Best Winter Sun Destinations
Many countries worldwide would've had their clocks go back as we hit another season and winter is fast approaching. That initial extra hour in bed is one of the benefits, but with the day getting darker earlier, it's normal to want a little escape. For some, this might be a little weekend where the sun is guaranteed; for others, it might look like a more extended stay, a second holiday if you like to pick a destination where it feels like another summer.
Average temperatures in winter months:
Morocco, 21°C |Thailand, 29°C | South Africa 27°C | Mexico, 29°C | Jamaica, 27°C |Malta, 28°C | Indonesia, 27°C | Lanzarote, 29°C | Mauritius, 24°C | Abu Dhabi, 22°C
La Sultana Marrakech | Morocco
Morocco is a diverse country with regions that boast mild temperatures and lots of sun, even in the winter. Marrakech is less touristy during the winter, making it pleasant to wander around the medina and visit shops and contemporary galleries. As the most accessible city in North Africa, it makes a great connection point for those intending to explore other places such as Fez, Tangier, Rabat and more.
Luxury hotel group La Sultana, offer a "Sea and the City" package, including a total of six nights at their hotels. Stay at La Sultana Marrakech, and enjoy the city's vibrance, glam and culture, followed by La Sultana Oualidia, a boutique gem by the ocean. In Marrakech, guests can take advantage of their popular swimming pool, signature hammam treatments and a breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains. This experience, paired with a retreat in the beautiful town of Oualidia on the Moroccan coast, where horse-riding, surfing, kayaking and beach BBQs are available, makes the perfect combination.
Soneva Kiri | Thailand
Koh Kood is a remote spot in Thailand, adjacent to an untamed jungle, pristine beaches, and all that nature offers. The founders of secluded Soneva Kiri created it with an intelligent luxury" concept in mind. The resort is a one-hour flight from Bangkok by private plane. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by an unrivalled combination of luxury, environmentally friendly design and unforgettable, authentic Thai experiences.
Thirty-six villas are nestled around the eco-resort - some up on the hill and others in front of a private beach. Located on the idyllic beach or sunny slopes in the rainforest, all have stunning infinity pools, impossibly chic furnishings, personal electric buggies and impeccable service courtesy of Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers.
www.soneva.com/resorts/soneva-kiri
Kensington Place | Cape Town, South Africa
Visit the Cape during its summertime – between November and February, and you’ll enjoy beautiful, hot, dry weather with temperatures between 23°C and 26°C. It has the highest number of sunshine hours a year, making it a top destination to bask in the sun, enjoy lively cafes, wander around the cosmopolitan city and drink cocktails at an array of vibrant bars.
Kensington Place is a hidden oasis located adjacent to Table Mountain. Eight stylishly designed suites have comfort at the forefront and gently blend luscious details with contemporary features. Each suite features art, striking colours, textured sofas and luxurious features such as freestanding bathtubs and general sleek bathroom fixtures. All the rooms designed by Chris Weir include a balcony and/or terrace, underfloor heating, an iPod docking station and a minibar. Thanks to the use of traditional materials such as wood, the hotel manages to maintain a warm and cosy feel.
Hotel Escondido | Mexico
An ideal escape for the winter sun, Mexico has an array of activities ranging from historical sites and walks around Mexico City to swimming in the most turquoise of seas. With an average temperature of 29, swimming attire is a must.
Escondido features sixteen palapas, fourteen with king-size beds and two with queen-size beds. The palapas are 35 square meters (376 feet squared), each including a “chill out” area, private pool and all the amenities of a luxury hotel in a heavenly enclave. Pure Mexican colours and charm resonate throughout the boutique property.
Rockhouse Hotel | Jamaica
Between December and April, you can expect pleasant temperatures of around 27 degrees, perfect for enjoying the island's reef-lined, white-sand beaches. Rockhouse hotel is a secluded boutique getaway on Pristine Cove in Negril, Jamaica. The hotel works closely with the local community through the Rockhouse Foundation. They have a 25-year commitment to regenerative travel. Locally sourced furniture, natural bathroom amenities, solar hot water, and rainwater harvesting are some practices the team commits to.
Some of the villas have sea access or private terraces, with all of them including outdoor showers. Guests can taste the local Jamaican dishes and refreshing juices from their two hotel restaurants. Tantalizing Jamaican street food options are available from the poolside grill, and best of all, live reggae music gets routinely played at their rum bar Pushcart.
www.rockhouse.com
The Xara Palace Relais Châteaux | Malta
Thanks to sunshine more or less throughout the year, Malta is an excellent destination for a winter sun escape. Though, milder in the winter, historical sights, pretty landscapes, and culture allow guests to take advantage of the cool yet sunny climate.
Xara Palace is a 17th-century palace within the ancient walls of Mdina, the old capital of Malta. It exemplifies opulence, with the hotel nodding its head to the aristocracy with all 17 bedrooms bathed in luxurious textiles, antique furniture, and furnishings, all in baroque architecture. The hotel also houses a Michelin-star restaurant, de Mondion, that serves award-winning haute cuisine and has incredible island views. Casual dining is available at Trattoria AD 1530, just in front of the hotel.
Bisma Eight | Indonesia
This Indonesian gem resides within the natural and cultural heart of Ubud. Rooted in the artisan heritage of central Bali, Bisma Eight is a beautiful surprise. The house consists of various suites, some of which are on the main floor, whilst others are perched on the upper level with pretty views.
All suites are warm and cosy, with a homely feel. They all have views of the picturesque natural environment, and bathrooms feature custom-made Japanese-influenced bathtubs. The Garden suites have direct access to the Canopy Courtyard and a private garden. Those wanting to feel like they're in a treehouse, can do so by reserving a Forest suite, which grants you front-row seats to the most spectacular sunset.
Casa Nube Blanca | Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Casa Nube Blanca overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from a place called Malpais, on top of a lava field, in Lanzarote. Three brothers banded together to own the tranquil boutique abode and created a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing property on the island's northern part. Earth, Water, Fire and Sky are elements referenced throughout the rooms, with nature being an integral aspect of the character, environment and build. Guests can hike to La Corona Volcano, a short distance away or head down to the sea and surf at Famara Beach.
Paradise Cove Hotel | Mauritius
Hot days and balmy evenings set the scene on Mauritius, the breathtaking island in the Indian Ocean. You'll find white sandy beaches, a tropical landscape and many activities to embark on. Its diverse setting lends itself to paragliding off volcanoes, swimming with dolphins, sightseeing and more. The island is known to experience sporadic rain, but this doesn't dampen the stay.
Those seeking an adult-only escape will find an abundance of pleasant finds at Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel. The serene establishment is perfect for a romantic getaway, with an in-house spa, three pools, a private beach, and rooms with double shower heads and luxurious bathtubs. Guests can relax, enjoy a sunset from the cliff, and dine at one of four restaurants. The rooms and suites have a cosy yet light and airy feel. Many beds feature a bed draped with a white canopy, light wood furniture, rattan and a mix of exotic wallpaper. Paradise Cove Hotel is committed to protecting the cultural and environmental heritage, and in 2017 it was certified Travelife Gold in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development.
Nurai Island | Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year, with highs of between 24 – 30 degrees Celsius between November and March. Abu Dhabi is an excellent choice for a winter sun destination –
Nurai Island hotel is 15 minutes boat ride from Abu Dhabi and is an ideal option for families or locals wanting to escape and enjoy the beach. The hotel has four bright and spacious contemporary villas, some of which are on the beachfront. Each villa comes with a bike, allowing guests to move around the pretty island quickly.
