I think it is probably fair to say that this summer has fallen a bit flat, in fact the UK’s weather has been a bit disappointing this year in my opinion. We love a staycation and a beautiful UK break, but nothing quite beats that real hit of warm weather that you get abroad. Stepping off of the airplane and feeling the heat as you walk towards the arrivals hall at your chosen destination is a feeling unlike any other. For me, it immediately means I’m on holiday, ready to discover a new destination, try out the local food, relax by the pool or lie by the beach. 

With summer failing to fully materialise this year, we have found ourselves increasingly flicking through options for some winter sun, fearing a dark winter and lack of Vitamin D. From the Caribbean islands of Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and St. Lucia, to the Indian Ocean paradises of the Maldives and Mauritius, our eyes have been wandering. That’s why we have chosen three destinations to help with that hit of winter sun this winter, alongside a chosen resort, something that is indulgent and ideal, so that you make the most of your time away. We hope it’s a good starting place for your next holiday, but get in touch should you want some personalised recommendations.

1. Antigua

Beginning with a destination on the ‘green watchlist’ is a good place to start, it should mean a safer holiday for you as a traveller, always something we believe is really important to bear in mind (not just how happy the government is with testing, vaccination rates etc.)

Antigua is the place to head to if you are after a direct flight, a tropical climate and plenty of paradise-like beaches to choose from. There are in fact 365 beaches – one for every day of the year (find out more with our blog). The dry season is in place from December through to April and you should fly into temperatures well into the high 20s Celsius in the daytime. This smaller Caribbean island is relatively easy going with its restrictions on travellers, and this laidback approach is echoed throughout island life. 

Stay at the Blue Waters Resort & Spa for seven nights from the 10th January 2022 with direct London flights, transfers and bed and breakfast board for £2,075pp. We might have pushed the boat out to the more luxurious side of things with this first option, but we think it is well worth it, Blue Waters is an outstanding award-winning resort that many guests return to again and again!

2. Barbados

Barbados has long been a British favourite for winter holidays and it is easy to see why. The stunning west coast is full with golden sand beaches, the restaurants are excellent with delicious cuisine and there is also plentiful accommodation of a very good standard. Like Antigua it is also on the ‘green watchlist’; on arrival guests are PCR tested and need to stay at their accommodation until their result is returned (likely within 24 hours), providing this is negative you are free to explore the island! A day of relaxing at a stunning Barbadian resort seems like a pretty great start to a holiday to us…

We have numerous resorts which we love on this Caribbean island, ranging from adult-only properties to more family-focussed options. Similarly to Antigua the weather should be beautifully balmy from late-November through to late-April, meaning Barbados is a perfect choice for the festive season or a pre-Spring break.

Stay at the Sandals Barbados for seven nights from the 1st December 2021 with direct London flights, transfers and all-inclusive board for £1,968pp. This is an ideal choice for active couples, it is an adult-only resort with a whole host of inclusions from land based activities to watersports.

3. Grenada

The Spice Island, Grenada is another favourite for some winter sun. Your airline will drop you off in Grenada after approximately a 10 hour flight and for those who haven’t visited Grenada before, it is often an amazing first impression. Grenada is vibrant! Full of greens and blues, the flora and fauna is amazing. Full of rolling hills, mountainous topography and a tropical climate, Grenada is a brilliant island for those who want to lie on a beach but also explore a vibrant destination. Grenada is similar to Barbados currently, where a PCR test on arrival is required and ~48 hour quarantine is in place subject to this being returned as negative.

Stay at the Coyaba Beach Resort for seven nights from the 12th January 2022 with London flights, transfers and bed and breakfast board for £1,549pp. This is a peaceful resort in a beachfront location with great service.

We have touched on entry requirements to the above destinations, these were correct at the time of writing and based on fully vaccinated travellers, however it is imperative to check the FCO Advice, your destination’s official Entry Requirements, but also to discuss with your travel specialist. Do get in touch to start planning your dose of winter sun.