SANTORINI DUBAI TO CANADA
Colour therapists say it actually 'soothes the mind', so from Santorini to Capri, these are the richly azure places that should lift your mood
- Today marks ‘Blue Monday’, which is supposedly the year's most depressing day for people across the UK
- But a 'colour therapist' argues that the term is misleading because the hue is one of the world's most uplifting
- In fact, she says visiting places rich in colour can help with everything from de-stressing to fighting infection
They say what goes up, must come down. So it's understandable that December's festivities are followed by a natural, but completely unwelcome, slump.
And, according to experts, the slump 'peaks' each year today, on January 15, in a phenomenon known as 'Blue Monday'.
Dubbed the most depressing day of the calendar, it's supposedly when all the bitter realities of life collide into one truly miserable 24-hour period.
But others believe the playful term is misguided, especially when considering the supposed benefits of the hue, include everything from de-stressing to fighting infection.
In fact, colour therapist Alison Standish claims it 'calms and soothes the mind, body and spirit'.
With this in mind, Celebrity Cruises has listed the world's best locations for people to benefit from the shade - everywhere from Iceland to Italy, with not a sad face in sight.
Santorini, Greece
Into the blue: Santorini in Greece is one of the most visually-striking locations thanks to its rich waters and blue rooftops
Potentially the most well-known on this list, the image that first comes to mind when you think of Santorini is its deep blue rooftops that overlook the seemingly endless sea.
When you couple this Greek island’s world-renowned rooftop views, authentic food, invigorating walks and its average temperature of 26C, there’s definitely nothing to feel down about.
But it is also known for its cobalt blue shades, which dominate the skyline - and this could potentially perk you up.
'Cobalt is a vibrant blue which creates deep feelings of calm and allows the body to de-stress and sooth,' Alison says. 'It also supports the ability to communicate on a one-to-one basis with clarity and truth.'
Porto, Portugal
Colour me good: The external wall of the Santa Catarina church in Porto, Portugal, decorated with typical azulejos tile-work
Destination point: The walls of a walkway in the 18th century cathedral are covered with pictorial blue-and-white tile work
What Blue Monday? Porto is all about the Baroque blue tiles that line the streets
The Portuguese flag might be red and green, but its second city is all about the blues.
While its coastal position brings with it the shades of the sea, the city is all about the Baroque tiles that line the streets with royal blue hues. You’ll find them all across the city, on buildings' exteriors and under church arches.
But be sure to pay a visit to the church Igreja do Carmo for the best example. 'This colour clears fogginess and confusion,' says Alison. 'Royal Blue creates the feelings of authority. It is intricately related to law and order. It is a colour loved by royalty since ancient times, creating feelings of justice and fairness.
'If you are travelling for culture, this colour draws you in and helps you experience the history and stories of its locations.'
Juzcar, Spain
Juzcar: Nicknamed the ‘Village of Smurfs’, blue-coloured sky-blue houses stand out among the deep green hilly skyline
Malaga is an ever-popular holiday destination for Brits. But, in addition to the golden sands, there’s another, lesser-known reason to pay a visit here: the small village of Júzcar.
Nicknamed the ‘Village of the Smurfs’, sky-blue houses stand out among the deep green hilly skyline for an impressive - and possibly healing - sight.
'This is a transparent blue with a few tones of green, which create feelings of trust and integrity,' Alison adds. 'This colour creates calm but also is associated with nature and nurture, therefore encouraging kindness and generosity.
'The gentleness of this combined colour allows us to gently unwind and detach from the stresses in our lives.'
Capri, Italy
Secret space: The Blue Grotto is considered one of the must-see attractions on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Natural wonder: The so-called grotto is a natural sea cave, 60 meters long and 25 meters wide, which enhances colour
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is packed with things to see and do, but a must-see is the island of Capri.
A stomping ground for celebrities ranging from March-Francis Vandelli to Mariah Carey, you’ll be treated to breath-taking views and great food.
However, the jewel in its crown has to be the Blue Grotto. Reachable by boat, the light inside this cove creates an other-worldly midnight blue that shimmers in the water.
'As the name suggests, this deep and powerful colour hides amazing insights and brings forward brilliant revelations,' says Alison. 'If you’re feeling lost, then this colour invites you to be more constructive by creating structure and allowing you to re-create your personal identity.
