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Brittany holiday villages
Affordable family holidays need not mean having to sleep under canvas in a field bare of everything but grass. Many continental sites and ‘parcs’ not only provide a choice of mobile homes, lodges and apartments but have a broad range of on-site activities to keep all ages fully occupied and entertained throughout their stay.
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Beautiful Borneo
Borneo boasts sandy beaches, luscious scenery and luxury hotels, but what distinguishes this huge island from its Asian neighbours is the abundant wildlife. Most famous are the orangutans, easily inspected in Sabah’s Sepilok sanctuary, along with Probiscus monkeys, turtles and exotic birds. For adventure, climb Mount Kinabalu or stay in a village longhouse.
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Walking holidays
Whatever your level of fitness and experience, a walking holiday is the perfect way to explore off the beaten track. Travel with a specialist who will provide well researched route maps, transport your luggage each day and book accommodation in delightful inns and hotels. Calories duly burned, enjoy epic dinners in charming village restaurants.
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Opera in Verona
Often staged in historic settings, such as the 2,000 year old amphitheatre in Verona where audiences applaud divas from the same seats as they once cheered their favourite gladiators, Italy’s opera season extends far beyond La Scala, with al fresco performances both magical and musically memorable.
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Argentina
Argentina is one of the world’s great destinations, from the vast fertile plains of the pampas to the magical glaciers, lakes and ice fields of Patagonia. The capital, Buenos Aires, delivers style and pizazz while the countryside provides opportunities to stay at historic estancias, ride horses and drink fine wines at sensible prices.
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Las Vegas in style
Once a handful of casinos surrounded by desert, Las Vegas is now the fastest growing city in America. Its hotels are the most lavish anywhere. Its restaurants, shopping malls and theatres are out of this world. You can do Vegas on the cheap, but where’s the fun in that? Splash out and do it in style!
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Orient Express to Venice
The world’s most romantic and evocative train journey begins when your British Pullman glides out of Victoria Station in London. Once across the Channel, you take your private compartment on the sumptuous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, reaching Paris by 9pm, waking in the Swiss Alps then rolling into Venice at around 6pm.
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Luxury apartments in France
Although the words ‘self-catering apartments’ rarely imply the promise of luxury, we believe that the Pierre & Vacances portfolio of Premium Residences in France are an impressive exception. Sleeping from 2 to 12, you’ll find them in both French ski and beach resorts – all have a shared heated pool and spa as well as high spec interiors.
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Bali
As well as tropical beaches and top hotels, your memories will be shaped as much by the Balinese countryside. You’ll see emerald rice paddies one minute, immense volcanoes the next. Bali is a spiritual place where daily life embraces ceremony and ritual, temples and stone gods. And Balinese craftsmen are amazing, so take an extra suitcase.
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Cambodia
It’s amazing to think that only 30 years ago Cambodia was torn apart by civil war and genocide. Today it’s one of Asia’s most exciting destinations, from the jungle-clad temple complex of Angkor to the vibrant capital, Phnom Penh. Throw in sensational food, great hotels and world-class beaches for an unmissable travel experience.
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Croatia’s Dalmatian coast
The Dalmatian coast of Croatia is dotted with delightful beaches overlooked by mountains and pine forests. Whether you opt for beautifully-restored Dubrovnik, the historic city of Split or one of the island hotspots like Hvar or Brac, throw in good food and friendly people and you have one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
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Cape Cod tours
Nowhere in Cape Cod lies more than six miles from the sea. Soak up the atmosphere of a “proper” seaside resort, or explore the protected dunes of the National Seashore. Easily reached from Boston, the Cape offers whale watching, ferry trips to the nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and old sea captains’ houses.
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Koh Samui
Koh Samui has moved upmarket from its backpacking heyday but lost little of its natural charm. Amid the coconut groves and palm trees you’ll find gorgeous luxury hotels and spas, plus countless beaches where you can swim, chill, party and dine under the moonlight with your toes in the sand.
