There is no better way to welcome the holiday season than with a tall glass of Eggnog. We give you one of our favourite holiday drink recipes, and show case some of our more rustic retreats – perfect for the holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

• 2 oz light rum
• 6 oz milk
• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1 whole egg
• Nutmeg

Shake all of the ingredients, except the nutmeg, with ice and strain into a Collins glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve.

Blantyre:
You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into the middle of a Jane Austin novel at Blantyre, perfect for some luxurious Christmas cheer. This gorgeous boutique hotel in Massachusetts is extremely intimate and Victorian and is perfect for a winter getaway and a mug of eggnog.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa:
For those of us in the other hemisphere this Christmas, an intimate stay at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa may be in order. This boutique hotel in Australia is just a quick jaunt from Sydney, but is one of the most romantic places around (especially if you’re a lover of nature and excellent food and wine).

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa:
There’s no place more rustic than the Atacama Desert in Chile – so if you’re extremely lucky, you may be finding yourself at Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa this season. Make sure to snuggle up with your sweetheart in front of a crackling fire and enjoy the view of the Licancabur volcano.

Mandarin Oriental Prauge:
There isn’t a more magical place to visit than Prague during the holidays. This city is rich in history and takes the Christmas spirit seriously. If you’re planning on being in Prague this season, try staying at the Mandarin Oriental Prague. This gorgeous hotel is located in a monastery with roots dating back to the 14th Century.

Schlossle Hotel:
Unique and intimate are how we describe the comfy, rustic Schlossle Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia. If you’re in this historical town over the holidays, this is definitely an inn to check out. Aside from the luxurious, historical décor, Schlossle Hotel is noted for its famous restaurant. With a huge, roaring log fireplace and 13th century vaulted ceilings, you’ll find some holiday spirit here for sure.

Opus Hotel Montreal:
If you’re spending the holidays in snowy Montreal, heat this up with a stay at the Opus Hotel. It’s convenient location (walking distance of Montreal’s trendy St. Laurent district of bars and restaurants, and St. Catherine Street for great shopping) means you can truly enjoy boxing day and this city’s great night life without getting too cold.

Grasmere Lodge High Country Retreat:
What’s a better way of getting in to the holiday spirit than by spending some time in the mountains at a luxury lodge? This is exactly what holiday goers can expect when they stay at Grasmere Lodge High Country Retreat. Found in beautiful New Zealand, this gorgeous country retreat is perfect for getting away from it all, enjoying the outdoors and enjoying some fine cuisine and wine.

Grand Hotel Europe:
Known as one of the greatest luxury hotels in the world, the Grand Hotel Europe is quite possibly the perfect winter escape. Guests will be charmed by this historical, cultural and culinary Russian landmark on the main avenue of St. Petersburg in its snowy surroundings while keeping warm sipping on rum and eggnog.

Anatolian Houses:
If you are looking for a unique getaway, the Anatolian Houses in Turkey is a rare boutique hotel that offers a glimpse into the traditional cave living of ancient societies. Constructed within five different cave formations each room is stunningly luxurious and each with characteristics all their own. Enjoy a traditional look of Anatolia with the harmony of past and present.

Hambleton Hall:
Once a former fox-hunting lodge, the Hambleton Hall is now a fabulous plush country house hotel. Set along a lake and only a few hours north of London this is a perfect destination for a relaxing and luxurious escape or an exploration of a charming unspoiled region this holiday season.

Are you on the hunt for a great New Year’s Eve party? This year why not escape the standard throw down and getaway for a New Year’s Dream at ME Barcelona.

Barcelona is known to have its own unique rhythm with a glorious night life and this year ME Barcelona has put together a special party package for two like no other.

Here’s what ME Barcelona is offering:

-An overnight stay in their fabulous Sky Suite which is the epitome of luxury. Sitting 29 floors above ground you’ll have enrapturing views of the city in this totally soundproofed suite which is completely equipped with the finest elements of contemporary luxury. And after a long night, there’s no need to get up early with a late check out at 4pm.

-A delicious gourmet dinner at Dos Cielos Restaurant on the 24th floor featuring breathtaking views from their panoramic terraces and of course spectacular food. Wine included

-Countdown to Midnight

-Your very own special party bag

-Entry to the party at Sky Food Bar on the ground floor and the Angels & Kings Club six floors up  with a large terrace and a swimming pool. Three drinks are included

-The night will feature a giant chocolate fountain, sexy go go dancers, music by resident DJ Pablo Sanchez and to top it all of a few wild animals will be thrown into the mix!

-After a long night wake up to a romantic breakfast in bed for two in your suite.

-Get a relaxing massage for two

-And have access to their spa water circuit along with a spa treatment for two

When you book your stay, be sure to ask for the New Year’s Dream Package to enjoy a perfect start to 2010.

This Christmas plan the perfect getaway for your and your family and spend this holiday in sunny California at the Montage Laguna Beach!

For youngsters ages 2-12 the Montage Laguna Beach is putting extra effort in to make sure that this Christmas will be one that they will never forget with a magical holiday calender designed just for them. The resorts exclusive children’s programs feature daily activities, arts, crafts and more to inspire creativity and imagination complete with holiday enhancements. Many of these special treats include:

A Santa’s Workshop: Children can create unique monmntos and holiday gifts during sessions heald each weekend in December making gingerbreah douses, cookie decorating, Hanukkah crafts and even a candy cand scavegner hunt.

Sunset Traditions: This is one for the whole family every Friday and Saturday in December. Gather round the fire pit at sunset and enjoy holiday-themed tales compete with hot cocoa and cookies.

Santa Claus Tuck-In: Available during your stay anytime from December 11- 24th for a small fee Santa can tuck you little ones into bed with a bedtime story, offer milk and cookies, and will wish them sweet dreams!

