The most rewarding travels balance downtime and discovery in equal measure. These exceptional places to stay — from hotels to holiday rentals and floating retreats — in diverse destinations are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Head to the Med for a summer stay unlike any other
This summer, Ibiza becomes truly celestial. Inspired by the upcoming total solar eclipse over Spain on 12 August and Perseid meteor showers in 2026, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay has created Beyond the Sun, a collection of exclusive experiences that encourage renewal, adventure and celebration of the island’s natural beauty during a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event. Designed for those who seek more than just a summer escape, guests can rejuvenate with Pilates, breathwork and sound healing sessions, and experience immersive OPO meditation during sunshine-filled daytimes. Then, as the skies darken during the eclipse, join a guided hike to scenic viewpoints to watch in awe. Back down on Earth, the hotel’s position right on the sand means leisurely barefoot days, dips in Talamanca Bay and unmatched seafood dining at the hotel’s namesake restaurant.
Book your celestial stay at nobuhotelibizabay.com
Be spoilt for choice with stays in Llandudno
Known as the ‘Queen of the Welsh watering places’, Llandudno is a charming seaside destination, renowned for its Victorian heritage and elegant 19th-century architecture. Four Saints Hotels is a family-run collection of five hotels in some of the town's most sought-after locations. Offering something to suit every budget, style and desired location, the portfolio of boutique hotels includes the four-star Merrion Hotel, which overlooks the buzzing promenade, with stunning views over the bay and easy access to the beach. Nearby, Lauriston Court sits opposite the Llandudno Pier, making it an ideal spot for family stays. Higher on the hill beside Happy Valley is Headlands Hotel, which gives guests fabulous views from the Great Orme. Down on the front, Brig Y Don enjoys lovely sea views from opposite the bandstand and the White Heather Hotel offers accommodation steps away from Llandudno High Street.
Save 10% with code SAVE10 at 4saintshotels.uk and merrion-hotel.com
Head to a village-like resort in Cyprus
Set along the sheltered curve of Pissouri Bay, Columbia Beach Resort offers a quiet retreat in Cyprus. Its low-rise stone buildings, terracotta roofs and landscaped gardens create the feel of a traditional Mediterranean village, one built around a lagoon-like pool. The all-suite resort looks out towards Cape Aspro and balances a laid-back coastal living vibe with five-star comforts. Enjoy leisurely tavern-style meze dinners and family-friendly al fresco options, work up a sweat playing tennis, squash or padel, or slow down with a stand-up paddleboard yoga session in the bay. The dedicated kids’ club keeps children busy, while the award-winning spa is a calming space where adults will love to spend restorative afternoons, meaning everyone on your trip is catered for.
Plan your stay at columbiaresort.com
Make memories on a luxury getaway to Rhodes
At Princess Andriana Resort & Spa, family holidays revolve around keeping every age group entertained without losing the sense of relaxation that makes a summer break feel worthwhile. As part of the H Hotels collection, premium family rooms and suites offer plenty of room to spread out, with options for private pools offering added privacy. Children spend many happy hours at the Aqua Princess Water Park with its slides and splash areas, while adults love the sandy beach, indulgent spa, well-equipped gym and sports including padel and tennis. A kids’ club, open-air entertainment and watersports ensure there’s always something happening, while the ultra-all-inclusive dining programme covers everything from high-end Mediterranean cuisine to barbecue classics, with options for all ages.
Discover more at Hhotels.gr
Try a holiday with a difference on an Arctic summer escape
This year, discover a different side of Arctic Norway at Snow Resort Kirkenes. Far from being only a winter playground, during the summer, the north transforms into a green and vibrant landscape with dramatic fjords, pretty forest trails and near-endless daylight under the midnight sun. Stay in cosy gamme (wooden wilderness) cabins or experience the unmatched Snowhotel 365, the world’s only real snow and ice hotel, which remains open for overnight stays all year round. Families, couples and adventure-lovers will love the king crab safaris by rigid inflatable boat, husky hikes, wagon rides and reindeer encounters, as well as the peaceful nature that surrounds far above the Arctic Circle. Autumn also brings a new hue of colourful landscapes and excellent conditions for viewing the Northern Lights.
