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The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
The best holidays to book right now
Whether you're yearning for warm sand, snowy escapism, off-grid adventures or simply somewhere to let the kids run wild, this list has you covered. Ace the family holiday with sun, sea and something for everyone Trying to plan a holiday with the kids that doesn't wear you out? Barut Hotels, situated across Turkiye, might just be the answer. Found in sunny spots like Antalya, Side and Didim, these family-friendly resorts are thoughtfully designed to balance grown-up relaxation with serious fun for children. Expect special entertainment programmes, hands-on workshops and professional animation teams to keep young guests happy — when they're not splashing in the pool or playing safely in the supervised playgrounds, that is. Meanwhile, adults can unwind in the spa, take a dip or enjoy sports and activities at their own pace. Dining is a delight, too, with fresh, locally sourced Mediterranean menus and plenty of child-friendly choices. From quality time to quiet moments, Barut Hotels helps you holiday as a family — and actually enjoy it. Make summer sparkle with a city break to Vienna Vienna always stands for pure elegance. But this summer, it's also adding a little fizz. The Sans Souci Wien, a design-forward boutique hotel in the heart of the city, invites you to rediscover the pleasures of urban travel with its Sparkling Moments package. Unwind in the 20-metre sports pool, browse the in-house art gallery or explore the boutiques and boulevards of Austria's stylish capital. The highlight? A private champagne tasting, curated to bring a touch of extra luxury to your stay. Whether you're escaping for a romantic weekend or celebrating something special, this is a city break with sparkle — tailored entirely to your own rhythm. Book now and let Vienna's charm (and bubbles) work their magic. On the sunkissed coastline of northwestern Crete, Atlantica Ocean Beach Resort is a laid-back haven where salt air and simple pleasures set the pace. Overlooking the calm blue of Maleme Beach, this family-friendly retreat pairs modern comforts with space to roam — think lush gardens, a sparkling water park and that endlessly inviting stretch of sand. Spend your mornings wandering along the shore, your afternoons by the pool and your evenings exploring the nearby towns of Platanias and Chania, both known for their timeless tavernas and charming local character. Whether you're travelling with friends or family, the rhythm here is relaxed, the views spectacular and the memories made to last. Dine like a statesman in the heart of the Cotswolds The Killingworth Castle is a handsome 17th-century inn with standout food credentials – 3 AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide recommended – and oodles of rustic character. Winston Churchill was once a regular here, not least because it's just a stone's throw from stately Blenheim Palace. Tucked into the Oxfordshire village of Wootton, it's recently been named one of Condé Nast Traveller's Best Cotswolds Restaurants for 2025. Expect quality modern British fare, a proper pint and eight cosy, rural-chic bedrooms. It's also a great base for exploring the honey-coloured cottages of the Cotswolds, with local itineraries highlighted on the pub's website. Book the Stay & Dine package for 20% off a two-night break, including breakfast and £75 per person to spend on the seasonal set menu. Use code KILLINGWORTH. Offer ends 4 December 2025. See another side of the Isle of Wight From ravishing beaches to epic cliff-hugging pathways, the Isle of Wight promises a summer escape with serious soul to spare. Sail across the Solent to swap your everyday grind for panoramic coastal hikes, artisan food and a rhythm that invites you to slow down and explore. Stroll the shores at Compton Bay, sample small-batch gins and creamy island cheeses or dive into history at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Queen Victoria's island pad, Osborne. With boutique hotels, seaside cottages and clifftop campsites to choose from, you can tailor your stay to suit your style. So, whether you're craving salty air, fresh flavours or family-friendly adventure, this little island delivers in spades. Indulge in all-inclusive ease at a tropical paradise Craving a sunshine escape that delivers on the daydream? With a trio of award-winning resorts across Cancún and Jamaica, Moon Palace serves up seamless, sunkissed luxury for every generation. Whether you're drifting between spa rituals and tranquil pools in Cancún or dining beachside in Ocho