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Cape Verde Islands
Dotted off the coast of West Africa, the 10 islands of Cape Verde are as varied and fascinating as they are beautiful. With tropical beaches, lush mountains, year-round sunshine and direct 6-hour flights from the UK, they offer high standards at a fraction of the price of many African destinations.
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Explore Britain by boat
Renting a boat is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the British countryside. Potter along at 5mph amidst the reeds and marshes of the Norfolk Broads, or explore a network of canals by narrow boat. Wherever you go – for a weekend break or a summer holiday – you are never far from a waterside pub.
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Explore Vietnam
Vietnam is a hot winter sun destination, but to get the most out of this fascinating and beautiful country, take a tour, with interludes on the beaches as opposed to full-time loafing. Temples, sampans, hill tribe villages, historic ports and breathtaking mountain scenery contrast with chic boutiques, fancy restaurants and stylish beach hotels.
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Amazing Chile
If you love the big outdoors, Chile is the ultimate destination for you. Climb volcanoes in the Atacama Desert, go hiking in the Lake District, sleep under the stars and discover the majestic fjords and glaciers of Patagonia. With a great choice of stylish hotels, world-class food and wine, Chile is red hot right now.
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Trekking in Africa
Think of Africa and you might conjure up images of safari parks and overcrowded cities. But one of the best ways to see this amazing continent is on a guided walk, whether it’s a short break in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, an ascent of Kilimanjaro or a sensational trip to the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia.
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Spectacular Norway
Norway is much more of a year-round destination than you might realise. Besides the iconic, deeply-incised coastal scenery, there’s an abundance of natural beauty from forests to mountains, a rich seam of Viking history, interesting towns and fishing communities, lots of outdoor activities, and, depending on the season, the midnight sun or spectacular Northern Lights.
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Luxury Maldives
Most destinations fail to live up to the glossy brochure hype. The Maldives is an exception. No photographer can do justice to the splendid natural colours – the cobalt seas, the turquoise lagoons, the fiery orange sunsets. The standards of hospitality are outstanding and the modern world is a million miles away.
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Tour of China
Beijing’s Olympic legacy goes way beyond the Bird’s Nest stadium. Stylish hotels, gleaming new airports and improved road and rail infrastructure mean there has never been a better time to witness the dizzying mix of old and new in the Chinese capital, along with the superstar cities of Shanghai and Xian.
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Barbados
You’ll find exclusive hotels throughout the Caribbean but Barbados has the lion’s share, most of them bang on the narrow sandy beach in the west, hence the nickname: the Platinum coast. If you tire of sybaritic living you can emerge from your luxurious cocoon for a spot of golf, or dinner at a fancy restaurant.
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Amazing Jordan
Jordan is a safe, friendly and cultured country blessed with a fabulous array of natural and manmade treasures including the Dead Sea, the vast deserts of Wadi Rum – made famous by Lawrence of Arabia – and the ancient rock-carved city of Petra. Take a private journey, group tour or organised trek.
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Year-round sun in Tenerife
One in every ten Brits bound for the promise of sun each winter will be in Tenerife, just a four hour flight away and with many more stylish properties than its reputation might suggest. Aside from beaches, don’t miss a trip to the end of the world landscapes of the Las Canadas Teide national park, bang in the middle and dominated by the two mile high, Fuji-like volcano.
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Sailing holidays
Once the exclusive domain of the rich, yachting is now one of the fastest growing activities for those of more modest means. As well as a global range of destinations where you can charter you own vessel, either bareboat or with a crew, beginners can also learn the ropes ashore or sail on a flotilla in the company of other yachts including one with an experienced skipper.
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Watersports in Greece
Some people are happy just lying beside the Mediterranean. But those who want to do something in it, on it or under it should consider a beach club holiday where a full range of watersports, from sailing to diving, windsurfing to waterskiing, is on the menu, along with land-based activities such as tennis and biking.
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Private tour of India
A visit to India is an unforgettable experience – the swirling energy, the intense colours, the culture, the history, the sheer life-affirming exuberance of the place. Enjoy a private tour of Rajasthan in the North in your own chauffeur-driven car, or explore the glorious landscapes and beaches of Kerala.
