Explore the World with Hayes & Jarvis

If you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches and verdant valleys as you snuggle up indoors with a cup of hot chocolate, you’re not alone. Beat those winter blues with a holiday to a tropical paradise, where the skies are clear and the sea is blue. From the idyllic beaches of Kenya to the rugged Australian coast, Hayes & Jarvis have handpicked their top 5 destinations for a warm and sunny escape this winter.

Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a great choice for an eco-conscious holiday due to its national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation projects. Known for its volcanic mountains, dense wilderness areas and pristine beaches, the winter months are perfect for guided walking tours through its numerous national parks, with their criss-crossing rivers, canals and lush rainforests.

DON'T MISS: Visit the Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, and spot giant sea turtles, toucans, spider monkeys and more.

For a safari experience like no other, head to the exciting game reserves of Kenya. The country’s national parks and community-run conservancies promise an unmatched spectacle of wildlife with luxury-tented camping of the highest standards. Keen to bask in some sunshine? The scintillating Kenyan coastline is dotted with picturesque beaches such as Mombasa, Diani, Lamu, Watamu and more.

DON'T MISS: Soar high above the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon or spend time exploring the Great Rift Valley and take in the ethereal beauty of Lake Nakuru and Naivasha.

The palm-fringed beaches, sunny islands, bustling cities and immersive cultural experiences make Thailand a great winter destination. The vibrant metropolis of Bangkok is a city of contrasts - glitzy skyscrapers overlook ancient temples and thriving markets. Dine at some of the most cutting-edge restaurants in the city for a taste of Thai food as well as global cuisine. For a change of pace, visit some of the country’s stunning beaches on islands such as Krabi, Phuket and Koh Samui.

DON'T MISS: Come face to face with majestic Asian elephants at Elephant Hills Camp in Khao Sok, set amid limestone karsts and some of the world’s oldest rainforests.

India draws you in with its colourful streets, tiger reserves, regal palaces and historic monuments. It doesn’t get more royal than a holiday to the north-western state of Rajasthan, where luxury palace hotels and ancient forts welcome you into a bygone era where peacocks still dance in beautiful gardens and chandeliers light up feasts fit for royalty.

DON'T MISS: Go on a tour of the Golden Triangle or sail the backwaters of Kerala and discover the healing power of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine system.

Connecting with nature is easy on the vast Australian continent, especially now that it’s summer in the southern hemisphere. The southern and western parts of the country, in particular, are home to secluded beaches, jaw-dropping national parks and diverse wildlife.

DON'T MISS: Soar over the vineyards of the Barossa Valley in a hot air balloon or explore the stunning beaches of Western Australia, including Cable Beach, Turquoise Bay and Margaret River.