Fun in the winter sun

As the cold weather draws in, it's about time to start thinking of where to go to get some sunshine. But rather than just rest on a beach, why not do something more energetic? Claire Coleman picks 10 ways to enjoy an active winter break

1. Go surfing in Ecuador
Enjoy a 10-day surfing trip to Ecuador, at Montanita, a relatively undiscovered, rustic village on the Pacific coast about 180km north-west of Guayaquil. The accommodation is simple rooms with breathtaking sea views. Or in town, try Charo's Hostal, with a boho hippy vibe, or head to the Samai Lodge, perched on a hillside away from the hustle and bustle. If you don't know how to surf, there is always the Montanita Surf School, which offers lessons from as little as £5 for two and a half hours, to get you riding those waves. If you're all surfed out, you could do worse than lounge on the beach or go whale watching.
www.blacktomato.co.uk

2. Go wine tasting in Australia
A one-week trip to Australia can combine spectacular beaches with some of the country's top wineries. Fly into Perth and spend three days in Scarborough, 30 minutes north of the city, then three days at Margaret River—reputedly the best wine region in Australia—with two days on the Rainbow Coast. In Perth and Margaret River, you can check into serviced apartments overlooking the beach, while on the Rainbow Coast, a 10-suite lodge complete with on-site spa should do the job.You can visit the local wineries under your own steam, or take an organised tour. A full-day gourmet cruise of the Swan Valley vineyards, including tastings and lunch costs just £60 and his highly recommended, as is the one-day tour of the Margaret River wineries in a chauffeur-driven classic 1955 Bentley (£217).
www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk

3. Learn to Salsa in Cuba
Why not spend a week in Cuba taking in the sights and sounds of Havana and the coast? You can spend the first few days in Havana, before picking up a hire car (a 1950s Buick or Cadillac) and heading for five days on Cayo Levisa. In Havana stay at the Hotel Florida, a converted colonial mansion in Old Havana, while Cayo Levisa demands that you enjoy the delights of rustic cabanas overlooking the sea. Learn to Salsa in one of Havana's legendary clubs (if you're feeling inspired, you could even take classes), or, on the coast, go diving and snorkelling around the reef. Life doesn't get more laid back than cruising along in a Cadillac, or hanging out at the beach with a potent cocktail in one hand and a Cuban cigar in the other.
www.blacktomato.co.uk

4. Drive an F1 racing car in South Africa
Race 'n' Roar is a four-night break combining motor racing with game spotting. The racing involves driving single-seat Reynard 98s around the F1 track at Kyalami in Johannesburg. After two days of burning rubber it's off on safari, visiting the Madikwe Game Reserve, a 45-minute flight away. In Jo'burg stay at the sleek and modern Melrose Arch Hotel, all glass, concrete, steel and leather. While on safari, opt for the Tuningi Safari Lodge, with enormous bathrooms and outdoor showers. This is one of those "sleep when you're dead" trips. You're only away for a short while, so make the most of it.
www.madikwecollection.com

5. Stretch yourself with a yoga break in Bali
This is a 10-night break devoted to improving yourself-mind, body and spirit—including a four-day yoga retreat with Maya Fiennes (sister-in-law of Ralph and Joseph). It takes place at Begawan Giri, an area of inland jungle, a 15-minute drive from Ubud, and a one-hour drive from Denpasar, Bali's international airport. Accommodation is a garden suite in one of the estate's five residences, set in the jungle, overlooking the Ayung River. Each residence consists of four or five suites and a pool. There are Pilates and fitness classes and, during the retreat, yoga sessions in the morning and evening. Fiennes says her Kundalini technique is specifically designed for busy minds and helps release tension and stress while boosting the immune system.
www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk

6.Ski in Dubai
Winter sun holidays don't generally involving going downhill on sticks. But this is a five-night break comprising sessions skiing on both snow and sand in Dubai, of all places. It boasts Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, as well as undulating sand dunes. Stay in apartments at the Oasis Beach Tower on Jumeirah Beach, overlooking the sea. Sessions at Ski Dubai, which has five runs—including the world's first indoor black run—and gentle beginner slopes, too. When you're snowed out, head to the desert for more of the same on sand and specially adapted skis.
www.cadoganholidays.com

7. Keep fit in Kenya
Wildfitness is a health and fitness retreat that helps you rediscover your natural strength and sporting ability, whatever shape you're in, in a stunning natural environment.  Set in Watamu, on the north coast of Kenya, about 20 minutes from Malindi and two hours from Mombasa, the the accommodation is in large, airy, en-suite rooms in a beautiful, peaceful building overlooking the beach and sea. You name it, they probably do it here. From yoga on the beach and Pilates in the outdoor gym, to early morning runs through the forest, swimming across creeks and sprinting up sand dunes. If that's not enough, they can also organise horse riding, kite surfing, scuba diving and pretty much anything else you want to do.
www.wildfitness.com

8. Cooking in Kenya
If losing pounds isn't your idea of a holiday, how about putting some on? This is a 10-night trip comprising a three-day safari in the Masai Mara and a one-week cookery holiday led by Tim Challen, a former chef from The Ivy, London. The holiday is split between a secluded valley alongside the Mara River and the Mombasa coast. On safari you' can enjoy the lavish cotton and canvas-swathed, en-suite marquees of the Serian Camp. While in Mombasa take en-suite rooms in a private family home overlooking the sea. This is predominantly about the cooking. As well as being taught how to prepare and cook fish and shellfish, you'll get the opportunity to buy fruit and spices from the market, and take a boat trip to pick up a crab or two.
www.originsafaris.info/cook

9. Diving in Madagascar
Take a week to go scuba diving in the breathtaking surroundings of Tsarabanjina, a private island 40 nautical miles north-west of Nosy Be on Madagascar's main island. Enjoy one of the island's 21 individual thatched bungalows, each comprising a main bedroom, a bathroom with shower, a separate WC, and a private terrace with deckchairs and coffee table. There are stunning opportunities for diving, whether you're a beginner or a veteran. The Mitsio coral reefs and the volcanic islets are the perfect hunting ground for all sorts of marine wildlife—from dotted blue rays and angel fish, to turtles and even the odd shark.
www.aardvarksafaris.com

10. Golfing in the US
Why not take a golfing break in Florida? Based at the Hammock Beach Resort on Florida's Atlantic Coast, just south of St Augustine, and 40 minutes from Daytona Beach International Airport, you can take your pick from one-bedroom suites for couples, to villas for groups of friends. The accommodation is scattered around the sprawling resort but you are guaranteed views over the ocean, the golf course or the lake; plus huge beds, big TVs and lots of space. You'll be golfing on the Ocean Course and the Conservatory Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson respectively. The Ocean Course has more seaside holes than any in Florida, while the "subtle undulations and strategically placed bunkers" of the Conservatory are intended to offer a taste of the designer's beloved Scotland—with a Florida twist.
www.ghotw.com/hammock-beach

For more information on any of these breaks, see the November issue of After Hours