Me time

Solo travel is one of the fastest growing trends in travel*, and it's easier than ever to get to the heart of a destination with a little help from your hotel friends.

Whether you want access to the most authentic experiences, to get involved with local activities, indulge your interests or simply carve out time to yourself, below are our recommendations for the best way to explore the world on your own.

What: An adult's playground: Let Abu Dhabi entertain you

Where: Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, the entertainment capital of the UAE, with an array of diverse and diverting activities on the doorstep, making it the ideal destination for any solo traveller. This hip hotel features eleven innovative dining options, two rooftop pools, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious ESPA Spa.

Why go:

• From 6.00pm -10.00pm every Tuesday, join 'TrainYas' which sees guests and locals alike running, walking and cycling around the F1 racetrack. Sundays (StartYAS) for men and women and (GoYAS) for women-only every Wednesdays (timings vary)
• Post-work out guests can head to the award-winning ESPA Spa to experience one of many sumptuous treatments including  Race Track Remedy
• Ferrari World, the only Ferrari-branded theme park which is also home to the world's fastest rollercoaster
• Yas Waterworld featuring 43 heart-pumping rides, slides and attractions.
• Hotel guests get complimentary transfers to Yas Beach and the more adventurous can opt for an eco-tour of the Mangroves, a trip out to the desert and even a spot of Stand Up Paddle boarding

Rates: Rooms start from £144 (AED782) per night (including tax).

Bookings: yas.reservations@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com. Tel. +971 2 656 0000

What: Cultural Adventures In The Heart Of Marrakech

Where: Royal Mansour Marrakech

Why Go: Royal Mansour Marrakech invites solo travellers to explore the 'undiscovered' Marrakech and be enchanted by the city's vibrant and exotic personality.

Built by, and fit for a king, solo travellers get the royal treatment in their own, private three floor 1,500 sq foot 'palace'.

• Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast in your private riad or at the hotel's stunning La Table restaurant before heading out for a day of exciting exploration around the city's traditional souks. Spend an afternoon discovering the celebrated Jardin Majorelle or an exclusive inside look into Saint Laurent's private home away from home.  Recognised as an 'illustrious house' since 2011, Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent's hideaway can only be revealed to a very lucky few.

• The hotel can also organise a curated private guided tour around renowned landmarks such as the Saadian Tombs, Bahia and El Badi Palace, for an unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of Marrakech.

Rates: A one-bedroom room starts from approx. £632 (9,000 MAD) per night. This rate includes VAT and service charge and excludes local taxes. A guided visit of Villa Oasis: £844 (12, 000 MAD) with proceeds going to the Pierre Bergé Foundation

Bookings: www.royalmansour.com,+ 212 (0) 5 29 80 80 80

What: Gorillas on your bucket list

Where: Volcanoes Safari's, Rwanda and Uganda

Why Go: Offering a chance to stay in an intimate collection of eco-luxe lodges in Rwanda and Uganda, Volcanoes Safaris provide the perfect bucket list adventure for animal-lovers seeking a unique, out-of-this-world experience.

The Ultimate Ugandan 8-day Flying Safari package includes

• A full-immersion itinerary, tailored to make the most of this incredible destination, and cut down on travel times. This expertly planned trip includes tracking mountain gorillas and chimps, spectacular landscapes and the chance to share the heritage and traditions of the indigenous Batwa community.
• Stay at three Volcanoes Safaris luxury lodges, and travel by helicopter between them, enjoying the spectacular landscapes of Africa's dramatic Albertine Rift Valley – all in just over a week.

Rates: Rates are £13,695 per person – this includes all-inclusive accommodation, international and internal flights, road transfers, an expert driver/guide and vehicle, all activities, gorilla/ chimpanzee permits, and one reviving massage. Price excludes entry visas, airport taxes, gratuities and insurance.  ATOL protected.

Bookings: Please contact Steppes Travel on 08437789926; www.steppestravel.com

What: Learn to cook in the heart of Lake Como

Where: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

Why Go: Venture out to one of Italy's most iconic destinations for a revitalising stay in the midst of this upscale area with panoramic views of the renowned lake. Solo wanderers can delight in learning new skills on their trip abroad, from preparing authentic Italian cuisine to insightful wine tasting sessions. Guests can explore the scenery around this historical hotel with the Concierge's top hiking tips or spend a peaceful afternoon in the property's newly renovated T-Spa with a range of treatments that are custom designed to meet the needs of both women and men by the world's most exclusive beauty providers ESPA.

