Top 10 luxury winter sun destinations

As the rest of the UK packs up the Halloween decorations and prepares for bonfire night, we suggest the best winter sun destinations in November:

Australia

Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Perth…In Australia, beauty is found around every corner. Home to the famous Bondi Beach, the iconic Sydney Opera House and a plethora of gorgeous vineyards, this is undeniably a location that’s worth the near-24-hour plane journey from London. 

The best thing about Australia? Their summer is our winter! The highest temperatures in the Land Down Under are indeed from November through to March, making it the ideal location for luxurious winter sun.

Where to stay: Longitude 131˚
Best for: Spectacular views of Ayres Rock

Morocco 

With temperatures rarely dropping below 20 degrees all-year-round, Morocco is the perfect destination if you’re on the hunt for winter sun without a long flight.

The popular city of Marrakech makes for an excellent family holiday as it is home to an abundance of child-friendly hotels, ultra luxury resorts and traditional riad style accommodation.

Popular attractions include souvenir shopping in the bustling souks, visit Bahia Palace, or venture out of the city and spend time in the Agafay Desert where quad biking, camel rides, traditional dinners and tented desert camps await. 

Where to stay: La Mamounia 
Best for: Grandeur and luxury; La Mamounia is the finest hotel in all of Morocco

Cape Town

Known as the culinary capital of South Africa, if you’re not going to Cape Town for the food, you’re definitely going for the beaming sunshine.

November through to February are Cape Town’s summer months and therefore the warmest time of the year but the weather still provides cool breezes that make climbing Table Mountain a lot easier than it looks.

While you’re in the South African capital, you’d be a fool not to visit the Shamwari Game Reserve to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most exotic animals. Don’t forget your camera!

Where to stay: One&Only Cape Town
Best for: Luxury spa break in the city centre

Christmas trees, carol singers, mulled wine and lots of presents - it's the most wonderful time of the year! Fed up of the British weather? It's time to escape and discover the best winter sun destinations in December: 

Dubai 

The city where too much is never enough! Dubai is the ultimate holiday destination, boasting the utmost luxury in the most extravagant way possible.

An ideal winter sun alternative to lazing days away on the beach, this stunning emirate boasts highs of 21 degrees in December, brilliant for avoiding the summer months when the 35-degree heat can be unbearable.

This winter sun getaway is fantastic for those who want to experience world-class dining, hit the boutiques in the Dubai Mall and admire the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper.

Where to stay: Jumeirah Al Naseem
Best for: Family friendly getaways with access to all of Madinat Jumeirah's restaurants and activities

Maldives

Nothing short of paradise on earth, the Maldives embodies the mantra of sun, sand and sea – especially sun. Boasting an average of 28 degrees all throughout the year, catching a tan couldn’t be any easier no matter what time you decide to visit. It's no wonder Maldives is a popular winter sun destination. 

The Maldives is inhabited by almost 99 percent of water, offering some of the world’s best beaches and PADI dive centres. Oh, and don’t forget the abundance of water sports and water activities available on the island.

From jet-skiing to snorkelling and sunset cruises to beach picnics, The Maldives is the ultimate winter sun destination for an abundance of holiday memories.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Best for: Ultra luxury private pool villas

The new year is in, you've eaten and drank way too much and the weather is at it's worst. There is a reason Blue Monday exists in January! So kiss goodbye to dreary weather and say hello to the best January winter sun destinations:

Barbados

When you say ‘luxury’, we say ‘Barbados’… the jewel in the Caribbean crown boasts all-year-round sunshine from January all the way through to December. The cerulean waters and powder-white shores are undeniably at their most beautiful during the winter months.

While the weather is a few degrees warmer in the summer, visiting in December, January or February allows you to avoid hurricane season and the influx of tropical storms that hit the island. So, grab your swimming costume, pack your passport and get ready to jet off to the wonderful island of Barbados.

Where to stay: Sandy Lane
Best for: World-class golf courses

Thailand

Thailand is famous for being a popular winter sun getaway. In fact, the best time to visit the country is between November to early April. Temperatures average around 36C and days get up to nine hours of glorious sunshine. 

Thailand suits beach bums and culture lovers, so it's a guaranteed hit. The lively city of Bangkok is a must for foodies. 

Those in need of a quieter break can head to the Gulf of Thailand where they'll find picture-perfect five-star beach resorts on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao islands. Jaw-dropping nature and beaches can also be found on the islands of Krabi Province. Heads up though, avoid Chang Mai from January to March as it's Burning Season. 

Where to stay: Samujana Villas 
Best for: Luxury villas perfect for multi-generational getaways

Known as the most romantic month of the year, February provides a good opportunity for romancing couples to book a holiday for quality time together. But with the weather still looking rather sad in the UK we showcase the best winter sun destinations in February: 

Bali

The beauty of Bali most certainly has to be seen to be believed. With temperatures reaching a high of 27 degrees from October to March, this Indonesian wonder is just waiting to be explored. Bali is a tropical paradise that won’t be overridden with tourists in the winter months, making it the best-kept secret for lashings of late-month sunshine.

With plenty of five-star hotels to choose from, you’re guaranteed to be treated like royalty from check-in to check-out – but resist the urge to stay indoors.

In Bali you’d be a fool not to try your hand at surfing at Kuta Beach, enjoy an adrenaline fix with the aquatic slides at Waterbom Bali or soak up plenty of culture at Batuan Temple.

Where to stay: W Bali - Seminyak
Best for: Exquisite dining - we recommend the brunch at Starfish Bloo

Mexico

There’s no better place to revel in sunshine while laying on a luxurious beach than Mexico. From Cancun to Riviera Maya, this is the perfect place for lashings of winter sun, incredible cuisine and plenty of adventure.

November to February boasts an average temperature of 24 degrees and tends to be hot during the day and cooler at night, ideal for afternoons catching a tan and evenings hitting the local bars for a true taste of tequila.

Mexico boasts a plethora of all-inclusive hotels too, so don’t expect to lift a finger from the moment you land to the moment you leave.

Where to stay: One&Only Palmilla
Best for: Culinary events including cooking classes and tequila tasting

Malaysia 

Sticking with the glorious Far East, Malaysia offers pristine white beaches, lush vegetation and delicious cuisine that can all be enjoyed underneath the stunning sunshine.

Whether you decide to reside in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Borneo or island-hop to all three, an unforgettable holiday of the highest standard is guaranteed. Beautiful weather is certified all-year-round in Malaysia, ensuring your winter getaway is void of heavy showers and blistering winds.

While you’re here, don’t forget to sample authentic dishes such as roti canai, chicken curry and an abundance of seafood for a culinary journey that’s out of this world.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Best for: A plethora of water sports and activities including Malaysia's first high-tech X-Jetblade experience

While you won't be guaranteed the same temperatures as holidays further afield, those looking for short haul destinations can still catch some sunshine during the UK's winter months. Here are our best winter sun destinations in Europe:

• Tenerife: Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
• Malta: Stay at Iniala Harbour House
• The Algarve: Stay at Conrad Algarve
• Sicily: Stay at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel
• Cyprus: Stay at Amathus Beach Hotel