Inspiration
When most people think of Thailand, they picture the dry, busy months - the packed beaches, the long queues at temples, the peak-season prices. But, outside of these peak months, Thailand’s green season reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of the country. The landscapes deepen in colour, the pace eases, and familiar places begin to feel more spacious, from temple courtyards and hillside trails to palm-fringed beaches.
For families planning a Riviera Maya holiday, Iberostar Waves Tucán and Iberostar Waves Quetzal are returning with even more reasons to stay. Reopening in December 2026 after an extensive renovation, the sister hotels have introduced new family accommodation, upgraded pools and water facilities, and a refreshed line-up of places to eat and drink. Best of all, families staying at either property can enjoy the common areas and restaurants across both hotels, giving everyone more choice without having to travel anywhere else.
From adults-only hideaways made for two to easy-going family resorts by the beach, Iberostar offers plenty of ways to holiday in Spain. Across Ibiza, Mallorca, Fuerteventura, and Tenerife, its hotels pair standout coastal locations with excellent dining, inviting pools, wellness facilities, and thoughtful extras. Whether you want a quiet week with your partner, a family break where everything is taken care of, or a more indulgent stay with personalised service, these six Iberostar hotels each bring something different to the table.
Set on Sardinia’s southern coast, Chia Laguna Nature Resort brings together three hotels, each offering a different style of stay. What they share is a strong sense of place, with Mediterranean-inspired design, views across the surrounding coastline and countryside, and easy access to some of Chia’s best beaches.
For those who like their Caribbean escape with a little more character, The Fives Oceanfront offers boutique luxury right on the beachfront in Puerto Morelos. This former fishing village has kept a noticeably slower pace than some of the Riviera Maya’s larger resorts, with local restaurants, small shops, and the town’s leaning lighthouse all within easy reach. Back at the hotel, the atmosphere is equally laid-back, with contemporary design, plenty of space to switch off, and the Caribbean Sea taking centre stage.
This corner of the Caribbean has all the ingredients for an easy Caribbean escape, from the powder-soft sands of Grace Bay to brilliantly clear water made for long afternoons by the sea. But spend a little more time here, and there’s another side to the islands worth exploring. You can kayak through mangroves, snorkel over coral reefs, venture across to North and Middle Caicos, and seek out local food and music back on Providenciales. Better still, these experiences can easily sit alongside slower beach days, giving you a holiday that feels adventurous without needing to be action-packed from morning to night.
There is another side to Italy beyond its famous cities, coastlines, and lakes. In the north of the country, the Dolomites rise dramatically above alpine meadows, forested valleys, and villages where Italian, Austrian, and Ladin influences come together. Recognised by UNESCO for their exceptional natural beauty and geology, these mountains are made for anyone wanting to spend their days outdoors without giving up the things Italy does so well: beautiful places to stay, long lunches, and excellent wine. Whether you're an experienced hiker or simply like the idea of cable-car rides, gentle walks, and lunch in a mountain hut, here's how to experience the Dolomites your way.
Japan is a destination of contrasts. One moment you can be crossing one of Tokyo's busiest intersections, and the next you're soaking in the peaceful surroundings of a mountain town. Ancient temples sit alongside futuristic skylines, centuries-old traditions remain part of everyday life, and every region brings its own distinctive food, landscapes, and character. For those who want to experience more than Japan's headline cities, this 14-day Classic Japan small-group tour from InsideJapan brings together some of the country's best-known sights with quieter corners that are just as memorable. Travelling from Tokyo to Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, and Toyama before returning to the capital, it's a journey that reveals just how varied Japan can be.
A safari is one of those holidays many people dream about for years. The first lion sighting, an elephant appearing beside the road, sundowners as the sun drops behind the bush. But as our Head Office colleague Heather discovered during a recent trip to South Africa, the most memorable safari experiences are often the ones you could never have planned.
Finding your match...