Audley Travel expands its beach offering
Published: 07/21/2022 / Updated: 07/21/2022
Recent research from YouGov found that 38 percent of Americans intend to take a beach holiday in the next 12 months. Bookings with bespoke tour operator Audley Travel also reflect this - up 26 per cent for properties in its beach portfolio. Audley has prepared for this increased demand with an expansion of its beach offering in Greece, Croatia and Mexico.
Audley prides itself on offering clients high quality accommodation away from the main tourist areas, and has selected these properties as they are all ideal for clients to relax at the end of a tailor-made itinerary.
Greece
New for Audley this summer are two properties on the Greek island of Crete — Daios Cove and Domes Noruz.
Daios Cove, Crete
Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas is in a secluded cove in Vathi, Agios Nikolaos. The five-star resort’s exclusive location, along with its impressive architecture that blends perfectly with the rugged surroundings gives luxury accommodation in a serene spot on the coast. Clients stay in deluxe sea view rooms, suites or villas, some with their own pool and guests can relax on the private beach or be pampered at the spa. The resort has six dining venues and bars, each with its own character and style.
Guests enjoy a program of events ranging from meals prepared by visiting Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs from around the world, sampling wines from visiting wineries and entertainment from guest artists as well as access to wellness specialists.
A five-night stay at Daios Cove in Crete costs from $4,200 per person (based on two sharing) and includes accommodation and transfers. www.audleytravel.com/us/greece.
Domes Noruz, Crete
Beachside adults-only Domes Noruz in Chania is designed around a main pool, with guest rooms (lofts, retreats or suites) also boasting their own Jacuzzi, plunge pool or private swimming pool. The resort showcases impressive architecture which has been recognised by industry awards. It has two restaurants — a casual setting that pairs cocktails with sushi and signature restaurant Topos which serves Cretan recipes with a twist. A spa and fitness program has been designed for guests and evenings see guest DJs playing, mixologists creating cocktails and vacationers simply enjoying the views over the sea.
A five-night stay at Domes Noruz in Crete costs from $3,500 per person (based on two sharing) and includes accommodation and transfers. www.audleytravel.com/us/greece.
Croatia
In Brac, Audley has added Hotel Lemongarden to its portfolio. The adults-only property offers accommodation in 22 suites, 13 rooms and four Marina Studios, with regional and seasonal delicacies served in the on-site restaurant. Guests can pamper themselves in a 100 sq m wellness pavilion and private spa.
Days are spent relaxing on the private beach or by the hotel pool. For clients who want to explore the island, three Mini Cooper convertibles are available as rental cars or bikes can be borrowed for those feeling active.
A five-night stay at Hotel Lemongarden costs from $3,100 per person (based on two sharing) and includes accommodation and transfers. www.audleytravel.com/us/croatia.
Mexico
Audley has expanded its beach offering with new options for clients wanting to add a beach extension to their tour of Mexico. The two new properties see Audley offer the remote El Cuyo for the first time as well as more choice for clients on the eight-kilometer-long Isla Mujeres, near Cancun. Both locations are the ideal spot for relaxation at the end of a tailor-made itinerary exploring Mexico’s Mayan ruins, highland towns and cities as well as seeing the wildlife and sampling the cuisine.
LunArena, El Cuyo
LunArena Boutique Beach Hotel is far from mass tourism in the picturesque fishing village of El Cuyo nestled between ocean, lagoon and jungle. The property owners have carefully designed its four rooms to take advantage of its unique positioning giving clients sunset and sunrise views over the water. The onsite restaurant offers a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine, prepared with ingredients sourced from local producers.
A nine-day trip to Mexico including five nights at LunArena costs from $5,500 per person (based on two sharing). The price includes transfers, accommodation and excursions. www.audleytravel.com/us/mexico.
Casa del Jaguar, Isla Mujeres
An all-suites luxury property in Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte, Casa del Jaguar has been redesigned and opened in January. It is an excellent choice for clients wanting to relax in comfort and privacy on the white sands. Accommodation is in beachfront Junior Suites for two, Family Suites for two adults and two children and Master Suites for two with a terrace or balcony.
Clients can eat at the beachfront Oceanus Beach Club and Restaurant, opt for healthy choices at the Green Demon juice bar and wraps palapa and enjoy a special celebration at the adults-only Guru Beach Club and Restaurant in a secluded north beach location.
The owners are planning to open a new spa in the fall with six treatment rooms, an indoor Jacuzzi and anti-aging specialised treatments.
A nine-day trip to Mexico including five nights at Casa del Jaguar costs from $7,300 per person (based on two sharing). The price includes transfers, accommodation and excursions. www.audleytravel.com/us/mexico.
Alex Bentley, Head of Product for Audley Travel, comments: “The new additions to the program in both Mexico and Europe give more choice for travelers who want to relax somewhere new, away from the busier areas. The hotels are all excellent choices, with every aspect carefully designed by the owners to ensure the client has a rejuvenating stay.”