The days are getting shorter, the mercury’s creeping downwards and you’d swear you’ve not seen the sun since the Nineties. But while you’re breaking out the knitwear eyeing the thermostat, there’s a world out there where a swimsuit and a sarong are all you’ll need. So, whether your winter wonderland looks like wandering through a sun-dappled city or staying horizontal on middle-of-the-ocean shores, here’s our pick of a few of the best luxury winter-sun holidays…
SRI LANKA
Between its rainforest and coconut-fringed coast, Sri Lanka squeezes in holy cities and mist-swirled highlands, tea plantations and elephant-populated parks — not bad going for a tiny teardrop of an island. In winter, the south and west are where you’ll want to be, where there are sugar-soft sands, breezy surf towns and spectacular Unesco-preserved cities. Sold? Us too.
When to go Sri Lanka’s south-west coast puts its best, flip-flop-clad foot forward between December and February; beaches may be busier, but when you’re basking in 30°C heat, who’s bothering with a head count? If you’re aiming further north or east for the ancient cities and highlands, February is your best bet for missing the monsoon season.
Where to stay For seclusion, glorious gardens and Koggala Lake views, all in gallivanting distance of Galle, head to Kurulu Bay in Ahangama. Just up the coast in sleepy Ahungalla, Ahu Bay is your sea-gazing, jungle-adventuring home base.
MEXICO
Sidestepping spring-break and the soggy season, winter stays in Mexico open up worlds of possibility. High-season crowds are pulled in by the Yucatán Peninsula’s extraordinary cenotes and jungle-fringed beaches, but don’t sleep on the inland cities, where Crayola-hued architecture, world-class cuisine and centuries of culture await under just-right-for-strolling sun.
When to go December kicks off the dry season, with winter weather ranging from mild and sunny to siesta-worthy (around 25–30°C). Just bring layers for nippy desert nights.
Where to stay For mezcal and ancient mysteries and a middle-of-nowhere feel, make for desert distillery Casa Silencio near Oaxaca. For a little more city bustle, check into Campos Polanco, where the knockout mid-century rooms and rooftop bar overlook the leafy Polanco neighbourhood, described as Mexico City’s answer to Beverly Hills.
EGYPT
When crafting your Egyptian itinerary, you might consider the surf- and sun- blessed coast, cities woven with labyrinthine back streets and lively markets…oh, and a few wonders of the world. In short, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Egypt, and handily, winter is by far the most comfortable time for sightseeing.
When to go Pack your cozzie and pitch up to the north coast in November and December, when the Mediterranean waters are still warm enough for a dip.
Where to stay Sultry and sea-lapped, adults-only stay Casa Cook North Coast makes a seductive starting point for exploring ancient Alexandria – if you can drag yourself from your lagoon-side daybed, that is. La Maison Bleue, skirting Mangroovy Beach in Hurghada, has a more old-school ambience, with a sky-blending blue façade, Catalan columns and interiors that borrow from European, Syrian and North African styles.
COSTA RICA
Rich with vibrant rainforest and volcanic va-va-voom, Costa Rica is the ultimate antidote to a grey-sky slump. Under the jungle canopy, adventure calls — wildlife treks, white-water rafting and deep-in-the-jungle lagoon dips provide a ready supply of pinch-me moments, soundtracked by crashing waterfalls and jaguar roars. Out on the Pacific coast, you can dive coral reefs, delve into the jungle or simply dig your toes into the unspoiled white sands.
When to go Dodge the downpours and go between December and February, when temperatures hover temptingly around 30°C.
Where to stay Take a (naturalist-guided) walk on the wild side at rainforest retreat Origins Lodge, or cosy up in one of Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas’ villas to revel in the Pacific coast’s romance-enhancing views.
CARIBBEAN
Swaying palms, sun-baked sands and generously rum-soused cocktails: no wonder the Caribbean is the ‘close your eyes and imagine you’re on a beach’ poster-child for those craving sun. Each island rolls to its own distinctive rhythm, with scenes ranging from quiet coves and colonial-era towns to party hotspots and yachting havens. Winter is high season here, but, handily, many hotels have their own private coastline, so footprint-free beaches aren’t hard to come by.
When to go Let yourself be lured by long, dry days of Caribbean sunshine (and high-20s heat) from December to February. November is quieter, but can still lean a little stormy.
Where to stay In Turks and Caicos, treat your winter blues with a double whammy of spa coddling and private-beach sprawling at luxury resort Amanyara. In Aruba, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel has everything you’d want from a Caribbean island escape: pastel-toned casitas nestled in tropical grounds, lagoon-shaped pools and white sands peppered with thatch-roofed beach huts.
