The third Monday in January is known as ‘Blue Monday’, as it is supposedly the saddest day of the year. In 2025 it will take place on Monday the 20th of January.

A combination of factors such as the end of the holidays, the cold, the routine, and the first bills of the year seem to conspire to bring us down.

So what if we told you there’s a way to overcome this dreariness and turn January into the happiest month of the year?

In this article we’ll suggest three Caribbean destinations that are perfect for escaping the cold and routine and recharging your batteries with vitality and unforgettable moments: Jamaica, Punta Cana and Riviera Maya.

What is Blue Monday?

The ‘Blue Monday’ concept originated in 2005, courtesy of British-born psychologist Cliff Arnall.

While working on an advertising campaign for the travel agency Sky Travel he claimed to have identified the ‘saddest’ date of the year on the basis of a mathematical formula that takes into account several factors that generally affect people’s moods.

According to his formula, the third Monday in January proved to be the most depressing day of the year; and since then the concept has gained universal popularity in media and marketing campaigns.

Cliff Arnall concluded that the ‘Blue Monday’ effect was due to a combination of emotional, economic and environmental factors that coincide in January:

• The holiday season is over: Once Christmas and New Year’s Eve are over the spirit of joy and recreation begins to wear off and people go through an ‘emotional slump’ as they return to their daily grind.
• Winter weather: In the northern hemisphere, January is characterised by cold, dark days and fewer hours of sunlight, which can be detrimental to morale and lead to fatigue.
• Post-holiday financial crisis: Holiday overspending means people can end up in debt, resulting in anxiety or stress.
• Lack of motivation and abandoned resolutions: In the month of January many people are overcome by frustration at not having fulfilled their New Year’s resolutions, which can feel like a failure.
• There is often a long time to go before the next holiday: January can feel like a long, uphill month due to the fact that the next holiday seems so far away, which increases the feeling of monotony.

Punta Cana: Unwind in an all-inclusive paradise

Punta Cana is one of those destinations that seem to have been created just to put a smile back on our faces.

Its white sand beaches, turquoise waters and year-round sunshine combine to offer the perfect recipe for leaving Blue Monday behind.

Whether you’re travelling as a family or looking for a romantic getaway for two, Punta Cana has something for everyone:

• Punta Cana as a family

When travelling with children the key to a perfect day is a combination of activities, relaxation and lots of fun.

At hotels like the Princess Family Club Bávaro and Tropical Deluxe Princess, the little ones can make the most of mini-clubs specially designed just for them. These include children’s pools with water parks and games that guarantee hours of fun and adventure.

Princess Family Club features a complete water park for children as well as supervised activities. Kids rule in this hotel, and everything is designed with them in mind, from family rooms with fun bunk beds to a mini-club full of games and activities.

At Tropical Deluxe Princess the little ones have their own kids’ pool as well as fun games and mini-club activities. And if that were not enough, families who so wish may request Family Suites, where parents can keep an eye on their children without losing their independence, as there’s a door separating the two spaces. There are also two bathrooms, two televisions, etc.

While the kids are doing their thing the adults can relax on the beach, enjoy a refreshing cocktail, or take part in sports and leisure activities.

And in the evening, themed dinners and family entertainment create the perfect ambience for rounding off an unforgettable day.

• Punta Cana with your partner

For those looking for a romantic getaway, Punta Cana is the ideal destination. Hotels such as the Punta Cana Princess (adults only) and honeymoon options at the Grand Bávaro Princess, Punta Cana Princess and Caribe Deluxe Princess offer intimate, exclusive atmospheres that are ideal for reconnecting with your partner.

Our special honeymoon rooms are the perfect choice for couples looking for privacy and comfort.

And should you wish to add something extra special to your stay, exclusive experiences can be purchased at additional cost through our customer service departments. These include:

• Romantic dinners on the beach, with the murmur of the waves and a truly unique ambience.
• Balinese beds in the pool area or on the beach in Grand Bávaro Princess.
• As well as the privileged location, you may also avail of special services and personalised attention for a day of total relaxation.

Whether it’s a stroll along the beach at sunset, a couple’s massage at the spa or simply unwinding under the Caribbean sun, Punta Cana offers the perfect setting for bringing the smiles back to your faces.

Riviera Maya: Kick the year off by surrendering to happiness in Mexico

Let the Riviera Maya transform your mornings with the melody of the sea and the tranquillity of crystalline waters.

