Where to go in January
With all the fun and excess of Christmas a distant memory and the long dark months of mid-winter staring you in square the face, January is the ideal time to get away for a well-earned break. Whether it’s ringing in the New Year on the ski slopes, or topping up the tan in a far-flung sunny destination, our experienced travel consultants will design a trip that is flexible, family-friendly and tailored precisely to your requirements. Here are our top 6 recommendations for a jolly January jaunt.
1. Polo Valley, Sotogrande
Temperature/Season: Average 13℃, winter
Enjoy a truly unique experience at our polo ranch in Sotogrande, southern Spain over the New Year holiday, with exclusive use of the Polo Valley Guesthouse for up to 8 people on a full board basis. On the itinerary, you can expect riding lessons, guided beach rides, mountain hacks, polo taster sessions, authentic Spanish cuisine and a memorable Argentinian BBQ-style Asado on New Years Eve. Explore the surrounding area when you’re not in the saddle, whether it’s visiting the nearby UNESCO heritage site and cultural hub Seville, or playing 18-holes at one of the many world-class golf courses on your doorstep, there is so much to see and do.
Stay at Polo Valley for one of two exclusive weeks over the festive period from £1,975 per person on a full board basis including a daily riding programme suitable for novices and riders of all abilities.
2. Flims, Switzerland
Temperature/Season: Average 0℃, winter
January is an ideal time for a ski holiday in Europe; considered to be low-season as the Christmas and New Year crowds have dispersed, the chance of fresh snow is reliable and lift queues are non-existent. Flims offers lots of options for luxury accommodation, from the incredible wellness destination, the Waldhaus Alpine Grand Hotel & Spa to one of our own Powder Byrne exclusive chalet-style apartments in the heart of the old village. There are plenty of events happening throughout January including children’s concerts, the Junior Swiss Championships Ice Skating, an Oyster festival and not forgetting the LAAX open, a world-class snowboarding event.
Beat the crowds and book for a week in January at our exclusive Casa Flumina property from £6,245 for a group of four with a daily croissant delivery and welcome hamper of holiday goodies. Enjoy our full in-resort service including complimentary ski guiding and resort shuttles.
3. Australia
Temperature/Season: Average 30℃ but varies between states, summer
Start the new year with several spectacular bangs at the world-famous Sydney Harbour fireworks. Once the celebrations have calmed down it will be time to embark on your bespoke itinerary in this magical country, just for your family. Whether you want to experience a quintessential Sydney summer, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, go wine tasting in Tasmania or visit the famous big red rock in the heart of the country, our Australia experts will make it happen.
From £5,750 per person for a two-week sunny tailor-made adventure Down Under in January.
4. St Moritz, Switzerland
Temperature/Season: -2℃, winter
Visiting the original glamorous European winter resort in January brings with it the chance to witness the exclusive Snow Polo World Cup on the frozen lake, tackle the Olympia Bobsleigh Run, cosy-up on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or relax in a sumptuous spa. If that’s not enough to tempt you then stop-by the gourmet food festival where distinguished chefs from around the globe are cooking up a storm. For dining on the mountain, Alpetta is renowned for its game dishes or Trutz serves up authentic Swiss cuisine alongside dazzling views of the Engadin mountains.
Stay at the glamorous Kulm Hotel for a week in January from £2,800 per person on bed & breakfast and enjoy all the support you’ll need from our client concierge team.
5. Tenerife
Temperature/Season: Average 20℃, winter
It is no secret that Tenerife offers reliable winter sun. Head to the southern beaches for shelter from the northern winds, sunny days and a swim in the sea for those of you brave enough to dip your toe. There’s plenty to explore, with two national parks, vineyards, colonised Spanish towns and whale watching; January is the best time to spot Humpbacks as they are migrating closer to the equator.
Stay in 5-Star luxury at the Ritz-Carlton Abama from £1,020 per person and take advantage of Tenerife top tips and essential support and holiday advice from our client concierge team.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Temperature/Season: Average -3℃, winter
Picturesque Zermatt is full of life year-round, but early January is an especially magical time to visit. New Year brings the chance to attend one of the many decadent Gala Dinners thrown at Zermatt hotels, listen to live music at Hennu stall on New Year’s Eve or witness incredible fireworks displays. If you have the flexibility to travel outside school holidays, the open-air curling tournament takes place on the 16th January for three days and is a highlight of the Zermatt events calendar.
Stay at the contemporary Hotel Schweizerhof from £2,495 per person on bed & breakfast, with first-class train tickets and enjoy our dedicated client concierge service.
To book your blues-busting trip or for more recommendations on the best destinations for a January adventure, call our travel consultants on 020 8246 5300 or enquire online.
