Best places for winter sun
Ten of our team's favourite places to keep the summer wardrobe in rotation
10 of our team's favourite places for winter sun
For travellers keen to stretch the daylight hours and keep the summer wardrobe in rotation, our team has selected ten winter-sun favourites that pair dependable warmth with characterful landscapes, thoughtful hospitality and the kind of journeys we curate every day at ASW Bespoke Travel.
Kenya
Kenya's coast in the northern winter offers warm, dry days and a distinctly unhurried pace. Think private beach villas shaded by palms, long walks along empty sands and dinners lit by lanterns and candlelight. Our team often pairs a few nights here with a safari, creating a journey that moves from big-sky wilderness to barefoot Indian Ocean calm.
South Africa
South Africa shines in the European winter, from Cape Town's vibrant food and design scene to the wide-open landscapes of the Kalahari and Winelands. We love designing itineraries that layer clifftop or harbour hotels with private game drives and wine-focused experiences in the valleys beyond the city. The result is a trip that feels both energising and restorative.
Vietnam
Vietnam's blend of storied cities, dramatic seascapes and hidden beaches makes it a compelling winter-sun choice. Wander Hanoi's Old Quarter on a curated street-food walk, glide through Halong Bay on a private junk, then unwind on a quieter island such as Con Dao. It suits travellers who want culture and cuisine alongside their sunshine.
Sri Lanka
Compact yet incredibly diverse, Sri Lanka packs tea-country hills, wildlife-rich national parks and Indian Ocean beaches into one island. In winter, the south and east coasts are particularly appealing for long beach days, surf and wellness-focused stays. We often design itineraries that move from leopard safaris in Yala to quiet, barefoot time on the southern shore.
Antigua
Antigua's claim to fame — 365 beaches — feels entirely plausible once you arrive. The island's winter season brings calm, turquoise waters, excellent sailing and a relaxed Caribbean elegance. Our team favours small, design-led beachfront properties where days are spent swimming, snorkelling and dining with your toes in the sand.
Egypt
Egypt in winter is ideal for combining ancient history with Red Sea relaxation. Explore the Pyramids, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings with a specialist guide, then unwind on a luxury Nile cruise or at a beachfront resort in Hurghada or Sharm. It's a powerful pairing for clients who want both intellectual stimulation and sun-drenched downtime.
Oman
Oman offers a more measured, culturally rich take on winter sun, with dramatic mountains, empty deserts and quiet coves. Stay in low-key luxury properties along the Musandam or near Zighy Bay, explore old souqs and forts, and take private boat trips to hidden inlets. It's perfect for travellers who prefer understated elegance over spectacle.
St Barths
St Barths brings a refined Caribbean atmosphere, with steep green hills, chic villages and some of the region's most polished hotels and restaurants. Winter is the island's sweet spot: sunny, lively but not overcrowded, with excellent beach clubs and fine dining. Our team recommends it for clients who want classic Caribbean sun with a European sense of style.
Tenerife
Tenerife offers year-round sunshine and a surprisingly sophisticated side to its beach resorts, making it a smart winter-sun bet. The island's south coast enjoys comfortably warm temperatures even in January, while Mount Teide adds a dramatic, almost otherworldly backdrop for hikes and stargazing. Our team likes pairing contemporary beachfront hotels with inland stays in historic towns, creating an itinerary that balances sea, sky and local culture.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago of volcanic islands off West Africa, known for long white-sand beaches and a clement climate through the northern winter. Sal and Boa Vista draw beach-focused travellers with wide, wind-swept shores and relaxed resorts, while Santiago and Santo Antão offer boutique stays, music and dramatic mountain scenery. It's an excellent choice for clients who want dependable sun without the crowds of more established Caribbean and Indian Ocean destinations.
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