• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Wandering Carol's

Luxury Travel Blog

The Unpretentious Guide to Luxury Travel

  • Home
  • About Wandering Carol
  • Destinations
    • Asia Travel
    • Caribbean Travel
    • Europe Travel
      • Austria
      • Czech Republic
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Ireland Travel
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Wales
    • North America Travel
      • Canada Travel
      • Mexico Travel
      • USA Travel
  • Spas and Wellness
  • Experiences
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Romantic Travel
    • Sacred Places
    • Adventure
    • Solo Travel
  • Contact
Sunset Fili, photo credit Visit Maldives

5 top winter destinations not in the Caribbean

Luxury travel blog » Warm Destinations » 5 top winter destinations not in the Caribbean
October 31, 2017 by Carol Perehudoff

For an exotic touch and a lot of sunshine, here are 5 top winter destinations not in the Caribbean.

This post may contain affiliate links.

It’s time to think about a winter vacation, blissful islands and sunshine, but’s let get beyond the norm. For an exotic touch, here are 5 top winter destinations not in the Caribbean.

Top winter destinations not the Caribbean

 

Where to chase the sun in 2019

Oh, crap. Winter’s coming. It’s time to dream about sun-drenched flowers, the whispery rustle of palms in the breeze and of silvery beaches at sunset. Or how about that tantalizing smell of grilled seafood, the refreshing cold shock when you dive into an aqua pool, and the sound of exotic birds flitting through rainforests?

Sunset Fili, photo credit Visit Maldives
Maldives sunset, photo credit Visit Maldives

 

5 top winter destinations

Okay, I’m driving myself crazy. To further torture both me and you, until we actually get to a tropical locale, here are 5 top winter destinations to help plan your trip.

Maldives – A luxury tropical vacation

If anyone ever wondered about the power of Instagram marketing, tell them to talk to me. It’s due to all those bungalow-over-the-ocean shots, sea turtles and dreamy white beaches that the gorgeous Maldives is high on my list of top winter destinations.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of 26 natural atolls. Sitting on a vast underwater mountain range, with some 1100 islands altogether, it’s a top spot for 5-star resorts, diving, snorkelling and for its absolutely over-the-top white beaches, fish-filled reefs and lagoons. If you want to swim with the whale sharks, have a resort butler anticipate your every need and soak up some rays, the Maldives might be the top winter destination for you.

What sun seekers need to know about the Maldives

With so many islands in the Maldives it’s hard to know where to stay. Insiders say diving is better in the south while the north is best for snorkelling. For the ultimate in luxury sunshine check out elegant resorts such as Velaa Private Island, Six Senses Laamu or the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Sigh. Beam me up, Scottie. Now.

Beach photo, credit Tourist Board of Gran Canaria
Beautiful Gran Canaria, photo credit Tourism Board of Gran Canaria

 

Gran Canaria (Gran Canary) – An affordable winter destination

My biggest regret about living in London in my twenties is that I never took one of the cheap package deals from the UK to Gran Canaria, the third-largest island in the Canary Islands. Part of Spain, but closer to Africa, this volcanic island is a popular sun destination because of its affordability and varied landscape of mountains, lush ravines, deserts, dunes and beaches.

Outdoor adventurers can head inland to try canyoning, abseiling, hiking or even paragliding (but not me, because I’m a chicken). Or … you can just lie on the beach.

For a culture fix, the capital city of Las Palmas was founded back in 1478 after the Canary Islands were conquered by the Crown of Castile. Visitors can wander historic neighbourhoods such as La Isleta, enjoy ocean views along the Avenida Maritima and get their fill of lively markets, plazas and museums.

What sun seekers need to know about Gran Canaria

Tourists looking for a warm weather vacation tend to head to the sunnier southern side of the island. Popular beach destinations include Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras, where hotels, holiday apartments, outdoor activities and nightlife are all at their fingertips.

Phu Quoc, a top winter sun destination
Phabulous Phu Quoc

 

Phu Quoc, Vietnam – An (almost) unspoiled winter escape

The large Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc hovers midway between undiscovered and overdeveloped, but it still has a lazy feel, tantalizing beaches and plenty of remote hideaways. Located on the Gulf of Thailand at the southwest tip of Vietnam, this appealing island is a stone’s throw (if you can throw a stone 15 kilometres) away from Cambodia (which is part of the reason Cambodia thinks it’s theirs).

More than half of Phu Quoc is a national park, its interior a mountainous tangle of trails, jungle and waterfalls. Many travellers rent motor scooters to explore unspoiled beaches, but check your insurance details carefully before doing so. Taxis, or hiring a jeep and driver, are other ways of getting around.

Seafood is renowned here, and the market in the main town of Duong Dong is bustling in the evening and is the place to enjoy the freshest catches of the day.

What sun seekers need to know about Phu Quoc

Most hotels are located on Long Beach, an easy walk into Duong Dong, while some of the more upscale hotels are further out on soft sleepy beaches bordered by boulders and palm trees.

