Written on 18^th December 2023

Avoid the Cold with Our Top 5 Winter Escapes

Looking for some last-minute holiday destinations away from the cold? 

Here at TAG, our Private Travel team experts have put together some of the best winter sun destinations. Fly away to somewhere hot and sunny, in Europe, the Caribbean, South Africa or Thailand, with beautiful beaches, exotic scents and exquisite food. If your idea of paradise is a winter holiday in the snow, we can also arrange some fantastic ski holiday suggestions to tempt you with.

Whatever your idea of winter travel perfection is, we can make it happen. Discover below our top inspirational winter travel ideas.

1. Tenerife

Costa Adeje, on the southern side of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is home to many newly-developed hotels. You’ll find great shopping (in boutiques and markets) and upscale restaurants, as well as plenty of sunny weather. Costa Adeje is a short flight away from the UK and great for families and couples alike.

We suggest: Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque. The only truly deluxe resort in the area, the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque is situated on a gentle rise overlooking the sea. The hotel is near to the town of Adeje in the south of Tenerife and within reach of the Teide National Park and the island of La Gomera.

2. Caribbean 

If you're on the hunt for paradise, the Caribbean are the perfect choice for you. Made up of more than 7000 islands, islets and reefs and breath-taking landscapes. Saint Lucia in particular is an Eastern Caribbean island nation with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast. Is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts and fishing villages. This paradise is particularly ideal in January, February and March.

We suggest: Viceroy Sugar Beach St Lucia. The first Viceroy’s luxury resort and hotel at St Lucia, the hotel is set within over 100 acres of pristine rainforest on the site of an 18th Century sugar plantation and in the embrace of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons. The lushly landscaped grounds sweep down to the stunning white sand Sugar Beach and the glimmering Caribbean Sea.  

3. Maldives 

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. Unrivalled luxury, stunning white-sand beaches and an amazing underwater world make Maldives an obvious choice for a true holiday of a lifetime.  This idyllic destination is a perfect getaway during the Winter. 

We suggest: Six Senses Laamu. A Luxury resort featuring a combination of on-land and over-water villas constructed of sustainable materials. Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, deep in the Indian Ocean. Just an inter-island plane trip from Malé International Airport and a short boat ride brings you to a place where dolphins swim.

4. South Africa

If you have time to go to South Africa and take in a Safari this is the best time to go.  South Africa offers the perfect mix of safari adventures, beaches, water sports, whale-watching and wine land tours.

Cape Town

The average temperature for the month evens out at 22°C (72°F). The month of January is perfect for swimming at the beaches near Cape Town. The waters are warm enough for swimming, wading or even learning to surf. The average sea temperature for the month of January is a warm 20°C (68°F).

We suggest: Twelve Apostles. This hotel and spa is an award-winning 5-star hotel ocean-front hotel overlooks the Twelve Apostles mountain range and provides free transfers to Camps Bay and V&A Waterfront.

We also suggest: Belmond Mount Nelson. Set in lush gardens at the foot of Table Mountain, the Belmond Mount Nelson is a landmark in the in the heart of Cape Town close to the bustling V&A Waterfront. This luxury hotel and spa provides a great base to explore Cape Town, with swimming pools, a sun terrace and an outdoor complex to enjoy the weather too. The Belmond is also great for families. 

Winelands

Venturing inland and upwards from Cape Town you’ll find the Boland, meaning ‘upland’. It’s a superb wine-producing area, and indeed the best known in South Africa. The magnificent mountain ranges around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek provide ideal microclimates for the vines.

We suggest: Delaire Graff Estate. Experience ultimate luxury combined with a unique blend of South African hospitality. The incredible views provide the perfect backdrop to our outstanding restaurants, state-of-the-art winery, exclusive Lodges, exuberant landscaping, destination Spa and luxury boutiques.

Safari

South Africa safaris have all the elements that make up a truly great holiday – stunning landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and fantastic accommodation.

We suggest: Molori Safari. Situated deep within the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province, the secluded lodge offers absolute privacy, while taking in breathtaking views of the Dwarsberg Mountains and the expansive Madikwe valley. Molori Safari also works closely with Madikwe Game Reserve in its rhino conservation efforts.  With only five suites, guests can expect an unrivalled sense of privacy and intimacy with the African plains. Boasting an extraordinarily personalised service and a lush, natural surrounding that showcases an abundance of game, the lodge will make your vacation one to remember.

5. Phuket 

Phuket is among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. Due to its close proximity to the Equator, temperatures vary very little during the year. January is in the dry season and the best time to go.

We suggest: Trisara. Set over a private bay on Phuket's north-west coast, each suite or villa has a jaw-dropping ocean view and private pools. Its Sanskrit name means 'Third Garden in Heaven', and its exclusivity and high-end luxury service more than live up to it.

6. The perfect Ski escape

Whether it’s an exclusive chalet in the French Alps or a snow-covered American bolthole that you’re seeking, we can satisfy your ski holiday desires. TAG is proud of our amazing portfolio of stunning ski partners, offering resorts, hotels or private properties, for any group size. We can also arrange all the extras that you could possibly need, including lessons, staff and adventure activities.

We suggest: W Verbier. The first alpine escape of W Hotels Worldwide, was named World’s Best Ski Hotel 2017 at the reputed World Ski Awards. Just steps away from the main Verbier ski lifts, it offers immediate access to more than 400km of ski, biking and hiking terrain. W Verbier Retreat mixes contemporary urban alpine design and the hottest W Happenings. The stylish 123 rooms and suites, each with fireplace, Signature W bed and private balcony are perfect for an intimate escape after an exhilarating day outside.

Let’s keep in touch

At TAG, everything we do is personal: we are here to listen to you, so we can design and curate your perfect luxury holiday. When you are ready to get in touch with our Private Travel team, feel free to share your wishes. We will get back to you as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours during normal working hours) and introduce you to your personal travel manager.