Islands of Tahiti
London, 2021-Nov-15 — /Travel PR News/ — When the weather turns cold and the clocks go back, the thought of a week or two away, lazing on a beach in the warm winter sun is enough to get any of us reaching for the computer to get searching for the dream destination. Here we show you our top seven winter sun warmers from tropical sunny breaks in Japan to breath-taking beaches in the US to the chilled, laid-back Islands of Tahiti.
JAPAN
Okinawa, Japan
Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa is a chain of islands with its own history as an independent kingdom and a distinctly subtropical climate. Relax on white sand beaches, swim in clear blue ocean waters and kayak through mangrove jungle between remote islands. There’s also plenty to do off the beach, such as exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Shuri Castle and the ruins of Tamagusuku. www.japan.travel
Takahama Beach, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan
Takahama Beach boasts some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Japan. It is not only one of the best-known beaches on the Goto Islands, but is also listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches and Top 88 Swimming Beaches. This beautiful, west-facing beach overlooks Sagano Island and has a wide sandbar that provides a calm shallow swimming area. The surrounding greenery completes the perfect coast escale. www.visit-kyushu.com/
USA
Shop until you drop, West Hollywood
Sometimes a winter escape is more about shopping than the beach. After soaking up the sun, cool off in a number of exquisite stores located in West Hollywood. Thanks to an impressive number of distinct shopping districts, West Hollywood is a very easy and fun place to spend some serious cash. Enjoy exploring boutiques from some of the more famous fashion designers including Christian Louboutin and Coco Channel. Walk up and down Melrose Avenue for a mix of apparel, design and unexpected gifts. The closer to Melrose Place, the higher the price tags with labels including Chloe, rag & bone, Alice and Olivia, Mansur Gavriel, A.P.C. and more. www.visitwesthollywood.com
San Diego
With 70 miles of spectacular coastline and average temperatures of 17°C in December, the SoCal city of San Diego is a winter sun paradise. Those keen to try water sports will find that San Diego’s calm waters and mild temperature offers the perfect conditions for taking to the Pacific Ocean. From surfing to stand-up paddle boarding, there’s plenty of activities for all ages and abilities. On land, San Diego’s beautiful parks and thriving culinary scene provide the ultimate escape for sun-seekers to enjoy an unforgettable, quintessentially Californian holiday. www.sandiego.org
Greater Palm Springs, California (average temperature 71 degrees)
While most destinations begin to wind down during the winter months, Greater Palm Springs is just the opposite. And while the oasis is definitely a year-round spot, there’s something truly special about visiting in winter and exploring the nine cities that make up this unique destination in the desert. One of the most obvious perks is the consistently warm weather and the opportunity to extend to outdoor activities. La Quinta Cove offers several hikes differing in difficulty and length but all promising picturesque views of the natural landscape. Shopping is also on offer in upscale boutiques on El Paseo in Palm Desert, vintage shopping in downtown Palm Springs and a 30-acre waterfront at The River in Rancho Mirage. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
Florida’s Paradise Coast, Florida (average temperature 68 degrees)
Florida’s beautiful southwest coast is always ready to welcome visitors looking to avoid the winter chill and not to mention the bustling crowds of neighbouring Orlando and Miami. Naples and Marco Island provide a perfect blend of city attractions and natural retreats, offering 30 miles of pristine, white sandy beaches, luxury shops and a thriving bar and restaurant scene. Not forgetting the Everglades, where the mainland meets the ocean, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect place to unwind in natural landscapes and reconnect with nature and wildlife. www.paradisecoast.com
THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Winter snorkelling in Rangiroa, The Islands of Tahiti
Discover mountains, rainforests, lagoons, beaches and coral reefs in The Islands of Tahiti this winter. With an average daily temperature of 29º during the winter months those winter blues will be swept away. For those who love snorkelling and diving, French Polynesia is renowned for having some of the most spectacular and diverse marine wildlife. Head to Rangiroa, famous for its incredible dive sites and enjoy snorkelling ‘The Aquarium’, a delightful reef spot full of colourful tropical fish. Located at Motu Nui Nui – a coral islet stretching in Rangiroa’s lagoon, just across the Tiputa Pass -, it is within an easy reach from the atoll main villages. www.tahititourisme.uk