Christmas Eve Magic: On December 24th following the annual reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” join a twilight search to spot Santa’s sleigh. Children can write a special message to Santa and decorate Christmas cookies to take back to their rooms and leave for St. Nick.

Children’s Night Out: Every weekend in December children 5-12 can participate in a whole slew of games and activites, dinner, a full lenthgh movie and much more such as Friday’s Paintbox Pizza Creations and Saturday’s S’mores by the fire pit. Yum!

This is sure to be the best Christmas ever and if you want to take advantage of any of these packages be sure to mention them when booking your stay! Have a Merry Christmas!

Tis the season to be jolly. Head on over to the UK for some good times and fabulous holiday fun with these great holiday packages! When booking your stay be sure to mention the package name.

Where: The St. James’s Hotel and Club in London

Package: Celebrate Christmas and New Year!

What they are offering:
This luxury five star central London townhouse hotel is serving up some holiday cheer during December 20th to January 4th 2010. This package includes a two nights stay for two in a deluxe room complete with a kind size bed and private balcony, a delicious English breakfast for two each morning, a festive Champagne Afternoon Tea for two along with Fortnum and Mason biscuits.

And if you want to stay in London a little longer, don’t worry the St. James’s hotel and club will make sure you will get the best available rate for each additional night you book.

Where: Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire

Package: Ultimate Detox & Revive Break

What they are offering:
Stoke Park, known as one of England’s best golf hotels, is going to help you keep your New Year’s resolution for 2010 with the perfect way to enliven yourself and detoxify your body. From delicious healthy food, fitness classes and personal training amidst its luxury accommodation on 350 acres of beautiful gardens, this is just what the doctor ordered.

This two day retreat consists of three nights accommodation in a Mansion or Pavilion Bedroom, a light breakfast each morning, lunch and dinner each day, use of their Health and Racquet Pavilion including an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, steam room and dance and fitness studios, a SPC detoxifying ginger scrub, SPC Algae Detox wrap, a reflexology treatment, two fitness classes and a personal training session to get you back in shape.

Where: The Balmoral in Edinburgh

Package: The Balmoral Christmas Family Package

What they are offering:
Come and explore this luxury hotel right in the heart of Edinburgh. During December 21 -27 parents who book on guest room with a minimum of three nights will receive a complimentary adjoining room for children, each morning wake up to a Scottish breakfast for two adults and two children, complementary food for children under three, a 50% discount on food for children under twelve, fabulous junior amenities and complementary use of the Balmoral Health Club for the entire family. And for those families staying over December 23 and 24th children can participate in their Christmas culinary party complete with biscuits and cookie decorating!

Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Camelback Mountain in the Paradise Valley area of the Sonora Dessert in Arizona is the perfect spot to spend your holiday this Christmas; The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa.

If you’re in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area this holiday season gather your family and friends and head over to this luxury hotel for Christmas Eve and dine on award-winning cuisine at their signature restaurant Prado. They’ll be offering a special evening of family prepared dishes helping create an intimate gathering around the table.

And while your there, why not spend the night in one of their spacious guest rooms full of modern comforts inspired by the whitewashed villages of Southern Spain. You can wake up Christmas morning with views of the mountains or sparkling pools from your private garden patio and know that this Christmas will truly be one to remember.

To top of a wonderful holiday, you’ll definitely need a great Christmas dinner. Prepared by the well known Chef Claudio Urciuoli who is an active member of the Slow Food Movement, this Christmas dinner will come with a touch of Europe and honor the timeless magic that the season holds while displaying his passion though fabulous cuisine.

What could be better than a perfect end to a perfect holiday? This season The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa wishes you only the very best!

Got any plans for New Years Eve? Why not plan the ultimate year end getaway and head to Singapore to usher in the New Year with a night under the stars.

Toast the dawn of a new year in style at Capella Singapore where they will serve up creative world-class cuisine, fashion and musical entertainment in the lap of relaxed, unhurried luxury. Be sure to take advantage of their “Under the Stars New Years Experience” package, exclusive for those who appreciate the very best. This year’s experience includes:

-A two night accommodation for two
-A welcome Champagne amenity
-A fabulous Mediterranean Bohemian New Year’s Eve Party by the pool with stunning views of the South China Sea as a back drop. (Bohemian-chic attire encouraged)
-A delicious five course gourmet dinner including Champagne and full premium open bar
-World class entertainment by DJs Brahms & Co. and Karina Serbina on a floating stage above the cascading pools.
-Recovery Brunch on New Year’s Day!
-A New Year’s Day dinner with a Fashion Extravaganza by Josef Statkus.
-After dinner Mojitos, Champagne and Tsarskaya Vodka at Bob’s Bar with live entertainment.
-On January 2 receive an indulgent barbecue lunch with free-flow of rose wine or beer!

Can you say party? This New Year’s Eve bash at the Capella Singapore is sure to be one to remember!

If you are looking for a magical, unforgettable experience to celebrate the new year look no further than the fabulous Barceló Asia Gardens in Costa Blanca, Spain.

This luxury hotel is offering “The Colours of India” program where you and your family can choose from a one to seven days stay in a Deluxe room. Along with your accommodation this program includes:

-A welcome cocktail event on December 31st
-A special New Years Eve Gala dinner serving a Mediterranean menu spiced up with a touch of Indian cuisine
-Indian music with traditional dances
-A Bollywood show
-Grapes of good fortune
-An open bar until dawn
-And on New Year’s morning you will be able to enjoy their special New Year’s Brunch!

If you are bringing along the kids, “The Colours of India” program at Barcelo Asia Gardens has them covered too, they will receive a special Gala dinner of their own as well as the hotels professional entertainment team giving them a wide range of activities making sure they will have a whale of a time while you can enjoy your evening without worries!