Tempting late-summer stays and packing essentials

There’s no feeling quite like the anticipation of a restorative trip away. From chic retreats to suitcase inspiration, this curated list covers all the essentials for a memorable end-of-summer escape.

Elevate a trip to Spain with a stay in a luxury heritage property

Paradores Hotels & Restaurants is a network of Spanish state-run hotels that offers exceptional escapes shaped by culture and a profound sense of place. Spanning converted monasteries, manor houses and medieval castles, Paradores breathes new life into prestigious buildings and puts lesser-known regions onto the map. Parador de Ibiza is a 16th-century former fortress transformed into a sophisticated 66-room sanctuary, offering sweeping Mediterranean views, exceptional wellness options and Balearic gastronomic experiences.

In Navarre, Parador de Olite-Erriberri has renewed the splendour of the Old Royal Palace of Olite, offering a stay that’s fit for royalty, surrounded by lush vineyards. In the historic village of Santillana del Mar, Parador de Santillana Altamira features traditional mountain architecture with serene gardens and it’s perfectly placed for exploring the Cave of Altamira Unesco World Heritage Site.

Save 15 per cent on a two-night half-board stay on your chosen Parador when booking online before 29 December 2027 and enjoy a 5 per cent discount when you become a Friends of Paradores member at Paradores.es

Sleep beneath the turquoise waters of Pemba Island

On the remote northern tip of Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Manta is a 16-room boutique lodge where the pace is slow and the Indian Ocean is mere steps away. Spend sunshine-filled days diving, snorkelling or wandering into the island’s forests. Rooms and villas are understated yet luxurious, with natural materials and traditional makuti roofs that give a genuine experience of the island.

The highlight is Manta’s Underwater Room, located 250 metres offshore within its own home reef, where guests spend the night in a bedroom four metres beneath the water’s surface, surrounded by the ever-changing view of marine life. Relax with sundowners at sea level, dine on exquisite seafood platters and stargaze from the rooftop deck before heading down for a unique sleeping experience.

Use code ‘OFFER27’ to save on five-, seven- and 10-night stays at Themantaresort.com (offer ends 31 December 2027 and includes blackout dates)

Discover Vienna’s latest art hotspot

Vienna is an ever-inviting destination for art and culture, filled with world-famous museums. Just moments away from the Vienna State Opera and the Burggarten, the Heidi Horten Collection is quickly establishing itself as one of the Austrian capital’s must-visit cultural attractions. Housed in a sensitively restored historic building with a thoroughly contemporary interior, the museum showcases one of Europe’s leading private art collections.

The permanent exhibition displays modern masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Yves Klein and Andy Warhol. Equally inspiring are rotating special exhibitions that depart from different topics in the vast collection. Begin with a stroll through the sculpture garden before heading inside to explore curated galleries designed to make art accessible and engaging. Round off your visit in the artist-designed Tea Room, inspired by the traditional Viennese salon and adorned with curiosities.

Find out more at Hortencollection.com

Book a French chateau to enjoy all to yourself

Imagine waking up in a four-poster bed in your very own turret. This fairytale lifestyle comes true when you book a chateau with Votre Château de Famille. From Provence to Normandy, the company’s portfolio of impressive historic estates across France provides a collection of properties available for exclusive use. Sumptuous interiors with ancient woodwork, grand fireplaces, plush furnishings and artwork feature across the portfolio. Add that to beautiful, expansive grounds, swimming pools, tennis courts and space for celebrations, and your whole party will be thrilled by a chateau holiday.

Your chosen chateau is entirely your own for the duration of your stay. Whether you visit for a weekend or a week, you’ll enjoy total privacy and comfort. The stunning homes in the collection are perfect for gathering family and friends, celebrating special occasions or even serving as the backdrop to an unforgettable wedding in the French countryside.

Book a chateau at Votre-chateau-de-famille.com

Escape the crowds in Santorini for a nearby island stay

Discover a more exclusive way of enjoying beautiful Santorini with a stay on its lesser-known sister island Thirassia. The Duchess by Aria Hotels is home to just 11 refined suites, each with striking views of Santorini’s world-famous Caldera. The whitewashed and curved-roof houses offer privacy and discreet luxury, ideal for travellers seeking an intimate escape away from the crowds. Relax beside the shared outdoor pool, complete with sundeck and poolside bar or head to the boutique spa for rejuvenating treatments.

