Latest news with #Atol
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Thousands of Brits have their holidays cancelled as major holiday company abruptly closes
Thousands of British travellers have had their holidays cancelled after a major travel provider abruptly closed on Thursday. As of 24 April, operations by Balkan Holidays shut in the UK, with 'all forward holiday bookings' cancelled after almost 60 years of trading. The travel provider started operations in 1966 with summer holidays to Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta and northern Cyprus, as well as winter ski trips, on offer to travellers. Holidays by the brand departed from 17 British airports and served over 130,000 travellers in one year at the height of operations. Before its closure, the travel operator held an Atol licence to protect just 27,817 passenger trips until the end of March 2026. Although travellers currently on holiday will be unaffected by the closure, any upcoming bookings have been cancelled. Balkan Holidays said in an online statement: 'We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd. has as of 24th of April 2025, closed for business in the UK. Clients currently on holiday will be unaffected. 'The company remains solvent, but has ceased trading, however all forward holiday bookings have been cancelled. All clients will be notified and refunded in full. May we kindly ask for patience as we process the refunds and appreciate your understanding. 'Thank you for your past business and please accept our most sincere apologies for the disappointment and inconvenience.' Holidaymakers who have bookings with Balkan were told to contact them directly or request a refund from their travel agent. The former travel provider added that it will 'work as fast as we can' and 'prioritise refunds in departure date order'. Travellers due to take off this year shared their shock at the news on social media. One X/Twitter user replied: 'Absolutely devastated we WERE going in 36 days time! How are we meant to book anywhere now at this notice.' 'This is a disgrace we were flying with you in 6 weeks so unless you refund in the next week we can't afford to book anywhere else. Terrible way to treat people scum!', wrote another. Balkan Holidays UK managing director Alexander Stoyanov said that it has become 'increasingly difficult to be competitive and profitable' in the UK. He added that 'nobody will be left out of pocket' following the closure.
Telegraph
03-04-2025
- Telegraph
An Ionian island escape geared to every type of traveller
If you're yearning for a sun-drenched island holiday, prepare to be bowled over by Corfu. With its history-rich towns, glittering coastline home to Blue Flag beaches and olive-grove-studded peaks easily reached with a hire car, you'll see why holidaymakers return here year after year. It's easy to get to Corfu from the UK, thanks to direct flights with British Airways Holidays. As with all its holiday packages, your Corfu trip is Atol protected and comes with a 24-hour holiday helpline and generous checked baggage allowance, putting your mind at ease when you travel. And for a little extra luxury, why not upgrade to Club Europe (Business Class) and enjoy delicious food and drink on board, lounge access**, inflight extras, priority check-in desks and boarding? If you're a member of The British Airways Club, you can collect Avios and earn tier points on your holiday package with British Airways Holidays, leaving you free to focus on planning trips to the fantastic museums and charming cafes of the Unesco-listed Corfu Old Town, loved for its Venetian and Byzantine-style architecture. You might even hop on a ferry from here to the tranquil island of Vido or tour the history of the old town, taking in its striking fortress, the neoclassical Palace of St Michael and St George and St Spyridon Church, named after the island's patron saint. Aeolos Beach Resort: a warm and welcoming Corfiot hotel If you're wondering where to base yourself while soaking up all of Corfu's splendour, look no further than Aeolos Beach Resort, a four-star hotel located seven miles down the east coast from the island's fortified Old Town. It caters for all types of guests, with distinct areas for couples and families. And as with all British Airways Holidays, it provides great value for money, with a premium all-inclusive board basis which grants you access to high-quality dining, premium beverages, and a diverse range of activities and entertainment. With British Airways Holidays, you can secure your trip with a low deposit and pay in as many instalments as you like*. Alternatively, settle your balance closer to departure*. When you arrive at Aeolos Beach Resort, you'll instantly fall for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, created by its collection of stone buildings, designed to evoke the feel of a Corfiot village. Its 437 guest rooms, suites and bungalows