hotels

FROM sipping cocktails by an infinity pool to fine-dining restaurants, you might think you need to book a mega-expensive, five star all-inclusive to experience luxury.

But I’ll let you in on a secret – I’ve stayed in over 200 hotels through my job at a top holiday firm and some of the best holidays I’ve had haven’t been the fanciest or most expensive, but have been the ones that just get the basics spot on.

Clean rooms. Decent food. Good pools. Easy locations. And prices that feel like you’ve got away with something.

Because right now, I’m seeing all-inclusive holidays coming in cheaper than a weekend in the UK.

And these are the all-inclusive hotels that overdeliver for what you pay.

All prices were correct at time of publication.

Hotel Riviera Sousse, Tunisia – from £240pp

This is classic all-inclusive done properly.

Big central pool, water slides, direct beach access, plus multiple bars and a main buffet restaurant – everything you need is on site.

Where it wins is value. You’re getting a full resort experience, loads included, and proper winter sun – for less than most self-catering trips in Europe.

Filion Suites Resort & Spa, Crete – from £375pp

This is one of those hotels that feels more expensive than it is.

You’ve got multiple pools spread across the resort (along with an indoor plunge pool), a main buffet restaurant plus bars dotted around, and loads of space – it never feels cramped.

What makes it great value is the setup. Big rooms, peaceful setting in the hills, and a slightly more premium feel without the premium price tag.

Supreme Beach Hotel, Turkey – from £240pp

This is a smaller, adults-only hotel right on the beachfront.

You’ve got a pool area, bar, and restaurant – but the real selling point is how easy it is. Step outside and you’re right by the sea.

This works because it strips things back.

You’re not paying for loads of extras you won’t use – just a great location and a simple all-inclusive that does the job.

Hotel Sineva Beach, Bulgaria – from £280pp

This Sunny Beach property is one of the best-positioned hotels on the list, being right on the beachfront.

This means not only amazing sea views, but a big pool area, restaurant, and a couple of bars – everything is centred around that coastal setting.

What makes it great value is how much space you get. It feels open, relaxed, and easy – not overcrowded like some budget resorts.

Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park, Tunisia – from £330pp

This one’s all about the waterpark and beachfront combo.

Slides, multiple pools, a big buffet restaurant and bars – it’s designed for easy, all-day entertainment without leaving the hotel.

What makes it stand out is how much is included for the price.

It’s a full family resort experience at a fraction of what you’d normally pay.

Falcon Hills, Sharm El Sheikh – from £300pp

A simpler hotel, but one that delivers where it matters.

You’ve got pools, a restaurant, bars, and access to everything you need – plus that guaranteed Egypt sunshine.

This is all about value. Once you’re there, everything’s covered, and you’re not constantly spending.

Greenwood Kemer Resort, Turkey – from £295p

This one feels more premium than the price suggests thanks to its huge swimming pool overlooked by mountains and greenery.

There are multiple restaurants and bars, including a buffet as well as Turkish and Italian a la carte.

What makes it great value is the overall feel – it’s a proper resort experience without the usual price tag.

Villa Dorada, Salou – from £360pp

Simple, well-located, and does exactly what you need, while still having a pool, restaurant, bar.

For families, there is everything from mini discos while for adults you can even learn some Spanish or Flamenco.

A short walk from the beach and everything in Salou, the value here is all about location. You’re not paying for extras, you’re paying for convenience – and it works.

Tiana Beach Resort, Bodrum – from £245pp

This is one of the cheapest on the list – and it still delivers.

A small beachfront setup, a pool, restaurant and bar, with everything close together and easy (and even a spa if you want to spend a little extra for some pampering).

What makes it brilliant value is how simple it is – you’re right by the sea, everything’s included, and you’re paying barely anything for it.

Melia Sunny Beach Resort, Bulgaria – from £325pp

This is a proper full-scale all-inclusive resort.

Multiple pools, water slides, several restaurants and bars which includes some of the finest Bulgarian-themed dinners – it’s built for people who want everything in one place.

The value here comes from the quality of the offering. It feels a level above typical budget all-inclusives, especially when it comes to facilities and food.

YouTube travel expert Mark Wolters, who has travelled to more than 80 countries, says there are two areas of a hotel guests should avoid staying in – and they may even consider asking to move rooms

A travel expert has claimed there are two parts of a hotel where guests should never stay.

Globe-trotting YouTuber Mark Wolters, who runs the channel Wolters World, suggested people should even look to move if they are situated near one of the areas in question.

