All-inclusive winter sun ideas for luxury seekers
Hoping to escape a cold and grey UK? Get your fix of five-star treatment – and vitamin D! – at one of these opulent resorts
Going all-inclusive isn’t only for those wanting a cheap holiday. Aimed at guests looking to splurge on a luxury getaway, some of the world’s most lavish hotels offer package stays that include exceptional dining, world-class fitness and wellbeing facilities, and stylish accommodation.
And while intricately plotting a travel itinerary and seeking out off-the-beaten-track local gems is fun and exciting, booking an all-inclusive holiday has plenty of merits too. For instance, if you’re short on planning time, opting for a package holiday, where flights, transfers, accommodation, food and drink is all provided for, can save hours of research and booking admin. Having a renowned travel operator or resort sort all the finer details of your holiday simple and stress-free.
Of course, true luxury doesn’t come cheap, but choosing an all-inclusive package at a five-star hotel can often be great value, compared to booking every element of your trip separately.
And if you’re concerned about getting bored spending every day and evening at your hotel, worry not. Countless premium resorts boast several pools, dazzling private beaches as well as multiple onsite bars and restaurants. You’ll also find high-end spas offering superb treatments, sports facilities, yoga studios and so much more.
So, if you’re looking to beat the British winter blues somewhere utterly spectacular, we’ve rounded up our favourite all-inclusive winter sun spots for a luxury escape. From Gran Canaria to the Caribbean, soak up those wintertime rays in style…
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago comprised of ten volcanic islands that sits just off the coast of West Africa. The landscape here is a mix of towering green mountains, luscious floral valleys, and golden-sand coastline, attracting beach bums from all over globe.
From November to February temperatures sit at a balmy 22-24 degrees and there's a high chance of sunshine every day, so Cape Verde makes for a brilliant winter sun holiday destination.
For a big dose luxury – think exclusive seafront swimming pool, state of the art gym and chic bedrooms – book an all-inclusive stay at the Melia Llana, where a breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner, local-brand booze and soft drinks are all part of your package. Located on Sal, the most visited of Cape Verde's islands, the pristine beach and sparkling azure water here will leave winter blues long forgotten.
Gran Canaria
Despite being part of Spain, the Canary Islands are situated nearer Africa's mainland, with Morocco being their nearest neighbour geographically. As a result, the islands have a subtropical climate and boast around 320 days of sunshine each year.
Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canaries, has long been a winter sun hotspot thanks to its white sand beaches and balmy weather. Temperatures from November to February average at a comfortable 18-21 degrees.
Located in Maspalomas, a town in the south of Gran Canaria, the Maspalomas & Tabaiba Princess resort has tropical feel, with palm trees lining pathways and thatched canopies dotted around the outside lounging areas.
There are five alluring restaurants and as many bars, six swimming pools and an extensive spa. If you can tear yourself away from all this, take a day trip to nearby Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve.
Dominican Republic
From November to February, the weather in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean country occupying one half of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the other half), is at its most consistent and temperatures average at 30 degrees each day.
On Dominican Republic's easternmost tip is Punta Cana, a vibrant resort town with nearly 20 miles of white-sand beaches, all lapped by warm, crystal-clear waters.
Punta Cana brims with luxury all-inclusive hotels, one of which is the magnificent Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. An enticing swimming pool snakes its way through the lush gardens of this beach-front resort, which offers guests access to over 25 bars and restaurants in total. Fancy a pampering treatment? The on-site spa uses products by UK natural beauty company Pevonia.
Mexico
Just the thought of Mexico conjures up images of endless sunshine, breath-taking beaches and an abundance ice-cold tequila cocktails. Make this your reality come winter, which is said to be the best time to visit.
From December to March weather conditions in Mexico are reliable; temperatures sit at a manageable mid-20s and the sea is delightfully warm, too.
Located in Playa del Carmen, a town on Mexico's Riviera Maya coastline, The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences is a stunning all-inclusive option. Facing onto the Caribbean Ocean, the resort has seven pools, 11 restaurants serving a mix of global cuisines, tennis courts, a luxury spa and a dedicated wellness area for al fresco yoga, Pilates and meditation sessions.
For a taste of the area’s cultural heritage, there’s a Mayan Trail within walking distance of the hotel.
Costa Rica
Another brilliant winter sun destination in Central America is Costa Rica. Thanks to its tropical climate, temperatures hover at 27 degrees from November through to February. The driest month in Costa Rica is January thanks to almost zero rainfall and month-long sunshine.
