ESCAPE PLANS
THE LATEST NEWS AND DEALS FROM THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
FAMILY FUN IN THE MALDIVES
Set in the Maldives’ North Male Atoll, Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is true to its name – Ailafushi means ‘family island’.
Opened this month, the four-star all-inclusive resort puts family front and centre, with a kids’ club and evening entertainment for everyone, including 3D movies at the futuristic Dome entertainment centre. And the 268-villa resort features Ocean View family rooms that link the master bedroom to a storybook children’s room.
From £360 a night. coloursofoblu. com/oblu-xperience-ailafushi
CHECK OUT THE LEONARDO HOTEL
Before even opening its doors last month, Leonardo Hotels’ first property in Manchester had already been lauded with a design award from the city’s Society of Architects for its eye-catching towerblock exterior, earning it the nickname the ‘Jenga’ building.
Fitting neatly into its cool Piccadilly East neighbourhood location, the design credentials continue indoors with an interior that’s pared-back and modern, and each of its 275 stylish rooms comes with the brand’s signature Dream bed.
Dine in or grab a takeaway from on-site bar and restaurant Leo’s which also offers a hot buffet breakfast. From £79 a night. leonardohotels.co.uk
RELAX IN SANTA MONICA
Good news for UK travellers that the US has now dropped pre-departure Covid-19 tests. If you fancy a trip to the States this year, head to Hotel Shangri-la in
Santa Monica, California for four nights, room only, from £1,185pp.
Its beachside location makes it a great spot to relax in the sun, whilst being a 10-minute walk to Santa Monica Pier, above. The Hollywood walk of fame and Universal Studios can be reached in under half an hour by car.
Price based on two people sharing, for travel in November 2022, with direct Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, departing London. flightcentre.co.uk