Family specialist Esprit Holidays launched its new December 2010 Santa’s Lapland brochure today, introducing a new range of ‘Crunch-Buster’ added value and money-saving deals.

“It’s great news that Britain is turning the corner out of recession”, commented Managing Director, Andy Perrin, “but we recognise that families still want exceptional value for money to get away on a pre-Christmas break, and that’s exactly what we are delivering with this year’s new programme, with the biggest savings reserved for early booking guests.”

Combining to offer savings against last year’s prices of up to £430 per family, the ‘Crunch-Buster’ deals include thousands of free child places, Cash-Back savings on many dates, a Grandparents’ Bonus of £30 off adult prices, free travel insurance for children, free toboggans, free drinks and free room upgrades, amongst many others.

There is no compromise on quality and service however, with Esprit, as always, guaranteeing every family its own private family meeting with the ‘real’ Santa Claus in his log-cabin home deep in the Lapland forest. All key activities such as husky-sledding, reindeer sleigh-rides, a snowmobile-sled ‘Search for Santa’ and an Arctic Circle Ceremony with the local Sami people are also included in the basic prices, along with a further range of ‘Snow Fun’ adventures such as ice-sculpting, tandem skiing, snow-sculpting and mini-skidoo rides for children.

A choice of 3-day and 4-day breaks is available, all to Esprit’s chosen resort of Saariselkä, some 200kms north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. “This is the perfect setting for a Santa break” said Perrin, “with a genuinely magical, traditional and uncommercialised atmosphere, spectacularly beautiful scenery, and far enough north to guarantee great snow, and the best chance of seeing the fabulous Northern Lights.”

Direct flights to Ivalo, only 25 minutes coach ride from Saariselkä, are available from Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester, with departures almost daily throughout December. Prices start from £699 per adult, and from £1,922 for a family of four taking the ‘Santa’s Magic’ 3-day trip to Hotel Riekonlinna from Gatwick on 1st December.

Esprit Ski – No.1 For Family Skiing

Santa’s Lapland – Don’t Miss The Magic

Family Adventures – The Ultimate Family Holiday

Ski Total – The Ski Chalet Specialist

Just in time for the film release of Sex and The City 2 which features key scenes shot in London, The Dorchester is offering a Girls Weekend package styled around the fashionable foursome. Zealous style-hunters will be offered a complimentary room over UK Bank holidays when London shops tend to be unusually quiet. A unique relationship with Harvey Nichols will ensure a collection of clothes awaits guests at the store, based on the character whose style they most desire to emulate.

For a weekend where the cocktails are as much of a fashion statement as the corsage, The Dorchester’s package provides the perfect accessories for the fun, fashion and friendship of a Girls Weekend. Guests will also be entered into a prize draw to win Dorchester Collection’s exclusive Luxury Traveller bag, ideal for holiday shopping.

Priced from £425 per room, the Girls Weekend includes:
• A personal stylist appointment at Harvey Nichols. The Dorchester’s concierge will brief Harvey Nichols on each guest’s style preference based on which stylish SATC girl most inspires their look
• Two interconnecting rooms for easy post shopping analysis
• 4 handmade corsage (pin, or bracelet as above) from Florist at The Dorchester
• A Pow Wow Breakfast on The Promenade at The Dorchester
• 4 cocktails at The Bar at The Dorchester; legendary barman Giuliano Morandin, famous for his ability to read people the moment they step in his bar, will choose from a Classic Cosmo for those most like Carrie, The Casanova for Samantha, a Perfect Ten for Charlotte, or The Prickly Colada for Miranda
• 4 lip gloss from The Dorchester Spa with signature light and mirror for mid-evening touch ups

Based on two double rooms priced at £425 each, The Dorchester’s Girls Weekend is valid from 1 May 2010 until 30 April 2011. Rates are exclusive of VAT and subject to availability. The complimentary second room offer is limited to specific UK holiday periods: Bank holidays (30 April-3 May, 28-31 May, 27-30 August inclusive), Christmas (19-29 December inclusive) and Easter 2011 (17-28 April inclusive).
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Yorkshire South Offers The Perfect Package For 2010 – New Year Recovery & Romantic Retreats For Valentine’s Day
19 Jan 10
Make your Christmas cash and gift cards stretch that bit further with a trip to one of Yorkshire South’s New Year packages. Or take your loved one on a romantic retreat, with ideas for Valentine’s Day escapes.

