Four diverse restaurants and bars await, each offering a varied choice from around the globe using locally grown produce — and you can book the Simply All-Inclusive package to sample all options.
From private chartered trips on the hotel's exclusive Fjord 36 motor yacht to holistic treatments at the Cara Organic Spa, there's no shortage of memorable experiences to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether you're seeking a slice of island paradise to rest and reset or an adventure-filled getaway full of exploration, you'll find your perfect paradise at Carlisle Bay. Visit carlisle-bay.com
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Algarve
At Amendoeira Golf Resort, you can experience the essence of green living in the Algarve like never before. With two championship golf courses designed by Nick Faldo and Christy O'Connor, the resort provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all abilities. Whether you're travelling with your golf buddies or are simply looking for a soothing break with your significant other, Amendoeira presents you with the best of both worlds: relaxation and adventure.
From lush fairways to pristine greens, each hole offers a unique and memorable journey through the picturesque landscape, while non-golfers can enjoy the resort's exceptional leisure facilities and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Algarve, from the beaches to the architecture.
Subscribe to Amendoeira's reward programme today and receive 10 per cent off your booking at amendoeiraresort.com
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The Sun
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Holiday ATM warning that could leave holidaymakers without cash this summer
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That means you would be charged an extra £2.99 for withdrawing £100 abroad. The fee will also apply if you pay using your debit card. Lloyds Lloyds said customers can withdraw up to £800 per day when abroad. However, it warned the amount you can take out may vary depending on which ATM you choose to withdraw cash from. Lloyds customers are also charged a 2.99% fee for using their card abroad. But Club Lloyds members have recently had this fee waived as part of changes to the scheme. It now costs £5 per month to have a Club Lloyds account after the price was hiked from £3. Halifax Halifax is a subsidiary of Lloyds and also has a £800 maximum withdrawal fee. Customers are also charged a 2.99% fee for using their card abroad. But from August 1, Halifax Rewards customers will have this charge removed. It comes as part of a refresh of the banking offer, which will see new features added and some taken away. 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The Sun
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Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Telegraph
How the mega rich are making holidays unaffordable
Ever feel you're being priced out of your annual trip abroad? For many ordinary holidaymakers the choice of affordable destinations seems to be narrowing by the year. These days anywhere even vaguely pretty has been colonised by luxury brands and their mega-rich devotees. With fewer 'hidden paradises' for them to discover, wealthy travellers are now flocking to places once considered standard holiday fare. And while the rest of us were 'staycationing' in the drizzle, investors were busily hoarding anywhere with a half-decent beach. Oliver Corkhill, co-founder of bespoke tour operator Viadi Group, thinks the definition of luxury travel has evolved significantly in recent years. He says: 'Quality and exceptional service are now baseline expectations, with the focus shifting to what guests can truly take away from their holiday. It's no longer just about indulgence; it's about truly connecting with a destination.' Corkhill believes there's been a mindset shift with wealthier travellers now seeking an 'enriching experience'. He acknowledges that this rise in expectations, coupled with companies competing to attract money-is-no-object travellers, has priced many people out of the market. Globally, the number of millionaires is spiralling, as is their desire for high-end experiential holidays. And destinations – particularly those stung by over-tourism but keen to maintain the income holidaymakers bring – are desperate to woo them. This rush to inhabit the top-end of the market is a relatively new phenomenon. Moneyed travellers have traditionally been quite conservative in their choice of getaway. Old favourites such as Mustique, Monaco and the Amalfi Coast were seen as familiar, reassuringly expensive and far from the gaze of the package holiday hordes. But that was before the great post-Covid land grab. Take one of the more recent examples, the tiny island of Platte in the Seychelles. Thirty years ago this remote idyll in the middle of the Indian Ocean could easily have become one of those lost paradise-on-a-budget destinations beloved of grubby backpackers – think tents on beaches and cheap, palm-fronded bars. But investors have long since hollowed out that meagre revenue stream. In 2024 Hilton Group opened a five-star Waldorf Astoria resort on Platte, filling what had once been a small coconut plantation with imported palm trees and high-end lodges. The gamble appears to be paying off, with no shortage of high flyers lining up to pay around £12,000 a night for a five-bedroom villa. The Seychelles wasn't always a magnet for the super rich. Local expat artist Michael Adams and his wife Heather moved there in 1972, and have fond memories of the islands before the developers arrived. 