Help: Somewhere Hot to Holiday Start of Feb?

[roadsweeper]

As per the thread title, I'm looking for somewhere hot to holiday for a couple of weeks at the start of February with my girlfriend. We're just looking to wind down and want somewhere away from British chavs but not too expensive (we hope to go on a more exciting 'adventure and culture' type holiday later in the year).

We went to Mexico in October last year for two weeks and it rained for almost the entire duration so I don't really want to go there again just in case! We're considering Cuba this year but other suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks in advance...

[gilla]

thailand, vietnam, cambodia, Bahamas, barbados, maldives, mauritius. The last 2 are the most relaxing in my opinion but also the most expensive. The Thai option is a good one at that time of year and offers the best of both worlds if you happen to want to go a bit mental every now and again. Vietnam and Cambodia need to be travelled around really so whilst relaxing not the ultimate. Weather should be good in all of those locations but as per usual that can be luck of the draw.
The Bahamas and Barbados are full of Americans so that puts some brits off.

[koolchris99]

south east asia has too many tourists i find.

..... ready for it.

OMAN

[roadsweeper]

Thanks, some interesting ideas there. I've always wanted to go to Thailand...

Any more ideas?

[mickle]

Certainly Cuba. It's cheap to get to and it's a great place to unwind and relax in the sunshine. One of my favourite holidays!

[STEV8E]

I got sunburned new years eve in Madeira and didnt see one chav.

Probably not enough to keep you entertained for 2 weeks tho.

[roadsweeper]

Thanks all. Subject to a few final bits and pieces it looks like we'll be going to South West Sri Lanka.

[Don]

Malaysia.

[R8BWT]

do you mind saying what sort of deal you got. Currently looking for the same, two weeks to relax and chill. Thinking about mauritius, but a bit worried about the weather...

[wackydo]

Hi

Don't to put you off but a friend of mine went with his girlfriend to Sri Lanka a couple of years ago.

She got bit by a mosquito and was off work for about a year, was in hospital for the first 2 or 3 months of that.

[sgrimshaw]

Egypt will be very nice and reasonably priced too.

[paoloh]

sgrimshaw said:

Egypt will be very nice and reasonably priced too.

have to 2nd this.

You'll get 2 weeks 5 star for £600ish easily.

[S7Paul]

Gambia (which incidentally is 34/35 degrees & sunny for the next 5 days).

http://www.kairabahotel.com/

[Puggit]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

mickle said:

Certainly Cuba. It's cheap to get to and it's a great place to unwind and relax in the sunshine. One of my favourite holidays!

Interesting Option.
What else can you tell about Cuba?

The weather is far from guaranteed in Feb! A cold wind can blow from the North, giving mid-teen temps. But, it can be high 20s too.

[ideo]

roadsweeper said:

Thanks all. Subject to a few final bits and pieces it looks like we'll be going to South West Sri Lanka.

I really liked Sri Lanka which far exceeded my expectations. I know everyone says it no matter where they go but the locals are genuinely really nice people despite the obvious poverty. Weather-wise February is one of the best times of the year to go to Sri Lanka and it's not too expensive. If you can, take a trip to the Elephant Orphanage and Sigiriya Rock which are both further inland (but get there early or it gets very busy) although these will probably mean on over-night trip but well worth it.

Elephant Orphanage




Sigiriya Rock






The stairs up to the top of Sigiriya Rock - not for those with vertigo or health and safety concerns!







But it's worth it for the view you get at the top!

wackydo said:

Hi

Don't to put you off but a friend of mine went with his girlfriend to Sri Lanka a couple of years ago.

She got bit by a mosquito and was off work for about a year, was in hospital for the first 2 or 3 months of that.

As for the mosquito's, yes there's a risk but just take the usual precautions and make sure you get the right injections and malaria tablets before you go. Same goes for Gambia, which I can also highly recommend (especially the hotel that S7Paul mentioned) and again not too expensive.

As for Egypt, it depends where you go but Sharm is definitely getting worse IMHO. The quieter resorts on the mainland coast such as Hurghada or Marsa Alam are better but almost exclusively hotel based and could get a bit boring if you don't dive.

Hope this helps!

[Dave_ITR]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

paoloh said:

sgrimshaw said:

Egypt will be very nice and reasonably priced too.

have to 2nd this.

You'll get 2 weeks 5 star for £600ish easily.

I have read a lot of mixed reports on the Egypt thing..... Marbella in Africa etc.

good recommendations for small / medium hotels that are not chavved out ?

Depends where you go.

Hurghada & Taba Heights are lovely.