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North Cyprus
If you believe much of the Med has been ruined by high-rise hotels, head to North Cyprus. Although the main tourist hub of Kyrenia – with its perfect Venetian harbour – fairly bustles, surrounding villages appear to be stuck in a time warp. Explore hilltop castles, ruined abbeys and the remote beaches of the Karpas Peninsula, amongst the wildest and most beautiful in Europe.
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All-inclusive Caribbean luxury
If you want maximum pampering and total relaxation in the Caribbean, it’s hard to beat Sandals, which has luxury all-inclusive resorts on prime beaches in Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia and the Bahamas. A new property opening in late 2013 on the Spice Island of Grenada promises to be their best yet.
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Pink beaches in Bermuda
This low-lying, warm-weather Atlantic island is a well-groomed and bloomed world of pastel houses, poster-pretty beaches, umpteen golf courses and, with red pillar boxes and 4 o’clock teas, an unmistakable stamp of Britishness. Safe, dependable, jacket-and-tie respectable Bermuda makes a perfect spring or autumn getaway.
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Umbria – the real Italy
Umbria is sometimes overshadowed by Tuscany, its more glamorous neighbour. In fact, it is a slice of Italy unclotted by tourists. See Renaissance art, discover medieval hilltowns, vineyards and stunning towns such as Orvieto, Perugia and Assisi. Umbria has everything you want from Italy except a seaside – but it does have a nice lake at Trasimeno.
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Relax with Sir Rocco
Sir Rocco Forte’s newest hotel is the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort set on a gorgeous stretch of Sicilian beach. With rooms designed by Olga Polizzi, a spectacular spa, free kids club and world-class golf courses, you may be tempted not to leave. However, we recommend car hire to explore this fascinating island.
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The wonders of Egypt
From the pyramids at Giza to the Valley of the Kings, from the fascinating whirl of Cairo to the warm waters of the Red Sea, Egypt is one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations, and superb value. Don’t expect to see it all in one visit. It’s usually better to tick off a few cultural treasures then spend a few days lazing on a beach.
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Japan tour
No matter what you think you know about Japan, nothing prepares you for the raw thrill of landing in a country that is so exotic, so refined, so modern and yet so steeped in tradition. Get your pulse racing in Tokyo then explore the serene and majestic countryside of Japan before taking the Bullet Train to the temples and gardens of Kyoto.
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Burma is ready
Burma is one of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful destinations, its people gentle, warm and genuinely friendly. Although Burma is ruled by a brutal military dictatorship, the release from house arrest of the democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi makes us believe that now is the right time for tourists to discover this hidden gem.
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Cigars and salsa in Cuba
Cuba is the ideal combination of city and beach, culture and indolence. Spend a few days strolling the streets of Old Havana, visiting cigar factories, drinking mojitos and dancing in salsa bars. Explore the colonial city of Trinidad then kick back on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.
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Discover Sri Lanka
The beauty of Sri Lanka lies in the easy proximity of cultural treasures and world-class beaches. Take a tour of magnificent temples and national parks, stay in boutique hotels then relax on the beach. You’ll find a rich seam of experiences with friendly people, excellent food – and nonstop flights from the UK.
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Singles holidays
There was a time when taking a “singles” holiday was considered a bit suspect. You were either short of mates, or looking for a date. Now you’ll find thousands of holiday ideas for singles, and the chance to meet those with similar interests, whether it’s hiking and biking, wine tasting, or just lazing about in the sun.
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Canadian Rockies
The most awe-inspiring views of the Rockies, the spine of mountains that form the backbone of North America, lie in Canada. More precisely, they lie within a single World Heritage Site that straddles British Columbia and Alberta. Drive yourselves or, for the ultimate in scenic rail journeys, travel from Vancouver aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
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Beachtastic Brazil
Brazil offers beach life in the raw: endless stretches of sand, blazing sunshine, a seductive samba soundtrack and a copious supply of caipirinhas. There are chic retreats, trailblazing eco-hotels, rustic fishing villages, turtle sanctuaries and canoe trips through mangrove swamps. The vibe is easy-going and the time difference is just three hours.
