Couples Holidays

Walled city views, Adriatic swimming spots and island days from Croatia’s most famous coastal city

With a historic old town, clear Adriatic water, pine backed bays, rocky swimming platforms, island boat trips, seafood restaurants, Croatian wine and coastal hotels overlooking the sea, Dubrovnik brings together city history and the Adriatic coast in one holiday.

The city walls rise above the old harbour, with Mount Srđ behind the rooftops and Lokrum Island just offshore. Around the coast, small pebble beaches, cliffside bars and hotel terraces overlook the water, while boats leave for Lokrum and the nearby islands.

Walk the city walls, take the cable car above the old town and cross to Lokrum before swimming from the rocks or joining a boat trip along the coast. Later, order grilled fish or black risotto with Croatian wine by the water.

Experience the old town, relax in a coastal hotel, spend days on the islands, swim in the sea and enjoy evenings beside the Adriatic, all within the same holiday.

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Not sure where to stay?

Dubrovnik Old Town - Best for: city walls, limestone streets, boutique hotels, old town apartments, wine bars, rooftop drinks and historic evenings

Lapad - Best for: beach area hotels, sea view rooms, spa hotels, Lapad Bay, Cave Bar More, coastal walks and sunset drinks

Cavtat - Best for: harbour hotels, seafront stays, seafood restaurants, marina drinks, swimming coves, coastal walks and romantic waterfront evenings 

Korčula Island - Best for: boutique hotels, seafront stays, vineyards, olive groves, Lumbarda beaches, local wine, harbour restaurants and Dalmatian food

At the heart of the city is Dubrovnik Old Town, with polished limestone streets, Gothic and Baroque buildings, terracotta rooftops, arched doorways and the famous stone walls rising above the harbour.

Stay inside the walls for boutique hotels in restored stone buildings, characterful guesthouses, old town apartments, rooftop terraces, harbour glimpses and the city’s restaurants, wine bars and historic streets on the doorstep.

The Stradun is the old town’s main limestone street, lined with cafés, shops, wine bars and gelato stops, with narrow streets leading to seafood restaurants, courtyard dining, small squares, the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery.

The city walls follow a 2 kilometre walking route above the rooftops, with views towards Fort Lovrijenac, Mount Srd, Lokrum Island and the Adriatic before evenings of Croatian wine, harbour lights and restaurant tables set between the stone streets.

Best for: boutique hotels, old town apartments, city walls, The Stradun, Fort Lovrijenac, wine bars, seafood restaurants and historic evenings.

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At the curve of Lapad Bay, pebble beaches, rocky swimming spots, tree lined promenades and coastal paths wrap around clear Adriatic water, with hotel terraces facing the bay and Petka Hill rising behind the coast.

Along the shoreline, 4 and 5 star coastal hotels, spa hotels, sea view balcony rooms and outdoor pools keep beach time, bay views and evening drinks close to the water.

The waterfront promenade runs past cafés, bakeries, beach bars and seafood restaurants, leading towards Sunset Beach, Uvala Lapad, rocky coves and shaded walking trails through Petka Hill.

Cave Bar More is Lapad’s signature evening setting, where natural stone walls, low lighting and tables inside the cave set the scene before seafood by the bay, sunset cocktails and late drinks beside the water.

Best for: 4 and 5 star hotels, sea view rooms, spa hotels, Lapad Bay, Cave Bar More, beach days, coastal walks and sunset drinks.

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On a sun drenched peninsula south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat curves around a sparkling Adriatic bay with clear water, palm lined promenades, cobblestone streets, cypress trees, swimming coves and terracotta rooftops rising from the waterfront.

Stay near the harbour for seafront hotels, boutique style stays, hillside rooms or apartments with balconies looking across the marina, bay and old stone streets.

In the evening, as the harbour lights come on, restaurant terraces fill beside the water for grilled fish, black risotto, octopus salad, Dalmatian olive oil, Konavle wine and cocktails overlooking the Adriatic.

Around the Rat peninsula, romantic coastal walks, rocky swimming spots and sea views across Cavtat, sit alongside Bukovac House, the Račić Mausoleum and boat trips to Dubrovnik adding art, history and a scenic route along the coast.

Best for: harbour hotels, seafront stays, waterside restaurants, Konavle wine, Rat peninsula walks, swimming coves, boat trips and romantic harbour evenings.

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Arrive by boat across the Adriatic to the medieval walls and terracotta rooftops of Korčula Island, with views of vineyard covered hills, olive groves, small harbours, sandy bays near Lumbarda and clear water beaches around the coast.

Stay around Korčula Town for boutique hotels, seafront stays, old town apartments, island villas and terraces close to the water, with beaches, traditional wine bars, harbour restaurants and boat links all within a short walk.

Inside Korčula Town, cobbled lanes lead to St Mark’s Cathedral, Marco Polo heritage, cocktail bars, small squares and waterfront restaurants looking across the Pelješac Channel as the harbour lights come on.

Lumbarda is the island’s wine and beach escape, with sandy coves, vineyard views, Grk wine, Pošip, olive oil tastings, boat trips to Badija and Vrnik, and romantic sunset meals by the water after a day between the beach, the old town and the vines.

Best for: boutique hotels, seafront stays, Korčula Town, Lumbarda, local wine, Dalmatian food, beaches, olive oil and harbour restaurants.

⛱️ View Korčula Island holiday deals

From the city walls of Dubrovnik Old Town to the bay hotels of Lapad, the harbour lights of Cavtat and the vineyards of Korčula, this stretch of Croatia combines history, coast, wine, beaches and island scenery all in one trip.

Stay inside the walls in the Old Town for limestone streets, rooftop drinks and atmospheric evenings, choose Lapad for beach area hotels, sea view terraces and sunset drinks, or head to Cavtat for harbour restaurants, swimming coves and romantic waterfront nights. Korčula Island completes the route with boat arrivals, sandy bays near Lumbarda, Grk wine, olive groves, harbour restaurants and sunset meals beside the water.

Together, the four areas create a Croatian couples holiday shaped by city walls, bay hotels, harbour restaurants, island wine, clear Adriatic water, boat days and evenings close to the sea. 

Overwater villas, white sand beaches, clear lagoons, reef snorkelling and barefoot island stays

Imagine white sand islands, turquoise lagoons, overwater villas, beach bungalows, reef snorkelling, sunset cruises and candlelit dinners beside the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives is an escape from reality and, for many couples, the kind of trip saved for honeymoons, anniversaries and once in a lifetime moments. It is different from a typical couples holiday because the island itself becomes the resort, so the booking decision is shaped by the island, the transfer, the reef, the board basis and the room style.

After arriving into Malé, the final journey becomes an exciting part of the holiday. A speedboat transfer takes you across clear blue water towards the resort after a long flight, while a seaplane turns the arrival into something spectacular, flying over turquoise atolls, white sand rings, coral lagoons and tiny palm covered islands scattered across the Indian Ocean below.

Once you arrive, the holiday becomes wonderfully simple: bare feet on warm sand, breakfast beside the lagoon, reef fish below the jetty, hammocks between palms, sunset drinks, spa treatments, candlelit dinners on the beach and night skies full of stars above the ocean.

In the Maldives, room style matters because it changes the whole holiday. A beach villa keeps the sand close, with palm shade, outdoor showers and evening walks around the island. An overwater bungalow places the lagoon at the centre of the stay, with steps into clear water, fish below the deck and, on selected islands, a slide straight into the sea. A house reef island centres the stay around the water, with turtles and rays near the jetty, snorkelling trips and diving boats across the atoll. A pool villa creates the most private setting, with spa time, terrace dining, candlelit meals and long nights under Indian Ocean stars.

Now let us help you decide.

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Not sure which Maldives stay is right for you? 

Beach villas and beach bungalows - Best for: sand outside the door, palm trees, direct beach access, outdoor showers, island paths and a natural barefoot feel

Water villas and overwater bungalows - Best for: private decks, lagoon steps, reef fish below, sunrise views, sunset drinks and the classic Maldives experience

House reef and snorkelling islands - Best for: reef snorkelling, turtles, rays, colourful fish, dive centres, boat trips, sunset cruises and days shaped by the ocean 

Pool villas and private island resorts - Best for: honeymoons, anniversaries, private pools, spa days, beachfront dinners, overwater restaurants and a more secluded island stay

Open the door of your beach villa to warm white sand, palm trees and a clear lagoon only a few steps away, with the first swim of the day close enough to take before breakfast.

Beach villas and bungalows sit just behind the shoreline, with shaded decks, loungers, daybeds, open air bathrooms and outdoor showers surrounded by tropical planting, while sand paths lead towards the restaurants, bars and water.

From the terrace, step straight onto soft sand, swim in warm clear water, read under palms, follow sandy paths to the bar or walk around the edge of the island at sunset with the Indian Ocean on both sides.

