What better way to spend the December holidays than have a holiday somewhere fabulous? If you’re looking to head away for this year’s festivities, we’ve rounded up some great Christmas getaway destinations for the whole family. Read on!
InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort
Keen for a tropical treat this Christmas? A stay in Koh Samui’s stunning InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort might be just the trick. From dolphin watching, watersports and excursions to Thai boxing, cooking classes and yoga, the five-star property has a host of fun activities for the whole family. Drop the kids off at Planet Trekkers (ages four to 12) where they’ll be entertained with activities and games while you head off for some adult-only time at the Baan Thai Spa. Witness the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree, snag a photo op with Santa on Christmas Day and dig into festive menus by Chef Gilbert. There’ll also be live music, beach barbecues, poolside entertainment and themed nights to enjoy.
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From November 2018 to January 2019, enjoy the Stay Longer Offer if you stay at least four nights and enjoy great deals on room rates (from US$280 for a Resort Classic Ocean View Room). The deal includes daily buffet breakfast for two and 20% off F&B and laundry.
samui.intercontinental.com | icsamui.rsvn@ihg.com
Sohamsa Ocean Estate
Sohamsa Ocean Estate in Bali is a Christmas holiday haven. It features two cliff-side villas – the five-bedroom Villa Soham and four-bedroom Villa Hamsa – and a dedicated team of 10 staff, along with gorgeous private pools, and spacious living and dining areas. You can unwind completely, or take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi access, handy room-to-room phone system, 48-inch flat-screen TVs, game consoles and Sonos sound systems. Guests can also hire a seven-seater car (for up to eight hours a day) for day excursions to see the surrounding sights. Popular spots to visit include Pandawa Beach, famous Uluwatu temple and Nusa Dua’s Bali Collection.
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If you’re travelling with young children, the team can arrange for high chairs, cots and pool toys. Meanwhile, active adults will be glad to learn that Villa Soham has its own gym and massage room, with a steam room and sauna to boot.
elitehavens.com/sohamsa-ocean-estate-villa
Grand Cliff Nusa Dua
Enjoy a seaside holiday this festive season at Grand Cliff Nusa Dua in Bali. The modern property spans three levels, featuring a private pool, two living rooms, indoor and outdoor dining area, a games room, home theatre, poolside spa and a relaxation pavilion. Situated within The Asmara private estate, and just steps away from the beach, the spacious five-bedroom villa offers stunning ocean views. It comes fully staffed, with a private chef and a driver who’ll be on hand for all your needs. If you’ve got little ones in tow, you’ll be pleased to hear that the villa is well-equipped for families, offering high chairs, car seats, baby cots and games. The property is close to Pirates Bay, a kid-friendly spot featuring a pirate ship, treehouses and hanging bridges that’ll keep the kids busy.
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The games room includes a Playstation 4, karaoke machine, board games and a billiard table, so there are plenty of entertainment options for all.
elitehavens.com/grand-cliff-nusa-dua-villa
Kaba Kaba Estate
Indulge in a break from what has no doubt been a busy year with some time at Kaba Kaba Estate in Bali’s Tabanan regency. The eight-bedroom villa is perfect for housing the whole family – and extended family too. Surrounded by rice terraces and greenery, the property has multiple pools for everyone to enjoy – a main pool, two suite plunge pools and a kids’ pool – while little guests will be delighted that there’s a special room for them, with bunk beds. There’s also a living room, a dining pavilion that seats 18 people, a library, media room and a dedicated spa with two massage tables, a spa bath and private garden. If you prefer time in the outdoors, you can enjoy a hit of tennis or an amble on the croquet lawn. Guests can also arrange for Balinese dance lessons and yoga sessions or make a trip to the sacred Pura Tanah Lot, Bali’s famous ancient Hindu temple.
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With the kids well-entertained, the adults can head up to the swanky rooftop bar for a sunset tipple.
elitehavens.com/kaba-kaba-estate-villa
Chalet Shar Pei
Just steps away from the Bellevarde chairlift in Val d’Isère, France, the stunning Chalet Shar Pei is a fun winter getaway spot. Combining contemporary and traditional architecture, the property offers beautiful views of the slopes, including La Face and Solaise. There’s an indoor swimming pool and even a hammam (Turkish bath). Guests can take their pick from either the essential, flexi or full Scott Dunn service, depending on what sort of holiday they’re after. Each chalet has a chalet manager on hand and there’s a shared driver service for all chalet guests to take them to and from the slopes. Besides skiing, you can head to the Centre Aquasportif, which houses two swimming pools, a climbing wall, gym, squash courts and a wellness area with sauna, steam bath, spa, cold baths and hydro-massage. Or, check out the shops and restaurants in the village as night falls, visit the ice-rink or take on one of the many winter sports such as husky riding or cross country skiing.
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If you’ve got little ones in tow, have your kids looked after by either Scott Dunn’s private nannies or drop them off at the exclusive Explorer’s Kids Club while you hit the slopes.
scottdunn.com//val-disere/chalet-shar-pei
Wa Ale Island Resort
Enjoy barefoot luxury at the newly opened Wa Ale Island Resort this holiday season. Located in Lampi Marine National Park, an ASEAN Marine Heritage site off Southern Myanmar, this luxury resort houses family-sized tented beach villas and plush treetop villas. Featuring wood and bamboo furniture and quirky patterns, the villas boast stunning ocean views, outdoor showers and private decks, while the two resort restaurants offer sustainably caught seafood on the menu. The property also uses reclaimed and local materials and alternative sources of power for minimal impact on the environment. There are a variety of activities to choose from, including paddle boarding, kayaking through the mangroves, jungle trekking and village visits. Wildlife is rife – expect to see macaques, pangolin, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and even whale sharks.
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20% of the resort’s net annual profits go directly to the Lampi Foundation – an initiative founded by the resort to support conservation projects, assist the local community and improve social welfare.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Tropical getaways don’t come better than the Maldives – at Christmas or any time! Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Noonu Atoll is an all-villa luxury property offering island, water and garden water villas, including one- and two-bedroom villas with tropical gardens and private beach access. Head to the Cheval Blanc Spa for some pampering and treat yourself to exclusive Guerlain rituals. Enjoy a yoga or Pilates session or relax in the hammam, sauna or pool. If you’ve got kids in tow, drop them off at the resort’s Le Carrousel kids’ club and Le Paddock teens’ club. From 20 December to 9 January, there’ll be a lineup for fun activities including beach volleyball and football and jazz performances by the beach.
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On Christmas Eve, sip on tipples at the Christmas Eve Cocktail Party and then adjourn to the beach for the Christmas Eve gala dinner under the stars. On Christmas Day, head to the Gingerbread House at White Restaurant for a photo op with Santa.
festiveseason.chevalblanc.com/randheli
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