fivestar

SINCE I started working in travel at some of the UK’s top holiday firms, I’ve visited more than 200 hotels.

Some were impressive, some were expensive, and some try very hard to be both. But only a small handful earned a perfect 5/5 from me.

And I don’t give that score lightly. But these places are better than some five-star properties I’ve visited.

I’m not marking purely on marble floors or how many à la carte restaurants there are. I’m looking at something much simpler: does this hotel genuinely deliver for what you pay?

Because I hate overspending on holidays.

So for 2026, I’ve picked one hotel in each destination that I personally rated 5/5. Not because they’re the most luxurious in the country – but because they’re the best at what they do.

And I’ve checked current prices to see if they’re still stacking up. Here’s what I found.

Turkey – Grand Aquarium, Dalaman

Turkey is full of huge, ultra-luxury resorts. Grand Aquarium isn’t that, and that’s exactly why I love it.

It’s apartment-style, spacious and calm. The pool area feels relaxed, the rooms are generous, and the whole place is easy to navigate. When I stayed, what stood out wasn’t extravagance – it was how smooth everything felt.

There’s super-friendly staff, the place is spotless and it’s a relaxed, family-feel atmosphere.

For 9-16 June 2026, flying from London Gatwick, self-catering is currently pricing from £195 per person.

For early summer in Dalaman at a hotel I’ve personally rated 5/5, that’s excellent value. It’s the sort of price that makes Turkey feel like a very smart move again.

Canaries – Bakour Lanzarote Splash

If you want value in the Canaries, this is hard to beat.

Bakour Lanzarote Splash is all-inclusive as standard, and what I like is that it doesn’t feel like everything good is an extra. Waterpark, entertainment, food – it all feels included in the experience, not bolted on.

Because it’s Lanzarote, flight prices tend to stay reasonable year-round. That keeps the overall package price sensible even when demand rises.

For May 2026 (4-11 May), flying from Bristol, all-inclusive, it’s currently pricing from £413 per person.

For an all-inclusive with those facilities, in Lanzarote, that’s very competitive. For families especially, you’re getting a lot of hotel for that number.

Mainland Spain – L’Azure, Costa Brava

L’Azure manages to feel modern and stylish while still working brilliantly for families.

There’s a rooftop adults-only pool, which means parents can genuinely switch off for an hour. Downstairs, the family areas are lively but not overwhelming.

When you compare it to other Costa Brava hotels in the same bracket, it often comes in at a better price for noticeably better room quality.

For 2-9 June 2026 flying from Bournemouth, room-only is pricing from £373 per person. For a hotel of this finish and quality on the Costa Brava in June, that’s strong. You’re getting something that feels premium without paying luxury-brand money.

Egypt – Edge by Rotana Sea Beach, Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh surprised me – and this hotel was a big part of that.

Edge by Rotana Sea Beach gives you scale and proper all-inclusive facilities without the usual hidden extras. Multiple pools, beach access, good dining – but it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

What makes it really strong value is context: compared to Caribbean or Indian Ocean resorts offering similar sunshine and facilities, Egypt remains far more affordable.

For 26 November-3 December 2026 flying from London Luton, all-inclusive is currently from £333 per person.

For winter sun, guaranteed warmth and a full resort set-up, that’s seriously competitive. You’d pay far more for a similar experience in the Caribbean.

This is one of those hotels where you leave thinking, “That was worth it.”

Majorca – Sea Club Mediterranean Resort, Alcudia

The Balearics can feel tight for space in peak season, but Sea Club doesn’t.

It’s spread out, relaxed and well organised. There’s plenty going on, but it never feels cramped. The buffet is varied, the layout makes sense, and it runs like clockwork.

For May 2026 (2-9 May) flying from London Stansted, self-catering is pricing from £208 per person.

For Majorca, in early season sunshine, at a hotel of this size and quality, that’s excellent value. It’s often cheaper than smaller hotels nearby with fewer facilities.

It’s not flashy – it just gets absolutely everything right.

Greece – Mitsis Rodos Village, Rhodes

Rhodes has some excellent hotels, but Mitsis Rodos Village stands out for consistency.

It’s a proper all-inclusive with strong service, varied dining and a setting that makes the most of the coastline. The grounds are well kept, the atmosphere feels polished but not stiff, and everything runs efficiently.

Mitsis as a brand tends to cost a little more on paper, but you see where the money goes. Service levels are high, and repeat bookings are common – which is always a good sign.

For 12-20 May 2026 flying from London Gatwick, all-inclusive is currently from £323 per person.

For eight nights in Rhodes at a hotel of this standard, that’s impressive. It feels like five-star treatment without a five-star bill.

Morocco – Iberostar Waves Founty Beach, Agadir

Agadir offers beachfront Morocco without the chaos of a city break, and Iberostar Waves Founty Beach is a brilliant base.

It’s right on the sand, modern without being over-the-top, and has a layout that feels calm rather than crowded.

Compared to some Marrakech resorts inland, you’re getting beach access, sea views and space – often at a better overall package price.

It delivers atmosphere and sunshine without unnecessary extras inflating the cost.

For 30 November-7 December 2026 flying from London Luton, all-inclusive is currently from £398 per person. For winter sun on the beach, with strong reviews behind it, that’s very competitive.

Cyprus – Anesis Hotel, Ayia Napa

Anesis Hotel proves you don’t need a giant resort to have a great holiday.

