Where to go for Winter sun

Winter sun – where to go?

We all know how dark, wet and miserable UK Winters can be. So you might now be dreaming of getting away somewhere, to sip cocktails on a white sand beach under a tropical sun.

So where are the best places to get away from this dreary UK winter and recharge your batteries, with guaranteed sunshine? Here are some of my favourite’s……. ……

CANARY ISLANDS

A long time favourite for winter sun. With winter high’s of around 22-25oC and just a four hour flight from the UK, the Canary Islands have a lot to offer for a Winter sun break. This is really the nearest place in Winter to find decent temperatures.

Lanzarote tends to be the warmest of the islands but to be honest there isn’t too much difference. We are not looking at hot, hot, hot weather but daytimes are a pleasant change from the dark, damp cold UK winter.

There is plenty to do in the Canaries if you are not one that just wants to lounge by the pool or beach. If you like golf then Tenerife is probably your best bet, where you can find some really top level courses. There is plenty of hiking and biking opportunities in all of the islands, exploring the interesting volcanic landscapes and some resorts also offer quad biking or dune buggy tours for the more adrenaline fuelled visitors. Of course being islands, there are plenty of watersports available. Windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing are extremely popular and there are schools and centres all over the Canaries to cater to all levels, from absolute beginner to experience pro. The Canaries are great for families with plenty to keep the kids entertained. There are lots of fun activities, parks and some really great waterparks. Fuerteventura wildlife park was a real surprise, where the kids can even feed the giraffes.

Not generally known as a premier luxury destination, there are now some really lovely luxury hotels in the Canaries and plenty of smaller boutique style ones have been popping up. Most hotels are geared towards families and a lot have kids clubs to keep the kids busy and the parents relaxed and happy. There are also a huge range of private villas which are also popular with families looking for a bit of privacy. The most Luxury hotels are generally found on Tenerife and Gran Canaria but the other islands are catching up.

For the ultimate in luxury & unbeatable views stay at the Royal Hideaway Coralles suites in Tenerife

EGYPT

Egypt offers average daytime high’s in winter around 24-28oC and is only five hours by direct flight from the UK. There are currently direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. I personally prefer the smaller resorts of El Gouna and Soma Bay as they have a more upmarket feel and not quite as busy as the bigger resorts. They are both a short drive from Hurghada airport so easy to get to.

The Red Sea’s calm clear waters, full of colourful marine life are great for scuba diving and snorkelling which is what this region is really famous for. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are also very popular in a lot of resorts, particularly in El Gouna and Soma Bay. Away from the water you can head out into the desert and explore the wild lunar landscapes on a quad bike, 4wd jeep or go more traditional and jump on a camel.

Egypt is well know for offering amazing value all-inclusive beach resorts. You do have to pick carefully though as standards can be lower than you would expect in Europe and some 5 star hotels can be very dissapointing. Always best to do your research or check with an expert to find a decent hotel.

the Red Sea resorts are now home to a huge range of luxury beach resorts with a wide range of facilities and a lot of them have their own house reef for snorkelling and diving. Families are well catered for here and most of the large resorts have lots of family facilities and kids activities, many hotels have organised kids clubs. Some have their own waterparks. There are also adults only and couple friendly hotels if you prefer to chill in a calmer environment without screaming kids running around.

If you like the beach but are also a bit of a culture vulture then why not combine your stay in El Gouna, Soma Bay with a trip to Luxor to see the incredible ancient temples and ruins. Or spend a couple of days in bustling Cairo and take a trip out to see the impressive Pyramids of Giza.

Your very own private pool villa at Casa Cook in El Gouna…

DUBAI

Dubai has recently become a hugely popular Winter sun destination. With daytime high’s sometimes reaching 30oC it is one of the hottest places you can get to on a shortish flight. Emirates and BA have several direct flights a day from various UK airports. The flight is about 7 hours so not too bad.

There is always plenty to do in Dubai. You might not know this but it has several large theme parks where you and your family can spend the day. There is a Legoland there, plus Ferrari World. IMG is the Worlds biggest indoor theme park and there is even a Bollywood themed park. Of course as the sun always shines in Dubai there is no shortage of water parks, the most famous being at the Atlantis hotel. Have you seen pictures of the slide that goes through the shark tank? Dubai even boasts the Worlds largest indoor ski slope. It is a staggering 1300 feet long and has its own 4 person chairlift.

If you need a bit of retail therapy to get over all that fun then you are in the right place. Dubai is a mecca for shoppers with huge shopping malls seemingly on every corner. Every brand imaginable is here so bring your wallets.

