6 sun-soaked island archipelagos to visit for a winter getaway

When the cold months begin to take a toll, a change of scenery might be the perfect antidote, especially if it involves clear blue waters and warm trade winds. Studies show that spending time near the coast can improve our overall well-being, and the calming effect often feels even stronger on islands. Life moves a little slower there, making it easier to relax, reconnect with nature, and truly unwind.

Trading gray-sky mornings for palm-lined beaches offers an instant boost, whether you’re snorkeling colorful reefs, hiking rainforest trails, or settling in an infinity pool or at a beach. If you’re ready to escape winter’s chill, these six island archipelagos are worth adding to your list this year.

1. Fiji 

Recognized by National Geographic as a top 25 destination to visit in 2026, Fiji experienced a record number of visitors in 2025. With direct flights to Fiji from major hubs such as Dallas and Los Angeles, more travelers can access stunning islands, including Savusavu, the Yasawa Islands, and Taveuni, known as the “Garden Island” of Fiji.  

Paresh Pant, CEO of Tourism Fiji, says, “One of the biggest reasons travelers should choose Fiji is our ‘Bula spirit,’ the warm, generous hospitality of Fijians that makes visitors feel like family the moment they arrive.” He adds that Fiji’s summer season (which aligns with the Northern Hemisphere’s winter) brings lighter crowds, better prices, and some of the clearest ocean conditions in the Pacific. “It’s an ideal time for sailing, kayaking, and venturing out to Fiji’s more remote islands,” Pant says.  

On land, visitors can hike to waterfalls like the easily accessible triple cascades of Tavoro Waterfalls in the Bouma National Heritage Park, browse the fresh produce and handicrafts at Namaka Market, or take part in cultural traditions such as a kava ceremony. Pant also highlights Loloma Hour, a country-wide sustainability initiative that invites guests to spend an hour giving back through activities such as planting coastal trees, joining marine conservation efforts, or supporting community-led projects. 

Where to stay 
The island nation is home to several luxury resorts, including Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, which feature overwater villas. New developments such as One&Only Fiji and Ritz-Carlton Fiji, Namuka Bay, are on the horizon. Turtle Island is one of the country’s well-renowned resorts and the longest-running eco-resort in the South Pacific. Hosting only 14 couples at a time, the resort takes care of each guest with a dedicated “bure mama,” who can assist with activities like clam digging, coastal cave excursions, and a private floating pontoon dinner. 

Owner Richard Evanson, Jr., says, “Turtle Island is more than just a beautiful destination. It fosters genuine connections over kava, communal dinners, and other activities with the island’s Fijian staff, fondly called family.” He notes that the property’s warm climate and community have driven a 55 percent guest return rate.

(How Fiji has become a sustainable island paradise in the South Pacific.)

2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are an excellent winter destination, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. Rasa Dawson, vice president of Advancement at the Galápagos Conservancy, shares, “Part of the magic of Galápagos is that wildlife isn’t tucked away here. It lives alongside daily life in ways that feel almost surreal.” 

Travelers can dive or snorkel with sea lions and turtles in one of the world's best marine settings, hike volcanic landscapes and mangrove lagoons, and discover the unique habitats of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Española, which are home to important breeding sites and rare species, such as the waved albatross. One lesser-known highlight is the Galápagos Conservation Center, which focuses on giant tortoise recovery and other conservation efforts across the islands.  

From December to May, the weather is warm and tropical, with mostly sunny days and occasional brief showers. Dawson says, “Because the archipelago sits right on the Equator, there’s truly no wrong time to visit. But in the heart of winter, it’s hard to beat the sunshine, beauty, and abundance of life on land and underwater.” 

Where to stay
While travelers can book independent trips and stay in guesthouses and boutique hotels, such as the 14-room Pikaia Lodge, most choose an expedition cruise. Several companies operate cruises in the region, including National Geographic Expeditions, which offers seven- to 10-day cruises of the archipelago. Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, says, “Our itineraries leave room for the unexpected, allowing wildlife, weather, and wonder to shape the journey.” That philosophy dates back to 1967, when Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first non-scientific expedition to the islands. 

(Here are a few tips for responsible wildlife tourism)

3. Antigua and Barbuda 

With more than 365 pristine beaches, travelers to Antigua and Barbuda can enjoy a different stretch of sand every day of the year. Visitors can snorkel the colorful corals at Cades Reef or unwind on the shores of Ffryes Beach and Darkwood Beach. Many people also explore the historic Nelson’s Dockyard or hike up to Shirley Heights Lookout for the sunset steel drum performances and panoramic views. 

Where to stay
Michelin-Key properties, Curtain Bluff and Hermitage Bay, are located near calm bays and offer high-end dining and wellness-focused activities. Antigua also features the region’s only all-inclusive overwater bungalows at Royalton CHIC Antigua and Royalton Antigua. Each overwater villa comes with a private infinity plunge pool, dedicated butler service, and panoramic water views.