January Sales

From designer brands and independent boutiques to high street favourites, from shopping outlets to Farmer’s Markets and craft fairs, you’ll find an exciting variety across the region for all tastes and budgets.

Some of the UK’s largest shopping complexes are located within the region. The Frenchgate Centre hosts over 130 outlets under one roof, while the nearby Lakeside Village Outlet offers up to 60% off RRP on famous brands.

Meadowhall Shopping Centre is one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, a true shopaholics mecca with over 280 stores, cafés, restaurants and an 11-screen cinema under one roof.

For high-street favourites and independent retailers within Sheffield’s city centre, head to The Devonshire Quarter or Ecclesall Road, Sheffield’s own golden mile and save time to visit the funky Forum Centre.

Quaint villages and market towns offer a chance to escape the crowds. Try ancient Tickhill, near to Doncaster or Wickersley just outside of Rotherham, for independent retailers and boutiques. Barnsley’s Elsecar Heritage Centre houses over 90 antique dealers, individual craft workshops and exhibitions. Nearby, the award-winning Pot House Hamlet offers a unique 15th century historic setting for your shopping needs.

January Sales Accommodation Packages

Take the hassle out of shopping with one of the fantastic overnight packages available at the region’s top hotels. Stay in style at The Leopold Hotel. The city’s first boutique hotel is located in the heart of Sheffield and is offering a January Sale Package.

Just out of town lies the luxurious Aston Hall. Their January Sale Offers goes on and on, from accommodation and drinks to meals and spa treatments. Why not combine with their overnight Shop til you Drop Package.

If you prefer a hotel with onsite leisure facilities, try Tankersley Manor Hotel in Barnsley. Their Two Night Shopping Break includes £40.00 of Meadowhall Shopping Centre vouchers.

Let Us Entertain You!

Home to some of the UK’s leading musical stars – The Arctic Monkeys, Richard Hawley and Jarvis Cocker to name but a few, Sheffield offers a range of entertainment options for all ages.

In the heart of the city, the iconic Sheffield City Hall offers a diverse entertainment programme. Highlights for 2010 include the popular Last Laugh Comedy Club and Sheffield International Concert Season 09/10, with world class classical entertainment from the Hallé resident orchestra, Czech National Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and more. Some of Russia’s leading ballet companies will be spreading the magic of ballet at Sheffield City Hall and Sheffield Theatres, with performances of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet.

For a dancing spectacular, try one of the UK’s largest indoor entertainment venues. Sheffield Arena will be hosting Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour 2010 and a host of international and UK chart toppers, including Lady Gaga, The Stereophonics, Michael Bublé and the highly anticipated X Factor Tour. Enjoy the moment with an overnight break at Tankersley Manor, whose special overnight packages include a return taxi service to Sheffield Arena.

Theatre lovers are well catered for, with the Sheffield Lyceum or The Crucible – probably best known for hosting the annual World Snooker Championships in Sheffield city centre. A number of excellent smaller venues are located outside of the city, such as Barnsley’s Lamproom Theatre and Rotherham’s Civic Theatre.

For a truly atmospheric and authentic picture house experience, take a seat at Penistone’s Paramount Cinema, and be transported to a time when going to movies was a real occasion.

New Year Recovery

Start the New Year with a little TLC and avoid the post Christmas blues with a detox or pampering treat – the perfect girlie get-together or surprise to indulge your partner. Housed in the original ‘Glossop Road Baths’, which date back to 1836, Spa & Hair 1877 elegantly combines Victorian architecture with modern technology and offers a haven of tranquillity and calm.

Many hotels in the region have their own spa and leisure facilities, so you can be pampered without even leaving your sanctuary! Rotherham is home to the striking 17th century Hellaby Hall Hotel. With period architecture and a beautiful setting this four star property offers a Winter Package, to help you unwind with a three night break and full use of the spa facilities.

For a girly getaway, head to Tankersley Manor in Barnsley. Their luxurious Every Girls Dream Weekend Package combines spa treatments with a hassle-free shopping experience at Meadowhall Shopping Centre. Or avoid the crowds altogether and unwind with their relaxing Spa Break.

