Islands

Canary Islands’ worst resort crowned – haters say it’s the new Benidorm

A new Which? reader ranking of the Canary Islands’ 15 biggest resorts placed Playa de las Américas in Tenerife at the bottom, with visitors criticising its value for money, tourist attractions, shopping and atmosphere

The worst resort in the Canary Islands has been slammed as unattractive, chaotic and overpriced, with some calling it the ‘new Benidorm’.

One person’s tropical haven is another’s nightmare. Plenty adore Benidorm with its budget Sunday dinners, towering hotels and lively entertainment district, while others would sooner stay home with the curtains drawn than venture to Alicante.

The same applies to Spain’s Canary Islands. A fresh Which? reader survey of the archipelago’s 15 largest resorts positioned a chic, upscale destination at the summit, and a spot notorious for all-night revelry and cut-price pints at the very bottom.

Playa de las Américas in Tenerife has landed at the foot of a Which? reader survey. Visitors criticised the resort’s value for money, tourist attractions, shopping and atmosphere.

Its accommodation performed more favourably, securing four out of five stars. At the opposite end of the rankings, Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria seized first place, with acclaim for its food, accommodation and scenery. Which? readers aren’t the first tourists to slate Playa de las Américas. One Mumsnet contributor remembered: “One of the overriding memories was the amount of cockroaches – they were EVERYWHERE.”

Travel guide Wikivoyage also cautions about overcrowding, noting: “The beaches are crowded during all hours of the day.”

Last year, Swedish content creator @amberleigh.travels attracted attention in the Spanish media after drawing comparisons between Tenerife and another well-loved Spanish holiday hotspot.

“I fear that Tenerife is slowly becoming like Benidorm,” she said in a TikTok video that has attracted more than 1.5 million views. She pointed out the abundance of mobility scooters in the resort and the large number of British tourists she came across.

It’s not difficult to understand why so many Brits flock there. EasyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair all operate direct flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Tenerife, with fares starting from as little as £30 this December.

In a recent piece titled ‘the brutal truth behind the Tenerife tourism trap’, journalist Ava Hughes suggested that the issues stretch beyond Playa de las Américas to other areas along the island’s southern coastline.

“For decades, the southern coast of Tenerife-specifically Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas-operated on a simple promise of sun, sand, and cheap beer. That model required constant expansion to remain profitable. Developers took every available inch of coastline, building upward and outward until the natural charm of the volcanic landscape was buried under layers of asphalt and breeze blocks,” Hughes wrote.

Yet other travel writers maintain that Playa de las Américas delivers precisely what it advertises. Nomad Traveller characterises it as a purpose-built destination created for mass tourism, rather than a peaceful getaway.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

“It does that job well, and on its own terms it delivers hard-to-beat value for sun, sea, and nightlife. But it is not trying to be anywhere else, and understanding that is the key to deciding whether it belongs on your itinerary,” the publication notes.

Which? takes a comparable stance, advising tourists to assess the resort based on its true nature.

“At the risk of sounding like a contrarian, can we suggest that the complaints are misplaced? To moan about budget tourism’s excesses in Playa de las Américas is like complaining that Las Vegas is brash. It’s in the place’s DNA. The resort has never pretended to be anything else since it appeared practically overnight in the late 1960s,” it says.

The consumer group also highlights more peaceful accommodation options and numerous attractions beyond the drinking establishments.

“Avoid Playa de las Américas beach unless you want to watch surfers. There are five other options for a beach towel, including calm Playa del Camisón. Hundreds of rental outfits, tour operators and Siam Park waterpark mean you’re as likely to run out of activities as bar options. It’s not even rowdy if you stay around Camisón beach. The trick to Playa de las Américas is to visit with your eyes open. Who knows, you may have a blast.”

The complete list of the 15 resorts can be found on the Which? website.



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I swam with sting rays and sunbathed on private islands during bucket list Caribbean cruise

Collage of a cruise ship and various Caribbean vacation scenes, including people horseback riding in the ocean.

