Sun holidays | the best places to go for sun, sea and sand

Majorca is the perfect choice for those looking for a sun holiday on a shoestring. Here, we showcase our favourite apart-hotels where you have a serviced room, plus a kitchenette where you can whip yourself up meals and snacks and downstairs there is a communal pool where you can frolic in the sunshine. With all these hotels being both beautiful and budget-friendly, there’s little more you could want from a sun holiday…

Sometimes you just need some sun and it doesn’t matter how you get it. So an apartment in Lanzarote has everything you need; you can cater for yourself, there’s year-round sunshine, a pool and great beaches. We’ve chosen our favourite self-catered apartments in Lanzarote that are perfect for all the family, so whether you are travelling with small children, teenagers, or just as a couple, these hotels have everything you need!

Ok so we can’t guarantee that there will be sunshine but certainly, England’s South West enjoys a microclimate that is slightly warmer and a good day at the English Riviera is as if you were in Spain. But wherever you are in the country we have found the best beaches in the UK for you to soak up the sun.

Spain is always a hit but knowing exactly where to go can be tricky. But fear not, as we have asked the Spanish locals where they would recommend for a sun holiday in Spain. Whether it is time by the beach you crave, the chance to top up your tan or simply some peace and quiet in a less touristy area you’ll find exactly what you need. So take a look at each of these Spanish hotels, every one of them a local secret.

There is nothing like the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean for a sun holiday. We’ve chosen some of the best islands if you are looking for a quiet holiday with exquisite seafood, even better wine, a beach at your fingertips and a hotel that doesn’t break the bank.

Marbella is perfect for those looking for a sun-soaked holiday, with easy beach access and also a little added luxury. Whether you want a golf and spa resort, a hotel with beach views or a private terrace where you don’t have to race to get a sunbed, these hotels have it all! So if you are looking to sample the Costa del Sol, Marbella is definitely the town for you.

Catch some rays whilst sliding down a thrilling water slide! Whether you simply want to keep the kids entertained whilst you zone out on a sunbed, or you are keen to get stuck in with all the adrenaline-inducing fun, a water-park hotel is always a good idea.

These hotels range from exquisite far-flung resorts in Orlando to hotels that are practically just around the corner in places like Majorca or Greece. Take a look for yourself…

Whether it’s hurtling down a slide in the Bahamas into a shark-filled lagoon, or dropping the equivalent of nine floors down a water slide in Dubai, these awesome water slides will leave you completely breathless!

If you are the kind of person that can lie in the sun for a day but after that you get bored, then why not consider a trip to somewhere like Barcelona? In Barcelona, you can choose between the pool, beach, shopping or incredible cultural sights such as the famous Gaudi cathedral the Sagrada Familia. And what’s more, these hotels in Barcelona all have incredible rooftop pools, so you can enjoy a sun-downer pool-side whilst watching the sunset over the city.

Lisbon is the perfect city for a short break that includes a chance to look around the city and hit the beach. Each of these hotels provides cheap and cheerful accommodation with easy access to the city centre so you can simply step out of your hotel and be surrounded by the beautiful tiled streets and sunshine of Lisbon.

We’ve chosen our favourite hotels in Rome that have incredible rooftop pools, bars and restaurant so you can survey the city from on high. Sip on a cocktail whilst taking in the Colosseum, or enjoy a candle-lit dinner in the moonlight above the hustle and bustle of the city. During the day the city has so much to offer from historical sites to incredible restaurants. If you are craving the beach you can always take a train out of the city to visit the nearest beach and enjoy the best of both worlds!

Looking to simply get away from it all and maybe even splurge on having your own hot tub on the terrace? Well, we were thinking the exact same thing and so put a list together of the best hotels in Europe where you can have a sun holiday that includes a private hot tub on your balcony. Whether you choose Santorini or maybe even a secluded resort in the Swiss Alps, you are sure to find your place in the sun.

Could you feel anymore smug than when you are surveying the city or the ocean from the depths of an infinity pool? Whether it’s Greece or Majorca you are sure to be soaking up rays in the lap of luxury, whilst enjoying watching the glittering water disappear over the horizon.

There is such a thing as having your own private pool so you need never deal with other people’s screaming children again, and if you forget your sun cream it’s no problem to go to your room and get it. Some of the hotels we have chosen have incredible ocean views, others are on rooftops and some offer both a large communal pool plus your own smaller private pool. Whether you are thinking of going to Greece, Spain or further afield we have some great options on this list.

Dubai is warm all year round, and although it’s probably a little uncomfortable in the height of summer, it is perfect if you are envisioning a little winter sun on your bones. October, Christmas and February are all popular times to experience Dubai at its best whether you want to shop, lay by the pool visit the beach or trek through the desert.

With year-round warm temperatures and cheap flights available, the Canary Islands are the perfect choice for a sun-holiday especially if you are travelling in January or February. Located just off the coast of Africa but with Spanish nationality and more importantly plenty of tapas, it’s perfect for a cheeky getaway whilst the rest of Europe is frozen over. Here we’ve chosen our favourite hotels across the Canary Islands from Tenerife to Gran Canaria.