Relaxation

If you love ivory sands and glass clear waters but run scared from all-inclusive, honeymoon-style resorts, then Tobago could be just the destination for you.  One of the southern-most islands of the Caribbean. Tobago is dotted with palm-fringed bays and charming fishing villages – all largely unaffected by tourism.

With year-round average temperatures of 29, and a pace of life that’s chilled out at its busiest, where better to while away a couple of weeks in a hammock with your favourite paperback and a rum punch?

BORDEAUX (for the Stylish city Weekender) 
Bordeaux is a small city with big city ambitions, which means you have the best of both worlds. It’s an easy three-hour train ride from Paris, but feels a world away. When in Bordeaux, have stroll around its flea markets and vintage stores, a favourite is Backstage Vintage Store (backstagevintagestore.com) it stocks a really great curated selection of vintage, designer vintage and also second-hand contemporary clothing. Then, on balmy summer nights, hop on a V3 public city bike (Bordeaux has been named the fourth most bike-friendly city in the world) for a ride along the Garonne River on the Quai des Chartrons, up to the outlet stores and boutiques at Quai des Marques.

Sandals selects the perfect paradise locations for its couples-only resorts, so scattered among the dreamlike tropical islands of Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados, is the Sandals Luxury Resorts, located in all the most desirable destinations.  So, they are always on the calm side of the island here offshore reefs protect the beaches and create clear waters – perfect for swimming, boating, playing or just soaking up the Caribbean sun beneath the natural umbrella of a towering palm.

Escaping to a sun-drenched island is on most of us bucket list, of things to do.  But for a once in a life time experience how do you choose the right location for that perfect romantic getaway? Maybe you want to recharge your batteries, or perhaps you fancy some personal training in a state-of-the-art-gym, followed by a rejuvenating spa treatment and dinner at a fabulous restaurant boasting international haute cuisine.

The small island of Menorca offers countless ways to disconnect from city life, from hiking along ancient paths to relaxing on perfect beaches.  Famed for its long stretches of golden beach, crystalline waters and barefoot philosophy; located in the Mediterranean Sea, Menorca is one of Spain’s Balearic Island that does things its own way. You’ll know Menorca is special from the moment you first set eyes on its rolling landscape and immaculate 200km coastline, or from your first taste of a unique cuisine that’s a melting pot of styles and influences.

Would you like to switch off from the 'hustle and bustle' of everyday life. We have put together six Caribbean islands where you can do just that. Whether you choose to visit one or all, they all offer their distinct take on life in the tropics. From sand, surf and snorkelling to eco-treks into the rainforest, island arts and hot nights on the beach dining on freshly cooked fish, every island has its unique charms, but also a shared appeal to anyone looking for effortless relaxation and more active pursuits when you are ready to get up from that lounger.

It’s has been given the nickname ‘the Gem of the Caribbean Sea’.  Whether you're looking to lounge on a pristine white beach, get a taste of local food or soak up lively Caribbean culture, your perfect holiday awaits you in Barbados. This picture-perfect tropical island really does have it all.  From a UNESCO World Heritage capital to a jaw-dropping coastline, and lush, wild interiors, it’s idyllic Caribbean scenery at its finest.  There’s  always something to entice visitors, including festivities, sport, music, nightlife, local traditions and delicious cuisine.

The Isles of Scilly could be a world away, but you don’t need to leave the UK to enjoy them.  Hop on a flight from Exeter Airport and you can touch down in paradise in just 60 minutes. Traffic, noise and deadlines all melt away as you take your seat on board a Skybus aircraft, for an experience that’s almost worth a trip on its own.

With fewer than twenty other passengers for company, the flight gives you space to reflect.  While you do, you’ll be treated to aerial views of Cornwall’s famous golden beaches and the rugged coastline of Land’s End.

If you try to conjure up your idea of paradise, chances are the Caribbean would some pretty close, sugar-white beaches, luxurious resorts and miles and miles of aquamarine seas make it one of the most idyllic destinations on earth.  And at around eight hours’ flight from London, it’s an ideal place to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

But which of its many islands to visit? St. Lucia, Barbados and Tobago, with adventure, vibrant culture and movie-star coastlines wrapped into each one – should be right at the top of your ultimate Caribbean wishlist.

Located a little over 6km from Fethiye on the Turkish coast, The Hillside Beach Club has been describe as heaven on earth or what the Turks call cennet.  The Hillside Beach Club has almost everything for a rounded holiday in the sun; Aquamarine waters, hidden coves, awe-inspiring adventures, and ancient Lycian history for that necessary guidebook cultural tour.