From the Maldives to Morocco, experience endless summer in winter at these destinations

While the rest of the world is slipping into sweaters and counting down to ski season, some of us are still chasing the feeling of summer. Here, daylight lingers a little longer, and the only chill you’ll find is in your drink. From the coral atolls of the Maldives to the cliffs of Cape Town, these 9 destinations hold onto the warmth, the light, and the spirit of summer long after the world turns cold.

EAT, STAY AND EXPLORE 9 DESTINATIONS MADE FOR THE WINTER SUN

1. Maldives 

With over eight hours of sunshine a day guaranteed and the air hovering around 28 °C, the Maldives feel like summer’s permanent address. The turquoise lagoons, coral reefs alive with colour and the world’s luxurious resorts invite you to trade grey horizons for golden light. If you’re still chasing that endless-sun feeling this winter, this is where you’ll find it.

Where to stay: Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
Where to eat: Terra, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

2. Saudi Arabia 

As the world looks east for its next great escape, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a new capital of winter sun, where desert landscapes meet untouched coastlines. On the Red Sea, solar-powered beach hideaways are redefining barefoot luxury. In Jeddah, a creative renaissance is underway, think galleries housed in restored coral-stone buildings and art fairs drawing an international crowd. In Riyadh, the energy is fashion-forward, with concept boutiques, design districts, and homegrown talent turning the city into the Gulf’s most exciting style stop.

Where to stay: Shebara Resort, Red Sea
Where to eat: Marble, Riyadh

3. India

In India’s southern coastlines, winter approaches slowly and summer days are extended. In Goa, mornings begin with sea-salt air and sun-dappled cafés, while afternoons spill into beach shacks, boutique galleries in restored Portuguese villas. Further south, Kerala pairs tropical ease with wellness and culture. Catch a glimpse of houseboats gliding through palm-fringed backwaters, then head inland to wander the tranquil tea plantations.

Where to stay: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala 
Where to eat: Hosa, Goa

4. South Africa

In South Africa, the winter sun comes with a side of the finest pour. The natural beauty is always close by, whether you’re climbing Table Mountain or taking in the ocean views that frame it in Cape Town or soaking in the slow pace of the golden estates in Winelands. The Franschhoek Wine Tram winds through valleys and vineyards that glow under the season’s warm light, proving there’s no better time to toast to summer in the south.

Where to stay: Mount Nelson, Cape Town
Where to eat: Belly of the Beast, Cape Town

5. Islands of Thailand

The islands of Thailand are your go-to source of winter vitamin D. In Phuket, glossy beach clubs and chef-led dining experiences define the island’s new mood. Over on Koh Samui, the pace slows, swapping high energy for coconut groves, sunset bars and spa rituals. Food is everywhere and always the highlight, from grilled prawns and green curry by the beach to late-night stalls serving mango sticky rice under a tangle of fairy lights. And for those who know, no trip is complete without a pharmacy stop; Thailand’s beauty aisles are a quiet cult, filled with cooling gels, herbal balms, and hydrating serums that have earned global devotion and a corner in your suitcase.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Where to eat: Blue Elephant, Phuket

6. Vietnam 

When city air turns cold, Vietnam’s coastal towns are an easy route back to warmth. From the golden beaches of Da Nang to the lantern-filled streets of Hoi An, the country’s charm lies in its balance of heritage and ease. Days are best spent outdoors, whether cycling through rice paddies, exploring markets, or pausing for iced coffee in the sun. Bowls of pho and herb-wrapped seafood define a cuisine that’s simple yet deeply satisfying. It's the ideal spot to escape the chill and soak up the sun.

Where to stay: Amanoi, Ninh Thuan Province
Where to eat: MÙA, Hoi An

7. Australia

If bringing in the New Year in tank tops and shorts sounds like you, Australia in December should be on your travel list. Sydney leads the celebration, with fireworks lighting up the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as one of the first cities in the world to welcome the year ahead. Further south, Melbourne comes alive in summer with laneways filled with street art and live music, while the city buzzes with the energy of the Australian Open. For a quick change of pace, the Gold Coast offers the classic beach escape, with surf breaks, sunshine and the perfect tan almost guaranteed. Australia in December is the epitome of city summer with plenty of festive cheer.

Where to stay: Capella, Sydney
Where to eat: Attica, Melbourne

8. New Zealand

If New Zealand has been sitting on your travel list for a while, this winter is the best time to go. The country is at its brightest, with long days, warm evenings, and landscapes that stretch from vineyards to volcanoes. In the South Island, Kaikōura offers the chance to swim alongside wild dolphins and spot blue penguins as they return to shore at dusk. Further north, the Bay of Islands celebrates its sailing heritage each summer with world-class regattas that fill the coastline with colour and energy. And when the day slows, glamping under the stars or soaking in an outdoor tub overlooking Lake Wānaka is about as close to nature as luxury gets.

Where to stay: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Northland
Where to eat: Noble Rot, Wellington

(Also Read: From Chennai to Jaipur, 6 Indian hotels that international royalty has stayed at)

9. Indonesia

If the end of the year calls for sunshine and stillness, Bali is the place to find both. The island blends tropical beauty with rejuvenation. At its heart lies Ubud, the island’s wellness capital, home to retreats, boutique resorts and jungle-view spas that offer a sense of calm unlike anywhere else. Across Bali, traditional healing meets modern design, with treatments using local herbs, oils and scrubs that leave the air scented with frangipani. It’s an island built for unwinding and the perfect place to end the year feeling sun-warmed and reset.

Where to stay: COMO Shambhala Estate, Ubud
Where to eat: Barbacoa, Bali

10. Morocco

If your idea of winter sun comes with terracotta courtyards and the scent of mint tea, Morocco should be next on your list. list. In Marrakech, souks burst with colour and craftsmanship, from handwoven rugs to brass lanterns that catch the afternoon light. Rooftop cafés overlook the medina, where the call to prayer echoes between pink-hued walls, and every corner feels touched by design. 

Where to stay: The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda Bay
Where to eat: Café Arabe, Marrakech

Also Read: Reset, recharge and reward yourself with these luxurious long weekend getaways in India

Text by Amaana Sabharwal 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews