January can be a stressful time; it’s cold, money’s tight after Christmas, and being back at work can feel miserable. I’m sure we’ve all thought that it’d be great to just get away from it all over January, and escape to somewhere with a bit of sun – or even just somewhere a little bit different from the day to day grind! It may just be a pipedream for most, but if you’re lucky enough to be able to go away over January, here are my picks for the top destinations.
For Beach Paradise: Maldives
Fly to Male before heading off to the small island of Baros – a resort that offers fantastic snorkelling, delicious food and long stretches of sand frequented by the island’s turtle colonies. It’s easy and fun to indulge in some island hop; we recommend SonevaGili, a chic destination famed for its incredible spa and extraordinary water lodges. If you’ve got family in tow, try the larger island of SonevaFushi; who’s slogan is “no shoes, no news”. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the tropical haven in peace, and travel through its organic gardens by bike or barefoot. It’s the perfect place to wear all those summer clothes that haven’t been out of the wardrobe since September.
For City Sun: Marrakech
When you’ve had enough of the city’s vibrant markets, intimate souks, incredible food and aromatic teas (as if you ever could), pack up and head to the breath-taking scenery of the High Atlas Range and Draa Valley. You could camp in the Sahara and stay in a Berber Village such as the gorgeous Sijimassa before ending up at the historic port town of Essaouira.
For Snow: Zermatt, Switzerland
The best time to visit Zermatt for skiing is December through March. A top tip is to take the first helicopter of the day, fly around to the top of the Matterhorn and then land at Plateau Rosa TestaGrigia, which is at the top of the Italian ski area. You’ll manage to get to the top at the same time as the lifts open at the bottom so you’ll get to ski the 12km down to Italy on completely empty runs! Don’t forget sunscreen to keep sun-burn at bay on the way down!