Ten of the best: Alternative winter holidays
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There's a whole host of holidays that can offer you so much more than sun, sea and sand, from spotting snow leopards in the Himalayas, to exploring the Amazon on a luxury cruise or horse riding on a ranch in Arizona.
We've rounded up ten amazing winter holidays with an added bit of spice to liven up your escape-the-grey getaway.
Alternative winter getaways
- Soak up some sun in Agadir, Morocco<p> With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Agadir is the perfect secret winter escape. Located in Southwest Morocco , Agadir is known for its ports, historic ruins and picturesque buildings, which make it a fascinating destination. Enjoy an Atlantic cruise that provides an exclusive look at the 10km-long beach, and make a visit to a local Souk - it's a must. Stay at the Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort (<a href="http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-5707-sofitel-agadir-royalbay-resort/index.shtml" target="_blank">sofitel.com</a>) for its exclusive private beaches and luxurious facilities.</p> <p> <strong>Price:</strong> Bmi, British Midland International started flying from Heathrow to Agadir on 29 October 2011. Fares start from £160 return including taxes. To book visit <a href="http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/splash.aspx" target="_blank">flybmi.com</a>. </p>
- Cruise the rivers of the Amazon, Peru<p> Take in the wonders of a faraway world and explore the sources of the Amazon river at the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The river cruise will include daily excursions lead by local experts, taking you into the Amazonian communities, wildlife spotting, and fishing for piranha. The reserve spans over five million acres and was created to protect the ecosystems of the Loreto region, preserve the local people’s culture and heritage and protect the unique wildlife, which includes monkeys, butterflies and the endangered pink Amazon river dolphin. UK winter is a great time to sail the Amazon as it's the high water season, meaning you'll enjoy 'cooler' temperatures, still hot at 30C on average, and, because the forests are flooded and lush, you'll be able to explore the higher parts of the forest canopy by boat and get up close to the birds and mammals. A true hidden gem.<br /> <strong>Price: </strong>A three-night Amazon Discovery Cruise starts from £1,557 per person, based on two people sharing, on a full board basis. This price includes all excursions, beverages (soft drinks, house wine and beer), transfers to and from Iquitos (if arriving on recommended flights) and entrance to Pacaya Samiria. Visit <a href="http://aquaexpeditions.com/" target="_blank">aquaexpeditions.com</a></p>
- Hop on a horse in Arizona, America<p> Arizona is perfect for a horse riding holiday during the UK winter, as you'll enjoy warm highs up to the 70s. Stay at the Spanish-style ranch, the White Stallion, situated in a 100,000-acre game reserve surrounded by desert mountains. Daily horseback adventures are complimented by 'Wine & Cheese' rides, and the property also features a heated pool and indoor hot tub. Plus, you can also book in for a massage – perfect for riders with saddle aches and pains.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> Seven nights from £945pp (two sharing) accommodation, all meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Return flight from £695pp. Visit<a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/white-stallion-ranch/" target="_blank"> ranchrider.com</a> or call 01509 618811.</p>
- Take a hike up Mount Nevis, Caribbean<p> The Montpelier Plantation & Beach (<a href="http://www.montpeliernevis.com/" target="_blank">montpeliernevis.com</a>), idyllically set against the breathtaking backdrop of Nevis and St Kitts, is the perfect place to swap grey skis for sunshine. Surrounded by 60 acres of lush tropical gardens and sugar cane fields, this private estate is set up in the hills of Nevis, but also offers its own private beach with private access. But, you don't just have to be a beach bunny here. Nevis has lush rainforests and landscapes that are perfect for hiking, climbing and mountain biking, and the hotel offers state of the art Trek 4300 mountain bikes to their guests. And, if you're feeling really energetic, there are numerous hiking opportunities including a full day trek up to Nevis peak.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From £1,945 per person based on two people sharing a premier room on a breakfast basis for seven nights. Includes economy flights with British Airways, inter-island flights and private car transfers. Visit <a href="http://elegantresorts.co.uk/" target="_blank">elegantresorts.co.uk</a> for more information or call 01244 897516.</p>
- Track snow leopards in the Himalayas, India<p> The 13-day Snow Leopard Explorer starts in Leh, the former mountain capital of the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh near Tibet. From here, you'll depart for the Husing Camp in the Hemis National Park, then trek the elevated regions of Rumbak and Tarbung Valley - areas famous for its snow leopard population, as well as the Great Tibetan Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear, and rare bird life including the Golden Eagle. Treks follow the Indus River to Ulley village and back to Leh, and culminate in a departure out of Delhi.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> £1,325/US$2,180 per person, including all meals, accommodation and park entry fees (not including international flights). Visit <a href="http://www.planetwildlife.com/" target="_blank">planetwildlife.com </a>for more information.</p>
