Uplifting Winter Sun Destinations

Whether you’re looking for a mind and body re-set or some uplifting retail therapy, here are five sensational spots around the world for a dose of Vitamin D.

Colder temperatures and longer, darker days can leave us craving some happy-making sunshine. The shoulder-dropping feel of warmth on salt-licked skin after a swim in the sea; the mind-melting sight of the sun streaking across the sky as it sets; and restorative alfresco suppers with friends on balmy evenings, can all seem like a distant memory. The solution? Follow the sun to these brilliant recently revamped or new hotels around the globe. You heard it here first!

FOR DESERT ADVENTURE: CARAVAN BY HABITAS, MOROCCO

Just 45-minutes from buzzy Marrakech, this new oasis from the uber cool Habitas hotel group in the Agafay Desert feels a world away. Berber-inspired lodges and canvas-topped solar-powered tents are furnished with rugs and pottery sourced from artisan co-operatives and the souks (each one has an ensuite bathroom, king-sized bed and a private outdoor lounge area). Activities on offer include exploring the rocky dunes on camelback, e-biking through a nearby eucalyptus forest for a desert survival skills workshop and visiting a local Berber community to learn first-hand about their ancient culture before taking part in a time-honoured tea ceremony. Gather in the glass-wrapped Olivar restaurant to feast on Moroccan-influenced dishes – fish tagine, kebab kofta, vegetable couscous – and sip cocktails in the open-air bar while gazing out at the lunar-like landscape and snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance. There’s also an outdoor pool and yoga classes in a geodesic dome. 

FOR MINDFUL CONTEMPLATION: CAP KAROSO, SUMBA

From the indigenous Marapu religion rooted in sacred ceremonies to ikat weaving and fishing, under-the-radar Sumba, in Indonesia, is the ideal place to slow down and reset. Located on eponymous Karoso beach in the pristine southwest, this beautifully designed eco-minded hotel and three-hectare organic farm is owned by French couple Fabrice and Evguenia Ivara who fell in love with the island when they holidayed here six years ago. Rooms celebrate Sumbanese culture, fusing contemporary art with antiques, bespoke ceramics and hand-carved wood panels. Guests can hike through tropical rainforests, take part in daily yoga and meditation classes, snorkel in the lagoon, and book in for spa rituals derived from local shamanic healing techniques. At Julang restaurant, fine-dining suppers cooked by guest chefs take place around a communal table, which, along with artist residencies and other visiting creatives, is aimed at fostering meaningful connections and a community spirit. 

FOR WELLNESS: BELMOND MAROMA, MEXICO

Set between lush jungle and white sand beach on the Riviera Maya, Belmond Maroma has re-emerged from a top-to-toe revamp. Design studio Tara Bernerd has referenced local crafts – handwoven textiles from Oaxaca, glazed Saltillo floor tiles from Guadalajara, shell chandeliers inspired by Mayan jewellery – lending the hotel a sense of place. There are a pair of destination restaurants: Casa Mayor, where guests start the day with tacos and quesadillas, and Woodend by Curtis Stone, for freshly-caught seafood cooked over an open fire. At the new Maroma Spa by Guerlain (the brand’s first in Latin America) which launches in November, rituals are inspired by nature, ancient practices and the sacred Melipona bee, revered by the Mayans for over 3,000 years (try bee therapy with sound healing - the buzzing helps rebalance your brain). Morning meditation in the ocean is paired with a salutation routine, guided jungle walks incorporate breathwork and apothecary workshops focus on the therapeutic benefits of herbs. 

FOR SHOPPING: VILLA PALLADIO, INDIA

Think of shopping in India, and Mumbai or Delhi are perhaps the first cities to spring to mind but Jaipur offers world-class retail therapy too – from boutiques such as PDKF which sells cool hand-blocked clothes and textiles to jewellery labels like Gem Palace and Kesya. The new buzz place to stay is Villa Palladio, a former private haveli 20-minutes’ drive outside the Pink City owned by Barbara Miolini (she’s also the name behind hip Bar Palladio and Caffe Palladio). A riot of colour, this intimate country retreat has just nine opulent pink-and-red rooms, furnished with canopied beds and embroidered linens, and decorated with delicate, hand-painted floral murals. After a day exploring the Rajasthan capital, returning to the peaceful jasmine-and-rose scented gardens, the palm-shaded pool and spa, and the candlelit terrace for an Italian and Indian inspired supper, is the perfect respite. 

FOR BEACH BLISS: SIX SENSES KANUHURA, MALDIVES

Part of the Lhaviyani atoll a short seaplane ride from Male, this refreshed resort encompasses three private islands. Everything happens on Kanuhuru itself, which has one of the largest beaches in the Maldives: the other two islands are used for day trips and castaway lunches. Of course, most activities are water-based, from diving and sunset dolphin-spotting boat trips to handline fishing, but there are also tennis and squash courts, cooking classes and a spa for pampering treatments (after a long flight, book in for the coconut scrub, followed by a honey and papaya body mask). The resident marine biologist gives talks on turtle conservation and guests can take a sustainability tour to learn about the eco initiatives, orchid garden and organic produce grown onsite which is used in dishes at the various restaurants (Spanish tapas at The Point, sourdough pizzas at Bottega and sushi at Sip & Sand). A dreamy fly-and-flop escape. 

DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT…
SCENTIANA’S LUXE MINIS

Replenishing Body Cream 50g
Rescuing Body Balm 50g
Reviving Face & Body Mist 50ml
Sunlit Body Shimmer 50ml