Dreamy Destinations Five heavenly holidays flying direct from Edinburgh

DREAMY

DESTINATIONS

Now travel is back on the menu, there’s a whole host of new places to fly direct from Edinburgh. Here are five on our dream itinerary…

SANTORINI

Arguably the most romantic of Greek islands, pretty Santorini is a dream honeymoon destination for many couples tying the knot this year and with Jet2 flying there direct from Edinburgh this summer, you can be there hours after you say ‘I do’. WHERE TO STAY: Mystique is famed for its dreamy location as much as its stunning Cycladic architecture. A vision in deepest blue and dazzling white, the hotel’s gentle curves and sculpted arches cling to a cliffside above the Aegean archipelago. Whitewashed rooms, infinity pools and a state-of-the-art spa all offer pictureperfect spots for a holiday for two. kanavahotels.com

Mystique, Santorini

La Mamounia, Marrakesh

Four Seasons, Madrid

MADRID

When it comes to Spanish cities, Barcelona tends to be the number one destination but if art and culture are more important to you than proximity to a beach, Madrid is the place to be, especially now Ryanair has begun flying there direct from Edinburgh. By day, wander the city taking in world-class museums Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia then by night, make like a Madrileño by enjoying the buzzing nightlife and rooftop bar hopping. WHERE TO STAY: Spain’s debut Four Seasons was eight years in the making finally openings its doors in late 2020 across seven beautiful historical buildings in the heart of the city. Thanks to an impressive rooftop restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Dani García, an epic spa sprawled across four levels and a sun-splashed pool terrace, the luxury hotel has fast become the city’s most talked about destination. www.fourseasons.com/madrid/

MARRAKESH

Morocco resumed international flights in February with Ryanair introducing a twice weekly service to Marrakesh from Edinburgh airport. This vibrant city is romantic, exciting and exotic all at once offering wide-eyed visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the colour and bustle of the souk or spend hazy days relaxing in the luxury of a private riad. WHERE TO STAY: If you’ve been watching the hit Netflix series Inventing Anna, you will know there’s one resort that stands head and shoulders above the rest. La Mamounia is an iconic destination which has recently undergone an extensive renovation ahead of its upcoming centenary. Guests can expect all its original character, heritage and signature architecture, with the addition of new experiences including a private cinema, underground wine bar and new restaurants in partnership with celebrated chefs. www.mamounia.com

TORONTO

Whether it’s a springboard for exploring Canada or you just want to spend a week exploring its largest city, Toronto has everything you could wish for and more – iconic galleries, sophisticated shopping, world-class dining, electric nightlife and beautiful beaches. To avoid the cold months, book a trip for spring or summer. In May, Air Canada will begin running daily flights from Edinburgh, joined by WestJet three times a week from June WHERE TO STAY: Just like us, Toronto is getting its own super-stylish W Hotel this spring. Located in Yorkville, the brand-new destination will be an urban oasis of culture and style with luxury rooms, live music, DJs, a rooftop bar and restaurant and a hip coffeehouse. www.marriot.com

BARBADOS

Virgin Atlantic made dreams of an epic Caribbean holiday a little easier this winter with the launch of a twice weekly direct flight from Edinburgh at the end of last year. The route returns for the 2022/2023 season and flight are on sale now if you want to get ahead and plan your winter escape early. WHERE TO STAY: One of the island’s most famous fivestar hotels, Coral Reef Club is an elegant family-owned establishment set in 12 acres of stunning landscaped gardens on the west coast. Rooms are decorated in classic island style with wooden shutters opening up to sweeping views of the calm Caribbean Sea and a destination spa features a luxurious ‘open sided’ relaxation room and an outdoor hydro-pool with shaded cabanas. coralreefbarbados.com

Coral Reef Club, Barbados