We’re not even a week into January and we’re already dreaming of a holiday. As the UK braces for more icy showers, sleet, and snow, sun-drenched spring days and warmer weather couldn’t feel more out of reach. The good news? Guaranteed sunshine is just a flight away. We’ve scoured the globe for the best sunny destinations to visit this month, spanning Spain to Scottsdale, and all boasting balmy 20°C+ temperatures. Here’s where to travel in January – and the best luxury hotels to book while you’re there. See you at the airport. 

Marrakech, Morocco

Average temperature in January: 19°C

Marrakech in January offers the perfect blend of mild weather, vibrant culture, and historic charm. With daytime temperatures averaging a comfortable 19°C, it’s the perfect month for exploring the bustling souks, ancient palaces, and the enchanting Jardin Majorelle without the intense summer heat. One of four imperial cities and the capital of Morocco, Marrakech comprises a network of leafy courtyards and hidden alleyways that connect at its epicentre: the medina, home to a collection of vibrant hammam bath houses and spice and textile souks. One of the most recognisable symbols of the city is the Koutoubia Mosque, which can be seen for miles and exemplifies the city’s intricate Moorish architecture. Adventure seekers can get their endorphin fix by heading to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains for a scenic day trip, while the evenings bring cool, cosy nights perfect for unwinding by riad fireplaces.

Where to stay: The Oberoi, Marrakech

The Oberoi Marrakech is a luxurious retreat that captures the essence of Morocco’s rich heritage through its stunning architecture. Case in point: the main building of the hotel is modelled after the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, blending into 28 acres of fragrant citrus orchards and olive groves set against a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Guests can enjoy spacious villas with private pools, exquisite dining that celebrates Moroccan flavours and fine dining Indian cuisine inspired by The Oberoi’s roots, as well as a world-class spa surrounded by tranquil gardens, making it a perfect sanctuary to experience the magic of Marrakech. Head to the concierge desk to book a Moroccan cuisine masterclass, private helicopter tour over the Sahara Desert or hot air balloon experience where you can watch the sun rise over the Red City while enjoying a gourmet breakfast. 

From £763 per night. 

Maldives

Average temperature in January: 29°C

Boasting unique geography, this archipelagic state smattered across the Indian Ocean comprises almost 1,200 coral islands, which are grouped into 27 atolls. Just south west of Sri Lanka, the majority of the islands are privately owned and the country is therefore home to roughly 1,000 luxury resorts, with almost all of them promising exclusive occupancy of one or more islands. Overwater villas, speedboat tours, palm tree-fringed sandy shores and impeccable service comes as standard here – the only thing you need to contemplate is which five-star resort to book… 

Where to stay: Raaya by Atmosphere

Set to be one of 2025’s most popular destinations for castaway escapes, Raaya by Atmosphere opened last summer as the ninth Atmosphere Core resort in the Maldives, following in the footsteps of critically-acclaimed sister properties Atmosphere Kanifushi and Varu by Atmosphere. Featuring 167 beach and ocean villas, six varied dining choices blending local traditions and global cuisines, along with one of the most serene beaches in the region, this is your perfect January escape. 

The five-star resort also offers discerning travellers plenty to keep them occupied, with an array of water sports, diving, padel, futsal, a kids’ club, skate circuit, a playful mini-golf course, stargazing watchtower, and a signature Ele|Na spa. There’s no need to think about additional holiday budget for seaplane transfers, spa treatments and sea excursions, as all the usual additions are taken care of in a generous all-inclusive package. Say hello to paradise. 

From £926 per night. 

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Average temperature in January: 21°C

Known for its year-round warm weather, black sand beaches and volcanic mountains, Lanzarote is one of the most popular islands in the Canary Islands archipelago. Situated just northwest of Africa, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this small but mighty island combines sun and sea with nature and outdoor excursions to create a sought-after holiday that entices 3 million Brits every year. Head to Timanfaya National Park to see Lanzarote’s basalt landscape in all its glory, and Teguise Market – the largest market in the Canaries – for a taste of island life via local and artisan produce. Top beaches include Famara, a popular spot for windsurfers and surfers thanks to its high winds, and Playa Blanca. Hiking and walking routes are scattered across the island, but the Caldera Blanca is the most famous thanks to its 9.5km route fringing the island’s largest crater, offering views of volcanoes and lava fields below. 

Where to stay: Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort

Featuring 15 bars and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, eight swimming pools including an adults-only whirlpool, and easy access to the golden sandy beach, Playa Dorada, Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort has enough variety to keep every member of the family happy this month. All suites feature neutral, clean interiors and beach views – some facing Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos in the distance – while the Thalasso Spa is situated directly on the shore with 50 treatment cabins offering facials, massages and hydrotherapy. There’s also an on-site shopping centre, Technogym-equipped fitness centre, and kids’ club for when parents need some well-deserved rest. 

From £224 per night. 

Kenya, Africa

Average temperature in January: 24°C

January is one of the best months to visit Kenya as it falls within the dry season, offering mild temperatures with clear skies and warm nights, and superb viewing conditions for those looking to experience a safari. Cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa are worth a visit thanks to their cultural experiences (think museums and galleries) and food markets, while those who would rather walk on the wild side can easily spot the Big Five in the Masai Mara, one of the largest wilderness reserves in Africa. Dotted with grassy plains and rolling hills, it’s home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos, with wildebeest traversing its plains during their annual migration. 

Where to stay: Mara Toto Tree Camp

Tucked away in a secluded location overlooking the Ntiakitiak River, and with private access to the 26,000-hectare Mara North Conservancy, Mara Toto Tree Camp is located within a forest canopy in the Masai Mara, accommodating up to eight adults in four luxurious suites. Its design harks back to the heyday of the romantic safari era – which saw Hollywood famously flock to Africa’s great plains to catch a glimpse of the Big Five in the 1950s and ‘60s – with interiors nodding to life in the trees via woodpecker door knobs and lightbulb-grasping monkey statement lamps. It’s not all about the camp, though. Book here to enjoy safari drives and private tours in Mara Toto Tree Camp’s open-sided Land Cruisers, offering 360-degree views best captured with complimentary high-quality binoculars and a full professional Canon camera set. 

From £1,105 per night. 

Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

Average temperature in January: 20°C

Fun fact: Scottsdale is the city with the highest number of spas per capita in the whole of the United States – so there is no better place to seek a little January wellness than in this sandy swathe of Arizona. Resetting in warm desert surroundings might just be the perfect antidote to the cold month of January, with temperatures reaching 20°C, while the striking landscapes and clear air makes it one of the best stargazing spots in the world. The city is also a haven for golf enthusiasts, home to a number of fairways and courses spanning the cacti-dotted hills of the Sonoran Desert to the lake-fringed rolling green plains in the centre of the city. 

Where to stay: Boulders Resort and Spa

The secluded and natural haven of Boulders Resort and Spa offers the perfect setup for those looking to recharge and relax in Scottsdale. Named after the 12-million-year-old granite rock formations that dot the north Arizonan landscape, the resort offers beautiful mountain views at every turn, with many of the comfortable casitas also overlooking the property’s namesake boulders, emerald golf fairways, and the duck pond’s grassy knolls where Gambel’s quail and desert cottontails play. The spa menu takes its cues from the desert’s bounty, highlighted in the Desert Rose Radiance body treatment which utilises jojoba and desert rose exfoliation and a soothing aloe mask from the local succulent plants. Dine at laidback all-day diner Paolo Verde, which overlooks the duck pond and south golf course, or the Spotted Donkey for some of the best Mexican food in Scottsdale. 

From £235 per night. 

Read more: The best new luxury hotels opening in 2025