After the holiday season, most of us start longing for the warmth of the tropical sun which means that island vacations are on everyone's dream list. There are many wonderful destinations to choose from, including the Caribbean, Hawaii and Florida. New Zealand is a great choice because it is summer there in January. Look for affordable airline tickets to Europe just after New Year's. Remote tropical islands such as Bora Bora, Tahiti and the Maldives are fabulous places to visit as well. If you are looking for ideas closer to home, browse our weekend getaways section.
White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli, Mozambique
If you are looking for the perfect place to escape the winter chill in January, head to the tropics. Shoes are optional at White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli, a luxury hideaway in southern Mozambique with a stunning white-sand beach and luxury suites with private pools. With decks facing the ocean, you can enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean while you cool off in the pool or the outdoor shower. The 21 guest accommodations are elegant and airy with an abundance of natural light. If you decide to venture out of your plush suite, the resort offers elegant areas with a view, perfect for relaxing. The swim-up bar serves refreshing beverages while the beach bar offers light snacks. The pool deck has four poster day beds and ocean views. Or take a stroll along the beach and find that perfect stretch of sand that calls to you.
The Restaurant serves fruit and freshly baked pastries for breakfast, salads for lunch, and fresh seafood for dinner. Rates start at R4200 per person, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, a 3-course dinner, selected activities, soft drinks, and butler service (+258 84 605 8112).
Fox Glacier Guiding in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best place to vacation in January. Fox Glacier Guiding in New Zealand is an eco-adventure company that offers a series of scenic walks and hikes (Video) that get you up close and personal with New Zealand's beautiful glaciers and rainforests. A good way to get started is the "Half Day Walk" which lasts about 4 hours with the bus transport to the glacial valley. The guided walk leads past the river bed to the glacier terminus. Another 30-minute hike uphill leads to the edge of the ice and onto the middle of the glacier where you can enjoy spectacular views. The company provides you with leather boots, crampons and other equipment for the trip. The guides provide a lot of information along the way about the natural surroundings. Fox Glacier Guiding offers other trips, including heli-hiking, overnight adventures, climbing and more. The company is a 6-hour drive west of Christchurch and 5 hours north of Queenstown.
Loews Hotel New Orleans
Loews Hotel New Orleans, located in the Central Business District near the Harrah's Casino, 10 minutes from the cruise ship terminal, is a weekend trip idea for couples and families. Choose from 285 plush guest rooms and suites with views of the Mississipi River and the city skyline. There is a 1,680 square foot fitness center and a 50' x 12' pool. Guests can indulge in a massage in one of the four spa treatment rooms. (504-595-3300, 800-23-LOEWS).
The Fairmont Monte Carlo
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is a luxury hotel in Monaco which just completed a 45 million Euro refurbishment. Enjoy massages, reflexology and a variety of other treatments at Willow Stream Spa. Afterwards, relax next to the stunning rooftop pool with views of the sea. The hotel has 602 rooms and suites with private terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Coast. Guests can choose from three restaurants, including Nobu, Saphir 24, and Horizon - Deck, Restaurant & Champagne Bar which offers 360-degree views. (+377-9350-6500).
Waldorf Astoria Berlin
Flights to Europe are cheaper than ever in January, so it's a good idea to take advantage of great deals and head to one of the European cities. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts just open its luxury hotel in Berlin which offers 232 guest rooms and suites with spectacular city views. The hotel is located on high floors of the new Zoofenster skyscraper. The presidential suite on the top floor of the skyscraper is the highest suite in all of Berlin. Guests staying at the hotel will be close to the city's famous tourist attractions, shopping and restaurants. The hotel has several dining venues, including "Les Solistes by Pierre Gagnaire". Relax and rejuvenate at the acclaimed French spa Guerlain with beautiful facilities and signature treatments. Waldorf Astoria Berlin, (49-30-814000-0).
Annupuri Lodge
Annupuri Lodge is a lovely, inexpensive, family accommodation with nine simple but beautiful minimalist rooms decorated in natural and black woods. The lodge is located in quaint Annupuri Village in the popular Niseko ski resort, which is known for having about 50 feet of powdery snow every season.
