There’s something so exciting about a winter sun break during the festive season. Leaving behind the dipping temperatures to embark on an adventure in a faraway land — it’s the Christmas travel fairy tale I dream of all year. And these WorldHotels properties are firmly on my bucket list.
December is my favourite time of year to travel abroad; swapping snow (or, more likely, grey skies and drizzle) for sunshine feels rebellious. Plus, a break from tinsel and fairy lights in favour of sandy beaches and sunsets sweetens the experience on both sides, providing a welcome respite for when the winter fatigue sets in. And if all that merriment during the Christmas season just isn’t for you for whatever reason, it’s nice to know that a tropical escape is only a flight away.
Why WorldHotels Has Cracked the Code for the Perfect Winter Sun Escape in Asia-Pacific?
When grey skies and single-digit temperatures take hold, the instinct to flee to somewhere warm and extraordinary is hard to resist. WorldHotels has assembled a collection of Asia-Pacific properties that answer that instinct with considerable style. From a heritage hotel in the heart of Singapore to a jungle spa resort in the rice fields of Ubud, each property offers something distinct: not just warmth and sunshine, but a genuine sense of place. These are hotels that give the festive season a dramatic alternative.
What Makes Asia-Pacific the Most Compelling Region for a Winter Sun Break?
The region’s appeal runs far deeper than its climate. Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand each offer a layered experience that rewards the traveller willing to move beyond the resort. In Bali, spiritual rituals and volcanic landscapes frame every stay; in Bangkok, the energy of the city turns a long weekend into something cinematic. The WorldHotels selection here reflects that variety, spanning the serene to the cosmopolitan, the heritage-rich to the sleekly modern, all within reach of a long-haul flight from the UK.
The passport may be itching for some new stamps, but where are you booking the flight to? Closer to home, the weather can be a little more hit-and-miss, with the Canary Islands being the best bet for the winter sun. But if long-haul is on the agenda, the Asia-Pacific region has a wealth of beautiful destinations that experience warm and sunny climates during the UK’s winter months.
A hit with tourists all year round but particularly popular during the festive season, destinations like Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand offer the chance to celebrate Christmas on the beach or clink glasses on a cliff edge overlooking the ocean. Of course, for those who want to spend Christmas with their family or friends, there’s always the option to travel after Boxing Day, just in time to see the New Year somewhere exotic.
Want to get some winter sun but don’t know where to start? This is the HOC round-up of some of Asia-Pacific’s most showstopping WorldHotel properties for an incredible winter sun break. These hotels epitomise luxury; beautiful properties offer the finest hospitality, sprawling tropical grounds, and beautiful settings. Put these Asia-Pacific hotels on your radar — particularly if you’re looking for a winter sun escape.
Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant cultural destination, a blend of old and new, with some of the most impressive sculptures in the world. Must-visit sights include Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre that has been a centre for science, research, and plant conservation since 1875 and the Marina Bay Sands, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The Hawker food scene is also a reason to visit. Hawker centres are huge, bustling food courts selling local street food, usually with a communal dining space.
Goodwood Park Hotel is a heritage hotel that dates back to 1900 (back then, it was known as the Teutonia Club), and much of its original architecture has been beautifully preserved. Despite its city centre location, the hotel is surrounded by tranquil gardens that create a relaxing ambience, making for idyllic surroundings to wander through on a break from seeing the sights.
This is a classic hotel that offers proper hospitality reminiscent of a bygone era. Be sure to pop in for afternoon tea at L’Espresso, a sun-drenched spot in the hotel serving British-inspired high tea cuisine and classic Singaporean favourites.
Find out more here.
SereS Springs Resort & Spa, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
This leafy resort in Ubud, Bali’s spiritual centre, is an excellent choice for a wellness break that will reinvigorate your senses and charge your soul. The SereS Springs Resort & Spa Singakerta Ubud is a five-star hotel with all the hallmarks of a luxurious Bali hotel. The spacious yoga platform is nestled in the jungle, and the high ceilings have traditional wooden fans above four-poster beds. There’s nature at every turn.
This slice of paradise is nestled in the serene rice fields of rural Bali, with views over Sacred Mount Agung on the outskirts of Ubud. The coast is around half an hour’s drive away. For a truly relaxing break, this stunning hotel is a great choice for anyone visiting Bali – with a four-level spa to unwind in after a day’s exploring.
Find out more here.
bai Hotel Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is one of the largest cities in the Philippines and the country’s oldest settlement, making it a must-see for fans of history and culture. Its character is still largely defined by its Spanish heritage. The bai Hotel Cebu is located between the vibrant cities of Mandaue and Cebu, offering a dynamic location with contemporary surroundings.
This slick and modern hotel has a definite city buzz. It’s not the place to go if you want a beach break, though you can easily reach Mactan Island, where you’ll find a series of high-end beach bars and water-front excursions. The food offering is strong, highlighting the theatrical Marble + Grain Steakhouse and elegant Ume Japanese Cuisine.
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand
Thailand’s capital is much more than just an airport destination — it’s also a great location for a long weekend before exploring this beautiful country’s more rural and coastal parts. The street food scene is one of the best I’ve ever tasted, with local dishes cooked minutes before your eyes and plenty of high-end restaurants to sample if you’re craving fine dining. It’s also a fun place for nightlife, with plenty of rooftop spots that offer views over the city.
The Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit is located in the heart of the high-end shopping and dining area of Sukhumvit, with plenty of tempting restaurants nearby. Inside the hotel, the surroundings are swish and lofty, with spacious bedrooms designed with comfort in mind.
Find out more here.
