The Best Places for Luxury Winter Sun

THE BEST PLACES FOR LUXURY WINTER SUN

Nothing beats the feeling of having a winter sun holiday to look forward to! Especially when you look out the window and it’s grey and miserable outside. So here’s some inspiration from the Swords Travel team to give you some ideas on where to escape to the sun.

FRANCESCA RECOMMENDS

MEXICO

I like Mexico for winter sun as a great combo of perfect weather and some interesting and cultural places to visit. Even though the hotels are mostly All Inclusive you can gain some sense of adventure by visiting the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum or if travelling with families introduce them gently by a visit to Xcaret with the natural cenotes and tunnels to swim in and Mexican Folklore shows.

WINTER SUN

The best month's to visit Cancun are November to April when it's their dry season. The average temperature during these months ranges from 28ºC to 32ºC. Expect the sea temperature to be around 26ºC to 28ºC which is perfect for swimming in.

FOR FAMILIES WE RECOMMEND…

**5* DREAMS PLAYA MUJERES GOLF RESORT & SPA**

We love this resort for it’s exclusive location within the gates of Playa Mujeres whilst still only being 10 minutes away from downtown Cancun. This all-suite resort set on it’s own private white sandy beach has a wide range of facilities for families. You’ll find two thrilling water parks, a lazy river, day and evening Explorer’s Club for Kids and Core Zone Teen’s Club.

There are 10 dining options included in the Unlimited-Luxury® package which also includes top-shelf drinks. There’s also a choice of bars, including two non-alcoholic bars that are specially designed for teens and tweens.

**5* SECRETS MOXCHE PLAYA DEL CARMEN**

Experience a true Mexican oasis at this adults-only resort. You will find seven shimmering pools, three man-made cenotes and a beautiful white sand beach. Unwind in the world-class Spa by Pervonia® and enjoy a full program of daytime activities and nightly entertainment. The lavish suites offer a contemporary experience with an earthy feel, luxurious amenities and stunning views.

Enjoy a wide selection of gourmet restaurants, top-shelf drinks and 24-hour room service, all part of the Unlimited-Luxury® package. Book a room or suite in a Preferred Club category to gain access to an exclusive rooftop restaurant and infinity pool.

DAVID RECOMMENDS

THAILAND

I absolutely adore Thailand, the culture, food, scenery and the luxurious beach resorts! Our winter is a fantastic time to do a multi-centre holiday as the weather is great in all regions. You you can combine the hills in the north, the rich culture and buzzing nightlife of Bangkok and the stunning beaches in the south.

Thailand has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxing beach holiday, or an action packed trip full of culture and history you will find it here. It’s also a dream trip for all foodies due to the amazing food on offer in the restaurants and great choice of street food.

Below are two of my favourite hotels for adults and families but give me a call and I’ll design a brilliant tailormade itinerary for you, packed full of exciting activities and day trips.

WINTER SUN

November is a great time for visiting most of Thailand, especially the north as the rains have just ended, leaving everywhere green, yet temperatures are still warm. The only areas to avoid are the south east islands due to heavy rainfall. December to February are some of the best months of the year to visit Thailand with favourable weather conditions and low rainfall throughout the country. It's cooler in Northern Thailand during this period (around 20-24°C) so a good time to visit this region for more active outdoor activities.

FOR FAMILIES WE RECOMMEND…

**5* ROSEWOOD PHUKET**

This resort perfectly combines many of the luxury features you would expect to find at an ‘adults only’ property with incredible kids facilities, making it a dream destination for all the family. This secluded hideaway has 71 pavilions and villas, either by the pool or by the beach.

For adults you can expect to completely unwind at Rosewood Phuket on a unique wellness journey at the Asaya spa, relaxing on the 600-metre stretch of beach and enjoying the gastronomic delights at the four restaurants.

For younger guests the Rosewood Explorers Club offers a wide program of activities, an exciting indoor clubhouse and kids pool and splash park. Family excursions include zip-lining through ancient treetop canopies at Hanuman World and private Phuket Elephant sanctuary tours. Rosebuds® provides little ones with baby care items during your stay, kids magazines and age appropriate toys.