Rios, your every whim is catered for. Expect thoughtful extras — from family suites and world-class kids' clubs to wellness, golf and gourmet dining — all bundled into one transparent, upfront price. It's uncompromising high-spec comfort without the hassle. And with perks like 'Kids & Teens Stay Free' you can get up to 30% on early bookings, your dream holiday is nearer than you might think. Offer valid until 30 June 2025. Let Scandinavia stir your soul From long summer days to the glow of Arctic winter skies, Scandinavia always casts a spell. Great Rail Journeys brings this region to life through expertly curated tours that blend unforgettable experiences with seamless travel. Its 'Norway, Lofoten & Arctic Cruise' itinerary begins in Oslo and Bergen, before setting sail along Norway's majestic coastline, through fjords and fishing villages into the Arctic Circle. Prefer wintry magic? The 'Northern Lights Winter Arctic Cruise' pairs a journey on the Bergen Railway with aurora-hunting from ship and shore. Or opt for the 'Ultimate Norway, Sweden and the Arctic Circle' rail tour — a celebration of Scandi cities, landscapes and heritage. Book before 31 July 2025 to enjoy half-price cabin upgrades on 2026 bookings. Make seamless travel plans with tech that keeps you in control Flight delayed? Schedule changed? When travel plans shift on a dime, drvn exists to ensure your ground game stays sharp. Designed for travel managers, event planners and executive teams who demand flawless execution every time, this global platform coordinates private transportation at scale, with real-time ride tracking, custom integrations and white label booking tools tailored to your exact needs. Whether it's black car pickups for an international conference or discreet SUV arrivals for top-tier clients, drvn connects you to a vetted network of commercial chauffeurs worldwide. Every detail is managed, and every mile carefully accounted for. This isn't just black car service, it's large-scale ground transportation management. When your soul craves stillness, snow and a sky full of stars, head for Jøkelfjord in Northern Norway. Isbreen The Glacier is an off-grid Arctic hideaway where five geodesic-domed igloos offer front-row views of Øksfjordjøkelen glacier and the fjord below. Inside, you'll find wood-burning stoves, private whirlpools and a sense of silence that's anything but empty. Meals feature local ingredients like reindeer and cloudberries, and days unfold between dog sledding, kayaking or whale swims. At night, if the conditions are right, the Northern Lights perform while you stay cosy in bed. The largest dome — a whopper at 1,500sq ft — turns remoteness into proper indulgence. Book now with code OFFER2025 to get your fourth night free (this year or next), a complimentary forest sauna experience and potential igloo upgrade, subject to availability. Cool! Make family travel effortless with expert help and five-star childcare Travelling with kids needn't be stressful. And with a little help from Scott Dunn's Explorers Kids' Clubs, it can be seamless — and surprisingly relaxing for parents, too. Available at five luxurious Mediterranean resorts, from Costa Navarino and Eagles Resort in Greece to Pine Cliffs in Portugal, each club offers a carefully curated blend of fun and learning for children aged four months to 11 years. Think nature walks, cookery classes, splash time and new friendships. Meanwhile, you'll have time for a proper lunch, a grown-up swim or even a spa treatment, knowing your precious little ones are in expert hands. From cots and car seats to restaurant bookings and Stargazers evening sessions, Scott Dunn handles every detail with style. It all begins with one call. Raise a glass to Brussels' best beer experience and rooftop Belgium's beer culture is world-renowned — and there's no better way to explore it than at the Belgian Beer World experience, an immersive journey housed in the historic La Bourse (the former stock exchange) building in central Brussels. Wander through centuries of fascinating heritage, discover the country's signature styles and finish the tour off with a well-earned tasting on the panoramic rooftop terrace. This special €34.50 (£29) ticket includes a tour followed by a tasting of three expertly selected Belgian beers — dark, blond and fruity — unlike the regular ticket, which only includes one tasting. You'll also be served artisanal cheese and the local spicy sausage. Whether you're a beer aficionado or just interested in getting a taste of the country's culture, this is an unmissable flavour tour with one of the city's best views thrown in. Come thirsty, leave cheerful.
