The best festive winter sun packages for 2020
There’s no need to swap Santa for sun loungers when a festive winter sun break can offer both. We round up a seasonal selection to book for 2020.
‘Tis almost the season to be jolly, but that doesn’t have to mean shivering in the cold British winter weather. Winter-sun locations offering festive breaks abound, which means clients can eat Christmas lunch or welcome in the New Year while topping up their tans.
Charlotte Lazarus, product marketing manager for Sun Resorts at Club Med comments: “For anyone looking to escape the cold but keep the Christmas spirit going, or simply for anyone looking to experience something different to a traditional Christmas, festive breaks are the perfect winter-sun getaway.”
Here, we round up some festive break suggestions you should start considering for your clients for Christmas 2020.
Seasons greetings
The Four Seasons Cyprus in Limassol hosts festive events including a five-course lunch on Christmas Day and gala dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. “Families can take advantage of the kindergarten and kids’ club, both open during Christmas and New Year,” says Costas Anastasi, product manager at Cyplon Holidays.
“For larger families with a healthy budget the Junior Family Suite offers a modern master bedroom separated by a sliding door from its cosy living room. The Penthouse Suite, for couples, has a Jacuzzi and balcony with ocean views.”
Book it: A 10-night B&B stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Cyprus starts from £2,265pp. Price based on two sharing. Departs 23 December 2020.
FAIRY TALE OF SYDNEY
Clients can see in the New Year with a bang by watching the fireworks display over Sydney Harbour Bridge, then spend New Year’s Day enjoying a traditional barbecue on the beach.
“Whether you’re visiting as a solo traveller, a couple or with a larger group of friends, Sydney is the place to be on the 31 December,” says Alison Murphy, product and commercial manager for Australasia, Far East, India & Sri Lanka at If Only.
“There are incredible street parties and so much is happening throughout the city.” Murphy recommends clients take in the fireworks with a harbour cruise around midnight. “It’s a special place because it’s one of the first countries in the world to see in the New Year. There’s also a lot of follow-up celebrations, so I’d suggest clients extend their stay.”
Book it: If Only offers four nights in Sydney over New Year’s Eve, five nights on Hamilton Island, three nights in Port Douglas and three nights in Singapore priced from £4,699pp. Departs 28 December 2020.
FAMILY FESTIVITIES
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Club Med’s sun resorts from 22 December, and on 23 December all guests are invited to help decorate the Christmas tree, with a magical parade for children on Christmas Eve.
On New Year’s Eve, guests can expect an evening show for all ages followed by a fireworks display. Club Med’s Charlotte Lazarus recommends agents focus on the family-friendly nature of the break when selling. “On Christmas Day, Santa makes a grand entrance on a jet ski or helicopter, handing out gifts to children, who can have their picture taken with him. Family spirit always surrounds festive weeks, and we do our best to create an agenda that allows them to spend time together.”
Book it: An all-inclusive seven-night stay at Club Med Cancun is priced from £2,390pp. Kids under six stay free. Departs 22 December 2020.
Winter warmer
The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas ramps up over the festive season, with lots of activities for families and adults. Highlights include ice-skating on top of the Cosmopolitan Hotel; the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens’ Christmas displays and the seasonal show at Bellagio’s fountains, and seeing the 20-metre (65-foot) Christmas tree at The Venetian.
Emily Underhill, assistant product manager USA, Gold Medal, recommends booking Christmas breaks in advance, as accommodation gets pricey and books up fast at this time of year. “Booking way ahead of schedule also gives clients a chance to research activities or shows they want to see while they are there. These also need booking ahead of time to secure a ticket, as Christmas-themed shows sell out fast too.”
Book it: Three nights’ room-only at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino is priced from £929pp based on two sharing, including flights. Valid for travel on 24 November 2020.
ROCK AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Although clients will be escaping the cold British winter, there’ll be no reason for them to miss out on any yuletide joy at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife. Guests can enjoy a range of festive live performances, Christmas menus and a visit from Santa on Christmas Day for the kids. The hotel also hosts a gala to see in the New Year.
Tenerife continues to be a favourite with UK holidaymakers looking for a winter-sun getaway, says Craig Davidson, general manager of trade sales at Jet2holidays. “There is an array of live performances and a traditional Christmas menu on offer at the Hard Rock Tenerife, but guests can also enjoy some time around the pool or take a sunny stroll to the nearby beach.”
Book it: Seven nights’ B&B at The Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife is priced from £1,219pp based on two sharing. Departs from Manchester on 20 December 2020.
• jet2.com
CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS
Dreams Resorts & Spas in the Caribbean goes all out over the festive season, with a Santa’s beachfront toy factory and grotto, roast turkey trimmings by the pool and reggae Christmas parades with Santa and his helpers.
The weather is perfect at this time of year, says Malcolm Davies, product destination manager for Funway Holidays. “December is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean, as it’s still toasty warm but also less humid. Winter sun holidays are all about the beaches and the hot weather that accompanies it, but don’t forget to also highlight the outdoor attractions available such as watersports and snorkelling.”
Book it: Seven nights staying at the all-inclusive Dreams Dominicus La Roman in Dominican Republic is priced from £2,260pp. Travel based on two adults and two children departing 22 December 2020.
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