With May half-term fast approaching, many families may assume the best luxury breaks are already fully booked. However, operators say there are still standout options available – from Mediterranean resorts and private villas to adventure-led itineraries in Europe.
While families are keen to escape for a week, luxury specialists are seeing clients express concerns around the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and the ongoing fuel supply issues generated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Head of Regent Holidays Andrea Godfrey said: “For May travel trends, the strongest destination increase we are seeing is for the Nordics. I think this is being aided by smooth EES adoption, with no media reports of airport hold-ups, ensuring demand for Norway and Iceland remains very high.”
SHG Trade Partnerships Manager Kim Sellman believes Greece’s decision to opt out of the EES has had a significant impact on bookings.
“We’ve seen an 11% year-on-year increase in Greece bookings throughout April, which is really encouraging,” she said. “This has been supported by some fantastic exclusive offers with our trusted hotel partners and, with the added benefit of the removal of EES, we feel this has had a positive impact on overall booking levels.”
Oliver’s Travels Product Manager for Greece Jo Grimwood agreed that Greece’s EES move has put the destination ‘firmly back on the radar for British travellers,’ with villa holiday searches rising by 30% month-on-month.
“Regional data shows especially strong growth in the Ionian Islands, Crete and the Southern Aegean – including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Naxos and Paros – some of the UK’s favourite villa destinations, all seeing notable increases in search demand,” she said.
“Greece has always been a favourite with our customers and, with travel now feeling more straightforward again, we expect it to be one of the standout destinations this summer.”
Carrier said the EES is not yet impacting client behaviour or destination choice, with no increase in enquiries for alternative destinations. The operator continues to offer Fast Track services where possible to help ensure a smooth airport experience.
Bookings for May departures are up for Carrier in the last four weeks compared with the same period last year, with Spain and Greece remaining among its most in-demand destinations.
Fuel rationing has also been raised as a concern by customers. Carrier Head of Reservations Deborah Matthews said: “Fuel supply concerns and rising air fares are creating a degree of client anxiety, particularly around commitment and financial risk.
“Some clients have expressed unease about ongoing uncertainty – whether travel will proceed as planned and the prospect of having funds tied up.”
Andrea added that Regent Holidays is ‘seeing clients starting to question fly-drive holidays.’
“The cost of fuel is starting to have an impact. Instead, families are increasingly opting for electric car hire in destinations where charging infrastructure is straightforward, such as Slovenia and Norway.”
Despite these concerns, families are still seeking luxury escapes this half-term, and Indulge has got the lowdown on destinations with room for groups seeking sun, sea, sand and adventure this month.
Western Med and the Canaries
Sovereign still has limited availability at Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur in Costa Adeje, Tenerife (pictured above), with seven nights’ B&B from £5,176 for a family of four, departing on 24 May.
The operator also offers Forte Village, Bouganville in Sardinia with five nights’ half-board from £5,596 for a family of four, departing on 25 May.
For multi-generational families booking late, Oliver’s Travels recommends The Millhouse in rural Cazorla, Andalucia. The converted mill blends rustic charm with modern comforts, generous living areas and outdoor spaces, including a private pool and al fresco dining areas. A seven-night stay from 23 May for 18 people costs £5,098.
Inspiring Travel is offering savings of 10% on a family May half-term break to Domes Lake Algarve, an eco-oriented luxury resort set around a saltwater lake just five minutes from Praia de Falésia beach.
Seven nights’ B&B costs from £8,385 for a family of four, based on four sharing two Tropical Retreat rooms including flights from from London Luton and private transfers. The price includes a 10% saving and is based on travel between 23-31 May.
Eastern Mediterranean
Sovereign Luxury Travel still has availability on Rhodes at Aulus Lindos Rhodes, by Domes, with seven nights’ all-inclusive from £5,869 per family of four, departing London Gatwick on 24 May.
Elegant Resorts is recommending Daios Cove in Crete (pictured above), with seven nights’ half-board from £3,155 per person, including flights, transfers and lounge access, departing on 24 May.
Carrier is offering 20% savings on seven nights at Sani Asterias in Halkidiki, departing 24 May, with prices from £26,820 per family (two adults and two children) sharing a two-bedroom residence. The price includes breakfast, flights and private transfers.
The operator has also secured 15% savings at One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, with prices from £21,130 per family – two adults and two children – including flights and private transfers.
Oliver’s Travels’ Ottoman Villa in Bodrum, sleeping 10, is also available from £3,468 for a 23 May departure.
Nordics
Regent Holidays said the Nordics is one of the strongest growth areas for May, with demand for Norway and Iceland continuing to rise.
For half-term, Regent is highlighting its Iceland Family Adventure Fly-Drive, an eight-day itinerary in southern Iceland (pictured above) based around the Golden Circle. With longer daylight hours, returning puffins and strong whale-watching conditions, May is an ideal time for families to explore.
The trip costs from £10,300 per family of four, departing on 23 May, including flights, car hire and seven nights’ B&B.
Adventurous options
For families seeking alternatives to beach holidays, Explore! is offering guided group trips over half-term.
Its eight-day Amalfi Coast family adventure includes visits to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, plus experiences such as pizza making and boat trips to Positano. Activities include kayaking (pictured above) and hiking the Path of the Gods, with optional excursions to Capri or Ravello. Prices start from £1,279pp, previously £1,399pp.
Explore! also has availability on its eight-day Family Albania Adventure, starting and ending in Tirana, featuring rafting on the Vjosa River, hiking, canyon exploration and wild swimming. Prices start from £1,340pp, previously £1,440pp.
Main picture is Forte Village Bouganville in Sardinia.