Mark has visited more than 80 countries so knows a thing or two about staying in hotels, what to expect and what should not be considered acceptable.

While it is generally considered poor etiquette to complain in the UK, he uploaded a video detailing the specific situations where people should be asking to change room in their hotel.

Two of those scenarios are when the room is located near the lifts (or even an ice machine) or by the stairwell.

Speaking on his channel, which has 1.17 million subscribers, he said: “You might want to think about your sleep. If you’re by the elevators (lifts) or ice machine, those are heavy traffic, heavy noise areas. No matter what time people are coming home, they’re using the elevators, right. You’re going to have the drunk people coming back late, the people coming back from the wedding, or the little kids going to the pool in the morning, you’re going to have a lot of movement there.

“So if you want to get sleep, say, ‘can I move my room away from the ice machine or away from the elevator because that might make it a little bit harder to sleep.”

He went on to recommend asking the front desk to move if you’re hotel room is by the stairwell, which he branded a “weird access point”.

Mark said: “Another thing to think about is if you’re by the stairwell. The stairwell is an odd access point. It might have little weird noises, you might want to consider that.”

The well-travelled YouTuber suggested there are a number of other occasions which might persuade tourists to ask their hotel for a switch in rooms.

One of these could be if you feel generally unsafe. This could be an issue with the windows or the door or even your neighbours in the hotel.

Mark explained: “You do not need to explain to them why this makes you feel uncomfortable. It’s about your safety. Something of the things to look out for – the door doesn’t feel quite secure, check the locks, look at the peephole.”

Another big issue could be if the room is not clean. This could include the bed not being made or something unsavoury being left in the toilet.

He added: “We’ve seen lipstick on the mirror in the bathroom. We were like: ‘This obviously hasn’t been cleaned very well.’ These kind of things are important to bring up because sometimes rooms are missed by the cleaning crew or people left a little bit later, these things do happen.

“Maybe you’re ok with the cleaning crew coming up but do you want to wait two or three hours? That’s why it might be better to ask for a new room instead of waiting for them to clean those rooms because they don’t clean those rooms in five minutes.

“When I’m talking about cleanliness I’m also talking about the smell.”

Content creator Sophie Royston shares how she’s ditched hotels and embraced car camping for stunning views and flexibility

Adventurers are swapping hotels for cars in an emerging trend which sees them use their trusty cars as their hotel for the night. Sophie Royston, like countless other keen globe-trotters, has adopted the trend, using her Dacia as a mobile camper. The content creator insists the “freedom”, “incredible views” and simplicity of converting your car into accommodation beats the hassle of reserving a hotel.

The adventurous traveller, who boasts thousands of Instagram followers, embraced the trend with the intention to cut costs and save money, but confessed she now does it to reach stunning locations away from the tourist trail.

“I love the freedom of it. If I find somewhere beautiful, I can just stay there,” said Sophie. “Waking up and opening the back of the car to an incredible view is the best part.

“It was initially about saving money and using what I’d saved on a hotel to enjoy experiences. But this soon turned into the benefit of flexibility and spontaneity, as well as the spirit of adventure and essentialism.

“More people are realising you don’t need a campervan to enjoy an amazing road trip.”

Sophie used her car to camp beside a Scottish Loch as well as the snow-covered peaks of the Alps, using her vehicle as a home away from home. The 31 year old insists she gets a better night’s sleep in her car than she ever did when stopping in hotels.

She claims this is down to a new Sleep Pack that easily fits into her Dacia Bigster, which is available with a number of Dacia’s cars. “It makes me feel more free to sleep in my Dacia rather than stay in a hotel,” she added.

“I have stayed in hotels where you can see a beach in the distance, but with camping in my car, I can actually be on that beach. Quite the difference and quite the experience.”

As an avid hiker, she admits that car camping makes everything simpler, allowing her to reach her destination and recuperate on-site ahead of walking the next day.

With the trend gaining momentum and more people following in Sophie’s footsteps, she says: “It’s amazing to see more people embrace outdoor travel.

“There are so many solutions available to make this easier and more accessible like the Sleep Pack and the set up in the Dacia Bigster. I think this is why it’s growing in popularity.”

To get the most out of the experience, she recommends curling up with a good book or treating yourself to a hot chocolate before settling down for the night.

She adds: “Find the perfect park spot, get the Sleep Pack set up, cook some tasty food and then get cosy for the evening. I always make sure I get into some warm, comfy clothing, especially when car camping in winter, have a nice hot chocolate and then climb into the cosy set up and wind down for the evening.”

