| If you yearn for a Christmas filled with snow | | | | this can be enjoyed whilst staying in the most |
| white wonder, a magical escape of exhilarating | | | | sumptuous 5 star hotels London has to offer, |
| ice-sparkled days and romantic wood-fire nights, | | | | including Rydges Kensington Plaza, an upmarket |
| then these top 5 luxury travel destinations will | | | | boutique hotel located in the exclusive area near |
| make your dreams a reality. | | | | Hyde Park, and The Ritz and Countryside, the |
| 1. Switzerland | | | | ultimate in stylish and sophisticated |
| This fairy tale wonderland abounds with soaring | | | | accommodation. |
| castles, many of which now welcome guests with | | | | The streets are bright with festive decorations |
| opulent 5 star resort facilities, quaint cobble-stoned | | | | throughout the city, but of particular note are the |
| villages and breathtaking alpine landscapes. | | | | West End West End Christmas Lights and the |
| Delight in the extravagant traditional celebrations | | | | Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. This magnificent |
| of a magnificent European city in Zurich, where | | | | tree, usually a towering 20 metres high and over |
| the country's largest market bustles around the | | | | 50 years old, is given each year as a gift from |
| most spectacular Christmas tree adorned with | | | | Norway. Entertainment is also a top priority and |
| over 5000 Swarovski crystal decorations. Or | | | | there is something for every taste, from the |
| discover bliss in an indulgent spa retreat nestled in | | | | fabulous English National Ballet Christmas season |
| the pristine snow-clad Alps. Allow the mountain air, | | | | to gaudy pantomimes. There might not be snow |
| and the world class wellness treatments, to | | | | but you can still enjoy the chill at one of the |
| revitalise your body, mind and soul. | | | | many outdoor skating rinks and, if you really want |
| When you are ready to emerge once more, an | | | | a deep freeze, you should visit the Absolut Ice |
| alpine luxury tour by rail offers access to all the | | | | Bar London. |
| natural beauty of Switzerland, in first-class style | | | | ]4. Canada & Alaska |
| and comfort. The Glacier Express is a 71/2 hour | | | | Immerse yourself in the expansive and raw |
| railway journey winding past ancient mountain | | | | beauty of North America with a luxury tour |
| forests, dramatic snow-capped peaks, glittering | | | | across Canada and Alaska. |
| valley streams and idyllic sheltered meadows. | | | | From the exquisite comfort of Goldleaf Seating |
| 2. Norway | | | | on the Rocky Mountaineer Train, you will be awed |
| The unspoilt landscape of Norway, which extends | | | | by soaring snow-capped peaks and endless |
| across the Arctic Circle, delivers unforgettably | | | | valleys of white dusted pine trees. On the seven |
| magical winter experiences for the young, and | | | | night Alaska luxury cruise you will uncover the |
| young at heart. | | | | wonder of World Heritage listed Glacier Bay |
| Hikers and skiers are captivated by its mountains, | | | | National Park, from its extraordinary landscape to |
| lakes, woodlands and waterfalls. Another | | | | its abundant wildlife including Humpback Whales, |
| remarkable geographic feature is the fjords. | | | | Orcas, Sea Otters, Northern Fur Seals and various |
| These ancient valleys, once carved by glacial | | | | bird species. An amazing experience you will |
| activity, now form long, narrow inlets of the sea | | | | cherish for a lifetime. |
| held tight between towering cliffs. In these cold | | | | 5. Japan |
| waters you can have a close encounter with an | | | | If skiing is your pleasure then winter in Japan will |
| awe-inspiring creature, the Orca (Killer Whale). | | | | provide a wealth of inspiration. There are many |
| Pods of these graceful predators gather here | | | | snowfields to choose from, but Hakuba Valley is |
| each year to feed on giant shoals of herring. | | | | widely recognised as one of the leading |
| Your Christmas luxury holiday would not be | | | | international destinations for snowsports having |
| complete without travelling north to bear witness | | | | hosted events for the 1998 Winter Olympic |
| to the world's most enchanting Christmas light | | | | Games. Situated in the heart of the Japan Alps, a |
| show, the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern | | | | four hour train ride north-west of Tokyo, Hakuba |
| Lights), which performs most brightly in the | | | | Valley boasts seven ski resorts and spectacular |
| winter months. | | | | scenery with rugged peaks reaching over 1000 |
| 3. London, UK | | | | metres. |
| London does not often deliver a true white | | | | If you need a break from the slopes, there are a |
| Christmas, with England more commonly | | | | variety of luxury tours departing from Hakuba |
| experiencing snow from January onwards. | | | | including trips to Matsumoto Castle, Nagano's |
| However, this thriving metropolis more than | | | | famous Zenkoji Temple and the snow monkeys |
| compensates for its lack of snowflakes with a | | | | at Jigokudani hot springs. |
| lavish season of winter charm and celebration. All | | | | |