Package holidays are quite rightly associated with value for money and popular family destinations such as Spain, Turkey and Greece.
Niyama Maldives
However, all-inclusive doesn’t have to mean seven nights on the Costa del Sol in cheap and cheerful accommodation with only sunburnt Brits for company. If you’re after something a little more exclusive and secluded, read on for a guide to some of the world’s most luxurious package holiday destinations.
The Maldives
There are few other words that conjure up more appealing images than “the Maldives”. This Indian Ocean island nation is famed for its white-sand palm-fringed atolls, ringed by crystal-clear blue water that look rather like something from that dream you had last night.
And the islands also have the accommodation to match the surroundings. Spacious bedrooms, stylish restaurants and infinity pools are the order of the day, not to mention those fabulous huts on stilts above the water that allow you to jump straight into the Indian Ocean from your bedroom.
One of the main reasons to visit the Maldives – apart from the chance to stroll on a deserted palm-fringed beach – is the world-class diving opportunities on offer beneath the waves. The incredible visibility and warmth of the water are perfect for enjoying the stunning marine life, which includes whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, sharks and hundreds of smaller more colourful fish.
Mauritius
Another island chain beginning with ‘M’ in the Indian Ocean and yet more sun, sea, sand and luxury. It’s frankly hard to choose between the two because they offer very much the same thing: paradise.
The main deciding factor over whether you pick the Maldives or Mauritius could be the weather. Although they are both in the Indian Ocean, they are separated by quite a stretch of open water, with the Maldives lying just south of the Asian mainland and Mauritius situated close to Madagascar.
Accordingly they have different climates and while the ideal time to visit Mauritius is from May to early December when it is cooler (but still warm compared to UK temperatures) and drier, the Maldives is at its busiest between December and April when freezing Europeans flock there to catch some winter sun.
Jamaica
Perhaps the only thing that the atolls in the Maldives and Mauritius are lacking is a real sense of culture and atmosphere because there are so many small islands separated by stretches of water.
While this is perfect for those looking to get away from it all, if you’re someone who wants to enjoy a luxury beach break but in a location with a bit of a buzz, then look no further than Jamaica – the lively Caribbean island offering plenty of fun, sun and smiles.
Revel in all the perks of luxury accommodation set on stunning white-sand beaches yet be only a short taxi ride from lively town centres. Mix up your beach break a bit by taking a day trip to the capital city, Kingston, to explore the Bob Marley Museum, the Devon House Heritage Site and shop at Half Way Tree in between days spent lazing on the beach, cocktail in hand.
As for when to visit the island, like the Maldives, Jamaica is most popular during the dry season between December to April when the sun is out and the beach is the place to be.