Winter Sun: Best Destinations for Sun-seekers

November 23, 2025

Winter Sun: Best Destinatiosn for Sun-seekers

When cold mornings, frosted windscreens and endless grey skies take over the UK, there’s nothing more tempting than a week (or three) of pure sunshine. Winter Sun Holidays offer the perfect escape: think warm oceans, long golden beaches, balmy evenings and that wonderful moment when you step off the plane and feel heat again. Whether you’re dreaming of a short-haul break to Europe or long-haul luxury in the Indian Ocean or Caribbean, this guide brings together the very best winter-sun destinations — along with hotel recommendations, travel tips, and why booking with Jamie Wake Travel gives you total peace of mind.


Why Choose Winter Sun Holidays?


A winter getaway is more than sunshine. It’s the chance to recharge when most of the UK is winding down into darker days. Warm-weather destinations feel quieter, calmer and more indulgent during the British winter — and with lower humidity in many regions, it’s one of the best times of year for outdoor adventures, beach days and exploring new cultures.



Whether you’re chasing 30°C heat or prefer gentle 22–24°C warmth, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.

Top Winter Sun Destinations for UK Travellers



Below you’ll find a curated list of the world’s most reliable winter-sun hotspots — ideal from November through March.

Canary Islands – Sunshine That’s Practically Guaranteed

Canary Islands – Sunshine That’s Practically Guaranteed

Only a four- to five-hour flight from the UK, the Canary Islands are one of the most popular destinations for Winter Sun Holidays thanks to their year-round warm climate. Expect temperatures around 20–25°C, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and beaches for every type of traveller.


Why It’s Perfect in Winter


  • Warm but comfortable temperatures
  • Great for families, couples and solo travellers
  • Resorts for all budgets, from boutique to ultra-luxury
  • Perfect for hiking, cycling and watersports


Where to Go


  • Tenerife – for beaches, great food and luxury hotels
  • Gran Canaria – for lively resorts and diverse scenery
  • Lanzarote – for a calmer vibe, art, culture and unique lava fields
  • Fuerteventura – for windsurfing and endless sandy beaches


Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations

Iberostar Selection Anthelia
Iberostar Selection Anthelia (Tenerife)


A stylish five-star beachside resort in Costa Adeje, combining family-friendly facilities with a peaceful, grown-up feel. Expect a beautiful lagoon-style pool, incredible dining, and direct access to Playa del Duque — one of the island’s finest beaches.



Perfect for: couples, food lovers and families seeking reliable luxury.
Why we love it:
 elegant design, excellent kids’ club and unforgettable sunsets.

Explore more Tenerife and Canary Islands offers with Jamie Wake Travel — we’ll help you build the winter sun escape that fits your style and budget.

Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa (Adults Only)


A chic adults-only retreat perfect for unwinding. Think ocean views, gourmet dining, spa days and quiet, romantic evenings.



Perfect for: couples wanting relaxation and privacy.
Why we love it:
 serene beachfront location and outstanding service.

Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa

Ask Jamie Wake Travel about customised winter-sun packages to Lanzarote, including room upgrades, VIP transfers and special offers.

The Maldives – Winter Luxury at Its Best

When people picture perfect turquoise lagoons and overwater villas, they’re imagining the Maldives — and winter is the best time to go. From December to March, the weather is dry, sunny and beautifully warm, with calm seas ideal for snorkelling and diving.


Why It’s Perfect in Winter


  • Consistent 28–30°C sunshine
  • Calm, crystal-clear waters
  • The world’s most romantic island resorts
  • Once-in-a-lifetime luxury — and surprisingly good value in winter sales


What to Expect


Every resort sits on its own private island, giving you complete peace and seclusion. Spend days snorkelling with manta rays, enjoying spa treatments over the water, or simply relaxing on powder-soft sands.


If you’re considering a tailor-made itinerary, our deeper guide to planning unforgettable holidays to the Maldives offers advice on transfers, seasons and villa types.


Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations

Kuramathi Maldives
Kuramathi Maldives


A superb island for first-time visitors, offering a choice of beaches, dining options and villa styles. Whether you want a cosy garden villa or an iconic overwater suite, Kuramathi caters to all tastes.



Perfect for: couples and honeymooners, though families are also welcome.
Why we love it:
 stunning house reef, exceptional all-inclusive options and dreamy sandbanks.

