Winter Sun: The Best Luxury Beach Hotels in December

As the nights grow longer and the chill sets in, the idea of escaping to golden sands and warm seas feels especially tempting. December is one of the best months to travel, with reliable sunshine in destinations just a flight away from the UK. The world's top luxury hotels are ready to welcome winter sun seekers, offering barefoot island living, glamorous city-meets-beach breaks, and secluded retreats where every detail is taken care of. We have handpicked five destinations that combine guaranteed warmth with outstanding hospitality. Barbados, Mauritius, Dubai, the Maldives and the Seychelles each promise something unique, but all deliver the same indulgent escape from the British winter.

Barbados

Barbados in December offers an irresistible mix of golden beaches, warm hospitality, and lively culture. The island is famous for its rum heritage, colourful festivals, and friendly local spirit, which make it far more than just a beach destination. On the south coast, days can be spent strolling lively boardwalks, discovering surf-friendly shores, or exploring the bustling restaurants and nightlife of St Lawrence Gap. Inland, plantation houses and botanical gardens offer a quieter glimpse of Bajan history and nature.

Where to Stay: O2 Beach Club & Spa

For a luxury base that combines modern design with authentic island character, O 2 Beach Club & Spa is a standout choice. Guests can enjoy ocean-view pools, a rooftop tapas lounge, and dining that celebrates local flavours, while the Acqua Spa provides serene treatments with sweeping sea views. The resort also offers cultural activities, from cooking and craft sessions to tailored masterclasses, giving visitors a chance to experience Barbados beyond the beach.

Mauritius

Mauritius in December is a place of calm seas, soft sands, and warm evenings. The island has a rhythm of its own, shaped by its blend of cultures and landscapes. Visitors can wander through the colourful markets of Port Louis, hike the trails of Black River Gorges, or simply relax on beaches where the lagoon stays clear and inviting. Inland, sugarcane fields and waterfalls add to the island's sense of natural beauty.

Where to Stay: Heritage Le Telfair

In the coastal region of Bel Ombre, Heritage Le Telfair offers a setting that feels both elegant and relaxed. The resort's architecture takes inspiration from the island's colonial past, with spacious suites that open out to gardens or the sea. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining across a collection of restaurants, unwind in the award-winning Seven Colours Spa, or play a round on the championship golf course. For those seeking extra privacy, the adult-only wing offers exclusive suites with direct beach access, a heated pool, and butler service for a stay that feels especially personal.

Dubai

Dubai in December is comfortably warm, with clear skies and gentle evenings. The city is famous for its blend of modern spectacle and traditional charm, where futuristic towers sit alongside souks and heritage districts. Beyond the shopping malls and fine dining, December is also one of the best times to experience the desert. Just outside the city, golden dunes stretch into the horizon, offering a sense of stillness that contrasts with the energy of downtown.

Where to Stay: Bab Al Shams

Set within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Bab Al Shams is a resort that feels like an escape into another world. The architecture blends Moorish and Arabian influences, while rooms and villas create a serene retreat with soft tones and desert views. Dining is a highlight, from local specialities to international flavours, all served in settings that make the most of the desert atmosphere. Guests can unwind at the Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam, practise yoga under open skies, or cool off in the palm-fringed pool. For a sense of adventure, the resort offers 4x4 desert safaris, camel rides, and guided experiences that bring the desert's wildlife and traditions to life.

Maldives

December is one of the best months to experience the Maldives, with clear skies, calm seas, and warm temperatures. Across its many atolls, white sand beaches curve into lagoons that shift through endless shades of blue. Life here follows an easy rhythm --- mornings often begin with the sea, afternoons are unhurried, and evenings bring skies that seem to stretch forever. It is a destination made for privacy, stillness, and uninterrupted connection with nature.

Where to Stay: Ifuru Island Maldives

Hidden in Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island is an independent resort with a playful spirit and a fresh take on Maldivian luxury. Its 147 Sunset Beach Suites and Villas are all positioned for uninterrupted views, so every evening ends with a private sunset. Guests can enjoy six restaurants and four bars as part of a generous premium all-inclusive plan, while the Xanadu Spa offers treatments in a tranquil garden setting. For adventure, the island is a gateway to encounters with whale sharks and vibrant reef diving, or guests can set sail on Blend, the resort's private luxury yacht, for champagne breakfasts or overnight cruises under the stars.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is often described as one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos, with a landscape that feels both dramatic and serene. Along the coast, soft beaches framed by granite boulders give way to calm turquoise seas that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Inland, the islands reveal tropical forests, spice gardens, and walking trails where lookout points open onto sweeping views of the ocean. December is one of the best months to visit, with long days of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.

Where to Stay: Avani+ Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa

On Mahé's west coast, Avani + Barbarons looks across sunset-facing Barbarons Beach and offers a relaxed, contemporary take on island luxury. Guests can choose from 192 rooms and suites, including Lagoon Access Rooms with a unique setting close to the water. The resort has two pools, three restaurants serving Creole specialities and fresh seafood, and the tranquil AvaniSpa surrounded by tropical gardens. A range of activities adds to the appeal --- horseback riding through forest and along the beach, yoga and meditation at sunrise, and excursions to nearby marine parks for diving, snorkelling, and lazy island lunches.

Planning Your Escape

December is one of the most rewarding months to travel, offering a chance to trade winter coats for summer clothes and long, grey days for sunshine. Luxury beach resorts make the transition effortless, with attentive service, fine dining, and settings designed for days that flow at an easy pace. What stays with you is not only the warmth of the sun, but the simplicity of time well spent in beautiful surroundings.