Eight Winter Warmers

Maldives (pictured above)
Baros Maldives Hotel
The pursuit of winter sun is, in essence, pure escapism – escaping the relentless grind of the office, escaping London’s urban jungle and, most of all, escaping a season so bleak and grey we have to invent acronyms for the feelings of hopelessness and misery it causes. For the ultimate relief from the British winter, then, cast yourself away on a remote desert island paradise with all the luxury trappings to match. The incredible Baros Maldives hotel, on a small private island in the North Male atoll, should fit the bill nicely. Secluded, palm-thatched villas overlook a glistening blue lagoon – some of the villas are on the water, with private sundecks and steps leading straight into the lagoon, while others are set in flower glades and tropical vegetation by the beach. An on-site Padi diving school, a spa and several restaurants complete the package. If there’s a single drawback, it’s having to go home at the end.
slh.com/baros

Portugal
Blue & Green Vilalara

 

 

You don’t have to fly halfway around the world to find a dose of sun while the UK freezes. Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coast has a mild year-round climate and clear, azure seas. The Vilalara Thalassa Resort is a five-star hotel and spa set in 29 acres of lush gardens on the Praia das Gaivotas cliff overlooking the secluded beach. This stunning resort has one of the world’s finest thalassotherapy and spa centres, offering more than 40 treatment rooms, two restaurants and four seawater pools, one of which is heated. The quiet, sheltered beach can be reached from the hotel via steps, or admired from the restaurant terrace. 

slh.com/vilalara

Costa Rica
Nayara

 

 

 

 

Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano is home to some of the most remarkable sights and scenery in a country not exactly short of natural beauty. Nestled at the foot of the volcano (currently in an indefinite resting phase), Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, consistently named one of the most romantic hotels in the world, is a mesmerising and tranquil oasis surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of lush tropical rainforest. Comprising 44 large casitas, all of which have breathtaking views of the volcano and private Jacuzzi tubs, the hotel also has a spa perched high above the rainforest, a restaurant serving gourmet international cuisine with a local flair, and a fabulous wine-tasting bar. Hire a 4x4 and you can take in Costa Rica’s astonishing cloud forests and beautiful coastline, too. 

slh.com/nayara

Mauritius
Heritage Le Telfair

 

 

As though a beachfront location on the unspoilt south coast of Mauritius and plantation-style colonial villas weren’t enough, the Heritage Le Telfair resort also has its own 18-hole championship golf course and a luxury spa. For those in search of nature, the hotel is situated right next to the Frédérica nature reserve, where you’ll be able to spot monkeys, parakeets and deer, and dolphin-watching trips, horse-riding and snorkelling excursions can be arranged. The majority of the 158 lavish rooms and suites have sea views, and are beautifully decorated in relaxing, pale tones that match the resort’s peaceful ambience.

slh.com/telfair

Malaysia
Pangkor Laut

Expertly blending style and sophistication into surroundings that include wild rainforest, rocky outcrops and glorious sandy beaches, the Pangkor Laut resort is a truly individual luxury destination. Guests can choose from villas set on stilts over the sea, on the beach or on the hillside among the trees. Villas with two, three or four bedrooms, each on a private ‘estate’, are also available. Situated on the island of Pangkor Laut, three miles from the Malaysian mainland, the resort offers rainforest treks with the resident naturalist and yacht charters on the Straits of Malacca, a 500-mile stretch of ocean between Malaysia and Sumatra. 

slh.com/pangkor

South Africa
Grand Roche Hotel

 

 

Set in an elegant Cape Dutch homestead dating back to the 18th century, the Grande Roche Hotel is renowned for its exquisite location in the Cape Winelands. Declared a national monument, this celebrated hotel provides sophisticated accommodation, award-winning cuisine and the opportunity to go on tailor-made tours to see behind the scenes of several of the finest wine estates in the famous Paarl region. The surrounding Western Cape countryside is ideal for mountain biking, horse riding, parachuting, golf and hot air ballooning, though the hotel’s own immaculately manicured gardens are spectacular in their own right.

slh.com/granderoche

Australia
Smiths Beach Resort

Sited on Australia’s south west coast, Smiths Beach Resort is blessed with a pristine beachfront location, with superb beach houses and villas providing a perfect base from which to explore this magnificent region. Nearby you’ll find the unusual rock formations of Canal Rocks, spectacular caves along the appropriately named Caves Road, and the numerous wineries of Margaret River for the more oenologically and less geologically inclined. The award-winning resort is nestled between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin and provides an ideal retreat for families, couples and groups. The beach is one of the Cape region’s best, with excellent swimming and great surf. 

slh.com/smithsbeach

Barbados
The Sandpiper

 

 

The Sandpiper is a peaceful family run beachside retreat sitting in lush gardens, whose visitors return regularly to experience the winning mix of relaxed elegance, fantastic food and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Set in lush, tropical gardens with orchids, coconut trees and tranquil koi ponds, the Sandpiper also boasts one of Barbados’s best restaurants, offering modern Caribbean cuisine. There’s plenty on offer for the active, too, with pro tennis tuition and watersports, including snorkelling along the nearby coral reef, and the 18-hole Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane golf courses within easy reach. 

slh.com/sandpiper