Love Island is back on our screens for the next six weeks, and if you’re anything like us, it’s probably left you itching to book a holiday. Because let’s be honest, wet and windy January weather is not the one.
To inspire your winter break, we’ve rounded up a handful of hotspots that fit the bill. And remember: finding the hotter climates often involves a long-haul flight, so factor that in when booking time off work (or thinking about your carbon footprint).
Prepare yourself for a sunny few days of R&R this winter.
Anguilla
Trade the grey weather in the UK for sandy beaches and tropical climates in Eastern Caribbean island, Anguilla, which boasts temperatures between 25 to 30 degrees throughout the winter season.
Head to Prickly Pear Cays for some of the region’s best snorkelling and diving spots, before grabbing a bite to eat in Caribbean restaurant Veya, a popular place decorated with waterfalls and a koi pond. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve and catch live music with a drink in hand, among old boats which have been turned into a giant tree house on the beach.
You can’t fly directly from the UK to Anguilla – instead you’ll need to go to Antigua, then take a local transfer by a small charter plane. Or, you can fly to Saint Martin in the Caribbean, and get a boat ride to Anguilla. Flights are pricey – expect to pay upwards of £550 – so we’d recommend shopping around for the best deals on sites like Expedia, Skyscanner and Kayak.
Fez
If you want warm weather that isn’t uncomfortably hot, head to Fez in Morocco, which sees temperatures of 20 degrees and upwards in winter.
Make sure you visit the Chouara Tannery, where leather goods are made and coloured using pits full of dye, then sold in the market place. It can be quite difficult to find places selling alcohol, but there are a few dotted around. Sip on cocktails in L’Alcaza, situated in the courtyard of the Riad Fès hotel, and enjoy views of the pool and live music from the oud (stringed instrument) players. Wander round the Fez Medina, one of the largest car-free areas in the world, which features winding streets, historic monuments and beautiful mosques.
There are twice weekly flights from London Gatwick to Fez with Air Arabia, and you can bag a bargain in its January sale, which is currently offering return tickets for £79. It’s also perfect if you’re attempting dry January as it’s a dry airline, with not a drop of alcohol in sight. Book a flight with them here.
Singapore
If you’re looking for scorching summer temperatures, Singapore is your best bet, which is often upwards of 30 degrees in January.
With a tropical climate and the hustle and bustle of a busy city, there’s no shortage of things to do. Feeling fancy? Spend a night at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel – its rooftop infinity pool is a showstopper. For a chilled day out, visit Gardens By The Bay, a beautiful destination offering spectacular scenes as you walk through foliage, with flora conservatories and waterfront gardens to lap up. And if you’re a fan of felines, pay a visit to St John’s Island, which has a sandy beach with cats wandering around.
Plus, if you book early enough, you can find flights from Manchester direct to Singapore for £430 return with Etihad. From London, you’re looking at paying £400 minimum.
Mexico
In Mexico, January falls in the middle of its dry season, so temperatures average 23 degrees – hot, but not unbearable. There are breathtaking views to take in at the Cenote Zaci in Valladolid, which is in the eastern part of the country. The natural pool is surrounded by lush greenery and jasmine trees (just look at that picture).
Or, take a catamaran adventure to Isla Mujeres, near Cancun, where you can snorkel and sightsee the coral reefs. And don’t forget to head to Chichén Itzá, a huge step pyramid, to see the impressive architecture of the Mayan ruins.
Flights to Mexico City from London Heathrow will cost you approximately £500 for a return flight, but we’d recommend keeping an eye on changing prices with Skyscanner to get the best deal.
Costa Rica
With average temperatures in Costa Rica reaching 27 degrees in January, sun-seekers will be most definitely satisfied with the weather.
There’s a mix of pristine beaches and wildlife-filled rainforests to soak up, as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy while you’re there. Head to Monteverde Cloud Forest for an adrenaline-filled walk across eight of its suspended bridges – and get a bird’s eye view of the forest below. There are zip lines too, for those who are brave enough.
If you’re a keen explorer, the Manuel Antonio National Park is a great spot, where you can explore the sandy beaches and walk the trails to see monkeys, sloths and iguanas.
Flights to Costa Rica with British Airways from London in January will cost you £538, although you can find slightly cheaper tickets in February – so you won’t miss a single episode of Love Island while getting your winter sun fix.
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