From lazy mornings by the water to afternoons spent exploring, these are four stays worth building an October escape around.

A Change of Pace by the Gulf at Hilton Muscat Al Bandar 

Set along the coastline of Barr Al Jissah, Hilton Muscat Al Bandar is for families who want their break to come with a little discovery. With the mountains rising behind the resort and the Gulf of Oman stretching out ahead, Muscat feels close enough for an easy escape, yet different enough to feel like a proper holiday.

Mornings might begin with dolphin-watching, snorkeling or time out on the water, followed by an afternoon drifting around Muscat’s only lazy river or making the most of the pools, tennis courts and mini golf. Younger guests have dedicated kids’ facilities and play areas of their own.

The real draw, however, is how easily the resort opens the destination beyond its doors. Mutrah Souq and Old Muscat are just 15 minutes away, while guided cultural tours, wadis and desert excursions offer plenty of ways to experience Oman. Back at the resort, the spa brings another side of the country into the stay, with rituals inspired by the rose terraces of Jabal Al Akhdar and the Omani Rose.

It is an October escape that gives families a little bit of everything, from sea and adventure to culture, exploration, and a slower afternoon when needed.

When Time Slows Down at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius

Some holidays are about seeing more. The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius is about giving yourself permission to slow down. Set on Mauritius’ north-west coast among tropical gardens, volcanic landscapes and the Indian Ocean, the resort lends itself naturally to long mornings and unhurried days. Spacious rooms and villas offer a sense of privacy, while the surrounding grounds create the feeling of retreating into your own corner of the island.

Wellness sits at the heart of the experience. The Oberoi Spa features open-air treatment rooms, African-inspired therapies, signature Oberoi treatments and Indian wellness rituals, complemented by daily yoga and mindfulness sessions.

There is still plenty to fill the day when the mood strikes, with kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, snorkeling and two outdoor pools. Younger guests have The Hub Kids’ Club, complete with supervised activities, a heated pool, indoor games and outdoor play areas.

For a mid-term break centered around rest, space and time together, Mauritius offers the kind of reset that makes a few days feel considerably longer.

A Family Adventure at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

For families craving a change of scenery without boarding a flight, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort turns a short drive to the East Coast into a proper adventure.

Set between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, the resort feels tucked away from the pace of the city, with the coastline becoming the focus of the stay. Its on-site PADI-certified diving school operated by Al Boom opens up Fujairah’s waters through snorkeling and scuba diving, including wreck dives for certified divers and even night dives. 

Families can also head out on fishing trips, while back on land, Crazy Golf overlooking the Indian Ocean adds a little friendly competition between swims. The private beach, outdoor pools and cabanas offer quieter moments, while Spa Al Aqah provides space to recharge with treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and fitness centre. 

The Le Méridien Family Kids Club keeps younger guests busy with indoor and outdoor activities, while older children and teens have their own mix of sports and recreation. 

For those who want their October break to involve a little more than lounging by the pool, this one brings together mountains, sea and plenty of adventure, all close to home.

Find Your Own Island Rhythm at Canopy Seychelles

Surrounded by the tropical landscape of Mahé and the Indian Ocean, Canopy Seychelles is made for families who want their mid-term break to feel like a genuine change of pace, with plenty to keep everyone entertained along the way.

Younger guests have their own corner of the neighbourhood at the Bounty Seekers Kids and Teen Club, where days are filled with treasure hunts, island crafts, beach activities and games designed to turn the surroundings into one big adventure. It gives little explorers plenty to discover, while parents have a little more freedom to slow down and enjoy the island at their own pace.

That sense of discovery continues throughout the stay, from time spent by the pools and along Mahé’s beaches to experiences that bring a little more of Seychelles into the holiday. Adults can even sample a taste of the islands with local Seybrew Brewery tastings, featuring signature brews and the Seychellois Slow Turtle Cider.

It is a stay that balances family time with moments for everyone to do their own thing, making it an easy choice for an October break built around sunshine, nature and a little island adventure.