THIS is easily the best way to ray-se your holiday game.

Swimming with stingrays on a sandbar in the Caribbean, a 25-minute boat trip from Grand Cayman.

There really is no better escape from our miserable weather than a Caribbean cruise, gleefully ticking the sun, sand and sea boxes Credit: Roger Paperno 404.723.3300
The Holland America cruise ship Nieuw Statendam took us on a week-long voyage stopping in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel Credit: Holland America

Standing in the warm, waist-deep water amid dozens of these exotic animals is about as close to the ultimate relaxation as you can imagine.

They are totally conditioned to visitors, there’s very little danger of a Steve Irwin moment — and I found it hard to resist the chance to pose while kissing one, though it’s probably not the most ecologically sound thing to do.

The kiss was a bit sloppy and rubbery, but the stingray said she’d had worse.

There really is no better escape from our miserable weather than a Caribbean cruise, gleefully ticking the sun, sand and sea boxes.

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Your only questions are which ship, which ports and what to do when you’re not chilling with the fishes.

We were delighted to be on board Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, which we joined in Fort Lauderdale, for a week-long voyage stopping in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, an island just off the Mexican coast.

It’s a lovely ship, a nice size with just over 2,500 passengers, and all the bells and whistles you would expect in such a luxury floating hotel.

We loved the Crow’s Nest, the top-deck bar which is the place to be on a sea day, sampling cocktails and deciding which of the many restaurants to eat in that evening, while wondering who those people are who actually spend time in the admittedly well-equipped gym.

Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas is one of the many picture perfect stops Credit: Holland America
It was truly exhilarating riding into the water on horseback galloping through the waves Credit: Supplied

We could see people sweating away in there while we went for a stroll around the open decks, stepping carefully over the jogging track and gently bickering over how much to spend playing roulette in the casino.

That is the key point of cruising. It is not normal. Normal life doesn’t have free food at every turn (and free drinks if you invest in the Have It All package) — and if you’re not cruising you don’t pitch up at a private island in the Bahamas very often.

Holland America’s Half Moon Cay featured gorgeous, white-sand beaches to sunbathe on or snorkel off, a friendly bar, a tasty BBQ and, best of all . . . sea horses.

Sorry, not sea horses, but horses that go in the sea. It was truly exhilarating, riding around the paddock and beach first before heading into the water on horseback — and galloping, then swimming through the waves, with no fear of falling off as you’re guaranteed a soft landing.

One fellow rider asked how well the horses were looked after, and got the reassuring response from an animal welfare point of view: “Better than the staff!”

From Half Moon Cay, it was next stop Jamaica, making port in Ocho Rios on the north of the island.

There really are lots of options and excursions for you to pick over and plan for here before you board, including ziplining for the adventurous, river rafting — and the classic, climbing Dunn’s River Falls.

We opted for the waterfalls and it was a lot of fun, going up the river in small groups with everyone buzzing, laughing, splashing and helping each other over the tougher bits (they’re not that tough, I’m an unfit sixty-something and coped).

A kiss from a stingray was an unexpected highlight for Peter Thornton Credit: Supplied
The stingrays are conditioned to visitors and there is no danger Credit: Getty

Reward yourself with a tasty ice-cream at the end before making the short trip back to the ship.

And the options for amusement on board are just as varied. Sit back and enjoy more laughter with a top comedian, take in a bit of live music or a show — and dance the night away.

Or pit your wits in a quiz, challenge your partner to a game of chess, watch a movie or simply sit back and relax with a good book.

Nieuw Amsterdam also offers a host of options for both live and recorded entertainment, and a packed programme of talks and activities.

We had great nights enjoying the live shows in B.B. King’s Blues Club, with the talented All-Stars house band making music and memories, though I do need to find a better quiz team as our pre-show performance in the general-knowledge tester was sadly lacking.

We also enjoyed treat meals and wines in The Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea, all well worth the supplement — though the standard of cuisine is excellent throughout the vessel, from the buffet to the main dining rooms, and not forgetting the essential late-night pizza availability after watching movies by moonlight on the open deck.

