As Autumn fades away and the cold weather creeps in, we are craving sun-drenched beach holidays, cocktails by the pool and action-packed summer days.
Take a look at our top 5 trending beach destinations to escape the winter blues.
From exploring the colourful capital of Grand Baie, to paddle boarding and cooking traditional food, to tasting the island’s top rums, checking out the natural wonders and relaxing on blissful beaches, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Mauritius.
Mauritius’ resorts are world-class, and many of them are family-friendly too, with babysitting services, kid’s clubs, activities galore, kid’s menus and toddler pools. Most resorts also offer plenty of activities for kids and the whole family.
Adventure options are endless. Some of the most popular activities include paddleboarding, yoga, jeep rides, horse riding, surfing, snorkelling, tennis, mini golf, mountain biking, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
Mauritius is considered a year-round destination which means you will find warm, tropical temperatures all year. They do however experience cooler, drier weather from May to Sep averaging between 24 – 26 degrees Celsius. This time of the year the island is less crowded, and you might find that package prices are lower compared to other months. Mauritius is also visa-free for South Africans.
An all-year-round holiday destination, Maldives is a heaven for honeymooners, fantastic for families and a playground for those who love water sports. The Maldives is very so often considered a destination for couples’ holidays and honeymoons. Whilst this ‘romantic’ reputation holds true, family holidays in The Maldives can be just as amazing for kids of all ages.
With beautiful white beaches, crystal-clear oceans and a wide range of activities, The Maldives combines relaxation for the parents and fun for children. Snorkelling is a must for any age. Water sport activities are available from most beach resorts, with some specific islands offering their own house reef.
Back on land, families might enjoy cycling, beach picnics or cultural trips to local islands. Family cookery classes are an entertaining and tasty way to introduce some Maldivian flavours to the whole family.
The island is known to have tropical temperatures all year round, making this the perfect getaway any time of the year. However, they do experience more rain from May to July. You will benefit from lower rates if you travel during this time as it’s considered low season. Maldives is a visa-free destination for South Africans.
Zanzibar embodies the Indian Ocean perfectly. Colourful boutique hotels line white sandy strips of beaches which stretches into glistening turquoise waters. The variety of hotels on the island means every budget is met with charm; from private islands off the coast, to barefoot luxury beach-shack chic, there is something for everyone.
Most travellers visit Zanzibar to simply relax on a beautiful white beach. However, there are lots of other activities for those seeking a little more adventure.
Diving and snorkelling around Mnemba Island is an unforgettable experience. Swim amongst a colourful array of fish and marine life, admiring at the exotic world beneath Zanzibar’s shores. The Indian Ocean has its fair share of dolphins and taking a boat trip out to find them is always a memorable activity.
This tropical paradise is only a short 4-hour flight away from South Africa and is visa-free. The island has balmy temperatures throughout most of the year, however, the best time to visit is during their dry season which stretches from July to September.
With stunning beaches, lush mountains, mouth-watering food, rich culture and party hot-spots, Phuket should be on every traveller’s bucket list!
However, if you’re looking for a quiet beach destination for your holiday, then Phuket would not be first on our list of recommendations. There are other options for more secluded beach holidays like Khao Lak, Koh Lanta or Koh Phangan. There are exceptions to Phuket, namely regions or hotels where you don’t notice the hustle and bustle.
Thailand is also a very child-friendly destination. The Thai people are super welcoming to kids, English is widely spoken, and you can find supplies for babies and toddlers in most of the supermarkets. There is a wide range of family hotels in Phuket and surrounding areas; plenty of which offer excellent pool facilities and kids club options.
With clam and clear waters, Thailand is one of the best places in the world to learn how to scuba dive. Other must-do activities include taking Thai cooking classes, enjoying all the spectacular viewpoints, and embarking on day trips to Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay sea cave.
Although Phuket is considered a year-round destination, their wet season starts in May and stretches until October. You will find that rates are lower during this time as this is considered to be their low season.
Escape the ordinary completely by doing a beach holiday in Turkey. If you’re looking to get away to stunning, sun-drenched beaches, Turkey is beyond a doubt a country you should consider.
Packed with beach resorts that offer endless fun in the sun, you might also be pleased to hear that there are many quieter, more secluded, beaches in Turkey too. Here are some of our favourites:
Turkey experiences nice and toasty temperatures between June and September, the perfect time for you to escape our cold and crispy winter months.
If you’re looking for that perfect beach resort getaway to escape the winter blues, then look no further! Chat to one of our Pentravel experts and let’s start planning your dream escape.
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