are spread across a verdant hillside in a terraced design – 100 of the rooms are brand new, while the remainder have undergone a complete renovation with soothing pastel palettes and minimalist designs. Families will feel right at home in the two-bedroomed Family Bungalow Suites, which sleep up to four people. Couples, meanwhile, can opt to stay in the newer 37 sq m Deluxe Sea View rooms. These brim with creature comforts – from tea and coffee-making facilities to in-room movies – and floor-to-ceiling windows frame blissful views of lush greenery and the glittering Ionian Sea. Wherever you drop your bags, you'll find the swimming pools and sun-kissed beaches are never far away. Of the three pool areas, one has been specifically designed for families, with a shallow section and a separate baby pool. A new relaxing pool for everyone over the age of 14 will open this summer. Over on its caramel-hued Aeolos Beach, you'll find a stylish jetty, abundant sun loungers and an array of watersports. In the heart of the resort is the infinity pool, perfectly positioned for coastal panoramas, while the hotel's spa centre offers an array of reviving body treatments. The resort also boasts a tennis court, a padel court, a gym and a wide range of sports. If families need any more reasons to love this resort, they'll find it: the babysitting and onsite kids' club and mini disco tick the childcare and kids' entertainment box. In fact, there's entertainment for all, with the Aeolos Animation Team offering an array of games, competitions and live music events. Much like the creative activities it provides for the youngest guests, the hotel gastronomy found across the hotel's three restaurants, embraces the much-loved Mediterranean culture with touches of international flair throughout. The family-friendly main restaurant comes with a kids' corner, buffet-style dining and show cooking, while the seaside Paralia Beach Restaurant impresses with artistic takes on pasta and pizza, cooked to your personal liking. With all this, and the delectable rotisserie and meze-style dishes of the poolside Ionian restaurant, plus the Beach Sweet Corner, which dishes out waffles and crepes at selected times of day, this is a hotel – and an island – of which you won't be able to get enough. Aeolos Beach Resort with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.* *Based on two sharing. Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holiday bookings. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Telegraph
03-04-2025
- Telegraph
Enjoy a deluxe Corfu getaway in these five-star hotels
There's a lot to love about Corfu, with its serene beaches facing the Ionian Sea and its heritage-listed old town. You'll fall head-over for its hotels, too, some of which go above and beyond to impress guests with their wide-ranging activities and retreat-like accommodation. Two hotels that set this very high benchmark are The Olivar Suites and Kontokali Bay Resort, which you can book with British Airways Holidays. Both properties are perfect for a relaxing couple's getaway yet have been thoughtfully designed to welcome families, too. With British Airways Holidays, your holiday package is Atol protected from the moment you book and can be secured with a low deposit with the option of flexible payments* which allows you to spread the cost of your holiday. There's a generous checked baggage allowance and dedicated 24-hour holiday helpline, giving you peace of mind from the start to the finish of your getaway. And if you're a member of The British Airways Club, you can collect Avios and earn tier points on your holiday package with British Airways Holidays. For a little extra luxury, why not upgrade to Club Europe (Business Class) and enjoy delicious food and drink on board, as well as lounge access**, inflight extras, priority check-in desks and boarding? The big question is, which hotel will win you over? The Olivar Suites The setting of this boutique hotel is sublime. Ancient olive trees stud the grounds, and a restored 18th-century olive mill, which houses the hotel's characterful Olibar, provides a charming focal point within its centre. Luxurious touches abound, too, from the club cars that whizz guests around the property, to the in-room Nespresso machines, slick fitness centre and gorgeous Aegeo Spa which uses quality, organic products. The Olivar Suites are certainly fit for a romantic getaway with ultra-private suites, which come with a private balcony, terrace or garden, and if you upgrade to a Junior Suite, private plunge pools. But the airy two-bedroomed suites provide plenty of space for families, too. You have direct access to a pristine beach which offers shaded sun loungers, towel service and safe, shallow waters. The beachfront Ionian Suite, which sleeps two adults and a child and comes with its own beachfront gazebo, is ideal for new parents, too, allowing you to sashay between beach