As winter gets underway, whether you’re a snow junky or a sun worshipper, we have rounded up the best winter snow verses winter sun deals for those looking to escape this winter. From cruising the Caribbean to embracing Canada’s snowy climate and a South American desert escape to a classic European ski break, our clients have plenty to offer this winter whatever the weather.
ONTARIO, CANADA – THE ULTIMATE WINTER WONDERLAND
Ontario is the ultimate winter wonderland complete with beautiful snowy landscapes, exhilarating winter activities and cosy accommodation. Muskoka, a playground for the rich and famous is located just two hours north of Toronto, and spans 2,500 square miles offering visitors the chance for visitors to enjoy wintry activities including snowmobiling, dog-sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and sleigh rides. This year, in Kingston, Fort Henry National Historic Site will transform into a winter wonderland, with a new multimedia sensory experience, Lumina Borealis. This interactive theatrical event will take visitors along a 1km pathway, across snowy landscapes through forests and past interactive icebergs – all accompanied by a high-tech light and sound show that will bring winter to life. In Ottawa, Winterlude will celebrate its 40th anniversary from 2-19 February 2018, where holidaymakers can skate along the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal – the longest ice skating way in the world at 7.8km long – and watch the 38th annual Accora Village Bed Race, which sees costumed teams race huge decorated beds across the frozen ice! There’s also the opportunity to enjoy live music, the Snowflake Kingdom (the world’s biggest snow playground), as well as a number of culinary events. www.ontariotravel.net/uk
Netflights.com is offering five nights in Toronto staying at the 4* Chelsea hotel on a room only basis. Price starts from £649pp and includes flights from London Gatwick with Air Transat. Based on selected dates in January and February 2018. Book by 30 November 2017. (www.netflights.com / 0207 001 4377)
ESPRIT – TIGNES, FRANCE: THE FAMILY SKI BREAK
Renowned for being one of the best resorts for families in the Alps, Tignes is part of the Espace Killy ski area, linked by a series of lifts, and boasts over 300km of slopes. Tignes is loved by families due to its wealth of child-friendly entertainment, such as swimming pools, ice-skating rinks and husky sled rides. For more advanced skiers, La Grande Motte Glacier is the highest peak in the area, perfect for year-round skiing.
Esprit Ski offers seven nights on a chalet board basis to Chalet Charline in Tignes, France from £2,079 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children aged 2-10). This attractive chalet is located on a quiet street overlooking Tignes’ lake and is very close to Esprit Ski’s first class childcare facilities. Price includes return flights from London Stansted and transfers, departing on 7 January 2018. (www.espritski.com / 01483 345 614)
QUÉBEC, CANADA – THE HOME OF THE SNOWMOBILE
For most, temperatures hitting in excess of minus 20 degrees celsius would be time to batten down the hatches and hibernate, but not in the Canadian province of Québec. With heavy snow coating Québec’s national parks, cities, lakes and rivers, Québec becomes a real life winter wonderland offering one-of-a-kind sports and adrenaline-fuelled activities that truly embrace the snow. From wading through the wilderness on snowshoes to sledding with huskies, fishing through the ice and ice climbing water fauste staying in North America’s only Ice Hotel, winter in Québec is a season to be celebrated and it is the only place in the world where visitors can try ice canoeing!
