As the dark, cold mornings and nights draw nearer, it’s only natural to dream of warmer climates. A lack of sunlight can have a real impact on your mood and with relentless rainy periods, the UK can be a less-than-desirable place to be at this time of year.
Start planning your winter sun escape today and use these incredible destinations as inspiration.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean promises postcard-perfect scenes made up of vast sandy beaches and bright turquoise waters. Plus, you can choose from a variety of islands in this part of the world, encouraging further variety and internal travel while you’re out there. You can get direct flights from the UK and there are plenty of resorts to choose from.
Some of the most popular islands include Barbados, Saint Lucia and Antigua – and island-hopping between each is very common. This can be made ten times easier with a yacht charter to take you from place to place. Swim in the sea and snorkel to your heart’s content as you move between bustling and secluded spots.
Seychelles
Seychelles is a remote and luxurious option for those wanting a trip filled with total relaxation and privacy. It gets the sun all year round, helping you make the most of the beautiful beaches here. Visit nearby islands like Mahé and Praslin to see the country at its finest.
It has a real ‘exclusive’ feel and is a go-to destination for honeymooners wanting a romantic escape during the wintertime. If you’re looking for a high-end retreat, there are endless luxury resorts to choose from. There are several eco-friendly accommodation options designed to mitigate the impact the surrounding environment.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is a popular destination for a reason. It’s well-connected and offers an exceptional mix of culture and nature, plus the weather will make the UK wintertime feel like a distant memory.
The Exumas and Nassau are famous for their crystal-clear waters. There are over 300 islands and cays in the Exumas alone. Here, you can even see the famous swimming pigs on Pig Beach in Big Major Cay. Meanwhile, in Nassau, you can visit local markets and spot amazing marine life under the sea.
Thailand
Thailand is a must-visit at this time of year. Catch a direct flight to Bangkok or Phuket and branch out from there. It’s a tropical paradise, with stunning beaches across the coastline and on islands such as Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Not forgetting the sensory night markets and street food in destinations like Bangkok.
Southern Thailand in particular is a real draw factor. Phuket and the Andaman Coast are great areas to focus on during your holiday. You’ll find white sand on the beaches and huge limestone cliffs here – the perfect base for many endless days of sunbathing and swimming.