If the prospect of facing the British winter weather fills you with dismay, then why not indulge yourself with a luxury beach holiday this year. There are some superb locations throughout the world where you can have fun in the sun all year round and where the average winter temperatures and hours of daily sunshine put a British summer to shame. Here is a brief description of three top class hotels where you can enjoy a week or two soaking up the sun.
Raffles Hotel, Seychelles
Set in an idyllic spot in the warm Indian Ocean about a thousand miles from the East African coast, the Seychelles archipelago was considered to be the site of the Garden of Eden. This reputation is quite understandable given the unspoilt seclusion and lush tropical vegetation of the islands.
The island of Praslin is home to the magnificent Raffles Hotel, a paradise within paradise with its villa accommodation and 24 hour butler service. Guests at the Raffles can while away their days lounging in a hammock on the beach or take a workout in the luxury gymnasium.
Children are welcomed at this hotel and activities are arranged throughout the day to help them use up some of their surplus energy. Whilst the kids are otherwise engaged, parents can take the opportunity to pamper themselves and spend a day at the spa indulging in one of the wide range of revitalising treatments.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Dubai is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, where skyscrapers mix with ancient souks and the heat of the desert is tempered by the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. The temperatures can be unbearably hot in the summer and the region’s facilities can be enjoyed better during the winter when the climate is more akin to a good British summer.
By Dubai standards the Ritz-Carlton is a fairly small hotel but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in style and luxury. It has its own private beach backed by luxurious gardens and swimming pools. The hotel has been designed so that every one of its rooms and suites has a balcony or patio with expansive views of the gardens and the Gulf.
As befits a luxury hotel of this calibre, guests can expect all the usual amenities such as a spa and top class restaurants.
The Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
The Rosewood Mayakob is beautifully situated on a number of small islands on the Yucatan Peninsula. The resort is fringed by a dazzling white sandy beach which offers hotel guests a wide range of water sports or the chance to simply unwind on a sun lounger under a palm tree. The hotel has a real touch of the Robinson Crusoe about it as the villas are spread over small lagoons and are surrounded by a mangrove jungle.
There is nothing primitive about the accommodation, however, as each suite has its own plunge pool, sun deck or patio and deluxe furnishings. Guests will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining as there are no less than five restaurants. In addition a daily bowl of fresh fruit is provided to stave off the hunger pangs while waiting for dinner.
Even a British winter can be bearable if it’s possible to spend a week or two of it in a location such as the ones described above. There are many other equally hot and sunny destinations where one can enjoy a winter beach holiday so why not get out the travel brochures and make your choice?
Photo 1:*erichph* ,Photo 2:Resorts Photo 3+4: IDEE_PER_VIAGGIARE , Photo 5: Don Riddle, Photo 6:Static Kitten
