By Sheriden Rhodes
Just because you are not home at Christmas it doesn't mean you can't join in on the festivities and the fun.
Llangoed Hall, Wales
A celebration of Welsh countryside and Edwardian architecture, Llangoed Hall is a striking Jacobean mansion that looks across a valley to the snow capped Black Mountains. Hunter Wellingtons, favoured by the Royal family, are lined up in the entrance hall for guests to use around the 15-acre estate. Formerly owned by the Ashley family of fashion-textile fame, the 23-room Welsh country house offers a quintessential British Christmas with fireside carols by a male choir, Champagne reception, followed by a four-course dinner on Christmas Eve. There's an optional trip to a local church for midnight mass followed by warm glass of mulled wine and mince pies for supper. A six-course lunch is served on Christmas day while Boxing Day features clay pigeon shooting, Winter Pimms and Christmas cake. From £750. See llangoedhall.co.uk
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The snow blanketed village of Whistler with its rainbow of Christmas lights twinkling from every tree and rooftop, comes into its own during the festive season and no hotel does it better than the Fairmont Chateau. Located at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, the ski in ski out resort in the upper village features rustic Canadian antiques and roaring fireplaces, while at Christmas the lobby is graced with a life size gingerbread house, soaring Christmas trees and wreaths adorned with fairy lights. There will be candy apple decorating, Santa, Christmas Eve church service and bedtime stories with Mrs Claus. You can even order a Christmas tree for your room, complete with ornaments and lights. From CA$746 per night.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Hong Kong's beloved grand dame pulls out all the bells and whistles at Christmas. This iconic 1928 hotel features 300 rooms, a fleet of Rolls Royces and six restaurants include the Philippe Starck-designed Felix on the 28th floor. At Christmas the foyer features towering Christmas trees, while the exterior sparkles with twinkling silver lights. There will be festive high teas with male choirs, a Christmas night market with the waft of glühwein and freshly-baked gingerbread, a black tie Christmas eve dinner, charity events, seasonal menus and cocktails at the hotel's signature restaurants and bars, gingerbread house workshops and of course Santa Claus. Superior rooms start from HK$5038 per night. See hongkong.peninsula.com.
Four Seasons Resort, Bali
Swap in-law tension for the calm serenity of the Four Seasons Resort Bali overlooking tranquil Jimbaran Bay. There are 146 Balinese-style villas with marble floors and plunge pools, while across the road, in a separate gated complex are nine swish, two-to four-bedroom residences, with private swimming pool, library, sunken lounges overlooking lily ponds, enormous bathrooms, 24-hour butler service, beach access and more. Christmas menus feature in all the resort's restaurants, while carols, Santa and traditional tree lighting are also on offer. A one bedroom villa starts from US$1184 ++ a night. See fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay
Home Ranch, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Southwest hospitality, cowboys, sleigh rides and haute mountain cuisine are all on offer at the Home Ranch in the Elk River Valley – one of the last Alpine ranching valleys in the American West. At Christmas the luxe ranch with rustic snow topped cabins or cosy lodge rooms offers outdoor pursuits like snowshoeing and cross country skiing on 30 km of groomed trails, horseback riding, private hot tubs, sledding and festive meals by executive chef Clyde Nelson. Traverse the peaceful backcountry trails before gathering around a blazing fire with a local ale to enjoy some live country and western music. From US$731 per night. See homeranch.com
Arajilla, Lord Howe Island
Ease into island mode far from the Christmas crowds at the chic Asian inspired Arajilla on the pristine Lord Howe Island. With few cars, a maximum speed limit of 25 kilometres per hour, no high rises and limited mobile phone coverage; you're immediately transported back to carefree Christmas holidays of childhood where days stretched on forever. Check in to one of Arajilla's 12 suites (the Banyan suites have recently been refurbished) tucked among a lush forest of kentia palms and ancient banyan trees. You can use one of the resort's free bicycles (the island's main mode of transport) or catch a fish and the chef will cook it for you. On Christmas Day enjoy a lunch hamper of cold prawns, ham, turkey, traditional mince pies and handmade chocolate while dinner is a six-course menu featuring local produce and fresh seafood. A Kentia Suite is priced from $650 (all inclusive) per person twin share, per night. See arajilla.com.au
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