If you’re fed up with a cherished week of sun, sea and sand whizzing past in an overheated hire car, why not jump on a bike and cruise tranquil country lanes to the coast? With 2017 marking 200 years of the bicycle, it’s the perfect excuse to embrace slow travel on your next break. To help, boutique accommodation website i-escape has introduced a new ‘Beach Rideaways’ collection which brings together superb places to stay that offer free bikes, all located near glorious beaches.
The collection has options to suit couples and families of all tastes and budgets, including an Algarve farmhouse hotel that’s just a short pedal from the unspoilt sands of the Ria Formosa National Park, a micro-resort close to the beaches of the Languedoc in France, and a remote retreat on a peaceful Greek island.
First up, the European ‘Beach Rideaways’:
Pensao Agricola, Algarve
This stylish farmhouse hotel which opened in 2015 has just 6 exquisite rooms, all with whitewashed walls, statement lights and a chic mix of vintage furniture and quirky touches. The free bikes mean you can cycle to the Ria Formosa’s deserted beaches, grab a pastel de nata in a beautiful clifftop fishing village, and then return to delicious 5-course tasting menus served by flickering candlelight. For days away from the saddle, there’s a small pool to laze around, shaded gardens to read in, and 2 friendly resident donkeys to meet.
From £121 per night, based on 2 people sharing a Standard Double Room on a B&B basis.
Font Santa Hotel, Mallorca
It’s only a 10-minute ride by free bike from the adults-only Font Santa Hotel to glittering Es Trenc, one of Mallorca’s best beaches. This stunning arc of white sand is flanked by turquoise sea and backed by a nature reserve that’s home to more than 1,700 species of bird. The cycling here is flat and gentle, but should your muscles start to ache there’s a thermal spa whose 38-degree, mineral-rich water is drawn from Mallorca’s only natural hot springs. It powers a circuit with individual baths, an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi and a vaporium – perfect for weary legs. Afterwards, head to the gourmet restaurant for the likes of traditional suckling pig, monkfish with a shellfish sauce and lemongrass sorbet with saffron syrup.
From £164 per night, based on 2 people sharing a Double Room with Patio on a B&B basis.
Levendis Estate, Ithaca, Greece
To help you embrace the slower pace of Greek island life, this remote retreat on Odysseus’ mythical homehas 10 mountain bikes of various sizes to borrow – perfect for couples and families who want to recharge their batteries with picnics and gentle beach exploration. There are 4 rustic cottages, along with sweeping sea views, a cliffside infinity pool and an overwhelming sense of escapism. Wander through the terraced grounds (perfumed with sage, rosemary and thyme), tuck into seasonal organic goodies plucked straight from the garden, and drift off with an alfresco aromatherapy massage in a shady glade. You can self-cater or, if you really want to chill out, organise for meals to be delivered to your door.
From £314 per night, based on 2 people sharing a Cottage on a self-catering basis (7-night minimum stay).
Imagine Rousillon, France
This Languedoc micro-resort is holiday heaven for families who like to cycle – as well as jump on a trampoline, fly down a zip wire and more! It offers all the benefits of a big resort (babysitting, a kids’ club, free kit to borrow) but on a smaller scale, with accommodation for just 4 families at any one time. There are bikes to borrow for exploring local beaches, and even the most reluctant kids will take to 2 wheels when they hear about the local pizza van down the road. Also available are free fitness and Pilates classes, massages and 2 heated pools.
From £230 per night, based on 2-4 people sharing Buzzard Apartment on a self-catering basis (7-night minimum stay). Also included are a staffed kids’ club (6 days a week); 1 takeaway pizza and wine night; a babysitter (Tuesday nights) and evening kids’ club (Thursday nights) so you can go out; use of the pool and gym; bikes (options for all ages); and maid service (alternate days in low season, daily in high season).
Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
This parent-pleasing paradise in Puglia provides free bikes and a plethora of other activities. While it’s one of i-escape’s larger hotels, it certainly isn’t short on style and charm. Rooms are Conran-esque, with limestone interiors, white walls, taupe linens and flickering lanterns; outside are vast pools, tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. Explore walled lanes and age-old olive groves, or head to the beach club at Cala Masciola, just a 10-minute cycle away. Back at base there are restaurants serving gourmet food, plus a wood-fired pizzeria, a crèche, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and a blissful spa.
From £149 per night (20% off), based on 2 people sharing a Borgo Splendida Room on an accommodation-only basis. This is the discounted price if booked by 31st March 2017; the standard price is £186 per night.
If you fancy cycling in tropical climes, then head further afield to these ‘Beach Rideaways’ in Latin America and Asia:
The Harmony Hotel and Latitude 10, Costa Rica
Both of these Pacific-side hotels have bikes to borrow for cycles along long, sandy beaches.
www.i-escape.com/the-harmony-hotel
https://www.i-escape.com/latitude-10-resort
Vivenda dos Palhacos, Goa
There are bikes to borrow, and it’s only a short distance from one of Goa’s loveliest white-sand beaches.https://www.i-escape.com/vivenda-dos-palhacos
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
You’ll find bikes to borrow outside each villa, and there are beaches all around.
https://www.i-escape.com/six-senses-con-dao
Villa Don Hendrick, Sri Lanka
There are plenty of beaches within a few km, plus free bikes for guests.
https://www.i-escape.com/villa-don-hendrick
For a full lisiting of all i-escape.com properties offering free bike rental go to https://www.i-escape.com/bicycle