resorts

The best ski resorts for young families according to the experts

WE HAVE officially entered ski season, and with that, experts have revealed the best spots for young families to escape to.

Skiing as a child-free grown up is VERY different to when you have kids in tow, when the number of blue ski runs, ski schools and hotels that actually allow kids in the spa become more important than the quality apres ski.

Flaine is known for having great ski slopes for both beginners and expertsCredit: Alamy

Fortunately, experts at Crystal Ski have rounded up the best spots for young families and they include a lot more than just snow.

Flaine, France

Set within the Grand Massif area, Flaine is known for having great ski slopes for both beginners and experts.

There are even scenic runs, such as Les Cascades, which is accessible from Geneva.

Crystal Ski also offers Crystal Childcare, so if adults want to head off-piste themselves they can do with their kids in good care.

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Families can also head off ice skating, bowling or venture off on a dog sled ride, according to Crystal Ski.

The resort features a number of high-quality apartments, many of which have their own swimming pools.

The accommodation is then only a couple of minutes from the slopes.

A seven-night trip from January 10, including flights, to Flaine costs from £494pp.

Passo Tonale, Italy

If you prefer the Italian Alps, then head to Passo Tonale, which has a “relaxed atmosphere and just one main road – so you’ll quickly find your way around the accommodation, restaurants and shops,” according to Crystal Ski.

The resort also has Crystal Childcare too.

The resort itself is supposed to be one of the best places for children to learn how to ski as it has a great ski school, as well as 62 miles of quiet slopes, perfect for practicing on.

For little ones, just about getting to grips with their skis, there are more gentle runs and there is even an inflatable slide and tubing.

This super family friendly spot goes one step further on Wednesdays though – as families can get together for races, face painting and even a kids’ torchlit session.

The area is also home to a number of significant World War I sites where battles occurred.

A seven-night trip from January 10, including flights, to Passo Tonale costs from £540pp.

Passo Tonale, Italy, has 62 miles of quiet slopesCredit: Getty

Hundfjället, Sweden

Hundfjället is a popular ski destination found in the Salen mountain range.

In fact, it is one of the shortest transfers to any ski resort at 15-20 minutes according to Crystal Ski.

Slopes at the resort feature all skill levels, but if you are an expert you might want to try the black slope named ‘The Wall’, which is Sweden‘s second steepest ski run.

Families can also head to Trollskogen (Trolls Forest), which is a tree-lined run with singing trolls along the way.

There are eight children’s ski areas, including a dedicated children’s learning area that features fun obstacles.

Other fun activities for kids include snow tubes, ice karts and mini snowmobiles.

And there is resort-run childcare and babysitting too.

For when families aren’t on the snow, they can head to the Experium Leisure Centre where they will find an adventure pool and spa.

A seven-night trip from January 18, including flights, to Hundfjället costs from £814pp.

Hundfjället, Sweden, has snow tubes and ice kartsCredit: Alamy

La Plagne, France

Back over in France is La Plagne, which features 11 purpose-built ski resorts with traditional villages.

According to Crystal Ski, it is one of the top resorts in France and has a great ski school.

And there is even an ice grotto with sculptures, ice skating and an igloo village.

As for accommodation, there are lots of self-catering apartments.

A seven-night trip from January 25, including flights, to La Plagne costs from £430pp.

La Plagne, France, features 11 purpose-built ski resortsCredit: Alamy

Ruka, Finland

Ruka in Finland is like a real winter wonderland, according to Crystal Ski.

Think traditional log cabins, snowy scenery and ‘marshmallow trees’ (pine trees but covered in snow so they look like giant marshmallows).

Lots of accommodation in the area can be found right by the slopes and the resort is only 25 minutes from the airport.

Ruka even has the biggest beginner area in Finland, which means this spot is great for perhaps more cautious kids.

There is a Rosa & Rudolf Family Park too, which has “magic carpets and fun obstacles”, says Crystal Ski.

