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

- AirTran Airways Tracks Santa’s Travels-ORLANDO, Fla., Dec 24, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), is pleased to present its second of three Satellite-based Aviation Navigational Tracking Apparatus (S.A.N.T.A.) reports. The following information regarding Santa Claus’ international flight is based on data from AirTran Airways’ System Operations Control (SOC) center in Orlando:

– After briefly losing Santa on the radar, an eyewitness account confirmed

that Santa met up with the Tooth Fairy for a quick bite in Germany,

where startled fellow patrons overheard him receive a lecture on his

cookie habit. With a new toothbrush and floss in tow, Santa continued

westward.

– A short time later, Santa was spotted taking a tourist detour in Paris

and wandering through the Louvre, fanny pack attached and camera in

hand.

– Analysis of satellite patterns show that Santa’s team of reindeer showed

off their precision flying by performing a geometrically perfect figure

eight around Big Ben before rocketing out of London.

– “The Claus” was last seen over the South Atlantic Ocean on his way to

Brazil.

The UK’s ultimate indoor Christmas attraction, Santa’s Magical Kingdom, at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood, has opened to rave reviews from both visitors and attraction experts. Organisers were delighted that the decision to open an indoor attraction has proved a winning formula in the light of the heavy rainfall and high winds which are currently sweeping the country.

Over 1 million lights have been used to create the amazing Christmas scenes which use special effects and animatronics to wow visitors.

Experts from the attraction industry were full of praise for the new attraction and John Wardley, who is renowned for his breathtaking designs at Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures said, “I was absolutely blown-away by the sheer quality, scale and spectacle of Santa’s Magical Kingdom, made even more impressive by the fact that it is all under cover! For young families to be able to experience such a huge magical adventure without trudging through mud and cold is unique.”

Previous Chairman and CEO of the Tussauds Group Michael Jolly MBE, also said, “The scale of this attraction will make any child’s Christmas truly memorable, Santa has really arrived at The Hop Farm.”

Testimonials from visitors can be viewed on Santa’s Magical Kingdom website.

Open between 14 November and 24 December, Santa’s Magical Kingdom is a spectacular Christmas event full of amazing winter scenes which create an intimate atmosphere, with a surprise around every corner. The experience starts with a train ride to the kingdom. Once inside the journey takes you into a world full of surprises as you marvel at Christmas scenes created with some amazing special effects and impressive animatronics.

Children can write letters to Santa in his post office and watch as their letters are whisked away up the chimney. After walking past the elves workshops (don’t forget to press the buttons to see everyone working), see real reindeer, enjoy time making arts and crafts in Mother Christmas’ craft workshop and walk through beautiful winter scenes including the north pole and the forest of light areas. After the magic and puppet show you have to knock on the locked doors to gain entrance to the spectacular Magical Kingdom, the last stop before a private meeting with Santa in his study. At the end of your visit, a present for each child will come tumbling down Santa’s chimney. Tickets to the Kingdom also include a thrilling 45-minute interactive circus pantomime show.

There is also free entry into the Hop Farm during the event and tickets can be purchased for ice skating and rides which include a full size Victorian Carousel.

Esprit holidays are offering three night holidays to Lapland, flying from Gatwick and Manchester throughout December, inclusive of a private visit to see Santa, reindeer sleigh and husky dog sled rides, accomodation, flights and transfers for £899 for one adult and one children for £899 or from £1699 for a family of four.

5th December: one adult and one child £999, MANCHESTER

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Manchester on 5th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Tunturi for £999 for one adult and one child, with free use of the Holiday Club leisure centre, or at the Hotel Holiday club with its pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas £1099 for one adult and one child.