Our last port of call before sailing back to Florida was Cozumel, a charming if tourist-centric island a short ferry ride from the Mexican mainland.

Again, build up your anticipation of your cruise by selecting activities before you go.

We had tough decisions to make, I was well up for going to watch a Lucha Libre show — you know, the Mexican wrestling where they wear masks and get all acrobatic.

Passengers who did go to that loved it, but we decided to stick with what we do best — swimming with things.

Having already snogged a stingray and gone galloping through the waves on horseback, this time we were off to get up close and personal with manatees.

They were terrific, crunching down on heads of lettuce — and a real highlight of this corker of a Caribbean cruise.

Wife Lucy loved them — but has a soft spot for a leathery-skinned, rotund, slow-moving mammal.

GO: Caribbean Cruise

SAILING THERE: A seven-night full-board Western Caribbean cruise on Nieuw Statendam, departing Fort Lauderdale and calling at Half Moon Cay; Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel is from £1,194pp, based on a December 20 departure.

Add the Have It All package including, alcoholic drinks package, wifi, crew gratuities and $100 per guest for excursions from £1,649pp.

See hollandamerica.com.

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7 barely known islands where you can skip the crowds from Greek alternatives to the Caribbean you won’t have heard of

TRYING to find somewhere off the beaten track might seem like the impossible, but hop on a boat and you can find some amazing hidden beaches.

The islands were revealed by Sunsail as destinations where you can “go beyond the obvious destinations”.

Mirna Jakšić, Agana Events and Flotilla Manager at Sunsail, said of the list: “The most memorable places aren’t always the ones everyone knows about.”

Here are the best ones to add to your list if you want to travel without the hoards of tourists.

Lastovo, Croatia

Lastovo Island was closed to tourists until the 1980s Credit: Alamy

Often overlooked by other more popular islands, Lastovo is easily accessed from Split or Hvar.

It was closed to tourists until 1988, as it was used for its army bases at the time.

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There are just 1,000 locals on the island, with the nature park protected with 70 per cent of the island covered in pin trees

It is a great place for stargazing too, due to the lack of light pollution.

Anegada, British Virgin Islands

Anegada is one for the divers Credit: Alamy

The volcanic islands of Anegada are overlooked, despite being home to everything from flamingos and rare ‘sea lavender’.

It’s popular with divers, thanks to its underwater tunnels and ship[wraecks to explore.

The only town on the island, The Settlement, has beautiful beach villas and rooms to stay at too.

There are public ferries to the island, or it has a small airport for charter flights.

Kalamos, Greece

Kalamos is another quiet Greece alternative Credit: Alamy

Forget Santorini and Mykonos – try Kalamos instead.

The mountains island has just 500 locals, mainly living in Kalamos Town, although there is also the village of Episkopi, and the abandoned Port Leone

But the beaches and waters are the spot to spend your time, with clear blue seas teh star of the show.

You’re best getting there by ferry from the mainland.

Elaphiti Islands (Šipan, Lopud, Koločep), Croatia

Crystal clear waters and sandy beaches are to be found on Lopud, one of the Elaphiti islands Credit: Alamy

There are three main islands of Elaphiti that are inhabited – Šipan, Lopud, Koločep.

Kolocep and Lopud are car-free, making them much more laid-back, and each one is best explored by boat.

Don’t expect many locals either, as they only have 1,000 between them.

You can get there from Dubrovnik by boat.

Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Famous cocktails and natural hot tubs are found a Jost Van Dyke Credit: Alamy

Another BVI must visit is Jost Van Dyke, named after a Dutch privateer.

Along with the soft Caribbean beaches, there is also the famous Bubbly Pool, which is a natural swimming hole with bubbles that replicate a hot tub.

Make sure to try the Painkiller Cocktail, invented on the island in the 70s and made up of a lot of rum.

The island has no airport so you will need to get a ferry over from Tortola.

