21 cool escapes

SIMPLY THE
BEAST LET THE
DOGS DO THE
HARD WORK IN
FINLAND’S
ARCTIC
WILDERNESS Yes it’s the middle of summer, but what better time to snaffle a great bargain for the chillier months? Here are 21 brilliant ideas for those who like it hot or cold

1 Rovaniemi, Finland Average winter temperature (AWT): -6°C

From snowmobiling in the frosty twilight to dogsledding through a white forest and sitting on Santa’s lap, here are the best ways to have fun in the Arctic Circle, writes Teresa Machan

Nowhere does winter quite like Lapland. Yes, Canada and Lapland are both home to Rudolph, but only one destination lays claim to Santa Claus and that’s Rovaniemi in Finland’s Arctic Circle.

Besides doing a nice line in the bearded one, Rovaniemi’s other hard currency is snow. Make no mistake: this is snow as pure and white as the gods ladled it out. Pack a sense of adventure with your thermals because, as last winter’s ‘big chill’ served to remind us, snow is not just for skiing on – it’s about fun.

With the ingenious ‘snice’ (a snow and ice blend useful for constructing ice hotels and ice bars with), miles of frozen rivers and lakes, more huskies and reindeer than you can throw a harness at – plus the world’s greatest light show on the doorstep – you’ll think all your Christmases have arrived at once.

He da’ man

The location of his toy workshop, somewhere in Korvatunturi Fell, remains a secret, but Rovaniemi’s

role as ‘Christmas capital of the world’ was sealed in the 1950s when Santa first began greeting visitors in the Arctic Circle. In 1985 Santa opened his elf-staffed Post Office (+358 20 452 3120, santaclaus.posti.fi) along with an underground grotto here in his adopted ‘home town’. As well as the must-see Santa Claus Village (+358 16 356 2096, santaclausvillage.info) and the nearby Reindeer Park, it’s worth checking out the raft of seasonal events including the official ‘Christmas opening’ (end of November), Santa’s send-off – perfect for the kids – concerts and a Christmas market for mums and dads.

YULE GOT MAIL SEND YOUR
CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM
THE POST OFFICE RUN BY
SANTA HIMSELFThe light fantastic

Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to natural phenomena – which makes the Northern Lights even more memorable if you do see them. In Finland, where the Aurora Borealis is dubbed the ‘Fox’s Tail’, Sámi legend tells of a fox that was running across the fells when its tail hit a snow bank and threw sparks – the Northern Lights – into the heavens. This is the greatest show on Earth, however, so book ahead.

Who let the dogs out?

Baby, it’s cold out there, but it’s not hard to embrace winter when you’re chasing the long arm of the sun across a frozen lake at 120km/h or slip-sliding by husky-driven sled between the snow-mantled firs. Just the ticket for teenagers, snowmobiles and husky safaris are a great way to explore Lapland’s wilderness. Mushing (dogsledding) is easier than it looks (the dogs take care of that) but if you don’t fancy ‘driving’ yourself there’s plenty of room for passengers on the sled.

Side order of Rudolph

In a country where there are more reindeer than people, and where reindeer husbandry is umbilically tied to Sámi culture, a trot on a reindeer trap is a must. Take a romantic sleigh ride through the forest, visit a reindeer farm – where you can cross the Arctic Circle and earn yourself an international reindeer-driving licence – or warm your toes around the fire in a traditional teepee and learn about the esteemed beast from a local herdsman. Oh, and don’t get squeamish if you’re offered Rudolph on a plate – healthy and tasty, it goes down a treat with horseradish.

Nice ice, baby

A word about ice fishing: it’s not for wimps. In winter it’s still possible to catch whitefish and Arctic char – you just have to drill through the ice first which, depending on the time of year, can be doorstep thick (tip: keep hot chocolate to hand). In the spring you can lay on a reindeer pelt, catching rays, while your hand tugs gently on the bait. And if you like the sound of that, there’s always the hole-in-the-ice sauna…

Arctic playground

You’ll find the world’s only man-made iceberg, along with a plethora of ‘ice world’ derring-do, at Ice Park Finland (+358 44 297 1354, iceparkfinland. fi), next to Santa Claus Village. Along with an ice-bar and restaurant, an ice-climbing wall, a concert stage, an ice labyrinth, a skating rink, ice sauna, an ice pool, some rather impressive ice sculptures, you’ll get to chuck a penny in an ice well and try your hand at alp curling, the oldest game on ice.

DEEP FREEZE FISHING ICE
FISHING OFFERS A TASTE OF
TRADITIONAL SAMI LIFETop gear

For any blokes (or ladettes) out there with lingering Dukes of Hazzard fantasies, it doesn’t get much better than ice driving. The Arctic Lapland Rally (arcticrally.fi) takes place each January but you can follow in the tyre tracks of Finland’s legendary rally drivers on a purpose-built snow and ice-driving circuit (arcticwheels.fi), either in an icekart or race-prepared rally car. Besides flooring it, you’ll be taught about over-and under-steering, acquire useful skid control skills and hopefully come away with a whole host of hands-on tips for handling icy conditions.