Other activities that can be found at Ruka include dog sledding, reindeer safaris and snowmobiling.

A seven-night trip from January 18, including flights, to Ruka costs from £369pp.

Ruka, Finland, has the biggest beginner area in FinlandCredit: Getty

Obergurgl, Austria

Obergurgl is a high-altitude Alpine Village found in Austria, that is home to a hidden gem ski resort.

In fact, it is the highest village in Austria which means there is usually a good snow covering.

At the resort you will find a great ski school and quiet slopes ideal for perfecting your skills without worrying about others whizzing by.

Once more confident, skiers and snowboarders can head on the Audi Quattro fun slope.

When off the slopes, the village itself is a vibrant destination at spots such as Josl Keller, where there is often late night dancing.

Surrounding the slopes are also a number of great hotels, many of which also have good family facilities such as playrooms.

A seven-night trip from January 10, including flights, to Obergurgl costs from £618pp.

Obergurgl, Austria, is the highest village in AustriaCredit: Getty – Contributor

Zell am See, Austria

Also in Austria is Zell am See, a town located on the edge of Lake Zell.

The ski area is home to one of the biggest ski schools in Austria, says Crystal Ski and a number of fun runs including Schmidolin’s Dragon Park.

For something even more thrilling, there is also an alpine rollercoaster which is a 0.8-mile-long toboggan track.

Or if you fancy something calmer, head off on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the town.

In the town there is a variety of places to stay, including half-board hotels.

And in the wider area you could also make a trip to Sigmund Thun Gorge, which is a natural gorge carved by the Kapruner Ache river.

There are a number of wooden walkways and bridges which visitors can explore.

A seven-night break from January 24 with return flights to Zell am See costs from £362pp.

Zell am See, Austria, is located on the edge of Lake Zell and has a number of fun runsCredit: Alamy

Soldeu, Andorra

Finally, over in the small landlocked country of Andorra, you will find Soldeu, which is the best resort in Andorra for families, according to Crystal Ski.

The resort is part of the 130 mile Grandvalira area and there is a gondola that takes visitors up to the ski school and nursery slopes.

The green and blue slopes are then beautifully lined with trees.

There is also El Tarter which features a number of obstacles.

In the village itself, there are a number of hotels that have swimming pools and kid’s clubs.

And thanks to the small size of the village, you won’t have to walk far before you’re on the gondola.

There’s a number of spots to grab a bite to eat too in the warmth, such as Restaurant la Cort de Popaire, which has a cosy wood and stone interior.

A beginner-only week trip from March 1 to 8 in Soldeu costs from £1095pp and includes return flights, transfers, seven nights’ accommodation, breakfast and evening meals, ski or snowboard lessons, lift pass and equipment hire.

For more snow-based holiday inspiration, here’s what the inside the Arctic paradise of Lapland is like – a true winter adventure and slice of magic.

Plus, Eurostar Snow returns this month with trains to six popular resorts across France.

All the places to stay in Soldeu, Andorra, are close to the gondolaCredit: Alamy

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The best Spanish resorts you’ve NEVER heard of

FROM the Canaries to Costa Blanca, these under-the-radar Spanish destinations should be on your holiday wish list.

We’ve picked out some of the best hidden gems across Spain, with whitewashed villages, beach towns and exotic city breaks for a fraction of the usual price and no crowds.

Manilva in Costa del Sol is an overlooked Spanish gemCredit: Alamy

Manilva, Costa del Sol

If you’re heading to the Costa del Sol, leave behind the tourist hotspots of Malaga, Marbella and Torremolinos. 

Instead, head to the local favourite of Manilva, around 27 miles south of Marbella

This resort has a traditional hilltop white village (pueblo) with stunning coastal views, plus a marina and beach town, San Luis de Sabinillas. 

The area is also full of vineyards – with producers like Nilva offering wine tastings and modern dry whites at a fraction of the price you’d pay in France or Italy.

