Glorious Winter Sun

Le Toiny, Saint Barthélemy

Perched high above the rugged coastline of Saint Barthélemy, Hotel Le Toiny is a refined retreat that champions privacy, space, and understated elegance. Far removed from the bustle of St Jean, this intimate hilltop sanctuary feels wonderfully secluded, with panoramic ocean views stretching as far as the eye can see. The hotel’s ocean-view suites are designed as private cocoons, each with its own terrace and plunge pool, offering uninterrupted tranquillity amid lush palm groves. Interiors are tastefully pared-back, blending contemporary Caribbean style with natural textures and soft, calming tones — the perfect setting for switching off completely.

Down at the shoreline, Le Toiny’s exclusive Beach Club is a destination in its own right. Spend languid afternoons swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying fresh seafood and crisp rosé with your feet in the sand. When you feel like stirring, there’s surfing along the island’s wilder shores, deep-sea fishing excursions, or restorative treatments at the Serenity Spa. Evenings are best spent dining under the stars, the ocean breeze carrying the scent of salt and frangipani.

Jumby Bay Island, Antigua

Accessible only by boat, Jumby Bay Island offers one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive private island experiences — a place where luxury feels effortless and entirely unhurried. Here, the ethos is simple: arrive with nothing but your swimsuit and let the island take care of the rest. Set across 300 acres of pristine landscape, Jumby Bay blends laid-back island living with exceptional service. Its all-inclusive offering is thoughtfully curated, allowing guests to enjoy world-class dining, water sports, wellness experiences, and personalised service without a second thought.

Accommodation ranges from elegant suites to expansive two- to four-bedroom villas, ideal for families or multi-generational escapes. Villas offer generous living spaces, private pools, and the option of tailored experiences — from private dining to in-villa spa treatments — while childcare services can be arranged for those travelling with younger guests.

Days unfold at an easy pace: cycling along sandy paths, paddleboarding across turquoise waters, or spotting hawksbill turtles nesting along the shore. For the more adventurous, Antigua’s steady trade winds make sailing and kitesurfing particularly rewarding. As evening falls, the island quiets, and sunset dinners become moments to savour — unforced, intimate, and deeply restorative.

Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Bathed in extraordinary light and framed by impossibly blue waters, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is a polished yet soulful escape in the heart of the Grenadines. The resort’s all-ocean suites and villas are classically elegant, with warm wooden accents, soft pink tones, and expansive terraces that invite the outdoors in.

Guests enjoy the hallmark Mandarin Oriental experience: intuitive service, including dedicated butler assistance, and a choice of refined dining venues showcasing Caribbean flavours alongside international cuisine. One of the resort’s most memorable experiences is a kayak journey across the lagoon to Shell Beach, where lunch is served in a setting that feels blissfully untouched.

Wellness plays a central role here. The spa’s overwater bungalows offer a serene backdrop for deeply restorative treatments, while yoga, fitness, and holistic therapies are seamlessly woven into the stay. Beyond the resort, cultural discovery awaits — including lantern-lit visits to a nearby 17th-century church, offering a rare glimpse into the island’s layered history.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

On the tranquil east coast of Mauritius, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita delivers the brand’s signature blend of impeccable service, natural beauty, and refined comfort. Set between lush tropical gardens and a crystalline lagoon, the resort offers a sense of space and calm that feels worlds away from winter’s chill.
Accommodation is thoughtfully designed for privacy, with beachfront villas and spacious two-bedroom residences ideal for couples, families, or longer stays. Days can be spent on the championship golf course, by the infinity pool overlooking the water, or exploring the island’s quieter corners.

One of the highlights is access to Île aux Cerfs, a private island just offshore, where a barefoot beach experience awaits. Fresh seafood, warm sand underfoot, and calm, shallow waters create a setting that feels wonderfully unspoilt. Back at the resort, wellness and dining experiences are elevated yet relaxed — perfectly in tune with the island’s gentle rhythm.

Vakkaru Maldives

Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives is a celebration of natural beauty and refined island living. Surrounded by extraordinary marine biodiversity and fringed by powder-soft beaches, this lush island sanctuary is home to more than 2,400 coconut trees and some of the Maldives’ most vibrant reefs.

Vakkaru strikes a thoughtful balance between indulgence and adventure. Overwater and beach villas offer elegant spaces designed to maximise privacy and views, while the island’s experiences encourage guests to connect with their surroundings. Snorkelling and diving reveal manta rays and reef sharks, while sunset fishing, dolphin cruises, and private yacht charters add a sense of adventure to each day.

For those seeking deeper insight into the marine environment, guided experiences with a resident marine biologist offer a meaningful perspective on conservation efforts within the atoll. Evenings are best spent dining beneath the stars or watching the sky shift through endless shades of blue — moments that linger long after the journey ends.