Winter vibes

Taking in the mountains, desert, ocean and the pristine sands along the Gulf of Oman’s coastline, this adventure begins in the bustling city of Muscat before heading deep into the desert to spend a night under the stars, counting constellations in the clear sky.

This cosseting family-run boutique hotel attracts a loyal repeat clientele who come back for its low-key attitude and laid-back informality. Ideal if you love to be immersed in Bajan life and mingle with locals, thanks to its location within strolling distance of the many restaurants, bars and boutiques on the upmarket Platinum Coast.

The barely-there rustle of palm fronds sets the tone at this member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Resolutely old-school in feel and managed by the O’Hara family for over 50 years, enjoy the recuperative atmosphere of its lush tropical gardens, shady poolside cabanas, stress busting spa treatments and sundowners at the piano bar.

It’s remarkable how a place modelled on a 19th-century Spanish colonial village can feel so intimate, yet one of Tenerife’s original luxury resorts effortlessly achieves this. Set beside a golden sand Blue Flag beach, it perfectly blends a whimsical, crowd-pleasing escape with impeccable, individualised service.

An alpine escape for the mind, body and soul, the fifth European property in the coveted COMO group’s portfolio blends the thrills and chills of ski-in ski-out access with a dedicated wellness resort. Feel as if you’re right up in the peaks at this reinvention of a remote ski hideaway.

Nestled in upper Whistler Village, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the ski resort’s flagship hotel offers an unforgettable ski-in, ski-out winter experience. While tired muscles can be soothed at Vida Spa or in the Fairmont Health Club with its indoor-outdoor pool, sauna and steam room, out on the slopes Fairmont Snow Hosts are at your service with après-ski hot chocolate on hand.