Its that time of the year again! Bright Christmas lights are up, gifts are ready to be exchanged, and loads of fun and family time is around the corner. But the celebration brings with it another reality that’s not everyone’s favorite. We’re talking about freezing temperatures, having to shovel snow out of your driveway if you want to go anywhere, and the general sluggishness that comes from the lack of sun and shorter daylight hours. For a lot of us living in the northern hemisphere, the holidays are synonymous with the dreaded winter blues!

Its important to note that not everyone celebrates or even looks forward to the holidays. For those who do, its only a matter of time before all the fun and frolic is over and reality sets in again. Fret not, as we’ve got your back! Thankfully, when we are struggling with all the negatives of a bitter cold winter, there are parts of the world that are warm, sunny, and full of life. Even though we can’t make the winter disappear, we can certainly use some sun, surf, and sand to kick those winter blues away! With international tourism opening after close to 2 years of being closed, traveling is a reality again, and in this post, we’ll list some of our absolute favorite beach getaways you can use as inspiration for your next holiday!

We’ll cover 5 spectacular beach destinations – Kenya, South Africa, Bali, Thailand, and Brazil.  So, without further ado, let’s get started!

KENYA – Diani Beach

Diani beach is one of our favorite beaches in Africa, and one look at the photos will tell you why. Crystal clear water meeting with white sand shores, picturesque landscapes as far as the eyes can see, a gentle breeze blowing in your face reminding you to get back to the present moment to take in the beauty that surrounds you – sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Its no wonder that it has been consistently voted as Africa’s leading beach destination. 

Located about an hour south of Mombasa, the area is rich in biodiversity and local culture. Lush green forests create a striking scenery against the backdrop of clear blue water of the Indian Ocean. There are plenty of sightseeing options such as diving spots for the adventure lovers, nature safaris, local markets to explore, great cuisine, or just to lay on the beach, chilling with a cocktail. The choice is yours, and the options endless!

At The Whole Experience, we’re committed to helping you live your healthiest life. With that in mind, we’re organizing a retreat in Kenya in Spring of 2022, where we will combine wellness with deep rejuvenation, sisterhood, and cultural exchange. For more information and to book your spot, check out all the details here. 

BRAZIL – Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro needs no introduction! Who hasn’t heard of Copacabana or the Carnaval? Rio is an absolute confluence of cultures, with more history than we can cram in one blog post. Also known as “little Paris” Ipanema is full of art galleries, bookstores, cute little coffee shops, and cinemas. Its known equally for its fashion, both high street as well as hippie markets. Arpoador, which lies midway between Ipanema and Copacabana is arguably the best spot for surfing in the area. The beach is full of cafes, volleyball courts and soccer fields. Ipanema Farme is a gay beach that is known for its relaxed and accepting atmosphere. It’s a must visit for anyone! Garota de Ipanema is a favorite of tourists as well, and yes, this is where the song “Girl from Ipanema” was written! Ipanema is considered to be the jewel in the city’s crown, and rightly so!

THAILAND – Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

No list of beach destinations will be complete without a mention of Thailand. It was difficult to choose just one out of all the amazing beaches Thailand has to offer, but for this post we’ll look at Sairee beach at Koh Tao.

If you prefer a beach that is bursting with life, then Sairee is for you. Its easily the busiest beach in Koh Tao and that’s saying a lot considering how large Koh Tao is. There is no dearth of options when it comes to nightlife, clubs, restaurants, cafes, dive centers and we can go on! Its home to a beautiful coral reef and shallow water in the area makes it safe to explore as well. Thailand, especially Koh Tao has a rich history, and its remnants are found all over. 

There’s nothing like a night out at one of the most happening beaches in Thailand to kick those winter blues, right? Not that interested in exploring nightlife? No problem! There are plenty of other options like hiking, snorkeling, volunteering in conservation, cultural immersion and much more for you to choose from!

SOUTH AFRICA – Boulder Beach, Cape Town

South Africa is truly our motherland! It’s a country that is easy to fall in love with at first sight. The rich history, marine life, and local culture make it a truly heartwarming place to be in. 

Boulders beach is relatively uncrowded and famous for its colony of African penguins. The beach is covered with huge rockfaces blocking most of the unruly waves. If you want to swim in calm, clear water, then this is the place for you to be in. 

Boulders beach being a protected area under the Table Mountain National Park reserve is well maintained and clean. Penguins as cute as they are, are also endangered, and it’s a lovely experience to be in such close proximity to them, in their natural habitat. 

Boulders beach is a great option if you want to combine your beach getaway with an immersive experience in local heritage and conservation!

South Africa has been a favorite retreat spot for us for many years (in fact our first retreat was held in Cape Town). We’re excited to announce our upcoming retreats in Africa during Spring 2022. You can find all the details here. But yes, remember to reserve your spot quickly as they’re running out fast ☺

We’re certain that by now you’re convinced that a sure-shot way of combating winter blues is to take a trip to a tropical paradise. If not, let’s try something: close your eyes and imagine you’re sitting on a beach, basking in the sun, sipping your favorite “Mocktail” or smoothie.  It’s bright and sunny, bursting with life, and you don’t have a care in the world, or a to-do list to attend to. The only thing for you to do is to relax, explore, and have fun! And oh, let’s not forget the lovely tan and all the fun memories you’ll come back with. Winter blues – what’s that anyway?

If you’d like to take out the guesswork and hassle that usually comes with planning a trip, and only focus on your wellbeing, we would love to welcome you to attend one of our upcoming retreats. For a list of our past retreats, testimonials from real women like you, and a calendar of upcoming trips, click here .