TripZillaThe festive season is right around the corner, as signalled by the Christmas carols that are blaring across the city. This is the favourite time of the year for many people, but if you don’t quite feel like spending yet another Christmas or New Year in your own country, perhaps it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a luxurious getaway. Here are seven ideas for that much-needed vacation during the upcoming holiday period. We’ve got you covered from beach escapes, ski holidays and countdown parties.
1. Go on a ski retreat in Japan
There’s nothing like having a white Christmas, so how about gathering all your loved ones for a ski holiday in Asia’s top skiing destination: Niseko, Japan.
Stay in the Hakuchozan, a luxury chalet that comfortably sleeps 16 in the heart of Hirafu Village in Niseko. The chalet features a ‘Man-Cave’ bar and a games room, along with a large open living room with wood-burning fireplace and a jacuzzi deck complete with firepit and views over Mount Yotei. Time to throw that luxurious house party with your ski buddies! The nearest ski lift is just a minute drive away, so guests can be up on the slopes and skiing the backcountry in no time.
Apart from fresh powder snow, Niseko also has an up and coming food scene with specialities such as fresh seafood and quality farm produce. From Michelin-starred restaurants to quaint family run cafes, Niseko has a range of culinary delights to be enjoyed such as sukiyaki, udon and shabu-shabu.
2. Trade the noisy festivities for a romantic time in Koh Samui
Catch the next plane out to the Gulf of Thailand and land on Koh Samui for some beachside fun.
Stay in Sheraton Koh Samui, a five-star resort located on a quiet stretch of Chaweng Noi Beach. With easy access to local city life, cultural icons and breathtaking marine seascapes, this is the perfect destination to enjoy champagne and fireworks! Why here? The resort is offering a celebratory Christmas and New Year’s package for couples looking to get away from the busy celebrations. Both packages – one for 24 Dec and the other for 31 Dec – include a dinner for two, spa credits at the in-house Glow Spa and a special Christmas/New Year’s gift.
Do you feel the romance in the air yet?
3. Unwind in a private island in the Maldives
The Indian Ocean is full of gorgeous islands and perhaps it’s time to head there to usher in the new year. After all, we’ve heard of the magic of Maldives, with its swaying palm trees, sparkling sand and its beautiful blue shades of water.
Visit Cheval Blanc Randhali, a villa haven in the pristine Noonu Atoll. The 45-villa resort revisits the prestigious tradition of French hospitality through its collection of one-of-a-kind Maisons: cosy, lavish, and uncompromising in privacy. What’s unique about the resort is its very own “spa island”. This is accessible exclusively via the property’s Maldivian dhoni (a sailboat) and is a private restoration paradise free from the interruptions of modern day life. Talk about having a spa retreat!
When you’re done with that much-needed spa time, celebrate Christmas or New Year with a nine-course culinary experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant: Le 1947. The chef pays tribute to exquisite French cuisine that is interpreted with creativity in a Maldivian setting. A fine-dining experience here is well worth the splurge.
4. Catch an epic firework display
Major cities like Taipei, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Hong Kong have some of the most spectacular firework displays that ring in the new year with an unapologetic bang. Fireworks aside, the city streets are soaked with contagious festive vibes with revellers and street parties painting the town red.
Consider booking an apartment right in the heart of all the action for the extra convenience, or to witness the dazzling fireworks from the comfort of your abode.
5. Party the night away in Phuket
Phuket has always been known as a fun party spot but if you want to party in style, Baba Beach Club is your spot. Hip yet unpretentious, this extravagant beach club oozes both decadence and debauchery. It inspires those with a music-minded spirit while it dazzles those with discerning gourmet tastes.
If you’re a fan of music, you’ll be pleased that there will be live DJ sessions every evening, with resident DJs spinning a modern mix of house, electronic and indie tunes. Consider starting your evening with tropical sunset cocktails and partying through the night with live music. The Baba Beach Bar also offers an energizing al fresco lounge area where you can laze while enjoying fresh seafood or authentic Japanese cuisine prepared by sushi chefs.
6. Catch up on precious family time in Mauritius
Another great island destination in the Indian Ocean is Mauritius. Consider staying in The Residence Mauritius which is located along the east coast on a mile-long beach of immaculate white sand fringed by the azure Indian Ocean and tropical gardens. Inspired by the island’s stately plantation houses, the rooms and suites radiate luxurious comfort and charm, offering relaxation for the entire family.
If you’re with the kids, consider treating them to the curated “Mum or Dad and Me” Spa package – a 60-minute spa treatment you can take with your child in a peaceful sanctuary. It includes a chocolate manicure or pedicure, fun yoga for kids, or personalised nail art or henna tattoo.
If adventure calls, explore Mauritius’ unique blend of culture and natural heritage through the half- and full-day itineraries provided by the resort. The whole family can look forward to visiting floating temples, Black River Gorges, mystical waterfalls and sugar plantations.
7. Experience a traditional Christmas celebration in Bali
Who says Bali is all about partying and island-hopping? Ditch that to celebrate the festive season immersed in traditional Balinese hospitality and pampered by a stay in a luxurious resort. In AYANA, you can wake up in a five-star bedroom or a private pool villa and enjoy the special events planned by the hotel in December. These include children’s games, carol singing and festive afternoon tea – all set up to amp the merry mood.
Also catch the resort’s annual tree lighting ceremony on 9 December which will include a visit from Santa who will arrive by sleigh, servings of traditional eggnog, and a special carol singing performance by children from AYANA’s local orphanage.
8. Have a kid-friendly Sanrio-themed celebration
Image credit: Blue Moon Marketing
If you’re looking for a getaway with the little ones, head over to Hello Kitty Land (also known as Sanrio Puroland) – a theme park in Tokyo where you can get up close and personal with Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Pochacco, and Cinnamoroll.
From now till 25 December 2017, visitors will have the opportunity to dance along with their favourite characters to special Christmas illuminations for the Christmas event “Puro Christmas”, creating one of Japan’s largest illumination shows.
After the Christmas bells have rung, Puroland’s New Year’s event “Tribute to Wonderful” will be held from 26 December 2017 to 19 January 2018. And this time, the Sanrio mascots will be donned in traditional Japanese kimonos specially for the festive season!
9. Countdown to New Year’s Eve TWICE
Want to end the year with a bang? How about partying twice? Come this year, luxury airlines Crystal Skye is allowing travellers to countdown to the new year on both sides of the globe: on Sydney, Australia and Hawaii, United States.
Land in Sydney and take the iconic snap of the Opera House and laze on Bondi Beach, then wander around hipster neighbourhoods to hunt down delightful cafes and boutiques. Then, be among the first in the world to usher in 2018 at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
After that, beat the clock and celebrate New Year’s Eve again by crossing the International Date Line to the tropics of Hawaii. There, you will countdown to 2018 on the beaches of Honolulu. Immerse yourself in a ‘luau’, a customary Hawaiian feast with lively music and cultural performances, take in a traditional hula performance, or explore the vivid turquoise water, abundant coral reefs, and white sands of Waikiki Beach.
Be ready to break the bank though. Travelling on this route between 30 Dec 2017 to 4 Jan 2018 costs US$29,999 per person for a round trip from Singapore.
So, where will you be celebrating the festive season this December?
Information and images extracted from content issued by Sheraton Koh Samui, Baba Beach Club Phuket, Cheval Blanc Randhali, The Residence Mauritius, AYANA, Hakuchozan, and Crystal Skye, Sanrio Puroland.
