Paradise found

Discover winter sun destinations where nature reigns, the sands are soft as silk, and the only crowds are sea turtles and monkeys.

Want to experience an alternative tropical destination this winter? Somewhere none of friends haven’t been. Hard to find and hard to get to, but well worth the journey…….

Treat yourself to an incredible journey this Winter. Experience something amazing and unique. Find your very own slice of paradise and luxury. Maybe an alternative to somewhere you have already been or were planning to go. It won’t have to break the bank either….

ZANZIBAR

Idyllic white sand beaches, laid back life & rich culture & history –  A great alternative to the Seychelles or Maldives…

Zanzibar is a tropical archipelago off the coast of East Africa, where white-sand beaches meet spice-scented breezes and centuries of cultural fusion. For tourists, it offers a captivating blend of relaxation and discovery: the island’s coastline is dotted with idyllic beaches like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje, perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and sunset dhow cruises. Inland, the UNESCO-listed Stone Town enchants with its labyrinthine alleys, carved wooden doors, and echoes of Arab, Persian, and European influence.

Often called the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar invites visitors to explore fragrant plantations of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, while sampling Swahili cuisine rich in flavor and tradition. Nature lovers can trek through Jozani Forest to spot rare red colobus monkeys or dive into coral reefs teeming with marine life near Mnemba Atoll. Whether you’re seeking barefoot luxury, cultural immersion, or a post-safari unwind, Zanzibar delivers a holiday that’s both exotic and soul-soothing

STAY – The ultimate is Bawe private island resort , if you budget allows. Prices star at £1200 per villa per night in Winter on half board

If your budget is a little more modest but you still want luxury then the 5star Fruit & spice is a cool, contemporary wellness retreat from just £70pppn

GETTING THERE – There are various flight options from the UK, all will involve a stop and plane change as there are no direct flights to Zanzibar. Kenya Air via Nairobi offer some of the cheapest fares. Emirates via Dubai are another popular option if you wanted a better quality airline. Once on the island there are taxis and private transfers to take you to your hotel.

MOZAMBIQUE

Wild and untamed with stunning white sand beaches and no mass tourism – A great alternative to Mauritius or Mombassa

Mozambique is a dazzling, under-the-radar gem on Africa’s southeastern coast, offering tourists a rare blend of untouched beaches, vibrant culture, and adventurous spirit. With over 2,500 km of Indian Ocean coastline, it’s a paradise for beach lovers, divers, and those seeking authentic, crowd-free escapes.

The Bazaruto Archipelago and Quirimbas Islands are the crown jewels—tropical islands with powdery sands, coral reefs, and marine life including dolphins, turtles, and even dugongs. Inland, the capital Maputo pulses with Afro-Latin energy, colonial architecture, and a thriving arts and music scene. You’ll find Portuguese, Arab, and African influences woven into the food, language, and rhythm of daily life.

For nature lovers, Mozambique offers lush forests, remote villages, and wildlife sanctuaries, while adventure seekers can dive, snorkel, sail, or explore the haunting beauty of Ilha de Moçambique, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history.

What makes Mozambique truly special is its raw, unfiltered charm—no over-tourism, no glossy façade. Just warm hospitality, soulful landscapes, and a sense of discovery that feels rare in today’s travel world

STAY – 5star Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort – This exquisite beachfront luxury is surrounded by incredible scenery.  prices start around £350pppn on all-inclusive

GETTING THERE – The best way is to fly direct to Johannesburg and then take a connecting flight to Vilanculos. Once in Vilanculos the Anantara Resort offers complimentary boat transfer to the island. Roll up your trousers though, as the lack of jetty means you have to wade through knee deep water onto the beach. Alternatively for around £160pp you can arrive by helicopter.

VIETNAM – CON DAU

Quiet, tranquil and beautiful – away from the crowds, at one with nature – A great alternative to Thailand…

Con Dao is one of Vietnam’s most captivating island escapes—remote, soulful, and steeped in both natural beauty and historical depth. Located off the southern coast, it offers a rare kind of tranquility, with empty beaches, lush forests, and coral-rich waters that feel worlds away from the mainland. The main island, Con Son, is home to a small, welcoming community and a handful of boutique hotels and eco-resorts that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Tourists come here not just for the scenery, but for the story. Con Dao was once a notorious prison island under French rule, and its preserved sites—like the Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery—offer a powerful window into Vietnam’s past. Today, it’s also a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles, with seasonal hatchings that draw conservationists and curious travellers alike.