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Villas in Catalonia
Forget all you’ve heard about the Costa Brava. The northern, knobbly, genuinely ‘Brava’ – or wild – stretch of coast is as scenic as anywhere on the Med but without coachloads of Brits. The resorts are tiny, the food superb, the walking and cycling trails well defined and, when you fancy a change, the foothills of the Pyrenees beckon.
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Luxury villas in Mallorca
Mallorca leads a double life. Parts of the island are overwhelmed by cheap package tourism but vast swathes remain untouched, from the mountains of the west to the “secret” sandy coves in the east. Throw in outstanding cuisine and some of Europe’s most elegant villas with private pools and you’re in paradise.
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Cottages in Yorkshire
With its rugged moors and soft voluptuous dales, Yorkshire serves up helpings of English countryside at its most iconic. Add pretty stone hamlets and historic market towns, castles and walking trails, fishing villages and cosy pubs into the pot and you have a county that delivers a multi-course menu of holiday pleasures.
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Discover Pompeii
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 it brought tragedy to the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The volcano also served to freeze in time a fascinating period of Roman history. Visit the scene in the company of an expert archaeologist to discover the most complete insight into everyday life in Ancient Rome.
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Calabash Hotel, Grenada
The complete Caribbean experience on one island. As well as beaches, including one of the best in the Caribbean (Grande Anse), Grenada boasts a towering, rainforested interior and a broad mix of hotels, including the genteel, elegant Calabash where Gary Rhodes’ restaurant will dispel any notions about Caribbean food not being in the premier league.
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Isle of Wight
Deeply etched into the history of English summer holidays, the Isle of Wight still delivers traditional seaside pleasures along with a host of other activities. Enjoy a walk on the rolling chalk downs, take to the Solent in a sailboat, sample the mouthwatering local produce or set up camp at the isle’s famed music festival.
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Moscow and St Petersburg
Russia is home to not one, but two of Europe’s most thrilling cities. Moscow is rich, decadent and fast moving, St Petersburg cultured, genteel and a place of rare beauty, whether in the depths of winter or the white nights of summer. Travel with a tour operator that can open doors and get you beyond the velvet ropes.
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Italian Lakes
When Brits started going abroad on package holidays it was to the Alpine lakes, following the 19th Century ‘grand tourists’. Today, Italy’s Como, Maggiore, Garda and tiny Iseo are ideal family destinations, with boating, beaches, cable car rides to mountain highs and footpaths to explore, plus easy access to Verona, Padua and Milan.
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Temples and tigers
Few animals are as beautiful and elusive as the Indian tiger. At Bandhavgarh National Park the chances are high of a close encounter, particularly if you stay a few nights and take dawn and dusk safaris in your own private jeep. Combine it with the best bits of Delhi and Agra, including the Taj Mahal.
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Boutique Crete
Crete is one of our favourite islands. Away from the package resorts, it has some stunning villas, boutique hotels and hideaways – as well as mountain villages, hiking trails, archaeological treasures, wild flowers and unspoilt coastlines. The season is long: you can get a tan in March and swim in the sea as late as November.
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Luxury safari in Botswana
With its diverse mix of habitats, from the doily of waterways and lagoons of the Okavango Delta to the salt pans of Nxai and the sands of the Kalahari, Botswana is a supreme safari destination. Explore it in an amazing variety of transport: elephant and horseback, mountain and quad bike, dug-out canoe and camel, as well as the more familiar 4WD vehicles.
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Luxury villas in Ibiza
If you think Ibiza is just a party island for teenage ravers, wise up. Out in the hills are some of Europe’s most glamorous villas where the likes of Kate Moss and Jade Jagger hang out. Take excursions to remote coves and mountain restaurants. Clubbing is optional. Chilling isn’t.
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Luxury trains in Spain
Spain has a fast and comfortable state-run rail network, which includes some outstanding luxury trains. Tour northern Spain, gliding through stunning countryside and visiting historic cities such as Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao. Facilities on board include dining cars, lounges and private cabins with double bed and shower.
