After the holiday high wears off, January arrives and gives us a harsh reminder of reality and much of the revelry has been put to rest. Along with it, a gloomy realization: there’s a long way to go before winter ends and there are many more dreary, chilly, bitter days until the arrival of spring.
Going on a beach vacation is among the best therapies for the wintertime blues. Your worries will go as swiftly as the ice in your cocktail under the scorching tropical sun when you have sand under your toes, turquoise ocean lapping at the beach, and a tropical martini in your hand.
The last thing anyone wants to do is endure more gloomy weather once the novelty of winter wears off—cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, the celebrations. It’s time to go to a warm, tropical location when that happens, whether it’s the Caribbean, French Polynesia, or even around Europe. We’re listing down some of our top 5 favorite warm winter escapes that will put an end to your cold-weather ills.
Fiji Islands
Fiji is a fantastic option if you’re yearning for some warm sunshine for obvious reasons. Hardly a third of the archipelago’s 330 islands are occupied, so we advise ditching the more well-known Mamanuca and Viti Levu in favor of the Yasawas, which offers more seclusion and privacy than other parts of Fiji. Tourists weren’t even permitted until 1987! This made the island largely unsullied by visitors. When exploring magnificent treasures like the breathtaking Sawa-I-Lau Caves and the adjacent blue waters, where you can paddle out to see resident manta rays.
There are gorgeous beaches everywhere, but some of the finest can be experienced at the 5-star Yasawa Island Resort, with 11 private beaches, a world-class spa, and exquisite bure-style guest suites (Fijian huts).
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Consider booking a few days’ stay at Viceroy Riviera Maya, a resort exclusively for adults in Playa del Carmen if your dream retreat is staying in and feeling like royalty. It’s a tropical palace: expect thatched-roof residences with al fresco showers, private verandas, and your own plunge pools. You can also enjoy the all-inclusive package that comes with activities such as ceviche and tequila tastings. There’s also the chance to participate in a traditional Mayan sweat lodge ritual.
The public swimming pool staff makes a compelling case for you to leave your room: there’s a soap concierge plus a chair-side sunglass polisher—you don’t ever have to lift a finger. Be prepared for lots of pampering—exactly what you need in the middle of winter.
Vietnam
The coastlines of Vietnam don’t attract as much exposure compared to those in Thailand, but those who are in the know realize what that means: stretches and stretches of pristine sands and vistas free of towering hotels! We recommend traveling to Phu Quoc Island and staying at Salinda, a five-star retreat where each room has its own private balcony. The spa makes for a convincing argument to tear yourself away from the resort’s private beach.
Beyond the hotel, the island has plenty of coastlines that simply await exploration. The main island, night market, and Phu Quoc National Park—home to magnificent species such as hornbills, dugongs, and antiquated mangrove forests—are all conveniently located for additional exploration. Also on the west shore of the island lies ai Truong, popularly called Long Beach, which is well worth a visit for activities like sailing, drinking coconut juice, swimming in its pristine seas, and simply unwinding with a neat massage on the shore.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
What’s luxury without a little expense? Bora Bora guarantees a memorable, opulent holiday. For a classy treat, stay at the Le Meridien, where you will be treated to the island’s most famous over-the-water bungalows. Lunches at Bora Bora’s finest sushi restaurant are sumptuous and hikes up Otemanu Mount will reward you with breathtaking vistas. Make it a family affair: k Kids will like seeing the turtles get fed every day.
Further on the island is the most well-liked beach, Matira, located away from the resort. It has a soft, powdery seafloor and is surrounded by a beautiful tropical environment. The ideal way to take in its Instagrammable sunsets is by sipping drinks in one of the seaside bars.
Thailand’s Kohs
There are still undiscovered beaches in Thailand to enjoy the sun on, including Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe, three of our faves. This is despite the fact that many of the country’s most popular resorts are now inundated with visitors (and occasionally very seedy). Due to the area’s closeness to the international airport, crowds frequently gather on Koh Samui’s east side. As a result, we advise traveling north to Bo Phu, a fishing community with lovely wooden cottages that are just a short drive away from Belmond Napasai. The numerous benefits of this peaceful all-villa resort include a yoga sky deck, free use of bikes and Hobie cats for exploration, a gorgeous infinity pool, and ocean views from each guest room.
Nearly 17 miles of snorkeling-friendly beaches can also be found in Koh Lanta, which is located south of overcrowded Krabi Town. For delectable French and Thai cuisine, visit Relax Bay and its namesake resort. Mu Ko Lanta National Park features a network of caves and mangroves that you can explore. Trying to travel farther away? The Andaman Sea island of Koh Lipe has earned the moniker “Maldives of Thailand” due to its turquoise waters and sky, which are only broken up by the white, pearlescent beach. You should definitely try Sunrise Beach, known for its stunning scenes both during sunrise and sunset.
We know you’re eager to jump in the turquoise oceans and dip your toes in the warmest of sands. Allow us at Luxe Travel Concierge to take you there. We’ll handle all the time-consuming travel arrangements and we’ll design a bespoke retreat to cure your wintertime blues. Our elite concierge services are dedicated to providing you an experience nothing less of luxury and relaxation.
Be part of our highly-personalised, invitation-only membership club and we will do all the travel planning for you. Leave it all to us. We love our clients, and we know how to spoil you.