Where to Escape for Winter Sun

Prices from £3,250 per person for 7 nights Half Board in a Lagoon Beach Villa including transfers and flights from London. 

The only hotel on Olhuveli Island, in the untouched Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu brings you peace and serenity in a secluded spot, with the Maldives picture-postcard image of white sand and bright blue ocean. Spot fish whilst snorkelling, diving or even through your glass-bottomed bathtub. Head out on expeditions to explore the island, with watersports, dhow cruises and secluded sandbank picnics, or head to the Jungle Cinema to settle down with popcorn. Sustainability is key at this eco-resort, with a strong focus on protecting marine life and reducing their carbon footprint. All of the rooms boast spectacular views over the lagoon or ocean, and our favourite is a Sunset Laamu Water Villa for uninterrupted views over the Indian Ocean. The resort has everything you’d ever want on-site, whether it’s an exfoliating tropical massage in the spa, or heading to the bar for one of the 14 signature cocktails or extensive wine cellar. Dine on impressive breakfast buffets to start the day right, and enjoy the selection of restaurants offering everything from Vietnamese to fresh seafood, Japanese, Mediterranean and a dedicated ice cream room with 48 homemade flavours!

Prices in from £5,980 per person for 7 nights Fully Inclusive in a Water Pool Villa, including seaplane transfers and flights from London.

Milaidhoo is a boutique private island resort located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This tiny slice of island paradise, characterised by its gleaming emerald waters and soft white sand beaches, has redefined luxury in the Maldives. Everything at Milaidhoo is tailored to the guests, crafting luxurious experiences from an informal and laidback island setting and top tier service. At Milaidhoo, the service is top tier with no stone left unturned, but always friendly with their ‘barefoot informality’ ethos. Milaidhoo is perfect for nature lovers with its own coral reef encircling island, offering outstanding snorkelling and diving to its guests. Spend your days snorkelling among the fish, kayaking through the crystal clear waters or relaxing in your private plunge pool in your spacious and airy beach or water villa. With a multitude of watersports, dining experiences and spa treatments available, Milaidhoo is the ultimate Maldivian retreat for couples and honeymooners.

Prices from £3,250 per person for 7 nights All Inclusive in an Overwater or Beach Villa including seaplane transfers and flights from London.

Constance Moofushi is situated on the South Ari Atoll and is widely recognised as one of the best spots in the world for scuba diving. Picture barefoot chic combined with the elegance of a deluxe resort; the perfect combination of luxury and simplicity. The villas vary from those on stilts positioned above the turquoise Indian Ocean to beach villas on the dazzling white sands. If you are not exploring the underwater world around the South Ari Atoll, there is plenty to do and see, from innovative bio marine spa treatments to dolphin searches on a traditional Dhoni and big game fishing Maldivian style.

Prices from £4,130 per person for 7 nights B&B in a Grand Luxury Villa, including flights from London.

At Sugar Beach, individual whitewashed villas sit tucked into the hillside, and views of the Caribbean Sea are framed by the Piton mountains. With 100 acres of pristine rainforest, this former sugar plantation with a classic colonial style now offers private accommodations within lush gardens, with private plunge pools and butler service. Head out snorkelling from picturesque white sand beaches or indulge in a treatment at the Rainforest Spa. Dining options are aplenty, with breakfast on the sweeping terrace, al fresco dining on the seafront, Caribbean menus or sushi at the speciality rum bar. Or your butler will always be on hand to offer a mojito or arrange a private dinner by candlelight. A world-class resort that is high on our list of favourites in the Caribbean, it’s not a surprise to hear that it’s won multiple awards.

Prices from £4,500 per person for 7 nights All Inclusive in a Sky Suite, including transfers and flights from London.

At Jade Mountain, expect grand sweeping views, with the iconic backdrop of both the Piti and Gros Piton mountains floating upon the Caribbean Sea. Rising above 600 acres of lush tropical forest bordered by two sandy Caribbean beaches and nearby pristine coral reefs, not only is this the only resort to boast this view, but the location offers a sanctuary where you’ll feel at one with your natural surroundings. Rooms are connected by bridges and seem to float out onto platforms – with the fourth wall entirely absent and infinity pools perfectly placed to frame the views. The Celestial Terrace is unbeatable for sunset drinks or stargazing, and menus designed by award-winning chef Allen Susser boast the freshest seasonal produce and bold Caribbean flavours. If this isn’t enough, guests have full use of the nearby sister resort Anse Chastanet and the restaurants and bars there, as well as watersports and two soft sandy beaches.

Prices from £2,180 per person for 7 nights in an Ocean Suite, including transfers and flights from London.

Set between a long sheltered beach and rainforest, Carlisle Bay is a contemporary resort in the south of the island, popular with British travellers. The grounds are peaceful and dotted with fish ponds, greenery and vivid tropical flora. Calm waters are good for swimming and watersports, and guests can spend their days on the beach or by the large curved pool. Get active with nine tennis courts or hiking in the nearby Mt Obama National Park, and enjoy grilled seafood, risottos, Asian flavours, Caribbean classics or the daily afternoon tea served on the beach. The variety of suites all feature balconies or terraces with day beds, and if you want to relax even more, head to the large spa for treatments.

Prices from £1,900 per person for 7 nights B&B in a Deluxe Beachfront Room, including transfers and flights from London.

Combining modern and classic colonial style, this stylish resort attracts famous names to the north of Antigua. With top-notch food and exceptional service, retreat to the resort’s 17 acres of tropical greenery for ultimate relaxation – and an 18-hole golf course only five minutes away. Facilities are wide-ranging, including tennis courts, gym, sailing, fishing, guided garden walks and non-motorised watersports, as well as the spa, yoga and wine tasting on offer. Rooms are scattered in blocks throughout the resort, with a combination of sea-facing cottages and larger villas divided into suites, all set amongst lush gardens. Clifftop penthouse suites and villas are your choice for ultimate privacy and luxury, complete with infinity pools. Families are also well catered for, with kids’ clubs and access for the children to the spa, along with multiple pools and beaches to choose from.

The Indian Ocean paradise of the Seychelles has opened to UK travellers looking for some winter sunshine on this cluster of islands. Read on here to find our extensive list of hotel recommendations for your travel over the coming months.