A relaxing escape in a child free environment… whether you’re a non-parent or parent in need of some time to yourselves, here are our favourite places to stay for an adults only no-children-allowed holiday…
Layana Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta – Tranquil setting
This is a heavenly resort, set amongst tranquil, well maintained gardens. Even though you won’t actually need to leave the resort (thanks to the terrific facilities), the hotel is in a good location close to all the best places to eat, see and experience on Lanta. There’s a great beachfront restaurant. Spend an evening watching the sunset from the bar. There are many excursions on offer, from boat trips (including the best beach picnic you’ll ever have!) to Thai cookery lessons. The beach is white, sandy and expansive, with plenty of sunbeds, and the pool is clean, well looked after and refreshingly cool on warm days. The staff are friendly and helpful… what more could you ask for?
Sandals Negril Resort & Spa, Jamaica – Great beach
All of the Sandals resorts are great couples-only destinations, although Sandals Negril gets our pick thanks to the 7 mile long white sandy beach. Lazing in the sunshine, cocktail in hand, on a white sandy beach, whilst waves gently lap the shore – if this is your idea of the perfect getaway, then Negril ticks all the boxes! In addition there’s all you’d expect from a Sandals resort – All Inclusive meals, drinks, evening entertainment, excellent spa, sports and fitness facilities together with a wide choice of restaurants and bars, including Barefoot by the Sea – enjoy locally caught seafood with your toes in the sand!
Secrets Maroma Beach, Cancun – Relaxed, Spacious
Our favourite of the Secrets resorts, this is one for those who like large resorts with lots of facilities, without the noisy children that often accompany such places. There’s a pleasant, serine atmosphere fostered by the couples-only nature of the resort. With a best of both feel, there’s plenty going on both daytime and in the evenings, but there are also many quiet places where you can enjoy a bit of privacy. The beach is white, sandy and beautiful (one of Mexico’s best) with a reef for snorkelling close to the resort. Our top tip is to ask for a high level floor so you get an ocean view (although the swim out rooms, with semi-private pools, are pretty special too). The ratio of staff to guests is high, meaning the service is really impressive.
Rendezvous, St Lucia – Boutique feel
One of the smaller hotels in our top 5 list, this recently refurbished family run resort has a more intimate, personal feel, with friendly staff who will cater to your every whim. There’s a lazy river pool that meanders gently through the resort, and a soft sandy beach facing the gently Caribbean sea, ideal for swimming. Enjoy a drink at the beachfront bar watching a spectacular sunset, before a romantic candlelit dinner. All manner of watersports are on offer and included in the price. Whilst some people’s idea of relaxation is to read a novel on the beach and sip a tropical cocktail, others prefer to fill every minute of every day with fun-filled activities – both personality types are well catered for here!
The Club, Barbados
This relaxed resort has peaceful vibe, located right next to the prestigious Sandy Lane, on the West Coast of the island. The Club is close to all the popular shopping & dining hotspots, and has all the facilities you’d expect at an All Inclusive resort. The beach directly in front of the resort is a little narrow, but a short stroll in either direction takes you to a beautiful neighbouring beach (all beaches are public in Barbados, so you can set up camp wherever you like!). Our top tip is to try the Enid’s restaurant, available on a reservation basis, for an extra special meal. Currently closed for the summer for refurbishment, it promises to be an excellent choice for a winter sun break when it reopens in September 2015.
Have you stayed at any other Adults Only Resorts you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below…