After dark, lantern lit paths lead to sand floor bars and tables by the water, with grilled fish, coconut curries, tropical fruit, chilled wine, cocktails and the sound of the waves just beyond dinner.

Best for: direct beach access, palm shade, white sand, outdoor showers, sunset walks, sand floor bars and barefoot dining.

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Picture a water villa with a wooden walkway over the lagoon, a private deck above clear blue water and steps leading straight into the Indian Ocean.

Built around the view, a water bungalow looks across the lagoon from sun loungers, shaded seating, glass floor panels and hammocks above the water, with reef fish moving below the walkway. 

Step down for a swim before breakfast, or slide straight into the ocean if your villa has a waterslide, then dry off on the deck, read with the sea beneath you or watch the lagoon shift from pale turquoise to deeper blue as the light moves across the island.

After dark, the deck becomes the quietest place to end the day, with sparkling wine above the water, a seafood dinner beside the lagoon, stars across the ocean and the gentle sound of water moving beneath the villa.

Best for: private decks, lagoon steps, sunrise views, sunset drinks, reef fish, clear water, overwater dining and the Maldives room style many couples picture first.

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On a house reef island, snorkelling starts close to the beach or jetty, with clear water, coral gardens and shoals of colour just offshore.

From the fine sand, steps or a marked reef entrance, swim out above the reef as parrotfish, angelfish, turtles, rays and reef sharks move through the blue.

Dive centres and boat trips lead to deeper reefs, nearby channels and guided snorkelling spots, with white sand, beach villas, lagoon views, palm shade and lunches by the water waiting back on the island.

After a day in the ocean, evenings return to the beach with sunset cruises, grilled tuna, reef fish, Maldivian curry, tropical fruit and cocktails by the water, with the turtles, rays and coral still fresh in conversation.

Best for: house reefs, snorkelling from the beach, turtles, rays, colourful fish, diving, boat trips, sunset cruises and days shaped by the ocean.

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For a special occasion such as a honeymoon, anniversary or once in a lifetime escape, a pool villa creates a more private Maldives stay, with your own terrace, pool and quiet space beside the beach or lagoon.

Pool villas and private island stays are built around space and privacy, with larger decks, shaded loungers, outdoor bathtubs, open air showers, spa treatments, overwater restaurants, beachfront grills and direct access to the sand or lagoon on selected islands.

Spend the day between the pool, warm sea and spa, then book a sandbank picnic, sunset cruise, overwater dinner or private beach table with grilled lobster, fresh tuna, coconut curry, tropical desserts and champagne beside the water.

After dark, the villa becomes the place to return to, with candles by the pool, palms above the terrace, stars over the Indian Ocean and long evenings tucked away from the rest of the island.

Best for: private pools, larger terraces, spa days, sandbank picnics, sunset cruises, private beach dinners, champagne, honeymoons and anniversaries.

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Planning a Maldives couples holiday starts with the island stay itself: sand at the door, a deck above the lagoon, reef life near the jetty or a private pool beside the beach.

A beach villa keeps the holiday close to the sand, with palm shade, outdoor showers, terrace breakfasts and sunset walks around the island. A water villa takes the stay over the lagoon, with steps into clear water, fish beneath the deck, sparkling wine after dark and the sound of the Indian Ocean below.

On a house reef island, snorkelling begins from the sand or jetty, with turtles, rays, reef sharks and coral gardens part of the day. In a pool villa or private island resort, the stay moves towards spa time, sandbank picnics, private beach tables, champagne, candlelight and long evenings under the stars.

The Maldives stays with couples through the details they can picture before they travel: the seaplane view over the atolls, the first walk along white sand, warm water around your feet, breakfast beside the lagoon, a sunset cruise, dinner by candlelight and stars above the Indian Ocean. 

Whitewashed cliff towns, caldera views, volcanic beaches, cave suites, sunset terraces and Greek island evenings above the Aegean Sea

With whitewashed villages set into volcanic cliffs, blue domed churches, caldera views, black sand beaches, cave suites, seafood tavernas and sunset terraces, Santorini is one of the most recognisable islands in Greece.

The island curves around a flooded volcanic caldera, with Oia, Imerovigli and Fira sitting high above the water, while Kamari runs along the darker volcanic coast.

Caldera walks, winery visits, catamaran cruises, black sand beaches, archaeological sites and seafood by the water lead into sunset views, Assyrtiko wine and warm Greek island evenings above the Aegean.

The island’s appeal is clear from the moment you arrive, with cliffside rooms above the caldera, balcony dining with local wine, candlelit tavernas, volcanic scenery and sunset evenings that feel unmistakably Santorini. 

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Not sure where to stay?

Oia - Best for: caldera views, cave suites, sunset terraces, boutique hotels, Ammoudi Bay, blue domed churches and luxury stays

Imerovigli - Best for: cliffside hotels, private plunge pools, Skaros Rock, caldera walks, sea view suites and quiet sunset evenings

Fira - Best for: caldera hotels, restaurants, cocktail bars, shopping streets, nightlife, museums and central island access

Kamari - Best for:  black sand beaches, beachfront hotels, beach bars, tavernas, Ancient Thera, open air cinema and coastal evenings

At the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is the island’s most photographed village, with blue domed churches, whitewashed houses, narrow marble lanes, old windmills and cliff terraces stacked above the caldera.

Cliffside cave suites, boutique hotels, private terraces, plunge pools and caldera view rooms sit close to the village lanes, sunset viewpoints, gallery streets and rooftop restaurants. 

Village lanes lead past art galleries, jewellery shops, cocktail terraces and Greek restaurants before the steps down to Ammoudi Bay, where seafood tavernas sit beside the water below the red volcanic cliffs. 

As sunset approaches, the castle ruins, windmills and caldera terraces become the centre of the evening, before dinner in the village, Assyrtiko wine and late walks through the whitewashed streets.

Best for: cave suites, caldera hotels, sunset terraces, blue domed churches, Ammoudi Bay, boutique stays and luxury island evenings.

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High above the caldera between Fira and Oia, Imerovigli has a quieter clifftop setting with whitewashed lanes, blue church domes, sea facing terraces and some of the island’s highest views across the volcanic crater.

Caldera facing hotels, private pool suites, spa hotels, balcony breakfasts and terrace rooms keep the focus on privacy, space and uninterrupted views. 

Skaros Rock gives Imerovigli its clearest landmark, with walking paths, chapel views and dramatic drops towards the sea, while the caldera trail links the village to Fira, Firostefani and Oia.

Evenings stay close to the caldera, with dinner terraces, poolside drinks, Santorini wine and sunset views from the room, restaurant or clifftop path.

Best for: cliffside hotels, private plunge pools, caldera views, Skaros Rock, sea view suites, terrace dining and sunset stays.

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At the centre of Santorini’s caldera coast, Fira rises above the Aegean with whitewashed lanes, cliffside terraces, rooftop restaurants, cocktail bars and views across the volcanic crater.

Stay close to the caldera for boutique hotels, cave rooms, apartments and suites near dinner terraces, late bars, shopping streets, the cable car and the island’s main bus routes.

Around the traditional town centre, Greek tavernas, caldera restaurants, rooftop cocktail bars, gyros stops, seafood dishes, Santorini salads, fava and Assyrtiko wine shape the evening.

By day, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, old port, cable car, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and caldera path add history, views and local character before dinner above the water, cocktails over the crater and late drinks in the island’s liveliest town.

Best for: caldera hotels, cocktail bars, restaurants, shopping streets, nightlife, museums, old port views and central island access.

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On Santorini’s east coast, Kamari runs along a long black sand beach, with volcanic cliffs behind the resort, beach loungers by the water and the Aegean stretching out from the promenade.

Along the seafront, beach hotels, adults only stays, balcony rooms and sea view apartments sit close to the black sand, beach bars, waterfront tavernas and family run restaurants.

The promenade is lined with Greek restaurants, cocktail bars, bakeries, shops and beach clubs, with grilled seafood, souvlaki, Santorini salads, local wine and evening drinks close to the water.

Ancient Thera rises above the resort on Mesa Vouno, while open air cinema nights, winery trips, Fira visits and beach days keep the stay connected to Santorini’s volcanic coast. 

Best for: black sand beach, beachfront hotels, beach bars, tavernas, Ancient Thera, open air cinema, pool hotels and coastal evenings.

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From the sunset terraces of Oia to the private pool suites of Imerovigli, the caldera restaurants of Fira and the black sand beach at Kamari, Santorini is shaped by volcanic scenery, whitewashed villages, cliffside hotels, local wine and evenings above the Aegean.

Choose Oia for cave suites, blue domed churches, Ammoudi Bay and sunset views, or Imerovigli for cliffside hotels, plunge pools and quieter caldera terraces. Fira is the place for traditional restaurants, rooftop cocktails and central island access, while Kamari covers beach hotels, tavernas and black sand days.

