5 high-end winter-sun holiday locations

1. EXOTIC ESCAPE

A sumptuous winter-sun sanctuary set in 231 hectares of palm, olive and orange trees will thaw your frozen limbs quicker than you can say ‘bring me a Casablanca beer’. We’re speaking about the Fairmont Royal Palm in Marrakech, which you can reach through a mere three-and-a-half-hour flight from London. Marrakech, Morocco’s ‘Red City’, is known for its dynamic markets and leafy surprise courtyards, and because Yves Saint Laurent remodelled the immensely Instagrammable Jardin Majorelle in the 1980s it has turned into one of the most stylish locations in North Africa (do not miss the museum committed to the French fashion designer). The average temperature in December hovers around a cool 14 degrees Celsius, optimal for checking out the winding souks, where you can find treasures such as genuine Berber Beni Ourain carpets, hand-blown glass wares, trendy ceramics and striking African furnishings. The Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, is easily located 20 minutes far from the bustling medina. Later on, soak your throbbing feet in the well-appointed spa, which is created like a conventional riad, and choose hammam rituals or massages utilizing local Argan oil– or if you’ve still got some energy, savour the sunshine as you make your method around the 18-hole golf course.

British Airways flies direct to Marrakech from London up to 12 times a week in the winter season from around ₤ 215 2. ISLAND RETREAT Made up of a group of 115 tropical islands located in the western Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is a 10-hour flight from London. As soon as you get to this spectacular location you’ll discover lots of sunshine as anticipated– the mercury rarely dips listed below 24 degrees Celsius. The elegant Raffles Seychelles is found on the northeastern pointer of Praslin, the 2nd largest of the granite islands, and a hassle-free 15-minute flight, or three-hour ferryboat trip, from Mahé International Airport.

It is likewise a sanctuary of calm– area on for a romantic trip if you’re a couple looking for to get away from everything. Settle into among their 86 rental properties, each with a personal plunge swimming pool and splendid views of the Indian Ocean, then head to the 150ft-long infinity swimming pool– the biggest in the Seychelles– or to one of the 6 dining establishments. However if you actually want to charge, put your feet up and let the 24-hour butler service (on tap for the larger one- and two-bedroom vacation homes) take care of you. Disappear and detach for a few days this winter season prior to emerging the other side looking fresher and stronger.

British Airways flies direct to the Seychelles from London Heathrow two times a week from around ₤ 320 La Griffe MGallery by Sofitel 3. CULTURAL GETAWAY Why not shake off the winter season blues with a city break? Rome boasts an immense wealth of art and culture, not to mention excellent food at every turn– and going to in winter season implies you’ll beat the busy swarms of tourists. The Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican City and Trevi Water fountain are all must-visits when in Rome, and they’re within walking distance of each other, so if you’re going to take advantage of your stay, place is key. La Griffe MGallery by Sofitel, embeded in an enforcing 19th-century structure on Via Nazionale, is situated smack in the middle of the Eternal City with everything right on your doorstep. The dining establishment, set on the ninth floor, has panoramic views of the city’s most popular areas, served with mouthwatering, genuine Italian fare.

British Airways flies

direct to Rome from London Heathrow, Gatwick and London City daily from ₤ 85 Read next 4. MEDITERRANEAN BREAK If you wish to lengthen the warm season, hop on an aircraft to Monte Carlo, possibly one of the most attractive locations on the planet. With the weather four degrees warmer on typical than in the UK, you can extend your summer long into September and October. The Fairmont Monte Carlo, situated in the heart of the Principality of Monaco and nestled in between the warm, blue-green Mediterranean Sea and the Monte Carlo Gambling Establishment, is the perfect place to lay your luggage. The hotel has a dedicated beach concierge (till the end of September) to help with booking sun beds or setting up watersports, plus there’s the world-renowned beach club, Nikki Beach, on the roof if you want to celebration while lolling in the sun. Don’t leave without attempting the black cod at the famous Nobu restaurant, and every evening from 6pm to 8pm it’s 50 per cent off imaginative mixed drinks from the bar’s mixologists, leaving you a little extra money to spend lavishly at those gambling establishments.

British Airways flies direct

to Nice from London several times a day from ₤ 68 The Park Lane Hong Kong, A Pullman Hotel 5. METROPOLITAN EXPERIENCE While the days are getting much shorter and colder, Hong Kong’s hot and typically uncomfortably steamy summertimes are cooling off pleasantly around completion of September, making it an essential location for winter-sun applicants. This city metropolis in south-eastern China is simply a 12-hour flight from London but feels worlds apart: the city fuses a colourful, abundant heritage with a hectic contemporary landscape teeming with culinary treats, design-focused architecture and a few of the finest shopping on the planet. Balance whatever Hong Kong needs to use by remaining in the city oasis of The Park Lane Hong Kong. Embed in the heart of Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s dynamic retail district, the flashy first-class hotel has rooms with views of the harbour, Victoria Park and the Kowloon horizon (it’s worth taking some time to explore the busy markets and street stalls). Book a table at Skye, the hotel’s fine-dining dining establishment on the 27th flooring, where you can sample acclaimed food with an unparallelled vista of the city.

British Airways flies direct to Hong Kong from London Heathrow daily from ₤ 450.