CYPRUS
The lure of Cyprus’ beaches lessens for tourists come winter — all the better for unearthing the island’s inland treasures. Once the stomping ground of the Greek and Roman gods, the island has ancient cities, frescoed tombs and a sanctuary of Aphrodite to explore. And up in the cedar-clad mountains, hiking trails weave past pretty villages, where lacemakers and silversmiths sell their wares and coffee with the locals is a lazy morning ritual.
When to go In winter, a quieter Cyprus cools off. Between November and February, the waters may be a little brisk, but sunny, 22°C days were made for strolling and sightseeing — so you’ll still have an excuse to excavate your tank tops from the back of the closet. From February, the mountain villages are fragrant with almond blossoms.
Where to stay Head for the hills to the Agora Hotel, a homey base for discovering Lefkara village’s cobbled lanes and handcrafted lace. For spoiling spa sessions and self care, try rural wellness stay Minthis, set against a pristine pastoral backdrop of Cyprus cedars, olive groves and vineyards.
FIJI
When you need to put other-side-of-the-world distance between you and winter, flee to Fiji for its steamy South Pacific summertime. Watersports enthusiasts make the pilgrimage for the tropical islands’ world-class surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and coral-reef diving. If you’re more ‘paddling in the shallows’ than PADI pro, Fiji shines just as much at a lower-octane pace — unspoiled sands and desert islands are yours to discover (and doze on) at your leisure, and luxury spas put the local natural bounty to blissful use.
When to go As far as off seasons go, Fiji’s is pretty enticing, with 30°C sun, balmy sea and (outside December) near-deserted sands. Aim for November, before the wet season descends; and if you do have a rainy day, head out to watch the waterfalls — they’ll be more spectacular than ever.
Where to stay Surf’s up and the spa’s something rather special at Earth- (and ocean-) friendly Six Senses Fiji. For full-blown seclusion, cast yourself away on Vomo Island’s private shores.
THAILAND
Between eye-candy islands and a culture-splicing capital, Thailand pulls off a tightrope walk of pulse-raising clamour and Buddha-like Zen. In Phuket, you’ll find a happy middle ground, where bar-dotted beaches give way to more peaceful sands, panther-prowled jungle dominates the hills and gilded temples tower over the towns. Should you need to top up your tranquillity after a night of full-moon festivities, the hushed shores of Koh Kradan are in easy reach.
When to go You’ll want to take Thailand on in the winter, when the weather is more sunny than sticky, and temperatures hover around a manageable 32°C.
Where to stay Put the sky-scraping Standard hotel at the heart of your Bangkok break; or defrost on Krabi‘s balmy, palm-fringed shores at Pimalai Resort & Spa, spanning a 900-metre-long stretch of beach and 100 acres of hills covered in banyan and coconut trees, broadleaf lady palms, and bird of paradise flowers.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The United Arab Emirates come alive during the winter months, when the searing desert heat mellows to a far more pleasant warmth. In the lesser-known Emirate of Ajman, a surprisingly green coastline beckons, where you can kayak through protected mangroves and dive to offshore reefs. In Dubai, the time is right for exploring the endless dunes of golden sand, sunset cruising on an abra (traditional wooden boat), and indulging in the city’s collection of world-class restaurants.
When to go Dubai is at its best between November and March, the so-called ‘winter months’, when the city is at its buzziest and daytime temperatures tend to range between 20–25°C.
Where to stay Spread along a white beach in Ajman, the Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah can deliver a taste of high summer long after Europe has shrugged on her coat. It’s only 20km away from Dubai, but is much greener, blessed with protected mangroves, lagoons and coral reefs. Dubai wellness retreat Siro One Za’abeel eschews regime and restriction in favour of holistic harmony, meaning you can partake of meditation sessions, high-tech spa treatments and expert-led fitness classes before indulging in one of the nine (yes, nine) willpower-testing restaurants.
MALDIVES
There are almost 2,000 islands in the Maldives and not a bad shout among them, each one a cliché-confirming idyll of dazzling sands, turquoise sea and seasonal-blues-banishing sun. In the face of such across-the-board appeal, you could close your eyes and point at a map, and you’d most likely land on a winner.
But it’s better to let yourself be guided by the impressive range of luxury resorts. Whether you’re after a grown-up getaway or escaping en famille, craving an eco-haven or a cool-crowd hangout, you’ll find your ‘just-right’ island stay here.
When to go In the Maldives, it’s bikini weather all year long. December to February is the high (and dry) season, when sun-drenched days reach 30°C and the ocean temperatures hit an enticing 28°C.
Where to stay Mingle with jet-setters and taste-makers at luxury modernist resort Patina Maldives, or bring the Indian Ocean to your doorstep at Six Senses Kanuhura, spread over a trio of islands and home to six restaurants, two kids’ clubs, a sunset-facing infinity pool, orchid gardens, a signature spa and more.
Find out where else to check-in this season with our where to stay guide for autumn/winter 2024