Rates: From €550 per room per night

Bookings: grandhoteltremezzo.com

What: Wrangle a SnowCat - Sweep and Dine in Aspen's Mountain

Where: The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

Why Go: Take control of the cold and turn it into an adventure on the ice-capped mountains of Aspen where guests can discover first-hand how to operate a Snowcat. Transform the mountain at day's end with a one-on-one, 3-hour session with an expert instructor. Make your way back to Aspen's only 5 star ski-in/ski-out hotel for a well-deserved meal at their distinctive element 47 restaurant after an active day in the great outdoors. 

Rates: 3-hour Snowcat Academy session for $100 (approx. £70) until April 2, 2016. Rooms from $980 (approx. £686) per room/night.

Bookings: thelittlenell.com, skiconcierge@thelittlenell.com

What: Quick Health Fix - In The Sun

Where: VILA VITA Parc, The Algarve, Portugal

Why go: Portugal's state-of-the-art HYPOXI-studio is one of a kind and is perfect for a healthy-getaway after a winter of indulgence. HYPOXI-coaches can create tailored fitness and nutrition plans according to individual needs, suitable for all ages. Embrace the post-winter health-fix for a holiday in the sun that will guarantee wellbeing.

Rate: Rooms from £247 per room/night including VAT and service charge.

Bookings: vilavitaparc.com, +351 282 310-161

What: Turkish Cultural Delight

Where: Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, Turkey

Why go: Discover the buzzing city of Istanbul where East meets West for an unforgettable holiday of sightseeing in this cultural hub. Roam around Istiklal Street, renowned for its unique fusion of modernity and tradition, where guests can find cutting-edge cultural centres and historical gems around every corner. After a long day of exploration, return back the historic hotel to delight in a fine-dining meal in front of panoramic views of the city and end the day with a relaxing spa treatment in Europe's largest fitness & wellness centre, Safira Spa, boasting exclusive VIP areas and an outstanding Turkish Hammam.

Rate: Superior King Room from €215 (approx. £150) per room/night including breakfast.

Bookings: cvkhotelsandresorts.com

What: Full Immersion: A Heritage Tour of Timeless Shanghai

Where: The Peninsula Shanghai

Why go: Opened on the historic Bund riverfront in 2009, The Peninsula Shanghai is The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels flagship hotel in Mainland China. The hotel features 235 rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, a spa, an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre, as well as a Peninsula Arcade showcasing over 25 high end brands. The Hotel is the only luxury hotel in Shanghai with a customised car fleet.

Heritage Academy: A day before the tour, two celebrated personal styling consultants visit to take your measurements and divulge styling advice to create a custom-made Chinese outfit for this very special Heritage Tour. The adventure starts with an authentic Shanghainese breakfast, including pan-fried Chinese crepes and steamed sticky rice with pork floss and vegetables, in a private dining room at Yi Long Court. Drive in the hotel's bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom, while Shanghainese songs play on the radio, in the company of local historian Marc Malk-Herroro, who is your expert guide for the day. Visits to the Old Shanghai Tea House (decorated with Shanghai deco furniture and situated near the Yuyuan Gardens), Wukang Road which is flanked by fine French concession Era architecture, and The Propaganda Poster Art Museum which documents the changes in 20th century touch on the many design movements that have had an impact on the city. At Hong Merchant, a French concession villa, archaeologist and art history lecturer Pia Pierre, shares informed insights and reveals the multi-layered heritage of Shanghai. The day finishes with an elegant costume change into your bespoke outfit, and your own personal photoshoot, against the backdrop of Yuanmingyuan Road's restored Art Deco buildings.

Rate: Rooms from £255 per night, Academy Package £404 per person

Bookings: www.peninsula.com

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For further information on any of these packages, please contact Mason Rose:
T +44 (0)20 7201 8060  E: pr@masonrose.com  www.masonrose.com