DONNA Smiley discovered the Canary Islands.

While Sinead McIntyre and her family found bliss on the Turkish Riviera.

Tenerife

Senior Writer Donna Smiley discovered foodie heaven in the Canary Islands.

As three pilot whales playfully leap in and out of the sea, everybody on our boat is grinning.

We’re only 30 minutes into our two-hour boat trip from Puerto Colón, so there’s still plenty of time to have a dip in the crystal waters ourselves, before we sip wine and eat tropical fruit as the sun sets on our journey back to shore.

A two-hour boat trip costs £51 per person for up to nine people (Bluejacksail.com).

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We’re staying at Joia El Mirador by Iberostar in Costa Adeje, 10 minutes’ drive away, where all rooms are suites with four-poster beds.

With its lagoon-style pool dotted with palm trees and setting right on one of Tenerife’s best golden-sand beaches, this five-star adults-only hotel makes quite the impression.

So too does the family-run artisanal goat’s cheese farm, Quesería Montesdeoca in Adeje, 15 minutes’ drive away.

With lush green fields and a glimpse of neighbouring islands La Palma and La Gomera from its rooftop, we learn all about the cheese-making process, which is done by hand, and meet the goats and sheep who love being stroked, before the all-important tasting.

Hour-long tours cost from £17 per adult (Quesosmontesdeoca.com).

Back at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant El Cenador, we tuck into a 10-course tasting menu, £72 per person.

Every course is delicious and crafted with local produce, and it ends in style with a passion fruit cake served under a cloud of candy floss, which dramatically dissolves when the sauce is poured over.

Come morning, cooked-to-order eggs benedict, pastries and cappuccinos made with coffee beans from a local farm don’t disappoint, either.

The bus to the island’s capital of Santa Cruz takes 50 minutes, where we find a branch of Zara with prices cheaper than at home, plus more foodie gems.

We wander the charming streets of the old town and grab a barraquito – a local-speciality coffee of condensed milk, Licor 43 (a Spanish vanilla liqueur), espresso and frothed milk, at rooftop cafe La Escala (@Laescala tenerife).

Then we make our way to Colmado 1917, a tiny Michelin-flagged restaurant offering delights such as salted fish with black potatoes and anchovies, £6, and beef tartare, hand-chopped before each serving, £11, with a red from northern Tenerife, £5 a glass (Colmado1917.com).

Finishing our getaway in style, we hit Japanese restaurant Kensei, a short stroll along the beach from our beds (Kenseijapanesetenerife.com).

Its low-temperature wagyu with teriyaki sauce, celeriac purée and lotus root chips, £40, is a delicious end to an equally delicious mini-break.

Turkey

Editor-in-Chief Sinead McIntyre, husband Alistair and twins Riley and Harris found bliss on the Turkish Riviera.

Diving into the clear-blue sea, my 14-year-old twins are in holiday heaven.

After trying to outdo each other holding their breath underwater, they emerge to slump in our cabana and have their fill of the nuts and fresh fruit on offer.

As I have learned over the past year or so, keeping two teenagers happy on holiday can be a challenge.

But Corendon Playa Kemer on the Turkish Riviera, close to Antalya, has risen to the challenge – and then some.

We arrive at our five-star hotel, a 45-minute drive from Antalya airport, in the early hours of the morning after flight delays, so don’t really take in our surroundings as we wearily check in.

It’s only when we wake and head to breakfast at the main Zephyranthes restaurant that we marvel at the view – outside is a terrace with two sparkling swimming pools and, just beyond, the pristine sandy beach.

The hotel is all-inclusive and the food is excellent.

For breakfast, we feast on eggs, pastries, yoghurt and mountains of fruit, while lunch and dinner consist of grilled fish and meat, salads and desserts, including melt-in-the-mouth chocolate mousse and sticky-sweet baklava.

Playa Kemer beach has a series of wooden jetties jutting out to the sea, lined with luxe four-poster sunloungers and cabanas.

We decide to splash out and book a cabana, from £18 per day, and it proves a winner with Riley and Harris.

They especially enjoy taking selfies with the view behind them to send to friends, as well as seeing who can jump the furthest into the sea off the jetty.

Every afternoon, chilled music plays and there are also live performances, all contributing to a feeling of total relaxation.

As does the on-site spa, where I have a Turkish hammam massage, leaving me feeling completely rejuvenated.

Treatments cost from £61 for 90 minutes.

One evening, we indulge in fresh prawns, mussels and calamari, with Turkish bread, dips and salads at the alfresco Pier Seafood A La Carte restaurant, surrounded by twinkling lights.

