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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Travel

Create the holiday experience of your dreams with these exclusive destinations, hotels and products

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From a private sanctuary in the Maldives to a surfing academy in El Salvador, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in our curated guide.

Discover El Salvador’s coastal charm

(Puro Surf Hotel)

Indulge in the ultimate surfing experience in El Salvador at Puro Surf Hotel and Performance Academy, a boutique hotel featuring 15 rooms as well as the best surfing academy in the country.

Puro Surf offers a unique blend of services, from coaching and a comfortable stay to tasty food and fun activities. The academy follows a distinctive methodology called the Surf Sequence, which is tailored to surfers of all levels.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to catch your first wave or an advanced surfer looking to refine your technique, the dedicated coaches will professionally guide your surfing journey.

Puro Surf’s location in front of El Zonte Point is also ideal, as it has consistently good wave conditions year-round.

Book now

Unwind and let go at this paradise resort

(Cora Cora Maldives)

Cora Cora Maldives, a five-star resort in the Raa Atoll, offers a one-of-a-kind Maldivian experience.

Stay in one of 100 glorious villas designed to embody and encourage a relaxed island vibe, 55 of which are overwater, with panoramic sea views – the ultimate luxury holiday.

The Premium All-Inclusive Gourmet Meal Plan® is in place at each of the resorts’ four restaurants and bars, and lets guests eat, enjoy premium beverages and play as they please – including everything from complimentary beer, wine and snacks to snorkelling and non-motorised watersports. Visit the fascinating Dutch Onion® Museum and let the whole family learn how to dive at the five-star Padi dive centre.

And while the kids are taken care of at the resort’s kids’ club, enjoy rejuvenating Asian-inspired treatments at the MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Center, before slowing down and stretching at a mind-calming session on the yoga pavilion.

Book now

Enjoy seamless adventure in the Middle East

(Jordan Tourist Board)

Explore the rich culture and history of Jordan at a range of museums and UNESCO World heritage sites, such as the Petra Museum, and several in As-Salt, the ancient trading city and administrative centre in west-central Jordan.

Let Jordan’s Golden Triangle take you on a journey through the county’s most famous archaeological sites and natural wonders, from the hidden temples of Petra to the red deserts of Wadi Rum – now the filming location of some of Hollywood’s finest films.

Hike the legendary Jordan Trail, passing through desert, canyons, mountains and oases. Enjoy the restorative power of the Dead Sea and relax in the mineral-rich waters of the hyper-thermal waterfalls at the Hammamat Ma’in hot springs. With exclusive access to all these wonders and more, save time, money and planning with a Jordan Pass.

And, with reliably warm temperatures year-round, Jordan is a must-visit winter-sun destination.

Discover more

Plan a magical Christmas in a quaint Swiss city

(Christmas in Lucerne)

It may be a popular year-round destination for tourists, but the winter season is when Lucerne really comes alive.

Lights illuminate the charming alleys and cobbled streets, turning Lake Lucerne into a tinkling oasis. Awaken your festive spirit with the scent of mulled wine and tempting sweet delicacies from the Christmas markets on Franziskanerplatz in Inseli Park and along the lakeside promenade.

Here, you can enjoy delicious fondue, regional treats, free concerts and find unique, handmade gifts for loved ones. A highlight of Lucerne for any visiting tourist is ice skating in the city centre with a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Plan your trip to experience the magic of Christmas in Lucerne.

Book now

Stay in a modern, luxury hotel in the heart of bustling Bangkok

(W Bangkok)

W Bangkok is a luxury hotel in the Thai capital, which has an incredible 31-floor modern glass tower that’s juxtaposed with a European-inspired heritage building.

Boasting 403 stylish rooms, the hotel’s architecture makes it an exquisite modern design attraction. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling commercial district, the hotel is only a few steps away from BTS Skytrain.

Dine at The House on Sathorn, one of the top restaurants in Bangkok. At Paii, chef Joe Weeraket uses the finest local and imported seafood to create modern dishes with a taste of Thailand. Relax and rejuvenate at the AWAY® Spa or sweat it out in the FIT gym. W Bangkok invites adventurous travellers to feel the buzz of Bangkok and explore everything this vibrant metropolis has to offer.

And, with hotel’s Whatever/Whenever® service model, you’ll receive dedicated attention and care, no matter what you need, whenever you need it.

