We Go In Search Of Sun: 5 Places To Escape Our Winter

Not quite ready to ditch your swimmers?

Not that keen on winter? Us either.

Turns out, though, it’s optional.

We went in search of where we can lap up that vitamin D and shine from the inside out. Where our hair can be salty and our skin sun-kissed (protected by the appropriate SPF of course) and we never, ever have to wear a jumper … And here’s out shortlist.

So, look into your office’s remote working policy and get booking: here’s some sunshine states you can escape too as we hit chill.

via Instagram @sokhamarky

There’s no such thing as too many islands … Gili Islands, Indonesia
Off the coast of Bali, you take a boat ride that feels like forever across the Lombok Strait and then change into an even smaller boat to make your way to one of the Gili Islands. There’s Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, and, no matter which you choose, these are the places honeymoons are made of. Crystal clear waters, rolling reef breaks that work perfectly on the right tide and plenty of hammocks. For your list: for the day, there’s an ocean swing sure to lit up your Instagram and by night, feast at the Gili Trawangan night markets. For those looking for a little slice of self discovery, Gilli Meno is where Elizabeth Gilbert wrote part of Eat Pray Love. Prepare to fall in love.

via Instagram @quanieofcourse

Desert dreaming … Palm Springs, California
Plan a desert escape and head for what Sinatra and Monroe dubbed The Colony. An easy two hours from Los Angeles (once you’ve got the hand of the left hand drive), you’ll find cool pools of Palm Springs with the San Bernardino Mountains rising as your backdrop. Get margarita fit (it’s something of a tradition) and remain horizontal / pool side for as long as you can bear it. California, here you come.

via Instagram @blondiiebaby

Get your grass skirt at the ready … Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Admission: Tahiti is good to go year-round, but it definitely makes the list. Think fresh fish, over the water bungalows and endless hikes into a lush tropical paradise. It feels like the land that time forgot. Plus: swim with sharks and rays in crazy-clear waters (... if you’re game).

via Instagram @pilotmadeleine

Europe, baby … Head for The Continent
This is the place postcards are made of. Bathe in their blue-green waters and enjoy the light kiss of the Euro sun while sipping on your drink of choice. On our list? The island shores of Mallorca, the beach lounges and cool drinks of Ibiza and Santorini and the hidden swimming spots our Style Editor shared with us from Croatia.

via Instagram @placesweswim

Keep it local(ish) … Magnetic Island, Queensland
Under an hour off the coast of Townsville, this Tropical North Queensland island is an easy break if you don’t have the dough for a Euro escape. It’s the part of Australia that winter simply doesn’t both with, hitting an average winter temperature of 28.7 degrees. Almost entirely a National Park, you’re sure to see plenty of wildlife.