Best Resorts for a Winter Holiday Escape 

Winter brings a special kind of magic. As the days shorten and the air cools, many of us dream of Winter Holidays that lift the spirit, warm the soul, and give us something unforgettable to look forward to. For some, that means twinkling snow, steaming hot chocolate, and picture-perfect alpine scenery. For others, it means sunshine, palm trees, and warm evenings by the sea. If you can’t decide between snow or sun, the good news is that you don’t have to.

In this guide, we'll share some of the best resorts for a Winter Holiday escape, bringing you a curated mix of cosy winter wonderlands and blissful sunny sanctuaries - each hand-picked for comfort, luxury, and memorable experiences. Whether you want to embrace winter or escape it, your next adventure is waiting.

Why Choose Winter Holidays?

Winter is often the most underrated time of year for travelling. With fewer crowds, crisp seasonal beauty, and a wealth of festive activities, this is when destinations reveal something truly special. Winter Holidays give you the opportunity to reconnect, reset, and experience the world at a calmer pace.

You can glide down snow-covered slopes, watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky, or sip a cocktail as warm waves roll onto soft sand. Winter isn’t a limitation - it’s a launchpad for extraordinary memories.

How to Choose the Perfect Winter Holiday

Planning Winter Holidays can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming. With so many snowy escapes and warm-weather hideaways across the world, choosing the right destination depends on the kind of experience you want. The good news is that winter brings something special to every type of traveller, and a few simple questions can help narrow down your perfect match.

Do You Want Snow or Sun?

The first question is often the easiest: do you want to embrace the cold or escape it?

If you dream of snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and cosy lodges with crackling fires, a winter wonderland destination like Lapland, Whistler, or the Austrian Alps is perfect. These trips are ideal for families looking for festive fun, couples wanting romantic scenery, or adventurers ready for thrilling winter sports.

If you prefer warm air, gentle breezes, and soothing sunshine, winter-sun destinations like the Maldives or Tenerife will help you unwind completely. These are great for relaxing on the beach, swimming in clear water, and enjoying long daylight hours.

Consider Your Travel Style

Your personality plays a big part in choosing the right spot.

• Active travellers often prefer ski resorts with plenty of slopes and alpine activities.
• Relaxation lovers enjoy the soft pace of island escapes.
• Families appreciate resorts with children’s programmes, easy dining options, and accessible activities.
• Couples may look for romantic touches like overwater villas, private hot tubs, or peaceful spa retreats.

Thinking about how you like to spend your days will guide you toward the perfect winter match.

Think About Travel Time

Winter Holidays don’t always require long flights. If you want warmth without travelling too far, the Canary Islands are ideal. But if you’re ready for a longer journey, destinations like Canada or the Maldives reward you with scenery and experiences you simply won’t find closer to home.

Don’t Forget Seasonal Highlights

Every winter destination has unique experiences linked to the season:

• Northern Lights in Lapland
• Powder-perfect skiing in Whistler
• Christmas markets in Austria
• Sunset sandbanks in the Maldives
• Whale watching in Tenerife

Planning around one “must-see” moment can help shape your entire holiday.



With the right balance of comfort, adventure, and climate, your Winter Holidays can feel truly personalised — and that’s where Jamie Wake Travel can ensure every detail suits you perfectly.

Lapland – A Snow-Dusted Fairytale for Families

Lapland is where winter dreams come alive. Frosty forests, glittering snow, reindeer rides, and that unmatched Christmas spirit create a destination straight from a storybook. Winter Holidays in Lapland are perfect for families, couples, and anyone wanting pure festive charm.

Where to Stay – The Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi

Why It’s Special

Apukka Resort is known for its iconic glass-roofed “Aurora Cabins,” designed for magical Northern Lights viewing from the comfort of your warm bed. Surrounded by silent forests and Arctic adventure trails, this resort offers a winter wonderland lifestyle without compromising on comfort.

Room & Experience Highlights

• Glass igloo-style cabins with heated panoramic roofs
• Lakeside saunas and hot tubs
• Husky safaris, snowmobile rides, and reindeer experiences
• Restaurant Aitta serving Nordic classics with a modern touch

Apukka mixes adventure with serenity, making it ideal for unforgettable Winter Holidays filled with bucket-list experiences.

After exploring Lapland’s magic, you can discover even more winter wonderland escapes with Jamie Wake Travel’s curated Nordic and Arctic holiday offers.

