Thursday, February 26, 2015
NEED inspiration on where to go to make your escape from the dark days of winter? Travel supermarket’s travel expert, BOB ATKINSON, reveals the hottest winter sun destinations to warm your bones and liven your senses.
It's a favourite stop off for cruise ship passengers who descend on Nassau or one of the private islands for a day on the beach. But many are now returning to explore this collection of more than 700 islands.
Those who love deserted beaches, turquoise waters, reefs, snorkelling, diving and sailing will be in heaven in areas such as Rum Cay, The Abacos, The Berry Islands, The Exumas and eco tourist centre Andros. For nightlife, Nassau always delivers. Meanwhile Cat Island specialises in rake ’n’ scrape music for the hip cognoscenti.
GO: Fourteen nights all-inclusive at the three-star Breezes Resort, Nassau, starts from £1,685 per person, departing Heathrow on January 20 with Holiday Genie.
A MAJOR hub in the Far East, but often overlooked in favour of Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong, the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is getting its groove back with a rapidly growing performing arts scene.
Despite the recent troubles with its national airline, there is much to reward the winter sun-seeker as it’s the gateway to a fantastic country. Venture out of the city and explore the Cameron Highlands, with rubber plantations and colonial history, beaches at Penang, Langkawi and the wildlife on Borneo with the orang-utans.
BA recently announced the recommencement of flights after a gap of many years starting in May 2015, showing the growth in interest for this destination.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the three star Swiss-Inn Hotel in Kuala Lumpur starts at £560 per person departing Heathrow on February 24 with Southall Travel.
“From religious festivals, colonial hotels and exotic cuisine through to whale watching and shiny modern shopping complexes and bars, it’s a place of many contrasts which is just waiting to be rediscovered by the tourist”
Bob Atkins
After years of domestic turmoil Sri Lanka is back on the tourist trail. The capital, Colombo, is undergoing major redevelopment with a new and improved infrastructure.
From religious festivals, colonial hotels and exotic cuisine through to whale watching and shiny modern shopping complexes and bars, it’s a place of many contrasts which is just waiting to be rediscovered by the tourist.
BA recently resumed its flights into the country. There is now talk of charters returning in the coming months as more hotels develop along the southwestern coastline.
GO: Fourteen nights’ B&B for four at the four-star star C & I Beach Hotel in Colombo starts at £908 per person, departing Heathrow on January 20 with Holiday Genie.
One of the jewels of the Caribbean, this island is attracting new interest after the launch of fl ights with Thomas Cook in addition to increased scheduled services with BA.
The 2015 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta takes place in April – an ideal time to visit for late winter sun. It’s one of several yacht based events through the winter alongside regular 20/20 cricket. It is also excellent for diving and snorkelling over ship wrecks and coral reefs.
GO: Seven nights all-inclusive for four at the three-star star Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts costs from £1,039 per person, departing Gatwick on March 7 with Netflights.com.
The Moroccan beach resort of Agadir has been favoured by the French for years, but it has now started to attract Brits. The up-and-coming exotic winter hotspot guarantees good weather and offers incredible value for money at its all-inclusive venues.
Plus with Thomas Cook, Thomson and easyJet all flying in from the UK, you’ll find more options for getting there from regional airports.
GO: Seven nights allinclusive at the threestar Caribbean Village Agador in Agadir starts at £302 per person including fl ight from Gatwick on January 29 with First Choice.
IF you hanker after bling and showmanship, go to neighbouring Dubai. For culture and refined service with an authentic Arabic flavour head to Abu Dhabi. The city has developed a select calendar of events from food festivals in February to garden festivals in December, as well as a series of world-class classical concerts and major sporting events such as the Volvo Ocean Race.
Add that to its permanent attractions such as the Guggenheim and Louvre, the Ferrari World Theme Park and the exquisite Grand Mosque. This is a destination quietly attracting winter-sun visitors seeking something different.
Etihad fly daily from Heathrow and Manchester and new a fl ight from Edinburgh is set for take-off in summer 2015.
GO: Seven nights room only at four-star Traders Hotel Qarayt Al Beri in Abu Dhabi, UAE, starts at £565 per person, departing Heathrow on January 20 with lastminute.com.
Correction
We have been asked to clarify that the Guggenheim and Louvre museums in Abu Dharbi are still under construction. We are happy to set the record straight.
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