by Leonore Dicker
 
Winter can be a depressing period of the year. The sun goes down early and the air is chilly. If –like us– you often find yourself daydreaming of the sun and sea, then it’s clearly time to book yourself a little beach getaway. Here are our 5 favorite island escapes.
 
 
Sri Lanka
Hotel: Amangalla
Sri Lanka is a stunning island located in the northern Indian Ocean off the coast of South India. If you’re an animal lover –who dreams of riding elephants– then this is the ideal destination for you. This specific hotel, which includes antique bed and claw-foot bathtubs, is a 17th century dream. Enjoy.


 
 

St. Barts
Hotel: Eden Rock Hotel
The beautiful island of St. Barts (where celebrities likes Diddy and Rihanna often hang out) is a blissful place located in the Caribbean. Each room at the Eden Rock is so unique, that one of them actually comes with a recording studio. For dinner, we especially recommend the On the Rocks restaurant, which is perched on a cliff and overlooks St. Jean Bay.





Cuba
Hotel: Saratoga
How would you feel about dancing to some groovy music on the streets of Havana? If this sounds like a dream to you, then head to the luxurious Saratoga hotel, which is located in the center of the city. Don’t forget to check the hotel’s rooftop for a lovely dip in the pool and sunset dinner.


 


Mustique
This exclusive island –which only has two hotels– is where you’ll find everyone from Cara Delevingne to Prince Harry vacationing away. Expect fancy dress parties, beach barbecues and celebrity encounters – but most of all, anticipate having the time of your life. While Cotton House has better service, The Firefly Hotel is deemed by locals to be “cooler”.
 




St. Lucia
Hotel: Chocolat
Want to make chocolate bars straight from cocoa beans? At Hotel Chocolat you can. This boutique resort, which serves everything chocolate (including seared tuna with cocoa pesto),is a dream come true. The green island is absolutely stunning and truly looks like paradise.