Tag: spa

Categories
Ski

Skiing Holidays in the Pyrenees

If you’re searching for a destination with quality skiing, the reassurance of heavy snowfalls and a traditional welcome, relax… you’ve just found it. The French Pyrenees…

WHY GO?

If you’re searching for a destination with quality skiing, the reassurance of heavy snowfalls and a traditional welcome, relax… you’ve just found it. The French Pyrenees are a vast winter wonderland set in a breathtaking yet accessible location between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, close to the borders of Spain and Andorra. These are real mountains, with 575km of high-altitude terrain, groomed to perfection for leisure skiers and families to enjoy, along with extensive off-piste potential for freeriders and ski tourers. They get big snow, too (Cauterets, for example, was named World’s Snowiest Resort in 2013) and as you’ll discover, they all offer a refreshing breath of French air.

WHERE TO STAY

In recent years huge investments have been quietly transforming the ski areas to satisfy a whole new generation of skiers and snowboarders, both on and off the mountain. So when it comes to deciding where to stay, there’s now plenty of choice. Cosy traditional villages in sheltered valley settings are still hugely popular, but if you’d prefer to be closer to the action on the mountain you’ll love the convenience of our ski-in/ski-out villages, from which powerful high-speed lift systems whisk you all the way up to (and sometimes beyond) 2400m, both faster and more smoothly than ever before.

When you get there you can head all the way down the mountain if the mood takes you, as a high proportion of runs are equipped with state-of-the-art snowmaking to keep the slopes open throughout what can be a satisfyingly long season.

THE AREA

Whatever you’re planning, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised by the friendly company you’ll be keeping, for generations of French families learned to ski in the Pyrenees, and they return each season to enjoy re-skiing their favourite runs with friends old and new. Better still, you’ll find a similarly relaxed, easy-going spirit among local shopkeepers, hoteliers and restaurant owners, who take pride in offering quality service, combined with solid value.

RELAXATION

Talking of relaxation, the region has also long been celebrated for its thermal spas, many of which have also been undergoing something of a transformation. The result is an impressive selection of family-friendly aqua centres where you can unwind in real style at the end of an action-packed day on the mountain. Enjoy a soothing massage or some shameless spa pampering, with saunas, Jacuzzis and fitness suites, or simply let off any remaining steam in large heated indoor pools. Today they’re equipped with fun things like waterfalls, underwater massage jets and more.

HOW TO GET THERE

As for accessibility, there are short transfers from flights into Toulouse, Tarbes Lourdes, Pau, Carcassonne and Perpignan, or if you prefer greener rail travel take the Eurostar to Paris, followed by a smooth, relaxing TGV high-speed rail service to the main cities. Of course, for family and other groups driving can still have its advantages, particularly as you’ll be on the efficient French autoroute network from your choice of Channel port almost all the way to your ski destination.

BOOK

Holiday packages to the French Pyrenees are bookable through UK based specialist Pyrenees Collection

PYRENEESCOLLECTION.CO.UK; 0844 576 0176

Categories
Portugal

Monte Da Quinta, Algrave

Cool family villa accommodation, relaxing spa facilities, top golf courses, kids’ clubs and babysitting services, as well a host of activities for all the family to enjoy; stay in this luxury Algarve resort.

Why go?

The Algarve enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, and locals enjoy a healthy lifestyle and love of the good life. 

For this reason, the region has long been a favourite for British families heading abroad.

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The Monte da Quinta resort offers families – with children of all ages – the chance to enjoy a host of activities, whether you want to enjoy them as a whole family or spend a day or two enjoying some parents-only time. In which case, the resort also offers a Kids’ World club for all ages and a dedicated babysitting service in the evenings.

 

Accommodation: For cool accommodation with plenty of space for you all, the complex has impressive town houses and villas, plus a collection of 132 design suites featuring one, two and three-bedrooms.

Activities

Monte da Quinta is located in the Quinta do Lago estate, which nestles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It’s an idyllic setting, and perfectly placed to explore a range of activities for all the family to enjoy together – so it’s not all about lazing about the pool in the heat of the sun all day. 

You and the kids can play tennis, enjoy water sports and go horse riding, as well take part in a host of other family-friendly options in the secluded 2,000-acre estate. For the wildlife fanatics, guided tours of the Ria Formosa nature reserve are also available by boat or on foot, where you’ll see terrapins and crabs running around.