Meganisi, Greece

KE5B4D View of the Vathy harbur on Meganisi island, Greece. Credit: Alamy

Only accessible by boat, Meganisi has 30km of coastine to explore, along with three villages.

There is Vathy, the seaside town with a beautiful harbour, as well as the h historic Spartochori and Katomeri.

Go diving and you will find submarines to explore dating back to WWII or explore Papanikolis Cave.

You can choose from loads of villas and apartments to stay in too, with lots having private pools.

Mljet, Croatia

Mljet Island is a great Croatian alternative to the busier islands Credit: Alamy

Mljet Island is another Croatian alternative, which you can get to from Dubrovnik.

It is one for foodies, known for its wine, olives and goats cheese.

Not only that, but is another super green island, so perfect for hikes and walking trails.

This is an island you can book a Jet2 holiday with, which have flights and stays at Hotel Odisej in the National Park.

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From car-free tropical islands to beach cities

IF you’re planning your 2027 holiday already, then you can get ahead of the curve with these 10 destinations.

A new report released by Expedia has revealed the trending hotspots for next year, which have seen a boom in searches.

Along with the soon-to-be-popular destinations, it also looked at other trends, such as set-jetting (destinations popular after being featured in films or TV shows) as well as ‘trip snacking’ which are shorter, sometimes only 24-hour, trips.

Called the Unpack ’27, Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin explained: “In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.

“We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”

Here are the 10 destinations set to be big next year.

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South Lake Tahoe, US

South Lake Tahoe has seen the biggest rise in searches Credit: Alamy

The destination that has seen the biggest jump in searches is South Lake Tahoe, up 195%.

This is one for the outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its beautiful mountain ranges and huge lake.

It is a year-round resort, meaning it is great for hiking in the summer skiing in the winter.

Brits will need to fly to the main Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, which requires a layover at another US airport.

Hyogo, Japan

Hyogo is a great alternative destination in Japan Credit: Alamy

Japan is on everyone’s lips right now, but ditch Tokyo and Kyoto for Hyogo.

The prefecture in the Kansai region has seen searches increase by 95%.

It’s main attraction is Himeji Castle, as well as its hot springs too and world-famous Kobe beef.

To get there, Brits can fly to Tokyo or Osaka, then hop on a domestic flight or high speed train.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Punta del Este is loved by celebs Credit: Alamy

Nicknamed the St Tropez or Monaco of South America, searches to Uruguay‘s Punta del Este are up 65%.

This is where the rich and the famous often visit, with luxury beach resorts lining the beach visited by celebs such as Shakira and Naomi Campbell.

While it is mainly known for its resort like, with yacht clubs, casinos and nightclubs, make sure to visit the unusual La Mano, a huge human hand sculpture from the 1980s.

Flights here from the UK will require a stopover, most likely in Madrid or Brazil.

Sedona, US

The landscape of Sedona is popular with hikers Credit: Alamy

The desert city of Sedona in Arizona is also booming in popularity.

With searches up 55%, the destination is most known for its huge red rock formations, which have hundreds of walking and hiking trails.

It’s unique landscape means it was also used to film a number of movies (mainly Westerns between 1940 and 1960), leading to it’s nickname of Arizona’s Little Hollywood.

Brits wanting to visit should fly to Phoenix Airport, then rent a car to drive there.

Busan, South Korea

Busan is Korea’s second city and has an amazing beach Credit: Alamy

KPop Demon Hunters, KBeauty and new Virgin Atlantic flights from the UK – it’s safe to say Korea is having a moment.

But outside of Seoul, the city of Busan has seen searches up by 50 per cent.

The second-largest city in the country, it is known for its huge sandy beach (best seen from the Busan X the Sky observation deck on floor 100) and the huge Lotte World Adventure theme park.

To get there, fly to Seoul from the UK then take the high speed train to Busan.

Holbox, Mexico

Holbox is a tiny island with no cars, and it getting popular with tourists Credit: Alamy

The tiny, car-free island of Holbox has been a popular destination with backpackers wanting to get off the beaten track.

