The Calm After Christmas: Why January at The NICI Is the New Secret Season

When the festive lights fade and the crowds head home, January here is peaceful, fresh, and unhurried. The beaches are yours to wander; the air is crisp, and the rhythmic sound of waves replaces the buzz of the high season.

While summer in Bournemouth bursts with energy, winter signals renewal. This is when the locals reclaim the coast, couples stroll hand in hand along the promenade, friends catch up over long brunches, and families wrap up warm for seaside adventures.

Start your morning with coffee on your balcony with the sun rising over the horizon. Wander down the cliff path for a bracing beach walk, then head back to the hotel for a long, lazy breakfast before spending the afternoon at The NICI Spa, letting the year’s first days unfold in luxury.

The spa’s treatments are made for post-holiday renewal, with soothing massages, brightening facials, and restorative rituals using luxury products that melt away tension.

By afternoon, grab lunch at South Beach Restaurant, linger over dessert, then curl up by the fire in Old Harry Rocks with a cocktail in hand.

The best part? The calm extends beyond the hotel walls. Bournemouth in January is wonderfully quiet. No queues for coffee, no packed pavements, just space, peace, and a slower rhythm that invites you to reconnect.

Even in its quieter months, Bournemouth is full of life. January brings a relaxed mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences — perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends.

If you’re ready to stretch your legs after the holidays, head to the Bournemouth Gardens, where winter sunlight filters through tall pines, or explore the Jurassic Coast for some breathtaking coastal walks. Marvel at dramatic cliffs, fossil-filled beaches, and views that make you feel a million miles from it all.

Prefer to stay close? Stroll from The NICI down to Bournemouth Pier, where you can watch surfers braving the waves or head into a cosy café for hot chocolate. For a spot of shopping, the Bournemouth Arcade offers boutiques, galleries, and independent stores perfect for browsing, while families will love the Oceanarium.

January also sees local art exhibitions, theatre shows, and live music nights pop up across town, which can be enjoyed without the bustle of the summer crowds.

What’s On In The Hotel                             

One of the joys of visiting in the quieter months is having the time to explore Bournemouth’s secret corners. Seek out Boscombe Chine Gardens, peaceful even on winter days, head to Hengistbury Head for sweeping coastal views and a chance to spot winter birds over the marshes, or the quiet cafés tucked along the pier where locals linger with lattes and sea views.

Alternatively, venture further along the coast to Studland Bay, where soft dunes and pale sands lead the way to the iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks, named after the same iconic landmark as our contemporary restaurant. The area offers a breathtaking walk, especially in January, when you might just have the cliffs all to yourself.

When the chill sets in, slip back to The NICI for a fireside drink, a swim in the heated pool, or a long soak in the spa’s hydrotherapy pool.

Things to Do

From the moment you step inside, The NICI feels like sunshine on a grey day. Bright, bold, and effortlessly stylish, we combine Miami glamour with Dorset’s laid-back charm. Think modern white interiors, tropical accents, and panoramic views. Our rooms and suites range from airy doubles to spacious family spaces, and many feature balconies or terraces overlooking the ocean.

Families love the cinema room and games spaces that keep little ones entertained, whatever the weather. There’s space for everyone, from couples seeking calm to kids who love a splash in the heated pool. Bring your friends and unwind in the Spa and enjoy our luxury spa facilities, from our 20-metre indoor pool, steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy area and treatment suites.

For the ultimate winter luxury, book a spa package and enjoy the perfect reset button for the year ahead.

Discover Rooms & Suites           The NICI Spa

Vibrant, stylish, and full of coastal flavour, South Beach is the heart of The NICI’s dining scene. Inspired by the sun-kissed shores of Miami, our bright, buzzing restaurant serves fresh, flavour-packed dishes that celebrate the sea. Expect seafood done beautifully, from lobster, grilled fish, and colourful salads, alongside crowd-pleasers like juicy burgers and seasonal vegetarian plates.

The sea-view setting makes every meal feel like a celebration — perfect for couples’ dinners, brunch with friends, or a relaxed family meal where everyone can find something they love.

Expect a warm welcome, clever cocktails, and dishes that capture the freshness of the Dorset coast.

South Beach Restaurant

Cosy, comforting, and full of character, Old Harry Rocks offers a different kind of indulgence –  cosy, rustic, and irresistibly warm. In January, it’s all about hearty flavours: slow-cooked dishes, rich sauces, and comforting classics that pair perfectly with a glass of red and a relaxed, fireside ambience that feels made for January evenings.

Families will love the relaxed setting and generous portions, while couples can tuck into dinner in a softly lit corner after walking the Jurassic Coast — and yes, the desserts are every bit as comforting as you’d hope!

Whether you’re in the mood for sunlit dining or candlelit comfort, The NICI has a table ready for you.

Restaurants at The NICI

The Bournemouth Coast Path offers some of the South Coast’s best views, and in January, it’s blissfully quiet. Wander toward South Beach or venture further towards Sandbanks, where the calm water reflects the winter sky.

Beaches & Hidden Gems

For a touch of adventure, drive 20 minutes to the New Forest National Park, where ponies wander wintry heathlands and welcoming pubs beckon with open log fires. Or explore Lulworth Castle and its magnificent grounds.

Local Experiences

After the Christmas chaos, families love January at The NICI for its space, simplicity, and slower tempo.

Little ones can splash in the heated pool, settle in for movie nights at our private cinema (complete with popcorn), and enjoy plenty more family fun. Kids aged 4 and up can even join our on-site Kids Club, Coconuts, where creativity runs free with arts, crafts, music, and games, giving parents the perfect moment to relax and unwind. Travelling with little ones? Our Children’s Playroom can keep curious minds occupied!

For a day out, nearby attractions like the Oceanarium and RockReef indoor climbing centre also add variety to every stay.

Family Friendly Activities

At The NICI, every moment feels like your own private escape – from lazy mornings and leisurely lunches to sunset beach strolls and cosy dinners. Unwind together with a soothing couples’ massage or facial, relax poolside, or simply recline in a fluffy robe while the world outside slows down. In the evening, you can toast the night with cocktails at South Beach Bar as the sun dips below the horizon.

Alternatively, gather your mates and head to Old Harry Rocks for DJ beats and dancefloor energy. The slower season means no rush, no reservation stress, just time to reconnect and enjoy the coast without the summer crowds.

When the festive glitter settles and the new year stretches out ahead, The NICIBournemouth becomes the perfect place to reset. The rush has passed, the year is new, and for a few blissful weeks, the world slows down just enough for you to catch your breath.

Whether you come with family, escape with friends, or steal away for a romantic retreat, this is where the real joy of winter lives.

So, this year, skip the January blues for ocean views and find your calm after Christmas at The NICI, Bournemouth’s most beautiful winter secret.