These Are The Best Destinations For Winter Sun – According To The Experts

Whether you’re dreaming of spending Christmas in paradise, craving a burst of sun before the deep winter sets in or are finally ready to plan that trip of a lifetime, there’s something to suit everyone at these winter sun destinations. If you’re considering a winter sun break, now is the time to book. From Tenerife and Lanzarote to Mauritius, Dubai and the Maldives, below we’ve shared the best winter sun holiday destinations for 2022/23 according to the experts at OROKO. Thanks to their expertise in luxury sun holidays for couples and families, as well as their price guarantee and strong partnerships with the best hotels and resorts, you can be guaranteed that OROKO will find the perfect trip for you. Where will this winter take you? From a luxury escape on a tropical island to a short-haul sunshine break, keep reading to discover the five destinations to consider this year and next …

Bahia del Duque.

TENERIFE

Best time to travel: April – December
OROKO partner properties – best for couples: Bahia del Duque. Best for families: Ritz Carlton, Abama.

Inspiringly beautiful, Tenerife’s coastline is defined by volcanic sands that border the untamed Atlantic. The best thing about Tenerife is that luxury holidays on this island destination offer something for everyone, from families and groups to couples and solo travellers. Whether you prefer to spend a week laying by the pool while the kids go to an activity club or venturing inland to discover evergreen fine forests and sprawling national parks, you’ll find a fantastic winter sun escape on the island of Tenerife. Hotel recommendations from OROKO include Bahia del Duque, a luxurious traditional Canarian colonial villa from the 19th century surrounded by landscape gardens, this hotel is also home to resident swans, ducks and geese. Inside you’ll find a spa, wellness retreat and a Michelin-starred restaurant. At Ritz Carlton, Abama, experience a five-star resort with the largest Ritz Kids club in Europe making it perfect for families.

Niyama Private Islands.

MALDIVES

Best time to travel: October – May
OROKO partner properties – best for couples: Anantara Veli. Best for families: Anantara Dhigu. Best for all: Niyama Private Islands Maldives.

Despite what you might think, Maldives is not just for honeymooners. This nation of islands situated in the Indian Ocean suits all holiday types, including young families. In fact, according to Aisling O’Carroll, Sales Manager at Oroko: “This year, we are planning luxury Maldives holidays for couples who have honeymooned with us in the past, only to return again with their young families.” If you’re looking for a luxury retreat (with optional all-inclusive experiences) a trip to the Maldives will provide the holiday of a lifetime. Think overwater accommodation, barefoot luxury and spectacular lagoons, coral reefs and tiny, exclusive islands. If you want to get away from everything and lose yourself in a tropical paradise, this is the winter sun holiday for you. If travelling as a couple, consider Anantara Veli, a luxury adults-only resort with overwater villas, and if you plan to bring the kids, explore their sister resort, Anantara Dhigu. Niyama Private Islands Maldives has something for everyone, with the Drift Spa, Explorers Kids Club, an abundance of water activities and a large choice of restaurants and bars, you’ll all leave feeling like you’ve had your very own slice of paradise.

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort.

LANZAROTE

Best time to travel: April – December
Oroko partner properties: Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort.

Shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity, Lanzarote is an island of singularity, unlike any of its sister Canary Islands. A UNESCO Geopark, the intriguing isle comprises 300 volcanic cones, uncanny blackened lava fields and palm-filled valleys. Where to stay? Once a quiet fishing village on the southern tip of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is one of Spain’s newest beach resorts, and a favourite part of the island for luxury travel specialists OROKO. While the town still maintains its laid-back island vibes, there is no shortage of fun and entertainment to be found for all ages. Brendan Breen, Managing Director of OROKO says, “Over the years, we have received marvellous feedback from customers who holidayed in Lanzarote with us. An excellent option for Christmas and the New Year, we can arrange New Year’s Eve Gala dinners, sensational dining experiences and of course, the sun and sea will provide utmost relaxation.” The five-star Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort offers an impressive spa, indoor and outdoor pools, sea-view suites and excursions on request. Younger guests can enjoy the kids’ club and entertainment while mum and dad experience all that’s on offer at the hotel’s restaurants and bars.

One & Only Le Saint Gérran.

MAURITIUS

Best time to travel: May – November
Oroko partner properties: Constance Belle Mare Plage, One & Only Le Saint Géran.

Luxury holidays to Mauritius are the perfect beach escape, whether you are looking for secluded romance or just want to experience a tropical island paradise with the family. Water-sport enthusiasts will be in their element on luxury holidays to Mauritius – whether water-skiing, kitesurfing, paddle-boarding or kayaking the azure blue lagoon, there are activities for serenity seekers and adventurers alike. An excellent destination for honeymooners, the experts at OROKO say a trip to Mauritius can easily be combined with a stop-off in Dubai or after safari in South Africa for a once-in-a-lifetime grand trip. The beachfront Constance Belle Mare Plage and One & Only Le Saint Géran (situated on a private peninsula) both come highly recommended by OROKO.

Park Hyatt Dubai.

DUBAI

Best time to travel: October – May
Oroko partner properties: Atlantis, The Palm, Westin Mini Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Park Hyatt Dubai and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.

Home to magnificent skyscrapers and all year-round sun, holidaymakers will discover sprawling desert, a spectacular harbour and some of the world’s most luxurious hotels in Dubai, making it forever a popular holiday destination for families and couples alike. The UAE is all about extravagance and opulence. From the world’s tallest building to the biggest shopping mall in the world, Dubai is the proud holder of many world records. For luxury lovers, it makes an excellent shopping destination. Quickly emerging as a firm favourite holiday destination among Irish travellers, the team at OROKO continuously visit to ensure they have the best up-to-date recommendations and know exactly what’s hot right now (current favourite hotels include Atlantis, The Palm, Westin Mini Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Park Hyatt Dubai and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira). They have worked hard to create long-standing relationships with luxury hotels, resorts and local guides that are best suited to their clients and will promise the best value, meaning your dream Dubai getaway could be just a few clicks away. Louise Glynn, Middle East Travel Specialist at OROKO says some of her favourite experiences in Dubai include “sunset barbeques, wandering the Time Out Market, sailing through the city’s beautiful harbour and exhilarating desert jeep safaris.” As part of a larger trip, the team at OROKO says Dubai can be combined well with visits to Oman, Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius.

Now is the perfect time to book your luxury winter sun holiday. The luxury travel specialists at OROKO take the headache out of the holiday planning process, saving you time, booking it all on your behalf and offering infinite amounts of free, impartial and up-to-date advice.  There is a high demand for winter sun holidays, especially for families, so now is the time to book if you want to secure your dream destination and accommodation. Visit www.orokotravel.ie or call 01 260 0240 to speak to one of the expert team. Follow @oroko_travel on Instagram.