The northernmost of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is known for its volcanoes which have formed the island into a wonder of lava fields, strangely shaped rock and black earth. Contrast this with the whitewashed buildings, golden sand beaches and deep blue sea it possesses and you’ve got somewhere truly unique. In this article we’ll go through what makes Lanzarote a perfect holiday destination the whole year round and why it should be your first call for winter or summer sun. The WeatherThe most important aspect of what makes Lanzarote a year round destination is it's weather. Whilst it is the northernmost of the Canary Islands, it still averages in the late teens or early twenties Celsius throughout the winter months. With an average of 6 hours of sunshine a day in December, there is plenty of time for outdoor activities. Beaches, Beaches and more BeachesIf you’re going for sun, you want some good beaches, and Lanzarote has that in abundance. Many of the island’s beaches are great for children as well as adults as they are naturally protected from waves and currents. This is due to them being formed from lava flows long ago and have created pools that reached down as far as the sea. With so many beaches there’s something for everyone whether you’re looking for long walks, busy beaches with a lot going on or a quiet spot you can sit and read a book. Most of the best beaches are on the east coast from Costa Teguise down to Puerto del Carmen or in the Playa Blanco area.
Our favourites are: - Playa del Papagayo - In a small inlet in the southeast with a lovely curve and clear turquoise waters - Playa de Famara – At the bottom of some impressive cliffs in the northwest of the island, its known for its pale golden sand which stretches over 5km
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Located in the south of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a city-state that gained independence from the UK in 1965. A popular destination in southeast Asia, it is often a stopover from international destinations due to the size and connectivity of Singapore Changi Airport. With many people only spending a few days in the country it is important to make the most of your time there. In this blog we’re giving you some of the must see and do’s when there so you can experience everything this amazing place has to offer. 1 - Visit Marina BayOne of the most iconic locations in Singapore, the Marina Bay area stands out thanks to its numerous architectural marvels. Central to the district is the Marina Bay Sands, a luxury 5* hotel with hundreds of rooms offering stunning views of the city skyline and the bay. It is so much more than a hotel though, with shops, restaurants and even a museum on the complex. You cannot forget the SkyPark Observation Deck, appearing as if a cruise ship was balanced on the top of the three skyscrapers, this viewing platform offers breathtaking views across the city and bay in a beach club setting with infinity pools, sun loungers and bars.
Often overlooked for its nearby neighbour of Thailand, Malaysia has lots to offer those who make the trip. From the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur overlooked by the Petronas Towers to the relaxing island of Langkawi or the historic island of Penang, there is so much variety here for you to discover. Come with us to explore what this beautiful country has to offer. Kuala LumpurNo matter where you are in Kuala Lumpur, your eyes are drawn to the spectacle that is the Petronas Towers, which were the tallest buildings in the world for a while. Going up to the 86th floor and watching the city move around like ants at the bottom is definitely not for the faint hearted. There is more to Kuala Lumpur (or KL as its better known) than the Petronas Towers. For example, the city is excellent for shopping with numerous malls, there is history with the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, excellent street food such as Nasi Kandar (a mixed rice dish normally served with meat or seafood and a vegetable component such as Okra or cabbage), theme parks or if you want to relax then slow down at the KL Butterfly Park. Although not as popular as its northern neighbour, Bangkok or southern neighbour, Singapore, KL certainly has plenty to keep everyone entertained for a few days LangkawiThe low-lying Turks & Caicos islands are different to many of the other islands in the Caribbean as unlike many of these which are volcanic, the Turks & Caicos Islands are coral, more akin to the Maldives. This makes them an excellent place for scuba diving or snorkelling as the wonderfully clear waters are home to all manner of ocean life. There is also the widest blue hole in the world there, so it is a must go for divers. In this article we’ll tell you more about the islands and what makes them such a great diving spot. There are around 40 islands that make up Turks & Caicos, with 8 major islands and 6 that are inhabited. Most tourists stay on either Providenciales or Grand Turk, where the capital Cockburn Town is. There is a range of amazing accommodation here, lots of these are high end luxury properties. For some of the best hotels and resorts in the country, check out our ‘Chosen Ones’ - Amanyara, COMO Parrot Cay and Wymara Resort & Villas.
Paradise is definitely the right word to describe the beautiful island of Mauritius. Known for its gorgeous sandy beaches, lush forests and coral reefs, there is much more to it than the beach holidays it is often associated with. Throughout this article we’ll be telling you all about what Mauritius has to offer so that you can consider it for your winter sun holiday. When is the best time to visit Mauritius?The temperatures in Mauritius stay at least mid twenties throughout the year, so you’re always assured of some sunshine. Being south of the equator, its seasons are opposite to ours in the UK, although Mauritius only has two proper seasons. Spring and autumn are just transition months where the rain changes and not distinct seasons. November to April is considered the summer and its the hottest yet wettest time. You can see a graph of temperature and rainfall throughout the year on our Mauritius page. June to September is winter and at this time it is colder but drier. There is more wind though. How to get to MauritiusYou can easily fly directly to Mauritius from the UK. Fly from London Heathrow with British Airways or London Gatwick with Air Mauritius. The flight time is around 12 hours.
