A summer holiday is always exciting, but even more so when it’s booked last minute. What better way to bid farewell to the season than to stretch it out in a sunny Spanish city, a chic Italian hotel, or a rural French hideaway? And that’s not even the best thing about an eleventh-hour trip; it’s the deals you can get.
It seems more and more of us are swapping the traditional year-long countdown to a holiday for a more spontaneous approach to travel – myself included. I’m chasing summer to Menorca in early September after finding a great deal on flights.
Last-minute all-inclusive holidays are proving particularly popular. Analysis from loveholidays, the UK’s leading online travel agent, reveals that package holiday bookings made in July jumped by 23 per cent year-on-year.
Read more: Best mini underseat cabin bags that fit beneath an airline chair
The antithesis of any Type A holiday planner, next-day bookings have risen even higher to 26 per cent year-on-year, while bookings made within seven days of departure increased by 13 per cent.
Summer’s not over yet, and for anyone still looking to get away, there are hundreds of last-minute holidays available for departures within a week to 90 days – including on five-star resort hotels.
So, get that suitcase packed and find a little inspiration below. These are the holidays appealing to my wanderlust, from sun-drenched Mediterranean resorts to relaxing island escapes.
Cook's Club, Corfu
On the Greek island of Corfu, enjoy a week-long holiday at Cooks Club. Set in the lively resort of Gouvia, the stylish adults-only hotel combines modern rooms with a laid-back atmosphere, a swimming pool and plenty of spots to relax with a book. Corfu Town is nearby, perfect for exploring Venetian architecture, winding streets, waterfront tavernas and the island’s rich history.
Save up to £199pp on a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Cook’s Club Corfu from 26 August.
Corinthia Hotel, Malta
Malta is one of the Mediterranean's most buzzy breaks. Find out what all the fuss is about with a seven-night stay at Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay. Set on the island’s northeast coast, the elegant five-star hotel overlooks the ocean and offers several pools, restaurants and a private lido. Nearby St Julian’s is ideal for waterfront dining, while Valletta’s historic streets and landmarks are easily reached for a culture-fuelled day trip.
Save up to £178pp on a seven-night stay, including breakfast, departing on 5 September from London Gatwick.
Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa, Mallorca
Craving a Mallorcan sojourn? Book a seven-night stay at Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa. Set on the beautiful island’s southwest coast, the stylish resort features modern rooms, a relaxed beach-club atmosphere, pools and Mediterranean dining. Santa Ponsa’s sandy beach is nearby, while Palma’s historic streets, cathedral and vibrant waterfront are around 30 minutes away.
Save up to £169pp on a seven-night room-only stay, departing from London Luton on Tuesday 8 September.
MarBella, Corfu
In picturesque Corfu, a seven-night stay at MarBella is waiting. The elegant five-star resort overlooks the Ionian Sea. Set among lush gardens, the hotel offers several pools, restaurants and direct access to a private beach. UNESCO-protected, Corfu Town’s cobblestone maze, bright architecture and ancient fortresses are within easy reach.
Save up to £139pp on a seven-night all-inclusive stay, departing from London Gatwick on 6 September.
Bonito Ibiza by O Beach
If Ibiza is more your scene, book a seven-night stay at Bonito Ibiza by O Beach. Opened in 2025, the adults-only resort is found in lively San Antonio, complete with a rooftop pool, contemporary rooms and a laid-back atmosphere. The famous O Beach is nearby (guests get free entry), while Ibiza’s coves, sunset spots and famous nightlife are easily reached for an enviable island escape.
Save up to £157pp on a seven-night stay, including breakfast, departing from London Luton Airport on Friday 4 September.
Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife has long attracted British holidaymakers, and for good reason. Those chasing September sun can stay at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora. Set on the island’s sunny west coast, this five-star resort offers impressive pools, tropical gardens, restaurants and views across the Atlantic. Mount Teide is within easy reach, while nearby Puerto de Santiago is perfect for exploring volcanic landscapes, dramatic cliffs and black-sand beaches.
Save up to £107pp on a seven-night stay, including breakfast, departing from London Luton on Tuesday 8 September.
W Barcelona
Barcelona is the crown jewel on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. A seven-night stay at W Barcelona will unlock the city this September. Set beside Barceloneta Beach, the five-star hotel boasts striking sea views, stylish rooms, rooftop dining and a glamorous pool. A trip that combines relaxation with culture, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Gaudí landmarks and vibrant Las Ramblas are all within easy reach.
Save up to £127pp on a seven-night stay, departing from London Stansted on Wednesday 23 September.
For more summer holiday deals, browse Loveholiday’s website.
Read more: Best luggage brands 2026, recommended by travel experts
.png?w=600)
