Revel in watersports at the Masurian Lakes in Poland, marvel at Margate's regeneration, and get a taste of Turkey at tester rates

Take me there: Masurian Lakes, Poland

Why go?

If you have ever fancied climbing into a canoe and paddling off into the wilderness, Masuria in the northeast of Poland is the place to do it. With more than 2,000 lakes connected by a network of rivers and canals, it's like the Norfolk Broads on steroids. In summer the lively lakeside resorts of Gizycko and Mikołajki are full of Polish families happily filling up on dumplings in waterfront cafés before diving off jetties for a swim. Just don't forget to bring the mosquito repellent.

What to do

Messing about on the water is virtually compulsory here. The signposted Krutynia river trail, which begins near the village of Sorkwity and ends 115km later in the town of Ruciane-Nida, is a beautiful and gentle route, with the option of camping overnight on the riverbanks: rent kayaks and canoes from English-speaking AS Tour (masuria-canoeing.com). See wild European bison on a walk through the ancient Białowieza forest. The ruins of Hitler's Second World War headquarters, the Wolf's Lair, near Ketrzyn, make for a chillingly memorable day trip (wolfsschanze.pl).

Where to stay

Nearly all of the furnishings at the Hotel Galery69 have been handmade by the artist owners to create a rustic and romantic lakeside retreat (from £48, designhotels.com). Soak up the watery views from the slick indoor pool, the waterfront restaurant or from a hammock on your balcony.

Where to eat

Try Polish specialities such as pierogi, lake trout and pickled cabbage at the Rynski Mlyn in Ryn, a restored old watermill overlooking Lake Ryn (rynskimlyn.pl).

Insider tip

Marian Jurak, president of the local branch of the PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society), recommends a day trip to the town of Frombork. "Nicolaus Copernicus lived here," he says, "and is buried in the beautiful brick cathedral, which hosts wonderful organ concerts. The Bishop's Palace is home to a Copernicus museum with a planetarium and astronomy exhibitions."

Give me a break

The Crescent Victoria townhouse, Margate. Photograph: Mike Bartlett for the Observer

Home: Margate moves upmarket

Another milestone in Margate's regeneration: a new boutique hotel has opened in a Georgian townhouse a pebble's throw from the Turner Gallery. The Crescent Victoria has 14 elegant bedrooms, a restaurant and a courtyard lounge. Doubles from £100 – or book a two-night summer break for £89.50 per night, including dinner on the first night (bespokehotels.com/crescentvictoriahotel).

The infinity pool at Sarnic Evi in Turkey

Away: Turkey testers required

Turkey specialist Exclusive Escapes is offering two brand-new villas at discounted tester rates between now and the end of October in return for feedback from guests. A week in August at Sarniç Evi, a beautifully updated 200-year-old village house with infinity pool, now costs £975pp based on four sharing (a saving of £225pp), including flights to Dalaman and car hire (exclusiveescapes.co.uk).