14 of the Best Warm Destinations in Winter
Craving warmth while everyone else is bundled up? We’ve got the perfect remedy for your winter woes. Our list of warm destinations will have you trading snowmen for sandcastles in no time.
Ditch the thermostat and let’s explore some toasty locales where the only ice you’ll see is in your drink!
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1. Cabo Verde
Dreaming of a tropical escape? Cabo Verde is a sunny archipelago off West Africa’s coast that offers warm winter vibes and diverse adventure.
Soak up the rays on pristine beaches with average temps around 26°C. Hike volcanic landscapes on Fogo island or catch waves in Santa Maria.
Culture vultures will love Mindelo’s colorful streets and lively music scene. Don’t miss Sal’s otherworldly salt lakes for a surreal floating experience. Foodies, try cachupa – a hearty local stew that’ll warm you from the inside out.
Where to Stay: Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort boasts a beachfront location and infinity pool merging with the Atlantic.
2. Thailand
Thailand is where winter blues vanish, replaced by golden temples and turquoise waters. In Bangkok, zip through the city in a tuk-tuk, weaving through traffic like a real-life video game. Hit up a floating market – it’s grocery shopping, but way more fun.
Head north to Chiang Mai to chat with monks and maybe learn the secret to inner peace (or at least how to rock an orange robe). For beach lovers, the islands of the south beckon. The limestone cliffs of Krabi or the full moon parties of Koh Phangan offer slices of paradise.
Insider tip: Brave the street food – that unassuming cart might serve the best pad thai you’ve ever tasted.
Where to Stay: The Siam in Bangkok, an art deco masterpiece on the Chao Phraya River that feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson film.
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3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is a winter paradise where turquoise waves kiss golden sands. You’ll find natural beauty and lively culture along the stunning Banderas Bay.
Stroll the Malecón, a beachfront promenade teeming with art and entertainment. Street performers and sand sculptors create a lively atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
December marks the start of whale-watching season, offering a chance to spot majestic humpbacks in their natural habitat. It’s a spectacle that’ll leave you in awe. Winter also brings ideal conditions for catching waves in Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit.
Where to Stay: Casa Kimberly offers a taste of old Hollywood glamour with breathtaking bay views.
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Craving sun-drenched beaches and Caribbean vibes? Punta Cana’s got your winter escape sorted. This Dominican paradise boasts 32 km of pristine white sand, perfect for your beach-hopping adventures.
Jump into the turquoise waters of Hoyo Azul, a natural cenote that’ll help you cool off. Golf buffs, you’re in for a treat – tee off on world-class courses with ocean views so stunning, they might just improve your swing.
For a dash of culture, wander through Altos de Chavón. This charming replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village is like stepping back in time, but with better rum cocktails.
Pro tip: Hop on a speedboat to Saona Island. It’s the real-life version of those dreamy desktop backgrounds you’ve been staring at all winter.
Where to Stay: Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club brings Oscar de la Renta’s fashion sense to beachfront luxury, complete with your own golf cart.
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5. Aruba
Aruba is lik that friend who’s always in a good mood – sunny, warm, and ready for a good time. With its constant trade winds, it’s a windsurfer’s paradise and a bad hair day’s worst nightmare.
Lounge on Eagle Beach, consistently rated one of the world’s best, where the sand is so soft it’s like walking on powdered sugar. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Arikok National Park, home to natural pools, caves, and cacti taller than your ex’s tales.
For a unique dining experience, hop aboard the Kukoo Kunuku bus – it’s part dinner, part party, and all Aruban charm. Insider tip: Don’t forget to visit the Donkey Sanctuary.
Where to Stay: Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. You’ll find a private island populated by flamingos!
6. Curaçao
Ready for a Caribbean vacation with a Dutch twist? Curaçao’s got it all. You’ll find culture and stunning beaches in this tropical paradise. Stroll through Willemstad, where colorful buildings look like they’ve been plucked straight from Amsterdam and plopped onto a sun-soaked island.
Jump into crystal-clear waters at Playa Lagun, where sea turtles might crash your underwater photoshoot. For a quirky day out, why not visit the Curaçao Ostrich Farm? It’s not your average petting zoo.
Don’t forget to sip on some Blue Curaçao – it’s basically the island in a glass. And for the perfect end to your day, hop on a sunset cruise. It’s the ideal mix of old-world charm and Caribbean cool.
Where to Stay: Baoase Luxury Resort offers Balinese-inspired elegance with a private beach.
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7. Barbados
Imagine yourself on a sun-soaked island where turquoise waters meld with golden sands. Barbados is your Caribbean dream come true. Sip rum punch at a beachside bar, feeling the warm breeze on your skin.
Catch a wave at Bathsheba, where giant rock formations dot the coastline. It’s a surfer’s paradise and a photographer’s dream. Immerse yourself in history at George Washington House – yes, the first US president once called this place home.