Enjoy a little ‘me’ time with at the luxury 4 star Mercure St Paul’s Hotel and Spa. Try their Spa Package and relax in the facilities which include a thermal spa, pool, relaxation room. This offer also includes a spa treatment and much more.

Romantic Retreats

For a little quiet time, why not treat you and your loved one to a romantic retreat. Try a chic or quirky hotel or self catering cottages, with cosy log fires.

Smallshaw Farm Cottages offer converted barns for 2-5 people on their 700 acre working dairy farm. Exposed beams and stonework retain the original character and the additional onsite facilities – Arctic Summit Spa and Finnish Barbeque House, are perfect for that special Valentine’s Day break.

Fishlake Mill in Doncaster offers a unique romantic getaway. This converted corn mill comes complete with luxurious furnishings, quirky charm, an outdoor hot tub. And with room for six, it’s great if you need to bring the family along or want to get a group together.

Put your feet up, with a break at one of the hotels across the Yorkshire South region. In the hidden gem of Bawtry, just outside of Doncaster lies The Crown Hotel. Their Love Sweet Love Package comes complete with Champagne, massage oils and strawberries to woo your loved one.

Get closer to nature with 18th century Aston Hall, whose historic features and luxuriously stylish rooms are located on the doorstep of The Peak District National Park. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with live jazz, a three course dinner and special bedroom packages.

For pure indulgence, enjoy a Champagne Breakfast in Bed at The Leopold Hotel as part of their Love & Luxury Offer during the Valentine’s Day weekend.

Cure ‘Blue Monday’ with a hop across the Solent to the isle of wight

The Christmas turkey is long since gone, the long heralded ‘big chill’ is well underway and the New Year’s resolutions have all bitten the dust. Yes, Blue Monday – Monday 25th January – is just around the corner. Described by psychologists as the most depressing day of the year, Blue Monday is when most people are expected to rant, rave, whine and cry more than any other time. Leading cross-Solent ferry operator, Wightlink (0871 376 0013 www.wightlink.co.uk) suggests banishing any gloomy thoughts with a getaway to the sub-tropical south coast of the isle of wight, where the climate is milder, and has come up with a trio of suggestions, all under £100 for a one-night ferry-inclusive stay.

Enjoy a romantic getaway in one of the seven exclusive rooms at The Hambrough, a smart boutique hotel facing the sea in Ventnor. For the ultimate Blue Monday break, stay in one of the most luxurious rooms with a large balcony boasting 180 degree views of Ventnor Bay and the coastline. Departing on Monday 25th January, an overnight stay at The Hambrough costs from £93 per person including breakfast and Wightlink ferry crossings.

Alternatively, stay at The Wellington Hotel in Ventnor, which also offers views over the bay from its sea view rooms. The modern, minimalist hotel is a triumph of designer-style meets isle of wight quirkiness and is ideal for curing any lingering post-Christmas blues. An overnight stay in a super deluxe room, with balcony, at The Wellington Hotel on Monday 25th January costs from £77 per person including breakfast and Wightlink ferry crossings.

For the ultimate rural retreat, Blue Monday sufferers should head slightly inland to Gotten Manor. Located in deepest countryside in a sheltered hollow at the foot of St Catherine’s Down, its rooms are traditionally decorated with polished wooden floors and individual touches – fresh flowers, candles, and flowing muslin drapes around huge claw foot iron baths. A one-night B&B break at Gotten Manor on Monday 25th January costs from £60.50 per person including Wightlink ferry crossings.

Why not banish those January blues at Fishmore Hall in Ludlow, Shropshire this winter by taking advantage of their fabulous buy one get one free offer on any dinner, bed and breakfast package.

Throughout January, Fishmore Hall will be offering everyone the opportunity to get over the indulgence of Christmas and New Year and start 2010 with two revitalising getaways for the price of one.

Located in the heart of the foodie hotspot of Ludlow the privately owned Georgian Boutique hotel offers guests a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of country walks on the doorstep, the perfect setting to start the New Year in style.

With stunning views across the beautiful snowy Shropshire countryside the hotel offers guests 15 intimate contemporary-styled bedrooms all with superb bathrooms. The hotel also features an award winning restaurant which prides itself on featuring seasonal, locally – sourced produce.

