There are two kinds of travellers when winter approaches. Those who start dreaming of snow-covered mountains, crackling fireplaces and après-ski. And those who begin wondering how far they need to travel before they can have lunch outdoors again. If you belong to the first group, our Mountain collection is waiting for you. For everyone else, there is Winter Sun. Because while the Northern Hemisphere is putting away its summer wardrobe, somewhere else the beach season is just getting started.
Summer Is Moving South
The most obvious solution is to follow the sun across the equator. As Europe heads into winter, the Southern Hemisphere is preparing for summer. Rio de Janeiro is returning to beach life, with Copacabana and Ipanema doing what they do best. Uruguay’s Atlantic coast is warming up, Cape Town is entering its glorious outdoor season, and Australia’s beaches are calling. From Sydney’s coastal neighbourhoods to the country’s tropical north and the beaches of Western Australia, there is plenty of summer to go around — although Australia’s tropical north comes with a rainy-season warning. These are places where winter isn’t something to escape. It simply isn’t winter.
The Tropics Don't Do Winter
Of course, you don’t necessarily need to cross the equator. Some destinations have turned sunshine into a year-round business. The Caribbean remains a winter classic, from colourful island hideaways to sophisticated beachfront retreats. Zanzibar offers Indian Ocean beaches and Swahili character, while Mauritius combines tropical landscapes with some seriously good resort architecture. Then there is Southeast Asia. Thailand’s Andaman coast is particularly inviting during the European winter, Sri Lanka’s southwest coast comes into its own, and Bali remains tempting for those who don’t mind the occasional tropical downpour. Further north, Sanya on China’s Hainan Island offers a surprisingly convincing interpretation of tropical resort life. And Dubai? Perhaps not everyone’s idea of an intimate escape, but winter is precisely when its beaches, terraces and extraordinary hotel scene make the most sense. One small detail: tropical doesn’t always mean dry. Check the seasons before packing nothing but swimwear.
Europe: Lower Your Expectations, Not Your Standards
Staying closer to home requires a little more flexibility. The Canary Islands are Europe’s most reliable winter-sun escape, with volcanic landscapes, Atlantic beaches and temperatures that often make outdoor lunches entirely reasonable. Madeira offers dramatic scenery, gardens, architecture and spectacular walking, while the Azores are better suited to travellers who value nature and atmosphere over guaranteed beach weather. On the mainland, the Algarve and Costa del Sol can deliver beautiful sunny days, quiet beaches and long lunches without summer crowds. Crete and Cyprus may also surprise you, although some seasonal hotels close and swimming becomes more of a personal challenge. Think sunshine rather than summer. And bring a jacket for the evening.
America Has Two Coasts. So Does Mexico.
In the United States, winter sun presents an interesting choice. Head east to Miami for Art Deco, beach culture, rooftop cocktails and a social scene that rarely takes a winter break. Or head west to California, where Santa Monica, Laguna Beach and San Diego offer Pacific views, architectural discoveries and the possibility of lunch outside even in January. Los Angeles is more about sunshine than swimming, and Galveston on the Texas Gulf Coast is an intriguing alternative for those happy to trade tropical heat for milder days and coastal character. Mexico offers a similar dilemma. The Caribbean coast — Cancún, Tulum and the Riviera Maya — delivers turquoise water, white sand and an impressive collection of design-led retreats. On the Pacific side, Puerto Escondido combines surf culture with some of Mexico’s most exciting contemporary hotel architecture. Further north, Baja California offers desert landscapes, dramatic coastlines and a completely different interpretation of a beach holiday. And don’t overlook Costa Rica, where tropical forests, Pacific beaches, wildlife and remarkable architecture make staying indoors seem rather unnecessary.
No Beach Required
Not every winter escape needs a swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Marrakech is a wonderful alternative, particularly for travellers who prefer architecture, gardens, markets, rooftop restaurants and beautiful riads to spending an entire day on a sun lounger. Winter days can be pleasantly warm, evenings are cool, and the snow-covered Atlas Mountains provide a rather spectacular backdrop. You can admire the snow without having to stand in it. A very reasonable compromise.
The DNA Hotels Verdict
Winter sun isn’t necessarily about finding the hottest destination. Sometimes 20 degrees, a beautiful terrace and a good glass of wine are more than enough. Sometimes only palm trees, warm seas and bare feet will do. The hotels in the carousel below take you from Southern Hemisphere summers to tropical hideaways and Europe’s milder winter corners. As always, we’ve chosen them for their architecture, design, character and sense of place — not simply because the sun happens to shine. And if your perfect winter escape isn’t among them, take a look at Friends, quietly waiting in the footer. It’s another way to find the right hotel and support DNA Hotels along the way.
Winter is coming. Fortunately, you don’t have to stay for it.
Where to Stay
