WITH the kids back at school, prices for holidays abroad plummet.
Autumn is one of the best times for the child-free to head away while the sun still shines in many of our favourite holiday destinations.
Trisha Harbord discovers some of the best adults-only break ideas both at home and abroad.
GRAN-D CANARIA
AS it starts to get a bit chilly here in late autumn, escape to the sun.
Gran Canaria is a top choice, with temperatures hovering in the mid-20Cs even in November.
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The adults-only all-inclusive 5H TUI Blue Suite Princess, overlooks sandy Playa Taurito beach and has two pools with sea views.
Take a boat tour and snorkel in the clear waters, paddle in a kayak or take a cruise along the coast to spot dolphins and whales.
There’s also a shuttle bus from the hotel to the pretty marina town of Puerto de Mogan, with lots of shops and restaurants and deep-sea fishing tours.
GO: Seven nights all-inclusive in a junior suite with sea view and balcony is from £790pp including flights from Stansted on November 16. See tui.co.uk
CORFU CLUBBING
PARTYING is at the heart of Cook’s Club, so get packing if you want a good-time break with friends.
Bosses of the chic adults-only hotels across Greece and Turkey say it’s all about “great food, cocktails and soul tunes”.
The 194-room Cook’s Club Corfu, which opened in Gouvia on the east coast last year, has just added a 25-metre infinity pool and bohemian-style bar.
Rooms are smart and there’s a modern take on all-inclusive where you order food and drink on a smartphone.
Gouvia, popular for watersports and boat trips, is five miles from the capital Corfu Town.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £649pp including flights from Stansted on October 16, 22kg baggage and transfers. To book, see jet2holidays.com.
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MAYAN MARVEL
ZIPLINE through Mexico’s Mayan jungle, snorkel in the Caribbean’s turquoise waters and visit the archaeological site of Tulum.
These are just some of the experiences you can enjoy on an all-inclusive, luxury break at the adults-only 5H UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya.
There’s five restaurants and you can also order food and drinks to be delivered to your sunbed by one of three pools, or on the stunning white beach.
This resort is all about spoiling yourself, so chill in the spa and beauty salon. Rooms have a mini-bar and 24-hour room service.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,754pp including flights from Gatwick on select dates in October. See tui.co.uk and unicohotelrivieramaya.com.
AMBITION TO CRUISE
SAIL away on a bargain ten-night cruise to France, Belgium and the Netherlands – with no danger of getting stuck at an airport.
Adults-only Ambassador Cruises offers a round trip from Bristol Royal Portbury on Ambition.
You’ll call at Amsterdam, sail along the River Scheldt to Antwerp, Belgium’s largest city, and the River Seine for Normandy’s medieval Rouen and the tranquil port of Honfleur.
On board, there are restaurants, pools, wellness centre, shops and a theatre featuring West End-style shows.
There’s also a variety of workshops and guest speakers.
GO: Ten nights’ full-board on the Maritime Cities & Scenic Waterways cruise, departing October 15, costs from £559pp for an inside cabin. See ambassadorcruiseline.com.
HILLY HIDEAWAY
COUPLES who want to head away with their four-legged friends can enjoy a dog-friendly stay at The Annex in the Shropshire Hills.
A one-bedroom newly-converted farmhouse on the Marrington Estate with its own private grounds, it has original vaulted ceilings, beams, well-equipped kitchen and cosy bedroom.
Follow one of the estate’s handy maps of trails through the Dingle Valley.
If happy to re-connect with the outside world, go wine-tasting at Kerry Vale Vineyard, stock up on Welsh beer at Monty’s Brewery or fresh food at Ludlow Farm Shop.
Medieval fortress Powys Castle and Mitchell’s Fold Bronze Age stone circle are also close by.
GO: Three nights’ self-catering is from £205 in total, arriving October 27. See marringtonescapes.com.
MOCK THE WEEKEND
ENJOY a night of laughs with comedian Dara O’Briain while on a weekend country break.
The Mock The Week star is appearing at Warner Leisure Hotels’ latest historic hotel, Heythrop Park in the Cotswolds.
A Grade II-listed, Italian Baroque country house, the 337-room hotel sits in 440 acres of grounds including woodlands, lakes, gardens and an 18-hole golf course.
There are two live music venues and, over the weekend, you’ll be entertained by soul, Motown and disco classics.
Heythrop has three restaurants, bars, an indoor pool and lots of activities are included in your break such as archery and bowls,
GO: Three nights’ full-board is from £429pp, arriving October 13. See warnerleisurehotels.co.uk.
SUNDAY SAVER
THE super smart Belfry Hotel & Resort is offering 15 per cent off its Superior Sunday package.
For under £85 per person, you’ll get a free room upgrade, three-course dinner in the hotel’s Ryder Grill, a bottle of wine, a full English breakfast and late check-out.
The hotel in Royal Sutton Coldfield, North Warks, may be famous for its golf courses, but it’s a place for R&R.
There’s an indoor pool and gym.
And the spa has a Fire & Ice Experience, relaxing you in biothermal rooms including a hydrotherapy pool, salt cave and igloo.
Enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails in the swish Brabazon Bar.
GO: Sunday night stays are from £169per double room, valid on select Sundays until December 31. To book use the code SUPERIOR at thebelfry.com.
PRIMETIME STAY
AFTER this two-night stay in north Wales, you are likely to Feel Brand New.
That’s the name of the break at Llandudno’s St George’s Hotel, which has been visited by seven British prime ministers.
Winston Churchill arrived late one night and staff had to hunt for a candle to light his cigar!
You’ll be looked after just as well at the beach hotel, renowned for good food and afternoon tea.
Llandudno, with its sweeping bay and Victorian architecture, is between the limestone headlands of Great and Little Ormes.
Take the tram for views from the Great’s 679ft summit, browse antique shops and walk the half-mile pier.
GO: Two nights B&B and dinner for two people until October 31, costs £344. £30 supplement on Friday and Saturday. See rarebits.co.uk.
