In search of Santa
01-Oct-06
According to the Met Office, we shouldn't expect the white stuff in the UK until early January - but that doesn't stop clients' families wanting snow to fall on Christmas Day. Add to that the appeal of meeting Santa in style and it's easy to see why Finnish Lapland has seen passengers from the UK virtually double in numbers between 2001 and 2005.
Esprit Holidays' managing director Andy Perrin says: "In a plastic, TV-and-computer-obsessed world, it's good to have something traditional and to be able to give children a real experience they will remember forever. It's the perfect way for a family to enjoy a short break together, with everything arranged for them, from a private audience with Santa to husky dog rides, reindeer sleighs, elves and snowmobile rides."
Upmarket operators are quick to point out that Lapland is not just about the bottom line. Established expert Canterbury Travel avoids the busy resorts, with a focus on Luosto instead. General manager Smita Thaker says: "Santa trips have become a bit of a numbers game, but Lapland is totally different to other destinations. It's not about how cheaply you can put together a flight, hotel, husky ride and Santa visit, rather it should be a quality Christmas experience. Resorts like Levi or Saariskela have become like the Las Vegas of Lapland."
"There is fierce competition in the Santa market in the UK, and Rovaniemi is now considered too commercialised," admits Riine Lond, UK marketing manager for the Finnish Tourist Board. The premium tour operators "try to find their own 'magical place' in Lapland, looking for log cabins in remote locations, trying to avoid clients of other operators."
Just four or five hours of 'greylight' a day, coupled with regular temperatures of -15 degrees mean parents must be prepared to keep kids well wrapped up. But emphasising the cosiness and authenticity of the Santa experience in these conditions will win them over.
At the other end of the thermometer, there's also demand for family trips to hot climates. Mark Robson, Kuoni product director, says: "It's peak time so costs rise accordingly, therefore Christmas trips tend to attract affluent travellers. Winter sun destinations continually growing in popularity are those in the UAE, the Maldives and, looking west, we find the Caribbean is very popular at Christmas. Mauritius is also a destination growing in popularity for the luxury family market over Christmas."
Indeed, some hotels on the island, such as the Royal Palm, are virtually sold out months in advance. Jacques Silvant, general manager of the hotel, says: "Mauritius is the most idyllic destination for Christmas, with exceptional weather it makes a blissful escape popular with the UK market. We are delighted that 85% of our guests this Christmas are repeat customers."
Insider's choice
Smita Thaker
General Manager, Canterbury Travel
We have been operating Santa trips to Lapland for 24 years. On our trips, there is a real build-up of expectation and a search for Santa, as we create illusions of him along the way - the guests never quite get to see him until a few days into the trip. The trips are more like a theatre production with many skills and performers coming together.
Luosto is the main resort we feature and we can offer luxury cabins there, as well as at Suomu, Salla and Olos. New this year for us are the small and unspoilt resorts of Pyha and Pyha Asteli and Kilpisjarvi. Suomu would be one of my favourite resorts as it is one of the last hidden gems of Lapland, and the Arctic Circle Hotel (www.arcticcircle-hotel.com) there is impressive. Built last year, it now has new junior suites with jacuzzi baths, as well as a lovely restaurant.
There are not masses of restaurants within Lapland's resorts. At Luosto there are two independently owned restaurants, Luston Hovi and Kertullis. They can also arrange a unique dining experience for any number of people at a wilderness lodge or on top of Luosto fells with your own musicians singing the Lappish yolk!
Lapland really has something to offer everyone of all ages - from the romance of the cosy log cabins through the challenge of driving a snowmobile to the thrill of toboggan, reindeer or husky rides, and even the anticipation of seeing the Northern Lights. Skiing and snowboarding is the best alternative at the resorts we use, but skiing is limited in December. We find that in Lapland, wealthy clients are not necessarily seeking luxury, but a unique experience - if the clients have the money, anything is possible and we have a team of 10 sales staff who visit Lapland at least once a year so are very experienced. www.santa-holidays.com
Pick of the bunch
Finnish Lapland
Accommodation: Top-end luxury accommodation is thin on the ground. Ounasvaaran Lakituvat (www.ounasvaaranlakituvat.fi) in popular Rovaniemi will have 20 new cottages ready for the season, all on top of the Ounasvaara fell, at the Arctic Circle. Hotel Holiday Club in Saariselka (www.holidayclub.fi) is a popular choice, and the stylish Laavutieva apartments come complete with excellent family pool and glass roof so you can watch out for the Northern Lights. The Aurora Chalet Hotel (www.aurorachalet.fi) is one of the newest and most stylish choices, which opened in Luosto last year.
