Find our travel expert recommendations below
Love it or hate it, the festive month is no doubt one of the busiest times of the year, so a luxury holiday might be just what the doctor ordered. Perhaps you want to take the family abroad for Christmas, or maybe you’re looking to see in the New Year with a trip to remember; either way, there are so many destinations that are shining at this time of year, offering you a well-earned getaway from the pandemonium back home.
Sri Lanka
The central hills and southwest coast of Sri Lanka are entering into their peak, when the skies are drying up and the sun is bursting through. This time of year is also the season for whale and dolphin-watching off the coast. Stroll through the emerald carpets of Tea Country, where you can help tea pickers gather their crop and then sample the produce on a tea terrace at a colonial bungalow. Finish off your holiday with some relaxation on the wild, coconut-fringed beaches, where world-class surfing waves sweep the south coast, or do some amazing sightseeing in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, which has rock fortresses to rival Angkor Wat.
Cuba
You’ll forget all about winter on a holiday to alluring Cuba. This beguiling country oozes charm and tradition, harking back to a bygone era that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Discover the crumbling colonial buildings, classic American cars and deep rhythms of Havana, which offer a rich insight into the country’s colourful culture, while a visit to the sugar-white sands and turquoise seas of the Northern Cayes will give you that much-needed shot of winter sun.
Australia
Australia comes into its own in December, the height of summer Down Under, when the locals are out barbecuing on the beaches and vibrant cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are hosting non-stop festive celebrations. This is a prime time to sail around the Whitsundays on a luxury beach holiday, or drive along the Great Ocean Road, which sits sandwiched between the southern coastline and the lush inland rainforest. December is also a fantastic time to hop over to Tasmania, where you’ll encounter fabulous wines, beautiful, unspoilt wilderness and a range of wildlife.
Argentina
It’s summer down in the Southern Hemisphere, and Argentina is hot, hot, hot. Colourful Buenos Aires is alight with Christmas celebrations, while more remote areas such as the Lake District are surfacing from their winter slumbers, having never looked more beautiful. December also marks the beginning of the season in Antarctica, with cruises setting sail from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city.
Maldives
Brilliant-white sands, dazzling coral reefs, swaying palms and ultra-exclusive hotels: it doesn’t get much dreamier than the Maldives. Offering the perfect beach escape at Christmas, this spellbinding destination is guaranteed to whisk you away in style, showering you with spa treatments, five-star dining and beautiful beaches. Pick from our vast and irresistible collection of luxury retreats and toast the New Year in style.
For more suggestions on where to go in December, make an enquiry online today or give our experts a call on 020 7337 9010
