10 Christmas holiday destinations to enjoy over the 2017 festive period

1. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Write your 2017 Christmas story at the Cheval Blanc Ranheli in Noonu Atoll, Maldives. With only 45 villas, this exotic oasis is designed to bring you and your loved ones extreme privacy. Stay in the exclusive Owner’s Villa and you can indulge in a private Christmas dinner affair with just you and your travel companions. Those seeking all-rounded wellness experience would be pleased by the collection of rejuvenating spa treatments, yoga and meditation sessions available, while foodies can savour delectable French flavours at Michelin-starred restaurant, Le 1947.

2. Baba Beach Club, Phuket, Thailand

This one is for the music lovers. Set in the beautiful Thai beach destination of Phuket, Baba Beach Club is luxurious getaway filled with daily live music sessions from the property’s resident DJs. Whilst basking in the chic atmosphere complete with majestic views of the beach, the resort also boasts an extensive curated playlist of soul, funk, jazz, techno and house beats.

3. The Residence Mauritius, Mauritius

Enjoy some family bonding time at The Residence Mauritius this Christmas. The resort has a range of activities for families to participate and indulge together over the festive period. This includes a curated “Mum or Dad and Me” spa package where parents can luxuriate in a pampering spa treatment with their child, which also comes with a chocolate manicure or pedicure, fun yoga for kids, or personalised art or henna tattoos. After which, head to the Verandah for a deliciously relaxing family lunch of toasted club sandwiches, oven-baked pizzas, fresh salads and homemade ice-creams.

4. andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

Holiday-makers looking to escape the city life during the bustling advent season, bask in the natural beauty of flora and fauna in this romantic hideaway that is andBeyond Mnemba Island. An island off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, this African beach paradise promises the pleasure of privacy as it only holds up to maximum of 20 guests. The property also offers visits to lush spice plantations and casuarina pine forests, as well as a chance to get up close with Suni antelopes and Ader’s duiker antelopes on the island.

5. Rimba Jimbaran Bali by Ayana, Indonesia

Part of its three-night #FestiveSeasSun Escape package for the holiday season, Ayana’s resorts has something to get you (and your significant other) in the festive mood. At Rimba Jimbaran Bali, book a stay during December 9 to witness the resort’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event will include a visit from Santa (who will be arriving, of course, by sleigh), servings of traditional eggnog and a special carol singing performance by children from a local orphanage. For those who want to usher in the New Year in Bali, the property also has something in store.

6. The Oberoi, Mauritius

Enjoy your private slice of paradise with The Oberoi tucked in the northwest of Mauritius. Ensuring your 2017 Christmas is a fruitful one, the dedicated team presents an itinerary, titled Festive Woodlands 2017, just for the Yuletide season. On Christmas day, the little can have a memorable morning with Santa, while the adults get to enjoy an afternoon of wine-tasting at the Gunpowder Room, before tucking into a delightful festive dinner accompanied by beautiful live piano music.

7. David Citadel, Israel

Wouldn’t it be cool to spend your Christmas in a city so closely related to Jesus Christ, the birth of whom the season surrounds? Even if you’re not a religious person, the David Citadel hotel is one that will feed your inner culture buff. Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, the property boasts majestic views of heritage spots the likes of the Old City walls and the Tower of David, while being a stone’s throw from the bustling Machne Yehuda market. During your stay, remember to savour some fine Israeli cuisine at the Seasons restaurant.

8. Lapita Hotel, United Arab Emirates

This is great for families with young children who love a good adrenaline rush. The Polynesian-themed Lapita resort, part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, is strategically located in the 25 million-sq-ft Dubai Parks and Resort. Surrounded by five theme parks the likes of Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Riverland Dubai and Motiongate Dubai, visitors will be able to indulge in some thrilling fun throughout their stay with unlimited multi-park access and complimentary Q-fast passes to all parks.

9. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, Switzerland

OK, we definitely can’t completely discount winter spots over the Christmas season. For holiday-goers who love indulging in snow sports and activities, stay at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in popular ski destination St Moritz. The property houses its own ski school for first-timers, or even those who want to improve their technique, as well as a ski shop. Get your heart pumping while doing cross-country skiing lessons, or when you’re doing rounds on the ice rink. For wellness enthusiasts, there’s also a snow yoga experience available.

10. Hakuba Valley, Japan

If you’re want your ski trip but would like to be a little closer to home for the holidays, book a stay at Hakuba Valley instead. Located at Hakuba, Nagano, the ski resort boasts more than 200 runs, 139 lifts and a vertical drop of over 1,000m. But skiing isn’t all you can do here. Other activities available for the active include mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, kayaking and fishing. While you’re at it, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Japanese village in a hot-air balloon.