Luxury beach holidays 

13 destinations for a winter escape

Everything about Dubai oozes glitz and glamour – sunset drinks in the desert, luxury beach clubs, 5-star resorts. Then there’s the shopping. Dubai Mall is best for designer boutiques but Mall of the Emirates has its fair share plus an indoor ski slope. If haute cuisine is what you’re after, you’re in the right place. 122 floors up in the Burj Khalifa, Atmosphere is the world’s highest restaurant. With Dubai spread out far beneath like a living picture, this is the ultimate place for fine dining.  

Perfect if you want a shorter flight, the Canary Islands are a real winter treat and promise some unforgettable experiences. Head to Gran Canaria for the highest temperatures and white sand beaches like Playa de Amadores. Located in the south-west, this beach is known as the island’s sunniest. If you want to try black sand, visit the island’s east coast, particularly Telde. For time away from the beach, what about a wine tasting tour in the north of the island? If you have children to entertain – and even if you don’t – try a camel ride in the desert dunes of Maspalomas. The other islands also promise some truly luxurious experiences – how about a private sailing dolphin watching tour in Tenerife or a sunset cruise with champagne in Lanzarote?

Choose Egypt for guaranteed sun and a plethora of activities. Dive over coral reefs in the incomparable Red Sea, sunbathe in Sharm el Sheikh or visit the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza. However, for the ultimate indulgence, take a luxury cruise along the Nile. Shorter trips are available – and a night cruise is definitely worth considering – but a 3 or 4 night cruise allows you to see the Aswan Dam and the Valley of the Kings. While on board, don’t miss the Egyptian speciality, Tamr Hindi: a cold drink made with tamarind and sweetened with sugar.

The Dominican Republic is an excellent option for anyone looking for sunshine, relaxation and indulgence. When it comes to luxury resorts, you’ll be spoiled for choice but if golf is a priority, focus on the island’s south-east, where you'll find many of the best courses. From the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua to the private catamaran tours, the Dominican Republic not only promises luxury but adventure.

One of the most glamorous Caribbean islands, Barbados makes a perfect once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Don’t miss trying some of the Zagat-rated restaurants and, of course, exploring the beaches – there are over 80 white sand beaches to enjoy on your stay. Go to the east coast for wild, deserted seascapes and the calmer west coast for sheltered shores perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

Whether you want lively or laid-back, Jamaica is the place. It also has an extensive selection of 5-star hotels and resorts, both adults-only and family-friendly ones. Wherever you stay, make the most of Jamaica’s attractions by booking private tours to the likes of Montego Bay or even a private rafting trip down the Lethe river, followed by a limestone foot massage. 

Perfect for anyone looking for a luxurious, sunny getaway, the heat of Mexico’s sunshine is matched only by the chilli in its delicious dishes. Have a look at Cancún and Riviera Maya for some of the country’s best beaches. If you like diving and marine life, the winter months are a great time for a moonlight bioluminescence snorkelling tour.

For a small island, Mauritius offers visitors an exciting choice of luxury accommodation. There’s everything from boutique ecolodges to 5-star beachfront hotels. The west coast is home to the more sheltered beaches (most of which are raked daily). As well as perfect sunbathing spots, Mauritius is known for its stunning natural beauty: be sure to visit Tamarind Falls, the Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel and Le Morne, an enchanting UNESCO-protected mountain area.

With catamaran cruises, forest treks, private diving trips to uninhabited islands and visits to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin island, sun-soaked days on white sand beaches are only one facet of a luxury holiday in the Seychelles. Whether you’re after a barefoot-style luxury lodge or the plush comforts of a 5-star hotel, you’ll find it here in the Seychelles.

Consisting of nine inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, Cape Verde promises sunshine and adventure. The islands of Boa Vista and Sal make for particularly enjoyable luxury winter beach holidays. Not only are there miles and miles of sandy beaches but you can take your pick from activities including snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing, horse riding and even turtle-spotting. Check out Santa Maria in Sal for 5-star beachfront resorts, spas, fine dining and as many activities as you can fit in. For all-inclusive luxury, Boa Vista is an excellent Cape Verde choice.

The winter months are an ideal time to visit Thailand’s west coast. This is when the seas in the likes of Phuket and Krabi are at their clearest, making them perfect for snorkelling and diving. For discreet luxury and sublime views across the Andaman Sea, consider hotels around Kamala Bay. 

Volcanoes, white sand beaches, world-class surfing, Samoan fire dancers and hula, America’s 50th State is like nowhere else on earth. Honeymooners to Hawaii often favour Maui thanks to its 5 star resorts, but the more rugged Kauai’s coastline is just as appealing. One great thing about visiting in the winter is that it’s the best time for humpback whale watching, particularly in January and February.