TRAVEL

BEAT THE BLUES

Scientists have actually said it’s a ‘thing’ to get down during the winter months. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D., (never has there been a more fitting abbreviation by the way), the condition which causes our moods to be lower due to the lack of sunlight at this time of the year. 

Now, what’s a better way to bring a little Vitamin D back into your life by having a quick break to recharge those batteries? 

Whatever the budget and whatever your set-up, Fratello is here to help take the chill out of your winter. 

ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Whether there’s an anniversary looming or you’re looking to surprise your loved one for their birthday, it’s great to have some time and space to yourselves.

We've all seen the adverts on TV for luxury hotels, but have you ever gone a step further and used one of the bargain websites to snag a last minute deal? 

Though new exclusive hotel deals around the world appear pretty much daily, secretescapes.com has a helpful section titled ‘Anytime hotels’, for reductions that run all year long. One of these said bargains is The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a five-star marble-filled palace, found on the famous Strip in the city. Just this year, this resort was named ‘The Best Hotel in the World’ by Gogobot.

Your room will have a king-sized bed with Egyptian-cotton linens, with a balcony that opens up to views across the city.

There are three swimming pools to take a dip in, a spa, 11 restaurants to pick from at the hotel, and the rest of the city to explore as a couple. 

From January 5th-10th, a terrace studio will cost est. £1,692 for five nights stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vagas in the American State of Nevada, flight not included. (Booked through secretscapes.com) £1,692 for five nights stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the American state of Nevada. Flights not included, but breakfast is. 

(Booked through www.secretescapes.com) 

Las Vegas

STAG WEEKEND

Perhaps you’re looking to plan your own stag party, or maybe you have had the honour of having best man duties of the wedding party – either way, your fellow comrades are in for a treat. 

Rather than opting for the cliché destinations such as London or Amsterdam, buck the trend and consider Barcelona. Why not consider venturing to the second largest city in Spain and partying away the last weekend of singledom?

Daytime activities include catamaran cruises or sea kayaking or once the sun sets, celebrate in one of the city’s many clubs.

In January, the sun may be shining but temperatures will still be pretty low so pack for every eventuality. 
During low season for a party of 15 a stag party, including two activities; it will cost est. £117 pp for two nights. Accommodation is in a 3* central hotel, selected by The Stag Company at the time of your booking. Flights not included and price varies for activities chosen. 


(Booked through www.thestagcompany.com, a site that specialises in stag parties and hen parties.)

Barcelona

FOR THE FAMILY MAN

Your children’s summer break from July to August is the perfect time to plan a holiday…if you love everything overcrowded and overpriced.

Planning a break for your family out of the peak holiday season doesn't mean you’ll miss out on any of the memories, and why not push your child’s cultural boundaries by heading somewhere a little out of the norm.

Jamaica is an ideal destination for sun-seekers as it’s said that the best time of the year to head to this Caribbean island is between January and April. Perhaps this is not best suited destination for the youngest of travellers, due to a flight time of a minimum of eight and a half hours however.

As a family, you can enjoy arts and crafts, beach games, treasure hunts and talent shows arranged by the resort.

Also, there are tennis and water-sports facilities available for teenagers as well as a disco in town twenty minutes away

During low season for a family of four will cost est. £7,580 for seven nights for one room in The Round Hill Hotel, located in Montego Bay.
Flights included. Babysitting is available, as well ‘kids club’ facilities.


(Booked through www.totstoo.com, a site aimed at providing the best deals on luxury family holidays.)

Jamaica