When the British summer ends and winter begins, most of us long for sunnier climes to escape the chilly weather. Whether you’re looking for the best place to spend Christmas on the beach or simply want to know where’s hot, here are some of our favourite destinations for catching some winter sun…
Maldives
Best time to visit: October to April
Average temperature: 27°C
We have to admit, the Maldives is a great destination to visit at any time of year. But if you had to pin us down, the British winter is the prime time to visit. Each postcard-perfect island is soaked in glorious sunshine, ringed by powder-soft sand and shimmering azure waters. Whether it’s relaxing on the terrace of your luxury villa, snorkelling among kaleidoscopic marine life or just getting comfy on the beach with a good book, the Maldives is somewhere where you can blow those wintry cobwebs away.
Mauritius
Best time to visit: November to April
Average Temperature: 26°C
Mauritians are certainly proud of their little island. Celebrated writer Mark Twain once remarked that an islander described Mauritius as a prototype for heaven and when you first lay eyes on it, it’s certainly hard to argue. It’s blessed with a bounty of pristine white beaches, lapped by coral reefs teeming with tropical fish – true exotic escapism. But the adventurous activities and wonderful nature you can discover in its lush interior shows there’s more to this Indian Ocean gem, as well as being a great way to burn off any excess turkey!
Saint Lucia
Best time to visit: December to March
Average Temperature: 28°C
Like Mauritius, Saint Lucia is a glorious mix of adventure and relaxation. Between December and March, the scorching sun is cooled by pleasant trade winds and this time of year avoids the summer hurricane season. This means it’s warm enough to laze on its secluded golden curves but cool enough to hike its jungle trails or whizz through the rainforest on a zip-line. Hidden within its emerald core are several cocoa plantations, perfect if you want to sweeten your holiday experience that little bit more.
Grenada
Best time to visit: January to May
Average temperature: 28°C
If you really want to ‘spice’ up your winter escape, then why not head to the Spice Island itself, Grenada? It’s the dry season between January and May, so you’re guaranteed sunshine at this time of year. Yes, Grenada has beautiful beaches, but its soft sands are amplified by the scents of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves – spices which have made the island famous. You can visit its numerous plantations, while the island’s bougainvillia and oleander-flecked volcanic landscape is a joy to explore.
Antigua & Barbuda
Best time to visit: December to April
Average temperature: 28°C
Antigua & Barbuda is a country known for its bounty of beaches – there are 365 across Antigua alone, one for every day of the year.
An explosion of vibrancy scattered with palm-trimmed beaches and soaked in rum, Antigua & Barbuda is a destination which beckons all sun-seekers. It’s primarily known for its bounty of beaches – there are 365 across Antigua alone, one for every day of the year – but there’s also British history and a rich sailing heritage to enjoy. If you want somewhere even more secluded, you can escape to Barbuda’s blush-coloured beaches and fish-filled reefs.
To plan your perfect winter itinerary, talk to our team of specialists on 01494 678400 or enquire with us today!