Fishmore Hall’s January sale offers guests a choice of any bed and breakfast or dinner bed and breakfast packages and must be taken on consecutive dates.

The price of a standard double, bed and breakfast room starts from £140. A standard double room with dinner bed and breakfast starts from £230.

Enjoy a relaxing spa-break for less; book a holiday home in a spa town or resort

The holidays are over, the weather looks bleak, spirits are low and purse-strings are tight. However, thanks to HomeAway Holiday-Rentals you can beat the winter blues and pamper yourself with a relaxing spa holiday, without breaking the budget. On www.HomeAway.co.uk you can find some great late deals on holiday homes near spa facilities, towns or resorts, which provide a much cheaper alternative to pricey spa hotels.

We all know the Christmas holidays can often break the bank and the return to work can be depressing. So why not ease your muscles, restore your mind and forget the pressures of everyday life with a relaxing spa break. Spa breaks aren’t just for the girls either; while the ladies enjoy long days of absolute pampering, the men can nip off for a round of golf, some skiing or simply a pleasant, contemplative stroll. Many properties are within easy access of plenty of other activities, so no matter if you want relaxation or adventure, there’s a holiday home to suit.

Below are details of a great value apartment in Costa del Sol and luxury villa in the Bahamas which are currently running late special offers, as well as two other budget rentals near spa facilities in Switzerland and Budapest. For more, browse over 200 holiday homes near spa facilities on HomeAway Holiday-Rentals.

NB: Prices quoted are per property per week and all still had good availability at time of going to press.

CARIBBEAN
Luxury villa at exclusive 5 star ocean front resort in Bahamas
Special Offer: Complimentary golf and spa treatments
3 BEDROOMS, SLEEPS 7
www.homeaway.co.uk/p259760 – This new, luxury villa is located in a newly completed resort, ‘Grand Isle Resort and Spa’, located at the highest point overlooking Emerald Bay, a spectacular stretch of white sand beach and turquoise water that stretches for over 1 mile. The property features three spacious bedrooms, an entertainment room and a heated large pool. A new full service ‘Sea Star Spa’ has just opened at Grand Isle and has earned rave reviews.
From £1,543 per week

SPAIN
A selection of beautiful apartments near spa facilities, Costa del Sol
Special Offer: 10% Early booking discount (Apartment A)
www.homeaway.co.uk/p51942 – The apartments offer accommodation for one, two, four or up to eight people who are holidaying together but who also wish some privacy. Each apartment has: one bedroom with twin beds, a spacious and beautifully appointed shower-room, a fully equipped kitchen area, lounge with a sofabed, and a large balcony which catches the sun all afternoon. They are located at Sol Andalusi, which offers superb services matching a superior hotel. There is a bar, restaurant, spa, gym, tennis, yoga, indoor and outdoor pool, cinema, theatre, small supermarket and maid service.
Prices ranging from £264 per week for a 1-bedroom apartment to £527 per week for a 2-bedroom apartment

SWITZERLAND
Cosy traditional Swiss chalet in spa resort, Ovronnaz
3 BEDROOMS, SLEEPS 6
www.homeaway.co.uk/p54326 – This traditional chalet is situated in a fantastic ski and spa resort, perched high in the Valais. It is in a fabulous position with uninterrupted mountain views. The interior is warm and inviting: upstairs – a lovely open fire in the lounge area, a spacious dining area, a luxury fitted kitchen, guest toilet and a super sun lounge – surrounded by a South and East facing terrace, perfect for lounging or eating outside.
From £500 per week

HUNGARY
Spacious, comfortable apartment in the heart of Budapest
2 BEDROOMS, SLEEPS 6
www.homeaway.co.uk/p424795 – Situated in a quiet but central street in popular District 6, this apartment is the perfect base from which to explore this amazing city. The apartment building is attractive and traditional, with lots of character. This is very comfortable accommodation for four people, with an additional sofa bed in the living room providing extra sleeping for up to 6 people. The apartment is well-equipped to provide you with a relaxing holiday, with a large kitchen/dining area and a light and spacious living room with cable TV, DVD player and free WIFI internet access.
From £318 per week

The tourist boards of Finland, Iceland and Estonia are holding their first joint travel trade Workshop on 10th February 2010, which will take place at the HAC Armoury House in City Road, London. Representatives from UK tour operators, travel and incentive agencies, airlines and tour organisers and the travel press are invited to attend to meet providers of accommodation, transport/tours, attractions, destination management companies and regional and city tourist offices from each of the three countries.