What's on offer: Canterbury Travel's Lapland Experience programme features a three-day Treasures of Lapland trip. Fly to Rovaniemi and transfer to the quiet and authentic resorts of Pyha or Pyha Asteli. Day two sees the search start for Santa, with reindeer rides, husky rides and snowmobiles along the way.
Client fit: Big kids, little kids, people with no kids - anyone who still believes Christmas means more than EastEnders and Only Fools & Horses TV specials.
When: Tours tend to run from the end of November throughout December including Christmas Day. The winter adventure continues with ski trips and safaris into April and May.
Best restaurant: Most of the dining will be in hotel restaurants on Santa tours to Lapland, but for a slice of traditional cuisine, Kertulli's in Luosto offers the full compliment of local soups, reindeer and Lappish cheese and berries, from £57 per adult.
Best alternative activities: Recommend a visit to the arctic wildlife park in Ranua (an hour's drive from Rovaniemi or 1.5hrs from Kemi or Kuusamo) with a chance to see lynx, wolverine, arctic fox and reindeer. Reindeer sleigh rides, 'mushing' huskies through crisp snow, or snowmobile safaris are favourite activities in Lapland.
Prices: Esprit's four-day Santa's Spectacular costs from £3,862 for a family of four at the Hotel Holiday Club in Saariselka in a family apartment with a private sauna. Price includes flights, insurance, full board, husky sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobile safari and an extra reindeer run for the family.
Contact: Canterbury Travel (0845 125 2752); www.santa-holidays.com. 0845 122 6872, www.laplandexperience.com). Esprit Holidays (01252 618 300, www.esprit-holidays.co.uk).
Best of the rest
Rocky Mountaineer train
Accommodation: Offer clients a guaranteed snowy trip around the two-day Rocky Mountaineer train, between Banff, Alberta in the Rockies and Vancouver on the west coast.
What's on offer: A Canadian Winter Indulgence package combines two days in GoldLeaf class, with elegant hotels and winter activities. Santa joins the fun when the train meets his 'broken down sleigh': children will love the coach featuring an entertainer. Staying at the 'castle' resort of Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff completes the experience.
Client fit: Anyone who likes to watch the snow-covered world slip by in comfort.
When: Departure dates are 19 and 27 December, eastbound from Vancouver to Banff, and 21 and 29 December, westbound.
Where to eat: The best seat in the house is undoubtedly at the back of the train in the very last GoldLeaf coach, with panoramic views and an elegant dining room on the main level.
Best alternative activity: A raft of traditional winter activities from skating to ice walks, or skiing and snowboarding in Banff or Whistler.
Prices: The eight-night package costs from £3,675 per person, including flights, a two-day GoldLeaf journey, seven nights' deluxe accommodation, one overnighter in Kamloops, breakfasts, dinners and two lunches, transfers and credit for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Contact: Canadian Affair (0207 616 9999, www.canadianaffair.com), Rocky Mountaineer Vacations' (01622 832244, www.winterrailvacations.com)
UK
The Four Seasons, Hampshire, England
Why: Everything has been thought of, right down to transport to local Midnight Mass. Guests are spoilt with sumptuous food and wine., and with babysitters on hand, alternative meal times and the Kids For All Seasons club, parents can relax.
Prices: From £1,441 per room for two-day fest.
www.fourseasons.com/hampshire
The Grove, London, England
Why: London's country estate hotel will be transformed into a 300-acre grotto with giant gold crackers, snow-covered pines, mulled wine, crackling log fire, mince pies, turkey with all the trimmings and carol singers.
Prices: 24-26 December costs from £775 per person.
www.thegrove.co.uk
Culloden Estate, Belfast, N Ireland
Why: The Culloden's award-winning Executive Chef is Paul McKnight and the word on the inside is to book table three in the Mitre Restaurant - it's only for two, but has fantastic views over gardens and Belfast Lough. Blow away the cobwebs with walks on nearby beaches or a round of championship golf.
