BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Last-minute booking guide

ARUBA

Tui has recently restarted flights to Aruba, which means there’s another quarantine-free Caribbean holiday option this winter. The island asks visitors to show evidence of a recent negative PCR test, which can be booked through Tui for a discounted rate. Usually a popular cruise spot, it’ll be easier to avoid the crowds on jaunts to the many whitesand beaches or colourful Dutch-influenced capital Oranjestad. Do make time to visit the arid Arikok National Park, which comprises a fifth of the island. Stay at Riu Palace Antillas, an allinclusive, adults-only hotel on popular Palm Beach. This bells-and-whistles resort offers a lagoon-style swimming pool, water sports, golf course, casino and 24-hour room service. Tui (tui.com) offers seven nights from £1,225pp all-inclusive, departing Jan 20, including flights and transfers.

SEYCHELLES

To reach the white sands and clear seas of the Seychelles requires some effort. Negative PCR test results must be dated a tight 48 hours before departure. But with more private testing options and the festive rush over, this shouldn’t cause undue stress. Visitors are required to stay at their accommodation for six days before taking another test; the wide range of world-class resorts, many with their own stretches of sand, should stave off cabin fever. The five-star Savoy Resort & Spa, set on a sweeping bay on the main island of Mahé, has the largest pool in the archipelago. Though larger than its neighbours, the hotel is softened with lots of wooden details and natural fabrics. Breakfast, taken on a sheltered terrace, is a lavish affair and includes sparkling wine.

Away Holidays (awayholidays. co.uk) offers seven nights from £1,332pp half-board, including flights. Departs Jan 26.

BERMUDA

The British overseas territory of Bermuda has been practising social distancing long before it was fashionable, sitting an isolated 700 miles from the nearest land. Covid protocols are extensive: visitors must organise a pre-departure PCR test, take another on arrival and wear a “traveller wristband” for the first 14 days of their stay. Family-owned Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa attracts repeat guests, perhaps due to its friendly staff and range of activities, including wreck diving and speed boat outings. British Airways Holidays (ba. com) is offering seven nights from £1,284pp, departing on Jan 22, including flights.

RAS AL KHAIMAH (UAE)

For a more affordable resort holiday in the Middle East, try the overlooked emirate of Ras al Khaimah. Fly to Dubai (where you can show a recent negative PCR result or take a test on arrival) before hopping on your hotel’s shuttle – it’s 45 miles to the most northerly of the UAE’s seven states. Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a mega-resort set on a cluster of man-made islands. The five-star hotel, spread across six pyramid-shaped buildings, does not hold back with a stylised souk, eight swimming pools, an aqua park and private stretch of beach. The 14 restaurants and bars, plus unlimited happy hours, mean you are unlikely to tire of its all-inclusive nature.

Travelbag (travelbag.co.uk) offers seven nights from £1,039pp all-inclusive, on selected January dates. Includes flights and transfers.

Travelling to and from the UK is currently subject to restrictions. See Page 2.