Looking for a last minute Christmas or New Year’s escape? It’s still not too late to book a holiday and ensure that this festive period is completely stress free. The following ideas will enable you to enjoy your festive break to the full and enjoy the wide range of specially planned activities without having to worry even for a second about whether the turkey will defrost in time to feed your fighting family.
THE GLENEAGLES HOTEL
This Christmas, The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire will be hosting a three day all inclusive package where the finest Scottish cuisine will be served throughout. You can be sure that all family disputes will be completely avoided with a range of activities laid on to keep everyone too busy to fight. For the children there are ice skating lessons with former Olympic coaches on a specially built rink, cooking classes and of course trips to see the elves and Father Christmas. Adults can enjoy the charity casino, gourmet tastings of whisky, wine and cheese. There will also be Ceilidh dancing on boxing day- a Scottish tradition no festive stay would be complete without. And if you can’t make it up at Christmas, there’s a fantastic Winter Warmer special at £199 a night offered until March. See www.gleneagles.com for more details.
BARCELONA
Barcelona is becoming regarded as one of Europe’s hottest destinations at any time of the year – yes, even in the depths of winter – and it’s not hard to see why, with its great nightlife, fantastic Gaudi architecture and ever-present vibe. This New Year’s Eve promises to be a spectacular night of revelry and merry-making. Our top tip is the new W Barcelona, part of the globally renowned W Hotels Chain, which will be holding a suitably decadent evening’s entertainment at the Eclipse Bar for all true connoisseurs of the ultimate stylish evening. Find out more at www.starwoodhotels.com.
CASTELLO DEL NERO, TUSCANY, ITALY
Castello del Nero Hotel and Spa is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World, and offers the highest standards of luxury in historic surroundings. The cities of Florence and Siena are both nearby and are spectacular places to visit during the winter, when they are less crowded but as beautiful as ever. The grandeur of the building is enhanced by the frescoes and crests which decorate the rooms. Each of the rooms overlooks vineyards and olive groves which abound with local wildlife such as pheasants, deer and wild boars. Christmas spent here will be a great opportunity to relax; if you feel you need some extra relaxation then visit the spa, which is designed by global spa specialists ESPA and offers the latest holistic treatments which use nourishing marine treatments, hot stone therapies and pure essential oils. See www.castello-del-nero.com for more details.
