Plan your unique Christmas break…

Do something different this year, treat your family to an unforgettable holiday over the Christmas period...

In an ideal world, Christmas would be a relatively stress-free event, where everything runs smoothly and we come out the other end feeling relaxed. Unfortunately, the reality for some of us is quite the opposite. Christmas can be the time of year where no matter how much careful planning we do, it can often go awry!

Many people feel the strain around this time of year. Even the mere thought of Christmas can make the strongest of minds feel weary.

So what can we do?

Just to clarify, we’re not saying that you should ignore Christmas. We’re just merely highlighting the fact that it often doesn’t play out exactly as we plan it. Most of us crave a wonderful white Christmas, where groups of angelic children congregate outside our homes singing sweet renditions of traditional carols. We would love to have a perfectly cooked turkey and it would be great if aunt Mavis didn’t buy us the same gift year after year. If your Christmas is already like this, then you are lucky and are probably the envy of all of your friends. If it isn’t, then perhaps you should consider an alternative? You might like to spend Christmas away from home this year...

You could treat your entire family to an unforgettable vacation, or perhaps you might like to escape with your beloved?

Be different

If you’re looking for an alternative Christmas then try experiencing a different culture over the festive season. Travel somewhere that differs greatly from your own culture and embrace it. If you’re used to cold weather, then visit Australia - many people find having a BBQ on the beach on Christmas day a novel experience!

Where to stay:

Medusa Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Soothing season

Escape to the Maldives this December and experience a Christmas like you’ve never had before. Celebrate Christmas day with a traditional dinner and let the soothing sounds of the waves lull you into a relaxed state of being.

Where to stay:

Anantara Resort Maldives

Reethi Beach Resort

Nature’s illuminations

You are guaranteed a truly unforgettable experience the moment you choose Iceland - let the majesty of the landscape shape your holiday. Gather your family together and marvel at the illustrious Northern Lights. The wonder of nature will create a unique Christmas that is simply unmatched.

Where to stay:

Hotel Ranga

Gourmet Christmas Dinner

Take the stress out of cooking for your family and treat them to an award-winning Christmas meal. Many hotel restaurants provide unrivalled festive cuisine expertly created by highly trained chefs. Once you have sampled these delectable dishes, you’ll never look at a traditional Christmas dinner the same way again.

Where to stay:

Lakeside Hotel

Hotel Engimatt

One for the traditionalists

Those who crave a traditional white Christmas, complete with a roaring open fire in an intimate log cabin, should opt to travel to Switzerland over the festive period. Visualise quaint little towns set against a background of snow-capped mountains - scenery like this is hard to beat.

Where to stay:

Grand Hotel Suisse-Majestic

Hotel Palafitte