The day after is spent parasailing around the bay, £157 for two people.

Riley and I head high into the air on a tandem pulled behind a speedboat and can see for miles – a scary, but exhilarating experience.

And no trip to Antalya is complete without a visit to 40m-high Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall, where the Düden River plunges over a cliff into the Mediterranean.

We look in awe at the men fishing far below on the rocks as the spray from the waterfall covers them.

From there, we head to the old town and browse the bustling bazaar for amazing spices and Turkish Delight, before heading back to our hotel with two delighted teens in tow.

A HUGE new multi-million attraction based on chocolate is opening in Europe.

Maison Cailler, in Broc, Switzerland, is the home to Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand as well as being a museum.

And it has has revealed plans for a whole load of new experiences to expand the land.

One of the largest additions are the Cocoa Bean Greenhouses, which will have real cocoa trees for guests to learn about the processes of making of chocolate.

A new tasting hall and shop will become the Emporium, while a flying theatre like ride will let guests go on virtual flights throughout Switzerland.

Original parts of the factory dating back to 1898 are also being restored, with plans to open to the public for the first time as “chocolate theatres”.

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And the current Atelier du Chocolate workshop is trippling in size to cope with the current demand.

Set to cost CHF400million (£379million), works could start this year with plans to open by 2030.

All of the new additions will turn the experience into a one-hour experience as long as six hours.

It hopes to more than double tourist numbers, from the current 500,000 to 1.2million a year.

Other plans include a new gondola connecting the attraction to the parking area, as well as new hotels.

President of the Gruyère-Chocolat Association behind the attraction, Olivier Quillet, emphasized that it wasn’t a theme park as they “wont have rollercoasters“.

Instead, he said: “We want to showcase the expertise, tradition, and heritage.

“From the moment they enter, visitors will be immersed in chocolate; they can taste it and watch it being crafted by master chocolatiers.”

Also in Switzerland is a Wonka-style chocolate attraction with a 30ft chocolate fountain.

In the mean time, here’s how to find the world’s oldest chocolate shop – and its easy to get to from the UK.

And of course there is the iconic Cadbury’s World, right in the UK.

YOU can explore a Santorini-like island with whitewashed villages for a fraction of the price of the real deal.

Folegandros is an island in the Cyclades known for both pretty beaches and cheaper hotels than its sister island.

Unlike its neighbours Mykonos and Santorini, Folegandros doesn’t have an airport or huge hotels – the island didn’t even have electricity until 1974.

It’s been dubbed an ‘under-the-radar Greek island’ seeing much fewer visitors.

Santorini gets around 3.4million visitors each year, meanwhile Folegandros gets 50,000.

There’s still lots to see and visitors will find most of the island’s life in the main town of Chora of which is perched on a cliff around 200 metres high.

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It’s where most of the shops, restaurants, cafes and tavernas are found.

Make sure to try Matsata, which is a handmade fresh pasta, which looks similar to tagliatelle, that was founded on Folegandros.

Usually it’s served with cooked meats like rooster, rabbit, or goat in a rich tomato sauce and topped with grated cheese.

For those who want the best island view, take the steep, winding path up to the Church of Panagia.

CNN listed Chora in their top seven most beautiful villages in Europe, writing: “Santorini’s streets sag with admirers.

“But on Folegandros, a nearby island, you’ll find similar architecture—streets paved in slate, whitewashed buildings decorated with colourful flowers, the occasional Greek Orthodox church with a bright blue dome—without the crowds.”

Being a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, Folegandros has plenty of beautiful beaches and has been praised for its “emerald-blue” waters.

Some of the island’s top ones include Katergo Beach which has white sands and blue waters.

Visitors have gone as far as to say it’s the “prettiest beach on Folegandros.”

Another is Livadaki Beach which most visitors access by boat rather than foot.

Its remote location means it is less busy than other beaches on the island and it’s said to be an ideal spot for snorkelling.

Agios Nikolaos Beach is family-friendly with a small bar and taverna on the shoreline.

Depending on the season, the average price of a hotel in Santorini varies but typically ranges from £143–£251 per night – but luxury stays can be as high as £1,000.

While Folegandros does have some luxe stays, there are some more affordable stays too.

The Beachfront Cycladic House can be booked from £74 per night on Booking.com.

The holiday home has a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, a balcony and it’s just minutes’ walk away from multiple beaches.

Rooms at the Kallisti Hotel which is built in the style of a small village can be booked from £82 per night.

