With the warmest sea temperatures of the year in September, paired with uncrowded beaches, the Channel Islands are the perfect place for a hassle-free getaway in September. Extend your summer from the comfort of Alderney’s leading luxury hotel, The Blonde Hedgehog. Choose from a room inside the lovingly restored public house, The Blonde Hedgehog, or the elegant Georgian townhouse, Clarence House, both boasting sophisticated interiors with a rustic touch – expect original fireplaces and Victorian bathtubs, surrounded by warm textures and dark hues.
At The Blonde Hedgehog Restaurant, eat freshly prepared kitchen-to-table produce via a daily changing menu that highlights the best seasonal products, handpicked by the hotel’s Blonde Gardener and pieced together by Head Chef Stephen Scott.
Guests can choose from a roster of adventurous, wellbeing-focused, and nature-oriented experiences, such as a wildlife tour by the sea with local experts, Alderney Wildlife. Go on a guided exploration of the 2,000 acres of woodland and wetland to spot an array of wildlife including puffins and blonde hedgehogs. For a relaxed day, take a rejuvenating dip in the Atlantic at one of the island’s stunning beaches, or for something more active try kayaking or cycling around the island’s beautiful coastline. Complete the trip on an island-hopping day trip and explore Herm or Sark via Guernsey, where guests can stop for lunch in St Peter’s Port.
There are direct flights from Southampton, or via Guernsey. Alternatively opt for The Blonde Hedgehog’s own premium charter ferry service, The Salty Blonde, ferrying from Guernsey to Alderney.
For more information visit blondehedgehog.com
TRY YOUR HAND AT GOLFING AT LA MANGA IN THE SUNNY REGION OF MURCIA
The region of Murcia in south-eastern Spain is home to 22 golf courses within 30 miles of each other. The most renowned of all of these is La Manga Resort, home to three high-quality golf courses and once the venue for the Spanish Open. Designers have utilized the stunning natural landscape to create world-class golf courses which wind through clusters of pine trees and along undulating plains offering immaculate views while driving down the fairway. The resort also features luxurious accommodation and an array of facilities perfect for a long weekend spent golfing. The Costa Cálida – Region of Murcia is renowned for its deep-routed gastronomical heritage thanks to its fresh produce from La Huerta de Murcia, so, after having spent the day out on the course, couples will be able to enjoy delicious cuisine and wines produced in the region. Not to mention the region receives over 300 days of sunshine a year making this corner of Spain a true golfer’s paradise.
Your Golf Travel (yourgolftravel.com) offers a three-night stay at the five-star La Manga resort from £339 per person including breakfast daily as well as two rounds of golfing at either the South, North, or West Course. All rooms have a balcony and views of the pool or golf course.
For more information on Murcia as a visitor destination, please visit www.murciaturistica.es/en
RELAX AT THE ADULTS-ONLY PLATINUM CLUB AT LANDMAR PLAYA LA ARERA
The all-inclusive Landmar Playa La Arena, is situated on the southwest coast of Tenerife and is the perfect place for couples to enjoy an affordable luxury getaway.
It offers a special premium service called Platinum Club available for those over the age of 16 with upgraded rooms and the best views available, access to a private VIP zone, an infinity pool, and its own collection of places to eat. The weekly ‘Platinum by night’ event is held exclusively for Platinum Club guests and offers live music and fantastic cocktails.
Adults have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, sports facilities, such as tennis courts and archery range, and a diverse programme of other activities and entertainment as well as having the option to visit the Spa, Mind Up, or sunbathe in impressive Balinese sunbeds.
September and October are ideal months to visit Tenerife as the water temperature is at its warmest at 24 degrees making it perfect for surfing and other beach activities. Landmar Hotels provide a great base from which guests can discover the highlights of the island of Tenerife from the imposing volcanic geological formations, the caves, and natural beaches of La Villa Mariana de Candelaria to Teide – Spain’s highest peak – where you are able to observe the sky at 2,000 meters above sea level.
Jet2holidays.com has a four-night stay at Landmar Playa La Arena, staying in the Deluxe suite on a bed-and-breakfast basis, priced from £436 per couple sharing. This price includes return flights, all accommodation, and shuttles to the airport. Based on October departure. ATOL protected.
For more information visit www.landmarhotels.com
SECOND SUMMER IN LUCCA AT THE GRAND UNIVERSE LUCCA
Lucca is the perfect city for a late summer getaway before the end of the season. As Italian temperatures cool down and Italians head back to work and school, Tuscany loses its crowds and the sweltering heat but keeps its allure and sun well into the autumn months.