But the Mexican island has since seen a jump in searches, up 45%.

Beautiful soft sand beaches, clean blue waters and colorful streets of graffiti and cheap tacos – what more could you want?

Fly to Cancun Airport, then take a bus and a ferry to get to the island.

Perugia, Italy

The historic hilltop city of Perugia in the Umbria region of Italy is a must for chocolate fans Credit: Alamy

The only mainland European destination to make the list, Perugia has seen searches increase by 35%.

Found on the hilltop, the Umbria capital is one for the foodies, being famous for its chocolate (and annual chocolate festival).

There is also Jazz festivals, historic fortresses and beautiful architecture to explore as well.

It is super easy to get to as well – Ryanair have direct flights from London Stansted from £20.

The Tweed, Australia

The Tweed is still barely known by Brits Credit: Alamy

Most people won’t have heard of The Tweed in Australia,

But searches for the New South Wales region have gone up by 35%, according to Expedia.

It is known for its river trails and national parks, sharing a border with Queensland.

This makes it easier to get to, with Brits needing to fly to Sydney of Melbourne followed by an internal flight.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada has an unusual British history Credit: Alamy

The Ontario town, Niagara-on-the-Lake, has seen searches 35% up.

It is often said to be one of the region’s prettiest towns, and is where Niagara River meets Lake Ontario.

Expect Victorian architecture – it was built by Brits as a military defence – and unique ice wines.

Brits need to fly to Toronto Pearson Airport, followed by a drive to get there.

Chichester, UK

The small city of Chichester weirdly has seen a boom in searches Credit: Alamy

Bizarrely, the English city of Chichester made the list as well.

With searches up 30, the city is known for its 1,000 year old cathedral as well as its even older 2,000 year old Roman history.

It is also the only city in West Sussex, although remains one of the UK’s smallest with just 29,000 locals.

Here are 10 other destinations set to be big next year.

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New tourist tax being rolled out in Spain and Canary Islands from December 1 with holiday costs set to soar

A NEW Spanish tourist tax being introduced this year is set to cause a hike in holiday costs.

The rule, which will be rolled out from the start of December, could see some holidaymakers slapped with an extra fee.

Spain, Baleares, Mallorca, Portocolom, Punta de ses Crestes, Bay of Portocolom
A new tax rule is being introduced in Spain and it’s set to impact tourists Credit: Getty
NINTCHDBPICT001105217303
Certain holiday rentals will now be subject to a 10 per cent VAT charge Credit: SWNS

Tourists visiting Spain and the Canary Islands after December 1st, 2026, may have to pay an extra new charge if they opt for self-catering accommodation.

Those staying in apartments or villas booked via the likes of Airbnb could end up shelling out for an additional 10 per cent in VAT.

The tax, brought in by the Spanish Government, applies to qualifying furnished holiday rentals in popular travel destinations such as Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona and the Canary Islands.

Tourist accommodation in Spain has previously been exempt from VAT payments.

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Any holiday home rented for 30 nights or fewer will be subject to the tax – unless the property is the landlord’s habitual home.

The government says that the VAT measure is being brought in to help combat the housing pressures faced by Spanish residents.

The Spanish property market is currently under strain due to the high amounts of apartments and houses being bought for short-term tourist use.

The new tax may not necessarily mean that tourists are forced to pay, though as it depends if the landlord of the holiday home decides to pay the additional VAT themselves.

Tourists are being urged to double check the price of bookings made for rental holiday homes before they pay.

Those booking accommodation that could be subject to the new tax should look carefully at the price breakdown of bookings

It is wise to check whether any additional VAT is included in the cost or whether paying it on top of the original booking will be a requirement.

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Ditch the busy Algarve coastline for these lesser known Portugal islands with empty sandy beaches and it’s 27C next week

Estaminé Restaurant on Deserta Island, Algarve, Portugal, surrounded by sand and connected by a wooden boardwalk.

NOT only is the Algarve one of Europe’s most affordable holiday destinations, but also still gets some great October warmth.

