Enjoy a warm Caribbean escape
If you’re after a beach escape in a tropical paradise, the Caribbean Island of St Lucia is the perfect sunshine retreat. With daily temperatures hitting around 30 degrees in the autumn months and warm crystal-clear waters, it’s the ideal time of year to visit. If chilling out is your main priority, then Anse des Pitons – also known as Sugar Beach – is the one. The strip of pure white sand in a secluded bay sandwiched between the Piton Mountains is also great for low-key watersports, like kayaking and snorkelling, and there’s a beach bar for refreshments and snacks. Further north you’ll find Marigot Bay, which has an abundance of authentic Caribbean restaurants along the waterfront, so you can take in the cool Caribbean vibe while sampling some traditional cuisine. Expect plenty of seafood, barbecued chicken, rice with black beans and banana flambéed in a sweet rum sauce. For a fun activity, take a boat trip to explore more of the island or kayak along the Roseau River and enjoy the stunning views.
• Stay at The SoCo House, from £984 per person for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis with return economy flights from Gatwick London, departing 8 November. Book online at Ba.com or call 0344 493 0120. Visit Thesocohotel.com for more information on The SoCo House.
A sunny weekend in Dubrovnik
During the summer months, Dubrovnik, in south Croatia, is busy and crowded, however autumn brings out the best of the area and it takes on a more laid-back atmosphere. The temperatures are less humid, but the sea is still warm and perfect for swimming – and best of all the prices drop considerably. Enjoy walking the city walls that enclose the old town. It takes a couple of hours, but the coastal views are stunning. Go on a walking tour of Dubrovnik Cathedral and, if you’re a Game Of Thrones fan, there’s a city tour that takes in many of the locations used during filming (Wallsofdubrovnik.com). For an iconic viewpoint, ride the cable car up Srd Hill and enjoy a drink at Panorama Restaurant & Bar. Alternatively, leave the city behind and sail to Lokrum island – it’s car free and has some of the most pristine beaches around.
• Stay at the 3* Euroadria Residence from £389 per room for three nights on a room-only basis, based on two people sharing a deluxe room on 11-14 November 2021. Flights to Dubrovnik start at £46 each way in November with Britishairways.com
oak up the sun on a Portuguese river cruise
Escape the dreary UK weather and take advantage of the off-season calm, sailing through enchanting valleys and picturesque villages on a Douro River cruise. As Portugal’s lifeline, the Douro River takes you from main city Porto through to the tranquil countryside and provides the area with its links to mainland Spain. On the eight-day tour you can relax on the top deck while soaking up the views of sun-drenched vineyards that sit on the riverbanks before taking to the water to explore the region by canoe. Guests will enjoy a Portuguese cooking demonstration on board, as well as wine tasting at the award-winning Quinta do Tedo vineyard, situated where the Douro meets the peaceful Tedo river.
• Prices for an eight-day Secrets Of The Douro River cruise start from £1,745 per person, departing 6 November 2021 on board the remarkable Emerald Radiance. Book online at Emeraldcruises.co.uk or call 0808 296 3399.
Head to the Moroccan desert
A taste of the exotic and warm climates are closer than you think, as flights to Marrakech are just under four hours from the UK. City explorers will love getting lost in the mystical souks, mosques, and stately palaces. Jemaa el-Fna medina is one of the biggest market places. Here you’ll find snake charmers and street entertainers surrounded by roof top bars and local restaurants. It’s also close to Koutoubia Mosque – the largest in Marrakech. Jardin Majorelle botanical gardens are an Instagram dream, while next door the Musee Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to the life of the famous designer, is a must-see. For a traditional Moroccan experience, head up into the Atlas Mountains, for stunning scenery or climb aboard a camel and ride into the desert and enjoy dinner in a Bedouin camp.
• Stay at the 4T Tui Blue Riu Tikida Garden, Marrakech from £391 per person for seven nights, all-inclusive departing from London Gatwick, 19 November. Visit Tui.co.uk to book.
Please check Gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus for travelling advice following the outbreak of the coronavirus