IT has been a damp and drizzly summer for the most part.
As autumn edges nearer, the chance of a last-minute sunny getaway might seem slim.
Though time is running out for an August getaway, there are plenty of cracking beach deals for the October half-term and November in scorching destinations across the Med and beyond. So don’t pack away that suitcase just yet.
SOPHIE SWIETOCHOWSKI shines a light on some top spots for winter sun.
ST LUCIA
HOW HOT WILL IT BE? Highs of 31C.
Dip your toes into clear seas as you stroll the soft white sands of Rodney Bay. Overlooking the water, adults-only boutique hotel SoCo House is a sanctuary away from the crowds and day-to-day hustle. In 75 bedrooms, bright blue decor accentuates glossy white furniture, and outside, comfy cabanas frame a large swimming pool.
COVID RULES: St Lucia is on the amber list. Fully jabbed arrivals to St Lucia will not need to quarantine, however they must still provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within five days of travel and must complete a pre-arrival registration form.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H SoCo House is from £899pp including flights from Gatwick and transfers on October 11. See bluebaytravel.co.uk or call 01782 647 239.
MOROCCO
HOW HOT WILL IT BE? Highs of 28C.
If you’re looking for a lavish break, lounging in tranquil courtyards shaded by ancient palm trees and sipping on zesty cocktails, then the Club Med Marrakech hotel has just that. Everything here feels luxurious and traditional from the tiled walls and gold framed mirrors in bedrooms to a spa menu offering Middle Eastern body scrubs and purifying clay wraps. Rooms are pricey, but quality.
COVID RULES? Morocco is on the amber list. Unvaccinated or partially jabbed holidaymakers will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Morocco.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie is from £2,568pp, including flights from Gatwick or Heathrow and transfers on October 16. See clubmed.co.uk or call 03453 676767.
GREECE
HOW HOT WILL IT BE? Highs of 24C.
The Atrium Platinum resort, situated on the cliffs of Rhodes, is laid back and modern with rooms that have views of the shingled Ixia Bay below. If you fancy splurging, you can book a Deluxe room with a private pool on the balcony. The food here is also first-class with four cracking restaurants.
COVID RULES? Greece is on the amber list. Fully vaccinated passengers must give proof of vaccination status via the Covid NHS app. All other arrivals from the UK must have proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of travel, or a negative lateral flow test, taken within 48 hours of travel. Everyone must complete a Passenger Locator Form.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Atrium Platinum Resort Hotel & Spa in Rhodes is from £689pp including flights from Birmingham on October 14. See olympicholidays.com.
MADEIRA
HOW HOT WILL IT BE? Highs of 23C.
Head to Portugal’s Madeira for a no-frills bargain getaway this half-term. The Four Views Oasis hotel sits on a promenade opposite an unspoilt pebble beach and has two saltwater swimming pools, a putting green and games room with table tennis, darts and billiards. The hotel also has a buffet and à la carte restaurant, but just outside its doors, you will find plenty of local restaurants serving up traditional Madeiran grub.
COVID RULES? Madeira is on the green list. Arrivals from the UK will need to complete a traveller questionnaire. They must also take either a PCR test within 72 hours of travelling or provide proof of vaccination status with the NHS Covid pass app or with a letter.
GO: Seven-nights self-catering at the 4H Four Views Oasis, in Funchal, is from £375pp, including flights on October 24, based on two adults and two children (under 12 years old) sharing. Book by September 3. For more info, see charitable.travel or call 020 3092 1288.
LANZAROTE
HOW HOT WILL IT BE? Highs of 23C.
In the heart of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, the adults-only Barcelo Teguise Beach Hotel is perfectly placed for adventurous hikes or lazing on the golden sands of Las Cucharas beach. It was given a facelift a few years back and now boasts chic bedrooms with hot tub baths, two large swimming pools and a fancy cocktail bar serving colourful tipples.
COVID RULES? Spain, including Lanzarote and the Canary Islands is on the amber list. UK visitors will need to show a pre-travel declaration form upon entry and either a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arrival, or, if fully jabbed, proof of vaccination via the NHS Covid Pass app.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Barcelo Teguise Beach Hotel is from £479pp, including flights from Gatwick on November 29, based on two adults sharing. See loveholidays.com
BARBADOS
HOW HOT WILL IT BE? Highs of 31C.
The garden rooms at Coral Reef Club have an element of English charm with thick patterned curtains and cosy Chesterfield-style armchairs, but from your window you’ll see blue seas and tropical gardens. You can head to the spa for delicious citrus and coconut facials or swim the clear waters off the beach where you can spot turtles and tropical fish.
COVID RULES? Barbados is on the green list. UK travellers must present a negative PCR test taken within three days of arrival and need to submit an Embarkation/Disembarkation card 24 hours prior to travel.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Coral Reef Club is from £1,789pp, including flights from Heathrow and transfers on October 7. Book by September 1. See travelcounsellors.co.uk.
DUBAI
HOW HOT WILL IT BE? Highs of 35C.
Sunny skies are guaranteed year round in the United Arab Emirates and, at the Hotel Riu in Dubai, you can certainly make the most of it. There are three swimming pools here – two with swim-up bars and another with water slides for the kids – and the modern rooms back on to a golden beach. If you fancy a cultural excursion, take a cab 15km to the Jumeirah Mosque, the only one in the UAE open to non-Muslims.
COVID RULES? The UAE is on the amber list. UK arrivals to Dubai must present a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of departure and complete a Health Declaration Form and Quarantine Form. Visitors will also need to register details on the Covid-19 DXB app.
GO: Five nights’ all-inclusive at the Rui Hotel Dubai is from £864pp, including flights from Heathrow in October. See travelrepublic.co.uk.
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