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Need a break from the 9 to 5? These four amazing destinations should refresh the parts a staycation just can’t reach
wildlife frenzy in zambia
Lower Zambezi National Park is the in-the-know place for wildlife watching – with most safari-goers heading to Botswana and Kenya, it means that here you often have the animals and birds to yourself.
place to stay For full-blown post-safari pampering, it’s hard to beat the beautiful sausage tree camp, which offers luxuriously huge tents with built-in bars, river-view verandahs (the honeymoon tent offers your own jacuzzi-pool, too) and a stunning common lounge area where like-minded guests congregate around the fire to discuss the day’s sightings. another brilliant option is the all-inclusive amanzi tented camp, where elephants feed among the camp foliage and lions can be heard roaring through the night. Here, evenings are spent under the stars, playing board games with a well-earned wine in hand.
check out Both resorts are all about the personal service, which means each safari outing takes place with a private guide – all of whom are expertly trained and will blow you away with their knowledge of the animals. learn how to track lions using their paw prints, spot leopards feasting on their antelope catch, watch hippopotamuses lazing in the river and follow baby elephants as they play among the foliage. If you’re feeling brave, an early morning kayak among the hippos and crocodiles will give you unforgettable memories of africa to take home, while the private sunset boat cruises will leave you in awe, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch a family of elephants crossing.
eat Whether it’s picnic breakfasts in the wilderness with amanzi ( you can’t beat scoffing freshly baked bread, sausages on sticks and fresh fruit while, nearby, a lion sleeps under a tree), or mouth-watering salads,
roast chicken and seafood buffet lunches on a sand bar while ankle-deep in the Zambezi with sausage tree – the local chefs certainly do not disappoint. sunset drinks and casual bush-barbecue dinners are also regular events at both camps. pack neutral colours are best for animal-spotting as they do not distract the wildlife or draw attention. Waterproof footwear is best if you plan on kayaking. ensure you bring plenty of sun protection ( longsleeved, breathable shirts, hats and sunscreen) for those sizzling african mid-mornings. however, early mornings can be chilly, so a fleece and beanie might be handy. evenings in camp are casually stylish. the lowdown The luxury safari company (theluxurysafaricompany.com) offers four nights at amanzi camp from £3,163pp all-inclusive, including flights from london heathrow to lusaka. Four nights at sausage tree camp start at £3,753pp all-inclusive, including flights.
fashion fabulousness in marrakech
Always amazing, Morocco’s most popular city has become even more of a destination with the opening of the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, an eye-popping showcase of the iconic designer’s work. place to stay Riad Farnatchi is the perfect setting for an arabian adventure. Its 10 stunning rooms are both wonderfully authentic and hi-tech, and each has its own private terrace. For a double dose of relaxation, try a traditional hammam or one of their signature spa treatments. The prana Vitality Massage lasted an hour, but its energy-enhancing effects continued all the way to the tarmac at Gatwick. check out The just-opened Musée yves saint laurent (museeyslmarrakech.com) celebrates the iconic designer’s more colourful and flamboyant designs, and is just a few steps away from Jardin Majorelle, his former home. at dusk, visit the city’s famous Jemaa el-fnaa main square and, as the light dims and grill smoke rises, enjoy a stroll and a fresh juice among snake charmers and storytellers. people-watching doesn’t get better – and the fun goes on until 2am. eat It has to be a tagine laden with pomegranates, dates and the sweetest lamb. We loved the stylish roof terrace at le Foundouk (£35pp; foundouk.com). a cool new addition is le trou au Mur, with a modern Moroccan style and menu (£40pp; letrouaumur.com). pack The mercury hits 38°c in summer and modesty matters, so go for loose, long-length cotton by day and a stylish maxidress by night. the lowdown one night at Riad Farnatchi starts at £250 inclusive of breakfast (riadfarnatchi.com). easyjet.com flies direct from london Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol; from £167 return.
laid-back beach loveliness
Two hours from Mexico’s Cancun airport you’ll find Riviera Maya, aka the Cancun-tulum corridor, with its breath-taking seafront. Think cashmere soft, white sandy beaches, turquoise crystal- clear sea water and a sanctuary for sunrise beach yoga. place to stay situated smack in the middle of this stretch lies eco resort The Beach tulum Hotel, a charmingly zen five-star retreat designed for couples, besties and solo travellers. The pared-back, all-white décor is sprinkled with low-slung hammocks, a natural-water swimming pool and two deliciously healthy eateries. The bright, spacious junior suites come with a four-poster king-size bed, a rooftop plunge pool (on request), and a panoramic view of the ocean front. check out Head north 20 minutes ( get the hotel to book you a taxi) and see the Maya-era tulum Ruins, including the Insta-worthy templo Dios del Viento, which looks out over the caribbean sea. The hotel also organises tours to see the local Unesco heritage sian Ka’an biosphere and snorkelling in the clear waters, including down to a sunken ship. eat Fresco’s, one of the hotel restaurants, serves the most delicious buckwheat pancakes for breakfast. Meanwhile, just across the road sits award-winning restaurant Hartwood (£50pp; hartwoodtulum.com), which requires serious advance booking to get on their long waitlist. If you haven’t pre-planned, don’t fret – next door, arca’s yellow-fin ceviche is a worthy alternative (£40pp; arcatulum.com/en). pack Great swimwear ( beach selfies are a must), yoga pants and plenty of sun cream – tulum can reach 32°c. the lowdown tulum is a cash economy so stock up before you go. a junior suite at The Beach tulum starts at £406.89 per night (thebeach-tulum.com). Ba flies from london Gatwick to cancun for £633.70 return (ba.com). The hotel will send a car to pick you up.
spa bliss in rajasthan
India doesn’t have to be all hot and heavy – the current trend is to fly and flop in one of the country’s new and breathtaking spa hotels. place to stay perched on top of the aravelli hills, the 18th-century Raas Devigarh combines stylish millennial minimalism with the crumbling majesty of its antiquated architecture. check out The hotel’s ilā spa offers a collection of Devi Blessings to calm adrenals and recalibrate the central nervous system. outside, take tours around the surrounding town of Delwara, historic temples and the lake city of Udaipur. eat The Rajasthani menu includes regional specials such as laal Maas, a spicy lamb curry, and Ker sangri – dried local berries and runner beans cooked in pickling spices. pack even in winter, temperatures range between 22°c and 28°c, so pack summer dresses and a scarf for the cooler evenings. the lowdown Five nights at Raas Devigarh followed by two nights at samode Haveli in Jaipur (for fabulous shopping) on a B&B basis, including internal flights with air India and international flights with Jet airways from london Heathrow and all land transfers, from £2,038pp (cazloyd.com).