The Globe Trotter: 27 July
Rain, rain, go away... our summer's been a bit of a washout, hasn't it? In the circumstances, I'm sure our green and very pleasant land won't mind too much if you eschew its shores for a week or so of sun elsewhere, especially if you book one of the bargain deals I've found for you at five sun-drenched resorts.
In fact, I am writing this article from my lounger by the amazing infinity pool at the Maritim Jolie Ville hotel in Luxor, Egypt. This self-contained, five-star resort on Kings Island has gorgeous flower-filled gardens, a bargain spa, a choice of restaurants – and sunshine galore. What's more, it's tucked away by the Nile a few miles from the busy town centre, so it's peaceful and safe... bliss. Discover Egypt offers a week's holiday here in September/ October from £549 per person – a saving of up to 25 per cent – and includes flights from Gatwick, or, at an extra cost, from Manchester or Heathrow.
0844-880 0462, www.discoveregypt.co.uk
Mauritius is a delicious sun, sea and sand holiday choice, and the One&Only Le Saint Géran has its own private peninsula, palm trees, silver beaches, a sheltered lagoon and lots of pools. Carrier is offering savings of up to £1,450 per couple when you book a Junior Suite or Ocean Suite – that's a saving of 25 per cent plus complimentary half board. A seven-night holiday up to 21 December costs from £2,025 per person, including return flights with Air Mauritius from Heathrow.
0161-492 1358, www.carrier.co.uk
The five-star Aldemar Olympian Village is on the west coast of the Peloponnese, Greece, 40km from the ancient site of Olympia. The large, well-equipped resort is a great fly-and-flop destination, with three kilometres of golden beach, sports galore and an award-winning spa. Aldemar Holidays is offering seven-night, half-board holidays from £575 per person, representing a saving of 30 per cent. The price includes flights from Stansted on Tuesday or Saturday on 15, 18 and 22 September, but, please note, does not include transfers or luggage costs.
0800-810 8118, www.aldemarhotels.com
British sun-worshippers love the Canary Islands, and Tenerife does have five-star resorts. Past guests at the newly renovated and landmark resort, Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey in Santa Cruz, northeast Tenerife, have included Julio Iglesias, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, U2 and Pelé. Prestige Holidays is offering seven nights, departing on 12 September, from £645 per person, a saving of £652 per couple, including breakfast, flights from Gatwick with Monarch, and transfers.
01425-480400, www.prestigeholidays.co.uk
Book a suite at the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily, for a least seven nights and receive complimentary half board and airport transfers. The price, from £2,735 per person, represents a saving of up to £915 per person, includes return flights and is valid for travel completed by 31 August. The Verdura has 1.8km of private coastline and is set in beautiful landscapes. There is an 18-hole golf course, and restaurant and bars overseen by Michelinstarred chef Fulvio Pierangelini.
01244-355527, www.itcclassics.co.uk
Prices are lead-in, per person, based on two sharing and subject to availability.
Wendy can be contacted at Wendy.Gomersall@lady.co.uk
TRAVEL NEWS
Dogs welcome
Little Paddock wooden lodges near the New Forest National Park now accepts up to two small or mediumsized, well-behaved doggies. A three-night, adults-only stay costs from £149 per person plus £10 for one dog or £15 for two. 01425-470889, www.little-paddock.com
Going solo
Voyages Jules Verne holidays has a number of tours with no single supplement on selected dates this year. These include Land Of Ice & Fire, three nights in Iceland from £545 per person B&B in December and January, and Venice From The Water, four nights full board in December, costing from £805 per person. 0845-166 7035, www.vjv.com
Remote escape
Natural Retreats John O'Groats, featuring luxury self-catering eco-lodges, is due to open next month. Activities on offer include hikes, whale watching, wildlife tours and whisky tasting. Book by 30 September and pay £249 for a three-night stay for up to six guests, a discount of 35 per cent. 0844-384 3166, www.naturalretreats.com