FEELING THOSE JANUARY BLUES?
LOVE TO EXPLORE HAS THE SOLUTION
It’s that time of year again… January. The festive season has faded, the winter is lingering, and we’re all longing for somewhere with sunshine where we can feel the sand between our toes.
So, where to escape to fight those January blues? Leading tour operator, Love to Explore, has a handful of ideas.
Located 600km north-east of Mauritius, and close to no other landform, Rodrigues is a world unto itself. One of the most remote uninhabited islands in the world, Rodrigues is a small volcanic island that is home to white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush green hills. It is also a snorkeller’s and diver’s paradise thanks to its unique coral reef and lagoon which are millions of years old. Twin this with the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Mauritius and you’re on to a winner
The itinerary:
- 3 nights Constance Tekoma
- 6 nights C Mauritius
When to visit? Best from late March / early April onwards due to the beginning of the year being wet / cyclone season.
£££: Price starts from: £2,600 pp (inc. all flights, transfers, and accommodation. Half-board basis at Tekoma. All-inclusive basis at C Mauritius).
The small island of Saint Helena has a rich, well-documented history – the evidence of which is still visible across the island. The volcanic island is blanketed in lush green vegetation, with plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints to explore. Guests can explore the deep waters surrounding the island to spot dolphins, whales, endemic marine life, and whale sharks.
Saint Helena is perfect to pair with Cape Town as there are flights operating between the two from December to March. It’s an add-on with a difference.
The itinerary:
- 7 nights at Mantis Saint Helena
When to visit? November to March is the best time of year to visit, which is also when the whale sharks visit to feed on plankton blooms. Humpback whales also migrate past the island from June to December.
£££: Price starts from: £2,700 pp (inc. all flights, transfers, and accommodation on a B&B basis).
How does Sri Lanka followed by the Maldives sound? Guests will visit the lush, rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country before continuing to the wilds of Yala – home to majestic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The Sri Lankan leg of the trip will conclude with a visit to the historic city of Galle, and then the trip will finally wrap up in the Maldives where pristine beaches and crystal clear waters offer the ultimate in relaxation and luxury.
The itinerary:
- 3 nights at Thotalagala in the Hill Country
- 3 nights at Uga Chena Huts In Yala
- 3 nights at Amangalla in Galle
- 4 nights at COMO Maalifushi
When to visit? December to March is the best time to visit both Sri Lanka and the Maldives, so get booking that last-minute trip for early this year!
£££: Price starts from £7,730 pp (inc. all flights and transfers. B&B basis at Amangalla and COMO Maalifushi. All-inclusive basis at Thotalagala and Uga Chena Huts).
Why not combine an unforgettable safari in the remote Nyerere National Park with time relaxing on Fanjove Private Island, set within the Songo Songo archipelago? This itinerary is made with honeymooners in mind, but is suitable for anyone who is seeking a luxury safari paired with a remote private island experience… that’s all of us, right?
The itinerary:
- 3 nights Roho ya Selous in Nyerere National Park
- 3 nights Laba Fanjove Island
When to visit? The best time to visit Tanazania depends on what you want to see and do. January to March is the short dry season when the wildebeest move south and give birth to thousands of calves, so it’s a great time for wildlife encounters. Fanjove Island is a year-round destination.
£££: Price starts from £8,725 pp (inc. all flights, conservation fees, transfers, and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis).
Beginning with a desert retreat at Al Maha in Dubai, guests will be immersed in Bedouin-style luxury and thrilling desert adventures. They’ll then escape to the paradise that is Milaidhoo Island in the Maldives where turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and cultural experiences come together to create an unforgettable holiday.
The itinerary:
- 3 nights Al Maha
- 5 nights Milaidhoo
When to visit? Perfect for those who want to escape immediately in January, the weather in UAE and Maldives is mild and pleasant with highs of 25 degrees at Al Maha, and highs of 30 degrees at Milaidhoo.
£££: Prices start from £9,100 pp (inc. all flights, transfers, and accommodation on a B&B basis).
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT LOVE TO EXPLORE?
The way we travel has evolved, and we find ourselves longing to visit places that others haven’t. We want to discover new destinations for ourselves. We want to be the first to put our footprints in the sand. Love to Explore are specialists in curating tailormade itineraries to more than 19 destinations, including lesser-known destinations such as Rodrigues and Reunion Island– two of the Indian Ocean’s most remote islands.
When travellers book with Love to Explore, they’re speaking with a team of experts who have visited the destinations that they sell one hundred times over. They’re in the hands of people who know these destinations inside out, and are therefore able to tailor-make the perfect itinerary.
For more information, visit: www.lovetoexplore.com
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