Best for… fitness TENERIFE
Hot even in December, southern Tenerife is home to Europe’s best resort scene courtesy of its white-sand beaches and large-scale, multi-pool resorts. The more intrepid Brits also venture to this largest Canary Island’s mountainside villages, markets, forests and Teide National Park (right), where hikes around the eponymous mountain can be undertaken. Stay By the sea near Adeje, the five-star Hard Rock Hotel is an especially upscale and extensive resort. Its spa, swim-up bars and pools are complemented by foodie fare from Japanese to pizza to Tex-Mex. Chic rooms boast quality beds and showers, while Zumba classes and live-music shows take place daily. Getting there From £609pp for seven nights’ all-inclusive departing on December 9, including flights from Luton and a saving of £150pp, Book via olympicholidays.com.
Covid-19 The same as Lanzarote (see top right).
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
This archipelago nation follows the rumsoaked Caribbean template. On St Vincent itself, whale watching, coral-flecked surf and toffee-hued beaches cede to hiking paths, waterfalls and rainforested volcanoes. The Grenadine Islands tend to offer the same formula in miniature, only with whiter sand and more A-list retreats. Stay Due to its tranquil waters (left) and scuba diving, St Vincent’s Villa Beach is usually heaving but not now. Beside it, the Paradise Beach Hotel has 17 colourful rooms around lovely gardens, plus a pool and Friday night barbecues. From £75 B&B (paradisesvg.com/rooms).
Getting there Fly via Barbados, which also figures on all UK travel-corridor lists. Returns from £824, traveltrolley.co.uk. Flight prices based on December 4-18, via Barbados Grantley Adams Airport. Covid-19 Following an airport test, you’ll have to quarantine for 48 to 72 hours in a government-approved hotel such as Paradise Beach.
Best for… escapism MALDIVES
Where better to escape 2020 than in paradise? In an idyll of coconut palms, white sand and transparent green waters? A heaven whose board includes Asian and steak dinners? A utopia in which days can be spent snorkelling coral reefs, taking sunset cruises, playing tennis or snorkelling?
Stay Near the equator at the four-star Meeru Island Resort & Spa.
Getting there Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Meeru Island Resort & Spa, departing December 7 now costs from £2,193pp, including direct Heathrow flights and private speedboat transfers (sovereign.com).
Covid-19 Fill in a health declaration form (imuga. immigration.gov.mv) the day before departure, arrive with proof of a recent negative PCR test and remain in your resort throughout.