Find out more

Get a taste for sustainable living in the Dolomites

(Naturhotel Lüsnerhof)

Inspired by the concepts of ‘Naturellness®’, holistic wellness and sustainable living, Naturhotel Lüsnerhof is a luxurious but grounding mountainside retreat in the Italian Dolomites.

This rejuvenating environment invites you to connect with and embrace the natural elements around you. Alpine spring water, fresh mountain air and local materials lend to activities like daily guided hikes through blooming meadows in the idyllic Lüsen Valley and the UNESCO Puez Geisler Nature Park and, in the winter months, expert-guided snowshoe hiking.

The newly extended and unique Naturellness®️SPA with the 4Elements promenade offers powerful moments to experience wellness rituals, like the traditional Mexican temazcal ritual and Kneipp path, in invigorating natural surroundings.

The new Yoga SHALA with panoramic views supports guided physical-spiritual activities like yoga, qigong, meditation and breathing practices. This eco hotel prides itself on promoting ecological responsibility through renewable energy and local cuisine.

Find out more

Lose yourself in the charm of one of oldest cities in the world

(L7 Str Athens Hotel)

The L7 Str Athens Hotel provides a unique blend of history and contemporary luxury.

Situated in a meticulously restored neo-classical building from 1923, this boutique hotel provides guests with an intimate, sophisticated and comfortable base from which to explore the rich history of Athens.

Each room has been thoughtfully designed with tailor-made cotton linens, marble bathrooms and fitted with modern amenities. Guests can indulge in exquisite Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, relax in the elegant common areas or maintain their fitness routine at the state-of-the-art gym.

Located just a short walk from Omonia Metro Station and popular attractions like the National Theatre, L7 Str Athens Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the vibrant city of Athens.

Book now

Find your dream villa on one of Italy’s most delightful islands

(Sicily Luxury Villas)

Sicily is an island rich in treasures and contrasts — it’s also home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Sicily Luxury Villas, a leading Sicilian tour operator since 2005, offers a range of luxury villas and apartments in a variety of locations across Sicily.

Explore Sicily your way — whether that be from a baroque mansion with breathtaking views of eastern Sicily or a minimalist mountainside villa with a private pool.

While the team’s knowledge of the land, its history and local must-visit attractions enables them to discern your unique needs and find the perfect accommodation for you. They say hospitality in Sicily is sacred — so contact Sicily Luxury Villas today about your dream Italian getaway and they’ll take care of the rest.

Enquire now

Take a guided day tour with the adventure experts

(National Geographic - Heraklion - The Olive Path)

Are you a fan of National Geographic’s unparalleled storytelling and legacy of exploration?

If so, then why not embark on an adventure with the team behind it all? National Geographic Day Tours are enriching and immersive premium experiences designed to satisfy your curiosity.

Perfect for couples and solo travellers, the half or full-day tours are led by National Geographic-trained guides and will provide you with a deeper understanding of the places you visit, access to exclusive experiences and opportunities to meet with and get to know some of the locals.

For a truly immersive tour in an intimate and adventurous setting.

Book now

Experience true relaxation at a world-class resort

(Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort)

Located on the world-famous Palm Jumeirah just off the coast of Dubai, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort boasts 1,300 feet of private shoreline and expansive views of the Arabian Gulf.

Here, you’ll find an exclusive beach escape, while not being set too far from the excitement of the city.

The resort’s latest package, ‘Stay Longer at The Beach’, invites guests to extend your stay in paradise and receive 15% off the price of your accommodation, as well as daily breakfast and a half-board meal plan.

This means that you can indulge in Anantara’s incredible culinary offering, from Mekong, its pan-Asian restaurant, to The Beach House, which provides a relaxed Mediterranean dining experience.

With a palm-fringed coastline, azure lagoons and a variety of luxury rooms and villas, this Thai-inspired oasis is the perfect setting to create some cherished family memories.

Discover more

Empower your next outdoor adventure

(Jackery)

Experience the freedom of the great outdoors with the latest Jackery Explorer 240 v2 300W/256Wh Portable Power Station.

This lightweight, compact powerhouse is your perfect companion for camping and travel adventures. With its versatile charging options, you can keep your essential devices like phones, cameras and lights powered up wherever you go.

Whether you’re under a starry sky or in the heart of the wilderness, the Jackery 240 v2 ensures you stay connected and comfortable. Its user-friendly design, eco-friendly operation and reliable performance make it an indispensable addition to your outdoor gear.

Embrace every moment of your journey with the confidence that power is always within reach. Get your Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Power Station now.

Buy now

This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.

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