January brings new energy, crisp winter air and a sense of renewal, making it the perfect time to turn the page and set off on an unforgettable journey. This handpicked list of January 2026 destinations offers a range of atmospheres to suit any mood. From snow polo tournaments on frozen lakes to serene spa retreats, these places promise both adventure and relaxation as you start the new year.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
In January, St. Moritz transforms into a winter wonderland with glistening snow, crisp alpine air and a lively social atmosphere define the Engadin valley. Beyond classic skiing and snowboarding on its renowned slopes, the town becomes the stage for the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, the world’s only high-goal polo tournament played on snow. Visitors and locals gather along the frozen lake to watch elite players compete, while a festive “polo village” offers gourmet food stands, music and VIP tents, a unique blend of sport, luxury and winter charm.On quieter days, guests can enjoy cross-country skiing along 230 km of groomed trails, ice skating on pristine rinks, winter hiking, or simply wander the elegant streets of town beneath snow-covered rooftops.
Where to Stay in Switzerland?
Badrutt’s Palace is the emblem of Alpine luxury in St. Moritz, offering 155 guest rooms and 43 suites, and following the recent addition of the Serlas Wing, a refined mix of classic elegance and contemporary comfort. Many rooms and suites feature large windows framing snow-capped peaks or serene lake views, combining historic charm with modern amenities for a cozy yet sophisticated stay. The hotel’s Palace Wellness Spa spans a huge 2,800 m² and includes a heated indoor infinity pool with panoramic mountain views, outdoor pool options, multiple treatment rooms, sauna and steam baths, perfect for warming up after a day in the snow.
Dining and après-ski at Badrutt’s is equally grand: guests can enjoy afternoon tea or a refined dinner in Le Grand Hall, or step directly into a curated underground shopping gallery featuring luxury boutiques along Via Serlas with a rare mix of high-end fashion and alpine escape. Families are also catered for: the Palazzino Kids Club offers supervised activities, making Badrutt’s Palace a perfect destination for both social winter weekends and longer alpine vacations.
Dolomites, Italy
In January, the Dolomites unfold as a sweeping wintry landscape of snow-covered peaks, crisp alpine air, and the magical quiet of high-mountain villages. Skiing and snowboarding season is in full swing across the vast Dolomiti Superski area (around 1,200 km of pistes), making it one of the best European winter destinations. Visitors can enjoy ski days, snowshoeing through silent forests, winter hiking, or cosy evenings wandering small mountain villages or enjoying regional alpine cuisine. The shorter winter days and occasional snow flurries lend the region a magical, serene atmosphere perfect for those who love winter’s calm beauty and outdoor adventure.Where to Stay in Dolomites?
Aman Rosa Alpina, reopened in 2025 after a full renovation, is a newly reimagined luxury resort in the heart of the Dolomites at San Cassiano, a refined alpine retreat designed to blend understated elegance and mountain access. All guestrooms and suites have been remodeled; among them are two spacious 150 m² Aman Suites and a larger reconfigured Chalet Zeno for group stays. Many accommodations offer balconies or terraces with panoramic views over pine forests or snow-clad peaks, while interiors combine natural stone, wood and minimalist design for a modern yet alpine-rooted feel.
The resort’s wellness offering is comprehensive: the Aman Spa spans two levels and includes two indoor pools, a 20-metre heated outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, a yoga studio and a full fitness centre, ideal for relaxing after skiing or winter hikes. Dining options have also been refreshed: guests can enjoy wood-fired Italian specialties and pizzas at The Grill, lighter meals and drinks in the all-day lounge Il Salotto, and in winter 2025–26 a new Japanese restaurant Akari will open, offering hot-pot shabu-shabu and refined Japanese cuisine. For winter sport lovers, the resort’s ski lounge with heated boot racks, ski-butler service, and shuttle access to nearby lifts make Aman Rosa Alpina a standout, combining easy slope access with refined comfort and wellness.
South Africa
January is mid-summer in South Africa, making it one of the best places to visit in the early months of the year for warm weather, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. In the Kruger region, days are lush and green from short summer rains, and wildlife viewing is exceptional, especially during early mornings and late afternoons. Travelers can expect warm temperatures, vibrant sunsets, and dramatic skies over the Sabie River. Game drives offer sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo, while guided bush walks reveal smaller wildlife and intricate details of the ecosystem. Visiting in January also means fewer crowds compared to peak winter safari months, offering a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.
