Luxury travel for less: your expert guide to affordable entertainment
Luxury travel conjures up images of restaurants with white tablecloths, butler service and high prices. However, booking a luxury getaway doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Whether you’re looking for swim-up luxury, decadent spa treatments, or Michelin-starred restaurants, there are plenty of great value places in Europe that go the extra mile in terms of quality, service and experience.
WITH Nice Escapes by Jet2holidays, each package includes round-trip airfare, a large baggage allowance of up to 25 kg, and a private round-trip transfer to your hotel. Thoughtful luxury perks also include a free UK airport priority lane pass, two free in-flight drinks and a £10 voucher to spend on board. your trip is covered.
From beach hideaways to private pool villas, we have chosen the following indulgent escapes hotels for their five-star service, unrivaled location and luxury perks. Read on to find your perfect vacation and prepare for a summer of decadence…
For families and golf lovers: Antalya, Turkey
Antalya, located in the heart of the Turkish Riviera, is known as the pearl of the Mediterranean. With its near-perfect climate, string of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s easy to see why this cosmopolitan city ranks high on many travelers’ lists of luxury destinations.
Enjoy golf and stunning surroundings at the 5-star Regnum Carya.
(Indulgent escapes)
Dozens of world-class golf courses grace this corner of Turkey, attracting the likes of Tiger Woods and Barack Obama. Avid fans should book the 5-star Regnum Carya, which has its own championship course (don’t forget to book your golf package). Stay seven nights and be treated to four rounds of golf with free shuttles on hand, ready to take you to your first hole. If you don’t like to play first, opt for a relaxing full-body massage at the on-site organic spa.
Another beachfront beauty: NG Phaselis Bay sits on its own silky sand and is framed by the spectacular Taurus Mountains. This is the perfect place for families looking for a luxurious holiday. While your kids are playing tennis or doing art at the kids club, sunbathe by one of the three palm-lined pools. The best part? This hotel is all inclusive plus, so you can relax in the knowledge that all your holiday expenses will be taken care of.
For couples: Crete, Greece
Crete has long been a magnet for romantic getaways thanks to its cedar-fringed coves and secluded beaches. As the largest Greek island, it boasts a wealth of attractions, from mountain hiking trails through the Imbros Gorge to the world-famous ancient palaces at Knossos.
Enjoy an idyllic stay in an island villa with private pool at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa.
(Indulgent escapes)
For a blissful holiday without children, book the adults-only Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Relax in a villa on an island; each has its own swimming pool with an idyllic sun terrace. If you can get off your love bubble, try a sunrise yoga class or a guided bike ride before spending the day vacillating between the two outdoor freshwater pools.
For adventure seekers: Funchal, Madeira
With its rainforest-covered mountains, azure waters and subtropical climate, you might mistake Madeira for a Hawaiian island. Compared to the party-oriented Canary Islands, Madeira has gained a reputation for natural beauty, ideal for adventurous people who enjoy hiking and exploring remote coves.
Enjoy an ocean-view spa with two Michelin stars at The Cliff Bay.
(Indulgent escapes)
Just because you have a taste for adventure, however, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury accommodations. Stay at The Cliff Bay Hotel, a five-star resort perched high on a peninsula near the capital Funchal. Upon arrival, head to the ocean-view spa for a couple’s massage in a private gazebo to soothe sore muscles. After dark, treat yourself to a meal at the 2-Michelin-starred Gallo d’Oro restaurant, which serves artfully presented Mediterranean and Iberian cuisine. Book in advance with indulgent escapes to get a good deal**, and the cost of the trip can be spread over the coming months.
Simon Calder Luxe Travel Tips
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For honeymooners: Ayia Napa, Cyprus
A honeymoon in Ayia Napa promises two things: sun-drenched beaches during the day and vibrant parties at night. Once a fishing village, this Cypriot resort town is now home to an array of luxury hotels punctuated by palm-fringed boardwalks and turquoise lagoons.
Amanti – MadeForTwo hotels in Ayia Napa boast sparkling pools, Michelin-starred food and an impressive spa.
(Indulgent escapes)
For the perfect post-wedding getaway, book a room at the 5-star Amanti Hotel. While the pristine Pantacho Beach might be tempting, you’ll find two gleaming outdoor pools on site, as well as the impressive Evera Spa with sauna and steam rooms. Don’t forget to reserve a table at the open-air restaurant Immenso, where the menu has been designed by Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser. WITH indulgent escapesyou get your hotel, return flights, private transfers and 25kg of luggage all included in one easy booking and you can spread the cost of your holiday with flexible monthly payments.**
For lovers of wellness: Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Mile-long sandy beaches, expansive golf courses and decadent resorts are just some of the reasons travelers return time and time again to Tenerife’s Costa Adeje. Aside from the bougainvillea-lined waterfront, you’ll find a surprisingly innovative culinary scene – the island has five Michelin-starred restaurants – as well as opportunities for offshore kayak excursions and snorkeling with turtles.
Enjoy a relaxing stay at the Gran Tacande Hotel with hydrotherapy pools, sauna and salt cabin.
(Indulgent escapes)
Looking for a well-deserved vacation? The Gran Tacande is practically a temple of health. Just enter Vitanova Spa and you will find a luxurious sea water thermal complex including hydrotherapy pools, sauna, salt cabin and outdoor hot tub. Don’t leave without trying a Shiatsu massage designed to release tension through acupuncture points. If you really want to impress your significant other, book a bathing suite with a private pool. Plus with indulgent escapes you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing you are booked with Which? Travel Brand of the Year 2022 and Top UK Airline by Tripadvisor for a comfortable ride from start to finish.
jet2holidays offers an incredible selection of value-for-money holiday options for all types of travelers to stunning European destinations. From affordable luxury Pleasant Escapes® by Jet2holidays® to attractive cities Jet2CityBreaksVIBE from jet2holidays accommodation according to your style for families Jet2Villas, checkboxes are checked for each age, budget, and interests. What’s more, with a holiday backed by a small deposit of £60*** and the option to pay monthly**, as well as many perks such as 22kg luggage and an included return transfer†, it’s easy from start to finish. All this is also protected by ABTA and ATOL. For more information on how to book, see Here
* Excluding champagne, which is charged. One drink per person per flight. Terms and Conditions apply. **Accept the terms. Please visit www.jet2holidays.com/part-payment details.*** When booking ten or more weeks before departure. † Transfers not included as standard Jet2CityBreaks. Jet2Villas packages include car rental.