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Luxury barges
On an inland waterways cruise, the water’s calm, there’s always passing scenery on both sides and, unlike touring by road, you only have to unpack once. Choose a luxury crewed hotel barge to explore the rivers and canals of France and other countries – and you won’t even have to tilt your own wine bottle, let alone take your turn on the tiller.
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Malta and Gozo
Two of the Mediterranean’s smallest islands, Malta and Gozo punch well above their weight. Aside from sea and sunshine, vibrant Malta is jam-packed with history from megalithic temples to the Knights of Saint John, its skyline dotted with grand churches and golden walled cities. Gozo, Malta’s little sister, offers tranquillity, rural beauty and top diving.
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The Lodge, Verbier
Verbier is one of Europe’s most glamorous ski resorts, and the place to stay is Sir Richard Branson’s Lodge – a stunning catered chalet with indoor pool, snooker room, gym, Jacuzzis and children’s bunk room. Rent it in winter with friends, or enjoy the beauty of the Alps in summer when you don’t need to hire the whole property.
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East coast Malaysia
Most visitors to Malaysia head for the resorts on the west coast but for unspoilt beaches, lush countryside and fascinating local culture we recommend a visit to the quieter east coast of the peninsular. You’ll find jungle treks, authentic fishing villages, rivers and islands to explore and some gorgeous hotels.
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Arabian Gulf
The countries of the Arabian Gulf have successfully reinvented themselves as luxurious winter sun destinations. Turbo-charged Dubai is the best known but for the real Arabia, consider Oman which is steeped in culture and history, or Abu Dhabi, which offers an awe-inspiring desert experience plus shopping and sightseeing.
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Cultural walking tours
One of the best ways to experience a destination is on foot. A guided cultural walking tour gets you up close and personal – whether you’re exploring the backstreets of Venice, the monasteries of Armenia or the mountain trails of Bhutan. The trick is finding a tour operator that combines imaginative itineraries with expert guides and organises small groups of like-minded travellers.
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Catered ski chalets
The ski chalet is a wonderful British invention. With breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea provided, you get to enjoy your day on the slopes – and pay a lot less than you would staying at a hotel and eating out. Making new friends and dining together is a key part of the chalet experience.
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Hidden Canary Islands
Not all the Canaries have been over-developed. On La Palma you’ll find soaring volcanic peaks, wild forests and few other tourists. Its capital Santa Cruz is a cobbled colonial outpost with great charm. The barely known and tiny La Graciosa could pass as a desert island with tranquil beaches and crashing surf.
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Dream beaches in Tobago
Tobago is the Caribbean of your imagination. Pristine beaches, children playing cricket, a friendly bar serving cold beer and barbecued shrimp, fishing boats bobbing in the sea. Untroubled by mass tourism, this picturesque island has some excellent hotels and direct flights from the UK.
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Villas in Lanzarote
Just four hours from the UK, Lanzarote ranks among the prettiest of the Canary Islands, with low-key resorts, sandy beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes and a wonderful year-round climate. It’s easy and fun to explore and offers a wide selection of villas with private pools, making it an ideal choice for families, couples and groups of friends.
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Cycling in France
Sun-baked Provence is a richly rural landscape, spreading between the mountains and the Med, from the Alps to Antibes. Explore at your own pace by cycle, through scenery both natural and nurtured with vineyards and olive groves, stopping off to enjoy ancient villages, markets and superb food and wine.
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Luxury Mauritius
It’s known as the three-star island with the five-star hotels, but that’s not saying enough for the white sandy beaches or the forested highlands in the southwest. And maybe it’s not saying enough for the hotels either, many of which are six-star retreats staffed by some of the nicest people on the planet.
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Amazing Madagascar
Renowned for its profusion of wildlife and flora, 80 per cent of which can be found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar is a nature lover’s dream. The island’s unique evolutionary path has produced elephant birds, giant lemurs and pygmy hippos. It also offers dazzling beaches and clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life.
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Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is sophisticated, polished and safe – in every sense of the word – with classy hotels, top restaurants and dreamy Seven Mile Beach. There’s also plenty to explore with pristine reefs, stingray encounters, submarine trips, botanical parks and island-hopping excursions to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman. Perfect with or without the kids.