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If dad needs a break, or you have some golf-enthusiasts amongst your children, the estate also boasts three of Portugal’s top golf courses and with preferential rates for Monte da Quinta guests.

For families with older children, mum and daughter can enjoy an afternoon of bonding at the Magnolia Spa which offers a full range of treatments on a luxury complex with a Turkish bath, heated indoor treatment pools and a host of therapeutic showers. 

The lowdown

Price: From £72 a night for a double room. 

To book: Call 00 351 289 000 300, or go to www.mqresort.com

Categories
Health & Beauty

Pre and Post-Natal Spa Breaks

Whether you’re a brand new mother or expecting a baby, chances are you’re in need of a little relaxation. Look no further than our pick of spa breaks.

For expectant mothers

£££ PRINCIPE DI SAVOIA, MILAN

The Dorchester Collection’s Italian outpost has a special package for expectant mothers, costing from €1,675.00 for a two-night stay in an Ambassador Junior Suite. The price includes breakfast on both mornings, one dinner for two in the Acanto Restaurant, a test drive in a Ferrari for the father-to-be (last bit of adrenaline before he has to be sensible) and a Prémaman spa session, comprising a 55-minute Yoga lesson, as well as 30-minute soothing back and leg massage. 

To book: Contact the communications department on +39 02 6230 4007, email pr.hps@dorchestercollection.com or visit hotelprincipedisavoia.com/EN/hotel-milan. The offer is valid until 31 August. 

 

££ COWLEY MANOR, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Country house hotel Cowley Manor has a new collection of treatments at its C-Side Spa. Collapse into total relaxation, surrounded by rolling Cotswold hills with the help of one of two full-body massages. Coming Soon and Relaxing Pregnancy Massage (£75 each) both sooth tired (read swollen) limbs and muscles. pagebreak

If you’re in need of a little brightening, opt for the Pregnancy Glow Facial, which features an oxygenating moisture mask to even out skin tone. Rooms start from £185 a night, including B&B, or there’s a £290 Repair & Restore Spa Stay package, which includes two 60-minute treatments. 

To book: Call 01242 870 900, email stay@cowleymanor.com or visit cowleymanor.com

 

£ BROMPTON LAKES, YORKSHIRE 

Misty hills dotted with tufts of purple heather, wooded valleys and picture-perfect views from all directions, you won’t need much help relaxing in the Yorkshire Dales. But if you do eco-resort Brompton Lakes will bundle together bespoke pampering treatments, professional photo shoots (à la Demi Moore, if you wish), fine-dining experiences, welcome hampers and activities such as fishing, pilates or personal training to help you totally switch off. Self-catering lodges sleep up to six people, so grab your girlfriends or NCT pals, and make a weekend of it. Prices for one lodge start from £362 for a two-night stay. 

To book: Call 01748 850333; email enquiries@bromptonlakes.co.uk or visit bromptonlakes.co.uk 

For new mothers

£££ LA RÉSERVE, GENEVA

Just over an hour’s flight from London, oozing crisp mountain air and on the shores of Lake Geneva, La Réserve will be just what the doctor orders. The chic five-star hotel set in 10 acres of private gardens has an award-winning La Prairie spa with 17 treatment rooms, a restaurant serving sushi, salads and juices, as well as a refreshing water bar flowing with lavender and camomile-infused drinks. It’s post-natal heaven. Book the sculpting treatment (£121), which combines a slimming and deep-tissue massage designed to unwind, restore and leave you with softer, firmer skin. While you’re enjoying all this, there’s a children’s club for your new arrival, nannies will look after babies from 6 months. Prices are from £351 for a double room. 

To book: Call +41 22 959 59 59, email reservationsgeneve@lareserve.ch or visit lareserve.ch

 

££ ALMYRA, CYPRUS

With year-round sunshine, short flights and superb childcare, a stay at the Almyra in Paphos needs almost no planning at all. Just book your flights and flee. The five-star hotels’ Baby Go Lightly offering makes it even easier to be spontaneous, it will provide anything you could need including car seats, high chairs, buggies, sterilisers, bottle warmers, nappies, toiletries, baby carriers… ad infinitum. And the nannies will look after babies from as young as four months. Spa treatments range from relax and restore packages to weight loss and detox, as well as couples massages. pagebreak

There’s also yoga, personal training and boot camp if the birth wasn’t painful enough for you. New fathers looking to spoil wives, take advantage of the Almyra’s Personalise Your Stay proposal, surprise them on arrival with candles, rose petals and fresh strawberries (€75). Inland garden view rooms cost from €1,428 for a week, B&B.