But if you want to avoid the crowds, there are some barely-known-to-Brits islands that are just of the coast where you can enjoy gloriously quiet beaches.

Don’t skip over Faro when heading to the Algarve Credit: Getty
Ilha Deserta is the place for Caribbean like sands Credit: Alamy

To get to the Algarve, most Brits will fly into Faro before heading over to their resort along the coast.

But I highly recommend staying in the city as it is home to Ria Formosa, a group of islands.

I was told about the islands by a local, as I had never heard about them or even seen them promoted as a holiday destination.

But just a few euros by boat (taking around 20 minutes) you’ll find empty beaches that rival Caribbean.

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My favourite is Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta.

But don’t expect to see any huge holiday resorts or even houses, as no-one lives on the island.

Instead, the boardwalk stretches around the coastline, making it a gloriously peaceful walk.

There is one building on the island, however, which is a restaurant called Estamine.

It first opened in the 1960s, but sadly burnt down in 2021.

Thankfully it has since been rebuilt and it’s worth the boat ride – after all, where else can you go to a desert-like island just to see a restarant?

The only thing on the island? Estamine Restaurant Credit: Unknown

The huge glass windows mean you still get fantastic views, albeit the Portuguese wine and freshly caught fish help too.

Otherwise if you want something a bit more built up, try Isla Armona instead.

There are a few houses and cafes, with a pathway winding through the boat pier to the beach.

Yet that peace and quiet remains, with the stone cottages covered with flowers and tiled patterns.

Get to the soft sand and you can grab an ice cream and a drink before sitting on the beautifully quiet beach.

It still remains quiet however – the boat gets onto the island at one end, with along single path winding through the tiny cottages to the beach on the other side.

However, this beach is just as quiet, with just a small bar serving drinks and snacks.

Now is a great time to go – it’s 27C next week and you can still get flights to Faro for under £20.

If you need somewhere to stay, I highly recommend splashing out on 3HB, which was Faro’s first 5* hotel.

Rooftop restaurant, chic bedrooms and friendly staff all make it worth the stay.



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UK islands feel a world away with ‘childhood vibes,’ white sand for autumn stays

A short flight from the UK, the Channel Islands offer wild coastal walks, peaceful beaches and a new style of upscale autumn stays

If you’re craving an autumn escape but don’t fancy spending hours travelling, the Channel Islands could offer the perfect change of scenery. Just a short flight from the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney can feel a world away from everyday life, particularly once summer crowds have disappeared and autumn arrives.

There’s something particularly appealing about spending the day outdoors with the autumn air on your face before retreating somewhere warm and cosy as the sun begins to set. The islands offer plenty of reasons to embrace the season, from dramatic coastal walks and windswept beaches to cold-water swims and changing woodland.

That’s the idea behind Hand Picked Hotels’ new Amber Hours – Autumn by Hand Picked campaign. Designed to celebrate the Channel Islands, the short breaks are a perfect way to breathe in the landscapes as they take on a wilder, more atmospheric character.

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Think bracing walks along the coast followed by Champagne Afternoon Tea, a dip in the sea before warming up in a sauna, or settling beside a window with a glass of wine one of the five Hand Picked Hotels in the Channel Islands that are offering their own take on an autumn break.

Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a brilliant island escape, with golden beaches, rugged coastal paths and pretty villages offering plenty to discover beyond its sunny summer months. From windswept seaside walks to cosy cafés and historic spots, it’s an easy place to embrace the changing seasons and enjoy a relaxing autumn break.

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There are a selection of hotels across Jersey and Guernsey offering autumn breaks with room and food upgrades.

If you fancy a little island adventure of your own, L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa makes a rather lovely base for an Amber Hours escape in Jersey. Sitting right beside the golden sands of St Brelade’s Bay, it’s just a 10-minute drive or around 20 minutes by bus from Jersey Airport – so you can be on the beach before you’ve had time to properly switch off your out-of-office.

