Extravagant Winter Vacations Soaking Up the Sunlight
Chasing Winter Sun: Your Ultimate Guide to Luxurious Escapes
Winter got you down? Don't let the cold breeze and chilly temperatures steal your sunshine! It's time to plan a lavish getaway and soak up some sun, all while enjoying unparalleled luxury. Our helpful guide will take you on a journey of top Europe and international destinations, five-star hotels, and must-see attractions (if you ever feel like venturing out from those stunning beaches).
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, oh Barcelona! A city where you can sunbathe on golden beaches during the day, exploreworld-renowned art museums and historic buildings in the afternoon, and party till dawn. With its otherworldly architecture, world-class restaurant and nightlife scene, and sun-drenched shorelines, Barcelona is the perfect European destination for a luxury winter sun holiday.
When to Visit
Barcelona enjoys year-round sunshine. During the winter, temperatures can reach around 15 degrees Celsius (59°F) in February. Rain showers are rare, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to bask in the Spanish sunshine without the crowds or scorching temperatures of the summer months.
Things to Do
Barcelona has more than just golden beaches. Spend your days at world-class art museums, gawking at funky Gaudi buildings, or shopping at flagship stores. Whether you're a culture vulture, foodie, sun worshipper, or hipster, Barcelona has something for everyone.
Picasso Museum. Don't miss out on this must-see attraction. The Picasso Museum features Barcelona's favorite painter's works, including Picasso's pre-Cubist and lesser-known works, with highlights such as the Las Meninas series.
Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family. This famous Gaudi church is a captivating marvel with its unique combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. Take a tour and uncover the fascinating history of this basilica, which is still under construction.
La Rambla. Known as "the only street in the world which I wish would never end" by Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, this street runs through the heart of Barcelona and is home to some of the city's best shopping and pavement cafes.
Where to Stay
Check out our guide to the best hotels in Barcelona
Miami, USA
Escape to Miami for a luxurious winter sun holiday in Florida. Miami's unique culture blends American and Cuban influences, with Cuban cigars, sidewalk cafes, and American hospitality the norm (especially in neighborhoods like Little Havana). Roll down Ocean Drive Boulevard with the top down, and you'll be thankful you booked a luxury winter sun holiday to Miami.
When to Visit
Miami's subtropical climate ensures sunshine throughout the winter. Temperatures remain stable, averaging around 23 degrees Celsius (74°F) in January. Miami's winter is the dry season, so you'll likely have sunny days with clear skies. During the winter, you can also catch some fabulous festivals like the Art Deco Weekend in January or the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in February.
Things to Do
From sunbathing on Miami's iconic beaches, stepping back in time with art-deco buildings, or playing some beach volleyball, Miami offers plenty of sunny activities.
Ocean Drive. See the world's largest collection of art-deco buildings along this famous boulevard. Make sure to check out The Sunray Apartments, which doubled as a Scarface filming location, or the Carlyle, which appeared in The Birdcage.
Crandon Park. Looking for Miami's best beaches? Head to Crandon Park, which stretches over 800 acres and offers two miles of protected beach, the perfect spot to relax in your own slice of paradise.
Venetian Pool. Take a refreshing dip in this seaside spring water pool, which features two waterfalls, cool cave-like grottos, and poolside views of Miami.
Where to Stay
Check out our guide to the best hotels in Miami
South Africa
Journey to South Africa, a land of dreamy beaches, safari parks teeming with exotic animals, and world-class vineyards. Meet elephants and lions at Kruger National Park, marvel at clear star-lit nights, experience Cape Town's dining and drinking scene, or get active at Table Mountain. No matter how you spend your days, a luxury winter sun holiday in South Africa promises an adventure of a lifetime. And with temperatures averaging around 25 degrees Celsius (77°F) during the winter months, you're guaranteed sunny, warm days.
When to Visit
South Africa's winter months, from December to March, are dry and warm, making it the ideal time for wildlife watching or simply lounging on the beaches.
Things to Do
South Africa is brimming with attractions and caters to all types of travelers. Relax on white sand beaches, meet penguins in Cape Town, drive along the iconic Garden Route, or tour world-class vineyards. Here are some of our favorite attractions:
Kruger National Park. Explore Africa's only self-drive National Park and uncover South Africa's wild side. The park is home to a vast array of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, hippos, zebras, and elephants, which you can easily spot as you drive through the protected terrain. Hire a guide to help you spot the more elusive animals, like lions and jaguars.
Table Mountain. Climb the iconic Table Mountain, which serves as Cape Town's breathtaking backdrop. The easiest hike can be accomplished in a few hours, but if you're not up for the trek, you can take a gondola to the top for stunning views.
Wineland Vineyard Tours. Take a short drive from Cape Town to the Cape Winelands, where you can taste some of South Africa's renowned wines on private guided tours, by bicycle, or on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Where to Stay
Check out our guide to the best hotels in South Africa
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Discover Tenerife, an island of sun, sand, and culture. With its spacious beaches, colonial architecture, lush valleys, and stark, lunar-like landscapes, Tenerife is a favorite with short-haul holidaymakers. Choose between the bustling north, where you can immerse yourself in traditional culture and taste authentic local cuisine, or the southern coast, which offers tourist and family-friendly amenities.
When to Visit
The Canary Islands' subtropical climate makes them an excellent year-round choice. November is an ideal time to visit, as it sees little rainfall and retains sea temperatures of over 20 degrees Celsius (68°F), with air temperatures also averaging in the early 20s.
Things to Do
Teide National Park. Explore Teide National Park, Tenerife's stunning mountain terrain, and take a cable car to the summit of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Europe and an active volcano, for epic panoramas. Entrance to the park and parking are free!