Let Jamie Wake Travel help you compare Maldives islands — personalised advice makes all the difference when everything looks (and is) beautiful.


For anyone seeking luxury without the premium price tag, our expert guide to cheap Maldives holidays reveals how to enjoy turquoise lagoons and stunning villas for less.

LUX* South Ari Atoll


A vibrant resort known for its laid-back energy, chic design and exceptional whale-shark encounters.



Perfect for: travellers who want luxury with a playful twist.
Why we love it:
 cool cafés, pop-up bars, meaningful experiences and incredible snorkelling.

LUX South Ari Atoll*

We’ll help you secure exclusive winter offers and ensure your Maldives holiday is as effortless as it is memorable.


Travellers who want to compare islands and plan in more detail can explore our full guide to holidays to the Maldives, which highlights resort styles, weather and travel tips.

Dubai & The UAE – Glamour, Beaches and Guaranteed Winter Heat

Dubai & The UAE – Glamour, Beaches and Guaranteed Winter Heat

If you want Winter Sun Holidays with a mix of beach downtime, world-class dining, shopping, culture and adventure, Dubai and the wider UAE deliver every time. Winter temperatures hover around 26–30°C with clear blue skies — ideal for both relaxation and exploration.


Why It’s Perfect in Winter


  • Warm, dry and sunny from November to March
  • Outstanding luxury hotels and service
  • Beaches, desert safaris, theme parks and fine dining
  • Great flight connections from the UK (approx. 7 hours)


Where to Go


  • Dubai – the glamorous all-rounder with beaches, malls, attractions and incredible hotels
  • Abu Dhabi – cultural capital with the Louvre, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island
  • Ras Al Khaimah – quieter, beautiful beaches, great value luxury


Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai


A stunning wave-shaped beachfront hotel known for incredible service, private beach access and spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab. With over 10 restaurants, spacious rooms and free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark, it’s a hit with families and couples alike.



Perfect for: families and luxury-seeking beach lovers.
Why we love it:
 iconic architecture, warm sea swimming, and fantastic dining.

Speak to Jamie Wake Travel for exclusive room upgrades, dining inclusions and tailored Dubai itineraries.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi


Set on one of the UAE’s most beautiful natural beaches, this resort blends laid-back luxury with sophisticated styling. Expect warm turquoise waters, sea turtles nesting nearby and a relaxed vibe perfect for winter escapees.



Perfect for: couples wanting tranquillity and nature.
Why we love it:
 Saadiyat Island’s untouched beaches and elegant design.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

We can help you build a tailored Abu Dhabi winter-sun package, including cultural day trips and private transfers.

The Caribbean – Classic Winter Sun Bliss

The Caribbean – Classic Winter Sun Bliss

If your dream Winter Sun Holidays involve swaying palms, soft white sands and rum cocktails at sunset, the Caribbean is calling. December to April is peak season, meaning the driest, sunniest weather of the year and that unmistakably warm island welcome.


Why It’s Perfect in Winter


  • Hot, sunny and dry across most islands
  • Gorgeous beaches and warm seas
  • Friendly hospitality and incredible flavours
  • Wide choice of islands — each with its own personality


Where to Go


  • Barbados – elegant, lively and great for first-timers
  • Antigua – 365 beaches, calm waters and boutique resorts
  • St Lucia – dramatic beauty, rainforest peaks and romance
  • Jamaica – music, food, big beaches and vibrant energy


Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations

Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Royal Barbados (Couples Only)


This all-suite, all-inclusive resort delivers exceptional luxury with a relaxed Caribbean soul. Think rooftop infinity pools, gourmet restaurants, butler-serviced suites and one of the best beaches on the island.



Perfect for: couples and honeymooners.
Why we love it:
 romantic suites, rooftop pool, and endless gourmet dining.

Ask Jamie Wake Travel for Sandals offers, including free nights, credit promotions and flight upgrades.

Hermitage Bay, Antigua


A boutique eco-luxury hideaway set on a quiet crescent of perfect beach, surrounded by lush hills. Privacy, tranquillity and warm Antigua service make it unforgettable.


Perfect for: luxury seekers and wellness travellers.
Why we love it:
 hillside pool suites, organic dining and peaceful surroundings.

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Let us help you compare boutique Caribbean resorts to find the perfect winter escape for your style and budget.