For a true taste of Bajan culture, head to Oistins Fish Fry on Friday nights. Dance to calypso beats and feast on fresh seafood under the stars. Don’t forget to try the national dish – flying fish. It’s a local favorite you won’t find anywhere else.
Where to Stay: The Crane Resort offers clifftop luxury overlooking a stunning pink sand beach.
8. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not your average Caribbean vacation. Zip through lush cloud forests in Monteverde, spotting colorful quetzals as you soar. Soak in Arenal’s steamy hot springs with a volcano as your stunning backdrop.
Catch waves in Tamarindo or play spot-the-sloth in Manuel Antonio. It’s all about that laid-back pura vida lifestyle here. Coffee lovers, don’t miss touring a local plantation – it’s a buzz-worthy adventure.
Want to slow things down? The Sloth Sanctuary is your go-to for ultimate relaxation vibes.
Where to Stay: Nayara Springs offers private plunge pools fed by natural hot springs, with jaw-dropping volcano views.
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9. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise that’ll warm your bones in winter. Stroll through Old San Juan’s vibrant streets, where history and culture collide in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Craving adventure? Paddle through the bioluminescent bay in Vieques for a magical nighttime glow. Or hike El Yunque rainforest, where lush greenery and cascading waterfalls await.
Foodies, hit the pork highway in Guavate for mouthwatering lechón. And don’t forget to sip a Piña Colada at its birthplace, the Caribe Hilton.
Where to Stay: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a luxurious eco-resort on a former Rockefeller estate.
10. Egypt
Egypt is like playing Indiana Jones without the pesky booby traps. Stand in awe before the Pyramids of Giza – they’re like the world’s oldest and largest Lego set. Cruise down the Nile, watching life unfold on its banks just as it has for millennia.
Dive into the Red Sea’s coral wonderland in Marsa Alam, where colorful fish are waiting to greet you. In Luxor, don’t forget to explore the Valley of the Kings.
For a modern twist, hit up Cairo’s buzzing food scene – falafel never tasted so good. Insider tip: Visit Abu Simbel at sunrise.
Where to Stay: The Mena House Hotel in Giza offers stunning pyramid views from your balcony.
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11. Canary Islands
Craving sunshine in winter? The Canary Islands offer the perfect vacation. With temperatures hovering around 20-25°C, you can bask on golden beaches while your friends back home shiver.
Tenerife’s Mount Teide beckons adventurers. Climb Spain’s highest peak for breathtaking Atlantic views. In Gran Canaria, surf sandy dunes that could pass for the Sahara, but with ocean proximity.
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes transport you to another world. No spaceship required! For a unique twist, visit La Gomera and learn the island’s whistling language. It’s the original tweet.
Don’t miss trying papas arrugadas with spicy mojo sauce. Your taste buds will thank you.
Where to Stay:Secrets Bahía Real in Fuerteventura blends Moorish architecture with beachfront luxury.
12. Jamaica
Jamaica is where reggae rhythms meet jerk seasoning, creating an island vibe that’s more addictive than its famous Blue Mountain coffee.
Climb Dunn’s River Falls, a natural water park that’s like Mother Nature’s own slip-n-slide. Dive into the luminous waters of the Blue Lagoon.
For adrenaline junkies, bobsled down Mystic Mountain – Cool Runnings wasn’t just a movie, you know. Foodies, hit up Scotchies for jerk chicken that’ll set your taste buds on fire (in a good way).
For a slice of history, tour the Rose Hall Great House. Also, make sure you visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.
Where to Stay: GoldenEye, once Ian Fleming’s estate where he penned the James Bond novels, is now a luxury resort where you can live out your 007 fantasies.
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13. Bermuda
Bermuda is a dreamy winter escape with pink sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. This Atlantic paradise offers warm temperatures in the 70s even in December. Ditch the snow for sun-splashed days and balmy nights.
Explore the Crystal Caves, an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. Snorkel around shipwrecks dotting the coast or tee off on stunning oceanside golf courses.
Visit St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site that transports you to the 17th century. Don’t miss trying a Dark ‘n’ Stormy at the Swizzle Inn – the island’s signature rum cocktail.
Where to Stay: The Loren at Pink Beach offers a sleek, modern retreat perched on a cliff with stunning ocean views.
14. Portugal
Portugal is Europe’s sunny secret, where history meets modernity in a delicious pastry-filled package. In Lisbon, ride the iconic yellow trams up and down the hilly streets.
Surf the waves in Nazaré, where the swells are taller than your childhood dreams. Sip port in Porto, wandering through narrow alleys that are like a labyrinth designed by wine-loving gnomes.
In the Algarve, explore hidden beaches and grottos. Don’t miss a visit to Sintra, where fairytale palaces perch on misty hills.
Insider tip: Try a pastel de nata in Belém – it’s like biting into a little piece of heaven, if heaven were made of custard.
Where to Stay: The Yeatman in Porto, a wine-themed hotel cascading down the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia with a decanter-shaped infinity pool.
