Big, bucket-list holidays are a dream for lots of people, but many of us don’t have the time or money to jet around the world for a two or three-week break. Though, that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to treat ourselves. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply relax and unwind, there are many luxurious destinations that are less than four hours away from the UK.
The beauty of luxury is that it can mean many different things. It might look like a glitzy city break in a sophisticated metropolis; walking barefoot on a private beach; or checking into a spa hotel for a few days of pampering. Luckily for us in the UK, we have Europe on our doorstep, so all of these are possible.
So, if you’re hoping to push the boat out on your next holiday but don’t want to spend lots of time (or money) travelling, we’re here to inspire you. Here are the 10 best destinations for a short luxury break.
1. Venice, Italy
If you’re dreaming of an Italian escape, Venice is one of your best bets for a luxurious short break. This magical floating city is historic, characterful, and romantic, and simply wandering around the maze of streets is an experience. But, if you’re a first-time visitor, a gondola ride is a rite of passage! Sit back and relax as you drift through the water soaking up the unique atmosphere and admiring the Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.
There are many exceptional luxury hotels in Venice, but for something lower-key, there are hundreds of elegant B&Bs that cost less. Depending on when you visit, things can get very busy (prepare yourself for the bustle of St Mark’s Square!), but the misty mornings are often idyllically quiet. Sip a latte in a quiet alley cafe, then take a water taxi to Lido di Jesolo to hit the beach. In the evening, you can’t get more glamorous than dinner, drinks, and a trip to the opera.
2. Paris, France
It might be best known for romance, but Paris also serves up plenty of old-school glamour and luxury. The City of Lights boasts iconic architecture, world-class galleries and museums, and swanky bars and restaurants, so whether you’re into culture, history, or cuisine, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The elegant tree-lined boulevards are perfect for walking and, when you need to refuel, just stop in a cafe for a café au lait and buttery golden croissant.
Paris’ stylish boutiques are packed with glitzy labels, so if you like shopping, there are few better cities to do it in. In the day, take a stroll along the Seine (or a cruise), marvel at the majesty of the Sacre Coeur, and admire masterpieces in the Louvre. In the evening, you can dine in Michelin-star restaurants or chic backstreet bistros, and enjoy drinks in the buzzing Latin Quarter. As an added perk, you don’t need to fly; the Eurostar takes just over two hours.
To get the most out of your trip, check out our article; 10 of the most charming streets in Paris.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you’re struggling to decide between a luxury beach holiday or a city break, why not head to the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik and enjoy the best of both worlds? One of Europe’s most magnificent walled cities, evidence of Dubrovnik’s ancient wealth is clear from the moment you arrive. The marble-paved streets are lined with medieval houses, historic churches, and grand palaces – but also modern hotels, cool bars, fancy boutiques, and stylish restaurants.
Enjoy a morning coffee on Placa, the lively main street, then stroll down the cobbled alleys to the pretty harbour. From here, you can take a boat to the pine-speckled Lokrum Island for some sun, sea, and sand – or take a day trip to Brac, Hvar, or Lopud. The city’s pebble beaches are lovely too. The seafront bars are the perfect place for a sunset aperitif and, after, there are many excellent restaurants where you can sample the delicious local cuisine.
4. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza might be most famous for its nightlife, but it also knows how to do luxury, and this beautiful Balearic island has something for everyone. If you’d like to be in the thick of things, there are hundreds of boutique hotels with swim-up bars, infinity pools, and slick spas; while if you’d prefer privacy, there are plenty of private villas in secluded locations. The beaches here are particularly dreamy, with astonishingly blue waters, soft white sand, and bohemian beach bars to relax in.
Ibiza Town’s UNESCO-listed old quarter is a joy to walk around, and the winding streets are packed with independent boutiques and cute tapas restaurants. The modern side of town is where you’ll find the best bars and high-end restaurants. Though, for something quieter, head north to beach towns like Portinatx and Puerto San Miguel, where you’ll find wildflower-dotted hills lined with hiking trails. Taking a boat to Ibiza’s ‘little sister’ Formentera is a lovely way to spend the day too; the beaches here are incredible.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
While most destinations less than four hours from the UK are in Europe, there are exceptions. Morocco’s Marrakech is just a three hour 40 minute flight away, and there’s plenty of luxury here – from high-end hotels and glitzy rooftop bars to glorious royal gardens and grand minarets. The rosy-pink medina walls might have given Marrakech the nickname ‘Red City’, but there’s a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and history to discover here.
Haggling for treasures in the souks is a must, as is exploring Jemaa el-Fna square, the heart of the city. But if you want to relax, this is one of the best cities in the world to be pampered in. Visit a traditional hammam for an indulgent spa treatment, and leave feeling as good as new. Then, soak up the sun in the cobalt Jardin Majorelle, rub shoulders with celebs in the Hivernage district, and browse museums and galleries in leafy Guéliz.
