Going Solo - top eight destinations for singletons

walk_beach Being single is great - all that freedom, the whole bed to sprawl across - though this can have its drawbacks, booking a holiday needn't be one of them. It might seem a little scary at first, but going away on your own can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Here are eight places where being single is a bonus

Learn Italian
Sometimes the most romantic things are the ones done by yourself for yourself. What could be more romantic than learning Italian in Italy? Language courses make the perfect holidays for solo travellers, as you have plenty to occupy your days, will feel a great sense of achievement, and lots of opportunity to practise your new skills with the handsome locals. Language Courses Abroad specialises in study holidays around the world, including weeks in Rome, Florence or Siena. A week learning Italian (20 hours a week) in beautiful Venice starts from £219; from £393 with accommodation.

For bookings and information call 01509 211 612 or visit www.languagesabroad.co.uk

Treatment Queen
Bridget Jones is the ultimate singleton. Check out where some of Renee Zellweger's scenes in the first movie were filmed on an ultra-pampering break at the exclusive Stoke Park Club in Buckinghamshire. The 200-year-old Palladian mansion is set in 350 acres of parkland and is home to one of the most exclusive spas in the country. The Quick Escape package is perfect for a chance to get away from it all, and take time out on your own and de-stress for the weekend. It includes an aromatherapy massage, but you can also sign up for other treatments, such as the signature SK-II or Prada facials. Go for long leisurely walks, make use of the spa's sauna and swimming pool, and just take time to treat yourself. Who knows? You might even find your very own Hugh Grant look-alike on the golf course.

The Quick Escape package is £190, and includes a three-course meal, one night's accommodation and a full English breakfast.
For bookings and information visit www.spaspc.com/

Details and prices were correct at time of publication

ski_walk On the piste
A skiing holiday is a great idea for anyone wanting to go solo - on piste, no-one knows if you're alone or in a group and, off piste, no-one cares, as everyone's on the schnapps - which is the best way to make best friends out of total strangers. Outside school holidays, Mark Warner runs adults only weeks at the Moris Chalethotel in Val D'Isere, which is also home to the buzzing Moris pub. Mark Warner provides ski and snowboard hosting, allowing guests to ski as a group and explore the resort under the guidance of an experienced host.

Mark Warner offers one week at Moris Chalethotel in Val d'Isere from £399 per adult, based on departures from London Gatwick on 24 April 2005.
For bookings and information, call 0870 770 4222 or visit www.markwarner.co.uk

kos_bar Beach break
Lying in the middle of the Med, Kos is the third largest of the beautiful Greek islands. Friendship Travel specialises in holidays for the unattached including trips to Kos, staying in Marmari on the North coast. You travel with a group of like-minded singles and a host, but are not tied to them, giving you the chance to do what you want, when you want. Explore the gorgeous 2km-long sandy beach (only five minutes walk from town), swim in the springs and streams that are hidden all over the island, take a day trip to Bodrum in Turkey (only 25 minutes on the hydrofoil) or just hang around the pool, basking in the sunshine and chatting to the gorgeous barman (so much easier when a boyfriend isn't around).

£320 for seven nights leaving on 24 May (based on flights from £179)
For bookings and information, call 0289 446 2211 or visit www.friendshiptravel.com

Details and prices were correct at time of publication

Sailing-boat Get active
Active types should head to Mark Warner's Beach Resorts in San Agostino, Greece and Palm Beach in Turkey. To help make single travellers feel comfortable, all Mark Warner hotels arrange for solo guests to meet together for dinner on the first or second night, so you can get to know each other right from the start. Windsurfing, canoeing and sailing (all with tuition), introduction to scuba diving, tennis, volleyball and exercise classes (including aqua aerobics and water polo) are all on offer. Find a possible partner on the tennis court or just enjoy time making friends with other singletons.

A one-week holiday at Mark Warner's Beach Resort, San Agostino, is available from £595 per adult, leaving 1 May from London Gatwick. One-week at the Palm Beach resort is available from £582 per adult, leaving 9 May from London Gatwick.
For bookings and information, call 0870 770 4222 or visit www.markwarner.co.uk

Outside adventure
The land of the midnight sun and birthplace of Bjork must be on a lot of people's must-do list. It might feel daunting contemplating such an exotic destination on your own, but with so much to do and see, Iceland is the perfect destination for single travellers. Solo's Holidays give you as much free time as you want, which means, if it all gets too much, you can just chill out on your own. This package would satisfy chic city slickers and nature lovers. On the week's trip, you'll get to explore hip Reykjavik, a city full of lively bars and seafood restaurants. After this, you have the opportunity to go out into the wild to see striking natural wonders, such as giant glaciers, bubbling mud pools, hot springs and spouting geysers. If you want to get really close to nature, you'll have the chance to go horse riding and whale watching.

Seven nights departing on 29 April cost £1,195
For bookings and information call 0870 074 6453 or visit www.solosholidays.co.uk

Details and prices were correct at time of publication

Become at one with yourself
Sometimes it's far better to be on your own. Make the most of your freedom with a yoga/spa holiday in Andalucia with In:spa. Many of the guests travel alone with the same aim of focusing on their health, fitness and well-being. From the novice to the expert, everyone is welcome, and experts in fitness, nutrition, massage and yoga (including Geri Halliwell's instructor, Katy Appleton) will look after you every step of the way. The holiday is tailored to your needs and you have the choice to take part in all the classes, enjoy reflexology massages or go on excursions, such as visits to the Torcal Mountains or the historic town of Ronda, or to simply spend time alone by the pool.

Seven nights in Cortijo, Andalucia, Spain costs £2350 single occupancy
For bookings and information call 0845 458 0723 or visit www.inspa-retreats.com

City Escape
Estonia is a hot and affordable destination this year. Former members of the Soviet Union, Estonia and Latvia gained their independence in 1991, allowing tourists to visit some of the most breathtaking medieval cities in Europe. Incredibly romantic Tallin, the capital of Estonia has often been referred to as the 'new Prague', which means cobbled streets, turreted buildings and gorgeous cafes - just the kind of place you'd imagine Cinderella to have lived. Riga in neighbouring Latvia is just as magical and, with over 700 parks to explore, you'll have plenty of opportunity to get lost from the crowd and meet your prince in these fairytale cities.

A seven-night trip to the Baltic capitals with Solo's Holidays, leaving on 17 July, is £869.
For bookings and information call 0870 074 6453 or visit www.solosholidays.co.uk

Get more ideas on places to visit by consulting our in-house Travel expert on the Holiday Advice message board.

Details and prices were correct at time of publication