Beach holidays

Barbados serves flavour with a side of sunshine, from sizzling beachside grills to the lively Oistins Fish Fry, where fresh seafood, local music and cold rum punch set the weekend rhythm. Add colourful food markets, warm Bajan hospitality and laid-back island days, and you’ve got a destination that tastes as good as it feels.

Cancun brings bold flavour to every moment, from tacos al pastor and fresh ceviche to buzzing beach bars that keep the fiesta going. Explore local markets and Mayan flavours, then unwind on white-sand beaches with turquoise waters at your feet. A destination where culture, sunshine and great food all come served with a little extra sparkle.

Join a local cooking class and discover just how much lemongrass and chilli it takes to bring a green curry to life. Prefer to let someone else cook? Phuket’s seafood scene has you covered, from beachside grills to sleek restaurants. And for a burst of local culture, the Phuket Weekend Market is a must-visit, serving up fried favourites and lively island vibes.

Explore local markets for tropical flavours, then tap into Montego Bay’s culture with a visit to the historic Rose Hall Great House or an evening of live reggae. And if you’re up for a little adventure, head over to Rick’s Café in Negril, famous for its cliff diving, cool Caribbean beats and some of the most unforgettable sunsets you’ll ever see.

In the Maldives, flavour comes with a sea breeze, from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to coconut-rich curries enjoyed barefoot on the beach. And beyond those dreamy lagoons, local islands bring the culture to life with colourful markets, traditional drumming and warm island hospitality. A place where every bite and every moment feels beautifully effortless.

Dubai’s always serving something new - from dazzling hotels and must-try restaurants to its famous weekend brunches, where “all-you-can-eat” gets the full Dubai treatment. And between long, lazy beach days, you’ll find souks, galleries and a growing arts scene adding a splash of culture to your escape. 

For peak festival vibes in Barbados, travel between late June and early August. The island’s energy soars in the final week before Grand Kadooment Day, with parades, street parties and sunshine-fuelled celebrations. It’s a popular time, so book your stay early to secure your spot in the action.

Antigua Carnival lights up the island from late July to early August with vibrant parades, J’ouvert celebrations and irresistible soca rhythms. And if you're visiting in April, Antigua Sailing Week brings world-class racing and festival vibes to the shoreline.

Jamaica Carnival blends reggae, dancehall and Caribbean flair into one vibrant, high-energy celebration. Most of the action happens in Kingston, with carnival-style events in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril too. It’s the perfect moment to feel the island’s rhythm take over.

Dubai in 2026 is set for a year of unmissable moments, from spring’s art festivals to May’s high-energy Esports & Games Festival, and the summer-long buzz of Dubai Summer Surprises. Whether you’re chasing culture, gaming thrills or a sunshine-fuelled shopping escape, Dubai serves up a holiday worth planning around.

In Phuket, Songkran transforms the island into a vibrant, city-wide water festival, bursting with street parties, beachside fun and joyful water fights. But beyond the splash-filled celebrations, it’s also a time of tradition, with temple visits, gentle water blessings and heartfelt rituals honouring Thailand’s New Year.

The Maldives isn’t all white-sand and sunsets. It’s also a place with a living, breathing culture,  where music, tradition and community matter. Time your trip around a festival or religious celebration, and you’ll get to see a different side of paradise: one that’s rich in heritage, spirit and island soul.

The Maldives was made for romance, picture turquoise lagoons, private villas perched above the water and sunsets that feel tailor-made for two. Drift away on a traditional dhoni for a champagne-soaked sunset cruise, or escape to your own sandbank for a candlelit dinner under a sky full of stars.

Barbados is made for romance, from golden sunsets on the west coast to dreamy dinners at intimate beachfront restaurants. Sail away on a luxury catamaran, sip champagne as turtles glide beneath you, or slow things down with an elegant afternoon tea at Sandy Lane. 

Escape to Isla Mujeres for hidden beaches and lazy island afternoons, or share a candlelit dinner on the sand as the sun melts into the Caribbean. And with crystal-clear cenotes perfect for a dreamy swim together, Cancun sets the scene for pure tropical bliss.

Phuket is pure escapism for two. Hide away on a quiet stretch of sand, indulge in a couples’ spa ritual by the water, or slip off to a tiny nearby island for a day of snorkelling and serenity. With candlelit dinners overlooking the Andaman Sea and jungle-framed viewpoints perfect for golden-hour moments.

Spend your days in Mauritius unwinding on quiet beaches, sailing across glass-clear waters or exploring lush botanical gardens hand-in-hand. As the sun sets, settle into a candlelit dinner with ocean views or take a moonlit stroll along the shoreline.