Here’s where you can holiday over the Christmas festivities
Fancy some much-needed r’n’r over the Christmas period?
Fancy some much-needed r’n’r over the Christmas period? Get someone else to do the hard work for you by booking one of these festive breaks instead.
Iglu Cruise: Sicily, Malta and Spain with Rome Stay
The Lowdown: Why settle for just one destination over the festive period when you can experience six? This pioneering cruise concept redefines luxury travel by seamlessly blending the intimacy of river cruising, the discovery of expedition voyages, and the refined comfort of premium ocean travel. Crafted from the ground up by expert holiday curators, this unique voyage combines the finest aspects of global travel to offer a cruise experience you won’t find elsewhere.
The Lowdown: A perfect Christmas fly-cruise on board one of the newest ships, this nine night trip includes stops in Sicily, Malta, Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, before heading back to Rome. Christmas Day itself is in Barcelona, and there are 10 hours in port to make a fun and different day on shore.
The Price: From £1,779 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin. www.iglucruise.com
Chichele Presidential, Zambia
The Lowdown: Set high on Zambia’s Chichele Hill, this occupies one of the most commanding positions in South Luangwa’s National Park. Originally built as a private retreat for Zambia’s founding president, the lodge carries subtle references to its presidential heritage. Its 10 suites look out across the Luangwa Valley towards the river in the distance, and with personalised hospitality, considered dining and privacy, it creates a festive safari defined by space, beauty, and the freedom to experience Africa at an unhurried pace.
The Stay: For families or friends travelling together, two Suites can be connected through a private Safari Lounge. Each retains its own bedroom, bathroom, deck, and plunge pool, while the shared lounge provides an elegant space to relax and watch wildlife moving across the plains.
The Price: From £1,192 per person per night. www.zambialuxurylodges.com
Val do Lobo, Portugal
The Lowdown: This year-round resort boasts 2km of beachfront, two championship 18-hole golf courses, fitness centre, and tennis academy with tennis and padel courts. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre, shops, boutiques and services, 16 restaurants, bars and cafés. When it comes to Christmas, there’s several seasonal activities, including the family-friendly Christmas Market, complete with local crafts and unique gifts, live music, gourmet food stalls, and special festive dining menus across the restaurants.
The Stay: Val de Lobo’s exclusive festive offer will see you enjoy a three bedroom Deluxe Villa with sea view. Perfectly blending contemporary luxury with a cosy holiday ambiance, the package includes daily breakfast, complimentary return airport transfers and dinner at Tinto by Vale do Lobo for four people.
The Price: From £1,323 per person for four nights. www.valedolobo.com
The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa, East Sussex
The Lowdown: Situated on a private beach with views of the English Channel, Relais Cooden is a year-round destination less than two hours from London. In winter, it offers a welcoming ambience, with sea-view accommodation, and coastal dining. There’s also the Beachfront Spa: book direct and you’ll get complimentary access throughout your visit. Why not move between the outdoor sauna, cold plunge and hot tub before relaxing with uninterrupted views?
The Stay: Their three-night stay Christmas by the Sea package includes breakfast each morning, festive drink and warm mince pies upon arrival, Christmas Eve dinner with glass of fizz, Christmas Day lunch and evening buffet, and Boxing Day dinner, followed by relaxed evening entertainment.
The Price: 24 to 27 December starts from £795 per room (single occupancy). www.therelaiscoodenbeach.com
