After a year like no other, we're probably all in need of a little (or a lot of) relaxation and a dose of vitamin D. Whether you're ready to jet off right away or would rather wait a while, we're here to plan your perfect beach break...
Last-Minute Winter Sun
Swap the frosty mornings, rainy days and dark evenings of home for sun, sea and sand, on a last-minute holiday this winter. With no need to quarantine on your return to the UK and plenty of protocols in places for your safety, these dream destinations are impossible to resist.
LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Truly a resort for everyone, couples will fall in love with the stunning sunsets and undeniable romance of this laid-back yet luxurious resort, while the kids' clubs offer immersive, educational experiences for young guests, whether tots or teens. This tropical island offers no less than four kilometres of beaches, rivalling anywhere else in the world. Think powder-soft, white sand and an ultra-clear lagoon filled with fish. Embrace the serenity of the Maldives with yoga overlooking the Indian Ocean, or head right into it with thrilling flyboard, hoverboarding and more. If you're a keen diver, you're in luck, as the resort is also home to its very own five-star PADI dive centre, offering bespoke diving programmes led by the very best instructors. Prepare to encounter a wealth of wondrous marine wildlife - including tropical fish, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and much more!
Don't Leave Without... Indulging in a Treatment at the LUX* Me Spa
You won't be able to resist the luxurious LUX* Me Spa, a sanctuary for both body and mind, focusing on a truly integrated and personalised approach to your wellbeing. More than just your usual spa menu, options here include the Zhengliao Chinese Medicine Treatment, a therapy exclusive to LUX*, during which Chinese therapists will evaluate your needs and treat your individual needs. You can also enjoy an authentic Balinese massage, a facial totally tailored to your skin, yoga and meditation with experts, or raise your heart rate with personal trainers that work in conjunction with leading London-based fitness group, SP&Co.
Current Entry Requirements for the Maldives...
All travellers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 96 hours prior to departure, as well as complete a Traveller Health Declaration form 24 hours prior to departure.
![Boardwalk at LUX South Ari Atoll]()
Boardwalk at LUX South Ari Atoll
The Sandpiper, Barbados
Intimate and laid-back, this boutique-style, family-run property boasts a brilliant beachfront location just a five-minute walk from Holetown. Expect the finest in personal service and attention-to-detail, as well as a relaxed atmosphere combined with classical Caribbean charm. The beach here is beyond beautiful, boasting super soft sand lapped by turquoise waters and backed by gorgeous gardens filled with coconut palms, orchid trees and fabulous flowering bougainvillea. Garden itineraries are offered weekly, allowing you to explore more of the glorious grounds. While the calm cove and superb sunshine lend themselves to perfectly to relaxation, you can also take to the waves with complimentary non-motorised watersports or increase the speed with subsidised speedboat adventures, including waterskiing and wakeboarding. Keen divers can discover shipwrecks off the coast, wildlife lovers can join the Barbados Sea Turtle Project next door, and those in search of relaxation will adore the sensational spa at nearby sister hotel Coral Reef Club (a two-minute complimentary luxury transfer away).
Don't Leave Without... Enjoying a cocktail at Harold's Bar
With an exceptional number of guests returning time and time again, The Sandpiper artfully combines complete luxury with an authentic Caribbean experience and genuinely warm welcome. This is no truer than at Harold's Bar, a famous Bajan hangout, renowned for the special charm of its namesake bartender, Harold Shepherd, who will always be there to greet you with a grin. Feast on alfresco lunches, fresh sorbets and sundowner cocktails, enjoying views of the Caribbean Sea.
Current Entry Requirements for Barbados...
All travellers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 3 days prior to departure, as well as complete and submit an online ED card 24 hours prior to departure.
