At just over a four-hour flight from the UK and average temperatures of a balmy 20˚C in December, the Canary Islands are a fabulous short-haul winter sun destination. The islands are often forgotten by sun-starved British holiday-makers looking for a dose of Vitamin E in favour of faraway lands, but with such a diverse landscape across the islands, and great deals to be had, here are some reasons why to re-think the Canaries this winter: 

Warming relaxation in Fuerteventura

The SPA Bahia Vital at the five-star Grand Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real in Fuerteventura provides the ideal ingredients for a warm, relaxing and indulgent break as the gloomy months of winter approach. Renowned on the island as an alcove of luxury, where visitors can lose themselves and rejuvenate their mind body and soul, the SPA Bahia Vital boasts more than 3,000m² dedicated to providing refreshing beauty treatments and body therapies to synchronise mental and physical health. Its pool offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands, while the hydro jets, whirlpools, cold plunge pools and foot fountain offer new levels of relaxation. The use of natural products is a key part of the beauty treatments, which include natural Aloe Vera, sourced locally in the region, to ensure guests receive the highest standards and most authentic type of treatments

Thomson offers packages to the five-star Grand Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real between 18 November and 16 December from £742 per person, including flights departing from London Stansted, seven nights' accommodation, bed and breakfast, hotel transfers, and admission to the spa. Treatments are charged at an additional cost. www.thomson.co.uk / www.atlantisbahiareal.com

Rock out in Tenerife

Since the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife in December 2016, the largest Canary Island has experienced somewhat of a renaissance among the young and the young-at-heart. Located on Tenerife's sunny southern coast, the five-star Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife offers rock star-worthy stays all year round and lets guests live out dreams of being the next music legend. They can order Fender guitars and amps direct to their bedroom during their stay, or turn their suite into a nightclub by asking the concierge to deliver a 'Traktor DJ controller' to mix their own tunes. Daily personalised playlists are also available to listen to and access after the trip. Rockers can also max out the three swimming pools, freshwater lagoon, the tiered kids clubs (for kids from six months all the way up to teens), and daily sports and entertainment programme. There's also a Rock Spa®, Body Rock® gym, six restaurants, rooftop bar and a beach club.

Teletext Holidays / Alpha Rooms offers seven nights B&B at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife between 30 November and 7 December from £902.80 per person, based on two sharing. Price includes half board accommodation, and flights departing from London Stanstead. www.teletextholidays.co.uk / www.alpharooms.com / www.hrhtenerife.com

Explore the untouched island of La Palma

The lesser known Canary Island, La Palma, provides a picturesque backdrop for those in search of sunny adventures amidst the quintessential winter weather in Britain. Recognised as an official UNESCO Starlight Reserve, La Palma boasts the highest quality night sky for stargazers to observe the countless stars and the option to enjoy the purity of the island's environment through the world's largest optical telescope. The Observatory of El Roque de Los Muchachos, referred to as the 'Balcony to the Stars', is one of the three best observatories on earth; found on the island at an altitude of 2,420m, the observatory sits above cloud level for more than 300 days a year, enabling visitors to experience the incomparable astronomy as well as captivating views of the cloud covered landscapes.

Thompson Holidays offers packages to the four-star, La Palma & Teneguia Princess Hotel departing on 30 November from £396.85 per person. Price includes seven-night all-inclusive accommodation and flights departing from London Gatwick. www.thomson.co.uk / http://www.princess-hotels.com/en/hotels-la-palma-hotel-la-palma-teneguia-princess-spa-conference-4-stars.html

For more information, contact LOTUS: 020 7953 747/ Kate McWilliams: kate@wearelotus.co.uk / Camila Holden-Ayala : camila@wearelotus.co.uk / Georgina Oakley: george@wearelotus.co.uk