Thailand – Culture, Cuisine and Tropical Sunshine

Thailand – Culture, Cuisine and Tropical Sunshine

Thailand offers one of the most rewarding Winter Sun Holidays, combining warm 28–32°C sunshine with culture, adventure and world-class hospitality. From buzzing Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, winter is the ideal time to visit.


Why It’s Perfect in Winter


  • Dry, sunny and warm from December to March
  • Superb hotel value compared to other long-haul destinations
  • Fabulous Thai cuisine and warm hospitality
  • Great mix of relaxation and exploration


Where to Go


  • Phuket – classic beach holiday with plenty to do
  • Krabi – limestone cliffs, emerald waters and peaceful beaches
  • Koh Samui – boutique resorts, wellness and laid-back charm


Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations

The Shore at Katathani, Phuket
The Shore at Katathani, Phuket (Adults Only)


A serene collection of luxury pool villas overlooking a quiet stretch of Kata Noi Beach. Private pools, spacious villas and romantic dining create the perfect winter-sun retreat.



Perfect for: couples seeking privacy.
Why we love it:
 soft sands, dreamy sea views and villa-only luxury.

Talk to Jamie Wake Travel for bespoke Thailand twin-centre ideas — think Bangkok + Phuket or Chiang Mai + Krabi.

Rayavadee, Krabi


Tucked between dramatic cliffs and jungle greenery, Rayavadee offers an unforgettable escape with unique architecture, fine dining and one of Thailand’s most photographed beaches.



Perfect for: couples and luxury explorers.
Why we love it:
 dramatic scenery and exceptional service.

Rayavadee, Krabi

We can tailor flights, transfers and resort combinations to create your perfect Thailand winter-sun itinerary.


Jamie Says:

“Winter Sun Holidays aren’t just about escaping the cold — they’re your chance to reset, refresh and make memories in the sunshine while the UK shivers. Whether you want luxury, culture or total relaxation, we’ll help design a holiday as unique as you are.”


Jamie looks at  Winter Sun: Best Destinatiosn for Sun-seekers

Booking Protection and Peace of Mind with Jamie Wake Travel


Every holiday booked with Jamie Wake Travel comes with the reassurance of ATOL protection (where applicable) and Supplier Failure Insurance, giving you complete confidence from the moment you enquire.


We only work with trusted suppliers and reputable global partners, so your winter-sun escape is safe, secure and stress-free.


Why Book Your Winter Sun Holidays with Jamie Wake Travel?


Choosing a holiday is personal — and we believe your planning experience should be just as enjoyable as the trip itself. When you book with us, you get:


  • Personal travel advice from a real expert who listens
  • Tailor-made options based on your needs, budget and style
  • Exclusive deals and upgrades from trusted partners
  • Protected travel with ATOL and Supplier Failure Insurance
  • Support whenever you need it, from enquiry to return home


Whether you know exactly where you want to go or need inspiration, we’re here to help. Call 01495 400005, complete our easy enquiry form, or use our website’s powerful search tool to start planning a winter escape as unique as you are.

Send an Enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions: Winter Sun Holidays

  • When is the best time for Winter Sun Holidays?

    Typically from November to March, depending on destination.

  • Where is the hottest winter-sun destination?

    The Maldives, Dubai and parts of Thailand offer the warmest temperatures for Winter Sun Holidays.

  • Are Winter Sun Holidays expensive?

    They vary — Thailand and the Canary Islands offer great value, while the Maldives and Caribbean are luxury favourites.

  • Where is the closest destination for winter sun?

    The Canary Islands are the closest short-haul option for warm Winter Sun Holidays.

  • Is December a good month for Winter Sun Holidays?

    Yes — especially for the Caribbean, Maldives, UAE and Thailand.

  • Which Caribbean islands are best for Winter Sun Holidays?

    Barbados, Antigua and Saint Lucia are top choices.

  • Is the Maldives good for families?

    Absolutely — many islands have family villas and kids’ clubs.

  • What is the cheapest destination for Winter Sun Holidays?

    The Canary Islands and Thailand often offer the best value.

  • Can I book multi-centre Winter Sun Holidays?

    Yes — combining destinations is popular and easy to arrange.

  • Why book Winter Sun Holidays with Jamie Wake Travel?

    For expert advice, tailored packages and full financial protection.

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