Wondering where to book your next holiday? We asked Citizen Femme’s travel-obsessed team to share their choice of long and short-haul locations for summer 2023.
From weekend getaways in the UK to long-haul trips to Malaysia, the Maldives and beyond – read on for some summer itinerary inspiration.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
SHORT HAUL: With a new baby in town, my short haul will likely be very short. I’m looking at Soho Farmhouse for a weekend escape. A lovely cabin, plenty of fresh air, regular dips in the pool, and maybe even a boat ride. Being such an easy commute from London, it’s just enough of a break providing the perfect change of scene. I’m also looking at a family escape to Forte Village in Sardinia as it has plenty to do for young children, plus a spa that’ll suit my needs just perfectly.
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LONG HAUL: I’ll be venturing to the Maldives (rather ambitiously) at the end of summer to stay in Maldivian masterpieces from The OZEN Collection with overwater villas and underwater restaurants. Hopefully there’ll be some downtime, but I’ll definitely be soaking up every slice of paradise that it serves.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Fashion Editor
SHORT HAUL: I’ve got my heart set on Milos, Greece. This beautiful Greek island sits in the heart of the Aegean Sea and is supposedly the most laid-back of the Cyclades. It’s just a few hours from London by plane and has the most beautiful beaches and a spellbinding volcanic landscape. I have my eye on Skinopi Lodge; surrounded by amazing landscape and history, it looks like a peaceful retreat amongst nature. Summer dreaming…
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LONG HAUL: I’m going to Malaysia in June – which is certainly long haul from the UK! We start in Kuala Lumpur at The Ritz Carlton – the capital of Malaysia to experience the city life – and then head to the private Pangkor Laut Island, three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia for white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The final leg of the trip is Cameron Highlands Resort, which sits 1,500 metres above sea level in a forested mountainscape known as the ‘little piece of England in Asia’. In just five days, I’ll see the best Malaysia has to offer, from city and beaches to mountains.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
SHORT HAUL: Blame it on being a beauty and wellness editor, but I’m using my short haul stays this year to discover the very latest innovations in science-backed rest and relaxation. That means I’ll be heading straight to Switzerland. In fact, I’m planning to ‘biohack my body’ at leading wellness clinics, such as Clinique la Prairie, which promises to go beyond your traditional spa or gym, by transforming your immune system, metabolism, skin health and brain function. I’m eyeing up the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz too, for its new five-star approach to improving mental and physical health, including combatting burnout.
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LONG HAUL: I’ve been dreaming about hiking in South America for years and, as reputable operators such as Intrepid resume their Peruvian tours after a period of political instability, I’m hoping to finally lace up my boots there this summer. From rainbow-coloured mountains to the Amazon rainforest, Colca Canyon to the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, it’s an active holidaymaker’s paradise with views that will live long in my memory – and on my Instagram feed. The promise of authentic Peruvian cuisine and a rich, creamy coffee as a reward for days of adventuring means it’s well worth the 20-hour trip from London.
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Lucy Halfhead, Content & Partnerships Director
SHORT HAUL: The Greek islands are calling me this summer, so I’m planning to jet off to Santorini for a three-night stay at Andronis Arcadia on the fringe of picturesque Oia, the latest addition to the Andronis Exclusive collection. This all-suite hotel is close enough to walk into the town centre but is set apart for maximum peace and privacy – something that’s quite rare in Santorini. Interiors are luxurious and cool, with natural elements of wood, linen and stone. I’m looking forward to swimming in the largest infinity pool on the island and sampling delicious Greek food at the vibey restaurant.
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LONG HAUL: Now’s the time to visit the Bequia Beach Hotel, a luxury boutique resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that offers a slice of quintessential Caribbean life to all who visit. Spend your days floating between the lush gardens and white sand beach, perhaps stopping for a piña colada at the bar or taking a dip in one of two fabulous pools. Check into one of the spacious beachfront suites for the best ocean views from your private terrace. If you want to explore further afield, hike up Mount Peggy or kick back at Jack’s Beach Bar on the nearby Princess Margaret Beach.
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Katie Silcox, Deputy Editor
SHORT HAUL: I’ve been spending time island hopping around Greece this month, and I’m not finished yet! So far I’ve taken the ferry to Santorini and flown to Crete for a weekend at Elounda Peninsula. Next week I’m heading to Mykonos to finish my island adventures in style (until the next time) where I’ll be staying at Myconian Ambassador. While both the sea and outdoor swimming pools are still a bit too cold for an enjoyable swim, I’ve more than made up for it by sightseeing, enjoying al fresco drinks, and with plenty of fresh Greek seafood.
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LONG HAUL:
In June I’m visiting Miami for the first time. I’ll be staying at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach and plan to spend time on the beach as well as exploring other parts of the city. On my to-do wishlist are gallery hopping in Wynwood, touring the art deco architecture and taste-testing lots of Cuban food.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
SHORT HAUL: As soon as school breaks up I will be heading to our beach house in North Devon with my boys. It’s such a lovely coastal spot and we spend our days swimming, surfing and paddle boarding with lots of family and friends coming to visit. Devon is a wonderful place to take kids because it’s packed with so much outdoor fun. In August we are off to Greece for a holiday with extended family. We’re staying at the fabulous Romanos Resort Costa Navarino on the beautiful Peloponnese Coast. The hotel looks perfect for us as there is something for everyone to do – from water sports, golf and tennis to a top-notch spa and a stunning beach. Just what you need for a multigenerational holiday.
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LONG HAUL: We save our far-flung trips for the winter months and this year we’re going to Cape Town to visit our South African family. We are staying at The Bay Hotel on Camps Bay and my boys are super excited to head up Table Mountain and visit Robben Island. At Easter we are off on a road trip around Florida and will definitely be spending a few nights at The Boca Raton. The sunshine state is hard to beat for a fun family holiday: great beaches, loads of activities and of course the theme parks. I must admit I love Disney just as much as the kids do.
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Lauren O’Donoghue, Editorial Assistant
SHORT HAUL: I’m venturing to Marrakech, the historical and vibrant Moroccan city. My itinerary includes exploring the traditional souks as well as visiting Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts. Lastly, I’ll also be going to The Lost Nomads festival, held in the Agafay Desert.
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LONG HAUL: I’ll be sipping Margaritas on the beautiful, palm-studded, sandy coastline of Tulum. Situated on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum benefits from tropical temperatures all year round. Mexican cuisine has been a favourite of mine for many years now, so I’m desperate to try the real deal.
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Shira Frankl, Editorial Assistant
SHORT HAUL: A firm believer that Greece makes for the ideal coastal getaway, I’ll be travelling to Corfu for a short yet sweet summer stay. Having stayed at Ikos Resorts in mainland Greece, I’m looking forward to trying out their property on the isle of Corfu. It’s ideal for anyone hoping to unwind on the beach plus the resort’s amenities – such as its à la carte menus crafted by Michelin-star chefs and eco-adventures with a complimentary Tesla for a day – make the Greek island experience all the more dreamy.
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LONG HAUL: Having visited Hawaii for the first time a few summers ago, I really hope to return soon. The oceanside strolls and scenic scapes from the pool area at Halekulani meant that the 14-hour travel time was more than worthwhile. After a few days of blissful relaxation at the resort and spa, the Kalalau hiking trail a few miles away is not only rewarding but so memorable as you can soak in miles of ocean views from high above. The only thing better than the breathtaking views of Honolulu is its thriving market scene where you can enjoy locally-produced poké, açaí and, of course, refreshing cocktails.
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Lead image: ERES
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