Dating back to 1850, the hotel has plenty of character, while its terrace comes with uninterrupted views across the bay. After a bracing coastal walk or perhaps a chilly dip in the sea, you can retreat to the spa for some well-earned relaxation and a choice of treatments.

Enjoy golden days on windswept shores

Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa,

This five-star hotel puts you within easy reach of Jersey’s attractions, while its rooms make the most of the seaside setting, with some offering ocean views. There’s also an indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room – ideal for warming up after a day spent exploring the island.

Guernsey is the kind of island escape where dramatic cliff paths, hidden coves and sandy beaches make it easy to forget you’re only a short flight from the UK. With wild coastal walks, pretty scenery and plenty of cosy spots to retreat to afterwards, it’s a particularly tempting choice for an autumn getaway.

An Amber Hours autumn break with Hand Picked Hotels is available at the Fermain Valley Hotel. Located a 15-minute drive or 20-minute bus away from Guernsey Airport, this hotel is perched on a clifftop above Guernsey’s southeast coast for spectacular views and offers a variety of dining options between its steakhouse, Mexican restaurant and tea rooms.

Also in Guernsey is St Pierre Park Hotel, which is 10 minutes by car or 50 minutes by public transport from Guernsey Airport. Home to an award-winning spa and nine-hole golf course, the grounds of this hotel are home to a picturesque lake and gardens, with master suites offering guests their own private garden and hot tub.

Another accommodation option in Guernsey is Hotel Jerbourg, which is the number one choice on Booking.com based on guest reviews. Set on the clifftop at Jerbourg Point with views stretching as far as France on a clear day, this hotel is home to two restaurants as well as a coffee shop with a sun terrace and an outdoor swimming pool open from May to September.

Over on the island of Alderney, Braye Beach Hotel sits right beside a stretch of pristine white sand, with turquoise waters just steps from the door. It’s the sort of place where you can slow right down, taking in beautiful bay views from the sun terrace, spotting local wildlife or simply settling into a peaceful island escape.

Renowned for offering one of the most luxurious stays on the Alderney island thanks to its 4-star status, the hotel boasts beautiful sea views, while the Terrace and Beach Bar is a relaxed space to unwind. For something a little different, The Vaults is a popular spot for sampling some of the finest wines and steaks, or mingle with the locals in our popular Divers Inn pub.

“An absolute Gem”

Meanwhile, the selection of Hand Picked Hotels across Jersey and Guernsey have all earned a rating of 4.3 out of five stars or higher on Tripadvisor, having earned thousands of reviews from visitors. The top favourite is L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa, with one guest writing of a recent stay: “The location is fantastic. A sea view room gives a panoramic view of the wonderful St Brelade’s Bay. Direct access to the beach from the hotel.”

They added: “Comfortable accommodation. Well equipped room. Food excellent. Breakfast selection very good and quality high. Dinner in the terrace restaurant was very enjoyable, again with a matchless view.”

Another visitor fed back: “Stunning location, excellent service and customer care. Lovely open air terrace, wonderful glass-fronted dining terrace, good menu choices with different options for dining, outstanding selection of breakfast choices. Nice pool and spa with good treatment options. Good parking. Convenient for airport and access to all other parts of the island. All in all a wonderful experience and will definitely return.”

Although, they went on to note: “The music on the terrace only happened a couple of times but is it really necessary to bring in loud music to ‘entertain’ people in such a stunning location in a place that oozes tranquillity?”

Another delighted guest added: “An absolute Gem found right beside a lovely wide beach which will give you great childhood Vibes and an enchanting memory. Honestly we can’t wait to go back -to walk on the perfect soft white sand , enjoy the beautiful sea view & savour the calm & peaceful oasis that this wonderful hotel serves up. An absolutely fantastic find.”

Meanwhile, someone else wrote of their stay: “Rooms were of a high quality and always attended to by housekeeping every day and night to turn down your bed. Food in hotel was fantastic. From breakfast to evening meals. Can say it is some of the best food we have had on holiday. Location and staff really made this an unforgettable holiday for us.”

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