9 Luxury Holiday Destinations for Winter Sun

9 Luxury Holiday Destinations for Winter Sun

Discover your next holiday destination, with travel tips and our top recommendations for luxury resorts where you can warm up this winter.

If you feel like winter means cold evenings and long nights, a winter sun holiday might be just what you need. Our top picks of travel destinations for this season offer luxury, comfort, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun. You’ll find what you need to plan the ultimate luxury travel itinerary. 

Lean into the luxury and enjoy a black sand beach on Lanzarote, or dig into a one-of-a-kind meal in Cape Town’s renowned culinary scene. And if you’re hoping to spend smart this season, you can find options for luxury travel on a budget as well. The only question: Where’s your passport?

Best city breaks for winter sun

Seville

Visiting Seville in the winter is a great way to see the city without crowds or the excessive summer heat. The temperature is generally mild in the Andalusian capital city, and there’s plenty to explore: Seville was once the cornerstone of Spain’s international trade, and the city center is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar palace, as well as the Seville Fine Arts Museum.

The old town is also known for its historic flair and stunning architecture, making it particularly popular for luxury travelers.

For an upscale getaway, you’ll want to stay near the heart of the city, and Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramón is an excellent option with a rooftop swimming pool and plenty of space on the terrace to enjoy some winter sun. It’s a quick ride from the Seville Airport, too.

Cape Town

Cape Town is an increasingly popular holiday hotspot for luxury travelers. As South Africa’s second largest city, it’s an excellent option for a winter sun city break, especially for travelers from the northern hemisphere looking for luxury between December and March.

Cape Town’s culinary scene has been the center of international attention in recent years, with fresh local ingredients and excellent wine. The city’s scene is quickly emerging as an epicenter for fine-dining with global influences. Taste the difference for yourself, and make a reservation at Ongetem, PIER, or La Colombe, one of the city’s most revered restaurants. 

You’ll find everything you need for a luxury winter sun holiday near the V&A Waterfront. But if you’re interested in leveling up your stay, book a room at the waterfront One&Only Cape Town resort, which is just 25 minutes away from the airport.

^{To amp up the luxury, Blacklane offers chauffeured Roll Royces in Dubai}

Dubai

Shopping, resorts, and a vibrant nightlife: Dubai is the top location for elite holidays year-round, but especially between December and February. While Dubai can be excessively hot in the summer, the warm weather is sought after by jetsetters after a sunny city break in the winter months.

The gulf islands were designed for indulgent holidays, and Dubai’s the perfect place to take in a little winter sun if you’re looking for a city break escape this winter.

If you’re interested in luxury resorts, you’ll find them in no short supply. But for a taste of real decadence, try Bab Al Shams, an oasis in the desert that offers desert villas, private pools, and a world-class spa and hammam. You won’t want to wait to unwind when you land, so be sure to book your travel ahead of time.

All-inclusive beach resorts for winter

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is a popular choice for luxury beach resorts at a more budget-friendly price point. While winter is the high season for tourism in the South East Asian country, the typical cost of five-star service remains much lower than in other sun-soaked regions, making it an excellent option if you’re looking for a luxury winter sun holiday by the beach.

You’ll find sophisticated lodging along the coast line in smaller towns like Hồ Tràm by Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to feel pampered, be sure to book yourself into the Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, where you’ll find five-star service, elegant villas, an organic farm, and more. The award-winning all-inclusive is just a short transfer from the Tân Sơn Nhất International airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Australia’s Gold Coast

Nothing says sunshine like a trip to Australia’s Gold Coast. While Sydney’s Bondi Beach might be more famous for many global travelers, the Gold Coast is an emerging destination for luxury travelers looking to explore Australia’s gem-like waters, endless coastline, and pristine natural splendor. 

For an upscale homebase, check into the Orpheus Island Lodge, where you’ll be able to enjoy all that the Golden Coast has to offer with a sophisticated touch. The boutique resort has 14 suites that face the Coral Sea, and you can get there from the Gold Coast Airport with ease.

If you want total seclusion on your luxury winter sun holiday, consider opting for Pelorus, a private island rising from the Great Barrier Reef. At this award-winning lodge, you’ll have 400 hectares to explore, all accessible by helicopter or private yacht. 

The Maldives

When it comes to beach holidays, the Maldives are hard to beat. The South Asian archipelago is known for its warm waters and white-sand beaches. Here, you’ll have your choice of luxury resorts even: The Maldives are known for delivering five-star service with breathtaking views.

For a memorable winter sun holiday, try an overwater sanctuary like Soneva Jani. At this exclusive resort, you’ll stay in an overwater island villa with panoramic views of the crystal clear waters as far as the eyes can see. 

Luxury family winter sun holidays

Lanzarote

If you want a luxury experience that the whole family can enjoy, look no further than Lanzarote. Like most of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote’s year-round warm weather is paired with breathtaking views and world-class beaches, making it the perfect place for a sun-drenched escape. If you visit between November and March, you’ll be treated to budget-friendly prices for a luxury experience.

Our top tip for families? Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes are some of the best in the world. If you’re up for an adventure, find your way to one of the island’s black sand beaches, which are spread across the island’s abundant coastline. 

You’ll find plenty of places to stay on Lanzarote, but families might be most comfortable at luxury lodging like the H10 Rubicón Horizons Collection, a seafront five-star resort on the island’s southernmost tip. Here, the whole family can enjoy the sun by the pool, or by the nearby beaches of Playa Blanca. 

Madeira

Whether you’re looking to relax or get active, there’s something for everyone on Madeira. Like mainland Portugal, the island is known for being safe and family-friendly, but with a warmer climate all year round.

Madeira is a popular destination all year, but it’s particularly good for a warmer weather escape between December and February. If you come to Madeira around Christmas, you’ll be treated to festive lights and firework shows to commemorate the season.

For a family trip, stay in Funchal, the capital of the archipelago. The city is close enough to explore the nearby attractions and nature reserves without compromising on luxury. If you want the best of both worlds, stay at The Reserve, a five-star resort with sweeping panoramic views.

Costa Rica

When it comes to family-friendly luxury resorts, Costa Rica is hard to beat. With pristine nature and plenty of resorts to choose from, there’s a good reason Costa Rica is a favorite vacation destination for celebrities and socialites looking to relax.

To avoid the rainy season, opt to visit Costa Rica between December and April, where you’ll find plenty of sun. Many of the country's premiere resorts have adults-only policies. However, your whole family can enjoy a luxury vacation in the winter sun at top-tier locations like the Hacienda AltaGracia and Casa Pericos.  Ready to book your luxury winter sun holiday? Be sure to book your airport transfer with Blacklane to arrive in comfort.