In 2024, Antigua and Barbuda saw a record-breaking surge in visitors, and interest in Antigua’s sister island is also growing. Barbuda is preparing for the highly anticipated opening of Nobu Beach Inn, backed by actor Robert De Niro. The new hotel will be located within The Beach Club, Barbuda, a 400-acre resort and residential community. 

4. Turks and Caicos 

If sinking your feet into the soft sand of one of the world’s best beaches sounds appealing, the Turks and Caicos Islands are an easy choice. Most visitors—regardless of their itinerary—spend time on Grace Bay Beach, a breathtaking three-mile stretch of powdery white sand. Travelers can snorkel or dive around spots like Smith’s Reef, home to sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. For whale-watching excursions, people should plan a trip here between January and April to see humpback whales migrating through the channel between Grand Turk and Salt Cay 

Where to stay
The island has welcomed a wave of new luxury resorts in 2025, including The Strand and South Bank, and the Palms Turks and Caicos, which recently reopened after an $18 million renovation that added a sleek oceanfront infinity pool deck and swim-up bar, the Mexican-inspired restaurant Sí Sí, and upgraded guest suites. Families should consider staying at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos, which will debut its new Treasure Beach Village in March 2026. This $150 million project will add 101 multi-bedroom suites designed with families in mind, six new food and beverage concepts, and a 15,000-square-foot pool.

Getting to the islands has become easier, too. Delta and Frontier have introduced winter nonstop routes from Detroit and Atlanta, and American Airlines now offers a direct, twice-a-week flight from Miami to South Caicos, providing travelers access to a once-remote area that features the new Salterra Resort and Sailrock Resort. 

5. Seychelles 

With much of its territory surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Seychelles offers a dream-like setting. Spanning nearly 550,000 square miles with more than 300 miles of jaw-dropping coastline, the country draws visitors eager to snorkel or dive among vivid coral reefs found in spots like Saint-Anne Marine National Park.

But visitors have much to explore on land as they do at sea. “We have eight protected national parks and nature reserves, many with incredible biodiversity and unique flora and fauna found only in Seychelles,” says Karen Confait, marketing manager for Tourism Seychelles. The parks and reserves include endemic species like the Seychelles black parrot, magpie-robin, and sheath-tailed bat.  

The country has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Aldabra Atoll, which has more than 150,000 giant tortoises, the largest population anywhere in the world, and Vallee de Mai National Park on Praslin Island, home to Coco de Mer palms, a highly protected native species only found here, and the island of Curieuse.

Travelers seeking adventure can explore the rainforest trails of Morne Seychellois National Park or the cross-island Mare aux Cochons Trail. Travelers can also enjoy a rum tasting at the Takamaka Rum Distillery, go island hopping between the nation’s 115 islands, or visit the National Botanical Garden to see the famous Coco de Mer palm. 

One of the most popular excursions is a day trip to the car-free island of La Digue. Confait says, “You can marvel at giant granite formations at Anse Source d’Argent and bike around the island in less than an hour.” Winter brings a slightly wetter season with brief tropical showers, yet the rain usually clears quickly, leaving plenty of sunshine for exploring and relaxing. 

Where to stay
Although the archipelago offers ultra-luxury properties such as Four Seasons Desroches Island, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, and North Island, some travelers opt for a small-ship luxury cruise to explore the country easily.Ponant Cruises and Variety Cruises offer itineraries ranging from three to seven nights.

6. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, a cluster of 74 idyllic isles, boast pristine waters, abundant marine life, and colorful coral reefs. Hamilton Island serves as the central gateway to the Whitsundays. It’s the only island in the region with a commercial airport, offering direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns.

“The icons of Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef are right at our doorstep, which means travelers can easily access the powdery sands of Whitehaven Beach, dive or snorkel in the reef’s lagoon, or take in the marine life from a glass-bottom boat that sails from Hamilton Island Air’s private pontoon,” says Nick Dowling, CEO of Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island Golf Club features a course created by the design firm of legendary Australian golfer Peter Thomas. On Hook Island, visitors interested in First Nations culture can join Ngaro guide Robbie Congoo to see ancient rock art.

Dowling adds, “Beyond the iconic sights, the Whitsundays offer quieter treasures such as nature trails, hidden coves, and scenic lookouts.” Travelers can explore more than 15 miles (25 kilometers) of trails suitable for walking or e-mountain biking. “A sunrise walk to Passage Peak on Hamilton Island is unforgettable,” Dowling says. “And few moments compare to watching the sunset over the Whitsundays from One Tree Hill.”

Where to stay
When it comes to accommodations, Qualia is the benchmark for private luxury, according to Dowling. Located on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, it includes two upscale restaurants, Spa qualia, 60 one-bedroom pavilions, and the exclusive Beach House, The Residence, and Sunset Pavilion. 

Nearby, travelers will also find five-star stays at the Beach Club, the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, and Elysian Retreat. At The Sundays, the island’s newest boutique hotel, guests can enjoy 59 contemporary guest rooms with options for connecting rooms, a kids’ club and playground, and family-friendly entertainment and dining, including the Catseye Pool Club, overseen by “World’s 50 Best Chef” honoree Josh Niland and his wife Julie.