Winter is a prime time to pack your bags and escape to the ‘Land of Smiles’, renowned for its hospitality and friendliness and one of our top holiday recommendations for a dose of sunshine and Vitamin D.
This is the cooler, dry season here, with temperatures hovering around 29–34°C –perfect for experiencing life on Thailand’s two coastlines and 1400-plus jungle-swathed islands, which together constitute a vast outdoor playground for the likes of snorkelling, diving with whale sharks, scaling sea cliffs and kiteboarding.
One of our favourite places for a winter sun getaway is Khao Lak, a laid-back seaside town in Phang Nga Province, with gorgeous snorkelling and diving spots plus the famously scenic Phi Phi Islands.
A standout option here, Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas is a luxury boutique hotel on Khaolak beach with its famed sunsets, sided by a natural freshwater lagoon and nestled amidst rich tropical garden and coconut groves, with a blissful horizon-edge pool at its core.
One of the things we love about the Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas is its intimacy – it has just 69 guest rooms, pool suites and pool villas, all with sea views and their own balcony or terrace. Lighted-flooded and spacious, they’ve all been designed with the cultures and ancient architecture of Southeast Asia in mind and feature calming pale colours and natural fabrics and materials.
Among the options are Seaside Junior Suites with private spa tubs on their large balcony, Seaside ‘Pool Paradise’ Suites with their own plunge pools, Beachfront Pool Villas with direct access to the soft sands (one of them with two bedrooms), and the resort’s signature two-bedroom pool penthouse Sky Villas.
Perched at the top of the hotel, the latter have panoramic ocean views, a dining pavilion, a private lap pool with spa jets and a large courtyard with sun loungers. They come with complimentary treats such as in-villa welcome spa treatments and a private bar with gourmet snacks restocked daily, espresso machine and freshly squeezed juice of the day.
This is a resort that takes your wellbeing very seriously, with a divine spa combining Eastern healing remedies with Thai, Indian-inspired and Western treatments, plus complimentary yoga and mindfulness sessions.
If you’re here to blitz your wellbeing and fitness, don’t miss the day-long lifestyle packages embracing an energising workout, spa treatments and healthy cuisine. The Detox Day begins with a Tibetan singing bowl meditation and proceeds to an aromatherapy massage and signature facial, while the Boost Up Day kicks off with some Muay Thai boxing and finishes with a session in the steam room and a deep-tissue or Thai massage. The latter evolved in this country more than 200 years ago and focus on the sen (major energy pathways) to boost energy and restore equilibrium. There are also Beauty Days centred on a private yoga class, a body scrub and wrap, and a customised facial.
There’s also an array of experiences to choose from in and around the hotel, including Thai and Southeast Asian cookery classes and crafts sessions, spice tours of the grounds, kayaking and paddleboarding, and eco-bike tours to local coconut plantations and mangroves.
We particularly love the private beach picnics, private trips to a hidden beach, and excursions to cultural sites and nearby wild areas, with mountain trekking or jungle rafting in Khao Lak National Park among the thrilling highlights.
To book your winter getaway at the Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas, call your Travel Counsellor today.
If you’re seeking a destination that combines breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and ancient history, Guatemala deserves a place at the top of your travel list. Often described as the “soul of Central America,” this enchanting country offers a truly immersive experience for travellers who want to go beyond the ordinary. From colourful cities to mystical lakes and awe-inspiring ancient ruins, Guatemala is an unforgettable journey.
If you’re craving golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a luxury holiday where everything is taken care of, then this Corfu escape is the one for you. Blending award-winning all-inclusive indulgence with the laid-back beauty of the Greek islands, this 10-night stay at Ikos Dassia promises a truly unforgettable experience for couples and families alike.
Ring in the new year with sunshine, turquoise seas, and a Caribbean adventure like no other. This 7-night sailing aboard Norwegian Dawn takes you from Tampa to some of the region’s most spectacular destinations – from Mexico’s ancient ruins to Belize’s barrier reef and the laid-back beaches of Roatán. With premium inclusions such as unlimited drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursion credits, this is the perfect way to start 2026 in style.