THEY are cute at any time of year but French mountain towns peak the two weeks before Christmas when streets are lined with decorated trees, covered in real snow.

In the third week of December last year, my family and I squeezed in some skiing at La Rosiere, a child-friendly resort 1,850m up in the Savoie region of the French Alps.

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Skiing in December can be a gamble weatherwise, but La Rosiere is very high up and better for snow than most, so the white stuff was at least a foot deep everywhere.

La Rosiere is particularly great for festive feels, as it’s a traditional town with plenty of old chalets and little cafes.

There is also very little traffic and scores of festive activities, including a Christmas market and a visit from Santa.

We were staying with package holiday company Ski Beat in one of its shared chalets right in the middle of the action — a blessing given that we were travelling with my five-year-old son.

The resort’s learner slopes were perfect for a first week.

On the first day with the Evolution 2 ski school, he learnt on a tiny hill of snow and by the second day, he was ready for the simplest of slopes.

Buoyed by his success we celebrated with tea and cake back at the chalet.

By the fourth day, he was taking the drag lifts halfway up the mountain and riding the kid-friendly green slopes, lined with little tunnels to whizz through and bells to ding on the way down.

On the fifth day, he was fine to try out one of the easiest blue runs.

There was plenty of ground for my boyfriend and I to cover while our son was in lessons, too.

La Rosiere is relatively small, but with 83 runs of varying difficulty, it kept us very happy for a whole week.

And on one afternoon, my partner skied into Italy to try out their slopes . . .  and pasta.

That’s not to say there wasn’t delicious grub back at our chalet.

Ski Beat is very reasonably priced for the quality of the catering and chalet staff.

The young couple who ran our property were lovely and doted on our son, even when he fired questions at them pre-7am as they made everyone’s hot breakfast.

We had some of our favourite evening meals there, including an excellent tartiflette washed down by far too much red wine.

Delicious grub

The chalet was very comfortable and cosy with a modern look.

Our triple room had plenty of storage and a spacious en-suite bathroom, with a pared-back, natural palette.

Thanks to our location, it was easy to venture out for meals, too.

The Hotel Relais Du Petit Saint Bernard at the bottom of the main ski lifts was the perfect pit stop for a long lunch after the morning’s lessons.

After our dishes of steak hache and raclette, my partner and I sipped beer in the afternoon sunshine while our son dug holes in the snow with a gang of French children.

Meanwhile, the Caffe Latte tea room along the high street was a great place for a midafternoon hot chocolate and cookies, when my son and I bunked off skiing one afternoon to browse the souvenir shops for alpine-themed Christmas presents.

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But the absolute highlight of our meals-out was at L’Ancolie.

The log cabin-style restaurant, tucked away at the bottom of a ski slope, was weighed down under a foot of snow, with rustic wooden walls, open fires and red checked curtains.

We ordered fondue, of course, the delicious house special featuring wild mushrooms the chef-owner picked locally before the snow fell.

As a lifelong fondue fan, I thought that would be the highlight of the meal, but a pudding with meringue, chocolate sauce and ice cream was so delicious it still makes its way into family discussions.

Possibly the best part of the evening was the journey, though.

The restaurant is reached from the town by a 1km path through the forest, which was lined with multicoloured lights.

Away from the roads, it was the perfect festive evening walk as well as an opportunity for a drawn-out snowball fight.

When it was time to head home on December 23, it felt like we were preparing for Christmas round two, such was the extent of the eating, drinking and general fun-having we’d already enjoyed.

A SMALL red berry drops off the branches shading me from the fierce afternoon sun.

If it hadn’t plopped directly into my glass of vermouth, I wouldn’t have noticed — as the band performing on the cobblestones before me had me fully engrossed.

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This had become my typical afternoon routine at the peaceful Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resort, deep in rugged countryside on the Spanish island of Majorca.

When guests aren’t flopped by one of the two peaceful pools (which remain uncrowded even in the school holidays) or reading their getaway novel in a quiet corner by the old windmill, they can get stuck into loads of free activities including tennis, yoga or live music.

My friend Abbie and I chose to curl up on a cushioned sofa in the sun, sipping on the hotel’s own brand of delicious vermouth.

It would be rude not to, as this fortified wine is made by the resort’s star chef, Andreu Genestra, and can’t be bought anywhere else in the world.

This is part of the sustainable ethos at Zoetry, where much of the food is grown in the surrounding gardens, including on ancient trees — rich with juicy fruit and berries — dotted in between the old buildings.

