From Crete to Jamaica: five stylish last-minute escapes

Summer is over, sunglasses are neatly put away, and the first pumpkin soup is already simmering on the stove. A little melancholy, perhaps, but no reason to give up. After all, what could be more tempting than spontaneously booking a sunny getaway, or perhaps a trip to the far north, before the year draws to a close? For those who want to end the year in style, ExperienceTravel knows exactly where to go.

Film under the stars in Crete

Autumn is a great time to go to the cinema. But you don't have to sit in a dark, closed-off theater. How about a beautiful film on the silver screen, surrounded by Mediterranean trees and the Cretan mountains? In a lesser-known part of southern Crete lies the Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort, part of the Hilton collection.

This sun-drenched beachfront location features lush gardens and an outdoor cinema, screening both classic and modern films. During the day, you can explore the beautiful surroundings, including the impressive Sarakina Gorge, the verdant Selakano Forest, and the refreshing seawater. The adults-only hotel also offers a variety of facilities to help you escape the autumn weather.

Indulge in a relaxing treatment at the Etherea Spa and pamper your taste buds in the restaurants, where Greek, Peruvian, or Asian dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients. Or have a private picnic dinner served on the beach. Let those leaves fall in the Netherlands.

More information about this sun-drenched stay can be found here here. 

Tapas terrace in Romanesque Andalusia

If you want to soak up the sun a little longer, you can extend your summer in style on the Costa del Sol. Marbella's Puente Romano is designed like an Andalusian village, nestled amidst a lush subtropical garden. Even in ancient times, this was a popular spot – as evidenced by the centuries-old Roman bridge that once formed part of the ancient road between Rome and Cádiz.

With the Six Senses Spa, various swimming pools, and the beach right on your doorstep, there's plenty of opportunity to relax. You can also take to the water on a yacht or have a blast with water skiing. If you're looking for a bit more excitement, the fashionable resort of Marbella is just three kilometers away. The nightlife there is glamorous, with trendy beach clubs and countless restaurants.

At the resort itself, you can sample world cuisine – from Thai dishes and Japanese sushi to wood-fired pizzas – as well as simply delicious tapas with a twist.

Discover here more about a stylish late summer in Marbella.

Naturally Norway

In autumn, hundreds of orcas and countless humpback whales migrate to the Norwegian fjords to feed on large schools of herring during the winter. Aboard a small ship like the MS Stockholm, it's possible to follow them responsibly. There's room for just twelve passengers, who are assigned a double cabin with private facilities.

The beautiful, classic ship features copper details and a wooden observation deck, whose low position offers ideal vantage points for photographing whales and sea eagles. You can also explore by zodiac. So close to nature, you can sometimes even hear the humpback's breathing just before its characteristic fluke dives.

In the final months of the year, the polar night slowly descends. The sun still shines for a few hours each day, casting an enchanting light over the fjords. And in clear weather, there's a good chance the Northern Lights will dance spectacularly above the water, with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop.

Read here more about this unique expedition cruise through the Norwegian fjords. 

Light show in Lapland

We haven't had real winters in the Netherlands for a while now. In Scandinavia, on the other hand, a thick blanket of snow falls every year. The artistic Arctic Bath Resort is a winter oasis of tranquility nestled on the partially frozen Lule River in Swedish Lapland. The design is an ode to Scandinavian traditions, with local wood, robust stone, and large panoramic glass walls.

The central bathhouse, the walkways, and the playfully stacked logs surrounding the floating main building subtly reference the river's former timber transport. Its remote location makes it one of the most impressive spots to witness the famous Aurora Borealis – when green brushstrokes illuminate the sky above the frozen landscape.

Of course, you can also go on an adventure here: take a husky safari, a snowmobile ride, or learn more about local Sami culture. A winter like you rarely experience.

More information about this enchanting winter retreat can be found here here. 

Relax to the rhythm of Jamaica

Book an Overwater Villa at the stylish Sandals Royal Caribbean for a true bounty experience. The villas are connected in a heart-shaped design by wooden walkways and offer ample privacy, comfort, and direct access to the sea. Personal butler service is part of the five-star all-inclusive concept, so you truly have to worry about nothing.

Jamaica is all about slowing down: the sun, the sea, and the relaxed island vibe take care of everything. You'll be moving to the island's rhythm in no time. Ya mon!

Discover here everything about a relaxing stay at Sandals Royal Caribbean. 

This article was created in collaboration with ExperienceTravel.