5* SALA SAMUI CHAWENG BEACH

If ultra-luxury boutique hotels are your style then you’ll absolutely love Sala Samui Chaweng Beach. The hotel is perfectly located on the beach and just 5 minutes walk from downtown Chaweng, which is Koh Samui’s biggest town.

The resort is themed around the moon and you can see this throughout the resorts modern, almost futuristic, design. There are two sides to the resort which are separated by the main beach road. We’d recommend the Full Moon side to couples. This side is on the beach and features rows of balconies with infinity plunge pools looking out to sea. You will also find the main restaurant and a circular pool on this side. Across the road the Dark Moon side has rooms around courtyards, most of them with private pools. This side is more family friendly with a children’s pool and kid’s club.

In the evening you can enjoy dinner in the open-air beachfront restaurant, movies on the beach, or a wander into the night markets.

ALEX RECOMMENDS

SAINT LUCIA

St Lucia certainly is one of my favourite islands in the Caribbean. With its stunning mountains landscape and beautiful untouched beaches and friendly locals St Lucia has something for everyone whether they are a family, a couple or a group of friends.

There is lots to do outside of resorts in St Lucia including a few unique experiences including a ‘drive-in volcano, a chocolate massage and the brilliant Friday-night fish fry. You can also climb the UNESCO site of the Pitons, bathe in hot mud at the foot of an active volcano, swim in waterfalls and go zip-lining through the rainforest..

WINTER SUN

December to May are the best months to visit St Lucia to enjoy the warm temperatures and avoid the rain and hurricanes. It can be quite humid at this time of year but the sea winds help to drop the humidity levels in the resorts. You can expect temperatures of 25-30°C and the sea 27-28°C.

FOR FAMILIES WE RECOMMEND…

SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT

You will find the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure at Sugar Beach, making it a great choice for families. Located between the UNESCO Wolrd Heritage-listed Pitons and overlooking a sheltered white-sand bay the location is incredible.

There is loads for kids of all ages to do here, including movie nights on the beach, zip lines and horseback riding in nearby Soufriere adventure park, children’s spa treatments and snorkeling right off the beach. Plus the complimentary Sugar Club (4 – 12 years) offers activities like treasure hunts , limbo dancing, coconut painting and fish feeding. There’s also a range of activities for 10 to 17 year old’s including offsite rainforest hikes.

The accommodation options are idea for families as the villas, bungalows and multiple-bedroom residences allow families to spread out and all come with a private plunge pool and butler service. The largest option is a Four Bedroom Luxury Residence which sleeps up to eight (or nine with a cot).

**5* ZOETRY MARIGOT BAY ST LUCIA**

The resort of Zoetry Marigot Bay is set in a fabulous location and takes its name from the same bay made famous by the Doc Dolittle original movie. The resort overlooks the bay and has a small beach which is reachable by boat.

The hotel offers four restaurants, a rum cave, four bars, two swimming pools, a SPA and 124 suites some of which have hot tubs and all of them offering plenty of space with a kitchen and even a laundry room. The atmosphere is relaxed and chilled and the setting is stunning. For guest that do not want to venture too far there are few restaurants and bars within the bay which can be reached by a taxi boat and offer a range of different dining options.

Marigot Bay is also within a short driving distance from the town of Castries and offers the possibility to explore the nearby coast by boat with its stunning beaches and of course the sight of the mesmerising Pitons.

CARLA RECOMMENDS

TENERIFE

Tenerife is always a really popular winter sun destination due to the warm temperatures combined with a short flight. I love it so much I’m spending my second winter living out there!

There are plenty of beach resorts to choose from and large resort style hotels if you are looking for a relaxing break in the sunshine. Or if you are seeking a more active holiday there are some great hikes! Mt Teide is the world’s third-largest volcano and offers a challenging 5 hour hike, or there are several other walking trails to choose from.

WINTER SUN

You can expect temperatures of around 20-23°C in November to March during the day. In the evening it can get a bit chillier so just make sure you pack a jumper to wear. If you're looking to catch some winter sun in Europe then Tenerife is a great option.