Attendees will have the opportunity to pre-arrange individual 15 minute meetings with the overseas suppliers and to network with tourism partners from the three nations. A working lunch is provided and the event will take place at the historic 18th Century HAC Armoury, set in six acres of garden in the city of London, close to Moorgate tube station.

Riitta Balzar, from Visit Finland, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for representatives from UK travel companies to optimise their time by meeting tourism providers from Iceland, Finland and Estonia during the same event. We’ve had an excellent response and the event is being supported by representatives from nearly 50 organisations.”

Sigga Gróa from the Icelandic Tourist Board added: “Our nations offer complementary products and it makes sense for visitors to use this as an opportunity to network with existing contacts from one nation and meet up with new tourism providers from another. We really anticipate a great response from the UK travel industry and anticipate this will become an annual event.”

The Estonia Tourist Board, which recently appointed its first UK representative, Mary Stuart-Miller, will be represented at the event, as will Tallinn City, one of 2010’s European Capitals of Culture. Mary Stuart-Miller said: “This will be a really useful day out as it provides an opportunity to meet travel providers from three nations under one roof, without having to get on a plane.”

Have you developed a chocolate addiction over the festive season? If you have over indulged in one too many selection boxes over Christmas, you’re not alone – feel better by meeting like-minded chocolate lovers at Canvas Holidays’ new Chocoholics Anonymous sessions.

The fun sessions, aimed at teens, involve a series of challenges that test even the most die-hard chocolate fan including a mastermind-style on the spot quiz about chocolates and sweets, a marshmallow eating contest and a chocolate biscuit design competition.

Chocoholics Anonymous is available as part of Canvas Holidays’ dynamic FamilyExtra activity programme, expanded to eight sites across France and Italy for 2010. Other activities include the innovative Waterwalkerz, which allow you to walk on water, raft building, archery, circus workshops, canoeing and BMX biking.

Canvas Holidays is offering seven nights at FamilyExtra site Camping la Croix du Vieux Pont, Berny Rivière, France from £277 per family (including £100 special ‘tent’ discount) based on arrivals onsite 28th June 2010. Price includes accommodation for two adults and up to four children in a fully-equipped Canvas Maxi tent and return midweek ferry crossing for a car and passengers.

If your New Year resolution is ‘to keep fit and active’, don’t keep your resolutions to yourself – make it a family action plan!

All those mince pies, turkey and chocolates – and too many hours spent watching Christmas films and playing new computer games could well have piled the pounds on your kids as well, so now’s the time to factor fitness into their new year plans too.

Haven Holidays are running Fun & Fitness breaks at its UK family holiday parks on selected dates in 2010. These NEW breaks feature fun exercise and activities for under 5’s – with Wake and Shake sessions, Water Confidence sessions in the pool with instructors trained by the Swimming Teachers Association; Mini-Fencing, Tri-golf and Mini Archery. And children’s favourite Rory the Tiger will be championing Sporty Rory’s Sports Day (make sure you’ve trained up for the parents race!).

Haven’s Learn2Swim programme helped 40,000 people learn to swim in 2009 and this year it’s free at all the parks!

Special appearances will be made by two British Gymnastic Champions and Olympic hopefuls – Keziah Gore and Francesca Jones – at selected parks and dates (check the brochure or the website for details). Children will be able to see the gymnasts perform close up, talk to them for hints and tips….and there’s a Letterland Treasure Hunt with a free gift from Letterland as well!

Regular tot-friendly entertainment on the agenda of all the fun & Fitness breaks includes Annabel’s Creative Kitchen, Little Cubs Kids’ club sessions and character shows on stage with Rory the Tiger and friends.

These breaks are aimed at parents with toddlers so no need to despair and apologise as your little one runs around – they’re encouraged to let off steam! And, when the tinies have finally given up in exhaustion you can always let them drop off to sleep in their buggies whilst you enjoy the evening shows – you won’t be the only family with a sleeping toddler out past bedtime!