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Amalfi Coast
The dramatic scenery of the Amalfi coast, with its lemon groves, almond trees and bougainvillea, is stunning. You’ll find resorts for all tastes, from popular Sorrento – an ideal hub for boat trips to Capri and Ischia, and outings to Pompeii and Vesuvius – to super-chic Positano and the exquisite hilltop retreat of Ravello.
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Sani Resort
In the unspoilt Greek region of Halkidiki, Sani is one of Europe’s most attractive family resorts set on an eco-reserve of pine forests, jagged cliffs and superb sandy beaches. In addition to a choice of hotels within the resort, there is a marina stuffed with posh yachts, authentic tavernas, a crèche, tennis centre and outdoor cinema.
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Secret Spain
There’s more to Spain than big cities and crowded costas. The north-west regions of Cantabria, Galicia and Asturias offer character and authenticity, friendly people and delicious food. You’ll find unspoilt sandy beaches, wild mountains, beautiful medieval towns and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s great value whether you fly or travel by overnight ferry.
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New Zealand
The scenic wonders of New Zealand have stolen the show in many Hollywood movies. In real life, the landscapes of the newest country on earth are even more impressive than their on-screen portrayal, populated by a cast of friendly Kiwis, featuring a host of thrilling activities and served with some of the best food and wine on the planet.
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Polar expeditions
The Arctic and Antarctic are the most pristine wilderness regions on Earth, each offering eye-popping landscapes and heart-melting wildlife encounters – from polar bears to Emperor Penguins. As the TV explorer Bruce Parry discovered, the best way to experience the Polar regions in all their raw beauty is on a low-impact small-ship expedition.
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Iceland
Head to Iceland where the summer sun barely sets and the collapse of the local currency has sent prices tumbling. Linger in the capital, Reykjavik, for a couple of days then embark on an action-packed road trip taking in volcanic craters, lakes, waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches and seal and puffin colonies.
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Lazy days in Paxos
As well as those familiar Greek island assets of blue seas, delicious swimming, jaunts by boat and long, lazy lunches in waterfront tavernas, Paxos is an island of silvery-leafed olive groves, a legacy of the 14th century Venetian occupation. With no airport – and not even a single traffic light – it’s a perfect place to escape the crowds.
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Dude ranches in America
Anyone who imagines a dude ranch to be little more than a bunkhouse with outside bucket showers, a cracked mirror for shaving and pork and beans for supper, will be mightily impressed by the high levels of comfort to be found in the not-so-wild west of North America. Several ranches also offer spas, golf, swimming and tennis.
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Luxury villas in Corfu
Many Brits are sniffy about Corfu but never those that have visited the island’s northeast corner. Far removed from mass high-rise tourism, it is a place of tiny unspoilt coves, lush green interiors immortalised by Gerald Durrell, white pebble beaches, friendly tavernas and a choice of villas among the best in the Med.
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Costa de la Luz
Tucked away in the south-west corner of Spain, the Costa de la Luz offers superb sandy beaches, pine forests, rolling dunes and fishing villages. If you can drag yourself from your lounger, the sights of Seville are just 90 minutes away by road. Go west and you can hop into Portugal. Or just lie back and watch the terrific sunsets.
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The Alps in summer
Once the last of the snow has melted and summer comes around, the Alps spring back to life, with hillsides carpeted with flowers and sunshine glistening off lakes. Stay in a cosy Alpine village and choose from a menu of thrilling activities, from mountain biking and rock climbing to glacier skiing and white-water rafting.
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Cornwall cottages and coast
Spend a day walking the coastal paths of Cornwall and you might wonder why Brits ever travel abroad. The undulating hills, the secret sandy coves, the miles of beach and the soaring cliffs are as fine as you’ll see anywhere. With excellent local restaurants and superb self-catering cottages, this is one of the finest UK holiday destinations.
