The third Monday in January is dubbed Blue Monday as it’s supposedly the most depressing day of the year. We get it, Christmas and New Year are over, it’s cold and January seems to stretch on for eternity (particularly if you’re doing Dry Jan), but it doesn’t have to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Upturn that frown because we’re using Blue Monday as travel inspo, showcasing some of our favourite blue-hued holiday hot spots around the world. Did you know that even looking at images of beautiful places in nature is proven to have a positive effect? You’re welcome! 

1 Overwater Hideaway, Soneva Secret, Maldives

Banish the blues by imagining you’re sliding into the Indian Ocean from an overwater villa at new resort Soneva Secret. It’s just launched a new Castaway floating villa accessible only by boat which comes with a saltwater pool, curved slide and retractable roof over the master bedroom for stargazing. Dreamy.

2 Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The ultimate blue wellbeing concept? Gotta be immersing yourself in the thermal healing waters at Iceland’s subterranean spa.

3 Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakesh’s ancient Medina might be pink, but the lush gardens at Majorelle, open to the public and once owned by legendary Yves Saint Laurent, are all about the blues, specifically this beautiful deep shade (bleu majorelle) created for the designer.

4 Los Arrieros, Júzcar, Spain

Painted to promote a Smurf movie back in 2011, the switch from white to blue was so successful tourism-wise for this Spanish town, locals decided to keep the dazzling shade. True story. If you want to check it out, book at stay at Hotel Restaurante Bandolero (pictured).

5 Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, India

The Palladio Bar at this award-winning hotel in Jaipur is the perfect place for a gin and tonic after a day spent exploring the sensational city.

6 Katikies, Santorini

Every Monday is blue at this gorgeous Greek Island hotel, where the infinity pools blend into the ocean and sky.

7 Chefchaouen, Morocco

Morocco’s famous blue city is an Instagram dream and makes us want to paint our house blue pronto (when it stops raining).

8 Amalfi Blu Retreat, Italy

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the Amalfi coast for a fraction of the price of neighbouring hotels at this Airbnb hottie.

9 Lindos Blu Hotel, Rhodes

Clue’s in the name at this romantic Greek getaway, where even the bath tubs have a view of the blue sea and sky.

10 Blue Grotto, Capri

It’s like an aqua dream when you row through the dark cave mouth into a hidden azure lagoon at this tourist hot spot.