Help banish the winter blues and book up your summer holiday now. Here, Ozel Rowland brings us some of the best places to stay this summer…
Costa Adeje © Javier Lastras
Dream Hotel Gran Tacanda, Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Why not treat yourself this summer and indulge in the five-star comforts of the Dream Hotel Gran Tacanda? Located in the popular resort Costa Adeje in Tenerife, Spain this hotel boasts no less than four salt-water pools, three bars and three excellent restaurants – unsurprisingly, this hotel is a top choice for couples and families alike. There’s also a spa and gym to keep you in shape and suitably pampered, and parents looking to snatch some romantic time alone can take advantage of the free childcare and babysitting services for children over the age of three. There are also a variety of fun leisure and cultural programmes on offer for those wanting to head out for a day’s sight seeing.
Guests wanting to catch some rays outside the hotel grounds are in luck as Gran Tacanda is ideally situated right next to Playa del Duque beach. It’s also close to a range of shops and mini markets, including Fañabe and Plaza del Duque shopping centres – ideal if you fancy a spot of retail therapy.
August is the best time to visit Costa Adeje as temperatures reach an impressive 29˚C, while June and July enjoy temperatures of around 24˚C.
The hotel is offering 20% off the final price if you book your 2015 summer holiday now.
Riad le Clos des Arts, Marrakech, Morocco
Voted top three in TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2015 for best small hotel and best service in Marrakech, Riad le Cles des Arts takes its roots as an artistic guesthouse seriously and as a result is a firm favourite with guests for its authentic Moroccan décor and ambience. The rooms are adorned with traditional Moroccan styling – think warm terracotta tints and bright ceramic mosaic tiles. Each room comes with a lavish four-poster bed, a plush sofa and beautiful Kilim rug, too.
Temperatures in Marrakech, Morocco can hit highs of 38˚C in July, with a milder average of 29˚C during the other summer months. Handily, the hotel’s roof boasts a lovely pool, so you’ll never be too far away from a reviving, cooling dip. The hotel also offers additional activities such as artisanal workshops and cookery classes, the latter being ideal if you want to learn how to rustle up an authentic tagine.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Medina, which is just a five-minute walk to the main square, Jemaa el Fna. Nearby are the Museum of Moroccan Arts (Dar si Siad) and the grand Bahia Palace – both are perfect for a cultural interlude into this magnificent city.
Prices vary from about £86 to £135 per night during peak season. This includes traditional Moroccan mint tea and pastries upon arrival, along with a daily Moroccan breakfast and free Wifi.
Piazza Pretoria, Palermo © Dimitry B.
B&B Mondello Resort, Sicily, Italy
Situated in the peaceful suburbs of Palermo in Sicily, Italy this luxury B&B is the ideal choice for couples seeking refuge in a homely yet modern and stylish setting. With only five rooms, this resort offers an intimate atmosphere along with a gorgeous garden and pool area.
Weather averages in summer tend to reach 26˚C-27˚C, with August hitting around 29˚C, so why not sit back and lounge in the shade of the B&B’s Sicilian pines before taking a much-needed dip in the pool.
Hosts, Robert and Roberta, provide an attentive yet unobtrusive service with a breakfast buffet available every morning in the B&B’s spacious terrace. The rooms meanwhile boast a simple, minimalist interior and come fully equipped with all the expected amenities, while the bathrooms, complete with luxury fittings, are designed to provide a calming haven – perfect for soothing tired limbs after a day out exploring.
If you’re looking for sand and sea as well as sun, the pretty, powdery shoreline of Mondello beach is less than a mile away from the B&B. The bus station is also within walking distance, making Mondello Resort a great launching pad for exploring Palermo. There’s also a free bike service for guests wanting to get around on two wheels.
Prices are around £839 for a double room shared by two adults in August. Visit their website for full details on rates.
Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of Venus, or Aphrodite © Stav
Apollonia Holiday Apartments, Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos’s top-rated, family-run Apollonia apartments offer all the comforts of your own home while providing an ideal base for discovering this beautiful Cypriot city.
Paphos, Cyprus enjoys highs of 30˚C in August and thanks to its coastal location, a cooling breeze takes things down a notch come the evening.
Aside from an impressive pool and peaceful sun lounging area outside complete with a bar and an outside gym, the complex offers a number of different apartments to suit individual requirements, with studios or one and two bedroom apartments available. All are fully-equipped and decked with a simple yet comfortable interior, there’s a daily cleaning service, too.
Apollonia is located in the main tourist district of Kato Paphos, which is home to a variety of top attractions including the ancient ruins of Acropolis and Odeon. Meanwhile, the seafront, along with plenty of local shops, restaurants and bars are within walking distance from the apartments.
Receive a 22% discount if you book your summer holiday now.
Villa Maya, Cancun, Mexico
The Mexican city of Cancun is a world-renowned choice for holidaymakers, well loved for its fascinating Mayan history, large stretches of pearl-white beaches and thriving social scene.
Average summer temperatures reach 28˚C in Cancun, Mexico so you won’t be short of sunshine and opportunities to spend plenty of time outside relaxing and exploring.
When it comes to a great place to stay, Villa Maya is a top rental accommodation, serving as a ‘flexi-house’ perfect for families or group holiday bookings. Inside, you’ll find five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, dining area and an outside terrace. The villa is located in a quiet residential area, away from the main tourist zone, so expect peace and quiet. It’s also close to a good range of shops, including a Walmart, as well as buzzing local cafes and restaurants.
Transfers to and from the airport, as well a free tour by the owners, can be organised in advance. Summer prices start from £879 per week.