To book: Call + 357 26 888 700, email almyra@thanoshotels.com or visit almyra.com

 

£ MERMAID RETREAT, LONDON

Closer to home, Mermaid Maternity Retreat in Chelsea has joined forces with skincare pioneer QMS Medicosmetics to create a selection of treatments designed for post-natal revival. There’s the Recover Your Skin Facial (£65, 45 minutes), which boosts moisture lost during pregnancy, or the restorative Foot Treatment (£75, 45 minutes) and an upper body massage. The King’s Road club is specifically for new mums, providing a relaxing environment to bond with your baby, there’s around the clock support, maternity-friendly bedrooms and workshops on breastfeeding, nutrition, and sleep routines.

Membership at Mermaid Maternity Retreat costs £300 and covers the duration of the pregnancy and six months afterwards. If you do want to stay the night, rooms cost £595 a night and includes hospital transfer, full board, baby feeding and maternity support, physiotherapy, use of 24-hour supervised Baby Zone and daily visits from a community midwife.

To book: Call +44 20 7199 3220, email hello@mermaid.co.uk or visit mermaid.co.uk

Categories
Scotland

Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh

Two old friends leave the kids behind and head to the Scottish capital to rediscover the joys of long, leisurely meals and uninterrupted conversation.

Why go?

As any parent of young children knows, the opportunity to catch up with friends on a child-free break doesn’t come around all that often. So when my friend Brenda suggested we have a girls’ weekend away in Edinburgh, I jumped at the chance.

We both live close to Edinburgh, so the Scottish capital seemed the perfect place to head to for a girls weekend. After all, the city combines cosmopolitan elegance with spectacular scenery. Oh – and some seriously stylish hotels. 

We opt for the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, close to the bars and shops on Princes Street, and therefore ideally situated for an indulgent child-free break. The hotel looks as though it’s been lifted from the pages of an upmarket interiors magazine. There are velvet chairs, luxurious beds and a glass-walled bathroom. And a glance out the window reveals stunning views of the castle. 

Activities

Spa: When we step through the glorious One Spa’s doors, the first thing I am struck by is the noise – or the complete lack of it. Brenda’s booked in for a special pregnancy massage and, as she heads off with her spa therapist, I try to decide how best to spend the 55 minutes in which she’s being pampered. I’m spoilt for choice. The spa is home to a pool, gym and café, as well as a hammam, several saunas and even a tepidarium (no, I’m not sure either). But none of these can compete with the lure of a heated spa chair and the space to read a magazine in peace.

Food: That evening, we sit down to dinner in the hotel’s One Square restaurant, which overlooks Festival Square and beautiful Usher Hall. There’s a very refined cocktail bar but, as we’re both starving, we cut straight to our table in the dining area, with its stylish multi-coloured lighting and Ercol-style seats.

And unlike many top-class dining experiences, the service is natural, relaxed and lacking insnootiness. For our mains, we both opt for cuts of prime fillet Scottish steak and crispy fries, cooked to perfection.

The highlight of the meal, though, comes in the form of puddings. One Square ingeniously matches its dishes to specialist dessert cocktails, so my rhubarb cheesecake with a crunchy ginger-nut base is served with a fabulous rhubarb daiquiri made with Havana Club rum, homemade sorbet and freshly squeezed lime juice. Brenda’s dessert tops mine. We both marvel as her After Eight mint sphere, served with ice-cream, melts enticingly as the waiter pours hot chocolate sauce onto it from a height.

The Lowdown

Getting there: easyJet, Virgin and British Airways all fly daily from London to Edinburgh, from £120 return. East Coast (08457 225 333; eastcoast.co.uk) offers trains, from £40 return.

The hotel: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa (0131 229 9131). Club rooms from £235 per night, including breakfast. Doubles from £185.