'The older the location the more you can connect to its heritage with this colour'.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
World-famous: People relaxing in Blue Lagoon spa, while Svartsengi Geothermal Power Station hovers in the distance
And relax! A woman swimming in Iceland's Blue Lagoon feels the benefit of the natural elements
In recent years, Iceland has grown in popularity - and, with amazing vistas, the chance to see the Northern Lights and geothermal spas such as Blue Lagoon, it's easy to see why.
Picture-perfect and a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, this spa’s haze of powder blue is an ideal way to unwind.
'Warming yet also anti-septic, this shade of blue calms the mind and balances both our physical and emotional wellness,' Alison explains. 'This particular hue helps with contemplation and an ability to look inward, allowing ideas and plans to manifest.'
Blue Caves, Zakynthos
Glorious: The Blue Caves of Zakynthos are a common draw for holiday-makers
Enhanced: The ‘blue’ of the caves comes from the water below reflecting back off the rocks in a subtle aqua-marine shade
Known by many as Zante, this Greek island has become synonymous with a buzzing nightlife, but by day it can be one of the most picturesque places in Europe.
There are multiple beaches and coves, however most visitors will pay a visit to the Blue Caves, a succession of caves dotted along the coast of the island. The ‘blue’ of the caves comes from the water below reflecting back off the rock faces in a subtle aqua-marine shade.
'This cool blue is very therapeutic to the mind and body,' Alison adds. 'This particular blue alters with the light as it bounces off water and displays shades of green depicting the nature within the sea, helping us to breathe a little easier.'
Turquoise Seas, Sardinia
Dive in: Sardinia is often compared to the likes of the Caribbean due to its white sandy beaches and extremely clear blue sea
Stunning: Boasting over 1,800 kilometres of unspoilt coastline, plus a hot climate, it's a perfect summer getaway
Sardinia is often compared to the likes of the Caribbean due to its white sandy beaches and extremely clear blue sea. Boasting over 1,800 kilometres of unspoilt coastline, plus a hot climate, it's a perfect summer getaway.
But, alongside being able to top up your tan, Sardinia should be an uplifting experience because 'turquoise heals and rebalances our emotional centre, creativity is heightened and develops our ability to care for ourselves and others'.
Alison adds that it's 'a fabulous, uplifting colour which is gentle and mollifying, especially when mixed with sunshine. This combination will relieve any feelings of negativity. A great colour for treating the immune system and fighting any form of infection.'
An opportunity not to be mist! Stunning footage shows Dubai's skyscrapers poking out from above a blanket of fog
- Incredible images were shot by business owner Rustam Azmi from the top of three Dubai skyscrapers
- They show the tops of the high rises poking through the clouds and appearing in their own dream world
- Fog season happens twice in a year in Dubai, normally when there is a sudden change in weather conditions
Stunning footage has been captured showing the skyscrapers of Dubai poking out above the clouds after fog descended on the city.
The incredible images of the giant buildings made it appear as if penthouse residents and workers were living in their own dreamland.
At sunrise, the golden glow cast by the sun's rays turned the clouds the colour of sand, as though the giant dunes have swept through the city.
One of the stunning images that shows the skyscrapers of Dubai poking out from above the clouds after fog descended on the city
The incredible images of the giant buildings made it appear as if penthouse residents and workers were living in their own dreamland
The stunning pictures and footage were taken by Rustam Azmi, an Indian business owner who has lived in Dubai for 28 years
'I have seen Dubai skyscrapers rising from the desert. The development was a great vision by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad.
'Dubai fog season is very fascinating for photographers and for visitors also, as the high rise towers climb above the fog and give a dreamy effect.
The top of the Al Yaqoub building can be seen towering above the lingering cloud that hangs over the Emirate city of Dubai
When visiting Dubai, Mr Azmi says that the fog can be one of the most exciting things to see if it descends on the city
Despite the stunning landscape, Mr Azmi warned that you also have to take care when the mist descends for safety reasons
'It's a must-see thing if you are planning to visit Dubai. The problem is no one can predict when the next fog will roll in.
'It's hard to select my favourite image, but if I had to pick one it would be when the first rays of sun fall on the fog.'
But despite the stunning landscape, Mr Azmi warned that you also have to take care when the mist descends.
