SHARM’S UNDERSEA CHARMS

22C, seven hours of sunshine

One of the key Egyptian resorts on the Red Sea and a long desert drive from the sights of the Nile, Sharm’s primary offering is sea, sand and the most reliable winter weather you can get within a five-hour flight of the UK (the figures above are for January). But those who prise themselves off the beach and head out to sea get the greatest rewards. This is one of the world’s best diving and snorkelling destinations and just off the coast you will find astonishingly colourful reefs and a rich array of marine life – from luminescent angelfish to lumbering whale sharks, turtles and manta rays. Regaldive (01353 659999; regal-diving. co.uk) offers stays at the Sharks Bay Umbi Diving Village from £995, B&B, including a 10-dive package. Departure dates from November to February 2022 wonderful to experience the country’s amazing landscapes from the saddle. You will be riding through a backdrop of volcanoes, mountain lakes and cloud forest – from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific shoreline and the beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park. And as you pedal through this natural wonderland, you will have the best chance of seeing the rich wildlife, from sloths and monkeys to the exotic birdlife. Explore (01252 240448; explore.co.uk) offers a two-week biking itinerary in small groups (total about 125 miles of easy to moderate cycling. “Cycle Costa Rica” costs from £2,399, B&B, including “comfortable” hotels and cycle hire, but excluding flights. Departures from late January onwards