Escape to the world’s top-rated winter beaches

If you’re missing the warmth of long, summer days, why not break up winter with a holiday to hotter climes?

The following destinations were recommended by global travellers for their impossibly soft sand and consistently warm temperatures. So to escape the worst of the cold weather, try one of these top-rated winter beach getaways.

Selong Belanak, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia

Selong Belanak beach is a paradigm of well-preserved natural beauty. Despite its popularity, it still manages to appear a secret destination. Expect a low-key vibe, with lapping waves the only background noise.

Las Peñitas, Leon Region, Nicaragua

Often referred to as Nicaragua’s best-kept secret, Las Peñitas offers 5 km of sand, cafés and bars, and is also a popular spot for surfing.

Evans Head, New South Wales, Australia

Evans Head is a small beach town with a retro appeal. The curved shape of the town’s main beach protects it from the large southeast swells making it manageable for beginner surfers as well as those hoping to swim or fish.

Bolans, Antigua and Barbuda

Seemingly endless white sand fading into blindingly bright blue water makes Bolans a real bucket list beach destination. With any of the area’s glorious beaches easily accessible by public transport, nearly no planning is required for you to soak up the sun with a good book or grab a bite to eat at one of the beachfront eateries.

Diveāgar, Maharashtra, India

Located about 170 km from Mumbai, Diveāgar is a peaceful and sparsely-populated beachside village. Sitting on the edge of the Arabian Sea, the beach is nearly 4km long and remains completely undeveloped. Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the coast and see if you can spot the sea turtles that occasionally lay their eggs on the beach.