Iconic: Table Mountain towers over the vibrant city of Cape Town
Striking: Table Mountain from a restaurant on the V&A Waterfront
Debbie Flynn, Brighter Group managing partner
Best view? In Cape Town, waking to see Table Mountain in the misty, morning light. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is an absolute icon, towering over the city. One of the most striking views is when the “Table Cloth” weather phenomenon takes place, billowing cloud resembles an immense waterfall pouring over the three-kilometre plateau. Take the cable car to the summit with a bottle of local wine to enjoy the sunset.
Who were you with? My husband and two boys on holiday, combining Cape Town with a safari at Samara in the Eastern Cape.
Why South Africa? I love its vibrancy, diverse culture, incredible scenery, wildlife and warm, welcoming people. Cape Town has everything – great restaurants and hotels, beautiful scenery and coastlines, marine wildlife including the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, as well as Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years.
Cost? Rooms at Table Bay on the V&A Waterfront from £193.
Worth the money? Absolutely! A value-for-money destination. A three-course meal for two, including wine, overlooking Table Mountain for £20. No jetlag and the weather is great year-round.
Will you go back? Yes, I will always return.
Holiday after lockdown? A summer road trip to Washington, Maryland and Virginia but, if winter, back to Jamaica.
Lakeside: The small Italian town of Cannobio on beautiful Lake Maggiore
Debbie Hindle, Four Communications CEO
Best view: Lake Maggiore in the small Italian town of Cannobio, just over the border with Switzerland. Our hotel was at the very edge of the lake but also with lovely views back across the promenade and small marina.
Who were you with? A family summer road trip to the Italian lakes with our two teenage children. We’d driven from the UK through Germany and Lichtenstein and Cannobio was exactly what we’d been dreaming of seeing when we reached Italy.
Why Cannobio? We could fling our windows open and feel we were in the absolute heart of the place, listen to the clatter of the locals and watch the morning and evening mists curling over the lake and mountains.
Cost? About £150 a night.
Worth the money? Yes. The hotel was slightly quirky, wifi not great but very friendly.
Will you go back? One day. But there’s a lot of the world to see yet.
Holiday after lockdown? We’d planned to take a road trip through Germany, Norway, Sweden and Finland this summer. We’ve got our outline itinerary with ferry timings and where we’ll stop. It’s a holiday just waiting to be booked now.
Glistening: Beach Side Paradise on pristine sands and crystal clear waters
Dru Bryan, Gosh PR MD
Best view? The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and glistening white sands from a beautiful villa on Anna Maria Island on the west coast of Florida.
Who were you with? My family on holiday but I was also there to compete in the World Rowing Masters Regatta. The property, aptly called Beach Side Paradise on Bradenton Beach, is perfect for relaxing and switching off, especially after rowing!
Why Anna Maria Island? It’s idyllic, authenticity in abundance, no chain hotels and nothing over three storeys allowed, so palm trees are taller than buildings. And home to excellent seafood, dolphin and kayak tours, superb artwork and amazing sunsets.
Cost? Our seven-bedroom villa costs from £5,330 a week but sleeps 16, so around £50 per person per night. A one-bedroom apartment for four people at Tradeswinds Beach Resort costs from £1,025 a week.
Worth the money? Every penny.
Will you go back? Absolutely. I’m also planning to go further down the coast to Sarasota at Easter next year.
Holiday after lockdown? To the Spanish mountains to see my husband’s family outside Valencia and then into the city to stay at the gorgeous Westin Hotel for a Spanish city-fix.
Camping: Tom and family beside Lake Thun while exploring Alpine villages
Tom Hall, Lonely Planet writer
Best view? Lake Thun from a tent in Interlaken, Switzerland. The Bernese Oberland area has many stunning views but this one gives you the best bang for your buck.
In a country that can be expensive you get a budget-friendly view of the beautiful blue waters of the Lake, with steamer ferries sailing by, and soaring mountains all around you. The campsite has a private beach.
Who were you with? My wife Imogen and sons George and Harry on a camping trip. We were exploring Alpine villages, mountain-top playgrounds and amazing outdoor swimming pools.
Why Switzerland? I’m a train nerd, and wanted to ride on some of the little railways heading up to places like Wengen and Grindelwald.
Cost? £21 a night for a four-five person two-bedroom classic tent booked through Canvas Holidays.
Worth the money? Priceless!
Will you go back? Been back once and will go again. We’ve also told friends who loved it as much us. There are lots of campsites, self-catering apartments and B&Bs.
Holiday after lockdown? I’m hoping summer plans for hitting Northumberland’s beaches and castles go ahead. Italy will be the first place overseas to get the kids the biggest gelato they can hold.
