Dream Destinations For Christmas Break
Christmas may be months away but it’s never too early to start planning the perfect holiday – ever! Got a serious case of wanderlust but just can’t decide where to go? Good thing then that we’ve got our friends at Lightfoot Travel to help. Constantly abuzz with great travel ideas for every month of the year, they share with us their pick of the best short and long-haul holiday breaks from Singapore for the festive season.
Short Getaways
Trisara
Phuket
Peppered with fabulous private villas, Phuket is the ideal location for a holiday with family or a big group of friends. From there, cruise to the outlying James Bond and Phi Phi islands and frolick in the wonderfully turquoise waters amongst the grand limestone cliffs. The island is also home to numerous temples, allowing you to incorporate some culture into your beach vacay.
Where to stay:
Trisara is a stunning boutique resort boasting 48 spacious villas and private residences overlooking the Andaman Sea. Hands down, one of the best hotels on the island.
Another great option is Baan Hen, a modern property that beautifully melds traditional Thai architecture with Western luxury. Nestled between two of the best beaches on the island, the panoramic view of the Andaman Sea is breath-taking – both day and night.
Maalifushi by COMO
Maldives
It’s no surprise that the Maldives is often described as Heaven on Earth. An unparalled beach escape with crystal clear azure waters and incredible spots for diving and surfing, we can’t think of a better place that offers gorgeous hotels and fantastic water activities – think diving, snorkelling, surfing, fishing, windsurfing, and much more.
Where to stay:
Located on the North Malé Atoll and spread out across 109 acres, One&Only Reethi Rah is a chic all-villa resort that boasts an incredible 12 beaches. With a KidsOnly programme, it is amongst the most family-friendly resort in all of Maldives – meaning mom and dad can enjoy some alone time with the little ones well taken care of.
Looking for something a little more secluded and more suited for adults? Then head straight to Maalifushi by COMO. Set on 8 hectares of lush tropical vegetation on the uncharted Thaa Atoll, this gem of a resort is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters. Diving is superb here; keep your eyes peeled for whale sharks!
Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan
The ‘Land of the Kings’ is a truly fitting name for Rajasthan, the Northwestern state in India dotted with lavish palaces and majestic forts. Once home to the fabled maharajas, Rajasthan offers visitors plenty of stunning sights and sounds. From exploring the scenic sand dunes and verdant jungles to camel riding and tiger spotting whilst on safari, you’ll never be bored here.
Where to stay:
In capital city of Jodphur (aka the Blue City), our top pick is Raas, a chic hotel housed in a charming 150 year-old building overlooking the monumental Mehrangarh Fort.
For a memorable desert experience, The Serai Jaisalmer ticks all the right boxes: an intimate experience with only 21 tents, lots of great excursions (think camel safari, desert drives, and sundowners on sand dunes), tranquility, and to cap it all off, a magical ambience.
If you’ve always wanted to live like royalty, make a pit stop at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur for a true maharaja’s experience. The marble structure appears to be floating on Lake Pichola, and can only be reached by boat. From there, admire the scenic views of the City Palace and the surrounding Aravalli Mountains.
Bagan, Myanmar
Myanmar
Steeped in culture and extraordinary vistas, Myanmar is a country that does not disappoint in terms of life-changing experiences. Take to the skies aboard a hot air balloon to admire the temple-filled plains of Bagan and if you’re keen on exploring the deep blue, the Mergui Archipelago is reputed as one of the best dive spots in the world. Another must-do is a visit to the beautiful Inle Lake, where time stands still and nature surrounds you all around.
Where to stay:
Smack dab in the heart of Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone lies Aureum Palace Hotel, our go-to getaway in the region. This luxury boutique resort is a centrally-located haven – making it the perfect base camp to explore the historic temples around the area.
On the shores of Inle Lake, Villa Inle Resort & Spa is a gem of a place. Nestled amid 20 acres of tropical gardens, each of its Myanmar-style bungalows offer total seclusion from the outside world.
Dedon Island on Siargao Island
Philippines
Although not as accessible as Phuket or the Maldives, the pristine islands of the Philippines are worth every bit the extra effort to reach. Those seeking turquoise waters with abundant marine life should head straight to Palawan. Siargao is another great beach getaway but with a totally different vibe. Here, the draw is the superb Cloud 9 break, which draws surfers from across the globe, as well as the island’s intriguing rock formations, mangrove swamps, and lush vegetation.
Where to stay:
Anyone who has ever dreamt of having an entire island to themselves will find Ariara Island a dream come true. Here you will find villas perched on stilts, spacious beach cottages, and welcoming staff who’ll help you fulfill your Gilligan’s Island fantasies.
Our absolute fave hotel on Siargao Island (perhaps even in whole of the Philippines!) is Dedon Island. There’s much to love here; from its laid-back vibe to its cutting edge design, and of course the natural surroundings.
Long Haul
The Sea Spirit cruise
Antarctica
Nothing says ‘off the beaten track’ better than a trek down to South Pole in Antarctica. Trust us; it’s a one-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. Go on penguin-watching and whale-breaching expeditions and get the chance to admire magnificent glaciers up close while you kayak through the icy waters.
Where to stay:
The best way to experience all that Antarctica has to offer is on board a cruise. Reputed as one of the best, Sea Spirit is an all-suites expedition ship that can accommodate up to 114 passengers. Smaller in size but just as comfortable is M/V Ocean Nova, the first vessel that offers a unique fly and cruise option. Here, you can fly across the renowned Drake Passage and go sailing as well. Ideal for those who don’t have the stomach to cross the often brutal weather conditions.
Hotel Le K2 in Courchevel
Skiing in Europe
Christmas time without skiing would be unthinkable. For top-notch snow destinations, Europe remains one of our top picks for the sheer amount of first-class slopes, the abundance of cosy, charming chalets, and amazing dining options.
Where to stay:
Richard Branson’s 5-star ski resort The Lodge in Verbier, Switzerland, can only be described as amazing. The super exclusive and luxe retreat welcomes up to 18 guests in 9 beautiful rooms (each overlooking the valley below) and is outfitted with Jacuzzis, cosy fireplaces, and a bunkroom. In short, everything you need for a great ski holiday.
On the French side of the Alps lies Courchevel and the spectacular Hotel Le K2. With its cosiness, privacy, and proximity to the centre of Courchevel 1850, the hotel ticks all the right boxes. Foodies will also appreciate the hotel’s Michelin-starred Le Kintessence restaurant.
Cradle Mountain
Tasmania
Affectionately named ‘Tassie’, the Australian island is home to 1.4 million hectares of designated and protected World Heritage area. Needless to say, nature is the main attraction here; from the alpine plateaus of Lake St Claire National Park to the beauty of Wineglass bay and the coastlines. Perfect for adventurers seeking a great-outdoors-inspired holiday.
Where to stay:
Nestled within Freycinet National Park with beautiful views over Great Oyster Bay, the Freycinet Lodge is an luxury eco-lodge where you can revel in the best of what Tasmania has to offer: beaches, forests and mountains. The cabins are simple yet comfortable and the cuisine is heavenly.
Saffire Freycinet is another great property along Tasmania’s East Coast and have a tailored, one-on-one approach – much like Lightfoot Travel – as well as numerous great activities like mountain biking, water sports, hiking and more.
Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa
Brazil
Beaches, verdant rainforests, samba, waterfalls, tropical islands…these are just a few things that come to mind when we think of Brazil. This vast country offers so many possibilities: track animals in the wetlands of the Pantanal, visit the Earth’s lung in the Amazon, take capoeira lessons, lounge by the beach in Buzios, stroll through colonial towns…just take your pick!
Where to stay:
Philippe Starck’s first foray into hotel design, Hotel Fasano is definite must-visit. The perfect embodiment of laid-back glamour and sophistication, the hotel reflects the Bossa Nova era in the heart of bustling Ipanema Beach.
Housed in restored fishermen homes, the casas at Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa are charming, cosy, and uber luxurious in spite of their modest origins. There is a definitive laid-back and homely vibe in this beach retreat which we thoroughly enjoy. Watching the chefs cook in the hotel’s main open kitchen and savouring their cuisine? Definitely a tasty treat.
Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
Tanzania
If spotting the Big 5 on a safari is on your bucket list, here’s your chance to fulfil that dream. The Great Migration heads into Tanzania over the Christmas holidays, making it the perfect time to head to the Serengeti to experience this breath-taking natural phenomenon.
Where to stay:
Where better to get up close with Africa’s wildlife than at a tented camp? Our top choice is Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, which offers a wild and remote experience with superb vantage points of the Great Migration.
Crazy as it may sound, it is possible to go camping without giving up on your luxuries. Want a more glammed up experience of the bush? The elegant Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti offers an unparalleled luxury ‘glamping’ with superb facilities and bespoke service in the heart of the Seregenti.
This article was brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries, and full booking services.