Dazzling white sands, implausibly turquoise waters, lustrous palm trees – and almost half the price of the Caribbean. When unrolling your beach towel in Lombok, you could almost believe that you’d travelled transatlantic, except that your bank balance would be bigger and the crowds likely smaller. Because in Indonesia, all-inclusive beach holidays can be as much as 40 per cent cheaper than in the likes of Jamaica and St Lucia, with a standard of hotel far higher than your budget could grant in the Caribbean.
“When you compare Asia with the Caribbean, its hotels can be phenomenal for the price,” says Davinia Drakard from Thomas Cook. “The cost of one week all-inclusive at a five-star hotel in Thailand, with flights, is currently cheaper than a week at a three-star in the Caribbean. An all-inclusive week in Krabi can be 40 per cent less than similar Caribbean options.” And it’s not just Thailand, says Drakard: “Mauritius offers amazing value, and Bali holidays can also be around 40 per cent cheaper than Jamaica.”
Several factors keep Caribbean holiday prices high for UK holidaymakers, not least stiff competition for hotel rooms from US tourists, and a limited choice of airlines flying west. The islands’ currencies are tied to the dollar, and even self-catering can be pricier than all-inclusives thanks to the high cost of food imported from the US. By contrast, flying to Asia takes longer, but more airlines are competing for your business: according to Flight Centre UK, economy fares on long-haul eastbound flights have dropped by 12 per cent in the last year. The lower cost of living in most east-Asian nations also works in our favour.
To find your own cut-price paradise, look to the following destinations. They balance beachy indulgence with easy day-trips – such as island-hopping, snorkelling and tours of historical sites – and all hotels listed are right on the beach, with flights and dining included.
1. Zanzibar, Tanzania
In recent years, this East African archipelago has quietly popped up on travel agents’ radars: a setting so sublime, it’s a mystery why it was overlooked for so long. On the north coast, Tui Blue Bahari Zanzibar and Diamonds Mapenzi Beach offer great-value all-inclusive packages, pools and activities. For independent hotels, look to the area between Paje and Jambiani (away from the towns themselves), or down south near Kizimkazi. Day trips include snorkelling on Mnemba Island, and tours of Unesco-listed Stone Town.
Tui (020 3451 2688) offers seven nights at Tui BLUE Bahari Zanzibar from £1,666 per person, travelling from Gatwick on November 25 2024. Including flights, all-inclusive dining and transfers; price based on two sharing.
2. Sabah, Malaysia
The beach-fringed islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park lie just off Kota Kinabalu in northern Borneo, with beautiful bays and snorkelling galore. Gaya is the largest isle, with a handful of hotels, though your budget will stretch furthest on the mainland, a little way to the north, at the likes of Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai or Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Both sit on a wide soft-sand bay, with all-inclusive dining packages and superb service. Fly direct to Kuala Lumpur, then on to Kota Kinabalu.
Travel Republic (0203 925 6882) has seven nights at the five-star Nexus Hotel from £1,021 per person, travelling from Heathrow on October 13 2024. Including flights, all-inclusive dining and transfers; price based on two sharing.
3. Indonesia
“Indonesia’s white sands stretch for miles,” says Candice Gregory from Flight Centre UK, who recommends combining the island of Bali with lesser-visited areas. “Senggigi in Lombok has quieter beaches and lush hills, as well as Pura Batu Bolong – a charming Hindu temple. Bali and Lombok’s resorts include international chains like Raffles or Six Senses, though local brands such as PHM Hotels and the Sudamala promise luxury for less than £60 per night.”
Flight Centre UK (0808 296 0606) offers 11 nights in four- and five-star hotels in Bali, Seminyak and Senggigi from £1,435 per person, travelling in October 2024. Including flights, some meals, transfers and a jungle tour; based on two sharing.
4. Mauritius
This Indian Ocean isle is replete with quiet beaches and swaying palms, with an outlying reef that keeps big waves at bay. Conditions are ideal for snorkelling and swimming, with jungle activities such as zip-lining and hiking around Black River Gorges National Park. The east coast can be blustery, so head west for the most tranquil waters and stable weather – to the likes of Le Morne beach – or south to Blue Bay, on the edge of a marine nature reserve.
Loveholidays (01234 975 975) has seven nights at the five-star Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort from £1,365 per person, travelling from Gatwick on September 19 2024. Including flights, all-inclusive dining and transfers; price based on two sharing.
5. Sri Lanka
Though it is blessed with fine coastline – especially Bentota and Uga Bay – Sri Lanka also has a wild interior. Ornate temples and abundant wildlife, including elephants and leopards, all vie to lure you from your sunlounger. Resorts range from big brands like Jetwing and Rui, to independent hotels such as the south coast’s Fortress Resort and Spa. Balance your beach time with safaris in Yala National Park, tea tasting in Nuwara Eliya’s lush plantations or climbing the Unesco-listed Sigiriya rock fortress.
First Choice (0203 451 2690) offers seven nights at The Surf Hotel Bentota from £1,348 per person, travelling from Heathrow on October 9, 2024, including flights, all-inclusive dining and transfers; price based on two sharing.
6. Thailand
“My favourite alternative to the Caribbean is Thailand,” says Drakard. “You get such amazing value and service.” For low-cost beach holidays she recommends Krabi and Hua Hin – which can be reached via Bangkok or other major south-east Asia hubs. Phuket is also a contender, with good beaches and a fascinating Sino-Portuguese Old Town. Its resorts include the likes of Marriott and The Westin – though local brands are as much as 50 per cent cheaper, offering luxury for less than £100 per night.
Thomas Cook (020 8016 3295) has seven nights at the five-star Island Escape by Burasari near Phuket from £1,373 per person, travelling from Heathrow on October 8, 2024. Including flights, all-inclusive dining and transfers; price based on two sharing.
7. The Philippines
The coastline of the Philippines is glorious, particularly in Bohol, Cebu and Palawan – but its flight connections are scant. However, Singapore Airlines has one-stop flights to Cebu, and the islands are well connected by sea and air. The choice of package holidays is limited, but if you’re happy to book hotels directly, the quality-to-cost ratio is superb. Must-dos include island-hopping with Tao Philippines, snorkelling with whale sharks and visiting Bohol’s Tarsier Sanctuary.
Singapore Airlines (020 7660 8988) flies from Heathrow to Cebu from £599 return.
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