Brits Turn to Low-Cost North African Resorts With Waterparks and Private Beaches

HOLIDAYMAKERS are swapping Spanish escapes for bargain breaks to North Africa, where glamour comes without the premium price tag.

Tour operator TUI reports a lift in British travellers this winter, especially for all-inclusive, upscale trips to Egypt and Tunisia.

easyJet also noted a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings to North Africa.

Garry Wilson, head of easyJet holidays, said: "Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco offer huge potential, with high-quality hotels, brilliant value, warm hospitality and great connectivity from airports across the UK."

Sophie Sweitochowski lists her top premium North African getaways for 2027 that stay within budget.

Grab them while they are hot.

TAGHAZOUT, MOROCCO

The Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa can be booked for under £700 per person for a seven-night stay with flights.

Its design is sleek and modern, featuring five pools - one for adults only and several with sea views where surfers ride Taghazout's famed waves.

Rooms are spacious and include balconies, ideal for enjoying 22C temperatures, and the spa offers local treatments.

Breakfast is a large buffet with fresh pastries, yoghurts, fruit, live cooking stations, local honey and traditional flatbreads.

GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 5-star Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa starts at £656 per person, flights from Gatwick on 3 December, luggage and transfers included. See jet2holidays.com.

SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT

There is little chance of boredom at the Jaz Mirabel Beach Hotel.

The expansive resort boasts an on-site waterpark with slides, a water-sports centre for windsurfing, parasailing and water-skiing, plus an open-air amphitheatre with regular shows.

Its prime spot on the Red Sea lets guests use a private jetty to dive into a top snorkeling location.

Scenic boat trips and desert safaris to Bedouin camps are among the offered excursions.

GO: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5-star Jaz Mirabel Beach Hotel is priced from £762 per person, flights from East Midlands on 14 December. See tui.co.uk.

SOUSSE, TUNISIA

A champagne-style experience on a modest budget is possible at Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa.

Located in the town centre, the property is surrounded by stylish restaurants and bars, though the all-inclusive package covers meals.

The main buffet rotates international cuisine each evening with live cooking and carving stations.

For an extra spend, the hotel's Le 12ème serves refined dishes such as fresh fish carpaccio and slow-cooked lamb shank.

Beyond dining, guests enjoy a sandy beach, a wellness centre with a traditional Tunisian hammam, steam rooms, massage suites and several pools.

GO: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5-star Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa starts at £360 per person, flights from Gatwick on 25 November. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Looking for a relaxing couples retreat? The Be Live Collection Marrakech is an adults-only oasis set away from the city bustle, with a free daily shuttle to Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

A quiet pool offers complete serenity, while a separate activity pool provides a livelier vibe.

First-time visitors can try a traditional Moroccan hammam here.

The wellness area includes two authentic hammams where therapists use black soap to exfoliate.

At night, guests can sip drinks at any of the four stylish bars.

GO: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5-star Be Live Collection Marrakech is from £479 per person, flights from Manchester on 12 December. See loveholidays.com.

HAMMAMET, TUNISIA

Set on a private beach and surrounded by greenery, The Sindbad delivers pure luxury in the town centre.

Its infinity pool resembles those found at high-end Ibiza or Mykonos resorts, yet at a fraction of the cost.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy reduced green fees at Yasmine Golf Club and Citrus Golf Club, with complimentary shuttle service.

The buffet restaurant offers excellent local fare, including couscous and brik, a mashed potato dish typically served with fish.

GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 5-star The Sindbad begins at £370 per person, flights from Newcastle on 10 December. See travelsupermarket.com.