The Harrods Guide to Winter Sun

Words by Tony Wilkes

For many residents of the northern hemisphere, winter brings dark, cold and often wet weather. While there are ways to deal with the seasonal blues – staying active and eating healthily helps no end, as does throwing an all-out party – an alternative route is to up sticks and seek balmier climes. From wine tasting in South Africa to beach parties in Miami, there are numerous styles of sunny holiday to enjoy at this time of year. Here, we outline some of the best destinations – with top tips from our luxury travel partner Abercrombie & Kent – and, importantly, what to pack.

Whether high in the sky overlooking a city or adjacent to a tropical ocean, there are so many ways to do ‘pool’ nowadays. So, what do you need to elevate your lounging? Those books that have sat by your bedside for months (if not years). Noise-cancelling headphones and a series of podcasts. Perhaps a cocktail if you’re in the mood. A solid SPF, by contrast, is non-negotiable – nothing ruins an OOO glow like the tinge of lobster.

Budding sommeliers and curious beginners alike can find equal enjoyment on a wine-tasting tour – and some of the best grape destinations are in peak season from November to March. South Africa has been hailed among the world’s most exciting wine producers, and according to The Wine Society, it’s the region that gets the most recommendations. Look out for Cap Classique, a world-class sparkling wine made just the same way as Champagne; in the meantime, train your palate to the region’s flavours with The Sadie Family wines that hail from Swartland in the Western Cape.

Picture it: millions of wildebeest thundering across Kenya’s Masai Mara; a flock of flamingos crossing the sky like a vast cloud; and a languid leopard feeding her cubs. These are just some of the wonders you may encounter on safari. A typical day starts at dawn – the busiest time in the bush as the temperature is cool. Then lunch, served either out in the wild or back at the comfort of your lodge. Beat the heat of mid-afternoon with some downtime – pampering or community visits. By early evening the action begins anew.

There’s never been a better time to visit Miami. The economy is booming – mainly thanks to tech – fuelling thriving restaurants, a world-class art scene, and the city’s notorious nightlife. The hotspots to know? LIV at Fontainebleau, a 22,000 square-foot venue in Mid-Beach, and E11EVEN, the highest-grossing nightclub per square foot on the planet. While these two dominate, the party has now also moved to the Wynwood arts district and Downtown, where you’ll find intimate bars and restaurant-clubs to enjoy until morning.