London turns orange

Strolling through London’s  autumn leaves is a favourite activity for visitors to the British capital. Many are attracted by its Royal Parks, but few are familiar with the largest of them all – Richmond Park. Located in southwest London, it’s an ideal stop for a family visit and lmost 650 deer roam freely in its 2,500 acres.

After a hard day’s stroll: Enjoy a well-deserved rest at the famous Radio Rooftop Bar of the ME London. In addition to first-rate cocktails, it offers spectacular views of the River Thames and the city’s southern skyline.

Paris, best along the Seine

If you’d like to find out why France’s capital is known as the City of Light, the best time to do it is in September and October. There’s nothing better than floating up the Seine on a traditional bâteau mouche at sunset to soak up the city’s romantic air, with its bridges and historical buildings, including the Pont des Arts where, until recently, couples were allowed to leave a padlock as a symbol of their love. Or visit the Eiffel Tower, which is lit up with sparkling lights every hour.

For sport addicts: If you can’t travel without disconnecting from your workout routine, with Meliá Paris La Défense’s exclusive The Level service, you’ll enjoy having unrestricted access to its 19th-floor gym, which is open 24 hours a day and offers views of the city.

Opera and musicals in the heart of Madrid

After the summer – when its inhabitants flee the big-city heat – Madrid gradually returns to its usual rhythm. Culture lovers should pay attention to the season premieres of musicals and plays. The Teatro Real is hosting an excellent season, with Mozart’s opera Lucio Silla on 13-23 September and Bizet’s Carmen from 11 October to 17 November. If you prefer musicals, don’t miss The Lion King at the Teatro Lope de Vega.

Pure Asian luxury: Metres away from the Teatro Real is the spectacular five-star Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques. Its Thai Room Wellness, is inspired by Thai wellness treatments and offers an exclusive atmosphere of wellbeing.

Stretching out the summer in Mallorca

If what you prefer is to squeeze the last few drops of pleasure from the summer as it ends, Mallorca is the ideal place. Its 50km of beaches, the pure air of the Serra de Tramuntana to the north and the charm of its capital, Palma, will make you want to stay on to live on one of the Mediterranean’s most cosmopolitan islands.

The last dip of the year: If you get tired of the beach, the Meliá Palma Bay, designed by the Navarra-born architect Francisco Mangado, hides a spectacular swimming pool on its top floor that boasts a 360-degree view of the city and bay.

Hamburg: the most charming port city

Hamburg has been described as Germany’s most ‘seagoing’ port... although there’s no sea in sight. Its two lakes, huge port (the second busiest in Europe) and more than 2,300 bridges crossing its canals (almost more than London, Amsterdam and Venice combined) make it a virtually aquatic city. Be sure to enjoy a ride on one of the tourist boats so you can have a closer look at the port area and its old warehouses in the Speicherstadt district, an emblem of this port city.

Finish off your day in this city of water: Use your MeliáRewards points to discover why the German breakfast is one of the world’s most complete, at Moin Moin in the Innside Hamburg Hafen hotel, which opened this summer.