Greece
The Greek island of Ithaca is the base for this luxury holiday accommodation. Sitting on a hillside overlooking the sea, the estate comprises an organic farm and four traditionally styled two-bedroom houses, each with a private terrace, garden and fully equipped kitchen. Outdoor activities around the area include boating, scuba diving, cycling, walking and trekking in the hills, as well as culture-rich expeditions to ancient ruins and mountain villages. There are also Pilates and yoga classes, conducted each morning on pool terraces at the edge of the forest bordering the estate, with views of the bay.
Travel Tips&Advice
On a budget? Tight schedule? Whatever your quandary, seasoned travellers help you make the most of your destination.
[ More from Travel ]
Or visit the neighbouring island of Kefalonia, known for its underground lake. If you'd rather stay back for rest and relaxation, visit the spa pavilion set in the bordering forest - it offers a range of therapeutic massages and aromatherapy with natural, homeopathic products. The estate also has a summer house and an infinity pool. The estate is a two-minute walk from a couple of natural swimming and fishing coves.
A house costs from €2,500 (Dh15,000) per week for two people (the price varies by season), including airport transfers, seasonal garden produce and car/bicycle rentals. Book through www.responsibletravel.com.
Sri Lanka
Bales Worldwide is organising a "Sri Lankan odyssey" - a two-week cultural trip - next month. The highlights of the tour are visits to ancient cities and the Unesco World Heritage Sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla. Visitors will spend a couple of days in Nuwara Eliya, a hill station set in stunning mountain scenery and surrounded by tea plantations, and also enjoy the beaches of Trincomalee on the country's little- known eastern coast. The itinerary includes some easy treks and nature safaris. The visit is set to coincide with the grand Esala Perahera Buddhist festival in Kandy.
The 13-day trip costs from £2,070 (Dh12,460) per person, including the services of an experienced local guide, local transport, sightseeing, entrance fees, accommodation and most meals. Visit www.balesworldwide.co.uk for details.
India
Wild Frontiers is offering a discount of £200 (Dh1,204) on its "Land of the Maharajahs" trip next month, with an itinerary centred on the "Golden Triangle" - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. You'll start off with a day of sightseeing in New Delhi, the busy, chaotic capital, famous for its historic monuments such as the Lal Qila (Red Fort). Next up are Agra and the Taj Mahal, then on to the colourful Rajasthani cities of Jaipur, Udaipur and Bijaipur, and the historic town of Bundi. You'll also get to stay and dine at the haveli, or mansion, of a maharajah and go leopard-spotting on a night safari.
The 15-day tour costs from £1,490 (Dh8,970) per person, including all accommodation, most meals, all local transport, the services of an experienced guide, entrance fees to sites and parks, and taxes. International airfare is not included. Visit www.wildfrontiers.co.uk or call 00 44 20 7736 3968 for more information.
Indonesia
The recently renovated Angsana Bintan Resort on Indonesia's Bintan island has a three-day "above the rest" spa and relaxation package for two that includes two nights' accommodation in a spacious one-bedroom suite, breakfast (a buffet or served privately in the suite), early check-in (9am) and late check-out (until 6pm), return transfers on Bintan island, one three-course, set dinner for two on the beach (depending, of course, on the weather) and one 150-minute spa treatment (choice of "Duet" or "Ayu Reverie") at the Angsana Spa for two.
The package costs from US$1,072 (Dh3,937) for two nights, including taxes. International flights are not included. For more information, visit www.angsana.com or call 00 62 770 693 111.