Where to Stay in South Africa?
Singita Ebony Lodge, located in the private Sabi Sand Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park, is one of Africa’s most iconic safari lodges. Designed as a contemporary take on a traditional safari camp, it blends canvas, wood, thatch and glass to create elegant suites that open directly onto the riverbank. Each of the 12 suites features a private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and expansive decks overlooking wildlife pathways; the two-bedroom suites are ideal for families seeking a more spacious retreat. Interiors combine natural textures with handcrafted African design elements, ensuring comfort while staying rooted in authenticity.
The lodge offers twice-daily game drives with highly trained guides and trackers, as well as guided bush walks for guests who want a deeper understanding of the environment. Wellness facilities include a riverside spa, a fitness centre and a serene pool deck. Dining focuses on fresh, seasonal produce with menus inspired by regional African flavors, served in open-air settings or on private terraces. Singita’s commitment to conservation and community partnerships enriches every stay, making it a meaningful and luxurious way to experience one of the world’s premier safari destinations in January.
Bangkok, Thailand
January is one of the best times to visit Bangkok thanks to cooler, drier weather and clear blue skies. Temperatures are comfortable for exploring the city’s cultural landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the historic canals of Thonburi. Visitors can enjoy river cruises along the Chao Phraya, wander through vibrant markets, or explore the city’s rapidly growing contemporary art scene. January also brings a lively yet pleasant atmosphere without the intense humidity of later months, making it ideal for sightseeing, shopping and dining. The city’s rooftop viewpoints, riverfront promenades and lush urban parks feel especially inviting during this season.Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok opened in April 2025, marking the return of the brand to Thailand’s capital with a wholly new urban sanctuary. The hotel sits within a seven-acre heritage green space in Nai Lert Park, offering 52 suites, among the largest in Bangkok, starting at 94 m² with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame park or city views. The top-tier Aman Suite occupies a full floor, providing three bedrooms, a balcony or terrace, private spa and dedicated living and dining areas, ideal for families or travellers seeking ultimate space and comfort.
Dining and wellness at Aman Nai Lert stand out. On the 9th floor, guests can enjoy Italian cuisine at Arva and unwind by the outdoor infinity pool overlooking lush greenery. On the 19th floor, an open-air terrace with skyline views hosts two new signature Japanese venues (a teppanyaki counter and an omakase sushi experience), plus a lounge and bar offering varied, refined gastronomy. The Aman Spa & Wellness spans 1,500 m² across two floors, including hydrotherapy facilities, Thai-massage rooms, a Banya spa-house, and a “Medical Wellness by Hertitude” clinic with cryotherapy and wellness treatments, perfect for recovering from jet lag or city explorations. With its green park setting, serene suites and comprehensive wellness and dining offerings, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is now a top choice for a refined city stay in January.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
In January St. Lucia is warm, lush and ideal for a sun-soaked start to the year. The island’s dramatic twin Pitons frame the western coastline and create memorable hiking and photo opportunities, while calmer seas around the southwest coast are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and boat trips to see reefs and marine life. Visitors can explore the botanical gardens, take guided rainforest walks, or visit the nearby Sulphur Springs and waterfall attractions for natural thermal experiences. With clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures in January, St. Lucia ranks among the best vacation ideas for January and is a top pick for travelers seeking a blend of beach relaxation and nature.
Where to Stay in St. Lucia?
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort sits in a 100-acre former plantation valley nestled between the Pitons, offering a dramatic setting of white sand beaches and rainforest slopes. The property includes a wide range of accommodations, from beachfront bungalows and hillside villas with private plunge pools to expansive multi-bedroom residences (including the new ultra-luxury Spice of Life villa). Many rooms and villas provide direct beach access or private terraces with Piton or ocean views, making this resort a strong choice for couples, families, and groups seeking privacy and space. The resort features two main beaches, sheltered bays ideal for snorkeling, and a PADI dive centre for easy access to nearby reefs.
