Holiday Type / May Half Term 2018

Located on one of the largest islands in the North Malé Atoll, the octopus-shaped One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives encompasses an extraordinary six kilometres of coastline. Here, in beautiful landscaping by the turquoise bays, lie discreetly placed villas, each with their own secluded piece of sugar white shore or private deck with direct access to the lagoon, boasting high, airy ceilings and generous exterior space some with private pools. Keynote for dining is island-chic. At Reethi Restaurant floor-to ceiling glass screens reveal the open-conce...

An iconic hotel for over fifty years and consistently ranked as the best place to stay in Barbados, this luxurious resort offers serene comfort in a chic beachfront setting – Sandy Lane, Barbados. Somewhat of a Bajan institution, a classical Palladian-style interior exudes elegance, whilst attentive staff ensure exemplary service comes as standard throughout your stay. No detail is overlooked; GPS-installed golf buggies make navigating the acclaimed golf courses easy, whilst every guest is allocated their own spot on the beach. The indulgently ...

Dusky pink low-rise buildings and a pristine natural beach await 20 minutes from downtown Dubai. Glamorous even by Dubai’s elevated standards, this resplendent resort brings fresh sophistication to Jumeirah Beach. Ultra-spacious guest rooms and suites blend authentic Arabic themes with contemporary styling, all having a large balcony with dining table and opulent marble floored bathrooms featuring a silver-leaf ceiling and Murano glass pendant. Entered through a shared vestibule, most rooms are ideally set up for families. Prestigious dining de...

The traditional courtyard summer houses of old Arabia inspired the stunning two-storey summer houses that grace this enchanting resort where all rooms and suites have been fully refurbished in contemporary Arabian style and come complete with twenty four hour butler service. Accessible by scenic waterways and leafy pathways, each living space is light, spacious and beautifully appointed with every conceivable modern comfort inside and out. Reached by traditional abra boat, Pai Thai, the resort’s romantic Thai restaurant, is a sublime alfresco s...

Set in an elevated position by two kilometres of private beachfront, Al Qasr captures the magnificence of a Sheikh’s summer residence. Majestic in every sense it is approached via a tree-lined avenue adorned with sculpted Arabian horses, the unrestrained opulence continuing through to the spacious rooms and suites, each offering views over the lush gardens or glinting Arabian Gulf. World-class restaurants and bars with alfresco terraces provide a thousand and one delights, the Arboretum being a perennial favourite thanks to its international me...

A beautifully authentic expression of Arabian architecture, Jumeirah Mina A’ Salam, meaning ‘harbour of peace’, is a grand boutique hotel of exquisite style. Surrounded by tranquil waters the property is the gateway to the rest of the Madinat Jumeirah resort and entry point to the network of enchanting waterways and walkways. All suites and guest rooms have been fully refurbished in contemporary Arabian style, each richly adorned in Arabian fabrics and artefacts. Several bars and lounges are interwoven with first class restaurants including Zhe...

Towering archways, arabesque domes and ornate spires create the dream-like vision that is Atlantis. The resort’s rooms and suites, which are housed within the soaring Royal Towers, offer views over the Gulf or The Palm, whilst for exclusivity, the Royal Bridge Suite has its own private elevator and butler service. Guests who desire further VIP treatment can select the Imperial Club, which comes complete with private check-in at the Royal Majilis lounge, exclusive private Imperial Beach Club access, and all-day access to the Imperial Club Lounge...

A secluded fishing village on the Sultanate’s northern Musandam Peninsula is the location for these stunning Pool Villas and Pool Villa Suites fronting an expansive sandy beach. The design is an authentic Omani village, bathrooms extend to an outdoor shower area, and all suites and villas have a private pool and butler service. Guests can choose one of three unforgettable arrival experiences: a scenic ten minute speedboat trip; a drive down from the mountains, or choose to travel as a companion passenger with the resort’s professional paraglide...

The newly-established Mandarin Oriental hotel stands within an oasis of calm amidst 50 acres of flourishing gardens, filled with mirror-like pools, centuries-old olive trees, jasmine and the scent of fresh roses. Benefiting from the best of both worlds, the hotel has the magical snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, whilst only being a 10 minute complimentary shuttle ride away from the city. Within the grounds, sleek one and two bedroom villas incorporate Berber and Andalucian touches, each complete with a heated pool, hot tub and open-air...