Save 10 % when booking summer and autumn packages with overnight, activities and transfers included at snowresortkirkenes.com
Swap city skylines for the South Tyrolean mountains
There are hotels with a view, and then there’s Das Gerstl Alpine Retreat. High in the Val Venosta/Vinschgau Valley, on a sun-drenched mountainside in the Italian Alps, this retreat has a way of making the rest of the world feel very far away. Overlooking the valley and the towering peaks that surround it, the hotel’s selection of suites, chalets and studios are ideal for mountaineering families or couples who want to recuperate after active days outside. Its outdoor infinity pool appears to melt into the horizon, and the sauna world and Venosta Spa offer a list of treatments that draw on long-time Alpine traditions. When you’re feeling peckish, the kitchen runs on its ‘r30 philosophy’, where every ingredient is sourced within 30 kilometres (18 miles), from local farmers and producers who have been supplying the Gerstl family for years. Autumn here is particularly special, with crisp air, golden valleys and empty trail routes.
Book a stay at dasgerstlfamily.com. CIN: IT021046A1NHGZC79Q.
Experience a five-star stay in a luxury holiday home
The most memorable holidays leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and right at home, and a luxury stay in ever-inviting Cornwall makes those feelings come naturally. Cornish Gems has an exclusive portfolio of exceptional holiday homes, from striking, architect-designed properties and romantic coastal retreats to secluded manor houses designed for unforgettable gatherings. Whether it’s moments from the beach or tucked away in the countryside, every Cornish Gem offers a distinctive experience and is handpicked for its beauty, privacy and character. Many include private pools, hot tubs, generous gardens and eco-conscious features, for a harmonious mix of luxury and sustainability. What’s more, the Guest Experience team can arrange everything from private chefs and spa treatments to yacht charters and surf lessons. Drawing on extensive local knowledge and a trusted network of partners, they help create a holiday that feels deeply personal and truly unforgettable.
For a luxury holiday that leaves you in a better place, visit cornishgems.com
Relish good food and good wine at an exclusive Tuscan getaway
Located on the golden sands of the Gulf of Follonica, The Sense Experience Resort is a five-star seaside retreat offering fine dining, relaxation and exceptional wine experiences in Tuscany. In autumn, the vineyards come alive with the grape harvest, wineries open their doors for exclusive tastings, olive groves prepare for the new olive-pressing season, and medieval villages like Massa Marittima reveal their timeless charm. At the hotel, indulge in delicious dishes made with local produce at Dimorà, enjoy a fine-dining experience at Eaté, and fresh seafood at the seafront Riviera restaurant. Mediterranean flavours, signature cocktails and unforgettable sunsets embody the essence of Italian coastal life. With activities ranging from private boat excursions in the Tuscan Archipelago to bike tours through wineries and hidden villages, every stay becomes a personalised journey into the authentic soul of Tuscany.
Start planning a Tuscan escape and save 10% with code THESENSEFIRST at thesenseresort.com
Set sail on a luxury ocean or river cruise
Luxury cruising is a welcome combination of five-star comfort with the joy of waking up somewhere new and exciting each day. Paramount Cruises is an independent UK cruise specialist known for personalised, expert guidance rather than off-the-shelf packages, to help ocean-going travellers choose premium and luxury cruise lines from a selected portfolio. The company helps clients navigate everything from first-time cruising to complex multi-destination itineraries, with a particular focus on expedition and luxury river cruises. From expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Galápagos, to elegant cruises along the Nile and Mekong, Paramount Cruises ensures every journey provides exceptional dining, attentive service and enriching on-land experiences at every port. And, as accommodation, meals and entertainment are included, a luxury cruise offers excellent value over land-based holidays, especially when visiting multiple destinations.
Book a luxury cruise at paramountcruises.com
Discover the wilder side of luxury travel
Want a holiday so special that it’s not available through regular travel providers? Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Richard Branson’s collection of extraordinary escapes, each chosen for its one-of-a-kind setting and story. Guests can book a room at Necker Island or unwind at Kasbah Tamadot, a magical Moroccan hideaway. Wild encounters await at Mahali Mzuri and Finch Hattons in Kenya and Ulusaba in South Africa, perfectly paired with Mont Rochelle’s vineyard hotel in Franschhoek. Each stay is shaped by local culture, heartfelt service and teams working with neighbouring communities to protect the landscapes and wildlife in the places they call home. The result is relaxed, welcoming luxury, where guests arrive as visitors and leave feeling like family.
Find out more at virignlimitededition.com
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