The best places we've spent Christmas

Thailand

My husband and I decided to spend Christmas and New Year in Thailand. We treated ourselves to business class seats which are very private, with a good choice of films and music and the food was delicious.

Bangkok is an amazing city, there are temples to see, fabulous shopping with really good bargains, river cruises, excellent restaurants, and night markets including the infamous ‘Patpong’! There is so much to do and see you would never get bored in this exciting city, the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Trish, Travel Counsellor

Dubai - The Habtoor Palace

The Habtoor Palace which is a luxurious Arabian gem, was stunningly dressed in Christmastime splendour from top to bottom, we even had our own Christmas decorations with 6 foot Christmas Tree in our suite, including some glorious handmade chocolates.

For Christmas Day Lunch, was one of Dubai’s infamous Brunches at The Ritz Carlton in the grounds next to the beach. To say it was an unbelievable experience would be an understatement. Tables were stunningly laid out in a circle around the beautifully manicured lawn, each containing every food and drink you could imagine, from all the trimmings of a Traditional Christmas lunch to Lobster Tails!

We came away from Dubai, totally blown away by our Christmas experience in the sun and highly recommend it for everyone of all ages!

Lizzie and Colin, Travel Counsellors

Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia

Colombia celebrates the festival of light and if you think your neighbours here in the UK over-do it on light up decorations, well you should see Cartagena in December!

We came across the craziest light sculptures resembling all sorts of animals, yet in the old squares of the city they take things serious and create the most magical and elegant environments. Just taking a seat in one of the parks to soak up the atmosphere equals a full day relaxing spa session, so relaxing and energising at the same time. The locals are just so lovely.

Combine this with a trek to the Ciudad Perdida (lost city) or a visit to out of this world Tayrona N.P. and you’ll have a Christmas to remember for life.

Mark, Travel Counsellor

Alpe D’Huez

We were a party made up of 3 families, just one of the best Christmas’s and ski holidays. NO cooking! It was all prepared and served by great chalet staff.

Christmas in the mountains takes on a more laid back feel with less commercialism. We had mince pies and carol singing on Christmas eve with mulled wine too, very nice.

Caroline, Travel Counsellor

Lapland

I love a 'White Christmas' so where better than Lapland? We've spent two Christmases there so far, staying in a log cabin and were planning our 3rd!

It’s a real getaway in deep snow with warming fires, winter activities including reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, skiing, spotting the Northern Lights and enjoying some traditional glogg and Finnish food.

Plus we met Santa when our boys were younger, really magical.

Annabel, Travel Counsellor

Abu Dhabi - Rixos Premium

Christmas hasn’t been the same since we lost my dad so last year we decided it was time for a change. We thought why not since we both have to take annual leave over the festive period anyway, so it made sense to take all the hassle our of Christmas and just to enjoy with the kids in the sunshine.

The hotel was amazing for the kids, they had so many festive activities planned; a visit from Santa on his speedboat, a Santa dash with the kids round the hotel, Christmas cookie baking, Christmas day brunch, a fabulous family Christmas theme special disco and party on Christmas eve and so much more. We loved the whole experience and would recommend to any family who’s looking for something special for Christmas next year.

Heather, Head Office

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