Beyond the famous views, the island offers Assyrtiko wine, Vin Santo, seafood dinners, catamaran cruises, volcanic beaches, caldera walks, Ancient Thera and the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

For couples, the romance is in the details: breakfast on a private terrace, wine as the cliffs change colour, dinner above the caldera, a sunset cruise across the water and late evenings among whitewashed lanes, blue domes and soft Aegean light. 

Piton views, rainforest hills, golden beaches, volcanic springs, sailing trips, rum cocktails, Creole flavours and sunset evenings beside the Caribbean Sea. 

Piton peaks rise above the Caribbean, rainforest drops towards the water and warm evenings 

finish over Creole food, rum cocktails and sea views.

St Lucia has a coastline that keeps changing as you travel. In the south west, volcanic slopes, reef water and beaches sit beneath the Pitons, with hotel terraces looking through the trees towards the sea. Around the bays, boats leave for snorkelling coves, gardens climb into the hills and the island’s cacao estates sit behind the coast.

Further north, pale sand runs beside calm water, catamarans head out from the marina and, after dark, harbour restaurants, street grills, music and cold Piton beer fill the stretch between Rodney Bay and Gros Islet. 

In the sheltered bays, the island slows into yacht harbours, water taxis, mangroves and small beaches below palms. On the north coast, coves sit under the cliffs, restaurant decks face the water and candles are lit above the rocks.

Soufrière, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay and Cap Estate each lead to a different St Lucia holiday. One is shaped by volcanoes and rainforest, another by beach days and marina evenings, another by harbour water and boat days, and another by clifftop dining above the sea.

Now let us help you decide where to stay in St Lucia.

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Not sure where to stay?

Soufrière and the Pitons - Best for: Jade Mountain style open wall suites, Ladera open air rooms, Sugar Beach, Anse Chastanet, volcanic mud baths, Tet Paul Nature Trail, cacao estates, Piton views and candlelit dinners. 

Rodney Bay and Gros Islet - Best for: Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay Marina, sea view rooms, marina stays, catamaran trips, snorkelling coves, Pigeon Island, Fort Rodney, Gros Islet street food and Friday night music. 

Marigot Bay - Best for: harbour views, yacht marina stays, balcony suites, boutique hotels, water taxis, LaBas Beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, private boat trips, Piton views by boat and waterfront dinners

Cap Estate and the north coast - Best for: Cap Maison style suites, Rock Maison, champagne by zipline, The Naked Fisherman, The BodyHoliday, Smugglers Cove, spa hotels, golf, Pigeon Island, clifftop dining and special holidays. 

At Jade Mountain and Ladera, four poster beds face the Pitons through open wall suites, with no glass between the room and the view: pool water at the terrace edge, rainforest falling below and Gros Piton and Petit Piton rising from the Caribbean.

Down at Sugar Beach, the sand sits between the two volcanic peaks, with white loungers beneath palms, calm water at the shoreline and the mountains standing on both sides of the bay. Higher above Soufrière, villa terraces and plunge pools look across the same sparkling coast from the rainforest slopes.

Snorkelling starts from the dark volcanic sand at Anse Chastanet, where the reef sits close to shore. At Sulphur Springs, warm volcanic mud covers the skin before the Tet Paul Nature Trail climbs to views over cocoa fields, rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. On a cacao estate, chocolate is made from the trees growing in the hills behind the coast.

Later, rum cocktails line the terrace as grilled lobster and Creole fish arrive by candlelight, and the Pitons drop into silhouette above the bay.

Best for: Jade Mountain style open wall suites, Ladera open air rooms, Sugar Beach, Anse Chastanet, volcanic mud baths, Tet Paul Nature Trail, cacao estates, Piton views and candlelit dinners.

⛱️ View Soufriere and the Pitons holiday deals

Rum punch in hand, lie back on a blue and white striped cushioned sun lounger at Reduit Beach, with pale sand beneath your feet, a parasol to one side, yachts beyond the palms and Pigeon Island’s old fort headland rising across the bay.

Reduit Beach is the daytime scene here: cushioned loungers under palms, clear water close to shore, hotel sun decks behind the sand and waiters crossing from the beach bar. After dark, Rodney Bay Marina is yacht masts, pontoon lights, cocktail bars and harbour restaurants, with sea view rooms looking across the bay and marina rooms closer to the pontoons.

At Rodney Bay Marina, you step aboard a catamaran with towels rolled on deck and snorkel masks ready for the first cove. The boat drops anchor in clear water, the ladder lowers into the Caribbean and reef fish move below as palms, hillside and headland rise around the cove.

Across the bay, Pigeon Island is a historic headland with old British military ruins, shaded paths and a climb to Fort Rodney and Signal Peak. From the top, Reduit Beach curves along the coast, Rodney Bay Marina sits behind the palms and the Caribbean opens beyond Gros Islet.

On Friday evenings, roadside grills, DJs and live bands fill Gros Islet fishing village, with jerk chicken smoking over open coals and Piton beer sold from stalls. Soca, the fast Caribbean music heard across St Lucia, plays through the streets as people eat, drink and dance outside in the warm night air.

Best for: Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay Marina, sea view rooms, marina stays, catamaran trips, snorkelling coves, Pigeon Island, Fort Rodney, Gros Islet street food and Friday night music.

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On board a chartered yacht from Marigot Bay, chilled coconut rum in hand, saltfish accras and plantain crisps beside you, the harbour sits behind the boat with green hills, mangroves and sailboats framing the calm Caribbean water.

Balcony suites, boutique hotels and marina rooms sit above the harbour, with teak decks below, water taxis crossing between the pontoons and tables being dressed for dinner beside the boats. From the rail, the bay is enclosed by the hills, with the beach, marina and yacht dock all linked by short crossings over the water.

The water taxi lands on the sand at LaBas Beach for a swim under the palms, while paddleboards move across the sheltered bay and kayaks slide beside mangrove roots at the edge of the harbour. From the marina, a private boat heads along the west coast towards Soufrière, stopping at clear coves before Gros Piton and Petit Piton, the island’s two volcanic peaks, rise ahead from the sea.

After dark, harbour lights sit low on the water and yachts rest beneath the hillside suites. Dinner is served beside the pontoons, with grilled lobster or mahi mahi in Creole sauce, warm plantain and chilled Piton beer on the table as music drifts from the dock and the last water taxis cross the bay.

Best for: harbour views, yacht marina stays, balcony suites, boutique hotels, water taxis, LaBas Beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, private boat trips, Piton views by boat and waterfront dinners.

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Above the rocks, reserve a table at Rock Maison, Cap Maison’s private dining deck, and watch champagne travel by zipline to the table while waves break below at Smugglers Cove. As candlelight catches the glassware, the Caribbean sits beneath the deck and the north coast stretches beyond the cliffs as the sun drops.

Open the door of your sea view suite at Cap Maison and step onto the terrace above the water, with a plunge pool at the edge and Smugglers Cove below the headland. Around Cap Estate, choose from a villa terrace, spa hotel or beach retreat, with the coast in front of you, quiet coves below the cliffs and restaurant decks looking across the sea.

Swim at Smugglers Cove before taking a table at The Naked Fisherman, where grilled lobster, Creole fish and chilled wine are served beside the sand. At The BodyHoliday, walk from a spa treatment to the beach, change from a massage robe to swimwear and return to the water all before dinner.

A short drive takes you to Pigeon Island, where the path climbs through old British military ruins to Fort Rodney and Signal Peak. Look down over Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Smugglers Cove and the open Caribbean, then return to the north coast for seafood beside the beach, cocktails above the cliffs or champagne crossing the rocks after dark.

Best for: Cap Maison style suites, Rock Maison, champagne by zipline, The Naked Fisherman, The BodyHoliday, Smugglers Cove, spa hotels, golf, Pigeon Island, clifftop dining and occasion holidays.

⛱️ View Cap Estate and the north coast holiday deals

From open wall suites facing the Pitons to Reduit Beach loungers, Marigot Bay yacht charters and champagne crossing the rocks at Cap Estate, St Lucia is rainforest, volcanic scenery, Caribbean water and occasion dining in one island.

Soufrière is the dramatic south west coast, with four poster beds facing the Pitons, Sugar Beach between the peaks, volcanic mud baths, cacao estates and candlelit dinners under the mountains. Further north, Rodney Bay and Gros Islet mean Reduit Beach, catamaran trips, Pigeon Island views and Friday night food, music and Piton beer in the village streets.

Marigot Bay is the yacht harbour stay, with balcony suites above the marina, water taxis crossing to LaBas Beach, private boat days towards Soufrière and dinner beside the pontoons. Cap Estate is clifftop suites, Smugglers Cove, The Naked Fisherman, The BodyHoliday and Rock Maison, where champagne travels by zipline to the table above the sea.