For example, you’d pay £26.50 for a two-hour wine tour or £15 for a bottle of Dry Muscatel.

The pueblo and marina have loads of affordable tapas bars, such as Susi Gastro Tapas, where a plate of croquettes costs less than £4. 

It’s also amazingly affordable to stay in Manilva.

A seven-night getaway here in 2025 cost an average of just £371 according to TravelSupermarket.

And hotel rooms cost from as little as £30 per night in spring, according to Hotels Combined.

It’s a great time of year to travel, with average highs of 20C and actual highs of 25C in April.

The vineyards in Manilva produce mainly dry white wineCredit: Alamy
S’illot in Majorca is a calmer choice than Palma or MagalufCredit: Alamy

S’illot, Majorca

Get away from the hordes of Brits that flock to Magaluf and Palma, and make a beeline for S’illot on the other side of the island. 

Around halfway down Majorca’s east coast, it’s quieter and calmer than the mainstream resorts, making it a hit with families and locals. 

And it’s easy to see why. The water is turquoise, shallow and calm, beaches have soft sand and you can watch fishing boats in action.

Another advantage of S’illot is its location – you can jump on a bike and cycle the island’s beautiful coastline on a path linking several beach towns

And at £449 per person for a week’s break according to TravelSupermarket, it’s also an affordable Spanish beach resort. 

El Palmar de Vejer on the Costa de la Luz has a laid-back vibeCredit: Alamy
El Palmar de Vejer is within the province of CadizCredit: Getty

El Palmar de Vejer, Andalucía

This little surf town on the south-west coast in the province of Cádiz, is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. 

El Palmar de Vejer – or just El Palmar to locals – is loved by Spanish holiday-makers – but you’re unlikely to spot many Brits here because it’s less packaged for mass tourism. 

It’s not the easiest destination to reach – from Malaga, you need to catch a three-hour train to Cádiz and board a bus down the coast that takes around an hour. 

But the journey is well worth it. You’ll be greeted by a long, wide beach with soft golden sand, independent surf lodges and laid-back chiringuitos (beach bars). 

Most of these serve proper Andalusian paella and fresh seafood, which you can eat with your toes in the sand while watching the Atlantic rollers.

You can bag a great meal with drinks for under €20 if you know where to go. 

Try La Cerveceria, where a beer costs just £1.50 and a glass of white wine is less than £2.

Accommodation isn’t expensive either – instead of high-rise developments and hotel chains, you’ll find locally-run bungalows and guest houses. 

Casa Reyes El Palmar has rooms from just £43.50pp per night (£87 for a double room). 

Wake up to the sound of the sea, hit the beach, maybe book a surfing lesson and then head to a beach bar for lunch.

This place has the same relaxed, surfy vibe you get in California – no wonder locals call it “Cádizfornia”.

The Basilica of Santa Maria is a landmark church in Elche on the Costa BlancaCredit: Getty

Elche, Costa Blanca

Just outside the main city is El Palmeral de Elche, a huge palm tree park and gardenCredit: Getty

For an under-the-radar city break, head to Elche. 

Around half an hour inland from Alicante, this city offers all the classic Spanish features – minus the crowds. 

You may not have Costa Blanca’s famous beaches within walking distance, but you are only a short stroll to cultural highlights like pink palaces and Europe’s largest palm grove. 

Built during the 11th and 13th centuries, Palau d’Altamira is a fortress that looks pink in the sun. 

It’s now a museum packed with artefacts about the history of Elche – and has a nominal entrance fee (€3/£2.59 for anyone above the age of six; €1/86p for students; free entry for anyone on Sundays).

Just outside the main city is El Palmeral de Elche, a huge palm tree park and garden. 

Home to a whopping 200,000 palm trees, it’s also completely free to enter. 

If you do want beaches, the coastal towns of Urbanova and Arenales del Sol are a 25-minute drive away.

