Every winter, I’m always caught off guard by how long the days are filled with darkness. It happens every year, yet it still surprises me. This time, more than ever, I dream of renting a big, luxurious beach house and spending a joyful family holiday soaking up the sun.
During these dark winter days, one of my favorite activities is planning potential trips or creating fantasy lists of all the sunny and warm destinations I’d love to visit. Realistically, I might manage one big luxury trip a year, but in a dream world, I’d visit all these stunning beach locations.
On a dreary British winter day, here are the top luxury beach holiday spots I’m dreaming of:
1. Koh Samui
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, is located in the Gulf of Thailand. It boasts fine white sand, crystal clear waters, and secluded beaches if you know where to look. Here, you can simply sunbathe, sip cocktails under swaying palm trees, visit local Buddhist temples, or indulge in a spa day. It’s a great destination for Brits due to easy flights from the UK and affordable luxury, offering a lavish experience at a fraction of the cost of a European holiday. Plus, winter is an ideal time to visit Thailand.
2. Barbados
Barbados, an eastern Caribbean island, is known for its beaches, botanical gardens, caves, vibrant culture, and sophisticated holiday environment. Enjoy tropical drinks by the waves, hike through lush vegetation to the Farley Hill ruins, or spot celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow. Barbados is perfect for luxury family travel with plenty of large villas and beautiful hotels for the whole family.
3. Maui
Maui, a large Hawaiian island, is renowned for Haleakala National Park, featuring the island’s highest peak, Haleakala volcano. The pools and waterfalls of Ohe’o Gulch, accessed via the scenic Hana Highway, and unique black sand beaches add to its charm. The island’s 30 miles of beaches include the golden-crescent Kapalua, known for its calm waters.
4. Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya, a stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline in Mexico, is famous for its long beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and fishing villages. It’s home to various wellness retreats and yoga retreats, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5. Antigua
Antigua features bougainvillea-lined paths, beautiful villas, and amazing beaches. This Caribbean island, part of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, is famous for its sandy beaches and hospitable locals. Highlights include English Harbour with Nelson’s Dockyard, a marina, and the Dockyard Museum. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from Shirley Heights.
6. Fiji
Fiji, a South Pacific nation comprising over 300 islands, offers an array of luxury beach destinations. With pristine beaches, stunning coral reefs, and hidden bays, it’s worth the long haul flight for the tranquility. Explore rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife if you fancy a break from the beach.
7. The Maldives
The Maldives, an Indian Ocean nation with over 1,000 coral islands forming 26 atolls, is famous for its white sand beaches, blue lagoons, and beautiful reefs. This tropical paradise promises an unforgettable luxury beach experience.
8. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, a large island just south of India, boasts long coastlines and rich culture. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and the world’s oldest human-planted tree, Sri Lanka offers incredible cuisine and the chance to see elephants.
9. The Azores
The Azores, situated in the mid-Atlantic west of Portugal, are a lush, green volcanic group of islands offering a unique luxury beach destination. With average temperatures around 20°C, the Azores attract culture seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and surfers.
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica, located in Central America with coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, is known for its rainforests and biodiversity. Approximately 25% of its land is protected jungle. Enjoy the coastline or explore the jungle through hikes, zip lining, or biking. The country is also famous for its coffee and bananas.
Which luxury beach destination would you like to visit?