The island stays with you through its details: the Pitons framed from the room, pale sand beneath the peaks, a catamaran ladder dropping into clear water, a water taxi crossing Marigot Bay, jerk chicken smoking in Gros Islet and candlelight catching the glassware above Smugglers Cove.

Harbour lights, steaming lagoons, black sand beaches, glacier roads, waterfalls, geysers, seafood dinners and the Northern Lights across the Icelandic sky

As you arrive into Reykjavík, the first views are of the harbour water beside the city, mountains beyond the rooftops, steam rising from geothermal pools and roads leaving the capital towards waterfalls, geysers, lava fields and black sand beaches.

From a hotel near the harbour or city centre, walk past painted houses towards Hallgrímskirkja, stop for cinnamon buns and coffee, sit down later for Arctic char, lamb, langoustine soup or rye bread with smoked salmon, then head out after dark as the Northern Lights tours leave the city lights behind.

Beyond Reykjavík, head into the Golden Circle, with Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Strokkur’s boiling water rising from the ground, or south towards Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, glacier views and Reynisfjara’s black sand below basalt cliffs. On another day, sink into the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, with warm mineral water, cold air and lava fields around the steam.

Iceland changes with the season. Darker months are for Northern Lights tours, geothermal lagoons, snowy landscapes and shorter winter breaks, while the lighter months open up longer sightseeing days, whale watching, south coast roads, waterfalls and black sand beaches.

Travel note: Some UK holiday programmes, Northern Lights packages and excursions run by season, so dates matter when planning the trip.

Reykjavík and the harbour – Stay here for city hotels, harbour restaurants, Hallgrímskirkja, bakeries, cocktail bars, whale watching departures, Sky Lagoon visits and Northern Lights tours.

Northern Lights trips - Add this for darker countryside skies, aurora tours, winter nights, warm layers, hot drinks and the chance to see green ribbons above the lava fields. 

Golden Circle trips – Add this for Thingvellir, Strokkur, Gullfoss, steaming ground, hot springs, greenhouse restaurants and Icelandic scenery away from the city.

South Coast and Vík trips – Add this for Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, basalt cliffs, sea stacks, glacier views and long roads beneath the mountains.

Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes – Add this for geothermal bathing, lava fields, spa time, airport day planning, coastal roads and a first or final day surrounded by steam and black rock.

Under wide winter skies, Reykjavík sits between the harbour and the city centre, with painted houses below Hallgrímskirkja, fishing boats on the water, snowy mountains across the bay and warm windows glowing against the dark in the colder months.

Harbour hotels sit close to boat departures, seafood restaurants and mountain views across the water. City centre hotels place bakeries, coffee shops, cocktail bars, Laugavegur shopping street and evening tour pick ups within easy reach.

Walk to Hallgrímskirkja for views across the rooftops, pass the Sun Voyager sculpture beside the water and follow the harbour towards whale watching boats, galleries and restaurants. During the day, stop for cinnamon buns and coffee and for dinner, order Arctic char, Icelandic lamb, langoustine soup or rye bread with smoked salmon before the city lights sharpen against the cold air outside.

After dark, Northern Lights tours leave Reykjavík behind for darker skies, while another evening can be spent in the Sky Lagoon, with warm geothermal water, Atlantic air and city lights in the distance. Back near the harbour, order a hot chocolate, local beer or Icelandic gin, with boats moving on black water, snowy peaks across the bay and Reykjavík sitting at the warm edge of a much wilder country.

Best for: city hotels, harbour hotels, Laugavegur, Hallgrímskirkja, Sun Voyager, harbour restaurants, bakeries, cocktail bars, whale watching boats, Sky Lagoon, Northern Lights tours, Golden Circle pick ups and easy excursion planning.

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Leave Reykjavík by bus, with the harbour lights falling behind and the road heading out past lava fields, open countryside and darker skies. Tour guides follow the weather, cloud cover and aurora forecasts to find the clearest viewing areas away from the city in search of the Northern Lights. 

Outside Reykjavík, stars sit above the fields, cold air cuts across the viewing areas and warm drinks are poured while everyone looks out towards the horizon. On active nights, a pale green line can appear above the land before lifting into bright arcs, pink edged ribbons and curtains of light moving across the darkness.

Leave more than one evening free where dates allow, with dinner in Reykjavík before pick up and drinks near the harbour after the drive back, while the cold air, dark fields and colours in the sky are still fresh from the night. 

Best for: Northern Lights tours, darker countryside skies, aurora hunting, winter breaks, Reykjavík pick ups, small group tours, warm layers, hot drinks, stargazing and flexible evening planning.

❄️View Northern Lights Trips

After breakfast, set out from Reykjavík with the road ahead crossing lava fields, distant mountains on the horizon and steam rising from geothermal ground.

At Thingvellir, walk between dark rock walls and open plains, with clear water, moss covered lava and the rift valley marking the place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart. Black rock sits underfoot, cold air cuts across the paths and water runs through the valley below.

Further along the Golden Circle, Strokkur sends boiling water high into the air every few minutes, with steam drifting across the path and visitors waiting with cameras ready for the next eruption. At Gullfoss, the river drops into a deep canyon, with spray rising from the falls, ice around the edges in winter and rainbows above the water on brighter days.

For lunch, warm up with hot soup, fresh bread or tomato dishes in a greenhouse restaurant before the road returns towards Reykjavík through open countryside. Back in the city, harbour lights, warm restaurants and evening drinks follow a day of geysers, waterfalls, lava rock and cold Icelandic air.

Best for: Golden Circle day trips, Thingvellir, Strokkur, Gullfoss, geysers, waterfalls, lava fields, rift valley scenery, greenhouse restaurants, winter landscapes, summer sightseeing and Reykjavík based excursions.

❄️View Golden Circle Trips

Leave Reykjavík in the morning as the road heads south through open farmland and lava fields, with mountains ahead, waterfalls splashing from the cliffs and black sand beaches along the coast. This is a full day trip from Reykjavík, with white water, volcanic sand, sea cliffs and glacier ice along the south coast.

At Seljalandsfoss, the water falls from the cliff in a long white curtain, with spray in the air and the walking path behind the falls. Further along the coast, Skógafoss sends heavy white water over a dark cliff face, with steps climbing beside the waterfall and the mist lifting from the river below.

Beyond the waterfalls, the road continues towards Vík and Reynisfjara, where black volcanic sand is found below basalt columns, sea stacks rise from the Atlantic and powerful waves hit the shoreline. From the viewing areas, dark cliffs, white surf and the small village of Vík sit beneath the hills.

On the return towards Reykjavík, glacier tongues, distant mountains and wide black beaches appear again as the light shifts across the south coast. Back in the city, warm restaurants and harbour drinks follow a day of waterfalls, volcanic sand, Atlantic waves and glacier ice high above the fields.

Best for: South Coast day trips, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík, Reynisfjara black sand beach, basalt columns, sea stacks, glacier views, Atlantic waves, mountain roads, full day sightseeing and Reykjavík based excursions.

❄️View South Coast Trips

Cold air sits above the Blue Lagoon as steam rises from milky blue water, with lava rock around the edges and the Reykjanes landscape beyond the pools. Step into warm mineral water with steam around your shoulders, pale blue water at chest height and black lava rock just beyond the surface.

In the water, silica masks dry pale against the skin, a glass of sparkling wine is served from the swim up bar and steam moves across the lagoon. In winter, the dark sky and low light make the water glow against the lava rock, and in the lighter months, the pale blue water, black edges and open Reykjanes scenery stretch around the lagoon in every direction.

Around the lagoon, the Reykjanes Peninsula has lava fields, geothermal ground, coastal roads and black rock shaped by the Atlantic. After the water, return to Reykjavík for langoustine soup, Arctic char and a local beer beside the harbour, or head towards Keflavík with the heat still on your skin and lava fields outside the window.

Best for: Blue Lagoon trips, geothermal bathing, lava fields, swim up drinks, silica masks, Reykjanes Peninsula, airport transfers, arrival day planning, final day planning, Reykjavík based excursions and geothermal spa experiences.

Travel note: The Blue Lagoon sits between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík, so it can be planned after landing, before the flight home or as a separate trip from the city. Book lagoon entry and transfers before travelling, and check opening times and local travel updates for the Reykjanes Peninsula when planning the trip.

❄️View Blue Lagoon Trips

From behind the bus windows, the road heads out of Reykjavík towards darker skies, with stars sharpening above the lava fields while the search begins for the first green arc over the horizon. When the Northern Lights appear, they stretch into pale ribbons, pink edges and curtains of colour moving across the black winter sky, before the road returns to harbour lights, warm restaurants and silhouettes in the windows.