Come evening, the hotel’s restaurant serves delectable dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. There’s even a charming little church on site that’s perfect for intimate wedding celebrations. As the sun sets, head to the lounge bar with panoramic Aegean views, where you can toast to unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Oia’s iconic skyline.

Book a stay at Ariahotels.gr

Enjoy a contemporary stay with historic charm in Cambridge

Set inside a restored former Victorian police station, you’ll find a different kind of stay in Cambridge. The Hobson Cambridge is a stylish base for exploring the beautiful university city. Home to 56 contemporary studios in various specifications with open-plan living and handy kitchenettes, it’s a comfortable choice for a city break or a longer stay.

The hotel has retained the characterful original features of the police station, including the grand staircase and ornate windows. The pretty courtyard is where to go when you’re peckish: Oz & Isle serves breakfast, seasonal plates and drinks with a distinctly British-Australian flavour. The hotel is centrally located on St Andrews Street, meaning the market square, Parker’s Piece and Cambridge’s historic colleges are just a stroll away.

Book a stay at Thehobsoncambridge.com

Embrace Mediterranean life across three distinct types of experience

Discover Puro Group, a Mediterranean hospitality concept spanning urban hotels, beach clubs and a resort. Originating in Mallorca, Puro Group brings together three distinct experiences: timelessly elegant boutique urban hotels in historic city-centre settings, vibrant beach clubs on the Mediterranean coast that invite socialising with refreshing drinks and good tunes, and a resort designed for a slower pace of escape. Its hotels are located exclusively in Mallorca, while its beach clubs extend the Puro experience to destinations including Portugal and Croatia.

A stay at a Puro Group hotel is defined by fabulous haute cuisine, holistic wellness, sophisticated entertainment and exceptional service that encourages a relaxing getaway and a taste of the laidback, chic way of life in the Mediterranean.

Book a luxury getaway at Purogroup.com

Unleash the mischief on a paradise holiday with a spicy edge

For travellers who seek a Caribbean escape with a touch of naughtiness, Hedonism II is an adults-only, clothing-optional resort on Jamaica’s Negril coast, where the fun is thoroughly unrestricted. Alongside its playful reputation, there’s plenty of all-inclusive indulgence too. Think gourmet dining, premium drinks, five bars, multiple pools and hot tubs, as well as spa treatments and exciting entertainment. It’s a place that promises sun, skin and sin.

The Summer Spa Saving Special runs until 18 September and offers low rates plus 40 per cent off massages. The Repeat Offender Reunion Daze event, from 17 to 26 December, welcomes returning guests with rates from £186 per person per night, 25 per cent off massages and a £518 discount on stays of 12 nights or more.

See all specials and signature events at Hedonism.com

Stay in a heritage hotel with a story to tell

In the heart of Marbella’s Old Town is a 17th-century townhouse with seven individually designed and named rooms, each shaped by its own character, art and details that celebrate the unique spirit of Andalucia. Hotel Claude is a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide and brings attentive service and a sense of history to a modern Costa del Sol stay.

Spend leisurely mornings indulging in an a la carte breakfast before heading out to discover the beach, shops, bars and restaurants that are just a stroll away, then return for a cocktail on the rooftop bathed in the glow of sunset. Consult the hotel’s concierge to arrange local experiences, book transfers and explore their tried-and-tested restaurant recommendations in the area.

Book a personalised escape at Hotelclaudemarbella.com

Add a splash of colour to your holiday outfits

There’s no better time for a wardrobe refresh than in preparation for travels. Gudrun Sjödén blends top-quality Scandinavian design with colourful soul inspired by styles around the globe, encouraging style-conscious women to dress for the journey. The autumn collection takes inspiration from a sensory train journey through India, with vibrant, versatile pieces designed for layering as the seasons change.

The Ada Lovelace collection draws on the mathematical visionary’s story and combines expressive knitwear with botanical patterns. Pieces are crafted with great care and with versatility in mind, allowing women to build a wardrobe of long-lasting, sustainable pieces perfect for exploring new places in style.

Browse the collection at Gudrunsjoden.com, visit the London store at 65-67 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DG and find inspiration on Instagram @gudrunsjoden.ldn

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