Snowland

Ice hotels are a novelty factor but a drink at Snowland’s ice bar (Kajaanintie 1, +358 16 347 117, snowland.fi) followed by dinner in the igloo restaurant is a good alternative to a night on the slab, and a little more family friendly. Tuck into some of Lapland’s typical cuisine (bring an appetite for fish and reindeer) while seated at the ice table, have a go at snow sculpting and then shake your booty at the arctic disco.

2 GAMBIA

Thanks to a six-hour flight from the UK, affordable prices, zero time difference and improved hotels, Gambia is becoming an increasingly popular and ‘affordable luxe’ winter sun destination. Two years ago, a swish new Sheraton (thomascook.com) opened in Africa’s smallest country and last Christmas, Gambia received its first spa at Coco Ocean Resort & Spa (+220 44 66 500, cocoocean.com)

AWT: 32°C

3 CALGARY, CANADA

WINTER WARMERS THE
SHERATON OFFERS
AFFORABLE LUXURY IN
GAMBIA The winter Olympics may be held in Vancouver next year, but the popularity of its former home (21 years ago) as a winter sports destination hasn’t waned. Neilson Holidays (neilson.co.uk) has an all-inclusive heli-skiing package based in the powder-belt of the Selkirk and Purcell ranges of the Columbia Mountains. You’ll go in a group of four, have your own guide and will stay at the secluded Heather Mountain Lodge. Cool.

AWT: -1°C

4 MALDIVES

Katie Price proved once and for all that you don’t have to be on honeymoon to travel to the idyllic Maldives. As the destination for her getaway immediately following the split with Peter Andre, she showed that it really is the ideal destination for any escape – with kids in tow or not. Kate Moss was also there in April at luxury spa resort Huvafen Fushi (elegantresorts.co.uk).

AWT: 29°C

5 TAGHAZOUT, MOROCCO

Just 18km north of Agadir (a 40-minute drive from the airport), spearheaded by watersports enthusiasts, Taghazout (pronounced Ta-ra-zoot) is an up-and-coming hotspot. Next year, the small Berber fishing village and former hippie hangout that spans five kilometres of pristine beach will shed its surfer image when Raffles opens a luxury hotel with 165 rooms and 60 residences. It will also have an eight-hole golf course designed by David Kidd.

AWT: 22°C

6 JAMAICA

MINGLE WITH – AND UNDER
– THE STARS AT HUVAFEN
FUSHI IN THE MALDIVESOne of this year’s most ambitious BBC projects will be the two-part drama, Small Island, based on Andrea Levy’s acclaimed novel, which is partially filmed in Jamaica. Starring Naomie Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean, Poppy Shakespeare) and Ashley Walters (of So Solid Crew), the post-war story is of a woman who takes in Jamaican lodgers, one of who joins the RAF to fight against Hitler. The island is also welcoming a few new resorts, including Secrets Montego Bay (thomascook.com).

AWT: 28°C

7 FUERTEVENTURA, CANARY ISLANDS

For a completely different take on the island, Cool Runnings (+34 928 547 513, freewebs.com/fuertetrikes) can organise for you to drive or be chauffeured in a motorised trike. Explore the coast from Caleta de Fuste or Corralejo to the lighthouse at Faro de la Entallada and mighty Tindaya Mountain. Stop to feed chipmunks and visit the loggerhead turtle conservation project at Morre Jable.

AWT: 21°C

8 LAS VEGAS

If you’re looking for an incentive beyond the fabulous restaurants, nightclubs and, of course, casinos, Cher will be singing highlights from her 40-year career as part of her show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace till December. Fellow diva Bette Midler also continues her stint in The Showgirl Must Go On.

AWT: 19°C

9 SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT

THE BOLD AND THE
BEAUTIFUL INNSBRUCK’S
SCI-fi STYLED MOUNTAIN
RAILWAYThe Red Sea ticks all the winter hotspot boxes – a flight time under five hours, temperatures in the 20s (even over winter), and no rain. And from December, the five-star Jaz Bab El Shams (thomascook.com) opens its deluxe doors on the tranquil shores of Nabq Bay. But if you feel the need to paint the town red, Na’ama Bay is only a 10-minute taxi ride away.

AWT: 24°C

10 GOA, INDIA

India’s smallest state attracts 2.5 million tourists every year with its bohemian beaches but the latest attraction? A weekly picnic cruise to a spice garden introduced for locals (+91 0832 243 6666) but now available to tourists. Every Sunday morning, a cruise departs Santa Monica Jetty, passing lush mangroves and colourful temples to a plantation of spices, fruits, exotic trees and medicinal herbs. The £10 charge also includes a traditional alfresco Goan lunch.

AWT: 33°C

11 INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA

Even non-skiers can get in on the log-fire winter fun in Innsbruck thanks to the futuristic Hungerburgbahn funicular, for which Zaha Hadid designed four snazzy stations. It takes you from the heart of the city up 2,256m into the Nordkette Mountains in just 20 minutes. Kids will also love Alpenzoo, Europe’s highest zoo, while skiers, snowboarders, hikers and naturists can make the most of the alpine terrain and panoramic views. (nordpark.com).

