The World's Best Winter Sun Destinations

Grey skies and slushy pavements stick around during the winter months long after you’ve tired of them, so why not plan a break to catch some much-needed rays? There are plenty of sun-kissed destinations with luxury hotels just waiting to offer a pampering break – here’s TI's pick of the finest places to escape to while the weather’s still foul back home:

Cape Town

Cape Town’s more popular than ever now the World Cup’s approaching, so if you haven’t got big match tickets, pop over now and avoid the crowds. Most popular places to visit are the buzzy shops and restaurants of the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Table Mountain and Clifton Beaches.

Best Place to stay: The Mount Nelson Hotel (76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa, 8001)

Sydney

Australia’s cool and cosmopolitan must-see city is home to a clutch of fantastic beaches (including famed Bondi Beach) as well as the landmark Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Try your hand at surfing by day, then hit edgy Kings Cross for night-time drinks at the city’s best bars.

Best Place to stay: Blue Hotel (The Wharf at Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW, 2011, Australia)

Maldives

The Maldives are made for winding down, with palm-fringed beaches and stunning ocean views begging you to kick back and relax. You could pick just one luxury resort to shack up in, or island-hop at your leisure: whatever you choose, you’ll be accompanied by sunshine and blue skies.

Best Place to stay: Cocoa Island Resort (Cocoa Island, Makunufushi, South Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives)

Rio de Janeiro

South America’s most extravagant city is a fantastic place for fun in the sun – especially during the annual February Carnival. If you can’t make it then, you can still enjoy catching rays at Copacabana Beach, sampling a samba club or marvelling at the famed Christ the Redeemer statue.

Best Place to stay: La Suite Hotel (Rua Jackson de Figueiredo 501, Joa, Rio de Janeiro 22611-000, Brazil)

Goa

India’s premier beach destination has had an explosion in popularity recently, and it’s all down to its unique mix of tranquil resort accommodation and lively nightlife. Here, you can kick back and relax all day, or party till dawn should you so choose – paradise indeed.

Best Place to stay: Taj Exotica Hotel (Benaulim, Goa 403 716, India)