Holiday for parents big birthday

[lordun]

We were planning to book a holiday to Dubai in the May half term to celebrate my parents 80th birthdays and to treat them to a holiday somewhere luxurious. We’ve been many times before to the One and Only which we all love and I thought would work well as I know parents are comfortable there, they don’t have to venture far from the resort if they don’t want to etc. Given the news today, this doesn’t look like a good idea. Can anyone recommend somewhere else? As much as we like a luxury holiday, me and my husband would happily go anywhere but I need to take their age into consideration. They just want to go somewhere very nice where they can relax. Any ideas would be much appreciated!

Amalfi Coast? Lake Garda?

Mauritius is beautiful at that time of year. Very safe and some amazing resorts.

I did think of Italy but I wondered if there might be too much walking involved?

Mauritius is somewhere I’d love to try but I think the flight time would be too long for them unfortunately

Cruise? A nice one, Explora Journeys for example.

Depends on where you stay as to the amount of walking involved. If you stay on one of the Lakes for example, in a high end hotel, most of them have docking bays so you can travel across the Lake by boat easily.

How about Crete or Cyprus if you want more of a resort experience?

I had a quick look at the Ikos and Sani resorts which look lovely but v pricey and not much availability as it’s half term. Worth checking properly though as I’ve only heard good things

Ah ok, I don’t know anything about that part of the world but that sounds possible thank you

It’s beautiful, stunning scenery but very different to Dubai.

I’d recommend this hotel if you want adults only : https://belfioreparkhotel.com/en/

If children are travelling with you, this one:
www.hotelflaminia.it/?lang=en

https://luxuryescapes.com/gb?utm_adgroup=brand_pure&utm_bp=2&gad_campaignid=21321827194

edit for the UK version

One and Only Cape Town.

Dubai is a bit boring in many ways. Many other places have a bit more culture. What do they like doing? I’d be livid if my DDs booked Dubai again - and yes, we’ve stayed at that hotel. They might like a Noble Caledonia Cruise on a small ship? They sell out but you can ring for availability. Much more varied.

@OhDear111honestly at this stage in their lives and after a very difficult few years, they want to go somewhere where they can relax in the sunshine, go out for some nice dinners and just enjoy spending time with us and the kids. Obviously I discussed it with them and they were on board, I wouldn’t just book somewhere!

South of France, Cote d'Azur. No. 1 spot for luxury, food, sun, scenery, relaxation.

I know nothing about fancy hotels, but I know that South East Asian cities and beach resorts have some stunning ones.

Personally I'd look to Singapore, or to Penang or Langkawi. All 'easy' places with some fancy hotels, but some interest for those of you who want to actually leave the hotel.

End of May is very hot in Dubai but I’d recommend Italian lakes too. We are just more active I guess. We like South Africa where there’s enough to see and do and amazing hotels to relax in. Although we like upmarket guest houses where they really look after you. Something for everyone there.

@saraclarathey’ve been to Langkawi and loved it, they’re very well travelled but sadly the flight would be too long for them at their age.

@damselathats a great idea, I didn’t think of that! Thank you

I love Italy but to make the most of it you really do need to get out and about and see the sights. It's a waste of money if you're only going to flop and eat (not that there's anything wrong with that!). How about one of the Canary Islands OP?

@ginasevern yes that’s the other thing, we’re paying which we want to do, but it would be a bit of a waste to go somewhere where there’s lots to do and see and not make the most of it and they’d probably feel bad about not making the most of it too.

They have a property in Spain where we spend a lot of time in the summer so this was a chance to take them somewhere different, where they won’t feel obliged to clean and tidy and just give them a bit of luxury

Thank you for all the suggestions. We are a little limited in all honesty because of their age and capacity to go too far these days, didn’t want it to come across like I’m being difficult or too picky