Novotel's Longevity Everyday philosophy is built around that idea: small improvements, repeated over time, rather than dramatic resets. Here's how to use a winter getaway to reflect on the year behind you, recharge for the year ahead and discover one or two positive habits worth taking home.

Before looking ahead, give yourself a little space to appreciate the year you’re leaving behind. Sometimes, simply stepping away from your usual routine and changing your surroundings can give you a fresh perspective on the moments that mattered, what gave you energy and what you’d like more of in the year ahead.

Whether you're travelling with family, friends or on your own, an end-of-year break offers something many of us struggle to find at home: a little breathing room. If you're planning a trip with children, choosing a destination with easy access to family-friendly attractions can help you spend less time planning and more time enjoying being together.

As the year comes to a close, it's easy to focus on what you want to change. But before setting new goals, take a moment to notice the things that already help you feel good.

Ask yourself:

- When did I feel most energised this year?

- What helped me switch off and recharge?

- Which habits made everyday life feel easier?

This idea sits at the heart of Novotel’s Longevity Everyday philosophy: living better doesn’t have to mean making big changes all at once. Small, positive habits that fit naturally into everyday life can make a meaningful difference over time.

So, rather than turning your reflections into another to-do list, think about the moments and routines you’d like to carry with you into the new year. It could be moving more, getting better sleep, eating well or simply making more time for the people who matter. Sometimes, moving forward starts with doing a little more of what already works.

An end-of-year getaway doesn’t need to be packed with plans. One of the best things about getting away is having the chance to slow down, switch off and take a break from the pace of everyday life.

According to Novotel’s global longevity study, 51% of people say they feel more relaxed on holiday, while 24% say they sleep better away than they do at home. It's a good reminder that taking time to rest can be just as valuable as everything you do and see while you’re away.

Sleep, one of Novotel’s four wellbeing pillars, is about making quality rest part of living well. A good night’s sleep can help you feel ready to enjoy more of your destination, whether that means wandering through a new neighbourhood, discovering local attractions or simply enjoying a slower morning. Instead of filling every hour, build your itinerary around a few things you’re excited about and leave some time unplanned. A long breakfast, an afternoon coffee stop or an early night after a day of exploring can be just as rewarding as squeezing in one more attraction.

After all, slowing down isn’t about doing less. It’s about enjoying the moments that matter and returning home feeling genuinely refreshed.

A new year can bring plenty of pressure to change everything at once. But feeling better doesn’t have to start with a complete reinvention. Often, it’s the small, realistic changes that are easiest to keep going.

That’s the idea behind Novotel’s 1% philosophy: making small, positive changes every day that build over time. In fact, improving by just 1% each day can compound into a 37-fold improvement over the course of a year. You don’t need to exercise every day, overhaul your diet or stick to a perfect routine. Instead, focus on simple choices that can become part of everyday life.

A winter getaway is a great opportunity to explore what those choices could look like for you. Maybe a more balanced breakfast gives you a better start to the day, a walk helps you feel more energised or switching off earlier leaves you better rested. Pay attention to what makes you feel good while you’re away, then choose one or two habits you’d like to take home with you.

The goal isn’t to start the new year as a new person. It’s to take what works and build on it, one small step at a time.

Novotel's four wellbeing pillars, Eat, Sleep, Move and Meet, offer a simple way to bring the 1% approach into your trip. They’re also brought to life through Novotel’s 37 Collective, a community of athletes, experts and change makers who inspire small, positive actions towards living well.

Your winter getaway is a chance to put some of these ideas into practice. Not by following a strict routine, but by noticing the simple things that help you feel rested, energised and connected while you’re away. Here’s what that could look like across the four pillars:

Travel gives you an opportunity to slow down and enjoy mealtimes. Start the day with a balanced breakfast, discover local flavours or simply give yourself time to sit down and enjoy your food. Your 1% could be as simple as making breakfast a moment to look forward to, rather than something to rush through.

A good night's sleep can help you wake up ready to make more of your day. Give yourself time to wind down in the evening, put screens away a little earlier or enjoy a slower start the next morning. Your 1% might simply be giving yourself the extra rest you don’t always make time for at home.

Staying active while travelling doesn’t have to mean fitting in a workout. Walk through a new neighbourhood, take the stairs or spend some time outdoors as you explore. If your Novotel has a pool or fitness space, you could also make time for a swim or some gentle movement. Your 1% is about finding ways to move that naturally fit into your day.

Some of the best travel moments come from simply spending time together. Share a meal with family, catch up properly with a friend or enjoy a coffee without reaching for your phone. Your 1% could be choosing one moment each day to switch off from distractions and be fully present with the people you’re travelling with.

A winter getaway doesn’t need to end with a long list of resolutions. Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can bring home is a clearer sense of what helps you feel good. Before your trip comes to an end, choose one thing you’d like to carry into the year ahead. It doesn’t need to be ambitious, just something that feels right for you and realistic enough to become part of everyday life.

One small step. One positive habit. One percent at a time.

And that’s often all it takes to start the new year feeling refreshed, positive and ready for what comes next.

Plan around lower-cost dates (midweek or early December/early January), keep your itinerary simple, and choose a location where you can walk to most sights. Limit paid attractions to one highlight per day and balance the rest with exploring the neighbourhood freely. Look for member rates and flexible cancellation so you can grab a good price when you see it.

Use your time away to step out of your usual routine rather than trying to plan a complete reset. Prioritise rest, make time for the people and activities you enjoy, and notice the small habits that help you feel your best. Instead of returning home with a long list of resolutions, choose one positive habit you’d like to continue into the new year.

If you want atmosphere and easy planning, choose a festive city break with museums, markets and cosy cafés. If you feel restless, pick an outdoor escape where walking and fresh air are the main event. If you're low on energy, a winter sun trip can be the simplest way to get daylight, slower mornings and outdoor time.

For easy European breaks, Paris, Amsterdam and Edinburgh work well for short trips with plenty to do indoors and on foot. For snowy scenery, the Alps are a classic option for mountain air and winter sports (or just winter walks and spa time). For warmth, look towards the Canary Islands, Madeira, or Morocco for more daylight and mild temperatures.

For a UK winter weekend away, consider Edinburgh for history and winter events, London for theatre and exhibitions, or the Lake District for fresh air and scenic walks. The Cotswolds and Bath also suit a slower pace with cosy food stops and easy wandering. Choose a base that lets you settle in quickly so you spend more time resting than travelling.

Three nights in December is ideal for a city where you can slow the pace: Paris and Amsterdam are great for walking neighbourhoods, museums and long meals. Edinburgh works well for a long weekend with a festive feel and dramatic scenery nearby. If you'd rather reset with warmth, consider a short winter sun break where you can spend time outdoors every day.