Feeling the cold? You’ll warm

AUTHENTIC MALDIVES

WHY: The law in the Maldives has recently changed to allow guesthouse-style hotels to be built on the smaller, local islands.

This is good news for those who want to experience a culturally enriched stay away from the large resorts. HOW: The new The Reveries Diving Village guesthouse on the untouched Maldivian paradise island of Gan.

You will find Buddhist ruins, a lake, 8kms of white sand beach, surf spots and a number of unspoiled reefs to explore.

Superb visibility means divers and snorkellers get a superb view of the abundance of macro life and numerous turtles.

Experienced divers will be able to dive among barracuda, snapper, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, nurse sharks and manta rays. WHEN: Go now. HOW MUCH: from £2,145 per person sharing, including international flights from London, seven nights’ half board accommodation, and five days’ diving (up to 10 dives), tanks and weights with Dive Worldwide (0845 130 6980, www. diveworldwide.com).

MARSEILLE

WHY: Eurostar is introducing yearround direct services from London to Marseilles from May 2015 making the south of France within easy reach. Enjoy a cup of tea in London and get there in time for a tipple by the Mediterranean only six and a half hours later. HOW: Enjoy a five-day break by first class rail staying at the centrallylocated four-star Grand Hotel Beauvau. Named as a European Capital of Culture last year, France’s oldest city has had a facelift and a revamp of the Old Port, a new tram system and new museums, restaurants, shops and hotels popping up. Best of all in this port city is that it is surrounded by the Mediterranean and offers sunny days for much of the year. WHEN: From May 2015. HOWMUCH: From £549 per person based on two sharing, including return first class rail from London to Marseilles and four nights’ B&B in the four star Grand Hotel Beauvau with Planet Rail (01347 811810, www.planetrail.co.uk).