With wanderlust rife and temperatures dropping, escaping to warmer climates has never been so appealing –here’s our pick of the best trips for winter sun, whether it’s working remotely in the Maldives or yachting the Aegean coastline
–
Summer 2020 has left a holiday-shaped hole in many traveller’s lives, and as the cold creeps in, escaping to a warmer climate for the winter has never been so tempting. From the mystical Maldives to Göcek’s rugged coastline, here’s our pick of the top trips for some winter vitamin D, each with a side of something special – whether it’s scuba diving in the Maldives or a castaway picnic on the golden sands of Turks and Caicos.
Winter Sun, with a side of ‘Work’
Following the trend of ‘Extended Workcations’, the luxury Vakkaru Maldives is delighted to announce its new out of this world ‘Work Well’ concept. For guests staying for 21 days or longer, the luxury resort is offering the blissfully inclusive residency package, including a number of luxury and highly useful features, such as a ‘Beach Boardroom’, ‘Vacay PA’, a health and wellbeing goal plan and Brain and Body Fuel inclusions for efficient working.
Nestled in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives is a timeless sanctuary intuitively designed for guests seeking unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences. A scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches, unique deep blue holes and spectacular marine biodiversity. The 113 beautifully appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect the surrounding tropical nature and Maldivian charms. Additionally, indulgent dining choices, a world-class wine cellar – home to a curated selection of fine vintage and non-vintage offerings from Old to New World as well as curated leisure activities and amenities create enriched experiences for everyone.
Winter Sun, with a side of Yachting
Amongst the up-and-coming locations for the mega-wealthy, the hidden coastal village of Göcek in Turkey is the perfect option for a luxury, hassle-free yachting holiday and quiet winter sun break. Offering high end luxury in one of Europe’s most naturally beautiful destinations and open all year round, the five-star D-Resort Göcek is surrounded by lush greenery, mountainous views and the warm Mediterranean Sea accessible from the only private beach in Göcek.
A favourite for both local and international yacht lovers and known locally as ‘yacht heaven’, the resort is located just a 10-minute walk from the spectacular D-Marin Göcek – Turkey’s safest natural marina set within a sheltered cove of unspoilt beaches, pine forests and many hidden islands. Guests of D-Resort Göcek can charter the resort’s own luxury yacht and visit Iztuzu, better known as Turtle Beach – a protected area just 45 minutes away where the majestic and endangered logger head turtle can be found nesting all year round. With 103 stylish rooms and 15 suites, a D-SPA, D-Gym, three gourmet restaurants and three bars and access to the only private beach in Göcek, D-Resort Göcek is the perfect base for travellers seeking a yachting holiday like no other this year.
Winter Sun, with a side of Adventure
The five-star and deluxe all-inclusive Emerald Maldives Resort & SPA, located on the Raa Atoll, Northern Maldives, invites guests to experience a sun-filled island adventure like no other this Winter. Taking advantage of the resort’s unique setting with a wraparound reef, boasting one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, guests can enjoy adrenaline-filled activities from kayaking and windsurfing to jet-skiing around the lagoon. Those looking to immerse themselves in the treasures of the Indian Ocean including thriving coral and tropical fish can take advantage of the onsite Diving Centre, with PADI qualified instructors. Further afield, luxury boat excursions provide a chance for families and couples to spend quality time together on the open water, on a once-in-a-lifetime experience watching diverse marine life in their natural habitat such as turtles, manta rays and playful dolphins. What’s more, guests will even have a chance to swim alongside the majestic whale shark, the largest fish in the sea, for an ultimate bucket-list experience.
The resorts’ signature deluxe all-inclusive formula, allows guests to potentially travel without their wallets: the package goes above and beyond the traditional all-inclusive offering, with unlimited dining experiences at each of the à la carte restaurants including Amazonico, the latest South American restaurant in the Maldives, guided snorkelling tours and boat excursions. Guests can also help themselves to the villa mini bar which is restocked every day, enjoy premium spirits and all non-motorised water sports at no additional cost. On top of this Emerald Maldives is delighted to be running a ‘Winter Sun Escape’ 20% off best available rate offer for guests booking to stay between 1st November and 28th December 2021.
Winter Sun, with a Side of Seclusion
As the world reopens, travellers will be enticed toward quieter, less-travelled destinations and, with the temperatures at home quickly dropping, where better than the balmy Turks and Caicos? Perched in the Caribbean’s most sought-after archipelago, COMO Parrot Cay is the pinnacle of privacy. Frequented by those seeking seclusion, the award-winning resort offers pared-back luxury with an abundance of villas and residences, including the new Two-Bedroom and Family Beach Houses – an idyllic escape for loved ones looking to reconnect after months spent in lockdown.
Flanked by verdant vegetation and sand dunes, each villa boasts large living spaces and alfresco lounge and decking areas, complete with private swimming pools and uninterrupted views of the ocean from their very own swathe of white-sanded beach. Guests may benefit from the personalised COMO butler service, on hand to arrange unique experiences on and off the island, from sunrise yoga lessons to castaway picnics, bespoke in-villa dining experiences and stand-up paddle boarding, or bring the spa to their villa with a bespoke COMO Shambhala wellness treatment.
Winter Sun, with a side of Culture
A historic and cultural destination in Marrakech and the perfect destination for some winter sun, Es Saadi Marrakech Resort has been graced by Hollywood glitterati for more than half a century. With names like the Rolling Stones, Yves Saint Laurent and Kate Moss passing through the doors, this hotel has been the epicentre of some iconic moments and offers all that visit the chance to experience this atmosphere.
From the moment you enter Es Saadi’s palatial doors, you are immediately mesmerised by the ambience of the place. Oozing a relaxed and cooling atmosphere, you ae greeted with a fresh mint tea and the view of the immense private collection of profound artwork from young emerging artists and renowned Moroccan talent. This, alongside ties with the Yves Saint Laurent museum, dance and language lessons, and tours of the nearby bustling Souks makes Es Saadi a veritable feast for the soul. For those looking to unwind whilst at the resort, Es Saadi is also proud to announce new dates for their Le Tigre yoga retreats for 2021, including dates in March and May. Set in an oasis of Moroccan splendour, the Es Saadi Palace offers 92 suites and 10 private luxury villas dotted around the gardens, as well as 8 Ksars (two-storey Berber-style cottages well suited to families) surrounding the pool.
For more information visit foxcomms.com