Stay in a warm harbour hotel or boutique city hotel in Reykjavík, with restaurants, bakeries and tour pick ups close by, then head out into the landscapes that make Iceland more than just a Northern Lights break. Follow the Golden Circle for Strokkur’s erupting water, steaming paths and Gullfoss falling into its canyon, travel the South Coast for waterfall spray, Reynisfjara’s black sand and glacier views, and end another day in the warm geothermal water at Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon, still hoping the sky above the lava fields turns green before the trip is over.

Coming soon

Cliffside towns, sea view hotels, lemon groves, Capri boat trips, sunset terraces and Italian evenings with pasta, pizza, limoncello and Aperol Spritz 

Set above the water, with cliffside towns, sea view hotels, lemon groves, small harbours, beach clubs, historic piazzas and traditional family run restaurants, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most distinctive couples holiday settings.

The coastline sits between steep limestone cliffs, winding roads and deep blue sea, with Positano and Amalfi built into the coast, Ravello high above the water and Sorrento linking to Pompeii, Herculaneum and the wider Bay of Naples.

Take a boat trip to Capri, choose fresh pasta or wood fired pizza for lunch, enjoy gelato in a cathedral square, wander through garden terraces or catch a train to explore historic sights before Aperol Spritz, lobster ravioli and sunset views above the sea.

Balcony breakfasts, limoncello after antipasti, candlelit tables with chequered tablecloths and golden sunset terraces above the water are the moments couples remember long after the holiday ends.

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Not sure where to stay?

Sorrento - Best for: sea view hotels, Piazza Tasso, limoncello, Marina Grande, Capri boats, Pompeii visits, pizza, gelato and Amalfi Coast day trips

Positano - Best for: cliffside hotels, sea view rooms, Spiaggia Grande, beach clubs, boutique streets, sunset terraces, pasta dinners and boat trips

Amalfi - Best for: harbour hotels, Amalfi Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, waterfront restaurants, lemon shops, boat links, gelato stops and coastal sightseeing

Ravello - Best for: hilltop hotels, garden terraces, Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, sea views, sunset drinks, local wine and elegant evenings

Set above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento combines clifftop hotels, lemon trees, marina views, historic streets and sweeping sea views towards Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri.

Close to Piazza Tasso, Corso Italia, cliffside restaurant terraces, harbour steps and the softly lit old town streets, choose a sea view hotel with a balcony to enjoy the views, or a historic villa to see a different side of Sorrento.

Take a boat trip to Capri and visit the Blue Grotto sea cave before enjoying an espresso in a harbour café and taking in the island views, or travel by train through the lemon groves to visit the ancient streets, villas and ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

In the piazza, evenings can start with an Aperol Spritz, pizza in the old town or limoncello after dinner, with softly lit streets, gelato counters, espresso bars and trattorias filling the lanes.

Best for: sea view hotels, Piazza Tasso, Marina Grande, limoncello, pizza, gelato, Capri boats, Pompeii visits and Amalfi Coast access.

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Rising almost vertically from the clear blue Tyrrhenian Sea is the picture postcard resort of Positano, with pastel houses, pink bougainvillea, colourful tiled domes, steep stone steps and terraces layered across the cliffs above the bay.

Above the village, cliffside hotels, boutique rooms and balcony suites look out over the rooftops towards Spiaggia Grande, the harbour and the curve of the Amalfi Coast.

Follow the stone steps through linen shops, ceramic stores, lemon stalls and small trattorias, stopping for gelato, espresso or local wine before reaching the beach clubs or taking a boat trip along the coast.

As evening settles over the bay and the hillside lights glow above the beach, restaurant tables fill along the narrow streets with pasta, fresh seafood, prosecco, Aperol Spritz and local wine, followed by a final limoncello before a late walk through the lit lanes above the sea.

Best for: cliffside hotels, sea view rooms, Spiaggia Grande, beach clubs, boutique streets, sunset terraces, pasta dinners and boat trips.

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Set between steep cliffs and the sea, Amalfi wraps around a busy harbour, narrow lanes, lemon shops and Piazza del Duomo, where the striped cathedral rises above the steps at the heart of the town.

Stay in a harbour hotel, sea view room, restored townhouse or a small coastal hotel close to the ferry pier, beach and cathedral square, with evening cafés, restaurant terraces and old stone streets just a short walk away.

Shaded lanes lead between limoncello stores, gelato counters, espresso bars, handmade paper shops and family run trattorias, with sfogliatella, delizia al limone, fresh pasta and local wine giving the town a real Italian flavour.

As the day boats leave, Amalfi settles into warm piazza evenings, candlelit tables in the lanes, Aperol Spritz near the cathedral steps and harbour lights by the water and ferries linking Positano, Capri and other coastal towns and buses climbing into hills towards Ravello.

Best for: harbour hotels, Amalfi Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, waterfront restaurants, lemon shops, gelato stops, boat links and coastal sightseeing.

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High above the coastline, Ravello sits between gardens, church towers and open sky, with stone lanes, quiet piazzas, villa walls, cypress trees and terraces looking across the sparkling blue Tyrrhenian Sea, where boats move along the coast far below.

Choose a hilltop hotel, villa style stay or balcony room wrapped in gardens, with lemon trees, pink bougainvillea, cool ceramic tiles, old stone arches and terraces that open towards the Gulf of Salerno.

Walk from the cathedral square to Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, passing garden courtyards, wisteria, roses and shaded viewpoints before reaching the Terrace of Infinity, where the coastline drops away beneath you and the sea stretches out for miles.

After sunset, Ravello feels intimate and atmospheric, with church bells in the square, garden paths lit softly for evening walks, candlelit pasta dinners, seafood with Amalfi lemons, prosecco on a terrace and lights scattered along the coastline below.

Best for: hilltop hotels, garden terraces, Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, sea views, sunset drinks, church bells and candlelit dinners above the coast.

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Few coastlines are as cinematic for a couples holiday as the Amalfi Coast, where Sorrento looks across the Bay of Naples, Positano drops in pastel layers to the sea, Amalfi gathers around its harbour and cathedral steps, and Ravello watches over it all from gardens high above the water.

In Sorrento, balcony views lead into piazza evenings, pizza, limoncello, Capri boats and Roman history at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Positano is the breathtaking one: cliffside rooms above Spiaggia Grande, stone steps through bougainvillea, beach clubs by the water and candlelit seafood dinners with prosecco as the hillside lights come on.

Amalfi stays close to the water, with harbour hotels, Piazza del Duomo, lemon desserts, handmade paper shops, ferry rides and warm evenings around the cathedral steps. Above the coast, Ravello has villa gardens, cypress trees, church bells, prosecco terraces and views that fall away to boats crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea below.

The reason to book is in the moments you can already picture: espresso on a balcony, a boat pulling out towards Capri, gelato in a shaded lane, pasta under candlelight, a final limoncello after dinner and warm night air from the Tyrrhenian Sea as the lights of the coast flicker below.

Caribbean beaches, cenote swims, Mayan ruins, turtle snorkelling, beach clubs, lagoon hotels, tacos, ceviche, margaritas and mezcal nights on Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Set along the Caribbean coast, with white sand beaches, beachfront hotels, jungle cenotes, Mayan temples above the water, turtle reefs, beach clubs, mangrove lagoons and small coastal towns, the Riviera Maya is one coastline, but not one holiday.

The coast runs south from Cancún towards Tulum, with Playa del Carmen and Playacar beside the beach, restaurants and ferry to Cozumel, while Tulum follows a jungle lined beach road close to cenotes and ruins. Akumal and Xpu Há sit beside clear reef water, and Mayakoba and Puerto Morelos sit further north with mangrove lagoons, luxury hotels and a small fishing town beside the reef.

Swim in a cenote, a natural freshwater pool formed in limestone, where wooden steps lead below the trees and hanging roots reach towards clear, cool water. Walk the stone paths through Tulum’s Mayan ruins above the Caribbean, snorkel with turtles in Akumal Bay, take the ferry to Cozumel or leave Puerto Morelos by boat for coral gardens and tropical fish.

After dark, tacos al pastor are carved from the spit, ceviche arrives sharp with lime, grilled fish comes from the coals, and margaritas or mezcal finish the evening under palms, lanterns and warm Caribbean air.

Now let us help you decide.

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Not sure where to stay?

Playa del Carmen and Playacar - Best for: Playacar beach hotels, Fifth Avenue restaurants, beach clubs, shopping, nightlife, Cozumel ferry trips and day trips to cenotes and ruins.

Tulum - Best for: boutique beach hotels, jungle lined beach road restaurants, Mayan ruins above the sea, cenote swims, yoga decks, mezcal bars and candlelit dinners beside the sand.

Akumal and Xpu Há - Best for: turtle snorkelling in Akumal Bay, reef trips, clear water, Xpu Há beach, beachfront hotels, beach restaurants and a quieter stretch of Caribbean coast.