The Independent
20-02-2025
- The Independent
Ultra-romantic international travel ideas
Whether you have something to celebrate or you're just celebrating each other, a romantic getaway really pushes the boat out for that special somebody. Trinkets, jewellery, flowers and chocolates are all very well and good. But to truly show them you care? Nothing beats a holiday booking. Here's a few ideas that should get their heart racing. Watch their eyes sparkle in Vienna Treat that special someone to a trip stuffed with sweet surprises and bubbly moments. The Sans Souci — a decidedly upscale boutique hotel in Vienna, sandwiched between the traditional 1st District and the hip 7th — is currently gearing up for its Romantic City Getaway offer. This is your chance to go on an unforgettable trip to Austria, tailored exactly to your beloved's needs and wants. Swim with your beau or belle under crystal chandeliers, dine in front of breathtaking artwork, indulge in romantic massages and let it all go to your head at a private champagne tasting — the Sans Souci Wien wants nothing more than for your sweetest dreams to come true. Visit now Savour the sublime on Santorini Ikies Santorini is not just a hotel: it's a love letter to the island's heritage. Perched on the edge of Oia, this boutique retreat offers 14 cave-style suites, each inspired by a traditional local trade. From the Boatman's Suite to the Artisan's House, every space is a chic blend of minimalist, modern design and subtle nods to Santorini's past. The result? A stay that feels both rooted and refined. Privacy reigns supreme here. Tucked away from Oia's bustling centre — a mere seven-minute stroll — the hotel offers uninterrupted caldera views from private terraces and whirlpool baths. Sunset cocktails are practically a ritual, as is sampling the Greek-inspired menu, crafted with local ingredients. Recently revamped by leading architects, Ikies is a captivating stay whether you're honeymooning or still in the first throes of passion. Don't forget to use promo code 'SANTO25' for exclusive perks at Enjoy a flavour of authentic Italy In the green and gorgeous heart of Italy, the village of Cartoceto is one of the country's hidden gems, as is the wider region of Le Marche. Villa Cartoceto, a charming B&B with only four rooms, is the perfect spot for a memorable break. Here, you can enjoy Italy in its purest form and taste high-quality and organically certified olive oil, and red and white wines, among other produce from its own farm. Right across the street, Osteria del Cardinale boasts authentic Italian food, with a menu that includes dishes such as risotto with organically grown artichokes, and polpo, piselli e menta (octopus, peas and mint). Are you ready for a taste of authentic Italy? Book now Smooch in a landmark in The Hague Housed in the former KLM headquarters, Hotel De Plesman represents the pinnacle of historic gravitas and modern luxury in The Hague. Opening on March 1, the meticulously restored hotel is pure class. Its 103 rooms and suites, designed by Amsterdam's Nicemakers studio, boast mid-century furnishings, lofty ceilings, and curated art that nods to the building's aviation heritage. The crown jewel? The Plesman Suite, once airline founder Albert Plesman's office, now a haven of retro charm. Dining at De Plesman is equally thoughtful. Restaurant Suus offers brasserie classics elevated by a talented chef, while the Albert Bar & Lounge serves as a stylish perch for cocktails or late-night conversation. Beyond its walls, the hotel's location invites exploration — stroll to Madurodam, bike to Scheveningen Beach, or lose yourself in the Mauritshuis's Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. De Plesman isn't just a stay — it's an experience that connects past and present with effortless romance. Use code SPRING2025 for an additional 10% welcome discount for bookings — valid for stays from 1 March until 29 December 2025. Rekindle the flame in Zanzibar Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat, tucked along Zanzibar's balmy southeastern coast, feels like a secret whispered by the Indian Ocean. Its nine villas, designed by Zambian visionary Eileen Smith, are masterpieces of natural elegance, blending recycled materials with atmospheric tropical surroundings. Privacy reigns — each villa is a romantic sanctuary, with private pools and spaces that invite you to linger. Dining is a celebration of Zanzibar's abundance. Fresh, local ingredients and sustainably caught seafood are transformed into vibrant dishes, served wherever the moment feels right — poolside, barefoot on the beach, or beneath the stars. At Kiota Spa, treatments rooted in African traditions unfold in open-air pavilions, where sea breezes clear your mind and soul. Xanadu isn't just a retreat, it's an invitation to reconnect — with nature, and with each other. Use code ROMANTICTRAVEL FOR A 15% discount on