After a busy December and hectic Christmas surrounded by friends and family, you might be considering escaping the wind and rain for a bit of 'me time'. Here is our pick of winter sun escapes that present good value off-season deals.
The Gambia
The Gambia is a fantastic winter sun destination for January, it is a cooler time to visit the country but fear not, temperatures will still reach highs of 30-35 degrees with low humidity. There are great flight options available from around the UK and with only a 6-hour flight time, The Gambia is in the same time zone as the UK so travellers will not be affected by Jet Lag.
Alongside beautiful resorts and pools, The Gambia offers lots to do for those wanting to explore including boat trips on the River Gambia, wandering the bustling Serrekunda Market, learning how to cook Gambian style and visiting the Chimp Rehabilitation Project.
Visit The Gambia Experience for January deals.
South Africa
With temperatures in South Africa set to be hot in January. The Western sector of South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve brings the thrill of adventure and safari traditions of Africa to life in an exclusive and luxurious setting. With a number of beautiful lodges including the award-winning, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, visitors get to enjoy over 13,500 hectares of unspoilt, game-rich bush and daily game drives with fully trained and experienced rangers and trackers.
Head to Virgin Limited Edition to read more about the reserve.
Bel Ombre, Mauritius
Mauritius in January, with its 9 hours of sunshine each day reaching the high 20s, is sure to provide a peaceful winter break. Bel Ombre, situated on the island's south coast, has grown in popularity amongst tourists but still retains much of its peaceful rural charm and French colonial history, evident in the surrounding towns. The undisrupted coastline, surrounding mountains and rich forests are the area's main attraction, and a large variety of native plants and indigenous birds inhabit the region for those wishing to explore the surrounding area. With plenty of beachfront resorts including the beautiful Tamassa, all within an hour’s drive from the airport, a holiday in Mauritius would make a truly relaxing break.
Visit Saga for further details
Marrakesh
With January temperatures reaching up to 19 degrees, Marrakesh is perfect for the winter sun chasers. Explore the exotic mix of bustling medinas, souks and imperial buildings. Spend the day wandering the stalls selling everything from leather handbags and shoes to spices, watch as snake charmers perform in the centre of the square, taste the delicious local cuisine that is never in short supply, and after a busy day, unwind in a traditional hammam spa against the striking backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Read more at Broadway Travel
Grenada
Grenada in the Caribbean is about the size of the Isle of Wight. With warm local people, Grenada is a safe area that’s easy to travel around. Offering great food there is also plenty the explore, from roaming the spice markets and plantations, to visiting a water-powered rum distillery and a cocoa plantation, there are plenty of activities to fill the days – even snorkelling over the world's first Underwater Sculpture Park. With beautiful flowers and fragrances creating a tranquil ambience, the Caribbean air is sure to rid of those January Blues.
Head to Pure Grenada for further details
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
