The six winter sun breaks you should be selling this season
Make the most of your clients’ holiday with these packages that give much more than a requisite dose of vitamin D in the colder months
For some, the goal this winter will be to find a warm beach and to stay there as long as possible. And who could blame anyone for basking in the sun, with sky-high energy bills to deal with at home. But for those who would like to chase warmer climes for their winter holiday and make it a more rounded experience, here are a few ideas for winter sun with extra embellishment.
SENEGAL: BE ACTIVE
There’s an interesting option in The Gambia Experience’s newly expanded programme, with new direct flights between Gatwick and Dakar this winter making it easy to travel to La Petite Cote region of North Senegal. La Petite Cote delivers far more than just sun, sea and sand, says the operator. The beach resort of Saly in the Petite Cote region not only provides fantastic opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, it also offers an 18-hole golf course, quad biking, horse trekking and the Accrobaobab Adventure Park with zip-lining and a tree top ropes course. Lamantin Beach Resort, featured by the Gambia Experience, has its own marina along with jet skis and windsurfing, and there’s a spa for post-activity pampering.
Book it: The Gambia Experience offers seven nights at Lamantin Beach Resort from £1,499pp departing 21 November, based on two sharing a standard garden room on a half-board basis. Flights and transfers (journey time is 40 minutes) included. gambia.co.uk
COSTA RICA: GO WILD
Costa Rica is surging in popularity and no small wonder when you consider its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Entrenched in the rainforest at the base of the Arenal volcano, a stay at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna immerses you in wildlife right from the get-go. While the resort offers the largest thermal water experience in Costa Rica, it’s also a great base for wildlife adventures. As part of the Arenal Hanging Bridges tour, eagle-eyed guides will help your clients spot some of the many animals and birds including coatis, hummingbirds, monkeys and the legendary sloth along the two-mile trail, which spans a series of hanging bridges that blend spectacular views with natural immersion.
Book it: Red Savannah offers a seven-night tour to Costa Rica including Gatwick-San Jose flights, three nights at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa and four nights at Hotel Nantipa in Santa Teresa, transfers and a private guided tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges from £3,460 per person. redsavannah.com
CROATIA: FIND FESTIVITIES
With Croatia the latest addition to Sunvil’s portfolio, the operator recommends visiting both Dubrovnik and Split in the winter to take advantage of a festive atmosphere in a historic setting with a fraction of the crowds your clients would encounter in high summer. British Airways resumes its winter service to Dubrovnik from Heathrow on 5 December. The 16th-century walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful, temperate cities in winter and the 125-year-old Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is an ideal base for visiting the palaces, museums and piazzas of the old town. Taking place from 27 November to 6 January, the city’s Christmas festival offers an Advent market with local delicacies, plenty of lights, traditional carol singing and a rock concert.
Book it: Sunvil offers a four-night stay at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik from £1,346 per person, departing on 5 December, based on two sharing on a B&B basis, including flights and transfers. sunvil.co.uk
ABU DHABI: DIP INTO CULTURE
Those attracted by the winter sun credentials of Abu Dhabi may be pleasantly surprised to find a pioneering cultural district taking shape in the city’s Saadiyat Island. It is home to global museum brands such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is brimming with treasures and also has a very interactive (free) children’s museum. Saadiyat also has cultural and performing arts institutions such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, and alongside these top draws, holidaymakers have access to golf courses, more than 50 dining experiences, luxury beach clubs and wellness experiences.
Book it: If Only offers five nights in a Deluxe Room Garden View at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island on an all-inclusive basis including return Etihad flights and private transfers, plus complimentary Yas Island theme park tickets, from £2,829 per person. ifonly.net
MOROCCO: SPICE IT UP
Morocco guarantees a tasty break, whatever the time of year, with the country’s diverse cultural heritage reflected in its signature dishes. Marrakech has a number of beautiful traditional restaurants, such as Nomad, an alcohol-free rooftop restaurant in the Medina, which has a strong emphasis on local produce. Its terraces offer fantastic views of the Atlas Mountains, easier to see during the clearer air of November to May. For something a bit different, suggest your clients try Dameh, a modern elegant restaurant, which specialises in a creative fusion of Levantine cuisine.
Book it: Classic Collection Holidays offers four nights at Les Jardins de la Koutoubia in Marrakech departing Gatwick on 1 December from £639 per person based on two sharing a medina view room on a B&B basis, including flights and transfers. classic-collection.co.uk
MAURITIUS: GO LOCAL
Progressive adults-only hotel SALT of Palmar offers more than just a beach experience in Mauritius – it’s a boutique portal for immersion into the heart of tropical island life. Guests are invited to connect directly with locals like Soobirai, the palm heart grower whose plantation can be visited upon request, or Selva, whose pesticide-free aromatic herbs and vanilla are cultivated at his home in St Julien, a 20-minute drive from the resort. Every guest at SALT of Palmar receives a copy of a guidebook created by talented locals who know the island inside out and a local SIM card on arrival, encouraging them to get out and explore hidden gems while giving back to the island. Guests also have the opportunity to connect directly with locals via a Skill Swap.
Book it: Lusso Travel offers seven nights at SALT of Palmar from £1,240 per person, based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. Transfers and return flights included. Book by 15 October 2022 for stays up to 22 December 2023, subject to availability, close out dates may apply. lussotravel.com
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