bookings here. The offer includes sparkling wine and biscuits on arrival, romantic dinners throughout the stay, and a 15-minute relaxing hand massage. The offer is valid until 30 November 2025 for stays between 14 February to 30 November 2025. Have it all in Hvar, Croatia Love Hvar Apartments represent a haven of wellbeing in tranquillity in Hvar Town, just yards from the beach and mere steps from the humming harbour. Once a family home, this collection of three meticulously designed apartments is the work of Jozo Novak, who has infused the property with his love for local craftsmanship and childhood memories. Design-wise, it balances contemporary minimalism with regional touches — Macedonian tiles, Bosnian woodwork and Croatian design. The penthouse is a standout, with floor-to-ceiling doors opening to a terrace that frames views of the Franciscan Monastery and Pakleni Islands. Downstairs, the garden apartment offers two terraces surrounded by lavender and palms. Whether sipping wine at sunset or wandering Hvar's cobblestone streets, Love Hvar feels personal, serene and utterly unpretentious — accommodation straight from the heart. Bathe in starlight in Ubud, Bali A sanctuary of quiet sophistication nestled in Ubud's lush forest where the sacred Petanu River carves through the valley below, Bumi Kina is the ultimate, intimate romantic retreat. There are eight Skylight Villas, each a 1,200sq foot haven of quiet luxury. By day, the villas' private terraces invite you to lose yourself in the verdant jungle views, while by night, an automatic skylight above the bed reveals a twinkling canopy of stars. The resort's design nods respectfully to Bali's natural charms, seamlessly blending curvilinear architecture with the surrounding landscape. At Tukad Terrace, a private five-course candlelit dinner reflects off an infinity pond with Mount Agung in the distance. Between rose baths at the spa and yoga sessions by the river, Bumi Kinar is all about connection, executed with love. Plan an extraordinary, tailored holiday Completely Croatia creates tailor-made holidays to hidden gems across Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Offering off-the-beaten-track destinations and unique, character-filled hotels, they provide a truly authentic experience. The team's deep local knowledge and long-standing relationships with partners ensure personal attention, exclusive benefits and 24/7 support. From luxurious island-hopping cruises to multi-hotel itineraries, travel experts will curate the perfect getaway. Completely Croatia's portfolio includes distinctive smaller hotels and ships that offer warmth and familiarity, far from the impersonal feel of hotel chains. For those seeking romance and luxury, the portfolio includes Istria's Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, Brač's Lemongarden Hotel, Dubrovnik's Palace Natali and Slovenia's Hotel Grad Otočec, among other stunning properties. Get £200 off your first booking when quoting 'we love Croatia' at checkout — offer valid until 1 September 2025. T&Cs apply. With 20 locations across Wales and Cumbria, Lyons Holiday Parks offers the nation's best loved days out. Expect lively resorts with a staggering array of entertainment and activities — whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation. Situated in picturesque settings, all parks provide easy access to local attractions, beaches and natural beauty. Some of the popular locations include Snowdonia, Barmouth, Conwy, Talacre, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Towyn, Ruthin, St Asaph and the Lake District. From static caravans to camping pitches, there's something for every budget and preference. Holiday cottages provide a cosy home-away-from-home experience for families and couples or discover the ultimate relaxation in a hot tub lodge, featuring modern interiors, spacious living areas and premium amenities. Receive a 25% discount on summer holidays with code SUM25 at checkout. Offer valid until 29 August 2025. Valid for stays between 21 July to 29 August 2025. To truly unwind, many benefit from utter seclusion and serenity. Set within a unique resort, home to stunning hot tub lodges and boutique hotel rooms, Serenity Spa is the perfect place to relax. Rejuvenating wellness treatments like massages and body scrubs help you relax, before enjoying luxury facilities like an indoor heated pool, spa pool, sauna, steam room and gym and fitness suite. The hotel offers tailored spa packages ideal for every occasion, like the couple's package designed for reconnection. For as little as £184, enjoy indulgent spa treatments for two, a sumptuous two-course dinner at the elegant View restaurant, as well as a full Welsh breakfast and full access to leisure you're seeking peace, pampering or stunning surroundings on your romantic getaway, you'll find exactly what you're looking for amidst the glorious North Wales scenery.
