Christmas Holidays

City sun

Marrakech

Fly to Marrakech spending enough time in the city to explore the intimate souks, incredible food and aromatic teas. When you’ve had enough time bartering at the markets, pack up your leather holdall and head to the High Atlas Range and Draa Valley for breathtaking scenery. Take time out and camp in the Sahara, stay in a Berber Village (we recommend Sijimassa), before ending your tour in the historic port of Essaouira.

What to pack: Don’t get caught out, bring a cover-up or kaftan. Some of the villages are remote and traditional where women are expected to dress ‘demurely’.

British Christmas

Edinburgh

The Scots are guaranteed get you into the party sprit and, in our opinion, if you can’t head abroad for some winter sun then a festive city break to Edinburgh is hard to beat.

What to pack: Layers, layers and layers! Scottish weather is unpredictable so opt for a designer jacket from Barbour or a rain mac from Petit Bateau, cosy mits and a scarf by Hush.

Beach sun

Paradise = Maldives

Fly to Male before heading to the small island of Baros. Its effortless natural luxury appeals to the likes of Piers Morgan, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz who have all graced the resort with their presence. Baros offers direct snorkelling, delicious food and long stretches of sand frequented regularly by the island’s turtle colonies. It’s easy to island hop; we recommend Soneva Gili, a chic destination famed for its incredible spa and extraordinary water lodges. For those of you travelling with a family in tow, try Soneva Fushi, a larger island renowned for its slogan, ‘No shoes, no news’. Rather visitors are implored to enjoy the tropical haven in peace, travelling through the organic gardens by bike or barefoot.

What to pack:  The beaches of paradise are quiet in the winter months so you’ll spend a lot of time there relaxing. Packing essentials include a selection of designer bikinis and kaftans.

Snow

Zermatt, Switzerland  

Skiing in Zermatt is lots of fun and the best time to visit is December through to March. One of best tips is to take the first helicopter of the day, fly around the top of the Matterhorn, then land at Plateau Rosa Testa Grigia , which is at the top of the Italian ski area. You’ll get to the top at the same time as all of the lifts open at the bottom so you get to ski 12km down to Italy on completely empty runs!

What to pack: Manbi SPF50+ duo sunscreen/lipscreen to keep sunburn and dry lips at bay,  a Petit Bateau scarf and a cosy knitted hat – pompom optional!