It has a swimming pool, bar, breakfast room and rooms with balconies with beautiful island views.

The easiest way for Brits to get to Folegandros is by a ferry from Athens which takes around four hours.

Brits can also fly from the UK to Athens in under four hours from as little as £22.

For more beautiful Greek islands, here are four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.

And here are the alternative Greek islands that could save you £1,000 – including two spots everyone thinks are expensive.

THE EASTER school holidays are just around the corner and with the kids off school, you might want to head on a staycation to fill some of their time.

There are loads of seaside towns across the UK, but Sun Travel has picked out some of the cheapest spots across England – all of which are great for family breaks this Easter.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool is often thought to be one of the cheapest seaside destinations in the UK, with arcades and a long-stretching beach.

For a one-night break over the Easter holidays, you could stay at The Merlin Hotel for £56 a night for two adults and two children (or £14 per person).

The hotel is in the city centre and is an eight minute walk from Blackpool Central Beach.

You can also head to Blackpool Winter Gardens Theatre just 400 metres away and Coral Island, 500 metres away.

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Coral Island is free to visit, so you can spend as much or little as you like with pay-as-you-go arcade games costing as little as 2p.

Kids also eat free at Coral Island when with a full-paying adult.

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Great Yarmouth features a ‘golden mile’ beach and lots of cosy cafes and arcades to explore.

A one-night stay at The Dolphin Hotel over the Easter holidays will set back a family of four £86.

The hotel is just a three minute walk from Great Yarmouth Pier Beach as well.

When it comes to activities, you can head to Joyland – one of the oldest theme parks in the UK – and it is completely free to visit.

Rides are then priced separately so you can spend as little or as much as you like.

For example, the Super Snails ride costs £2.50 a turn.

Travel writer, Helen Wright, recently visited and for food suggests heading to Grelly’s, where you’ll be able to grab a hot sausage roll and chips for only £3.60.

Hartlepool, County Durham

Hartlepool is often considered one of the cheapest seaside destinations in the UK with traditional seaside attractions.

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, you could head to Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park from April 10 to 13 for £228 for four people (or £19 per person per night).

The holiday park is just a short walk to Crimdon Dene Beach, which offers amazing views of the north east coastline.

There is also a restaurant and bar on site in case you want to grab a bite to eat.

If you head into Hartlepool town, the Museum has free entry as well.

Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset

Found in Somerset, Weston-Super-Mare was a popular 19th-century Victorian seaside resort and is still loved today for its long beach and Grand Pier.

Stay at the Savoy Hotel from £99 a night for four people over the Easter holidays.

Weston-Super-Mare Beach is then just a 17-minute walk away.

If you don’t mind being a little out of Weston-Super-Mare, in the next town along – Brean – you could stay at Unity Beach holiday park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £189 for a family of four (£15.75 per person per night).

Visiting the Grand Pier will set you back £2 per person and an unlimited all-day ride wristband costs £15 per toddler and £20 per child.

Attractions on the pier include a mirror maze, Helter Skelter and soft play.

There are a number of eating spots on the pier as well where you can grab fish and chips for £12, sausage and chips for £7.50 and a range of kids meals for £6.

Penzance, Cornwall

Despite many thinking Cornwall is one of the more expensive places to head on a staycation, if you are heading to the county then visit Penzance, which is one of the more affordable spots.

For example, you could head to Seaview Holiday Park, costing around £60 a night for a family of four over the Easter holidays.

The accommodation has a kitchenette as well, so you can cut even more costs by cooking for yourself.

And there’s also an outdoor swimming pool, indoor play area and games room.

The beach is then about a 25-minute walk away.

Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

According to Which?, Whitley Bay’s average room rates cost just £69 -which makes it the second cheapest UK seaside town after Southport (£66).

Over Easter though, prices are obviously a little more expensive – but there are still some affordable options.

For example, a one-night stay at The Windsor Hotel costs £77 for a family of four.

The hotel is on South Parade and within sight of the sea, with the beach just 270 metres away.

Alternatively, you could head to Hoseasons Whitley Bay holiday park for three nights between April 10 and 13 for £254 for up to six people.

That works out at just £14.12 per person, per night.

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Bognor Regis on the south coast of England is known for its award-winning Butlin’s resort.

A three-night break at Butlin’s Bognor Regis from April 10 to 13 costs from £316 – that’s around £26.34 per person per night.

And for that price, you get all the entertainment, the indoor waterpark and fairground rides – but it doesn’t include food.

If you do want to include food, this would cost an extra £186.54 (around £15.55 per person per day) for the family food court dining plan which includes a buffet experience.

