Luxury Short Breaks

It’s official. British people are taking more short breaks than ever before. Statistics confirm that the traditional annual fortnight’s holiday, although still very much in favour, is being supplemented by several short breaks away, spread evenly throughout the year.

Short Break Culture

Research also shows that, budget permitting, time-starved individuals are prepared to pay that little bit extra for ‘luxury and high levels of service’; they’re also prepared to travel further for their ‘quick fix’, indulgent getaway. Gone are the days when a short break meant a weekend-stay in a modest British B&B, or at best a European budget break hotel. The bottom line is that today’s luxury short breaks aficionados expect much more luxury and flexibility for their lolly.

It really is a case of supply and demand. Top airlines and specialist short break travel companies are all tapping into this lucrative niche market with a mind-boggling array of inspirational short break destinations to choose from. Whether it’s a one or two night short break, nearer home, or several days in an exotic, far flung location, there’s something out there to suit all tastes and budgets.

When time is precious, there’s no room for compromise; and competition is fierce amongst high-end travel agents to meet the demands of consumers. Ultimately, our choice of impulse getaway is largely dictated by ease of availability, convenient local airport departures or convenient transport links in the case of the quality British luxury short breaks.

Luxury Short Breaks: Hot Destinations

Spoilt for choice and looking for inspiration? The following are just a few suggestions, guaranteed to get you going!

 Dubai: www.flightcentre.co.uk is currently offering a 5-night luxury spa break for the price of 4 which includes return airfares, airport transfers and 5 nights B&B accommodation at the 5-star Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai.
 Abu Dhabi: The 5-star plus Emirates Palace, is billed as ‘Extreme Luxury’ in the Thomas Cook Signature Worldwide brochure; this ‘Signature Finest’ hotel offers honeymoon and anniversary special packages as well complimentary half board for a 5-night stay or longer.
 Sharm El Sheik: The award winning Savoy Sharm Hotel enjoys a plum, private beachfront location; the perfect luxury short breaks retreat; check out www.directline-holidays.co.uk for more details.
 Maldives: The Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlu, situated on one of the most picturesque islands in the Maldives, in the Baa Atol, is described as ‘a luxury hideaway - private and intimate’; visit. www.destinology.co.uk for details of short break availability.
 Nice: For all-year-round sunshine and oodles of feel-good factor, head for Nice and Cannes; glorious beaches, relaxed ambience, superb restaurants and a great choice of luxury, bargain breaks; the sumptuous beachside Hotel Negresco is regarded as one of the world's finest luxury 5-star hotels; see www.ghotw.com for further details.
 Brighton: Nearer home, Brighton has so much to offer those in search of a luxury seaside break. My Holiday Let Brighton, for example, offers 5-star self-catering apartments in elegant, Regency townhouses located in a stunning Grade 1 listed Square in Brighton.

Top Tip: Luxury on a Budget

If you’re strapped for cash, but unwilling to compromise on quality, there is always a wide selection of out-of-season deals up for grabs at top hotels and beachside villas, particularly in popular sun destinations such as the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean; 5-star luxury at a fraction of high season prices.