January is synonymous with starting anew. It's typically a time for setting goals, new ambitions, and fresh adventures. In this guide, discover some of the top destinations worth adding to your list to kick start 2026.
With the exhaustion of the previous year a thing of the past, people often use January as an opportunity to plan for the year ahead, plotting in resolutions alongside wanderlust-inspired trips. While winter lovers flock to Lapland, sunseekers often look to tropical climes such as the Maldives.
Lapland in January is one of the best holiday destinations for peaceful solitude. As the sky only comes alive after the daylight hours, you'll find the darkness keeps you longing for more. Chase the Northern Lights, catch a glimpse of the Arctic's furry residents including reindeer, moose, Arctic foxes, and wolves, or simply wrap yourself in blankets and gaze at the canopy of stars above.
A Private Lodge Experience in the Heart of Lapland
The Sybarite offers a plethora of curated experiences, including an Arctic winter wonderland escape complete with a luxury chalet stay and tailored activities such as ice fishing.
Explore a new version of Lapland
January in the Maldives is the ultimate antidote to icy weather. Expect every shade of blue under the sun, pristine beaches, and crystalline waters. January is peak season and somehow still calm.
If you want to enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty to choose from. Think scuba diving, snorkelling, and lots more. If a quiet spell is on the agenda, seek out some of the island nation's restorative wellness retreats. There's no better place to embrace slow living and re-calibrate the harmony between the mind, body, and soul.
A Maldives Escape Made for Stillness and Connection
If you're hankering after a luxurious Maldivian escape, choose a five-night stay at the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, curated by The Sybarite. Feast on breakfast in the pool, try paddleboarding at the break of dawn, or enjoy a sumptuous dinner on the beach while admiring the sky flooded with stars. It's a cinematic experience, and you're made to feel every inch the protagonist!
Learn more about this curated Maldives experience
Yearning for an idyllic snowy escape? Look no further than the majestic Japanese Alps. While outdoor sports like skiing are popular here, basking in the hot springs is a soul-nourishing experience you won't want to miss. Imagine sinking into an outdoor onsen as snow falls softly onto your head. Bliss.
While skiers love visiting Japan in January as the snow is at its best, the destination is also popular amongst non-skiers thanks to the unique blend of gastronomic excellence, culture, and breathtaking snowy landscapes.
An Immersive Winter Journey Across Japan’s Hidden Worlds
The Sybarite’s hand-picked journey through Japan takes guests on a whirlwind adventure from the ancient temples of Kyoto to the futuristic pulse of Tokyo. Immerse yourself in a traditional tea ceremony, enjoy a private dinner with a Geisha, bask in the beauty of Mount Fuji, and embrace modernity in Tokyo.
Find out more about this curated cultural journey
January in South Africa feels like you have stepped into a different planet. It's summer in this part of the world and there's a bounty of endless sunshine, lush green landscapes, and clear blue skies. Given that the weather is chiefly bright and sunny, January is fantastic for multiple activities including wildlife safaris in the north and interior of the country, as well as water sports along the coast.
It's worth noting that January is peak season, so expect a large number of tourists.
A Safari Experience Suspended Above the Wild
Most people book a lodge. That’s fine. But The Sybarite's unique experience takes things to a whole new level. Set aboard a restored train stationed on an historic railway bridge, this exceptional experience in the heart of Kruger National Park invites you to step back in time while enjoying the very height of modern luxury.
Discover the complete Kruger Shalati itinerary
January in Australia is peak summer. The beaches are bright in that “do I need sunglasses inside?” kind of way, and the air is infused with sunscreen and invigorating eucalyptus.
One day you’re out on the water staring at the reef, the corals, and the fish. Then in the blink of an eye, you’re immersed in wine country. The cicadas are chiming in the trees, vineyards appear to stretch for miles, and the days feel so long it's like you’ve lived two lifetimes before dinner. It’s untamed, bright, and exhausting in the best possible way.
Come January, the monsoons in Sri Lanka have packed up on the south and west coasts, leaving behind perfectly mild weather serene beaches. The beauty of this place is the diverse landscape. You can take the train into the hills, not because it’s efficient, but because rattling along the railway track through mist and tea plantations is the only way to truly admire the place in all its green glory.
But as you head south, the vibe shifts. The focus turns towards the ocean and its soothing, restorative powers.
A Curated Sri Lankan Retreat Rooted in Ancient Healing
The Sybarite’s hand-picked Sri Lankan retreat offers the best of hospitality while taking you on a life-altering Ayurvedic experience. Think personalised meals, group yoga, well-curated healing programmes, sessions with experts, and meditation classes that will not only nurture your body and mind but will also help you to discover yourself in a whole new light.
Explore the full restorative journey curated by Sybarite.
Switzerland in January is exactly what people picture when they say they want a “proper winter" complete with fresh snow, chocolate box chalets and immaculate ski slopes. The luxurious side of Switzerland is just as impressive as you'd imagine. Think spa hotels with heated pools looking straight out to the Alps, toasty saunas for post-slope thawing, and cosy lounges with roaring fires. January is the ideal time to visit because everything is in full swing and the winter magic promises to leave a lasting impression.
Dubai in January is a no-brainer if you're looking to escape those winter blues. Once you escape the chilly weather, you're immediately catapulted into a gleaming haven peppered with skyscrapers and flooded with balmy sunshine. “Winter” in Dubai essentially means 25 degrees and zero humidity. Bliss!
What's more, luxury here is everywhere. In the second week of January, don't miss The Dubai Shopping Festival which brings together open-air concerts, shopping deals, fireworks, and drone shows. January is essentially when everything aligns: expect pleasant weather, desert safaris that don’t leave you sweating, enjoyable beach clubs in the daytime, and premium experiences worth writing home about.
Mexico is a vibrant country of contrasts. On one side, you have Mexico's wild Pacific Coast teeming with surf towns - the likes of Riviera Nayarit and Cabo are especially popular thanks to their luxury resorts and stunning beaches -, then you have the Caribbean side, the Riviera Maya. It’s softer, humid, and bright. This is where you go for postcard-perfect scenery complete with water so clear you start to question whether it's a figment of your imagination.
Luxury here is laid-back and easy. You’ve got retreats in Tulum where wellness takes centre stage. Then there are the high-end beachfront resorts in Los Cabos or Punta Mita which scream quiet luxury.
January sits in that perfect weather pocket: pleasantly warm, yet breezy enough to stay outside all day. None of the summer humidity that makes you question your choices...
Canada in January is not for the faint-hearted. The country offers up a heightened version of winter you thought only possible in the movies. If you're used to a British winter, you'll need to prepare yourself as Canada takes things to a whole new level. "Winter wonderland" brochure stuff aside, Canada is renowned for its incomparable backcountry. Think endless forests, frozen lakes, and snowshoe trails. And to top it all off, there's the endless promise of the fabled Northern Lights.
It's worth noting that January is peak snow season. Prepare to venture outside and make the most of the snow-capped scenery before cosying up in front of a fireplace, indulging in a long dinner, or pampering yourself in a steaming hot tub.
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