It’s centrally located in Ayia Napa, walking distance to beaches, restaurants and shops, which removes the need for taxis or long treks in the heat.

The hotel itself is modern, clean and well run. The service is spot on, and the atmosphere is friendly rather than frantic.

For the price you typically pay in this part of Cyprus, it feels fair – and often better value than newer hotels charging more for less.

For 13-20 October 2026 flying from London Luton, bed & breakfast is pricing from £380 per person.

For Cyprus in late-season sunshine, that’s fair value for a well-located base that genuinely delivers.

Portugal – Muthu Clube Praia da Oura, the Algarve

The Algarve can get expensive in summer. Muthu Clube Praia da Oura is a smarter way to do it.

It sits close enough to Albufeira’s buzz if you want it, but far enough away to relax properly. Apartment-style accommodation keeps things flexible, and the sea views here are genuinely strong.

When I stayed, what struck me was how much location you’re getting for the price. You’re near the beach, near the nightlife, but not paying top-tier five-star rates.

For 29 September-6 October 2026 flying from London Luton, self-catering is currently from £268 per person.

For Algarve sunshine at that time of year, that’s unbelievable value .

Tunisia – Sahara Beach Aquapark Resort, Monastir

Tunisia is one of the most underrated value destinations in the world.

Sahara Beach Aquapark Resort is a big, energetic, family-focused property with multiple pools, slides and beachfront access. It’s unapologetically fun.

What makes it 5/5 for value is scale, because you’re getting huge resort facilities and reliable sunshine at a price point that undercuts much of southern Europe.

For 5-12 May 2026 flying from London Gatwick, all-inclusive is currently from £393 per person.

So, for families who want proper all-inclusive without stretching the budget too far, this is one of the smartest bookings on the map.

Six holidaymakers paid just £450 each for a week at a five-star all-inclusive hotel in Tunisia through easyJet, including flights and transfers – but there’s one thing to watch out for

A week-long stay at a five-star, all-inclusive hotel for under £65 per night — with flights and transfers included — might sound like fantasy. But that’s exactly what one group of six holidaymakers claim they paid for a winter getaway to Tunisia through easyJet, albeit with one important caveat for travellers to bear in mind.

Terry Langley documented the trip on his YouTube channel, Travelly Man, after arriving at the Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace in Monastir, where the group stayed for seven nights.

The seafront resort served as their base throughout the holiday.

“We have just arrived here at the Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace in Monastir, Tunisia, which is going to be our base for this easyJet all-inclusive holiday,” he said at the start of the trip.

The hotel, which opened in 2019, appeared modern and well maintained.

“Now this hotel itself is actually really quite modern. It was only built in 2019 and I think we got this for an absolutely incredible price,” he added.

While generally impressed, Langley noted some minor cosmetic wear in places and a small maintenance issue in one of the rooms.

“The hotel, the Kuriat Palace, I think this is fantastic despite the fact there are a few knocks here and there to the rooms and the fact we did have a small maintenance issue, which was sorted straight away,” he said, reports the Express.

He mentioned that some external areas could benefit from a fresh coat of paint, though staff appeared to be preparing for the upcoming peak season. Inside, however, he described an impressive first impression.

“The common areas are really well kept and there is a real feeling of grandeur when you enter reception for the first time.”

For Langley, it was the service that truly set the hotel apart.

“More than that though, the staff are truly excellent and they do make you feel very welcome and, combined with the service that they offer, for me this is really what makes the stay,” he said.

He suggested the hospitality might be characteristic of either the Iberostar brand, North Africa more broadly, or a combination of both.

“Now I don’t know if it’s an Iberostar thing, a North African thing or a combination of the two but, for the second consecutive year, the service has been incredible — both here in Tunisia and last year in Morocco as well. And that goes for reception, housekeeping, bar staff, restaurant staff and the entertainment team as well. So I have to thank them for that.”

Despite his overwhelmingly positive review, he did flag one issue prospective guests may wish to consider — particularly during busier periods.

“Yet again, I think the only thing to note, and to give some balance, is that the food — despite it being of a really good quality — can be a little bit repetitive and it can also get a little bit congested at the buffet when it’s busy, as it is only a small space,” he said.

Given the visit took place during winter, he warned the issue could be more pronounced in summer when the hotel operates at full capacity.

“So bearing in mind that we’re here in winter, during the main holiday season I think that could be something to watch out for.”

The location may also prove less suitable for guests hoping to explore on foot.

“The other thing I need to mention is the location. It isn’t the best. You can’t really walk out of the front of the hotel and go to any shops or just take a stroll if you want to. You will need to get a taxi into Monastir, but that’ll take less than 10 minutes and it will definitely be cheap enough anyway. And then if you want to go to Sousse, that’s about a 20-minute drive in the other direction.”

However, it was the price that stood out most.

“We booked not one, not two, but three rooms for six people. We have stayed here for a full week on an all-inclusive basis. The total stay came to a cost of £2,700,” he revealed.

That works out at £450 per person, or £64.28 per night, for a five-star all-inclusive package including flights and transfers.

“I don’t know what you think, but I think that is absolutely insane value. And if you’ve ever seen those ‘I tried to profit from an all-inclusive’ videos on YouTube, I can tell you straight away — I don’t need to make such a video. I can tell you 100% that we definitely have.”