Jet away for some sunshine this winter with Booking.com
Swap snow for sand between the toes, and beanie hats for bikinis! This year, why not forego the UK’s characteristic wet, grey weather, and head to warmer climes for a winter break to remember? If you need some inspiration for where to go to escape the winter blues, here are Booking.com’s top destinations for some much-needed sunshine.
Casa Colibrí Tankah – Tulum, Mexico
Travel Sustainable Property
The Riveriera Maya is at its best over the northern hemisphere’s winter period, with picture-postcard perfect white sand, calm azure seas, Caribbean warmth, and a gentle breeze. For those looking for a festive celebration abroad, Christmas is celebrated on 24th December in Mexico, so be sure to arrive in time!
Casa Colibrí Tankah is set on the beachfront, in Tulum, complete with hammocks, sun loungers and access to kayaks – if you’re feeling adventurous. Whether you want to kick back and relax on the beach all day, explore the regions Mayan ruins, or swim in the cenotes, there’s an activity nearby for you! Watch the sunset over the bay, then sample some of Tulum’s excellent restaurants and nightlife in this perfectly placed accommodation.
Temperature in December: 28 degrees Celsius (high), 22 degrees Celsius (low)
Forte Kochi – Cochin, Kerala, India
Travel Sustainable Property
Five-star Forte Kochi is a luxury heritage hotel situated a one-minute walk from the beach in central Cochin. It is close to the famous Jew Street, the Jewish synagogue and the Dutch Palace.
Sample Kerala’s famous cuisine in the on-site restaurant, relax by the outdoor pool or get out and about to take in the sights. Staff are on hand 24/7 to offer sightseeing tips and travel guidance. Rooms are decorated in a colourful, traditional style and retain a colonial charm and design.
Temperature in December: 32 degrees Celsius (high), 23 degrees Celsius (low)
Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel – Dubai, UAE
Travel Sustainable Property
The Middle East is hugely popular over the UK winter, with hot – but not too hot – temperatures and lots of hours of sunshine. Dubai has something for everyone – beaches, infinity pools, high-end hotels and luxury shopping. Whether you’re on a quick stopover, or a long winter holiday, Dubai will meet your winter sun needs.
The five-star Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel features three restaurants, a sun terrace, outdoor swimming pools, a children’s playground – and with family rooms available, it makes it an ideal stay for families with children. When you’re not busy enjoying the hotel’s facilities, take a short stroll to the Mall of the Emirates, or hop in a car and head to Jumeirah Beach, 5 miles away.
Temperature in December: 26 degrees Celsius (high), 16 degrees Celsius (low)
Villa Marine Guest House – Pringle Bay, South Africa
Travel Sustainable Property
South Africa is a top winter sun destination, famous for its beaches, wineries and wildlife reserves. Pringle Bay is a small coastal village, and the town and surrounds are part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Villa Marine Guest House is a 9-minute walk from the beach and boasts an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, garden and beautiful views out over the bay. Rooms are kitted out with all mod-cons, plus a shared kitchen and lounge.
Temperature in December: 30 degrees Celsius (high), 16 degrees Celsius (low)
Rayavadee- SHA Extra Plus – Krabi, Thailand
For a little slice of paradise, head to Thailand and swap turkey for Pad Thai over the festive period. Krabi, on the Andaman Coast boasts tall limestone karsts, high cliffs, turquoise waters and picturesque long-tail boats moored up on the beaches.
The 5-star Rayavadee hotel, set on the beachfront by Krabi Marine National Park, is surrounded by tropical gardens, habited by monkeys and exotic birds. The hotel has a spa, four restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool. All rooms come with a terrace. Chill out in the gorgeous grounds, or hop on a speedboat to nearby Bamboo Island, or Phi Phi Island for beaches galore.
Temperature in December: 31 degrees Celsius (high), 22 degrees Celsius (low)
Lukanda Placentines – Seville, Spain
Southern Spain may not have the warmest temperatures in the world over the winter months, but it is the sunniest spot in Europe and, with temperatures in the low teens, it’s a pleasant place to catch some winter rays. The city is decked out with twinkling lights and decorations. You can enjoy Christmas markets, concerts, parades and nativity scenes too.
Centrally located and a stone’s throw from Seville’s cathedral, the Alcazar and Plaza de España, Lukanda Placentines is a great base for exploring the Andalusian capital.
Temperature in December: 17 degrees Celsius (high), 8 degrees Celsius (low)
Casa Del Mar – Santa Monica, California, USA
A part of the world where it’s sunny (almost) all year-round, and where even the winter temperatures are pleasant… California ticks all the boxes for winter sun.
In an idyllic location in Santa Monica, with views over the beach, Casa Del Mar is an oceanfront, pet-friendly, luxury hotel boasting an outdoor pool, hot tub and two restaurants. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a hydrotherapy spa bath.
Enjoy fresh seafood, cocktails and panoramic views over the Pacific in the restaurant or hire a personal trainer to put you through your paces in the on-site gym. Want to get out and explore? Shop to your heart’s content on 3rd Street Promenade – just a 5-minute walk away – or hop in the car and head down to Venice Beach for a stroll along the beach.
Temperature in December: 18 degrees Celsius (high), 10 degrees Celsius (low)
Hotel La Quinta Roja, The Senses Collection – Canary Islands, Spain
Whilst the Atlantic Ocean might be a bit chilly in the winter months, the Canary Islands certainly pack a punch when it comes to getting your hit of winter sun. With highs of 21 degrees, it’s a balmy break away from the grey weather in the UK!
Just three minutes’ walk from the beach and 50 yards from the natural swimming pools on the coastline, Hotel La Quinta Roja in Teneriefe is a restored 16th century mansion, featuring traditional wooden ceilings and décor. You’ll be well-placed to take in the sights of the historic and picturesque town centre, or take a wander around the Port of Garachico, less than a mile away from the accommodation.
Temperature in December: 21 degrees Celsius (high), 16 degrees Celsius (low)
For those wishing to go a little further afield for some sunshine this winter, what better destination than Australia, where it’s summer during the UK winter? Sydney is a city that has it all – thriving nightlife, beautiful beaches and an excellent culinary scene.
The QT Sydney design hotel is centrally located in the CBD, by Hyde Park and features a restaurant, cocktail bar, café and day spa. All rooms are decked out with designer furnishings and luxury bedding. If you want to take in the sights, take a 15-minute walk to the Botanic Gardens, where you’ll have great views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, or make the most of that glorious sunshine and take a 20-minute bus ride to Bondi Beach.
Temperature in December: 25 degrees Celsius (high), 18 degrees Celsius (low)