For a proper escape from the daily grind back home, head to Playa Matapalo on the country’s north-west coast. Green forest and voluptuous mountains are the backdrop to this paradisiacal stretch of beach, which is home to hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica.
Overlooking the water, this spacious resort offers five-star facilities with a boutique vibe. Guests have access to a series of swimming pools (sit on one of the sunken water loungers to stay cool while sipping on a guaro sour), numerous dining venues, tennis courts and plenty of water sports equipment.
Morocco
If you fancy some calm before the whirlwind of the Christmas period, Morocco can offer a serene, sun-filled escape.
While most of the country enjoys sunshine and warm weather year-round, November offers temperatures of around 19-20 degrees, which are ideal for exploring and sunbathing without the sweatiness.
Five-star Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout perches on peaceful Taghazout Bay, which is located on the west coast of Morocco in an area best known for its sandy beaches, peak surfing conditions and spectacular sunsets.
This sprawling luxury resort has a private beach front, seven swimming pools (two of which are adult-only infinity pools), four delectable restaurants, six bars, a spa and a gym. For the ultimate treat, plump for a junior suite with private terrace and swim-up access from one of the pools.
St Lucia
This small but mighty Caribbean island offers more than just Instagram-worthy beaches. St Lucia’s UNESCO-listed Pitons (two mountainous volcanic spires) offer plenty of hiking and wildlife excursions, while the country’s cacao farms produce world-renowned chocolate and host brilliant tasting tours.
If putting your feet up on a relaxing winter break is top of your agenda however, St Lucia will deliver. With very little rainfall and temperatures reaching highs of 27 degrees in November to February, the luxurious beach-front resort of Calabash Cove is the perfect place to spend a week or two stretched out on a sun lounger.
A ten-min drive from St Lucia's vibrant capital, Castries, adult-only Calabash Cove has a private beach, infinity pool with swim-up bar, a handful of fantastic restaurants and a luxury spa. Accommodation includes suites with a sea view, balcony and private jacuzzi. Talk about splashing out...
Egypt
While Egypt has sizzling summers, it’s wintery months are delightfully temperate, making it a brilliant winter sun holiday destination. January is said to be the driest month, with minimal chance of rain and daily temperatures of around 21-22 degrees.
Sharm el-Sheikh, a city nestled between the Sinai Peninsula desert and the glittering Red Sea, is a popular spot for luxury holiday seekers. Sharm, as it's referred to by locals, has a charming centre, beautiful coastline and offers easy to access to the nearby sand dunes.
At the five-star Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort Grand Select, you can stroll along a private stretch of amber-coloured sand, dip in the turquoise sea and switch off in sunset meditation classes. There are 18 bars and restaurants, six pools, a jam-packed programme of daily activities and a spa complete with an Arabian hammam.
Sharm's coastlines are home to hundreds of coral reefs, which you can explore as part of the resort's scuba excursions, too.
Thailand
Start the new year in sunshine with a winter escape to Thailand. Peak season in Thailand runs from December to March, but January and February are known to be the driest months, and temperatures average at 28 degrees daily.
There are almost too many must-see places in Thailand: the street food markets and temples of electric Bangkok, the elephant sanctuaries of Chiang Mai, the spectacular diving reefs of Koh Tao… The list could go on.
If you're looking to enjoy Thailand’s serene side, however, a stay at Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa is just the ticket. On a hilltop on the island of Phuket, surrounded by mountains and leafy gardens, this modern resort has two infinity pools overlooking the Andaman Sea, several restaurants, a series of swim-up bars, and a peaceful library to sit back and devour your holiday reads. The on-site Jivana Wellness centre specialises in traditional Thai massage, too.
Dubai
With a tropical desert climate, Dubai is warm and sunny all year round. Roasting-hot summer mean it's best visited from November to March though, when temperatures will be a delightful 19-25 degrees (as opposed to 30-40!).
Dubai is the city with second-most five-star hotels in the world (London has the most), so, along with sunshine, you'll find luxury in spades here.
For an all-inclusive holiday you won't forget in a while, book a winter sun stay at Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites. This five-star hotel is located on the tip of Dubai's Palm Crescent and has views out to the Arabian Gulf as well as the city, including the the iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab.
All-inclusive guests can dine at the grand buffet restaurant and three à la carte venues, sip cocktails at the poolside and swim-up bars, and partake in stand-up paddling boarding, sunset yoga or a spot of tennis.
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