Where to eat and drink: Brambles (0131 226 6343); Ecco Vino (0131 225 1441); The Living Room (0131 226 0880); Tigerlily (0131 225 5005). 

Categories
Egypt

Soma Bay, Hurghada

At Soma Bay you’ll find a sunny Red Sea beach and child-friendly activities galore.

Why go?

Set on a peninsula with a coral reef on one side and a gentle, natural bay on the other, the resort of Soma Bay would be perfectly placed but for one thing: it’s on the Hurghada side of the Red Sea, which, until recently, suffered from poor UK connections. Direct flights now might come courtesy of easyJet, but don’t let that put you off: Soma Bay’s seclusion has done it a serious favour.

The resort’s white sandy beaches boast space and warm shallow water aplenty – protected by shark nets – in which smaller children can play.

There are daily trips out to the coral reef, kite surfing and regular excursions to the historical treasures at Luxor and Karnak. There’s also golf for Dad and a huge spa for Mum, not to mention a kids club where children can be safely left while their parents indulge in a spot of R&R. 

Don’t miss: The best part of Soma Bay is to be found below the waves and even the youngest children can get involved thanks to the resort’s glass-bottomed ‘submarine’. An upgraded version of the glass-bottomed boat, it lets you get close to the rainbow residents of the resort’s reef without getting wet. The utterly cute Nemo fish and the endearingly gawky parrotfish will be favourites, and inspire numerous re-runs of the Disney film. Whether you find Nemo or not; it’s brilliant fun and about as energetic as it gets at Soma Bay.

Accommodation

Although guests can use facilities at all of the resort’s four hotels, the distances between them are large and not all have a child-friendly beach.

The cheapest, Breakers, has no beach at all and caters for those who want to learn to dive – great if you have a budding scuba enthusiast, not so much fun with a toddler who just wants to splash about.

For that, there’s the good value Sheraton.

The gorgeous Kempinski is more expensive than the rest, but it does have a useful Italian restaurant where even the fussiest eater will be hard pressed not to find something they like.

The lowdown

Travel time: 5 hours 20 minutes and a short 20 minute journey by car from the airport to Soma Bay.

How to get there: easyJet flies direct from London to Hurghada; from £157 return. 

The hotel: Prices start at £70 per night per person depending on which hotel you choose. For more information, see somabay.com. 

Categories
France

Terre Blanche, Provence

Guaranteed luxury in the heart of France’s beautiful wine region, Terre Blanche is formerly Four Seasons and teeming with family-friendly facilities.

Why go?

Guaranteed luxury in the heart of France’s beautiful wine region, Terre Blanche is teeming with family-friendly facilities and activities for mum and dad. As a former Four Seasons hotel, the resort has kept the best parts of the hotel group. If it’s a holiday of idyllic family time and deep sleeps you need, head here.

Based in the village of Tourettes, and surrounded by the cobbled-street villages of Callian, Seillans and Fayence, Terre Blanche is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and offers families a great base for exploring this beautiful region.

Terre Blanche’s Deluxe Suites are big enough for a family of three or four with small children, but if you need more space opt for a Super Suite, which has extra living space. For multiple or bigger families and ultimate luxury, go for the Prestige Villas – three properties that have their own private pool and are interconnected – but be warned they will set you back £10,000 a night.

Activities

IN THE HOTEL

For relaxing days head to the infinity pool, which overlooks the surrounding villages. As well as a separate kids’ pool, the area is lifeguarded all day, and waiters will supply towels and water on demand.

If you plan to spend the day by the pool (and you can easily wile away the hours here), hire a cabana as your base for the day: you can order lunch in itand smaller children have a shaded house where they can nap.

Winning extra cool points with the kids is the poolside crêpe station where children gather round while crispy thin chocolate pancakes are made to order. For mums and dads, there’s poolside massages to help you unwind. 

Golf: If you are a golf-lover, or fancy some father-and-son bonding while practicing your swing, then take to the resort’s prestigious courses. In the summer months there’s kids’ golf lessons for Rory McIlroy-wannabes, and the resort attracts world-class professionals who arrive to train before their next big tournaments – so you could do some great sportsman spotting here too.

