Best Places for Winter Sun

With five cottages, three suites, Garden Rooms and a Private Villa, Kinondo Kwetu is a small and intimate beach hideaway. Family-owned, this home-away-from-home property is a paradise for those wanting a more personal experience on the Kenyan coast.

Savour the finer things in life on an ultimate winter adventure in South Africa. Traverse the vast wilds of the Kalahari with a private guide, in search of the Big Five and other lesser-known creatures. Soak up the buzzing vibes of Cape Town and finish at an exclusive farm hotel in the Winelands. You’ll dine at incredible restaurants throughout and sip on South Africa’s world-famous wines. 

Vietnam's blend of storied cities, dramatic seascapes and hidden beaches makes for an unforgettable winter escape. Weave through Hanoi's Old Quarter by Vespa on a street food tour, then sail past the limestone karsts of Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk. Wander lantern-lit Hoi An for a bespoke tailor fitting, before Saigon's Cu Chi Tunnels and a final, barefoot stretch on secluded Con Dao.

Sri Lanka is simply spellbinding – a small teardrop-shaped island fringed by a sparkling Indian Ocean coastline. The diversity of activities on offer makes it perfect for all types of travellers, with endless adventures to choose from. Take an early morning hike through the rolling green hills of Tea Country, search for leopards in Yala National Park and unwind at one of the country’s renowned wellness retreats on the ruggedly beautiful south coast.  

For a big dose of winter sun head to the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua. Known for its hundreds of stunning beaches with warm turquoise waters, you will be spoilt for choice on which to choose for swimming, snorkelling or many active water sports, not forgetting its famous sailing scene. Not only that, you will be treated to luxury resorts, exciting excursions and many fascinating historical points of interest, including Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights.

Egypt is one of the most remarkable travel destinations in the world given its spell-binding history. You’ll be entranced by ancient civilisation and the way it’s brought to life by a guided tour around famous sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple and the tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Nowadays, it’s also a relaxation mecca with luxury Nile cruises and upmarket beach resorts.

Oman is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, where a blend of modern Arabia comes together with ancient traditions to offer visitors incredible holidays and superb experiences: on the coast, in Oman’s mysterious deserts or in the breathtaking Jabal Akhdar mountains. Travel on your own, with family, friends or on honeymoon and experience a luxury holiday with a big dose of culture, delicious cuisine and adventure, offering something for everyone.

For a small island, St Barths certainly packs a punch. Brimming with sophistication and charm, mountainous landscapes, idyllic beaches and peaceful towns, no wonder this stunning island is a favourite retreat for the rich and famous. Known as the St Tropez of the Caribbean, boasting a selection of salubrious luxury resorts and boutique hotels, with extraordinary facilities and delicious local and global cuisine.

St Lucia is one of the most distinctive islands of the Caribbean. Lush and mountainous, its beauty is legendary, with the sacred and majestic twin pitons towering half a mile straight out of the sea. The dramatic landscape and crystal clear waters make St Lucia’s beaches all the more breathtaking. Sink into paradise at one of the stunning resorts, elevating your time on the island to the next level.

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands and, with year-round sunshine and being only a short flight from the UK, it’s one of our favourite European destinations for a sun-filled holiday. For a slice of luxury escape to the Ritz-Carlton Abama where you can indulge in its first-class facilities with two Michelin-starred restaurants a superb golf course, incredible clifftop views, stunning pools and an incredible spa.

Legendary white sandy beaches and warm people are only a small part of the allure that draws people to Thailand; any trip here will surpass expectations. Think of aromatic local markets, that perfect out-of-the-way Thai restaurant serving the best Pad Thai, spending a day at an elephant sanctuary, walking through tribal villages - the list of experiences and luxury resorts to stay is endless.

The low-lying Turks and Caicos are an archipelago of more than 40 coral islands forming the south-eastern end of the Bahamas chain. Offering luxury resorts, gorgeous beaches and abundant water sports, with sailing, kayaking and snorkelling to name a few. These islands are a charming and unspoilt destination with national parks, beautiful white sand beaches, nature reserves, sanctuaries and British colonial history.

Get a true sense of place in one of the most historic islands in the Indian Ocean. A foodie’s nirvana, Mauritian cuisine fuses culinary delights from Africa, India, Asia and Europe. Go kitesurfing in Le Morne, play a round of golf at Anahita, indulge in a private chateau date night at Le Telfair or savour a foodie experience at Flic en Flac.

An alluring archipelago of over 1,000 ancient coral islets spread out like glittering gems across some 500 miles in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is paradise found. Surf some of the best waves in the world (without the need for a wetsuit), swim with whale sharks and scuba dive with manta rays. Or take it easy with barefoot beach walks, sensational sunsets and world-class stargazing.

Characterised by tropical rainforests, plunging gorges and pristine beaches – all set against dramatic dormant volcanoes – Grenada is a relaxed island that charms everyone who steps on its shores. Wander around the historic capital of St George’s, hike in the mountains and cool off with a dip in Concord Falls, or stick to the sea and sail and snorkel to your heart’s content.

Home to a colourful blend of African, Arabic and European influences, Morocco never fails to enchant. One of the most exotic places you can reach on such a short flight from the UK, it is the perfect choice for a short winter break. Soak up the buzz of Marrakech with its colourful souks and burgeoning foodie scene, explore the Agafay Desert by 4x4 and go hiking in the Atlas Mountains.

For winter sun with total privacy, Cayo Espanto is hard to beat. Just seven cabanas are scattered across a private island off Ambergris Caye, each with its own plunge pool and sea deck. Days are spent diving the world's second-largest barrier reef or fly fishing the flats, with every meal, watersport and moment of quiet built entirely around you.

Trade the cold for colonial plazas, hidden haciendas and turquoise Caribbean shallows. Explore Mexico City's markets and museums before soaring over the pyramids of Teotihuacan by hot air balloon, then journey through the Yucatan to tour ancient Mayan ruins at Uxmal and Chichén Itzá. Finish on the Riviera Maya, where days are spent snorkeling the world's second-largest barrier reef and evenings are for beachside feasts.

South Australia's blend of untamed outback, sun-soaked vineyards and cosmopolitan cities makes it a rare find for a winter escape. Track kangaroos by 4WD through the dramatic Flinders Ranges, then wind through the Adelaide Hills' celebrated wine trail. Kangaroo Island brings sea lions and barefoot luxury villas, while Sydney's Bondi surf and harbour views bring the city buzz, before secluded Lord Howe Island closes things out with turquoise lagoons and jungle hikes.

For some of the most luxurious hotels in the Caribbean and ultimate beach relaxation, head to Barbados this winter. Make it a sunshine-filled winter getaway to remember with leisurely days spent poolside, ocean swims and strolls along the fine white sand beaches. Grab a surfboard and hit the Atlantic Ocean’s continuous swells or discover Barbados’ magnificent marine life while snorkelling and diving. Complete your trip with historical walks and dining at exclusive restaurants on the island.