Chasing the Winter Sun – Top 5 Resorts

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, there are those of us who don’t wish for a ‘white Christmas’. It is sometimes necessary to jet off abroad to feel the warmth of the sun and break up the cold, harsh winter and relax and recharge. Starting off the New Year in a different climate can help to boost your mood and wellbeing for the year ahead. With some careful planning, a winter holiday can take you as far as you wish, or as near as you want, for the Mediterranean is still warm.

1) Kenoa, Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort – Brazil

Located in the west of Brazil in the State of Alagoas, south of Recife. The Kenoa resort is nestled away in Barra de São Miguel with a private beach and turquoise seas as the backdrop to a perfect winter holiday. The first wave of eco-chic hotels, Kenoa is, what they call, a hideaway holiday, an experience that is one-in-a-lifetime offering the best in non-intrusive but intimate service, luxury and relaxation.

Why you should go To recharge your batteries in a tranquil Brazilian setting and soak up the hot temperatures.

2) Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi – Malaysia

Hidden in the north of Malaysia and surrounded by the Andaman Sea, Langkawi island offers visitors a chance to holiday within a UNESCO Geopark with December/January temperatures reaching past 30c in the driest time of the season. Active adventures and outdoor activities are not to be missed, aren’t the amazing ancient healing techniques at the Geo Spa, making for a truly diverse holiday, cruise from the hotel to the uninhabited island of Pulau Langgun to immerse yourself in a pristine rainforest.

Why you should go  Natural beauty is the main attraction at the Four Seasons Langkawi, surrounded by cliffs, rainforests, green gardenscapes and the beach, this holiday is a faraway winter dream that should be brought to reality at least once in your life.

3) Pink Sands Resort, Harbour Island – Bahamas

The hotel is surrounded by lush greens within a bird sanctuary. The hotel has an old school old Hollywood vibe, as indeed Harbour Island was a favourite of many silver screen stars in Hollywood’s golden era. With pristine scenery, Pink Sands is 50 miles away from Nassau where you will arrive internationally before catching a 45m flight to what was voted the best destination island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas by Travel + Leisure 2015.

Why you should go Off-site activities such as a boat trip where you are dropped off to a deserted island for a picnic is a must-do. Luckily at this resort, doing nothing is also an experience, so sipping cocktails and skipping out on reef dives and deep sea fishing won’t be looked down upon.

4) Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah – Dubai, UAE

The glitziest part of the United Arab Emirates offers a lot to tourists who flock here in the Christmas/New Year season. The sun has cooled down but still offers winter sun lovers the chance to heat up with temperatures in the mid-20s. The Burj Al Arab, the most ‘luxurious’ hotel in the world, offers you a chance to recharge for the year ahead in the incredible Talise Spa perched 150 metres above the Arabian Gulf. With expertly crafted experiences with the most luxurious products, you will leave the Talise Spa feeling completely relaxed and pampered.

Why you should go Everybody needs to see Dubai at least once, and the Burj Al Arab is a must-see because the service, impeccable leisure and luxury are unmissable. You cannot technically get inside without a reservation for something, so a dinner night here is worth the visit.  

5) Txai Resorts – Brazil

Located near the colonial town of Itacaré, this chic resort has bungalows, beachside pools, incredible vistas, along with the Brazilian custom of celebrating life at any given moment. The shamash healing space offers treatments, wellness rituals from the ancient Near East as well as ancient Egypt. The treatments are blended with spices native to Bahia to stimulate and refresh your senses. Once the spices pique your appetite, indulge in the freshest fish and organic produce served by well experienced chefs just metres from the beach.

Why you should go With all of the Bahia cuisine, culture and music abound, the resort promises to take care of you whilst providing you with a unique Txai experience.

Words: Cleide Cardoso