What’s better than an island in the sun? An island in the sun that you can get to comfortably, safely, and easily from your home in London town, of course! Though summer has hit the UK with a vengeance and a lack of heat is not currently a problem for Londoners, a trip to paradise is never a bad idea. Get out of the city, feel the sand on your feet and the coastal wind in your hair when you travel to any of these three island destinations, just a short flight from Heathrow.

Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Flight Time: 2-2.5 hours

Hidden Gem Stays: Cap Rocat in Cala Blava and Hotel Valldemossa in Valldemossa.

Though a Mallorca holiday is hardly a new concept for Brits, it’s not one to underestimate or fob off just because it’s a popular choice. The island does have a reputation for the cliché beach holiday experience, but the reality of this stunning Balearic location is one rich in culture and diverse in people and experiences. No one’s going to turn down soft sands and azure seas, but it’s nice to know that there’s a lot more on offer for visitors. 

Private jet charters can land at Palma de Mallorca Airport, and from there, you’re ready to get a taste of island life. Mallorca is a foodies paradise, thanks to the abundance of fresh produce available on the island, and the Spanish Balearic flavours you find here are unlike anything else. Art and culture are a high point here as well: vibrant locally made pieces are on display at galleries like Gallery Red and Galería Maior. The towns and villages, large and small, are wall-to-wall architectural experiences. The museums, restaurants, and, of course, the shops all offer tourists a way to get to know the island and its people on a deeper level, but it’s the landscapes you’ll fall in love with. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range (UNESCO recognised) is postcard-perfect, and the island’s mild climate makes it a great experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The more adventurous can scale a limestone cliff or two. There are also stunning Spanish vineyards to cycle, wines to taste, or wildlife to spot in gorgeous national parks, and of course, scuba and snorkelling, which are hard to beat.

Sardinia, Greece

Flight Time: 2.5 hours

Hidden Gem Stays: Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa in Alghero and Hotel Palazzo Tirso in Cagliari.

Sardinia, which clocks in at about the size of New Hampshire, is a Greek island destination that really appreciates the Italian philosophy of dolce far niente – the joy of doing nothing. If doing as little as possible isn’t your thing, don’t fret; the island does have a lot to experience. In the southern part of the island, you’ll find the capital of Cagliari, which is a huge draw thanks to the medieval walls that still stand proudly in the Castello quarter, the heavenly seafood restaurants, and the gorgeous marina. The central region has long, curving roads that are perfect for a mountain road trip, and the eastern region is perfect for seaside hikes. Experience culture and heritage in the form of Bronze Age monuments (known as nuraghi) that are dotted around the island, more than 7000 of them. Costa Smeralda in the northeast is home to swanky beach resorts for sunning yourself and taking the occasional dip.

You’ll travel to Sardinia for the beaches, that’s for sure, but it’s everything else about this magical place that will make you want to stay forever.

Antigua, The Caribbean

Flight Time: 8.5-9 hours

Hidden Gem Stays: Cocobay Resort in Ffryes Bay and Carlisle Bay Resort at Carlisle Bay.

While a 9-hour flight may not be the shortest on the list, being in the air that long is made infinitely more enjoyable by the fact that you’ve got your private cabin all to yourself! Flying over an ocean of that bright, rich Caribbean blue and landing on one of the most beautiful islands in the world is worthwhile compensation for a 9-hour flight. Not only is the climate as lovely as the landscapes and seascapes of the island itself, but you get a really rich dose of history (not all of it pleasant, but the Antiguan people have come a long way and share their story proudly) and a welcome into a culture that that is so warm you’ll want to set up camp on the island for good. If you’re looking for a more mellow and relaxed trip, remember that the peak festive season in Antigua is July, thanks to Carnivale, so that’s the month to avoid. There are a total of 365 beaches on the island, and though some may seem private, none of them are. With that in mind, grab yourself a rum punch and embrace the laid-back way of life that locals enjoy every day of the year.

An Island In The Sun

A getaway is only as much fun as the place you get away to, right? Spoil yourself with an island escape, spoil yourself with a private flight, and spoil yourself with embracing culture, cuisine, and destinations you’ve never experienced before.