Canadian Affair offers a seven night ‘Québec Winter Wonderland’ holiday from £1,218pp. Package includes three nights in Montréal, two nights in Québec City with one night at the Ice Hotel (2 January to 12 March 2018 only), two nights at Hotel Sacacomie and car hire. Price includes international flights from London Gatwick with Air Transat. (www.canadianaffair.com / 0203 424 6317)
NEW YORK CITY – NEW YORK SKATE OF MIND
Winter isn’t winter without ice skating in New York City, from Bryant Park to Rockefeller Centre, it’s the first hint of the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy one of the city’s many outdoor skating rinks that open throughout the season; skate around the Rink at Brookfield Place which opens 1 November (www.gpice.com) and glide onto the ice at the heart of Bryant Park at the Bank of America Winter Village (www.wintervillage.org). With ice shows and daily activities, Bryant Park is the perfect admission-free spot to spend skating. For an atmospheric winter skating experience, try Wollman Rink (www.wollmanskatingrink.com) or Lasker Rink (www.laskerrink.com). For a quintessential New York moment, The Rink at Rockefeller Centre (www.therinkatrockcenter.com) is a must-see this winter. Soak up the atmosphere or dance on the ice against the famous Christmas tree backdrop. www.nygo.com
Travelbag is offering three nights at the 4* Paramount Hotel, New York. Prices start from £489pp including flights from London Gatwick with Norwegian Airlines. Based on selected January 2018 departures, book by 30 December 2017. Subject to availability. (www.travelbag.co.uk / 0207 001 5940)
SKI TOTAL – OBERGURGL, AUSTRIA: THE CHALET SKI ESCAPE
At high-altitude, Obergurgl is one of Austria’s most famous, best-loved and most sought-after ski resorts. As the highest village in the country, Obergurgl benefits from having no-through traffic and the ski area boasts an enviable snow record often kicking off in November right through until May. The attractive Tyrolean village centre retains its appealing, traditionally relaxed charm and a cosy, intimate feel yet is big enough to offer an ample range of facilities, and a friendly après-ski atmosphere. www.skitotal.com
Ski Total offers seven nights on a chalet board basis to four diamond Plus* Chalet Christophorus in Obergurgl, Austria from £699pp. Price includes return flights from either London Gatwick, Manchester or Bristol to Innsbruck and transfers. *Ski Total’s ‘Plus’ grading signals a chalet with something extra special within its grade such as a private sauna or hot-tub, a particularly convenient location or sensational views.(www.skitotal.com / 01483 791 935)
WINTER SUN
QATAR – THE SUNSHINE MEETS CULTURE BREAK
For a sunshine escape with a cultural twist, winter is an ideal time to visit Qatar, with temperatures in the twenties and low humidity. In the capital city of Doha visit the Museum of Islamic Art with exhibits covering 14 centuries of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic world, followed by lunch in the marina on The Pearl-Qatar, or experience the culinary delights of the world’s largest Nobu at The Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Spend the evening relaxing in Doha Bay on a traditional Dhow boat cruise and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Corniche and Doha’s glittering skyline. www.visitqatar.qa
Travelpack is offering a four-night holiday to Qatar from £1,429pp. The price includes two nights at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa in a Deluxe Room Pool View, two nights at Shangri-La Doha in a Deluxe Room on a bed & breakfast basis and return international flights from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways, book by 15 January 2018. (www.travelpack.com/guide/qatar / 0208 585 4080)
PLANET CRUISE – SUN, SEA AND SANTA ON A CARIBBEAN CRUISE
For those who have always dreamt of spending Christmas on the beach and swapping their snowmen for sandcastles, a December Caribbean cruise offers the ultimate alternative. January blues can be set aside, and replaced with reggae-backed Christmas carols, sumptuous cocktails and a guaranteed balmy climate. With this style of cruise, travellers can enjoy the many on-board festivities, or simply sit back and relax in the Caribbean sunshine. www.planetcruise.co.uk
Planet Cruise is offering a 12-night fly cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade from only £1,599pp (premium all-inclusive on cruise) flying from Heathrow on 17 December 2017 (flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle or Manchester available at a supplement). The trip includes return flights, private overseas transfers and a one night Miami stay in a 4* hotel. It also includes stop offs in San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Roseau (Dominica), Bridgetown (Barbados), Castries (St. Lucia) and Philipsburg (St. Maarten). (www.planetcruise.co.uk/norwegian-cruise-line-cruises/norwegian-jade/17-December-2017/158019/ / 023 9280 1997)