One of its restaurants, also run by Genestra, was awarded a green star in recognition of its eco-friendly dishes — that is on top of its Michelin star.

Our 12-course tasting menu of elegant Majorcan-style dishes there was nothing shy of delicious.

My favourites included the best potato omelette I’ve ever tried and lentil risotto with ceviche shrimp.

If that all sounds too rich or fancy, don’t panic.

There are three other restaurants serving more casual dishes, from tacos and sushi to salads and fried fish.

This was my first visit to Majorca, and all I really knew of it was what I caught on snippets of ITV’s Love Island.

The panning landscape shots of rugged mountains and lush trees where one solo villa seems to stand isolated from the rest of civilisation looked quite appealing.

And, in all fairness, the lush Zoetry hotel wasn’t all that different, sat in a quiet corner, a 20-minute drive from the busy capital Palma.

But, to my relief, the place was not littered with bikini-clad singletons looking to “couple-up”.

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If you are keen for a more lively atmosphere then you can certainly get that in Palma, but this resort is all about laid-back getaways with a touch of wellness.

After all, it was only 20 years ago that this secluded 14th century manor house belonged to a wealthy family, and the place has certainly kept an air of sophistication about it.

In fact, many of the original items found when renovating the home are still dotted around, including in the bedrooms, each of which is unique in shape and size and has its own story to tell.

The tiny cove is picture-perfect with the bluest waters, flanked by chalky hills and dotted with little sailing boats.

Our bedroom had a plush super-king bed and patio doors leading on to a leafy garden area with a cushioned sofa — the perfect spot for sipping a morning coffee in our robes and watching the birds peck at fallen berries.

Abbie and I had decided to stick to the wellness theme and instead of hiring a car, like many guests had, we explored the area on electric bikes, which can be rented on-site.

Zoetry is located right at the edge of one of Majorca’s popular cycle routes and the advantage of being in such a remote location meant we rarely needed to cycle with the road traffic.

Helmets strapped on, we pedalled along empty dirt tracks, past rolling vineyards and through a tortoise conservation area.

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Best-kept secret

Luckily we spotted the small shells crossing the path ahead of us before whacking our e-bikes up to full speed.

After 30 or so minutes we reached the clifftop above the beach of Cala Pi, on the western side of the island.

Glancing down, I was sure we must have stumbled upon one of Majorca’s best-kept secrets.

The tiny cove is picture-perfect with the bluest waters, flanked by chalky hills and dotted with little sailing boats.

Ice cream stalls and restaurants selling beer and light bites sit above the beach, at the top of the cliff, although I’d recommend packing a picnic, which is what many of the locals around us had done.

We were grateful for choosing e-bikes over traditional ones on the return leg. Not for achey legs, but for speed.

If we pedalled fast enough, we would have time for one more vermouth before check-out.

Race you there, Abbie.

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A TINY island off the coast of Guernsey, just a mile-and-a-half-long and less than half-a-mile-wide, is open to visitors all year round.

Herm Island is the smallest of the Channel Islands open to the public and offers a relaxing holiday for families and people wanting to get away from it all.

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It has beautiful beaches that many describe as feeling tropical in the summer, views of the French coast, plenty of activities, and it doesn’t seem to get crowded.

And the island is car-free to reduce its carbon footprint and to preserve its protected coastline, also adding to its relaxed atmosphere.

Lots of history follows Herm – there are records of people visiting Herm in the Mesolithic period, which began around 10,000 BC.

In the Neolithic and Bronze ages, settlers arrived and left behind tombs that can still be seen today.

These days, the island is home to a population of around 65 people and welcomes visitors who want to discover all it has to offer.

There are several beaches, its most famous one being Shell Beach.

Named for the millions of tiny shells that wash up on the shore, the beach has soft white sand, turquoise water, views of Guernsey, and a cafe serving salads, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, and most importantly, ice creams.

Belvoir Bay is another popular beach in a secluded location on the east coast.

Fisherman’s Beach is famous for its rock pools, and Hotel Beach is a quiet beach near the White House Hotel with a harbour wall that provides a natural windbreak.

The White House Hotel is a 4* country house-style hotel nestled on the clifftop and is the only hotel on the island.

It boats spectacular views of the sea, has a two-rosette Conservatory Restaurant serving local produce and with a daily changing specials menu, a cosy lounge bar, outdoor pool and tennis courts.