AWT: 4°C

12 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The DR has the same glistening blue waters, golden sand beaches and Caribbean sunshine as its A-list counterparts, St Barts and Antigua, but without the premium. From 15 January to 15 March you can spot wildlife too, as humpback whales migrate in their masses from the North Atlantic. Samana Bay is the best vantage point, but base yourself in the stylish Punta Cana, which is only a three-hour drive away.

AWT: 28°C

13 LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS

Want to learn to dive (affordably) on holiday? Safari Diving (+34 928 511 992, safaridiving.com) at Playa de la Barrilla in Puerto del Carman will take you to striking coral reefs and haunting shipwrecks. Advanced divers can check out The Cathedral, part of an extensive network of underwater caves formed by the archipelago’s volcanic origins.

AWT: 20°C

14 BANSKO, BULGARIA

GOA’S HIPPIE-CHIC BEACHESBulgaria – and Bansko in particular – is where you’ll get serious value for your ski money – the price of all passes came down by 20% in April. The resort hosted the Ski World Cup earlier in the year, and also has one of the longest ski seasons (15 December to 15 May). It’s perfect territory for first-timers, though those who are more confident might like to try a spot of night-time or cross-country skiing. Neilson Holidays offer packages from £342 (neilson.co.uk). AWT: 5°C

15 TURIN, ITALY

The former World Capital of Design is a serious contender for an alternative (and affordable) city break, especially for foodies. Turin apparently has the most cafés per capita and pioneered the Slow Food movement. For a real Turin tradition, try an aperitivo buffet, and nibble on canapés over a Martini Rosso at Caffe San Carlo (Piazza San Carlo 156, +39 11 532 586), a local institution.

AWT: 8°C

16 TUNISIA

Africa’s northernmost country is shrugging off its rep as Morocco’s poorer cousin partly by embracing golf. Last July, The Residence (www.theresidence. com) added a top-notch course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. There are also courses on the east coast: El Kantaoui Golf (elkantaouigolf. com) with its two hillside 18-hole courses; Sea Course which stretches from the beach to the hills and the Panorama Course which starts in the hills and winds its way through the residential district of the Port El Kantaoui. And the coastal resort of Hammamet, where you’ll find Golf Citrus (golfcitrus.com) and Yasmine Golf (golfyasmine.com) clubs.

AWT: 18°C

17 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

DIFFERENT STROKES THE
STRIKING NEW GOLF COURSE
AT THE RESIDENCE IN TUNISIALanzarote’s Ashtanga Yoga Canarias (Calles Luis Morote 59, +34 616 084 564, ashtangacanarias.com) has opened an offshoot in Las Palmas. Retreat to the adult-only Hotel Iberostar Costa Canaria (thomascook. com) and if you still can’t align your chakras, their Thai-inspired Zen SPAce should help.

AWT: 21°C

18 KENYA

Since last year, the classic safari adventure and beach combo has been more affordable. July to September is when the tourist crowds mimic the wildebeests and migrate in their hoards, but go slightly off peak in November and you can see it all in reverse as they head back to the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. And the weather’s just as balmy on Mombasa’s coast (tcsignature.com).

AWT: 25°C

19 LAS PALMAS, GRAN CANARIA

Lanzarote’s Ashtanga Yoga Canarias (Calles Luis Morote 59, +34 616 084 564, ashtangacanarias.com) has opened an offshoot in Las Palmas. Retreat to the adult-only Hotel Iberostar Costa Canaria (thomascook. com) and if you still can’t align your chakras, their Thai-inspired Zen SPAce should help.

AWT: 21°C

20 FUNCHAL, MADEIRA

OLD WORLD CHARM OF
MALTA’S CAPITAL,
VALLETTANo wonder Cristiano Ronaldo returns to his hometown for time out, as Funchal is placing a greater emphasis on its spa offerings. The SPA at The Cliff Bay (Estrada Monumental 147, +351 291 707 700) is a good starting point for a full body salt and oil scrub, which preps skin pre-sunbathing. Or for an intoxicating experience, head to The Vine Hotel (Rue Dos Aranhas 27, +351 291 009 000) for a vinotherapy treatment.

AWT: 18°C

21 MALTA

First, a little secret. Agora – the big-budget movie set in Roman Egypt and due for release at the end of the year with Rachel Weisz – is actually shot in Malta. Its ever-clement weather and beautifully preserved architecture has equally made it an ideal backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters such as Troy, Alexander and Gladiator. Malta’s compact and charming 16th-century capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO-protected site and the perfect start to any historical tour of the island.

AWT: 17°C

GETTING THERE

For more about these destination visit your local Thomas Cook or Going Places store, call +44 (0)844 412 5966, visit thomascook.com or tune in to Thomas Cook TV on Sky channel 655

Thomas Cook Travel

21 cool escapes