An Atlantic island known for being like the Caribbean without the jetlag with white sandy beaches, subtropical climes, and a one-hour time difference with the UK has outshined the Canaries as the top destination for Brits looking to beat the winter blues.

Sal, Cape Verde’s most tourist-ready island, boasts perpetual sun and reliable hot temperatures all year round, averaging 24-25C in the winter months of January to March in contrast to the UK’s meagre highs of 6-8C.

After topping up on sun for the total 10 hours on offer every day, travellers can soak up the sounds of local Creole beats whilst experiencing the dancing flavours of a cuisine weaved by Portuguese, African and Brazilian influences, where a meal for two totals around £30.

Reachable via easyJet routes in just six hours, Sal doubles up as an ideal WFH (Work From Holiday) destination with the UK logging on just one hour ahead.

A close runner up, known for its Red Sea coastline adorned with crystal-clear waters was Hurghada. Located on the east coast of Egypt, this resort destination has earned a well-deserved second place spot on the index thanks to its wall-to-wall sunshine, vibrant coral reefs and Saharan landscapes primed for quad biking or Jeep safari.

With typical winter temperatures that range between 21 and 25C and pints putting you just £2 out of pocket, this gilded retreat offers up everything that can be expected when desert meets sea. A necessary respite from the humble grey tones of the UK at this time of year.

The Canary Islands remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering winter warmth, picking up third and fourth place for Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Both spots offer volcanic vistas and lively resort activity – the former replete with golden beaches, the latter etched with unique black sands.