Winter Sun Getaways: Escape the Chill and Embrace the Warmth
There are four seasons but two types of people regarding weather. On the one hand, the “cozy crew” defines happiness by being wrapped in sweaters, scarves, and fuzzy socks, enjoying the inwardness of the cold. On the other hand, we have the “sun seekers”. The ones that thrive in the warmth of summer blossom under the golden hues and only refer to the fourth season of the year to seek winter sun getaways.
There’s no correct answer to define comfort, but if you ever daydream about tropical paradises, sandy shores, sunny cities, and lighter clothes, we have you covered. For those wishing to trade the winter chill for sunshine, we invite you to uncover some of the warmest winter destinations that will fulfil your wish for an idyllic escape.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is no stranger to luxury travellers. This city is a shamelessly opulent architectural masterpiece, a jewel in the desert with an unmistakable skyline. Along with its luxury, Dubai offers a vibrant cultural tapestry and plenty of outdoor activities that mild temperatures allow you to experience fully — from visiting iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa or Palm Jumeirah to exploring traditional souks. Major events take place during this time of the year. The Dubai Shopping Festival combines all shoppers’ dreams in a month-long experience showcasing other cultures and providing cultural activities.
Temperatures:
Dubai experiences mild temperatures during the winter months, ranging from 18ºC to 25ºC, making it a balanced escape from colder climates without the harsh summer heat of the desert.
Where to stay:
Mandarin Oriental, Jumeira
Created by the award-winning interior designer Jeffrey A. Wilkes, the luxurious 250-room beachfront urban resort has spacious and sleek contemporary interiors with private balconies offering sea or skyline views. The Mandarin Oriental beachfront location and al fresco facilities were designed to bring a new level of casual luxury to the sunny city.
Bulgari Resort Dubai, Jumeira Bay Island
Bulgari Resort Dubai features sumptuous rooms and suites offering sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf or the dazzling cityscape.
Guests can luxuriate at the Bulgari Spa, one of the gems in their hotels, and indulge in treatments that draw inspiration from Eastern and Western traditions. This resort combines luxury with its secluded beach, chic poolside retreats, and the first Bulgari yacht club, delivering a quiet retreat close to the heart of Dubai.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Located in the city’s heart, the Four Seasons Dubai is, as the brand has accustomed us to, a haven of sophistication, comfort, and nuanced luxury. The premium location, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf, is its own postcard. Can you picture yourself sipping a drink on a private terrace covered by the sun’s golden hues? The culinary offers and the spa are guaranteed to elevate your experience.
Maldives
In the heart of the Indian Ocean lies what may be the most desirable destination for beach lovers. Whether for those who visited or still dream about it, these coral islands surrounded by turquoise waters live in our collective imagination. As winter unfolds in the northern hemisphere, the Maldives emerges as the ultimate tropical paradise. You can spend your days snorkeling among beautiful reefs, indulging in spa treatments with panoramic ocean views, and savoring exquisite dishes under the stars.
Temperatures:
From December to February, the Maldives tropical climate averages 25°C and 30°C. This period is marked by dry weather, making it an ideal time for water sports and beachside relaxation.
Where to stay:
Waldorf Astoria Maldives, Ithaafushi
After a 45-minute yacht trip from Velana International Airport, you will arrive at this luxury resort on the private island of Ithaafushi. Regardless of your choice, each of the 119 sumptuous villas offers a private pool.
Water is present in the mesmerising views, the world-class spa, and the aqua wellness centre dedicated to holistic wellbeing.
Among the 11 dining venues, you can delight yourself in the exquisite dishes of Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt.
Joali Being, Bodufushi
Joali is not just another stunning accommodation with perfect design. Staying at Joali Being is the first step towards a transformative journey. Joali prides itself on putting wellbeing into action and making it a way of life. Rooted in four pillars — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy, Joami commits to meeting its guests where they want to start, guiding them toward self-discovery and renewal. All services have you and your uniqueness in mind, combining ancient knowledge with modern science. Every detail was carefully crafted, from exhilarating adventures to soulful relaxation, customised nutrition, and interactive learning. Joali is an invitation to open your heart to the sea’s timeless wisdom and joy.
One&Only, Reethi Rah
Surrounded by the ocean’s wonders, One&Only makes justice to its name. Located in one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll, you can choose between 12 pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters dotted around the resort, or if you are more of a pool-person, they cover every kind you can think of — from adults-only to infinity to private ones.
The Villas overlook the ever-changing turquoise and golden hues, making it a living painting for you to contemplate. Deeper relaxation can be achieved through tailored wellness experiences that range from treatments to guided meditations, each inspired by the island.
If exclusivity and you go hand in hand, you can shop at the NEO Boutique, pick a garment from their capsule collections, and bring home a statement piece for your next sun-seeking adventure.
Doha
Doha distinguishes itself through a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Gracefully located along the Persian Gulf, the city emerges as an ideal winter escape envisioned explicitly to the taste of luxury travelers. Traditional souks like the Souq Waqif live side by side with futuristic skylines, offering a charming contrast that is the city’s signature.
The weather invites you to enjoy the city’s outdoors, like the iconic Corniche, enjoy private beaches, kayak through the Al Thakira mangroves, or go on cultural adventures to the Katara Cultural Village, where art galleries, theaters, and traditional architecture come together.
Temperatures:
Qatar’s capital benefits from mild temperatures from December to February, averaging 15°C to 23°C, delivering a comfortable climate for exploring cultural attractions and outdoor spaces.
Where to stay:
Raffles
Anchored between desert and sea, the Raffles Doha’s unique architecture will steal your eye long before you enter this luxury 5-star hotel. Curved majestically skywards, it’s part of the Iconic Towers.
Found by the water, it offers 132 suites, each arranged according to Feng Shui principles, and conceived as a sanctuary where you can cultivate long-term happiness.
Your stay is their priority, with all services tailored to that mindset. Butler assistance, in-suite multi-sensory fine dining and mixology experiences, and guided yoga classes overlooking the city are just a few examples.
Close to many attractions and a bustling entertainment district, you can balance relaxation and entertainment.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Doha
Whether you’re looking to briefly escape the winter frost or extend your stay in the sunshine, this Four Seasons has an option for you by offering luxury suites and residential comfort through expansive apartments and residences with a full kitchen and breathtaking city or sea views. Once you’re done enjoying your time, you can connect to the lively social scene at one of the seven restaurants and bars or relax at the Loulou Spa, beach, or pool.
Waldorf Astoria Lusail
With a prime location in the vibrant city of Doha, Waldorf Astoria Lusail provides guests with a lavish and memorable experience in the heart of Qatar’s cultural and business hub.
You can enjoy a private beach, explore the waterpark, a range of upscale facilities, including gourmet dining options and spa services.
The hotel offers suites with private balconies to breathtaking views and luxurious residencies, and villas feature outdoor living with a rooftop terrace and uninterrupted coastline views.
Seychelles
This 155-idyllic island archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, holds the title of perfect tropical paradise with pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dense green landscapes.
What sets the Seychelles apart is its blend of natural beauty and luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect haven for those seeking to switch the winter frost for sun-kissed serenity.
Temperatures:
The Seychelles maintain a tropical climate throughout the year. From December to February, the islands experience warm temperatures, with averages ranging from 26°C to 31°C, making it a great time to enjoy the dreamy beaches and try water activities.
Where to stay:
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Situated in sunset-facing Petite Anse Bay, all the resort accommodations feature sunken bathtubs and private pools nestled among the lush tropical hillside.
You can enjoy your days in the sun, learn about marine life, and do yoga at the beach. At the highest point of the facilities lies the Le Syel Spa, which will defy your perspective on wellbeing while offering spectacular views over Mahé, feasting your eyes with new shades of blue and green.
Raffles Seychelles
Situated on Praslin’s north shore, the Raffles Seychelles is a secluded tropical retreat for adventure seekers and ecologists. The resort prioritizes sustainability, employing practices like water filtration that led to alternative water resources, banning single-use plastic since 2019, presenting farm-to-table menus, and using hybrid power. The commitment extends into the ocean, where you can snorkel through coral nurseries brought to life in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society. Those more interested in staying on the land can feed rescued Aldabra tortoises residing on the facilities.
Six Senses, Zil Pasyon
Positioning themselves as story-doers, the Six Senses group carefully crafts accommodations to ensure you will return home with stories to tell. The Six Sense’s distinctiveness resides in being a luxury hotel with an approachable and emotionally intelligent service. For them, hospitality is less about a place to stay and more about spaces to help people reconnect and explore what it means to be mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally happy. You may tap into that by hiking and discovering nature, exploring water sports, or spending the day under the stars watching a movie in the Cinema. They ensure there’s something there for every sun-seeker, nature lover, thrill seeker, yogi, and foodie.
Elite Circle Concierge Members' Benefits
We are privileged to have partnered with all these amazing hotels and can offer our members preferential conditions.
Warmly welcomed with a bespoke gift, your mornings will begin with complimentary breakfast for two, wherever your travels take you. Our partner hotels whisper sweet secrets – a room upgrade, perhaps, or the gift of time with early check-in and late check-out. Monetary culinary or spa credits might dance through the door, leaving you breathless with possibilities. Every stay, a symphony of delightful surprises for Elite Circle Concierge members.
All you need to do is pick one of our membership options and start exploring the world.