Ramsgate, Kent

Ramsgate is well known for having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, as well as sandy beaches and over 450 listed buildings.

And for Easter, there are still some affordable breaks.

You could head to Dog and Duck Holiday Park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £234 for four people (or £19.50 per person per night).

You’d stay in a static caravan with an open plan lounge and kitchen area.

The holiday park has a pub onsite where you can grab a pizza for as little as £12, as well as an outdoor play area.

Ramsgate is also home the UK’s largest Wetherspoons as well, where you can grab a pint of Ruddles ale for just £1.99.

Or grab a pint of Worthington’s Creamflow ale for £1.99.

Paignton, Devon

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Paignton, you won’t be short for choice.

The bustling seaside town has a great mix of campsites, holiday parks, hotels and B&Bs.

For example you could stay at Devon Hills Holiday Park in a caravan with a hot tub for three nights from April 10-13 for £199 for four people (or £16.59 per person per night).

The holiday park features an 18metre pool, gym, sauna and steam room and play area.

And if you are wanting a bite to eat, there is an onsite cafe too where you can grab two pizzas, fries and garlic bread for £29.95.

The beach is a bit further away (three miles), but once there you’ll be in the bustling resort town of Paignton with red sand beaches and a pier full of different attractions including penny slot machines.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

Over in Essex, you could head to Clacton-on-Sea, which is full of souvenir shops and ice cream spots.

You could stay at Haven’s Orchards Holiday Village for £129 for three nights for a family of four – that’s just £10.75 per person, per night.

This is for a break between April 10 and 13, and includes access to the restaurants, takeaways and arcades but not to the swimming pools, activities and entertainment venues.

In Clacton-on-Sea, you can head to the pier which has a variety of amusement arcades and rides, such as a Helter Skelter costing just £1 a turn.

And if you are looking for a cheap spot for lunch Flags Cafe has a variety of dishes including curry, vegan options and cakes or a toastie and drink for a fiver.

For more budget stays here are the UK’s best 100 cheap stays – including our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks, B&Bs and pubs from just £22 a night.

And if you’re heading abroad – here are the most popular hotels in the loveholidays sale with rooftop pools and beautiful beaches… and holidays from £149.

YOU can still get a dose of Spanish sunshine this spring with some pretty four-star hotels for less than £250 per person.

loveholidays has found some super cheap deals for seven night stays in the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and Spain.

The most affordable, but still with everything you need for a sunshine filled break, is at the DWO Sirius -Adults Only hotel on the Costa Brava in Spain.

The hotel has 161 rooms all decked out with modern amenities and air conditioning – which you might need in May as average temperatures can be as high as 24C.

Take a dip in the outdoor freshwater swimming pool or relax on one of the sunloungers.

There’s a sun terrace too, restaurant, cafe, poolside snack bar, as well as an on-site gym – it’ll be quiet too as only guests age 16 and over are allowed.

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When it comes to the beaches, Playa de Levante is just a two-minute walk away and it’s lined with shops, bars and restaurants to explore.

To stay at the DWO Sirius for seven nights from May 9, 2026 starts from just £249 per person.

Breakfast is included, as are return flights from London Luton with Ryanair.

Another is the Hotel Best Punta Dorada in Salou, Costa Dorada.

The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters.

It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.

The hotel itself has rooms with air con, a TV, minibar and private bathroom.

It also has an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.

One visitor wrote: “Such lovely staff, food and hotel and we would go back again and didn’t want to leave.”

With loveholidays you can take a seven night break from May 2, 2026 from £269 per person.

This includes breakfast and return flights from London Stansted with Ryanair.

Or if you fancy jetting off to Tenerife, head to the Gara Suites Golf & Spa in Playa de las Americas.

In May, Tenerife temperatures can reach highs of 30C with around 10 hours of sunshine each day.

The Gara Suites Golf & Spa is a big resort with over 400 rooms as well as three outdoor pools and plenty of dining options.

It’s a top spot for families as it has a smaller pool especially for children, as well as a kids’ club and playground.

For golfing fans, there’s also a golf course short walk away – and the famous Siam Park waterpark is just a three-minutes drive away.

A seven night stay from May 14, 2026 starts from £339 per person – this includes breakfast and flights departing from London Stansted with Ryanair.

Another seven-night stay from £339 per person is available to book at the Samos Hotel in Magaluf.

The four-star Samos Hotel is right next to the beach and has a palm-tree-shaped lagoon pool.