All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

6th December : Family of four £1699 GATWICK

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Gatwick on 6th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Tunturi for £1699 for a family of three, with free use of the Holiday Club leisure centre, or 3 nights at the Hotel Holiday club with its pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas for £1699 for a family of four. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

7th December : Family of three or four, £1699 GATWICK

Esprit holidays is offering holidays to Lapland’s `Santa Claus capital’, Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle with its Joulukka’ Christmas Adventure Forest and lakeside Christmas Control Centre. Departing from Gatwick on 7th December 3 nights / 4 days for a family (three or four people) costs £1699, with b&b accommodation at the high quality Sky Hotel, or £1799 for a family stay at the Ounsasvaara cabins. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

10th December : one adult and one child £899, MANCHESTER

Spend 2 nights / 3 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Manchester on 10th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Holiday club with its indoor pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas for £899 for a family of four. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

10th & 12th December : one adult and one child, £999 GATWICK

Esprit holidays is offering holidays to Lapland’s `Santa Claus capital’, Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle with its Joulukka’ Christmas Adventure Forest and lakeside Christmas Control Centre. Departing from Gatwick on 10th & 12th December 2 nights / 3 days for one adult and one child costs £999, with b&b accommodation at the high quality Sky Hotel. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

13th December : Family of four £1999 GATWICK

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Gatwick on 13th December, with b&b accommodation at the elegant and centrally located Hotel Riekonlinna for £1999 for a family of four (£1899 for three), or 3 nights at the Hotel Holiday Club with its pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas for £2195 for a family of four (£1995 for three). All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

14th December : one adult and one child £1099, MANCHESTER

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Manchester on 14th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Kieppi in the village centre for £1099 for one adult and one child. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

21st December : one adult and one child, £1199 GATWICK

Esprit holidays is offering holidays to Lapland’s `Santa Claus capital’, Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle with its Joulukka’ Christmas Adventure Forest and lakeside Christmas Control Centre. Departing from Gatwick on 21st December 2 nights / 3 days for one adult and one child costs £119, with b&b accommodation at the high quality Sky Hotel. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

This Christmas And New Year You Can Enjoy 6 Nights All Inclusive Ski & Snowboard Package Deals From Only £499

Outgoingski.co.uk has been striving to find the most stunning and varied ski and board resorts across Europe. Whether you are a first time snowsport enthusiast or an experienced off-piste dare devil we can help you plan and execute the perfect trip. If you’ve never experienced the exhilarating buzz of blasting down the mountain then this years festive season can not be missed, with prices lower than ever before why continue the grind when you can learn to grind?! Take your chance to experience a magical white winter Christmas and New Year surrounded by roaring log fires and delicious traditional cuisine. Santa Claus himself would be happy tethering up the reindeer, kicking off his boots and relaxing into this epic snowy retreat!

Gareth Cooper, MD of Outgoing Group explains the concept: “Outgoingski all inclusive are by far the best priced ski holidays available. They are budget, that’s clear but what they do is offer travel, ski hire, full area lift pass, tuition for any level and three fantastic meals per day in good quality central accommodation. We also have short stay (4day) options from £189 and one week packages from £369. In the current climate we offer an alternative to having to cancel the yearly, or the second ski holiday – which is better than no ski holiday at all”!

Outgoingski have been organising and executing professionally run ski and board holidays since all-in-ones and Fluro ski clothing were cool first time around! We are also responsible for other events including Snowbombing and Winter Break, the biggest and best parties you will find in the Alps. Whether you’re after a weekend shredding up the snow, a raucous trip of shambolic shenanigans or a relaxed break soaking up the culture and traditions of the locals, it’s all possible as you pick the destination, you pick the people and you tailor your trip.

Outgoingski provide the systems and expertise to take the pressure of booking and organising your trip. For more information or to book a trip visit Outgoingski.co.uk.

Take a child to see Santa in the run up to Christmas with Esprit holidays who are offering three night holidays for one adult and one children for £899 or from £1699 for a family of four, to include three nights’ accommodation, return flights, transfers, a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with the man himself, travelling by sleigh.

