Loving Your January Blues
The Destination Guide

Immerse yourself in the city that is thought to have brought Jazz to the world. Around every corner, you’ll find musicians and fans alike, vibing to the sounds of the Deep South. With music clubs all over town and buskers in the street, you can't help but appreciate the importance music holds within this city.

There’s nothing quite like a Bluebird Day. For snowsport lovers, it’s perfection. To better your chances of waking up to a Bluebird, visit Alp d’Huez. Often described as the ‘Island of the Sun’, it has earned a reputation for being the ski resort with the most days of sunshine, with more than 300 sunny days a year.

Soak up one of the world’s 25 natural wonders and feel at one with the planet. This geothermal spa, located in South West Iceland, has been developed in the heart of a volcanic landscape and is known for its mineral-rich waters and soothing effects on the skin.

Explore some of South Africa’s most diverse and spectacular scenery in style. Travelling between Pretoria and Cape Town, this 1,660km journey is often described as ‘one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. Previous passengers include Quincy Jones, Naomi Campbell and Sir Elton John.

Lose yourself in the vastness of West Sydney’s rugged region. With its dramatic scenery, including steep cliffs, waterfalls and eucalyptus forests, this is some of the most captivating landscapes on Earth. Whether it’s by foot, by bus, or in one of the luxury spas, there are many ways to experience the natural beauty of The Blue Mountains.

Venture into one of the most magical and surreal cities in the world – Chefchaouen. Located in Morocco’s Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famed for its cobblestone streets, passageways and historic buildings painted in shades of cyan, powder blue and periwinkle. Why the city was painted blue is still up for debate. While some believe it was to combat mosquitos, others say it was the Jews who used blue paint to symbolize the sea, the sky and heaven.

Set your sights on one of the Med’s most iconic landscapes. With its clear waters, volcanic beaches and idyllic sunsets, the famous blue roofs of Santorini are the perfect location for a romantic getaway.

Discover Istanbul’s rich Islamic culture within one of the world’s most majestic mosques. Constructed between 1609 and 1616, the mosque gets its name from the blue Iznik tile design on the interior of the domes. Despite still being an active place of worship, visitors are welcome (excluding 5 times a day when prayers are held).

Take yourself to a fantasy land and discover the Smurf mentality – happy and peaceful. Located in the South of Spain, the village of Jazcar was painted bright blue by Sony to celebrate the release of The Smurfs movie. While the colour has transformed the buildings atheistically, the charisma and charm of the village remains.

The Blue Cave, on the island of Bisevo, is one of the most beautiful secrets of the Adriatic Sea. Known for its glowing blue waters, caused by sunlight reflecting off the waters, this is one of Croatia’s most precious gems. Nature at its most majestic.

Why go abroad when there’s a world of hidden treasures on your doorstep? During spring, take a wander into the woods and discover one of the nation’s most-loved wildflowers. With miles of footpaths and trails across the UK, there’s plenty of ways to take in one of Britain’s most spectacular spring spectacles.

Float lazily along the ‘World’s Longest Skytop Adventure Rapids’ at the Galaxy Hotel, Macau. At 575 metres long, just grab your rubber ring, sit back, and relax as your troubles drift away.

Uncover the mysteries of one of the deepest blue holes on Earth. A ‘blue hole’ is the name given to sinkholes that lie below the water’s surface, and at 202m deep, it’s no wonder that Dean’s Blue Hole has become a home for world-class freediving.

Shaped by a violent volcanic past, Crater Lake is one of the deepest in the US. Its depth and rich navy hue makes it one of America’s most unique enigmas. Savour the view from the surrounding mountains, or hike down and dive right in to the pristine waters. Either way, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Experience utter tranquillity in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives, with their one-of-a-kind luxury water villas, is often described as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Surrounded by blue skies, crystal clear waters and white sands, you’ll soon know what it means to be in paradise.