On these cold dark days the thought of summer evenings is a dreamy escape, but right now they seem like a hideously long way away causing energy levels to remain at an all-time low and we’re all having to put on our bravest winter face. The solution; a bit of choice winter sun at some delicious southern hemisphere destination where the sun still bounces freely from sand and sea alike. Flights are cheaper than ever from sites like Cheapflights.co.uk and Bali, Java, and Mauritius are all popular destinations for those looking to escape drearier climes. All three offer white sand beaches and plentiful cultural pursuits. If you’re really looking to recharge and rejuvenate, then you’ll want to add a spa hotel into the mix; we’ve got one great spa option for each of our three winter destinations.

Bali

With a sunny disposition that varies little throughout the year, visitors can expect a pleasant daytime temperature of between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius, making Bali the perfect place to escape the winter blues. And you’ve also got the benefits of glorious beaches, rice-terraced mountains, jungle forest, temple architecture, and a vibrant Hindu culture. Those wanting to relax in the ultimate comforts of spa accommodation should look no further than The Edge, a luxurious destination dedicated to reshaping, relaxing and refreshing.

Clinging to the rock face high up in the village of Picatu, with breath-taking views across the Indian Ocean, The Edge comprises a collection of luxury private villas, all featuring a personalised butler service. An Executive Chef serves an array of Asian cuisine alongside Mediterranean and European dishes and villas are spacious, with private pools and Jacuzzis, outdoor garden showers, and kitchens. The Spa also features all liquid floors, wall-less rooms and caviar treatments. Should you wish to hit the sand, Jimbaran Beach is only 20 minutes away.

Java

Java is Indonesia’s fifth-largest island and home to Jakarta, the capital. It boasts the same consistent climate as Bali, offering a year round temperature of between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius, but a lot more bustle, containing two thirds of Indonesia’s total population. Jakarta is the typical entry point for travellers and great place to sample the buzz of city life. If urban exploration isn’t your thing, you can escape to white-sand beaches, ancient religious monuments and spectacular volcanoes nearby. The Ijen National Park is also well worth a visit, featuring the stunning Kawah Ijen, a spectacular crater lake with shimmering blue waters.

Those with a definite preference for relaxation and pampering would do well to stay at the MesaStila Wellness Retreat; a collection of luxury villas built on a hilltop in the middle of a coffee plantation. Far away from the density of Jakartan life and some 900 metres above sea level, each abode includes a large living area and outdoor veranda with spectacular mountain views. The health-conscious can get involved with activities such as yoga, Javanese dance, aqua fit and tours of the coffee plantation. Traditional spa treatments for those after pure indulgence include Java coffee scrubs and head-to-toe body treatments with Indonesian healing techniques.

Mauritius

Just 20 degrees south of the equator, Mauritius is the archetypal winter destination, offering the perfect sunshine tonic for those afflicted with the winter blues. Once a haunt for pirates, the tropical island is now perfectly geared to rejuvenating winter tourists, offering white sand beaches, cobalt blue seas and volcanic mountain backdrops. There are also cultural pursuits aplenty, including museums, French colonial houses, botanical gardens and temple architecture. It does get very hot from October to April, so head for the more sheltered north and west parts if you prefer a more temperate climate.

Mauritius is also a great destination for spa holidays, offering a host of different spa hotels for a variety of prices, some very reasonable indeed. The Veranda Paul and Virginie Hotel and Spa is a mid-ranged price spa hotel destination and considerably cheaper than the aforementioned options in Bali and Jakarta (more than half the price). The hotel looks out onto a blue lagoon against the backdrop of Mauritius’ beaches and natural environment and the spa features three massage parlours, a Vichy shower as well as four treatment rooms offering a range of treatments. Expect full use of the leisure facilities too, including pools, aquagym, glass bottom boat, kayaks, pedal boats, snorkelling and windsurfing.

The World Is Your Oyster …

There are a host of other southern hemisphere destinations to escape to if the sunshine deprivation gets all too much.  Australia is obviously a favourite, with Brisbane a less hectic choice than Sydney though still with temperature guarantees of 30 plus. South America also offers some fantastic options for winter sun (Argentina is very popular), though the continent offers a huge range of climatic conditions so a bit of research is a must.  South Africa is another great option and Durban on South Africa’s east coast is a large metropolis known for its beaches and cosmopolitan vibe. Anywhere in Africa will be very hot though so let’s not forget less developed destinations like Malawi, Mozambique and Zanzibar; all offer incredible weather and stunning beaches.