Malta

Snow good


If you're craving a run on the slopes, check out some of Gohop.ie's latest offers, all for travel in January or early March, 2010. First off is a package to the St Johann resort in Austria from €454 per person sharing. The price is based on two sharing a standard room and includes direct return flights from Dublin to Salzburg, seven night's accommodation in a two-star pension on a B&B basis, return airport transfers and airline taxes. If you'd like to experience skiing in Bulgaria, Gohop.ie has a package to the Pamporova Resort from €434 per person sharing, based on two sharing a standard room in a four-star hotel on a half-board basis. Included are return direct flights from Dublin to Plovdiv, seven nights' accommodation, return airport transfers and airline taxes. The prices don't include ski packs but these can be quoted at time of enquiry or booking. Visit www.gohop.ie; tel: 01 2412389.


Vegging out


You've got to feel sorry for vegetarians at Christmas. Even though more and more people are choosing to eat less meat, traditional turkey and ham remain the main event. If you're a non-meat eater who'd like to rise above nut roast this Christmas, a vegetarian Christmas cooking course at the Tannery Cookery School in Dungarvan should prove inspiration. Denis Cotter of Café Paradiso fame, and the chef who makes greens great, is giving the demonstration on 12 December. The day-long course costs €180. Visit www.tannery.ie; tel: 058 45420.


Nights in Malta


Malta for Christmas? Why not. You can expect your fair share of sunny days here in December and Concorde Travel has a number of budget-friendly packages. Stay at the three-star Hotel Santana, Qawra, on a B&B basis for €408 per person or book into the four star Hotel Fortina, St Julian's Bay, on a half-board basis for €541 per person. Your five-star options are the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julian's Bay for €541 per person or alternatively the Hilton Hotel, again in St Julian's Bay, for €739 per person, both B&B. The price is for departure on 21 December for seven nights and includes flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation and a special gala dinner on Christmas Eve. Visit www.concordetravel.ie; tel: 01 775 9300.


Girls allowed


It's all about the ladies at the Sheraton Hotel Athlone this November and December. If you'd like to get away with a girlfriend, the hotel has a 'Best Friends Forever' option. One night's B&B, plus dinner in the hotel is €149 per person sharing and two nights' B & B plus dinner is €199. Included is a skin tailored Elemis taster facial or a back, neck and shoulder massage, and a Leighton Denny file and polish. Available on selected dates. www.sheratonathlonehotel.com; tel 090 6451000.


Dreamin' of a hot Christmas


Swap sleet for sun and mulled wine for margheritas this Christmas and get festive on the beach instead. Tropical Sky is offering seven nights during Christmas week at the Discovery Bay resort in Barbados from €1,249 per person. The package includes flights from Dublin via London Gatwick, accommodation in a garden room (room-only basis), taxes, transfers and surcharges. And wouldn't it be nice to come back after Christmas with a tan? Visit www.tropicalsky.ie; tel: 01 5262566/068 56800.


Feeling blue


The fabulous Tankardstown Estate in Co Meath is the only new 2010 inclusion in the new Blue Book collection. To celebrate, they have a special offer, where you can experience its charm and character for yourself. The deal includes two nights B&B in one of its courtyard cottages, an evening meal for two in hotel's restaurant, Brabazon and a champagne afternoon for two in the bistro for €250 per person sharing. Visit www.tankardstown.ie; tel: 041 98 24621.