Fog season descends on Dubai twice a year and usually when there is a sudden change in temperature and weather conditions
The pictures were taken from the 88th floor of a tower in the marina and from the Index and Executive towers in the downtown area
The street lights are barely visible at night as the fog hangs over the city and the area surrounding Dubai marina
He explained: 'I first experienced the fog from a rooftop back in 2014 since then it has become a habit to see Dubai's fog from a roof or from a high-rise apartment.
'Dubai fog looks very dreamy, almost like a fairy tale, but it's very risky also.
'The zero visibility makes driving very hard and on a roof top everything is very wet so you have to be very vigilant and cautious when walking.'
Azmi said: 'I first experienced the fog from a rooftop back in 2014, since then it has become a habit to see Dubai's fog from a roof or from a high-rise apartment'
Azmi added: 'Dubai fog looks very dreamy, almost like a fairy tale. It's hard to select my favourite image, but if I had to pick one it would be when the first rays of sun fall on the fog'
The couple have spent the past few years visiting some of earth’s most incredible landscapes, and photographing them with spectacular success.
Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park, Alberta. This is one of hundreds of stunning images that appear on the website inafarawayland.com
This incredible image is of Berg Lake in British Columbia, Canada, with Mount Robson towering behind
Feast your eyes on this amazing shot of Spirit Island in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Canada
They upload their snaps to their travel photography site – www.inafarawayland.com – which offers photography tips and advice on getting around the countries they’ve visited.
Ms Kulesza, 31, told MailOnline Travel that their favourite place so far is New Zealand.
She said: ‘It’s got the perfect mix of geographical features and four equally stunning seasons. The local population and lack of bureaucracy is also one of the biggest reasons New Zealand ranks number one for us.
‘We could both see ourselves living there if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s so far away from our home countries, the UK and Poland.’
The couple, who recently became engaged, think, however, that it’s Canada that makes for the best subject.
Ms Kulesza, who met Jack while backpacking in South America in 2011, said: ‘Our favourite country to photograph is Canada. It has incredible photography locations spread out over a huge area, meaning less people and more serenity.
This stunning valley is Opabin Plateau, by Lake O'Hara in British Columbia. Ms Kulesza said that Canada is their favourite country to photograph
This image of a mini iceberg on Jokursárlón’s Beach (also known as Diamond Beach) in Iceland, is one of the couple's favourite pictures. Ms Kulesza said of the image: 'It was our very first time in this spot and we were treated to an unbelievable sunrise. We had taken off our shoes and socks and were sometimes knee deep in extremely cold Atlantic Ocean waves. Jack ended up getting caught by a big wave that temporarily malfunctioned his camera. After an hour on the car heaters it was ok again. Our feet, however, didn’t function properly for several hours afterward'
A wonderful image of the pyramidal Mount Assiniboine in British Columbia. Ms Kulesza said that while Canada is their favourite place to photograph, it's not their favourite destination, as it's too cold for too much of the year
The Northern Lights swirl above Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories. Ms Kulesza and Bolshaw have spent the past few years visiting some of earth’s most incredible landscapes
Mesmerising: This image is of beautiful ice formations on Vermilion Lakes in Banff in the Rocky Mountains
Pyramid Mountain reflects onto Lake Annette in Jasper National Park, Alberta, in this shot by Jack Bolshaw
A thick blanket of clouds wrapped around Mount Garibaldi, a dormant stratovolcano in British Columbia
‘We can’t say it’s our number one destination though. The winters in Canada are just too long.’
While there the couple demonstrated that they were prepared to endure extremely harsh conditions to produce their hypnotically majestic photographs.
Ms Kulesza continued: ‘When we lived in the Canadian Rockies, it seemed to be below freezing most of the time between October and April. Seven months of temperatures below freezing every time you went outside. We certainly learned the meaning of frostbite.
‘On one adventure up Ha Ling Peak in Alberta's Canadian Rockies – prime grizzly bear habitat – we had to wake up in the early hours and trek through the woods in the dark for several hours. Not being able to see much in the distance, each noise sent shivers down our spines. At the summit it was around -20 Celsius, but the crisp winter air gave us some stunning photography conditions.’