The city is filled with cosy tapas restaurants, like local hangout Bar Paquito, which has been serving homemade dishes like paella and fried rice since 1970, with prices from just €6.

You can also bag a bargain on hotels – The Ibis Elche has rooms from just £29.50pp per night (€59 for a double room).

Nerja has a number of sweeping golden beaches to choose fromCredit: Getty
Mountainside Burriana houses make Nerja a postcard-perfect Spanish spotCredit: Getty

Nerja, Costa del Sol

This former fishing village is around a 50-minute drive east of Malaga and is less built up than its Costa del Sol neighbours.

Pronounced “Ner-ha”, it;s a scenic resort on the Andalusian coast with a number of beaches, a 17th-century church and mountain-and-sea views.

With its soft sand, clear water and lively restaurants, the Blue Flag Burriana is arguably the best beach.

Powdery sand stretches for almost ten miles in Nerja, and you can try activities like water skiing and scuba diving. 

Nerja is also packed with history, with Andalusian white villages and ancient caves dotting the seafront.

Balcon de Europa is an expansive, cliffside promontory, home to the 17th-century Church of El Salvador.

Worked up an appetite? Chiringuito Mauri is a rustic beachside restaurant serving seafood, chicken and paella cooked on a converted fishing boat. 

It also won’t break the bank to eat here – paella costs from €6 (£5.30) and chicken dishes from €8.50 (£7.50).

Around a 25-minute walk along the seafront from the centre of town, Hotel Balcón de Europa has rooms from £57pp per night.

Mojácar is a traditional pueblo close to the city of AlmeriaCredit: Alamy
Cabo de Gata is a nature reserve in AlmeriaCredit: Getty

Almería, Andalucía

How about a holiday in Spain’s happiest city?

With a warm climate, low rainfall and excellent tapas bars, a stint in Almería will leave a smile on your face. 

Despite the recent launch of new flights from the UK, this port city on the Iberian Peninsula is still often overlooked by Brits who flock to Madrid or Barcelona instead. 

Its main attraction is the 16th-century Moorish Alcazaba (fortress) that has the best views of the city.

There is also the Barrio de la Chanca, a small quarter of the old town where colourful houses are built into the caves.

Beach lovers can head to Playa del Zapillo and Playa de Las Olas – both located just a stone’s throw away from the city’s trendy restaurants and bars.

There’s no shortage of tapas bars in Almeria, including Jovellanos 16, where small dishes like mushrooms in garlic sauce are served for free with every drink you order.

Almeria is also Europe‘s only city with a hot desert climate thanks to its proximity to the continent’s only desert.

A 30-minute drive away, the Tabernas Desert has been used as a filming location for famous Westerns, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

And with rooms from as little as £35 a night at the likes of the Hostal Estacion, you can stay somewhere central without having to splash the cash.

El Rompido is a lesser-visited traditional coastal boroughCredit: Alamy
The beaches of El Rompido are often far less busy than those of MarbellaCredit: Alamy

El Rompido, Andalucía

Around half an hour west of Huelva city, El Rompido is a small seaside resort with plenty of beach bars, boat trips and good-value restaurants. 

Backed by natural marshland and with narrow streets and whitewashed houses, this fishing village has a local feel, with many Spanish families choosing to holiday here in summer.

When it comes to activities, much of it is tied to the coast – think kayaking, a segway through the marshes and walking in the dunes – and there is a golf course with sea views.

La Flecha is an eight-mile spit of land that is accessible only by boat – offering incredible beaches of powder sand and a feeling of remoteness.

El Rompido is known for its “gambitas de Huelva” (small prawns) – try them at Doña Gamba, a local seafood bar in the village square (from €8.50/£7.50).

You won’t find any expensive boutique hotels or big chains here, meaning El Rompido is still both affordable and charming.

On the edge of town, Hotel Nuevo Portil has rooms from just £28pp (doubles from £56).