and suite within minutes. When you're lounging luxuriously beside the hotel's inviting pool, opt for enticing refreshments such as melon mojitos and fresh meze from Olibar. You're in for a treat, too, at the all-day Mediterranean Flya restaurant where artistic plates of sea bream carpaccio and fresh Corfiot salads are served in a sophisticated setting. Those who are keen on a local wander will find cafes, tavernas and ice-cream stalls aplenty in nearby Messonghi and Moraitika. You can also turn to the hotel's super-efficient concierge team for help organising local excursions, onsite cooking classes or a private transfer to Corfu Old Town. Alternatively, get behind the wheel yourself and hire a car and enjoy the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Kontokali Bay Resort If you'd like to be close to a beautiful beach and Corfu's cultural riches, book a stay at Kontokali Bay Resort. It's a 15-minute drive from Corfu Old Town, a stone's throw from local shops and restaurants, and feels alluringly secluded, thanks to its position on a verdant peninsula. This hotel is primed for relaxation, thanks to its luxurious rooms, bungalows and suites. They come with a furnished terrace, with some overlooking flower-dotted gardens. Others deliver knockout views of the nearby Gouvia Marina or sparkling Ionian Sea. Couples seeking extra luxury can upgrade to a Junior Suite Bungalow which, with its private pool, feels like a real treat. Families, meanwhile, are right at home in the spacious family rooms, partitioned by sliding doors. The wealth of activities offered here is particularly impressive. Unwind with a yoga or aqua aerobics class or take a lesson in traditional Syrtaki dance. Alternatively, hit the floodlit tennis court, enjoy hiking and biking or take a local excursion. The hotel, handily, offers a free shuttle to the Old Town. On the Blue Flag beach, you'll find all sorts of water-based fun, ranging from paddle boarding and pedaloes to banana boat rides. Adults can decompress in the spa, with its indoor pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and wide-ranging wellness packages. There's a superb pool (with fabulous sea views) and childcare is taken care of, with babysitting and an activity-packed Mini Club also available. When it's time to dine, take your pick of four restaurants and two bars spanning a range of Mediterranean flavours. Horizon is a buffet restaurant featuring various food stations while the Marina serves up hearty comfort food. The charming Parea by the Sea serves up classy meze plates while trendsetting Asterias, helmed by Group Executive Chef Spiros Voulismas, is primed for a romantic meal for two, showcasing fantastic Greek fine dining. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Corfu holiday to The Olivar Suites or Kontokali Bay Resort with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.* *Based on two sharing. Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holiday bookings. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Telegraph
01-04-2025
- Telegraph
Why Riviera Maya should be your next holiday destination
Margaritas at sunset, palm-fringed beaches, cooling dips in azure waters: picture the perfect break on the Caribbean coast and your mind's eye may well have created the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula of south-east Mexico. This 83-mile-long swathe of palm-fringed sands is lapped by tumbling turquoise waves and stretches all the way down to the border with Belize. Admittedly, if you're travelling as a family, a couple, solo or with a group of friends, it's all too tempting to spend long lazy days on the beach at your hotel – and you'd want to leave plenty of time for that. But this is a part of the world that's crammed with other things to see and do. So, where do you start? Well, the dramatic ruins of Tulum are some of the most impressive you'll see – and not just in the country, but anywhere in the world. Teetering on a cliff edge overlooking the sea, the ancient ruins offer a fascinating insight into Mayan culture – and there's even a beach for a refreshing swim after you've dipped your toe in ancient Mayan history. Next? Head on to Calle Sol Oriente in boho Tulum town, where you can pause for photos taken in front of vibrant street art depicting sea turtles, jaguars and flowers, while checking out the stalls and picking up a locally made souvenir or two. If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature you're in the right place: tours through the mangroves give you a chance to soak up the serenity of this part of the world, listening to birdsong and the gentle lap of water as you go. Or for something a little livelier, this is a part of the world that's packed with fun events, from the annual Riviera Maya Jazz festival in November to the Food and Wine Festival in September. But travel here at any time of year and you'll be spoiled for drink and dining