ONE TRAVELLER – CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN KERALA AND SOUTHERN INDIA
Visiting Southern India; Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, One Traveller guests will have the opportunity to experience the country’s highlights and discover its hidden gems this winter. Enjoy a safari drive in the Madumalai National Park, a small Keralan backwaters boat exploration and to complete the trip, guests will be treated to a relaxed day on the beach outside Chennai at Mahabalipuram.www.onetraveller.co.uk
One Traveller is offering an 18 day package to Kerala and Southern India for Christmas & New Year (20 December 17 – 6 January 18) from £4,940pp. Departing from London Heathrow, package includes flights with British Airways, sixteen nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels, hosted welcome and farewell drinks, full buffet breakfasts, all lunches and evening meals, a personal audio guiding system, travel in a comfortable air conditioned coach throughout and the exclusive services of a dedicated One Traveller Tour Manager. Itinerary highlights include lunch with a local family in Mysore, a safari drive in the Madumalai National Park, a narrow gauge train ride from Ooty to Coonor, a small Keralan backwaters boat trip, a Kathakali dance show and a cruise on Lake Vembanad in Kerala. (www.onetraveller.co.uk/tours/southern-india / 01760 722011)
SRI LANKA – ENJOY WINTER AT THE BRAND NEW AMARI GALLE
Overlooking the Indian Ocean on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, the brand new Amari Galle is surrounded by lush greenery on a beautiful beachfront site. The first Amari in Sri Lanka has 172 modern rooms and suites with private balconies and a multi-tiered pool deck with direct beach access is ideal for days spent lounging in the sun, whilst Amari’s signature Breeze Spa offers exclusive treatments, comprised of Ceylon tea leaves, aromatic vanilla and cinnamon. Dining options include a rooftop bar and Ahara Gourmet Gallery, serving exciting Asian dishes freshly prepared at live cooking stations. Nearby is Galle Fort, A UNESCO World Heritage Site which covers an area of 130 acres and home to a range of historical and important monuments. The Galle Fort Lighthouse, Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse, is also located within the fort walls and the Fort area is brimming with the energy of a cosmopolitan community, complete with attractive boutique shops and cafes. www.amari.com/galle-srilanka
Best at Travel is offering 15% off seven nights at the brand-new Amari Galle Sri Lanka from £945pp, saving £90pp. Stay in a Deluxe Ocean View room on a bed & breakfast basis. Offer includes flights from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways. Valid for travel 1 February– 20 March 2017. (www.bestattravel.co.uk / 02035 539 844)
MAURITIUS – THE FAMILY BEACH BREAK
Famed for its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Mauritius is the perfect place to catch some winter sun. Enjoy the warmer climate between November and April, and relax along the coastal beaches of the north. In Grand Baie enjoy the local atmosphere and the variety of water sports available or visit Troux Aux Biches for the flat shallow waters and stunning white beaches. Looking for adventure? Along the west coast near the fishing town of Tamarin, visitors can take to the waters and try Seakarting. A cross between a jet ski and a speed boat, this exhilarating water sport is only available in Mauritius. www.tourism-mauritius.mu
Netflights.com is offering seven nights in Mauritius staying at the 4* Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort and Spa. Price starts from £1,149pp including flights from London Gatwick with Emirates. Based on selected dates between January – March 2018. Book by 30 November 2017. (www.netflights.com / 0207 001 4377)
FORT LAUDERDALE – WINTER’S ART AND ADVENTURE SCENE
With average temperatures of 25˚C between November and March, take advantage of the sweeping 23 mile promenade-lined beachfronts and explore a city that boasts eclectic shopping, an international yachting scene and world-class restaurants. Discover a slice of the city’s art scene with a downtown tour of the colourful art murals, or hop on a boat taxi to see the Venetian-style waterways interweaving the city. Greater Fort Lauderdale’s (the perfect winter sun gateway) Everglades, offers where wild beauty makes up almost two-thirds of the destination’s total area. Take an airboat ride and witness exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife from alligators to Florida panthers. Another attraction to visit this winter is the Flamingo Gardens and Wray Botanical Collection for the chance to view alligators, flamingos, bobcats and Florida panthers. Kayak through narrow canals where mangrove trees create a tangled canopy at the Anne Kolb Nature Centre in Hollywood which offers fishing, canoeing and one of the area’s most important turtle nesting beaches. www.sunny.org
