Top 5 winter sun destinations

What’s it good for: Cast away beaches, lagoons, and marine life

What to take: An underwater camera

Famed for its cast away-vibe (Fiji is also literally where the film Cast Away was filmed!) sunny Fiji offers you the ultimate island paradise. Thanks to its location in the southern tropics, this is a land of eternal summer where gorgeous palm-fringed beaches line lush green jungles. Steps away from the golden sand, an incredibly diverse underwater world awaits you. Naturally, snorkelling, diving and water sports are the order of the day, every day. Fiji is home to some world class resorts such as Yasawa Island Resort and the Intercontinental Fiji that offer great PADI dive centres and trained instructors to help you do just that. A little away from the main areas, an idyllic rural landscape welcomes you rolling valleys, mountains and countles tinkling waterfalls. Now, who’s ready to dive in?

What’s it good for: Three words; beach, beach and beach

What to take: A top notch holiday book to keep you engrossed on your sun lounger – on the beach at all times

So what’s so special about Mauritius, apart from addictive Creole music, a booming rum industry, a peaceful multi-religious demographic and the finest particles of sand in the Indian Ocean? I mean, really, apart from golf courses that make golfers believe they’ve died and gone to heaven, manicured resorts hidden within tropical coves and subliminal spa’s to send you into raptures – what exactly has Mauritius got to offer? Well, it’s also fabulous for family winter sun holidays, possessing child friendly shorelines and kids clubs that stay open late. So while you sip cocktails under a parasol, you rest assured knowing that your children are being thoroughly entertained. Oh and did we mention the beach! That’s where you’ll be eating delicious Mauritian cuisine, distracted by the hip-wiggling rhythms of the sega band.  Later on you and your family can watch the sparks from your beach bonfire crackle away into the starry night sky. Now, who’s ready to hit the beach?

Let’s make it easier while you’re here. Here are the destinations you should visit:

What’s it good for: Eating, chilling and being massaged to within an inch of your life

What to take: Your appetite. There are some fine eateries on Koh Phangan

Everything you desire from an island destination: peace and tranquillity, happy locals, exceptional food and a fascinating culture where massage is a necessity not a luxury. Koh Phangan’s days as a hippy-hangout are numbered, but as we already know, so many top tourist spots were once havens of the hirsute. One thing is entirely undisputed: Koh Phangan is a beautiful island with constant all-year round temperatures and an all-year round attitude to entertainment. This makes it a popular winter sun destination where quiet beaches exist in harmony with magical moonlit parties. And always the green shallows of the Gulf of Thailand are a pleasure to behold. Now, who’s ready for a red curry? 

What’s it good for: Shopping and Dancing

What to take: A hangover cure

After you’ve topped up your tan all day in your tropical paradise, what happens when the sun goes down? If you like to party through the night and recover in the morning on the beach – Cancun is your new spiritual home. Cancun is a winter sun destination world famous for its bars and nightclubs. Make a bee-line for Coco Bongo (trust us – you won’t regret it). The day afterwards treat yourself to a mellow cruise or some leisurely shopping. Then retreat to the white sand beaches of the glitzy hotel zone to enjoy the seafood on offer. And if seafood’s not to your liking there’s always a tasty taco or two to fall back on. Then rinse and repeat. Now, who’s ready for another margarita? 

What’s it good for: Rejuvenation

What to take: A sarong … de rigueur for all Goans

Why Goa? Because you’re different and you’re curious and adore all things Eastern and you deeply believe that there is more to life than the pursuit of riches. But mainly because your signature dish back home is Goan Fish Curry. Winter Sun Destinations don’t come more exotic than this, but what really makes this tiny region truly attractive to the sun-seeker is the soulful combination of Portuguese and western Indian attitudes, the mellow vibe of the locals and the beautiful palm fronds that bow down to the waves of the Arabian Sea. Goa is laid back and lush, spiritual and scented with bougainvillea and most importantly hot all year round. Now, who’s ready for an elephant ride?