TOTALLY TAN-FAST-IC TRIPS

 

IN THE TIME IT TAKES YOUR ST TROPEZ TO DRY (WELL, ALMOST), YOU COULD BE IN ONE OF THESE SUNNY SPOTS SOAKING UP THE REAL THING

 

BASK IN TUNISIA

 

Tan Potential: 4/5
Flight: 2hrs 30mins
With temperatures of 24˚C and chic boutique hotels, this is a perfect spot for early summer sun. Stay in pretty Sidi Bou Said with its whitewash-walled houses. Its Dar Said hotel is a lovely converted Arab mansion.

Three nights B&B with Wigmore Holidays (020 7836 4999 or www.aspectsoftunisia.co.uk) cost from £580 with flights.

 

MARRAKECH MAGIC

 

Tan potential: 5/5
Flight: 3hrs 25mins
May temperatures of 25˚C and nine hours of sun a day make this Moroccan city pure gold for tanning. At dusk hit the main square and shop for bargains in the winding souk.

Three nights half-board with Inghams (020 8780 7700 or www.inghams.co.uk) at the four-star Hotel Atlas Asni cost from £450 including flights.

 

CHILL OUT IN CRETE

 

Tan Potential: 3/5
Flight: 4 hrs
Relax in the low 20s beside the rooftop pool of the Hermes Hotel taking in views across the harbour town of Ayios Nikolaos. Then show off your tan at night in the resort’s trendy cafes.

Three nights half-board and flights with Opodo (0871 277 0090 or www.opodo.co.uk) cost from £497.

 

PORTUGUESE PAMPER

 

Tan potential: 3/5
Flight: 2hrs 20mins
Hit the Algarve and enjoy temperatures that hover in the late teens in early summer. If you’re pasty pale, it’s spot-on for some gentle colour. There’s no better place for sunning yourself than at the Sheraton Algarve Hotel. Overlooking miles of unspoilt coast, the hotel has a private beach and three outdoor pools. When the Atlantic breezes get up, retreat to the spa to keep your newly-bronzed bod glowing – the moisturising cocoon wrap has been developed to prolong tans.

Three nights room only with Design Holidays (01444 872200 or www.design holidays.co.uk) in a one-bed luxury apartment cost from £419 including flights.

 

BRONZE IN EGYPT

 

Tan Potential: 4/5
Flight: 4hrs 45mins
The Ancient Egyptians were serious sun-worshippers, and with temperatures in the mid-20s and 10 hours of sunshine a day, it’s perfect for breaking out the bikini. The pyramids are clearly visible from the Mena House Hotel, an ancient royal lodge set in 40 acres of tranquil gardens, but you’ll also get to see them up close because a half-day tour is included. A visit to the Egyptian Museum with its sparkling treasures like Tutankhamun’s golden funerary mask comes free too, and for an extra £21 you get to see the awesome sound and light show at the foot of the Sphinx.

Four nights B&B and flights with Voyages Jules Verne (0845 166 7003 or www.vjv.co.uk) cost from £625.

 

PLAN YOUR TAN...

* Prep your skin Exfoliate every two days before departure with a body scrub such as Spa Serenity Hulai’liko Sugar Scrub, £4.99, Tesco.
* Fake it Decleor’s Natural Pre-sun Bronzing Collection, £32 (www.decleor.co.uk) will give you pre-flight colour.
* Know your SPF You’ll need a minimum sun protection factor of 25. We love Korres Sweet Orange Sprayable Sunscreen, SPF25, £15, from www.hqhair.com.
* Wear a strapless bikini Or you’ll have strap marks all summer.

 

Prices correct at the time of going to press based on two sharing, including flights and accommodation. Photography: Folio-ID, Alamy, Getty Images

 

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