While some love the cold temperatures of winter, others yearn to feel the heat of the sun on their bodies once more. Don’t worry, you won’t have to wait until next year…

Here are 14 sun-soaked winter destinations that are guaranteed to warm you up. 

1) Cape Verde

Consisting of ten volcanic islands sprinkled in the Atlantic Ocean, just off of Africa’s west coast, Cape Verde is still relatively unknown, but likely won’t be for much longer. The islands maintain a temperature of around 82.4°F throughout the year, meaning that heat is pretty much guaranteed. 

Each of the ten islands has some truly unique features to offer, making it worth splitting your visit between a few of them. Whichever you choose to visit, make sure that you do not miss out on these: 

• • Santo Antao for its legendary hiking trails through lush valleys  
  • Sao Vicente for a dose of culture and history 
  • Mindelo for its music and nightlife scene 
  • Maio for its untouched white sand beaches

2) Dubai

Just about everyone has heard of Dubai – its record-breaking skyscrapers and general extravagance has seen the city hit headlines multiple times all over the world. 

Since Dubai has a desert climate, October to April are the city’s peak travel times, since this is when the weather remains dry and warm, but not intolerably hot. This means that you will be able to make the most of Dubai’s outdoor activities, of which there are plenty to choose from. Whether you want to try your hand at camel-trekking, head off on a desert safari, or simply relax on a beach, this is the time of year to do so in Dubai. 

3) Costa Rica

Famous for its diversity, around one quarter of Costa Rica consists of protected jungles and rainforests, making this a prime destination for nature-lovers to visit. Ecotourism is key here, with around 6% of the plant and animal species in the world calling Costa Rica their home. 

Just like with Dubai, the winter months are actually peak travel season in Costa Rica, as this is when the weather is warm and bearable, as well as dry. 

4) The Maldives

26 tropical atolls in the Indian Ocean make up the Maldives, with these atolls being home to over 1000 coral islands. As you can imagine, this is a destination that is absolutely exquisite, with sparkling blue lagoons, white sand beaches and a colorful underwater wonderland. 

Again, the winter months here are the dry months, making this the best time to plan your visit. 

Can’t decide which island/s to visit? 

Here are some of the highlights: 

• • Baros Maldives for those seeking decadence and luxury 
  • Kandolhu Maldives for intimacy and romance 
  • Biyadhoo for water sports and diving 
  • Kurumba Maldives for family-friendly adventures
  • Finolhu for a retro, vintage vibe 

5) Goa

Located on India’s south-west coast, Goa has long since been a popular vacation destination, mostly thanks to its gorgeous beaches and buzzing nightlife scene. The state has a fascinating history, with its 17th century Portuguese colonization being evident in the region’s architecture, as well as its spice plantations. 

By the time the end of the year has rolled around, Goa’s monsoon season is over, but the weather is still pleasantly balmy. 

6) Muscat

Do you know where Muscat is? 

It’s a place that many have never heard of, but is the capital of Oman, an Arab country in Western Asia. The winter months are when the city is at a comfortable 75°F, with the humidity being at its best too. 

You are probably wondering what there is to see and do in Muscat…

Here are just a few of the adventures you could choose from: 

• Shopping at the local souqs, which are traditional Arab markets 
• Viewing incredible architecture and soaking up some culture at the city’s mosques 
• Learning about the city’s history at its palaces, forts and museums 
• Sampling the delicious local cuisine at Muscat’s many local restaurants and open-air lounges 
• Check out some of the city’s gorgeous beaches

Need a skin care fix? 

You will find our Oman OROGOLD store at the Bareeq Al Shatti Mall, along with several other international brands. Stop by for product demonstrations and expert skin care advice – your skin will definitely thank you for it! 

7) Cape Town

The capital of South Africa, Cape Town enjoys its summer months while the northern hemisphere are dealing with winter. This makes Cape Town a great spot to head to if you want to escape the winter blues. 

This incredibly beautiful city is not only located by the coast, but also boasts a mountainous backdrop, making it so picturesque. From national parks to architecture that screams creativity to a rich and fascinating heritage, Cape Town is a city that will surely end up stealing your heart. 

8) Koh Samui

The second largest of Thailand’s islands, Koh Samui is beautifully tropical, meaning that it enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year. While it is famous for its palm-lined sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, this magical island also has plenty of inland adventures to offer too, from mountain rainforests to coconut groves. 

The island is dotted with various temples and Buddhist artefacts, with so much culture just waiting to be discovered. Of course, the food is another highlight of this part of the world, with the Thai cuisine here being authentically delectable. Whatever you choose to do, this is the perfect island for some rest and relaxation. 

9) Madeira

Frequently voted as one of the best island destinations in the world, Madeira is an archipelago of four islands. Although it may be just off Africa’s north-west coast, these islands are actually an autonomous region of Portugal, giving it such a unique flair. 

