Lazy beach days

The iconic white sand island archipelago, washed by crystal-blue waters of the Indian Ocean, firmly holds on to its reputation as a sought-after luxury holiday retreat for vacationers the world over. Earlier heralded as primarily a honeymoon destination, the Maldives now draw a diverse range of travellers to its increasing number of backpacker inns and long-established high-end resorts.

Asturias is a region of splendid beaches, unspoiled nature, dotted with rich architectural, industrial and cultural heritage. Apart from the region’s uncrowded beaches, there are lively inland cities and areas of great natural beauty. There are several major destinations in the Asturias region, including the cities of Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles, along with the scenic village of Ribadesella. Our guide includes tips and information concerning these four key Asturias locations.

Lucea's appeal goes beyond its stunning white-sand beaches, secluded coves, and picture-perfect sunsets. It also extends to the quaint colonial town that plays host to a bustling weekly market on Saturdays. Nestled between Montego Bay and Negril, Lucea is a tranquil and pristine destination that has yet to be overrun by tourists, unlike many other popular Jamaican getaways.

Djerba, the largest island of North Africa, is situated southeast of Tunisia on the Gulf of Gabes and is ringed by miles of sandy beaches and luxury hotels. With its ideal temperate climate, this is another very popular Tunisian destination. The many resort hotels provide anything you need for lazy days of sunbathing, plus a wide range of activities like thalassotherapy or water sports.

With approximately 340 days of sunshine a year and six kilometres of soft white-sand beaches, Agadir is Morocco’s premiere beach resort. Nestled among the verdant valleys of the Great Souss and with the majestic Anti-Atlas mountain range rearing up behind it, this modern, cosmopolitan city has all the attendant pleasures, thrills and luxuries you could ask for.

Adelaide is a new city in an old land, founded as a British colony in 1836 and now the capital of South Australia. Today, its rich mix of diverse cultures has adopted a relaxed and cosmopolitan lifestyle amidst green parks as well as 30km of beaches stretching along its suburbs. The city is famous for its al fresco eating culture, and it is the centre of the Australian wine industry, with some of the best food and drinks in the world.

Like so many of the towns and cities of Egypt, Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam are living history museums. The three cities are positioned as corners of a triangle in the Eastern Desert. Hurghada, a former fishing harbour, stretches 24 kilometres along the waterfront and is the perfect area for water sports. Marsa Alam is found by the Red Sea coast and tourism is just starting to make an impact. The city of Luxor, with its jaw-droppingly beautiful monuments built by the hands of ancient craftsmen, lies 240 kilometres inland on the banks of the River Nile.

Founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire, İzmir is a city steeped in history, showcased in its archaeological sites and bazaars, However, the city has gracefully embraced modernity with its lively waterfront promenades and contemporary districts. Discover the perfect harmony of tradition and innovation in this Turkish city, where ancient tales unfold amidst modern vibes on the Aegean shores.