Netflights.com is offering seven nights in Fort Lauderdale staying at the 4* B Ocean Resort on a room only basis. Price starts from £799pp and includes flights from London Gatwick with Norwegian Air. Based on selected dates from January to March 2018. Book by 30 November 2017. (www.netflights.com / 0207 001 5252)
QUEENSLAND – THE WATERSPORTS BREAK
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is, as its name suggests, the perfect destination for winter sun with average January temperatures reaching 28oC. Stretching 100km from Bribie Island to the Cooloola Coast, the Sunshine Coast is home to picture-perfect beaches, coveted surf spots and rural hinterland including Great Sandy National Park, complete with multi-coloured sand dunes, mangrove forests and shallow lakes, as well as Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is also home to the cosmopolitan city of Noosa, which is surrounded by more stunning beaches, lakes and Noosa National Park. Holidaymakers have the chance to surf, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel and swim their way through the beautiful waters of Laguna Bay and the Noosa Everglades or tee off on one of the city’s championship golf courses. For those who prefer a little rest and relaxation, the city also has a number of day spas and trendy coffee spots as well as a burgeoning food scene. www.queensland.com
Travelbag is offering seven nights at the 5* Peppers Noosa Resorts and Villas, Noosa, on a bed & breakfast basis. Prices start from £1,599pp including flights from London Heathrow with Emirates and seven day car hire. Based on selected January and February 2018 departure dates, book by 30 November 2017. Subject to availability (www.travelbag.co.uk / 0207 001 4515)
CHILE – THE TWIN CENTRE DESERT AND TROPICAL ISLAND HOLIDAY
There is no better time to escape to Chile for their summer season than during the UK’s winter months. Recently voted the best country to visit in 2018 in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list, Chile encompasses a diverse range of climates and landscapes and where better to spend winter than visiting the driest desert on earth the Atacama, with its ancient cultures, stunning night skies and vast duns, before relaxing on the tropical shores of mystical Easter Island, home to the famous moai statues, over 1,000 of them, and the intriguing Rapa Nui culture of Chilean Polynesia. www.chile.travel/en
Audley Travel offers a 14 day ‘Northern Chile and Easter Island’ package from £5,345pp including international flights from the UK. The trips starts in the stunning Atacama Desert for stargazing and sandboarding before travelling to the pretty port city of Valparaiso with its art scene, cafe culture and colourful street art before heading to the mysterious Easter Island where you will learn some of the myths and legends of this enchanting volcanic island. With temperatures averaging between 24 and 28 degrees celsius in December and January, Chile is a great escape for a sunny winter break.(www.audleytravel.com/chile/itinerary-ideas/northern-chile-explored / 01993 838 640)
IGLU CRUISE – THE VIBRANT FAR EASTERN CRUISE BREAK
Winter sun cruises are the ideal opportunity to experience alternative cultures during the festive season. Full of mystical charm and Oriental heritage and tradition, a Far East cruise can incorporate anything from bustling Singapore, vibrant Hong Kong and the stunning beaches of Thailand and Indonesia, to the modern bright lights of Japan for a truly unique Christmas Day experience the cultural delights of the Mekong River, visit the imperial jewels of China or absorb the rich histories of Thailand and beyond.www.iglucruise.com
Iglu Cruise is offering a 21-night cruise and stay with Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Journey from £3,099pp (all-inclusive on cruise) flying from the UK on 5 December 2017. The trip includes return UK flights, private overseas transfers, a three night Singapore stay in a 4* Hotel, a three night Hong Kong stay in a 4* Hotel (including Christmas Day in Hong Kong) and an ‘AzAmazing Evening’ discovering Bangkok’s Ancient City. It also includes an overnight on board in Bangkok, an overnight on board in Ho Chi Minh, an overnight on board in Hanoi and stop offs in Koh Samui and Hue. (www.iglucruise.com/azamara-journey/5th-december-2017_c151232 / 0203 733 5557)
SANTA MONICA – THE CITY AND SEA BREAK
