Livigno the dream
IF you need a lift this Christmas before things go downhill fast, Neilson is offering seven nights B&B at Hotel Garni Francescato in the Livigno ski resort for £349, including Gatwick flights. The hotel is 70 metres from a ski lift and the resort has a vibrant nightlife. To book the December 20 trip visit neilson. co.uk or call 0333 014 3350. WHETHER you want see in 2017 with a party or escape all the razzmatazz, make sure you have a happy New Year with one of these great breaks. RINGING IN 2017: Pack your best fancy dress outfit and mingle with thousands of New Year’s Eve revellers in St Ives at one of the UK’s craziest street parties.
The main action will be around the harbour front with live music and food stalls. Then join in the New Year countdown and whoop at the dazzling display of fireworks
Starboard Lookout is within staggering distance of the town and has sweeping views over St Ives Bay, so it makes for an ideal base. The modern apartment, which sleeps four, costs from £1,189 (£298pp) for three nights, arriving December 30, with Aspect Holidays. CONTACT: aspects-holidays.co.uk, 01736 754 242. RINGING IN 2017: Put your best foot forward and stride into 2017 on a walking break through the dramatic, unspoilt landscape of the Highlands. On New Year’s Eve you will have worked up an appetite after a day hiking in Glen Coe so you’ll be ready for the celebration dinner. It’s a “dress to impress” dress code for a traditional Scottish Hogmanay.
Work off the excesses on a New Year’s Day circular route from Alltshellach, heading over the Ballachulish bridge.
For spectacular views of Ben Nevis you can join the next day’s walk, which follows the Caledonian Canal into Fort William.
HF Holidays offers a five-night guided walk starting at £739pp for December 29 arrivals, including breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal, afternoon tea and cakes and festive treats. CONTACT: hfholidays.co.uk, 0203 424 6162. RINGING IN 2017: Celebrate in serious style at an elegant masquerade ball at Audley’s Wood Hotel. The Basingstoke hotel, which started life in the 1880s as the home of the Rights of Man author Thomas Paine, is in a beautiful woodland setting with seven acres of grounds.
On arrival, warm up with coffee in the Long Lounge with its high ceilings and period furniture. Then get togged up in ballgowns, tuxedos and masks for the evening, which kicks off with champagne and canapes. There’s spellbinding entertainment from a magician while a gourmet four-course meal awaits.
One night in a classic double or twin room costs from £249 for two including entry to the ball and brunch on New Year’s Day. CONTACT: handpickedhotels.co.uk, 0845 458 0901. RINGING IN 2017: Put your dancing shoes on, old sport, and head to Horsham for South Lodge’s Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party.
Set in 93 acres with breathtaking views of the South Downs, the 89-room country house hotel boasts a private lake, two restaurants and a wine cellar.
The 1920s-style party – all black tie and posh frocks – revs up with a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner with wine. Then get ready to step into 2017 dancing to music from a live band and enjoy a glass of bubbly to the chimes of midnight.
The glam New Year’s Eve dinner and dance costs £140pp, with an overnight stay from £252.50pp, based on two sharing a room through Pride of Britain Hotels. It includes a much-needed full Sussex breakfast on New Year’s Day. CONTACT:C prideofbritainhotels.com, 0 0800 089 3929. RINGING IN 2017: Glide gently into 2017 on a jo jolly canal boat cruise to Bath, the only city in th the UK designated a world heritage site.
Pushing the boat out from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet and Avon Canal, you can go at your own pace. Stop off at cosy country pubs a along the way, such as the George Inn at Bathampton, once a 12th-century monastery, or th the Cross Guns in Avoncliff, for stunning views o of the Cotswolds. In beautiful Bath there’s an