The Palace is a regal beachfront domain where guests will enjoy exploring the landscaped gardens resplendent with exotic flora and criss-crossed by meandering water features. Adorned with ornamental arches, individually designed guest rooms and suites are all sea facing and feature a private balcony or terrace to maximise the shimmering Gulf views. Dining within the walls of The Palace offers a taste of the Mediterranean at Olives with its casual all-day dining, and truly Moroccan influences at Tagine where lanterns, oriental rugs and quiet alc...

Set amidst colourful gardens leading down to three secluded white sand beaches, family-owned Blue Waters, Antigua is a remarkably stylish resort, offering plenty for both families and couples. The public areas feature a pleasing blend of classic Colonial and contemporary styling with elegant white décor and architectural features that make the most of their proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Perched on a breeze-cooled bluff with ocean panoramas, The Cove presents an exclusive collection of luxuriously furnished suites and penthouses within four vi...

Designed in the spirit of the Orient, Arabian Court sits at the heart of the resort, its dramatic architecture housing an enchanting landscape of courtyards and fountains. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, a reflecting pool draws the eye to the horizon and pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf. All guest rooms and suites face the sea and feature a private balcony or terrace, with accommodation comprising Deluxe Rooms, Falcon Executive Suites and two Princes Suites. Choose from three superb dining options – Nina, Eauzone and The Rotisserie –...

Described as a ‘game-changer’ by Victoria Mather, Travel Editor of Vanity Fair, this one-of-a-kind safari lodge on the Oloololo Escarpment (home to many a scene from Out of Africa) is heading for every hotel hot list out there. Whether your preference is for full-on game drives or the more sedate pleasure of ‘rocking chair safaris’ where game is viewed effortlessly from the comfort of the camp, Angama Mara makes an excellent choice. Opened in 2015 and owned by safari stalwarts Nicky and Steve Fitzgerald, it comprises two small camps perched hig...

Carlisle Bay, Antigua is a privately owned enclave that has raised the bar for contemporary excellence in the Caribbean, set upon a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest. Firstly, there’s the ravishing beach setting, where each end is dedicated either to couples or families. Then, there’s the true sense of arrival, as guests are welcomed into a magnificent open plan lobby. And not least, there are the spacious suites, with cool, calm interiors, a sitting area or bedroom that faces the sea and a private terrace or balcony, most ...

Designed by Joëlle Pléot, favourite of Karl Lagerfeld, Almyra is surrounded by eight acres of fragrant, landscaped gardens with uninterrupted views of the harbour and within walking distance of the town. In the signature Kyma Suites, individual roof terraces are furnished with cushions and lanterns while the Premium Sea View Aethon Rooms cater for adults only. Mosaics, one of four restaurants, serves freshly caught seafood and lavish buffets in the evenings, whilst a traditional seafront Ouzeri offers Greek delicacies during the summer. AlmyraS...

Designed in colonial Canarian-style and offering stunning views over the white sands of Playa Dorada, the property features a wide choice of accommodation including superior rooms overlooking the gardens, pool or sea, and well-appointed suites with every conceivable amenity. Couples will appreciate the Relax rooms and suites with added exclusive benefits such as adults-only gourmet breakfast, complimentary spa access and aromatherapy turndown service, while the spacious Royal Kiko Suites are ideal for families, complete with PlayStation and kid...

Standing in extensive sub-tropical gardens and bathed in year-round sunshine of the Costa Adeje, the resort boasts bright contemporary rooms with spacious marble bathrooms, Sheraton Signature beds and private terraces. For an additional supplement guests staying in Deluxe Suites or Club Rooms can enjoy exclusive facilities such as breakfast beside the seawater pool, soft drinks, afternoon pastries, spirits and canapés in the evening. Gastronomic choices are wide and varied, with no fewer than four restaurants from which to select. Savour first ...

Flanked by unspoiled sands on one side and a lagoon and tropical gardens on the other, Hermitage Bay, Antigua is an ideal 5 star retreat for those seeking seclusion and serenity – perfect for luxury romantic getaways. Dotting the hillside and beach, detached suites adopt a minimalist style, featuring crisp, cool linens, contemporary bathrooms, outdoor garden showers and wrap-around verandas. Some of the best views in Antigua can be enjoyed from the freestanding baths and private plunge pools as part of the Hillside Pool Suites. At the resort’s ...

Tenerife not only enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other part of Spain, it’s home to Carrier favourite The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. Sparkling with five stars, it gets our vote for all-round appeal. Picture a spectacular Moorish-style private estate atop a hillside flanking the island’s highest mountain, with exuberant gardens stretching down to the sea and looking out to La Gomera. All is as you would expect from Ritz-Carlton, with attentive service and luxuriously appointed accommodation - all rooms and suites having marble bathrooms, floor-...

