When you’re stuck in the icy grip of a bone-chilling winter, there’s nothing that brings back those warm, fuzzy feelings quite as quickly as planning an escape to the sun. And whether you’re looking to retreat to sun-drenched shores or want a sizzling city vibe, our guide to the top 10 breaks to banish the winter blues will help you pick the perfect spot to thaw out, with added tips from our Concierge Team that are sure to make your stay even more unforgettable.

  

All prices include round-trip economy class flights. Transfers excluded unless otherwise specified. 

Where: TENERIFE

When: There's really no bad time to visit Tenerife – it's summer all the time, but it's the marvellously-mild year-round temperatures that make this the perfect winter warmer.

Why Go: Other than the weather, it's just four hours away and there's a whole world of unexpected adventures for the entire family: from whale- and dolphin-spotting cruises, submarine safaris and an array of festivals, not to mention its black-sand beaches and the lunar landscapes of magical Mount Teide.

Stay: Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort, Costa Adeje

7 nights from £895 per person in a Standard Room, including breakfast.

Where: BARBADOS

When: Another fabulous year-round destination, here the temperatures average a blissfully-balmy 24-30°c, with January to April the most popular months to go.

Why Go: Famed for some of the world's best hotels and some super-snazzy villas to match, this is somewhere that really does have it all… beautiful beaches, a pulsating nightlife, the hottest restaurants, and a unique charm all of its own. Plus it's a golfers' paradise and a dream for spa-lovers too.

Stay: The Fairmont Royal Pavilion

7 nights from £1950 per person in an Oceanfront Deluxe Room, including breakfast.

Where: MALDIVES

When: For blissed-out beachy loveliness and a tempting tropical climate, these tiny, castaway islands are best visited during our winter months, so what's not to love?

Why Go: These delectable islands are dotted with seriously-divine resorts that think way outside of the box, cater amazingly for everyone and leave other destinations standing. Ditto the activities on land and water, and the kids' clubs are some of the best on the planet.

Stay: Amilla Fushi, Baa Atoll

7 nights from £3395 per person in a Lagoon House Sunset View, including breakfast and round-trip transfers.

  

Where: BRAZIL

When: Brazil's perfectly-timed summer runs from December to February, and with carnival time each February heating things up even more, it makes for a sultry, spectacular winter getaway.

Why Go: With magnificent beaches, glorious sunny weather, rich ecosystems, vast rainforests and music-fuelled cities, Brazil bears an astounding array of wonders, where the only limit to a journey is your imagination. Spectacular, sassy and simply unforgettable.

Stay: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls

4 nights from £1995 per person in a Superior Room, including breakfast.

 

 

Where: INDIA

When: The cool, dry season from November to March means that Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are all ideal at this time, with the temperatures in Central India also still relatively comfortable.

Why Go: A mystical land full of seductive images and intoxicating sights and sounds, India has a mind-bending diversity; from snow-clad heights to sun-drenched beaches, shabby old bazaars to chic designer boutiques, tranquil temples to spirited festivals and rural villages to techno-savvy urban hubs.

Stay: Amanbagh, Rajasthan

4 nights from £1595 per person in a Courtyard Haveli Suite, including breakfast.

 

Where: MOROCCO

When: With a climate similar to that of Southern Spain, you can expect temperatures up to around 20°c come winter, so it's ideal for enjoying the heady exoticism of Marrakech and the remote, snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Why Go: A mystical, magical place to explore, Marrakech overloads the senses with its kaleidoscope of colours, patterns and aromas. Visit the pulsating medina; enjoy a snippet of everyday Moroccan life and explore the rural markets, or uncover life in the Atlas Mountains.

Stay: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

7 nights from £950 per person in a Deluxe Room, including breakfast.

Where: DUBAI

When: Boasting minimal rainfall and almost constant sunshine, Dubai is pretty unbeatable when it comes to escaping the winter blues.

Why Go: Awash with five-star hotels built to outdo one another; action-packed beaches and waterparks; endless opportunities for high-end shopping and dining, and an enchanting mix of ancient and modern, Dubai is packed full of energy and amazing ideas for an escape that brilliantly combines beach, city and desert.

Stay: One&Only The Palm

7 nights from £1595 per person in a Palm Manor House Premier Room, including half board.

 

Where: AUSTRALIA

When: With opposing seasons to those of the UK, Australia's climate from November to March makes for a fantastic time to visit, especially if you have a little more time on your hands.

Why Go: A land of epic contrasts, where tropical rainforests meet stunning coastlines and underwater adventure, and vibrant cities lead to outback wilderness walkabouts. A carefully-created Eden itinerary with tips and tricks from your Travel Designer and the Concierge Team will make sure you see the best of this absolutely magnificent destination in a multitude of ways.

Stay: One&Only Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef

7 nights from £2695 per person in an Ocean View Room, including breakfast and round-trip transfers.

 

Where: THAILAND

When: Generally, Thailand is very hot and humid, the best time to visit from November to April, although if you're thinking about Koh Samui, you're best waiting until summer.

Why Go: With everything from the futuristic malls, quaint markets and the glittering Grand Palace in bustling Bangkok; the ramshackle villages and elephant trekking further north; or the trendy to-do list of swanky spas, deep-sea diving, and idyllic island beaches of the south-west, you may find it hard to bid Thailand farewell.

Stay: Point Yamu by COMO, Phuket

7 nights from £1095 per person in a Bay Room, including breakfast.

 

 

Where: SOUTH AFRICA 

When: South Africa is another destination that's great all-year. The cooler weather hits from June to August, so once again the British winter is the perfect time to visit.

Why Go: A tapestry of captivating contrasts, this world in one country plays host to dramatic desert, tropical rainforest, soaring mountain peaks, fascinating wildlife and a marvellous melting pot of cultures and customs. There's also a plethora of world-class attractions, award-winning wines, and some of the finest cuisine known to man.

Stay: La Residence, Franschhoek

4 nights from £1795 per person in a Luxury Room, including breakfast.

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