With the approach of winter cold and the upcoming holidays, I want to find a warm place to soak up the golden sand and plunge into the clear water of the blue lagoon.
Deserted beach, spa for fans of manual therapy, extreme rest or paradise garden - in our list there is a refuge from the cold for every taste. Popular resorts or hidden from the eyes of the desert lagoons - all this you will find here.
1. Samui, Thailand
The islands of Thailand, perhaps, one of the best places for lovers of the sun. Each island is different and suitable for different travelers, but for the beginners, honeymooners, parents with children, sunbathers and yoga followers, Samui island is best suited, especially if you are looking for a chic resort. The hottest time in Thailand is from March to May, so to avoid sticky heat, enhanced by incredible humidity, it's best to rest here in winter. Gorgeous landscapes, endless tourist attractions, the atmosphere itself, resting, magnificent nature, lush vegetation along with crystal clear water and upscale hotels - what else can you wish for? Especially will be happy to those who want to combine a beach holiday with manual therapy - on the island of Samui is the world's best specialized spa hotel Kamalaya.
2. Zanzibar, Tanzania
If you are looking for additional adventures, then Zanzibar, an archipelago of two islands near the East African coast in the Indian Ocean, will suit all points. Here you will find some of the best beaches that you have ever seen, besides, you can relax here after an active safari in Serengeti, Tanzania National Park, a popular hunting place. The capital and the largest city of the archipelago - Zanzibar - is located on the island of Ungudzha. The stone city - the historical part of Zanzibar - is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an untouched part of Swahili culture, not only local markets, museums, gardens, beaches and attractions, but also the best luxury hotels in the region, such as the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, located on an unspoilt beach in the heart of the Stone Town.
3. Saint Lucia
Of all the islands of the Caribbean, one of the most luxurious resorts is Saint Lucia, which is distinguished by its distinctive culture and extraordinary nature. Through the whole island stretches a low mountain range, covered with dense jungle - for tourists who like active recreation this is a great opportunity to test yourself. Two Pythons - small and large - the symbol of Saint Lucia, nearby standing volcanoes, visible from any point of the island, represent a magnificent view from the sea. You can get acquainted with the interesting culture of the island and taste the Caribbean cuisine at one of the two street festivals that take place here every week on Friday evening. And in the afternoon you can visit Salfer Springs - a unique place, a former volcano crater, where thermal springs still beat and you can take a therapeutic mud bath. The most fashionable hotel on the island - Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, its decoration, kitchen, service and spa are impeccable. Just ten minutes by water taxi from this hotel is another hotel complex Jade Mountain - one of the best on the island, offering open rooms overlooking the ocean. When Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were expecting the first-born, they took cover from prying eyes in one of the hotel rooms, spending most of the time in their own outdoor pool.
4. Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
The business card of Cartagena is an intricate colonial architecture, colored with bright colors - a combination that you will not see anywhere else in the world, and the charm of the seaside city, rich cuisine, coupled with eccentric locals create an unusual atmosphere. It is impossible to go to Colombia and not taste the famous Ceviche - Latin American dish of fish or seafood served here with tomato sauce, and it is prepared best in El Boliche Cebicheria. Wander through the historic part of the city and drive to Santa Marta, where one of the best beaches of Colombia is located. You can comfortably stay at Casa del Coliseo, Casa Pombo or Casablanca B & B. If these hotels do not suit you, the luxurious Sofitel will definitely not disappoint you.
5. Oahu, Hawaii
Holidays in Hawaii in the heart of the Pacific ... a blue dream! Although to some it will seem somewhat banal simply because here are some of the best beaches on the planet. A more original proposal is to go north to the archipelago and explore the island of Oahu with the magnificent beaches of Waikiki instead of the traditionally popular islands of Maui and Lanai. Traveling to Oahu will take you completely, so it will be difficult to tear yourself away from the beach to do shopping, go to a restaurant or enjoy the island's nightlife. Be sure to try an ice chop, poured with various fruit syrups - a national Hawaiian dessert, which is nowhere else served.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
The architecture, which captures the spirit, luxurious riads - palaces with courtyards, one of the best in the world of oriental bazaars - for the sake of all this it is worth to visit the city with a thousand-year history. Here you can comfortably stay in the recently renovated hotel Royal Mansour or the new chic Sofitel, you can make an exotic walk through the desert on a camel, take a walk in the beautiful gardens, visit the museums of the medina - the old city - and walk through the oriental bazaar, enjoying its unique color. All this makes Morocco a successful alternative for those who want to join the world culture, and not just spend time on the beach.
Turks and Caicos Islands
To the north of Haiti and not far from Cuba is the Turks and Caicos Islands, which has the status of British overseas territory. Most of the 40 islands are uninhabited, six have a permanent population, and a few are resorts, with hotels and seasonal homeowners. Magnificent beaches with snow-white sand and crystal clear azure water, plus a mild climate and excellent weather during the winter months make this resort an ideal haven for thirsty heat. The largest island - Providenciales - has unforgettable beaches, being the most popular among the islands of the archipelago. Spa Hotel Parrot Cay by COMO is ideal for lovers of manual therapy, the luxury hotel Amanyara is suitable for lovers of luxury, and The Palms simply created a chic vacation for the whole family. Coral reefs surrounding the islands will be of interest to diving enthusiasts, and if you like horseback riding, you can go to Providenciales not only to ride, but also to buy a horse.
8. Langkawi, Malaysia
Lovers of the beaches of Bali or Phuket will be interested in Malaysia, her secret diamond island of Langkawi, where the magnificent Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is located - the first South Asian geopark, listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The best hotel of the island, undoubtedly Four Seasons, here each room is a separate villa, and the restaurant is famous for its cuisine. After an active walk through the geopark with visits to caves or water sports, stroll through the night market and try the local cuisine right on the street, enjoying Malay color.
9. Goa, India
Another unexpected alternative for those who prefer a vacation in Bali, the Philippines or in Thailand is Goa, the smallest Indian state on the west coast, an hour's flight from Mumbai. Beautiful beaches, ancient temples, original cuisine combined with bright Indian paints and original culture will make your trip unforgettable. With exquisite comfort, you can stay at Coco Shambhala or Alila Diwa Goa, and to feel the whole gamut of staying in Goa, you should leave the beach for a while to see the markets with spices, visit the ancient Buddhist temples and walk through the local bazaars.
10. Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, you can find everything from beautiful beaches and luxury hotels to numerous restaurants for every taste and excellent shopping. A room with ocean views can be rented at the Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, and if you are more interested in shopping, the more traditional city hotel The Sunset Tower is located near major shopping centers. And as for restaurants, here you can find a kitchen for every taste.