If your five-star holiday non-negotiables include ultra-clear waters, snow-white sands and warm rays, our Indulgent Escapes are a match. If your desired tick-boxes happen to be Caribbean-style surroundings too, meet these impressive European idylls. 

Sardinia, Italy 

Sardinia boasts some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Mediterranean, which is why it’s often dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’. Its blissful beaches, such as the Costa Smeralda, have whiter-than-can-be grains, framed by fascinating, photo-worthy nature. Its magical mix of rugged landscapes, charming villages and coastal resorts gives it the same laidback yet exotic-island flavour. Plus, you can get acquainted with hot, sunny weather – especially during the summer. 

Algarve, Portugal 

Famous for long stretches of golden, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, reminiscent of those found in the Caribbean, the Algarve is a treasure. With sunny weather comes the pleasant temperatures the Algarve’s known for as well, so its Mediterranean climate makes it an attractive alternative to the Caribbean. You can also relish the short flight time and quaint seaside towns such as Lagos and Albufeira – both relaxing and utterly characterful, dappled with restaurant-bars and boutiques. 

Jandia, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands 

Fuerteventura is known for its wide, sand-swept plots with tropical-esque good looks. Jandia flies the flag for such, offering expansive beaches that stretch for miles. Naturally, the Canary Islands all enjoy year-round subtropical climates – creating another comparison between here and the Caribbean for sun-seekers. It won’t take you long to revel in its blend of desert-inspired and water-sports-fuelled adventure either – with a little R&R tumbled in.  

Crete (Chania Area), Greece 

The shorefronts in Crete’s Chania Area are synonymous with jaw-dropping waters and buttermilk sands (sometimes even shell-pink, at Elafonisi). But that’s not forgetting their backdrop of rugged mountains, which evoke those Caribbean comparisons again. The combination of lush landscapes, historic ruins and vibrant local culture add to the isle’s far-flung credentials too. As for the sought-after weather, Crete’s sunny, Mediterranean climate means it stays popular throughout the calendar.  

Dalaman Area, Turkey 

Harbouring places like Olu Deniz (and of course, the turtle-nesting site of Iztuzu), the Dalaman Area promises another cluster of beaches akin to the Caribbean. Shimmering waves lap against champagne sands, and island-vibe scenery envelops it. Adding dramatic countryside and tombs carved into rockfaces, there’s a real allure to the nature – on top of all the seclusion you can savour. Boat trip, anybody? If that wasn’t enough, Dalaman boasts hot temperatures during the summer months, though it’s usually a bit milder otherwise.  

Psst, we also have lots of new hotels in our Indulgent Escapes portfolio for this year. Read all about them here.