Holidays 2010: Best weather or best value?

Guaranteed sunshine is just one reason why far-flung destinations in the Far East and Indian Ocean are becoming increasingly popular year-round with both couples and families. But the best weather can sometimes come at a price, which is why worldwide specialist Hayes & Jarvis has come up with alternatives for holidaymakers who are willing to sacrifice the perfect weather forecast in order to grab a bargain long-haul break this summer.

Indian Ocean: Best weather or lowest prices?

The driest time in the Seychelles is usually July and August, making the peak summer months the best time for sun-seekers to visit. Hayes & Jarvis recommends Coco de Mer, a recently refurbished four-star hotel set on a narrow stretch of beach on Praslin’s south east coast. Popular with couples and families alike, the hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens and offers a swimming pool, gym, squash and tennis courts, windsurfing and regular evening entertainment. One week from 20th August costs £1,646 per person (child sharing price £687) – or £4,666 for a family of four. The package includes B&B accommodation, Air Seychelles flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

Holidays to the Indian Ocean don’t have to break the bank, and Hayes & Jarvis suggests Mauritius as a great value alternative to the Seychelles in August. While prevailing winds tend to be at their strongest, this brings the advantage of a slightly cooler climate and a much lower holiday price tag. One week from 24th August at the three-star Coin de Mire hotel close to Grand Baie in the north of the island costs £1,140 per person (child sharing price £687) – or £3,654 for a family of four – 22 per cent less than the family holiday to the Seychelles, plus the bonus of Half Board accommodation. The package includes Air France flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

Far East: Best weather or lowest prices?

Or head further afield to the idyllic South East Asian island of Bali. Tropical year-round, one of the best months to visit is August, when holidaymakers can benefit from the ‘dry season’ climate. Set on Tanjung Benoa – arguably Bali’s best beach, the All Inclusive Club Bali Mirage is surrounded by landscaped gardens and boasts views across the Indian Ocean, a swimming pool, water-sports centre, three restaurants and a bar. One week from 16th August costs £1,213 per person (child sharing price £741) – or £3,908 for a family of four. The package includes All Inclusive accommodation, Singapore Airlines flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

If this isn’t good value enough, holidaymakers can save 21 per cent on a family holiday to the Far East by swapping Bali for Thailand. With hot temperatures year-round, bargain-hunters may prefer to visit during the monsoon season when the prices are substantially lower than other times of the year. Hayes & Jarvis suggests heading to lively Hua Hin, a beach town on Thailand’s east coast just three hours from Bangkok. The family-friendly four-star Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa is designed with Thai-style low-rise buildings and offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, water-sports and Spa. One week from 9th August costs £925 per person (child sharing price £615) – or £3,080 for a family of four. The package includes B&B accommodation, Thai Airways flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

Jungle paradise of Middle East heat?

Another good bet in South East Asia, according to Hayes & Jarvis, is Malaysian Borneo – home of the orang-utan, beautiful national parks and Mount Kinabalu. Located between the beach and 400 acres of tropical jungle, the five-star Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort has its own nature reserve, home to an orang-utan sanctuary. The luxurious family-friendly hideaway offers four restaurants, a swimming pool, Spa, water-sports, 18-hole golf course, nature interpretation centre and kid’s club. One week from 18th August costs £1,175 per person (child sharing price £671) – or £3,692 for a family of four. The package includes B&B accommodation, Malaysia Airlines flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

Holidaymakers who can stand the heat can pick up some great bargains to Egypt in the hottest months of July and August. Hayes & Jarvis is offering one-week stays at the four-star plus Jaz Mirabel Club in Sharm el Sheikh in August for just £661 per person (child sharing price £367) – or £2,056 for a family of four. Located in the secluded Nabq Bay, the All Inclusive resort has a selection of restaurants and bars, as well as extensive leisure facilities including two swimming pools, fitness centre, kid’s pool, tennis, dive centre, playground and kid’s club. Departing on 9th August, the package includes All Inclusive accommodation, BA flights from London Gatwick and transfers.

For more information and bookings, visit: hayesandjarvis.com