5 ways to escape the winter blues
With dreary weather, gloomy skies and failing New Year’s resolutions, it's the time of year when Canadians start to feel an oncoming case of the winter blues. One sure-fire way to shake off the winter blues is by planning a getaway to a tropical destination and trading in blue moods for blue skies. Read on for our list of five ways to escape the winter blues and pack your bags for paradise!
Photo: @paulartravels
Head to Cancun, where crystal-clear Caribbean waters provide perfect underwater visibility. One of the world’s most famous dive sites, the Cancun Underwater Museum features over 500 sculptures that are submerged between three-to-six-meters underwater. Created by famous British artist, Jason DeCaires Taylor, the Underwater Museum is composed of three different ‘galleries’ with sculptures that were created by local and international artists. You can visit the museum on a unique submarine ride, where your guide will point out and discuss different statues along the way.
Where to stay: When you’re not exploring the deep blue, you can admire panoramic views of the blue waters from the Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge at the brand-new Royalton Suites Cancun Resort and Spa. This luxury resort is located on a pristine white-sand beach and is just steps from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cancun.
Discover all the sights, sounds and tastes of Cuba while cruising around in a classic blue American car! What better way to tour the island than in a 1950’s convertible with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair? Drive along the cobblestone streets of Havana to soak up the local culture and visit famous city monuments including El Morro Castle, the Museum of the Revolution and El Capitolio. Or, ride along the coast in Varadero to visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, renowned for their pristine sands and calm aquamarine waters.
Where to stay: After exploring Cuba in your classic blue car, you can head back to Iberostar Tainos to spend some quality time with the family on the pristine white-sand beach. This top-rated family resort was the recipient of the prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2019 and features plenty of activities for every guest including snorkelling, dance lessons and tennis.
Spend the day sailing across the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea to Saona Island, just off the coast of Punta Cana. Excursions are a great way to enhance your vacation, and make some fond memories to look back on when you’re stuck in the snow and cold! After taking a scenic catamaran ride to the island, you can spend the day soaking up the sun on the pristine white-sand shores, relaxing at the exclusive beach club and enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch with your favourite cocktail in hand from the bar.
Where to stay: After a day spent on a desert island, head back to the newly-renovated Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort, Spa and Casino. Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling blue pool, stroll along famous Bavaro Beach underneath bright blue skies and indulge in a range of decadent dining options.
Nestled in an exclusive enclave just 30 minutes outside of downtown Cancun is Playa Mujeres, an intimate resort community home to some of the area’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. The area is also known for its crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal place to snorkel amongst colourful fish and exotic marine species. We recommend taking a catamaran ride to Isla Mujeres, an island just 13 kilometres off the coast of Cancun that’s surrounded by spectacular coral reefs. Hop off the catamaran and into the warm waters where you can explore the underwater world at Garrafon Park, a natural marine park renowned for its prime snorkelling conditions – you may even catch a glimpse of the area’s local sea turtles!
Where to stay: Vacation Like a Star™ on the pristine shores of Playa Mujeres when Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun makes its big debut this spring! The entertainment-themed resort is one of the area’s most anticipated new resort openings and will feature on on-site splash park, a FlowRider® surf simulator and an indoor trampoline park ($).
There are few places in the world where you can witness the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence – and Sunwing’s newest destination of Grand Cayman is one of them! Bioluminescence Bay is located on the north side of the island by Rum Point, where millions of micro-organisms light up the water. One of the best ways to witness the glowing blue water is on a kayak tour the week before or after a new moon (when the moon isn’t as bright and the glowing blue colours really pop).
Where to stay: When you’re not kayaking through bioluminescent bays, you can kayak along the sparkling shores of famous Seven Mile Beach at Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman. As the only all inclusive resort on Seven Mile Beach, the property offers a range of complimentary water sports including snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking while mini-vacationers stay busy at the Parakeet Kid’s Club.