The 5 Most Beautiful Hotels to Beat the Winter Blues

When the weather turns cold and the days grow short, it’s only natural to dream of escaping somewhere warm. But where to go? At Enchanting Travels we work with our guests to find the perfect accommodations for their needs but we still have some favorites, like these resorts in the Maldives and Thailand.

Whether you’re after an ultra-luxurious villa on the Indian Ocean, a rainforest retreat, or a chic glamping tent near gentle elephants, these are our top five picks for comfort, atmosphere, and unforgettable settings…far, far from the chill back home.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives

Average winter temperature: 82° F
Best time to visit: January to March

Set on the crescent-shaped island of Dhonakulhi, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is an exclusive retreat in the northern Haa Alifu Atoll. With long stretches of soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and incredible snorkeling, it’s the epitome of a tropical paradise.

Nestled among coconut groves and lush greenery, this all-suite resort offers uncompromising comfort and privacy. Choose between beachside or overwater villas – many with glass floors in the living area – and enjoy butler service with every stay. Most villas also feature a private pool. For added indulgence, just head to one of the largest spas in the Maldives.

Food options include four restaurants, ranging from themed buffets to fine dining, ensuring something for every taste.

Highlight:

The Signature Collection at Hideaway takes luxury to the next level. This “resort within a resort” features nine ultra-luxurious beach villas at the island’s northern tip, offering unmatched space, seclusion, and privacy. The Signature Beach Residence Villa with private pool is the smallest of the three villa types, yet still with a generous 3700+ square feet.

Melati Beach Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand

Average winter temperature: 86° F

Best time to visit: January to March

The luxurious Melati Beach Resort & Spa on Koh Samui is perfect for those seeking peace and relaxation. Designed like a traditional Thai village, this tranquil hideaway sits tucked away in Thongson Bay on the island’s northern tip.

Wander through manicured tropical gardens, relax on the private beach, or take a dip in one of two inviting swimming pools. The breakfast buffet is exceptional, while Kan Sak Thong Restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine and The View restaurant offers international dishes.

You may find it tempting to never leave this peaceful haven, but if you’re in the mood for a livelier scene, the shops, bars, and restaurants of popular Chaweng Beach are only 15 minutes away by taxi. For something different, you might enjoy catching a Thai boxing match at the Phetch Buncha Stadium.

Highlight:

The on-site Melati Spa deserves every bit of its sterling reputation. Alongside massages and facials, it offers the award-winning Coconut Experience, inspired by indigenous traditions and focused on the healing properties of the coconut. This deeply relaxing treatment promises a holistic renewal of body and mind.

500 Rai Floating Resort, Khao Sok, Thailand

Average winter temperature: 90° F

Best time to visit: December to April

The location of 500 Rai Floating Resort in Khao Sok National Park is truly spectacular. Nestled in the middle of a vast reservoir, the resort’s motto “Disconnect to Reconnect” says it all. There’s no cell coverage here, just the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

The adventure begins with a scenic 90-minute longtail boat ride through southern Thailand’s Surat Thani province to reach the secluded resort. There you’ll find simply furnished bungalows equipped with modern amenities and joined by wooden decks, each with its own personal kayak waiting for you. The open-air restaurant not only offers a beautiful view but also a diverse menu, including southern Thai, international, vegan, and kosher dishes.

Highlight:

Nature is the star here. At 500 Rai, you’ll be surrounded by dense rainforest, towering limestone cliffs, and floating fishing villages. Explore misty mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails, and caves, keeping an eye out for Khao Sok’s 300+ bird species. Depending on the season, safaris may also reveal elephants, spectacled langurs, wild boars, or gaurs.

Elephant Hills, Khao Sok, Thailand

Average winter temperature: 90° F

Best time to visit: December to April

Elephant Hills is an award-winning jungle resort that actively supports elephant welfare in Thailand. It comprises two distinct camps – Elephant Camp and The Lake Camp – both located within Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province.

Elephant Camp sits at the southern edge of the park, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and lush jungle. It offers luxury tented accommodations, including a swimming pool.

Lake Camp lies on the shores of Cheow Lan Lake, accessible only by boat. Its floating luxury tents feature private terraces and operate entirely on solar and wind power, supported by an eco-friendly waste system.

All-inclusive safari packages (two to four days) include lodging, meals, transfers, guided activities, and excursions. Food at both camps feature a mix of traditional Thai and international cuisine.

Highlight:

The unforgettable centerpiece of your stay is the opportunity to meet Thailand’s gentle giants in a responsible and ethical way. Feed and interact with the elephants, then continue your adventure with kayak safaris on the Sok River, boat trips through mangroves, or guided jungle hikes.

The Bush Camp, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Average winter temperature: 77° F

Best time to visit: November to February

The Bush Camp Chiang Mai sits along the Mae Nam Ping River, about two hours from Chiang Mai Airport. From the camp, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of lush forest and mist-shrouded mountains in northern Thailand.

Visitors here stay in safari-style glamping tents, each with a private bathroom and balcony overlooking the nearby elephant park. The tents themselves were handcrafted by local artisans and are filled with comfortable furnishings and luxurious amenities.

After a hearty breakfast, visitors are free to spend time with the elephants or visit Chiang Mai’s historic temples. Or if relaxation is what you’re after, why not cool off in the infinity pool, unwind in a hammock, and watch the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand? Dinner is served in an intimate poolside setting, buffet-style, with both Thai and Western dishes.

Highlight:

The highlight of your stay is the chance to observe and interact with Asia’s largest land animals in their natural environment. Additionally, you can learn about the lives of their keepers (known as mahouts) with visit to their homes and firsthand insight into their daily lives and traditions.

Plan Your Escape From the Cold

From resorts in the rainforest to beachfront bliss in the Maldives, these stays prove that winter doesn’t have to mean grey skies and cold mornings. And with Enchanting Travels, your escape to the sun will be designed entirely around you. Your interests, your pace, and your idea of luxury.

So why wait for spring? Let our experts craft a custom journey that turns your winter blues into the brightest adventure yet.