Our favourite destinations!

February is not a universally popular month. It is still very cold at home, spring is not quite within touching distance and nothing much seems to happen. Many are tempted to grab a holiday in the sun, particularly families who want to take advantage of half term. Happily, there are plenty of options available for those who want to jump on a plane and find warmer climes. We have identified seven possible locations where the beach awaits, the palm trees are swaying and there is a cocktail with your name on it.

Carnival time

If you have never been to Brazil then February is a great month to give this amazing country a go. It is carnival time and the streets are alive with parades, dancers and people just having fun. You do not need to be in the thick of the action 24/7. Base yourself at Club Med Rio das Pedras for a beach resort that gives you space to to unwind from the frantic fun. Jungle adventures, watersports and visits to old towns can provide a relaxing interlude. However, everyone should experience carnival time in Rio De Janeiro at least once in their lives. And with a temperature of around 31ºC you can join in the samba wearing your best headdress.

Luxury on the water

The Maldives has 1,200 islands each offering an Indian Ocean paradise in February with temperatures around the 30ºC mark. This is the place to go if diving, snorkelling or boat rides are on the wish list of your holiday. It really looks and feels like a postcard with its blindingly white sands and translucent seas. For that added touch of luxury stay at Club Med Finolhu Villas or Club Med Kani where you spend your week in a villa on the beach or over the water itself. That means you are only metres from your next undersea adventure. Rest assured modern amenities are close by with fun activities for the kids and restaurants where you can try out the fresh, delicious local food with a stunning view from your table.

Closer to home

Avoid the leg pains from a long haul flight by choosing Italy for your February holiday, or more specifically Sicily. It will not be boiling hot but pleasant enough to enjoy the beach and the wealth of culture, great food and activities the island has to offer. You can make your break a true treat by staying at Club Med’s first 5-Trident resort in Europe with stunning views overlooking Cefalù Bay. Enjoy yoga by the beach, Michelin-starred food and the Sothys Spa. We can also arrange a Fiat adventure across the island, visits to historical palaces and hiking in the nearby mountains. The kids will love it as will couples looking for something different - perhaps the perfect Valentine’s present?

Mexican magic

Mexico offers the half-term family both the heat (a very reasonable 20ºC) they desire and a unique culture to uncover. The golden beaches are waiting for you as are the amazing snorkeling experiences, playful dolphins and turtles. Close to Club Med Ixtapa Pacific you will find a mixture of old charming towns and Ixtapa itself which is all about smart restaurants and luxury shops. Also nearby is the archaeological site of Xihuacan where new discoveries are being made every day from over 3,000 years of history. On top of this you have Mexican food, distinct Mariachi music and friendly people. It is a break where you can pack a lot into a short period of time. Only if you want to that is.

Early Algarve

Another short haul option is Portugal where the holiday season unofficially begins in February. With an average high of 16ºC it is pleasant without being the boiling inferno the summer months can bring. Our Club Med resort in Da Balaia is open for pleasure bringing you all the charms of the Algarve coast as well as the many activities that can be enjoyed by all the family. Everything is open, quieter and cheaper than at the height of the tourist season. As with Brazil, February is often carnival time in Portugal and you could witness colourful parades and celebrations in the streets of local towns. The interior of Portugal is always worth investigating whether it is the big, culture-rich cities of Porto and Lisbon or the many historical ruins and charming castles dotted across the country.

Pirate adventure

The Caribbean might seem an obvious choice for winter heat in February but that does not make it any less smart for those seeking sun and fun. There are many locations to choose from but we would suggest Martinique and Club Med Les Boucaniers. Part of the French West Indies, it offers the pure white beaches and swaying palm trees you want but also a unique atmosphere generated by the French colonial past. You will be staying close to an old pirate’s lair so the kids’ imaginations can run wild as you head out on the sea, stay on the beach, indulge in every watersport under the sun or take a walk to explore secret coves where treasure may or may not still be buried. Temperatures reach around the 30ºC level. It is also carnival season in this part of the world so expect to be caught up in parades and parties if you fancy experiencing the culture first hand.

Rollercoasting half term

Finally, Florida in the United States could be your ideal February holiday. With highs of 23ºC this is an ideal time to visit the Sunshine State before it gets too hot. A mecca for theme parks, you can take the kids to see Mickey or even join in Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort. Get ready for roller coasters but otherwise there is horse riding, cycling trails, space exploration, sailing, golfing … the list is endless. Yes, you can simply stay on the beach but for an action packed February Florida is heard to beat. Book for Club Med Sandpiper Bay resort to put yourself within easy reach of everything you fancy doing.

Resorts mentioned in this article