Tarifa is a top destination for wind-sportsCredit: Alamy
Tarifa sits at the tip of the Iberian PeninsulaCredit: Getty

Tarifa, Andalucía

Europe’s southernmost point, Tarifa is loved by locals but often overlooked by Brits.

It features pristine, white sand beaches and, thanks to its location, lots of wind, meaning kitesurfers and windsurfers flock to the area. 

It’s a great spot to watch or even try the sport for yourself, with group lessons with Captain Kite Tarifa costing around £58 (€66 for three hours). 

For something less energetic, boat trips offer dolphin and whale watching, and you have views of Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar. 

Another option is to explore the 800-year-old Tarifa Castle, dip in the natural sea pools along the coast or simply hit the beach. 

The town’s surf scene means it has a laid-back vibe, with lively tapas bars like El Lola serving just-cooked tortillas, local sherries and wine from Cádiz to diners on its terrace.

Don’t expect to see many chain hotels in Tarifa – that’s part of its appeal.

Located just 500 yards from the beach, the whitewashed La Casa de la Favorita has rooms from £44 per night, while the three-star Beach Hotel Dos Mares has rooms from £37.50pp per night (£75 for a double).

Arrieta is a quieter option when visiting LanzaroteCredit: Getty
Playa la Garita in Arrieta is small, sandy and unspoiltCredit: Alamy

Arrieta, Lanzarote

Most of Lanzarote’s popular beach resorts, such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, are found on the south of the island. 

Instead, head north towards the more rugged coastline and you’ll discover the lesser-known fishing village of Arrieta

With volcanic mountains on one side and the sea to the other, it offers the classic features of a holiday in the Canaries – but is blissfully uncrowded. 

Join locals at La Garita beach, a sheltered cove where you can surf small waves, build sandcastles and sip €5 cocktails from a mojito truck parked by the sand.

You’re also within easy reach of Lanzarote’s wine-growing region, La Geria.

Minerally dry whites are paired perfectly with traditional Canarian potatoes (boiled and salty) and spicy red “mojo” sauce.

You can sample them on a wine tour with a company like Wine Tours Lanzarote or direct through the bodega (vineyard). 

Accommodation in Arrieta tends to be small-scale, from villas to family-run places, rather than mega resorts

The Eco Cabin at Finca de Arrieta costs from £40pp per night based on four sharing (€180).

Cala Aigua Blava in Begur is a breath-taking bay with a few fantastic seafood restaurantsCredit: Getty
Nearby Sa Tuna is a tiny picturesque fishing village, and is only 11-minutes down the roadCredit: Alamy

Begur, Costa Brava

Around an hour north of Barcelona, and 30 miles beyond the package holiday favourite Tossa de Mar, sits the charming town of Begur.

Its golden sand, Moorish history and tapas bars keep the locals coming back year on year for stylish Spanish beach holidays

You can happily spend your time hopping from cove to cove, each with steep walls plunging into turquoise water.

The Cami de Romda coastal path is a great hike between coves, while kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding gets you even closer to the sea caves.

But it’s not just a beach town. You’ll also find a medieval castle, narrow old town streets and “Indiano” mansions – homes built by people who went to Latin America and returned.  

Begur is known for its fresh fish – try traditional Catalan fish stew and wines from the DO Emporda region.

One of Begur’s oldest restaurants, Restaurante Casa Juanita is known for its fresh, local rock fish – cooked before your eyes in an old wood oven.

Set in a 19th-century “Indiano” house, the three-star Cluc Hotel has rooms from £52.

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I stayed a UK hotel that’s one of Europe’s ‘best resorts’ – my honest review

Mar Hall Hotel and Resort near Glasgow underwent a £20m refurbishment and was voted in the top 20 resorts in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler readers – and I recently stayed there

Many tourists are drawn to Scotland for the Highlands, Loch Ness and whisky — not necessarily the outskirts of Glasgow. However, I recently discovered a charming corner of Scotland is just a stone’s throw from the baggage claim.

