Words by Annabelle Thorpe
If summer has left you feeling burned out – or even burned – it might be a nice idea to hide yourself away in a peaceful retreat this autumn. It’s a great time to travel – temperatures have cooled, the crowds have dispersed, but the sea is still warm and everywhere takes on a mellow, slower-paced feel.
Annabelle Thorpe, of 101 Holidays, picks the best autumn escapes in the UK, the Mediterranean and long haul.
Another Place is a blissfully tranquil retreat set on the shores of Ullswater, where the surrounding woods and hills blaze auburn and gold in the autumn months. Here you can be as active or as lazy as you like, with paddle boarding, archery, hiking and kayaking all on offer, alongside Swim Club – a glass-walled pool, with adjoining treatment rooms and sauna.
Oenophiles can book a restful few days at the Three Choirs Vineyards, where 75 acres of vines roll out across the lush Gloucestershire countryside. Stay in a Vineyard Lodge, surrounded by the rows of vines, or wake up to beautiful views of the surrounding valley in a Vineyard View room, before a tasting session and lunch or dinner at the Brasserie.
There are few things more relaxing than an unbroken sea view, and few places offer better vistas than lighthouses. Rural Retreats has a selection of lighthouse cottages dotted around the UK’s coastline, from cosy boltholes for two to larger, family-friendly (and dog-friendly) cottages, all offering the ultimate in peace and space.
You’ll find year-round sunshine, warm seas and dramatic, volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands, where Cachet Travel has a selection of charming boutique properties. On the quiet island of La Palma, the Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is a converted 17th-Century sugar plantation decorated with a unique collection of antiques and artworks.
In Morocco, laid-back Essaouira is a mix of busy fishing port, surf beach and picturesque old town, where the lattice of whitewashed streets is dotted with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Fleewinter offers a range of luxury villas and riads – historic town houses that have been converted into charming small hotels, many with sun-drenched roof terraces offering wonderful sea views. Check out Riad Baladin, an eight-bedroom oasis of calm close to the sea with rooftop views of the medina and beach.
For guaranteed autumn sun there are few better choices than Crete, where the island’s southerly location keeps temperatures high late into October. Simpson Travel has a collection of adult-only retreats including Arosmari Village Hotel, a cluster of restored stone cottages, set among scented gardens filled with roses, lavender and jasmine. Rural and unspoilt, the quiet village of Vamos – with a handful of excellent tavernas – is a short stroll away.
Or head to buzzy Corfu for a restorative break at the Nido, a luxurious all-suite hotel and part of the Mar-Bella Collection. Each room comes with glorious views across the Ionian Sea. You can laze by the infinity pool, hop in a taxi to historic Corfu Town, and take your pick from the hotel’s three restaurants, where traditional Greek dishes are elevated to Michelin-star standard.
For a truly luxurious break, book a stay at Sir Richard Branson’s newly-opened Son Bunyola hotel, tucked away in Mallorca’s dramatic Tramuntana mountains, with glorious views out to sea. The historic finca has been transformed into an elegant 26-room hotel surrounded by 1,300 acres of unspoilt countryside, with two restaurants serving the very best of the Balearic island’s rich produce.
A perennial favourite for an autumn break, finding a quiet spot on Portugal’s sun-kissed Algarve region isn’t always easy. Book with Eliza Was Here and you’ll have an array of cosy Quintas and chic apartments to choose from, many tucked away in quieter spots that are still within easy reach of the region’s spectacular beaches. My picks include Quinta do Marco near Tavira.
Or head to Italy, for a restorative few days at the architecturally stunning Eden Reserve, a luxury retreat overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Garda. Choose from an elegant private villa or holiday apartment, or stay at the stylish hotel; all offer the chance to dine at La Celeste, set on a picturesque terrace offering upscale Italian cuisine and a memorable wine list. Find out more from Italy specialists, Long Travel.
Rural France is at its most beautiful in the autumn months, when the forest foliage burns butter-yellow and terracotta, and the fields are alive with harvesting. Languedoc Hideaways is a clutch of four charming self-catering cottages, set around a tranquil pool, with the history-rich Cathar region – dotted with ruined castles and authentic market towns.
For more of an adventure, Sri Lanka offers an unbeatable mix of lushly-beautiful landscapes, historic towns and a wonderfully slow-paced atmosphere. Experience Travel Group recommends a stay at the Mudhouse, a luxurious jungle lodge made up of sustainably built thatched huts in 60 acres of forest. Simple but stylish, the lodge offers the chance to immerse yourself in nature, without compromising on comfort.
Factbox
Visit 101 Holidays for more autumn holiday ideas.
