Discover warm and sunny places to spend your Christmas vacation.
Many dream of a white Christmas, while others prefer a sunny Christmas -- and hopefully, with a beach nearby. Sunny Christmas spots abound around the world, and while this type of holiday might require flying to an exotic destination. Among sunny places for Christmas vacations, popular spots include easily recognized spots such as the Caribbean and Hawaii to more out-of the-way locations such as Uruguay and New Zealand. So, pack your swimsuit and sunglasses, and get ready for an idyllic Christmas that includes a beach, a lounge chair and a lot of sun. Does this Spark an idea?
Caribbean
For those who prefer a sunny Christmas in the Caribbean, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands hosts an annual Christmas festival that features a uniquely Caribbean take on the holiday. The festival typically stretches from late November through early January, with the popular Christmas parades scheduled just after New Year's. For those who prefer to relax on the beach, St. Croix offers plenty of opportunities. Among Crucian hotels, the Carambola Beach Resort & Spa is set on a quiet beach and provides guests with a taste of the Virgin Islands that has a distinctly Danish twist to honor the island's heritage.
Carambola Beach Resort & Spa
Kingshill 00851
St Croix VI
800-503-8760
340-778-3800
carambolabeach.com
Hawaii
Christmas falls during the rainy season in the Hawaiian islands, but there are still plenty of sunny days for visitors to enjoy the beautiful beaches. The island of Oahu, with the bustling city of Honolulu, can be a fun and sunny place for Christmas: Oahu is also home to Waikiki Beach and the Diamond Head volcano. For those who want to stay right on the beach, the Outrigger Waikiki features a plantation feel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On Kauai, the Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville sits right on one of Kauai's more beautiful coastlines. In Lahaina on Maui, the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel offers 11 acres with tropical gardens and, of course, the beach. And for those who can stay a few extra days, locals celebrate New Year's with massive fireworks displays.
Outrigger Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu HI 96815
808-923-0711
outrigger.com
Hanalei Bay Resort
5380 Honoiki Road
Princeville HI 96722
808-826-6522
hanaleibayresort.com
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
2525 Kaanapali Parkway
Lahaina HI 96761
808-667-0128
kbhmaui.com
Mexico
For those who prefer a sunny and tropical Christmas in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, on the Riviera Maya, is an excellent choice. Mexico varies considerably in topography, and the Riviera Maya is one of the more popular beach-going spots for travelers. Expect lush gardens and palm trees to abound, with white stretches of sandy beach to enjoy. For hotels, the Reina Roja, or "Red Queen," is a luxurious boutique hotel, with a contemporary feel that still embraces the feel of the local environment.
Reina Roja
Calle 20, No. 128
Entre 5a v. y 10 Ave.
Playa del Carmen 77710
Mexico
+52 984-879-3123
reinarojahotel.com
South America
South America is a vast continent with an array of options for those who want a sunny Christmas. With December temperature averages in the 70s and 80s, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil just about has it all for the traveler who wants to enjoy beaches as well as a thriving nightlife. The Windsor Asturias is conveniently located in the city and within easy distance of most popular destinations, but at a fraction of the price of many other area hotels. A more overlooked but equally sunny South American destination is Uruguay. December temperatures are a little cooler, but the scenery and fairly comfortable weather still make this a great Christmas spot. The Four Seasons Resort in Carmelo is definitely a little out of the way, but the resort features a lush landscape along a river, as well as a golf course and spa.
Windsor Asturias
Rua Senador Dantas 14
Rio de Janeiro 20031-203
Brazil
+55 21-2195-1500
windsorhoteis.com/br
Four Seasons Resort Carmelo
Ruta 21, km 262
Carmelo
Dpto. de Colonia
Uruguay
+598 542-9000
fourseasons.com/carmelo
New Zealand
A different kind of down under, New Zealand has a wide array of activities for travelers, from sunning on the beautiful beaches to hiking in the mountains. And like South America, New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the Christmas season is quite mild. In fact, New Zealand natives have a tradition of spending Christmas on the beach. Among places to stay, Eagles Nest, in the Bay of Islands, is a popular luxury destination. The resort features 75 acres of sub-tropical landscape, and accommodation options private villas with lap pools and Jacuzzis.
Eagles Nest
60 Tapeka Road
Russell 0242, New Zealand
+1 09 403 8333
eaglesnest.co.nz
Tags: prefer sunny, South America, sunny Christmas, those prefer, anapali Beach