5th December: one adult and one child £999, MANCHESTER

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Manchester on 5th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Tunturi for £999 for one adult and one child, with free use of the Holiday Club leisure centre, or at the Hotel Holiday club with its pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas £1099 for one adult and one child. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

6th December : Family of four £1699 GATWICK

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Gatwick on 6th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Tunturi for £1699 for a family of three, with free use of the Holiday Club leisure centre, or 3 nights at the Hotel Holiday club with its pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas for £1699 for a family of four. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

7th December : Family of three or four, £1699 GATWICK

Esprit holidays is offering holidays to Lapland’s `Santa Claus capital’, Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle with its Joulukka’ Christmas Adventure Forest and lakeside Christmas Control Centre. Departing from Gatwick on 7th December 3 nights / 4 days for a family (three or four people) costs £1699, with b&b accommodation at the high quality Sky Hotel, or £1799 for a family stay at the Ounsasvaara cabins. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

10th December : one adult and one child £899, MANCHESTER

Spend 2 nights / 3 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Manchester on 10th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Holiday club with its indoor pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas for £899 for a family of four. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

10th & 12th December : one adult and one child, £999 GATWICK

Esprit holidays is offering holidays to Lapland’s `Santa Claus capital’, Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle with its Joulukka’ Christmas Adventure Forest and lakeside Christmas Control Centre. Departing from Gatwick on 10th & 12th December 2 nights / 3 days for one adult and one child costs £999, with b&b accommodation at the high quality Sky Hotel. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

13th December : Family of four £1999 GATWICK

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Gatwick on 13th December, with b&b accommodation at the elegant and centrally located Hotel Riekonlinna for £1999 for a family of four (£1899 for three), or 3 nights at the Hotel Holiday Club with its pools, chutes, slides, spa and saunas for £2195 for a family of four (£1995 for three). All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

14th December : one adult and one child £1099, MANCHESTER

Spend 3 nights / 4 days 200km north of the Arctic Circle in remote Saariselka, departing from Manchester on 14th December, with b&b accommodation at the superb Hotel Kieppi in the village centre for £1099 for one adult and one child. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

21st December : one adult and one child, £1199 GATWICK

Esprit holidays is offering holidays to Lapland’s `Santa Claus capital’, Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle with its Joulukka’ Christmas Adventure Forest and lakeside Christmas Control Centre. Departing from Gatwick on 21st December 2 nights / 3 days for one adult and one child costs £119, with b&b accommodation at the high quality Sky Hotel. All holidays include a husky dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Book with Esprit Santa’s Lapland on 01252 618300 or visit www.santaslapland.com

Frankfurt – One of the world’s leading groups of unique independent hotels, WORLDHOTELS, is pleased to present its top four Christmas destinations. To coincide with Christmas markets opening across Europe this weekend, WORLDHOTELS is offering special deals in magical destinations including Prague, Gothenburg, Vienna and Lucerne. All hotels and their Christmas offers can be booked online at worldhotels.com.

Prague, Czech Republic

With the Czech capital’s castle and Charles Bridge blanketed in snow, this is a great time to visit Prague. The Christmas markets are some of the most charming in Europe: brightly lit wooden huts sell original handicrafts, local specialties including “Trdelniks”, Czech pastries and warming mulled wine, as well as scented candles and hand-made jewellery. Visitors to Prague can choose from exclusive seasonal offers at the following WORLDHOTELS properties (all prices are per night based on two people sharing a double room): Grand Majestic Plaza from EUR 86 (approx £77); Hotel Leonardo from EUR 92 (approx £83); Art Deco Imperial Hotel from EUR 110 (approx £99); Grand Hotel Bohemia from EUR 116 (approx £105); and Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague from EUR 258 (approx £232). For more information on WORLDHOTELS properties in Prague, visit www.worldhotels.com/hotels-in-prague.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Despite the long Scandinavian nights, Gothenburg is anything but dark during the holiday season. The streets are decorated with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, creating a magical glow across the city. At the Liseberg amusement park, guests will find the largest Christmas market in Scandinavia: 80 stalls selling traditional crafts, gingerbread, and “glögg”, Swedish mulled wine. In the city centre, visitors will love the ice skating rink where skaters all wear red Santa suits. The following WORLDHOTELS properties offer special seasonal rates (all prices are per night based on two people sharing a double room): Hotel Gothia Towers from SEK 795 (approx £69); Hotell Liseberg Heden from SEK 995 (approx £86); Hotel Riverton from SEK 1,195 (approx £104); and Landvetter Airport Hotel from SEK 1,195 (approx £104).