With twenty six storeys and a design inspired by the shape of a breaking wave, the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a striking Dubai landmark. Located less than thirty minutes from the city centre, guests can take advantage of renowned Dubai attractions such as the Mall of Emirates, Dubai Marina and Emirates Golf Club. With its own private beach, this family friendly hotel offers an array of amenities for guests to enjoy. Choose from twenty one restaurants, bars and cafés – ranging from the casual to the elegant and the local to the international...

Majestic and magnificent, the Kempinski managed Emirates Palace stands on a 1.3 kilometre private beach in impressive landscaped gardens. Gold finials and mosaic glass tiles top a veritable sea of domes and cupolas – the whole development reflecting the infinite shades of the Arabian sands. Quite possibly the most expensive hotel ever built, it welcomes the discerning guest with accommodation of unparalleled opulence. Each room and suite conveys a masterful blend of regal splendour and cutting edge gadgetry, featuring advanced multimedia system...

The idyll Morukuru Family retreats offer the perfect environments to reconnect with friends and family, get back to nature and experience an escape in the truest sense of the word – say goodbye to schedules and outside interferences. The Owners House, River House and Farm House are based within the Madikwe Game Reserve, whilst the new Ocean House sits within the De Hoop Nature Reserve; Johannesburg is home to the AtholPlace Hotel & Villa retreat. Each of the fashionably-furnished bush homes enjoys the services of a private guide and tracker, ch...

Open year round, this exclusive resort echoes the true authenticity of a Puglian Village, thanks to its dazzling interiors that combine tradition with modernity. Expansive grounds reveal three outdoor swimming pools and an array of accommodation. In addition to elegant and contemporary rooms in the luxurious hotel, there are spacious townhouses, most with Arabian gardens and private rooftop terraces offering views towards the Adriatic Sea. Exclusive three bedroom villas, tastefully furnished in a palette of neutral tones, boast expansive living...

Surrounded by pine trees and overlooking miles of unspoilt beach, this Luxury Collection resort blends style and comfort with an expansive range of recreations. Architecture reflects Portugal’s Arab heritage with airy interiors and cool courtyards, the resort comprising high-end accommodation choices including the Pine Cliffs Hotel, Residence and the newly-featured Ocean Suites – each a member of The Luxury Collection. With their cliff-top location overlooking beautiful Falésia Beach, the elegant one and two-bedroom suites have fully equipped k...

Al Bandar – meaning “the town”– is the focal point of the resort featuring a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Centrally located within the resort complex its romantic architecture has been inspired by Old Muscat, with buildings of varying height adorned by an array of ornate balconies. The pools and waterways which abound throughout the property make relaxing viewing from the generously sized sea-facing guestrooms decorated in modern Arabian fashion, all with a balcony or patio. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms along with in...

Situated on a headland commanding panoramic views, a pinnacle of the vacation experience is the adult-oriented and ultra-opulent Al Husn. Deluxe rooms, which are amongst the largest in Oman, feature lavish décor inspired by royal Arabian palaces and come complete with balconies or terraces from which to admire the views of the courtyard and pool; deluxe sea view rooms open up entrancing panoramas of the Gulf of Oman from their furnished balconies. Culinary experiences, accessible only to Al Husn guests, include a beach grill serving fresh seafo...

Family-popular Al Waha is the largest of the three hotels that make up Shangri-La’s Omani portfolio. Meaning “The Oasis”, this idyllic escape is dotted with several swimming pools and surrounded by date palm trees. The family accommodation comprises two interconnecting rooms that look over the lush gardens and glittering pools towards the Gulf of Oman, kitted out with a PlayStation and a section of games on request. An array of eateries provides delicious dining options. Between Al Waha and Al Bandar lies the enchanting beachfront Bait al Bahr ...

A ravishing private escape exuding quintessential Four Seasons style and service, this resort is part of the prestigious Anahita Sanctuary development opposite beautiful Ile aux Cerfs. Spacious villas feature private plunge pools and luxurious bathrooms complete with alfresco shower opportunities. Larger families and multi-generational holidaymakers will appreciate the extremely spacious two to five bedroom Residence Villas, all of which feature private swimming pools and gardens. For those seeking extra privacy, the villas nestled in the mangr...

A tranquil island paradise just off the north east coast of Antigua, considered by many to be one of the Caribbean's finest islands, Jumby Bay boasts some of the best accommodation to be found in the region. Further paramount to its success, the luxury hotel received the AAA Five-Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Rating Award for 2017. Just steps from the palm-fringed sandy beach lie the Beachside Courtyard Suites, characterised by high, vaulted ceilings, light, fresh colours, dark wood furnishings and seductive bathrooms featuring e...