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Luxury Phuket
The Thai island of Phuket has come a long way since the days when backpackers slept in wooden huts. It is now home to some of the world’s most sumptuous hotels from family resorts to romantic hideaways. Superb food, gracious service, grown-up spas and soft sandy beaches. Could you want more?
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South Africa
The aptly-called Rainbow Nation offers a spectrum of different experiences including beaches, game reserves, indigenous heritage, cities and handsome winelands, all readily savoured on a single trip. With overnight flights in both directions and no jet lag, South Africa is also remarkably easy.
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Gulet cruise in Turkey
The Turkish Aegean coastline is among the most scenic in Europe, and best seen from the deck of a small cruise boat. By sailing on a traditionally-styled gulet, you leave the steering, cooking and general pampering to the crew, allowing you to discover private coves, explore unspoilt villages and swim in crystal-clear seas.
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The Gambia
You might think of The Gambia as a cheap winter sun destination on the west coast of Africa. And you’d be at least half right. In fact it’s so much more than that, with superb beaches, charming hotels, friendly people and stunning wildlife – and only six hours flying time from the UK. Best time to visit is November to June.
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Luxury Seychelles
Some places have that elusive “wow” factor, others don’t. The Seychelles has it in spades. The silky beaches, the tropical forests, the super deluxe hotels. Swim with turtles in the morning, spend an afternoon unwinding in the spa then dress for cocktails at sunset. Perfect? You bet.
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Italy’s secret haven
Draw up a list of all the wonderful reasons for going to Italy – Blue Flag beaches, medieval hill towns, historic palaces, nights at the opera and galleries full of Renaissance masterpieces – and you’ll find them in abundance in Le Marche, the barely-known back garden of Italy, sandwiched between the Apennines and the Adriatic.
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Fly-drive California
If there’s a single US state that conjures up the American dream, it’s California. As well as surf and sunshine, cities on the sea (San Francisco, LA and San Diego), vineyards and national parks including Yosemite, it also boasts one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Pacific Highway.
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Corsica, the perfect island
It’s arguably the most gorgeous island in the Mediterranean, with perfect beaches and an interior dotted with medieval hilltowns, forests and the famous scented maquis. Yet compared to islands such as Mallorca, Corfu and Ibiza, it is curiously overlooked by British visitors. Corsica, in our book, is the Med to perfection, with a thick layer of French polish.
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Morocco luxury tours
Nowhere within a four-hour flight of the UK is as exotic and alluring as Morocco. The highlight is Marrakech, with its swirling souks, ornate palaces, elegant back street restaurants and stylish riads, but you won’t want to miss the soaring Atlas Mountains nor the majestic kasbahs of the south.
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Luxury Caribbean villas
A Caribbean villa holiday has little to do with self-catering. Even the smallest properties have a daily maid who may also do your cooking, while larger houses come with a full brigade of staff to shop, cook, launder and even fix your favourite cocktail. It makes the holiday surprisingly affordable, especially if you avoid the peak season.
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St Lucia
There are plenty of gorgeous hotels on the beaches of St Lucia where you’ll be tempted to stay put. But don’t get too comfortable – this is a spectacular island crying out to be explored, from its glistening forests and volcanic peaks to its sleepy fishing villages and colonial plantation houses.
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Rio de Janeiro
With its sweeping beaches and dramatic mountains, Rio de Janeiro ranks amongst the world’s most beautiful cities. But it’s more than that. Rio is a way of life, buzzing with beautiful people, glamorous nightspots and hip-shaking music. It gets under your skin. You may never want to go home…
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Scilly Isles holidays
On a sunny day, the blindingly white beaches and clear turquoise waters of this archipelago of low-lying granite outcrops can more than match the Caribbean. The Isles of Scilly, just 28 miles off the western tip of Cornwall, are a world apart, their style and pace of life closer to the pages of an Enid Blyton novel than 21st-Century reality.
And finally...
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Tall ship sailing
A voyage aboard one of the three Star Clipper ships is a vastly different experience to a conventional cruise. Modelled on historic sailing vessels, they fly great clouds of billowing sails and offer passengers a timeless adventure as they explore the world’s most beautiful oceans and islands.
