Just Landed – December’s new arrivals

It’s beginning to look a lot like… some new arrivals in our ‘just landed’ series! Every month, you’ll get a brand-new batch of the best new destinations and hotels. From up-and-coming picks to more quirky places to stay, two-star set-ups to five-star luxury – your perfect trip is waiting.

So, meet the top picks from December’s new arrivals…

Adults-only picks

The vibes are immaculate at Can Aulí Luxury Retreat Adults Only in Majorca. We’re talking five stars, a hot tub, swimming pool, garden and bar. Its stunning stone walls, neutral decor and leafy terrace give a calming spa-like feel and the area’s popular for cycling, with Tomir Mountain not too far away. The hotel can also arrange activities for you, such as yoga.

If mezze is more your kind of tapas, we present to you the Castello Infinity Suites Adults Only. This Greek goddess of a hotel on the island of Crete offers balcony rooms with private heated plunge pools that even have hydromassage features and a sea view. If that wasn’t enough, the place is right on the beach, with a garden, terrace, restaurant and spa facilities, too.

Value specials

Who says being on budget has to be boring? Bcn Urbaness Hotels Bonavista might be rated two stars but this hotel’s location is priceless, perfectly poised to explore the city of Barcelona. In the L’Eixample neighbourhood, you’re close to the UNESCO sites of Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Milà and the unfinished Sagrada Família. The rooms here are spacious and modern but when you’re in the heart of the city, this place is all about what’s just around the corner.

Another special low-cost find is Villa Turka in Alanya, in Turkey’s Antalya area. On the grounds of Alanya Castle, this boutique spot has high ceilings, stone walls and original antique furniture. Before you think it sounds a bit old school, the architecture’s award winning – plus, they’ve modernised a little and thrown in a small pool with hydromassage and sun loungers. The terraces tease you with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, so luckily, the beach is just a five-minute walk away, and it’s 10 minutes from town.

If it’s more about space and the freedom of self-catering for you, check out Ferrer Lime Tamarindos in Majorca. This hotel is made up of a number of bright apartments that include a terrace and small kitchen in the harbour town of Port Alcudia. The sands are super close by and the town centre has plenty of shops, cafes and bars. You can cook up your own meals here and save your money to spend on a diving experience, which the hotel can organise for you.

Raising the rooftop

Right in the Plaza Madrid in Palma, Majorca, Js Palma Plaza is just metres from the Church of San Sebastian in the heart of the city. Think they won’t have space for much outdoor relaxing in this urban spot? Think again. Their rooftop comes complete with a swimming pool and stunning views out over Palma. It’s got plenty of sun spots to pick from, as well as a gym and spa to finish off the boho feel.

Exe Las Palmas also takes things up a level in Gran Canaria. The Canaries are a hot destination (literally) all year round, so you can always find a use for its panoramic rooftop terrace. There’s a pool to take in the sea views and day beds for a shady snooze or some tanning time in the sun – your pick. Downstairs, there’s also a gym and restaurant for when you’re not parked down on the sands of Playa de Las Canteras.

Five-star luxury

If you’re after something showstopping, the Hotel Pleta de Mar in Majorca could be just the one. It’s brand new and surrounded by nature, with views out to the sea. The design is all natural tones and textures to match, too, adding in two infinity pools, a spa and private beach to really dial up the relaxing vibes. You can truly escape here.

For something a bit more out there, the Royal Myconian Leading Hotels of the World in Mykonos decorates its terraces with statues of dogs and monkeys. If you hadn’t already guessed from the name, it’s pretty special. There’s a spa, two restaurants, three bars – including a swim-up spot – and a huge outdoor pool overlooking the Aegean and its private beach. There’s even a complimentary shuttle to take you into Mykonos town that only takes 15 minutes.

Pumping social scene

Head to Cook’s Club Alanya in Turkey’s Antalya area and you might feel more like you’re in Bali than anywhere else. Palm trees, natural materials and vibrant colours are everywhere, and all the rooms have a balcony and laptop-friendly workspace. The beach bar, poolside bar and spa really put the leisure in ‘bleisure’ – AKA ‘business leisure’. With restaurants, a café and shopping facilities, everything’s all in one place. You can also get involved with a game of volleyball, hire bikes to explore or get the hotel team to organise watersports or a safari outing.

Medplaya Agir Springs in Benidorm on the Costa Blanca has a bit of a Palm Springs feel to it. The rooftop has its own pool, pastel colour palette and that all-important pool bar – think pinks, greens and yellow for some tropical fun. This place was made for sipping cocktails in the sun. There’s also a restaurant, café and gym right here. Then you’re only a two-minute walk to Levante Beach and super close to Benidorm’s old town, which paints this party capital as just as pretty as it is pumping with bars.

Quirky designs

Aumallia Hotel & Spa is a real mix of the old and new in a more rural area around Cala d’Or in Majorca. The indoor pool is surrounded by sleek stone and features waterfall taps and big windows that look out onto nature. Other parts of the interior are all about the dark beams and a cute cottagey feel – it’s hotel-meets-house. But with an outdoor pool, tranquil gardens, spa treatments and a gym, this is no ordinary living.

If you stick around in Cala d’Or but take it up to a four-star stay, you can experience Hotel Eques Petit Resort. The original building dates back to the 60s and is inspired by Ibiza, with its white-washed walls and beach club-style day beds. The plot is almost 16,000 square metres, complete with a large pool and a Mediterranean and ecological garden for complete calm. For that extra zen, you can book massages, destress in the gym or head to Cala Gran beach, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

Family-friendly hotspots

Entertainment options are key for family getaways and the beachfront Selectum Luxury Resort in Belek, Antalya hears that. From an indoor and outdoor swimming pool to a hotel kids’ club, this hotel in Turkey also packs 12 tennis courts, a football field, children’s playground, games room, bowling, horse riding and on-site watersports. Believe it or not, that’s not even all of it…

Down the coast and closer to the resort of Kemer in Goynuk, there’s also the Crystal Prestige Elite Hotel. This one’s got its own waterpark, children’s swimming area and is just metres from the nearest beach. Goynuk is at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, so the views are pretty epic. With entertainment programmes for both kids and adults, a theatre, kids’ club, spa, gym and plenty of sports on offer, the options just keep coming.

Please note, we work on a dynamic booking basis – prices and details have been provided by dynamic partners including airlines, hoteliers and rail providers. Packages and prices are subject to availability.