From sublime snorkelling to aquatic adventures, Alice Barnes-Brown rounds up top spots for water-based fun
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1. Siyam World, Maldives
Siyam World has plenty of splash zones, including overwater villas with slides directly into the turquoise lagoon. Non-motorised watersports are included – including stand-up paddleboarding on a transparent board – while extras include underwater jet packs, water bikes and the semi-submersible, shark-shaped Seabreacher. New for 2024 is a night-diving experience.
Book it: Classic Collection offers a seven-night stay for two, sharing a Water Villa with Pool Slide, from £3,699 per person. Includes flights from Heathrow in November, lounge access, seaplane transfers and the resort’s ‘Wow’ all-inclusive plan.
classic-collection.co.uk
2. Royalton Chic, Antigua
In April an all-new adult-only resort is coming to Antigua, an island that’s renowned for its snorkelling and sailing opportunities. The five-star Royalton Chic includes complimentary kayaking, snorkelling and even an introductory lesson to scuba diving as standard, while additional excursions showcase the best of Antigua’s sailing scene, including a catamaran trip to a birdwatching hotspot and a visit to a coral reef.
Book it: Gold Medal offers 10 nights’ all-inclusive from £2,329 per person for stays between October 1-20, 2024, based on two adults sharing a Luxury Double Room, including flights and shared transfers.
goldmedal.co.uk
3. Baron Resort, Egypt
Sharm el-Sheikh is an underwater playground for experienced divers and casual snorkellers alike, with shipwrecks to explore and an aquarium’s worth of marine life to meet. The Baron Resort boasts a handful of world-class dive sites just a short boat hop away. Waterskiing and parasailing can also be booked.
Book it: Red Sea Holidays sells seven nights, on an all-inclusive basis with two sharing, from £924 per person, including flights departing March 13.
redseaholidays.co.uk
4. Hilton Cabo Verde Sal, Cape Verde Islands
Thanks to an advantageous position capturing winter trade winds, Cape Verde’s sea conditions are perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing from November to May.
On the southern tip of Sal island sits the stylish Hilton Cabo Verde, with the Atlantic Star Nautical Centre on its grounds: a watersports facility featuring a Padi diving centre, kiteboarding lessons and even wind-powered catamaran rental.
Book it: Cape Verde Experience offers seven nights’ B&B, including flights on March 21, from £1,380 per person, based on two sharing.
capeverde.co.uk
5. Paradis Plage, Morocco
Taghazout is Morocco’s surf capital, with spots suitable for both beginners and pros (wave peaks of 3.5 metres are common in winter). On the Atlantic sand is the Paradis Plage resort, which operates its own Surf House; clients can head to the wooden shack to rent paddleboards, kayaks and surfboards, or even book into surf school.
Book it: Fleewinter offers a seven-night stay on a B&B basis for £740 per person, based on two sharing, including flights in late February and transfers.
fleewinter.com
PICTURE: Fabrice Coiffard
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