The Tuscan city of Lucca has an abundance of Italian charm on offer and the luxurious Grand Universe Lucca is the perfect base to enjoy a few days of Il dolce far niente – the sweet art of doing nothing.
Days can be spent exploring the cobbled streets of Lucca, riding bikes atop the medieval wall surrounding the city, and enjoying Tuscan wine and olive oil tastings at the Grand Universe Lucca. Located just steps away from masterpieces of medieval and renaissance architecture, and with a breath-taking view of Saint Martino’s Cathedral, this luxurious boutique hotel is also the home of the first champagne rooftop bar in Tuscany, Sommità Martin Orsyn Champagne Rooftop. After busy days discovering the city, visitors can unwind with a glass of bubbly atop the city of 101 churches.
Grand Universe Lucca offers double rooms at the Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection priced from £211 per night, room only. https://www.granduniverselucca.com/
LATE SUMMER GETAWAYS TO TRENTINO’S HIDDEN CRYSTAL GEM – LAKE IDRO
Stretching from Lake Garda and boasting a Mediterranean climate, up to the soaring Dolomites – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Trentino is home to some of the country’s most diverse terrain, with Alpine woodlands, lakes, olive groves, and green valleys, dotted with historic towns and villages.
With 297 picturesque lakes spread around the region, there are activities suitable for everyone. September is a great time to visit the lesser-known Lake Idro, located between Lake Garda in the east and Lake Iseo in the west. Temperatures are still comfortable at 18-20 degrees and it’s less busy with summer visitors. Lake Idro is one of the most beautiful lakes in northern Italy due to its position among dense forests and green mountains and is much less crowded than neighbouring Lake Garda.
The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and Blue Flag beach, great for young families and couples looking to spend time together and relax, and also a very popular destination among sports lovers. In the morning, the crystalline water is perfect for canoeing and rowing, while in the afternoon, when the wind starts to steadily blow, it becomes perfect for windsurfing and sailing.
In addition, there are many places to explore not far from the lake, such as San Giovanni Castle and a nature reserve in Baitoni – a great starting point for many trails in the green countryside, with wooden walkways, and reeds, and picturesque views. It is also a starting point for mountain excursions to discover Valle del Chiese.
Visit Trentino offers a five-night stay at 3-star Hotel Castel Lodron from £281 per person. The price includes breakfast daily, based on two people sharing. The hotel is only a five-minute drive from Lake Idro. Valid for 28 September – 5 October 2022. Book here
For more information on Trentino as a visitor destination, please visit: www.visittrentino.info
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MEDITERRANEAN WITH SOVEREIGN LUXURY HOLIDAYS
With average temperatures in the mid-twenties, cosmopolitan Corfu is a perfect spot to soak up the last of the summer sun beside a sandy natural beach with beautiful sea views.
Ikos Dassia is a luxury, all-inclusive, 5-star hotel which is the perfect destination for a serene escape. This hotel has the best of both worlds, combining opportunities for rest and relaxation with chances to explore lively Corfu Town, which is only fifteen minutes away. Enjoy the hotel’s long stretch of private beach and numerous pools available to guests, warmed by the Mediterranean sun all year round. Other bonuses include seven gastronomic options, including two restaurants created by Michelin-starred chefs, as well as the tranquil Ikos Spa which uses internationally renowned products by Anne Semonin.
Sovereign Luxury Holidays has a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the Ikos Dassia priced from £1,587 per person, including flights from London, and private transfers. Based on the 23 October departure.
Domes of Corfu is a modern beachfront resort situated 25-minutes away from Corfu Airport and Corfu Town. Enjoy the resort’s bohemian approach to luxury while surrounded by lush green landscapes and emerald Ionian waters warmed by the late Mediterranean sun. Live luxuriously at mealtime as well and visit one of the three restaurants that offer the best in Greek and international cuisine and spend an evening being warmed by the Greek sunset and tasting perfectly paired wines. The hotel is perfect for both couples seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of school holidays with its adult-only exclusive areas, as well as families with its’ abundance of activities to be enjoyed alongside other families.
Sovereign Luxury Holidays offers a seven-night half-board stay at the Domes of Corfu Autograph Collection priced from £940 per person including flights from London Gatwick with private transfers. Based on 30 September departure and includes free upgrade to half board.
For more information visit www.sovereign.com
