Now that we’ve seen the back of the longest month of the year, and are well into February, hopefully you are recovering from the excesses (financial and gastronomical) of the festive season, which means that your thoughts can now turn to more important things, like holiday planning for the rest of the year.
When it comes to travel destinations, like most things, a blank slate is daunting and so we have done the hard work for you and have rounded up the best recommendations from our travel partners. Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, fun and sun with the family or a destination break with your bestie, we’ve got you.
Read on for our roundup of the 10 best places to holiday right now.
Go on an adventure across Europe on a River Cruise
This one is for adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts. Take the Emerald Waterways Ultimate River Cruise and immerse yourself in the culture of 15 different European countries. You can expect to be wowed by stunning architecture in Vienna, explore the cobbled streets of Amsterdam and be in awe of the picturesque German towns. There’s something for everyone making this a great trip to make with friends or family.
Book before the end of February to save up to £1,200 per person, with prices starting from £3,195pp.
Book via: www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk or call 0808 159 4193
Escape to a Romantic Palace in Sintra, Portugal
Looking for a vacation fit for royalty? You’ll feel right at home at Tivoli Palcio de Setais. Enjoy stunning views or dinner for two in this romantic palace. Tivoli Palcio de Setais is located on the mountainside of Sintra, making it the ideal location for a cosy romantic getaway. The hotel offers relaxing activities perfect for couples from luxurious poolside dining to vintage wine tasting in the new Colares wine room.
A stay at Tivoli Palacio de Seteais starts at £236 per night.
Book via: www.tivolihotels.com
Enjoy Costa Rica with a Wellness Tour
Health and Fitness Travels offers seven nights to rejuvenate with a Wellness Tour in Costa Rica. Prices start from £1,775 per person and include breakfast, two lunches, three dinners, accommodation, a wellness tour and more.
Travel with friends and family and enjoy the wellness tour which includes a visit to the hot springs of La Fortuna, a relaxing volcanic mud bath. You can even try something different with a Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga session.
The break also offers guests the chance to connect with locals and take part in a local project that supports up to 200 farmers at a coffee plantation.
Book via: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891
Bless your lover with a romantic trip to Madrid, Spain
Enjoy a luxurious weekend away in the romantic city of Madrid at the BLESS hotel. This luxury five-star hotel is the perfect setting for couples to enjoy a romance-filled weekend.
The hotel offers everything you’ll need for a romantic weekend: dining for two, spa treatments, wine tasting, luxurious bath experiences and more.
The ‘BLESS Your Love romance package includes a room of your choice, breakfast, roses, a bottle of champagne and loads more treats to make for a romantic stay.
Prices start from £274.89 per night.
Book via www.blesscollectionhotels.com or call 0 800 02 11 746
Walk through 150 million years of Earth’s history in Dorset, UK
The Lulworth Estate is offering group packages for up to 18 people on their ‘Awesome Earth’ package, a perfect break to take with friends and family.
The Lulworth Estate is located at a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coastline. On the ‘Awesome Earth’ package, you’ll be taken on an amazing daytime walk through 150 million years of Earth’s history including two of the most Instagram worthy sites in the UK!
After all the activities you can relax in one of the 12 luxury self-catering holiday cottages on offer at The Lulworth Estate.
The Awesome Earth package includes a three-night stay in one of the luxury cottages starting at £170 per person.
Book via: www.lulworth.com or call 01929 400888
Relax by the Riverside in Porto, Portugal
Swap the frantic pace of life with a holiday by the riverside in Porto, Portugal. This is an ideal destination for a girls trip, family getaway or a romantic break for two. Explore the local market or join a traditional Portuguese cooking class.
Unwind by sipping on local wine with a special wine tasting experience or take in stunning views on a hot air balloon trip for two. There’s plenty to do in this iconic city.
A two-night stay at Patio Guesthouse in a double room starts from £339 per person. This price is based on two people sharing and includes a double room, breakfast, a guided tour at the local market and a cooking class.
Book via www.iberian-escapes.com or call +448081890647
A nautical night of luxury in London
Trade in the hustle and bustle of city life for a romantic stay in an exclusive super yacht hotel in London. The Sunborn London is located at the prestigious Royal Victoria docks, close to Greenwich and Canary Wharf, making it super accessible.
Be prepared to be wowed with breath-taking views across the skyline and river of London, a perfect location for romance.
From £420, prices include dinner and an overnight stay.
Book via: www.sunbornhotels.com/london
Unwind at The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Unwind at this first world-class spa, with exclusive access to Bath’s famous natural thermal waters.
Relax in the hotel’s private water reserve where the bubbles are packed with natural minerals and reach the surface at 47 degrees centigrade for a rejuvenating experience.
Paired with gourmet dining and exquisite design, this 99-bedroom hotel provides a magical spa experience.
This is the ideal travel location for romance or a much-needed spa-break with your sister-friends.
Book via: www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1225 358 888
Get cosy in the snow in Le Coucou in Meribel, France
If you feel like swapping beach days in the sun for cosy nights in and taking on snowy slopes, Hotel Le Coucou is the place for you.
At Hotel Le Coucou, sit back and enjoy the luxury accommodation on offer from elegant suites to private chalets. Expect incredible panoramic views across the slopes, gourmet dining, a relaxing spa, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool.
The hotel offers you the option to take part in a range of activities including shoe-trekking, dog sledging or relaxing massage.
Nightly rates start from £618.45 per night.
Book via www.maisonspariente.com
Fall head over heels in love with Athens, Greece
Grand Resort Lagonissi is the place to go for a breath-taking getaway on the stunning Athenian Riviera.
Expect landscaped greenery and jaw-dropping views of the coastal landscape. Accompanied by first-class accommodation, from waterfront bungalows to luxury suites. This dreamy location is bucket-list territory.
The five-star hotel has a range of facilities: 16 private bays and coves, a helipad, marina, freshwater pool, open-air cinema, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, and a spa.
Prices start from £200,34 per night.
Book via: www.lagonissiresort.gr
Read more Travel destination articles