Mayakoba and Puerto Morelos - Best for: 5 star hotels, lagoon hotels, spa hotels, mangrove canals, Puerto Morelos reef trips, seafood restaurants and quieter evenings by the water.

Outside on the terrace, bougainvillea blooms around your suite, with hibiscus through the gardens and palms running towards white sand and clear Caribbean water.

Along this stretch of coast, 4 and 5 star beachfront hotels include swim up suites, rooms with private pools and stays with butler service. All inclusive lunches bring grilled fish tacos, ceviche and margaritas on ice, followed by à la carte restaurants after sunset among the tropical gardens.

From the ferry pier, cross the Caribbean to Cozumel for reef snorkelling, beach clubs and long lunches under a parasol. Further inland, step down into the freshwater pools of Cenote Azul and Jardín del Eden, surrounded by limestone rock, jungle roots and cool water. Chichén Itzá can be reached on a longer day trip, while Tulum and Cobá add cliff top ruins, jungle temples, stone paths and stepped pyramids.

Running behind the beach is Quinta Avenida, the pedestrian street known as Fifth Avenue, with swimwear shops, jewellery stalls, tequila stores, taquerías, rooftop restaurants and open grills lining the route. Order tacos al pastor carved from the spit, ceviche with lime and margaritas at pavement tables as live music carries through the warm streets.

Best for: Playacar beach hotels, swim up suites, private pools, all inclusive dining, Fifth Avenue, Cozumel ferry trips, cenote swims, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Cobá, tacos al pastor, rooftop restaurants and live music

⛱️ View Playa del Carmen and Playacar holiday deals

Above the Caribbean, Tulum’s Mayan ruins stand on a limestone headland, with weathered stone walls, temple steps and iguanas sitting in palm trees facing the bright blue water below. Beneath the cliffs, the coast falls to white sand and clear sea, while the beach road runs into jungle shade with timber decks, thatched roofs and outdoor showers in garden courtyards. 

From the beach road, head inland to Gran Cenote, where wooden steps lead from the jungle path into clear freshwater below limestone rock, with turtles and small fish moving through the water beside the platforms.

At Dos Ojos, two deep blue pools sit inside a flooded cave system, with snorkel masks, stalactites and shafts of light cutting through the water. And further south, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve takes you into mangroves, lagoons and quiet Caribbean channels, with boat trips across clear water and sea turtles moving along the reef. 

In the evening, enjoy grilled fish with lime and share chicken tacos and quesadillas at a lantern lit table with palm leaves overhead. Sip margaritas or mezcal cocktails on ice while open air bars further along the beach road play house music, Latin beats and live percussion. 

Best for: boutique beach road hotels, Mayan ruins above the Caribbean, Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, Sian Ka’an boat trips, yoga decks, lantern lit dinners, margaritas, mezcal cocktails and open air music

⛱️ View Tulum holiday deals

Step from the sand into warm Caribbean water with a snorkel mask in your hand, as turtles move through the seagrass below and silver fish flicker over the reef. When the boat leaves the bay, look for coral heads beneath the deep blue water, with parrotfish, rays and other reef fish moving between them.

At Yal-Kú Lagoon, limestone edges and mangrove roots frame a clear inlet filled with tropical fish, while nearby Half Moon Bay has another sheltered stretch of water where you can swim from the shore before lunch beside the beach and spend the afternoon under a parasol.

Further down the coast, Xpu Há opens into a wider sweep of white sand, with palms overhead, beachfront hotels facing the Caribbean and local restaurants serving grilled fish, lime, tortillas and cold margaritas after a swim.

At the beach club in Xpu Há, cushioned sunbeds face the long curve of sand, with kayaks pulled up at the water's edge and shallow clear water extending out from the beach. Order coconut water from the bar, return to the shade of the parasol and watch the colour of the Caribbean deepen from clear green near the shore to blue beyond the bay.

Best for: turtle snorkelling, Akumal reef trips, Yal-Kú Lagoon, Half Moon Bay swims, Xpu Há beach clubs, cushioned sunbeds, kayaks, coconut water, local beach restaurants, powdery white sand and clear Caribbean water

⛱️ View Akumal Bay and Xpu Há holiday deals

Step out onto your room terrace above the lagoon water, with a wooden boat moving between mangrove roots and herons standing in the reeds. Enjoy breakfast on a deck beside the canal, while spa paths run through palms and tropical planting.

Beyond the mangroves, the beach opens to white sand, calm Caribbean water and shaded loungers facing the sea.

Stroll down to the small harbour, where fishing boats sit beside the pier and the leaning lighthouse marks the edge of the town square. Low buildings painted in bright colours sit behind the water, with bicycles outside cafés, pelicans perched on the posts and the Caribbean reef offshore beyond the moored boats. 

After enjoying a trip to the reef, return to the harbour with the town square behind the pier, and take a table facing the fishing boats for ceviche, grilled lobster and refreshing cocktails. As the sun settles around the square, restaurant lights catch the water, boats rest at their moorings and the reef sits dark offshore beyond the boats. 

Best for: Lagoon hotels, 5 star hotels, spa hotels, mangrove canals, boat transfers, Puerto Morelos harbour, reef trips, seafood restaurants, grilled lobster, ceviche and quieter evenings by the water

⛱️ View Mayakoba and Puerto Morelos holiday deals

Across the Riviera Maya, the holiday runs through Caribbean water, limestone cenotes, Mayan stone, reef boats, beach clubs, mangrove canals and warm Mexican evenings by the sea.

Playacar has the beachfront hotel stay, with bougainvillea around the suite terrace, swim up rooms, private pools, all inclusive dining, Cozumel ferry trips and Fifth Avenue after dark. 

Tulum takes the coast towards Mayan ruins above bright blue water, Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, Sian Ka’an and beach road evenings with grilled fish, margaritas, mezcal and open air music.

Akumal and Xpu Há keep the focus on the water, with turtles moving through seagrass, reef trips, Yal-Kú Lagoon, Half Moon Bay and cushioned sunbeds on powdery white sand.

Further north, Mayakoba and Puerto Morelos move from lagoon terraces and mangrove boats to harbour restaurants, reef trips, ceviche, grilled lobster and cocktails beside the water.

With Caribbean water outside the hotel, cold cenote steps beneath jungle roots, Mayan stone above the sea, turtles below the mask, Xpu Há sand under a parasol and harbour lights over Puerto Morelos after dark, it is clear to see why couples holiday here.

Lagoons, white sand beaches, catamaran sails, Mauritian cooking, vanilla rum, Sega music, sugar cane hills, waterfall roads and sunsets over the Indian Ocean

As catamarans cross the lagoon, white sails move over clear reef water and palms lean low over soft white sand while green volcanic hills rise behind the coast. Step into the shallow turquoise water and watch the colours change in front of you, from pale blue around your feet to brighter blue above the reef and then deeper blue towards the Indian Ocean.

From your balcony facing the lagoon, follow the garden path down to the beach, sit under the palms by the pool and later take a table for dinner close enough to hear the water after dark. In the south west, rooms look towards Le Morne Brabant, the mountain above the lagoon, while on the east coast the morning light comes straight across the Indian Ocean.

By late morning, board a catamaran with towels rolled on deck and snorkel masks at the ready. As the boat sails above the reef, the water clears over coral and flashes of colour move below the surface, before grilled fish is served back on board with rum punch in the sun.

Away from the beach, the road climbs through sugar cane fields towards Chamarel, where rum estates, coloured earth, waterfalls and forest roads lead towards Black River Gorges. Back by the coast, enjoy Mauritian fish curry, rougaille or grilled seafood with a cold Phoenix beer, followed by vanilla rum as Sega music filters through the warm evening air.

Flic en Flac faces west for reef swimming, beach restaurants and sunset drinks under the palms, while Belle Mare and the east coast have long pale beaches, lagoon hotels and sunrise across the Indian Ocean. Grand Baie and the north coast have bay restaurants, boat trips and beach bars around the water after dark, while Le Morne and the south west are framed by the mountain above the lagoon, kitesurf sails on the reef and the Chamarel road rising inland towards rum estates, waterfalls and Black River Gorges. 

Now let us help you decide where to stay in Mauritius.

 ⛱️ View Mauritius holiday deals 

 Not sure where to stay? 

Flic en Flac and the west coast – Best for: reef snorkelling, Wolmar hotels, beach restaurants, paddle boarding, west coast sunsets, Tamarin, Black River and Indian Ocean evenings.

Belle Mare and the east coast – Best for: Indian Ocean sunrise, reef lagoon hotels, beachfront 4 and 5 star resorts, all inclusive stays, spa hotels, golf hotels and Île aux Cerfs boat trips.

Grand Baie and the north coast – Best for: bay restaurants, beach bars, Coin de Mire views, northern island catamarans, boutique hotels, apartments and 4 and 5 star hotels.

