OUT OF SEASON ESCAPES

For a winter break with a difference, head to one of these dazzling islands

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Île de Ré, France

Zig-zagged by cycle paths and with a fairly flat terrain, this island off France's west coast is great to explore by bike. Its villages are delightfully quaint - picturesque bakeries show off freshly baked goods each morning behind mottled glass panes and cobbled streets winded by adorable pastel-colored cottages. Check out the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve with 65 species of overwintering birds, and tuck into fabulous French produce - oysters are very much in season. Four-star hotel La Baronnie Hotel & Spa has pastel shuttered windows, a gorgeous garden, and sumptuous rooms. From £170 per night for two; hotel-labaronnie.com.

Majorca, Spain