admin1. Cape Town
Cape Town is the perfect blend of magnificent beaches, traditional culture, mountains, vineyards and a fantastic warm and sunny climate, and is therefore, unashamedly, our number one place to spend the festive season! From hip hotels and delightful guest houses to stunning apartments and villas, can always find the perfect venue. For families there is special accommodation — and a range of child friendly activities and ideas for that special time away.
2. Thailand
Thailand has it all — superb beach resort islands in the south, misty mountains and fast flowing rivers in the north, vibrant cities such as the lively capital Bangkok and the equally emotive Chiang Mai.
Thailand is probably the most exotic country in South East Asia, with a rich diversity of cultures and attractions. Weather wise, Thailand is a year round destination, although the resorts do have differing seasons. The Andaman Resorts of Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Lanta are generally at their best December to early May when the days are usually bright and sunny and the seas calm.
Our top Thailand destinations for Christmas are: Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi & Koh Lanta
Phuket is the most developed, with many hotels of differing standards and just as many residential villas. It has a good infrastructure and some excellent, albeit seasonal, beaches particularly on the west coast, as well as some of the best golf courses on the region.
Khao Lak is much quieter with a small village and just a handful of hotels. The main appeal of Krabi is to visit the incredible limestone islands just offshore, and the beaches in the main resort are wide and reasonable. Koh Lanta is quiet, with a rustic authentic charm, a scenic nature influenced island with some good beaches and Led Zepellin influenced bars and hairstyles!
3. Sri Lanka
We love the astonishing culture, the history and the ancient cities.
The fantastic scenic contrasts with a visit to the incredible rock fortress at Sigiraya is a definite must. Not to mention the wildlife options, the well priced hotels, attractive albeit seasonal beaches, and the warm and hospitable welcome.
4. Ice Hotel — Swedish Lapland
It is one of the worlds “coolest” hotels for those looking for a truly unforgettable travel experience
What a way to spend the festive season! From the novelty of sleeping on ice to the sheer thrill of mushing your own team of huskies, the simple pleasure of chinking ice glasses to the exhilaration of witnessing the northern lights — this winter wonderland will exceed expectations and give you a truly unforgettable experience.
There are over 60 rooms built each year, ranging from Snow Rooms to Art Suites adorned with stunning ice sculptures and flushed with subtle lighting. Open from mid-December to mid-April, before it melts back into the River Torne, in early January you can still watch some of the ice artists at work after which the completed hotel can be seen in all its glory.
Through its reindeer-skin clad doors you’ll find a simply breathtaking ice pillared hallway illuminated by dazzling ice sculptures and spectacular ice-carved chandelier. Don’t miss the Icebar where colourful vodka cocktails are served in chunky ice glasses!
5. India
India is a travelling experience with unique opportunities awaiting all styles, ages and budgets.
Kerala is famed for its warm and welcoming people, where the pace of life can be as languid as the backwaters, while South India is renowned for its Hindu art and architecture.
A great option is to stay on a houseboat, locally known as “kettuvallam”. These traditional rice barges are made by tying jackwood planks together with coir rope and then coating them with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells.
Today these giant 80 ft long crafts have been converted into simple, furnished houseboats with one or two en-suite bedrooms, an open lounge and eating area, a deck, a kitchenette and a crew comprising captain and cook. Cold water showers are available but the crew can provide a bucket of hot water on request and the bedroom air-conditioning can be switched on at night.
6. Morocco
Close to Europe but a world away in lifestyle and atmosphere, Morocco has long enticed travellers with its bustling souks and glorious landscapes.
Why not enjoy a festive season with a difference in Morocco — Experience Marrakech with its bustling souks, visit beautiful Todra Gorge, soak up the fresh mountain air of the rugged Atlas mountains,explore Ait Benhaddou, an incredible fortified kasbah or relax by the beach in laid back luxury
So many choices!
7. Maldives
Just Google “Maldives Images” and there’s your answer. This destination is utterly breathtaking in every way.
The Niyama Resort
Sister hotel to the acclaimed Huvafen Fushi retreat, The Niyama Resort opened in February 2012, with its unique under water nightclub, the world’s first. The design is chic contemporary, bright and colourful with some sharp edges, located in the southern atoll, 40 minutes by seaplane.
Spread over two small islands, you have a selection of 87 studio suites and pavilions. The studios are either beach front or over water, some with their own plunge pool. The Pavilions give you the same location options and are larger with integrated indoor and outdoor living space, all with plunge pools.
The facilities are extensive and in addition to the excellent spa and swimming pool, the restaurant is incredible.
Resort facilities include a spectacular beach, house reef, several speciality restaurants in differing locations including a unique underwater option, kids club with the emphasis on aquatic activities, library, fitness centre, tennis, yoga, and of course a highly acclaimed spa where the influence of Thailand and Bali is particularly apparent. Dive centre. The Baa Atoll was declared by Unesco as a biosphere reserve in 2011.
8. New York – USA
No one does Christmas better than Americans! From the gaudy Christmas lights to the snow covered streets, New York in December just screams CHRISTMAS!
The tree at the Rockefeller Centre is almost certainly the world’s most famous Christmas tree, but it’s only the centre piece for a city-wide Christmas display.
“You can make a pretty strong case that more people care about the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center than the one at the White House,” says Jason Clampet, senior editor at Frommers. “And there’s something about the holiday decorations that makes even locals gawk like tourists,” — especially when the snow falls during those lucky years.
Nothing beats carriage rides through Central Park, the elaborate department store displays, and strolls through the some of the city’s classic brownstone-lined streets. And it’s not just Manhattan that puts on a show during the holidays. Neighbourhoods such as Dyker Heights in Brooklyn and Ozone Park in Queens are famous for their over-the-top Christmas decoration competitions.
9. Santa Claus Village and Santa Park — Napapiiri in Lapland, Finland
Because it’s where Santa lives!
Capitalising on its extreme northern location at the foot of the Arctic Circle, Napapiiri considers itself Europe’s Christmas capital due to the fact that it is Santa’s “true base of operations”.
And every year, the town draws thousands of visitors from all over Europe to tour the two different Santa-themed attractions, Santa Claus Village and Santa Park, which offer tours of Santa’s workshops, opportunities to buy some of Santa’s merchandise, encounters with genuine reindeer, and visits with the big man himself.
There’s also a Santa-dedicated post office which functions as the European hub for its Indiana counterpart. And when parents begin to feel like they’ve overstayed their welcome with Santa, the nearby city of Rovaniemi provides a wider array of holiday delights.
10. Christmas on Safari — Waterberg, South Africa
It makes it in the top 10 because it is such a different experience to cold and snow and inner city Christmas lights, this just had to make our list.
For something really special, experience the wonder of Africa’s wide-open plains and magnificent wildlife this Christmas.
You can enjoy fabulous game viewing in a variety of ways:
Guided game walks — from a gentle stroll down the plains to a more strenuous hike over rugged hills, which enable you to gain a detailed knowledge of African fauna and flora.
Game drives in open four-wheel-drive Land-cruisers — this allow you to cover more ground and experience wildlife in a traditional but less energetic way.
On horseback — this offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa, whatever your age or riding ability.
What a unique way of celebrating this special season!
Adapted from independenttraveller.com
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter