Sun-drenched destinations for the perfect warm-weather winter escape
Leave dreary days and dark evenings behind with a warm winter vacation. Swap snow boots for sweeping sands and feel your stress immediately melt away.
By Paul Oswell | November 29, 2023
While the winter months can be a magical time with festive celebrations, holiday lights and endless opportunity for snow sports, you may be ready to turn up the heat in an alluring sun-drenched destination. Here are our top suggestions for a refreshing getaway with plenty of winter warmth:
Perfect Punta de Mita: Watch whales glide by and explore local culture in small towns on the Riviera Nayarit
Magnificent Maldives: The ultimate destination for relaxing, sun-blessed days and serene evenings listening to the lapping ocean waves
Superb Seychelles: Find a stunning stretch of beach and enjoy famously fresh island produce
Punta de Mita, Mexico
With average winter temperatures in the low 80s F (26-27 C), it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic destination for a warm getaway than the miles of sandy shores in Punta de Mita. Visit during winter and early spring to witness western Mexico’s annual whale migration. Hundreds of humpback, blue, sperm and other whales travel along the shoreline, putting on an exquisite show for onlookers. Grab your camera and take a private boat tour for an up-close encounter, admiring these incredible creatures.
The scenic Riviera Nayarit is a tranquil haven come wintertime, especially for those who stay at Conrad Punta de Mita, with its serene and secluded beachfront location. Relax on the resort’s exclusive beach and by the three outdoor pools. Prefer more active escapes? Ask the hotel’s concierge to arrange an invigorating hike through the neighboring jungle or a tour of nearby towns like Sayulita and San Pacho to discover regional culture.
Continue the authentic experiences by tapping into ancient wellbeing practices like the Temazcal ceremony at Conrad Spa. A local shaman will guide you on a soulful journey in a dome-shaped earthen chamber heated with herbal steam. The Mexican Pacific is also celebrated in the resort’s culinary program with seven onsite restaurants and bars sourcing local ingredients to offer elevated Mexican cuisine. Book a private dining experience to enjoy a personalized, chef-curated meal under the shade of the mangroves, in a beachfront cabana or on your private terrace.
Male, Maldives
When you daydream about a sun-drenched winter getaway, you’re likely picturing an island paradise. Luckily, these blissful scenes are a Maldives' specialty. Visit the most tranquil reaches of the Indian Ocean and you’ll find pristine white-sand beaches fringed with green palms and some of the clearest blue waters imaginable.
Winter in the tropics is a prime time to visit, with cloudless skies from November to April and average temperatures in the mid 80s F (27-28 C). It’s the perfect setting for snorkeling and kayaking among the shallow lagoons that frame the islands, taking strolls along the silky sands or simply disconnecting and getting off the grid for a while.
For guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, there are dozens of ways to enjoy the destination’s famed oceans with exclusive fishing charters, private yacht excursions perfectly timed to watch the fiery sunset, visits to stunning coral reefs and more. Feel the tropical breeze in your hair as you sip Champagne and savor oysters in a private poolside cabana or enlist the help of the onsite Wellness Concierge to choose the most suitable treatment in the spa. You can also dine by the beach or among the treetops in a private bamboo nest, before retiring to your overwater villa, where the only sound you’ll hear is the lapping of the ocean as you drift off to sleep.
Mahé, Seychelles
The 115 islands of the Seychelles make up an equally alluring Indian Ocean warm-winter getaway. In lieu of icy sidewalks and snowed-in cars, wake up in a tropical playground, where temperatures rarely drop below 80 F (27 C). Here, you can wander along pristine beaches, enveloped in the fragrances from vanilla plants and orchids, or dive into some of the world’s most scenic marine parks.
Use Mahé, the archipelago’s main island, as your home base and spend your days on the powdery white sands of the island’s many beaches. With a stay at Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts, you’ll have direct access to Anse Aux Poules Bleues, one of the more tranquil strips of sand and sea. For further exploration, the concierge can reserve a private island tour that suits your tastes — from the best diving spots to romantic secluded coves. To experience a different side of the Seychelles, bask in the natural beauty of the country’s lush interior on hiking routes such as the Glacis La Reserve Trail. Towering palm trees provide ample shade, while the stunning rock formations are sure to leave an impression.
Back at the resort, choose from five curated dining outlets, where the freshest ingredients are employed to craft gourmet Japanese, Italian and Creole cuisine. Retire to your room — many of which feature sun-kissed balconies or private plunge pools — or indulge in a spa treatment. Mango House Seychelles is a true enclave of relaxation so your most pressing issue should only be whether to swim in the hotel pools or lie on the beach.
No matter your vacation style, don’t be afraid to break with tradition and spend the winter holidays on a picture-perfect beach. After all, soaking up some much-needed sunshine can do wonders for the mind and body. So let the tropical winter sun work its magic to inspire and rejuvenate you on your next warm-weather getaway.
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
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