Inspiration • December 2017
Chase the sun
Alicia Miller, assistant editor at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, picks her favourite destinations on the British Airways network where the heat will beat the January blues
Mauritius
With coconut palms, rainbow-hued villages and silky sands sloping to azure lagoons, Mauritius is the postcard-perfect tropical island. It sizzles in January, so stay on the breezy east side at swish Shangri-La Le Touessrok (pictured), home to two private islands.
Sun trap: Discover deserted beaches and Indian-influenced local cuisine on a guided cycle ride.
Marrakech
At year’s start, Marrakech’s squares and warren-like souks are gently warmed by rays, perfect for a sun-licked shopping break to stock up on pottery, leather purses or glass lanterns. Glam Royal Mansour hotel offers plenty of space in which to store your goods – you don’t just get a room, but rather, your own private riad.
Sun trap: The blossom-scented gardens of La Mamounia (pictured) house a pastry shop where you can down mint tea and date-studded treats.
Gran Canaria
Volcanic Gran Canaria’s rugged, mountainous interior – ideal for hiking and biking – comes into its own in January, when temperatures are skin-ticklingly warm rather than sweaty. Tackle the slopes, then retire poolside at opulent Grand Hotel Residencia.
Sun trap: Get down to the dunes at Charco de Maspalomas for a 10/10 sunset.
Malta
It’s only a three-hour flight from the UK, but even in winter Malta is drenched in sunshine. Soak up the cobbled, baroque environs of capital Valletta, then retreat to the serene walled Mdina in the island’s centre, home to regal Xara Palace.
Sun trap: Hop on a dghajsa across the harbour from Valletta to Birgu to feast on local fare at Tal Petut.
Seychelles
With coral reefs and powder-sugar beaches a go-go – and 30˚C January days – the Seychelles nails fly-and-flop winter sun. Stay at the Four Seasons overlooking pristine Petite Anse bay (pictured), and you’ll get epic hillside views, two restaurants and a near-private beach – everything required for ultimate relaxation.
Sun trap: Banyan Tree’s outdoor spa takes shoulder unclenching to a whole new level.
Barbados
Unscathed by this year’s tragic hurricanes, sophisticated Barbados has an endless supply of luxe hotels, chichi restaurants and celeb-studded beaches to fill your winter sun break. Top of the bill is Sandy Lane; with elegant white-washed rooms, golf courses (pictured) and a knock-out spa, it’s the queen of island hotels.
Sun trap: You can’t leave without munching a ‘cutter’ (fish sandwich) in the sun at Cuz’s Fish Shack.
Madeira
Mainland Portugal may feel chilly in January, but with sea temperatures reaching 20˚C during the same month, Madeira is a different world. You can lie on the beach, but explore too – tick off red-roofed Funchal, laurel forest hikes and visits to fortified-wine houses before settling into your room at ultra-modern The Vine.
Sun trap: Get on those warm waves – this is one of Europe’s finest places to whale-watch, with nearly 30 species to be seen.
This article has been tagged Destination, Hotels