From luxurious beach getaways and captivating natural wonders to cultural experiences and desert adventures, these breathtaking destinations promise that the grey weather won’t get you down. Whether you’re looking to escape the cold or discover new traditions and cultures, these places offer an unforgettable experience for a dreamy winter vacation.

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Whale watching and traditional festivals

Dreamlike nature along the Pacific © One&Only

Riviera Nayarit, on Mexico's Pacific coast, is a dream winter destination. Between November and March, temperatures are pleasant at 68 to 77°F, providing perfect conditions to enjoy the region's nature and vibrant atmosphere. The Riviera Nayarit is known for its spectacular whale watching. During winter, gray whales migrate from the Arctic to warmer waters—a breathtaking natural spectacle you can witness along the coast.

Winter in Mexico is also rich with cultural activities. From the "Día de los Reyes" celebration on January 6th to the colorful carnival in February, visitors can immerse themselves in traditional festivals celebrating Mexico's music, dance, and delicious cuisine. The holiday season is especially charming here—"Las Posadas," a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey, is a highlight, complete with a festive atmosphere and unique holiday dishes.

Where to stay

 Bedroom of the Panoramic Ocean Treehouse at One&Only Mandarina © One&Only

Located in Riviera Nayarit, the exclusive One&Only Mandarina is a hidden oasis that features sustainably designed treehouses and cliffside villas offering stunning views of the coast. Recently ranked 29th in the "World's 50 Best Hotel Awards," this hotel is the perfect destination for gourmets and luxury travelers.

The treatment rooms of the One&Only Mandarina © One&Only

In winter, the resort’s wellness offerings are a true highlight. Traditional Mexican temazcal ceremonies, a type of steam bath, offer a perfect way to cleanse the body and mind, providing a refreshed start for the new season. In addition, yoga, meditation, and hydrotherapies contribute to a rejuvenating stay.

One&Only Mandarina
Carretera Federal Libre 200 Tepic-Puerto Vallarta Municipio de Compostela El Monteón, 63724 Nayari, Nay., Mexico
+52 327 689 0100 - oneandonlyresorts.com
Doubles from approx. €989

Punta de Mita, Mexico

Surfing and marine life

Winter highlight: surfing in Mexico © Auberge Resorts

Another highlight of Riviera Nayarit is Punta de Mita. The end of the year marks the beginning of the dry season, and the surfing season also starts in October, lasting through March—the perfect time to ride the waves or learn to surf. Conditions are more relaxed, making it ideal for beginners. Additionally, humpback whales can be spotted in Banderas Bay from November to March.

Where to stay

Guest rooms at Susurros del Corazón © Auberge Resorts

The ideal hotel for this is Susurros del Corazón, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Nestled in a peaceful cove, the resort offers a luxurious blend of nature and modern comforts. With three unique restaurants celebrating local ingredients and Mexican flavors, as well as seaside wellness offerings, it is the perfect oasis for a winter beach escape.

Susurros del Corazón
Desarrollo El Banco Carretera a La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Km 14, 63734 Corral del Risco, Nay., Mexico
+1 866 256 6829 - aubergeresorts.com
Doubles from approx. €1,226

Johor, Malaysia

Culture and relaxation

Pure relaxation © One&Only

Another exciting winter destination is Johor, Malaysia. The average temperature is a pleasant 86°F, and in January or February, visitors can experience the vibrant Chinese New Year festivities. Christmas is also celebrated with enthusiasm—shopping malls and streets are beautifully decorated, and there are plenty of festive events.

Where to stay

The Junior Suite with plunge pool at One&Only Desaru Coast © One&Only

One&Only Desaru Coast in Johor is the perfect choice for travelers seeking nature and relaxation. Set in a lush tropical landscape, the luxury resort offers a harmonious mix of modern comforts and natural beauty. The resort’s wellness offerings include exclusive treatments based on traditional healing methods, perfect for relaxation during the winter months.

One&Only Desaru Coast
Darul Ta'zim, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, 90, 81930, Johor, Malaysia
+60 7-878 3400 - oneandonlyresorts.com
Doubles from approx. €502

Dubai

Winter sunbathing

For those looking for a winter vacation with sun and sand, Dubai is the right choice. From November to February, temperatures range between 68 to 79°F, and the sea is pleasantly warm—ideal for beach days or water sports activities without the oppressive summer heat.

Where to stay

Rooms with sports facilities at SIRO One Za'abeel © SIRO Hotels

SIRO One Za’abeel is the first property from Kerzner International (the team behind One&Only) and offers a unique blend of fitness-oriented hospitality with facilities and services catering to wellness enthusiasts. The hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness programs, and a recovery lab offering treatments such as percussion therapy, electro muscle stimulation, sports massages, IV therapy, cryotherapy, cupping, dry needling, assisted stretching, and more.

SIRO One Za'abeel
Zaa'beel Street - Za'abeel - Za'abeel 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
+971 4 666 1717 - sirohotels.com
Doubles from approx. €332

Koh Samui, Thailand

Island paradise during dry season

Dream vacation between beach and beach club © Nikki Beach

Koh Samui is a dream destination in winter, as the dry season runs from December to February. During this time, you can explore the fascinating islands around Koh Samui or simply enjoy the island’s stunning natural beauty. Cultural festivals like Loy Krathong in November also make this a special time to visit.

Where to stay

The beach club at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui © Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui is perfect for those who want to combine luxurious comfort with the relaxed atmosphere of a tropical paradise. Located on a beautiful beach, the resort offers a blend of traditional and modern style—the perfect place to escape winter.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui
96, 3, Lipa Noi, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
+66 77 914 500 - koh-samui.nikkibeach.com
Doubles from approx. €186

Namibia

Safari adventures and desert landscapes

On safari in Namibia © Our Habitas

For adventurers, Namibia offers perfect winter conditions for wildlife viewing. The winter months are the best time to experience the impressive wildlife of the Kalahari, where animals gather around the remaining water sources.

Where to stay

The Our Habitas Kalahari Resort in Namibia © Our Habitas

Our Habitas Kalahari is a dream resort combining adventure and comfort. Located in a private nature reserve, the lodge offers luxurious accommodations as well as a variety of activities, from guided safaris to cultural experiences with local tribes.

Our Habitas Kalahari
Farm Coas 501, Namibia
+264 81 127 3555 - ourhabitas.com.
Doubles from approx. €832

Costa Rica

Tropical paradise at the best time to travel

Horse rides in Costa Rica © Auberge Resorts

December to April is the best time to visit Costa Rica. This period marks the dry season, with pleasant temperatures around 84°F. The rainforests are in full bloom, and the diversity of wildlife, especially the many colorful birds, makes Costa Rica a paradise for nature lovers.

Where to stay

The Casa Grande at Hacienda AltaGracia © Auberge Resorts

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a unique wellness and nature experience. With 50 casitas surrounded by tropical forests, an organic garden, and numerous opportunities for adventure and relaxation, the resort is the perfect place to rejuvenate body and mind.

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
Contiguo a la Escuela de Santa Teresa de Cajón, San José Province, Pérez Zeledón, 11908, Costa Rica
+1 855-812-2212 - aubergeresorts.com
Doubles from approx. €1,710