Lucerne, Switzerland

As one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, Lucerne has a special charm during the Christmas season. Visitors should not miss the “Christkindlimarkt” which takes place in the old central railway station. The magically decorated huts offer Swiss handicrafts and culinary specialties. Children will enjoy the merry-go-round and may get a chance to meet Santa Claus, if visiting on December 6th. One of the great highlights is the Lucerne Christmas Concert on December 19th and 20th. Visitors to the city can choose from special seasonal offers at the following WORLDHOTELS properties (all prices are per night based on two people sharing a double room): Grand Hotel National from CHF 254 (approx £151); Hotel Continental-Park from CHF 255 (approx £152); and Hotel des Balances from CHF 259 (approx £155).

Vienna, Austria

One of Vienna’s main winter attractions is its “Magic of Advent” with the Christmas Market centred around City Hall. This year, it boasts over 140 stalls selling Christmas gifts and mouth-watering delicacies. Meanwhile the “Rathaus Park” near the fair is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, where visitors can enjoy a romantic Advent stroll. The following WORLDHOTELS properties offer special seasonal rates (all prices are per night based on two people sharing a double room): Hotel Bellevue from EUR 99 (approx £89); Fleming’s Hotel Wien Westbahnhof from EUR 109 (approx £98); Hotel Kummer from EUR 129 (approx £116); and Hotel de France from EUR 210 (approx £189).

For those who are looking for a special Christmas shopping experience, three WORLDHOTELS properties in Vienna offer a very special treat: former New York stylist Lucie Lamster-Thury will take guests off the beaten path to the best boutiques and give background information on the shops and the designers. The “Shopping with Lucie” package is available at Hotel Erzherzog Rainer from 298 EUR (approx £268); Hotel am Parkring from 332 EUR (approx £299) and Hotel Stefanie from 298 EUR (approx £269). The offer includes two nights accommodation, daily breakfast, Christmas menu, 2½ hours “Shopping with Lucie” tour (Thursday to Saturday only; in English language) or a ticket to a Mozart or Strauss Concert.

You can be guaranteed a white Christmas this year with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays.

You will travel 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle to the Finnish town of Ivalo and have all the snow you want and of course have the chance to meet Santa Claus!

Staying at the Hotel Ivalo on a full board basis you can also enjoy an exciting programme of Christmas activities.

The hotel has a good range of winter sports equipment such as toboggans; skis; ice skates and snow shoes. A full set of arctic thermal clothing & boots will be provided.

Other facilities include a sauna, dip pool and hot tub and you of course will be in the company of other single parent families. Adults can have some quality time on their own each afternoon when there are special movies for the children.

Departure is on 19 December from Heathrow and Manchester by scheduled Finnair flights.

Prices for the seven night stay, inclusive of breakfast, lunch & dinner, unlimited use of non motorised winter sports equipment, arctic clothing, use of sauna & dip pool and services of a Small Families host throughout the holiday are £1612 per adult and £1144 for children under 12.

For more information call 0845 9000895 or visit www.smallfamilies.co.uk or www.singleparent.travel

EXMOOR PREPARES FOR CHRISTMAS

Dunster by Candlelight Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December
Dulverton by Starlight Sunday 6 December

Festive cheer will be in plentiful supply over Exmoor during the first weekend of December as the local villagers at Dunster and Dulverton prepare for Christmas with two special events.

Dunster by Candlelight: Friday 4 – Saturday 5 December
At Dunster by Candlelight on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December the remarkably preserved medieval village turns it’s back on the present and lights its streets with candles. The event starts at 5.30pm on Friday with the Lantern Lighting Procession accompanied by pipe and drum music and tall stilt walkers in amazing costumes who put up the lanterns. It begins on the Steep and continues through the village until all the lanterns have been lit.

Throughout both evenings until around 9pm there will be a variety of street entertainment with carol singers, Morris dancers, hand bell ringers, a brass band and a large fairground organ plus concerts in the Parish Church. Dunster’s shops will be open for Christmas shopping while the local restaurants, inns and street stalls will provide refreshments.

