How to have a VIP holiday on a B&Q budget… and we’re not talking a caravan in Bognor
ON A CIVILIAN BUDGET
Dream holiday spots aren’t just for the A-list, thanks to our high-end holiday hacks
THE MALDIVES
White beaches, turquoise sea, exclusive bungalows on stilts (where guests can literally hop out of bed into tropical waters) – the Maldives sound like paradise. But with luxury resorts costing from around £200 a night, it’s only the stuff honeymooners with bank accounts as big as Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan can experience – or is it?
GETTING THERE W hile you may still need to save up for the flight (the cheapest returns from the UK are with Lufthansa and Air New Zealand and cost around £650), you can save on your transfers by taking the public ferry from Male to the local islands. The ferry runs every day except Friday and takes around an hour and a half. A water taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal and your crossing shouldn’t cost more than £10. Alternatively,
don’t be shy about haggling with the tour companies that run speedboat services. You may be able to score a deal on a boat with some spare seats. WHERE TO STAY Despite what we see in the holiday brochures, it’s not all luxury resorts in the Maldives. If you head to one of the islands occupied by locals, you can find hotels at the more budget end of the scale. The Maldivians passed a law in 2010 that allowed islanders to open their own guest houses and take advantage of the growing tourism industry, and they have been quick to catch on to what standard visitors expect. Maafushi Island is scattered with good-quality budget accommodation, including Kaani Village and Spa (Kaanivillage. com, £73 a night), and Stingray Beach Inn (Stingraybeachinn.com, from £120 a night). WHERE TO EAT Being situated where the locals live means you’re in the best place to sample the fresh seafood dishes and curries at the neighbourhood cafés. Prices are reasonable and many of the hotels offer a buffet for around £12 per person. Some hospitable residents are happy to host you at their home for dinner. This is totally a thing in The Maldives and is said to be a great way to experience the authentic food and culture. One tip to remember is that alcohol is prohibited , and is only available in the swanky resorts, but don’t let that put you off sipping one of the delicious mocktails that have become a speciality. WHAT TO DO The Maldives are surrounded by beautiful ocean, so be sure to try out some watersports or book a snorkelling trip to check out the marine life (try Kuredu.com). It’s also common to buy a day pass for one of the VIP resorts (from between £40 to £165 a day) and pretend you’re living the high life by using their facilities and enjoying an alcoholic drink. Speak to your hosts, who will be able to organise this for you, or contact the resorts direct.
THE CARIBBEAN
Soaking up the laid-back attitude of the locals (and plenty of the rum cocktails) enjoyed by the likes of Rihanna and Sienna Miller is well within your reach if you give pricey St Barts a swerve and head to the palm-lined beaches of the Dominican Republic. GETTING THERE If you’rewilling to make a couple of stopovers, Air France do return flights from London to Punta Cana for around £500. WHERE TO STAY A great budget option is the Bavaro Hostel (Bavarohostel.com), which is clean, newly renovated and right by the beach. For less that £20 a night, you get a private double room, free wifi and a free coffee. If you want something a bit more upmarket, you could do a lot worse than the Hotel Atlantis in Playa Bonita. Set among the palm trees right on the beach, this peaceful retreat is famed for
its cuisine, so dining in is a must. Rooms start from around £60 a night (Hotel-atlantis-lasterrenas.com). WHERE TO EAT For cheap eats, head to the local markets where you will find stalls heaving with stewed meats and rice. Look out for street food, such as tostones (fried plantain) and pica pollo (spicy fried chicken). And if you’re near Santo Domingo, the locals are said to flock to Meson D’bari for its crab – it’s also ideal for tourists, thanks to menus printed in English. WHAT TO DO The night market in downtown Santo Domingo is a people watcher’s paradise and great a place to pick up a cheap beer and some souvenirs. Or, you can enjoy an afternoon on horseback in Las Terrenas for around £18 (Ranchoplayalt.com). It’s the perfect way to view the epic scenery of rocks and waterfalls, before catching the sunset on the beach.
HAWAII
The pink sunsets, crystal waters and secluded beaches of Hawaii have attracted the likes of Beyoncé and Lea Michele. But you can have a VIP vacay that won’t break the bank if you swap A-list for local. GETTING THERE Flights from London are around £700 return with Air Canada, but there are some cheaper ones if you travel in May or September, when it’s still hot. WHERE TO STAY There are some chic retreats if you’re willing to do your homework. We love the Pineapple Inn Maui from £130 a night (pineappleinnmaui.com). Aloha Studio, situated in the Wailea neighbourhood, is right on the beach and available from £80 a night via Airbnb. WHERE TO EAT Food is pricey, as most of it is flown onto the islands, but poke (marinated fish over rice) has been a staple for centuries and is available cheaply. WHAT TO DO Every Friday night Waikiki Beach hosts a free firework display, or you can catch the torch-lighting ceremony and hula show at Kuhio Beach Park, where you’ll see pro dancers shaking their stuff. Or grab a picnic and head to Laniakea Beach to watch the sea turtles scuttle across the sand.