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Our Top 5: The Best Hot Destinations In December
With Europe feeling the chill in the months to come, it seems like a longer flight is needed to find some sun. It’s true that there are places closer to home where the weather stays around 20°C, but winter is a great excuse to go on a trip to a far-off destination and soak up some much-needed vitamin D.
Get ready to feel the heat as the cities in Africa and Australia gear up for their long-awaited summers. Meanwhile, tropical islands and hidden gems around the world are about to reach their prime.
So check out our guide to the top winter sun destinations and the best holiday spots in December for some travel inspiration.
Bahamas, Caribbean
Average December temperature: 26°C
It's the peak season in the Bahamas, so the beaches are bustling and the weather is absolutely perfect. Here's a suggestion: head over to Harbour Island, a beautiful strip of pink-sand beaches that stretches for three miles. You'll always find plenty of sunbeds available. Stay at the trendy Bahama House, a stylish cottage with a cool Palm Beach atmosphere, a unique tiki bar, and only 11 rooms. As part of Eleven Experience, a specialist in experiential travel, you have the opportunity to enjoy custom adventures like diving in hidden grottoes or swimming with pigs on Pig Beach.
Where to stay: The Pelican bay Hotel is a great option. Inside, the rooms by the water blend the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean with timeless European elegance. Just imagine the stunning white-sand beaches, the vibrant boulevards, and the breathtaking seascapes that await you outside.
Bali, Indonesia
Average December temperature: 27°C
Bali is a popular destination in South-east Asia for those seeking a warm-weather escape. With its lush rainforest and white-sand beaches, it's no wonder why it's considered a winter-sun kingpin. Canggu, a once-scrappy beach town, has become a popular destination for Indonesia's thriving digital-nomad crowd and blissed-out surfers. On the other hand, Ubud, known as an artists' village, attracts those seeking a more spiritual getaway.
Where to stay: Six Senses Uluwatu is a wellness retreat perched on a high cliff top with stunning views of the Indian Ocean on Bali's southern coast. It's the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate. In Canggu, we really enjoy The Slow, a small hotel with a trendy mix of art, music, and interior design. Capella Ubud, a riverside jungle hideout, has the charm of an African tented camp straight out of the 19th century. It's the perfect place to stay if you want to avoid any tired desert-island stereotypes. If you're traveling with friends or family, Bali offers a variety of amazing villas and Airbnbs. One of them is Laputa Villa, a popular choice that can accommodate up to four people. It is famously referred to as "The Bamboo Castle in the Sky." Check out our selection of the top Bali hotels.
Auckland, New Zealand
Average December temperature: 22°C
Auckland is a laid-back and charming city, much like the relaxed and easygoing New Zealand drawl. Maybe that's just what happens when you're surrounded by nature - hills covered in rainforests here, and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf over there. The idea that this friendly country is somehow outdated is proven wrong by places like the Britomart complex, a collection of historic waterfront buildings transformed into trendy boutiques and restaurants, and Iko Iko, an amazing concept store loved by people like Emilia Wickstead. Throw in a ferry ride to the beautiful sandy beaches of Waiheke Island and indulge in some wine tastings at the local vineyards. You'll be completely won over by the Kiwi way of life.
Where to stay: Hilton Auckland is a super cool retro-futuristic hotel located in a shiny wharf shed that has been transformed to look like a cruise-liner.
Merida, Yucatan Peninsula
Average December temperature: 31°C
Tulum, Cancún and Playa del Carmen may be the popular choices for seaside destinations in the Yucatán, but if you're looking for the best of everything, consider heading to the state capital of Mérida. Here, you'll find a delightful mix of Mayan ruins, a charming colonial town, lush jungle, and even some beautiful beaches just a short drive away. One great option is Chablé, located just outside the city. This stunning estate offers a spa, private cenote, and a restaurant led by the renowned chef Jorge Vallejo. You can also explore their tequila 'library', experience a sweat lodge, and even meet a local shaman. It also features 40 stylish casitas made of limestone and glass, each with its own terrace and pool.
Where to stay: Hacienda Xcanatun is a great choice. The verandahs boast beautiful marble mosaic and coral stone floors, while the exteriors are painted in terracotta and cream. Inside, you'll find rough-hewn rustic tables and hammocks hung between trees, giving this 18th-century Italianate estate a cozy and lived-in atmosphere. Explore more about Hacienda Xcanatun and other accommodation options through Booked AI.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Average December temperature: 27°C
Koh Samui has undergone significant changes, shedding its previous reputation as a paradise for adventurous backpackers. Yeah, the whole point of it is just pure enjoyment - chilling under three million coconut palms and lounging on its pristine beaches - but the overall vibe is more upscale like Four Seasons, rather than a run-down bungalow. Wellness has definitely made its mark here, with plenty of yoga studios, health retreats, and even monk-led mentoring for those seeking a genuine transformation. If you're looking for a laid-back tropical getaway, Panacea is the perfect choice. This impressive hilltop estate boasts five spacious residences, each with its own 82ft swimming pool. Inside, you'll find a cinema, a nightclub, and even a Muay Thai boxing ring complete with a skilled instructor.
Where to stay: Panacea offers a selection of villas with stunning views from its elevated location. These villas boast exquisite interiors featuring tropical hardwoods, luxurious silk fabrics, and even petrified wood that dates back over a million years. Additionally, Panacea provides a range of amenities including a kids' room, a private cinema, a gambling den, and a nightclub. COMO Point Yamu features a 100-meter long swimming pool that extends towards the beautiful Andaman Sea.
Conclusion
For all the warm weather lovers who are looking for a sunny getaway during the cold winter months, this list is for you. There are plenty of warmer destinations that you can visit during December, but these will guarantee you an amazing holiday.
Want to plan a vacation to any of these destinations? Booked AI is here to help. With our AI travel assistant, booking flights, accommodation and creating an itinerary become a breeze. So check out our app today on the App Store or Google Play Store.