Full house: resplendent rentals in Menorca
If the wallet won’t stretch to a week hiring Cugo Gran, an uber-luxurious 11-bedroom villa on the Spanish island of Menorca, in its entirety, try out the estate’s new bed and breakfast offering, which launches in September. You can hire individual rooms in the restored farmhouse that’s set in 250 acres of sun-dappled olive groves, with sea and pool views as standard – from £250 per room per night. cugogranmenorca.com
Emily Adlington
When only the best will do: super luxe European stays
The Cool Stays website should come with a disclaimer: ‘Log on and lose an entire day lusting over really sexy holidays’. The latest collection, Cool Stays Deluxe, is an even more drool-worthy range of properties around the world, like this one-bedroom restored farmhouse on the Greek island of Corfu. Expect Spanish fincas, French châteaux and Scottish eco hideaways. And with a website like that, you won’t get much work done, either. coolstays.com/deluxe
Flying high: a beautiful retreat in rural Berkshire
For a close-to-home jaunt, try the newly refurbished Pheasant Inn, a pretty pub-with-rooms that sits on the edge of the picturesque Berkshire village of Shefford Woodlands. More than 450 years ago it sheltered people herding livestock between Wales and London, and nowadays it’s a nice place to gorge on stellar pub grub, sink some pints and then clamber up the stairs to catch some kip in one of the 11 cosy en-suite rooms. Nightly rates start from £90 for bed and breakfast. thepheasant-inn.co.uk
Helen Cathcart
Best Primates: lemur spotting in Madagascar
You’re not likely to spot a baby ring-tailed lemur down the park, so you’re best off heading to Madagascar with Natural World Safaris. The company’s new nine-day safari is a chance to see two-month-old baby lemurs setting out on their first explorations of Isalo National Park, carried on their mum’s backs. Along with the chance to see 12 lemur species, you’ll also get to explore dramatic canyons, coastlines and forests. Nine nights from £1,900pp excluding flights. naturalworldsafaris.com
Goa get 'em: W arrives in South West India
For a hippy holiday without compromising on the luxe, divert your funds to the new W Goa, which is set to open on the shores of Vagator beach this October. The 160 rooms are heavy on the funky mirrors, with splashes of purple, turquoise and sea views, too. Lounge by your private pool in your plush bathrobe or head to the nearby Chapora Fort. Rooms from £180pn. starwoodhotels.com
Ralf Tooten
Sunshine spa: luxurious new getaway on the Turkish Riviera
If you’re anything like us you’ll be longing for a week in the sun, complete with Aegean Sea views, a 10,000sq-metre spa, delicious Mediterranean nosh and a big old bed. Oh, wait, this is convenient: Canyon Ranch Kaplankaya is a brand new hotel close to Bodrum on the scenic Turkish Riviera. It has all these things, plus summer temps in the mid 30s. Laters, London. canyonranchdestinations.com
John Guillamat
Coil Runnings: DNA-tailored fitness breaks in Ibiza
Every wondered whether the missing link in your weight-loss plan was a trip to the ultimate party island? Us too. Well, you can do just that, in the idyllic countryside of Ibiza, thanks to 38 Degrees North’s new week-long ‘DNAFit’ retreat. The more virtuous way to experience this hedonistic party isle starts with a cheek swab, before a food and exercise regime is created based on analysis of your DNA. Expect circuits and five-star lodging. From £2,295. thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com
Vegas, baby: fly to Sin City on a budget
One of two things happen in Las Vegas: a) you win loads of money b) you lose loads of money. OK look, those aren’t the only things, but we reckon you should experience the rest for yourself. And now you can do that while also saving some dollar: Norwegian Air has launched new direct flights from London Gatwick to Sin City from £179 one way. The route starts on 31 October – just enough time to plan that casino heist. norwegian.com
Wet and wild: waterproof maps by Lush
Ever had your shampoo explode in your suitcase? If so, that’s a messy nightmare you won’t want to (rinse and) repeat. SplashMap is here to help. The makers of waterproof, 100% recyclable maps have teamed up with Lush cosmetics to launch five new SplashMap Knot Wraps for London, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin. The idea is to wrap the map around your toiletries and then use it to find your way around on your next city break. You can also wear your map as a scarf, they tell us. Think we’ll pass on that part, tbh. £20 each. lush.co.uk
Cycle Surfari: tour Cornwall's best surf spots
Why safari when you can surfari? Ticket to Ride’s latest launch at its schools in Perranporth and Newquay is a combination of sand cycling (hard) and tailored surf coaching (eeeeasy). It’s the best and most time-efficient way to experience Cornwall’s beaches while also mastering the art of catching a wave. Or just falling in the sea, loads. The sessions last 2.5hrs and cost from £45pp, tickettoridegroup.com
Socket science: a travel plug for 150 countries
We know what you’re thinking: escapism's lost the plot. And travelplugs are far from cool. Well, they weren’t, until this baby from Onedapter launched. Forget taking the wrong plug away with you, again – the Twist adapter functions in 150 countries. Swizzle it round and voila: UK, US, European and Oz plugs all appear (and you can plug in four USB devices, too). It’s not rocket science, it’s socket science. With a catchphrase like that, who are we to argue? From £26; oneadaptr.com