But if you’re keen to keep your child fit and active all year round then make sure your local pre-school has signed up to Haven’s Fun & Fitness giveaway scheme that gives them FREE sports equipment worth up to £250. Pre-schools simply register on www.havenfunfitness.com and encourage parents to pledge their support on the website. If 70% of parents sign up the school receives a pack of sports equipment – and if all the parents sign up they receive a bonus item as well. Easy – you don’t even have to make a purchase or collect vouchers!

Four night Fun & Fitness breaks take place at all 35 Haven parks in 2010 on Monday 19th April, Monday 28th June and Monday 27th September and Monday 11th October. Prices start from less than £200 for a family of four including all the extra activities.

The Great Victoria hotel in Bradford recently held a Wedding Competition with a difference.From over 200 entries a short list of 10 couples was drawn up.Judges amongst the hotel group staff then chose their three favourite couples. A ballot paper and a banner was then created and people of Bradford were invited to vote.

Rebecca Foulds the Sales Manager of Great Victoria explained. “We knew we were coming up to the Christmas party season and lots of guests would enjoy making a choice when they visited the hotel for parties, but we also felt it was important to go around the town and get the views of the general public. We canvassed in the street and left ballot papers in supermarket and department store canteens”.

The winners were announced in time for Christmas and they have chosen an October wedding.

Voters also had to decide whether the couple had a “Reet Yorkshire Doo” or a traditional wedding breakfast and the traditional menu won the vote.
Michael Ramsden and Nicole Mann’s story of their wedding proposal in Mexico and their encounter with Hurricane Wilma won over the public and led to them being picked as Bradford’s popular choice.
Michael and Nicole win a Wedding reception, luxury bedroom and flowers courtesy of the Great Victoria. They will also receive:
A wedding dress from Pronuptia in Leeds
Wedding stationery from Design Boutique
A cake from Country Cakes
Photography from Phil Barber Photography
Wedding hair from Toni and Guy in Bradford.
Nicole said “We are over the moon and so excited”

Its only the first few days of the New Year and already easyJet have brought Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) and the region’s holidaymakers some great news to help with the ‘post Christmas blues’. The airline has today announced that they will be adding two further routes to their network from JLA for next Summer, with twice weekly services to the popular Turkish holiday resort of Bodrum and the Greek island of Rhodes.

These latest additions to their JLA operations follows the recent news that the airline will be basing their tenth aircraft at the airport which is already set to operate new services to Malta next Summer too.

easyJet now offers a choice of 25 European destinations from JLA, with both Bodrum and Rhodes being the first scheduled destinations from JLA to Turkey and Greece.

Both routes are expected to be popular with the region’s holidaymakers. Bodrum will bring a bit of ‘Turkish Delight’ for passengers and is a lively destination and a gateway to a variety of smaller picturesque resorts with golden sandy beeches further along the peninsula. Whilst Rhodes is the largest and the Capital of the Dodecanese Islands, famed for its historic sights and rich and varied landscape.

Robin Tudor, Head of PR for Peel Airports added, “In this post festive season period, you could say news about flights to Bodrum from JLA, are one bit of Turkey you won’t be fed up with in the New Year and we expect seats on these flights to be ‘gobbled’ up fast!

To see both a Turkish and a Greek holiday destination served from Liverpool by easyJet is further great news for the region’s holidaymakers. We believe that the market for low cost flights to such popular Summer Sun destinations will mean these routes are likely to be an instant success. easyJet’s latest addition to their fleet here at JLA, will give the region’s passengers more destinations to choose from than ever before.”

Trevor Spinks, easyJet’s Marketing Manager for the North West commented,

“Don’t let the post Christmas blues get you down, start planning your escape to the sun now. The new easyJet routes to Bodrum and Rhodes will give the people of the North West the opportunity to explore these beautiful and historic destinations, at our famously low fares next summer.”

Flights to Bodrum commence on 11 June 2010, with fares from £26.99 one way (£51.98 return).and flights to Rhodes commence on 12 June 2010, with fares from £26.99 one way (£58.98 return). Both are on sale now at www.easyJet.com