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The best winter sun escapes in Asia
The clocks have gone back, the afternoons are gloomy, the accoutrements of Christmas adorn in the supermarket aisles… Meanwhile here at Yonder HQ our minds are elsewhere, in far sunnier climes.
Still not found your winter getaway? It’s not too late! Yonder’s world – the pearls of South and Southeast Asia – await.
Our favourite winter sun escapes in Asia
Ready to escape the gloom? Have a look at some of our favourite winter sun boltholes in South and Southeast Asia.
Galle & the southern beaches (Sri Lanka)
The southern beaches to the east of Galle are amongst the best in Sri Lanka. Unawatuna, Thalpe and Koggala are the main areas, with a few smaller bays in between. Although the sea is generally not exactly placid, there are a few lagoons protected by reefs which make swimming safe. And if you stick to the beach, you will find the sand to be heavenly and the views to die for.
Throw in some excellent beach hotels in Galle that sit close by beachside restaurants and bars, and you have a vibrant and laid-back beach scene which fortunately lacks the hawkers and hassle that can be part of other Sri Lankan beach areas.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (India)
A far-flung Andaman and Nicobar holiday is without doubt amongst Yonder’s greatest treasures. The islands are about as far down the road less travelled as you can get. In fact, from India, you’ll need a three-hour flight and then a two-hour boat ride to reach your Andaman island hotels beside a pristine Robinson Crusoe beach. But, boy, is it worth it.
The untouched nature of the Andamans also makes it a diving paradise. Scuba divers will be completely enchanted and thrilled at the range of fantastic deserted dive sights, from corals and pinnacles to wrecks.
Koh Samui (Thailand)
World famous Koh Samui is stunning, with a mountainous interior and palm-fringed beaches. And this has brought mass development over recent years, some of which is simply mediocre. That means there are places that attract those who revel in cheap booze and noisy jet skis (could there be any worse combination!?).
Fortunately for you, Yonder is here to steer you away from such indignities. Our few handpicked Koh Samui luxury hotels, all gems, are far removed from the tourist tat and make perfect bolt holes, perhaps before heading off to one of those farther flung island paradises.
Tangalle (Sri Lanka)
Tangalle, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is a beachcomber’s paradise. A coastline of narrow coves, long sandy beaches and rocky outcrops make the Tangalle area the place to come for true beach escapes.A holiday in Tangalle is worth the trek. Not least because the best luxury hotels have set up shop here.
Goa (India)
Goa is incredible India in miniature. Not just because it is the country’s smallest state but also because it spent almost half a millennium ruled by the Portuguese, resulting in a spectacular fusion of Western influences and local traditions.
We’ve done our homework in Goa to discover countless coves, beautiful beaches and unsullied seascapes away from the scourge of mass market tourism. The north has been heavily developed and is generally busier, whilst the south still retains its sleepy charm and laid-back vibes.
The Maldives
The thing about Asia is it can be a pretty full-on place to visit – and that’s why we love it so much! But after a whirlwind journey through India or Sri Lanka, sometimes you just need some serious RnR time. And for that look no further than the glistening Maldives. Pairing very well with a trip to Sri Lanka or India, you’d be hard-pressed to find better beaches anywhere on earth.
Phan Thiet (Vietnam)
A left-field idea for our final suggestion. You might not think of Vietnam as a beach destination, but there are some hideaways to be found on the coast. We love Phan Thiet, especially after a frenetic tour of Hanoi, Saigon, Hue and the rest of Vietnam’s urban highlights.
The clocks have gone back, the afternoons are gloomy, the accoutrements of Christmas adorn in the supermarket aisles… Meanwhile here at Yonder HQ our minds are elsewhere, in far sunnier climes.
Still not found your winter getaway? It’s not too late! Yonder’s world – the pearls of South and Southeast Asia – await.
Our favourite winter sun escapes in Asia
Ready to escape the gloom? Have a look at some of our favourite winter sun boltholes in South and Southeast Asia.
Galle & the southern beaches (Sri Lanka)
The southern beaches to the east of Galle are amongst the best in Sri Lanka. Unawatuna, Thalpe and Koggala are the main areas, with a few smaller bays in between. Although the sea is generally not exactly placid, there are a few lagoons protected by reefs which make swimming safe. And if you stick to the beach, you will find the sand to be heavenly and the views to die for.
Throw in some excellent beach hotels in Galle that sit close by beachside restaurants and bars, and you have a vibrant and laid-back beach scene which fortunately lacks the hawkers and hassle that can be part of other Sri Lankan beach areas.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (India)
A far-flung Andaman and Nicobar holiday is without doubt amongst Yonder’s greatest treasures. The islands are about as far down the road less travelled as you can get. In fact, from India, you’ll need a three-hour flight and then a two-hour boat ride to reach your Andaman island hotels beside a pristine Robinson Crusoe beach. But, boy, is it worth it.
The untouched nature of the Andamans also makes it a diving paradise. Scuba divers will be completely enchanted and thrilled at the range of fantastic deserted dive sights, from corals and pinnacles to wrecks.
Koh Samui (Thailand)
World famous Koh Samui is stunning, with a mountainous interior and palm-fringed beaches. And this has brought mass development over recent years, some of which is simply mediocre. That means there are places that attract those who revel in cheap booze and noisy jet skis (could there be any worse combination!?).
Fortunately for you, Yonder is here to steer you away from such indignities. Our few handpicked Koh Samui luxury hotels, all gems, are far removed from the tourist tat and make perfect bolt holes, perhaps before heading off to one of those farther flung island paradises.
Tangalle (Sri Lanka)
Tangalle, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is a beachcomber’s paradise. A coastline of narrow coves, long sandy beaches and rocky outcrops make the Tangalle area the place to come for true beach escapes.A holiday in Tangalle is worth the trek. Not least because the best luxury hotels have set up shop here.
Goa (India)
Goa is incredible India in miniature. Not just because it is the country’s smallest state but also because it spent almost half a millennium ruled by the Portuguese, resulting in a spectacular fusion of Western influences and local traditions.
We’ve done our homework in Goa to discover countless coves, beautiful beaches and unsullied seascapes away from the scourge of mass market tourism. The north has been heavily developed and is generally busier, whilst the south still retains its sleepy charm and laid-back vibes.
The Maldives
The thing about Asia is it can be a pretty full-on place to visit – and that’s why we love it so much! But after a whirlwind journey through India or Sri Lanka, sometimes you just need some serious RnR time. And for that look no further than the glistening Maldives. Pairing very well with a trip to Sri Lanka or India, you’d be hard-pressed to find better beaches anywhere on earth.
Phan Thiet (Vietnam)
A left-field idea for our final suggestion. You might not think of Vietnam as a beach destination, but there are some hideaways to be found on the coast. We love Phan Thiet, especially after a frenetic tour of Hanoi, Saigon, Hue and the rest of Vietnam’s urban highlights.