And the rooms come TV, clock and telephone-free, adding to the island’s remote getaway-feel.

Prices to stay start at £155 per night for two people, including breakfast.

If you don’t fancy a hotel stay, holiday cottages are also available, and camping if you want a truly wild experience.

There’s also one pub on the island, The Mermaid Tavern, serving pub classics, including hearty meals by the fire. 

Drinks wise, there are a selection of beers and offer, including Liberation Herm Island Gold.

When it comes to activities on the island, Outdoor Guernsey runs a variety, including archery, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding at Shell Beach, and seal spotting.

The only way to arrive to Herm Island is by boat – either by Travel Trident passenger ferry from Guernsey, or aboard a private vessel.

If you’re travelling from further afield you need to get to Guernsey first, which you can do by air or by sea.

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Halepuna Waikiki

With its crescent beach framed by iconic state monument Diamond Head, Waikiki has captivated visitors for decades and inspired countless dreams of the islands—a slice of tropical paradise whose magic never fades. In fact, the postcard-beautiful city of Honolulu itself remains a timeless destination where the allure of 1960s Hawaii—a place of Mai Tais and Aloha spirit—still lingers if you know where to look and stay. So, should a serene retreat a block from the Waikiki bustle appeal, consider Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani or “The House of Welcoming Waters.” Named after a nearby fresh water source where Hawaiian Royalty once came to bathe and relax, the 284-room boutique hotel underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation by New York City-based interior design firm Champalimaud, officially opening in 2019, but after a brief Pandemic pause reopened in 2021.

‘Falls’ by artist John Okulick

In addition to a showstopping floral centerpiece, which is created new each week by the hotel’s in-house florist, the elegant kanso-style lobby (rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics, kanso emphasizes minimalism and functional beauty) also reveals pieces from Halepuna Waikiki’s impressive public art program. Look for mixed-media installation Fallsby John Okulick near the Helumoa entrance and abstract oil on canvas Composition by one of Hawaii’s most accomplished artists, Tadashi Sato, beside the front desk. Surf and underwater prints by Hawaii-based photographers, including John Hook and Wayne Levin, also feature across guest rooms and suites.

Location, Location, Location

The hotel is steps from Waikiki Beach

City breaks and beach vacations are two distinct travel experiences, but Halepuna Waikiki blends the best of both worlds beautifully with the stylish sophistication of an urban hotel and idyllic atmosphere of a tropical resort. Central yet tucked away from it all between Helumoa and Kalia Roads on the east side of Waikiki, it’s located directly across the street from sister property, the iconic Halekulani Hotel, where guests enjoy several reciprocal privileges (although more on those in a moment). The setting lends itself perfectly no matter what your focus – whether that’s getting those feet in the sand or exploring boutiques and restaurants along the nearby Waikiki Beach Walk promenade and glossy Royal Hawaiian Center.

Chic Rooms & Suites

Check into an ocean view room

Featuring plenty of refined elements inspired by its wonder-of-nature setting, guest rooms at Halepuna are elegant affairs defined by clean, minimalist lines and a palette of crisp whites, blue ombre tones, and warm wood accents. Categories range from standard to mountain, ocean, and deluxe ocean and come with full or partial balconies. The hotel’s most requested accommodation is its Grand Ocean Suite (2302) on the top floor, which boasts a connecting lanai and the largest bathroom in the entire building, plus superb Pacific Ocean views from every window. Regardless of which room you check into, though, beds are neatly made up with Mascioni Elba Italian sheets, while luxurious marble bathrooms are equipped with deep soaking tubs, Japanese Toto washlets, and SpaHalekulani bath products. You’ll also find a decent-sized fridge, tea kettle and coffee machine. For a perfect first morning, slip into your Halepuna bathrobe, pop a K-cup in the Keurig, raise the remote-controlled window shades, and watch the waves breaking on Waikiki Beach from your balcony before breakfast.

There’s Destination Dining 

Tuck into French-inspired pastries at Halekulani Bakery…

And with two ‘when in Waikiki’ dining venues under its roof, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to breakfast. If the Keurig doesn’t appeal, make Halekulani Bakery your first port of call for a morning brew. Located next door to the Halepuna lobby (on Kalia Road) and open from 6:30 am Wednesday through Sunday, guests from both hotels line up early for the mouth-watering array of French-style pastries (try the Pabana Croissant, filled with a lightly sweetened lilikoi, mango and banana cream), artisan breads and specialty coffees. Many of the ingredients used here are sourced from across the Hawaiian Islands, and it’s not unusual for items to sell out before mid-morning. Savories and sandwiches are available to-go and are perfect for a picnic lunch later at the beach or grab a slice of the Halekulani Hotel’s famous coconut cake to enjoy later with a cup of tea.