Prices: A two-night Christmas package costs from £330 per person. www.hastingshotels.com
Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, Scotland
Why: For the first time, the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa is opening its doors for a Christmas house party. Adults will love Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, cookery demonstration and whisky tasting. Kids will enjoy a guest appearance from Santa and themed playrooms.
Prices: The three-night Christmas stay costs from £995 per person. www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk
Celtic Manor Resort, South Wales
Why: At Christmas, 30 beautifully lit Christmas trees line the driveway with a relaxed but indulgent atmosphere in the hotel. The resort can tailor-make a package from a choice of six spectacular dining options for Christmas lunch.
Prices: From £154 per double room, per night. Christmas Day dining costs from £115 per person.
www.celtic-manor.com
Antigua
Carlisle Bay
Accommodation: For UK travellers who want to spend Christmas on the beach, stylish Carlisle Bay is the place to get festive in Antigua.
What's on offer: Santa will be there on Christmas morning, delivering gifts to the kids, followed by juggling workshop and BBQ on the beach. There will also be clowns and a sandcastle competition.
Client fit: Anyone with a bit of bling.
When: Prices over Christmas are unavoidably at a premium for the best resorts.
Best restaurant: A festive dinner will be served at its East and Indigo on the Beach restaurants - or request private dining on the resort's jetty.
Best alternative activity: Recommend an eco-tour to explore inland, or check out historic Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour.
Prices: Beach suites at Carlisle Bay are £580 per suite, per night, sleeping a family of four.
Contact: www.carlisle-bay.com
Canada
Mont Tremblant
Accommodation: Clients can enjoy the thrill of Mont Tremblant's Lodge de la Montagne, which caters for adults and children alike. At the base of the mountain, near the ski lifts, with whirlpool, the lodge has a cosy, welcoming feel and the resort itself has easy access to slopes.
Client fit: Ski lovers.
Best alternative activity: Ski schools galore and a horse-drawn sleigh.
Prices: From £686 for seven nights including Air Canada flights.
Contact: www.skidream.com
Alternative Christmas Destinations
New York
Why: The city's flagship stores come alive at Christmas, with the most spectacular window displays to be seen at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. The season starts in style at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (23 November), while a spin on the ice rink at the Rockefeller Center is a must.
Price: The family can spend four nights at the five-star Sheraton New York from £1,022 per adult (room-only) including American Airlines' flights from Heathrow. www.premierholidays.co.uk
Rhine region, Frankfurt
Why: The Christmas markets of the six historical cities in the Rhine region of Moselle (Trier, Koblenz, Mainz, Worms, Speyer and Kaiserslautern) are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany - picturesque old towns with castles, bright lights, handicrafts, Christmas decorations, as well as modern shopping facilities. Or check out giant gingerbread Santas, wooden toys, traditional crafts and sweets at the Christmas Market in Frankfurt, one of the oldest in Europe (21 November to 21 December), with Santa making a visit on 6 December.
Price: Two nights at the five-star Le Meridien Park Hotel from £165 per person, including breakfast and flights. www.romantic-cities.com or call +49 (0)261 915; 200; www.goldmedal.co.uk
Riga
Why: The traditional Christmas market in Dome Square runs throughout December and highlights include amber jewellery, linen and traditional foods.
Price: Three nights at the four-star Albert Hotel costs from £149 per person, including airport transfers, but not flights. www.balticholidays.com
Prague
The Christmas markets in the Czech capital date back to the 15th century, with stalls overflowing with roasted chestnuts, spicy mulled wine and gorgeous local handicrafts.
Price: Three nights costs from £379 per person including flights from Heathrow and a guided visit to the Christmas markets (departures on 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14 December). www.pageandmoy.com
Thailand
Why: Opt for a cultural Christmas trip heading to Thailand to try elephant trekking and river rafting, before bedding down in a floating hotel for Christmas night. Programme features 12-day escorted Tuk-Tuk Thailand tour (starting on 23 December).
Price: From £865 (land only) for adults, £665 children. 01865 268940, www.travelindochina.co.uk
India
Why: Colours of India boasts the Andaman Islands as the next big thing this Christmas, which is recommended as the perfect time to visit. Families will love staying at the Barefoot eco-resort on Havelock Island and seeing elephants swimming between islands using their trunks as snorkels.
Price: Seven nights costs from £1,437 per person including return World Traveller flights to Chennai with British Airways. 020 8343 3446, www.colours-of-india.co.uk