![Harold at Harold's Bar, The Sandpiper]()
Harold at Harold's Bar, The Sandpiper
OZEN Life Maadhoo, Maldives
Only a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé airport, this all-inclusive Maldivian hideaway is the height of luxury, offering both lagoon-side and overwater villas. Sun-kissed days may start with Champagne breakfasts overlooking the Indian Ocean, followed by sumptuous spa treatments at the ELENA Spa or embracing the choice of thrilling watersports in the idyllic turquoise lagoon - from a relaxing kayak to an adrenaline-pumping jet ski adventure. The Maldives is also famous for world-class scuba-diving, and OZEN Life Maadhoo is home to its very own PADI-certified Dive School, where a team of pros are on hand to whisk you to some fantastic local dive sites. Experience Maldivian culture as you visit a nearby local island, or take a fishing trip with an expert guide, enjoying the stunning sunset before feasting on your fresh catch for dinner.
Don't Leave Without... Dining underwater at M6M
The jewel in the crown of the hotel's several dining experiences is M6M - an acronym for 'minus six metres', which is around how far beneath sea level you'll be while dining here. A dream for seafood lovers, delicately presented degustation menus await, while there are also options for meat-eaters, veggies and children. Whatever you decide to devour, the glass walls promise constant company in the form of magical marine life.
Current Entry Requirements for the Maldives...
All travellers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 96 hours prior to departure, as well as complete a Traveller Health Declaration form 24 hours prior to departure.
![M6M at OZEN Life Maadhoo]()
M6M at OZEN Life Maadhoo
Plan Next Year's Beach Break
We understand that there are numerous reasons you may not want to travel just yet, but with the wonderful news of the vaccine being rolled out, next year looks filled with promise and plenty of travel. For spellbinding scenery, marine adventures and out-of-the-ordinary experiences, choose one of these wonderful beach resorts...
The St. Regis Mauritius Resort
The white sands of Le Morne Beach, the breathtaking blues of the lagoon and the backdrop of Mauritian mountains effortlessly combine to create a peaceful place to escape. If you can tear yourselves away from your luxurious room, suite or the four-bedroom beachfront St. Regis Villa, discover the wealth of alfresco adventures on your doorstep. You can head beneath the water with a diving instructor, or head into the mountains for a hike with unmatchable vistas. No matter what your age, spotting dolphins swimming in their natural habitat is an utterly unforgettable experience. Head across gorgeous Tamarin Bay by private speed boat, keeping your eyes peeled for these marvellous marine mammals and having a dip in the waters yourselves
Don't Leave Without... Trying out kitesurfing
Mauritius' magical Le Morne Peninsula is renowned for its unrivalled kite surfing conditions, drawing lovers of the sport from around the world. Embracing the shallow waters and trusty trade winds, the St. Regis Mauritius Resort is home to the world's first ION CLUB Prestige, a leader in international kitesurfing tuition. Join the expert instructors on a variety of courses, traversing the turquoise waters and soaking up your stunning surroundings. You can learn the basics in the lagoon, while expert wave riders may adventure to the world-famous One Eye surf spot, just steps away from the superbly sheltered resort.
![Kite Surfing at The St. Regis Mauritius Resort]()
Kite Surfing at The St. Regis Mauritius Resort
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Sitting amongst 35-acres of tranquil, tropical gardens which cascade down to the three-mile beach, this all-villa beach retreat is inspired by a traditional Balinese village. With its long curve of gorgeous golden sand and range of complimentary watersports - including kayaking and catamaran sailing - Jimbaran Beach is as close to a beach enthusiast's idea of perfection as it comes. The super-cool Sundara Beach Club turns from a chilled-out hangout by day to an upscale restaurant at night, while also renowned for its legendary Sunday Brunches. Away from the beach, there's a glorious spa, plenty of restaurants and a cookery school, while Bali's cultural heritage can be explored through artist workshops, temple visits and authentic blessings from Hindu priests.
Don't Leave Without... Renewing your energy at the newly renovated Healing Village Spa
At a time when wellbeing is more important than ever, the resort has recently unveiled its stunning new Healing Villa Spa. Emerging from an 18-month-long renovation by renowned Australian architect Nick Juniper, the spa showcases a contemporary Balinese style, with inspiring interiors from Japanese designer Yasuhiro Koichi. The treatments are revolutionary and celebrate the healing heritage of the island, fusing ancient tradition with modern science. Light, sound, heat, colour, plants and gemstones have all been considered with the therapies.
![Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay]()
Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay