1. Welcome winter in Sicily
Embrace a seemingly endless summer on the beautiful Italian island of Sicily as an iconic property weathers the winter season for the first time. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo was the first to open in the quaint city of Taormina, and boasts an authenticity and charm to match its heritage. Set in the island’s rocky hills, with panoramic views of Mount Etna, the hotel is offering intrepid travellers the opportunity to explore the impressive volcano and its neighbouring craters as part of its winter wellness offering. Follow up a day of hiking with one of Belmond’s seasonal spa therapies.
The ‘Sicilian Sensations’ treatment is a favourite, using local soaps infused with Sicilian oranges and fragrant flowers to deliver a truly holistic experience. For food lovers, the winter season offers an array of festive fine-dining options, including Afternoon Tea, served in the Otto Geleng Living Room, with a choice of 12 teas and sweet pastries. Other options include cooking lessons with locals, where you’ll learn how to perfect your pasta. The ‘Wintertime’ package at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo starts at US $415 + VAT in a Superior Double Room, including breakfast and $100 in resort credit.
Where: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
What: The ‘Wintertime’ package
When: Until January 3, 2019
www.belmond.com/grandhoteltimeo
2. Holiday high-times with Hilton Berlin
There’s nothing more festive than a German Christmas market and Hilton Berlin could be the perfect place to embrace a holiday shopping experience. Guests staying in a Dome View Room can enjoy prime views over the “Gendarmenmarkt” with special room rates from €199 over winter weekends.
Where: Hilton Berlin
What: Dome View Rooms with festive views
When: During the holiday period
www.hilton.com
3. Winter emotions in Crans-Montana
Ski season is upon us and Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences is braced to open its doors on December 14, promising a winter wonderland experience and an idyllic launchpad for snowy hijinks. Whether you’re travelling to Switzerland for skiing, snowboarding or just keen on the après-ski culture, make sure you make it truly unforgettable with the resort’s Winter Emotions package.
Spending a night in the room of your choice, guests are entitled to breakfast in the restaurant or in-room, dinner in Mizuki by Kakinuma or in the Lounge, a daily ski pass for the ski slopes of Crans-Montana, complimentary transfers to lifts, Wi-Fi access and unlimited access to the Guarda Golf Spa to sooth your muscles before you return to the slopes.
Where: Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences
What: The “Winter Emotions” package
When: From December to March, on availability
www.guardagolf.com
4. Spa and swim on Saadiyat Island
Winter is upon us in the Gulf and the beach junkies are already looking suitably bronzed. It’s important to take good care of your skin when enjoying some rays, which is why Zen the spa at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas is offering the perfect pairing.
This winter, guests can enjoy a day at the beach and pool when booking any treatment of 75 minutes or above. Choosing from an array of mind, body and skincare treatments, including the signature Himalayan Pink Stone Healing Massage, visitors also have a wide variety of facial treatments on offer, including the Ultimate Signature Aroma Radiance Lift Facials, Whitening White Pearl Facial and Age Defying Rose Facial. For guests looking for a treatment promoting soft, radiant skin, The Ultimate Zen Hammam and Majestic Signature Turkish Retreat (in the Turkish hammam) are sure to leave you glowing.
Where: Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
What: Complimentary beach and pool access
When: Until December 20
www.rotana.com
5. Take the plunge in Zambia
Zambia is home to incredible National Parks, stunning landscapes and the famed Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most acclaimed adventure and extreme sports hot spots. The activity guaranteed to take the breath away of even the most intrepid daredevils? That would be bungee jumping from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, the closest property to the epic falls, offers a bungee jumping experience from AED580 with rooms at the resort starting from AED667 when booked in advance.
Where: AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, Zambia
What: Bungee Jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge
When: Year-round
www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/victoria-falls