Beat January: Go Somewhere Hot

10th January 2018

The other day it was minus fifteen in the UK. Minus fifteen… I have never been more eager to jump on a flight and leave Britain way, way behind. Except the half inch of snow meant that all flights were cancelled. So instead here I am, huddled by the radiator and daydreaming about where I’d head for winter sun…

The Sandpiper Hotel, Barbados

Relax on the beach in Barbados

This is cheating given I did head there just last month for a much needed tan top-up; watch this space for a full Handbook review. But needless to say it’s the perfect place for some winter sun. Stay at The Sandpiper Hotel (they do the best pina coladas), enjoy stunning sunsets relaxing on the beach, eat at the Lone Star Hotel or try the bustling streetfood market at Oistins.

Average January temperature: 28°C

Where: Holetown, St. James, Barbados, West Indies
Website: www.sandpiperbarbados.com

Riad El Fenn, Marrakech

Culture and relaxation in Morocco

Explore the ancient alleyways, souks, and shops, the beautiful markets and mosques. The Jemaa el-Fnaa sits in the centre of the city and the UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most recognised squares in the world. For somewhere to stay look no further than Riad El Fenn. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed, Riad El Fenn is owned by Richard Branson’s sister and comes with all the glamour and attention to detail that suggests, but at the same time manages to be a real home-from-home.

Average January temperature: 23°C

Where: Derb Moullay, Abdullah Ben Hezzian, Bab El Ksour, Medina, Marrakech, Maroc
Website: www.el-fenn.com

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Go big or go home in Dubai

Given this is a daydream scenario, let’s jet over to Dubai – the playground of daydreamers. So much so they have built a snowdome with an actual black run, in the desert! Dubai is the home of the corporate hotel, so with the go-big-or-go-home attitude ringing in our ears let’s go as big as they come and stay at the Berj Khalifa. The Armani Hotel is designed by Armani, the Italian design house, and each room famously comes with it’s own butler!

Average January temperature: 24°C

Where: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, UAE
Website: www.armanihoteldubai.com

The Establishment, Sydney

Record temperatures and luxury In Sydney

While we’re enjoying comedically low temperatures here in the UK it’s the hottest summer since 1939 over in Sydney with the mercury topped 47.3°C  last week. Maybe not one for the culture vultures, but if you’re after sun and a lot of fun then it’s the place to come. Bondi beach is pretty much synonymous with laid back beach fun, the city is super health conscious and the coffee in Sydney is the best in the world. Stay at The Establishment, a chic boutique hotel in downtown Sydney.

Average January temperature: 23°C

Where: 252 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Website: www.merivale.com.au

Royal Garden Villas & Spa, Tenerife

Free from grief in Tenerife

Lying just off the coast of Africa, it’s no surprise that Tenerife remains temperate over the winter months. The volcanic island forms part of the Canary Islands. Okay, I admit it can have a bit of a naff reputation, but bear with me: have you been to the Royal Garden Villas & Spa? 29 Asian style villas surrounding a fantastic pool, an on site restaurant and being waited on hand-and-foot. Sounds better than rainy Wandsworth.

Average January temperature: 17°C

Where: Calle Alcojora, Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain
Website: www.royalgardenvillas.com

One&Only Palmilla, Mexico

Max out in Mexico

Head for the border, we’re going to Mexico! This time of year the weather’s great and the Naja Peninsula, alongside the Sea of Cortez, is both stunning and the home to the One&Only Palmilla. This stunning resort has played host to Hollywood stars and US Presidents and offers unrestrained luxury. They even have a Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant!

Average January temperature: 21°C

Where: KM 7.5 Carretera Transpeninsular San Jose Del Cabo BCS, Mexico
Website: www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Parker Palm Springs, California

Blue skies and Ol Blue Eyes

Once the stomping ground of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Palm Springs might lie about 40 minutes out of LA, but it’s timeless grace and style put it at about a million miles. And if you’re going to the classiest place in California, you’ve got to stay at the Parker. This ‘estate’ (everyone in Palm Springs lives on an ‘estate’) oozes class, with a main hotel building and villas fanning out into stunning gardens. When I was there the whisper was that Harvey Weinstein had just checked out, a boast that has not aged well.

Average January temperature: 21°C

Where: 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California, USA
Website: www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

The Hamilton Princess, Bermuda

Forget the triangle, look at the beach!

There aren’t many places you visit and decide that you never want to leave, but Bermuda has to be one of them. Within a day of arriving I was scouring the small ads for job opportunities! This tiny rock in the Atlantic is famous for its pirates, triangle and its shorts, but it’s also the perfect place to relax with a rum swizzle in hand and enjoy the laid-back culture, the myriad of high-end restaurants and beautiful pink beaches. The Hamilton Princess is a stately hotel, grand yet brilliant, the ideal staging post for a week on this paradise island.

Average January temperature: 21°C

Where: 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, Hamilton, Bermuda
Website: www.thehamiltonprincess.com

ON Houses, Weligama, Sri Lanka

Private luxury in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s southern coast is very much the jewel in the island’s crown, with palm trees, silver sand beaches and luxury hotels pandering to your every need. The people are warm, the temperature’s warm and a place I reckon’s hot is ON Houses, Weligama. Each villa comes with a chef and a pool. Go and see the elephants at Udawalawe National Park!

Average January temperature: 27°C

Where: 220 Kalukanda Road, Walliwala, Weligama, Sri Lanka
Website: www.onweligama.com

All great options, but at the end of the day here we still are in London, looking at the the iron-grey sky and wondering why we didn’t book off time in January.

  • Beat January: Go Somewhere Hot
    Win A Premium Japanese Dining Experience For Three

    Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.

    Click for full T&Cs

  • Beat January: Go Somewhere Hot
    Win A DeMellier Handbag Worth £480

    Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.

    Click for full T&Cs

  • Beat January: Go Somewhere Hot
    Win The Ultimate Karaoke Night For Ten Worth £280

    Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.

    Click for full T&Cs

  • Beat January: Go Somewhere Hot
    Win The Colour-Lover’s Dream Bundle From Olivia Rubin x Biscuiteers

    Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.

    Click for full T&Cs

  • Beat January: Go Somewhere Hot
    Win The Ultimate Loaded Ritual Bundle From Ancient + Brave Worth £250

    Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.

    Click for full T&Cs

  • Beat January: Go Somewhere Hot
    Win A Dinner Party For 10 Worth £1500

    Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.

    Click for full T&Cs