Been good? Then it’s time for a merry festive break!
WISH it could be Christmas every day? Well, maybe you’re not feeling very Santafocused just yet — but once the festive bandwagon starts to roll, the anticipation is sure to start rising.
And the question is, where and with whom are you going to spend the big day? Not to mention the run-up — an ideal excuse to reward yourself with a sparkly getaway.
Turkey-and-tinsel hotel breaks begin at the end of this month, through operators such as Shearings, Warner Leisure and Bay Hotels. And now is the time to secure a Christmas party pad — larger properties for multi-generational gatherings tend to book up fast.
THE English Riviera’s 22-mile stretch of towns and beaches sparkles brightly with markets and lights during the festive season, while restaurants serve traditional Christmas fare.
Torquay’s Headland Hotel offers a tempting range of Christmas and New Year breaks, complete with fabulous coastal views. The nearby Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa is also a good option, with everything from turkey-and-tinselgetaways to a full Cracking Christmas Celebration coming up.
Mr Claus himself is likely to make an appearance, and both hotels also offer a trip to Babbacombe Theatre on Boxing Day, plus entertainment.
THE Isle of Wight’s thatched pubs will be lighting log fires and serving hearty dishes as the festivities approach. Enchanted Osborne, from December 15 to 23, will see Queen Victoria’s favourite home decked out in lanterns and fairy lights.
Stay at the highly rated St Maur guest house in a stunning 19th-century villa at Ventnor, which offers a warm welcome and excellent food.
This eight-bedroom venue is surrounded by lovely gardens and has views across the English Channel — a real home from home for a well-deserved pre-Christmas treat.