When you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel in Jamaica, look no further than the amazing Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa. Perfectly located on the outskirts of Lucea, Montego Bay, it is just a 35-minute drive from Sangster International Airport, making it a short transfer after a long flight. Our Managing Director Chris was lucky enough to stay there in March 2023 and came back blown away by this beautiful hotel. As you arrive, its glistening grand white buildings convey a sense of elegance and luxury felt throughout the resort, on which also sits its sister hotel Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa. The two hotels share facilities that include one of the largest pools in the Caribbean, 11 restaurants, a sports bar and a coffee shop alongside a spa, water sports and much more. Choose with 537 suites in 10 different room types that ensure you’ll be able to find something perfect for your needs. The friendly staff are also always on hand to help with whatever you need. Stays are available on an all-inclusive basis and you won’t have to worry about a lack of choice. With 8 a la carte restaurants, 3 buffet restaurants, 2 jerk chicken shacks as well as a sports bar and a coffee shop, your only problem which delicious place to eat at next. Negril and Mobay show cooking and buffet restaurants offer plenty of choice for breakfast or go a la carte at Poseidon seafood restaurant which offers great food with sea views. Stay with Poseidon or enter The Blue Lagoon buffet restaurant for lunch. A gorgeous open-air restaurant located near the main pool, The Blue Lagoon offers a wide selection of international cuisines as well as other hot or cold options and plenty of dessert choices.
The popular choice for a city break in Morocco, Marrakech offers a wonderful assortment of hotels that provide excellent places from which to explore the city and are even better to come back to at the end of the day. In this article we’ll be highlighting the best luxury hotels in Marrakech and what each has to offer.
La Mamounia One of our ‘Chosen Ones’ for Morocco, La Mamounia has a great central location yet has a feeling of tranquillity because of the centuries old gardens in which it is situated. These gardens are where the hotel derives its name. Built in 1923, the interior is a blend of traditional Arabian design with elements of art deco and 21st century luxury and style. There is plenty of choice in its 135 rooms and 71 suites and 4 restaurants and 4 bars offer some excellent culinary and beverage options. Find out more about La Mamounia on its dedicated page here. We feature 3 destinations from the Middle East here at Wintasun. Out of these three, Oman is by far the most traditional and should be the first choice for travellers looking to have a more authentic experience. Located in the northern half of the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is an amazing destination set amidst a desert landscape, that offers a little bit of something for everyone. In this blog we’ll tell you all about what you can do in Oman and why it has something for everyone. How to get there You can get to Oman from the UK easily, with direct flights from London Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air. They fly daily so you have plenty of options. Great Hotels Oman caters primarily towards the 4 and 5* market, offering some amazing hotels perfect for relaxing or as a place to unwind after experiencing what this amazing country has offer. Most hotels in Oman are either Bed & Breakfast or Half Board so you have the chance to experience the amazing cuisine of Oman. Here at Wintasun we pick 3 hotels in each destination that we call ‘Chosen Ones’. They are hotels that come highly recommended, either from our own experiences or from customers feedback. In Oman, our ‘Chosen Ones’ are The Chedi Muscat, Six Senses Zighy Bay and Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Find out more about each of these amazing hotels by clicking on their names. We don’t just sell our ‘Chosen Ones’ though, we work with over 100 suppliers to offer a wide range of hotels in Oman, so wherever you are looking to stay, we can help. History Oman is a country with a wealth of history, having been inhabited since the Stone Age. It has seen much, from the emergence of Islam to Portuguese Colonialism and it has blossomed into an amazing sultanate. Oman is home to lots of amazing forts, many of which remain in excellent condition. These forts were often integral to the history of the surrounding area and are a good way to learn more. Ones to check out are at Muttrah and Nizwa. Other fascinating archaeological sites are the ‘Beehive’ tombs just outside Bat. These UNESCO World Heritage tombs are over a 1000 years old and are seen as one of the most important monuments in the Arabian Peninsula. If you’re short on time or want to learn more, there are a number of excellent museums where you can get to grips with Oman’s history. Culture
One that goes hand in hand with the country’s history is its rich culture. Souq’s are an excellent place to experience Omani culture, these market places are a great place to do some shopping or grab some food with amazing smells filling the air and many traditional gifts and household items available. Some must-see places in Oman are the Mosques, these beautiful and ornate buildings are cultural centres where people come together. It is important to dress appropriately when visiting and non-Muslims are only allowing in during certain times, so plan ahead. If you’re in Muscat, you should visit either Sultan Qaboos Mosque or Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque. A large country with beautiful beaches and excellent resorts, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, wherever you want to go in Mexico, you can be assured of good weather making it perfect for a winter holiday. When thinking of beach holidays in Mexico people often think of Cancun, but there is much more variety to be found. So come with us as well tell you more about the best places for a beach holiday in Mexico.
Riviera Maya Riviera Maya is a term used to refer to the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Including resorts such as Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya is the most popular area for people to go for beach resorts, especially with UK tourists who often want the ease and shorter flight time of the east coast of Mexico. Seychelles is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. The country is made up of 115 islands scattered across 1,400,000 sq km. of ocean. It offers some of the most amazing beaches where soft, white sands meet crystal clear seas creating a small slice of paradise. Come with us through this article to learn more about these amazing islands, what you can get up to, how to get there and where is best to stay, helping make Seychelles a holiday destination to put on your list.
How to get there The international airport for Seychelles is on the largest island, Mahe. Currently there are no direct flights from the UK to Seychelles. A stop is required usually in either Dubai or Doha, you can get these flights from a number of UK airports including London Heathrow, Manchester & Birmingham. |
AuthorWintasun is a brand of Verini Travel, who's staff have a combined 35 years experience in the travel industry. Archives
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