FOR FAMILIES WE RECOMMEND…

**5* BAHIA DEL DUQUE**

This award winning resort is a Member of Leading Hotels of the World and is a perfect choice for families. Bahia Del Duque looks like a fairy tale village with it’s turreted buildings, winding paths and bridges over the lagoon-style pools.

Children are looked after from the minute they get there with gifts on arrival and a room full of children’s amenities. The Duqil kids club caters for children aged 3-12 and runs all day. There’s also Californian surf themed Teen Lounge for older kids. Every evening they host a MiniDisco and children are spoiled for choice in the restaurants. Even the fine dining restaurant welcomes children.

They offer a great choice of family friendly options including interconnecting rooms, family suites and villas. The hotel provides a full range of baby and child essentials including highchairs, baby bottles, bottle warmers, baby baths, bed railings and more, allowing you to travel light(ish!).

**5* ROYAL RIVER LUXURY HOTEL**

We love this stylish boutique hotel for it’s contemporary design, stunning views, contemporary accommodation options and excellent choice of dining options.

Royal River Luxury Hotel has 50 spectacular villas ranging from one to four bedrooms. The adults only River Villas are particularly special as they are linked via a connecting waterway. You can swim out from the private plunge pool on your terrace and out into the connecting river. A really unique experience in Europe.

Gastronomy makes up a very important part of your stay at Royal River and there is a strong emphasis on using local and organic products, in line with the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Each of the three restaurants has adults only evenings and you have a choice of Asian cuisine, French bistro and the Top Brasserie & Terrace, which is located by the infinity style rooftop pool. You can also enjoy poolside tapas and cocktails as well as a champagne bar.

HOLLIE RECOMMENDS

MAURITIUS

I spent 3 months living in Mauritius from January to March this year whilst on maternity leave.

We chose Mauritius because the island is a beautiful and extremely friendly place to visit. There is so much to do in Mauritius and as it’s a small island everywhere is easily accessible as day trips (it takes 1.5 hours to drive top to bottom). We also love the food! Make sure to try the street food whilst you’re there – my recommendations are dal puri, gateuax piments and pani puri.

I’ve visited Mauritius 5 times and visited 33 hotels on the island! It’s safe to say it’s one of my favourite destinations.

WINTER SUN

Mauritius is a year round destination with warm temperatures 12 months of the year. From November to March you can expect temperatures of around 29 - 32°C during the day and sea temperatures of 27-28°C. Whilst rainfall is higher during these months there are very rarely prolonged showers, with the weather generally clearing up quickly after short showers.

FOR FAMILIES WE RECOMMEND…

**5* TROU AUX BICHES BEACHCOMBER GOLF RESORT & SPA**

The resort is fantastic for kids as not only does it have a great kids club (3-12 year old) and teens club (12 – 17 year olds) they also offer a complimentary creche for 1 to 2 year olds between 1 – 4pm every weekday. We loved the activities they included for the kids such as cookery classes and water skiing.

There is a choice of six restaurants including Creole, Mediterranean and Asian and the food is fantastic. If you opt for the all inclusive program then you can dine at all six restaurants. For the kids they’ll make them pretty much whatever they want! The waiters just come over and ask what they fancy and they’ll always do their best to accommodate it.

When it comes to accommodation there’s a wide choice. We really like the 2 bedroom family suites which have a master bedroom and kids room, with twin beds and a 3rd pull out bed. There are also brilliant beachfront accommodation options with private pools and villas to choose from.

**5* MARADIVA VILLAS RESORTS & SPA**

Enjoy indulgent relaxation and gourmet dining in this luxurious resort. Every villa is incredibly spacious and features a private swimming pool, outdoor lounge, an open-air garden shower and Hermès amenities.

Relax during the day on the fine-white sandy beach, by the infinity pool, at your villa pool or indulge in the award winning spa. There are also a range of watersports available on the beach, tennis courts, fitness classes and bikes for hire. We booked ourselves onto a boat excursion to swim with dolphins one morning which was an incredible experience. As a complete bonus at the end we were taken to see a pod of whales.

Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the evenings whilst watching the most incredible sunsets. Dinner is served in your choice of three restaurants – Japanese teppanyaki, Indian fine dining or a the main restaurant, which serves a chefs special menu that changes every day. You can also opt for in-villa dining.

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