Oh winter why are you so damp and cold? Don’t worry, a little winter blues is normal. But even though the days are getting shorter, the list of tropical holiday options grows longer.
When you have the winter blues, turn your eyes to elsewhere in the world, where you can expect magnificent beaches, warm sunny weather, and a holiday to cure any winter melancholy.
Saint Martin
Hop on a direct flight from Paris or Amsterdam and settle into a small tropical paradise in the Caribbean. Check into La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, then spend your time discovering pristine beaches and island hopping to St Barths and Anguilla.
Madeira
Madeira is an island of eternal spring — it’s never too hot or too cold. Sail on clear Atlantic waters, explore volcanic slopes and search out empty beaches. We recommend Reid’s Palace, it’s a superior hotel where you’ll enjoy all the Belmond Bellini Club benefits.
Dubai
Dubai is extremely hot in summer but perfect in winter. There are many great hotels with private beaches. But you won’t spend every day on the sand, for Dubai offers a fantastic variety of experiences.
From that first glimpse of Dubai’s iconic skyline, you know this is a place like no other. Welcome to the future. Yet just two hours later you can be riding a camel with nothing but rolling red sand dunes.
Oman
If you’re thinking Dubai, been there, done that, then expand your horizons a little with neighbouring Oman. Here you’ll find wild mobile camps hundreds of kilometres from other people. An old Arab culture fascinating to behold. Plus a string of superb five-star resorts on the beach, from Six Senses Zighy Bay in the north to Alila Hinu Bay in the south.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s most visited destination for a lot of good reasons, notably the white beaches and superb climate from December to April. Avoid the crowds at Punta Cana because this is a big country with some great new resorts in less-developed places, like Amanera.
South Africa
Safari with rhinos and leopards in the Sabi Sands. Lounge around the Cape Winelands. Experience summer in the Mother City, Cape Town. And then there are the beaches on the edge of a continent. This winter might be your time to finally visit Africa. Combine top class safari with all the exploration you want, as South Africa is magical from November to March.
Kenya
Kenya is another great first-time-in-Africa destination. Start on a white Indian Ocean beach doing nothing at all. Then fly to safari country.
We recommend combining three different safari stops, because Kenya delights in its diversity of safari experiences. See the grasslands of the Masai Mara, then the rare wildlife and savannah landscapes of Samburu. End at one of Africa’s best camps in Laikipia, where there are literally hundreds of rhinos around you.
Mexico
You can never have too much Mexico. Certainly not during the European winter. This country is the size of a continent and you’ll find amazing beach options on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
From each base arises a new experience. Every moment is standalone yet equally synchronised. This is the spirit of Mexico, beating in vibrant, everfolding ways. To venture here is to expect the unexpected.
French Polynesia
Bora Bora? Tahiti? These islands are as exotic as they sound, delivering on their promise of Pacific island bliss. Getting to French Polynesia takes about 24 hours, so once you’re there do some island hopping and experience the diversity of beaches, marine life and resorts. There’s never a bad time to swap European winter for South Pacific summer.
Colombia
Forget what you’ve seen on Narcos. That was Colombia 30 years ago. Welcome to a country in the Caribbean. A country with stunning mountains, coffee plantations, colourful cities and also a Pacific Ocean coastline. December to March is the best time to visit Colombia because all the country’s varied destinations have a good climate.
Where Will You Holiday This Winter?
When you have the winter blues remember, we’re only a phone call away. And whether you want to escape for a month or only a weekend, we’ll plan something unique that’s just right for you.
What's Your Dream Winter Holiday?
