7 hotels for a dream winter or spring escape

If you’re looking for a break to tide you over until summer, we’ve gathered a few of our favourite hideaways. Whether you’re ready to shake off the last days of winter or add a little spring (break) to your step, here are some of the best spots for a sunny retreat.

Swap winter blues for ocean hues in Mauritius

Start your year right by jetting off to an island paradise. March to April signals the end of the Mauritius’s hot and humid summer, and while there may be the odd refreshing shower, the temperature stays comfortably in the high 20s.

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas has a wow-factor setting on a secluded beach, just a stone’s throw from the aquatic wonderland of Blue Bay Marine Park. Aside from the location, we love the activities included in your stay – Creole language lessons, forest hikes and smoothie-making, to name a few. Don’t miss the Spice Spoons cooking experience, where you can rustle up traditional Mauritian dishes with a master chef.

Go for a good-value getaway in Thailand

Winter and spring are a dreamy time to visit Thailand as there's low rainfall across most of the country. We’re especially fond of crowd-pleasing Phuket, where both partygoers and relaxation-seekers come to play. Some areas, such as Patong, are a maze of neon lights and lively bars, but there are also sleepy beaches and hideaway hotels.

Have the best of both worlds at Marina Phuket Resort. This secret jungle oasis is a picture of tranquillity yet only a short stroll away from the urban buzz of Karon, so you can dip in and out of the action as much as you like. When you're not lounging by the lagoon pool or paddling up to the swim-up bar for an icy refreshment, you can feast on Thai cuisine in a trio of restaurants or venture out to sample local street food in the nearby night market.

Reset for the year in the Maldives

If your New Year’s goals need a boost, why not combine wellness with a tropical island escape? Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is a tiny speck in the South Ari Atoll, where you can keep up your fitness regime with laps in the azure lagoon and working out with a view in the ocean-facing gym.

Taking care of yourself is no hardship here; the sound of rolling waves accompanies your morning yoga session and you can tuck into fresh, tasty dishes in a choice of restaurants – we love the sublime seafood and sushi in Umi, the overwater Teppanyaki restaurant. But it’s not all work and no play – you can pamper yourself with a spa treatment, explore the waters on a whale shark safari or simply soak in the sun from your private villa.

Discover the Caribbean’s best-kept secret: Dominica

While Barbados, Antigua, and Saint Lucia might be the Caribbean’s headline acts, Dominica offers something more under-the-radar Known for its volcanic coves, hot springs and lush rainforests, Dominica feels like true Caribbean escapism. InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is our top pick, blending five-star luxury with the island’s raw beauty. Set between mountains and the sea, this low-key retreat offers farm-to-table dining at Cabrits Market and the chance to sip rum cocktails by a fire pit at the Rumfire bar – we recommend the ‘Black Pearl’, a heady blend of spiced rum, grapefruit and local sugar-cane syrup.

Dive into watersports in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is the place to be for winter sun. Cinnamon Bentota Beach is a stand-out, having not long ago had a stylish upgrade. Wander through its gardens, which spill out towards the ocean and river, or enjoy the revamped interiors with bold colours and hand-loomed textiles. The watersports here are top-notch, with everything from jet-skiing to windsurfing, plus the thrilling WoKart® for speed lovers. Fancy something slower? Try cinnamon tea tasting or coconut leaf art before venturing out to explore Sri Lanka’s temples and tea plantations.

Watch Madeira bloom in spring

If you’re after a shorter trip, Madeira is a great option for a warm-weather escape. The Cliff Bay offers a little slice of luxury with Champagne breakfasts, a renowned spa and Madeira’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Stroll around the pretty gardens that surround the hotel, cool off by one of the two pools or treat yourself to an afternoon tea on the terrace – once a week, music fills the garden as a violinist serenades you. If you'd like to see more of the island, stretch your legs on one of our walking excursions or take a trip into pretty Funchal to explore the cobbled streets, chic cafes and stylish seafood restaurants.

Snorkel your way around the Seychelles

If escaping to a castaway isle sounds like your cure for the winter blues, the Seychelles should be high on your list. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is an island retreat that’s surrounded by one of the Indian Ocean’s most biodiverse marine parks.

Spend your days snorkelling among colourful reefs, lounging poolside or hiking the island’s nature trails. Foodies will delight at the choice of eateries; there are seven restaurants here serving up everything from traditional Seychellois cuisine to freshly grilled seafood right on the beach. At sunset, head to 4th degree bar to bury your toes in the sand, sip on island-inspired cocktails and gaze at the perfect golden hour view.

This feature was updated on 2nd October February 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.