It has 444 rooms spread across nine floors – some of which have sea views.

Inside there’s a spa with a small indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and a range of spa treatments.

During the evening, there’s a full-on entertainment programme from shows to live music, bingo and karaoke.

The beach is an eight-minute walk away where there are lots of bars and restaurants.

You can eat at the hotel too as it has multiple bars, and restaurants that serve up classic Spanish food as well as international options too.

Majorca’s capital, Palma, is reachable within half an hour by car.

For more on holidays, here are the bucket list trips you should go on for every month of the year.

And the European holiday destinations Brits are flocking to instead of Turkey and Egypt due to Iran crisis.

I SPEND a lot of my time looking at holiday prices – comparing deals, breaking down packages, and figuring out where the strange little pricing tricks are hiding.

There’s one trend I keep seeing again and again. In some family resorts, it can actually work out cheaper to stay as an adult and a child than as one adult on their own.

That’s not because flights suddenly get cheaper, but because the hotel part of the package drops in price.

It sounds odd, but when you look at how hotels price their rooms, it starts to make sense.

Why does this strange holiday pricing trick happen? The main reason is something called a single supplement.

Most hotel rooms are priced for two people sharing, so when just one person stays, hotels often increase the price to make up for the empty bed.

Solo travellers can end up paying a hidden surcharge, but when you add a child, the pricing works differently.

Family resorts – especially in places like Turkey, Spain and Greece – are built around rooms designed for two adults and a child, and children usually cost hotels less to accommodate.

They often sleep on sofa beds, eat smaller portions and have discounted all-inclusive rates.

Because of that, hotels often price children very cheaply – and sometimes the total hotel cost actually drops compared with a solo booking.

Hotels are usually happy with this because families tend to spend more around the resort, from drinks and snacks to activities and excursions.

So, filling a room with an adult and a child can be more valuable than one guest travelling alone, which occasionally leads to the strange situation where bringing a child makes the hotel portion of the holiday cheaper.

When I looked at the data, I found several resorts where this pricing quirk shows up.

I compared the price of a 7-night stay as a solo traveller versus the cost when bringing one child at a variety of holiday resorts.

Here are some of the best examples, and the biggest savings of up to £698.

Labranda Targa Club Aquapark, Marrakech

Average saving: £30

Just outside Marrakech, Labranda Targa Club Aquapark combines Moroccan sunshine with a proper family-friendly resort setup.

Kids get water slides and splash pools, while adults can explore the markets and gardens of the city nearby.

And the pricing still shows a small advantage, with adult and child bookings averaging £30 cheaper for a 7-night stay than solo travellers.

BLUESEA Puerto Caleta, Fuerteventura

Average saving: £43

Located in Caleta de Fuste, Puerto Caleta is a relaxed apartment complex perfect for an adult and child beach holiday.

You’ve got sandy beaches, boat trips and plenty of restaurants right on your doorstep.

When I priced it up, holidays average a £43 saving for an adult and child per 7-night stay compared with travelling alone.

Sol Barbados, Majorca

Average saving: £45

Sol Barbados in Magaluf is one of the most family-friendly resorts in Majorca.

There’s a huge waterpark-style pool area, kids’ entertainment and easy access to the beach.

For an adult travelling with a child, it’s a simple sun-and-pool holiday – and the pricing shows an average saving of around £45 for a 7-night stay compared to booking solo.

Staycity Aparthotels, near Disneyland Paris

Average saving: £60

City breaks can show the same pattern too.

At Staycity Aparthotels near Disneyland Paris, you’re just minutes from the Disney parks, which makes it ideal for an adult taking a child on their first big theme park trip.

And the pricing structure means the average holiday can come out around £60 cheaper for a 7-night stay when you book as an adult and child instead of travelling alone.

Oludeniz Beach Resort by Z Hotels, Dalaman

Average saving: £81

Oludeniz Beach Resort sits right by one of Turkey’s most famous beaches – the stunning Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.

It’s an easygoing, all-inclusive resort where an adult and child can spend the day swimming, exploring the beach or watching the paragliders drift down from the mountains.

And package bookings for this hotel show an average saving of £81 for a 7-night stay when adding a child versus travelling solo.

Gran Castillo Tagoro, Lanzarote

Average saving: £212

This five-star resort in Lanzarote is practically designed for family holidays.

Gran Castillo Tagoro has dedicated kids zones, family pools and incredible views over the volcanic coastline near Playa Blanca.

For an adult and child travelling together, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and activities.

Bookings here show an average saving of around £212 when bringing a child for a 7-night stay compared with a solo holiday.