The phrase “airport hotel” isn’t one that ignites much enthusiasm. They’re more often a necessary inconvenience than a destination, but just outside Scotland’s largest city lies the newly refurbished Mar Hall Hotel and Resort. Let’s be clear, this isn’t so much an ‘airport hotel’ as it is a hotel near an airport. The five-star resort has recently undergone a £20million makeover under new management.

Despite being no more than 30 minutes from my flat, it feels like an escape to the country. Arriving at 3pm, which is sunset during the depths of winter here, the sun casts a golden hue over the Clyde and the gently rolling hills and trees beyond. Toto, I don’t think we’re in Glasgow anymore.

The new Mar Hall

At the grand old age of 180, Mar Hall has had several incarnations. Originally commissioned by the 11th Lord Blantyre as the latest Erskine house estate, it was later transformed into a hospital for soldiers returning from World War 1 with amputations.

Fast forward to 2025 and Mar Hall finds itself under fresh ownership once more. For Glaswegians such as myself, an evening spent in a lavish period property offers a welcome escape from everyday life. For those travelling from further away, it provides an exceptionally luxurious introduction to Scotland.

Despite the hotel’s new proprietors being Dubai-based — and its Instagram-ready aesthetic — Mar Hall’s makeover feels unmistakably Scottish. During a tour of the recently renovated establishment, Jim Hamilton from Graven, the interior design company behind the transformation, told me he grew up locally and still lives minutes away.

The quintessentially Glaswegian design house Timorous Beasties provided wallpapers and fabrics, while Glasgow’s Artpistol gallery sourced much of the artwork displayed throughout, including pieces from recent Glasgow School of Art graduates.

Noting how Mar Hall has transformed from “home to hospital to hospitality”, Jim said they aimed to maintain that sense of homeliness and care in its latest incarnation.

One of the callbacks to its Victorian roots is the potted palm trees flanking the entrance hall — a nod to an era when exotic plants were a symbol of sophistication and worldliness. The attention to detail extended to the very walls. A series of four large paintings depicting Scotland’s seasons, commissioned from Scottish artist Nichol Wheatley, are set within custom wall panelling, reflecting the style of the period.

The aesthetic is a bold mix of vibrant colours and patterns: it’s Victorian, but with a 2025 twist. Your gaze is constantly drawn upwards through the lofty spaces towards the stunning vaulted ceilings above. The overall effect is lavish and chic, yet inviting. Whilst it is a five-star resort, the staff are incredibly friendly, making me feel perfectly at ease.

The rooms

It’s nearing December and the hotel has been fully decked out for the festive season. The receptionist, who offers a typically warm Scottish welcome, pauses before the doors to the Gallery, clearly excited to show me the grand room at the heart of the hotel.

For a moment, I worry about having to feign excitement for this kindly lady, but when she swings open the doors, I’m genuinely taken aback. It’s even more impressive in person than online.

To reach one of the hotel’s 74 rooms, guests walk through the Gallery with its plush seating, fireplaces and marble bar. I’m handed the keys to the Erskine grand suite for the night, priced at £1,125 per night, kitted out with a regal sitting room and grand piano.

The sitting room and bathroom, featuring a rolltop bath, offer views over the golf course, River Clyde and picturesque woodlands beyond, in that order. The bespoke bookcases are so perfectly illuminated — as is everything in the hotel — that when I meet Jim, I can’t resist asking if he would design my flat pro bono.

The festive decorations extend to the rooms. I’m thrilled to discover a Christmas tree in the lounge, sparkling next to a handwritten note and dish of treats welcoming me to Mar Hall. It’s enough to make anyone feel warm and fuzzy.

The bedroom, with its luxurious four-poster bed and impeccably luxurious bedding, lulls me to sleep shortly after I start watching a cheesy Netflix Christmas film. It’s a pity I can’t spend more time savouring a hotel room of this standard.

Mar Hall only reopened in May this year, but I hear Kylie Minogue has already stayed in these suites twice.

