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Not ready to give up on summer? We’ve got the perfect winter sun holidays lined up for you.
As the winter chill approaches, it’s the ideal time to escape the ordinary and chase the sun. Bid farewell to the January blues and welcome a sun-kissed escape that promises unique adventures and soothing rejuvenation. Most of the recommended destinations in our guide experience their optimum weather conditions in British winter time, ensuring you’ll get to explore them in their prime. Replace waking up to dark days to the sound of gentle waves on golden sands from your private terrace, before heading down to a feast of international breakfast foods. Imagine the ultimate family Christmas in Dubai, an extraordinary New Year’s celebration in Thailand with all of your friends, or a glamorous Caribbean getaway with your soulmate. Keep reading to find out more about our top picks for winter sun holidays.
Escape to sensational Dubai this winter for glistening sunshine, 5-star luxury living and a plethora of unique attractions. Whether you are seeking an oceanfront escape along Jumeirah Beach or an urban adventure in the heart of downtown Dubai, the pleasant average temperatures of 24°C are ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.
If you don’t want to miss out on the magic of Christmas, this vibrant emirate transforms into a festive wonderland. Wander down Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market, where you can climb aboard a traditional Abra boat with Santa, or enjoy the wide array of Christmas-themed delights from around the world at Time Out Festive Market. Witness a captivating performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ and other seasonal shows at world-class theatres, or receive a gift from Santa at Ski Dubai, home to the world’s largest indoor ski slope.
Stay in luxurious accommodation that overlooks Dubai’s dazzling skyline, featuring iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Burj Al Arab, and the Dubai Frame. Spend this winter swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, trying out exhilarating water sports and indulging in delightful gastronomy.
The heavenly Caribbean enjoys its dry season during the months between November and April, with temperatures averaging 30°C. This makes winter the perfect season to embrace ultimate relaxation. These sun-drenched islands offer a unique experience that blends friendly hospitality, local cuisine, blissful tranquillity and picture-perfect coastlines.
Immerse yourself in authentic culture by visiting Jamaica, where a world of well-seasoned dishes, rum tastings, and lively Reggae music are among the delights in store. Tourists can hike or zipline their way through St. Lucia’s tropical rainforest, filled with lush vegetation and exotic wildlife, such as the rare Jacquot parrot. A glamorous holiday can be found on the West Coast of Barbados, a celebrity hub of 5-star accommodation, world-famous restaurants and Instagram-worthy hotspots.
Turks and Caicos, Grenada, and Antigua are sublime choices for a romantic getaway, all boasting jaw-dropping beaches fringed with palm trees and turquoise shores. Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, is idyllic for history buffs wanting to expand their horizons, whilst the Dominican Republic is a sensational destination for families to have an all-inclusive vacation.
If you’re craving an extraordinary beach holiday like no other, look no further than the Maldives. A cold British winter coincides with the Maldives’ most favourable weather conditions outside of monsoon season. With temperatures averaging around 29°C, you can stay on a 5-star private island under cloudless skies, where everything you could ever need is at your fingertips.
Many resorts provide the choice between beach villas and water villas, the difference being whether you want to step out onto powdery soft sands or directly into the azure ocean. Common privileges include 24-hour butler service, all-inclusive food and drink service, and private sun decks for secluded tranquillity.
This archipelago of islands is a magnificent place to try scuba diving, with a plethora of majestic flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. A host of other water sports, and land activities, are also very popular in family-friendly resorts.
Create timeless memories and spend your honeymoon surrounded by opulence, with atmospheric candlelit dinners and unforgettable dolphin-watching boat trips. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this is the dream destination to marvel at awe-inspiring sunsets and stargaze at constellations with unrivalled clarity of the night sky.
Drift away on the tranquil shores of Spain’s most treasured islands, the Canaries. Just off the north-west coast of Africa, the Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine and average high temperatures hovering around 22°C from November to March. Many flee to these charming islands every winter for a more budget-friendly option, with a favourable short-haul flight meaning you can be on blissful beaches in just over 4 hours!
Whether you are travelling with family, friends or your partner, Tenerife caters to all. From pristine golf courses and 5-star resorts with all-inclusive packages and kids clubs, to dazzling nightclubs playing chart-topping hits, your options are limitless. Costa Adeje, Playa de Las Américas and Golf del Sur are just a handful of the exceptional resorts to choose from.
Renowned for its unparalleled scenery, Gran Canaria is an excellent choice if you are yearning for a peaceful escape. Spot majestic dolphins on a boat tour, captivate the senses on a buggy ride around the Maspalomas Dunes, and stroll through Puerto de Mogan, the island’s ‘Little Venice’.
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes and sparkling azure shorelines make it a must-visit destination. Spend restful nights in the southern town of Playa Blanca, which boasts the island’s warmest climate and a port to catch a 30-minute ferry across to another Canarian gem, Fuerteventura. Ideal for an action-packed day trip or extended stays, Fuerteventura’s resort of Corralejo offers a host of top-quality hotels, inviting beaches, and international eateries.
Step foot into a world of exhilarating adventures, irresistibly affordable cuisine, and famously friendly locals with a visit to spellbinding Thailand. In the peak of its dry season, this remarkable destination is very popular in winter, with daily temperatures ranging between 24°C and 32°C.
Prepare to be amazed by sensational beaches, such as Maya Bay and Chaweng Beach, majestic Buddhist temples, and vibrant nightlife. Groups of friends can head to the notorious Khao San Road in Bangkok or Bangla Road in Phuket for bustling bars and nightclubs. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are both public holidays, so you can join in the celebrations of vibrant firework displays and live music concerts.
Families can embrace laid-back island living in Koh Samui, or embark on fun-packed activities like go-karting in Pattaya, white water rafting in Phang Nga and a splashing time at the inflatable Grand Canyon Water Park in Chiang Mai. Couples will love the more serene areas like Khao Lak, and can indulge in a traditional Thai massage and a romantic candlelit dinner by the beach.
With its bustling cities, coastal resorts and must-see attractions Thailand really is a magical getaway, as well as being an ideal choice for a multicentre holiday.
