Winter is well and truly in full swing but somewhere far from your padded coat and battered brolly, the sun is very much open for business. These are the best places for winter sun escapes this year.
In far more fortunate corners of the globe, sun loungers are beckoning, cocktails are clinking, and the sun is performing at full wattage. If you’re ready to swap grey drizzle for golden hours, we’ve rounded up the most irresistible winter-sun destinations – from the Seychelles to Dubai – to book now.
What’s more, there’s currently up to 20%* off these Hilton Luxury escapes.
In partnership with Hilton
Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Seychelles
Mango House Seychelles, part of the LXR Hotels & Resorts collection, is the kind of tropical hideaway that feels whispered about rather than widely known. Tucked into the lush southern curve of Mahé, the resort overlooks the tranquil, glass-blue waters of Anse Aux Poules Bleues – a sheltered bay that’s perfect for water sports and sun-soaking. Once the private home of Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri, it still carries that sense of artistic seclusion.
With 41 rooms and suites, many of which open directly onto the ocean, and a handful of suites with private plunge pools, it’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic hideaway. Interiors lean into natural textures and island-crafted details, think drift woods, linen tones, and a palette pulled straight from the coastline. Food is a standout here, with four distinct dining venues that take guests on a journey across the Indian Ocean. At Kokoye, expect Japanese-inspired plates served beachside to a soundtrack of the waves; Moutya brings a celebration of local cuisine and Creole flavours; and all-day dining at Muse channels elegant Mediterranean fare. By day, Soley is the spot for sipping cocktails poolside and ordering a light bite to the comfort of your sunlounger.
Days drift between poolside lounging, spa rituals at Anpe Spa, and adventures at sea, from kayaking across the bay, paddle-boarding, or snorkelling to exploring the marine life. While the resort’s intimate cove isn’t a sweeping stretch of sandy beach, Mango House makes up for it with a collection of pools, from serene infinity edges to family-friendly swimming spots. This is a sanctuary that feels both low-key and luxurious – and one to bookmark if you’re seeking a refined island experience without the fanfare of a mega-resort.
Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Set on the iconic crescent of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, this gleaming retreat is winter sun escapism at its most indulgent. Think 200 metres of powder-soft private shoreline, two temperature-controlled pools perfect for languid afternoon dips, and a dining scene that effortlessly shifts from barefoot-luxury to haute indulgence. Drift into Sunset 55, a beach lounge bathed in honeyed light, or head to LAO, where Asian home-style classics are reimagined with refined flair.
Every guest is paired with a Personal Concierge, orchestrating everything from off-menu cravings to last-minute desert adventures. Inside, the tone shifts to effortless luxury: oversized rooms and suites dressed in coastal neutrals, each one with a deep-soaking tub, a rainfall shower and a terrace or balcony framing either the ocean or the glittering Dubai skyline.
When the day calls for a well-earned spot of pampering, the Waldorf Astoria Spa awaits – offering nearly 50 rituals, from jet-lag scrubs to hydrotherapy circuits, designed to coax you into a state of relaxation. Families get their own kind of bliss, too, with kids splashing happily in their dedicated pool or heading to Coco’s Kids Club while grown-ups catch a moment on a lounger.
Conrad Rabat Arzana, Rabat, Morocco
Rising above the Atlantic on Rabat’s chic Arzana coastline, Conrad Rabat Arzana is a new contemporary palace that showcases Morocco at its most polished. Designed with a modern Maghrebi sensibility – arched walkways, sun-washed stone, serene geometric lines – it feels like a fresh new chapter for the capital’s quietly glamorous hotel scene.
Each of the 120 rooms and suites comes with a private balcony, best enjoyed at golden hour. Days unfold at an unhurried pace here: sink into the Conrad Spa, a vast ocean-facing haven where rituals borrow from ancient Moroccan wellness traditions, or drift between the property’s two salt-kissed infinity pools, both angled perfectly toward the crashing shoreline below.
The restaurant scene here is noteworthy, from 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant for sleek Japanese-inspired interiors, razor-sharp sashimi and views to match, to La Brise serving elegant French-Moroccan fusion. Just a short drive from Rabat’s UNESCO-listed medina and the Kasbah of the Udayas, this is the sort of coastal escape where culture, design, and winter sun collide – think of it as your elevated base for exploring Morocco’s capital, experiencing local crafts, or simply the restful fly and flop you need to recharge this winter.
Signia by Hilton Amman, Jordan
Set in the beating heart of Amman’s vibrant Abdali district in Jordan, this polished city retreat offers a refined perch from which to explore one of the Middle East’s most compelling capitals. Signia by Hilton Amman‘s interiors are modern, with a design-led sensibility that favours sleek marble and a neutral colour palette.
Luna Bar and Lounge, is the go-to spot for cocktails – indulging guests with sweeping city panoramas that stretch across Amman’s rolling hills. The very same hills crowned by ancient treasures like the Roman Theatre, the 6,000-year-old Citadel and the souk-lined streets of downtown. It’s a city of contrasts: chic cafés occupying the same streets as age-old spice stalls, cutting-edge galleries hidden behind unassuming doorways, and a restaurant scene that’s become one of the most exciting in the region.
The culinary line-up at the hotel spans six stylish restaurants and bars, including the sophisticated Insignia Restaurant and laid-back venues perfect for sundowners. For downtime, there’s the lively entertainment centre, Strikers, complete with eight glossy bowling lanes, and a serene Signia Spa where you can swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment of calm.
Lead image: Mango House Seychelles
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
*Terms & Conditions apply. Must be a Hilton Honors member. Offer available on weekend stays across participating hotels in Europe, the Middle East & Africa.
**Up to 20% sale offer applies to participating hotels only.
Any Questions or Tips to add?