Celebrating new and lesser-known destinations for a luxury winter beach holiday. Plus destinations you may not have considered for winter sun.
We’ve know the Maldives, Dubai and Mauritius continue to increase in popularity. Remember, these famous beach destinations were also once unknown, not even that long ago.
Just imagine if you had been one of the first to explore the Maldives! And imagine what more you can discover in these lesser-known winter sun destinations.
Costa Rica
With all its volcanoes, cloud forests and outdoor adventures, it’s easy to forget Costa Rica’s premier attraction – amazing beaches.
December to April is perfect for discovering Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean beaches and there’s a choice of outstanding beach resorts.
Papagayo is the best and most exclusive beach destination. Here we were very impressed with Andaz Costa Rica, Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, and the uber-boutique Kasiiya Papagayo.
Combine Papagayo with the Osa Peninsula and a stay at the world’s original five-star ecolodge, Lapa Rios. And when you’re finished with the sun, ocean and sand, the volcanoes and cloud forests still await.
Oman
Easily accessible via Dubai, Oman has far better beaches than anywhere in the United Arab Emirates. Winter is the best time to travel. You can combine a beach holiday with an authentic stay in the desert, plus traditional souks, fortresses and mosques.
Combine Dubai with a four- or five-night stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, one of our favourite secluded beach resorts on the planet.
Alternatively, explore the western side of Oman, where the new Alila Hinu Bay really impressed us. Another option is to fly into Muscat via Dubai, for a few days at the traditional but recently renovated Al Bustan Palace.
Anguilla
Once upon a time, Anguilla was a sleepy island often overlooked. It didn’t have the buzz of busier counterparts or glamour of St Barths. Now this cosy haven is exactly what contemporary travellers crave, with new high-end stays, pristine beaches and reefs.
Anguilla is the Caribbean winter playground, with quiet powdery beaches, low-slung beachfront villas and slow barefoot luxury.
Belmond Cap Juluca is fresh from a $120 million renovation by Lauren Rottet and you’ll enjoy all the Bellini Club Benefits. Four Seasons Anguilla is the largest beach resort on the island but it’s still very calm and low key.
Lombok, Moyo & Sumba, Indonesia
Bali is Indonesia’s headline destination but it’s very touristic and crowded. Contemporary travellers are swerving Bali for its neighbours.
Look a little further in this archipelago and you’ll find better beaches, nicer resorts and dreamy islands with a very exclusive feel.
The Oberoi Beach Resort is helping to put Lombok island in the spotlight. Lombok is like how Bali was, 20 years ago. Amanwana is a private island retreat on Moyo, between Bali and Lombok.
For tropical beach leisure meets authentic culture go to Sumba island, where there’s a choice of two fabulous design hotels, Cap Karoso and NIHI Sumba.
Where's Your Winter Beach Holiday?
Mexico
Mexico is not a new or unknown destination. But what’s changed over the last ten years is the quality of the beach resorts.
In the Yucatan & Riviera Maya forget about Cancun or even the heavily Instagrammed Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There are better options, like the new Etereo, Rosewood Mayakoba, Chable Maroma and Chable Yucatan.
Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean is also worth considering.
Or how about this winter holiday combo? A long weekend in Los Angeles, then a week on the beach at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos.
Jamaica
Reggae music, drinking rum, vibrant streets and loads of authenticity, Jamaica is such a fun destination. It’s also a Caribbean island of white sands. Hey, there are good reasons why the people and atmosphere is so relaxed here.
Jamaica serves tropical luxury galore. Prepare for slow days, which beaches, rich flavours and the spirit of the island.
Montego Bay is where the best hotels are located, like The Trident Hotel, Round Hill Hotel and the famous Half Moon. Just don’t miss a day trip to the south, where the wild beaches are like those from a dream.
Your Winter Beach Holiday
Where will you enjoy some winter sun? Where is your next beach holiday?
We personally inspect hundreds of hotels each year and can tell you the best suites and rooms in different beachside resorts, as well as secure them for you. And if you’re not sure where, we have many personalised recommendations to share.
So whether it’s a newer destination like Jamaica, or an old favourite like the Maldives, we’ll design a holiday to meet your personality and preferences.
