Winter Sun Escapes
As winter sets in, when the days become shorter and the nights colder, warmer destinations look increasingly tempting. From South Africa to the Indian Ocean and Bali, these hot spots are sure to warm up your winter. By George Gibb
Villa Ombak, Bali, Indonesia
What From its clifftop position, the tranquil
villa has views out over the shimmering sea
Where Shoreside in Nusa Lembongan, on a plot of
land featured in the film version of the book Eat, Pray, Love
starring Julia Roberts
Why Contemporary chic meets Balinese charm with
beaches, quaint villages and Hindu temples nearby
Villa Layan, Phuket, Thailand
What Magical villa with weathered cedar pavilion
roofs, surrounded by tropical gardens
Where Phuket's northwest coast in Layan, 20
minutes from the airport
Why With an unspoilt beach, a good selection of
cafés, restaurants and shops, and an authentic, laidback vibe,
what's not to like
Baan Metta, Koh Samui, Thailand
What Spectacular beachfront villa just steps from
the pristine sands of Lipa Noi
Where Located on Koh Samui's west coast, Lipa Noi
is one of the island's most beautiful and tranquil spots
Why The waters are shallow and coral-free up to
100m, making it ideal for young families
Hibiscus, Mauritius
What Contemporary plantation house set on a
rolling hillside between the Valriche Nature Reserve and a number
of luxurious beachfront hotels
Where Located within an exclusive development on
Mauritius's south coast
Why Totally tropical Mauritian island idyll,
walking distance to the Valriche Nature Reserve, home to deer, wild
boar, monkeys and rare birds
Maliga Kanda, Galle, Sri Lanka
What Glorious villa set in a landscape of white
beaches, tea plantations, paddy fields and tropical jungle
Where Sits on a hilltop, just outside the Dutch
colonial city of Galle
Why Perched on a hill next to a serene Buddhist
temple, this calming oasis is only a 10-minute walk to lovely
Wijaya Beach
Villa Arabella, Western Cape, South
Africa
What Magnificent villa set in the Arabella Estate
with an 18-hole champion golf course (rated number 2 in South
Africa) and a five-star hotel, boasting two fine dining restaurants
and a wellness centre and spa
Where Located in South Africa's Western Cape with
Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek all within an hour's
drive
Why Within easy reach of some of the finest
beaches on the coast and the region's top attractions, from the
iconic Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront to the
Stellenbosch Wine Route
