Leave the miserable weather behind (Image: Getty Images)
As the UK heads into the colder, darker months, there’s nothing quite like dreaming of a sunshine holiday. Swapping grey skies and chilly mornings for golden sandy beaches, warm sunshine and lazy afternoons by the pool could be just the pick-me-up needed to brighten up the season.
And the good news is that topping up your tan doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune or travelling halfway around the world. TUI has a tempting range of winter-sun holidays to choose from, with destinations including the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Thailand, Mexico and Mauritius offering everything from short-haul sunshine to far-flung tropical escapes.
Booking outside peak summer can help your money go further, with TUI offering everything from family-friendly resorts to relaxing sunshine escapes. Better still, TUI is offering discounts of up to £550 on holidays departing between November 2026 and April 2027, giving holidaymakers even more reason to start planning their winter escape.
While some of the UK’s most beloved summer holiday destinations are ideal for enjoying the sunshine during the warmer months, they can be somewhat less dependable in winter. That’s why selecting a destination renowned for its year-round warm weather can help holidaymakers maximise a winter break, with abundant sunshine rather than risking lower temperatures and changeable weather.
The Canary Islands rank among the warmest destinations for some late-year sunshine, with Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura usually seeing temperatures of around 20-22°C, while flights from the UK last approximately four to four-and-a-half hours; Cyprus is marginally cooler, with typical winter highs of 17-19°C and flights lasting around four-and-a-half hours, reports the Mirror.
For those eager to feel the sand beneath their feet, we’ve compiled some of the finest winter sun getaways that can be booked today.
TUI Blue Atlantic Hills, Tenerife

Picture yourself around the pool at the TUI Blue Atlantic Hills (Image: TUI)
For a blissful adults-only escape, TUI BLUE Atlantic Hills in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, is a tempting choice. Set amid the lush greenery of Taoro Park, the hotel boasts sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide, alongside three outdoor pools, including an infinity pool, a spa, fitness centre and rooftop sun terraces.
Guests can tuck into buffet and à la carte dishes, while live music and evening entertainment add to the relaxed holiday atmosphere – perfect for unwinding and soaking up some winter sunshine.
Visitors have lavished praise on the hotel, with one describing it as an “amazing hotel” and a “hidden gem,” while commending the welcoming staff, excellent cuisine and abundant activities. They added: “Rooms are out of this world definitely coming back.”
Another guest said their visit was “absolutely first class,” applauding the stunning surroundings and noting the staff “take customer’s experience to the next level.”
Where winter feels a world away
The hotel has also proven particularly popular with couples, with one honeymooning visitor commending the stunning surroundings, immaculate accommodation and tranquil pool and jacuzzi areas, alongside the “fantastic views” across Puerto de la Cruz. Some did, however, point out that the hotel occupies a secluded position with a particularly steep incline, making the return journey from town more of an arduous climb than a leisurely walk.
For more adult-only indulgence, Jet2 offers all-inclusive packages at the Adrian Hoteles Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel in Playa Paraíso, while On the Beach features premium escapes at the adults-only Meliá Jardines del Teide.
Seven-night stays at the TUI BLUE Atlantic Hills begin from £603* per person, with departures from London on November 7.
Riu Oliva Beach Resort, Fuerteventura

The Riu Oliva Beach Resort on the windswept island of Fuerteventura (Image: Tui)
For a beach break with a little bit of everything, The Riu Oliva Beach Resort sits right on Grandes Playas, Fuerteventura’s vast sandy beach, making it easy to swap poolside lounging for seaside strolls. When you’re ready to explore, Corralejo’s lively bars and restaurants are around 15 minutes away by bus, with a stop conveniently located just outside the hotel.
Back at the resort, you can cool off in one of two swimming pools, grab a bite at the snack bars or tuck into Canarian and Asian cuisine, alongside buffet restaurants serving up regular themed evenings. With numerous Tripadvisor reviews, visitors have been especially taken with the cuisine, with one declaring it “undoubtedly” the hotel’s finest feature, commending both its quality and range while highlighting the delectable mojo sauce.
Fellow guests shared similar enthusiasm, with one describing it as a “great hotel” in a “great location,” while applauding the superb food, beverages and cocktails, alongside the views from the rooms. A guest who spent a fortnight there reported having a “great time,” noting that while the hotel shows its age, the cuisine and team were outstanding, cleanliness standards were impeccable and it represented “excellent value for money” in a charming environment.
One visitor commended the “fantastic” team, unrivalled position and beautifully kept grounds, but felt that the spacious rooms were in need of an update, with older style doors, wardrobes and furniture.
For families looking for a budget-friendly island break, Love Holidays is offering self-catering options at the two-star Castillo Beach Park Bungalows. At the premium end, the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace boasts a private beach section, comprehensive spa facilities and five-star gastronomy.
Seven-night packages at the Riu Oliva Beach Resort begin at £527* per person, with departures from London Gatwick on November 28.
TUI Blue Flamingo Beach, Lanzarote

The TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach in Lanzarote (Image: TUI)
Families looking for a fun-filled sunshine escape will love TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach in Lanzarote, just steps from Playa Flamingo Beach. The sheltered shoreline is ideal for little paddlers, while a buggy-friendly promenade lined with restaurants makes family outings a breeze.
There’s plenty to keep younger guests entertained, from colourful slides and a splash pool to soft play areas and an upgraded kids’ club. With three dining venues and a packed programme of activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – and a waterpark just a 10-minute walk away adds even more splash-filled fun.
Visitors have heaped praise upon Flamingo Beach, with one repeat guest stating they enjoyed “11 wonderful nights” and “cannot find fault with a single thing.”
Another commended its seafront position, welcoming team and the “lot’s of entrainment for the children,” alongside the extensive food selection and children’s buffet, noting: “I’m going again in August with my granddaughter.”
The setting also received considerable approval, with one holidaymaker declaring it “perfect for us” and highlighting the superior beachfront accommodation for sunrise dips, which “never disappoints.”
However, one reviewer felt the hotel was outdated, describing the rooms and bar as “very dated.” They also complained that the bar was dark and dingy, there was no air conditioning, and exposed electrical wires near the steps leading down to the bar raised safety concerns.
Lanzarote remains a firm favourite among sun-seeking Britons throughout the year. Other options include the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort, bookable via Holiday Gems, the upscale adults-only Secrets Lanzarote, and the excellent-value HL Club Playa Blanca, boasting expansive gardens and swimming pools.
Prices for a seven-night stay at the TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach start from £701* per person, departing from East Midlands Airport on November 16.
TUI BLUE Sensatori Atlantica Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus.

The pretty TUI BLUE Sensatori Atlantica Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus (Image: TUI)
For a sunshine escape with a touch of luxury, TUI BLUE Sensatori Atlantica Aphrodite Hills sits high on a hill overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean in Cyprus. The resort boasts more dining options than any other Sensatori by TUI BLUE hotel, giving guests plenty of choice when it comes to mealtimes.
There’s something for everyone, from a stunning two-tier swimming pool linked by an infinity edge to a separate adults-only pool and a splash zone for children. Guests can also enjoy a packed programme of activities, including yoga, sports, comedy nights and entertainment for little ones.
Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the nearby championship course, while those craving a little pampering can head to the luxury spa. The nearest beach is just a two-minute drive away, making seaside days easy to plan. Guests have also praised the resort’s facilities and service, with one describing the experience as a “fantastic environment and fantastic service” and highlighting the golf course’s excellent upkeep.

Get away for less this winter (Image: TUI)
Another visitor heaped praise on the spa, describing the service as “incredible” while noting they felt “wonderfully relaxed and at peace” following their treatment. The establishment also seems particularly popular amongst families, with one party making a return visit within the same month, branding it an “amazing hotel” featuring generous rooms, breathtaking vistas and superb swimming facilities.
They further commended the cuisine as “by far the best we have ever had at any hotel,” coupled with exceptional service standards, while a separate guest termed their experience as “fabulous,” emphasising the excellent food, immaculate surroundings and highly satisfactory service.
Nevertheless, not all visitors believed the property justified its five-star credentials, with one critic noting that despite extensive experience of five-star establishments, they “would not personally rate Aphrodite Hills as a true 5-star experience.”
With its beautiful beaches and mild winter weather, Cyprus is a tempting choice for a sunshine getaway. Those looking to keep costs down can book self-catering stays at the four-star Avlida Apartments through On the Beach, while Jet2 offers family-friendly accommodation at the Sunrise Oasis Hotel and Waterpark.
For a more luxurious escape, seven-night packages at TUI BLUE Sensatori Atlantica Aphrodite Hills start from £1,582* per person, with departures from London Heathrow on November 21.
Looking for a long haul adventure?
For those happy to travel a little further in search of winter sunshine, Cancun serves up postcard-worthy white-sand beaches, tropical temperatures and a buzzing nightlife scene. The Riu Cancun is an adults-only beachfront resort ideal for those who like their holidays packed with fun, with sports facilities, unlimited drinks and bars, clubs and shops all within easy reach.
Set beside a beautiful stretch of white sand, the hotel is around a 15-minute walk from Cancun’s lively bar and nightclub district, with two shopping centres just moments away.
For a more laid-back family escape, the TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak in Thailand offers a tropical setting beside a golden sandy beach, surrounded by lush forest. Little ones can enjoy premium kids’ clubs, a pirate ship-themed splash park and a host of activities, while private-pool villas offer an extra touch of luxury. Shops and restaurants are also around 15 minutes away by shuttle, making it easy to explore beyond the resort.
*Prices are subject to change.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