Mount Assiniboine reflects in a crystal clear Sunburst Lake. Ms Kulesza's photography tip is to invest in experiences, not equipment
Behold the Dolomites in Italy, rising majestically up over the verdant, tree-swathed countryside
No, it's not Middle-earth, it's Queenstown in New Zealand as seen from Bob's Peak. Kulesza and Bolshaw said that New Zealand is their favourite country
Mount Cook, left, is New Zealand's highest mountain at 3,724 metres. The image on the right is of one of the most eye-catching areas of Iceland - Kirkjufell mountain
One of the most dramatic hiking routes in Canada is over Pocaterra Ridge in Kananaskis Country, pictured
Pictured is Mount Assiniboine, with Lake Magog in the foreground. Ms Kulesza said of Canada: 'When we lived in the Canadian Rockies, it seemed to be below freezing most of the time between October and April. Seven months of temperatures below freezing every time you went outside. We certainly learned the meaning of frostbite'
This shot shows the other-worldly Landmannalaugar area in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland
The shot they took at the peak is one of their favourites in the set presented here, but they are also particularly proud of their picture of a small iceberg on Jokursárlón’s Beach (also known as Diamond Beach) in Iceland.
Ms Kulesza said: ‘It was our very first time in this spot and we were treated to an unbelievable sunrise. We had taken off our shoes and socks and were sometimes knee deep in extremely cold Atlantic Ocean waves.
‘Jack ended up getting caught by a big wave that temporarily malfunctioned his camera. After an hour on the car heaters it was ok again. Our feet however didn’t function properly for several hours afterward.’
And their advice for keen amateur snappers? Don’t fret over the equipment.
Ms Kulesza added: ‘Don’t invest in equipment. Invest in experiences. You can have the best cameras, lenses, tripods and accessories but if you can’t afford to travel afterward then what’s the point? I’d rather be on top of a mountain with a Polaroid than sitting at home with a Hasselblad. Of course if you can afford both, then go for it, but having the best equipment is something that you should be worrying about 0 per cent of the time.’
Ms Kulesza said that she and her partner endured bitterly cold temperatures - down to -20C - to get this shot at Ha Ling Peak in the Rockies in Alberta
This beautiful picture shows Ha Ling Peak taken from Miner's Peak, which has a summit at 2,474 m
Ben Lomond in Queenstown. Ms Kulesza said that New Zealand has 'the perfect mix of geographical features and four equally stunning seasons'
A frozen Abraham Lake in Alberta is the subject of this striking image. Of Canada, the pair said that it has incredible photography locations spread out over a huge area
Mount Assiniboine in Canada, Diamond Beach in Iceland and Ben Lomond in New Zealand.
They are some of the world’s most scenic destinations – and here they’ve never looked so majestic, thanks to the photography skills of Marta Kulesza and Jack Bolshaw.
The couple have spent the past few years visiting some of earth’s most incredible landscapes, and photographing them with spectacular success.
Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park, Alberta. This is one of hundreds of stunning images that appear on the website inafarawayland.com
This incredible image is of Berg Lake in British Columbia, Canada, with Mount Robson towering behind
Feast your eyes on this amazing shot of Spirit Island in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Canada
They upload their snaps to their travel photography site – www.inafarawayland.com – which offers photography tips and advice on getting around the countries they’ve visited.
Ms Kulesza, 31, told MailOnline Travel that their favourite place so far is New Zealand.
She said: ‘It’s got the perfect mix of geographical features and four equally stunning seasons. The local population and lack of bureaucracy is also one of the biggest reasons New Zealand ranks number one for us.
‘We could both see ourselves living there if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s so far away from our home countries, the UK and Poland.’
The couple, who recently became engaged, think, however, that it’s Canada that makes for the best subject.
Ms Kulesza, who met Jack while backpacking in South America in 2011, said: ‘Our favourite country to photograph is Canada. It has incredible photography locations spread out over a huge area, meaning less people and more serenity.