Many of the hotels offer airport pickup free of charge. Since the establishment of the Duong Dong Airport there are several flights a day from Ho Chi Minh City, as well as flights from Singapore, Siem Reap and – new this year – from Bangkok. My advice? Visit this top winter destination before it’s too late.

Top winter destinations Seychelles
Seductive Seychelles

 

Seychelles – a lucscious winter getaway

Anyone who knows this travel blog will know I’m a huge fan of Seychelles. This celebrity hot spot is a sought after honeymoon destination, an exotic escape that manages to be sleepy, seductive and sensational all at once.

An archipelago of 115 islands about 1500 kilometres (932 miles) off the east coast of Africa, Seychelles has a gentle tranquility and is one of the best winter sun destinations for 2018, a place where colourful fish frolic in translucent turquoise water and beaches are silk under your feet.

What sun seekers need to know about Seychelles

Mahé is the largest island, probably the most affordable and the capital city, Victoria, is there. La Digue is a charming small island where cars are nonexistent and the main form of transportation is the bicycle. Stars such as George and Amal head to private island resorts such as Fregate Private Island or drool-worthy North Island.

Top winter getaways, Maui
Marvellous Maui – Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Mark Kushimi

 

Maui –  a perfect winter escape

We need at least one island in the Pacific to make this list of top winter destinations complete, so I choose Maui. It’s lush, deliciously tropical, has great infrastructure and comes complete with volcanos, waterfalls, beaches, sacred valleys and pools.

The ocean views are definitely a draw as are water sports. Guests can stay in glamorous hotels, watch migrating humpback whales and hike up to the Haleakala Crater. Many tourists rent cars to drive popular routes such as the scenic Road to Hana through the East Maui Rainforest or the road to the wild northwest coast.

What sun seekers need to know about Maui

Many tourists head to West Maui, where vibrant Kaanapali is the main resort community and Kapalua is known for its upscale resorts. There is also the slightly quieter South Shore. Wailea is the primary resort area here, with deluxe hotels such as the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons Resort Maui sitting pretty on soft crescent beaches. As an affordable hotel alternative, condo rentals in Maui are a popular option for budget conscious vacationers.


 

So many sun destinations, so little time to vacation

This is only the tip of the melting iceberg. There are so many other top winter destinations worth a flight: Thailand, Bali, Fiji … I could go on and on. For more tropical vacation ideas read the Telegraph’s top 25 destinations for winter sun or visit my travel destinations page.

Category: Warm Destinations

About Carol Perehudoff

A former freelance travel columnist for the Toronto Star, Carol has won more than 30 writing awards and honours. A spa and luxury travel expert, she’s written for top travel publications around the globe.

Previous Post:Rocky Mountaineer destinationsCanadian Rockies train journeys: Rocky Mountaineer destinations
Next Post:Zip World Velocity Zipline, Wales – the world’s fastest ziplineZip wire at Zip World Velocity

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Culture Tripper

    Inspiring list–and gorgeous photos–Carol! The Seychelles sound wonderful, especially La Digue, or any island that is traffic free!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

luxury travel blogger wandering carol on train

About Wandering Carol

In my 10+ years as a travel writer and columnist I've seen the best of what the world has to offer and written for some top publications around the globe - and now my goal is to bring this expertise to you. For more blah blah blah, visit my
About page.

Book Your Next Adventure

Booking.com

Connect with me online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
Carol Perehudoff published in top media, logos for newspapers and magazines

How to Use This Site

  • Use the SEARCH BOX if you’re looking for something specific.
  • Click on the ‘DESTINATIONS’ tab on the top menu to see the countries we write about.
  • SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest articles and get tips to make your next journey inspiring.

Caribbean Travel

golden sand beach in Saint Lucia

14 Fun Things to Do in St Lucia

golden sunset in the caribbean

5 Ways to Budget and Plan a Luxury Caribbean Vacation

Paradisus Palma Real Beach, Dominican Republic

Paradisus Punta Cana and Paradisus Palma Real, tale of two paradises

Beautiful beach, affordable luxury Caribbean

Affordable luxury Caribbean – vacation tips and tricks

Welcome to this luxury travel magazine

Click around to find some top destinations and fab adventures - and put a spark in your life through travel.
Carol Perehudoff on the media, logos
Driving between Montreal and Quebec City

Explore! Quebec Road Trip from Montreal to Quebec City

A Fun Montreal to Quebec City Road Trip This 3-day itinerary from Montreal to Quebec City will show you a world of spectacular nature, outdoor adventure, great restaurants and places to stay in the gorgeous regions of Lanaudière and Mauricie.  Driving Time Montreal to Quebec City If you’re making the drive from Montreal to Quebec …

Inspiration

“Who says you can’t run away?”

Share

  • https://www.facebook.com/pages/WanderingCarolcom-A-Luxury-Travel-Blog-for-those-who-Love-to-Laugh/1503397106575455
  • https://instagram.com/wanderingcarol/
  • http://pinterest.com/wanderingcarol
  • https://wanderingcarol.com/feed
  • http://twitter.com/WanderingCarol

Copyright © 2023 · Wandering Carol’s Seeking Elsewhere Magazine · All Rights Reserved · Disclosure and Privacy Policy