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.
Miami has always known how to perform on a big stage, but 2026 will be its most exciting year yet. The city’s world-class arenas, oceanfront skyline and global energy are set to host an extraordinary line-up of international events, from Formula One to the FIFA World Cup, ice hockey, baseball and NASCAR. For travellers, it’s the perfect moment to see Miami at its vibrant, athletic best.
Experience the best of Miami on this five-night journey that blends coastal living with cultural discovery. Stay in the heart of Miami Beach, where art, architecture and ocean views meet. With premium accommodation, private transfers and curated local experiences, this itinerary captures the energy and sophistication of one of America’s most vibrant cities.
With a bit of forward planning, you can make your annual leave in 2026 go much further. By combining weekends and bank holidays, you can turn a handful of days off into extended breaks ideal for travel, family time or simply recharging. Whether you’re planning a spring getaway, a summer adventure or a cosy Christmas at home, these clever date combinations will help you make the most of your time off throughout the year.