- Enjoy an eco-friendly safari in the Eastern Cape, South Africa<p> South Africa’s hidden gem, the Eastern Cape, offers a wealth of spectacular wildlife and adventures. An area boasting 800km of untouched coastline, there's miles of deserted long sandy beaches, where you can ride the perfect waves of Jeffrey’s Bay, do the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump, or walk the Wild Coast, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and home to the Nelson Mandela Museum. It is also the only place in the world to currently offer wildlife’s Big Seven in the malaria-free Greater Addo Elephant National Park. For anyone in search of something different, the Eastern Cape is arguably one of the continent’s most exciting regions.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> The luxurious Pumba Private Game Reserve and Spa (<a href="http://www.pumbagamereserve.co.za/" target="_blank">pumbagamereserve.co.za</a> ), just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, has all-inclusive rates start from £393 per night when staying in a double room in the impala chalet and include two game drive activities per day. Visit <a href="http://www.ectourism.co.za/" target="_blank">ectourism.co.za</a></p>
- Go shopping in Shanghai, China<p> Shake off the winter blues with a shopping bonanza in Shanghai - although it's cold, there are much fewer tourists, so it’s a dream time to explore. One of the fastest growing economies in the world, China, and Shanghai in particular, is an intriguing location for its juxtaposition of the old, traditional China to the brand new. The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront area, harks back to the glamour and decadence of the 1920s while Pudong, on the opposite side of the river, reaches higher and higher into the sky with countless skyscrapers. Fantastic shopping opportunities include high end fashion brands such as Chanel and Burberry, who are embracing the surging market and are even creating off shoot Chinese brands. You can also experience its incredible spas, and exceptional restaurants, bars, and clubs.<br /> <strong>Price: </strong>A stay at luxurious Puli Hotel and Spa (<a href="http://www.thepuli.com/en/" target="_blank">thepuli.com</a>) in a Deluxe King Room is from £385 per room per night based on two people sharing + 15% taxes. Seven nights are available for the price of five (saving £434). Price includes complimentary breakfast, complimentary soft drink mini bar, wifi internet access and access to health club facilities. To book call +86 21 3203 9999 or e-mail reservations@thepuli.com</p>
- Ski and spa in Gastein, Austria<p> In Salzburg's Gastein - which includes the towns of Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein, Bad Gastein - you can head straight from the slopes to one of two top spa resorts. Gastein Valley caters for all abilities with five broad ski areas reaching 2,700m above sea level. After a day of skiing, relax achy muscles in soothing warm waters, or heat up those cold bones in a sauna. For hundreds of years, the healing effects of Gastein’s spring waters have been world renowned. Felsentherme Gastein has one million litres of water from 17 different springs feeding the pools of its spa. And the Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein has six worlds of aquatic enjoyment, as well as the Sauna World with its own mountain lake. From magical outdoor pools steaming mystically amid the snowy winter landscapes, to all sorts of saunas and steam baths, as well as relaxing massages, you'll be in ski and spa heaven.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From €422.50 for seven nights in the accommodation/meal category of your choosing, including six-day Ski Amadé ski pass, one admission each to the Alpen Therme and Felsentherme, and breakfast. Visit <a href="http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/skifreshtracks/default.aspx" target="_blank">skiclub.co.uk/freshtracks</a> or call 020 8410 2022.</p>
- Try diving and marine conservation in Thailand<p> Do something <em>really</em> different this winter, and feel great about yourself, too. Thailand’s stunning coral reefs are in desperate need of conservation and you can help by diving in and testing water quality, cleaning up the ocean floor and other important tasks. No diving experience is required as the first week is spent earning the PADI Open Water and Advanced Certificates. If you already have the certificate, you'll be moved on to the Advanced Open Water qualification straightaway. The beautiful tropical island of Koh Tao, with its smooth currents and swaying palm trees, isn't a bad place to spend time under water and, in your free time, you can go exploring, cycling rock climbing or just relax on the beach.<br /> Price: Two weeks is from £1,299 per person, including a shared room in a beachside resort. Lessons are included, as well as arrival airport pickup and an in-country orientation and 24 hour support. Flights are not included. Visit <a href="http://www.i-to-i.com/" target="_blank">i-to-i.com</a> or call i-to-i Volunteering on 0113 350 4609.</p>
- Discover hot springs and wolves at Yellowstone, Wyoming<p> Take in the wildlife of the Yellowstone National Park in winter – usually only open for tours between May and September. The eight-night escorted tour will see you spot bison, elk, wolves and bighorn sheep wander across snow-covered valleys. Plus, Yellowstone’s geologic features are even more spectacular in the freezing temperatures and, by Snowcoach, you'll also get to see mudpools and hot springs surrounded by frozen landscapes, and waterfalls whose cataracts partially freeze into ice bridges and geysers – such as Old Faithful – erupting dramatically in the air. You can also enjoy winter activities like hiking by snowshoe, ice skating and cross country skiing.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> Twin share prices start from £3,059 per person inclusive of return Heathrow flights, transfers, eight nights’ mainly full-board accommodation in superior properties, travel by Snowcoach and sleigh to remote parts of Yellowstone, admission fees and services of a tour leader and professional guides. Visit <a href="http://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/spotlights" target="_blank">bon-voyage.co.uk/spotlights</a> or call 0800 316 0194.</p>
