28C

THE washout weather that has plagued the country this year has many of us desperate for some sunshine.

As yet another rain-soaked week awaits, it makes sense to search out some blue skies and warm weather.

With the Easter break a way off, now is the perfect time to head abroad for some vitamin D at decent prices.

Here Head of Travel Lisa Minot picks some great deals on guaranteed sunshine destinations . . . 

THE Canary Island favourite is always a good bet for sun as March arrives, with temperatures averaging in the low 20s.

The family-friendly 4-star Alexandre Gala near Playa de las Americas on the sun-drenched south-west coast has two outdoor pools, one of which is heated year-round.

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As well as a buffet restaurant and two bars, there is a spa and sports facilities.

Its central location means it is close to the beach, bars and restaurants and just 1km from the Siam Park water park.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the Alexandre Gala is from £677pp including flights from Birmingham on March 4. See thomascook.com.

WARMING up nicely in March, Cyprus offers average highs of 20C.

Set on the beachfront of Kato Paphos, the 5-star Ivi Mare hotel is designed exclusively for adults.

There are three restaurants — buffet, Mediterranean and Japanese — as well as two bars, two outdoor freshwater pools and an indoor one.

There also a spa with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi plus treatments for a pamper between sunbathing sessions.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Ivi Mare is from £969pp including flights from Gatwick on March 2 and transfers. See easyjet.com/en/holidays and ivimarepaphos.com.

YOU are guaranteed tropical sunshine on the Caribbean coast of Mexico — and the all-inclusive 5-star AVA Resort Cancun makes the most of it, with all rooms and suites featuring panoramic ocean views.

The 2.8-acre beachfront lagoon is perfect for sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, while another six pools offer more water fun.

There are nine fine-dining restaurants and eight casual options, including street food and ice cream salons.

There are also bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £2,175pp, including flights from Gatwick on March 11 and transfers. See ba.com and avaresortcancun.com.

AGADIR’S beaches are a hit with surfers thanks to the year-round swells.

And with temperatures sizzling in the high 20s around now, there is no better place to kick back on a sunlounger with a beer.

At this time of year, stays at the 5-star Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay are a steal, with luxurious rooms overlooking the ocean, two outdoor pools and a sandy beach just a 1.4km stroll away.

While golf enthusiasts are getting in the swing at the on-site 18-hole course, those seeking relaxation can book in at the Moroccan-themed spa.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay is from £449pp with Luton flights on March 10. See loveholidays.co.uk.

ALL you will see from your room is blue at the 4-star Fuerteventura Princess, where four sprawling outdoor pools look on to the ocean.

Lush palm trees, volcanic mountains and hot weather make the island seem like a far-flung tropical escape, yet it is just a four-ish hour flight.

Sample local delights as well as familiar favourites at the buffet restaurant.

There is an outdoor tennis court, table tennis, billiards, volleyball and archery.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the Fuerteventura Princess is from £660pp including flights from Luton on March 4. See onthebeach.co.uk.

WITH GORGEOUS beaches and incredible swimming in coral reefs, Marsa Alam is ideal for a last-minute winter sun break.

TUI has new direct flights from Gatwick to the Red Sea resort, making it an easy flight with short transfers.

The 4-star Jaz Grand Marsa has its own private beach with a coral reef, as well as five pools, three of which have sea views.

The spacious grounds feature gardens and water fountains, plus tennis courts.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Jaz Grand Marsa is from £666pp including flights from Gatwick on March 15. See tui.co.uk.

ESCAPING the dreary UK for the paradise of the Caribbean might sound incredibly expensive.

However, on the cheapest island which is the Dominican Republic, you can get an all-inclusive February break from £155.57per night.

The Dominican Republic is one of the best places to travel to this year, and was voted as such in the ‘Best of the Best’ Travellers’ Choice Awards on Tripadvisor.

On what visitors can see there, Tripadvisor said: “Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim.”

“Island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention the D.R. is family-friendly, has just about perfect weather and is affordable?”

Tourists visiting the Dominican Republic will flock to Punta Cana on the eastern side of the island.

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This is where you’ll find white sandy beaches with bright waters and all-inclusive resorts – which are incredibly affordable.

On loveholidays you can get a seven-night holiday to the 3-star Bavaro Green hotel (room only).

Flights depart on February 23, 2026 from Manchester Airport.

The apartment-style hotel is in the heart of Pueblo Bávaro – it has an outdoor pool as well as one for kids and a playground.

It’s a five minute walk away from the city centre and Bavaro Beach is a 15-minute drive away.

On loveholidays, all-inclusive packages start from £1,089pp in February – which works out at £155.57pppn.

For this price you get a seven-night stay at the whala!bavaro including TUI flights from Manchester.

The 4-star hotel has 212 rooms which come with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private bathrooms and WiFi.

The resort has both an outdoor freshwater pool surrounded by sun loungers, and an indoor freshwater pool.

There are three bars, a buffet restaurant and it’s minutes away from the closest beach.

Compared to other destinations in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is relatively cheap.

The average price of coffee in the Dominican Republic is £1.46 and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can start from £4.65, according to Wise.

In comparison, a meal in Barbados is around £14.50 and a coffee is around £3.32.

It’s so affordable because of its low labour costs and local production of goods, which keeps operating expenses down for resorts.

February is a great time to travel to the Dominican Republic – it’s an incredible winter sun destination.

During February, there are daily highs of around 28C with minimal rainfall.

When it comes to exploring the island, one must-visit is one of the ‘World’s Best Beaches‘ – Canto de la Playa came in at number six.

Found on Saona Island it’s considered ‘one of the Caribbean‘s best-kept secrets’.

It’s been described as having noticeably soft sand along with calm waters for swimmers with vibrant coral reefs just offshore.

Saona Island is found off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic and forms part of the East National Park.

It’s known for mangroves and coral reefs and of course, its palm-fringed beaches.

In the waters around the island, visitors can expect to see sea turtles, dolphins and even humpback whales.

If you want to get incredible views, head up the Mount Isabel de Torres cable car which in 10-minutes climbs 2,600 feet.

The cable car is in Puerto Plata on the northern coast of the island with views of the city, tropical forest and the coastline.

For more on the Caribbean, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey checked out one of the least visited islands with zip lines, lobster bars and volcano hiking.

And this is the closest Caribbean island to the UK that has Maldives-like overwater villas.