The lodge has its own popular bar named Lucky Fingers, with purple walls and a roulette wheel, and an outdoors hot spring bathhouse. It is conveniently located a few minutes' walk from the main gondola. There is a good Italian restaurant is across the street and a Korean BBQ is around the corner. The lodge has an onsite ski lab, Niseko Winter lab, if you want to improve your skills on the slopes.
482-2 Aza Niseko, Niseko Abutagun, Hokkaido, Japan, Phone: 81-(0)136-58-32-80
Cordova Inn, St. Petersburg, Florida
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown St Petersburg, The Cordova Inn is a charming boutique hotel that combines historic ambiance with modern amenities to offer guests an award-winning stay. Individually decorated guest rooms are spacious and airy with large windows that frame beautiful views of the garden and feature double, queen and king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms with baths and showers, in-room refrigerators, microwaves and wet bars, and private verandas.
Modern amenities include cable television, free high-speed Internet, and free local calls while a deluxe Continental breakfast is served each morning. The Cordova Inn is perfectly located in the heart of the waterfront district and within walking distance to the world famous St. Petersburg Pier, as well as the Sundial shopping area and many local museums and attractions.
253 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 800-735-6607 or 727-822-7500
The Venetian in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a popular destination year-round. Look for great deals in January, right after New Year's and get away for a weekend of romance and great food. The Venetian in Las Vegas features an array of attractions, ranging from replicas of famous landmarks to museums and shops. Right on the Las Vegas Strip is the famous clock tower, Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro, the Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto Bridge and the facade of the Doge's Palace. You can enter the hotel on the moving escalators over the Rialto Bridge from which you can enjoy scenic views of other Las Vegas attractions.
One of the most popular attractions at the Venetian are romantic gondola rides offered by authentically-attired "gondolieri." If you are going to pop the question, wait until it gets dark for maximum effect. Visit the Grand Canal Shoppes for shopping, dining and to see the replica of St. Mark's Square. The whole area is covered with a man-made blue "sky" with puffy clouds.
The Riverdale Inn, Jacksonville, Florida
Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Jacksonville, this elegant guesthouse combines refined luxury with modern conveniences to offer a tranquil retreat in the heart of Florida. One of two historic homes that are left from the turn-of-the-century mansions that lined Riverside Avenue, The Riverdale Inn is designed and decorated to echo the Victorian era. Beautifully appointed guest rooms boast romantic four-poster beds, ornate fireplaces, plush furnishings and luxurious en-suite bathrooms (some with whirlpool tubs or body jet showers).
Deluxe amenities abound, including air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, a pantry stocked with drinks and snacks, and a delicious gourmet breakfast in the sunny breakfast room every morning. A magnificent landscaped garden is ideal for relaxing and a short stroll takes you into the nearby town, which is home to an array of museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants.
The Riverdale Inn, 1521 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204, Phone: 904-354-5080
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is a spa hideaway located in the Tasmanian wilderness next to the Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park in Australia. Enjoy pristine nature, spectacular views, and a choice of outdoor activities. There are 20 different guided walking tracks around the lakes, ranging from easy to difficult. Activities at the lodge include a ropes course and a native animal slide presentation. In summer, guest can enjoy canoeing, mountain biking and fly fishing, while winter vacation activities include tobogganing and a snow shuttle. You can also sign up for a Tasmanian wine and cheese tasting tour.
The hotel spa offers relaxing spa treatments, perfect after a day of outdoor activities. Arrive early to enjoy the beautiful Sanctuary at the spa. There are 88 guest cabins, ranging from Pencil Pine Cabins to luxurious Spa Suites. If you are planning a romantic getaway, book a King Billy Suite which has an oversized bathroom with a two person spa and a large deck with a private hot tub. Book between December and February (Tasmanian Summer) for a wider choice of activities and average high temperatures in the 60s degrees Fahrenheit.