Spa: Mums will love the spa and exercise facilities in the resort. Book a private Pilates class or take part in the daily sessions run by the fitness team: we tried the water aerobics (a surprisingly full-on workout!) followed by a plunge in the heated outdoor Jacuzzi to relax. With a packed timetable of classes and extensive spa treatments at your disposal, you can easily counteract all the delicious food you’ll be consuming here.

Food: The hotel has an impressive range for families, and any meal can be delivered to your suite. There’s an extensive buffet breakfast (with delicious homemade bread), as well as Caroubiers restaurant, right next to the golf courses, with beautiful views across the grounds; Faventia, a perfect place for a parents-only evening where the food is made to impress – think ten-course set menus and plenty of foie gras. All four restaurants on the resort have childrens’ menus, so even the fussiest of eaters will be catered for. 

Top tip: Try the region’s Whispering Angel rosé and the Terre Blanche honey, which is harvested by the resort.

 

ACTIVITIES IN PROVENCE

Wine tasting: Head to Château des Selves, just 8km from the hotel where four generations of the same family have built up this lucrative wine- and olive oil-making business: they make 90,000 bottles of wine alone per year.  

For €20 per person and a free shuttle from the hotel, you’ll spend two hours with the château’s experts tasting their wine and olive oil soaked up with bread and delicious cheese.

Local market: The nearby village of Fayence doesn’t disappoint with its market on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings where you can sample an impressive range of cheeses, olives and local delicacies. While you’re there, explore the quaint villages’ cobbled streets and its neighbour, Seillans, with its local shops, monuments, cafés and restaurants. 

Get active: For watersports, head to Saint Cassien Lake, just a 10-minute drive from Terre Blanche and very popular with local and visiting families: from the calm pedal boats to explore its nooks and crannies, to gliding at the flying centre, a day spent here will make you feel far removed from UK shores. 

Boat trips: If you’re a family of water-lovers and want to explore further afield, Terre Blanche offers boat excursions to nearby Cannes where you’ll sail around the harbour and stop for lunch in the trendy town.

Kids’ club

One thing that’s immediately obvious at Terre Blanche is how much they love families. If you’re after some parents-only time, the hotel will arrange for your kids to be picked up on the Kids’ Club Bus and taken care of by qualified nannies from 9am-5pm. 

Activities for the kids are split between age groups and include arts and crafts, swimming lessons, tennis tournaments, golf practice, pony trekking and picnics on the grounds nearby – there’s even a sleeping and cinema room for when the little ones are worn out. 

The kids’ club is free for two to 12 year olds, and babysitting can also be arranged in the evenings.

The lowdown

Travel time: A flight from London to Nice takes just 2 hours, and Terre Blanche will arrange a private transfer from the airport to the hotel, which takes approximately 40 minutes.

How to get there: British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Nice; from £174 return.

Price: €785 per night for a Deluxe Suite, or €675 per night for a Super Suite, including breakfast.

Note: Terre Blanche is closed from December to February.

Categories
North Carolina

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

With its radical, eco-conscious ethos, Charlotte’s Ritz-Carlton hotel is as green as the Carolina backwoods, discovers Andrea Cooper

Why go?

North Carolina is known for its beaches on one side and mountains on the other but, until recently, Charlotte hasn’t come into its own as a tourist destination. It has now, though, and the Ritz-Carlton is an ideal base.

Stay in the luxurious presidential suite: with its LEED-gold certification for environmentally friendly features, the hotel is a deft combination of eco-chic and luxury. You’ll be fixated on the luxury here too: there’s an entire dining room, kitchen and butler entrance in here.

There’s rumours that Justin Bieber has stayed in this hotel, but discreet staff members won’t confirm this. But they’re happy to give a tour of the ways in which the Ritz-Carlton is eco-conscious. The hotel uses sustainable materials everywhere, from the bamboo floor in the fitness centre to uniforms made from recycled plastic.

In the lobby, guests can rent a hybrid car, then fuel it at the Ritz’s charging station and park it for free.

Activities

Head to the roof with sous chef, Greg, to see an eco-innovation: a garden with concrete pads for two resident beehives and some 100,000 bees. 

Here there are multi-coloured, low-lying sedum plants designed to insulate the building and limit rainwater run-off.

Greg and his colleagues harvest about 32kg of honey each year for the signature Rooftop Honey Brandy Sour cocktail, recipes in the kitchen and spa treatments.