This stunning valley is Opabin Plateau, by Lake O'Hara in British Columbia. Ms Kulesza said that Canada is their favourite country to photograph
This image of a mini iceberg on Jokursárlón’s Beach (also known as Diamond Beach) in Iceland, is one of the couple's favourite pictures. Ms Kulesza said of the image: 'It was our very first time in this spot and we were treated to an unbelievable sunrise. We had taken off our shoes and socks and were sometimes knee deep in extremely cold Atlantic Ocean waves. Jack ended up getting caught by a big wave that temporarily malfunctioned his camera. After an hour on the car heaters it was ok again. Our feet, however, didn’t function properly for several hours afterward'
A wonderful image of the pyramidal Mount Assiniboine in British Columbia. Ms Kulesza said that while Canada is their favourite place to photograph, it's not their favourite destination, as it's too cold for too much of the year
The Northern Lights swirl above Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories. Ms Kulesza and Bolshaw have spent the past few years visiting some of earth’s most incredible landscapes
Mesmerising: This image is of beautiful ice formations on Vermilion Lakes in Banff in the Rocky Mountains
Pyramid Mountain reflects onto Lake Annette in Jasper National Park, Alberta, in this shot by Jack Bolshaw
A thick blanket of clouds wrapped around Mount Garibaldi, a dormant stratovolcano in British Columbia
‘We can’t say it’s our number one destination though. The winters in Canada are just too long.’
While there the couple demonstrated that they were prepared to endure extremely harsh conditions to produce their hypnotically majestic photographs.
Ms Kulesza continued: ‘When we lived in the Canadian Rockies, it seemed to be below freezing most of the time between October and April. Seven months of temperatures below freezing every time you went outside. We certainly learned the meaning of frostbite.
‘On one adventure up Ha Ling Peak in Alberta's Canadian Rockies – prime grizzly bear habitat – we had to wake up in the early hours and trek through the woods in the dark for several hours. Not being able to see much in the distance, each noise sent shivers down our spines. At the summit it was around -20 Celsius, but the crisp winter air gave us some stunning photography conditions.’
Mount Assiniboine reflects in a crystal clear Sunburst Lake. Ms Kulesza's photography tip is to invest in experiences, not equipment
Behold the Dolomites in Italy, rising majestically up over the verdant, tree-swathed countryside
No, it's not Middle-earth, it's Queenstown in New Zealand as seen from Bob's Peak. Kulesza and Bolshaw said that New Zealand is their favourite country
Mount Cook, left, is New Zealand's highest mountain at 3,724 metres. The image on the right is of one of the most eye-catching areas of Iceland - Kirkjufell mountain
One of the most dramatic hiking routes in Canada is over Pocaterra Ridge in Kananaskis Country, pictured
Pictured is Mount Assiniboine, with Lake Magog in the foreground. Ms Kulesza said of Canada: 'When we lived in the Canadian Rockies, it seemed to be below freezing most of the time between October and April. Seven months of temperatures below freezing every time you went outside. We certainly learned the meaning of frostbite'
This shot shows the other-worldly Landmannalaugar area in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland
The shot they took at the peak is one of their favourites in the set presented here, but they are also particularly proud of their picture of a small iceberg on Jokursárlón’s Beach (also known as Diamond Beach) in Iceland.
Ms Kulesza said: ‘It was our very first time in this spot and we were treated to an unbelievable sunrise. We had taken off our shoes and socks and were sometimes knee deep in extremely cold Atlantic Ocean waves.
‘Jack ended up getting caught by a big wave that temporarily malfunctioned his camera. After an hour on the car heaters it was ok again. Our feet however didn’t function properly for several hours afterward.’
And their advice for keen amateur snappers? Don’t fret over the equipment.
Ms Kulesza added: ‘Don’t invest in equipment. Invest in experiences. You can have the best cameras, lenses, tripods and accessories but if you can’t afford to travel afterward then what’s the point? I’d rather be on top of a mountain with a Polaroid than sitting at home with a Hasselblad. Of course if you can afford both, then go for it, but having the best equipment is something that you should be worrying about 0 per cent of the time.’
Ms Kulesza said that she and her partner endured bitterly cold temperatures - down to -20C - to get this shot at Ha Ling Peak in the Rockies in Alberta
This beautiful picture shows Ha Ling Peak taken from Miner's Peak, which has a summit at 2,474 m
Ben Lomond in Queenstown. Ms Kulesza said that New Zealand has 'the perfect mix of geographical features and four equally stunning seasons'
A frozen Abraham Lake in Alberta is the subject of this striking image. Of Canada, the pair said that it has incredible photography locations spread out over a huge area
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