Le Morne and the south west – Best for: Le Morne Brabant, kitesurf sails, mountain view rooms, guided climbs, helicopter sightseeing, Chamarel, Seven Coloured Earth and Black River Gorges.

With a snorkel mask in hand, step from the sand at Flic en Flac into clear reef water swishing around your knees. A few metres from the beach, the lagoon deepens into brighter blue and fish move above the coral, while the long west coast shoreline sits behind you with palms, casuarina trees and beach restaurants dotted along the sand.

For a hotel beside the reef, Flic en Flac and nearby Wolmar are the west coast areas for beachfront resorts, spa hotels, all inclusive stays, half board hotels and apartments near the beach. Choose a room looking across the gardens, pools or lagoon water, with breakfast before a morning swim, paddle boards waiting on the sand and the Indian Ocean turning gold again before dinner.

Swim from the beach and float above coral with the shore still in view, or take a boat trip from the west coast towards Tamarin and Black River, where the water sits below dark mountain ridges and the road begins to climb inland. From there, forest roads lead towards waterfalls, viewpoints and Black River Gorges.

By late afternoon, Flic en Flac shifts towards sunset and beach restaurants add candles to their tables. Waiters talk through local rum cocktails, grilled seafood comes from the kitchen and the sky changes from blue to orange above the lagoon. After dark, rougaille and farata arrive with music under the palms while the last colour of the sunset fades behind boats on the Indian Ocean.

Best for: Flic en Flac reef snorkelling, lagoon swimming, Wolmar hotels, beachfront resorts, all inclusive stays, half board hotels, apartments, paddle boarding, beach restaurants, Tamarin, Black River, Black River Gorges, west coast boat trips, sunset drinks and Indian Ocean evenings.

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Catch the sun rising straight across the Indian Ocean at Belle Mare, turning the reef lagoon silver before the water shifts into pale blue beside the sand. Along the east coast, walk along soft white sand with palms, pink bougainvillea and red hibiscus behind the hotel gardens, while the reef line breaks the ocean into calm bands of blue beyond the beach.

Belle Mare is the east coast area for hotels facing the ocean, from large beachfront resorts and spa hotels to all inclusive stays and golf hotels set behind the sand. From rooms looking across gardens, pools and lagoon water, breakfast faces the morning light; later, kayaks and paddle boards slide from the beach, the pool sits beneath the palms and the sea is ready for a swim between lunch and dinner.

From Trou d’Eau Douce, cross by boat to Île aux Cerfs, cutting over shallow blue water towards pale sand, lagoon shallows and small local beach restaurants. Step into warm water around your ankles, swim between boat stops and return for grilled seafood, fruit and rum punch while the east coast stretches low on the horizon.

Further along the east coast, Palmar and Poste Lafayette have a more exposed shoreline, wind across the water and coastal roads away from the larger hotel beaches. Inland, stop at Centre de Flacq for a Mauritian market shop, with spices, fruit, dholl puri and chilli cakes before returning to Belle Mare for grilled fish, rougaille, farata and cold Phoenix beer, with dark water beyond the palms after sunset.

Best for: Indian Ocean sunrise, Belle Mare beach, reef lagoon hotels, beachfront 4 and 5 star resorts, all inclusive stays, half board hotels, spa hotels, golf hotels, Trou d’Eau Douce, Île aux Cerfs boat trips, Palmar, Poste Lafayette, Centre de Flacq, kayaking, paddle boarding, reef swimming and rooms facing lagoon water. 

⛱️ View Belle Mare holiday deals 

Coin de Mire rises from the ocean beyond Grand Baie, a dark volcanic shape above the reef water, while white catamaran sails pull from the bay towards the northern islands. Around the harbour, boats rock on blue water, restaurant terraces face the moorings and chilli cakes arrive with a cold Phoenix beer before a walk through the shops, another swim or an evening table beside the bay.

Stay in Grand Baie for boutique hotels, apartments and beach stays around the harbour, where a morning boat departure, a beach swim and an evening walk to dinner can all happen without leaving the bay. Along Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches and Pereybere, 4 and 5 star hotels, all inclusive stays and half board resorts open onto wider beaches, with pool terraces behind palms, garden paths to the lagoon and rooms looking across the reef.

Leave Grand Baie by catamaran with towels rolled on deck and snorkel masks laid beside bare feet. Coin de Mire grows from a dark outline into cliffs above the water, before the boat crosses bright reef water towards Flat Island and Gabriel Island. Climb down the ladder into clear lagoon water, swim above coral and return to grilled fish and rum punch with the islands around you.

Back on the coast, Mont Choisy runs in a long sweep of soft white sand beneath casuarina trees, while Trou aux Biches has clear lagoon water for reef swimming from the beach. Further north, Cap Malheureux frames its red roof church against turquoise water with Coin de Mire beyond. After sunset in Grand Baie, rougaille or grilled prawns arrive with Phoenix beer, vanilla rum follows later and harbour lights spread across the water with dark boat shapes beyond the terrace.

Best for: Coin de Mire views, northern island catamarans, Gabriel Island, Flat Island, Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, boutique hotels, apartments, 4 and 5 star north coast hotels, lagoon view rooms, all inclusive stays, half board resorts, reef swimming, harbour restaurants, chilli cakes, Phoenix beer and Grand Baie evenings.

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Watch kitesurf sails rise from the lagoon in red, yellow and blue, cutting across the water outside the reef while Le Morne Brabant rises behind the hotel gardens. The UNESCO listed mountain stands in a dark green wall above palms and pale sand, with the peninsula held between cliff, coral lagoon and open Indian Ocean.

Mountain view rooms look towards the cliff above the gardens, beachfront rooms face palms, sand and reef water, while terrace rooms and pool areas take in both sides of the landscape. Spa hotels, 4 and 5 star resorts and all inclusive stays sit along the peninsula, with reef swimming from the beach, kayaking across the calmer lagoon and paddle boards set out on the sand below the gardens. 

Book a guided climb on Le Morne Brabant, following forest shade, tree roots and volcanic rock before the reef appears in flashes below. The mountain’s UNESCO history is linked with enslaved people who sought refuge on its slopes, so the walk carries history alongside views across the south west lagoon and Indian Ocean. From a helicopter window, Le Morne’s underwater waterfall illusion appears below, with pale sand trails running through turquoise lagoon water before the reef edge falls away into deep blue ocean. 

Leave the coast behind and drive inland through sugar cane towards Chamarel. At Seven Coloured Earth, pale beach colours are replaced by ridges of red, brown, violet and ochre, while at Chamarel Waterfall the sound reaches you before the drop comes into view through the forest. Continue towards Black River Gorges, where the air cools, forest thickens beside the road and mountain viewpoints stretch across deep green ridges, then return to Le Morne for grilled lobster, octopus salad or fish vindaye, followed by Chamarel rum with the mountain dark above the palms. 

Best for: Le Morne Brabant, kitesurf sails, 4 and 5 star beach resorts, mountain view rooms, guided climbs, underwater waterfall helicopter flights, Chamarel, Seven Coloured Earth, Chamarel Waterfall and Black River Gorges. 

⛱️ View Le Morne holiday deals 

Reef fish move below Flic en Flac, sunrise washes across Belle Mare lagoon, catamarans slip out of Grand Baie and Le Morne Brabant rises above kitesurf sails in the south west. These are the four sides of Mauritius, with snorkelling from the sand, Indian Ocean mornings, bay tables after dark and mountain roads into Chamarel.

At Flic en Flac and Wolmar, the reef begins at the beach edge. Step in with a snorkel mask, swim above coral with the shoreline behind you, then return to palms, rum cocktails, grilled seafood and sunset colour spreading across the lagoon. The west coast is clearest here, with reef water by day, beach restaurants by evening and Indian Ocean colour after sunset.

At Belle Mare, morning light comes straight across the Indian Ocean. The reef lagoon turns silver before shifting into pale blue, with pink bougainvillea and red hibiscus behind the hotel gardens. This side of Mauritius has beachfront 4 and 5 star resorts, spa hotels, golf hotels and all inclusive stays, plus Trou d’Eau Douce for the boat to Île aux Cerfs, shallow water and lunch beside the lagoon.

At Grand Baie, the north coast gathers around the harbour. Coin de Mire sits on the horizon, boat decks fill for Flat Island and Gabriel Island, and later restaurant terraces serve chilli cakes and Phoenix beer beside shopping streets and boats swaying on dark water. Nearby Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches and Pereybere add long sand and lagoon swims away from the harbour.

At Le Morne, the south west rises from lagoon to mountain. Le Morne Brabant stands behind the hotel gardens, kitesurf sails cross the reef, and the road inland runs through sugar cane to Chamarel, Seven Coloured Earth, Chamarel Waterfall and Black River Gorges. Mountain view rooms, guided climbs, reef water and helicopter flights above the underwater waterfall illusion all sit within the same south west setting.