Kids Clubs: Mother Nature – the leader of the children’s eco-friendly programmes – will stop by to do tuck-ins for young guests on request.

Spa: Try the Green Your Body Eco-Treatment, or if you haven;t any time, try the sauna with lovely eucalyptus mist and the Experience Shower. There’s a digital dial that adjusts the water temperature to your preferred degree – and delivers water from 16 jets on three sides.

You’ll also be surprised at the little touches from the hotel, including bags of peanut-butter cookies in your car for the ride home, to ease the transition. 

Top tip: For many families this break will require babysitting at key points, but the Ritz concierge can arrange that. The Ritz also offers ‘luggage-less’ travel and keeps clothing safely stored for people who stay here frequently.

The lowdown

Travel time: Flights from London to Charlotte take 9 hours. It’s 15 minutes from the airport to the hotel. 

How to get there: US Airways flies from London Heathrow to Charlotte Douglas; from £667 return for adults and £593 for children. British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Charlotte Douglas; from £650 return for adults, from £578 for children. 

Best time to go: Spring and autumn (March to May and October) are the best times to visit when there are less crowds – the city is a popular destination with families so gets very busy during the school holidays, not to mention very hot in July and August.

The hotel: The Ritz-Carlton (+1 704 547 2244) offers family suites from £300 per night.

Categories
Cruise

Family Traveller Takes a Cruise with P&O

Andrew Dent takes a cruise with P&O Cruises

Andrew Dent takes a cruise with P&O cruises and tells us all about the stay and all things to do as a family whilst onboard. Watch the highlights of their stay including the the places they visited, the kids entertainment, choices of restaurants and spa treatments for the adults.
Categories
Europe

A Family Trip to Asia Gardens Hotel & Spa, Alicante, Spain

Asia Gardens Hotel & Spa in Alicante, Spain. Head here for tranquil surroundings and relaxing activities for a really chilled-out family holiday.

Beatrix, 6, and Max, 4, head to the Asia Gardens Hotel & Spa in Alicante, Spain with their Dad, where tranquil surroundings and relaxing activities make for a chilled-out family holiday. Take a look at their tropical gardens, the hotels 5 Asian-Syle swimming pools, the pirate kids club and the Bonsai bar (to give adults the time to relax).
Categories
Beach Europe News Story

Velaa: A Luxury Hotel in the Maldives

What’s new? Opening at the beginning of next year is a new hotel that has its sights set on becoming the Maldives’ most luxurious resort. And in an archipelago filled with pods of five-star accommodation, this is a big shout.

Floating in the northern Noonu Anoll, Velaa takes its name from the bale of turtles that it shares its home with. Villas blend in with the natural surroundings, mixing local materials with sleek contemporary interiors. Underneath thatched roofs a whole world of luxury awaits. 

Each villa has between one and four bedrooms, a lounge area, in and outdoor bathrooms, and windows leading out to a private pool and sun deck, which in turn slip into impossibly blue waters. Obviously this is not ideal for toddlers just learning to explore – the pool doesn’t have a wall around it and neither does the decking – but older kids will love it. 

There’s watersports galore – diving, windsurfing, sailing and fishing among them – while you might be surprised to hear that golf is an option too, in the form of a seriously high-tech simulator. The Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal is in an indoor studio, the programme has six different greens, seven bunkers and a 400m2 lake to dodge. Options range from serious games, to pitch and putt and personal tuition is available for adults and children. 

Less strenuous is the Clarins spa, providing a place for total horizontal relaxation (if you haven’t already mastered that just by arriving), while the Lhavelaa (little turtle) kids’ club is a space dedicated entirely to tots, with lovely nannies to look after them. 

This spoiling level of opulence extends to the food and drink – guests can eat wherever and whenever they like, be it on the beach at sunset or by your pool at dawn. Menus have been created under the watchful eye of Parisian Michelin-star chef Adeline Grattard, and the wine cellar is rumoured to be worth $1m. Better pick carefully then. 

 

THE LOWDOWN:

Getting there: British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Male; from £644 return.

Travel time: The flight takes 11 hours and 30 minutes, it is then 45 minutes by seaplane from Male to Velaa.

Price: A two-bedroom Beach Pool House starts from £2,064 a night. 

More information: velaaisland.com