From Sri Lanka to South Africa, learn more about the long-haul countries that Brits just can’t get enough of — and why they’re worth the return trip.
Some destinations capture the British imagination and never let go. These are the places we’re happy to fly thousands of miles for, switch time zones, change hemispheres, and still come back to year after year.
Whether it’s winter sun, a splash of the exotic, or simply good air and a solid cocktail by the pool, certain long-haul favourites continue to top the list for a reason.
Ready to crown a new far-flung favourite without the hassle of visa paperwork? Let OnTrailVisa.co.uk take that off your hands before we dive into the top destinations that UK holidaymakers keep visiting time and again.
The United States of America
t’s no secret that the UK has a soft spot for America. Image credit: SCPhotog/Bigstock.com
It’s no secret that the UK has a soft spot for America. In fact, the United States consistently ranks among the top 10 most visited countries for Brits — and we’re not just talking about Disney holidays or Route 66 dreams.
The facts don’t lie: the US is the seventh most popular country among Britons, behind only its closest European neighbours. And while America is vast, one destination consistently holds the top spot: New York.
That’s not a coincidence, either — London to New York (JFK or EWR) is the busiest intercontinental flight from the UK, with over 3.8 million travellers flying there each year!
For many, it’s practically a ritual: take a manageable six-hour hop over the Atlantic, do a bit of shopping, Broadway show, bagel brunch in Brooklyn, and back home before Monday.
While Big Apple is the big draw, it’s far from the only one. Brits flock to Florida for theme parks and sunshine, California for coastal road trips and Napa vineyards, and Arizona for canyon hiking and desert air. With its diversity of landscapes, cities, climates, and cuisines, the US serves up the kind of pick-and-mix holiday few places can match.
South Africa
Direct flights from London to Cape Town take around 11 hours, but what awaits on the other side is worth every minute in the air. Image credit: michaeljung/Bigstock.com
When the UK is wrapped in grey skies and soggy afternoons (there’s a reason why it’s called Miserable March), South Africa turns on the charm thanks to its beaches, dramatic coastlines, and sunset wine tastings.
Direct flights from London to Cape Town take around 11 hours, but what awaits on the other side is worth every minute in the air. (As a nice bonus, there’s only a one-hour time difference between the UK and South Africa!)
Cape Town, in particular, has become a favourite for its mix of urban cool and natural beauty. After all, who can resist a chic brunch on Kloof Street, a hike up Table Mountain, or standing at the edge of the Cape of Good Hope? Add a drive along the Garden Route, and you’ve got a road trip that rivals any in the world.
It’s no wonder that Cape Town has been voted “the best value long-haul destination”.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, you can explore ancient Buddhist temples, hop on scenic railways through the jungle, or simply do nothing at all in a hammock by the sea. Image credit: Givaga/Bigstock.com
Sri Lanka has been quietly rising up the travel charts — and it’s no mystery why. Compact, affordable, and full of contrast, it delivers big adventures in a small package. In fact, Hilton recently reported a 76 per cent increase in interest from British travellers to Sri Lanka in 2024, and it’s not slowing down.
Direct flights from London to Colombo take around 10 to 11 hours, but once you’re there, costs are low, accommodation options are better than ever, and the pace is delightfully unhurried.
In Sri Lanka, you can explore ancient Buddhist temples, hop on scenic railways through the jungle, or simply do nothing at all in a hammock by the sea. The country may be small, but it’s overflowing with character — plus, the welcome is famously warm.
The Philippines
The Philippines is about slow living, savouring delicious mango breakfasts, barefoot walks along the shore, and chats with local fishermen. Image credit: Pocal/Bigstock.com
The Philippines has long been overshadowed by more popular Asian destinations like Thailand and Bali, but that seems to be a thing of the past as more and more holidaymakers are making the 13+ hour journey to this archipelago.
First, the beaches. We’re not just talking golden sands — we mean powdery white shores, gin-clear water, and limestone cliffs that look straight out of a postcard. It’s no wonder why places like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao have a cult following.
Secondly, the relaxed atmosphere. The Philippines is about slow living, savouring delicious mango breakfasts, barefoot walks along the shore, and chats with local fishermen. There is nothing to prove, nothing to rush about. It’s a place where you can relax not only your body, but also your mind.
Australia
Sydney gets a lot of the spotlight, and, with its harbour views, Bondi surf, and rooftop bars, it’s a classic for a reason. Image credit: lovleah/Bigstock.com
Yes, the flight’s long. No, that doesn’t stop us.
Whether it’s seeing family, visiting your working holiday buddies (practically a rite of passage for British 20-somethings), or simply escaping the winter for the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, Australia is a regular fixture on the long-haul list. In fact, the UK holds the spot as Australia’s fourth-largest inbound market!
