As the European summer holidays hot up, those classic beach hotels are filling up fast. But we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s still plenty of space if you know where to look. And it might not be as expensive as you think.
Whatever your budget, we’ve rounded up some of our insider summer favourites both near and far. Choose from dreamy European escapes that still have availability, or far-flung destinations which you might not consider visiting at this time of year, but which still have much to offer.
No need to thank us; just take your pick and enjoy a well-earned dose of R&R!
HAVE £500 TO SPEND?
SUNNY SOUTHERN FRANCE FROM £373 PER PERSON
Where to?
Beautiful B&B Les Sardines aux Yeux Bleus sits in a tiny hamlet near the magnificent Provençal town of Uzès. Dating back to the 12th century, it has a handful of rustic-chic rooms and a flower-draped courtyard with a tranquil swimming pool. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but think: “Let’s run away to Provence and run a B&B!”
What will it cost me?
Book 7 nights in the Pink room during June 2017 for just £341 per person; add flights from London Stansted to Nimes for approx. £32, and your week-long escape will total little more than £373 per person.
MID-SUMMER IN MOROCCO FROM £381 PER PERSON
Where to?
Set just outside the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira, Le Jardin des Douars is a laid-back countryside escape with sensational botanical gardens, 2 heated jade-green pools, and a restaurant serving sensational Moroccan-French food.
What will it cost me?
Thanks to a 15% early-summer discount, 7 nights in the Beldi room during June 2017 comes to just £326 per person. Combine with flights from London Luton to Essaouira for approx. £55, and that brings a week of fun in the sun to just £381 per person.
Why now?
Unlike other parts of Morocco, which sizzle in summer, Essaouira is a year-round destination. The famous Atlantic winds keep the temperature to a bearable degree, even in July and August.
HAVE £1,000 TO SPEND?
CYPRIOT CHARM & CONVENIENCE FROM £790 PER PERSON
Where to?
Our favourite boutique guesthouse in Cyprus, Apokryfo is tucked away in the sleepy village of Lofou in the Troodos foothills. Cosy rooms are clustered around a bijou turquoise pool, and the candlelit restaurant serves superb Cypriot dinners. Midway between sea and mountains (30-45 minutes from both), the cobbled village setting is charmingly peaceful, with a handful of tavernas and wineries nearby.
What will it cost me?
A 13-night stay in the Pomegranate room during June 2017 comes to £661 per person. Book flights from Birmingham to Larnaca for approx. £129, and your total per-person spend will start from £790.
LONG-HAUL BALI BARGAINS FROM £801 PER PERSON
Where to?
Funky lumbung-style hotel Puri Madawi on Bali’s south coast is stylish, spotless and perfectly located. The Indian Ocean’s a stroll away, and there are great restaurants, bars, markets and spas within a short taxi hop. The hotel has a restorative vibe, with colourful gardens and comfy loungers beside the sun-warmed freshwater pool.
What will it cost me?
The hotel is very sensibly priced, especially when they have a 30% discount up for grabs. Book a 13-night stay in a Garden Bungalow during June 2017 for £314 per person. Combine this with flights from London to Bali for approx. £487, and that brings a 2-week trip to £801 per person. Not bad for your own slice of tropical paradise.
Why now?
This area of Bali doesn’t have a “season”, but in general Bali’s drier months are May-September. If you’re on a budget, heading out before July lets you make the most of lower prices in the shops and markets.
HAVE £1,500 TO SPEND?
SHORT-HAUL SPANISH SUN FROM £1,409.50 PER PERSON
Where to?
On Spain’s Costa de la Luz, rural-chic Casa La Siesta has an easy vibe, delicious traditional food, a big pool and even bigger views. And the twin cherries on your Siesta cake? You’re just a shake away from Vejer, one of Andalucia’s most beautiful towns, and close to some of the region’s best beaches.
What will it cost me?
Nine nights in a Double Room during June 2017 comes to £1,233.50 per person. Book flights from London Stansted to Jerez for approx. £176, and that brings your per-person total to £1,409.50.
TROPICAL THAILAND FROM £1,159 PER PERSON
Where to?
Set on the island of Koh Samui, Zazen Boutique Resort Spa’s combination of stylish bungalows, heavenly spa treatments and delicious food make it a mecca for rest ‘n’ romance. Add to that a prime beachfront location just 15 minutes from the airport, and there’s little not to like.
What will it cost me?
With a 15% discount available, you can book a 10-night stay in a Garden Deluxe Bungalow during June 2017 for £636 per person (non-refundable). Add indirect flights from London to Koh Samui for approx. £523, and this makes for a great-value getaway at approx. £1,159 per person.
Why now?
Koh Samui’s high season (January to April) is hot and humid, but May through to September is cooler, with pleasant breezes spilling over from the southwest monsoon during July-September.
HAVE £2,000 TO SPEND?
MAKE AN EASY ESCAPE TO MYKONOS FROM £1,808 PER PERSON
Where to?
Funky island retreat Ostraco sits on a hill above Mykonos Town, with long views out to a scudding blue sea. You get minimal white interiors, and sumptuous daybeds surrounding the amoeba-shaped pool. In the evening, the place comes alive with music, lanterns, cocktails and a party-soul bartender.
What will it cost me?
You can book a 10-night B&B stay in a Mykonian Classic room during June for £1,627 per person. Add flights from London Gatwick to Mykonos for approx. £181, and you’ll get a luxe Greek-island escape for £1,808 per person.
FAR-FLUNG COSTA RICA FROM £1,904 PER PERSON
Where to?
Hidden in tropical forest above Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Villa Buena Onda has large luxurious suites, a 2-tiered infinity pool and postcard-perfect ocean vistas. Getting here couldn’t be easier either, as it’s just 25 minutes from Liberia airport.
What will it cost me?
With full-board rates and short transfer distances, this hotel has all the ingredients for a great-value long-haul break. Book 10 nights in a Garden Room during June 2017 for £1,225 per person, then snap up flights from London Heathrow to Liberia for approx. £679. That makes the total spend approx. £1,904 per person.
Why now?
May marks the start of the Nicoya Peninsula’s ‘green’ (rainy) season, but it’s much cheaper and showers tend to be short, with plenty of sunshine in between.
*Please note that only the accommodation may be booked through i-escape.com. The information on travel is provided as a service to you, and must be booked through other websites, as indicated. All prices and availability are correct at the time of publishing. The per person prices are based on 2 people in a double/twin room or an apartment for 2. Published on 05 May 2017.
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