'For years the place was a hippy paradise with a few arty expats like us living a very simple, carefree life,' says Heather. 'We rarely encountered many tourists other than a few hairy dropouts seeking nirvana. These days it feels more like a playground for rich bankers and swanky wedding parties.' European destinations are also trying to attract the billionaire class. Once known for their bohemian vibes, Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini and Ios have been well and truly blinged in recent years, abandoning the needs of ordinary holidaymakers in favour of the luxury end of the market. Santorini feels less like the rustic outpost of old and more a roped-off playground for the yachting fraternity. At Santa Marina, a five-star resort on Mykonos, rooms cost around £2,400 a night. It's all a far cry from the homely mama and baba pensions that once proliferated here. Then there's Montenegro, once seen as one of Europe's most affordable destinations, but now home to fleets of mega-yachts and a plethora of five-star resorts such as Nikki Beach and The Chedi, part of a sprawling new beach community in Luštica Bay complete with luxury apartment blocks, a handsome town square and one of Europe's highest, most exclusive golf courses. Even Benidorm has been trying to shed its less-than-salubrious image. When I visited recently the town felt more like a cross between Miami and Dubai with shiny new high-end hotels looming over the wide, perfectly manicured beaches. These days the old town feels properly cosmopolitan and the Boca del Calvari Museum even had a Goya exhibition. You'll also struggle to find a decent room for less than £200, and up in the mountains overlooking Benidorm, the Asia Gardens and Melia Villaitana resorts are as good as anything you'll find in more traditionally lavish locations. Ibiza's transformation from scuzzy 1970s hippie retreat to the world's most exclusive global party hub has been more gradual but no less dramatic. When I was there visiting friends recently, the decadent vibe felt like a two-fingered salute to all those bearded dropouts who decamped to what was then a remote corner of the Balearics. In July, a room at the Six Senses in Cala Nova will set you back over £1,300 a night. That's assuming, of course, the hotel isn't already fully booked; Ibiza has become the Glastonbury festival of holiday destinations where tickets sell out fast. Many of the older residents I spoke to complained that the island itself had sold out to a new breed of flashy drug-fuelled pleasure-seekers with little interest in island life. While the super rich are expanding their holiday horizons across every nook and cranny of Europe, don't expect long-haul destinations to offer much of an affordable alternative. Back in the early 1990s, if you backpacked across south-east Asia you were still considered something of a pioneer. On Thailand's Koh Phi Phi, I remember being told not to drink the water and to carry a torch with me at all times due to unpredictable electricity supplies. How times have changed. Phi Phi along with neighbouring Koh Phangan and Koh Samui have seen heavy development over the past 20 years with sprawling resorts replacing the tatty beach huts of old. Mexico's Yucatan peninsula has suffered a similar fate, with the unmade but picturesque ocean road from Cancun to Tulum now a gleaming highway lined with upscale hotels. Tulum, once a remote Mayan ruin surrounded by a smattering of camp sites, has been transformed into a glamorous beach resort where rooms at La Valise Tulum will set you back over £300. Wealthy travellers may be shaping the holiday landscape but there are still some surprisingly affordable pockets of Europe that have resisted. The Dordogne, for instance, has some lovely family-owned chateau hotels that don't cost the earth. Rooms at four star hotel L'Abbaye in sleepy Saint-Cyprien start at around £120 and from there you can tour the region's many historic castles where entry costs around £10. Drop by any of Périgord's heavenly villages and you can still enjoy a three-course menu du jour for around £14. But if you're still feeling down about the affordability of your next trip abroad, just remember: the super rich feed on exclusivity. So perhaps they'll grow tired of colonising the entire world and retreat back to their more familiar habitats – allowing the rest of us to rediscover favourite haunts we assumed were beyond our reach.