Sydney gets a lot of the spotlight, and, with its harbour views, Bondi surf, and rooftop bars, it’s a classic for a reason. However, Melbourne is a proper hit too, especially for those who like their holidays with a side of café culture and street art. Then there’s the wild beauty of Tasmania, the Great Ocean Road, and the jaw-dropping coral of the Great Barrier Reef.
Even the Outback has its fans, especially those looking for red earth, big skies, and great wide-open spaces.
No matter how far they are from home, these destinations offer something that keeps Brits coming back — whether it’s the promise of sunshine, rich cultural experiences, or the sheer joy of discovering somewhere unforgettable. When a place leaves that kind of impression, one visit is never enough.
Ruchika Verma enjoys a luxury stay at this elegant hotel on a private island in the heart of Manama.
Step into your home away from home at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, a rare jewel that blends urban energy with serene seclusion.
Here, you’ll find that world-class hospitality meets the calm of a waterfront retreat, striking a harmonious balance between the city’s vibrant pulse and the hotel’s sense of peaceful indulgence.
Guided by the Four Seasons’ philosophy of genuine care and intuitive, personalised service, every moment here feels personal, considered, and quietly luxurious.
Whether you’re drawn by the Michelin-starred dining, the seamless service, cutting-edge facilities, or the expansive spa sanctuary, this is a place where the Golden Rule isn’t just a principle, it’s a promise, beautifully lived out with every guest experience.
Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers a rare paradox: a central location that feels worlds away
Perched on its own private island in the heart of Manama, the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers a rare paradox: a central location that feels worlds away.
While just moments from the city’s vibrant pulse and only 15 minutes from the airport, the hotel’s serene waterfront setting creates an atmosphere of remarkable calm, where the hum of urban life fades into the soothing rhythm of the bay.
The aesthetic is one of refined simplicity: understated elegance at every turn. From the moment you step into the expansive, light-filled lobby, there’s a palpable sense of calm. Bathed in soft, natural hues and anchored by sculptural olive trees, the space exudes a quiet sophistication.
It’s more than a passageway; it’s a destination in itself, ideal for lingering over light bites and afternoon tea, or retreating into one of the semi-private alcoves with a book in hand, away from the world.
This sense of serenity continues throughout the resort. Meandering lush, leafy pathways, secluded gardens and warm, tranquil spaces are thoughtfully placed across the grounds, each offering a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the moment.
Room
Stylish and spacious suites boast stunning views across Bahrain Bay
Stepping into my deluxe suite felt less like checking into a hotel and more like arriving at a thoughtfully designed home away from home.
Awash in neutral tones and bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, the space immediately invited relaxation. I sank into the plush sofa in the spacious living area, tea in hand, watching the light play across the water outside, a natural welcome into the refined calm of the suite.
The bedroom continued the narrative of understated luxury. Minimalist in design yet rich in detail, it featured the Four Seasons’ signature crisp white linens atop their legendary mattress, engineered for the perfect balance of comfort, support, and climate control. True to promise, it delivered an effortlessly restful night’s sleep.
Equally indulgent was the marble-clad bathroom, which rivalled the suite’s other spaces in both scale and sophistication.
Twin vanities provided ample space for two, while the rainfall shower offered a moment of spa-like rejuvenation. But it was the deep, freestanding marble bathtub that truly stole my heart, an invitation for an unhurried soak, the kind that melts away every trace of the outside world.
Every element of the 273 rooms and suites at the hotel reflects the Four Seasons’ ethos of comfort elevated through considered detail
The highlight? Breakfast, enjoyed in-room. As morning sunlight streamed through the windows, a beautifully arranged tray arrived of still-warm pastries, velvety cappuccinos, seasonal fruit, traditional foul medames and eggs cooked precisely to order.
Enjoyed from the comfort of the sofa, Bahrain Bay glistening in the background and the city gently waking in the distance, it felt like the kind of moment that quietly defined the essence of the stay: unhurried, personal, and effortlessly indulgent.
With thoughtful touches throughout, from the intuitive lighting controls to the impeccably stocked minibar, every element of the 273 rooms and suites at the hotel reflects the Four Seasons’ ethos of comfort elevated through considered detail.
The highlight, featured in all rooms, was the quality of the in-room dining service, executed with the same precision and elegance found throughout the hotel, offering not just convenience, but an experience in its own right, one that seamlessly set the tone for the culinary journey to come.
Food and drink
CUT by Wolfgang Puck is a modern steakhouse that sets the standard for refined dining in Bahrain
At the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, dining transcends routine, where it becomes an experience to savour. With a curated collection of some of the finest restaurants in the Kingdom, the hotel is a culinary destination in its own right, attracting both international travellers and local gourmands alike.
Among its crown jewels is CUT by Wolfgang Puck, a modern steakhouse that sets the standard for refined dining in Bahrain. Whether you’re seated for a polished business lunch or a lively dinner under the glow of city lights, the atmosphere is always charged with energy and elegance.
