Ultimate New Year escapes - Telegraph Every year, as dreary January slowly dredges on, thoughts inevitably turn to new challenges and distant escapes. For anyone looking for adventure this year, we present a selection of the world's most beautiful, extreme and unspoilt destinations, perfect for anyone in need of underwater discovery, wildlife encounters, cool adventures or spiritual awakening in 2013. At 400ft, the Blue Hole isn't the deepest sea cave in Belize (two others drop to 508ft and 600ft) but it is one of the most spellbinding. The dark indigo circle of water is so rich in marine life that Jacques Cousteau declared it one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. A quarter of a mile wide, with walls comprising four distinct levels of stalagmites, created when the sea dropped four times between 153,000 and 15,000 years ago, the sinkhole is home to creatures ranging from giant groupers to hammerhead sharks, which can be seen all year round in the clear, reef-protected waters. The fastest way to get there is by helicopter to Northern Two Cayes, then boat. On a day trip, after tackling the Blue Hole, a second dive can be undertaken at Half Moon Caye, with its steep coral walls, and a third at Long Caye, a dive site known for its abundant sponges, colourful corals, dolphins and turtles. Picture: Corbis Flirt / Alamy