5 of the best winter sun destinations globally
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In need a dose of sunshine?
There are numerous destinations around the world that see soaring temperatures from December through to February.
From the exotic Caribbean climate to the Maldives, book a flight to one of these five winter sun spots and you could be enjoying temperatures of around 30℃ in days.
Or, if you’re searching for somewhere closer to home, the Canary Islands is just a five-hour flight away.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous backpacking getaway on a budget in Thailand, or a once in a lifetime lavish villa stay in the Maldives, we’ve rounded up all the best spots for some winter sun and the accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Thailand
January temperatures in Thailand hover around 27℃. So, pack your sunscreen, swimsuits and prepare to bask in the sunshine.
The bargain stay | book here
For a backpackers’ favourite located right in the centre of Bangkok, try Here Hostel. Mixed dorms from £13 a night, or splash out on a double room from £35. It’s a five-minute walk to the nightlife of Khao San Road.
The boutique stay | book here
For oodles of unique touches, The Sarojin is a luxurious boutique resort in Khao Lak. It oozes contemporary Asian style with bespoke bathrooms and rooms opening out onto private gardens with plunge pools. Rooms from £120 per night.
The blow-the-budget stay | book here
If money is no object, Iniala Beach House is a private hideaway on idyllic Natai Beach, near Phuket. Expect lavish villas, infinity pools overlooking the ocean, opulent decor and world-class cuisine. Yours from £654 per night.
Lanzarote
The fourth biggest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is a sunny outcrop offering everything from luxury hotels to family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts.
The budget stay | book here
Kalufa House is a relaxed hostel with a pretty garden, large outdoor pool, barbecue area and a kitchen. Choose from a shared dorm, single or double room, with rates from £23 a night.
The boutique stay | book here
With its whitewashed walls, hot tubs and stonking sea views, La Isla y El Mar is a boutique hotel with bags of Lanzarote charm. All its rooms are suites, with chic, muted colour schemes. The bar has great views to Fuerteventura and the pool has hydrotherapy jets. B&B doubles cost £181 a night.
The blow-the-budget stay | book here
For an all-suite, adults-only hotel with a private beach, book into Lani’s Suites de Luxe, in Puerto del Carmen. The 25 minimalist suites – all with private terraces and some with hot tubs – cascade towards the Atlantic and the glass-fronted restaurant serves excellent food. B&B doubles from £268 a night.
The Maldives
White sand beaches, turquoise water and temperatures around 30℃… the Maldives offer an island escape with a dose of winter sun.
The bargain stay | book here
On the island of Dhiffushi, Rashu Hiyaa is a modest setup with friendly staff, clean and spacious rooms, a pretty courtyard and a sea-facing terrace.
The boutique stay | book here
There are only a handful of rooms at the The Nautilus, the only Relais & Chateaux accommodation in the Maldives. Villas are individually-styled, with bespoke furnishings and private pools. It could also fit into our ‘blow-the-budget’ category, with rooms starting from an eye-watering £3,500 per night!
The blow-the-budget stay | book here
How about watching the fish as you sleep? Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort boasts 122 decadent villas, including two with bedrooms submerged beneath the sea. This is also the only place where divers can spot up to 13 species of sharks. All-inclusive rates from £935 per night.
Cape Town
Summer in Cape Town begins in November and lasts until the end of February. The dry, blue-sky days are idea for climbing Table Mountain, sampling the region’s wine and more.
The budget stay | book here
Africa’s first hybrid hotel, Curiocity Cape Town offers luxury private rooms alongside shared suites. Set in a modernist three-storey building it has an onsite café-restaurant, pool and balcony for sundowners. Prices start from £15 per night for a shared suite (from £63 for a premium suite).
The boutique stay | book here
On the slopes of Table Mountain, Four Rosmead is tranquil with ten stylish bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms and some with a balcony, courtyard or fireplace. Hand-picked, artworks – some of it for sale – adds to the bijou feel.
The blow-the-budget stay | book here
A night in the penthouse of Silo Hotel in the V&A Waterfront will set you back £7,848 in peak season. The design hotel is situated on top of a renovated grain silo and features incredible pillowed glass windows and 28 individually-styled rooms.
St Lucia
Who wouldn’t want to swap chilly England for the Caribbean this winter?
The budget stay | book here
Surrounded by a lush garden, Harmony Suites offer affordable accommodation in the heart of lively Rodney Bay. The 30 self-catering rooms are tropically-styled with large patios and there’s a shared outdoor pool. Double rooms from £84.
The boutique stay | book here
With 50 elegant rooms, Cap Maison is a luxury boutique hotel poised on a cliff top above Smugglers Cove Beach. It’s known for its food and wine, boasting two of the island’s best restaurants. Drinks are delivered by a Champagne zip-line and at night, flambeaus light the way along the sand.
The blow-the-budget stay | book here
If you can afford £917 per night for a hotel, The Landings Resort & Spa in the exclusive Rodney Bay is for you. Guests are treated to millionaire-inspired experiences like a helicopter transfers, private yacht charters and a personal butler, plus luxury villa accommodation overlooking the Caribbean Sea.