6. Santorini, Greece
The Greek islands are always a good bet for a beach holiday, but if it’s luxury you’re after, Santorini is where to head. This breathtakingly beautiful island is teeming with boutique B&Bs, fancy hotels, and stunning Cycladic villas, many of which enjoy incredible sea views. Try to stay on the west coast, if you can. The sunsets here are legendary, and watching the sun sink into the Aegean above the caldera is something you won’t forget.
The coast is lined with black and white sand beaches, as well as quiet coves and soaring terracotta cliffs. Kamari beach, on the east coast, boasts Blue Flag status, while Perissa is excellent for watersports. The cliff-hugging cubist village of Oia, in the north of the island, is a must-visit too. Not only is it the best spot to watch the sunset, but it’s also got plenty of stylish boutiques and top-quality tavernas. Be sure to bring your camera!
7. The Côte d’Azur, France
The Côte d’Azur has long been synonymous with glitz, glamour, and luxury. The French Riviera is all about bougie bars, big beaches, and even bigger boats – and while it’s known as a millionaire’s playground, you don’t have to earn megabucks to visit. Stretching for nearly 600 miles from Hyères in the east to the Italian border, there are hundreds of beaches to relax on. Choose from small coves in quaint villages to sweeping stretches of sand in pretty port towns.
If you want to hit the beach but also escape the crowds, why not take a boat out? The islands of Îles de Lérins and Île de Porquerolles are especially lovely. St Tropez is a classic choice for discerning sunseekers, and this once-humble fishing town is packed with luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. Nice’s four-mile Promenade des Anglais is also perfect for a beachside stroll, and inland, the cypress-speckled hills are home to medieval villages like Èze, Mougins, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
8. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como has been the go-to destination for the well-heeled since Roman times – and two millennia later, nothing’s changed. Palatial mansions and grand villas line this wishbone-shaped Italian lake and, if you’re looking for atmospheric elegance and serenity, as well as luxury, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic spot. Surrounded by pine-swathed mountains and silver olive groves, Lake Como is one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Europe.
The 20-mile shoreline is lined with rainbow-coloured towns and villages. Bellagio is perhaps the most popular, and its pretty cobbled streets are home to fancy hotels, peaceful gardens, and wisteria-clad trattorias. Menaggio, Cadenabbia, and Tremezzo are also hotspots, but wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be able to admire sensational views. Though, if you want to get active, you can go sailing, windsurfing, and hiking here too.
9. Algarve, Portugal
If you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach break, Portugal’s Algarve is an excellent choice. Famous for its A-grade golf courses, high-class hotels, and unspoilt fishing villages, the coastline here is one of the best in Europe. Dotted with over 100 beaches, from sweeping stretches of sand to crescent-shaped bays and rocky inlets, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Whether you want to stay in a five-star hotel or a stylish villa, you’ll never be far from sea and sand.
The port town of Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s most popular spots, and it makes a fabulous base. The old town boasts cobbled streets, bustling squares, colourful markets, and al fresco restaurants, while the modern part has swish hotels and buzzing open-air bars. For somewhere quieter, the sleepy fishing village of Olhos d’Agua is lovely, as is Sao Rafael, which is famous for its rugged rock formations. Inland, the hilltop villages of Monchique, Alte, and Silves are especially scenic too.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is always a popular choice for a city break, and if you’re looking for luxury, it won’t disappoint. Hotels here boast opulent interiors, rooftop pools, top-of-the-range spas, and exclusive restaurants with picturesque terraces – but you’ll definitely want to eat out too. Losing yourself in the labyrinth-like streets of the gothic quarter and stopping for tapas and sangria is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city. And, in the evening, the bohemian bars of El Raval are always buzzing.
The city is also known for its art and architecture, from Gaudí’s mesmerising Sagrada Familia to creative street art. Though, if you prefer galleries to graffiti, the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya is a must-visit, as is the Picasso museum. To kick back on the sand and catch some rays, head to the city beach, La Barceloneta, where you can enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants too. If you like shopping, Passeig de Gracia is also home to some of the most exclusive brands in the world, while La Boqueria market is a must-visit for foodies.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re dreaming of unwinding under the sun or exploring a stylish new city, there are so many wonderful destinations that are just a few hours away – and these are just 10 of them.
Cities like Marrakech, Paris, and Venice are perfect if you want to enjoy a city break, and you can immerse yourself in culture, food, and history as well as luxury.
For something more rural, Italy’s Lake Como ticks the box, as does the glorious Greek island of Santorini and Portugal’s Algarve. Or, if you can’t decide between a beach holiday or city break, you could head to the Cote d’Azur or Barcelona and enjoy the best of both worlds.
If you’re interested in luxury destinations a little further afield, you might like to check out our article, 10 of the most luxurious holiday destinations around the globe.
Have you been to any of these destinations before? Or are any of them especially tempting for a luxurious short break? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.