When the weather outside is frightful, don’t stay inside – plan a trip to find some winter sun instead. Whether you want a hand-luggage-only short hop, or a more leisurely escape from it all, our guide to chasing the sun all winter long will tell you where to go, and what to wear once you get there.
September – October: Sicily
Sicily is beautiful and most of the tourists have cleared off by September, which is their big festival season. There’s a celebration for everything from rice to ice cream festivals, and from sausages at the Sagra della Salsiccia to a cous-cous fest in San Vito Lo Capo. For those who have satisfied their foodie appetite and want something to wash it all down with, it’s grape picking season too which means wine festivals are in abundance.
Style Tip: Pack a Panama. It’s a simple style solution that lends an air of authority in all matters of taste.
October- November: Morocco
Fly to Marrakech, spending enough time in the city to explore the intimate souks, incredible food and aromatic teas. When you’re ready, pack up your bag and head to the High Atlas Range and Draa Valley for breathtaking scenery. Take time out and camp in the Sahara, stay in a Berber Village (we recommend Sijimassa), before ending your tour in the historic port of Essaouira.
Style Tip: Don’t get caught out, bring a cover-up. Some of the villages are remote and traditional where women are expected to dress demurely.
November- December: Sydney
If you’d like a gentle way to see Sydney’s scenery, book yourself in to one of the helicopter tours of the city and enjoy the view from the clouds. For those of you with vertigo, there are boat trips aplenty round the picturesque little bays along the coast. If you want to explore further there’s also a brilliant coastal walk that’ll take about an hour and a half from Bondi all the way to Coogi. For a less action pack afternoon head to the eastern suburbs towards Paddington, to peruse the gorgeous boutiques and cafes. When cocktail hour comes calling, hit the Iceberg on Bondi Beach for people watching and mouth watering drinks. Tasty food is easy to come by, however we recommend you take dinner at the Longrain, one of the best Asian restaurants in Sydney . Before leaving Australia, it’s imperative you spend a day at the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley for a tour of some of the most renowned New World vineyards.
Style Tip: Everyone in Sydney owns a pair of flip flops, so when you’re down under, why not slip on what they call thongs?
December-January: The Maldives
Fly to Male before heading to the small island of Baros. Its effortless natural luxury appeals to the likes of Piers Morgan, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz who have all graced the resort with their presence. Baros offers direct snorkelling, delicious food and long stretches of sand frequented regularly by the island’s turtle colonies. It’s easy to island hop; we recommend Soneva Gili, a chic destination famed for its incredible spa and extraordinary water lodges. For those of you travelling with a family in tow, try Soneva Fushi, a larger island renowned for it’s slogan, ‘No shoes, no news’. Rather visitors are implored to enjoy the tropical haven in peace, travelling through the organic gardens by bike or barefoot.
Style Tip: The beaches of paradise are quiet in the winter months, so make some noise in a stylish beach cover up.
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