Golfers will love Dubai. There are some amazing championship golf courses to enjoy. For the ultimate, book a round at the Majlis course at Emirates golf club, which is the venue for the Dubai Desert Classic. Or why not try out night golf at the floodlit Faldo course at the Emirates club.

As well as plenty to do and great weather to enjoy, Dubai is home to the most incredible hotels in the World. They are destinations in themselves and some visitors to Dubai are there just to enjoy their hotel and all that it has to offer. This is luxury lifestyle at its best and each new hotel tries to outdo the rest. The beaches, man made islands and coastline of Dubai are home to the many of the Worlds finest luxury hotels, all offering the very finest in luxury living and indulgence for the most discerning of guests from all over the World. You will often see Hollywood movie stars, famous footballers, sheikhs and princes enjoying these luxurious surroundings.

One & Only the Palm is Dubai’s premier boutique style luxury hotel..

MEXICO

Winter is the hottest time to visit Mexico, where daily highs are into the 30’s and the rainy season is over. Perfect weather for enjoying the white sand beaches and luxurious beach resorts. There are plenty of direct flights from the UK taking around 9 hours so it is also a pretty convenient place to visit. Personally I would avoid Cancun unless you are there to party. It is very busy and a popular place with young American groups who can get a bit loud and raucous. Much better to drive down the coast a little to the Riviera Maya where the beaches are quieter and the hotels not so high rise. Tulum beach offers a more laid back barefoot vibe with some really cool boutique beach style hotels and a laid back atmosphere.

Why not stay in a quirky treehouse hotel like Azulik in Tulum

MAURITIUS

With average highs in Winter nudging 30oC you will see plenty of hot sunny days in Mauritius. There are direct flights from the UK which will get you there in just under 12 hours but the long flight is well worth it.

Mauritius is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, although not just a pretty beach destination.  It offers a varied landscape of rugged coastline with crashing waves, quiet secluded coves with white sand beaches, wild mountains and lush valleys. It is an island steeped in history,  with a diverse mix of cultures from colonial European, to African, Indian and even Chinese.

The island is great for sports with some fabulous golf courses and lots of great scuba dive sites, as well as really good conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are also some great hikes to be had in the national parks and plenty of cycling opportunities.

There are some really great luxury hotels around the island, with something for everyone, from large family beach style resorts sitting on pristine white sand beaches, to small intimate boutique hotels, perfect for a romantic break or honeymoons plus some truly stunning and luxurious private villas.

Mauritius is also a great place to combine with a trip to South Africa, maybe a safari. Or include a stopover in Dubai or combine with Seychelles for the ultimate luxury twin centre beach holiday.

One & only St Geran is one of Africa’s most exclusive hotels

MALDIVES

The Maldives is possibly the Worlds most beautiful holiday destination. Direct flights can get you to paradise in just over 12 hours.

The Maldives doesn’t ever get cold so you are guaranteed temperatures well into the 30’s. November and December can see a bit of rain but its that lovely warm tropical rain and only short bursts each day. Go in January, February or March and you will enjoy hot and dry weather.

if you have seen photos of amazing tropical island resorts, surrounded by azure lagoons in the middle of the ocean, chances are you were looking at the Maldives. Over a thousand paradise islands in the Indian Ocean. Some of the best islands are home to amazing luxury retreats, with white sand, palm fringed beaches, World class spa’s and luxurious facilities and accommodations. Still as popular as every with couples and honeymooners looking to stay in the famous stilted overwater villas over the crystal clear lagoons, or the private bungalows right on the beach. There are now plenty of island resorts that offer family friendly options with family villas with slides, lots of fun activities and some resorts now offer kids clubs.

Of course most people head to the Maldives to relax and soak up the sun in a stunning location. If you are like me and you get bored sunbathing all day then there are still plenty of things to keep you busy. The snorkelling is second to none. Just jump off your villa balcony and you are in pristine crystal clear waters that are teeming with colourful marine life. Every island has it’s own Padi scuba centre so why not book a dive or get your Padi qualifications. A lot of island will also have windsurf boards you can use or wakeboarding available and some even have a bit of surf off the reef. The bigger islands will have a lot more going on, with tennis courts and kids activities. Some of the smaller ones are very quiet and tranquil. So picking the right resort is key in the Maldives.

The Maldives is a true paradise and a bucket list destination that we should all have the pleasure of visiting at least once in our lives. Staying in your villa perched over an impossibly clear ocean lagoon and watching the fish swim by is something you will never forget,.