More than just an escape from Blue Monday, this corner of the Caribbean is an invitation to celebrate life and reconnect with yourself.

Share the magic of Princess Hotels Riviera Maya with those you love the most.

• Riviera Maya with the family

Forget Blue Monday, or, better still, turn it day into an unforgettable experience at Grand Riviera Princess or Princess Family Club Riviera. Our resort offers the perfect combination of comfort, luxury and fun for you and your family in a paradisiacal setting.

Enjoy mile upon mile of white sand and the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean in the company of your family. Imagine relaxing under the Caribbean sun while the kids play in a safe, natural environment.

The resort offers a choice of pools for all ages, from youngest to eldest. Some of the pools feature play areas with slides, etc.

There are also activities for our younger guests in the kids club and entertainment programmes for the more mature guests, including snorkelling and beach volleyball, as well as evening shows for the whole family.

• Riviera Maya with your partner

For couples looking to escape Blue Monday and rekindle the spark of romance, the Riviera Maya is the perfect setting.

This paradisiacal corner of Mexico offers a unique combination of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife, making it the ideal getaway for those wishing to celebrate love and happiness.

Princess Hotels Riviera Maya is the ideal setting for couples looking for an unforgettable experience. Its distinctive architecture and romantic spaces include rooms that are best enjoyed as a couple, such as the Laguna Villa Suite at Grand Sunset Princess or the Honeymoon Suite Swimout at Platinum Yucatan Princess (our Adults Only hotel), and provide the perfect backdrop for treasuring special moments.

For those seeking adventures together, the Riviera Maya offers a wide variety of exciting activities. Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum or Coba will allow you to connect with the history and majesty of the Mayan civilisation.

Take a dive into magical cenotes, where you can swim in crystal clear waters surrounded by lush nature while you create lasting memories. Romantic walks along the beach at sunset are ideal for deep conversations and intimate moments.

If you are looking for something more exclusive, excursions to the island of Cozumel or Holbox offer idyllic and tranquil landscapes where you can disconnect from the world and focus entirely on yourselves.

A gourmet dinner at a beachfront restaurant or a spa session for two is a great way to complete the experience, and will leave you refreshed and full of positive energy.

Jamaica: the island that lives and breathes good vibes

Don’t let Blue Monday get the best of you—turn it into an opportunity to reconnect and recharge with your loved ones at Princess Hotels Jamaica.

This Caribbean paradise, filled with reggae rhythms and vibrant joy, offers pristine beaches, warm waters, and vibrant green forests, all infused with the warmth of its people.

Be among the first to experience the newly opened Princess Hotels Jamaica—your ideal getaway is ready and waiting!

• Jamaica as a family

Embark on the ultimate family getaway in Jamaica, where joy and adventure await at every turn!

Our family-friendly resort Princess Grand Jamaica offers endless activities to lift everyone’s spirits.

Enjoy a variety of activities for all ages, from our thrilling Wild Princess water park with three slides and a splash pad, to a multifunctional sports field that offers pickle ball, tennis and archery for family games or friendly competitions.

Guests thirteen years and older will enjoy our E- game zone with virtual reality, while younger children can enjoy the Kids Club with engaging 7- zone activities.

For ultimate comfort, we recommend the Princess Family Junior Suite with bunk beds, designed with your family’s needs in mind at our Princess Grand Jamaica resort.

• Jamaica as a couple

Blue Monday is the perfect excuse to rekindle romance in a breathtaking setting.

Stroll hand-in-hand along our expansive, sun-drenched beaches, dinner under the stars with oceanfront views, or retreat to a luxurious swim-out suite for an intimate escape.

At Princess Senses the Mangrove, we offer a romantic getaway like no other, where unforgettable moments with your partner await.

Your romantic getaway awaits with 14 restaurants, swimming pools, a nightclub, fitness center, and thrilling motorized activities. Explore the area with exciting tours and excursions, or relax in the tranquillity of our Adults Only atmosphere.

Enjoy exclusive access to the O’ Club if booked in our pleasure suites, or even our Overwater Villas where you can wake up above the sea and enjoy breathtaking sunrises.

Your romantic escape begins here!

Blue Monday doesn’t have to be sad. Turning this day into an opportunity to start the year with positive energy is in your hands.

Booking a trip to a top Caribbean destination is more than just a getaway: it’s a gift for the soul. Swap the cold and routine for the warmth of the sun, the caress of the waves, and the magic of unforgettable moments.

Have you picked a destination? Tell us about it!

Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya