For many British holidaymakers, the dream of a five-star resort often feels financially out of reach, leading to repeated visits to familiar, value-focused destinations. However, a new analysis challenges this notion, revealing that luxury accommodation does not necessarily require a luxury budget.
Luxury on a Budget: The Data Breakdown
TravelSupermarket, in partnership with travel expert Chelsea Dickenson, has conducted research into average prices for seven-night, five-star winter sun packages. The findings present a compelling case for affordable opulence.
The Top Ten Value Destinations
The analysis crowns Tunisia as the ultimate value destination, with packages averaging just £411 per person. This figure represents a significant saving compared to typical expectations for premium accommodation.
- Tunisia: £411 per person
- Malta: £525 per person
- Algarve, Portugal: £526 per person
- Antalya Area, Turkey: £616 per person
- Cyprus: £618 per person
- Hurghada, Egypt: £659 per person
- Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: £744 per person
- Marrakech, Morocco: £758 per person
- Madeira, Portugal: £788 per person
- Cape Verde: £1,052 per person
Expert Insight: Achieving Affordable Luxury
Chelsea Dickenson, resident travel expert for ITV's This Morning, emphasised the accessibility of five-star winter escapes. 'This data really shows that a five-star winter sun escape is far more achievable than people might think,' she stated. 'With destinations like Tunisia averaging just £411 per person, it proves that five-star doesn't always have to come with a big price tag.'
Dickenson highlighted the seasonal advantage, noting that hotels often reduce prices during winter to maintain occupancy, allowing holiday budgets to stretch further.
Looking Beyond the Obvious
The expert also pointed out a notable absence in the rankings. 'What's also interesting is what doesn't appear in the top ten, with winter favourites like the Canary Islands failing to chart,' she continued. 'It's a great reminder that sometimes the most popular destinations can come with the highest price tags.'
She advocates for considering alternative, less obvious destinations that still offer reliable warmth and quality, such as Tunisia, Turkey, or Egypt, to secure better value, particularly for five-star resorts.
Top Tips for Securing Cheap Five-Star Winter Sun
Chelsea Dickenson shared her key strategies for finding affordable luxury holidays:
- Travel Out of Season: Avoid peak times like Christmas, New Year, and February half-term when prices surge dramatically. Opting for quieter weeks in early December or January can yield much better value for the same hotel and destination.
- Explore Alternative Hotspots: Move beyond the most popular winter sun destinations where high demand sustains higher prices. Choosing a less conventional location can provide more for your money.
This comprehensive analysis demonstrates that with strategic planning and a willingness to explore, British travellers can indeed enjoy the pinnacle of holiday luxury without confronting a prohibitive price tag.
