Photo courtesy of Alila Villas

 

Zash, Sicily

Photo courtesy of Zash

Boasting lush twenty-five degrees Autumn weather and endless beaches with glistening, warm waters is the beautiful island of Sicily. Offering a multitude of different attractions, Sicily truly is a holiday all-rounder; there are cultural and historical landmarks to visit, such as the impressive ruins of the Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples; the stunning scenery – from the sun-kissed beaches to the famous volcano, Etna – are one of a kind; and of course, a trip to anywhere in Italy would be nothing without the food, with Sicily offering some of the freshest and highest quality seafood. The largest island in the Mediterranean is the ideal destination for a sunny escape.

Nestled within the heart of the island, surrounded by nothing but the beautiful natural scenes of Catania and only a twelve-minute walk from the beach, is the stunning Zash Boutique Hotel. This rural manor house comprises ten luxurious rooms with a sleek, clean design, an indulgent spa with a hammam and a pool made of Etna lava stone, and a spectacular restaurant housed in an ancient stone wine cellar that offers both a unique atmosphere and first-class cuisine.

 

Alila Villas, Bali

Photo courtesy of Alila Villas

Averaging a delightful twenty-eight degrees, a Balinese getaway would be a dream come true – quite literally. This Indonesian island is best known for the peaceful aura that resonates throughout, with a heavy focus being put on yoga, meditation and spirituality, and being home to many famous religious sites, such as the cliffside Uluwatu Temple that is believed to be one of Bali’s six spiritual pillars. Spectacular white sand beaches, turquoise waters and rare coral reefs define the coast, while jungles and thick forested volcanos make up its centre. Truly a feel-good getaway to reenergise the body, mind and soul, Bali provides everything a Londoner’s depleted heart could desire.

Perched on the southern-most part of the island, the Bukit Peninsula, one hundred metres above sea level on a limestone cliff is the Alila Villas Uluwatu resort. Extending the relaxation of Bali’s engulfing atmosphere, the resort offers unparalleled ocean and sunset views from the fifty-yard pool, a holistic spa and gym and two exquisite restaurants. Sixty-one minimalist, sustainable and beautifully designed villas provide a personal retreat, offering a flat-screen TV a private pool and a personal butler service to fulfil every request and round off this heavenly holiday.

 

The Wauwinet, New England

Photo courtesy of The Wauwinet

For those true English roses that crave the sun but are averse to the blazing heat, a New England holiday provides a faraway escape, clear, sunny weather with a mild average temperature of twenty degrees. Located just off the coast of Massachusetts and providing the island holiday-feel without the tropical temperatures is Nantucket, a National Historic Landmark District and delicately preserved eighteenth-century seaport town. Boasting fresh, breezy beaches and stunning landscapes, it is no wonder that Nantucket made it onto Forbes’ list of highest home values in the US – higher than the Hamptons in New York.

Situated on the island’s northeast corner adjacent to a wildlife refuge is The Wauwinet Lodge, comprising thirty-six charming rooms and cottages for a luxurious and relaxing stay. A world-class spa awaits, as well as private beach access, an elegant restaurant with al fresco fine dining and even a tennis court for those leisurely, sunny afternoons. Additionally, the Wauwinet offers its guests a personal BMW to drive during their stay, as well as a pre-arrival concierge who will be happy to put in place any requests you may have for your apres-summer holiday.

 

El Fenn, Morocco

Photo courtesy of El Fenn

With a sizzling thirty-five degrees heat gracing this north African Kingdom, you may never want to leave. Marrakech may not be a coastal city, but what it lacks in beach, it absolutely makes up for in culture and history, with the 12^th-century Koutoubia Mosque towering over the city, indulgent hammams dotted around and the famous Agdal garden that dates back over eight hundred years providing a cool refuge from heat. As one of Morocco’s former Imperial cities, Marrakech has an old, fortified city at its centre – the Medina – founded in 1070 during the Berber Empire, comprising a labyrinth of alleyways that make up the bustling marketplace where traditional textiles, hand-crafted pottery and jewellery are sold and the scent of all the colourful spices fills the air.

Providing a tranquil retreat from the busy city is the award-winning El Fenn. Housed in a former traditional palace, this boutique Riad not only comprises twenty-eight beautiful, individually-styled rooms and suites, but also tree-filled courtyards and a fountain, a spa with three pools and a seven-thousand square-foot terrace. Being a former royal home and maintaining the authentic architectural structures, the El Fenn is made up of secret nooks and alleys that resemble the markets of Marrakech, making it the perfect stay for a true Moroccan experience.