If you’re gearing up to book your 2024 holiday but could use some inspiration, here are a few of our most sought-after destinations to put on your radar.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a long-standing Kuoni favourite. The best time to visit is from October through to December when you can expect balmy days and low rainfall across the island. But the subtropical climate is blissful all year round; there are fantastic offers from May to August when temperatures average around 25 degrees, and Easter is particularly popular.
One of our favourite resorts is Zilwa Attitude. Embrace ‘islander’ life with sunrise pirogue trips, Creole cookery lessons and barbecues on their private island. We suggest pairing a beach stay with a few nights at Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge; a boutique eco-hotel tucked in the mountains of the Black Gorges National Park. Wow-factors here include private pool suites with breath-taking views and zen-inducing activities such as meditation in the outdoor labyrinth, nature hikes and spa treatments.
The Maldives
If you're looking for the ultimate beach escape, it really doesn’t get better than the Maldives. Each island is home to just one extraordinary resort, surrounded by ivory sands and crystal-clear waters. But it’s not just the stunning surroundings – experiences here are extra special too. Explore underwater and encounter giant mantas, sip signature cocktails under sail or cruise to a private island for a surf and turf dinner under the stars.
For the ultimate uplifting escape, we recommend Kagi Maldives Spa Island. This relatively new island focuses on wellbeing with restoring yoga sessions, an immersive spa, and good-for-you menus. Or head off to Kuramathi Maldives to see why it’s our top-selling resort. This is one of our largest islands and is a great all-rounder, thanks to the vast array of villas and restaurants. If you want to try out the à la carte eateries, upgrade to the Select All Inclusive package; culinary delights include flambé steaks at the toes-in-the-sand Island Barbecue and Maldivian seafood at The Reef.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the world’s most enchanting islands – it’s just netted the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ title for the fifteenth time at the World Travel Awards. Petite StolenTime by Rendezvous is all about romance – think candlelit date nights, couples’ massages and movies under the stars. Pretty much everything is included here; watersports (including scuba diving), dining in a choice of restaurants and premium brand drinks, including bottomless fizz in the Champagne Bar.
To take the luxury levels up a notch, stay at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. At this rainforest-cocooned retreat, you’ll spend your days lazing on white sands below the Pitons, unwinding with treatments in the treehouse spa or simply chilling out in your villa’s private plunge pool, which comes with a personal butler.
Bali
Bali consistently tops the list of luxury holiday destinations. Not only is this spectacularly scenic land brimming with exquisite spa havens, but there’s plenty of adventure to be found beyond the hotel walls.
The best way to fully appreciate Bali’s beauty is on a twin-centre trip. Begin in artsy Ubud, a great base to discover the island’s temples, waterfalls and picture-perfect villages. If you’re not ready to give up your private pool, opt for a River Pool Villa at Sankara Suites & Villas, a spa sanctuary hidden among lime-green rice paddies. After a day of exploring, there’s nothing quite like dipping into the cool waters of your pool and listening to rippling water and birdsong.
Round off your holiday on the golden beaches in the south; we love Seminyak for its surf vibe, stylish boutiques and bars. At The Elysian, start your day with a tasty in-villa breakfast before relaxing under a frangipani tree by your private pool. In the afternoon, book a one-on-one yoga session in your villa or wander into town to hunt for bargains in the Flea Market, and don’t miss the legendary sunsets at the hip Potato Head Beach Club.
Madeira
Known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, the emerald-clad isle of Madeira is a paradise of exotic blooms, coves dusted with black sand and spectacular cliffside hotels. One of the best is The Cliff Bay, an ultra-luxurious haven with spellbinding views over the Bay of Funchal. Relax by the pool or on the sun-drenched deck, head to the spa for a tranquil treatment and wine and dine in style; this is another hotel showcasing Michelin-starred fare. When you’re ready for a change of scene, explore the island on one of our excursions or take a trip into Funchal to meander around the quaint shops and cafés.
Inspired?
If you’re ready to organise your next escape, our Personal Travel Experts are ready to inspire you. View our latest offers, call us or visit us in store and we’ll help you arrange an incredible holiday to look forward to.
This feature was updated on 19th December 2023. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.