IT might be coming to the end of the year, so now is a great time to book a holiday – and here are the best places to visit.
One On the Beach expert named his ‘best kept underrated secret hotels’ with aquaparks, private beaches and panoramic sea views.
Luna Vista Belek, Turkey
In the very popular Turkish resort of Belek in Antalya is this new 5-star hotel that opened earlier this year in May 2025.
The Luna Vista Belek is a 5-star resort on the coast of Belek and even has its very own private beach and reviews at 4.9 out of 5.
Despite this, On the Beach revealed there are still plenty of spaces with a low booking rate.
On the Beach expert Rob Brooks said: “This place barely gets booked compared to the big Belek names – but the people who do absolutely rave about it”.
The hotel has six pools, an aquapark and entertainment from festivals to karaoke, and even cinema nights.
It also has ultra all-inclusive options with gourmet meals all day and night.
A seven-night stay at the Luna Vista Belek starts from £770pp including flights from London Gatwick.
3HB Faro, Portugal
The five-star luxury 3HB hotel is in downtown Faro but is still quiet enough that it won’t feel like its in the heart of the city.
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Rob said: “If you want a city break that feels like a beach resort, this is it”.
Common mentions in the reviews are the modern rooftop pool area and ‘ridiculously good breakfasts’.
The hotel has two restaurants as well as a rooftop bar that looks over the city and is a five-minute walk from the centre of Faro.
A seven-night stay at the 3HB Faro starts from £830pp (room only) with flights from London Gatwick.
Eagles Nest Studios, Kefalonia
The Eagles Nest Studios is in the tiny village of Lourdas in Kefalonia at the foot of Mount Ainos – which means you get amazing mountain and sea views.
Rob calls it the “definition of an underrated Greek gem” and reviews compliment the “unbelievably kind owners”, “panoramic hillside views” and “simple but spotless rooms”.
It’s even been lauded as a ‘four star experience at a two star price’.
The Eagles Nest Studios is a perfect stay for anyone looking for simplicity – it has an onsite pool and local tavernas.
A four-night stay at the Eagles Nest Studios starts from £420pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.
Basar Hotel, Turkey
The three-star Basar Hotel is tucked slightly inland from Dalaman in Turkey very near to Marmaris.
Rob reveals that the reviews compliment its “family-run vibe with homecooked meals” .
The hotel has twin, double and triple rooms – each has an ensuite and balcony.
There’s a main restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating – and both breakfast and dinner are buffet service.
Outside is a swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds and inside is even a TV lounge.
A seven-night stay at the Basar Hotel starts from £345pp (for a B&B) with flights from London Gatwick.
La Concha Boutique, Lanzarote
La Concha Boutique is a three-star adult only apartment complex on the beach in Lanzarote.
The white-washed peaceful complex has an outdoor pool, guests can stay in one of the roomy apartments that’s equipped with speedy Wi-Fi.
Reviews have described the place as a “luxury Airbnb” and Rob reveals the reason that it isn’t as booked up because it’s slightly tucked away.
A seven-night stay at La Concha Boutique starts from £565pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.
Hotel Iliana Panormos, Crete
The Hotel Iliana Panormos is a two-star hotel on the island of Crete with a central courtyard and swimming pool.
Reviews say it’s a “proper Greek family run gem” in the village of Panormos near pretty tavernas.
The hotel looks classically Greek with white walls with terracotta rooftop tiles and bright blue doors.
It’s only 150m from pretty sandy beaches as well as watersport spots, and it’s within walking distance of local tavernas and shops.
A seven-night stay at Hotel Iliana Panormos starts from £370pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.
A Suite Side, Turkey
A Suite Side is a three-star complex in Side, Antalya that has self-contained apartments with a shared pool.
Rob reveals that guest reviews say it feels a “boutique design hotel but with Turkish value for money“.
The hotel is missed because it doesn’t have sea views – but it’s a very short walk away from the beach front.
There are plenty of rooms up for grabs including those with garden and pool views, others come with Jacuzzis – but all come with a furnished balcony or terrace, an open-plan living room and kitchen.
At the hotel are multiple pool areas, one for adults and a smaller one for children.
A seven-night stay at A Suite Side starts from £455pp (on a self-catering basis).
Idyll Suites, Gran Canaria
The adults only Idyll Suites is found in sunny Gran Canaria which has sunny terraces and incredible ocean views.
In fact, the 24 deluxe suites and 23 superior suites, all face the sea and have beautiful panoramic views.
Reviews say it feels like a “luxury suite at a mid-range price” with many guests stating they return year after year.
It’s self-catering, but nearby is the Delicias restaurant and a place to enjoy Mediterranean specialities – and hotel guests get an exclusive discount.
It’s in the quieter part of Gran Canaria near to Puerto de Mogan’s pretty harbour, and 4km from lively Puerto Rico.
A seven-night stay at the Idyll Suites starts from £435pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.