Bag a last-minute break at home or in the European sunshine
Can’t wait for all the travel changes? Try one of these trips, says Emma Beaumont
For a last blast of sun, southern Spain is a winner. Make like Michelle Obama and check into Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, near Marbella. The former first lady once stayed in a plush villa at this pink palace hotel, which was duly dedicated to her. Laze around the romantic pool flanked by fountains and palms, or saunter along to the beach club to feast on Malaga-style fried fish. More active types can try activities such as flamenco lessons or even goat-herding.
Thomas Cook (thomascook.com) offers seven nights from £1,285pp B&B, departing Oct 1, including flights
ROMAN HOLIDAY
City breaks are back this autumn and where better to kick off than Rome, where the Spanish Steps remain uncrowded and it’s easy to bag a terrace table for an early evening Aperol spritz. For a stylish stay in the heart of the city, try Corso 281 Luxury Suites, with just 12 spacious suites set in an 18th-century palazzo. All come with a complimentary smartphone to use during your stay and a minibar filled with local treats. British Airways Holidays (ba.com) offers four nights from £741pp, departing Sep 26, including flights and breakfast
HEBRIDEAN ISLAND HOPPING
If the Caribbean seems like too much hassle, try the startlingly white beaches and clear waters of the Outer Hebrides instead. The temperatures might not be as favourable, but a warm coat is a small price to pay for the great walks, wildlife and Neolithic sites of this far-flung archipelago. Macs Adventure’s selfguided drive and hike trip takes in Barra in the south, before moving on to the Uists and north to Harris and Lewis. Macs Adventure (macsadventure.com) can organise late September trips. From £815pp for seven nights
CROATIA ESCAPE
Dubrovnik is a joy in late September, all blue skies and soft sunshine. Combine a city break with a seaside escape at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, a swish waterside property on the Lapad peninsula three miles outside the Old Town. Walk a full circuit of the medieval city walls before retreating to the hotel and one of its sev
eral outdoor pools or the rooftop spa. Rooms are contemporary in style and all have a balcony with sea views. EasyJet holidays (easyjet.com) offers seven nights from £914pp, departing Sep 26, including flights and breakfast
CORNWALL CIRCUIT
A walking holiday around Cornwall’s South West Coast Path is one of Britain’s great trips. Highlights of On Foot’s circular self-guided tour from St Ives include the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount – which can only be reached by boat at certain times of day – the clifftop Minack Theatre, plus a raft of worldclass beaches. Tuck into fresh seafood lunches and local ales in the fishing village of Mousehole, and try to spot seals bobbing about in the bays.
On Foot Holidays (onfootholidays.co.uk) can organise late September trips. From £825pp for six nights
CYPRUS SUNSHINE
The fastest way to a holidaymaker’s heart in 2021 is surely free Covid tests. And On the Beach is providing both pre-departure and Day 2 tests to those heading to Spain, Greece and Cyprus (book by Sep 30). For a top-notch flyand-flop option in the latter, Annabelle has one of the best locations in the southern resort of Paphos, set in six acres of tropical gardens and right beside a beach. One of the area’s grande dames, the resort has been open for three decades but looks fresh after a recent £10 million refurbishment.
On the Beach (onthebeach.co.uk) offers seven nights from £935pp, departing Oct 2, including flights and breakfast
WALKING AND WINE IN PORTUGAL
Head to Portugal’s second city for a small-group wine and walking tour which explores Porto plus the Douro Valley. Enjoy leisurely strolls along winding rivers, through vineyards and olive groves, punctuated by visits to old-school wineries where you can take a peek into their ancient cellars. The trip also takes in the Terras de Basto region where Portugal’s “young” wine – vinho verde – is produced. Hotels are of a high standard throughout with infinity pools and views of the countryside. Exodus Travel (exodus.co.uk) has an Oct 2 departure which still has space. From £1,799pp for six nights, including flights
CLASSIC GREECE
Try a spot of Greek island hopping with a small group trip that explores both big-hitters and undiscovered Cycladic gems, travelling via local ferries. Begin with a night in Athens, perhaps a tour of the Acropolis followed by late-night g yros. The next stop is little-known Syros, with its whitewashed villages and quiet beaches. Then it’s on to Mykonos and finally Santorini, where you’ll now be able to enjoy that famous sunset view at Oia in relative peace. Intrepid Travel (intrepidtravel.com) has Sep 25 and 29 departures which still have some space. From £1,267pp for seven nights. Flights not included
ARTY OXFORDSHIRE
The Oxfordshire outpost of the Artist Residence group puts a bohemian spin on a country pub. Inside the old thatched-roof farmhouse, neon signs pair with wooden beams and flagged stone floors for a laid-back feel. You’ll spot locals propping up the bar at the hotel’s Mason Arms, which serves proper pints alongside punchy margaritas and a Sunday lunch. Rooms – most with roll-top baths – are spread across the main pub and outbuildings, and there’s a shepherd’s hut in the herb garden. Borrow bicycles to explore beyond the sleepy village of South Leigh. Rooms from £165; artistresidence.co.uk
VICTORIAN WALES
For a bucolic British break try Palé Hall, a Victorian manor house set in 50 acres of grounds on the fringes of Snowdonia National Park. The hotel winds back the clock with period features, from coffered ceilings to stained-glass windows, and a genteel feel. A harpist might serenade you in the lounge before dinner. While padding around the gardens, be sure to visit the three Shetland ponies: Bertie, Crunchy and Jet. Rooms have a real sense of history, not least the one where Queen Victoria once stayed – the bath and basin she used are still intact. Rooms from £245; palehall.co.uk
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