When the cold snap starts, we all start dreaming of winter holidays in the sun. And for some of us, as long as it’s hot and there’s a guaranteed swimming pool and cocktail pitcher, we’re not all that bothered where.
Don’t settle for the mediocre – take a look at this pick of perfect winter sun destinations and find the best place to escape for luxury winter sun holidays.
Goa
The Indian island of Goa hits the peak of its season around Christmas up until the end of February so is perfect for winter holidays. Avoid the seasonal high prices by visiting just prior to the peak, in November, and still enjoy the long days of sun and beautiful stretches of white sands.
Smaller resorts such as Anjuna and Vagator present incredible value for money, with hotel, restaurant and bar prices much lower than resorts in more established resorts. The Anjuna Beach makes up just part of a 30-kilometre extended sandy west coast of Goa.
Vietnam
Not as built up as neighbouring Thailand, Vietnam still offers an unspoiled charm and incredible value for money. With temperatures soaring up to 30C during the winter months, the city of Da Nang hosts stunning beaches and azure seas.
The cultural city contains a vibrant mix of the different civilisations which have settled in the area, shaping the architecture and atmosphere of the area. Hoi An Travel offers detailed tours of the stunning Marble Mountains and Cham Museum – giving visitors an insight into the history of the city. A perfect choice for winter holidays in the sun.
Cape Town
The South African city is idyllic from November to February – offering warm days, mild nights and barely any rainfall. With an incredible array of activities to enjoy and sights to explore, Cape Town demands at least two weeks of your holiday time. The multicultural, and often disputed, centre of the city is awash with influences from different cultures – producing a unique hotbed.
For those looking for an authentic taste of Africa, the Aquila Private Game Reserve is located not far from the city centre and gives visitors the chance to witness giraffes, lions, hippos and many more wild animals in their natural habitat.
Caribbean Cruise
The islands of the Caribbean were made for cruising around. Offering picturesque beaches backed by lush flora and endless days of sunshine. The official hurricane season of the Caribbean ends 30 November – making December, January and February the perfect time to visit this beautiful part of the world.
Comprised of more than 700 islands, islets, reefs and cays; the Caribbean is best enjoyed as part of a cruise holiday with many lines owning their own private islands for passengers to enjoy. Cruise1st operate a wide range of cruises to the Caribbean with varied itineraries and excursions to the beautiful islands.
Canary Islands
If you’re determined to stay in Europe for your winter holiday, the Canary Islands offer the longest hours of sunshine and the highest average temperatures. With temperatures still rising up to 21C in February and an average of 8 hours sunshine every day, beach trips are still enjoyable. The southern coast of Gran Canaria offers the mildest temperatures with winds coming up across from equatorial countries rather than the North Atlantic Ocean.