8 Solo Holidays
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MILADA VIGEROVA/PEXELS
For E-Bikers:
Crete
Travel by electric bike through Crete’s unspoilt landscapes, via mountains, gorges and dramatic coastlines, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich history which dates to Europe’s earliest civilisation – from the Minoans, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians to the Greeks and Turks. Along the way, you’ll stop at the legendary Mount Ida, the birthplace of Zeus and the highest mountain in Crete, visit the Minoan site of Phaistos and cycle up the wild Asterousia mountains. Cycling distances, mainly through undulating countryside, are between 45-65km per day on a mix of tracks and quiet back roads, and the itinerary is suitable for most levels of cyclist, even beginners. Accommodation is in guests houses and homes in beautiful locations.
Five nights from £2,995 (flights not included).
Visit TheSlowCyclist.co.uk
For Foodies:
Alsace
The French region of Alsace stands between Germany and France, bounded by the Rhine to the east and the Vosges mountains to the west. It’s an area well known for its medieval villages and charming half-timbered houses, hilltop fortresses, vibrant cities and, of course, its excellent food and wines. On this five-day guided tour, you’ll discover centuries-old traditions, rich cultural heritage and Unesco listed sites, visiting the towns of Obernai, Strasbourg, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Colmar, and staying in lovely, family-run three-star hotels on the way. Also included is a trip along the Alsatian wine route with a tour of a wine cellar where you’ll taste and learn all about the local wines.
Five days from £1,599 (including flights).
Visit SoloHolidays.co.uk
CORINNE KUTZ/UNSPLASH
For Sporty Beach Types:
St Lucia
In total contrast to the above retreat in India, if you prefer a beach and endless sunshine and want to kickstart your health and fitness regime with a restorative retreat for mind and body, BodyHoliday in St Lucia is the answer. Set in tropical gardens on a secluded beach on the north-west tip of the island, the resort has a vast 33-treatment room wellness centre where you’ll be offered a personalised, tailor-made programme that includes everything from preventative therapies, through to Ayurveda, beauty and pampering treatments, as well as a range of activities that will keep you busy from dawn until dusk. Of course, you can book in at any time but this year, from 4th September to 29th September, their ‘September Solos’ offers the best elements of health, wellbeing and fun with like-minded solo travellers. The all-inclusive package includes fitness classes, a full programme of activities from yoga and hiking to sailing and mindfulness, a daily spa treatment and all food and drinks. You will also get the opportunity to meet and experience training with former Irish Gaelic football player Anthony Lynch and former British sprinter Derek Redmond.
From US$329 per night.
Visit TheBodyHoliday.com
For Wellness Junkies:
India
Six Senses has recently taken over Vana, the wellness retreat in Dehradun, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhan at the foothills of the Himalayas. From the moment you arrive, you will be on your journey of healing and transformation – itineraries are personalised according to your Chakra, age and individual needs, and include practices such as Ayurveda, yoga and Tibetan medicine, as well as dosha-balancing and nutritionally-optimised cuisine. You’ll also be encouraged to breathe in the fresh forest air, indulge in aquatic massages and take part in various ball games and activities. The 66 rooms and 16 suites are done up in soothing neutral tones with nature-inspired artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows, and have balconies or terraces overlooking the herb gardens and fruit orchard. A minimum three-night stay in recommended, but you’ll want to stay for ever! In any event, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling a lot better both physically and mentally.
From US$570 (£457) per night.
Visit SixSenses.com
REMI CLINTON/UNSPLASH
ANNIE SPRATT/UNSPLASH
For History Buffs:
Malta
Between Sicily and the North African coast, in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is steeped in history and historic sites relating to an extensive succession of rulers – from the Romans, the Moors and Knights of Saint John to the French and British. The capital Valetta was built during the 16th and 17th centuries by the Knights of St John and is often referred to as ‘one big open-air museum’. On a walking tour of the city, you’ll visit the Upper Barraka Gardens which have stunning views of the Grand Harbour and its fortifications; you’ll also experience the saluting battery which is fired every day at noon and walk down the main street with its numerous historical buildings; and visit the Cathedral which is home to Caravaggio’s ‘Beheading of St John’. During your stay, you’ll also see the picturesque town of Naxxar and its Palazzo Parisio, an 18th century stately home; the island’s ancient capital, Mdina, that sits majestically on the hilltop at the centre of the island and which is considered to be one of the jewels of Malta; and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto. Everywhere on the island has spectacular scenery and there are lots of lovely beaches to visit during your down time. A visit to the island of Gozo is also a must.
Eight days from £1,199 (including flights).
Visit JustYou.co.uk
For Would-Be Castaways:
Maldives
If you thought the Maldives was for honeymoons and romantic getaways à deux, think again. Available via Fish & Pips, the laidback eco resort of Gili Lankanfushi, where the motto is ‘no news, no shoes’, has launched a specially curated ‘Go It Alone At Gili’ package. The list of things to do is impressive – from photography and cookery masterclasses, yoga and snorkelling with the island’s marine biologist to sunset dolphin cruises and sleeping under the stars. You could also indulge in doing absolutely nothing apart from lazing on the daybed on your villa’s deck and enjoying a blissful massage in one of the spa’s glass-bottomed treatment rooms. The resort is ideally located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, so you’ll be able to dip in those inviting azure blue waters within a couple of hours of landing.
Villa suites from £1,341 per night.
Visit FAndPTravel.com
ISHAN SEEFROMTHESKY/UNSPLASH
For Lovers Of Art & Architecture:
Italy
For an ultra-luxe week of culture, divided between Rome and Venice where you’ll stay in two of the most stunning hotels these cities have to offer, this tour has to be the one. In the Eternal City, check into the Hotel de Russie before you get whisked off on the back of a Vespa on the age-old cobblestone streets to visit all the historic sites and intriguing neighbourhoods. You’ll also get the chance to visit the Coliseum, the Pantheon and the incredible Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City. A must is a tour of Villa Borghese to see Cardinal Scipione Borghese's magnificent collection, including some of Italy’s most important works, from Titian's ‘Sacred and Profane Love’ to the Caravaggio canvases. On day four, you’ll take the train through the heart of Italy to Venice, where you’ll be staying at the Hotel Cipriani. Your guide will take you to all the major sites like the Doge’s Palace, as well as the antique palazzi and hidden alleyways along the Grand Canal. You’ll also visit Campo San Bartolomeo, where a souk-style market has operated for centuries; Campiello del Milion, from which Marco Polo set sail to the East; and the Cannaregio district, the first Jewish quarter in Europe. After a water taxi to St Mark’s Square, you’ll finish at Caffè Florian, one of the first coffee houses in Europe, where guests have included Goethe, Casanova and Dickens.
Six nights from £4,670 (including flights).
Visit AbercrombieKent.co.uk
For Adventurers:
Jordan
Jordan is an ideal destination for a one-week adventure. Bursting with things to see and do, this trip includes the best of what this magnificent country has to offer, and you’ll get to visit all the major sites. Highlights include: two full days exploring Petra, the Red Rose City, and a guided visit around Jerash where you can stroll the ancient Roman streets; camping like a Bedouin in a desert camp in Wadi Rum where you’ll also take a four-wheel-drive vehicle into the more remote regions; floating in the tranquil salty waters of the Dead Sea and snorkelling over the coral reefs of the Red Sea; and a visit to Mount Nebo, said to be the burial site of Moses.
Nine days from £2,199 (including flights).
Visit Exodus.co.uk
MARK NEAL/PEXELS
MARIALAURA GIONFRIDDO/UNSPLASH
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