If you'd like to understand the science behind the Northern Lights before your trip, the European Space Agency offers an excellent introduction.

“If you’d like to explore even more snowy escapes, our guide to winter wonderland destinations showcases additional Arctic hotspots perfect for Winter Holidays.”

Canada – Whistler’s Epic Alpine Adventure

Canada’s West Coast transforms into a skier’s paradise every winter, and Whistler remains its shining star. With world-class slopes and a vibrant village atmosphere, it’s ideal for beginners, pros, and après-ski lovers alike.

Where to Stay – Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Why It’s Special

Fairmont Chateau Whistler combines ski-in/ski-out convenience with luxury touches, outstanding service, and a welcoming alpine atmosphere. Its location at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain puts adventure right on your doorstep.

Room & Experience Highlights

• Rooms overlooking snow-dusted forests and mountains
• Award-winning spa with outdoor heated pools
• Ski valet and winter activity programme
• Fine dining at The Wildflower and The Grill Room

For Winter Holidays that balance adrenaline and relaxation, Whistler delivers everything in generous Canadian style.

If Whistler’s snowy landscapes capture your imagination, Jamie Wake Travel can create a tailor-made ski holiday package combining flights, transfers, and lift passes.

For travellers inspired by Whistler, our roundup of the top ski resorts in North America highlights even more destinations ideal for winter sports.

Austria – A Charming Alpine Classic

Few places deliver winter charm like Austria. With wooden chalets, festive markets, and slopes wrapped in snow, the Austrian Alps are ideal for cosy yet active Winter Holidays.

Where to Stay – Hotel Edelweiss, Obergurgl

Why It’s Special

Set in one of the Alps’ most snow-sure villages, Hotel Edelweiss blends sophistication with authentic alpine warmth. Guests return year after year for the friendly service, gourmet cuisine, and sensational slope access.

Room & Experience Highlights

• Elegant Tyrolean-style rooms with mountain views
• Ski-in/ski-out location
• Extensive spa with pools, saunas, and relaxation zones
• Creative tasting menus and regional dishes

Austrian Winter Holidays are all about comfort, mountain culture, and that irresistible alpine hospitality.

Jamie Wake Travel can help you explore Austria’s many gems, from beginner-friendly resorts to luxurious spa retreats in the mountains.

If you’re new to skiing, our guide to the best ski resorts for beginners is a helpful companion for planning a confidence-building alpine escape.

Winter Packing Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Packing for Winter Holidays can be surprisingly simple when you know exactly what you’ll need. Whether you’re headed somewhere snowy or somewhere sunny, a little planning helps you travel comfortably and confidently.

Packing for Snowy Destinations

If you’re travelling to Lapland, Whistler, or the Austrian Alps, temperatures can range from chilly to extremely cold. Layers are essential.

What to Bring

• Base layers to trap warmth
• A thermal mid-layer
• A waterproof outer jacket
• Insulated gloves and hats
• Waterproof boots with good grip
• Ski socks or thermal socks
• Neck warmers (better than scarves in windy weather)

If you’re skiing, it’s worth investing in good-quality goggles and gloves. Resorts often allow equipment rental, but personal accessories ensure comfort in all conditions.

Packing for Winter-Sun Destinations

If your Winter Holidays take you somewhere warm, packing becomes beautifully simple.

Essentials Include:

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimwear
• Sun protection (SPF 30+)
• Breathable footwear
• Evening outfits for dining
• Light jumper for cooler nights

It’s also helpful to bring a small medical kit with seasickness tablets, plasters, and electrolytes — ideal for beach days and boat trips.

Smart Travel Extras for Any Destination

No matter where you travel, these items make life easier:

• Reusable water bottle
• Portable charger
• Travel insurance documents
• Copies of passports
• European plug adapters or international plugs
• A small day bag for excursions

With the right preparation, your Winter Holidays become smoother, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable — leaving you to focus on making memories instead of managing luggage.

Maldives – Sunlit Bliss in the Heart of Winter

When temperatures drop at home, few escapes feel as indulgent as swapping coats for swimsuits. The Maldives delivers instant warmth, turquoise seas, and barefoot luxury—perfect for a sunny twist on Winter Holidays.

