Image via Get Busy In The Maldives

Choosing a honeymoon spot can be a dizzying (though exciting!) decision, on top of all the wedding planning. There are a number of ways to make a choice, depending on whether budget, climate or sightseeing is your first priority. Although great weather and optimal sight-seeing equates to high season and more expensive hotel room rates, the perks may be well worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. If you are looking to flee the extreme heat (or cold…depending on where you are located) of January, here are a few of our favourite honeymoon destinations to consider.

1. Maldives

The climate in the Maldives in driven by monsoons. In summer, from May to November, there are strong winds with a lot of rain and storms. The best time to enjoy Maldive’s turquoise water and white sandy beaches is no doubt between the months of December and April, with January promising the best weather.

Where to Stay
As a tourist paradise, many of Maldive’s archipelago’s islands have transformed into luxury hotels and stylish resorts. One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives live up to its name: sprawling across its own island, the boutique resort has its own diving centre, sun spa, climbing wall and three pools to choose from.

Image via One&Only Reethi Rah

For couples chasing the stunning coastal view, W Retreat & Spa Maldives’ Ocean Villa is a sure delight. The sprawling master suite features panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and your own private infinity plunge pool.

Image via W Retreat & Spa Maldives

What to Do
The tourist paradise has no shortage of things to entertain its visitors. The capital of Maldives, Male, is small and peaceful, with small mosques, a large bazaar and many tea rooms.

Diving fans will probably delight in discovering the underwater world in Ari, South Male and North Male. Swim with the rays and sharks up close or marvel at the vibrant corals underwater before relaxing with a massage or spa treatment.

2. Myanmar

Out of this world at any time of the year, January is the best month to visit Myanmar. The region promises lots of sunshine during this first month of the year. Formerly known as Burma, the South-East Asian country is quickly rising to become an economy powerhouse in the region. A series of reforms undertaken by the government also saw the country fast becoming a tourist favourite.

Where to Stay
Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar as well as a history-filled one. Given the number of sights within and nearby the city, it’s a great place to stay for your Burmese honeymoon adventure. Belmond Governor’s Residence is the former home of a Yangon governor, transformed into a luxury hotel. Set in the midst of a lotus garden, the teak mansion offers a tranquil sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Image via Belmond Governor’s Residence

What to Do
From its pagodas and temples in the misty mountains where the Himalayas begin, to its blissful, never-knew-existed tropical islands, Myanmar is a honeymoon destination unlike any other.

Amongst the country’s many temples and pagodas, Shwedagon Paya is a must-see. Visible from almost anywhere in Yangon, this is one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. The 99 metre-tall zedi (bell-shaped monument), adorned with 27 tonnes of gold leaf and thousands of diamonds and other gems, is believed to enshrine eight hairs of Gautama Buddha as well as relics of three former Buddhas.

Image via Shwedagon Paya

3. Coast of Mexico

The coast of Mexico is vibrant, warm and exuberant – and the best time for to visit is January. It is hot, but not-too-hot, with barely any rain at all.

Where to Stay
The Cape at Los Cabos is a reimagined surf retreat. Its all glass, clean lines with a dash of Southern California style will delight even the fussiest minimalist. Splurge for the villa that is kitted out with a private plunge pool, kitchen and your very own butler.

Image via The Cape

Recoup after a long-haul flight with a gentle “Just Landed” rub down, or roll back those wedding preparation stresses with a signature anti-ageing massage for a blissful start to your marriage.

What to Do
Nature has carved some amazing formations at Los Cabos, and El Arco is perhaps the most famous. A signature icon of Los Cabos, the limestone arch carved by time, wide and wind runs down to the water’s edge and into the sea. From a distance, the formation looks like a dragon, and up close the arch frames sky, sea and sand for picture-perfect photos.

Image via Visit Mexico

4. Canada

For newly-weds seeking reprieve from the heat, January in Whistler, Canada is the perfect place to be. Right in the middle of the skiing season, you’ll find that January in the ski resorts are not as busy after the Christmas break. Even if you are not a seasoned skier, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking, snow-covered slopes.

Where to Stay
Fairmont Chateau, located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain is the embodiment of mountain luxury. The resort is elegantly decorated with warm, earthy tones throughout its finishes. After a full day of exploring, relax into one of the three outdoor slope-side whirlpools or enjoy a spa treatment at the on-site Vida Spa.

Image via Fairmont Chateau

What to Do
Although Whistler is well-known for skiing, the alpine region has plenty of other things to offer its visitors. Explore the forests and trails surrounding Whistler in the uniquely Canadian way – pulled by a team of exuberant sled dogs. For food lovers, the Whistler Tasting Tours will take you through a multi-course dinner in four of the local favourite restaurants, a chocolate shop and a brewhouse.

Image via Tourism Whistler

5. Iceland

Iceland has become increasingly popular amongst travellers for its natural wonders. And January is one of the best time to visit for honeymooners; it is not as cold as one would imagine it to be, and it is one of the best times to see the magnificent Northern Lights. The natural phenomenon lights up the skies in dancing shades of various colours and the truly magical experience is sure to be one of the most memorable ways to start off your marriage.

Where to Stay
Hotel Budir is a small country hotel two hours’ drive away from Reykjavik on the dramatic landscape of Sanefellsnes Peninsula. Located next to a wide and windswept beach, guests can often spot seals bobbing around the inlet. One wall of the hotel is covered in artist’s impression of Icelandic fairy tales and another has pictures dating back to hotel’s inception.

Image via Hotel Budir

What to Do
The scarcely populated island makes it a popular spot for viewing the Northern Lights, but Iceland has much more to offer. The Nordic nirvana is a rugged landscape that is mind-blowing – lighthouses, shipwrecks and glaciers that stretch as far as the eyes can see.

Image via Guide to Iceland

The country that seems to be in a perpetual winter is also home to some of the best natural hot springs. Blue Lagoon is a milky-teal heaven amidst a black-lava field. The super-heated water is rich in blue-green algae, mineral salts and fine silica mud, which is amazing for conditioning and exfoliating the skin. You are guaranteed to emerge from the springs invigorated and relaxed.

Image via Blue Lagoon

Ms Chinoiserie Says: So many romantic places to visit in January – Iceland is definitely on my ‘must see’ list!