Winter Sun Bikini & Swimsuit Guide: Luxury Swimwear for Sun Holidays, Cruises and Spas

While the first autumn leaves are falling, you may already have a flight to the sun in your calendar. The Canary Islands, Egypt, Turkey, Cape Verde, Madeira, Curaçao, Gambia or Bali — a winter sun holiday calls for different swimwear than a day at the local beach. More sun, more hours by the water, and a luxury resort or beach club where you want to shine. And if you're staying in Europe this winter? You'll need swimwear just as much: for the wellness weekend, the thermal baths and the hotel pool. In this guide you'll find the handmade designer bikinis, swimsuits and cover-ups we pack, organised by what you'll actually be doing.

1. Beach & sea — bikinis for the Canary Islands, Egypt and the Caribbean

At sea — whether that's the Canary Islands, the Red Sea in Egypt, Turkey or Cape Verde — you want a bikini that stands up to salt, sun and waves and still looks like day one after two weeks. Our Colombian brands make their swimwear from UV- and chlorine-resistant lycra, so the colour stays. Mix & match top and bottom separately in your own size.

• Navy Mila triangle bikini top + Navy Mila tie-side bottom by PQ Swim — handwoven macramé, a deep navy that looks stunning on tanned skin.
• Black string bikini set by Saman — the most versatile bikini you can pack. Handmade in Colombia, minimal tan lines.
• Passion Lace halter top red + Passion Lace fanned bottom — hand-cut lace in deep red, for standing out in the Caribbean.
• Isla triangle top pink + Basic Ruched bottom pink — PQ Swim's bestselling shape in a bright colour that chases winter away.

Browse all bikinis: bikini sets · mix & match

2. Hotel pool & resort — swimsuits that go from pool to lunch

At a luxury resort you'll spend more hours by the pool than at sea. That's where a swimsuit or monokini works best: elegant enough for the pool bar, and with a beach skirt over it, ready for lunch.

• Midnight Josie halter swimsuit black by PQ Swim — timeless, halter neck, pleat details that lengthen your silhouette.
• White Alex monokini — open back with bow detail, not see-through. The swimsuit for the infinity pool.
• Radiant One-Shoulder swimsuit by Leonisa — asymmetric, light compression, doubles as a bodysuit for dinner.
• Black push-up swimsuit by Saman — our bestselling swimsuit, with shaping side panels. Saman runs small: order one size up.
• Black and white striped push-up swimsuit — mesh panels at the waist, high-cut for longer legs.

Going on a cruise? Choose a swimsuit that also works under wide trousers or a skirt, plus one compact cover-up — that way your whole look travels from pool deck to dinner in a single corner of your suitcase.

Browse all swimsuits: luxury swimsuits · monokinis · tummy control swimsuits

3. Sun protection without compromise — long sleeve & cover-ups

The winter sun near the equator is stronger than you're used to. A good cover-up isn't an afterthought but your most important piece: it protects at midday and takes you from beach to terrace without changing.

• Long Sleeve swimsuit by Leonisa — long sleeves against the sun, handmade macramé on the sides, deep open back. A one-of-a-kind piece.
• White lace beach dress by PQ Swim — hand-cut lace, open front, from beach to dinner.
• White long V-neck cover-up — airy mesh, handmade in Colombia, drapes beautifully over any swimsuit.
• Wide-leg beach pants ecru by Saman — the resort look par excellence, with adjustable slits.
• Maycee lace beach skirt white — a mini in hand-cut lace, over any bikini.
• Gold beach skirt by Milonga — metallic glamour for beach club evenings.

Browse all beachwear: luxury beachwear

4. Wellness, spa & thermal baths — swimwear for a winter weekend close to home

Not every winter starts with a flight. A wellness weekend, a day at the thermal baths or a hotel with an indoor pool calls for different swimwear than the beach: a little more coverage, quiet colours, and a fabric that handles warm water and chlorine. Note: at most thermal baths swimwear is expected or required, while in some saunas it is the opposite — check with your destination first.

• Black Alex monokini by PQ Swim — open back with bow detail, not see-through, as right by an indoor pool as by an infinity pool.
• Shaping swimsuit with zip by Garotas — one-shoulder with a zip, light compression, S to XXL. The one you keep on when you actually want to swim lengths.
• Black lace beach blouse by PQ Swim — the cover-up you throw on over your swimsuit between the changing room and the water.
• Also ideal indoors: the Long Sleeve swimsuit by Leonisa from the previous section — long sleeves keep you warm between two baths.

More swimwear with coverage: all swimsuits · tummy control swimsuits · Leonisa

5. Winter sun packing list — what to bring?

Two weeks of sun doesn't need half a suitcase of swimwear. This is the formula that works:

• 2 bikinis — one neutral (black or navy), one in colour or with a statement. Alternate daily so each piece can dry.
• 1 swimsuit or monokini — for the pool, the spa and the days you want a little more coverage.
• 1 long sleeve or cover-up — for the midday hours and the terrace.
• 1 beach skirt or pants — the link between swimming and lunch.

Want something nobody else has? The gold Milonga bikini and the white shell bikini are handmade, limited pieces — also see gold & metallic swimwear.

Why handmade in Colombia for your winter sun holiday?

Colombia is the heart of the luxury swimwear industry. Brands like PQ Swim, Leonisa, Milonga and Saman Tropical Wear make their pieces by hand, in small runs, from fabrics developed for tropical sun. You'll notice it after two weeks in the Caribbean: no stretched elastic, no faded colour. Handmade isn't luxury for show — it's luxury that lasts.

Frequently asked questions

Which bikini is best for a winter sun holiday?
Choose UV- and chlorine-resistant lycra and a style with adjustable ties, so it still fits well after hours in the sun. A black or navy set is the most versatile; pair it with one colourful piece.

Do I need both a swimsuit and a bikini?
For a resort holiday, yes: a swimsuit or monokini is more comfortable for the pool, the spa and more active days, a bikini for the beach.

What protects best against the tropical sun?
A long sleeve swimsuit or a cover-up with long sleeves, combined with sunscreen. Choose airy fabrics like lace or mesh so you don't overheat.

Which swimsuit for the thermal baths or a wellness weekend?
Choose a swimsuit or monokini with a little more coverage in a quiet colour, ideally with light compression or a zip so it stays put in warm water. At most thermal baths swimwear is expected; in saunas it varies by venue.

What swimwear do you take on a cruise?
One swimsuit that also works as a bodysuit under wide trousers or a skirt, one bikini for the pool decks and one compact cover-up. That way the same piece is ready for the pool and for dinner.

When should I order for my winter sun holiday?
Our pieces are handmade in limited runs. Allow two to eight weeks before departure, so you have time to try on and exchange if needed. Delivery in 2-7 business days within the EU, 7-14 business days outside the EU.

Also see the newest collection for the latest arrivals.

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