Admission is free but there is a small charge for the park and ride service from nearby Minehead; there is no public parking in Dunster from 3pm. Visitors can also arrive at Dunster by Candlelight on a special Christmas train operated by the West Somerset Steam Railway, which runs from Bishop’s Lydeard, near Taunton to Minehead but pre-booking is essential on Tel: 01643 704996, www.wsr.org.uk.

There will be collections at Dunster by Candlelight for donations to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice.

For further details about Dunster by Candlelight visit www.dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk or call the Minehead tourist information centre on 01643 702624.

Dulverton by Starlight: Sunday 6 December
Throughout December Dulverton is transformed into a twinkling delight of white lights and Christmas trees. The village boasts a wealth of independent teashops, restaurants and tearooms, which stay open on Sunday, 6 December for the special Dulverton by Starlight festive event (12 noon-7pm).

Stroll from shop to shop, pop into one of the pubs or tearooms for some sumptuous figgy pudding, enjoy the street entertainment or join in the carol singing around the large decorated tree in Bank Square. Children can search for the sugar mice hidden in the shop windows to win a prize or visit the exhibition of Nativity scenes in the Village Hall.

Santa Claus will turn heads as his carriage arrives drawn by two Suffolk punch horses before listening to children’s Christmas wishes in his winter workshop at 2pm. Families can take a ride in his carriage with these magnificent beasts throughout the afternoon. For the more intrepid, there is a torch lit walk with an Exmoor Park Ranger after dark. Warm clothes, appropriate footwear and torches are essential but mince pies and hip flasks are optional.

The evening will close with a stunning display of white fireworks against the dramatic backdrop of the village church.

For further information about Dulverton by Starlight visit www.dulvertonbystarlight.co.uk.

More Information about Visiting Exmoor:
Further details about places to visit on Exmoor and accommodation can be found in the Exmoor Coast and Country holiday guide; for a free copy call Minehead Tourist Information Centre on 0845 166 1001; information can also be found on www.exmoor.com.

GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT IN….CYPRUS

The Christmas break here in the UK is anything but relaxing and certainly a strain on the purse strings! From huge shopping bills to family fall outs and burnt turkey, the holiday season is far from stress free! This year, why not escape the festive rush and jet off to the island of Cyprus where you can still enjoy all the traditional trimmings but this time from the comfort of the 5-star All Inclusive St Raphael Resort.

The 5-star St Raphael Resort is the perfect Christmas retreat for all the family and offers guests a traditional and exciting festive programme, guaranteed to bring you that special Christmas feeling and its All Inclusive basis means all the festivities are included in the price of your holiday! Traditional carol singing, a complimentary champagne breakfast on Christmas morning, a festive cocktail reception held for guests by the management of the hotel and a wonderful New Year’s Eve gala dinner are just a few delights on offer creating a celebratory ambience all around.

The St Raphael Resort is a wonderful hotel for children and at Christmas time, their stay is that extra bit special! The supervised mini club will have them making Christmas cards for their friends and family, they can help decorate the hotel’s wonderful Christmas tree and not forgetting the anticipated magical arrival of Santa Claus bearing gifts for those children who have been good!

Whilst the children are pre-occupied with all things festive, the adults can take advantage of the daily happy hour in the “Captains Bar” or enjoy the mulled wine and mince pies on offer on Christmas Eve. A specially prepared Christmas day gala dinner will entertain all the family with the resident band playing festive tunes. Adults who want to indulge in a pampering session can enjoy luxurious Thalgo treatments at the hotel’s spa at a special 20% discount on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The St Raphael Resort is situated on the largest sandy beach in Limassol, 11km from the town centre, and offers a wide range of facilities including; two freshwater outdoor swimming pools, The Captain’s Bar & Terrace, tennis courts, a health club and spa and delicious dining options, not forgetting the award winning (not part of the AI but a discount is granted) Sailor’s Rest Lounge Bar Restaurant. Guests can explore the hotel’s private marina or take a walk along the beachfront, perfect for an after dinner stroll.