Whether you’re diving off Mnemba-like reefs, hiking through tropical forest, or simply watching the sun dip behind a fishing boat on the horizon, Con Dao invites you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, with history, and with yourself

STAY – Six senses Con Dao is by far the best hotel on the island. Six senses famous style, luxury & spa facilities in a stunning tropical beach setting. Prices start from around £320pppn

GETTING THERE – You will need to fly from the UK to Ho Chi Minh and from there take a short flight over to Con Dao’s tiny island airport where the hotels will pick you up free of charge.

DOMINICA

Unspoilt, under-developed & beautiful nature and wildlife –  A great alternative to Barbados or St Lucia..

Dominica is the Caribbean’s wild soul—untamed, lush, and refreshingly different from its sun-and-sand siblings. Known as the “Nature Island,” it’s a haven for eco-travelers, hikers, and anyone craving adventure wrapped in rainforest mist. Instead of sprawling resorts and crowded beaches, Dominica offers volcanic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and black-sand shores kissed by emerald waves.

Tourists can trek to the world’s second-largest boiling lake, dive into underwater caves and coral reefs, or explore the Waitukubuli National Trail, which spans the entire island. Whale watching is spectacular here, especially for spotting sperm whales year-round. The island’s culture is a vibrant blend of African, Kalinago, and French influences, with warm hospitality and rhythmic traditions that pulse through village life.

Dominica isn’t about luxury in the conventional sense—it’s about immersion. It’s where you hike through jungle to reach a hidden pool, sip fresh coconut water from a roadside stand, and fall asleep to the sound of tree frogs and ocean breeze. For travelers seeking authenticity, adventure, and a deep connection to nature, Dominica is pure magic.

STAY – 5star Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Beach resort is surrounded by rainforest and a nature lovers paradise – Prices start at £129pppn

GETTING THERE – Direct flights from the go to Barbados or Antigua, from where you can get a short connecting flight to Dominica. From the airport you can grab a taxi which takes around one hour.

LOMBOK

Tranquil and sunning. Come for the beaches, nature and laid back living – A great alternative to Bali

Lombok is Indonesia’s quieter, wilder answer to Bali—an island of dramatic landscapes, uncrowded beaches, and authentic cultural charm. For tourists, it offers a rich mix of adventure and serenity. The southern coast is a haven for surfers and sunseekers, with powdery sands and turquoise bays like Tanjung Aan and Mawun. Inland, the towering Mount Rinjani invites trekkers to scale Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, revealing crater lakes and sunrise views that feel otherworldly.

Unlike its more commercial neighbor, Lombok remains refreshingly untouched. Villages are home to the Sasak people, whose traditions and hospitality add depth to the experience. The island also serves as a gateway to the Gili Islands and the lesser-known “Secret Gilis,” perfect for snorkeling, diving, or simply unwinding off the grid. Whether you’re chasing waves, hiking waterfalls, or soaking in the slow rhythm of island life, Lombok delivers a tropical escape that’s both raw and refined

STAY – 5star Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens is a cool, stylish, contemporary beach club style hotel is a stunning beach location – All that for just  £85pppn

GETTING THERE – Lombok has an International airport, so you can easily get to Lombok from the UK  flying via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. If you fly to Bali you can also get a ferry from there.

ISLA HOLBOX

An Idyllic island paradise. Escape the crowds and parties – A great alternative to Cancun

Isla Holbox is a laid-back slice of paradise off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, where sandy streets, turquoise waters, and barefoot charm define the rhythm of daily life. For tourists, it offers a refreshing escape from the crowds—no cars, no stress, just golf carts, bicycles, and a slow, sun-drenched pace. The island is famous for its pristine beaches, bioluminescent waters, and the chance to swim with whale sharks during the summer months.

Nature lovers will find mangroves teeming with flamingos and pelicans, while beachgoers can unwind at Punta Cocos or wade out to the sandbar at Punta Mosquito for a castaway moment. The town itself is a canvas of colorful murals, local eateries, and boutique hotels that blend rustic charm with bohemian flair. Holbox is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a taste of authentic island life—just a few hours from Cancún, yet a world apart.

STAY – 5star Naay boutique hotel is one of the few 5star hotels on the island and offers a relaxed and personal experience  at a great price – from £70pppn

GETTING THERE – The are direct flights from UK airports to Cancun. From there you would transfer by road to Chiquila and from there a short ferry over to the Island. The hotel is then just a short walk, or golf cart ride away.

Like the sound of any of these amazing places? Want to find out more – Just ask Paul

You could be jetting off before you know it, to enjoy sand between your toes, the sound of gently lapping waves, birdsong and monkeys. A cocktail in hand under a gentle tropical breeze.