Winter holiday destinations that offer sun, sea and sand
Jetting off for some sunshine and relaxation when the weather in the UK begins to get colder and damper is always an appealing prospect. Here are just a few ideas for top winter beach breaks in exotic destinations to give you some inspiration.
One place that never fails to crop up in a list of the world's best beaches is the Maldives. This archipelago in the Indian Ocean consists of over 1,000 isles and as each of them is allowed no more than one hotel or resort, you can be sure of empty stretches of sand and plenty of relaxation.
From luxury hotels to beachside villas, holidays to Maldives resorts really do have it all.
While it would be very tempting to spend your entire break sprawled out on your towel soaking up the rays, you should make sure you go snorkelling over the beautiful coral reefs for which the islands are famous.
If this whets your appetite for some underwater exploration, you can learn to scuba dive during your holiday.
As well as enabling you to get a close-up look at some of the reef's inhabitants, you may be lucky enough to see manta rays cruising through the water.
With so many islands to explore, you may not want to restrict your break to just one, in which case you should book a multi-centre trip.
Not only will this enable you to visit a few different destinations in the archipelago, but it will also mean you get to enjoy an overhead view of the isles dotting the ocean from a sea plane that will transport you from place to place.
Another paradise island in the Indian Ocean is Mauritius and there are plenty of luxury resorts where you can be pampered and truly unwind.
Lounging on the beaches is bound to be high on your list of priorities and you will discover some gorgeous stretches of sand on every side of the isle.
If you are keen to go for a dip in the crystal clear water, you should make sure you visit Pereybere, a small cove that is described as one of the best spots for bathing on Mauritius.
Another stretch of sand you may be keen to see is Belle Mare, which runs all the way through to Trou-d'Eau Douce, where you will find a number of high-quality resorts.
In fact, holidays to Mauritius hotels here will give you the opportunity to sample some top cuisine, with a few of the restaurants in the area boasting Michelin stars.
One final destination you should consider if you are looking for sun, sea and sand is Thailand.
The south-east Asian nation has a host of stunning beaches, both on its mainland in locations such as Pattaya and the islands like Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.
Wherever you decide to book Thailand holidays, you are bound to enjoy a relaxing break, with plenty of opportunities to top up your tan. However, if you want to be active in between your sunbathing sessions, you will not be short of things to try.
The waters around Thailand are teeming with life and scuba diving is therefore a popular pastime. One of the best places to try this sport is around Phi Phi, which is part of a national park.
With so many wonderful options for a relaxing and luxurious winter break in the sun, you are sure to find something that perfectly suits your needs.
