When Christmas is over, all the presents have been opened, that New Year’s hangover is only just starting to lift and you’re faced with the prospect of a long, cold January, what better way to banish the blues than with a dose of vitamin D?
New Year doesn’t have to be about resolutions and a new you. Why not make it about a new destination and treat yourself to a January getaway?
If you like things hot, hot hot, then be prepared for long-haul flights to South-East Asia or Central America. But if time is an issue, or you prefer to travel a little closer to home, there are some practical alternatives a short flight away. Temperatures won’t hit too high into the 20℃s, but there will be sunny, lovely holiday vibes nonetheless.
If you want to recover from a hectic festive season and beat the January blues, here are some recommendations for some fabulous January sun destinations.
For a relaxing couple’s getaway
Just a four-and-a-half-hour flight from London, Tenerife enjoys a sunny climate all the year round, with an average of only four days of rain in January and temperatures of 20°C. This makes it an excellent short-haul destination for some January sun, says Travel Counsellor Fiona Sarre:
‘Hard Rock Hotel have opened up a brand new five-star resort there with three pools, it is all inclusive with delicious restaurants, and there’s a spa and gym on site if you wanted to work off all of that Christmas over-indulgence.’
Best for young families
With young children, short-haul can often be preferable. The Canary Islands enjoy plenty of sunshine this time of year, as well as family-friendly resorts with beaches, attractions, activities and more. Fiona recommends the Gran Melia Palacia de Isora in Tenerife:
‘It has the longest salt water infinity pool of any European hotel. They have a resident astronomer, a tennis academy, five swimming pools and a kids club for ages three to 12. Small and large families are catered for with both one and two-bedroom options, and plenty of restaurants to choose from.’
Great for adventurous travellers
‘If you are willing to travel further away, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are excellent Far East options for adventure seekers, with so much culture to soak up,’ says Fiona. And if you’re happy to fly long-haul to these locations, you’ll be rewarded with temperatures between 22°C and 32°C, with relatively low humidity.
Alternatively Costa Rica enjoys a dry season with slightly lower prices in January. This Central American country is a global leader in conservation and has rainforest, wetlands, cloud forests, dry forests, beaches, and marine habitat.
‘Costa Rica is full of activities waiting to be explored such as the cloud forest on the Monteverde Skywalk, or diving the colourful reef of Cahuita National Park. Or how about visiting the orangutans in Borneo?’
The tiny archipelago of Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, enjoys average January temperatures of 24°C and eight hours of sunshine per day throughout the month. While it’s perfect for a beach break, it’s also great for island hopping. Start in the capital of Praia on Santiago, with its rich culture and history, before heading north to the relaxing paradise island of Boa Vista, then finish up on one of the beautiful beaches on Sal.
For those seeking total luxury
January is the hottest month of the year in Mauritius, with an average temperature of around 26°C. This Indian Ocean island paradise is ideal for spending your days lounging on the beach, with crystal clear waters perfect for diving, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking.
‘As for places to stay, I would recommend the 5 star The St Regis Mauritius Resort, located on the golden sands of Le Morne Beach. It has a spa, world class water sports and a private cinema. Activities include helicopter tours, skydiving, golfing, rum factory visits, horse riding, 4×4 adventures, sunset champagne cruises – the list goes on,’ says Fiona.
For a less crowded option
Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Dubai are all really popular winter sun destinations. If you want something a little less crowded, you could try Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s less touristy neighbour, according to Fiona.
‘Or if this is still a bit too busy for you, you could try Ras al Khaimar, a lesser known emirate with gorgeous resorts, warm ocean and soft sand, and all within 45 minutes from Dubai International airport.’