For a more leisurely sit-down affair, linger over breakfast on at least one morning at Halepuna’s fine-dining establishment, UMI by Vikram Garg. Its dining room showcases several multimedia works by artist Taiji Terasaki, with the most striking piece being Gratitude for Oceans, a large-scale artwork on Japanese shoji paper that includes an augmented reality component best viewed through Terasaki’s Instagram filter. Garg’s inventive take on Indian cuisine has made him a firm favorite among Honolulu foodies for years, and while his dinner menu celebrates the ‘bounty from the sea,’ during breakfast, dishes like the ‘Mai Tai’ Pancake, topped with caramelized pineapple and a rum coconut essence is a guest favorite. The masala omelet and umi fried rice are excellent choices on the savory side, but a small plate of locally grown pineapple with Hawaiian salt is a refreshing palate cleanser.

or sit down to breakfast at UMI by Vikram Garg

And an Elegant Pool Deck

Relax beside the 8th floor Vitality Pool

After a long flight or day of sightseeing, Halepuna’s eighth-floor Vitality Pool provides a serene and tranquil space to unwind. At its center, an infinity lap-style swimming pool flanked by luxury cabanas, sun loungers, and a jacuzzi – order cocktails like the Puna Mai Tai and small plates from the poolside bar, or sit back and take in those ocean views. The hotel’s well-equipped fitness studio and open-air lana’i garden (which features a reflexology path designed to stimulate the feet while balancing mind and body) are also located here. Functional fitness and movement classes are held every morning at 8 am (except Wednesdays) and range from an energizing stretch session to cardio and strength training on the beach. 

Plus, Stellar Guest Perks

The hotel’s public art program features commissioned works by local artists, but Halepuna encourages its guests to explore art and culture across town too, and one of several exclusive perks is complimentary entrance to the Bishop Museum and The Honolulu Museum of Art (present your room key upon entry for free admission). And if ridesharing doesn’t suit your style, then try the exclusive Tesla Experience at Halepuna. In partnership with Envoy Hawaii, the program provides an opportunity to rent the latest Tesla Model Y or Model X by the hour, day, or week, giving plenty of flexible options to suit your needs – whether that’s museum-hopping around Honolulu or heading up to Oahu’s North Shore for the day.  

Catch a Hula show at House Without A Key…

One of the toniest guest perks at Halepuna Waikiki has to be access to top-tier amenities across the street at sister property Halekulani, including its recently refreshed and stunning SpaHalekulani. Originally opened in 1907 as a rustic bungalow-style hotel, whose name means “House Befitting Heaven,” it was one of the first in Waikiki and quickly became a favorite among well-heeled travelers and famous names of the day, including Clark Gable and Doris Duke. Fronting Gray’s Beach and framed by dreamy views of Diamond Head, today it’s home to some of Honolulu’s most coveted dining and entertainment experiences, like open-air restaurant House Without A Key.

Named for author Earl Derr Biggers’ 1925 murder mystery “House Without a Key,” live Hawaiian music and hula dancing by former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii-USA winners are performed every evening under the beloved 135-year-old Kiawe tree. Best enjoyed with pupus and sunset cocktails, like the signature mai tai, although the new list by the hotel’s talented mixology director Tuda Sarian has plenty of tempting creations, including a Coconut Cake Martini inspired Halekulani’s famous confection. For an after-dinner nightcap and live jazz, head inside the hotel to Lewers Lounge around 8 p.m., an ideal time to snag a table at this hidden gem cocktail lounge that transports you to 1920s Manhattan. Inspired by some of jazz’s most iconic entertainers, the list features sophisticated, spirit-forward creations such as Smoke Rings – a nod to “King of Soul” Sam Cooke, composed with Whistle Pig Piggyback 6-Year Rye, Amaro Angeleno, and grapefruit bitters with a cherry wood smoke garnish – that makes a perfect late-night sipper.

Room rates at the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani range from $350 per night and suites start at $1,100 with no resort fees; halepuna.com.

and stop by Lewers Lounge for live jazz and cocktails © Justin Alford