options, from toes-in-the-sand bars for tasting tequilas and street stalls serving up zingy tacos to juice cafes and candle-lit fine dining. And travelling with British Airways Holidays comes with benefits that include low deposits, Atol protection and generous baggage allowances. All this is assuming you can stray from your hotel, but that may well be trickier than you think, with several luxurious Melia hotels to choose from. One option is Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya, a super-sleek adults-only stay that's just a 45-minute transfer from Cancun International Airport. Surrounded by mangrove forests and strung along the beach, it feels remote and exotic, yet it's minutes away from buzzy Playa del Carmen, with its shops, cafes and nightlife. The all-inclusive element of your stay means that you'll have delicious food and drink on tap in the six restaurants, from authentic lip-tingling Mexican favourites like tacos to ice-cold local beers and smoky mezcals and cocktails. The Reserve offerings (an adults-only upgrade offering even more exclusive services and amenities) give you the chance to try incredible cultural experiences as part of your stay, from a Mayan shaman ritual to swimming in pristine cave pools known as cenotes. Your Reserve benefits also include a destination concierge to arrange excursions and reservations and to ensure your every whim is taken care of while you revel in the romantic touches of the resort – think double sun loungers slightly submerged beneath the pool at the front of your suite, plus hammocks and Bali beds, or a a relaxing morning in the spa to ease you into your day. If you long for a sun-soaked holiday with your family then try Paradisus Playa del Carmen instead. It's a haven for all ages, not least because it's also a speedy transfer from the airport – an essential after a long international flight. Palm-fringed sands and mangrove, the option of swim-up rooms and numerous pools with shaded cabanas and corners make the perfect play areas, as does the waterpark with its slides, splashing buckets and fountains. If your children are keen on making friends and you need an hour or two (or more) to yourself then the excellent kids club for ages one to 11 is just the place, and there's a teen room too. During the day they'll have their pick of toys and activities, while extended opening hours mean you can opt for a meal out without your kids as company, or if they're with you then the choice of eight restaurants – with international and Mexican cuisine – means they'll be happy with their meal choice. And when they're happy, you're happy too. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Melia holiday to Mexico with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*. *Based on two sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Telegraph
01-04-2025
- Telegraph
Hotels on the Caribbean coast that belong on your family holiday wishlist
For those lucky enough to have spent some time in the Caribbean and Mexico's Caribbean coast the chances are they've visited again and again. And again. That's because it's a part of the world that's easy to fall in love with. The sea is calm and warm, the weather is sublime, the beaches are world-class, the people are welcoming and the hotels – if you choose the right ones – are perfect. For families with children of all ages, it's a no-brainer, especially if you're keen to find some winter sun to break up the long, long, long British winter. Two areas that are particularly well suited to families are Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Playa del Carmen in Mexico's Riviera Maya, and thanks to the experts at Melia, the hotels more than match their delightful surroundings. Travel with British Airways Holidays and you'll have the perfect combination of peace of mind thanks to Atol protection and 24/7 support, a wonderful destination to explore and extraordinary places to stay designed with families in mind. Plus there are regular direct flights to choose from with British Airways. Here's a selection of hotels to consider for your next family break. Paradise found The all-inclusive luxury resort of Paradisus Grand Cana, set on the Dominican Republic's beautiful Playa Bavaro, covers all the bases for the whole family so beautifully one assumes a particularly gifted parent and child pairing must have designed it together. Their first wise decision was to make the entire resort suite-only (and big suites at that) so everyone has an incredible room perfectly set up for a family. The second was the creation of the Family Concierge service. Yes, a family concierge. If your seven-year-old decides they are in need of a little expertise to fulfil their specific seven-year-old needs then look no further. Here, they (and their parents) will find personalised attention and help with booking extraordinary experiences. Thanks to the Destination Inclusive Experience