6. St Kitts and Nevis, the Caribbean
Best for blissful beaches and Caribbean culture
If beating the winter blues is top of your January wish-list, St Kitts and Nevis is one of the best places go in January.
This dual-island Caribbean gem delivers laidback beach life, history and all-out luxury in equal measure. All of which means you can plan a trip according to your budget and interests.
Fringing a 2-mile bay on its southwest coast, Basseterre — St Kitts’ historic capital — is enclosed by mountains and emerald hills. Quite a sight as you pull into you port.
The port is also home to shops and stalls selling local arts and crafts, with the National Museum of St Kitts and a chocolate factory on site, too.
Outside of town, St Kitts’ Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best-preserved forts of its era throughout the Americas.
To see more of the island, you’ll want to hop aboard the heritage Scenic Railway. Delving deep into lush rainforest, it offers incredible views of Mount Liamuiga and neighbouring islands.
Talking of which, lying two miles south of its bigger sister, Nevis is something of an off-the-beaten-track Caribbean destination.
Based on St Kitts? The inter-island ferry takes 45-minutes, or zip over on a 10-minute water taxi ride.
Despite its standing as a destination beloved by celebrities looking for tropical tranquillity, Nevis has a distinctly laidback, understated vibe.
It’s also home to beautiful beaches that’ll satisfy every mood. Notable highlights include Pinney’s, Oualie and Lover’s Beach.
If you’re feeling more energetic, you could always hike to the top of Nevis Peak.
See more places to stay in St Kitts and Nevis.