When it comes to booking a luxurious getaway, timing is everything – but why does summer always seem so far away? If ever there was a travelling misconception it’s that you have to wait until June to plan your holiday. Here at Winged Boots, we believe that luxury is all-year-round which is why we’ve got you covered with the best destinations for soaking up the sunshine during winter. So, book that annual leave, dust off your sunglasses and get ready to be the envy of your friends when you return home with a tan in January.
Thailand
Banyan Tree Bangkok
The gem of the Far East and worth every second of the 14-hour travel time, Thailand is a country that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Averaging a temperature of 26 degrees between December and January five-star sunshine is definitely guaranteed. Thailand in the winter is also the dry season, meaning you’ll get the gorgeous weather without the rain and intense humidity. City vibrancy can’t be beaten in Bangkok whereas tropical sunsets and gorgeous beaches can be found in Koh Samui and Phuket so wherever you find yourself in Thailand, stunning sunshine is guaranteed.
Where to stay: Banyan Tree Bangkok
Winged Boots Wisdom: Embark on the dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River and thank us later
Where to stay: Banyan Tree Bangkok
Winged Boots Wisdom: Embark on the dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River and thank us later
Australia
Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Perth… in Australia, perfection is found around every corner. Home to the famous Bondi Beach, the iconic Sydney Opera House and a plethora of gorgeous vineyards, this is undeniably a location that’s worth the near-24-hour plane journey. The best thing about Australia? Their summer is our winter! The highest temperatures in the Land Down Under are indeed from November through to March, making it the ideal location for luxurious winter sun.
Where to stay: Longitude 131˚
Winged Boots Wisdom: You’re too close to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park not to take a gorgeous evening stroll to admire the views
Where to stay: Longitude 131˚
Winged Boots Wisdom: You’re too close to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park not to take a gorgeous evening stroll to admire the views
Mexico
There’s no better place to revel in sunshine while laying on a luxurious beach than Mexico. From Cancun to Riviera Maya, this is the perfect place for lashings of winter sun, incredible cuisine and plenty of adventure. November to February boasts an average temperature of 24 degrees and tends to be hot during the day and cooler at night, ideal for afternoons catching a tan and evenings hitting the local bars for a true taste of tequila. Mexico boasts a plethora of all-inclusive hotels too, so don’t expect to lift a finger from the moment you land to the moment you leave.
Where to stay: One & Only Palmilla
Winged Boots Wisdom: This hotel is perfect for golfers as it’s home to a 27-hole course that has to be seen to be believed.
Where to stay: One & Only Palmilla
Winged Boots Wisdom: This hotel is perfect for golfers as it’s home to a 27-hole course that has to be seen to be believed.
Recommended Properties
Hotel
Bayethe Tented Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve
- 7 nights from £3,510 pp inc flights
- Best for:Adventure, Business, Couples
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: Adventure, Business, Couples
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £3,510 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
Hotel
W Bali - Seminyak
- 7 nights from £1,315 pp inc flights
- Best for:Beach, Business, Couples
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: Beach, Business, Couples
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £1,315 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
Hotel
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
- 7 nights from £3,025 pp inc flights
- Best for:All Inclusive, Beach, Couples
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: All Inclusive, Beach, Couples
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £3,025 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
Hotel
One&Only Palmilla
- 7 nights from £2,590 pp inc flights
- Best for:Beach, Couples, Diving
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: Beach, Couples, Diving
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £2,590 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
Tenerife
With temperatures rarely dropping below 20 degrees all-year-round, the main event of the Canary Islands is the perfect destination if you’re on the hunt for winter sun without a long flight. Tenerife makes for an excellent family holiday as it is home to an abundance of child-friendly hotels, fantastic for the kids on school holidays over Christmas or February half term. Siam Park is the island’s most popular attraction, named by Trip Advisor as the best water park in the world. Featuring Thai-inspired architecture, guests can have a relaxed day out or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure at Siam Park – just don’t forget your swimming costume!
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
Winged Boots Wisdom: Your little ones will adore the kids’ club here, giving you ample time to visit the spa
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
Winged Boots Wisdom: Your little ones will adore the kids’ club here, giving you ample time to visit the spa
Barbados
When you say ‘luxury’, we say ‘Barbados’… the jewel in the Caribbean crown boasts all-year-round sunshine from January all the way through to December. The cerulean waters and powder-white shores are undeniably at their most beautiful during the winter months. While the weather is a few degrees warmer in the summer, visiting in December, January or February allows you to avoid hurricane season and the influx of tropical storms that hit the island. So, grab your swimming costume, pack your passport and get ready to jet off to the wonderful island of Barbados.
Where to stay: Sandy Lane
Winged Boots Wisdom: Watersports are the main attraction at Sandy Lane so don’t miss out!
Where to stay: Sandy Lane
Winged Boots Wisdom: Watersports are the main attraction at Sandy Lane so don’t miss out!
Dubai
The city where too much is never enough! Dubai is the ultimate holiday destination, boasting the utmost luxury in the most extravagant way possible. An ideal winter sun alternative to lazing days away on the beach, this stunning emirate boasts highs of 21 degrees in December, brilliant for avoiding the summer months when the 35-degree heat can be unbearable. This winter sun getaway is fantastic for those who want to experience world-class dining, hit the boutiques in the Dubai Mall and admire the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper.
