Why not jet off in January? Start the New Year right with an exciting break. We’ve rounded up some of the best winter sun destinations, whether you want to dine in an underwater restaurant in the Maldives, or swim in an underground pool in Mexico.
Koh Samui
The lowdown
“Oh, I just came back from Koh Samui,” is exactly what you want to say mid-January, when you sweep back into your office with a golden tan. It’s all-so-easy to pop on a plane (via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore) to Thailand’s magical island, where you can lounge on a beautiful tropical beach all day and eat delicious Thai food all evening. Koh Samui is well-equipped for tourists and particularly busy around New Year, but late January can be very quiet.
Eat
Thai cuisine is a delight: it's fresh, healthy and delicious – whether you’re ordering from the finest restaurant in your resort or the humblest beach shack. Look out for simple noodle dishes (Pad Thai is ubiquitous), and lovely inexpensive steamed sea bass. In Chaweng, Stacked, is a popular late-night burger joint with a 10pm happy hour.
Stay
Couples, look no further than the Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort. In a quiet, secluded spot on Hanuman Bay, the hotel has a great stretch of beach. All rooms have plunge pools or pools – providing you a perfectly private set-up for a romantic break.