Visions of partridges and pear trees quickly change to ones of plush pools and remarkable rooms and suites when you book a Christmassy getaway with Indulgent Escapes. Expect a fabulously festive retreat with all the trimmings, such as 25kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, priority lane passes at your UK airport and return private transfers~ all included.

But where to stay that promises all the jingle bells and whistles as standard? Here are some of our favourite destinations to book for a luxury Christmas holiday. Some even included added extras such as gala meals over the period, right up to New Year's Eve.

Spain and her islands

It’s island adventures abound when you set your sights on Spain over the jolly season. Majorca flies the flag for sweeping, sandy swathes in the Balearics, where sepia-blushed towns mingle with the Tramuntana Mountains, which beckon cyclists. Plus, you can trade in warming roasts for light-bite tapas there, as well as over on mainland Spain in the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca. The former is bliss for golfers and retail therapy-seekers, and the latter houses marinas and authentic villages to tempt you into the Spanish sunshine for strolls. We think that sounds like a nice contrast to the usual wintry Boxing Day walk.

You also have the pick of the Canaries, with Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura all extending a welcoming arm to you during the Christmas holidays. Between evening shows and whole-family meals near the big day, and firework displays on New Year’s Eve, prepare to be dazzled by the range of hotels you can call home. On the beachfront, enveloped by palm trees, in pretty resort centres... Decisions, decisions. You’ll be bowled over by the wealth of R&R facilities for grown-ups and families at each too.

Portugal and Madeira

The Algarve is a slice of southern Portugal that people return to time and time again. Its capacity to stay warm over the winter means afternoons spent teeing off on golf courses are go. Or perhaps sampling sumptuous seafood over a glass of vino might be more your speed? You may wish to dip a toe into the water sports scene. Whatever you opt for over the festive period, you can enjoy it all from a five-star oasis of pools, palm-lined terraces and perfect-for-you rooms.

Marvellous, majestic, magnificent – all three adjectives spring to mind on the subject of Madeira. The rugged destination off the coast of Portugal is renowned for delivering a taste of the island life, to those who want to experience somewhere a little different. We’ve heard Santa still visits there, though you can also fill your days with leafy levada walks, museum and gallery visits in Funchal, and trying delicacies such as black scabbardfish and the citrusy tipple, poncha. Going for New Year? Keep your eyes up at the sky when celebratory fireworks are set off and you’ll be in awe of the spectacle.

Turkey

The all-singing, all-dancing Antalya Area is the place to be for a lavish-feel Christmas surrounded by the glinting modernity of contemporary hotels. A cut above the rest and often offering All Inclusive Plus as the standard board, these hotels are beyond outstanding. Golf courses, waterparks, spa and wellness centres, an abundance of bars and restaurants, all of which on-site? You can rest assured the entire family will be well looked after all Yuletide. That’s not forgetting those hideaways with patisseries and chocolatiers within the vicinity too. The naughty niceties span dainty cakes, baklava and tempered truffles.

On your doorstep, you’ll benefit from a host of golden-grain beaches, chic shops and top-rated eateries, alongside historical and cultural centres that pave the way to bazaars and classically Turkish must-sees. It would certainly mean a different kind of Turkey for Christmas...

Cyprus

Sun-speckled Cyprus shines in the winter months, when the cooler temperatures simply mean sightseeing is easier. Between the Tombs of the Kings and Ancient Kourion, so many of the historical landmarks on the island are outside. Of course, the same goes for the champagne-hued sands that entice you into the rays and out by the sea.

Our Indulgent Escapes hotels, whether you’re around the Paphos or Larnaca regions, all boast pristine pools, with excellent wining and dining options on-site, as well as supremely soothing spas. We also recommend you save time among your festive shopping in the local malls and boutiques for watching halloumi being made, or lacework being crafted in Pano Lefkara. A traditional Christmas is afoot.

~Unless otherwise stated.