ONE WEEK IS NOT ENOUGH…

Fact One: Spring might be on the horizon, but if you think the worst of the wintry weather is over, you’re dreaming. 

Fact Two: One week away is not going to be enough to restore your sunny spirits, not after the winter of cold and rain, and wind and grey we’ve endured.

There are seasons in life for soldiering on and there are times for moving away, and let me tell you this is the season for fleeing to warmer climes.

Island paradise. Thaw out in the holiday heaven of Vanuatu.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine how you’d feel after not one, but two weeks on an island paradise.

We’re talking blue skies, azure-like waters, sandy beaches… For two whole weeks.

Out of your reach, you think. Well, that ain’t necessarily so.

Viva Holidays has a raft of hot deals that deliver a second week in some of the world’s hottest – and we mean that literally – destinations for just $1. All you need to do is add one dollar to your package price and, hey presto, you’ve bought yourself another week in paradise. Seven whole days for $1. That’s not even a third of the price of your morning latte.

Two weeks is the perfect break. Anything else and the change is just superficial.

The thing is, you don’t want to be boarding a plane just as you’re starting to thaw.

And really, two weeks a year is not too much to ask. How often have you said it was time you put yourself first? Here’s your chance to practice what you preach, and for the bargain-basement price of $1.

Need more encouragement? How about this?

The last time I checked the picture perfect Thai island of Koh Samui, the temperature was soaring north of 30C, Tahiti was promising clear blue skies, warm winds and 30C and we’re talking more of the same in Vanuatu and the Cook Islands.

If you’re anything like the rest of us, the agenda for the first week will take care of itself. Rest, relaxation and more of the same. You know how to do it. Grab your book or magazine, sunnies, some sunscreen and a cool drink and head to the pool. Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, lay a towel down at water’s edge.

A full week of that and you’ll be ready for some action. You might surprise yourself with what you accomplish, and the destinations surely will. Here’s a tiny sample of what they can offer.

Vanuatu

How do white sandy beaches, azure lagoons and pristine deep, lush rainforest sound? That’s just half the story of this holiday heaven.

With two weeks up your sleave, you can explore Vanuatu’s rich culture and history. Discover for yourself why the diving and snorkelling is rated amongst the world’s best. If you’re really up for some activity, you can hike up smoking volcanoes, indulge in a round of golf or a spot of fishing. And there’s always the fall-back option of a spa treatment.

The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands can be anything you want them to be. Spread over a staggering 2 million square kilometres in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands take getting away from it all to a new level. Life here follows a traditional path with music and hospitality underpinning the warmth of the welcome. Do a little, do a lot. It’s all on offer. Choose a beach bungalow or opt for the definitive deserted island luxury experience.