Flic en Flac is coral below your mask and sunset over the west coast. Belle Mare is Indian Ocean sunrise and reef lagoon hotels. Grand Baie is bay evenings and northern island boats. Le Morne is mountain, lagoon and Chamarel in the hills. Four very different coastlines, and the one you choose will shape the Mauritius holiday from the moment you arrive.

Atlantic views, cliffside hotels, tropical gardens, levada walks, natural lava pools, harbour restaurants, Madeira wine and sunset terraces above the sea 

Rising from the Atlantic Ocean into green mountains, Madeira is found behind your balcony doors with the waves below, hotel gardens around the pool and the winding roads rising behind Funchal towards Monte, Cabo Girão and the levada paths in the hills.

Ride the cable car above Funchal’s red rooftops, walk through Monte Palace Tropical Garden and follow the tiled lanes back towards the old town, with the ocean beyond the roofs and wine lodges close to the harbour.

West of Funchal, colourful boats sway in Câmara de Lobos harbour below Cabo Girão’s cliffs. Further along the south west coast, the road reaches Calheta and Ponta do Sol, where beach hotels, marina restaurants, banana terraces and sunset terraces face towards the Atlantic.

On the north coast, drive through tunnels and forest slopes towards Seixal and Porto Moniz, where waterfalls drop beside the road and black lava rock forms natural pools at the edge of the Atlantic. Step down into clear saltwater while waves break against the outer rocks, before taking the mountain road back above the sea cliffs, with the ocean below every bend.

Now let us help you decide.

⛱️ View Madeira holiday deals 

Not sure where to stay?

Funchal and the Lido – Best for sea view hotels, old town dinners, tropical gardens, cable car rides, lido pools, wine lodges and easy access to island tours.

Câmara de Lobos – Best for fishing harbour views, colourful boats, seafood restaurants, poncha bars, Cabo Girão cliffs and evenings close to the water.

Calheta and Ponta do Sol – Best for south west sunsets, beach hotels, marina restaurants, banana terraces, sea view stays, levada walks and warm evenings above the Atlantic.

Porto Moniz and the north coast – Best for natural lava pools, Seixal black sand, waterfalls, volcanic coastline, Atlantic waves, mountain roads and north coast viewpoints.

From a sea view balcony in the Lido, Funchal’s seafront hotel area, the city sits between the Atlantic and the hills, with cruise ships in the harbour, red roofs climbing towards Monte, palms around the pool and waves breaking below the promenade.

Walk along the Lido with hotel terraces facing the Atlantic, pool decks above the rocks and saltwater swimming areas below the promenade. From a sea view room, the balcony looks over the waves towards the horizon; in the old town, tiled lanes run past painted doors towards wine lodges, harbour restaurants and tables close to the marina.

Take the cable car from Funchal up to Monte, where garden paths, koi ponds, tiled panels and tropical planting sit high above the city, before returning downhill in one of Madeira’s wicker basket toboggans. For dinner in the centre, warm bolo do caco garlic bread, grilled limpets, beef espetada skewers or black scabbard fish with banana come before Madeira wine near the harbour.

From the marina, head out on a boat trip to see dolphins, sea cliffs and the Atlantic views beyond the harbour walls, while island tours climb towards Curral das Freiras, Pico do Arieiro, levada paths and Cabo Girão. At night, a candlelit table on a terrace looks back across the harbour, with the hills behind Funchal and the Atlantic below the glass.

Best for: sea view hotels, Lido promenade, saltwater bathing areas, old town dinners, painted doors, Mercado dos Lavradores, cable car rides, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, wicker basket toboggans, Madeira wine lodges, boat trips, Cabo Girão and island tours.

⛱️ View Funchal holiday deals 

Painted fishing boats sit below the balcony from your harbour view room in Câmara de Lobos, with white houses climbing the hillside and the Atlantic opening beyond the curve of the bay. In the fishing harbour, boats are pulled close to the wall, ropes hang on the quay, outdoor tables look out across the water and Cabo Girão’s high cliffs rise along the coast.

At the harbour, choose a boutique hotel, town apartment or sea view room close to the boats, bars and restaurants. Higher above the bay, hillside stays look over banana terraces, tiled rooftops and the Atlantic, with Funchal only a short drive away and Cabo Girão just along the coast.

Sit down for black scabbard fish from the deep Atlantic, octopus, grilled fish or espetada skewers from the hills above town. Sip poncha, Madeira’s sugar cane rum drink mixed with honey and citrus, poured in local bars near the harbour, as narrow streets, painted doors and the harbour wall keep you close to the bay after dark.

Above Câmara de Lobos, the glass skywalk at Cabo Girão looks down over terraced vineyards, banana plots, sheer cliffs and the Atlantic far below. Nearby, the cable car drops to Fajã dos Padres, reaching banana terraces beneath the cliff before you return to Câmara de Lobos for poncha at the counter, chairs outside the bars and fishing boats still tied below the harbour wall.

Best for: fishing harbour views, colourful boats, harbour hotels, sea view rooms, boutique stays, poncha bars, seafood restaurants, espetada, Cabo Girão skywalk, Fajã dos Padres, banana terraces and evenings beside the water.

⛱️ View Câmara de Lobos holiday deals

Overlooking Calheta from the restaurant balcony at breakfast, the south west coast sits around a sandy beach, with yacht masts and the Atlantic Ocean held between the breakwaters, palm trees along the front and green slopes rising behind the bay.

Close to the sand, marina and sea wall, beach hotels, spa hotels and apartments place sea view rooms, pool terraces and balcony restaurants beside the promenade. Further along, Ponta do Sol is a smaller and steeper resort, with hillside rooms, village stays, orange rooftops, banana terraces and a seafront caught between the cliffs.

Walk from Calheta’s beach to the marina for grilled fish, garlic prawns and a cold Coral beer beside the boats, then visit Engenho da Calheta, a working sugar cane mill and rum house, before the road climbs towards Rabaçal and the 25 Fontes levada, a mountain walking trail through forest paths, waterfalls and spring fed pools. In Ponta do Sol, narrow lanes lead towards the seafront, with local bars, seafood restaurants and terrace tables set above the Atlantic between the cliffs.

Late afternoon in Ponta do Sol has the sun setting in front of the village, catching the cliffs, rooftops and sea wall before the first dinner tables fill above the water. Back in Calheta, marina lights reflect across the harbour, beach bars sit beside the sand and hotel balconies look over the breakwaters towards the Atlantic.

Best for: beach hotels, sea view rooms, spa hotels, Calheta marina, sandy beach, south west sunsets, Ponta do Sol, banana terraces, Engenho da Calheta, Rabaçal, 25 Fontes levada and evenings beside the Atlantic.

⛱️ View Calheta and Ponta do Sol holiday deals

Black volcanic rock wraps around the natural saltwater pools at Porto Moniz, with Atlantic waves breaking against the outer walls and clear water held inside the lava edges. From a sea view room, the pool sits below the balcony, green mountains rise behind the town and the north coast road disappears into cliffs, tunnels and forest slopes.

Wake up beside the volcanic coast and step straight down to the saltwater pools before the day visitors arrive. Later, sit above the rocks with a glass of wine while the Atlantic crashes below the wall. Close to the natural pools, oceanfront restaurants and the promenade, Porto Moniz has small seafront hotels, sea view rooms and apartments beside the water.

Follow the coast road towards Seixal, where black sand sits beneath green cliffs and waterfalls drop beside the road. Natural pools, sea cliffs and tunnelled roads link Porto Moniz with Seixal, Ribeira da Janela and the north coast viewpoints, with every stop shaped by lava rock, mountain water and the Atlantic.

Above the coast, the road climbs towards Fanal Forest, where ancient laurel trees stand in mountain mist before the route heads back towards Porto Moniz. After dark, order seafood beside the promenade, with lights on the pool walls and waves still breaking against black rock below.

Best for: natural lava pools, Porto Moniz sea view hotels, volcanic rock, waterfront restaurants, Seixal black sand beach, waterfalls, Ribeira da Janela, north coast drives, tunnels, Fanal Forest, Atlantic waves and mountain scenery.

⛱️ View Porto Moniz and North Coast holiday deals

Ride above Funchal’s rooftops in the morning, sit beside fishing boats with poncha after dark, follow the west coast to Calheta marina for grilled fish and end another day in Porto Moniz lava pools while the Atlantic waves hit the rocks beyond the wall.

By the final evening, the holiday has moved from old town streets and tropical gardens to banana terraces, harbour restaurants, levada paths and volcanic roads. The sea is below the balcony in Funchal, beside the harbour table in Câmara de Lobos, beyond the west coast roads and breaking against black rock in Porto Moniz after dark.