SIX LAST-MINUTE GETAWAYS FROM GENEVA
by Sarah Scaddan
Remind me why you didn’t book a summer holiday this year? Were you trying to save a few chfs? Did you think that summer in Geneva would be holiday enough? I bet that now it is early August, there is a high chance that every part of you is craving a nice beach, a sunlounger by the pool, a well stocked bar and the chance to recharge your batteries. My advice to you – don`t fight it. Here are a few ideas of holidays that still have availability in August.
THE ALGARVE
Whilst direct flights are hard to come by, if you don’t mind changing planes in Lisbon or Brussels, you can still find plenty of flights to Faro in August. The beautiful Tivolo Carvoeiro Hotel still has availability. This five star hotel has just been remodelled for extra comfort, and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
MAJORCA
Fly direct with Easyjet to Palma and then transfer to the north of the island to lovely Port of Pollença. Hotel Illa d’Or is right on the beach and has a great restaurant, with lots more restaurants on its doorstep.
CYPRUS
With one short stop in Athens flying Aegean Air, arrive in Larnaca and transfer to the popular Louis Althea Beach Hotel. The pool is delightful and the sea crystal clear. The hotel is 200m from the restaurants and shops of Pernera, a small yet pretty harbour town with a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere.
SARDINIA
Easyjet still has availability on some flights to Olbia, and there are rooms available at Paradise Resort & Spa. One needs to be pretty confident to call your establishment ‘Paradise Resort’, but this hotel gets fantastic reviews. It is surrounded by nature and is a short walk to its own private beach. This is a peaceful place, perfect for unwinding …. and breath.
TURKEY
Antalya has a vast choice of accommodation, and flights are shorter than you might expect. Pegasus Airlines flies via Istanbul with good connections, so that you can be on the beach just as quickly as most European destinations. Prices are very competitive too. The Sherwood Breezes Resort is large, like most of the hotels in this area, but not so big you might get lost and spend the rest of the week finding your way back to your room!
MALTA
Swiss Air has good connections to Malta via Zurich. If you think Malta is only for the over 60s, think again. There are a surprising number of stylish and boutique hotels here. Rooms are still available in August at the Westin Dragonara Resort which is located in the heart of downtown St Julian. The hotel is on the water’s edge, from where you can directly access the Mediterranean sea from their two private beach lidos. The restaurants are good, and there are two outdoor pools as well as a heated indoor pool. Go on, treat yourself.
By Sarah Scaddan, Travel Planner at www.inspiremytravel.com
