Sometimes winter can get quite dreary, can’t it? Having the cold around you sink into your bones isn’t exactly good for the soul. If you’re looking for some quality time in the sun this winter, look no further…
Cancun
Cancun, Mexico is an excellent option if you want to get some serious sun this winter – you’d be hard pressed to find a more relaxing (and breathtakingly beautiful) location to chill out on white sand beaches and soak up some serious sunshine. The area boasts a unique cuisine, as well as over 30 different spas. Come nightfall there are some great bars and clubs to check out. Cancun has long been known as the perfect spot in Mexico to party into the night. Luckily, Cancun is also well equipped with plenty of places to recover and soothe a hangover. The Me Cancun Hotel has a particularly nice spa, Yhi Spa, which is a multi-sensory experience that will cleanse and purify the body.
Hawaii
No matter which island you choose in Hawaii, you’re almost guaranteed a good time – all boast tropical weather all year round. Go on wilderness hikes to waterfalls on the more rural islands such as Kauai and Maui, visit famed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and historical site Pearl Harbour on the big island, surf it up on the north shore of Oahu, and do some serious shopping in popular Honolulu. As for places to stay, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is a good choice – they boast one of the largest whirlpool hot tubs around, plus their inviting pools overlook the picturesque Waikiki Beach.
Majorca
Majorca has long been a favourite winter destination for us Brits. Located off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean, residents of Majorca (and lucky tourists, of course) enjoy roughly 300 days of sunshine a year. In addition to enjoying Majorca’s Mediterranean climate, history buffs will enjoy a visit to former military prison, Bellver Castle, a breathtakingly beautiful Gothic-style castle. Nature-fans are sure to love Cabrera Park, a wildlife reserve with over 150 different species of birds. And if you’re searching for a luxurious place to stay, you won’t go wrong with Aimia Hotel Port de Soller – it has 4 well-earned stars.
Los Angeles
Okay, so Los Angeles can’t quite compare to tropical destinations like Hawaii and Cancun, or even an exotic Mediterranean island like Majorca, but you will definitely get your daily dose of Vitamin D with sunny weather practically guaranteed all year round. Plus LA has miles of beaches to satisfy even the most demanding of beach bums. You can hit all of the tourist destinations from the movies, like Rodeo Drive (and Beverly Hills in general), Hollywood and Highland, and the infamously quirky Venice Boardwalk. If you’re looking for a place to stay, earmark the ritzy Loews Hotel, which is located beachfront in the adorable beach town of Santa Monica. Oh, and speaking of “ritzy” you can’t go wrong with the prestigious Ritz Carlton, located in the heart of downtown LA.
Be it Cancun, Hawaii, Majorca, LA, or the sunny destinations of your choosing, you don’t have to shiver this winter! Forget skiing in the Swiss Alps, it’s all about surfing in Hawaii – no need to bundle up when it’s warm and sunny outside.
© Amber Kingsley is has contributed to several travel blogs and sites. As a well-seasoned travel enthusiast she loves escaping winter weather by heading to her favourite sunny destinations. Although she doesn’t mind a ski-trip down a snowy slope she would much prefer sipping fruity cocktails by the beach during those dreary winter days.
