NOW is the time to book that winter getaway, if you want to bag a bargain.
From luxury adult-only resorts to fly-and-flop getaways, Sophie Swietochowski has found some sizzling deals.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
THE 5 star Unico 20°87° Hotel on Mexico’s magical Riviera Maya is a haven for those lucky sun-worshippers who have cash to splash.
It’s home to three swimming pools lined with cabanas, one of which features a swim-up bar, as well as rooms with their own plunge pools.
Potter down to the resort’s beach where soft white sands meet the clear water, then dine at one of five restaurants.
Go: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £2,106pp with return Gatwick flights in November and December. See unicohotelrivieramaya. com for info and ba.com/unico to book, or call 0344 493 0124.
Fuerteventura, Las Palmas
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SAVE 30 per cent by booking this British Airways holiday before August 25.
In Fuertevnetura, the temperature can reach the twenties during December, so make sure to pack your sunscreen for when you’re lazing by one of the eight pools at Alua Suites.
Once parents have dropped the little ones at the kids’ club, they can saunter off to the spa for an Ayurvedic massage or stroll to the nearby former fishing village where the fabulous restaurants are renowned for excellent fresh seafood.
Go: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4-star Alua Suites Fuerteventura is from £619pp, including flights from Gatwick on selected dates between December 1 and 24. See britishairways. com/fuerteventura or call 0344 493 0787.
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Hurghada, Egypt
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ALADDIN Beach Resort on the sun-drenched coast of Egypt is a treasure trove of fun for both adults and children.
There is table tennis, beach volleyball and mini golf, plus it is located right next to a waterpark with twirling slides and mini water features for tots to enjoy.
Tuck in to a buffet spread for breakfast and dinner or dine à la carte in one of five restaurants, with everything on offer from Italian and Mongolian through to pan-Asian cuisine.
Go: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4-star Aladdin Beach Resort in Hurghada costs from £453pp, including flights from Luton on December 6 and transfers. For more details see easyjet.com/en/holidays.
Agadir, Morocco
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THERE are some scorching deals from Jet2holidays for Morocco, and this getaway at the 4-star Paradis Plage Resort is no exception.
Those who are into yoga will be in their element with an airy and tranquil studio.
It overlooks the ocean waves, which are full of surfers – and you can join them, too, at the on-site surf school.
There’s also an eco spa offering treatments with local argan oils and, for some evening entertainment, an open-air cinema.
Go: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4-star Paradis Plage Resort is from £519pp, including flights from Manchester on November 21, plus 22kg baggage per person and transfers. See jet2holidays.
com for details and to book.
Cruise the Caribbean
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NOTHING says winter sun more than a sail in sunny Caribbean waters.
On board Tui’s Marella Voyager, you will sail from Barbados to Road Town in the British Virgin Islands, Philipsburg in St Maarten, Basseterre in St Kitts, St John’s in Antigua and Roseau in Dominica.
When you are not strolling through ancient rainforests and palm-fringed sands on the islands, you will have access to a ship-load of entertainment including a cinema, swimming pool and traditional British pub at sea.
Go: The seven-night Paradise Islands voyage costs from £1,522pp, departing Barbados on December 12 and including flights from selected UK airports. See tui.co.uk/cruise for details and to book.
St Pete, Florida
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THE beach at St Pete is regularly voted as one of the best in the world, where blue waves lap softly on to miles of gloriously white sand.
This stretch of coast looks out on to the Gulf of Mexico so expect to feast on tacos galore, all while soaking up the sun which shines for on average 361 days of the year (it’s known as the Sunshine City).
Book into the Island Grand Resort where you can lounge on beachside hammocks, while the kids are off playing ping-pong, football and giant Jenga or having a go at axe-throwing.
Go: Seven nights’ room-only at the 4-star Island Grand Resort by Tradewinds starts from £1,070pp: including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in November.
For more details, check out british airways.com/florida.
Khao Lak, Thailand
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AT the luxury Avani+ resort in Khao Lak, villas come with their own plunge pools, which back on to a dreamy sandy beach sheltered by palm trees.
When you’re not flopped on a seafront bean bag, kicking back with a frozen cocktail while devouring your holiday novels, you may like to book on to one of the traditional Thai cooking classes, held at a local restaurant.
But if you prefer not to lift a finger, you can tuck into flavoursome Thai dishes at the resort’s Beach House restaurant.
There’s also a large spa, offering Thai massages.
Go: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5-star Avani+ Khao Lak Resort is from £1,144pp, including flights from Birmingham on December 1. See thomascook.com.