Soneva Jani’s amazing water villas have slides into the crystal clear lagoon

CARIBBEAN

A visit to the Caribbean means a bit longer on a plane, so 9 hours, give or take. There are direct flights to Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Bahamas, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, St Lucia. Most have similar tropical climates with a hot, sunny and dry winter, offering the perfect tropical Winter sun getaway with proper beach weather.

So if you are looking for a properly hot destination this Winter, the Caribbean is a great option and the nearest one with regular temperatures over 30oC.

All the Caribbean destinations listed above are famed for beautiful sun drenched, palm fringed beaches. This is why people choose the Caribbean. They also offer a laid back Caribbean vibe where you can enjoy evenings out drinking cocktails and listening to Reggae music with the locals. It is worth noting that some places may be safer than others and I would be more careful at night in Dominican Republic and Jamaica than in say St Lucia or Bahamas.

Of course as these are islands, a lot of your days will be spent on the beach or in the water. There is a wide varierty of watersports available plus lots of great boat trips, fishing, scuba and snorkelling tours available in the turquoise Caribbean waters. There is plenty to do on land too though. Take a tour into the lush hills and jungles to see the local flora and fauna and take a refreshing dip under a waterfall. There are plenty of great golf courses all over the Caribbean and always plenty to do whether you are a couple looking to relax and chill or a family looking for some fun.

The Caribbean has some amazing hotels to choose from. Some of the World most luxurious and famous hotels like Sandy Lane in Barbados and Jumby Bay in Antigua have been welcoming the rich and famous for years. There are also more and more smaller more intimate cool chic design hotels and luxurious private villas popping up and more and more holistic or health inspired retreats.

So if you want somewhere thats easy to get to with hot sunny weather,  white sand, palm fringed beaches, great food, luxurious hotels and a laid back vibe, then the Caribbean could be the place for you.

Bucuti & Tara adults on hotel was voted the Caribbeans #1 most romantic hotel in 2021

BALI

It is quite a trek to get to, with flights taking around 17 hours but once you get there you will find a true tropical paradise. The weather in Winter is fabulous, with average highs around 30oC and not much rain. This stunning island is surrounded by coral reefs and beautiful palm fringed beaches, ideal for your Winter sun holiday. It also has some of the best luxury hotels in Asia. I recommend combining a stay up in the jungle covered hills around Ubud with your beach stay. The mountain and jungle scenery coupled with some stunning Spa sanctuary retreats makes this place really quite unique and a great place to relax for a few days. As well as the stunning beaches and jungles, the island has lot’s going on for visitors. There are plenty of watersports like surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving. Away from the beaches you can rent a bike or take a trek into the countryside and visit traditional villages and explore the rice paddies and temples. You can even go into the Monkey forest and feed the local monkeys. It is a fairly large island with plenty to do and see, if of course you can tear yourself away from the beach.

Amankila is arguably Bali’s most exclusive and luxurious hotel..

THAILAND

This is by far my favourite winter destination. Thailand offers so much for the visitor. It has of course those amazing white sand paradise beaches. Although it is much more than just a beach destination. the scenery is jaw dropping. from the lush forest mountains of the North to the jungles and the stunning limestone cliffs and islands of the South. It is also a country full of history and culture. If you get a chance you should visit Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, both historical old cities that were the capital of Old Siam. if you are in Bangkok then the Grand Palace is a must see and it is worth getting out of the city for a day to visit the famous floating market. Bangkok itself is a fun and vibrant city with great bars, restaurants and shopping. The food all over Thailand is amazing, whether you are in a top class restaurant in Bangkok, a small family run fish restaurant on the beach or a street stall in the middle of nowhere. The smells of ginger, lemongrass and chilli are literally everywhere. Foodies will absolutely love Thailand.

Many people split their time in Thailand with a couple of nights in and around Bangkok, before heading up North to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. From here you can explore the mountains and visit the traditional hilltribes. You can trek or bike into the mountains or drive up in a 4wd. After the city and the mountains then people head down to the islands to relax on the amazing beaches. The Eastern islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have a more laid back feel than the more developed regions of Phuket and Krabi on the West coast. It is still possible to find quiet unspoilt islands, although you do have to search them out these days. As you can imagine there are plenty of watersports on offer. Thailand is famed for its scuba diving but there are also possibilities to surf, kitesurf and windsurf in a lot of places.

Thailand has some of the best hotels in Asia. There are some really stunning luxury resorts and often with very unique designs.

The wonderfully designed tree houses at Keemala hotel in Phuket.

If you are planning a Winter trip to one of these, or any other destination and need some advice  – Just ask Paul