Where to Stay – Kuramathi Maldives

Why It’s Special

Kuramathi is one of the Maldives’ most versatile island resorts, offering romantic hideaways, family-friendly facilities, and spectacular natural beauty. Its long sandbank becomes the perfect sunset-watching spot.

 Room & Experience Highlights

• Water villas and beach bungalows
• 6km of white beach and clear lagoon
• 12 dining venues including island-to-table cuisine
• Excellent snorkelling and eco-marine centre

Winter Holidays here mean warm seas, colourful reefs, and afternoons spent drifting between beach, spa, and bar.



Jamie Wake Travel can tailor your Maldives island escape, from seaplane transfers to room upgrades and special treats.

Tenerife – Sunshine Without the Long Haul

Closer to home, Tenerife is one of Europe’s most dependable winter-sun destinations. With temperatures around 20–25°C even in midwinter, the island offers the ideal mix of warmth, relaxation, and affordability.

Where to Stay – Bahia del Duque, Costa Adeje

Why It’s Special

This elegant beachfront resort resembles a Canarian village built with luxury in mind. Lush gardens, colourful pathways, and direct beach access create a calm, uplifting setting.

Room & Experience Highlights

• Bright, airy rooms with ocean or garden views
• Multiple pools and serene wellness centre
• Impeccable restaurants including Michelin-inspired menus
• Access to golden-sand Playa del Duque

Tenerife proves that Winter Holidays don’t have to be long-haul to feel extraordinary.



Explore more winter-sun deals with Jamie Wake Travel to find resorts that match your mood, budget, and travel style.

Making the Most of Your Winter Holiday

A winter escape is more than a trip — it’s a moment to reset, switch off, and do what makes you feel alive. Whether you’ve chosen snow or sunshine, a few thoughtful touches can elevate your entire experience.

Embrace Local Flavours

One of the joys of travelling in winter is discovering seasonal dishes that warm the soul or refresh the senses.

• In Austria, try hearty goulash and apple strudel.
• In Lapland, taste reindeer stew and cloudberry desserts.
• In Tenerife, enjoy fresh seafood and papas arrugadas.
• In the Maldives, savour aromatic curries and tropical fruit.

Food connects you to the culture — and in winter, it often becomes part of the comfort.

Slow Down and Savour Your Surroundings

Winter Holidays naturally encourage a slower pace. Snowy destinations invite you to enjoy quiet walks and serene landscapes, while tropical islands invite long evenings by the water. Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty around you.

Try Something New

Winter travel brings unique opportunities you won’t find in other seasons. You could sail across a frozen lake, snorkel with manta rays, take a scenic gondola ride, or watch a golden sunset from a private beach. New experiences add spark and joy to your holiday, creating memories that last far beyond the season.

Capture the Moments

Whether it’s Northern Lights dancing overhead or the perfect reflection on calm turquoise water, winter destinations offer striking photography moments. Bring a camera or use your phone wisely — a few well-timed shots can become treasured reminders of your adventure.

By embracing the rhythm of the season and the spirit of discovery, your Winter Holidays become richer and more meaningful — and every moment becomes part of the story you’ll remember.

Looking for something a little different? Our feature on underrated winter destinations offers alternative ideas that still deliver plenty of seasonal charm.

Jamie Says:

“Whether you’re dreaming of deep snow or warm sunshine, there’s a Winter Holiday out there that feels made just for you. My team and I take the time to understand what makes your ideal getaway unique, so we can help you choose the right resort, the right month, and the right experience—all with the reassurance of ATOL protection and trusted travel partners.”

Booking With Confidence

When you book your Winter Holidays with Jamie Wake Travel, you benefit from:

• ATOL protection for peace of mind
• Supplier Failure Insurance
• Expert, independent advice
• Tailored planning based on your personal travel style
• Support before, during, and after your holiday

Your adventure is protected from the moment you enquire.

Why Book Your Winter Holiday With Jamie Wake Travel?

Choosing the right winter escape is easier when someone listens to what you want—whether that’s snow, sunshine, or a blend of both. At Jamie Wake Travel, we believe every holiday should be as unique as you are. Our personalised service helps you compare resorts, choose the best flights, and add meaningful touches that turn a trip into a memory.

If you’d like help planning your Winter Holidays, you can reach us on 01495 400005, use our online enquiry form, or explore the website’s smart search tool to build a tailor-made escape crafted around your wishes.



So, where will winter take you?

Frequently Asked Questions: Winter Holidays