on offer through the concierge, guests will find activities inside and outside the hotel, such as master classes and guided tours – plus they can help with restaurant reservations, ideas for fun things to do or simply offer advice on ice cream flavours. Those who take advantage of the service also get added in-room benefits and exclusive spots to enjoy, such as a gourmet breakfast area. And of course, there are countless ways to spend your days whether it be at the hotel's own water park, relaxing by the pool, chilling in the spa, hanging out at the beach club, working up a sweat in the gym and spin room, escaping parents for a while at the kids club or heading out for 18 holes of golf. The experiences here are matched by the variety and quality of food on offer – dine at the steakhouse one night, enjoy Asian cuisine the next and perhaps Peruvian the night after. The range of restaurants and bars to choose from is mouthwateringly good. Take the plunge in Mexico Family-friendly doesn't feel like a strong enough description of what is on offer at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen. This Mexican hotel has made every possible effort to ensure children have the time of their lives. Exhibit A is the on-site waterpark. Imagine the faces of the children who arrive here and discover this aquatic playground just steps away from their room, knowing they can slide, plunge and dive to their heart's content. This all-inclusive luxury resort, set in a magnificent mangrove forest by a stunning beach, has thought of everyone and everybody with elements to suit all ages and desires. The hotel feels distinctly Caribbean with lush gardens, palm trees, wooden pathways that wind their way through gardens, pools and plentiful shaded seating areas. And it's worth strolling the grounds on arrival to get a look and feel for the sheer variety and scope of opportunities to have fun. The pools are large and spacious, there are life-enriching experiences for the whole family to enjoy, and there are plenty of distractions for children and adults to enjoy together or separately. The expertly run kids' club offers games, arts, crafts and relaxation for those aged one to 11, and there's a games room for teenagers keen to meet up with their peers for a couple of hours, from 10am to 11pm. Upgrade your family experience with a Family Concierge suite and you'll get far more than an incredible room. Expect Destination Concierge personal service, private check-in and check-out, private areas in the resort and much more besides. And with the hotel's brilliant Destination Inclusive programme, Family Concierge guests can plug into the local culture and enjoy authentic experiences such as a Mayan ritual with a shaman. It's worth noting there are two-bedroom suites for bigger families who want to be together and an array of places to enjoy a meal, such as Capella, where Italian food is served; the Asian cuisine of Tori; or Sal Steak Cave. Holding court in the Dominican Republic Billed as the first lifestyle resort in Punta Cana, the tropical paradise that is Zel Punta Cana combines the charm of the Dominican Republic with a Mediterranean way of life. The laudable concept is to allow guests to holiday at their own pace in their own rhythm. The all-inclusive resort, created in partnership with tennis player Rafael Nadal (which explains why the tennis courts are impressive, to say the least), has been designed with plenty of relaxing open spaces and architecture inspired by outdoor living to ensure a light, airy and boutique feel. The usual formalities of hotels have been done away with, so you won't be dinging any bells at the reception desk when you arrive; instead you'll check in digitally to ensure you maximise the fun and minimise the admin. Rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit guests' individual needs but, needless to say, are all stunning. And a third of them are perfect for guests who want the understandable option of walking or swimming to their rooms. The most relaxing spot on site is, arguably, the AUA Spa where an array of exclusive treatments and beauty services are carried out by expert therapists. Wellness is central to the experience here with a fully equipped gym, where you'll find personal trainers to help put together a bespoke fitness programme, and a multifunctional room for high-energy sports guided by instructors. Plus the hotel has created 10km of scenic trails through the natural beauty of Punta Cana. No stay here is complete without sampling the exemplary food at spots such as Parda, that champions Mediterranean flavours; Volcan, where steak is the star; or Beach Club, where fusion cuisine is served on the sand. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Melia holiday to Mexico or the Dominican Republic with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*. *Based on two sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
