January. Where to go?
-5 hours from the UK
MEGEVE - a charming, authentic, postcard village just an hour from Geneva. If you're not a skier, it's the perfect snowy weekend away to sip hot chocolate with brandy and dine at one of three michelin star restaurants. If you are skiing, a few things to know: 445km of piste, 2 cable cars, 7 gondolas, 27 chair lifts, 39 draglifts. Highest point 2,353m.
Recommended hotel: Alpaga (from £340 per night)
VIENNA - admittedly, the temperatures are low at this time of year but with frequent blue skies, a picturesque layering of snow and plenty of Kleiner Brauner to warm up, it makes a great winter break. Wiener Eistraum (Ice World) is open throughout the Winter and the ice rink opens from 19th Jan 2018. If you're visiting prior to this, Wiener Eislaufverein has an ice rink open all winter.
Recommended hotel: Grand Ferdinand (from £130 per night)
REYKJAVIK - not for the faint hearted but a magical time to visit the city. The short days offer a possible sighting of the northern lights and the staff at the hotel will give you the best spots to get a glimpse of them. There's also the chance to glacier hike, visit ice caves, and bathe in the natural hot springs and geothermal pools. Not forgetting one of the best things; you get to start every day with a cinnamon roll from Sandholt.
Recommended hotel: SandHotel (from £250 per night)
+5 hours from the UK
SOUTH AFRICAN ROAD TRIP - hot and dry weather, minimal jet lag and a wonderful combination of culture, beaches, vineyards and food. Ideally, set 10 days aside to really make the most of this area. If you're keen to see the Big 5 too, The Kruger can be added onto the itinerary. (Weather-wise, The Kruger has high temperatures at this time of year, but there can be a scattering of tropical rainstorms).
Recommended itinerary: Cape Town, Franschhoek and Hermanus (and if you have longer than 10 days, I'd recommend going right along the Garden Route to Swellendam, Plettenberg Bay and The Addo Elephant Park). Hotel recommendations on request.
KERALA - Indian culture, Western Ghats, wildlife, Backwaters, beach and, of course, curry. India is one of my favourite countries and Kerala is one of the best areas to visit if it's your first time there. It's a country like no other, and each area has a charm of it's own.
Recommended itinerary: Cochin, Munnar, Allepey and the Backwaters, finishing with a stay on the beach. (A few nights in Mumbai can be added at the start or end if you have the time too). Hotel recommendations on request.
MALDIVES - instagram-worthy beaches, over-water villas, private pools, star gazing, watersports, complete relaxation (if that's what you're after). This paradise destination is made up of the North and South atolls with nearly 1200 islands between them. January is a great time to visit, but their peak season does run from Nov - April.
Recommended hotel: it needs to be a very personalised choice as it depends whether you want an underwater restaurant, no news for a week or you're taking the kids. Contact me for advice and booking.
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