Private style accommodation within AI - but short-haul

[staleryvitas]

Me and DH have decided that there is no way we can leave our would-be two year old next year whilst we go on a long haul honeymoon. She has a great relationship with my mum and is used to her putting her to bed, but it’s just too long and and not fair on her. I also think I’d be miserable to be separated from her. We are banking that trip for a 5 year anniversary 😂

However, we still want to go on a trip together for a long weekend, Thursday to Monday, with minimal travel time

We ideally want the romantic private accommodation options that we would have had in the Maldives (one of the beach villas on stilts) - but we need something closer to home.

Can anyone recommend a beautiful AI resort that will permit a short stay and has a private villa option designed for couples? We don’t want a 3 or 4 bedroom place that we are rattling around- just something romantic and private, our own hot tub or little pool. Our own veranda. Breakfast in bed, all of that.

Re: budget- there isn’t really one, but I do want to keep a lid on it as it is a short break and I don’t really want to spend £10000 on a long weekend. A solid, genuine 4 star would suit us fine, we’ll just be happy for the break.

Any time April to September 2024 works for us too, and possibly could do a last minute bargain September this year if it’s still warm.

I’ve tried a few private travel agents but they haven’t responded to my form yet and Kuoni wasn’t massively helpful and just kept steering us towards long haul, but I get that’s what they are geared for.

Sorry, I have no idea, but following with interest!

We have stayed at the Tacande Portals on Portals Nous in Mallorca 4 or 5 times. It doesn't do AI but you can do half board- and it's adults only-- personally I wouldn't as it's a quick cab ride into Puerto portals and the lovely if blingy Marina- they do nice rooms by the pool (it has a few pools) with a terrace with your own hot tub- lovely staff and pool bar. Always smells of Rituals!! And it's only 20 minutes on bus or cab into Palma, beautiful cove at end of road with shack style beach bar and you would be looking at about £1500 for 5 nights plus flights so if you can go early July and avoid school holiday prices. Leaves a decent budget for drinks and meals out

Some friends have just stated at the Charisma Suites on Santorini and loved it.

(Sorry, just remembered the AI bit and no clue if that applies - probably not.)

The Ikos resorts might fit the bill.

Ikos Dassia (Corfu), Ikos Aria (Kos), Ikos Olivia (Halkidiki) and Ikos Porto Petro (Mallorca) have private bungalows with private pools and some have direct beachfront access.

Last year we stayed at the capaldi in Morocco for a long weekend in the private pool suite. It was very private and we barely saw any one else in the grounds are it’s so private.

They look fab- but even in September the type
of accommodation we want is in excess of 10,000 euros. That’s a big chunk of the future Maldives trip on a long weekend. thank you so much for suggesting though- I have bookmarked these for another time.

The spa suites at Vila Vita Parc https://vilavitaparc.com/en/accommodation/spa-suite

Stella Island, Crete. DH and I did 4 nights for just under 4K including flights, all inclusive and transfers.

Yes, look at Ikos. Probably not quite as private as the Maldives places you're referencing, but you can definitely get beachfront bungalows with private pools at several of the resorts. And you really couldn't ask for more in terms of how comprehensive the AI is, not how fabulous the service is.

Other hotels I know of that have private villas or bungalows:

Domes of Elounda, Crete
Grand Palladium Sicilia, Sicily
Eagles Villas at Eagle Palace Resort, Halkidiki
Grecotel Lux White Palace, Crete
Grectoel Lux Daphnila Bay, Corfu
Grecotel Corfu Imperial, Corfu
Gloria Serenity, Antalya
Maxx Royal Kemer Resort, Antalya
Daios Cove, Crete
Rixos Premium, Bodrum

I stayed in an amazing little place in Sicily, can't find the name, but it wasn't catered - in Europe ai doesn't tend to come with privacy alas. I'll dig out the owners details.

I would strong recommend Sicily though or perhaps Italy, go for the perfect location rather than board and go out for dinner ti local restaurants.

If you fancy lake como, literally on the lake, gorgeous views, I can recommend an apartment, great little bars, restaurants and cafes within 5-10 minutes walk I can give details of that. Not expensive / I paid €600 for 5 nights. Only available direct from owners.

Oh we also did a last minute break at restia suites in Corfu once. There were people on honeymoon.

Second Stella Island

The Aldemar Knossos in Crete had private villas with pools. Although I would recommend other parts of Crete over Hersonisos!

Why don’t you just go to the Maldives?

@Thosesummernights have you actually read it?

Not AI but any of the Martinhal resorts would be perfect

Stella island.

Sani resort or Domes of Elounda.

I think you’d be better looking at April/May next year for Ikos. At Dassia you’re looking at approx. €6000 for 5 nights in a 2 bed bungalow in May For example.

They are beautiful resorts!

Daios Cove has a waterfront one-bed villa with private pool for under £5000 in September for 4 nights

How about the Garden Villa at the Paradisus Salinas in Lanzarote?

Yes I did read it. I just think it’s entirely possible to take the two year old to the Maldives, and still have an amazing honeymoon.

There are a couple of options I know of in Hurghada, Egypt that do villas and short stays: Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas and The Sunrise Tucana. Tui do both.

We stayed at the Sunrise Royal Makadi that is next to the Tucana (same resort/site) and it looked lovely, would def chose to go there as a couple.

I don’t think I’d do Ikos without kids (especially if you’re leaving your own behind).

I have no idea what this hotel is like but I kept seeing pictures on instagram and thought it would be amazing for a child-free trip. https://www.calilo.com/