The food

Before dinner, I enjoy a drink in the Slàinte bar, which is delightfully cosy with a crackling fireplace and a Christmas tree. For dinner, smoked salmon, beef, and sticky toffee pudding are the mainstays of ‘fancy dining’ in Scotland and rightly so. I’m pleased to see all three on the menu.

Layering local smoked salmon on a bed of horseradish and a crunchy cracker was a real treat. The blade of beef was as tender as expected, with dauphinoise and honey-roasted carrots making for a perfect mouthful. The only critique I’d have is that the pudding could have done with more toffee sauce, as is often the case.

The unexpected highlight, however, were the warm fig bread rolls – they’ve been on my mind ever since. And all throughout, the service struck a good balance between being attentive and unobtrusive.

Breakfast in the Dining Room offers a continental selection with a variety of hot options including full Scottish breakfast, sausage egg roll, eggs Benedict, and porridge. I chose the ‘rise & shine crumpet’, a tasty combination of Argyll smoked salmon with scrambled egg.

Location and facilities

Mar Hall is set within a 240-acre estate, just a 25-minute drive from Glasgow city centre or a mere 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport. However, it’s not easily reachable by public transport.

The 18-hole Earl of Mar golf course is conveniently located just outside. Like the hotel, it boasts picturesque views of the River Clyde and the Kilpatrick Hills.

The spa features a swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms. Other amenities include a gym, games room and private screening room.

Final thoughts

Mar Hall’s new owners have invested millions into the hotel with the aim of making it a world-class destination. Resort director Andy Roger shared plans for a clubhouse featuring a second restaurant and a state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor spa.

However, it faces tough competition just an hour up the M8. This year, Mar Hall made it into the top 20 resorts in Europe as voted by readers of American luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. The number one spot on the list? Gleneagles. This iconic resort is a Scottish summer camp for the rich, offering seven eateries, three golf courses and a spa, along with horse riding, shooting, fishing, off-roading and more in the hills of the Perthshire resort.

While it may not be a full-service millionaire’s playground, I’m already excited about returning. Mar Hall tops my list for a pampering staycation with my husband or for afternoon tea with out-of-town visitors. Once the spa is refurbished, I know it’ll be a huge hit with locals.

The more time I spent at Mar Hall, the less I wanted to leave, and that’s the sign of a great hotel.

Booking details

Rooms and packages can be booked through Mar Hall’s website. Rooms start from £292.

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Four most affordable resorts for a last-minute all-inclusive ski holiday from £320

It’s never too late to book a ski trip for early next year, and there are plenty of all-inclusive package deals available across a list of desirable European destinations

Amidst the Christmas chaos, many of us start planning our trips for 2026, with skiing being one of the most popular holiday activities during the first few months of the year. However, by the time you factor in your ski pass, they can become notoriously expensive. Happily, there are four European resorts that start from just £320 per person, with everything included.

A booking website called Heidi allows travellers to search for their desired skiing package holiday with any dates or locations they prefer, bringing up the best deals. Users can also choose specific filters for a package, such as beginners, advanced, families, large ski areas, apres-ski, or opt for a short transfer.

To help holidaymakers find the best deal for booking a last-minute ski package holiday for January, Heidi has revealed their most affordable deals, including those from their most popular destinations. The packages include a three-night stay for two in January, with flights, accommodation, transfers and lift passes all included.

These are the most affordable package deals for January 2026:

1. Bansko, Bulgaria – £320pp

  • Sunday, 18 January – Wednesday, 21 January
  • Includes: Three nights B&B at Hotel Dzhangal, return London – Sofia flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

2. Les Houches, France – £332pp

  • Sunday, 11 January – Wednesday, 14 January
  • Includes: Three nights’ accommodation at Les Campanules, return London – Geneva flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

3. Zakopane, Poland – £342pp

  • Sunday, 11 January to Wednesday, 14 January
  • Includes: Three nights B&B at Hotel Nosalowy Dwór, return London – Krakow flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

4. Arinsal, Andorra – £350pp

  • Tuesday, 13 January to Friday, 16 January
  • Includes: Three nights’ accommodation at Sant Gothard, return London – Barcelona flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

Heidi noted that for those who don’t want ski passes included in the package, prices are expected to be even cheaper. Travellers can also search ‘anywhere’ on the Heidi website for further deals if they’re flexible on their location.