Golden Port Salou & Spa, Costa Dorada

Average saving: £251

In Spain, Golden Port Salou & Spa is a brilliant base for an adult and child holiday.

It’s close to the beaches of Salou and just minutes from PortAventura theme park, which makes it perfect for a trip packed with rides, waterparks and ice cream stops.

Thanks to family-friendly pricing, the average holiday price drops by about £251 per 7-night stay when a child is added to the booking.

Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Average saving: £279

If you’re looking for something more luxury, Rixos Radamis in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most impressive resorts in Egypt.

Huge pools, beach access on the Red Sea, kids clubs and endless all-inclusive food options make it a dream for families.

And the pricing structure here means an adult travelling with a child can save around £279 for a 7-night break on average compared with booking the same trip alone.

Auramar Beach Resort, Algarve

Average saving: £349

Over in Portugal, Auramar Beach Resort sits right above the cliffs near Albufeira with incredible sea views.

It’s a laid-back all-inclusive hotel where an adult and child can spend the day between the beach, the pools and the buffet before watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

Because it’s built for families, adding a child actually brings the average holiday price down by around £349 for a 7-night break compared with travelling solo.

Eftalia Blue, Antalya

Average saving: £698

One of the biggest differences I found was at Eftalia Blue on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

This is a classic big Turkish all-inclusive resort with huge pools, slides, and easy access to the famous Eftalia Island beach complex.

For an adult and child travelling together, it’s ideal – kids get waterparks and entertainment all day while parents can relax by the pool or head down to the beach.

And the pricing quirk here is huge, with holidays averaging almost £700 cheaper for an adult and child for a 7-night stay compared to travelling alone.

Here’s my key takeaways for travellers.

I should make it clear: holidays aren’t always cheaper with kids.

Flights are still one of your biggest spends, and plenty of hotels price things normally.

But when you start digging through package holiday deals, you occasionally find this strange pricing quirk.

Because of single supplements and heavily discounted child rates, this is one of those travel industry secrets you only really notice when you spend your days digging through holiday data.

YOUR holiday sangria or paella could be much more expensive on your next trip to the Spanish islands.

Officials have said that destinations like the Canaries and Balearics will experience a price hike when it comes to food and drink because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Spanish islands are incredibly popular with Brits, especially during the summer holidays.

The Canary Islands welcomes up to six million British tourists each year and it’s where you’ll find the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Meanwhile, around three million tourists visit the Balearics – with over two million heading to Majorca alone.

Both locations are popular thanks to their high temperatures and direct flights from multiple locations across the UK.

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Now, industry chiefs have said the increase in cost of food and drink at these destinations will be worse than 2022 when prices shot up after the war in the Ukraine began.

Urgent meetings are already being held in the Balearic Islands and in the Canaries which are very dependent on imports due to their more isolated locations.

In July 2022, inflation climbed to 10.8 per cent in Spain.

President of the Association of Food and Beverage Distributors of the Balearic Islands, Mr Bartolomé Servera is warning of severe increases, which will depend on the duration of the crisis in Iran.

Mr Servera said the new impact will be much greater if the conflict is prolonged as the weight of the Middle East is much greater, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of oil and gas pass.

Mr Servera says carriers have already begun to raise prices because the price of fuel has skyrocketed.

Diesel has risen by 32 cents per litre, around 22 per cent; while Gasoline 95 has become between 18 and 20 cents per litre more expensive, which represents 12 per cent.

In addition, it is not ruled out that the barrel of Brent will continue to rise: this Wednesday (March 11) it is around 90 dollars, but this past Monday (March 9) it was close to 120 dollars.

This is likely to then effect everything on the island from hotels and resorts.

The association president said “Milk, eggs, bread, fruit will rise.

“Everything needs fuel for its production or transport, so they will not escape the escalation of costs and producers will have to pass them on to consumers.”

The Canary Islands also fear soaring prices and will meet with transport leaders shortly.

President of the Cabildo de La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo said official need to be monitoring the impact of the war on the islands and prepare contingency plans.

The Government of the Canary Islands says it is “very attentive” to the consequences of the war in the Middle East and plans to hold a meeting with the transport sector in the coming days in view of the increase in fuel prices.

Faced with this situation, the Government of Spain is working on an aid package, as it did at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, to alleviate the looming rise in prices.

For more on Majorca, here are the hidden gems on the island loved by locals.

And one writer who has visited 100 countries explains why he always goes back to these Spanish islands that Brits love and have the best food and beaches.