Top 10 Best Holiday Destinations for Winter Sun

As the cold months approach, many of us start dreaming of escaping to warm, sunny destinations. Whether you’re looking for tropical beaches, cultural experiences, or a luxurious getaway, there are plenty of options for catching some winter sun. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 best holiday destinations for winter sun, with a focus on luxurious hotels to make your stay unforgettable.

1. Maldives

The Maldives is an ideal destination for those seeking sun, crystal-clear waters, and a truly relaxing holiday. This island paradise offers white sandy beaches and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, making it perfect for a winter escape.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: The Maldives experiences warm, tropical weather throughout the year. From December to April, the dry season makes it perfect for a winter getaway.

Best time to visit: December to April.

Top luxury hotels:

1. Soneva Fushi – A luxury resort offering private villas, outdoor showers, and access to beautiful coral reefs.
2. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru – An eco-conscious luxury resort surrounded by UNESCO-protected waters.
3. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas – Overwater villas with stunning views and private infinity pools.

2. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a city that combines modern architecture with desert landscapes and year-round sunshine. It’s a popular destination for luxury travelers seeking winter warmth.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: In winter, Dubai enjoys mild temperatures, making it a comfortable escape from colder climates.

Best time to visit: November to March.

Top luxury hotels:

1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – One of the most iconic hotels in Dubai, known for its sail-shaped structure and ultra-luxury suites.
2. Atlantis, The Palm – A world-famous hotel offering aquatic adventures, dining, and family-friendly activities.
3. One&Only The Palm – A peaceful beachfront retreat with opulent interiors and a private marina.

3. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and offers tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It’s perfect for a winter escape filled with culture and relaxation.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: The dry season starts in November, and the island enjoys warm, sunny weather throughout winter.

Best time to visit: November to February.

Top luxury hotels:

1. V Villas Phuket, McGallery – Offers a perfect getaway amidst lush surroundings and stunning ocean viewss.
2. Trisara – An exclusive luxury resort offering private pool villas and stunning views of the Andaman Sea.
3. Anantara Layan Phuket Resort – Nestled in a peaceful cove, this resort features a mix of Thai architecture and modern luxury.

4. Barbados

Barbados is one of the best Caribbean islands for winter sun, offering white sandy beaches, rich culture, and a relaxed island vibe.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: Barbados enjoys warm temperatures all year, but winter is the driest and most pleasant time to visit.

Best time to visit: December to April.

Top luxury hotels:

1. Sandals Royal – A luxurious retreat for couples offering excellent service, serene spa centre and sauna, and a private beach.
2. Coral Reef Club – An elegant beachfront hotel surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful views.
3. Cobblers Cove – A boutique hotel with English charm and a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.

5. Canary Islands, Spain

For European travelers, the Canary Islands provides an excellent winter sun escape. The islands offer a mix of volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches, and year-round warm temperatures.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: Located off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands enjoys mild winter weather, making them a great option for a sunny getaway.

Best time to visit: December to February.

Top luxury hotels:

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama – A luxury resort with Michelin-starred dining, a golf course, and stunning ocean views.
2. Bahía del Duque – An elegant resort inspired by Canary Islands architecture, located on a beautiful beachfront.
3. Royal Hideaway Corales Beach – A contemporary adults-only resort with stunning sea views and luxurious amenities.

6. Mauritius

Mauritius is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, known for its lush landscapes, clear lagoons, and luxury resorts. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: While summer here runs from November to April, winter visitors can still enjoy warm, pleasant weather with occasional tropical showers.

Best time to visit: November to March.

Top luxury hotels:

1. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita – A five-star resort offering private villas and access to a stunning golf course.
2. One&Only Le Saint Géran – A luxurious beachfront resort with exceptional service and beautiful surroundings.
3. Constance Prince Maurice – A tranquil hideaway surrounded by tropical gardens and offering overwater villas.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town offers a unique winter sun experience, with a mix of city life, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: South Africa’s summer runs from November to February, making it an ideal time to enjoy sunny, warm weather.

Best time to visit: December to February.

Top luxury hotels:

1. One&Only Cape Town – A chic waterfront hotel with luxurious rooms, fine dining, and spectacular views of Table Mountain.
2. The Silo Hotel – A boutique hotel with unique architecture and incredible rooftop views of the city and harbor.
3. Ellerman House – A luxury hotel set in a historic mansion with views over the Atlantic Ocean and world-class art collections.

8. Hawaii, USA

Hawaii offers year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back island vibe. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking winter sun with a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: Hawaii enjoys warm weather throughout the year, and winter is a great time to avoid the summer crowds.

Best time to visit: December to March.

Top luxury hotels:

1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – A luxurious beachfront resort offering beautiful ocean views and top-notch amenities.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Residences, Waikiki – A luxury resort located in Oahu, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
3. Halekulani – A peaceful beachfront hotel on Waikiki Beach known for its elegant service and serene atmosphere.

9. Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a mix of stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and a variety of eco-friendly luxury resorts, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: The dry season in Costa Rica runs from December to April, offering warm, sunny weather perfect for outdoor adventures.

Best time to visit: December to April.

Top luxury hotels:

1. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo – A luxurious eco-friendly resort set in a tropical rainforest.
2. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo – A stylish resort offering breathtaking ocean views and adventure activities.
3. Nayara Springs – An adults-only luxury resort in the rainforest, known for its hot springs and peaceful atmosphere.

10. Sydney, Australia

Sydney combines a vibrant city life with beautiful beaches, making it a perfect destination for those seeking winter sun in an urban setting.

Why it’s a great winter sun destination: Australia’s summer runs from December to February, offering warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Best time to visit: December to February.

Top luxury hotels:

1. Park Hyatt Sydney – A waterfront hotel offering stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and luxury accommodations.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – A luxurious hotel with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and impeccable service.
3. The Langham, Sydney – A refined hotel known for its timeless elegance and luxury spa.

Whether you're looking to escape to a tropical island or explore a sun-soaked city, these destinations offer the perfect combination of winter sun and luxury. Plan your winter getaway, and enjoy a relaxing stay in some of the best luxury hotels the world has to offer!

See also this travel guide for more sunny destinations.