Understated luxury and genuine hospitality distinguish this excellent family resort which lies within a protected natural park on the unspoilt Western Algarve. Rooms in this stylish beachfront hotel – all with ocean views - are complemented by a selection of spacious, two-floor family houses with floor-to-ceiling windows and front or back lawns, some with their own private swimming pool. Traditional Portuguese recipes have been re-invented with flair and imagination at O Terraço, a contemporary venue for group dining, featuring an alfresco wood...

The warm waters of the Toroneos Gulf lap the idyllic beaches of southern Halkidiki, where Ikos Resorts have created an utterly contemporary resort offering Greek hospitality at its best. Launched in May 2015, spacious guest rooms and suites brim with understated sophistication, set in twenty two acres of immaculately tended grounds. Luxury one and two bedroom suites in low-rise bungalows look out over the Aegean sea, each with a private pool, garden or balcony. No fewer than six bars and four à la carte restaurants provide a surfeit of dining o...

A stone’s throw from the Venetian castle on the UNESCO-protected Spinalonga Island, this all-suite and villa property sits amid verdant amphitheatre gardens and olive groves, its attractive domed structures blending harmoniously with the surroundings. The ultimate form of indulgence, the Haute Living Selection presents two exquisite accommodations: the Domes Luxury Residences and Domes Ultraluxe Villas. The exclusive HL Lounge provides a private VIP experience for Haute Living guests, boasting a sumptuous lounge area, state-of-the-art fitness f...

A resplendent gem on Tenerife’s Costa Adeje, this member of The Leading Hotels of the World is a luxury resort on several levels, comprising three distinct areas of accommodation. In addition to the colourful rooms and suites arranged in a horseshoe around the pools, there are the Casas Ducales. Designed by Pascua Ortega, they form a hotel within a hotel featuring Canarian-style houses with special services including those of a resident butler. The luxuriant Las Villas form the third section, complete with their own private reception and readin...

Flanked by towering limestone cliffs on one of the finest mile-long white sand beaches in the Langkawi UNESCO Geopark lies a resort both infinitely stylish and instantly captivating. The ambience is that of a typical Malay village, with Pavilions, Villas and Family Beach Villas woven through acres of beautifully landscaped gardens – the luxurious Beach Villas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a private garden with pool and reflecting pond, whilst generously sized Melaleuca Pavilions feature contemporary Malay designs. Delightful specialiti...

Regularly named the world’s leading resort, Forte Village lies in extensive lush gardens by a beautiful stretch of sandy Sardinian coastline. There is a sense of stepping into a deluxe, self-contained world complete with numerous hotel choices and over twenty restaurants, including a Gordon Ramsay restaurant and Forte Gourmet by the Oasis pool and Trattoria Italiana. There are also seafront venues specialising in succulent seafood, opportunities to feast on Brazilian and Japanese cuisine and a children’s restaurant with lowered-height tables. R...

Forte Village lies in extensive lush gardens by a beautiful stretch of sandy Sardinian coastline. There is a sense of stepping into a deluxe, self-contained world complete with numerous hotel choices and over twenty restaurants, including a Gordon Ramsay restaurant and Forte Gourmet by the Oasis pool and Trattoria Italiana. There are also seafront venues specialising in succulent seafood, opportunities to feast on Brazilian and Japanese cuisine and a children’s restaurant with lowered-height tables. Recreational choices are unending, from more ...

A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Forte Village lies in extensive lush gardens by a beautiful stretch of sandy Sardinian coastline. There is a sense of stepping into a deluxe, self-contained world complete with numerous hotel choices and over twenty restaurants, including a Gordon Ramsay restaurant and Forte Gourmet by the Oasis pool and Trattoria Italiana. There are also seafront venues specialising in succulent seafood, opportunities to feast on Brazilian and Japanese cuisine and a children’s restaurant with lowered-height tables. ...

The South Male atoll is the bewitching location for this haven of tranquillity, only a twenty minute boat ride from Malé. Here in a palm-fringed paradisiacal setting eighty nine beach and overwater villas and suites, all with private pools and direct access to the beach or lagoon, offer light and airy living. For ultimate seclusion, five Ocean Suites are set over water and accessed exclusively via speedboat, while families will love the new two bedroom Beach Villas with their air of spacious chic. At Swarna dine on authentic Thalis, designed fo...