Our Top Holiday Destinations

With the UK weather having not played ball this Spring, many of us will be craving some sunshine on our faces. We asked a few of the Finura team for a review of some of their favourite holiday destinations, to provide a little inspiration for your next trip.

PAUL WESTCOTT, FINANCIAL PLANNER

Costa Rica

This stunning country offers beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and amazing wildlife. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Costa Rica has it all.

I went there for the breathtaking natural beauty and the sense of adventure. Highlights include the majestic Arenal Volcano, the serene Manuel Antonio National Park, and the enchanting La Paz Waterfalls. Tamarindo Beach is perfect for surfing, and ziplining through the Monteverde Cloud Forest is unforgettable. Santa Teresa beach has incredible surf with sunsets!

Enjoy activities like snorkelling, fishing, and hiking while spotting unique animals such as sloths, monkeys, and turtles. Costa Rica is the perfect holiday destination for its diverse experiences and incredible scenery.

JOHN WOLLERS, CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER

Sicily

I was initially interested in going to Sicily due to its promise of a warm climate, beaches, architecture, delicious food and wine.

We enjoyed walking through the cobbled streets (beware of the mopeds!), admiring the architecture (Roman, Norman and Arabic) whilst sipping an Aperol and eating arancini balls, Cannoli & anything with Pistachio.

Palermo itself is rich in culture and history, from beating the mafia to traditional puppet shows. One of the highlights was a cooking class that involved ordering the produce from a local market and cooking Panella (Sicillian chickpea fritters), a delicious pasta dish and fresh strawberry granita! I also recommend visiting a local beach. We went to Cefalù, which is beautiful.

There is so much more to do in Sicily. Next time I’m heading to the other side of the island to places like Messina and Catania.

Recommendations:

• Go to a traditional puppet show
• Explore the street food markets (Ballaró, Capo, Vucciria and Borgo Vecchio)
• Walk around the harbour with an Aperol
• Enjoy some seafood at the local restaurants. My personal favourite was a rooftop restaurant called Seven
• Take a cooking class or food tour
• Visit a local beach (Mondelo or Cefalù)

ISABELLE FEATHERSTONE, MARKETING MANAGER

Croatia

I highly recommend Croatia, I just got back from a 7-day trip starting in Split for 4 nights and finishing in Dubrovnik. Kicking off the trip in Split you must visit the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, the Roman castle sits amongst bustling markets and modern life, if you get a chance don’t forget to visit the statue of Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin) and rub his lucky toe. We visited some beautiful coves and beaches, one of our favourites being Kasjuni beach.

To get to Dubrovnik you can take the ferry down the stunning Adriatic coastline with its crystal-clear waters and incredible islands. Dubrovnik is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, stunning coastal views, and rich history, it is also the filming location of ‘Game of Thrones’ so if that’s your cup of tea make sure you check out the tours!

We took a wonderful day trip round the Elaphiti Islands via a traditional “Karaka” ship from the era of the republic of Dubrovnik, which I highly recommend. Both cities provide stunning Adriatic views, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural experiences, making them essential stops on any Croatian itinerary!

KIMBERLEY MEAD, CONTENT MANAGER

Cancun, Mexico

I’ve never been to Mexico so was really excited to visit this destination which is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and diverse activities. We flew into Cancun and spent one week each at 2 different resorts. My husband loves his scuba diving and made the most of the reefs off Isla Mujeres and also swam with whale sharks down in Playa del Carmen. We also did a day boat trip to discover the coastline and swim with rays. The area is full of amazing Mayan archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum – we visited the latter and it was incredible. The city itself offers a rich culinary scene with traditional and international cuisine, shopping experiences from markets to high-end malls, and unique eco-adventures in cenotes and eco-parks.

TOM WATSON, CLIENT ACCOUNT MANAGER

Devon

Near the popular seaside town of Salcombe, Hope Cove is a picturesque village in South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty nestled in the hills of the South Hams with scenic walks along the South West Coast Path. Originally a fishing village, you will still find vessels launching from the sandy Harbour Beach (including the RNLI), or you can enjoy relaxing at the award winning ‘The Cove’ pub with a locally brewed beer and on the terrace of the Cottage Hotel overlooking the sea.

Hope Cove is a favourite family holiday destination of mine since birth, with my parents having had their honeymoon there, my grandparents holidaying there and most recently my sister getting married in the Devon sun at Hope Barton Barns!