As the UK continues to shiver through a grey January, sun-seeking Brits are looking for a tropical escape that doesn’t involve the complexity of a second language or the exhaustion of multiple flight connections. While the Canary Islands are a firm favourite for a short-haul blast of Vitamin D, those willing to spend more on flights and travel a little further can land in a sophisticated British Overseas Territory that offers a unique blend of proper English charm and sub-tropical bliss.

Bermuda, famously home to pink-sand beaches and its namesake shorts, is currently enjoying balmy highs of 23C – the perfect temperature for exploring without the sweltering humidity of the Caribbean summer. Unlike its neighbours further south, Bermuda is just a seven-hour direct flight from London Heathrow with British Airways. Even better, it’s an English-speaking paradise, meaning you can swap the rain for a rum swizzle without ever needing a translation app.

The island is world-renowned for its stunning coastline, particularly Horseshoe Bay, where the sand takes on a distinct rosy hue thanks to crushed coral and shells. In the winter months, the beaches are blissfully quiet, allowing for peaceful strolls along the turquoise Atlantic. For those who prefer to stay active, the island’s “winter” is actually the best time for a round of golf on one of its world-class courses or a cycle along the Bermuda Railway Trail, an 18-mile scenic path that winds through lush greenery and coastal cliffs.

If the weather does turn “cool” (by island standards), visitors can head underground to the Crystal Caves. This subterranean wonderland features spectacular stalactites and azure underground lakes that remain a constant, comfortable temperature year-round.

In the capital city of Hamilton, you’ll find a familiar sense of order. Pastel-coloured colonial buildings line the harbour, and you’re just as likely to find a high-end afternoon tea as you are a plate of traditional codfish and potatoes. The historic town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a step back in time with its narrow cobblestone alleys and 17th-century architecture – all under a sun that stays shining long after the UK has gone dark.