Santa Monica is where the city meets the sea. With its incomparable oceanfront setting, world-class dining, and vibrant cultural scene, Santa Monica combines the laid-back appeal of a classic California beach town with big-city sophistication. The perfect winter sun escape with temperatures averaging 23˚C, Santa Monica is the gateway to Los Angeles. At 22 miles long, the South Bay Bicycle Trail is the world’s longest oceanfront bike path beginning at Will Rogers State Beach, the northernmost point of Santa Monica, then scenically winds its way past Santa Monica State Beach, the famous Santa Monica Pier, through the Venice Boardwalk, past the Venice Pier, all the way to Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to end at Torrance County Beach. Be sure to check out the latest public art programme, ROAM, in Downtown Santa Monica, showcasing some of the most exciting contemporary artists in the U.S.www.santamonia.com
Travelbag is offering seven nights at the 4* Le Meridien Delfina, Santa Monica (room only). Prices start from £1,499pp including return flights from London Heathrow to Los Angeles with United Airlines. Save up to £250 per couple. Based on selected November and December 2017 departure dates, book by 30 November 2017. Subject to availability (www.travelbag.co.uk / 0203 139 7021)
ONE TRAVELLER – THE CULTURE BREAK TO VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
One Traveller is an award winning single holiday’s tour operator for over 50s with fantastic winter sun holiday deals on offer. Vietnam and Cambodia is a fantastic winter holiday package where visitors can escape the colder weather and experience a range of contrasts, from French-colonial houses to Chinese temples and vast rice fields, to busy street markets and designer boutiques. The striking scenery of Halong Bay is simply breath-taking and the coastal cities of Hue and Hoi An boast tranquil rivers. One Traveller guests will discover the highlights, hidden treasures, culture, sights, sounds and scents of Vietnam and Cambodia whilst enjoying a warmer winter climate. www.onetraveller.co.uk
One Traveller is offering a 23-day itinerary (15 January 18 – 6 February 18) from £3,990pp. Departing from London Heathrow, this package includes flights with Thai Airlines, 20 nights’ in four and five-star hotels, welcome and farewell drinks, full English breakfasts, all lunches (except day 19), a personal audio guiding system, an executive coach throughout, the exclusive and dedicated services of a One Traveller Tour Manager and expert local guides in each region. Vietnam highlights include a cookery lesson in Hanoi, a Halong Bay Cruise passing through the rice fields of the Red River Delta, a Perfume River Cruise with lunch, sightseeing by Jeep in Hoi An and a Mekong Delta excursion. Cambodia itinerary includes a Phnom Penh street food tour, a half-day tour of the beautiful coastal region of Kep and visits to Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake. (www.onetraveller.co.uk/tours/vietnam-cambodia / 01760 722011)
LAS VEGAS – THE ALTERNATIVE LAS VEGAS BREAK
Virgin Atlantic has reported that Las Vegas is in the top-five sun-seeking destinations for British Travellers. With pools open year round and a buzz of entertainment, bars and restaurants it’s clear to see why. The southern states are warm all year-round and during the winter period the temperature in Las Vegas is perfect for exploring the iconic sites or relaxing by one of the many spectacular hotel pools. As temperatures cool, exploring the Mojave Desert just a few miles west of Las Vegas is the perfect day trip. From kayaking through small coves on the river to rock climbing hiking and bike trails, there is much to be explored at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area. www.visitlasvegas.com
Netflights.com is offering three nights in Las Vegas staying at the 4* Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Price starts from £479pp including flights from London Gatwick with Norwegian Airlines. Based on selected dates in January and February 2018. Book by 30 November 2017. (www.netflights.com / 0207 001 4377)
SCOTTSDALE – HOT AIR BALLOONING OVER THE DESERT
Visit the Sonoran Desert this winter and experience the remarkable clarity of light, exotic cactus blossoms and lush desert landscape. It is the perfect place settle into an easier pace for 2018. The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful at ground level, but the view from above is astounding. Hot air ballooning offers a surprisingly serene experience for visitors to enjoy the winter sunrise. Morning and afternoon flights provide magnificent views of desert terrain and towering mountain ranges, as well as the opportunity to spot local plant life and wildlife, all from up to 5,000 feet., an Instagrammer’s dream. www.experiencescottsdale.com
Netflights.com is offering seven nights in Scottsdale staying at the 4* Wekopa Resort & Conference Center on a room only basis. Price starts from £849pp and includes flights from London Heathrow with United Airlines. Based on selected dates from January – March 2018. Book by 30 November 2017. (www.netflights.com/ 0207 001 5246).