Where to stay: Palazzo Versace Dubai
Winged Boots Wisdom: Grab a cocktail at Q’s Bar and Lounge, kick back and enjoy the live music
Where to stay: Palazzo Versace Dubai
Winged Boots Wisdom: Grab a cocktail at Q’s Bar and Lounge, kick back and enjoy the live music
The Maldives
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
Nothing short of paradise on earth, The Maldives embodies the mantra of sun, sand and sea – especially sun. Boasting an average of 28 degrees all throughout the year, catching a tan couldn’t be any easier no matter what time you decide to visit. If you need to cool off, you’re in luck. The Maldives is inhabited by almost 99 percent of water, offering some of the world’s best beaches and PADI dive centres. Oh, and don’t forget the abundance of watersports and water activities available on the island. From jet-skiing to snorkelling and sunset cruises to beach picnics, The Maldives is the ultimate winter sun destination for an abundance of holiday memories.
Where to stay: Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
Winged Boots Wisdom: If you don’t snorkel while you’re in the Maldives, you’ll definitely regret it – trust us!
Where to stay: Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
Winged Boots Wisdom: If you don’t snorkel while you’re in the Maldives, you’ll definitely regret it – trust us!
Cape Town
Known as the culinary capital of South Africa, if you’re not going to Cape Town for the food, you’re definitely going for the beaming sunshine. November through to February are Cape Town’s summer months and therefore the warmest time of the year but the weather still provides cool breezes that make climbing Table Mountain a lot easier than it looks. While you’re in the South African capital, you’d be a fool not to visit the Shamwari Game Reserve to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most exotic animals. Don’t forget your camera!
Where to stay: Bayethe Tented Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve
Winged Boots Wisdom: A trip to the safari spa is the ultimate unwind after a day of exploration
Where to stay: Bayethe Tented Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve
Winged Boots Wisdom: A trip to the safari spa is the ultimate unwind after a day of exploration
Bali
The beauty of Bali most certainly has to be seen to be believed. With temperatures reaching a high of 27 degrees from October to March, this Indonesian wonder is just waiting to be explored. Bali is a tropical paradise that won’t be overridden with tourists in the winter months, making it the best-kept secret for lashings of late-month sunshine. With plenty of five-star hotels to choose from, you’re guaranteed to be treated like royalty from check-in to check-out – but resist the urge to stay indoors. In Bali you’d be a fool not to try your hand at surfing at Kuta Beach, enjoy an adrenaline fix with the aquatic slides at Waterbom Bali or soak up plenty of culture at Batuan Temple.
Where to stay: W Bali - Seminyak
Winged Boots Wisdom: The brunch at Starfish Bloo is simply to die for
Where to stay: W Bali - Seminyak
Winged Boots Wisdom: The brunch at Starfish Bloo is simply to die for
Malaysia
Sticking with the glorious Far East, Malaysia offers pristine white beaches, lush vegetation and delicious cuisine that can all be enjoyed underneath the stunning sunshine. Whether you decide to reside in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Borneo or island-hop to all three, an unforgettable holiday of the highest standard is guaranteed. Beautiful weather is certified all-year-round in Malaysia, ensuring your winter getaway is void of heavy showers and blistering winds. While you’re here, don’t forget to sample authentic dishes such as roti canai, chicken curry and an abundance of seafood for a culinary journey that’s out of this world.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Winged Boots Wisdom: Don’t leave the resort without trying out Malaysia’s first high-tech X-Jetblade experience
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Winged Boots Wisdom: Don’t leave the resort without trying out Malaysia’s first high-tech X-Jetblade experience
Ashleigh Simmons
Ashleigh Simmons is a Content Writer
Recommended Itineraries
Itinerary
Beach Escapes – Grenada and Barbados
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Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
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Majestic Tour of Indochina
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A Balinese dream
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Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
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To book or customise this itinerary call us on
Recommended Properties
Hotel
Bayethe Tented Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve
- 7 nights from £3,510 pp inc flights
- Best for:Adventure, Business, Couples
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: Adventure, Business, Couples
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £3,510 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
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W Bali - Seminyak
- 7 nights from £1,315 pp inc flights
- Best for:Beach, Business, Couples
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: Beach, Business, Couples
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £1,315 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
Hotel
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
- 7 nights from £3,025 pp inc flights
- Best for:All Inclusive, Beach, Couples
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: All Inclusive, Beach, Couples
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £3,025 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
Hotel
One&Only Palmilla
- 7 nights from £2,590 pp inc flights
- Best for:Beach, Couples, Diving
Call us on 0203 816 0985 to start planning your trip
- Best for: Beach, Couples, Diving
- Style: System.Collections.Generic.List`1[System.String]
- 7 nights from £2,590 pp inc flights
To book or customise this trip call us on
Recommended Things To Do
Adventure
Embark on a safari at Shamwari Game Reserve
If you want to get up close and personal with The Big Five, this private safari at Shamwari Game Reserve will exceed expectations. With the chance to embark on multiple game drive experience, every member of the party is guaranteed a magical time.
You’ll be driving through the wilderness, with morning and evening trips available ...
Sightseeing
Reach new heights at Burj Khalifa
Get a bird’s eye view of Dubai in all of its sparkling glory from the Burj Khalifa. The world’s tallest building and iconic in every way, this monument is a destination in itself and should definitely not be missed out when visiting breathtaking Dubai.
Travel to the top of this unofficial eighth wonder of the world and be blown a...