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Winter sun

Warm water in the northern winter.

Beach hotels on the Andaman coast of Thailand, in the Maldives and in Dubai, the three places where December to March is the best time of year.

How to choose

These are the hotels to book when Europe is cold. Every one is in a place where the northern winter is the high season: the Andaman coast of Thailand, the Maldives and the Gulf coast of Dubai. They are beach hotels or island resorts, with the sea a short walk from the room.

The seasons differ a little. On the Andaman coast around Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, the dry season runs from November to April, with calm seas and clear water. In the Maldives, the northeast monsoon brings dry weather from December to April. In Dubai, November to March is warm by day and cool in the evening, the only months when the beach is comfortable all day.

When choosing, think about the length of the flight and the kind of days you want. Dubai is the shortest trip from Europe and mixes the beach with the city. Thailand adds food, islands and day trips by boat. The Maldives is the reef and the lagoon, and not much else.

Christmas, New Year and the February holidays book up early everywhere, and the best villas go first. Ask us about dates and we will tell you what is open.

21 hotels

The hotels.

All hotels

Questions

Good to know.

When is the best time for winter sun?

November to April on the Andaman coast of Thailand, December to April in the Maldives, and November to March in Dubai.

Which is closest to Europe?

Dubai, at around six to seven hours from most European capitals.

Is Koh Samui included?

No. The Gulf of Thailand has its wettest months from October to December, so Samui suits the middle of the year better.

Which is best with children?

Most of these hotels welcome families, and many have kids clubs. Ask us and we will match a hotel to the ages of your children.