Top 5 alternative summer holiday ideas

Fancy a summer holiday that’s a bit different to your tried-and-tested annual jaunt to the seaside?

Here’s our pick of alternative summer holidays:

Explore the arctic grandeur of Greenland
The world's largest island is home to the planet's greatest fjords and most active glaciers outside Antarctica – and there’s no better way to explore it than on a cruise which gets you up close and personal with Greenland’s awe-inspiring scenery. 

How to get there? Discover the World is running a 15-day Greenland Explorer trip on board Sea Spirit. Starting on the west coast, you’ll cruise the length of the immense fjords and visit remote Inuit communities to gain an insight into life high above the Arctic Circle. Departure is August 16th 2012. 

Get close to nature in Sweden
Be in harmony with nature at Treehotel in Harads, northern Sweden. Designed by six renowned designers and architects, the Treehotel team created a series of stunning tree houses that offer visitors the luxury and amenities of a boutique hotel whilst experiencing nature amongst the treetops. From a cabin in the design of a birds nest to a mirrored cube, which camouflages completely with the surroundings, The Treehotel properties are the ultimate in unique accommodation.

How to get there? Visit the website to see current offers. 

Escape it all in Montenegro
Montenegro, still relatively untouched by tourism, is the place to go this summer if you’re looking for a luxurious holiday – for less. Only half the size of Wales, this tiny Adriatic country boasts incredible landscapes from canyons to countryside and despite its new wave of popularity among the wealthy (financier Nat Rothschild had his 40th here), accommodation remains affordable.

How to get there? Secret Escapes is offering a seven night self catering villa holiday on the Montenegro coast, from £499 per person, including car hire with airport pick-up and drop-off, welcome hamper, your own private pontoon for sunbathing plus two kayaks, and return flights from London Gatwick to Tivat, based on four sharing. Available for stays between July 11th and September 30th 2012.

Get off the beaten track in Benguerra Island, Mozambique
With eyes mostly on the Med as ‘summer’ arrives, other, more unusual places with perfect tropical weather are often overlooked. Benguerra Island, located off the coast of Mozambique, boasts unspoilt, palm-fringed beaches, great scuba diving and abundant wildlife. The island, which is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a National Park in 1971.

How to get there? Expert Africa is offering a six-night stay at the slickly-run Marlin Lodge – 14 luxury chalets, each with four-poster bed, indoor and outdoor showers, and private boardwalk onto the beach. The holiday costs £3,075 per person (two sharing) including flights (London), full-board and transfers.

Carnival time in Grenada
Party the day (and night!) away in Grenada during their carnival – a spectacular event of vibrant colours, dance, music and cuisine. This year, Carnival will be celebrated August 13th-14th 2012 with a unique opportunity for all to join in the revelry.

How to get there? Peter de Savary’s Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club, is offering its GO CARNIVAL package that invites guests to join in the regional festivities. The highlight of the package is costumes featuring colourful feathers and rhinestones to be worn by package holders during the two-day series of events. GO CARNIVAL rates range from £225 per night (maximum of four guests per suite) to £554 per night (maximum of eight guests per suite). 

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