1. TO THE MOON AND BACK IN THE MALDIVES
Just picture it: you, your favourite person in the world, a full moon softly illuminating the Maldivian night sky, and an indulgent five-course menu. Oh, sorry – we missed the kicker: an indulgent five-course lobster menu, specially designed by Jordanian executive chef Ayyoub Salameh of the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. That’s right, throughout 2018, for each full moon, the resort will be putting on a spectacularly indulgent lobster and champagne dining experience, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in luxurious beachside, barefoot bliss on the white sands of Vommuli Island. Your menu will include an amuse-bouche and palate-cleanser, plus the de rigeur bottle of bubbly. The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will round out your tropical escape with all the necessary indulgences – choose from garden, beach or overwater villa; hit the spa, or continue the decadence at one of the six stunning dining options on offer.
PRICE: dining experience from US $265.
AVAILABLE: every full moon during 2018.
2. BLISS BECKONS AT KANUHURA
Need more than a weekend to decompress, but don’t have a full week to spare? We may just have found the perfect short getaway. Kanuhura Maldives is offering four nights in paradise, with enough inclusions to make a short getaway more than sufficient to hit that ‘recharge’ button and have you returning home tropically tanned and feeling terrific. Located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, just a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from Male, Kanuhura’s luxe villas and suites are spread across both sunset and sunrise sides of its beach, offering sigh-inducing turquoise water views from their private decks. Your four-night stay includes a beautiful floral bed decoration, private cinema experience under the vast starlit sky, and gorgeous candle-lit dinner. And of course, there’s plenty of sun-soaked relaxation and/or activity on offer, from languid laps in the freshwater swimming pool (followed by cocktails at the infinity pool bar, of course) or picnics for a day’s exploring; to island hopping, snorkeling, spa treatments and sunset cruises.
PRICE: Water Villa from US $4,355; Beach Pool Villa from US $4,489.
AVAILABLE: from January 9 until March 24, 2018. Book by March 20.
3. JANUARY IS FOR LOVERS AT SHANGRI-LA THE SHARD
Baby, it’s cold outside… which makes it the perfect time for a cosily romantic London getaway, non? The magic of the festive season lingers into January, with icy temperatures shepherding visitors into the bustling boutique shops, grand department stores and welcoming warmth of London’s iconic pubs. Shangri-La The Shard have put together the perfect package to send romance levels soaring with their ‘Romance in the clouds’ offer. Spend the day wandering nearby Borough Market or the Tate Modern hand-in-hand, before heading to the hotel, located in Renzo Piano’s iconic building and boasting stunning views over London. A bunch of beautiful blooms will greet you on arrival, setting the scene for what’s to come. You’ll want to pack your finest, of course – not because you’ll be leaving your room, but to impress your significant other over your in-room, set three-course meal (complete with complimentary bottle of Duval Leroy Rose Champagne). Whatever happens next is up to you, but rest assured – a hearty in-room breakfast for two awaits come morning.
PRICE: from US $975 per night.
AVAILABLE: year-round. Must be booked at least three days prior to stay.
4. THE ULTIMATE SUITE ESCAPE IN MONACO
There are many things to love about a Northern Hemisphere Winter. But we’re not here to talk about that. We’re here because you, dear reader, are dreaming of a sunny escape to a place where the mild, Mediterranean sunshine will coax you back to the more relaxed version of yourself. So how does a ‘suite’ escape to the glorious French Riviera sound? The Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo is inviting guests to take advantage of the very best rates until 31 March 2018. Check in to the Belle Epoque masterpiece, handily located within easy walking distance of the main square and its accompanying temptations, and get ready to be pampered. One of the key highlights is the award- winning spa – the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo – which, with its enormous glass-fronted visage and high-tech yet highly-personalised treatments, will have you emerging refreshed and ready to tackle the new year with your best game face on. Culinary delights also vie for your attention, with beautifully light, local, seasonal cuisine at Michelin-starred Vistamar and elegant indulgence at Limun Bar.
PRICE: from US $1,089 per night.
AVAILABLE: until 31 March 2018.