Co-founder of Heidi, Marcus Blunt shared: “If you’re not restricted to school holidays, go skiing in January – it’s off-peak and therefore usually the cheapest time and the slopes are quieter. Snow conditions are great in January, so you can also choose from lower altitude resorts, which can be cheaper than some of the bigger, higher-altitude resorts.

“If budgets are tight, go for a long weekend or short mid-week break. It may sound obvious, but with 4 or 5 nights instead of a full week, you still get lots of skiing in, but it really brings the overall cost down. If you’re flexible with your dates, use our flexible dates search filter – you could save hundreds by flying on mid-week days versus over a weekend.

“Everyone loves a bargain, but our customers prioritise getting great value over just the lowest price. Price matters, of course, but getting the quality experience they want for their money – with flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind – matters more. That’s where Heidi helps travellers make smart choices.”

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

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Victorian seaside gem dubbed ‘queen of resorts’ with history going back centuries

The Victorian seaside town of Llandudno in North Wales has been attracting holidaymakers since the 1800s with its picturesque beaches, historic Great Orme clifftop and palm-lined promenade

This North Wales resort boasts an extensive history of drawing holidaymakers from across Britain, having secured the coveted title “Queen of the Welsh Watering Places”.

The Victorian seaside gem of Llandudno, with its rich heritage, is thought to have origins stretching back to the Bronze Age. These unique characteristics draw visitors keen to witness the stunning vistas of the Conwy Valley and explore the area’s captivating history.

Indeed, Llandudno has previously been recognised as among the most secure places to reside in Britain, home to roughly 19,700 lucky residents. Additionally, it’s far more budget-friendly to visit and stay in than many competing coastal resorts.

Two main beaches stretch across the shoreline – North Shore Beach and West Shore Beach. The northern section boasts an extensive promenade characteristic of any British seaside town.

Yet, what sets it apart from others is its palm-fringed pathway – evoking memories of a Mediterranean paradise. Tucked away behind North Shore Beach sits the Great Orme headland, offering an adventure on the Great Orme Tramway, carrying passengers to elevated viewpoints via cable cars.

One thrilled visitor said: “The cable car ride was amazing; for the length of the journey, £14 per return (this was the price in 2024) is pretty reasonable. The views are stunning, and you can see for miles on a really clear day, which we had.”

On the West Shore, tucked away on the opposite side of the town, visitors can soak up sweeping vistas of the Snowdonian peaks. One TripAdvisor reviewer says: “One of my favourite beaches anywhere: unspoilt, dog-friendly, free of kiosks and vendors – just sea, rock and sand. Stunning views of the Great Orme. Lots of parking.”

The delightful seaside resort of Llandudno possesses a fascinating past spanning from the Stone Age right through to the Iron Age, with countless communities established over centuries on the slopes of the limestone promontory, more commonly recognised as the Great Orme. This headland draws tourists from across the region and beyond, providing a four-hour hike packed with spectacular scenery.

The Victorian seafront, lovingly dubbed The Parade, alongside the famous pier represent two of the resort’s most treasured features, both constructed in 1877. Following major renovations, the pier has secured recognition as among Britain’s finest.

One holidaymaker described their pier adventure, explaining: “Excellent pier experience. A Punch and Judy, plenty of arcades, hair braiding/colouring, a good walk, fun stalls and a cafe with a wonderful lady singer belting out Amy Winehouse numbers. There’s even a little display of historical photos to show when the pier was used for the ferries. Well worth a visit.”

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