As a team of travel fanatics, most of us here are thrilled by the idea of going away for Christmas (what else are bank holidays for?!). So I asked around the office to find out where everyone’s dream i-escape place would be for a Christmas and New Year to remember. The jury is still out on whether hot or cold destinations win.
The Directors
Nikki
Director of Research & Content
Portixol, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Portixol is a relaxed harbourside hotel, spa and restaurant on the edge of Palma, where Scandinavian simplicity meets Mediterranean deco style.
“I’d return here in a heartbeat. It’s a super easy escape for a dose of mild winter sunshine. You can walk along the seafront for miles or hop on one of the hotel’s bikes to see Palma’s art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Come for fireworks on NYE or stay longer for the colourful Three Kings parade on 5th January.“
Aidan
Director of Operations
Como Cocoa Island, South Male Atoll, Maldives
Como Cocoa Island is an intimate luxury island-resort on a stunning lagoon in South Male Atoll with stilted boat-rooms, a blissful spa and world-class cuisine
“I’d like to go to Cocoa Island while it still exists. There’s nowhere else on earth that has sand as soft as this island – it feels like walking on flour. Indigo skies and watching fruit bats migrating from one island to another were highlights for me last time, as were the rainbow coloured fish, turtles and speedboat rides. And for such a far off place, the food was exceptional. I can think of nowhere better to relax me at Christmas.“
Michael
Director of Hotel Partnerships
Casa Los Geranios, La Palma, Spain
Casa Los Geranios is a gorgeous, affordable Canarian house (sleeps 2-8) in La Palma’s sunny south, with gob-stopping views over volcanoes to the Atlantic.
“The Canaries occupy that geographical goldilocks zone between easily-accessible (4-hour direct flights from the UK) and hot-enough-in-winter (20-26C by day); and La Palma is the least developed of the ‘accessible’ islands. It is also spectacular, with a wild volcanic mountain range – pine forests, craters, hiking trails, gorges – as well as the usual Canarian black-sand beaches and banana plantations. A welcome dose of vitamin D at Xmas! “
The Hotel Specialists
Kate
Head of Reservations
The Beach Houses, North Goa, India
Feel at one with nature in these restored 19th-century Portuguese dwellings on an idyllic beach (5 Beach Houses each sleeping 2-7)
“I have long wanted to head back to Goa where I spent several fun-filled holidays in my early twenties. This time I’d like my own little house to enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful beach, which you have more or less to yourselves.“
Ben
Bookings Consultant
Baba Ecolodge, Koh Phra Thong, Thailand
Baba Ecolodge is a stunning, back-to-nature island hideaway with stilted wooden houses, rainforests, snorkelling and endless beaches.
“I would love to escape the winter weather and craziness of Christmas (Grinch mode) – total tropical escapism to bury my head in the sand. Baba Ecolodge would be perfect – lazy days in a hammock with a good book, beach strolls and snorkelling with the fish. Swapping a stodgy Christmas roast for some Thai food is my idea of heaven (sorry mum).“
Leah
Bookings Consultant
Camps Bay Beach Houses, Cape Town, South Africa
Camps Bay Beach Houses are stylish self-catering villas and 2 beautiful beach houses, each sleeping 2-12, right by Camps Bay; great for couples or families
“I’m going to Cape Town this Christmas and New Year because I feel the need for sunshine after the poor weather we have had this summer! I plan on spending quality family time lounging by the beach, plus hiking up Table Mountain to see extraordinary views, and then down to Boulders beach to swim with the penguins. Camps Bay Beach Houses offers everything I am looking for: right on the beach, with space for my family, and in a great location to explore.“
The Creatives
Nadine
Kids Collection & New Hotels
Wilmina Suites, Berlin, Germany
Wilmina Suites are airy, self-contained designer apartments for 2-4, with access to full hotel facilities, right in the heart of west Berlin
“The idea of scoffing bratwurst and glühwein at cosy German markets and then hitting Berlin’s famous nightlife scene to see in the new year sounds like a merry old way to celebrate Christmas, and these designer apartments in the heart of west Berlin are the perfect size for my clan. “
Lucy
Editor
Lyngen Experience, near Tromsø, Norway
Lyngen Experience is a remote lodge set beside a mountain-framed fjord in northern Norway, offering whale watching, Northern Lights and Arctic fun
“The dream of a white Christmas is a reality here in the Arctic Circle. Imagine spending Christmas Day reindeer-sledding across beautiful, snowy landscapes – just like Santa Clause – and then gathering together to see the dance of the Northern Lights fill the sky.“
Ben
Head of Digital Marketing
Jamaica Inn, Ochos Rios, Caribbean
Jamaica Inn is a classically elegant hotel where peace and relaxation reign, set in a stunning private cove near Ocho Rios
“If you’re going to go away somewhere tropical for the festive season, it might as well be all out different to tradition. The chilled-out atmosphere coupled with infectious reggae and celebratory vibes at Christmas gives Jamaica a real draw. The idea, too, of Jamaica Inn’s privacy and peace (no children under 10) means we could properly relax but also dip in and out of the buzz.“
Imogen
Digital Marketing Executive
La Ferme du Lac Vert, near Morzine, France
La Ferme du Lac Vert is a gorgeous refurbed old farmhouse, available by the room or as a whole (for 20-24), and a smaller sister chalet (for 6) in a traditional Alpine village
“Personally, I love cold, cosy UK Christmases, so the only other place I’d ever dream of going to is the mountains for a skiing trip with a group of family and friends. Imagine having a big Christmas Eve party at this chalet, then waking up and going for a ski on Christmas morning! My idea of heaven.“
Alice
Editorial & Marketing Assistant
The Shipton Hideaways, Oxfordshire, UK
The Shipton Hideaways are two stunningly renovated Cotswold cottages (sleeping 6-10) which marry ancient architecture with contemporary furnishings.
“For me, Christmas is all about feeling cosy, spending time with family and lazily lounging in PJs all day. So a cute stone cottage in the Cotswolds that will fit the whole clan is my kind of festive idyll.“
The Rates Experts
Katya
Rates & Distribution Manager
Vila Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Vila Santa Teresa is an elegant hilltop haven on a magnificent estate, with bespoke service, beautiful food, and a pool with incomparable views
“It has always been my dream to visit Brazil, especially for the parties on Copacabana beach on New Years Eve – a major event with fireworks and concerts. I’d party until dawn and then recuperate at this luxe villa, taking in those sweeping views of Rio and the sparkling bay.“
Mariia Maslokh
Rates & Distribution Executive
The Greenwich Hotel, New York, US
The Greenwich Hotel is a discreet, elegant and luxurious downtown hotel in arty Tribeca, with a stunning Japanese spa and an A-list owner
“My dream is to celebrate the winter holidays in the most festive way possible: with a huge Christmas tree, beautifully decorated malls, cosy coffee shops, and a fancy hotel. I would love to see the Christmas lights in Central Park and ring in the New Year in New York City, sleeping afterwards in The Greenwich hotel.“