The menu champions premium cuts and the highest-quality ingredients, but it was the Australian Wagyu Black BMS 8–9 filet mignon that truly stole the spotlight; succulent, expertly charred, and cooked to a flawless medium rare, each bite melting delicately with just the faintest blush of pink.
For a vibrant taste of the Levant, Byblos brings a modern interpretation of classic Lebanese cuisine
For a vibrant taste of the Levant, Byblos brings a modern interpretation of classic Lebanese cuisine. Set against an elegant backdrop of warm lighting, mosaic accents, and Arabian-inspired textures, framed against the gentle waves of the bay, the restaurant offers an intimate yet energetic atmosphere perfect for sharing mezze and stories late into the evening.
The menu is a celebration of bold, sun-drenched flavours; think fragrant grilled meats, silky hummus, fresh herbs, and just-baked flatbreads served straight from the oven.
Each dish is designed for sharing, enhancing the communal spirit that defines Levantine dining. Add a chilled glass of wine or a signature cocktail infused with Middle Eastern botanicals, and you have a dining experience that’s as soulful as it is sophisticated.
From sky-high sophistication to casual beachfront charm, each dining venue at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is bound by a common thread: an unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and world-class service. Every meal, every setting, every detail is designed not just to satisfy, but to delight, and it succeeds effortlessly.
Spa and wellness
The spa blends modern wellness with subtle Middle Eastern influences to create a truly immersive escape
Home to one of the largest spas in the entire Four Seasons portfolio – a delightful surprise given the hotel’s intimate, understated setting – the Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is a sanctuary of serenity and indulgence. Spanning 17 treatment rooms within an enveloping, dimly-lit space, the spa blends modern wellness with subtle Middle Eastern influences to create a truly immersive escape.
The journey begins with a soothing herbal infusion served on arrival, a quiet signal to slow down and reconnect. From there, my therapist gently guided me through the tranquil corridors into a private treatment suite, where time seemed to pause.
Every gesture, from the therapist’s quiet attentiveness to the careful, unrushed pace of the treatment, felt like a personalised ritual, not a routine.
The spa features a range of wellness offerings, including steam rooms and a traditional hammam
What followed was nothing short of transformative. The treatment was tailored with precision to my needs, blending expertly selected oils with rhythmic massage techniques that released not only tension, but a deeper sense of mental stillness. Surrounded by soft lighting, subtle aromatherapy, and the calming hush of the spa’s interiors, it invoked a journey inward.
Beyond the treatment rooms, the spa features a range of wellness offerings, including vitality pools, an authentic Turkish hammam, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges, all thoughtfully designed to extend the experience of calm. Whether you’re seeking a complete reset or simply a moment of stillness between city explorations, the Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is itself a reason to visit Bahrain.
To do
The Bahrain Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient stone walls and sweeping sea views tell stories of centuries past . Image credit: Bigstock/lovelypeace
If ever a hotel made it hard to leave, this is it. Between the expansive infinity pool overlooking the Bay, the adults-only oasis, the pristine private beach, and a fitness centre that rivals top gyms, every element invites relaxation – or revival – on your terms.
But for those willing to explore, Bahrain offers a surprisingly rich and soulful experience. Still one of the Gulf’s most underrated gems, the island nation rewards the curious. Start with a visit to the Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient stone walls and sweeping sea views tell stories of centuries past.
In the early evening, wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the Manama Souq, where the air is thick with the scent of oud, spice, and freshly brewed Arabic coffee. It’s here that you’ll witness the unhurried rhythm of local life, whether bartering over dates and textiles or pausing to share a conversation over tea.
Whether you choose to stay cocooned in the hotel’s many luxuries or venture out to discover the cultural texture of Bahrain, your time here will unfold with both grace and a quiet sense of discovery.
In a nutshell
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay strikes a rare balance: a destination that feels both expansive and intimate, indulgent yet grounded. Set on a private island with panoramic views of the city skyline and sea, it’s a masterclass in quiet luxury, where thoughtful details, effortless comfort, and warm Bahraini hospitality come together with signature Four Seasons finesse. From early-morning dips in the infinity pool to slow, mezze-filled dinners under the stars, every moment here feels considered, unrushed, and genuinely memorable.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £290 pn.
Address: Bahrain Bay, P.O. Box 1669, Manama, Bahrain
Phone: +973 1711 5000
Email: SM.BAH@fourseasons.com
Website: fourseasons.com/bahrain
Hotel images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
Author details:
Ruchika is a freelance travel writer with a passion for exploring the world in style. Having visited over 70 countries, she specialises in curating and sharing unforgettable luxury travel experiences.
When she’s not discovering the finest hotels and embarking on world adventures, she works as a renewable energy lawyer at one of the world’s leading renewable energy infrastructure companies.
Follow her journeys on Instagram @wandering_ruchika and explore more of her travels at wanderingruchika.com
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