Five of the best winter sun destinations for 2018
Rincón de Guayabitos, Mexico A small town halfway up Mexico’s Pacific coast, Guayabitos is a cheap, authentic and lively destination that draws many domestic tourists but relatively few foreign visitors. Mariachis and indigenous Huichol musicians roam the sands, offering to serenade sunbathers for a modest fee, while passing vendors sell ceviche, coconuts and tropical fruits. Others offer exquisite skewers of freshly caught tuna, or prawns grilled in a smoky marinade and doused with hot sauce and lime juice – don’t leave without trying them. The best place to stay is Cabañas del Capitán, a colourful beachside hotel with two pools, an outdoor jacuzzi and immaculate palm-lined gardens (doubles from £35 a night, family suites from £50). Tour operators will take visitors to explore nearby islands and see the whales up close (only in winter months), but those who just want to sit back and laze can crack open a cold Pacífico lager and admire the pelicans diving into the surf. Fly to Puerto Vallarta with Tui from £758. Bus transfer to Rincón de Guayabitos 1hr 45min Flight time 12hr 15min Time difference -6hrs
Hiriketiya Bay, Sri Lanka Set enough of a distance off the main Matara to Tangalle coastal road to be largely offradar, it has Crusoe-like palm-shaded strands and gentle cobalt surf that promises yearround swimming. It remained a secret for years, except among in-the-know surfers (it’s got a great left-point break) and the local fishing community. Over the past couple of years, hipsters, yogis, surfers and families looking for a quieter and more authentic alternative to the overblown beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa have sought Hiri’s still-rustic charm, picturepostcard setting and gentle surf, though this hasn’t yet tipped the balance. Most accommodation is set well back from the beach, hidden beneath coconut palms, and is affordable, ranging from basic dorm beds to private villas with pools.
Keurboomstrand, South Africa Somewhere on the planet there might be a more beautiful beach than Keurboomstrand, 10km east of Plettenberg Bay on the Western Cape. Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s answer to the Hamptons, and Keurbooms is seemingly endless, wild and pristine. Fly to Port Elizabeth via Jo’burg with South African Airways from £644. Transfer to Plettenburg 2hr 45min Flight time 11hr 10min Time difference +2hr
Quy Nho’n, Vietnam Sitting between the busy coastal hotspots of Nha Trang and Hoi An, Quy Nho’n is a relatively unknown, quiet beach town. The intense resort development seen in the country’s more popular seaside locations has yet to reach this region, making for a laidback atmosphere and the perfect place for a relaxed getaway. Despite its humble modern appearance, for centuries the area around Quy Nho’n was once the centre of the Cham empire, which ruled what is today southern Vietnam. The most visible reminders of this period are the Thap Doi towers, in a small park in the city, which are well worth a visit. Fly to Ho Chi Minh from £460 with Vietnam Airlines. Transfer 12hr by bus or 1hr 10min flight Flight time 12hr Time difference +7hr
Rosario Islands, Cartagena, Colombia Bendita Beach is the kind of powderwhite, paradise beach you usually only see in adverts and dreams. It takes up most of tiny, uninhabited Isla Arena, with a few palm trees giving some shade at the heart of the island. It’s one of the 30 Rosario Islands around 20 miles west of Cartagena (a one-hour boat ride). They’re a great choice for a peaceful escape. Despite their beauty, they attract far fewer tourists than closer mainland beaches, such as Playa Blanca, and islands closer to the city, such as Tierra Bomba. Fly to Cartagena via Bogota from £770 with Avianca Flight time 14hr Time difference -5hr