MUNA Museum of Nature and Archaeology. Learn about Tenerife's incredible biodiverse environment and ancient heritage at this museum, housed in the Old Civilian Hospital in Santa Cruz.
Loro Parque. This 33-acre zoo offers attractions for all the family, including orcas, dolphins, penguins, tigers, chimps, gorillas, and parrots, in internationally themed areas designed to replicate the creatures' natural habitats.
Siam Park. Thrill-seekers can plunge 60ft into the water on this amusement park's many exciting slides. But be aware, the park can get very busy, so book in advance and arrive early.
Where to Stay
Check out our guide to the best hotels in Tenerife
Thailand
Find your bliss in Thailand, a land of beautiful beaches, castaway coastlines, bustling street markets, and ancient temples. Bangkok is a city break favorite, assaulting the senses in the best way possible. Thai islands like Phuket and mainland coastal resorts such as Krabi provide idyllic backdrops for luxurious resorts dripping with elegance. Thailand is known for its spirituality, warm and welcoming culture, and traditional cuisine.
When to Visit
Anytime from November to early March. Although the rainy season can occasionally bring frequent monsoon showers, these are generally short, and the weather remains warm. Avoid July to early October if you prefer to avoid the monsoon season.
Things to Do
Erawan National Park. Wander through dense forests, explore hand-carved caves, trek along lakeside paths, or cool off in crystal clear swimming holes at this beautiful national park.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants at this sanctuary, where injured, sick, or old elephants live and receive treatment. You can volunteer for a day, spend an afternoon, go on a multi-day program, or take a tour and learn about the sanctuary's mission to protect and care for elephants.
The White Temple. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the White Temple is a must-see attraction. Its stark exterior is contrasted by bright blue skies, and inside you'll find a mix of classical Buddhist iconography and modern pop art, with a unique market scene and an elevated reflecting pond.
Doi Suthep Temple. Located just a short drive from Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep Temple is one of the city's most popular attractions. Climb the temple's narrow staircase or take a cable car to the top to admire breathtaking views, then explore the temple's beautiful grounds, which are home to dozens of Buddha statues and intricate Thai architecture.
Where to Stay
Check out our guide to the best hotels in Thailand
Barbados
Arrive in Barbados and feel your whole body exhale as you're greeted by the warmth of the Caribbean air, the gentle ocean breeze, and the sound of steel drums in the distance. Barbados is a vibrant island with a rich culture and world-class resorts.
When to Visit
The island's rainy season doesn't pose a significant issue, but if clear, sunny, and warm weather is your priority, visit between mid-December and April.
Things to Do
Holetown Historic District. Explore this quaint town, which was Barbados' first British settlement in 1625. Visit St. James Parish Church, Carico House, and the Arlington Museum to learn about the island's history, culture, and heritage.
St. Nicholas Abbey. Go back in time at this 17th-century plantation home, which is home to one of the island's last operational Jacquard looms, a colonial working sugar mill, a currency exchange, and a rum distillery. Take a guided tour to learn about the plantation's history and enjoy a taste of Barbados' world-renowned rum.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Spot monkeys, birds, and other fascinating wildlife at this reserve, which also provides a habitat for green monkeys, Morgan's green iguanas, and red-legged tortoises.
Bathsheba's Soup Bowl. Watch the surfers catch waves at this famous surf spot, which is located on the east coast of Barbados. Grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the nearby bars and restaurants and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Where to Stay
Check out our guide to the best hotels in Barbados
Argentina
Embrace the passionate spirit of Argentina, a land of immense geographical diversity, bustling Latin cities, glaciers, hot dusty ranches, and the largest group of waterfalls on earth. Argentina is home to iconic historical figures like Che Guevara and Eva Perón and is famous for its cultural heritage, social consciousness, and music and dance, such as the tango.
When to Visit
Given Argentina's vast size, the climate varies significantly from one region to another. However, the country's springtime, from October to mid-December in the UK, is an excellent choice, with fewer tourists than the peak season, and favorable weather for exploring many destinations. If seeing the glaciers is a key part of your trip, book from November to March, when they are at their most magnificent.
Things to Do
Iguazu Falls. Discover the world's largest waterfall system, which stretches for almost two miles and consists of 275 individual falls. Take a walking tour, a boat tour, or a helicopter tour to observe these majestic falls from all angles.
Glacier Perito Moreno. Journey to Patagonia to explore one of the largest glaciers in the world, which stretches for almost 20 miles and is over 250 feet deep. Take a boat tour, a hiking tour, or a walking tour to learn about the glacier's origins, structure, and environment.
Bariloche and the Seven Lakes. Encounter the beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and delicious chocolates of Bariloche, a popular vacation destination in the south of Argentina. Take a scenic drive, go hiking, or boat touring to explore the Seven Lakes, a series of crystal-clear lakes with stunning mountain backdrops.
Salta and Cafayate. Journey to the northwest of Argentina to explore the colorful canyons, ancient ruins, and bustling markets of Salta, a colonial city with a rich cultural heritage and a lively atmosphere. Take a day trip to Cafayate, a picturesque town famous for its Torrontés wine and stunning landscapes.
Where to Stay
Check out our guide to the best hotels in Buenos Aires
In Barcelona, Spain, immerse yourself in a vibrant culture where sunbathing on golden beaches and exploring world-class museums coexist. This European destination offers a luxurious winter sun holiday with sun-drenched shorelines and unparalleled luxury. (Travel and Lifestyle)
In Miami, USA, embrace the unique blend of American and Cuban influences while basking in the subtropical climate during a winter sun holiday. Roll down Ocean Drive Boulevard with the top down and experience Miami's world-class restaurant and nightlife scene. (Travel and Lifestyle)