Fresh Hotel Athens
Fresh Hotel Athens is a luxury hotel in downtown Athens, Greece. On your vacation to Athens, head to the Air Lounge Roof Bar at the hotel, relax next to the pool, and enjoy the view of the Acropolis from your poolside lounge chair. In addition to the roof-top swimming pool with panoramic views of Athens, the spa at the hotel has a sauna, Turkish bath as well as various massage treatments. The Fhotel has 124 standard rooms, including 6 executive rooms with private zen gardens and 3 suites. If you are planning a family vacation to Greece, remember to request connecting rooms.
The Magenta Restaurant and the elegant Orange Bar serve fresh-from-the-market nouveau grec cuisine. The roof-top Air Bar serves finger food and cocktails overlooking the Acropolis and the town (from May to September). The hotel is located in the heart of Athens, in the business district, just steps away from the old city of Plaka and Monastiraki. There is easy access to Syntagma and Kolonaki and the Omonia Metro station is very close to the hotel. (+30 210 5248511).
The Marina Phuket Hotel
Escape to paradise at The Marina Phuket Hotel, a nautical-themed resort in Patong Beach that is known for its seat view, sophisticated dining, and exclusive luxuries. The hotel is a short walk away from the beach and many of Patong Beach’s top nightlife attractions and tourist destinations. Some of its most popular attractions include its cruise-deck style infinity pool, a fantastic view of the city skyline and beach, and its popular bar, the SKYLINE Rooftop and Corner Bar. From the Marina Phuket Hotel, guests can also enjoy romantic dinners, live music events, and great cocktails created by some of Phuket’s best mixologists.
249/9 Phangmuang Sai Kor Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 83150, Phone: 66-7634-5888
Bali Garden Beach Resort
There’s just something about holiday-ing right on the beach that hits differently. AtBali Garden Beach Resort, vacationers can get recharged by the sun, surf, and sand care of accommodation and resort that sits right on the beach and offers incredible ocean activities for couples to enjoy. Meanwhile, Bali Garden Beach Resort is also right next to one of Bali’s most popular shopping centers, the Discovery Shopping Mall, and is adjacent to Waterbom Park. At the hotel, guests of the Bali Garden Beach Resort are treated to a gorgeous 4-star tropical-themed room, traditional Balinese hospitality, and an unbeatable view of Kuta Beach.
Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80361, Phone: 361-752-725
Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles
A stay at Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles is truly like staying in the middle of paradise. This oasis is situated within 120 hectares located on two of Mahe’s most beautiful and celebrated beaches. With the resort sitting higher on the island, guests are treated to the lovely view of Port Launay's marine national park from the resort’s amenities and from some of the guest suites. When it comes to activities and experiences to enjoy, guests will have many places to visit such as the Constance Spa Ephelia, several outstanding restaurants, fantastic dining, and some of the most romantic activities in Mahe for traveling couples.
Port Launay Road, Mahe, Seychelles, Phone: +24-8439-5000
The Hollywood Roosevelt
Experience the glitz and glamour of classic Hollywood thanks to The Hollywood Roosevelt. Originally built in 1927, the hotel dates back to the Golden Era of Hollywood and is situated right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is the heartbeat of Hollywood-brand hospitality and reflects the allure of Los Angeles in a way that no other hotel quite can. This reinvented hotel has hosted some of the biggest names in Hollywood like Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and of course, Marilyn Monroe, so guests are sure that their stay will be one marked by lavish luxury. Stay in beautifully decorated suites or VIP accommodations like the gable and Lombard Penthouse and enjoy Michelin Star-brand dining care of Nany Silverton The Barish.
7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028, Phone: 323-856-1970
Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng
Experience award-winning hospitality right on the banks of the Nam Song River with the Riverside Boutique Resort. This luxury hotel oozes charm and luxury and is home to one of the most beautiful and inviting swimming pools that travelers will find in Laos. Additionally, the surrounding natural beauty of the resort is sure to take your breath away with towering forest-covered limestone mountains enveloping the resort. Guests to the Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng can stay at one of thirty-four beautiful rooms featuring large balconies, traditional wood and rattan furniture, and remarkable Lao art. Guests can also pay a visit to the herbal spa with three pavilions and an overlooking view of the mountains.
Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng, Ban Viengkeo, PO 360, Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Leo PDR, Phone: +856-(0)20-569-55511
JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai
It’s no secret that Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious hotels that any traveler will experience. At the heart of Dubai’s downtown city district, guests can enjoy one such hotel care of the 5-star JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai. The hotel towers above Sheikh Zayed Road as one of the tallest hotels in the world and features unbeatable views of Dubai’s eye-catching cityscape. Sink into deluxe bedding, enjoy the use of sterling marble bathrooms, maximize the 24-hour room service, or explore the other amenities that the hotel has to offer during your day out in Dubai. JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai is home to the Saray Spa, ten restaurants, and lounges with mouthwatering fare, and is also near attractions like the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Opera.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 121000; Phone: +971-800-6277-4688
Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums
Planning your dream getaway to Belize? The perfect one starts with booking a stay at the Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums. A jewel of Belize, the resort offers luxury condominium-style accommodations at Ambergris Caye. Guests can look forward to magnificent and long white sandy beaches, fantastic local cuisine, lush landscapes, as well as the use of six incredible pools. Having won many titles from the National Tourism Awards, the Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums promise warm hospitality, Belizean style, and the perfect getaway for you and your family, no matter how big or small.
2 Miles North, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Phone: 800-588-5903
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Live life like a cowboy but with the beach in your front yard when you stay at the Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. A truly unique and all-inclusive experience, the Sal Salis allows its guests to wake up to the view of the ocean and the world’s largest fringing and World-Heritage-listed coral reef just a few steps away. Guests at the Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef will enjoy stays inside an eco-luxe safari tent with the Western Australian terrain as their backyard and the beach as their front yard. The resort is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with the best kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling opportunities just a short walk away from your tent. In addition to that, there are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities at Ningaloo Reef like swimming with whale sharks and humpback whales.
Yardie Creek Road, Cape Range, National park WA 6707, Australia, Phone: +618-9949-1776
Hilton Playa del Carmen
Conveniently located just moments from Playa del Carmen’s popular Fifth Avenue, the Hilton Playa del Carmen features extravagant all-suite accommodations. All of the rooms have their own private balcony or terrace, as well as whirlpool tubs. There are also other special options available to guests who desire them, like swim-up suites and even beachfront walkouts. In the resort guests will have access to beach butlers, as well as romance concierges, who will do everything in their power to ensure guests are having a delightful time. In addition to beach relaxation, guests can also partake in tennis, culinary classes, live music, snorkeling, and more.
Av Constituyentes 2, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: 809-221-8880
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
The Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is designed as a family-friendly luxury resort that is only 30 minutes from Cancun. It is located in Puerto Morelos, a small fishermen village, and has 201 suites available for guests to choose from, each with its own flair and features. There are a variety of packages that guests can choose from when booking with this hotel to help guarantee the most enjoyable visit, such as the All-In Grand Experience and the Luxury Saver Plan. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun also offers options for different budgets, so guests are encouraged to contact the hotel directly to discuss their needs and desires.
Blvd. El Cid Mz 20 Lote 1 Unidad 28, SM 3, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: 855-381-4340
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
The Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya specifically designed all of their rooms to reflect local Mayan culture, local natural features, and local history. Featuring open floor plans, airy spaces, and color palettes that compliment the ocean and surrounding forests, guests looking to steep themselves in local culture both in their hotel room and out may enjoy staying here. The resort is a gated community, and surrounding it are lagoons, dense forests, and plenty of trails on which guests can enjoy walks, hikes, and bike rides at their leisure. Of course, the beach is also very near by for those who wish to swim and sunbathe.
Carretera Federal Cancun-Playa Del Carmen Km. 298, Playa del Carmen-Solidaridad, Mexico, 77710, Phone: +52-98-41-49-12-34
