Talk of Christmas already?! Well, it is just 91 short days away. That's a mere 2184 hours to go before we all start gleefully ripping open our presents, over-indulging on the turkey (and possibly the bubbly) and falling asleep in front of the telly, paper crown on head and drooling on our Christmas jumpers. It's enough to make anyone feel fantastically festive, no?
Well, we certainly are. What's more, we've got some great ideas for festive getaways, from soaking up some yuletide vibes on a winter city break, to jetting off to pastures new for some serious relaxation over Christmas, to the best places to ring in the New Year.
Festive City Breaks
Many of our favourite European cities are utterly magical during the festive season and are ideal for soaking up some Christmas spirit (and doing a bit of last-minute shopping). Copenhagen becomes ensconced in the Danish concept of hygge - roughly translated as cosiness - at Christmas, particularly at Tivoli Gardens, the completely charming amusement park that's the complete antithesis of the Disney bandwagon. Or head to the Christmas market in Ljubljana, Slovenia - meander through stalls laden with Christmas fare as you sip a mulled wine and admire the surroundings of this beautiful city.
Last-Minute Christmas Escapes
If the prospect of having to create a Nigella-esque feast strikes fear in your heart and the cold, wind and rain of Old Blighty is less than appealing, why not jet off to exotic climes to spend Christmas relaxing on the beach, cocktail in hand and excellent service on tap? There is some great last-minute availability at some our very favourite hotels around the world. Enjoy the picture-perfect white sand and swaying palm trees of the Maldives while staying at Soneva Fushi, the ultimate luxury hideaway. Or for something closer to home, Oman reaches a balmy 25 degrees over Christmas and Six Senses Zighy Bay and Shangri-La Barr al Jissah are perfect for both families and couples alike.
Ringing in the New Year
New Year is a time to party (like it's 1999... sorry), and perhaps one of the most unique ways to celebrate is at The Siam hotel in Bangkok. It might be having a tough time of it of late but Bangkok remains a wonderful city. Spend the evening with other hotel guests and some of Bangkok's best characters at the General Manager's house for a truly unique New Year experience. For another New Year to remember, head to Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort and enjoy everything from fireworks to fire eating in a simply stunning setting.
In Need of a January Detox?
Tend to hit the mince pies and mulled wine pretty hard? Us too, and we know all the best places to be to get the new year off to a healthy and relaxed start. For the ultimate January detox head to Bhutan to revel in the Buddhist vibes, trek in the beautiful Himalayas and soak up the atmosphere of a country that famously measures Gross National Happiness. Those who want to major more on the relaxation than the health should head to the beautiful beaches and pampering hotels of the Caribbean. Sugar Beach's spa is set amongst the rainforest in tree-house style structures - indulge in some serious pampering with the sounds of waterfalls cascading and birds singing outside. Perfection.