Five fab Christmas and New Year getaways

Beat the winter blues and give yourself the gift of adventure this festive season with an awesome Avani getaway. Tempted? Here are some incredible escapes to get you in the holiday spirit.

Thailand – Tropical thrills, epic chills

Sandals. Check. Singlet. Check. Elephant pants. Also check. When it comes to winter getaways, it doesn’t get much better than Thailand. And while you may be tempted to head straight for the tropical palm-fringed islands, we recommend you check out the festive vibes in Bangkok first. Hop on a tuk-tuk and take in the aromas of street food and incense. Stock up on Christmas gifts in swanky malls or bustling street markets (Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must). Then party all night at one of the city’s legendary rooftop venues.

Next up: the islands. We recommend you hop on a short flight to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui. Think Christmas celebrations under swaying palms. Crystal clear waters. Endless hammock time. And fun-filled adventures around the island, from exploring the lush interior to snorkelling the vibrant offshore reefs. And if you feel like a change of scene, Koh Phangan (party island) and Koh Tao (more parties, great diving) are just a boat ride away.

Where to stay: In Bangkok, enjoy epic views of the Chao Phraya River at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel or stay in the heart of the action at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel. For your tropical island stay, Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club puts you slap bang in the middle of Chaweng Beach – Koh Samui’s party central. Or if you’re looking for something more chilled, we recommend Avani+ Samui Resort on the sleepy south-west coast of the island.

Dubai – Sparkling city escapes

For a festive celebration to rival the rest, stave off the winter blues in iconic Dubai style. Cool down with a visit to Ski Dubai, a winter wonderland in the heart of the desert. Fuel your festive fire along the Dubai Marina where high-class restaurants rub shoulders with authentic street food stalls, or shop for gifts at a pop-up Christmas market. And if you want to extend your stay into 2024 – with opulent firework displays, top notch food choices and an amazing clubbing scene – there are options to satisfy every resolution this New Year’s. Dubai abounds with things to see and do for those who wish to embrace the festive spirit by the Gulf.

Where to stay: Give yourself the gift of glam this year at one of our stylish Dubai hotels – Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites, Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel and Avani Deira Dubai Hotels.

Lisbon – Charm central

Always a wonderful place to visit, Lisbon really dials up the charm over the festive season. Picture cute cobblestone streets. Vintage trams bedecked with twinkling lights. And one of the biggest Christmas trees to be found anywhere in Europe.

This isn’t just a Christmas getaway; it’s an immersion into the heartwarming magic of Lisbon. Snap some pics, grab a winter-warmer in the city’s oldest café, Martinho da Arcada, and ride up the elevator to view the majesty of Lisbon from the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta. For some last-minute gift shopping, the Rossio Square Christmas Market is well worth checking out. Stock up on stocking fillers or discover artisan products and regional wares that friends and family will love. This is a holiday escape that will linger in your memories long after the last strand of tinsel has been packed away.

Where to stay: Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel is situated right in the heart of the action. Cosy up in this urban oasis or use it as a base for festive adventures; the city of Lisbon is right at your fingertips.

Victoria Falls – Winter in the wild

Victoria Falls during the holiday season has something for everyone. For adventure junkies it’s a dream come true, with white-water rafting on the Zambezi, bungee jumping, canoeing and microlight flying above the falls. If you’re into wildlife, a river cruise offers a relaxed way to check out the region’s diverse animal life. Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, a safari excursion in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a must.

For those looking for more laid-back vibes – spending lazy days with loved ones, unwrapping presents and savouring seasonal treats – it’s the perfect spot for that too. It is the holiday season after all.

Where to stay: Avani Victoria Falls Resort, located just steps from Victoria Falls, has a celebratory festive season holiday programme filled with sparkling experiences for the whole family. Plus, you get full unlimited access to the falls throughout your stay.

Maldives – Celebrate in paradise

The Maldives transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. You’ve got all the wonders of the Maldives – crystal-clear turquoise waters, incredible snorkelling and diving, breathtaking natural beauty – plus a healthy dose of festive cheer on top. Think palm-fringed beaches decked in twinkling lights, endless festive activities for kids, and sparkling celebrations that go long into the night. You never know – Santa might even make an appearance. This isn’t just a winter getaway; it’s a plunge into a tropical utopia where Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are as vibrant as the reefs beneath the surface.

Where to stay: For those who want to experience the natural beauty of the Maldives at its most spectacular, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is the place to be. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s got its own house reef and easy access to the atoll’s best dive sites. It also has an incredible programme of activities and celebrations for Christmas and the New Year.