From Thailand to Barbados and Mexico, we round up exotic escapes to help you take a break from winter storms
THAT’S it! We’re done with winter. Enough with the snow and the ice and the bitter, driving winds. What we want is sunshine, warmth and the odd cocktail or two.
If you’re dreaming of exotic escapes to get you through the long days battling the Beast from the East, here’s just the ticket.
Premium travel company looks at the destinations proving popular with its customers.
And for 2018, it has seen demand increase for some firm favourites.
The report found more than half its bookings were for special occasion trips such as honeymoons, landmark birthdays, weddings and vow renewals.
But with winter seemingly going on for ever, could splashing out for that dose of sunshine be just the excuse you need? LISA MINOT rounds up some high-rising stars – and special reasons to visit – for 2018.
Thailand
THE perennial favourite made it to number three on the Kuoni list and its bustling capital Bangkok and idyllic islands have always been a draw for Brits.
Northern Thailand may not have the beaches of the south but delivers authentic Thai experiences.
The backpackers enjoy the Songkran water festival in April with water fights and street parties.
For a more laidback experience, try November’s Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai.
There, locals float candles downriver on handmade boats of banana leaves and wood and send thousands of paper lanterns skywards.
BOOK IT: Seven nights’ B&B at Kantary Hills, Chiang Mai is from £988pp including flights and transfers.
Barbados
THE hurricanes of 2017 hit the Caribbean hard but many islands, including Barbados, were barely impacted and still offer Brits a slice of paradise.
Barbados rose a place to eighth most popular in the list for 2018.
While A-listers continue to adore the glitzy resorts of the island’s west coast, there are places you can still enjoy the laidback life of the locals.
The fishing village at Tent Bay on the east coast is a favourite of keen photographers thanks to a rugged coastline and colourful fishing boats.
BOOK IT: Seven nights’ room-only at the Sugar Cane Club is from £959pp including flights and transfers.
Seychelles
THIS was once the domain of the super-rich, but with new direct flights on British Airways starting this month, demand is on the up. It gets into the top 20 for Kuoni for the first time.
The archipelago of 115 islands is a wonderland of coral reefs, beaches and wildlife.
Watch sea turtles nesting on Bird Island or see the giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely on Curieuse.
Largest island Mahe is the stepping stone to a host of Seychelles paradise resorts.
BOOK IT: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is from £1,805pp including flights and transfers.
UAE
THIS was once the domain of the super-rich, but with new direct flights on British Airways starting this month, demand is on the up. It gets into the top 20 for Kuoni for the first time.
The archipelago of 115 islands is a wonderland of coral reefs, beaches and wildlife. Watch sea turtles nesting on Bird Island or see the giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely on Curieuse.
Largest island Mahe is the stepping stone to a host of Seychelles paradise resorts.
BOOK IT: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, above, is from £1,805pp including flights and transfers.
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Mexico
MEXICO climbed four places in the Kuoni report to tenth.
Easy access to cultural sites and dive spots plus luxury resorts in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, right, have fuelled demand.
And while the Mayan ruins are a draw for first-time visitors, it is the delights of the deep that keep holidaymakers coming back.
The clear waters at Casa Cenote make it hugely popular for snorkelers, kayakers and swimmers.
BOOK IT: Stay seven nights’ all-inclusive at Le Reve Hotel & Spa on the Mayan Riviera from £1,338pp including flights and transfers.
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