Dining at Sugar Beach emphasises fresh, locally inspired cuisine across multiple outlets and dining formats, from casual beachfront eateries to more formal restaurants, while the Rainforest Spa offers treehouse treatment rooms and signature nature-inspired therapies. Guests can enjoy guided hikes to Gros Piton, chocolate-and-cocoa experiences at the on-site Cocoa Mill, and non-motorised water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The resort also runs family programmes and wellness activities suited to January travelers who want both active days and restorative downtime.
Doha, Qatar
In January, Doha offers a warm and inviting escape from winter chill elsewhere with mild temperatures, sunny skies, and a vibrant cultural scene make it a great time to visit. The city’s mix of modern skyline, traditional souks, and coastal promenades along the Arabian Gulf invites exploration: stroll along marina boardwalks on The Pearl, visit art galleries, or take short drives to desert landscapes for dune-based adventures and natural dune scenery. Outdoor cafés, pleasant evenings by the water, and the relative breeze make January one of the best months to enjoy Doha’s mix of urban elegance and coastal calm.Where to Stay in Doha?
Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar opened in November 2023 and has quickly established itself as one of Doha’s top luxury stays. The resort offers 161 apartments and residences across one- to three-bedroom layouts, each ranging from 105 to 280 m². Units are fully furnished with high-end kitchens, laundry facilities, outdoor terraces, and interiors finished by Wimberly Interiors, making it suitable for short stays and extended stays alike.
Guests at Four Seasons The Pearl enjoy a long private beachfront, two seaside pools (one family-friendly sloped-entrance pool and a 20-metre lap pool for adults), plus an indoor 25-metre heated pool, ideal for swimming year-round. The Loulou Spa offers treatments inspired by local pearl-harvesting heritage, with wellness rituals, tranquil spaces, and a fitness centre providing full relaxation after city exploration.
Dining at the resort includes a range of venues, from light beachfront fare to more refined meals tailored to international tastes. For families, the Kids For All Seasons club provides daily supervised activities for children, allowing adults to enjoy wellness, beach or city outings with ease. With its combination of spacious residences, beach-side calm, and refined service, Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar stands out as a top choice for a January getaway offering both comfort and variety.
Hokkaido, Japan
In January, Hokkaido becomes one of the world’s most magical winter destinations, heavy, fine powder snow blankets the mountains, creating ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding, while frost-covered forests and quiet countryside offer serene beauty beyond the pistes. The region around Niseko sees some of the deepest, driest powder snow in the world, often turning the landscape white for months. Visitors can enjoy not only the slopes of the interconnected Niseko United resorts, including Grand Hirafu, Annupuri and Hanazono, but also snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot springs, and cozy strolls in snow-covered villages. This mix of high-mountain adventure and tranquil winter scenery makes Hokkaido in January a perfect pick.
Where to Stay in Hokkaido?
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers one of the finest winter retreats in Japan, combining ski-in/ski-out convenience with refined comfort and local charm. The hotel features 100 guest rooms including nine suites with private hot-spring onsen; all rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the surrounding mountains, either Mount Yōtei or the Annupuri range. Suites and residences offer generous living space, making the hotel a comfortable base for couples, families, or friends sharing a winter holiday.
The resort’s amenities complement the winter experience perfectly: there’s a 25-metre heated indoor pool, a full-featured spa with natural onsen baths, treatment rooms including couple’s onsen options, and a health club for fitness. Dining on-site includes several restaurants, from a robata grill and teppanyaki to international choices and Hokkaido cuisine, ensuring even après-ski meals are convenient and satisfying. For those eager to hit the powder, the hotel provides ski valet, rental services, and direct access to the slopes of Hanazono, with the broader Niseko United area reachable for varied runs. Whether you’re carving fresh tracks at dawn, unwinding in a hot onsen, or enjoying modern comforts by the fireplace, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers one of the most complete winter stays in Asia.
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January opens the door to a world of extraordinary winter and early-year escapes, from snow-covered peaks in Hokkaido and St. Moritz to sun-soaked African safaris and tropical island seclusion. This hand-picked collection of destinations offers something for every kind of traveller, while each resort and hotel has been chosen for their comfort, unique experiences and ability to deliver magical memories in January. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in winter 2026, these destinations and their luxurious stays promise the perfect start to your new year.