With its subtropical climate, Madeira enjoys pleasant temperatures throughout the year, and is constantly bursting with color, energy and light. 

Wondering what there is to do in Madeira? 

Plenty, such as: 

• • Hiking along the 1300 mile trail network, taking you through the mountains, countryside and forests 
  • Bathing in one of the black lava pools, filled with crystal clear salt water 
  • Sampling native produce at one of the local farmer’s markets – pretty much everything is able to grow in Madeira’s lush and unique soils 
  • Relaxing on one of Madeira’s golden beaches 
  • Taking in some history and culture at the museums on the islands

10) Havana

The capital of Cuba, Havana is simply stunning, with its 16th century Spanish colonial architecture and its 1920’s landmarks. With travel to Cuba now becoming easier than ever, grab your chance and head on over to see what you have been missing out on. 

Thanks to the tourism boom, local businesses are now getting creative when it comes to their offerings. You will find everything from hotel bar stools made from old bicycles to a museum that is also a barbershop. This may all seem a little strange at first, but you will soon grow to love how this is such an integral part of Havana’s charm. 

Of course, the city’s history is something that fascinates most visitors too…

From simply walking the streets to visiting museums, the tales that you will hear of the past 500 years are truly captivating. Plus, the fact that the winter months are the driest in Havana, as well as pleasantly warm, makes this the perfect place for a change of scene. 

11) Sri Lanka

An island country in the Indian Ocean, just south of India, Sri Lanka is still considered to be quite the hidden gem when it comes to tourism. Many overlook this tropical paradise, but there are so many aspects to Sri Lanka that could make a trip here one of the best you’ve ever had. 

For those of you who appreciate ancient history and thousands of years of culture, Sri Lanka won’t disappoint. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites here – something that not many other areas of such a small size can lay claim to. From temples and fortresses to bathing elephants, world class beaches and lush tea plantations, there really is something in Sri Lanka for everyone. 

12) The Gold Coast

Being located in the southern hemisphere, Australia’s warmest months are at the end of the year, making this the ideal time to visit. 

Of course, there are so many destinations in Australia you could choose from, with cities such as Sydney and Melbourne often at the top of peoples’ lists. However, if you would like to get more closely acquainted with Australia’s natural side, the Gold Coast is a great spot to choose. 

Here are just a few of the activities you could indulge in at the Gold Coast: 

• • Give the famous surf here a try, or sign up for some lessons if you have never surfed before 
  • Enjoy the buzzing beach atmosphere, or head on over to one of the quieter beaches 
  • Climb the Q1 skyscraper 
  • Go on a whale watching cruise, with the Gold Coast having one of the best whale watching seasons in the country 
  • Learn about Australia’s heritage at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Center, which is within the Burleigh Head National Park
  • Spend the day at a theme park – there are several to choose from 
  • Visit the rainforest and rare birds at Lamington National Park 

13) Jamaica

A lush Caribbean island nation, Jamaica is famous for being the place at which reggae music first began, with the Bob Marley museum in Kingston paying homage to this. While the music in Jamaica, which you will encounter just about everywhere you go, is definitely a highlight for many, this country has so much more to offer too. 

You probably already know that Jamaica is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Its diving and snorkeling sites are also world class, with the water here teeming with so much life and energy. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, head inland for some caving or hiking, with the scenery here simply astounding. 

Make sure that you don’t give the food a miss either…

Said to be a mixture of European and African, Jamaican food has a deliciously unique flavor of its own. From grilled meats to rich stews to the freshest seafood, combined with the abundance of tropical fruit that grows on the island, this is a diet that many could easily get used to. 

14) Los Angeles

Home to Hollywood, just about everyone has heard of L.A. The television and film industry here is truly legendary, with the Hollywood sign being something that millions flock to see each and every year. Plenty of other movie-related attractions can be enjoyed in L.A too, from the Walk of Fame to behind-the-scenes tours at movie studios. If you really want to get in on the action, you could sign up to be an audience member on a show that is currently filming. 

While Hollywood is one of the main reasons that movie fanatics head to L.A, this sunny city has a much deeper draw. Nature is everywhere in this city, from the golden sandy beaches to the hillsides blanketed in wildflowers to the rugged mountainous backdrops, boasting the most spectacular sunsets. 

You will also notice the air of creativity that will seem to follow you everywhere you go in L.A. From the quirky architecture to the incredible diversity of restaurants, there is always something new to see and do in L.A. 

Whether you’re seeking sun, sand and sea, or sun, history and culture, these 14 destinations all guarantee a warm-weather break from the winter blues. Since many of them experience their peak travel season during the winter months, don’t leave it too late to make your booking, as you won’t want to miss out on what each of these places has to offer.